the framing of buck in 4x14 putting on the bullet proof vest is actually just so layered because the last time that he put one of those protective vests on was 2x01, when he and eddie were digging the bomb out of charlie’s leg. and not only did both of them save someone named charlie this time, but buck’s here using the vest again - only this time, he’s alone (contrasted with chim and hen who have their partners around/with them), and he’s wearing the bulletproof vest that might’ve saved eddie if they’d known.
and him looking in the mirror as he fastens the straps is also just so telling because for a minute, it looks like he’s remembering another life, another hand in his, another promise whispered over two shaken hands. it’s like he’s remembering that eddie promised to have his back, and that he promised to have eddie’s but there he is, standing in front of the mirror with protective gear while eddie fights for his life because in his head, he didn’t have eddie’s back when it mattered most.
→ 4.14: 'Survivors'
My attorney said you could refuse. You know I wouldn't. Nah, I know you wouldn't. I mean, he—he has grandparents, other family. Yeah. After Shannon left, they all tried to guilt me into giving Christopher to them. It's not what I wanted then, it's not what I want now. If it came to that, w—wouldn't they fight for him? I don't know. Maybe. Probably. But no one will ever fight for my son as hard as you. That is what I want for him. Well, you said you did this last year. Why are you just telling me now? Because, Evan, you came in here the other day and you said you thought it would have been better if it had been you who was shot. You act like you're expendable. But you're wrong.