Chapter Text
Buck and Eddie are having a silent conversation in the backseat of the truck.
After an elbow from Eddie, Buck raises his voice to the driver, “So Chim, when are you gonna tell us this plan?”
“Like I said, I called in a favor with an old friend to help us find Cap & Athena. And remember, I dragged you along – you knew nothing about this. You have full deniability for any involvement. Consider it an indirect order from our missing Captain Wilson – should be joining us any minute. I’m pretty sure.”
Eddie raises and eye at Buck, and they both shrug.
A few minutes later, Chim pulls the truck up to park in front of Harbor One and looks back at them. “We’re here.”
They duck through the rain and into the station, where a tall, muscled man in a bright blue flight suit strides out to meet them, pulling Chim into a quick hug. “Hey, Tommy. Thanks for this,” says Chim.
“Anything for the 118,” replies Tommy in a warm baritone, a hint of a smile contrasting with his otherwise serious expression.
Chimney waves them over. “Buck, Eddie! This is Tommy Kinard, he used to be with the 118 back before he got sick of us and transferred out to be a pilot. Tommy, this is Eddie and Buck, second-finest firefighters of the 118.”
Eddie reaches out and shakes Tommy’s outstretched hand, “Nice to meet ya. ‘m Eddie”
Tommy returns the greeting with a nod, then turns to extend his hand towards Buck, meeting his eyes.
Buck is distracted by Tommy’s strong handshake, though he’s not sure why – of course he’s strong, the man’s build is impressive. Almost as impressive as his piercing grey eyes that are fixed on Buck’s own. It takes a beat for Buck to realize he’s still shaking the man’s hand. He quickly drops his hand and his gaze, stammering out “Right, hi… yeah, I’m uh … I’m Evan… Buck… Evan Buckley.”
Tommy keeps his eyes locked on him as Buck ducks his head “Nice to meet you Evan.”
Buck doesn’t correct him, still startled by his own weird response to the introduction and hoping it wasn’t too obvious to the others.
Chim might have raised an eyebrow, but he’s all business as he turns to Tommy, “Are you sure about this? I mean -”
“I’m sure,” Tommy cuts him off with a quick nod.
Eddie shoulders in, “Is someone gonna explain what, exactly, we’re sure about?”
Tommy looks back at him, deadpan serious. “We’re stealing a helicopter to fly into a hurricane and rescue your Cap.”
He turns to meet Buck’s eyes, wearing a suddenly mischievous grin. “Ready to go for a ride?