training wheels. // evan 'buck' buckley

with a quiet yawn, everyone else already making their way off the plane and passing me, i finally stand up from my seat, instantly feeling relief in my aching legs. i wait for everyone to pass my row before getting into the overhead compartment and getting out one of my many bags - of course, i had to check my other bags because i wasn't allowed more than one on the plane. i pull the suitcase down and onto the ground, rolling it behind me as i walk out of the plane and into the hallway that connects it to the airport building.
the sound of the wheels rolling through the quiet hallway is slightly annoying after my long flight, but it's nothing compared to the loud chatter of people when i get back into the airport.

i squint slightly, letting my eyes adjust to the bright lights as i look for baggage claim. i see the sign hanging down, deciding i should text my uncle so he could pull the car around or whatever - since i had three suitcases to lug around, all of which had another bag sat on the top and secured by the handle.

charlie: hey, i landed :)

i headed over to baggage claim with my suitcase and carry on, watching for my bags. the conveyer belt goes for a few minutes before i finally spot my two suitcases. since i already had one with me, i just stand there and wait for the other two to get to me. i pull them off of the conveyer belt with a huff, fumbling around as i try to figure out how to drag three suitcases along with me.

"need some help with that?"

despite my drained and drowsy state, my face lights up at the familiar sound of my uncle's voice as i turn around, immediately engulfing him in a hug. "bobby!" when i pull away, i give him a pointed look that also screams thank you for not listening to me. "you were supposed to wait in the car."

"you really planned on getting all of this to the car yourself?" he raises an eyebrow. bobby chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he surveyed the pile of luggage surrounding me. "come on, let's get these to the car. i've got plenty of room."
with that, he grabbed the handles of the two larger suitcases, effortlessly lifting them as if they weighed nothing. i couldn't help but marvel at his strength, even though i'd seen it in action before.

"thanks," i murmured, taking hold of my own suitcase and following him as he led the way through the bustling airport. the two of us navigated through the crowd, making small talk about my flight and how it felt to be back in los angeles.

when i finally stepped out into the warm california air, i spotted bobby’s car parked near the curb. he quickly loaded the suitcases into the trunk with practiced ease before turning back to you with a smile. "all set. let's get you home."

as i slid into the passenger seat, i couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. the drive through the city felt both familiar and new, the sights and sounds stirring up memories of summers spent here as a kid. bobby drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the center console as he chatted about the latest happenings at the firehouse and how his wife, athena, and her kids were doing.

before long, we pulled up to an apartment building that i recognized instantly. it was bobby's old place, the one he'd lived in before marrying athena and moving in with her. he parked the car and turned to me with a reassuring smile. "i figured this would be a good spot for you to settle in. it's got everything you need, and you're close enough if you need anything."

i nodded, touched by his thoughtfulness. "it is, definitely. thanks, bobby. i really appreciate it."

together, we carried my bags up to the apartment. it felt strange to be moving into his old space, but there was a certain comfort in it too - a connection to family and a place that had always been safe. once everything was inside, bobby gave me a quick tour, showing you where the essentials were and how to work the slightly temperamental shower.