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When Eddie got the message from Buck, it was weary. But he’s never one to turn his best friend down so he did as he asked—buy beers and show up.
Eddie uses his spare key to let himself in and pushes the door open. “Buck?”
“Out here.” Buck responds from the balcony.
Eddie tosses his keys on the counter and walks out onto the balcony with the pack of beers in his hand. “Hey. As you requested.” He teases as he sets them down on the table, then he notices Buck’s face.
“Holy—what the hell happened?!” Eddie freaks. He doesn’t mean to but come on, his best friend is sitting in front of him with a black eye.
Buck sighs and reaches for one of the beers, but Eddie slaps his hand away, earning a scoff. “Ow!”
“Oh, shut up. That didn’t hurt. Answer my question.” Eddie demands, making his way back into the apartment to put ice inside a baggie. When he comes back out, he sees Buck pressing a finger to his eye, wincing when pain shoots through his head.
“Buck.” Eddie brings his hand up to grab his chin, making him look at him as he slowly presses the ice pack to his eye. Buck hisses and Eddie frowns. “Sorry,” he murmurs.
Buck shrugs. “It’s fine. Chim hit me.”
“He what?!” Eddie pulls the bag away in disbelief and Buck drops his head. “He punched me. He was angry because I didn’t tell him I knew about Maddie leaving. She just wants space, Eddie.” He explains.
Eddie narrows his eyes. “That sure as hell doesn’t give him the right to hit you! What the hell, Buck?” He asks.
“I deserved it. I should’ve told him.” Buck mumbles. Eddie gives him a look. “You didn’t deserve it, Buck. You sound insane and Chim is an idiot for laying a hand on you. You know what—“ he slams the ice pack on the table next to the beers and heads for the door to go back into the apartment, but Buck is able to grab his wrist before he crosses the barrier.
“Buck—“
“Don’t,” Buck croaks. “Don’t go. Please. Just…just stay.”
Eddie frowns deeply as Buck stares up at him with pleading eyes. “Okay.” He whispers.
Buck releases his hold on him and watches as Eddie picks the ice pack up. The older man hesitates before slotting himself in between Buck’s legs, bringing his free hand up to his neck, using his thumb to move his jaw around to examine the bruise.
“He got you pretty good.” Eddie murmurs, pressing the ice to the skin once again.
Buck bites back a soft groan. “It hurts.” He says. Eddie gives him an apologetic look and Buck exhales deeply. “Thank you for coming, Eds. I just—thank you.”
Eddie nods. “Of course. You know I’d always come, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.” He tells him.
“I know. That’s…it’s what I love about you.” Buck confesses. Eddie meets his eyes and his breath gets caught in his throat. He’s never had the pleasure of being able to stare at his best friend’s eyes. Sure, they’ve had their moments but Eddie’s never been this close to his face and looking at the beautiful, ocean eyes of Buck’s.
God, this man is absolutely gorgeous and Eddie’s so gone for him, it’s crazy.
“You think I’m gorgeous?” Buck whispers.
“Did I say that out loud?” Eddie asks. Buck grins lightly and nods. Eddie huffs, his face turning red as he turns his eyes back on the bruise. “Yeah. I do think you are. I mean, have you seen yourself?” He asks.
Buck chuckles quietly. “I have. But no one’s ever called me gorgeous.” He states. Eddie takes the ice pack off and cups Buck’s face with both hands. Buck closes his eyes and sighs in content as Eddie drags his thumbs across his cheekbones.
“I love you, Evan. I hate seeing you hurt. It hurts me.” Eddie says. Buck reaches forward to rest his hands on Eddie’s hips, pulling him impossibly closer. “I’m better since you’re here. It’s always better when you’re around.” He murmurs.
Eddie smiles softly and leans his head down to rest it against Buck’s. “We’ll get through this, Ev. I’m here for you, okay?”
Buck nods. “Okay.”
Eddie leans down even more to press his lips to Buck’s. It’s short and sweet and it’s perfect for both of them.
When they pull away, Eddie hands the ice pack to Buck. “Ice goes on the eye.”
Buck chuckles again as he takes it from him, lifting it up to his bruise. Eddie kisses his nose and steps back to open a few beers for them.
They’ll figure this out. They have each other after all.