Chapter Text
It had been four days.
Four days with Buck still at his place.
In his bed.
Four days where Eddie stayed up for hours —spiraling, overthinking every possibility— wondering what the hell those words Buck said actually meant.
Four days where, one way or another, Buck ended up curled up against him —and Eddie couldn't stop his heart from racing— while the world outside stayed quiet.
Four goddamn days where Eddie woke up with a massive problem in his pants —like some thirsty teenager who couldn't control himself— before bolting to the bathroom so Buck wouldn't catch him.
In all that time, Eddie had reached one conclusion:
He had to pull away. Or he was going to end up wrecked.
There was a clear line between being best friends and wanting something more —and Eddie was blowing right past it. It was obvious that whatever Buck said that night was just a fluke. He was asleep, his mouth moving without thinking… right?
Surely —to Eddie’s quiet heartbreak— he must have been dreaming about someone else.
He had to be dreaming about someone else, because if he wasn't… that would mean…
No. He had to kill that thought right now.
There was no way Buck was in love with him too. I mean, they’d been friends for years. They talked about everything. They were basically raising Chris together. Buck had even come out to him as bi —to him, before anyone else.
If he’d been in love, he would’ve said something ages ago.
So, long story short: if Eddie didn’t want to hit the point where he finally cracked and flirted back —only for Buck to tell him he was making things weird— he had to step back now.
He didn't want to ruin their friendship. He’d honestly rather live loving him in secret than lose him forever.
It would only be for a while. He’d fade into the background a bit, put up a wall, and get over this crush. And then they’d go back to being friends like always.
Couldn't be that hard, right?
Eddie woke up to the smell coming from the kitchen.
Buck wasn't in bed, so he figured that was the source. He changed quickly and headed out —running into Chris in the hallway, who was following the same scent.
They both hit the kitchen, and Buck greeted them with a soft smile.
"Morning, handsome. How’d you sleep?" —He ruffled Chris’s hair and sent a quick, devastating grin Eddie’s way— "Alright, sit down. Breakfast is served.
" He and Chris exchanged an intrigued look, rubbing their hands together as they waited. Whatever it was, it smelled incredible. In fact, the scent reminded him a lot of…
"Chilaquiles?"
Eddie looked at him —completely floored— as Buck set the plate in front of him.
"Tía Pepa’s special recipe" —he said with a bright, proud beam— "straight from the source."
"Wait… what? Tía Pepa never wanted to give me that recipe" —Eddie squinted, still in disbelief— "How the hell did you get it?"
"Language," Chris corrected.
"Sorry, Chris. It’s just… I can't believe it…"
"I just called her and told her I wanted to make you guys something nice for letting me crash here" —Buck explained, leaning against the counter— "She said this was your favorite and handed it over."
"But how did you even—"
"Just try it, Edmundo."
Chris laughed at Buck using his dad’s full name.
"You’ve definitely been talking to Tía Pepa too much…"
Still, Eddie took a bite. Buck was watching him intently.
"God…"
"What? What is it? Is it bad?" —Buck asked, instantly panicking— "Did I mess it up?"
"They’re… delicious, Buck."
Buck let out the breath he’d been holding.
"They’re almost as good as Tía Pepa’s."
"That’s the best compliment you could’ve given me."
Buck gave him that look —the one Eddie could never quite decode, but absolutely loved. They finished breakfast happy.
But all Eddie could think about was how hard it was going to be to stay away.
They got to the station just as their shift was starting. It was Ravi’s birthday.
"Hey guys, how’s it going?" —Ravi greeted them as they walked in.
Eddie was trailing behind, nodding to everyone while taking a hit of the coffee they’d bought on the way.
"How we doing, Bonnie and Clyde?" —Chimney chirped the second he saw them.
"Oh, I really hope I’m Clyde in this scenario," Eddie said.
"In your dreams. You are clearly the Bonnie in this relationship" —Buck barked, sounding genuinely offended.
"Oh yeah? Based on what, exactly?" —Eddie shot back, challenging him— "Let’s hear your arguments."
He could see Buck’s smirk fighting to break through his "indignant" face.
"Oh, I’ll give you arguments. Bonnie is more reserved and strategic —and don’t take this the wrong way, I love that about you— but Clyde is more impulsive. And as everyone knows… that’s me. That’s why we work perfectly together. But you’re definitely Bonnie. Just accept it."
He ended the debate with a wink.
Eddie looked at him with a resigned face —but God, he wanted to laugh.
And…
Eddie didn't want to sound stupid or paranoid, but…
were they flirting?
He couldn't be the only one feeling that weird vibe in the air when they had these kinds of back-and-forths, right?
Apparently, he wasn't —because right then Hen cleared her throat. She’d been standing there with Ravi and Chimney, all three watching them with grins, clearly whispering.
"Hey" —Eddie said, raising an eyebrow— "group secrets are rude."
"Trust me, it’s not a secret to anyone," Ravi replied.
Eddie was about to ask what he meant, but Buck cut him off.
"Rav, my man! Happy birthday, brother!" —He stepped in, finally acknowledging the birthday boy— "Sorry we're late."
They exchanged a… strange look.
"Thanks, Buck," Ravi answered, a bit stiffly.
"Right, man, happy birthday" —Eddie added, stepping up to greet him— "Hope it's a good one."
"Thanks, buddy" —Ravi patted his back— "Just before you guys got here, we were planning to go grab some drinks at a bar after the shift."
"Yeah, just something chill."
"Oh yeah, for sure. We’re in, Rav" —Buck said, but he was looking at Eddie, checking for his okay— "Right, Eds?"
"Yeah, definitely. We’ll be there," Eddie said.
The hours flew by —one emergency after another— leaving them with no time to even think.
A gas leak on a main avenue.
A school bus that went off a ravine.
A restaurant fire.
Mass food poisoning at an office.
And then… some idiot who got stuck in a baby swing.
Hands down, that was the worst. The moron wouldn't stop complaining —yelling about how it was even possible to get stuck— asking if "obese babies" just didn't exist or something.
A total insufferable prick.
But the shift had finally come to an end, and everyone was heading out to celebrate Ravi’s birthday. A drink sounded good after a day like that.
Buck and Eddie were going to head to the house to change, and after that… Buck wouldn't be coming back.
The shift was over… and so was their domestic bubble.
Dammit —he was really going to miss waking up pressed against Buck.
But it was for the best.
It would be easier to pull away if they weren't spending every second of the day together.
They got to the bar, and man, did heads turn when they walked in.
Eddie didn't feel particularly hot, but… Jesus… Buck looked incredible.
He was wearing a black shirt that hugged his arms —with a few buttons undone— and every time he moved, a trail of his cologne hit Eddie, making him want to…
Stop.
He’d promised himself to stop thinking about his friend like that. They reached the table and everyone was there: Ravi and May; Hen with Karen; Chimney with Maddie; Athena and Bobby.
Wow. It was a double-date night —and nobody had given them the heads-up.
Not like either of them had a partner anyway, so…
"Oh, there you are. Sit down" —Ravi said, waving them over— "We were just about to order." "Sure, what’s the plan?" —Buck asked as they sat down right next to each other.
Not like there were any other spots, Eddie told himself, making excuses.
"Let’s just grab drinks for everyone, and maybe some pizzas and fries to share?" Everyone agreed.
They ate and drank for two solid hours. He could see everyone starting to get a bit more "lovey-dovey." Relaxed smiles, senseless laughing. They were holding hands or had arms around waists.
And there he and Buck were, right in the middle of it.
It was starting to get… awkward? Unfair? Eddie didn't know how to describe it. Maybe he was just jealous.
Though he couldn't deny that, as the night went on, he and Buck were gravitating closer. Their knees were brushing, their arms bumping, and a few times their faces ended up dangerously close while they whispered about their teammates.
"How’s it feel to be twenty-six, Rav? You’re in the prime of your life, man. I remember how I was…"
"Trust me, kid, nobody wants to remember how you were at twenty-six" —Bobby cut in, not missing a beat.
Everyone laughed.
"Hey, why you gotta be like that? I wasn't as bad as everyone says" —Buck pouted, looking at Eddie for backup— "Right?"
"We prefer Buck 2.0, thanks," Hen laughed.
"Well, I didn't know Buck 1.0, but I like the one I know now, so…" —Eddie said, and the words slipped out before he could stop them.
God, he didn't mean to sound that cheesy. He was definitely blushing.
"Ohhh, that’s so sweet of you, Eddie" —Chimney teased with a malicious grin.
Eddie couldn't look Buck in the face right then, so he just waited for the subject to change. But out of the corner of his eye, he saw Buck wearing a soft, sweet smile.
After the bar, everyone started heading out.
"We’re taking off, sorry. It’s been a long day" —Athena said, taking Bobby’s hand as they walked toward the car— "but we hope you guys keep having a great time."
"Actually, we should get going too" —Maddie added, looking a bit guilty— "Albert is watching the kids and I don’t think he’ll survive if we’re gone much longer. Sorry!"
"Same here" —Hen said— "Karen has to be up super early tomorrow and I’ve got the kids, so we need to get some rest. See ya, guys. Keep enjoying the night!"
Eddie said his goodbyes as they all drifted away.
It was just the two of them now… plus Ravi and May.
"Well, I guess it’s just us, right Rav?" —Buck said, looking over at them.
"Uh… yeah, but actually, we’re heading out too. We already had plans for the rest of the night" —Ravi explained— "May has a surprise for me, so we won’t be able to hang, sorry guys."
"Oh, yeah, for sure, Rav. It’s your birthday, go enjoy yourself" —Eddie cut in quickly, noticing the slight flicker of disappointment on Buck’s face— "We’re… we’re gonna head out too."
They all said their goodbyes, and then they were gone.
Now, for real this time, it was just the two of them.
Buck let out a resigned sigh.
"Come on, Eds. I’ll give you a ride home."
"Let’s go out" —Eddie blurted out.
Buck looked at him, completely stunned.
"Are you serious? You don't have to do that if you don't want to."
"No, it’s fine. Let's go out… just the two of us."
And the smile that broke across Buck’s face made every bit of it worth it.
"What about Chris? Don’t you have to pick him up?"
"No, he’s having a sleepover at a friend’s house, so I’ve got the night off."
"God, I love you for that. You're my best friend" —Buck leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead— half-drunk, half-impulsive.
Eddie felt his plan to pull away go completely to hell.
When they walked into the club, all Eddie saw were flashing lights —too many people dancing drunk— and the heavy, overwhelming smell of booze.
Definitely not his scene.
But maybe stepping out of his comfort zone every now and then wasn't so bad… right?
Especially —Eddie thought, looking at the man next to him— if it was with Buck by his side.
Buck grabbed his hand instantly —probably so they wouldn't lose each other— and pulled him straight to the bar. The music was blasting, so Buck had to get really close to speak into his ear.
"What do you want?"
"Order whatever. I don’t care" —Eddie leaned in, his voice slightly slurred— "I’m getting wasted anyway."
Eddie wasn't usually that guy, but to handle a place like this… he needed to be. He didn't hear what Buck ordered, but when he saw the four shots, the lemon, and the salt, he got it.
"Tequila? Isn’t that a bit much to start?"
Buck just laughed —that reckless, infectious sound— "Look around, Diaz. Everyone’s at least two shots deep. We gotta get on their level."
He took one.
Eddie couldn't help but stare as Buck licked the salt off his hand before throwing it back —God, he was so far gone— and felt the heat rush straight to his face.
"Damn, that’s strong…"
"Good. Hits faster that way."
Buck grabbed the remaining two and handed him one.
"Cheers." —They clinked glasses and drank while locking eyes.
They were dancing.
Too close.
Too much tension.
Buck was constantly leaning into his ear —but each time he lingered a little longer than necessary.
And Eddie was finding it harder and harder to remember that he was supposed to be pulling away.
Several girls came up to dance with them, but neither of them showed much interest. Then, at some point, a tall and very attractive guy approached.
He started dancing with them.
And everything got… intense.
The guy was in front of Buck —one hand on his waist— while his other hand gripped the back of Eddie’s neck, pulling him closer.
And then he started kissing Buck’s neck.
And Buck…
Buck was looking at him.
Directly at Eddie.
Like he was waiting for something.
Like he was daring him.
Like…
No.
Eddie felt like he needed air or he was going to explode. He pulled away suddenly —stumbling through the crowd— and headed for the bar.
He ordered water.
As he drank, he could see Buck —still dancing with the guy— but his eyes were searching for Eddie. As soon as they made eye contact, Buck said something to the guy and walked over.
"Hey, Eds —you okay?"
"Yeah. Just needed water."
Liar.
"You want me to order something else?"
"No, don’t. You’ve already spent enough tonight."
Buck smirked.
"And who said I’m paying?"
Eddie frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Buck leaned in closer —talking fast, his breath warm against Eddie's ear— "So, I saw two girls do this a while ago" —he moved a ring from his index finger to his ring finger— "and it worked for them. So I figured, why not try it?"
Before Eddie could react, Buck took his hand and moved one of Eddie’s rings to his ring finger too.
"Wait, Buck, what are you—"
Buck cut him off —calling out to a black-haired girl behind the bar— "Hey! How’s it going?"
The girl looked at him, deadpan. Eddie did too, his brain struggling to keep up.
"Look, we just got engaged today!" —Buck said, sounding over-the-moon excited— "And we were wondering if you wanted to give us something to celebrate?"
He held up his hand, nudging Eddie to do the same. Eddie was definitely too drunk to fully process it, but the word engaged made his eyes go wide. He gave her his most charming smile —the one that usually worked on everyone.
"Look, you aren't the first ones coming in here looking for free drinks" —the girl said flatly— "I can't just give stuff away to anyone with a fake story."
"I don’t know what you’re talking about" —Buck shot back, his voice rising— "I just came to celebrate my engagement with my fiancé."
Eddie couldn't believe his ears. He was sure Buck was only keeping this up to be "right" now —it wasn't even about the drinks anymore.
"Yeah, sure" —she rolled her eyes— "Because two guys like you are actually a couple."
"And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" —Buck snapped, clearly pissed off.
"Buck, just drop it, let’s go" —Eddie whispered, grabbing his arm— but it was too late.
"I just don’t believe you guys are gay," she said.
Oh, shit. She should not have said that.
She hit a nerve.
Eddie just lowered his head, but Buck wasn't backing down.
"Keep your goddamn prejudices to yourself" —Buck spat, his eyes dark— "And for your fucking information, there’s a thing called bisexuality. If you haven't heard of it, consider this your introduction."
He turned around.
He grabbed Eddie by the waist.
He cupped his jaw.
And he kissed him deeply.
Eddie froze, but his brain immediately flashed with a single thought —do it now or stay silent forever. It was probably the alcohol talking, but he kissed him back.
God, Buck was really going for it.
And it was probably the anger fueling it —but man, Eddie was enjoying it.
Those soft lips were moving hungrily against his.
Euphoria shot through his entire body.
The kiss lasted longer than it "should" have. Because… why the hell was he making out with his best friend? They pulled apart because they both ran out of air, but the cherry on top was when Buck slowly bit Eddie’s lower lip —a sharp, deliberate tug that left Eddie breathless.
He knew it was just to prove a point to the girl at the bar.
But Eddie couldn't help… feeling.
He had to get out of there or he was in trouble.
Buck turned back to the girl —who was staring in absolute shock— "Go to hell."
He grabbed Eddie by the arm and headed for the exit.
They were outside the club when Buck started apologizing.
"I-I’m so sorry, Eddie. I shouldn't have—" —he took a shaky breath— "I really shouldn't have done that, man. I mean, it was just to prove a point to that idiot, but I really should’ve warned you."
"Buck…" —Eddie was still in shock, his lips tingling.
"I’m sorry, really. I’m just drunk. That shouldn't have happened. Not like that" —he whispered, refusing to meet Eddie's eyes.
"What are you talking about, man? It’s fine" —Eddie replied, playing it cool— even though it was literally the most important thing to ever happen to him.
"No, it’s not fine, it’s just…"
Buck went silent.
"What is it, Buck?" —Eddie looked at him, waiting. It looked like he wanted to say something huge.
"N-nothing. Just… just go home, Eds. Get some rest."
Buck hailed the first taxi he saw and practically forced Eddie inside. He gave the driver Eddie’s address and handed him twenty bucks. Then he just closed the door.
The car started moving, and Eddie watched as he pulled away from Buck. He still didn't understand what the hell just happened.
He could still taste Buck on his lips.