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The crew was eating one of Bobby’s most tasty recipes, filling the kitchen with funny jokes and laughter as they enjoyed their free-time between one call and the other, when Bobby’s phone buzzed on the table, echoing in the room and drawing everyone’s attention.
“Uh, it’s Captain Strand from Austin”, Bobby announced, puzzled, standing up to head in his office for some privacy. “It must be important… don’t worry, have lunch and I’ll be right back.”
Chimney followed Bobby’s movement until he was completely out of sight as Hen and Eddie glanced towards Buck, who was nervously fidgeting with his fork.
“Spill the tea, Buckaroo”, Hen said, nodding at him. “You know what’s going on, right?”
Buck frowned, sighing noisily as he rubbed his eyes with his palms.
“Yeah”, he admitted, his features clouded with concern and something akin to sadness. “I spoke with TK last week and he told me that his firehouse needs to be rebuilt, an asshole arsonist blew it up and his dad is going through a lot of trouble because of someone named Billy but he didn’t go into details so I guess we need to wait for Bobby to find out more", he explained frantically, a dismayed expression on his face.
Eddie put a hand on Buck’s knee, squeezing it to give him his support; he already knew about that situation because he was there when TK dialed his boyfriend and he also knew that Buck had been worried since then.
“Damn, it seems bad.” Chimney stated, shaking his head. “How are they?”
“They are firefighters so they are resilient and brave but they’re also worried and afraid that they won’t be able to have their firehouse back”, he answered sadly, lowering his gaze as he reached Eddie's hand, still on his knee, interlacing their fingers. “You know, they are good people and they have already been through a lot… they didn’t deserve another problem to face. And on top of that, the arsonist blew up Carlos and TK’s place too so they are living at his dad’s for a few weeks now… I feel really bad for them, TK is a friend and I wish there was something I could do to help him and his boyfriend.”
Hen nodded, reaching for Buck's free hand to squeeze it. She was close to Owen Strand after what they shared in Texas some months before so she could fully understand Buck's concern and his desire to help them.
"We'll figure something out, don't worry Buck… we barely know them but they already are like a family to us and we'll do everything in our power to help them", she promised as Chimney, beside her, nodded with conviction.
They heard footsteps along the stairs so they glanced towards them, waiting for Bobby's return. The worried expression on his face didn't sound good and they immediately understood that their captain wanted to face the matter as soon as possible.
"Captain Strand and his firehouse need us", Bobby announced firmly, hands on his hips as he looked straight in their eyes. “He called me to explain what’s going on in Austin and I’ll tell you the details later… They need funds to rebuild the 126 so I suggested him to organize a fundraiser here in LA”, he explained, taking a seat at the head of the table.
“You mean a charity event, cap?”, Eddie asked, raising his eyebrows. “It’s a great idea, we used to organize this kind of event in the Army… they always worked, people like to help.”
“Yes, I’m used to online fundraisers so it’s new to me and I don’t know how to start to organize an event but we’ll figure something out all together”, he answered, shrugging as he ran a hand through his hair to calm his nerves. “Owen and his crew will join us in a few days, we’ll talk to the Department Chief and we hope we'll be able to set a date for our fundraiser in a week or so, because their time is running out.”
“We are in, Cap”, Buck assured, looking at his teammates, earning encouraging nods. “Tell us everything you need.”
“Thank you”, Bobby murmured proudly. “Buck, you’re still in touch with Owen’s son, aren’t you?”, he asked, scrubbing his forehead pensively.
“Yes, Cap.” He confirmed, a slight smile on his face. “He mentioned something to me last week but I didn’t know it was so serious, I’ll update you if there’s any news.”
“Okay, all right. I want you all to take advantage of every free moment to look for information and come up with ideas, we are a great team and I’m sure we can handle this”, Bobby encouraged his crew, clapping his hands.
“Cap, I already have an idea”, Eddie chimed in, drawing his teammates’ attention. “Chris’ class organized a cupcake’s sell last year and they raised a lot of money… Food is always a good idea! We can do the same, like setting a buffet for a fee or something. My abuela would be happy to cook her tamales for us, you can cook too and we can involve our children… Chris, Denny and Harry enjoy a lot when they bake cookies with Buck, they could make some and sell them at the event, you know… kids and cookies are a great combo.”
“Yeah, that’s true… who could resist our sweet boys selling treats? It’s a great idea… My mom can cook too, she has a lot of recipes!”, Hen exclaimed enthusiastically.
“Well, listen. I can ask Taylor to promote our fundraiser on a news service and I can suggest TK to ask Marjan the same, she is very popular on Instagram”, Buck said, his brain speeding between one idea and the other. “Then, I suppose that Carlos’ mother would love to help us with food because TK mentioned that she is a pro and I know that Owen is a skin-care enthusiast, he could share with the guest some advice. Plus, I love the idea of us sharing our firefighters’ stories, people love this kind of thing.”
“I love my team!”, Bobby shouted proudly, clapping a hand on the table, earning a laugh from Chimney and Eddie while Hen and Buck glanced at each other puzzled.
He was about to add something but the alarm bell stole his words away and they hastily climbed on the truck, ready to do their job.
~
Eddie parked his truck in the airport's parking lot and turned off the engine.
He relaxed against his seat and grinned when Buck interlaced their fingers and shifted their intertwined hands to place them on the gearshift; it was a habitual gesture and Eddie loved it, he loved to realize - each time as it was the first - how their hands seemed born to fit together, matching perfectly.
"I can't wait to see them", Buck broke the silence, happiness across his voice and features. "It's been a while and I’m so excited to meet TK’s boyfriend."
The crew of Firehouse 126, except TK and Carlos, joined them in LA a few days earlier and now Buck and Eddie were at the airport, waiting for the two lovebirds. They hadn’t been able to leave Austin with the others because Carlos couldn’t change his shifts.
“Should I be jealous?” Eddie teased, glancing at him.
Buck rolled his eyes as he couldn’t help but grin. “Of course not, you idiot.”
“Well, let’s go!” he exclaimed, looking at his watch. “They should be here in ten minutes.”
He got out of the car, waiting for his boyfriend to interlace their hands again, and headed to the terminal, walking slowly to enjoy the windy and pleasant evening.
“I love airports”, Eddie said when they walked through the front door. “They are always crowded, every person with his baggage of clothes and dreams… someone is looking for adventures, someone is going to meet a partner or a relative and someone is flying overseas to start a new life. Travelers are arriving, others are leaving. Tourists or students, youths or adults… there is something magical in the airports.”
Buck listened carefully, without missing a single movement of his boyfriend. He took in the small wrinkles around his eyes, the gestures of his free hand, the way he had wrinkled his nose, every shade of his voice.
“It’s kinda poetic”, he stated, rubbing his thumb against Eddie’s knuckles. “I agree, there’s something magical but I didn’t love airports so much.”
He added no more, it wasn’t necessary.
He knew that Eddie would’ve understood everything like he always did when it came to Buck. He was an open book for his boyfriend.
“Yeah, airports could make you pensive or nostalgic sometimes” he offered, turning his head to kiss Buck’s temple.
The noise of suitcases dragged on the floor and loud chatter drew their attention and sooner than they expected, Buck heard TK’s voice from somewhere in the middle of the crowd, calling his name.
The blond turned his head to the voice’s direction and he ran towards his friend as a huge smile brightened up his face.
He had to do the slalom through all the other passengers but he finally managed to throw himself into TK’s arms, unaware of Carlos and Eddie’s gaze on them as they hugged tightly in the middle of the airport.
“It’s nice to see you, dumbass!”, Buck greeted him, pulling back some moments later, his smile still in place.
“Hello dumbasser”, TK replied, winking smugly. “Buck, this is Carlos… my boyfriend”, he introduced the man beside him, blushing a little.
Buck grinned, offering Carlos his hand. “Nice to finally meet you, Carlos. I’ve heard a lot about you… TK always praises you, he’s so gone over you man.”
Carlos shook his hand, smiling back. “Nice to meet you too, Buck. Thank God TK doesn’t praise you so much but I’ve heard a lot about you too”, he teased, looking at his boyfriend.
Buck laughed and turned his head to find Eddie right behind him, a small smile on his face as he waited patiently to be introduced to TK and Carlos.
“Carlos, this is Eddie… my boyfriend”, he said proudly, caressing his arm. “TK, you already met him but recently there has been a change in our relationship status”, he added happily, “so I want to officially introduce him as my boyfriend now.”
Eddie blushed as he shook hands with Carlos and TK, happy to meet them.
“I can’t believe you thought I was hitting on you, man!” Buck exclaimed, giggling as TK shrugged, shifting his gaze from Eddie to Carlos and vice versa.
“It’s not my fault! I’m used to people hitting on me”, he teased smugly, earning laughter from Buck and Eddie and a dirty look from Carlos.
“Amor, he’s not all wrong”, Eddie chimed in. “How was he supposed to know that you were head over heels for me if I didn’t know that either?”
TK raised his hand and Eddie high-fived him, earning a pout from Buck.
“Whose side are you on?” Buck whined, narrowing his eyes. “Anyway, I wasn’t the one who had a girlfriend so shut up, you brat.”
“Ouch!”, TK and Carlos said in one voice, earning giggles from the other two.
TK noticed the way they looked at each other, it was clear how much they loved each other and he was really happy for them.
Ever since Buck told him he was in love with his best friend, TK had cheered for their story to have a happy ending and now that he had seen them together he was sure that they were meant to be just like him and Carlos.
"Dude, I'm so happy for you", TK murmured as they headed to the parking lot, Eddie and Carlos some steps ahead of them. "We both have a background of failed relationships and personal struggles, we both used to believe that we weren't worthy of love but then Carlos and Eddie showed up and they've overturned our beliefs… sometimes I still wonder how I got so lucky and I know you do the same but we're happy and loved now and you know what? We deserve all of this."
Buck smiled, his eyes bright and teary, as he glanced at his boyfriend and then at TK.
"Yeah, I wonder how I got so lucky but Eddie is great in reminding me that I'm worthy of love and happiness, he always did but it's different now that we are a couple", he replied, emotions all over his words. "Chris, his son, does the same… he loves me unconditionally and they are the family I've always wanted. I can't wait you to meet him, that guy is adorable."
TK pushed his shoulder friendly, winking at him with a soft expression on his face.
"All right, stop with those romantic stuff because I don't want to cry", he teased, wrinkling his nose. "Carlos and Eddie seem to get along… those jealous idiots."
"Is Carlos jealous of me?", Buck asked, frowning, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Yeah, he's jealous but I swear he's harmless", TK said, giggling as he glanced at their boyfriends, still involved in what seemed to be an interesting conversation. "Seriously, he's happy that I have a great friend and he was curious to meet you."
Buck nodded. "Well, it’s the same for Eddie”, he admitted cheerfully, shrugging as he winked at TK. “I love teasing him about his jealousy, he always pouts and he’s adorable.”
TK was about to reply but Carlos and Eddie turned, looking at them with an impatient grin.
“Hurry up, boys!” Eddie shouted, pretending to be annoyed. “I get it why Judd calls you dumbass and dumbasser, you two look like two teens on a school trip”, he joked, rolling his eyes as Carlos mirrored his gestures.
“Oh no, they’ve made a team against us… TK, we’re screwed!” Buck commented dramatically, sighing hard. “Should we be the jealous ones now?”, he smirked, making Carlos and Eddie flush.
“Evan Buckley, you’re an asshole… you know that?” Eddie asked rhetorically, reaching for his boyfriend to pinch his cheek.
“I’m fully aware of that but I also know that you love me, Eds… you can’t get enough of me.”
Eddie rolled his eyes again, leaning in to seal his lips against Buck’s.
“My favorite asshole”, he murmured on his mouth, kissing his bright and smug smile.
They pulled back in a few seconds and the four of them continued to tease each other as they jumped into Eddie’s car, ready to go to the firehouse to meet their crews to take stock of the whole fundraising situation.
~
Eddie stood in front of the mirror in the empty fitting rooms' area of the elegant boutique they were in, Buck right ahead of him.
His boyfriend was looking at him like he was a masterpiece in a museum or a stunning sunset on Laguna Beach and his amazed glance made Eddie flush, his face practically on fire as his heart pounded in his chest.
"You… oh God, this suit is just perfect! It looks really great on you and… baby, you're handsome. Really, really handsome", he said softly, his voice not louder than a whisper as his eyes slid up and down his figure, memorizing every detail of his body, perfectly wrapped in that blue elegant suit.
It looked as if it had been designed and then sewn on him and Buck was almost speechless. It wasn't the first time he'd seen his boyfriend dressed in a tuxedo but the previous times he was just his best friend so he wasn't technically allowed to feel what he was feeling now.
"I… would you like to try it with a tie, Eds?", he asked gently, his heart hammering in his chest as his throat went dry.
"Sure", he managed to say, overwhelmed by Buck's words. It was a not so typical situation for them and he was a little sheepish, he wasn't so used to compliments.
Buck returned a few moments later with some ties hung on his forearm and that gorgeous smile still in place.
"I love this one", he said, pointing at a cloudy gray tie, "but it's on you… which one do you want to try?"
His polite and sweet voice made Eddie's lips itching to kiss Buck's but he just reached out to touch his cheek, sliding his thumb along his cheekbones.
"That one is beautiful", he stated, pointing at Buck's favourite tie.
Buck smiled as he leaned in to steal Eddie a kiss, then he tied his tie with shaky hands and stepped back to see how gorgeous his boyfriend was. He couldn't help but contemplate him like he was a painting.
He caught in a breath as Eddie interlaced their fingers, tugging him close again.
"I love your eyes on me", he mumbled, kissing him softly. "I love the way you look at me, like I'm the most beautiful thing you've ever seen."
Buck smoothed the fabric of his jacket, lingering with his hands on his pecs before running them up to cup his neck.
"You are, baby", he replied, smiling as he took in Eddie's blush. "I love you more than anything and I love this suit!", he smirked, sliding his eyes up and down his figure again, asking Eddie to turn around to see him from every angle. "I know you didn't need a new suit to attend the fundraising event but this is amazing, you have to buy it."
"Wanna be my personal shopper, amor?", he teased, glancing at the mirror. He had to admit, Buck was right… that dress looked really good on him and he couldn't remember the last time he went shopping for him and not Christopher. "Anyway, I thought you preferred me undressed", he smirked, gloating, biting his bottom lip.
"I do", he confirmed, blushing a little. "But I'm biased, Eds. To me you are handsome in your uniform, in tracksuit after your daily run, in your pajamas… you're so damn beautiful, baby. I can't believe you're all fucking mine."
He glanced straight into Eddie's hazel eyes, still pleasantly astonished by the incredible light they emanated.
"Well, for the record I can't believe you are all fucking mine", he responded, a dreamy expression across his face. "I love you."
Buck brushed his nose against Eddie's, stealing him another quick and soft kiss before pulling back, smirking for the hundredth time that day.
"As I said, this suit looks great on you but I can't wait to take it off from you", he murmured straight in his ear, placing his hand at the small of his back before he walked backwards to leave him alone in the middle of the fitting rooms, with a grin on his lips and a smug gaze in his eyes.
"Amor", he called him, just before he was too far away. "I can't wait too."
~
Eddie walked through the hall and climbed onto the stage, holding the microphone in his hand. He cleared his voice and scratched his chin nervously, taking a deep breath before he started talking.
He fixed his gaze on Buck and Christopher to calm himself down as he recounted his story, all the steps he climbed to reach the summit. He told everything, laying bare in front of all the strangers allowing them to see his weaknesses and what he was proud of.
He talked about the greatest joy of his life, his amazing son Christopher, and admitted how hard it was to be a single dad with a dangerous and risky job but he also said how beautiful it was when there were just the two of them, trying to figure out how to be happy in a new city, trying to built a new life far away from their older one.
His voice cracked a few times so he stopped his speech and invited Christopher on the stage as the audience clapped their hands to cheer him.
The boy staggered shyly over to his dad, tucking into his side as he smiled brightly.
"Dad is my hero", he murmured, glancing at him and then at Buck, who was almost crying. "I'm his lucky charm and I wanna tell him that he's mine."
The crowd clapped hands again as Eddie crouched down to hug his son tightly, a huge smile dancing on his lips.
"Los Angeles means the world to me", Eddie said, touching the LAFD brooch on his jacket. "This city gave me a new family and a new life… Los Angeles taught me how to be myself, how to leave behind what haunted me, how to love again", he continued, touched, searching for those blue eyes he would've found everywhere. "I'm not a single dad anymore, I've found a person who loves me and my son unconditionally, as no one had ever done before. He's sitting among you and I just want to tell him that I'm really grateful for having him beside me. Life gave me so much pain and bad moments to deal with but I'm happy now and he's a huge part of my happiness. The world is beautiful, seen through his ocean eyes."
Eddie wiped a tear hastily before it could reach his cheek and he sighed softly, hugging his son as tight as possible.
"I love you, Evan. Joy's more intense when I share it with you. Thank you for proving to me that I could be happy and loved again."
He hadn't planned to say all of that, he had never been much of a talker but that evening, in front of all those people, he chose to be more open, letting his heart speak instead of his head. His heart screamed Buck's name.
Eddie smiled as he left the stage, placing a hand on Christopher's shoulder as Buck met them halfway, holding his favourite boys.
"I love you more than anything else", he murmured against Eddie's lips as Christopher joined Harry and Denny at the stand of cookies. "I'm so proud of you baby, you told your story in front of all these people and I know how hard it is for you to be that open… you amazed me, God I can't believe you talked about us!"
"I would shout how much I love you from the rooftop of this building", he teased, laughing slightly, interlacing their hands as he tugged Buck back to their table, shared with Carlos and TK.
Judd approached them as soon as they sat on their chairs, a fake nauseated expression on his face.
"Dudes, I can't handle four lovesick teenagers, it's too much for my cynical cowboy heart", he whined, rolling his eyes.
"I miss my Gracie and I'm surrounded by two impossibly sappy couples, it's unfair… I'm used to Carlos and TK and I assure you that they always have heart eyes for one another but God, you two are not better", he teased, pretending to be bothered by their unconditional love. He looked at Eddie and Buck, clearing his throat and turning serious. "Chris is really lucky, he couldn't have asked for better Dads than you two. Well, I don't know you very well but I know TK and Carlos and their friends are our friends so welcome to the family, guys. We would be happy to have you in Austin again, maybe not for work this time… I'd love to introduce you to my wife."
Buck and Eddie smiled and Judd could have sworn that he noticed a tear in the angle of Buck's eye. He hugged them both, then he disappeared heading to the biscuit stand, entertaining the kids.
"He's right", Owen chimed in, making them flinch in surprise. "We're a family now. I couldn't be more grateful for what you are doing for us", he said, his voice cracking a little as he glanced briefly at his son and then at Buck. "Son, thank you for being such a good friend for TK", he murmured straight in his ear as he tugged him in for a fatherly hug. "I can recognize a true love when I see one and it's what you and Eddie have."
"Thank you, Captain." They replied in one voice, earning a laugh from Owen.
"Just call me Owen", he grimaced, winking and patting their shoulders before heading towards Bobby and the other firefighters, gathered around the stage, talking with some of the donors.
"Why is everyone so emotional tonight?", Carlos asked, wrinkling his nose. "I mean, it's a fundraiser… not a wedding."
"Come on babe, stop pretending to be a cold-hearted guy… you're the cutest", TK mumbled, kissing his temple softly.
Carlos was about to reply but a love song started playing in the background and cut him off, making the subject of his next phrase change immediately.
"Wanna dance, amor?", he asked, looking at his boyfriend as if he hung the moon.
TK blushed but nodded slightly, standing up and reaching for Carlos' hand.
Eddie and Buck exchanged a look, sheepish and soft smiles on their faces as they were thinking exactly the same thing.
"May I have this dance, corazón?" Eddie asked gently, holding out his hand, offering Buck the sweetest smile ever.
Buck felt his stomach flip and his heart pulsing into his ears as he nodded, interlacing their hands for their first dance.
Well, it wasn't really the first but Buck refused to count playing Just Dance as a dance.
He was a little embarrassed; everytime he was with Eddie the world disappeared and nothing existed but the two of them.
But he could sense the looks on them; both the firehouses knew about their relationship but they have never been the PDA kind of guys so it was kinda new and shocking to see them dancing on a love song.
Eddie tugged him closer, wrapping his strong arm around his waist, the palm of his hand rubbing the small of his back gently as his other hand was anchored to his shoulder, the thumb stroking his collarbone.
He smiled at Buck and that bright smile sucked the oxygen from his lungs.
"Your smile drives me crazy", Buck murmured, drawing his lips with the fingertip of his index finger. "You drive me crazy", he added, tangling his free hand in the soft strands on the back of his neck.
"Look who's talking", Eddie teased, resting his head on his shoulder, placing a soft kiss under his ear. Buck moved one of his hands down to his back, tugging him closer as they slowly danced on an Ed Sheeran's song.
"I've never been a good dancer and I'm sure I'm pretty ridiculous right now but I would dance with you all night long just to hold you so close baby", Buck whispered, shivering a little when Eddie kissed his sensitive skin again and again.
"You don't need an excuse to hold me like this, amor", he replied as he pulled away slightly, just to glance at him, drowning into his bright eyes. "I love you."
Eddie had never been much of a talker and he still was a little freezed when it came to be open about his feelings but every wall tumbled down when it came to Buck.
Putting his love for Buck in words had never been difficult, it was as natural as breathing and dancing with him like that, in a crowded hall, surrounded by mostly strangers, made him feel as if every single piece of his soul had found the right spot inside his chest, as it every wound was fully healed thanks to Buck's love and tenderness, as if his demons were finally silent.
The only voice inside him was the one who screamed Buck's name, the one who repeated how lucky he was and how loved he was. That voice replaced the old ones and Buck's blue eyes replaced the dark which he had hid into so many times in the past.
They were his shelter now, Buck was and he had never felt safer.