Archive of Our Own ^beta

1.

“Dammit!”

“Buck,” Bobby chastised from the room over.

Sighing, Buck took the broken pieces of plastic in his hands, tossing them into the trash.

“Everything ok?” Eddie asked as he came up beside him.

Buck waved his hands at the garbage bin, letting out another frustrated sigh. “Broke another clipboard. These stupid things are so cheap.”

Eddie looked to the crumbled pieces, frowning as he studied them.

“What happened to those nice ones you were using? The ones that had the portfolio behind them?”

“Can’t find anymore. Bobby said we were all out of stock. Guess they’re on back order or something.”

Before Eddie could respond, the bell went off, Buck abandoning his busted clipboard in favor of his turnouts.

Listen, was it the end of the world that his clipboards kept breaking? No—well, at least not to anyone else. They might be just some silly piece of stationary, but not to Buck. They helped keep him organized, made him feel like he had a purpose. Sure, he could use the notes app on his phone, but then how would he get that satisfaction of popping open a pen, feeling it glide under his fingers as he made that signature checkmark? It just wasn’t the same.

He of course had various clipboards at home, but those all had their specific purpose; plus, if he brought them to work, there was no doubt they’d get lost or taken away. His teammates didn’t seem to appreciate his fondness of clipboards; well, apart from Eddie.

Whenever Buck had a clipboard in hand, Eddie always seemed to get this certain look in his eyes; it was the same one he got when Buck went off on a random fact binge. Eddie always got this sort of glimmer to his eyes, the green in them standing out a little more. Where his other teammates often tuned him out, Eddie was always listening, asking questions to show Buch he was genuinely interested.

Chim clicked his gum, nodding his head over to Buck.

“What’s got you down Buckaroo?”

Buck hadn’t realized he’d been looking down the entire ride, lost in his head.

“Nothing, just—it’s stupid.”

“It’s not stupid,” Eddie said from beside him.

Buck looked over to Eddie, then quickly away; it was just as easy to get lost in Eddie as it was his own head.

“I uh, another one of those cheap clipboards broke on me today.”

Hen gave him a sympathetic look as she turned his way.

“I put those on the supply list today. Should have some more in a few weeks or so.”

There was an audible groan from Bobby, Chimney, and Ravi, though Buck couldn’t help but to sit up a little higher, his frown suddenly turned upright. As they came to a stop, Hen reached out to squeeze his shoulder. “I’ll make sure you’re the first in line to get one.”

Buck thanked her before hopping out, his firefighter instincts taking over as they got to work. It ended up being a standard house fire, the 118 working together to get it out, Buck and Eddie working side by side. By the time they got back in the rig and headed to the station, Buck had all but forgotten about his beloved clipboard. It wasn’t until the next week that Buck found himself in the same situation, chastising the cheap clipboard that cracked and fell to pieces, just as all the others had.

“Ugh!”

Buck let the fragments fall to the garbage, moving to bang his head against the ladder truck after. Why did he always have the worst luck?

“Here, try this one.”

Buck turned to see Eddie stood there, his eyes not quite meeting Buck as he handed out a package. Raising his brows, Buck reached out cautiously, taking the box in his hands, letting his fingers brush against Eddie’s for longer than was necessary.

“What is it?”

Eddie gave that stern look of his, the one he usually reserved for Christopher when it was time to put the video games away, the man crossing his arms together. “Just open it.”

Ok Eddie; keep your secrets.

Buck took out his pocket knife, using it to cut the tape off before putting it back in place. He carefully opened the package, shaking out the contents into his hands. After pulling off the bubble wrap that surrounded it, Buck took the item into hand, instantly noting its’ sturdiness.

“You—you bought me a clipboard?”

Eddie shrugged his shoulder like it was no big deal, reaching out to feel it’s durability. “Well, your other ones kept breaking, so I figured you could use a nice solid one.”

Buck studied the board, running his fingers along the edges, pushing up the bar at the top, releasing the notepaper that was there. He didn’t get it closed in time, the paper falling to the floor, Eddie bending to help him collect the fallen sheets.

Eddie seemed preoccupied, his hands grasping for the paper, though his eyes were glued on the board Buck still held in hand.

“Uh—” Buck gathered a few more pieces, finally looking to where Eddie was staring, the man looking like he’d just been caught stealing something. Buck’s eyes finally caught sight of the board, and—oh. He suddenly understood why Eddie had been gawking.

It turned out, this wasn’t your run of the mill clipboard. It wasn’t the old-fashioned brown, or any of the fancy neon colors they had nowadays, nor was it black like their department issued ones; no, this clipboard was custom, made just for Buck.

They both stood at the same time, Eddie rubbing at the back of his neck nervously while Buck continued to look his new clipboard over.

“Eds, you—did you make this for me?”

Eddie gave a half shrug, his cheeks tinging a soft shade of pink.

“I was looking up clipboards, and next thing I knew, I was getting all these ads for them, you know because our phones are always listening to us?” Buck gave his unimpressed look, Eddie waving him off before going on. “Anyway, I found this site where you can customize just about anything, and well, I thought you’d get a kick out of it.”

Oh, Buck did, especially considering Eddie had personally designed it, just for him. He let his fingers skim over the design, trying to hide his bashful smile before looking up to Eddie.

“It’s um, it’s perfect Eds. I love it.”

Buck was overjoyed that he nearly told Eddie he loved him instead of the board; control yourself Buckley, it’s just a custom clipboard your best friend gave you—it doesn’t mean anything. Except, it did; if you asked Buck, it meant everything to him, just like the man who gave it to him.

“That’s, that’s good. I went back and forth on the design, even had Chris help me out.”

Buck nodded, bringing the clipboard up to study it more closely. His full name was in black lettering in the middle of the board, his nickname front and center. The background was pink, purple, and blue, little dinosaurs in the same color scheme spattered across it. It was the same color as the bisexual flag, Buck’s heart skipping a little for it. He’d known he was bisexual for years, had never really tried to hide it, though he’d only formally informed his teammates in the recent years, all of them being supportive, especially Eddie.

“I uh, I can’t wait to use it.”

Eddie looked Buck over for a moment too long, Buck suddenly feeling naked under his heated gaze.

“Yea, well—just try not to break this one, huh?”

There was a teasing to his voice, though Buck couldn’t help but to think Eddie had just handed over his heart, begging Buck not to break it. He would do no such thing.

“Yea, I’ll uh, I’ll make sure to keep it real close.”

~

2.

“Ahh, what was that?” Buck said as he brought a hand up to cup his ear, peering over to Eddie.

Eddie gave an unimpressed smirk, popping his lips before answering.

“Check.”

There, that was better.

Buck let his pen glide across the paper, checking off the last box on his list. The only thing more satisfying than making the checkmark? Knowing it was the last one needed, another item on the list finished for the day. Buck ripped off the paper to place it with the supplies, frowning as he handed it over to Eddie.

“Something wrong?” Eddie questioned, taking the pieces from him, Buck barely registering Eddie’s fingers staying rested over his for far longer than was necessary.

“Uh nothing, it’s just—my boards almost out of paper.”

Eddie finally took the papers from him, turning to file them away.

“You know you can buy refills on notepads, right?”

Of course he did, he just—wasn’t ready to get rid of this one. It was ridiculous, he knew, but something about finishing the pad of paper made it seem like he’d finished the clipboard. He wanted to cherish every part of Eddie’s thoughtful gift for as long as he possibly could.

“Yea I-I guess I’ll have to find a new one.”

Before Buck could completely spiral on the idea, Bobby called them up for their morning meeting. Sighing, Buck went to his shared locker with Eddie, placing his favorite board there so no one would disturb it while he was gone. With one last press of his fingers to it, Buck shut the locker and jogged to meet Eddie who was waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. Eddie bumped a reassuring shoulder into him, Buck unable to keep from smiling.

Their shift went on as per usual, Buck finding any excuse not to use his clipboard. If anyone noticed, they didn’t say; they were probably grateful he’d found something else to focus on, Ravi especially. So, he’d gone a little overboard one time; ok, maybe it was two. Either way, he’d meant no harm. Who didn’t love a good list with strict direction?

When they got back to the station, Buck showered and changed, looking his clipboard over after for several moments. He didn’t usually take it home, not wanting to throw off the balance, though maybe it was time to retire this one. He was terrified of something happening to it, and not just because he loved the design. Eddie had specifically made it for him, picking out each color and component, specifically with Buck in mind.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Buck stuffed the clipboard into his duffel, taking it out as soon as he got home. Maybe it was just a clipboard, but it was special to him all the same.

It wasn’t until he got to work the next morning, Bobby assigning him with cleanup delegations, that Buck realized his mistake.

“No, no, no!”

Bobby eyed him keenly. “No, you don’t want to give out jobs, or?”

Buck shook his head, bringing a hand up to rub over his temple.

“No, no, I—I forgot my clipboard at home.”

Bobby didn’t seem to understand the big dilemma, Hen raising her brows as she tried to hide a smile. Chimney stepped up to the plate, Bucks worry only intensifying.

“Would this be the clipboard that dear Eddie gave you?”

Buck hoped his cheeks weren’t as red as they felt. He cleared his throat nervously, wishing Eddie were there to somehow help save him, though he was going to be late, needing to drop Chris off beforehand.

“I uh, it’s a sturdy clipboard, ok?” It wasn’t a lie, though his teammates clearly didn’t buy it, Bobby putting his hands up in a surrender motion before walking away; the man never wanted to get involved.

Hen and Chim both gave him another pointed look, though they were thankfully called off elsewhere. He was saved from Ravi today since he wasn’t on shift, though the guy seemed to evade things almost as much as Bobby did.

Buck began to putter around the station in hopes his clipboard would magically appear, though all he found were the cheap plastic ones, the station issued ones still on backorder.

“Looking for something?”

Eddie was suddenly right behind him, Buck embarrassed for the way he jumped.

“Jeeze Eds, warn a guy.”

Eddie chuckled as he came to join him properly, duffel still slung over his shoulder.

“You have your sad puppy dog face going on. Did Bobby ban you from assigning others duties again?”

“No, he gave them to me just a few minutes ago, thank you very much,” Buck said as he stood a little taller, turning his head aways from Eddie with a, “humph!”

He could practically feel Eddie’s eyeroll from behind, the sound of Eddie unzipping his duffel making Buck twist back toward him. He watched as Eddie pulled a box out, thinking something over before handing it out to Buck.

“For-for me?”

“Yea, I uh, just open it.”

Eddie ducked his head down so Buck couldn’t quite read his facial expression, Buck hesitating for a minute before tearing the tab on the side of the package.

As he began to tear into it, he told Eddie the real reason why he’d been sulking; he did not have puppy dog eyes, ok?

“I sort of, took your clipboard home last night and uh, forgot to bring it back.”

“Well that’s perfect.”

Buck raised a brow as he started to pull the item out.

“It is?”

Eddie nodded toward the wrapping in Buck’s hand, encouraging him to finish opening it. Once Buck had the Styrofoam off, he was met with yet another clipboard, his fingers twitching against the hard plastic.

“You uh, you got me another clipboard?”

There was no way Eddie had ordered this and gotten it delivered in the time Buck had realized he’d misplaced the other one.

“Yea. I, well I had a lot of fun designing the other one, and you really seemed to like it, so...” Eddie trailed off, Buck too lost on the item in front of him to notice.

“Does this one have a cool design on the back too?”

“Guess you’ll have to look and see.”

Carefully, Buck lifted the metal piece at the top, making sure not to drop the notepad like he had last time. This one had a simpler design than the last, but it was perfect for Buck all the same. It was a soft gray with planets strung at the top, multi-colored stars scattered between them. At the bottom was the saying: ‘you’re outta this world.’

Outer space was something that had always fascinated Buck. It was a love that he got to share with Christopher, the two of them watching videos and reading books on the solar system too many times to count. The saying was cheesy, sure, but Buck loved the fact that Eddie had picked it out just for him.

“Eds, this board is—outta this world.” He couldn’t help it, ok? Eddie had practically thrown the opportunity at him.

Eddie sighed aloud with another roll of his eyes.

“Don’t make me regret this Buckley.”

Buck gave his best innocent smile, Eddie not buying it for a second.

He wanted to do something ridiculous to thank Eddie, like pull him in for a hug, though he wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to let go again.

“Seriously Eds, this is really cool. I uh, you’re the best.”

Eddie only smiled to him, Buck blushing a little for it.

Clicking his fingers against the board, Buck vowed he would take just as good care of this one as he had the other, and make sure to use it sparingly; it wasn’t like Eddie would be giving him another one.

~

3.

“Alright kids, and if you turn your attention to the left, you’ll see the biggest planet in the solar system, the one that also happens to be my favorite.”

As all the kids turned to look, Buck hovered over his clipboard, checking off the box marked Jupiter. There, only three more to go now.

“You should’ve brought your other one.”

Buck looked down to Chris who was staring toward his clipboard.

“Well, I do love that one buddy, I keep it at home so it’s always safe.”

He’d officially retired the dinosaur clipboard with the bi colors to his house only, not wanting anything to happen to it.

Christopher shook his head.

 “No, not that one. The one with all the stars.”

“Uh, this one does have stars, see?”

Buck flipped the paper up so that the design showed, lowering it down to Chris’ level so he could get a good look.

Chris frowned, still adamant that this wasn’t the one.

“No, this one has stars all over it with constellations. I saw dad with it after last week.”

Last weekend, Buck had taken Chris to the space museum so they could scope it out before his field trip. They weren’t cheating, but rather taking notes, notes that Buck could add to his clipboard to use as an aid while he played tour guide. Whatever design Chris was talking about, Buck hadn’t been privy to it; well, not yet at least. Given that Chris had only seen the board meant he’d probably saw it by mistake, Eddie not yet ready to give it to Buck for whatever reason.

How long ago had Eddie gotten it? Was he ever going to give it to Buck? Was there another cheesy, yet meaningful saying on it? Did—

“Mr. Buck?”

Buck snapped out of his thoughts at the little tug on his pants, looking down to see one of Chris’ classmates, asking more about Jupiter. Shaking his thoughts out, Buck focused back on the task at hand; he had plenty of Jupiter facts to give. He could figure out this clipboard business later.

~

After checking off his last box for the day, Buck followed all the kids out, giving each of them a high five before him and Chris paired off, making for his jeep.

“Did you have fun today bud?”

“Yea, I can’t wait to tell dad!”

Buck couldn’t either, even though they’d both talked his ear off about it just last weekend. As Buck steered them home, Chris spoke of all his favorite parts, Buck jumping in whenever he could, just as excited as Chris had been to see all the sights.

On his mental checklist, Buck made a note to ask Eddie about this new clipboard. He couldn’t make it too obvious, but he had to know. If he didn’t ask, he’d end up blurting it out at some inopportune moment.

When they arrived home—uh Eddie’s house—Buck opened the door for Chris, handing out his crutches. They walked up together, Buck using his key to let them in.

“Dad, dad!”

“Yea in here,” Eddie hollered from the kitchen.

Chris went right in for a hug, Buck standing in the doorway, watching the two halves of his heart melt into one. Eddie looked over to him with that soft smile of his, the one that never ceased to make Buck blush and duck his head.

“So, you two have fun?”

“Yea, Buck is the best tour guide! They should hire him or something.”

Buck and Eddie shared a laugh, Chris going on to recite his favorite parts once more, Buck listening with as much fondness as he had only moments ago. They had dinner together, Buck only hovering over Eddie a little. Ever since his lessons from Linda, the guy had gotten better; Buck had to give him credit.

They both said goodnight to Chris before making their way back to the kitchen, Eddie sliding a beer over to him with ease. Buck’s hand was practically buzzing against the bottle as he tilted restlessly on his feet.

Eddie tipped his beer toward Buck with raised brows.

“You ok? You seem—extra fidgety tonight?”

Did he? Oops.

Buck tried to still his motions while simultaneously trying to come up with an excuse to ask about the clipboard.

“I uh, I think there’s something wrong with my clipboard.”

“Your new one?”

Buck wanted to say his newest one was just fine, according to Chris, but he couldn’t give himself away that easily.

“Yea, the uh—the clasp at the top is loose.”

“That’s because you play with it too much.”

And—Eddie wasn’t wrong. It was a habit Buck had been doing for so long now that he hardly realized he was doing until one of his coworkers glared over to him.

“Yea, well, maybe I should uh—get a new one or something.”

Eddie eyed him keenly for a minute, Buck trying his best not to give anything away.

“Chris told you, didn’t he?”

So much for subtly.

“I uh, he might’ve mentioned something about it.”

Eddie gave an unimpressed look, Buck shrugging his shoulder innocently. It wasn’t like he made the kid tell him or anything.

“I knew I should’ve waited to open it until he was asleep.”

“Why didn’t you let me open it first like the last ones?”

Eddie didn’t say anything for a moment, looking away from Buck as he cleared his throat awkwardly. Buck stood and watched as Eddie moved from the kitchen and down the hallway, returning a few minutes later with an opened box, handing it out to Buck.

Buck looked at it for a few seconds before reaching out to take it, purposefully letting his fingers brush over Eddie’s. Lifting one end, Buck dumped the contents into his hand, unwrapping the new board with precision. By the time Buck had it free of the protective layer, he was anxious to see the back, though he pretended to spend a few seconds looking the attached notepad over.

Unlike the other two, this one had an entirely black background, one that was covered with multi-colored stars, constellations surrounding it, just as Christopher had said. It looked just like the night sky, Buck’s eyes lighting up a little for how stunning it was, though the wording was what really caught his eyes.

“You uh, you told me that fact last week, so I just thought—well it sounded like something cheesy you’d love.”

Buck tore his eyes away from the board for a moment to look up to Eddie who appeared to be—nervous? It was just a silly saying though; Eddie had said so himself.

“Yea I-I remember.”

When he and Chris had returned from the museum last weekend, they’d gotten onto the discussion of stars, Eddie noting how bright and twinkly they were, Buck explaining how the twinkling actually worked. He couldn’t help but to recite it now.

“Stars bounce through different layers, bending the light before we actually see it. Some of the light shines through while the other is bent, which is why they appear to twinkle.”

“Yea, that’s the one,” Eddie said, suddenly sounding a little breathless.

Buck looked back down to the board, rubbing his fingers over the wording, tracing the letters as he went. ‘Stars don’t twinkle, but you sure do.’

It was just a saying, like Eddie had said, though Buck’s arms pricked with goosebumps anyway, his stomach filling with butterflies. When he looked back up to Eddie, he was staring to Buck like he was the brightest star in the galaxy, twinkling just for him. And well, Buck was; nothing made him shine brighter than Eddie.

~

4.

“Not to worry, I’ve got everything scheduled out so you won’t miss a thing!”

As Buck continued on, the students following behind, trusty clipboard in hand, his teammates groaned behind him, Eddie giving that fond yet exasperated smile of his.

“Did you have to buy him another new clipboard,” Chim said to Eddie as they came up next to him. “Yea Edmundo, did he really need custom clipboards?” Hen questioned with an all too knowing smirk. Bobby and Ravi stayed out of it, Buck sticking his tongue out over the board so the kids couldn’t see. They’d only seen his space themed ones, Buck keeping his first one to himself; they didn’t need to know Eddie had gotten him three custom clipboards.

It was fire safety day so they were showing one of the local schools around, Buck leading them along. He’d spent the night before writing everything out, making sure to highlight the most important items on the agenda, checking each task off with a red pen for emphasis.

“You guys are just jealous Eddie didn’t get you one!”

Hen and Chim shared a knowing look, one Buck didn’t quite understand, their brows raised a little higher than usual.

“Buck, can we get back to the tour please?” Bobby said in that tone that had Buck turning right back to attention.

As the kids explored the rigs, Buck flipped through his notes, sneaking glances back at his board. The design on it was just so alluring, he could never seem to look away. He went back and forth between this one and the one with planets, though he always came back to this one, preening a little more each time he read the words over. Stars don’t twinkle, but you sure do.

He had to remind himself that they were a meaningless pun, Eddie using a play of his own words.

Eddie came up beside him, knocking into his shoulder as he fell into step with him.

“How’s the ole’ board holding up?”

Buck knocked his fingers against it for emphasis, showing Eddie how sturdy it remained. Not only were the designs on them handpicked, but the boards were actually quite durable; Buck had yet to break one.

“Yep, it’s still as perfect as the day you gave it to me,” Buck said with a wink over to Eddie.

Eddie seemed disappointed for a moment, his eyes flickering a way from Buck, only to return with that fond twinkle in them. Yes, Eddie’s eyes twinkled; no Buck wouldn’t be taking criticism.

“Well, that’s, that’s good. Glad to hear they’re holding up.”

Something about Eddie’s tone was still off, the man quickly stepping away from Buck, busying himself with a few of the children. Buck brushed it off, skimming over his list so they could get to the next item on their agenda.

“Ravi!”

Ravi all but dropped the plastic hats he’d been holding for the kids, Buck giving his best innocent look. He still had it. Sure, Ravi was an official member of their team now, but Buck still had fun messing with him from time to time, especially with his trusty clipboard in hand. He set it on the rig so he could re-tie his boots, Hen glaring over to him with her best ‘mom look.’

“Would you give the poor kid a break already?”

“He knows I love him.”

Before either of them could continue, Buck quickly twisted around at the sound of Ravi’s voice.

“Buck, what happened to your clipboard?”

Shit. He knew he shouldn’t have left it unsupervised.

“What? Where? What happened to it?”

Ravi held said clipboard in hand, looking it over intently, eyes a little wide. He handed it out to Buck who took it cautiously, looking the board over ever so carefully. There was—nothing wrong with it.

“Got you Buckley,” Ravi said with a triumphant raise of his eyebrows.

Buck’s mouth widened into an ‘o’ shape, while Hen snickered along with Ravi, patting Buck on the shoulder.

“Remember, you said you loved the kid.”

Buck shook his head, unable to keep from laughing along with them.

“Yea, yea, alright you got me kid.”

He brought Ravi in for a handshake that led to a hug, Buck pulling him in close, whispering in his ear.

“If anything ever happens to my clipboard though…”

He felt Ravi tense up for a minute, Hen rolling her eyes as Buck patted him reassuringly on the back. Chim walked up, taking in the scene, eyeing them suspiciously. “Do I even want to know?”

Hen shook her head. “Oh, Buckaroo’s just messing with the kid again. Though Ravi did fake him out on his clipboard being broken.”

Chim nodded his head in approval, giving Ravi a squeeze to the shoulder. “Be careful Ravi, don’t wanna mess with Buck’s special ‘Eddie clipboard.’

Buck rolled his eyes while trying to hide the blush he knew was creeping up his cheeks.

“Don’t be jealous Maddie didn’t get you a special clipboard!”

Chimney and Hen shared another private look, Buck not getting the chance to ask about it before Bobby called him over for the next part of the tour. How had he let himself get distracted from the agenda?

Eddie continued to act strange the rest of the visit and shift, Buck wondering if something was wrong. Once it was just the two of them in the locker room, Eddie finishing pulling his shirt over those taught abs of his, Buck placing his trusty white sneakers over his feet, he couldn’t help but to inquire.

“Hey, are you—are you ok? You seemed off today.”

A quick look of panic crossed over Eddie’s face before he sat down on the bench, dragging his hands through his hair, pulling on the ends. Buck couldn’t help but to sit down next to him, knocking their knees together as he did so.

“Hey, whatever it is, you know I’ve got your back, right?”

Eddie shook his head before lifting it and looking over to Buck with those soft and endearing browns of his. Buck didn’t say anything, waiting for Eddie to go on, though Eddie didn’t say anything either. He watched as Eddie dragged his duffel closer, unzipping it before digging through it, pulling out a wrapped item.

“I uh, I looked this one over for a while, so I just—I decided to wrap it properly.”

Eddie handed the present out to him, Buck taking it with furrowed brows. It was in the shape of his favorite thing, but Eddie couldn’t have made him another clipboard, right? Wrong.

Buck lifted the edges with tape carefully, taking his time to open it, Eddie starting to him with an almost bated breath as he hovered close by.

Tearing back the last of the paper, Buck was met with the usual notepad, hints of blue and pink poking out on the sides. He used his fingers to flip through the paper a few times, noting how Eddie wiped his palms several times over his thighs. Why was he so nervous? It wasn’t like this was the first, or even second, time that he’d given Buck a personal clipboard.

Taking his time, Buck lifted the bottom part of the paper, suddenly feeling a tad anxious himself. The first thing he spotted were little outlined boxes at the bottom, wording next to each of them. The lettering was fancier this time, almost looking like it was airbrushed on, fading out on the ends. He tried to avoid the words for a moment, focusing on the ombre pink and blue of the background, the colors fading together in the middle.

It was almost as if Eddie knew the exact moment Buck read the words, both of them inhaling sharply. Across the middle of the board were three words, one stacked on top of the other. ‘You? Me? Date?’

Underneath those words were the three outlined boxes, each one having a word next to it. The first word was ‘yes,’ the second ‘no,’ and the last was a little longer: ‘I made things weird but you still wanna be friends. Buck would’ve laughed had he not been stunned by everything else laid before him.

Eddie cleared his throat next to him, Buck looking over when Eddie nudged something his way—a whiteboard marker.

“You’re supposed to mark the one you want.”

Buck took the marker with shaking hands, keeping his eyes down and adverted from Eddie. Was Eddie, his best friend, the actual love of his life, best dad he knew, asking him out?

He tried and failed to get the cap open several times, his shaky hands slipping right off it. Eddie finally placed his hands over Buck’s, stilling them instantly. Buck couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move.

“Buck.” Eddie’s voice was gentle, and close enough that Buck could feel the press of his warm breath.

“Yea?”

“Buck, I uh, if you don’t—”

Buck shook his head to straighten out his thoughts, finally turning to meet Eddie, their hands still pressed together.

“I mean yes to your answer, since I don’t think my hands are gonna work anytime soon.”

Eddie laughed, looking Buck over with the softest smile.

“Yea?”

Buck could only nod his head, sniffling as a tear began to roll down his face. Eddie was quickly scooting closer, grabbing Buck up into a hug. “Buck, hey, what’s wrong?”

Sniffling some more, Buck pulled away so they properly face, staring into those flecks of green swimming in Eddie’s golden browns.

“I just—you asked me out, with-with a clipboard Eds. Was I—not supposed to get emotional?”

Eddie shook his head with a fond laugh, his arms wrapping around Buck, pulling him in close.

“I just knew you’d get all sappy over it.”

“You know me so well Eds.”

Buck tucked the clipboard close to his chest, letting his other arm wrap around Eddie.

“I think this might be my favorite clipboard yet.”

“Yea? Just wait until you see the next one,” Eddie said as he pulled away, winking to Buck with a smirk that honestly should’ve been illegal.

“So, was this your plan all along Diaz, reel me in with my favorite stationary item?”

Eddie only shrugged, one of his hands moving to the back of Buck’s neck, rubbing at the hairs there.

“I mean, it seems to be working out for me.”

Well, Buck certainly couldn’t deny that; Eddie really had a way with…clipboards.

~

5.

Buck cherished all of the clipboards Eddie gave him, for various reasons, though he continued to carry the space ones around for work, leaving his bi dinosaur one at home, his newest one hung on Eddie’s wall with a giant checkmark in the box corresponding with the word: yes. Eddie thought he was ridiculous, rolling his eyes fondly when he first came home to find it there. Buck couldn’t even deny it, because he was ridiculous…. ridiculously in love with his best friend.

They hadn’t told their friends yet, wanting to get used to the idea themselves for a moment before sharing it with the world. Chris was the only one they’d told so far, the two of them not wanting to lie to him about what they were doing tonight—going on their first date. Carla was watching him, and while she didn’t say anything, she had that smug look, the one that told them she knew exactly what they were up to.

Buck had changed outfits approximately three thousand times before deciding on one. He’d facetimed Maddie to get her opinion, thanking her and hanging up before she could ask too many questions. He’d decided on his orange sweater with a dark pair of jeans, his signature white sneakers over his feet. He’d thought about wearing fancy dress shoes for three seconds before remembering that it was Eddie he was going out with, his best friend, the one that accepted him just as he was.

He turned in his seat to get another look at Eddie, who looked nothing short of stunning; not that that was different than any other day. Eddie had gone with his burgundy Henley, the top buttons laid open, dark jeans like Buck’s, his brown boots on bottom.

Eddie looked over to Buck, adverting his attention from the rode, one hand on the steering wheel. “See something you like?”

Buck licked at his lips, letting his blues trail over Eddie once more.

“Maybe.”

While Eddie looked back to the road, he slid his free hand between them, not stopping until he’d reached Buck’s, placing it over his. Buck stilled for a moment, letting Eddie’s touch warm him before allowing himself to be brave. They’d only started ‘dating’ a week ago, things mostly remaining the same between them, apart from their touches becoming more meaningful. Buck took that next step, threading his fingers between Eddie’s, smiling when Eddie squeezed them together reassuringly, the two of them keeping their grip tight for the rest of the ride.

They’d decided on a new restaurant, wanting to experience new things together now that they’d finally taken the leap into dating. The table outside was under twinkly lights, little candles in mason jars sitting at each table, a little band playing just off to the side.

“This is really beautiful.”

Eddie’s eyes found Bucks, his stare a little intense.

“Yea, it is.”

Buck flushed red, ducking his head away from Eddie; how was Buck supposed to survive this entire date with Eddie already laying it on this strong?

They shared a few appetizers, their favorite beers placed in fancy cups instead of their usual bottles. Everything about it seemed like an average outing for them, though Buck knew it was so much more.

He found Eddie’s feet under the table, brushing against Eddie’s leg before bumping their feet together. Eddie raised his brows from across the table, capturing Buck’s foot between his. “You playing footsies with me Buckley?”

Buck smirked over to him, switching their positions so he could take Eddie’s foot between his own. “Maybe.”

They ate with their usual banter, Buck stealing food off Eddie’s plate like he didn’t have the same thing on his own, Eddie only giving him that fond yet exasperated look of his.

When they were ready to go, both of them fighting over who was going to pay, Eddie winning because he insisted he’d asked Buck out, they made their way back to Eddie’s truck, holding hands as they went.

“You know I’m treating you next time, right?”

Eddie interlocked their fingers, squeezing them together.

“Yea baby, whatever you say.”

And Eddie, he couldn’t just call him such a sweet pet name without warning!

Eddie came to a stop in front of the truck, keeping their fingers clasped as he brought them up to his lips, brushing them over Buck’s knuckles. “Wait here a second?”

Buck nodded, breath still caught in his throat from Eddie’s touch, soft and warm. Eddie took his hand from Buck’s so that he could open up the truck, digging around the back, Buck watching closely. When Eddie reappeared with a giftbag, Buck nearly gasped.

“Eddie, please tell me you didn’t get me a gift on our first date without telling me?!”

Buck was already so behind. Why didn’t anyone tell him he was supposed to get Eddie something? Was this how first dates were supposed to be? Was he missing out all these years? What did Eddie get h—

“Buck.” Eddie’s hand came to rest over his shoulder, the man ducking his head to catch Buck’s attention. “Hey, quit spiraling in there and just open it.”

Yea ok; he could do that.

Taking the bag in hand, Buck let the handles fall to the sides, pulling the tissue paper as he went, handing it off to Eddie so that his hands were free. He really should’ve known what the gift would be, but he somehow found himself just as surprised as every time before.

“Another clipboard? Eds…” He trailed off, unable to find the words, Eddie only looking to him with encouragement. Setting the bag into the open truck, Buck took the clipboard in both his hands, studying it over. He could see a sky-blue peeking out at the edges, lifting the notepad to find it covered in clouds, little glimmering specs of white within them. Buck braved himself for the words, Eddie saying them aloud as he read them over.

“Can I borrow a kiss? I promise I’ll give it back.”

Buck nearly dropped the clipboard, looking up to Eddie, already completely breathless.

“You promise?”

Eddie leaned forward, pushing into Buck’s space, lifting one of his hands to cradle Buck’s face, his breath ghosting over Buck for how close he was.

“Promise.”

Buck closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to Eddie’s ever so softly. It was a tender kiss, one that held so much meaning behind it, one that was more than Buck could ever put into words. He was kissing Eddie, his best friend, his partner, his—everything.

“God, I love you Buck.”

Eddie seemed just as surprised by his own words, the two of them pulling apart a fraction.

“Sorry, I—I just couldn’t wait to say that anymore.”

Buck crashed their lips together, whispering into Eddie after.

“Didn’t wanna take the time to write it out on a clipboard?”

Eddie pulled Bucks lips between his teeth, biting him playfully.

“No, I didn’t asshole.”

Buck only laughed, kissing Eddie back once he pulled his lips free. He moved his hands to Eddies’ waist, tugging him in close.

“I love you, and I love all the cheesy clipboards you’ve given me, and I love your kid, and yea—just, everything Eds.”

“Maybe I should get that printed on a clipboard,” Eddie said as he kissed over Buck’s neck, backing him into the truck.

Well, at least Buck could check something else off his list.

Make out with best friend in the back of his truck? Check.

~

+1.

Eddie watched as Buck checked another item off his list, bouncing on his feet as he made for the next task. It was a little too adorable, honestly.

They’d been dating for almost six months now, Buck having moved in after about a month. Sure, they could’ve waited, but there was no sense in denying the inevitable; besides, Buck had practically been living there way before they made things official.

Just as everything else of Buck’s was littered throughout the house, there were always plenty of clipboards on hand, his favorites never leaving their house.

Eddie snuck up behind Buck, wrapping his arms around him as he pulled him in close, mouthing at his neck, Buck leaning into his touch. “What’s on the list for today baby?”

Buck turned so their lips met, Eddie feeling Buck’s smile against him.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Oh, he would. Buck had been very protective over his clipboard as of late—more so than usual; he wouldn’t show Eddie his lists, nor would he tell Eddie what he was up to. 

Eddie tried to reach for the clipboard, but Buck quickly stretched his arms out to place it face down on the counter, twisting in Eddie’s hold so they came face to face. Those ocean blues of his looked Eddie over, his brows raising playfully. “Wanna help me check something else off my list?”

“I wouldn’t be opposed.”

They’re lips met for a heated kiss, one that quickly had their hands roaming over the other, heavy breaths shared between them. By the time they’d taken each other apart—twice, Eddie had all but forgotten about Buck and his secret list.

After cuddling which led to napping, they eventually made their way out of bed and into the shower, getting distracted once more before they finally dressed for the evening. Buck was taking him out to dinner, though that was about all Eddie knew. Buck wouldn’t even let him see what he was wearing, escaping to the guest bathroom with his clothes before Eddie could see.

Sighing, Eddie flipped through their closet, eventually deciding on his forest green button up, pairing it with his tan dress pants and usual boots. He figured this was a ‘fancy’ date, given that Buck was being so secretive about everything.

When Eddie emerged from the bedroom, he stopped to fix his pant leg, brushing it down before standing again. When he did, Buck was stood there in front of him, an elegant bouquet of flowers held in his hands.

Eddie took them from Buck, letting their fingers brush together as he looked them over.

“These are beautiful.”

The flowers were an array of colors, looking like they were stacked on top of each other, lanky stems standing up behind them.

“They’re gladiolus flowers.”

Eddie nodded as he looked them over, reaching his fingers out to brush over the petals. He’d never been given flowers before Buck, his boyfriend surprising him with them from time to time.

“Did you know that these flowers symbolize strength and moral integrity?”

Eddie did not, though he couldn’t wait for Buck to tell him all about them.

“They also represent infatuation.” Buck reached out to capture the petals in his own fingers, resting his hand against Eddie’s. “When you give a bouquet of them to someone else, it conveys that they’re piercing your heart with passion.”

Eddie looked up to meet Buck’s shimmering blues, his heart beating a little faster.

“Well, pierce away my love.”

Buck ducked his head in that way he always did when Eddie overwhelmed him, his smile a mile long. With the flowers in hand, Eddie followed Buck back down the hall, placing them in the vase before they took off, Buck taking the lead once more.

Dinner did indeed end up being ‘fancy’ the two of them slow dancing together afterward, the moonlight creating the perfect glow above them. Whatever Buck had been hiding, he didn’t let any of it go during dinner, Eddie eyeing him suspiciously, though he didn’t push the issue.

They were in Buck’s jeep with the top down, the cool night air blowing around them. Buck’s hand was over Eddie’s thigh, Eddie keeping his on top, threading their fingers together, using his thumb to brush over Bucks’.

Buck stopped the jeep suddenly, Eddie glancing around before looking over to Buck.

“Umm, everything ok?”

“Perfect,” Buck said, squeezing Eddie’s hand before stepping out of the jeep.

Eddie followed a second later, still confused as to why they were in an empty parking lot in the middle of the night.

“Look familiar?”

“No?” Was it supposed to?

Buck came around to meet him, smiling bright as ever.

“You can have my back any day.”

Buck gestured around them, Eddie giving him a skeptical look before he started to put things together.

“Wait, is this—this is the lot we saved the guy from the bomb with?”

Buck nodded eagerly, stepping closer to Eddie.

“You would be correct babe.”

God his boyfriend is so ridiculous; Eddie wouldn’t have him any other way.

Buck suddenly lifted a gift bag up, holding it out to Eddie; he must’ve snuck it out when Eddie wasn’t paying attention, too confused as to where the hell they were.

“What’s this?”

Buck pushed it closer to him, not giving anything away.

“Just open it.”

Eddie looked the bag over for a minute before reaching in to take the tissue out, balling it up before chucking it at Buck. He took the item out, eyeing Buck keenly as he took it in.

“You—got me a clipboard?”

“Yes Eddie, I’m aloud to make you cool clipboards too.”

So, he was dealing with sassy Buck tonight, huh?

Eddie skimmed through the notebook, flipping it back to reveal the design. It was teal with flecks of gold glitter all over it, the board looking almost as though it was shimmering.

He ran his fingers over it, not quite sure why Buck had given him a board with his design; there weren’t any words on it.

“Lift it all the way up.”

Eddie paused to look over to Buck before returning his attention to the board, pulling the notepad all the way back. There were only two words there, Eddie’s heart beating a little faster for them. He glanced back over to Buck, though the man was nowhere in sight, Eddie moving the board to see him knelt to the ground, hand out in front of him.

“Marry me? You’re my best friend, my partner, the person I want to share and spend the rest of my life with. I love you so much, more than all the stars in the sky.”

Had he mentioned how ridiculous his boyfriend—finance—was? How dare he use Eddie’s clipboard trick to woo him.

Eddie reached his hand out to Buck, pulling him up until they were face to face, barely an inch of space between him.

“God you’re ridiculous.”

Buk just flashed that signature smile to him, leaning in closer.

“So, is that uh, a yes?”

“Yes Buck. I love you so much, no matter how ridiculous you are, or how many clipboards you own. You’re it for me, Chris too.”

Yep, he got Buck with that last part, his best friend never ceasing to tear up whenever Eddie made it clear how much a part of his family he was.

Their lips met for a tearful kiss, Eddie unable to keep his eyes from watering; Buck made him a sap, ok?

~

When their wedding invitations finally went out, Buck insisting they be made onto mini clipboards, Eddie only rolling his eyes a little, things began to take off.

They didn’t want anything too over the top, just a day they could spend with their friends and family, Bobby and Athena quickly offering up their backyard. Their ceremony was much like the barbeques they’d had there over the years, everything about it perfect. Maddie gave Buck away while Chris played the ring bearer, the two of them a sappy mess.

Later, after all the celebrations were done, all the hugs given, they went home, Christopher going with the Wilsons for the night. They could have a proper honeymoon one day, but for now, all they needed was each other.

As they laid in bed breathless, bare skin glistening with sweat, Eddie watched as Buck leaned over the bed, pulling something from his nightstand. He heard the telltale noise of a pen cap opening, sighing to his husband.

“Buck, I swear if you’re making a list right now…”

Buck turned back toward him, one of the mini clipboards in hand—he’d insisted on keeping one for himself—his most innocent smile in place.

“Just checking the most important thing off my list.”

“And what would that be?”

Buck leaned over, placing a kiss just under Eddie’s eye where his beauty mark laid, smiling down to him.

“Marry my best friend.”

Eddie shook his head with a fond exasperation, the one he reserved exclusively for Buck. He pulled Buck so that he was on top, not an inch of space between them.

“You know, you can check me off your list any day.”

Buck gave that bashful smile of his, tucking his head into to crook of Eddie’s neck, placing a sloppy kiss there.

“Yea or you could, you could check me off yours.”

here are all of the clipboards <3

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