Chapter Text
Chris held the phone up lopsidedly, he was showing Eddie how Buck was running around the house decorations and plates in hands. Chris sighed deeply giggling some when Buck dropped some decorations, making every effort not to curse.
“How long has that been happening?” Eddie gestured with a pointed finger amusement coloring his voice. Chris turned the camera back on him, his shaky hands holding the phone up but barely.
“All morning we went to, five stores? We had to go back to a few because Buck needed to return some stuff.” Chris sounded a little annoyed, which meant the trips had worn him out. I guess that explains why he called me, to get him to stop. Eddie wasn’t sure he could, instead he suggested Chris go came in his room, so he could call Buck. Eventually after some grumbling Chris relented and went to his room.
“Grumpy pre-teen?” Hen said setting a bowl of bread in front of them, a smile on her face. Eddie nodded, reaching out for some bread despite himself, he knew he would regret it later. I’m Latino bread is second nature; I can’t not eat some. Eddie had no idea who he was arguing with, he was certain Buck would love some extra pounds on him especially if the weight went to his ass and legs.
“Is Buck going mother hen for the new year's party?” She pulled him out of his thoughts around a mouthful of bread Eddie nodded “Chris said five stores? And if what I saw was any indication, he’s probably been talking to himself about where to place and pin things.” Eddie found the neurosis endearing but he could see why Chris didn’t feel the same, he liked peace and quiet and party planner Buck was certainly not. Eddie still had a few more hours on his shift, he felt dread in the pit of his stomach, they’d had such a good Christmas together. I wish I was home; I miss my boys.
Eventually he made it home, well into the night Buck was half asleep on the couch Chris in his room gaming. He shook Buck slightly the other man grumbling and waving at him through half closed eyes. Eddie smiled at him, fondness spreading. He knocked at his son's door twice before pushing past the moment Chris saw him, he smiled, wide and bright. Warmth spread through Eddie.
“Hey bud bedtime, party tomorrow remember?” Chris wrinkled his nose turning off his console.
“It's technically later today. It’s past midnight dad.” He hugged his dad before pushing past him to brush his teeth. Eddie tucked him into bed, aware that tomorrow- technically today- he could feel the mental exhaustion from the party already setting in Bucks, parents his abuela, Maddie the rest of the 118. He sighed outside his son's door rubbing his temple wishing for it to be Christmas again with just his two boys. Bucks hand came up to rub his arm, pulling him into a hug his body tight and warm against his.
“Sorry I know the party; we can cancel if you want? I’d love to spend time just the two of us.” Buck's eyes wide and vulnerable. Eddie shook his head his hands coming up and down his boyfriends back before he settled his open palm on the top of his ass squeezing lightly. He pressed his face just below the crook of his chin, letting Buck rest atop his head.
“No, I know you need this, and I can muscle through it besides, I love our midnight kisses.” His boyfriends smiled a blush on his cheek's memories of the past three years flashing through his mind. He bit down on his bottom lip eyes dark, Eddie scoffed releasing him.
“C’mon party planner come and show me what those decorating hands can do.” Eddie walked off leaving Buck dumbfounded. Eddie walked into the bathroom naked, towel in hand. He tossed it at Buck as he walked towards Eddie’s room, his back to him. Buck turned slowly a mischievous look on his face, Eddie gestured with his hands at his nude form. Low hallway light cutting edges to his abs and pecs.
“You comin’?” Eddie grinned as Buck surged forward pushing them into the bathroom together. Lips locking and hands everywhere.
The party was gorgeously decorated, gold and black banners strung up everywhere, champagne glasses in circular formations on the table, appetizers and finger foods laid out. Eddie was obsessed with the cheese that was laid out for everyone. Maddie had come up behind him complimenting his home Eddie waved her off, “Compliments not needed, this was all Buck anyway.” Eddies eyes shone brightly at his boyfriend across the room from them.
“I’m glad you two got together, I don’t think anyone has ever been better suited for each other than you guys.” Maddie's eyes were soft and bright, her hand warm on his bicep. Eddie smiled grateful for the compliment he and Maddie never really had alone time together like this. Eddie could see where Buck softer side came from, it was all her. Chris and Denny were sharing a tablet together on the couch laughing at some video Eddie looked it over, he didn’t really know what was on, but it looked excessive.
“Great party Diaz can’t remember the last time we all got together. Everyone's laughing, the ambience is great.” Bobby clapped him on his shoulder, a smile on his face, alcohol free bubbly in his other. Eddie nodded, passing the praise to Buck who was not with them, but Eddie could take whatever opportunity he could to compliment his boyfriend. Bobby nodded pulling him into light conversation an easy back and forth settling between them. A hand he recognized cupped and squeezed his ass, Buck’s arm circling his neck.
“Baby, you look good enough to eat.” Buck planted a kiss on his mouth, Bobby and Eddie gaped at him.
“You drunk Buck?” Bobby looked around the room for water. Buck shook his head,
“Infectious spirit. And a hot studly DILF boyfriend.” Eddie backed up from the kiss, eyebrows coming up. “Try again baby” Buck scoffed a smile on his face, Eddie knew Buck just wanted to get a rise out of him.
“Alright I’ll behave besides Bobby and Athena have seen and done worse than what I just did.”
Bobby smirked a smile on his face, May passed by nodding and making a comment about firemen gear. Eddie and Buck cackled, Bobby grinning unashamed by the call out.
The night dragged on, drinks and laugh where shared some of the kids argued and made up. All in all Eddie had a great night until, Bucks parents cornered him, dragging him into questions of their relationship when it began, when they met, etc...
Eddie answered easily and with all the charm he could muster. He could see the look of disapproval on Bucks moms face. He tried to mask how insecure it made him feel, if he failed, they never reacted.
“Given that our relationship with Buck is on the...mend let's say. I can’t say I approve of this relationship, but I also think you’re a wonderful young man, I just don’t know if that’s for our Buck.” Eddie stared at his potential future mother-in-law, shocked by the confession. Eddie could see where Buck got his bolder nature and where Maddie got her keen eye and speech. He just never expected to be having this conversation about whether he was good enough for Buck. He knew he was and if he wasn’t he would strive to be, a better, smarter, stronger man. When he said as much Bucks father nodded approval in his eyes, his mother-in-law did not react.
Eddie couldn’t get away from them fast enough, he found Buck and wrapped him up in a hug emotion tight in his throat. Buck rubbed his back in small circles, he knew Buck just knew.
“I’m sorry, I’m not emotional it’s just that.” He was full of emotion; Eddie was full of shock and his world spun out from beneath him. Eddie could get a hold of himself he just needed a minute. Maybe it’s the alcohol?
A hand landed on his shoulder, Bobby’s warm hand, a small squeeze, made him turn to face them.
“Whatever that was, ignore it. It's the drinks, the atmosphere, trust me?” Eddie nodded, pushing back all his emotions. “I caught the end of her statement, and it’s not true ok?” Eddie nodded again. Chris clicked up to him exhaustion on his face. Eddie pushed whatever complicated emotions came up and focused on his son.
“Tired buddy?” He nodded pressing into Bucks side the other man holding him up. Eddie watched them and a sense of security settled over him, he and Buck were perfect for each other, like pieces of a puzzle.
“Ready for midnight Chris? Bright new year?” Chris nodded stifling a yawn, Eddie bit back his need to say ‘I told ya so’ Eddie pulled Chris onto his side, while Buck walked away to talk to his parents. He stood side by side with Bobby Chris leaning onto his side. Maddie walked up to them glancing back at her brother and parents.
“Interesting reaction my mom had to you; nobody agrees. I think she’s just trying to make up for the years of...ya know.” She squinted ashamed a forced smile on her face. Eddie nodded Chris looked up confused. “Dad what happened?” Eddie ruffled his sons' curls waving him off.
Buck walked back aggravation, and annoyance on his face. He exhaled deeply, “I talked to her she’ll apologize, she was just being defensive is all. Last thing she wants is to ruin my amazing party.” he said, hand on his chest, all the confidence in the world. Maddie scoffed, a smile on her face anyway Bobby rolled his eyes, of course Buck would try to save it for them by making comments like that. Chimney arrived closer to midnight and with four more bottles of wine and champagne a loud ‘whoop’ that everyone returned a lighthearted feeling settling over everyone again. Maddie all but ran over to him kissing him deep and smiling into their shared kiss.
Midnight finally came, Buck and Eddie kissed Chris on each cheek much to the pre-teens chagrin. When Buck and Eddie finally locked lips fireworks shot behind his eyes and a slow heat simmered in his belly.
“Happy new year's gorgeous.” Buck said an easy smile on his face, eyes twinkling.
“Happy new years to my two favorite boys.” Eddie ruffled Chris’ hair before Maddie pulled him off into a hug with Jee. Maddie tried to hug Eddie back, but Buck didn’t let him go, forcing them into an awkward half-hug.
“I promise for many more midnight kisses.” Buck whispered into Eddies ears, his heart fluttered in his chest, loud and fast. Eddie loved the holidays with Buck.