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It’s not until after Eddie’s broken up with Ana, after Buck’s broken up with Taylor, after the shooting and the distance and the coming back together that Eddie asks, casual in the way that isn’t casual at all, “Have you ever heard of asexuality?”
Buck is still half caught up in finishing the puzzle Eddie brought out in an attempt to curb Christopher from too much screen time and which Christopher dubbed boring and went to read in his room instead. He’ll blame his distracted state for saying, “Which sexuality?”
Eddie lets out a short exhale and pushes Buck’s shoulder with his foot, stretched out on the couch while Buck sits on the floor. “ A sexuality. One word.”
Buck finally finds the piece he’s been looking for and sticks it in place with a triumphant ha! before turning to Eddie, who looks mildly uncomfortable despite his relaxed posture. In addition to the tone Buck’s ears finally process, Buck figures it’s not really a just wondering kind of question. “I mean, that’s what the A stands for, right?”
Eddie’s mouth quirks. “Yeah, that’s what the A stands for. And I think it’s also the right word for me.”
Buck perks up. Eddie had told him he’d been thinking about things but had kept most of it close to his chest—not hiding, just considering—so the fact that he’s brought it up again means it’s probably a lot more than thinking it fits.
“Yeah?” Buck says, smiling at the way Eddie nods and relaxes. “That’s awesome, man, I’m so happy for you! Wait, hold on, this is a hugging moment.” He attempts to lift himself up and is taken down by the pins and needles in his left foot. “Okay, I’m hugging you just as soon as I can get up, oh god, my foot’s asleep, Eddie, help.”
In the end, Eddie laughs and slides to the floor so Buck can hug him, valiantly allowing Buck to rock them side to side despite the limited space.
“Seriously, Eddie, I’m happy for you,” Buck says, tucked into Eddie’s hair while Eddie rests his head on his shoulder.
He can hear the smile when Eddie says, “I’m happy for me, too.”