Chapter Text
Buck was miserable…and lonely…and currently spiraling. After the lawsuit he felt so stupid, I mean yeah, it's not like he expected anyone to forgive him as soon as he came back. He definitely didn't expect them to ignore him. They don’t even let him go on calls! How many times did he have to say sorry?
It’s not like Buck didn’t get affected too! He got his leg crushed, his captain kept him back, he got stuck in a tsunami, and to put the cherry on top, everyone isn’t talking to him.
Buck was snapped out of his thoughts by his alarm clock. Right, he had a shift today. Thankfully it wasn’t going to be a long shift, he only had 8 hours today because all he was going to do was clean.
He sat up and rubbed his eyes. He grabbed his phone and shut off the alarm, it gave him a low battery warning. Buck only used his phone for the clock now, nobody called so why charge it? He quickly got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. The bathroom was cold, Buck shivered and grabbed his tooth brush. The toothpaste was half empty, he started to brush his teeth. The person looking at him in the mirror didn't look like the happy guy everyone normally saw. He had eyebags and his eyes looked empty and a dull blue. Toothpaste is running down his chin.
A sigh escaped him and he put his tooth brush back and got into the shower. The water was warm. Not cold, not hot, but warm. The water helped him feel less tense, like he can actually get through the day.
Buck quickly washed his hair and body before he got out, he put on a black shirt and dark blue jeans. He hastily got his jacket and shoes before walking out, locking the door.
Buck stopped and realized he forgot his phone on his bedside table, he pondered for a second then shrugged. He continued walking to his car that was out in the parking lot. Just as he saw his black jeep he heard a noise from the curb in front of his car.
Meow …A curious cat called behind him. Buck turned around. The cat was a brown tabby cat with green eyes. One of the cat's ears were gone at the top and the cat was so tiny and fluffy.
“Hey? What are you doing out here?” Buck asked using that tone he usually did with the kids as he crouched down next to the cat. He knew he couldn’t take the cat because he had nothing for an animal at home and he didn’t want to be late for work. So he took off his jacket and placed it around the cat.
The cat gave a thankful meow and head butted Bucks hand and then looked at Buck with big green eyes. He sighed before getting up. “Stay safe” he said and opened his car door. Buck looked at the cat one last time before starting the car and driving off to the station.
He would normally grab food for the station as an apology (even if it did end up in the trash) but today, he didn't have the energy and he was tired of being pushed around. He pulled up to his favorite coffee shop and instead of getting food for everyone, he only got a coffee and a bagel. He was surprised at how little the total was, usually it was around $20 but it was only $5. It goes to show how much he's been wasting on people who didn’t care.
He was getting off track, after paying for his food, he got into his jeep and ate his bagel while driving. He felt a wave of dread cross over him when he pulled into the 118’s parking lot and stopped his jeep. He grabbed his coffee and walked into the building to the locker room.
Buck got changed into his LAFD uniform before going to check the board. As he walked to the board, he noticed chimney talking to Eddie. Eddie looked at Buck and immediately stopped talking.
“Hey Buckley, Cap wants you to do dishes.” Chimney said before walking off. No “Buck” or “Buckaroo”… just “Buckley” It kinda felt like a way to mock him.
His tasks of the day consist of cleaning…and cleaning… and more cleaning. Surprise surprise. Nothing new there.
The rest of his shift wasn’t anything special or even exciting! Glares came his way, he still isn’t allowed on calls, and he can’t even eat at the table with the group!
Buck was just about to reach for the locker door handle “Buckley! My office now!” Bobby’s voice boomed through the light chatter and effectively silenced the room.
Buck felt a sense of dread wash over him… this was it. He’s getting fire or transferred to a different station. Doesn’t matter, what matters is the fact that he’s screwed.
As Buck walked to the office he heard snickers and Chimney whispering something to Hen. Buck quickened his pace and pushed the door open.
“Have a seat Buckley.” Bobby said as the door clicked shut, Buck walked over and pulled out the chair in front of the desk.
“Your back on the field tomorrow.” Buck felt hope and happiness blossoming but didn’t show it “Barry had a medical emergency and can’t come in for his next shift.”
“T-That’s great!” Buck exclaimed before being cut off “Buck, you will follow orders and nothing else. Correct?” Bobby looked at Buck expectedly, the reply came with a tone of disappointment and happiness “Of course.”
“Go home.” Bobby said with a hit of venom and pointed towards the door, Buck stood up and quickly walked out.
After he arrived and changed into civilian clothing at the locker, Buck walked to his jeep and hopped in. He started the ignition. The car came to life with a roaring rumble before being pulled out of the parking lot.
The road was mostly empty with the exception of a few cars, it gave Buck time to think. He’s finally getting back into the field! No more cleaning, just fires and getting fresh air.
The car was quickly put to a stop as he pulled up to the loft. Buck opened and closed the door with his duffel bag before hearing a noise.
Meow …Buck quickly turned around, it was the same cat from earlier today! “Heyy buddy. It’s cold out here, huh?” He knelt down next to the fuzzy face
Buck pondered for a moment before a wave of guilt washed over him “I can’t leave you out here… how about you stay with me for the night and I’ll get some cat stuff for you in the morning. Just temporary though.” Buck suggested
The cat purred in agreement and walked over to Buck. He carefully picked up the small animal and started the walk to his apartment.