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Buck is single and has been for over two years now. He was obviously single and okay with it. He wasn’t just saying that he really was.
He had random hook ups with people over the years but nothing serious. Which he was okay with since he knew that's all they were going into it. No expectations and there was none.
There was a time in his life where he could have never imagined not being with someone for so long. That was also around the same time he could never imagine only being with one person for the rest of his life.
He needed the time to work on himself and he had. He didn’t mind going home to an empty apartment anymore. He didn’t feel the need to constantly surround himself with people. Some nights he even looked forward to going home to a quiet apartment.
As much as he didn’t mind it he was also starting to get lonely. The people in his life could tell. They constantly recommended he go on dates but it wasn’t for him.
He was in a predicament because he didn’t want to go out on dates but he wanted to date someone. He wanted to skip the first few steps and go right into dating. He also knew that was impossible. So he decided to stay single a little while longer.
_________
They were sitting around the loft going over there weekend plans when Bobby asked. “So what are you doing Buck?”
He looked around before he said. “Um nothing much really. There having a movie marathon on A&E but that's about it. Oh I also have to do food shopping, why?”
”No reason” Bobby smiled.
”No reason that's pathetic” Chim said. They all gave him glares before he added. “What its true.” They all continued to give him glares.
”Um its okay I mean he isn’t wrong. Its not exactly the most exciting thing.”
”Buck” Bobby said in his stern voice.
”No Bobby its okay I get what he means and I’m not offended. I happen to like what I have planned. Really I’m fine staying in especially after the long shifts we had this week.”
”Right well if you ever want to come over your more than welcome to. I know your fine being alone but you can still stop by.”
”The same goes for us” Hen replied.
”Thanks guys but I’m good. Besides Bobby isn’t this what you told me to do. Slow down and be more mature.”
”Right but you can still have fun you know.”
”Who says I’m not having fun. Didn’t you just hear about my movie marathon. Anyway you all know where I’ll be.” Alone on my couch he thought.
________
He was sitting on the couch in his living room barely looking at the movie on. The marathon wasn’t as fun as he’d hope it would be. His chips were stale and his pizza was cold. His drink which he wanted to be cold was hot. He was mainly looking at his phone. He was now looking at the dating app Grindr. His sister insisted he download it the week prior. He said he wouldn’t use it. ”Maddie I want to be in a relationship not a hook up. This is the only thing this is app is good for. No one on it is looking for there soulmate.”
”Who said anything about soulmate just go on a date. Besides you’ll never know if you don’t get out there.”
He said he wouldn’t use it but now it was a week later and he was staring at it. He ended up throwing his phone aside and attempting to watch the movie. A movie he had already seen fifty times. Out of all the movie he hasn’t seen they decide to play the one he has.
_________
The rest of his weekend ended up being a dud. He stayed in for most of it skipping out on doing the groceries. Take out would do for another week. He always said he’d buy food to make but what was the point. He was barely home and there was no point buying food only for himself. He would just end up making too much food any way. It was only nice to cook when you had someone to do it for. Making full meals seemed pointless. Especially when the alternative was cheaper and easier.
So he spent the rest of the weekend in. He ended up falling asleep early on Sunday. He got into work a few minutes early the next day. A majority of the day was easy going. Simple calls. The first one was of a woman who locked herself in her bathroom. The next was of a guy who got locked out of his car. They were easy but time consuming. It also took his mind off other things. Things he rather not think about. Like his pathetically lonely weekend by himself.
They were rearing the middle of there shift when they got a call for an apartment fire. They drove over straight away. When they got out the people already on the scene informed Bobby what was going on. After he was informed properly Bobby told everyone what to do. They believed the first two floors were empty. That the people on them evacuated. Just to make sure Bobby told them to check out the first two floors. The third one was also believed to be empty but Chimney would check just in case.
Bobby told Buck to inspect the two upper floors. They believed to be worse off with people most likely still inside.
They weren’t sure but there could be something blocking the passageway if it wasn’t simply just the flames. So Buck headed inside and up to the fourth and fifth floor.
__________
Just like they expected the first three floors were empty. So Chim and Hen evacuated to check over the people who had been inside. They were checking them over before sending them to the hospital. Buck was just reaching the fourth floor. There was nothing blocking the stairs but there were slight flames in the hall.
The hall way was narrow and lean. Both of the apartment were on the left side of the building.
He was able to get through the hall even with the fire.
He checked out each apartment but they were empty. They later learned both tenants were at work at the time. So he headed up to the fifth and last floor. This floor was harder to get around. The railing bended inward and a piece of wood from the ceiling feel down blocking its path. The entire hall was engulfed in flames. There was no way Buck could get down that hall way and evacuate people. He told his captain and he was informed to get out. They would need to go with plan B.
So Buck put himself in the harness before going to the roof and scaling the building. He was able to get over from the apartment besides it. Once secured in he began scaling down the building. He landed on a fire escape. He tried to look inside but couldn’t see anything. He called out to move away from the window. For possibly anyone inside. He got leverage before kicking the window in. The glass shattered across the floor. He heard a scream after he did it. He climbed inside and scanned the room. At first he didn’t see anyone but after looking it over he saw an older woman ducked in the corner of the room behind her chair. He slowly approached her.
”Hi my name is firefighter Buckley. I am here to help you okay.” She nodded her head in return. “I promise to get you out of here as soon as possible. I just need to know do you know if your neighbors are home?”
”I do oh my god I do. I just saw her earlier today. Its the Diaz family. I know she was having family over they do it every week. I don’t know if there all still there. I know she is though.”
”Okay well I promise to go and help them after I get you out.”
”No go make sure there okay first. I know she has a bad hip and cataracts. She needs to be looked over first go in and make sure there okay.”
”Ma’am I can’t leave you here.”
”You won’t just go make sure there okay first. Then come back its not like I’m going anywhere.”
Buck admired this woman's strength and kindness. “Your a brave woman” he replied.
”I’m not really I just hope they’re okay.”
”I promise to be back for you okay just sit tight.” He looked back at her and smiled before going towards the hall. The door knob was too hot to touch so he kicked the door down and headed across the hall. He yelled the same warning before kicking in the other one. The apartment was covered in thick flames and smoke. It was hard to see at first. Once his vision adjusted he looked around and yelled out. “Hello is any one in here. I’m fire fighter Buckley. I’m here to help you.”
”Hey were over here” a rough voice said. It was a mans voice. Buck looked around in the direction it came in. The living room was the room he walked into. The kitchen was on the left and the bedrooms on the right. They were somewhere in the kitchen. He began his way over there walking around fall objects. They were both sitting in the corner. It was an older woman with a younger man who appeared to be hurt. He was holding her trying to calm her. It looked to be his mother or grandmother. He kneeled besides them and said.
”My name is fire fighter Buckley I’m here to get you out of here. I just first need to know if anyone else is in here?”
”No its just us but our neighbor may be home.”
”She is but don’t worry I already saw to her. Now tell me are you hurt? Can you move at all.”
”Were fine” the man winced.
”Edmundo no” the older woman protested. “I am fine but my grandson twisted his ankle he thinks it may be sprained. He can’t walk. I also have a bad hip.”
”I know my neighbor told me. Let me check out your ankle before we get out.”
”No there's no time we need to leave now. My ankle is fine I can walk.”
Buck looked him over skeptical before he asked. “Are you sure?”
”Positive I can get out of here. You can examine it once were out. I just need to get my Abuela out of here.”
Buck grinned at the man who appeared to be around his age if not a few years older. He thought it was brave to put her before himself. Even though he was the one currently injured. There seemed to be many selfless people living in this building.
”Okay” Buck nodded helping them both up. After the woman was on her feet Buck turned to him. When he tried to apply pressure to his leg he winced and fell back down. He wasn’t able to walk.
”Edmundo” the older woman yelled in panic.
”I’m fine” he replied in a curt but reassuring voice.
”You can’t walk on that thing” she said.
”She's right” Buck replied. His ankle looked swollen and red. He saw the worried look on the mans face. “Here's what I’ll tell you. I will help your grandmother out first and then I will come back for you. Easy peasy that way your both satisfied.” He looked to both of them to see if they approved. The man looked continent but she didn’t.
”No I will not leave you.”
”Abuela you must its the only way I’ll be fine you heard the man. Besides we can only go one at a time anyway I’ll be fine.” The rest of it he said in Spanish but Buck could understand that he was reassuring her. Even if he didn’t know every word. As he went to leave the man turned to him and whispered.
”Just make sure she gets out of here okay. Make her your top priority. I want you to help her first. If its too late to come back for me then… well I would understood. Just make sure she's safe.”
”I will but I promise I will be back for you” he replied giving him a reassuring smile. It didn’t look like the man believed it but he smiled back. Even if it was only half genuine.
The woman kissed her grandson on the cheek before leaving. He promised to see her soon. Buck turned around and looked back at him before going. Buck intercommed to cap that he would need help bringing the people down. Chim came up to help. After a few minutes Chim was up and helping and other woman down. Chim made sure the woman was secure before helping her down. The rescue air bag was down below. The woman looked back and thanked Buck before leaving with Chim. Next was Buck and the older woman he now knew as Isabel. He reassured her they would be okay. He made sure they were secure before following Chim. Once they were done Hen and other paramedics rushed over.
”Thank you Buckley just please make sure my grandson is okay.”
”I promise I will try and help him.” He no longer promised they would be okay. Not after he did one time and the person wasn’t. Luckily for him when he got back the man was just where he left him. He ran over and kneeled down besides him.
”Is my grandmother okay?”
”She sure is I promised you she would be.” The man let out a sound of relief. “I also promised to come back and help you. So come on lets get out of here. This is my last stop and your the only passenger.” It was corny but the man grinned in response. Somehow his leg looked worse than last time. So he wrapped an arm around him and helped him up. The other man hesitantly put most of his weight on Buck. Buck was able to smoothly get around the flames and help him towards the other apartment. “So tell me how did you do that?” Buck asked while he prepared him for the fall.
”The lights went out before the fire happened. I tripped over the coffee table and fell. Then a large pot fell on my leg.” Buck looked at him and scrunched his face up. “I know not my strongest hour. I should have known better but I was off guard. I just wanted to make sure my Abuela was okay.”
Buck didn’t know why he was being so hard on himself. For a civilian he was doing pretty good, excellent even.
”Hey don’t blame yourself. Its a freak thing that could happen to anyone. You helped your grandmother and now she's safe because of you. I think you did pretty good. Plus pots can be very heavy. I kept up my first part of our deal. Now I will follow through with my other promise to you. Your all secured and ready to go. I will scale the building but half way down we will.”
”Jump for a rescue bag” the other man finished his sentence.
”Um yeah” he confirmed. The other man actually knew a lot considering. “All you need to do is hang out while I take the lead. Your becoming a natural already. My name is Buckley but people call me Buck.”
”My name is Eddie” the man replied. “Like you heard from my Abuela its Edmundo but most people just call me Eddie.”
”Well then Eddie I promise you will be reunited with your grandmother very soon."
Since his leg was sprained Buck picked him up. He placed one hand on his lower back and the other under his knees. His hand did end up slightly lower than that though. He intercommed cap that he was on there way out. “I have the last person and we are coming to you now.” He looked over at the man to make sure he was okay before climbing down. He looked relatively calm considering everything that was going on. Even though they were leaving a burning building it was oddly comforting Buck. Carrying him in his arms. He did this many of times with men, woman and children but it never felt like this before. He used the technique of carrying people before but now with him it was different. It was considered a bridal style carry. Something Buck only knew after googling what it was called. It oddly felt somehow more intimate with him… with Eddie who was more or less a stranger.
Eddie stayed in Bucks arms until they landed on the rescue bag together. When Buck opened his eyes and looked forward he saw Eddie laying on top of him. He landed on top of him which made sense. Eddie looked at him before rolling over. Buck was the first to get off. Paramedics rushed over to them but Buck was the one to help him down. He extended his hand out to Eddie to help him down. Eddie eagerly took it getting off. Buck assumed to be faster untied with his Abuela.
Eddie was only able to get out a quick thanks before being escorted to a ambulance to be looked over. He was quickly given a clean bill of health. Then went on to find his grandmother quickly after who was also cleared.
Buck was also looked over before being cleared. After wards he went out to find Eddie. To check up and him and his grandmother and see if there okay. He found him sitting at the back of an ambulance. With his foot now wrapped up. "So how are you doing?"
"Pretty good considering. We have no permanent damage and my foot is just a sprain like I suspected. They suggested we go to the hospital and I will be off my feet for a few days but I'll be okay. Especially thanks to you."
Buck blushed at the comment. "Oh please it was no problem its literally my job."
Eddie nodded in understanding. "Yeah but you still went above and beyond. Reassuring me and my Abuela plus keeping your composure and doing your job. You helped make us feel and safe and secure while still doing your job. Which I know isn't easy. You are a natural at it and are still able to be yourself."
The compliments hit him hard. He had gotten plenty of them in the past. He never got good at accepting them but he had come up with a typical response. Now with Eddie it was different just like before. As Buck went to reply Chimney walked over.
"Hey man are you okay?" At first Buck thought he was talking to him. Before he could reply Eddie had.
"Yeah its just a sprain I'll be off for a few days but all is good." If he didn't know any better it would seem like they knew one another. Did they he questioned. They seemed so familiar around each other. Which was strange but also made Buck feel slightly jealous. Which was silly, wasn't it.
"Um yeah the call went fine Chim everything's fine. I was just checking in" Buck answered.
"Right no offense but I wasn't talking to you Buck."
"So you two do know one another" he replied.
"Yeah briefly Eddies a firefighter in another house. Don't worry Buckley not everything is about you."
Buck ignored Chim's comments. "Your a firefighter?"
"Yup for the 126 that's why I felt slightly embarrassed about the whole thing you know not my strongest hour" It was all coming into place now. How Eddie knew so much about the job. Why he felt embarrassed he got himself into that situation.
"Yeah well like I said it can happen to anyone really." Eddie grinned in response.
"Yeah well I just know I'm gonna hear non stop about this from the crew. If it couldn't be them tonight its nice to know I'm in the next best capable hands." Buck grinned as his cheeks grew slightly red.
"Don't let your boss here that one" Bobby said coming over. "Its nice to see you Diaz. I hope everything is okay with you and your family."
"It is thanks Captain. I actually have to get in touch with them." He began to pull his phone out.
"Just let them escort you to the hospital first just in case. You can call them on the way."
"Will do thanks cap. I would normally argue but I need to get this taken care of. Chris will be worried but he will understand." Eddie hugged his grandma before Isabel got into her own ambulance. As Eddie got in the back of his own with Chim he looked back at Buck one more time. "I know its your job but thank you. Since its mine you understand I know what its like. Thanks for making me feel safe tonight."
"No problem" Buck chocked out before the doors closed. Knowing his job the compliment felt even more meaningful this time.
As the ambulance he was in drove away Buck watched on as they left. By the time they got the fire under wraps it was the end of there shift. Buck could usually get over calls after they were done. This one was different though. He couldn't stop thinking about the other firefighter he saved. He couldn't stop thinking about Eddie.
_______
A week had passed since the apartment fire. Buck did end up going to the hospital that night as well. He got into a accident last year that badly injured his leg. Usually a call like that would be no big deal. He also knew in his current condition it wouldn't hurt to get it looked over. He was cleared with a clean bill of health. He did make a appointment for a follow up check up the following week. He had put a lot of pressure on his leg that day. Fires like that weren't too common luckily. So it did take him back a little.
Even though it done no real damage his body and leg were sore the following days.
He was just getting out of his appointment when he decided to grab a coffee from the hospital café. As he was rounding a corner with his freshly hot to go cup of coffee he heard a familiar voice. When he turned the corner to see who it was he was surprised to see him. It was Eddie standing there talking to a nurse. He was surprised he recognized him. They didn't speak long yet he left an impression.
The same man he saved the following week. The reason why he was currently there, well somewhat the reason. He was surprised he even recognized his voice. He stayed on his mind a few days afterwards but knowing he wouldn't see him again he forgot about it. At least he thought he did.
It felt oddly coincidental they both happened to be there. What a week he thought to himself.
After the nurse walked away he approached him. He was glad to see him. He was wondering how he was doing. He asked Chim and he said from what he heard he was good. He was used to not knowing a follow up to the people he saved but this was different. Chim's answer wasn't good enough, he needed to know and now he could.
"Hey" Buck said slowly approaching him. Eddie turned around to face him. His worried look quickly changed into one of surprise. He looked confused for a moment as though he was trying to figure it out before it dawned upon him.
"Hey your Buckley right?" Buck was surprised he remembered his name.
"Um yeah I'm surprised you remember me."
"How can I forgot the man who saved me. Sorry it just took a second you know a hectic week."
"Oh believe me I do no need to explain. I mean your Eddie the firefighter so."
"Right but there's more to me that that."
"Oh I bet I just remembered cause it surprised me. Usually calls all blend together as you may know but I remembered yours."
"Right so what are you doing here?"
Buck never even thought before this how surreal this must feel. How weird it must be for him.
"Oh right sorry I was just here for a check up. Sorry didn't mean to seem weird. I promise I'm not following you. I just saw you well heard you and wanted to see how you were doing. How your Abuela and family are doing."
"I didn't think you were. I wouldn't recommended starting with that though. My Abuela she's doing pretty good considering. That's why I'm here she's also here for a check up. She's been staying with me this last week. She may be okay but her place isn't. She isn't too happy about that. I've wanted her to move out and come live with me for awhile but not like this. Anyway appreciating the silver lining as they say." Of course the place was ruined Buck didn't even think of that. The building was engulfed in flames especially the last two floors. It would take months before that place was back to the way is used to be. He was so used to disassociating from calls he didn't even think of it. "Sorry that probably was a lot to take in. I mean it has been for me but yeah she's been good. She is good at seeing the good in situations. She's the same way with people."
"Well that's always a good quality to have. I am so sorry though Eddie."
"Hey don't be its not your fault. They said it was a freak thing no one could have stopped. I was just glad I was there for her. As strange as that may be. I am also glad you were too. We are only okay because of what you did for us. You saved us that night."
Buck wasn't too good at taking compliments so he just smiled ducking his head. It was his job but this was also the reason why he wanted it. To be able to help people. He always felt good after saving someone but not like this. This felt different it felt special.
"I know its your job but still" Eddie added.
"No problem it was my pleasure I'm just glad everything worked out alright."
"As alright as it could be. As my Abuela says see the silver lining and I'm choosing to do that for me and my family."
"So has your team given you shit for what happened with the foot and all. How long are you out?"
"They gave me a little bit but not much. Considering what happened but yeah they got a few laughs in. I will only be out for a week and half which is good. Its ironic with the job that I have I happened to get hurt in a fire but on my spare time."
"It does seem pretty ironic" Buck agreed. They stood there for a moment in silence. "Well it was good to see you again. I am glad all is well. I asked Chim if he knew but he didn't know much. Its nice to see you in person myself." Eddie grinned at him.
"Yeah well Chim has never been to keen on details. It was nice to see you Buckley."
"Its just Buck remember. Like your name is just Eddie not Edmundo."
"Right" Eddie grinned. They probably were both taken aback that Buck remembered that. Before Eddie could say anything else they heard a woman call out his name. A woman Buck assumed to be Eddies grandmother.
"Well it seems like someone needs me. It was nice to see you Buck, see you around."
"See ya" Buck replied as Edie walked back into the hospital room. Eddie turned back around again a second time to give him one more grin. Buck waited until he was in the room before leaving.
_______
Two weeks had passed since the call and like with most of them he moved on. Eddie did stay on his mind for a few extra days after bumping into him at the hospital but that was it. Life moved on and so did he. He slowly stopped thinking about him the better his leg got. The call began to pile up with the rest of them.
They both moved on and Buck knew he probably would never see him again. It did give him comfort to know that not only was he okay but he saw it himself. Also knowing Eddie was somewhere in this city with him. Being a fire fighter a long side him made him feel good.
He was now in the station house and it was a pretty slow day. They were in-between calls and sitting around the loft.
The constant nagging from the team to get him to go on a date got worse since the call. He didn't know why but there teasing hadn't stopped. It had been there for a while but it got more direct. They recommended he download romancing the uniform a few times but he always said no. He thought the app was quite corny and he didn't need to specifically date another fire fighter. He did have to admit the shared hours and experience would feel nice. It felt nice during his brief conversations with Eddie. He always refused not to up until now.
Now they were doing it again and he finally caved in just like they knew he would. Sure it was corny but he had nothing to loose. At least he would get his friends to finally stop nagging him about it. He could say he tried and it didn't work. He never had to go back on this website after today if he didn't want to. Which he didn't.
Buck was unsure about the whole thing but just like his sister they at least told him to try. "It doesn't have to be serious it can just be to have a good time is all" Hen said.
"That's easy for you to say you already found the love of you life." After all giving him looks he sighed. "Fine I'll try it but I never agreed to like it."
They all then gave him happy expressions. Glad he finally agreed to do it. "Wise choice" Hen said already running to grab the lap top. Hen prompted it in front of him already open to the website. It seemed like he was really doing it. Hen was sitting next to him with a knowing grin. Bobby was sitting across from him staying quiet and Chim was standing directly behind him his hands on his shoulders egging him on. Buck grinned as he began to make an account filling out his information.
He put in his full name, his birthday and age. When it got to his sexuality he clicked on the box bisexual. It came as second nature to him. He had known since he was a teenager but he never said anything to the group. Bobby couldn't see but Hen didn't say anything.
"Wait you like guys" Chim asked registering it.
"Yeah that's not a problem is it?"
"Um please man no I just didn't know. If I had I would have started suggesting you to date some of my single guy friends ages ago."
"Chim you have no friends especially not single ones" Buck teased. Chim just hit his arm.
"I'm sorry I never said anything I just didn't feel the need to I mean I know you know. I know you guys only know me for dating women well one woman. You know I had a lot of hook ups and well Bobby saw that a little too up close and personal. That was also with a woman so."
"Hey Buck there's no need to explain we get it. We want you to be happy. I also very would much not like to see you hook up on a roof again though no offense."
"None taken Cap I don't want that either."
"We want you happy Buck we don't need the details" Hen replied.
"Speak for yourself" Chim teased.
Buck then moved onto hobbies and other details. Than a quote for his bio which he was stuck on. They all had recommendations but he wanted to pick his own. Bobby had used some sappy quote they made fun of for ages. He didn't care if it was tacky. Having a profile already was but he wanted it to be good but also be true to him.
He was going to put something romantic in the bio but he finally landed on. "Hero during the day absolute mess by night." Both Chim and Hen laughed at that.
He downloaded a selfie to use for his profile picture. At first he was stuck on what name to use but he finally ended up using Buck. It was the name he went by so he might a well. He simply left his username as his name. Not his past one of firehose. Which didn't help with his reputation any less.
"You know I was against it at first but it isn't that bad. Even if nothing comes of it so what. I mean Bobby used it right before he found Athena. Hopefully the same thing will happen to me and I will find the person I'm meant to be with. Even if its not on here and its just a step in the right direction. You know one last thing before finding what I truly want."
"I hope so Buck" Bobby replied.
"Yeah well I would only be so lucky. My sister will be glad to hear I downloaded this. She's been begging me to get out there for weeks. She will be glad to know you finally convinced me."
"I agree with her" Chim replied.
"Dude you don't even know my sister."
"I know that but I don't need to know her to agree with her. From that advice though she already sounds like the smarter Buckley of the pair. I may even like her more already."
After he was complete he began looking through the people on there. Briefly looking at profiles when his eyes caught onto a specific one. Hen caught onto the same one as well.
"Wait is that Eddie Diaz" she asked. Chim immediately looked on it. Even Bobby even walked over to see.
Buck hovered his mouse over his profile before clicking on it. Buck already knew it was him from the small profile picture he could see. "It seems like it" he replied.
"Holy shit" Chim laughed. "Who would have guessed you would have ran into Eddie again here of all places." Buck hadn't mentioned he ran into Eddie at the hospital.
He did want to look at his profile but it felt wrong as though he was invading his privacy. He definitely didn't want to do it with the team watching. He first didn't mind but now it felt like they were invading his privacy. Of course Eddie made the profile for people to see. It was for possible future dates not other nosy firefighters. So he felt guilty.
As though Bobby could tell he said "hey guys come on lets move along."
"No way are you kidding Cap this is too good not to see."
"He has a point" Hen added agreeing with him.
"Well I thinks its wrong I agree with Cap" Buck said closing it and choosing with Bobby.
"Why its all in good fun" Chim said.
"I'm surprised I'm saying this but Chim is right" Hen agreed. Chimney looked pleased.
Buck looked to Bobby who said. "Hey its up to you kid. As long as its in good fun go ahead." Buck hovered over his profile before clicking on it out of curiosity. Hen and Chim cheered in response.
They slowly faded into the background as Buck looked over his profile. He wanted to do it more in-depth later by himself.
"I do have to say objectively speaking he is very attractive" Chim said.
"Are you kidding I'm into women and I can admit the man is hot." Buck slightly laughed at her response.
"So what do you think Buckaroo?" Chim asked him. They were now both looking at him.
It took him a minute to respond. Trying to gain back some of his composure. "Um hey he's pretty hot."
"Wait do you like him?" Chim asked with curiosity.
"What no man of course not I don't even know the guy."
"You know him." Chim argued.
"I meet him briefly at a rescue and I bumped into him one time after that."
"Wait you bumped into him?" Shit Buck forgot he didn't mention that part yet. "I thought meeting him once was enough for you to get a crush but this proves it."
"It was a brief thing at the hospital really it was nothing."
"It doesn't sound like nothing plus your resistance isn't helping."
"You think I like him why cause I admitted he was hot well so did you."
"No I said he was objectively good looking. I never used the word hot."
"Usually I would agree with you Buck. Mainly to annoy Chimney. You saying you think he's attractive means nothing."
"Thank you" Buck sighed in her defense.
"However your resistance is a little interesting."
"I'm not resistant you see I'm scrolling through his account right now." He put heavy emphasis on scrolling up and down the page numerous times.
"Well if your not resistant then you should message him reach out."
"Chim this is a dating app I don't want to give him the wrong idea."
"You won't be if you specify your not looking for a date. That you just ran into his account and wanted to say hi."
"That is going a little far Chim" Hen replied.
"Why your just being friendly. Fine do what you want. Wallow on your little crush in peace."
Normally that wouldn't bother him. Chim could egg him on all he wanted. It didn't bother him anymore. It did when he first started working there but that was years ago. It no longer bothered him but for some reason it did now. So he messaged him just to prove a point. He felt shitty afterwards.
"Fine you see I did it."
Both Chim and Hen looked towards the screen. "Holy shit man I was kidding I didn't think you'd actually do it."
"Yeah why would you ever listen to Chim" Hen replied.
"What you guys were all with it before what's changed."
"You messaging him you idiot." Buck did feel guilty for doing it but not for the same reasons. The message simply said. "Hey man funny running into you on here." It was simple enough but it was also too much. Before he could register it Chim said. "Holy shit he's on and he's replying." The little bubbles formed and Bucks nerves went through the roof. It felt like hours passed but it was only a few minutes.
"Oh hey Buck I didn't expect to find you on here. I didn't take you as the type."
He didn't want to reply in front of them but did, he had to. "Hey I'm usually not no but my team convinced me. I actually just made the account. Hope I didn't freak you out."
"Believe me I get it I'm not here on my own free will either." That made Buck smile. "Its not creepy at all why did you think that? Its nice to know another fellow firefighter on here. You know one I actually know." Buck smiled again.
He forgot they were still there for a moment before Chim said. "You said you didn't know each other." They were both reading their messages just as intrigued.
"He meant that as relatively speaking. Besides he's just being polite."
Before he could reply Eddie messages. "Sorry I have to head out now. It was nice talking to you though, see you soon."
Buck didn't know what to say to that. He didn't know what to think. Was Eddie just being nice or was he serious. He also could just mean that as in around and not anything specific. This was the third time he bumped into him, it was odd. Before he could reply Eddie logged off.
"You may not have had plans to see him again but he sure does."
"He was being nice" Buck replied logging out and turning off the computer. "Nothing more it was probably just an excuse to log off."
"Uh huh sure because people message others back to be polite. How many excuses will you come up with Buckley." Buck wasn't listening to any of it so he walked away. Hen slapped Chims arm as he left.
Later that night once he was alone he did download the app and look at his profile again more closely without watchful eyes. It felt so much nicer this time, so much more intimate. Which was an odd thing to say about his phone.
It was about nine o'clock and he was laying shitless in bed staring up at his phone. Staring at a photo of Eddie. He was now staring at his profile. He was staring at his photo and he couldn't stop. For some reason he had a smile on his face.
He still looked the same but he could tell the photo was a few years old. His hair was slightly longer in it. His hair was part to the side but messy on the top. He was wearing what appeared to be a light jean jacket with a white shirt. The shirt had sun glasses on it. He was looking to the side. It looked like the pose was natural but Buck couldn't tell if it was staged or if it was a candid shot, either way he looked good.
The photo was in black and white. He was standing in front of a wall that said 'God of Love.' That made him smile. He definitely seemed like the god of something Buck thought. He quickly pushed the thought aside and moved down the profile.
His bio wasn't as long as his but he had one. It was clear and precise. It said Eddie, 30. Single dad/ firefighter for 126. Loves beer and football, mainly football. That made him smile. He was surprised Hen and Chim didn't point it out earlier. It was corny but also just right. He could hear him saying it in his voice even though they only spoke briefly a few times.
Dog dad to a 2 year old gold retriever named Babe, after Babe Ruth. Boxer on the side.
So not only was he a hot firefighter but a dog dad who boxed. He couldn't be any more impressive.
Family man with an overprotective family, be warned. Love is love insert bisexual flag. So he was into guys. He was the same as him which made sense. He wouldn't have been matched with him if he wasn't into guys. It was also nice to know for sure and see in writing than assume. It made him feel better.
Its shouldn't though because it didn't matter who or what he liked because he would never like him. He didn't even know him. Buck was never going to date him so it didn't matter. He was still practically a stranger. It was never going to happen
At first it was all in good fun but this had to stop. He shouldn't be looking at his profile or picture it was wrong and he felt guilty for doing it. He barely knew the man no less not his friend. Why was he looking at his profile picture. He shouldn't be looking at all. This wasn't for him. The smile he had slid off his face. The happiness he felt left and it was replaced back with the guilt he felt earlier.
What was he doing. This shouldn't make him happy he didn't know him. It was odd for him to do it. He didn't even know why the idea made him so happy. He felt foolish for even looking now. He like he crossed some kind of invisible line. All he felt was guilt and annoyance with himself. He was smiling why was he smiling. He shouldn't be. There was no reason to it didn't make sense. Why was he laughing at his bio or imaging his voice. They didn't know each other. He shouldn't act like they did.
He was invading his personal space and it felt wrong. He felt guilty for doing it. He had to stop this wasn't helping. It wasn't something that would happen. He didn't even know if he wanted it to. So he closed the app and pushed the phone aside and laid back down. He closed his eyes and tried to stop thinking about him but couldn't.
So that night he ended up going to bed feeling guilty all over again. He definitely wasn't thinking about a hot firefighter whose name started with the initial E. It also didn't help he was only five miles away from him.
He also vowed not to use the app again.
__________
Another week had passed and he hadn't thought about him at least not much. He didn't plan on going back on the app and he hadn't. He even debated deleting it. Which was his original plan but bumping into Eddie wasn't. This was now the fourth time he was thinking about the man. The man he still barely knew. Which was wrong but he couldn't help it. Whenever he began to stop thinking about him he got brought up or mentioned. Or worse he would run into him. Luckily he hadn't since.
L.A. was a big city it seemed easy enough but it wasn't. He hadn't done it in the four years he lived here but now in this one month alone he couldn't stop.
He was currently at a game with Chimney. He didn't want to go he didn't even like baseball but he agreed to. He also hoped it would take his mind off someone in particular. It did for the most part until he was coming back from the concessions stands with a thing of cheese fries when he ran into someone.
He was going down the stairs back to his seat when he heard a familiar voice yell his name. He quickly turned around to see who it was. It caught him off guard, who would know him there besides Chim.
He looked through the crowd before he spotted a smiling Eddie waving at him. Of course it was Eddie who else would it be lately. He was half sitting and waving him over. He was sitting next to an older woman who wasn't his grandma and one of the cutest little kids he ever saw. He wasn't going to go over he didn't want to intrude. He also was waving and calling him over and he didn't want to be rude so he walked over. At least just to say hi he told himself. So he made his way to them.
He couldn't feel awkward if Eddie initiated the contact. He could feel guilty over his thoughts and boy were they something. One of the first thoughts he had after the initial shock was damn does Eddie look good. Ugh what was wrong with him.
"Hey Buck its funny bumping into you here."
Yeah no kidding Buck thought to himself. "Hey its really good to see you here."
"Yeah you too I just wouldn't peg you for a sports guy is all. It seems you are continuing to surprise me first with the dating app and now this." The woman besides him gave him a funny look.
"Um yeah it sure is listen about that I'm sorry."
"No need" Eddie cut him off. The other two people were still sitting besides them. Buck forgot they were there for a moment and it seemed like Eddie did too. The woman made a grunting noise. Eddie looked over in surprise. The woman was interested more in there conversation than the game and the little boy couldn't take his eyes off Buck. He looked to be in awe of him which was odd. He didn't even know him.
"Oh I'm sorry this is my aunt Josephina and my son Christopher."
Chris of course his sons name was Chris. He remembered hearing it before.
"Nice to meet you" Buck said. He kneeled down besides the boy who looked surprised to see him do this. "Hey my names Buck little guy. Its really nice to meet you." He stuck out his hand for a hand shake. Chris shook his hand in response. The smile only temporarily slipped away for a moment of surprise. Eddie looked equally as shocked and happy. "So tell me do you like sports?"
"Not really" Chris replied.
"Me neither" Buck said shaking his head. "I'm only here because my friend Chimney dragged me along."
"I'm only here cause of my dad. Wait you know Chimney?"
Of course Buck did but Eddie and his son knew him. They must have been closer friends than Buck realized. If his son also knew him on a first name basis. Then again Chimney wasn't a common name. Buck assumed it would stick out to a kid.
"We met at a work party for families" Eddie replied answering his question. "Did he really drag you along it makes sense."
"Yeah I only came because he had an extra ticket" Buck blushed. He didn't include the other reason why which was to forget about him. Coming definitely didn't solve that. "So you like sports than huh?"
"Um yeah I do someone at my station had tickets they couldn't use and offered them to me. I jumped at the chance but from my sons response you can tell these two weren't as excited" he said ruffling his sons hair. "After promising to get him pop corn and cotton candy he came around."
"Dad I still haven't gotten my cotton candy yet."
"Coming right up Bud. My aunt wasn't too excited either but I was able to sway her. I had no one else to go with. I mean you know I'm not seeing anyone cue the app." Right Buck thought to himself. He couldn't take his mind off the app and this sure didn't help.
"It isn't that bad but these seats are awful" Josephina said.
"They sure are" Buck agreed. Of course Eddie liked sports. He named his dog after Babe Ruth and he liked them enough to put in his bio. Then again he was thinking of his bio. Which felt worse standing right in front of him.
"So you two work together" Eddies aunt asked.
"Um no Bucks the one who was at Abuela's apartment fire." She nodded her head as though she already knew. Of course Eddies family would.
"I noticed her absence how is she? Is she okay?"
"Oh she's fine but she told me she would come here only over her dead body" Eddie laughed. "That and other things in Spanish I shouldn't say. She wasn't into it."
"I can't blame her there but it isn't that bad after all. It makes it even better when your with the right people." At this point he had spent more time with Eddie than he had with Chimney. "I may even consider coming back."
"Well I'm happy we were able to convert you." 'We were able able to' Bucks mind repeated the words for something they weren't.
"Wait your the Buck who saved my dad and grandma" Chris pipped up. He was now looking at Buck with even more admiration in his eyes.
"Yeah I sure am" he smiled.
"That's awesome you saved my dads life, your a hero." Buck blushed at that.
"I wouldn't say that but you certainly can thanks Bud."
"Your welcome but its true. My dad says I should always say the truth and it is." Buck didn't know about that but he couldn't argue with a kid. Plus it was nice to hear.
"It was really no problem. Well I should leave you to get back to your family day out and your game it was nice to see you."
As he went to walk away Eddie said. "Buck wait." Buck turned around surprised. "I just... I just wanted to say thank you again."
"Of course" Buck smiled. He looked down at three of them. He went to leave when he asked. "Would you like me to take a picture of the three of you before I go."
"Yeah if you don't mind that would be great."
"Of course not I did offer after all." Eddie took his phone out of his pocket and got up. As he handed Buck the phone there fingers lightly grazed each other. He went to take the picture but he was still holding onto his cheese fries.
"I'll hold those for you" Eddie said.
"Thanks but are you sure they'll be in the photo."
"Your doing me a favor I don't mind. Besides the more the merrier" he teased. It was a saying Maddie said all the time. Hearing Eddie say something so familiar made him smile.
"Okay" he said handing it to him. "I promise I'll try not to get them in the photo."
"Don't worry about it" Eddie said wrapping his free arm around his son.
Buck raised the phone and looked down to make sure he got the right angel. Looking down at it made his heart flutter. Seeing the three of them cuddled together smiling for some reason made him smile. He always did when he saw families like this but this time it was different.
So he took multiple photos. One where Chris was sticking his tongue out before handing Eddie back his phone.
Chris sticking his tongue out made Buck laugh. Eddie noticed and looked down tickling his son. It stirred the same reaction from him. It also made Eddie laugh to see his sons expression.
"Thanks for that" Eddie said as Buck handed him back his phone.
"Of course you have a beautiful family. Send my best wishes to your Abuela. I hope everything worked out."
"Um yeah it sure did" Eddie grinned. Buck began to turn around and leave. Eddies aunt gave him a knowing look and glare. Just as Buck was about to leave for a second time Eddie added. "You know you can... you could always text me if you want."
Buck instantly turned around. Buck didn't know what to take from that. How to interpret it. Was he is saying it as a friend or more. He didn't have his number but he did have his dating app profile. "Sure thing" Buck nodded before walking away with a hug smile on his face. He didn't know how to interrupt it but he sure knew he wanted to. He wanted to see Eddie again.
"What are you smiling at" Chimney asked when he returned to his seat.
"Nothing, nothing at all" he replied with a smile.
_________
Buck debated a few days before reaching out to Eddie. He wanted to but he didn't know if he should. Sure he told him to but he still didn't know his intention behind it. Was he genuine or just being nice. Buck also realized Eddie kept initiating it so he should stop being blind. He was being more than just polite. He didn't like to agree with Chimney but he was right. He didn't want to seem too eager but if they were just friends than that wasn't possible. So Buck texted him.
"Hey I don't have your number so I wasn't sure where to text you."
"Hey I'm glad you did and this is perfect. Also here is my number just in case" he replied adding a number below it. Not just any number his number.
"I hope I didn't interrupt last time. It sure seems we keep bumping into each other. My sister would say it was fate."
"You didn't interrupt I called you over remember. So tell me you believe in that type of stuff?"
"I don't know maybe. I was always open minded to it but never serious like Maddie. After these last few days I don't know."
"Its nice to know I've changed your faith. Or that you've bee thinking about me."
Buck grinned. "I didn't say that."
"Right about which part though?"
"So I guess I can assume after the game that your a single father to both a son and a dog."
"I am both a dad and a dog dad.... wow never thought I'd use the words dog dad to describe myself. My son absolutely loved you. He hasn't stopped talking about you."
He didn't know why he made such an impression on him but he liked it. It was nice to know at least one of the Diaz's was thinking about him. Which in return made the other one do so as well. It was also nice to know he made a good impression.
"Really huh we barely spoke its nice to know I made a good first impression. They say its the most important."
"It is and believe me you did more then most people. You treated him like any other kid and that means something. At least to me it does. Plus after our interesting first meeting its no wonder."
"Well then tell Chris I say hello."
"I bet he would love to hear that in person but I'll pass the message along." Buck thought over that before Eddie added. "I'm also sorry about stealing your cheese fries the other day. I can guarantee my son loved them. He forgot all about the cotton candy. I won't lie I did have a few."
"Yeah I noticed when I got back to my seat. Its no problem I'm glad someone enjoyed them. Two someone's in fact. I'm glad I was able to take his mind off cotton candy. Even if they weren't a much better substitute."
"Yeah well maybe we might just have to go out and get some more. You know so I can repay you that is."
This was now the second time Eddie was suggesting they go out. That was clear but as friends or a date. Would it just be the two of them or would Chris be there. Normally this would be easy. They were on a dating app so of course it would be. Like Eddie just said nothing about this was normal or easy. You don't meet most future dates by saving them from a burring building. Which Buck did have to admit was pretty romantic.
"I like the sound of that."
They began briefly texting after that. There brief conversations turned into long ones. Some times they would talk for hours. Sometimes the conversation ran through out the day. Replying to each other whenever they got a moment here or there. Considering there hectic jobs was more than you would think.
They began to open up to each other more and more. They began to learn a lot about each other. He was glad Eddie was able to vent to him. It was nice to be able to talk to someone who understood. His Abuela was permanently living with him until she found another place. He was trying to convince her to stay. She for the most part got out of this unharmed. She got her deposit back and the rent she paid for this months check. They gave everybody in the building compensation. That didn't fix that she had no where to live on such short notice. She was luck she had family to live with but not everyone was that lucky. Eddie know that he's seen all the ways that call could have gone wrong.
So he did appreciate that. He knew they were luckier than most. This big shift still didn't mean he wasn't stressed. It was nice that he had Buck for support even if over the phone. Only just to get it off his chest. Buck was always there with a listening ear.
He loved his conversations with Eddie. He began to find comfort in them. The more they did it the more of a regular thing it became. Now it felt weird not to talk to him for hours on end. It was a part of his life now. He didn't want it to stop. It was still odd they only met in person three times. The first two times being not the best circumstances. A burning building and a hospital.
Two weeks had passed since the game. They had been constantly talking now more and more outside the app. They still hadn't seen each other in person. Even though they sent plenty of photos back and forth. Selfies of himself at work. Eddie sent him photos of his son Chris and there dog Babe.
Buck hadn't taken him up on his offer to get cheese fries yet. He wanted to but he didn't. A part of him was scared. He hadn't dated anyone in a while. He hadn't gone on a date in years. Even if this wasn't a date it was still different. He had feelings for him and he knew it. Plus this wasn't a normal get together after there interesting start. They weren't just friends hanging out and he couldn't pretend they were.
He also still didn't know the details. That would change a lot but he was still worried to ask. Worried to mention it again in case Eddie forgot. Or if too much time had passed. He also knew he was being silly and he should just ask. Even if it wasn't to do that exactly. Just ask to hang out again, for real this time. Eddie opened the door to the conversation more than once. Now it was Bucks turn to follow through and stop being afraid.
He planned on asking to hang out the following weekend when he remembered. The minute he got the courage up to ask he remembered he had plans. Damned his pre made plans. He originally didn't want to go but he promised his team he would. They were more insistent then usual because they asked when he was still single. He still was. When they were trying to convince him to get out there. They didn't want to him to spend another weekend alone.
"Oh come on Buck you have no plans. Besides you can sit around and do nothing next weekend we promise not to bother you."
He was still single but it was different. He now had whatever he had with Eddie. He couldn't cancel on them. They made the plans weeks in advance and he promised to be there. It was for Mays graduation. So sadly Eddie had to wait another weekend.
"I wanted to make plans with you this Saturday but I just remembered I already have plans, sorry. I promise I'm not avoiding you."
"I know your not were both busy its okay. I also surprisingly happen to have plans for once, its a small family get together. I assure you I'm not avoiding you either just to clarify."
"I just wanted to make sure you knew and that's good to hear. I'm happy I'm not the only one ruining our possible plans. So how does next Saturday sound."
"Don't worry your not and it sounds great."
"Good see you then and have fun at your party."
"I'll try to but I won't have as much fun without you. See ya soon for our inevitable definite plans."
Ugh he was killing him when he said things like that and he didn't even know. He was glad Maddie didn't bring it up because he would never be able to hide his crush from her.
He wasn't able to do it when he was fifteen and had a crush on the quarter back and he wasn't able to do it now at twenty eight.
________
Saturday finally arrived and as much as he loved his family. He really wished he was able to spend the day with Eddie. The team would let him off if they knew he had a possible date. One he didn't want them to know he was talking to Eddie yet. They would also see right through him. Two he didn't even know what it was yet. Could he even call it a date. He knew he would be better able to categorize it once they got together.
He was texting Eddie as he approached Athena's door with a bottle of wine in one hand.
Athena opened the door with a smile. "Its nice to see you bright eyes. You actually look to be smiling which is something I haven't seen for a while. For whatever reason its back I'm glad it is. Here come inside" she said standing aside to let him in.
"I brought this" he said handing her the bottle of wine.
"You didn't have to" she replied accepting it with a smile. They had this conversation before many of times. He knew he didn't have to but he wanted to. Athena knew he would but told him he didn't have to, even though she liked that he did. It was a familiar routine they had. Which was amazing now since they hated each other when they met.
They were sprawled around Athena's house talking in small groups. Hen temporarily waved over before going back to her conversation with Karen, Michael and David.
He then stopped in his tracks when he heard a familiar voice come from the kitchen. This time it wasn't the one he was learning to expect. "Maddie" he asked in shock.
"Buck" she replied in equal amounts of shock. Leaving her conversation with Bobby and Chimney to place her wine glass down.
"What are you doing here?" They asked simultaneously.
"I can ask you the same thing" Maddie replied.
"What is going on here" Chimney asked equally confused.
"Um this is my team Maddie so I think I should be asking the questions here.
"Your what" she replied in shock.
They just stared at each other back and forth. "Um I would ask if you two know each other but its obvious you do. So just tell me how do you two now each other. Please don't tell me its through a past hook up?" Chimney asked. Buck and Maddie made disgusted faces at the same time.
"Ew god no" Buck uttered in disgust.
The way Bobby and Chim looked confused and hurt for her. As though the idea was so egregious to him. Maddie recognized it first before placing a hand on Chim's arm to clarify. "No honey what he means is its gross considering he's my brother and well I'm his sister. He may have said it wrong but that's why he looks so grossed out."
I'm sorry Honey Buck thought. Why did she call him that. "Yeah I'm her brother but Maddie why are you here?"
"I established you two are related which I have to say relaxes me. I now have to ask you Buck you seriously didn't know who your sister was seeing."
"I mean I knew she was seeing someone but she told me his name was Howard. Wait Howard, Howie... Chimney." Buck said connecting the dots.
"You told him my name was Howard."
"Yeah but I only said that because I told him that when we first started going out. I guess I never corrected him."
"I mean I maybe would have put it together sooner if you told me Howie but Howard. I'm just not used to associating you with that name. I've been calling you Chimney for so long. I mean how could I have guessed it was the same Howard. The same one I worked with who happened to be dating my sister. Oh thank god you never went into any details."
"Me too but I wouldn't anyway I am a gentleman. I still have questions though. I mean didn't you tell Buck you were seeing a firefighter at the 118 or that you had a party this week. Didn't Buck tell you what house he was in."
"I didn't tell him because your job never came up. He did know I was going to a party this weekend well more like get together with friends. Surprisingly no I never asked Evan what house he was in. Why didn't you ever tell me?"
"I guess it never came up."
"I'm still wrapping my head around all this. I am dating Evan Buckley's sister. It just feels weird especially to associate his sister Maddie with my Maddie."
"Hey watch it man" Buck replied.
"Sorry its just that's a lot to take in plus her calling you Evan is throwing me for a loop. You told me your last name was Kennedy?"
Maddie flinched at that. "Um yeah it is but you know I'm divorced its my married name. Buckley is my maiden name."
"That makes sense" Chim replied. "You and Buck being related will take a while to sink in."
"I feel the same way" Buck replied. "I guess this is a small world after all huh. Boy do I need a drink" he laughed. Bobby handed him a beer. "Well I guess I'm happy for you sis even though I didn't expect that today that's for sure."
"As if I was" Maddie replied with a grin. "Well Chim you were going to meet my brother sooner or later so I guess its sooner. Especially since you already know him." They all joined in for a laugh as Athena came over.
"What's so funny?" She asked as she opened the wine Buck brought.
"I'll tell you later" Bobby replied placing a hand on her shoulder. Buck looked on and smiled. He then walked back into the living room.
Of course like usual he was the only single person there. Even Chimneys mystery girlfriend was there who also happened to be his sister. Yeah that ones gonna take a while to get used to.
He was really happy for his sister though she deserved it. He told everyone he was fine being alone and for a while he was. He wasn't anymore he wanted to be with someone and not just anyone. So he pulled out his phone to text Eddie. "Hey man how's your party going? You have any plans later?"
Just as Buck was getting over the initial surprise of his sister he had another one.
Buck was about to sit down and join in on Hen and Karen's conversation when he heard a familiar voice come from the kitchen. He immediately turned around and got up. This time it wasn't Maddie standing there. She was now on the other side of the room talking to Chimney.
He stood there in complete shock with his mouth wide open. He didn't know what to say. Of course it was happening...again. He couldn't believe the person standing in front of him. Or more like standing with his back to him. He hadn't seen his face yet but the back of his head and voice were enough. Clearly Hen and Karen noticed something caught his attention. Buck slowly placed his beer down. They went to ask but he walked away before they could.
He went back into the kitchen and this time engaged in the conversation. He hadn't noticed him yet but Buck saw him. He was grabbing a beer from the fridge talking to Bobby when Buck placed a hand on his shoulder. Eddie slowly turned around for only his relaxed expression turn into one of shock. It oddly resembled the look on his face the night of the fire. The night they met.
"Buck" Eddie said in shock and awe with a tinge of happiness. "What are you doing here? I thought you had something today."
"I could be asking you the same thing. This happens to be the thing I have. Listen before you say anything else can we talk. Alone that is?"
Eddie turned to Bobby before replying. "Um yeah sure but I was just talking to."
"Go ahead" Bobby said cutting him off. "I can only assume you two have a lot to discuss. I'll catch you later Eddie."
"Yeah will do cap" Eddie said as his voice drifted off. His eyes were solely planted on Buck's. It looked as though he never wanted to look away.
Eddie had been in the back yard when Buck arrived. They went back out there but this time they found a mostly private corner to talk in. As they sat on the bench under the tree there knees collided. Buck looked down with a smirk. Eddie looked up and matched his gaze.
It was so odd Buck was just texting him and the whole time Eddie was only feet away. "I just texted you."
"I know I saw that" Eddie grinned.
"So I guess we should talk huh."
"It seems like it. It seems like someone wants us to talk. I would say our teams did this but we've been running into each other for a while all on our own. This is the fifth time now huh."
"Yeah but only the fourth in person. I thought you said you had a family party today."
"I do and this is it kind of. I'm sorry I should have been more clear. My captain was also invited and he's like family to me. I briefly knew Bobby before all of this. I guess your team felt bad for what happened to my Abuela. Thought this would help take my mind off things. So they invited me."
"You don't have to apologize. You didn't have to tell me and besides you technically did. I also could have been more clear and say it was for work. Man you think someone would have told each other we'd be here."
"Yeah but I don't even think they were sure I was coming. That or maybe they didn't want us to know. I should have assumed you would be here maybe even ask but after you told me you had plans well. I foolishly didn't connect the two."
"Yeah well neither did I" Buck grinned. "So now that were here maybe we should talk. When I texted you for the second time I did it for a reason."
"You asked if I had plans tonight. Which I don't by the way. Why did you want to come over?"
"Sort of I also wanted to ask you something though." Eddies eye brows perked up in anticipation. "Would you like to go out. I don't just mean out. What I mean is would you like to go out with me? I never did take you up on your offer."
"Just to get this right you are asking me out on a date right. Its just this has been the fourth time we ran into each other and I just want to make sure."
"I get that and I am I really am. Eddie will you go out on a date with me?"
"Yes you fool I will I really will" he smiled. God he has such a gorgeous smile Buck thought. His lips perked up in the corner. His teeth peeking through and looking brighter than ever. "Just to get another thing clear it doesn't have to be cheese fries does is?"
"No but only if you want it to be. I also have to ask it will just be the two of us right?" Eddie looked with a semi confused expression. "I just mean will it only be us. I think your son is great but for our first date I would just like it to be us."
"Buck I love my son but I don't typically bring him on dates. Not like I've been on one in a while. To answer your question yes it will just be us. He will want to see you again though."
"I would love to see him after our date. So I have to ask have you been flirting the whole time and I've just been too blind to see it."
Eddie laughed in response but it wasn't mean. "Um no not exactly. I only started around the game and afterwards. When I told my aunt about you she pointed out how I have a crush. I was talking about you well constantly and I barely knew you. So she told me I either had a crush or I was a stalker. I can promise you I'm not. I mean you did save my life after all how could I not but she was right. So yeah right about after that I was. I also wasn't sure if you were interested."
"I was I am. My sister said the same thing to me. My team would have had they known. I should have known you were. I mean we were texting on a dating app for a while. Its just with how we met. I know you wanted to hang out but I wasn't sure if it was as friends or more. That's why I asked about your son."
"Oh believe me definitely more. I had the same worries so believe me they were warranted."
"They were or we were just foolish enough not to see it. Especially when everyone else did." Eddie laughed again and it was beautiful. Buck could listen to that for hours.
"Of course my crush wasn't easy to avoid when all my son did was bring you up. I secretly loved it though. It made it so much easier to talk about you. With someone at least and if that someone happened to be my nine year old son than so be it. The more questions he asked about you the less I knew the answers. I realized I wanted to learnt them. I didn't know how to go about things because I never experienced anything like this before"
"Me neither" Buck replied. Buck didn't think anyone ever had. Especially not in this order at least.
"It seems like there was a bigger force at play here. Something beyond our control."
"You mean like fate? I wouldn't take you as a believer. My sister is but I don't know. Do you really believe in that type of stuff?"
"No I never have. I was always skeptical about it. My Abuela used to tell me stories about it like La Llorona but I never believed. Even now I always thought you decided your fate. That is was simply up to you and nothing else. After these last few run ins it seems like maybe I'm more opened minded than I thought."
"Wow that movie was terrifying and your grandma told you that" Buck laughed.
"It seems like we keep running into each other for a reason. So weather or not its fate or the universe I would like to find out why. Find out why we keep running into each other. Why someone or something wants us together. To see if there's a reason behind it and so far it seems like there is."
"I would like to as well. I would like to spend many more weekends with you Eddie. If that's because of the universe so be it. I mean who am I to argue with it. So if there sending me your way I will go willingly. To me that makes sense but as to why they would pair me with someone as kind and beautiful as you I have no idea. I don't know what I did to deserve it."
"Me either but I hope we find out. Even if not today or tomorrow I can wait. I don't care how long it takes." Buck grinned in response. "I know what you did you saved me and my Abuela and that means everything."
"So I have turned you into a believer huh" he laughed.
"I wouldn't go that far but maybe. Just please don't tell my Abuela she will seriously freak out. She's been trying to convince me of a greater power for years. I have to admit she probably didn't have this in mind."
"I promise I won't not yet anyway" Buck laughed naturally bumping his shoulder into his. "Come on lets go inside. I think the food is ready." Eddie nodded his head in return.
"So we still have plans for next Saturday right?"
"Definitely" Buck smiled in response. Nothing could take him away from that date.
Just like that they got up hand and hand and joined everyone inside. They were already all settled around the table. People saw the shift in them but no one said anything, they didn't have to. Just like the universe they already knew.
As Buck sat there next to Eddie he felt the most comfortable than he had in years. As though it came as second nature. It felt so normal as though they had been doing it for years, it felt right. To him it felt as though it was going to happen sooner or later as though it was inevitable. He may not have found out why him and Eddie kept bumping into each other yet. He also knew he would one day.
Years prior he read about an old Japanese legend. Which was called the red string of fate. Which was about two people attached my a single string of red thread. A thread they were connected to no matter how far apart they were. This string made them destined to be together always no matter what. Destine to always find each other one day.
It was a nice story that had stuck with him for years. It was also something he never believed would happen. Especially not with him but here he was sitting at a table with his hand in Eddies. As though it fit there perfectly. Like it was where it belonged. He was now starting to believe it was possible and that was all due to Eddie.
That night with the fire may have been tragic but it also brought him to him. He couldn't be more thankful for that. He would always look back on that night with mixed emotions. One thing would remain steady. His undying love for Eddie which would only grow stronger as the years went on.
Even now that they were finally together it gave Buck comfort to know that red string would always be there, no matter what. Even if neither of them fully believed in it. There love was proof enough for them and it always would be.