Chapter Text
His criminal record was checked until there was nothing else to find apart from the few firetrucks stolen during his firehose prime days. Those days were fun though they weren't fun to explain in a nice way. Still he seemed mostly in the clear. Hopefully.
Next was the medical check. They found history of cancer while looking into any problem he himself might be fighting with but that didn't concern them at the time. Buck was just glad they didn't poke around with it longer or asked questions about it.
He got the mandatory training which was mostly just getting taught the necessities on how to handle trauma and how it should never be turned down. Essentially, exactly what you would expect and everything Buck was already prepared for thankfully, thanks to Hen.
Lastly was the ring on the door bell to his apartment, a middle aged woman standing there with a patient smile, wild dark curls sprouting from her head, random strands taking over in silver streams.
He shook her hand and let her in quickly, guiding her to his dinner table that also counted as his kitchen counter. She took a seat as he offered her muffins that he had stress-baked last night.
She was a social worker, here to evaluate him, judge him, see if he was worthy enough to be the guardian of his own biological son. He was both giddy and a nervous wreck.
"Mrs Martinez, right?"
"Please, call me Tania," and before he could nod she dived right in, "I'm here in regards of Theo. I'll be visiting your home in total about eight to ten times so that by the end I'll be able to determine if you're a suitable fit as his guardian."
All he could do was nod shortly, his brain shutting down all vocal access until he would calm down.
"I can see you're nervous Mr Buckley, so how about we start simple: Do you like kids?" She asked, pen and clipboard at the ready.
"Yes, of course, I have a niece and nephew and they light up my world."
Tanis smiled at those words, "That's nice."
The rest of the interview went well, she mostly questioned simple things like his childhood and what made him choose the path of adoption to which he answered with full honesty. He wanted to know Theo was in a safe home and he knew he got too nervous thinking about him in another household. Adopting was the only way he knew his late friend's son was safe.
Tania set the clipboard onto the table along with the pen with a smile but - oh no - that wasn't a good smile. That was an apologetic, 'at least you tried' smile.
"Mr Buckley I have no doubt in my mind you want everything the best for this boy that's why I'm not sure you'd be the right pick for him," her kind eyes softened the blow but hardly by any about.
"What- why?"
"You see Theo has been through so much in such a short time and right now all he needs is stability and by that I mean he needs two parents with preferably kids around so he has both the primary and secondary socialising role."
Buck understood too well. He had been so honest so far that his teeth were grinding at the lack of sprinkle of lies to chew on. He didn't have a partner. He didn't have kids. That was the problem, not he himself. And yet he needed to change himself to fit the portfolio. And to do that he needed to lie. He needed to lie to this sweet lady who also wanted the best for Theo but not as much as Buck.
"Oh god, did I not mention that I was engaged? I'm so sorry I must've looked forgot these things are important. I'm engaged with a soon to be step-son," he lied, right at the woman with an even sweeter smile to match hers.
Her brows dipped as she looked over her notes, not a single one mentioning his relationship status, supposing that didn't mean he was lying, though it didn't mean he was telling the truth.
"I don't mean to sound like I don't believe you Mr Buckley but it is mandatory for me to meet spouses to ensure no misconduct."
"Of course, I understand. I'll make sure he's present at our next meeting, then."
He shook her hand on her way out, huffing out a breath of relief as soon as the door clicked shut.
What the hell would he tell Eddie?