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When Buck had first purchased his loft, he never could have assumed just how much history would be within the walls.
It had seen days of happiness, nights of despair, weeks of stress, months of content and moving forward. He’d spent time alone and together with friends, both in good situations, and ones leading to hard moments. From the days of sleeping on his couch after the bombing, to finally settling into a routine with his job and family, the loft had seen it all at this point.
But it was sitting on his balcony that always seemed to make even the worst of times at least somewhat better.
While Ali had played a major role in picking the location, what had sold Buck was not the loft bedroom and exposed walls. No, it had been the small balcony that he would be able to fit a tiny grill, a few chairs, and some greenery, creating a peaceful place for him to just get away from everything, even for just a few minutes. No matter the hour, if he needed a moment, he’d just step outside and feel himself relax, even just a little bit.
But even then, there were a choice few moments that he loved to catch when he sat on the balcony. It was when the sun hit the horizon just right, light reflecting off the LA skyline surrounding them. It lit up his little space almost perfectly.
Today he’d made it home with only about twenty minutes before those perfect moments would hit the balcony. He’d rushed a quick shower, changed into lounge clothes, poured himself a glass of wine - an indulgence that no one really knew about, they all thought he’d just drink his beer most likely - and made it onto the balcony with just a moment to spare.
It hadn’t been a hard shift. On the contrary, it was a quiet one with only a few medical call outs. He had actually worked with C-shift for a change, helping out someone who needed a day for their family. It was fine, he didn’t mind. The extra day of work would help during the holidays.
Just as the light started bouncing off the walls, his sliding door opened. He jumped, not expecting anyone in his apartment, let alone anyone to step out onto the balcony.
Eddie poked his head out, holding another glass of wine and the bottle. Once he was spotted, he slipped out and closed the door, settling into the chair opposite Buck and just let the silence settle over them.
And silence did settle. They didn’t talk for the entire time the sun was setting, painting all the buildings golden.
Only when they’d drained their glasses and the bottle an hour or so later did he speak.
“Heard it was a quiet shift,” Eddie said, letting his soft words settle across the balcony.
“It was,” Buck answered. “You’re lucky we’re not at the station. You might get things pelted at you.”
The older man chuckled. “Still don’t believe in jinxes, Buckley,” he snarked.
Buck shrugged before looking back across the skyline. The last tinges of gold were fading into purple. Night was settling in Los Angeles.
“Come back to my place tonight. Christopher got his history test back and won’t show it to me until you’re there as well.”
It took him a moment to answer. “Sure, if you don’t mind me crashing.”
Eddie paused in picking up their glasses and gave him a look. “You’re always welcome to stay over, Buck. You know that. It’s practically your home too.”
Buck pushed himself out of his chair. “Then let’s go. Can’t disappoint Superman now can we?”
While the other firefighter made his way back into the loft, Buck paused and looked over the skyline for one last moment. The golden skies were officially gone for the day, but that was okay. He had something else to think about tonight.