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The cool air rests on his face, his curls bouncing in the wind.
He can hear cars in the distance rumbling, the occasional siren following.
It's a busy night tonight. The noise is comforting. It reminds him of home.
"You alright, kid?" Bobby steps out onto the porch, the screen door creaking behind him.
Buck nods, giving him a small smile. "Yeah... Just missing home."
"Ah."
Bobby steps next to him, peering up at the sky above them. It's cloudy tonight, not enough clearance for even one star, and Buck wonders if LA will ever be able to be Bobby's home like Minnesota was.
"Are we talking about the coast or..." Bobby trails off and Buck huffs. Of course, Bobby would know what's on his mind right now.
They'd driven through Pennsylvania to get to New York and it'd... given Buck a lot of feelings.
"PA was never my home," Buck starts, taking a deep breath and focusing on the street ahead. This part of the city itself is quiet, even though he can hear the bustling in the distance.
In the past twenty or so minutes, he's seen two people go by.
Still, it's nice to watch.
"But..." Bobby prods Buck, sensing that there's more to it.
Buck sighs, hands gripping the railing tight, tight, tight, and then lets go.
"But it was where I spent a large part of my life. Whether I like it or not, those years were crucial to creating who I am now. I wouldn't be myself without it. Even if... Home is not a fond term in this instance."
He hopes he's making sense. It's late and though he isn't quite tired per se, his brain has officially clocked out.
Bobby hums appreciatively and Buck looks over to him.
He's wearing a contemplative expression, looking more at peace than Buck's seen him be... Ever really.
Buck doesn't know the full history between him and Casey, but he knows there's something there.
He knows this trip hasn't been easy for him.
But it's been a few nights and clearly some sort of conversation happened between him and Casey, because there has been a very noticeable shift.
Buck's happy for Bobby. He's happy for the both of them, even if he's yet to properly talk to Casey yet.
They clearly love each other a lot. And whatever happened within these few days, has them both brighter and steadier.
Buck wishes he could follow in their footsteps. He feels terrible for ruining the mood-hence his attempted retreat here.
"That makes a lot of sense," Bobby tells him and there isn't a speck of judgement in his voice. "I understand."
The curiosity burns within him, desperate to know what Bobby finds home, who Bobby finds home.
Buck stays quiet. He's already pushed enough just being here.
"You know you always have a home with us, right kid?"
Buck freezes us, pinned in place underneath Bobby's gaze.
Bobby's expression crumbles and Buck tries in vain to fix it.
"I do-"
"Evan."
Buck freezes yet again, lets Bobby put a hand on his shoulder (gentle, never restricting). "You always have a home with 'Thena and I. Even when I eventually retire. What we have? That's not going to change. You're family, kiddo."
Buck's eyes suddenly sting, and he has to clear his throat before he speaks. "Thanks, Bobby."
Bobby softens, arms opening wide. "C'mere kid."
Buck lets Bobbys arms wrap around him, nestling his head into the crook of his neck and just... Existing with him.
He'd known the firehouse was where he felt most at home, both the actual place and the people, but it was different hearing Bobby say it aloud.
Bobby's home no matter where he lives, no matter where he works.
No matter what happens, they have each other.
Buck squeezes him tighter. "Thank you." He ends up whispering again, feeling like his chest is about to burst from how grateful he is.
"I love you, kid." Bobby's voice is also low when he speaks, and it feels like he's speaking for Buck and Buck only.
"Love you too, Pops."