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They’d already made plans to hang out at Eddie’s house earlier in the day. That was before Buck decided to drop the bombshell: “I’m transferring.”
The hell he was! Eddie thought, his mind reeling. This conversation was far from over.
As he packed up his gear, Buck shuffled over hesitantly.
“I know we had plans, but with everything going on... maybe we should push it back a few days?”
Eddie sighed, shaking his head. “No, Buck. I meant what I said at the table—we need to talk. You can follow me home if you want.”
“Okay,” Buck replied quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. Together, they said goodnight to the rest of the team.
When Eddie got home, he didn’t bother trying to make Buck feel welcome—because Buck already belonged there. He simply left the door open and headed to the fridge for a pair of beers.
Hearing footsteps behind him, Eddie called out, “Close the door after you come in!”
The soft click of the door echoed behind Buck, tension settling heavily in the air.
“Uh, where’s Chris?” Buck asked, heading for the couch but keeping a deliberate distance between himself and Eddie.
Eddie ignored the gap for now, handing Buck a beer. “He’s at Abuela’s tonight. She wanted some time with him.”
“Right. Uh... no need to beat around the bush.”
“Buck, I’m not mad. I’m just upset you think you could slip away that easily.”
“I know,” Buck admitted. “I thought I was doing what’s best for everyone—giving us some space. Maybe it’d bring Chim back...”
“And Maddie?” Eddie pressed, his eyes sharp.
Buck hesitated. “I get what you said about not needing to fix her. But I still think she needs time to find herself.”
“I know you care about her,” Eddie said softly. “But this isn’t about Maddie. And don’t tell yourself you’re being selfish—because you’re not. You hear me?”
Buck nodded silently, swallowing the lump in his throat.
“Buck, I’m saying this because I’m your friend. Because I care about you. Got it?”
“Best friend,” Buck muttered, barely audible.
Eddie leaned closer, his voice warm. “Yes, Buck. My best friend in the entire world. You know that, right?”
“I think so,” Buck admitted. “But lately, I thought you were tired of me. I mentioned it to Taylor, and all she said was, ‘Maybe give him a day or two.’ Do you know how much that hurt?” His voice cracked, tears threatening to spill.
Eddie winced. “I can imagine. Remember when I couldn’t talk to you for a while? But look at us now—closer than ever. And I’m not going anywhere. So why the hell do you think you have to transfer?”
Buck’s head dropped between his knees as he broke down. “Because I thought it was my fault!” he cried, voice muffled. “Maddie left. Chim punched me. Taylor says I’m too much for her. You’ve been distant. And Ravi? Everyone’s happier with him in my spot.”
Without a word, Eddie pulled Buck into a tight hug, holding him as if the world depended on it.
When Buck’s breathing evened out, Eddie pulled back slightly, his hands steady on Buck’s face. “Listen to me. None of this is your fault. Chim had no right to hit you, and you’re not to blame for Maddie’s choices. And as for me, Buck—I would never let you leave that easily. You mean too much to me. You’re part of my family. You hear me?”
Buck nodded, his lips trembling. “Yeah, I hear you.”
“Good,” Eddie said, his voice firm but gentle. “Because I’d fight for us to stay together. I’d fight for you, Buck. Always. I love you.”
The words slipped out before Eddie could stop them, but as he looked into Buck’s stunned eyes, he realized he didn’t regret a thing.
“I’m listening...” Buck whispered, his voice shaky but full of hope.
Eddie laughed nervously. “Not to make this about me, but you kind of skipped over my confession.”
A small smile tugged at Buck’s lips as he leaned closer. “Of course I love you! I just didn’t think you meant it the way I do. Eddie, I love you like my last breath depends on it. Like, if we were the last two people on Earth, I’d make you drink the last drop of water just so you’d live another day. That’s how much I love you.”
Tears streamed down both their faces, a mix of anguish and joy.
“Buck,” Eddie choked out, his voice thick with emotion, “I couldn’t live in a world without you. And if we were the last two people on Earth? I’d make you drink the water. But that’s never happening—because I need you here. For Chris. And for me.”
Buck let out a watery laugh. “Way to kill the mood, Eds.”
Eddie snickered and pulled Buck onto his lap, holding him close. Buck tucked his head under Eddie’s chin, feeling more at peace than he had in months.
“Ev,” Eddie murmured, his voice soft and certain, “you know I love you, right?”
“I know. And I love you too. But... what now?”
“We take it day by day. And I’ll fight for us every step of the way. You’re not alone anymore.”
For the first time in what felt like forever, Evan Buckley let himself believe it.