The 118 had just gotten back from a call. The crew had successfully put out a house fire and saved everyone inside, including the kid's pet goldfish. Buck had proudly carried the bowl containing the fish out to the little boy as Bobby cursed him under his breath for even going back in to save the little creature.

They were now sitting around, talking and waiting for another call when Buck's phone buzzed.

Maddie- 'Heads up, mom and dad are stopping by the firehouse to see you. In approximately 3 minutes.'

Buck looked up at Eddie and Bobby. "I'm not here." He said as he ran off to hide in the bathroom.

"What was that all about?" Bobby asked

Just then a couple walked into the station asking for their son, Buck.

Eddie thought as he stood up and spoke before Bobby or anyone else could. "You just missed him. He went home for the day."

Bobby and Hen both looked at each other with confusion.

"Already? Maddie said he'd be working until 5." The man said.

"Yeah, well it's been a busy day. He just saved a little boy and his pet from a fire. He needed some rest." Eddie just glared as he spoke to the couple.

"Uh, but you know what. We were all going to have dinner together tonight. Why don't you join us. I'm sure we'd all love to meet the people who raised Buck." Bonnie chimed in.

"Uh, Bobby I don't know…" Chim started.

"Yeah, I mean Athena was only expecting a few of us over." Eddie finished, happy to have Chimney in his side for this.

"Nonsense, there will be plenty of food. Follow me, I'll give you the address and time." Bobby said as he led Buck's parents out.

Eddie sighed and turned to Chim.

"What the hell is going on?" Hen asked, still very much out of the loop.

"The only way Buck is going to that dinner is if we drag him." Chim said.

"I'll talk to him." Eddie rubbed the back of his neck as he went to find Buck.

~~~~

"Hey, there you are." Eddie said, finding Buck hiding out in the exercise room.

"They gone?" He said, sending another punch flying at the bag. "I'm starting to see why you liked this."

Eddie nodded. "Bobby might have invited them to dinner."

"That's funny, I think I'm starting to come down with something." Buck let out a fake cough.

"Come on, Buck. You can't avoid them the whole time they're in town. I'm sure one dinner won't hurt. Besides, I'll be there. Maddie will be there." He said reassuringly.

"Fine. An hour. I'll put up with them for an hour." He agreed, hitting the punching bag harder and harder.

"Good work today by the way. I can't think of any other firefighter willing to risk their life for a fish." Eddie admired that about him.

Buck let his hands fall to his side. "It wasn't just a fish to that kid. That's why I do what I do."