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Even though Maddie feels like she’s ready to pop with how pregnant she is, the Buckley siblings still keep up their weekly tradition of meeting for lunch on Wednesday - their shared day off.
Currently, they’re trying out a new vegan restaurant that opened up close to Maddie’s place. Maddie has to (albeit reluctantly) admit that the food is good - great even - and she now has no grounds for refusing to at least try veganism with Buck at his request. She can tell that he knows this too, judging by the smug look on his face.
“You wanna hang around for a little while? I don’t feel like going home just yet.” She asks him as they finish up their food.
“Sure thing. What were you thinking of doing?” Buck asks.
Maddie shrugs. “Nothing in particular. Just wander around, and see where it takes us? Like old times?”
Like old times. Back in Pennsylvania, Maddie would often take Buck to their local mall after school to limit the time they had to spend with their parents. They would always go into one particular store - the name of which Maddie cannot for the life of her remember - and use the piano and drum kit to practice their music. The owner, Mr. Jefferson - an elderly man with a warm smile - would always have snacks waiting for them and new sheet music for them to try.
“Okay. Like old times.” Buck smiles, obviously remembering the same as Maddie.
Buck pays for their food, ignoring Maddie’s protests, and leads the way out of the restaurant. The two of them slowly wander down the street, pausing to look in some shop windows and enjoying the sun.
Eventually, they come across Sam Ash Music Stores. The siblings share a grin, and head inside. They stroll around the aisles for a little while, before coming to a stop in the demo section. Buck plops down on the stool at the drum kit, while Maddie gingerly lowers herself down onto the piano bench.
“Phil Collins?” Buck asks Maddie.
“Not what I was thinking, but good choice. What song?” She asks.
“Against All Odds?” Buck bites his lip.
“You got it.” Maddie nods with a soft smile.
Buck often used to use the mans power ballads to work through his feelings as a teen, and it’s obviously what he needs right now.
She runs her fingers along the keys, getting the feel for them. She quickly performs a scale, sighing happily when playing comes naturally to her, despite over a decade of not playing. Doug didn’t like it.
With a nod to Buck, she begins playing the tune of Phil Collins’s classic from memory and Buck picks up on the vocals.
Neither sibling notices the group of people - including an employee - stood behind them watching. They definitely don’t notice the employee recording.
’How can I just let you walk away?
Just let you leave without a trace.
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh.
You're the only one who really knew me at all.’
Maddie takes a moment to appreciate her little brothers voice. He’s always been very shy about it - even refusing to participate in karaoke nights with the 118 - but she’s unsure on why. He has a beautiful singing voice, always has.
’How can you just walk away from me?
When all I can do is watch you leave.
‘Cause we've shared the laughter and the pain and even shared the tears.
You're the only one who really knew me at all.
So take a look at me now, there's just an empty space.
And there's nothing left here to remind me.
Just the memory of your face.
Oh, take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space.
And you coming back to me is against the odds.
And that's what I've got to face.’
Buck comes in with the drums, sounding just as good as he did 15 years ago, and Maddie joins in on the vocals. She’s a lot more comfortable with her singing voice - she knows she sounds good, without wanting to sound too bigheaded.
’I wish I could just make you turn around.
Turn around and see me cry.
There's so much I need to say to you, so many reasons why.
You're the only one who really knew me at all.
So take a look at me now, well there's just an empty space.
And there's nothing left here to remind me, just the memory of your face.
Now take a look at me now, ‘cause there's just an empty space.
But to wait for you, is all I can do and that's what I've got to face.
Take a good look at me now, ‘cause I'll still be standing here.
And you coming back to me is against all odds.
It's the chance I've gotta take.
Take a look at me now.’
The small crowd gathered around the siblings applaud their performance, making Buck startle and flush an adorable red colour. He thanks them all sheepishly, and Maddie follows his lead. They slowly back away from the crowd with big grins on their faces.
“Feel better now?” She asks as they walk out the door of the store.
“Much.” Buck laughs.
“Good, because my feet hurt and I want to go home.” Maddie sighs.
Buck turns to look at her funnily. “But you’re the one who wanted to stroll around!”
“I only said that to spend more time with you and get you out of your funk.”
“What funk?”
“Apparently you’ve been quiet enough at work that even Chimney’s worried about you. Chimney.’ Maddie emphasises with her raised eyebrows. ‘So, I made it my personal mission to cheer you up.”
“This was your plan all along? To bring me here?” Buck asks with a soft smile.
Maddie nods. “I know how much you love to play.”
“You’re the best big sister, you know that?”
“Oh I know. Now, take me home so we can watch terrible romcoms with ice cream. And before you ask - of course we’re having Ben & Jerry’s.”
“Lead the way.” Buck chuckles and links his arm with Maddie’s.
—
Buck is forever grateful to have such an amazing sister as Maddie. He hadn’t even realised the weird mood he’d been in was showing, or that Chimney of all people had picked up on it, but he’s glad he did. Because spending time with his sister and unborn niece always makes him feel better, no matter what. And playing the drums has always been a blues remedy for Buck.
So, the next morning, Buck enters the firehouse with a slight bounce in his step, feeling good. He catches sight of Chimney and heads over to thank the man, when his name getting yelled catches his attention.
“Hey Buckley!”
Buck spins around and see’s Riley and Martin heading in his direction. He grins at the men and meets them halfway across the bay.
“Hey guys, what’s up?” He asks.
Martin, instead of answering him, pulls his phone from his pocket and presents it to Buck. Who raises a confused eyebrow, but dutifully takes it. He stares at the screen when Martin presses play on the video loaded, and Buck’s stomach swoops.
The video is of him and Maddie at the store yesterday, performing together. Despite being less than 24 hours old, the video has somehow managed to wrack up 500,000 views already, and it’s still climbing steadily. Buck cringes as the sound of his own voice comes through the tinny speakers of Martin’s phone.
“You’ve been holding out on us, man. Why did you never tell us that you could sing?” Riley asks, not unkindly.
Buck shrugs. “I’ve never felt particularly comfortable performing.”
“But you did in the middle of a store!” Martin argues as the video continues to play in his hand.
“In my defence, I didn’t know there was this many people there. And I definitely didn’t know they were recording.” Buck states, getting more and more uncomfortable.
“Well, who’d you sing it for? ‘Cause theres a lot of emotion there.” Riley prods.
Bucks mouth works open and closed like a fish as he desperately tries to come up with a plausible lie. And that’s when Hen swoops in and saves the day.
“Come on, leave him alone.’ She says, stepping in between Buck and Martin and Riley. ‘Just ‘cause we work with him, it doesn’t give us entitlement to know about absolutely everything in his life. He’s allowed to have secrets.”
“We were just teasing man. I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable, I just think you’re really good.” Riley tells Buck apologetically.
“Thanks.” Buck mumbles.
Hen takes his arm in hers and pulls him away, towards the toilets. The second the door clicks shut behind him, Buck lets out a shaky breath and leans heavily on the sink. Hen rubs his shoulders comfortingly.
“You alright Buckaroo?” Hen asks gently.
“Yeah I’m good.’ Buck nods. ‘Thanks for that.”
“I’ve got your back, too.’ Buck looks up at her through the mirror and smiles. ‘You wanna talk about it?”
“Do I really have to?” Buck sighs.
“Not at all. But, it might make you feel better.” Hen shrugs.
Buck debates his options internally. He knows Hen would never judge him for his feelings, and getting it off his chest once more would feel good...
“I’m in love with Eddie.’ He blurts. His wide eyes match Hen’s own, but he ploughs on. ‘I think I have been for a while now, but he’s happy with Ana and as happy as I am for him, it’s killing me. Seeing her with him when I want it to be me. So, I’ve taken to singing cheesy love ballads to get my feelings off my chest recently.”
Hen blinks at him as she takes in all the information Buck has just dumped on her, before smiling softly.
“I’m proud of you.’ Is what she starts with. ‘For coming out to not only yourself, but to me. I know how scary confronting your feelings can be.”
“Oh. Thanks Hen.” Buck blushes.
“And I think you should tell Eddie.” Hen tells him nonchalantly.
Buck chokes on his own saliva. “What?”
“You should tell Eddie how you feel.” Hen states again, just as nonchalant as before.
“Why on earth would I do that? It would ruin everything!”
“How?”
“Because!’ Buck squeaks. ‘Eddie doesn’t love me back, and it will make things so awkward. He’ll never want to speak to me again and I’ll never see Chris again and-“
“Okay, calm down and breathe.’ Hen cuts in to instruct. ‘You don’t know any of that. You don’t know that Eddie doesn’t love you back. You don’t know that he will stop talking to you and take Christopher away if you tell him. Do you?”
“Yes!” Buck’s voice is reaching new heights right now.
“You’re wrong.”
Buck jumps at the new voice, and turns towards the door. Eddie is stood in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyebrows furrowed.
“Ed’s..” Buck whispers.
“I’m gonna give you two a minute alone.” Hen states and makes a swift exit.
Buck watches her go, and then stares at the closed door, to give his eyes something to focus on other than Eddie.
“Buck, look at me.” Eddie asks softly.
Reluctantly, Buck does so, unable to ever say no to Eddie. He meets Eddie’s eye and takes a deep breath.
“Eddie, I can explain-“
“Is it true?” Eddie cuts in to ask.
Buck sucks in a deep breath. “Yes.’ He whispers. ‘It’s true. I’m in love with you.”
Eddie nods along, a small smile fighting to break free on his lips. Then suddenly, he steps forwards.
For every step towards Buck that Eddie makes, Buck steps back. He has no idea what’s going on right now. Eventually, his lower back hits the sink, and Buck is cornered. He braces himself for the punch he’s sure Eddie is about to land, but it doesn’t come.
Instead, he gently cups Buck’s cheek and leans in to whisper against his lips. “Good.”
Eddie then closes the small distance between the two of them to kiss Buck softly, and every constructive thought in Buck’s mind vacates the premises.
Eddie’s lips are slightly chapped but soft against his own. He tastes like fire and honey and home. His slight stubble scratches Buck’s cheek, and it sends shivers down his spine.
This is obviously a fever dream, but you can be sure as hell that Buck is going to make the most of it. His brain turns to mush and a happy sigh escapes his lips and Buck kisses Eddie back with everything he has.
When they finally pull away, gasping for breath, Buck rests his head against Eddie’s shoulder.
“Best fever dream ever.” He mumbles.
Eddie snorts. “Buck, this isn’t a dream. This is real.”
Buck slowly pulls away to look at Eddie’s face with a frown.
“Of course it’s not real.’ He scoffs. ‘You’d never kiss me in real life.”
Eddie gives him a bemused smile. “I would and I just did. You’re not dreaming, Evan.”
And to prove his point, Eddie pinches his arm. Hard. Buck yelps involuntary and glares at the older man as he rubs the sore spot.
“That was uncalled for.” He pouts.
“But do you believe me now?” Eddie raises an eyebrow, and Buck flushes red.
“Yeah. This is real. You just kissed me.’ Buck couldn’t keep the goofy grin off his face if you paid him. Until a thought strikes him. ‘You just kissed me!” He yells in an accusing tone.
“Uh, yeah?” Eddie frowns in confusion.
“You have a girlfriend!”
“No I don’t-“ Eddie cuts in, but Buck being Buck just carries on rambling.
“You have a girlfriend and you just cheated on her with me! I am not a home wrecker and - wait what?”
“You done being an idiot?’ Eddie smirks and Buck nods dumbly. ‘I don’t have a girlfriend, Ana and I broke up a few days ago.”
“You didn’t tell me.’ Buck pouts. ‘You tell me everything.”
“I haven’t seen much of you, and it’s not really something I wanted to talk about over text.”
“Oh. Well okay then. Why did you break up?” Buck asks.
“Is it not obvious?’ Eddie shakes his head in amusement. ‘She realised that I was in love with you and ended things. She then told me to go for what I wanted, so here I am.”
“You want… me?” Buck points to himself.
“Yes, you idiot. I want you.” Eddie sighs.
“Again with the insults..’ Buck grins. ‘But, if it wasn’t clear before - I want you too Eddie. I love you.”
“I love you too.’ Eddie smiles. ‘Who knew the kick we both needed would come from my ex girlfriend and Phil Collins?”
“You’ve seen the video too?” Buck groans.
“Yeah I have. You’re good, Buck, really good. Maybe you could give me a… private concert.”
“Huh. Apparently, Eddie Diaz can make anything sound sexual. Who knew?’ Buck grins and leans in to kiss Eddie. ‘I would love to.”
“I look forward to it.” Eddie pulls away to wink, and then deepens the kiss.
So, of course, the alarms go off and separate them. Both men groan, but hurry out of the bathroom. Bobby catches their eyes and smirks.
“We’ll sit down and have chat when we’re back, boys.” He states.
“Aye aye cap.” Buck grins, and they all pile into the engine.
Hen sits opposite the two of them with a smirk on her face. “It’s nice to see you both pulled your heads outta your asses.”
“You knew he was listening all along, didn’t you?” Buck accuses her.
“Guilty. I saw him following us.” She shrugs easily.
“Well.. thank you, Hen. I doubt I would’ve had the confidence to talk to him about it myself.”
“I know.’ Hen shrugs again with a giant grin. ‘You can pay me back with a double date tomorrow night. Karen will be thrilled when I tell her.”
“We’ll be there.” Eddie laughs.
“Excellent.” Hen chirps just as the engine rolls to a stop.
Eddie leans over in his seat to peck Buck’s lips before he leaps out, and Buck watches him go with an undoubtedly goofy grin.
Thank god for Hen, Ana and Phil Collins.