Chapter Text
After what could be minutes or hours, Buck reluctantly peels himself off of Bobby; who grimaces as Buck clumsily wipes the tears and snot from his face with the heel of his hand. Buck wordlessly pulls the reclining chair right up next to Bobby’s bed, and wraps his hand around Bobby’s forearm. Bobby notes the fingers settling on his radial pulse and feels his heart throb with sympathy. Buck can fuss all he wants, as far as Bobby’s concerned.
Because Bobby’s been on the other end of this particular shit sandwich. He’s been right where Buck’s sitting. He understands the impulse, the agonizing need to feel proof of life with your own hands. He knows what it is to sit beside someone who was dead and is now alive, to hold onto them and never let go.
Bobby gives Buck some time to gather himself, content to soak up his kid’s presence until Buck’s ready to talk.
“H-how?” Buck croaks at last, his voice like gravel. “Bobby. How…what happened? A-and what the hell are you doing here?”
“Could ask you the same question, kid.” Bobby responds with a raised eyebrow. “You’re a long way from home.”
Buck ducks his head, blushing to the tips of his ears. “I, uh, I came to see you.”
Bobby smiles. “You actually took time off? You?”
“Hey,” Buck squawks, meeting Bobby’s eyes once more; a look of grave offense on his face. “I drive thirty hours to visit your grave, find you alive and this is what I get?”
“C’mon, Buck.” Bobby cajoles. “In eight years as your captain, I can count the number of PTO days you took on two hands. Tell me I’m wrong.”
Buck leans in closer. “Doesn’t mean you have to give me shit about it. Seriously. What is going on, Bobby? You…you were dead, and now-”
Bobby waves his free hand in a dismissive gesture. “It’s a long story that I’m not interested in telling more times than absolutely necessary.”
Buck opens his mouth to protest, but Bobby cuts him off.
“No, Buck. Your curiosity is gonna have to wait till we get home.”
Buck’s brow furrows unhappily but he backs down. Just in time for his phone to start ringing. He pulls it from his pocket and his eyes instantly go wide with alarm.
“Shit.”