Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The LA sun beats down on Eddie as he slams his truck door shut before walking into the fire station, exhaustion weighing heavily in his bones. The Friday movie night with Chris went longer than expected, and as much as he doesn’t regret it, he is already dreading the impending 24 hour shift.

“Rough night?” Hen asks as Eddie trudges up the stairs to the loft before beelining for the coffee pot.

“When Chris told me what movie he picked for us last night, he conveniently failed to mention that it was almost three hours long. What happened to movies being under two hours?” he sighs, pouring a steaming cup of coffee into his favorite mug. “And then we had to get up early this morning so I could drop him off at my abuela’s so…” he lifts the coffee pot as if to say So I will be drinking the rest of this. Don’t you dare try to touch it.

Hen laughs and shakes her head before kicking out the chair across from her at the table for Eddie to sit down in.

“Do I really look that bad?” he asks as he sinks down into the chair.

Hen appraises him for a second before shaking her head. “Not at all. Why? Somebody you looking to impress?” she teases and he rolls his eyes before taking a sip of his coffee.

“Oh, did Eddie meet someone?” Chimney pipes up as he bounds up the steps, catching the tail end of Hen’s teasing. “Hopefully you can actually make it to dinner this time before getting dumped.”

Eddie pulls his lips in a tight line as Hen snickers.

One date. Eddie had gone on one date last week – someone Tía Pepa had tried to set him up with – and his team hasn’t let him live it down since. And apparently being left in a club and showing up hours earlier than expected to pick up Chris from Hen’s place has now led them to believe that his love life is up for discussion. Which, if you ask him, it absolutely isn’t.

“How many times do I have to tell you? I was doing my tía a favor,” Eddie reminds them. “I really don’t have any interest in dating seriously right now.”

Hen and Chimney share a look.

“You never know,” is all Chimney says as Eddie takes another long sip of coffee, “Sometimes the universe has a funny way of surprising you.”

—

When they pull up to the scene of their first call of the morning, Chimney lets out a low whistle behind Eddie. It’s a beautiful Saturday morning, and it looks to be right at the peak of the farmers market hours. That doesn’t bode well for the fact that there’s a car covered in debris, having crashed into some of the vendor tents.

“Alright Chim, go check on the driver. Hen, Eddie go see if there’s any pedestrian injuries.”

They all respond with an unpracticed, yet perfectly synchronized “On it, cap!”

Eddie can feel the nosy gazes watching them as he and Hen make their way into the crowd that’s gathered to see the damage. In the midst of it, however, it doesn’t seem as bad as it could have been, with only two tents being run through, their broken merchandise scattered on the ground.

“Okay, if you are not injured, I need you to step away!” Hen announces to the crowd, spreading her arms and waving them to signal for people to step back and, surprisingly, they seem to listen to her.

With people stepping back and clearing space, Eddie places his hands on his hips as he surveys the accident area, his eyes falling to someone kneeling on the ground next to one of the crushed tents.

“Sir, are you injured?” he asks as he approaches the man, who then turns his head to look up at Eddie and…

Oh.

He’s gorgeous.

Bright blue eyes stare up at him, brow furrowed in concentration and Eddie notices what looks like either a bruise or cut just above his left eye. “Uh, no? I don’t… I don’t think so. I managed to jump out of the way but…” The man vaguely waves his hand over what Eddie now sees are flowers scattered across the ground.

“Here, let me check you out just in case,” Eddie says as he kneels down next to him.

“I promise I’m fine,” the man insists, but Eddie’s dealt with too many patients who have claimed the same when they were really anything but.

“Humor me,” Eddie replies, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a small smile. He hears a slight huff but the man adjusts his positioning so he’s sitting on the pavement now instead of on his knees.

“You sure you didn’t get hit by anything?” Eddie asks. He gently cups the man’s face and turns it to get a better view of the spot above his eye.

He feels blue eyes burning into his face. “I’m sure. That’s a birthmark.”

Cute.

“I promise I’m totally fine,” he insists again as Eddie drops his hands from his face and gives him a disapproving look, heat flaring up in his stomach as they make eye contact.

“Are you always this stubborn?” Eddie finds himself slipping out.

The man raises an eyebrow at him and smirks. “Are you always this stubborn?”

An unexpected laugh escapes Eddie’s mouth and he shoots back: “It’s kind of my job to be. Now, are you experiencing any pain? Did you get cut by any of the debris?”

“Nope. As I said, I’m fine. I’m honestly just upset about my stuff getting ruined.”

“What were you selling?” Eddie asks conversationally as he places a hand on one of the man’s arms, turning it to examine for any injuries. He tries not to get distracted by the defined muscles that flex with the movement.

“Flowers. I’m a florist.” Eddie looks up to meet the man’s gaze and he can see a playful look in his eyes. “And also apparently very unlucky. Of course the first time I attend one of these things I almost die.”

“Pretty dramatic coming from someone who insists that they’re fine,” Eddie teases easily, earning him an amused huff in response. “So you have your own shop?”

He moves his hand to the other arm.

“I do!” the man announces proudly. “Been open for about almost a year now.”

Eddie drops the man’s arm and dares to look him back in the eyes, his skin prickling with excitement as he does. That’s when the man extends his hand out to Eddie in introduction.

“Buck. Or, Evan Buckley in case you need it for a report or something.”

“Eddie. And that shouldn’t be necessary, but I’ll keep that in mind.”

Eddie feels himself flush as he reaches out to shake Buck’s hand, letting it linger for a moment longer than necessary. He doesn’t think Buck minds, though, since he doesn’t let go immediately either.

“Please do.” Buck flashes a charming smile, seemingly undeterred by everything that’s happened.

Whether it’s the relentless LA sun or nerves, Eddie’s insides practically melt as a fond smile crosses his face. He quickly looks away before Buck notices, his eyes landing on a few scattered roses by where they’re sitting.

“It’s cute,” Eddie muses, nodding to the flowers. He then chances a look back at Buck who’s looking at him with a questioning gaze. “I feel like I don’t really see many floral shops around anymore.”

“Oh! Are you, uh, into floriculture?” Buck asks, a ghost of a wince crossing his face.

“Floriculture? Isn't it all just botany?” Eddie asks.

Buck fake gasps in offense. “Those are two completely different fields, okay? Botany is the study of plants. Floriculture is, you know, the cultivation of flowers. It’s biology versus horticulture, Eddie.”

“Ah, I see.” Eddie gives Buck an amused grin with one eyebrow raised. “Must have missed that in my science classes. So you’re basically like a modern day Mendel?” And he’s honestly impressed with himself for even remembering that but then again, Chris had just been learning about that a few weeks ago.

Thank god for middle school science classes.

“While I appreciate you comparing me to one of our greatest scientists, it’s certainly not anything like that.”

“I mean, obviously not, seeing as plants and flowers are apparently two totally different things, right?”

Buck snorts out a laugh and claps a hand on Eddie’s shoulder, letting it rest there. Eddie’s breath catches in his throat because he swears he feels Buck’s thumb gently caress the curve where his neck and shoulder meet.

“Look at you, learning already. You happen to be looking for a little hobby on the side? I could always use some help with the heavy lifting.”

At that, Eddie’s eyebrow arches up even more as he does what he hopes is a subtle once-over of Buck’s body because there is no way someone built like him actually needs help with lifting anything. He probably has more muscle than Eddie, and he’s not even ashamed to admit it, because the way Buck’s shirt is clinging to his body is positively sinful.

“I, uh, don’t think you’d want me, to be honest. I’ve been told I have a black thumb so I’d probably kill everything or–”

“Or save me when a car almost runs me over?” Buck finishes, fluttering his eyelashes up at Eddie. “Could be handy having a paramedic with me. So maybe I want to keep you around, you know, just in case. ”

And Eddie’s sure his entire face is visibly on fire as Buck cocks his head to the side and smirks proudly at his reaction. By looking at him, you could never tell that just minutes ago he was in what could’ve been a very bad accident. His nonchalance in the face of potential injury should be worrying, but Eddie can’t help but think in the moment how charming it is.

“I mean technically I’m a firefighter, and I guess I would offer to do that for you but…” Eddie gestures vaguely over to where the scene is being cleared out. Kind of too late for that.

Buck shrugs, a playful gleam in his eyes. “That’s okay. I’ll make sure to give you a call next time.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for it,” Eddie deadpans, and he swears he sees a pink flush to Buck’s cheeks.

But before Buck can say anything else, Eddie hears Bobby call out: “Wilson! Diaz! If there’s no other injuries, we need to head out!”

“Got it, cap!” Eddie calls back, Hen echoing from where she’s checking out the other vendor next to him. He gives Buck an apologetic smile, standing and extending his hand to help Buck up as well.

“Oh, hold on real quick,” Buck rushes out once he’s on his feet – and Eddie is trying so hard to ignore the flutter in his gut at the newfound knowledge that Buck is taller than him and even more broad than he had looked crouched on the ground. Buck reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his wallet, opening it up and pulling out a card before handing it over to Eddie. “You know, so you know where to find me. If you want! No, uh, no pressure, though.”

They exchange one last smile as Eddie pockets Buck’s business card before heading over to where Bobby is helping Chimney load the driver – an elderly woman who had gotten confused and ran through the barriers – into the ambulance.

–

“So,” Hen starts as she sits down next to Eddie on the couch once they’re back at the fire station.

“So?” Eddie asks expectantly, putting his phone down from where he had been sending Chris a reminder text to get started on his English essay this weekend. Being away from him is always hard, especially during these long shifts, even years later now that Chris is self-sufficient enough to not necessarily need Eddie hanging over his shoulder at every moment. He never tries to dwell on that thought too long, though.

“I saw you flirting with the florist. Scratch that, everyone saw you flirting with the florist.”

Eddie raises an eyebrow at her. “Flirting? I was not flirting.”

“You were basically drooling over the guy. Not that I blame you, even I could tell he’s gorgeous.”

Eddie rolls his eyes and goes back to typing his message to Chris. “Was he? I didn’t even notice.”

“Mhm,” Hen says as she watches Eddie tapping at his phone. “He had that nice blonde hair, and those beautiful big brown eyes and–”

“Blue,” Eddie corrects before snapping his head up to see Hen smirking at him. His face burns bright red. “Okay, yes, he was attractive. Happy now?”

“Maybe. Not as happy as Chimney will be when he finds out that he was right.”

Eddie’s brow scrunches in confusion. “What was he right about?”

“Oh nothing,” Hen sighs playfully as she waves her hand, “just something about the universe and surprising you?”

Eddie stands up and frowns at her. “That’s not what happened.”

The raised eyebrow he gets in response reminds him that he’s all alone in this fight.

“It’s not!” he insists again before turning and walking off. Hen’s laugh ricochets around the loft as Eddie marches to the bunk room defeatedly.

And if he opens his Instagram app that really only gets clicked on roughly once a month when he remembers he has it and just so happens to look up Buck’s shop name and follow the account, well, neither Hen nor Chimney certainly have to know.

He then locks his phone and closes his eyes as he tries to get some rest during their downtime. Sleep has almost caught up to him when his phone chirps with a new notification. Worried that it’s Chris and something’s wrong, Eddie’s up immediately to check it.

His heart races, because it’s not Chris who’s texted him.

It’s a notification from Instagram.

He has a new message request:

@BouquetsByBuckley: well if it isn’t firefighter diaz :) glad i made that good of an impression… despite the circumstances

The next day, Buck finds himself pacing back and forth in Maddie’s living room.

“Buck, I think you’re overreacting.”

“I asked him if he ‘was into floriculture’! Floriculture, Maddie!” Buck groans dramatically as he flops face first into Maddie’s couch. “I panicked and couldn’t even say ‘flowers’ like a normal person!” His voice is muffled from the cushion but the mortification in his tone could be heard for miles.

Suddenly, his legs are being pushed to the floor and he huffs as he pulls himself up from the awkward position of being half-on/half-off the couch. There’s a slight pout to his lips as he sits upright opposite Maddie who’s looking at him with a mix of judgment and sympathy in an expression that he’s learned only sisters can seem to pull off.

“So? It’s not like you’re going to see him again,” she assures him. “And if you do then that means you probably have a bigger issue on hand than being a little embarrassed.”

Buck cringes. “Yeah… about that. So I may have dm’d him yesterday– or, tried to.”

“Buck–”

“He followed the shop’s account first! But his is private, so I don’t even know if he saw my message. Or, he could have seen it and thought it was weird and so now he’s ignoring me.”

He doesn’t even care that he’s catastrophizing. It’s honestly one of the things he does best and even though it never makes him feel better – quite the opposite, actually – there’s comfort in familiar actions. Even if they are self-sabotaging.

Maddie grabs onto his hands that have been gesturing wildly, bringing them down and rubbing soothing circles into his wrists. “Take a deep breath, okay? Nobody is ignoring you. He’s a firefighter, right? So he’s probably just busy and doesn’t have time to check his phone obsessively like you do.”

Buck huffs out a long sigh. “I don’t check it obsessively. I just… don’t want to accidentally miss something.”

As if to prove Buck’s point, his phone vibrates from its place on the cushion between him and Maddie. She looks at him expectantly as she releases his hands.

“Go ahead. It could be your new man.”

“He’s not–” Buck’s protest is cut off as his throat immediately dries up upon reading the notification.

@EDiaz118: Who said you made a good impression? How do you know that I didn’t follow you to make a complaint about an unsatisfactory shopping experience?

Buck’s barely finished reading it when a second notification pops up:

@EDiaz118: That was a joke, just so you know. No complaints here :) How are you, though? You haven’t been run over again, have you?

Maddie watches Buck’s entire face split into a smile, his lower lip captured between his teeth as he tries to tame it. But there’s no use– the dimples have been let loose.

Buck clicks on Eddie’s profile, his thumb hovering nervously over the blue “Follow” button before clicking on it and watching it turn into a gray “Requested.” He throws his phone back down on the couch in a panic but not even thirty seconds go by before his screen lights up:

Eddie Diaz (@EDiaz118) has accepted your follow request.

Eddie had known that he wouldn't have been able to fall back asleep after seeing the message request from Buck. Sure, he had known that following the account in the first place probably wasn’t the smartest – or smoothest – move, but the way Buck’s eyes shone when Eddie made him laugh had left quite a remarkable impression.

Thankfully, though, the alarm had gone off as Eddie was into minute five of trying to come up with a response. And then there were nonstop calls throughout the shift, acting as a much needed time buffer for him to think of a satisfactory reply. Which, on the one hand Eddie was thankful for, but on the other hand, it meant he had to stay in close quarters with Hen, Chimney, and Bobby who were not being shy about voicing their thoughts on the whole situation.

He hadn’t even meant to tell them about Buck’s message, but when they were in the truck on the way to the first call that had disrupted his reply attempt, it sort of slipped out.

They were all, much to Eddie’s utter embarrassment, fully on board with him texting Buck back. It was pretty much a unanimous agreement that the two of them had been rather “captivated” – Bobby’s choice of word – by each other.

“Seriously,” Hen had agreed. “It was like nobody else was even there.”

Chimney chimed in, “Yeah, I have never had someone tell me they hope to get injured again just to see me.”

Eddie had immediately regretted telling them that part. Or any part, actually. Instant regret to match the mortification he felt at the fact that it apparently had been so obvious.

But despite the embarrassingly enthusiastic support from his team, Eddie hadn’t even responded until almost two in the afternoon the next day when he woke up after going home and immediately crashing after his shift. He had just hoped he hadn’t missed some arbitrary window that shifted his reply from fun and casual to stand-offish and uninterested.

But his anxieties were assuaged when Buck’s follow request had almost instantly popped up on the screen after his reply. He had accepted it with the same immediacy.

That was thirty minutes ago.

Now, he’s staring at his phone as it rests on the counter. The strong smell of coffee helps push Eddie the last of the way to fully awake as he looks over Buck’s reply that had come in about ten minutes after Eddie had accepted his request:

@BouquetsByBuckley: hey! i’m still all good, haven’t been turned into roadkill quite yet. also, i hope it’s not weird to say this but i was looking at your photos (only 5? really?) and your kid is super adorable. at least, i’m assuming he’s yours?

Eddie freezes save for his heart which drums erratically against his ribs. When he had accepted Buck’s follow request he hadn’t even considered that he would see the photos with Chris in them. Unfortunately, Eddie’s close to non-existent dating experience has overwhelmingly been that the mention of being a dad is a swift nail in the coffin of any potential relationship.

But Buck… thinks Chris is adorable.

He can almost hear Chimney and Hen falling over themselves trying to convince him that this has to be some sign from the universe. And even though it’s a resolute belief of his that the universe doesn’t give signs, Eddie’s afraid he can’t avoid the feeling that something about Buck just feels … different.

–

“He thinks Chris is adorable,” Eddie announces as he walks up the stairs to the station’s loft at the start of their next shift Monday morning after an all too short day off. The only upside, though, is that today’s shift has more regular hours.

Bobby, Hen, and Chimney all turn to look at him at once. They don’t even need to ask who this ‘He’ is.

Bobby speaks up first, “I admire you getting back out there, Eddie, but don’t you think it’s a little fast for him to be meeting Chris? After all, you just met the guy.”

Eddie shakes his head as he joins them at the table. “No, no. He followed me on Instagram and I have a few pictures of Chris on there.”

Hen snorts. “A few? Eddie, Chim’s taken more pictures of his breakfast this morning than you’ve posted in four years.”

“So you’ve been texting?” Chimney asks.

“Maybe.” Eddie smiles and shrugs, wanting to play with them a little to get ahead of how much they’re undoubtedly going to tease him. This elicits three sets of simultaneous eye rolls.

And there is so much hidden underneath that Maybe. Since Eddie replied to Buck’s first message, they’ve been basically messaging nonstop about, well, everything.

Eddie shared– without going into too much detail– about his time serving in Afghanistan and brief snippets of life in Texas and as a firefighter with the 118. Wanting to spare the traumatic details of the job and his past certainly left a lot less to talk about on his end.

But Buck, Eddie’s come to learn, is an open book. In fact, his life actually makes him sound like a character straight out of fiction.

He freely told Eddie about his travels across the country: leaving his hometown under the cover of darkness, hot days under the Montana sun as a ranch hand, late nights surrounded by drunk American tourists in Peru, and following the warm weather up to LA, stumbling into a job at a large floral shop whose main business was lavish weddings.

Working at weddings is where he – ironically – fell in love with work, Buck had said. The ability to create something beautiful, something that contributes to the happiness of others? Buck knew he had finally found his calling, so he threw himself into it with a passion– learning everything he could and eventually opening up his own shop with money left for him from distant family. Seeing people’s faces light up when they see his work, Buck confessed, left him feeling more fulfilled than anything he’s ever done before.

Buck had then abruptly apologized for sounding cheesy. Eddie had promised him that it wasn’t at all and that it made perfect sense. He also found it incredibly endearing – not that he admitted that part to him.

So, naturally, Eddie had inquired further:

@EDiaz118: So then Mr. Floriculturist, what’s your favorite flower? :)

@BouquetsByBuckley: ugh you’re not going to let me live that down, are you? but idk if i can choose just one, i love all flowers! asking a florist their favorite flower is like asking you your favorite kind of fire

@BouquetsByBuckley: okay wait no that doesn’t make any sense, you shouldn’t have a favorite fire. but to answer your question, if i have to choose one… i’d say Gladiolus bc they symbolize strength and resilience, and they’re also beautiful

@EDiaz118: Just looked it up, and yeah they are. Also, that description definitely fits you from everything you’ve told me. So what flower would you say suits me?

@BouquetsByBuckley: hmm… well Edelweiss stands for courage and you are a firefighter…

@BouquetsByBuckley: but that’s just a general answer. if you’re asking me specifically, my answer is Blue Salvia but i don’t want to tell you what it means. you should look it up :)

Eddie had looked it up.

Blue Salvias meant thinking of you.

“Fine, keep your secrets,” Chim says, breaking Eddie out of his reverie. “Maybe I’ll follow him and ask him myself. What’s his shop’s name? Nevermind, I’ll actually just look at who you’re follow-”

“No!” Eddie interjects, almost jumping up out of his seat. When he settles down he answers, “Yes, we’ve been messaging. But I haven’t given him my number, it’s still just on the app. Is that… is that bad?”

Based on the facial expressions he receives in reaction to his question, Eddie knows it’s probably time to give Buck his number. He doesn’t know why the idea of that scares him so much – he literally fights fires for a living. He can give a cute guy his phone number. A cute guy who he’s already been messaging.

“Well, have you at least asked him out on a date?” Hen asks. Eddie bites his lip in a silent no.

“Eddie!” she gasps and he ducks to avoid her flicking his head – her favorite act of tough love.

“Okay, okay!” he relents, face bright red and body warm enough to match. He sucks in a deep breath, “I’ll do it. I’ll… ask him out.”

Buck taps his fingers across the counter anxiously. It’s been hours since his last message from Eddie and Buck knows, logically, that he’s busy at work. But now he’s worrying, and it's spiraled into convincing himself that he’s overstepped and maybe has been coming off too strong.

Hell, for all he knows Eddie probably isn’t even into guys. Perhaps Eddie just thinks of him as a fun person to chat with, but only as a friend. Which wouldn’t be the end of the world, but Buck would very much prefer the alternative.

It also doesn’t help that his day has been going super slow. He’s already put together the two arrangements he’s had on order and is waiting for them to be picked up. One of the customers has already called him and let him know that she’ll be running late and practically begged him to just stay open a little longer. And, well, Buck doesn’t really want to be turning down a customer, plus he has nothing to do this evening.

By the time eight o’clock rolls around, Buck’s about to give up on hearing from Eddie today as his message hasn’t even been opened yet. And he knows it sounds selfish, but this last day or so of texting has honestly made him happier than he’s been in a long time. It’s been years since he’s met someone he’s connected with as easily as Eddie. So, yeah, he’s not going to let himself feel bad about being a little upset.

Still waiting for the customer who’s running late, Buck busies himself by tending to some daisies that are on display when all of a sudden he hears the bell above the door chime, signaling someone’s walked in.

“Welcome in! How can I-” he stops his greeting halfway as he turns around to see Eddie standing there. “Hi,” Buck breathes out, because he hadn’t even expected a text back and now Eddie’s here. He’s here, and somehow even more beautiful than just a few days ago.

“Hope this isn’t a bad time?”

Buck shakes his head quickly. “No, not at all. I’m just hanging out late, waiting for someone to pick up their order.”

Eddie runs a hand through his hair nervously, a soft smile on his face. “Would you mind some company?”

Buck’s face breaks out into a huge smile as fireworks erupt throughout his body. “I’d love some.”

He gestures for Eddie to follow him behind the counter where there’s a stool for him to sit on, since Buck imagines Eddie probably hasn’t had much down time today. When Eddie sits down, he smiles shyly at Buck.

“Is everything okay?” Buck asks.

“It’s just nice to see you again,” Eddie says softly, “I was kind of psyching myself up to actually come in here and – god that sounds bad, doesn’t it? I’m sorry. That’s not what I meant.”

Buck gives him a reassuring pat on his leg and it’s funny how comfortable he feels already with Eddie despite this only being the second time they’re seeing each other face-to-face, but something about him is just so inherently familiar that it feels like they’ve known each other for longer.

“No, it doesn’t sound bad. I know what you mean,” Buck reassures him. “You should’ve seen me after I sent you that first message, I was kind of panicking.”

Eddie looks at him quizzically. “Really? How come?”

Buck grins as he shrugs. “I guess you could say that I just really wanted to impress a certain fireman who was stalking me on Instagram.”

A wave of satisfaction flows through him as he sees Eddie’s cheeks flush despite an eye roll.

“I would hardly count it as stalking considering you gave me your card and asked me to call you,” Eddie shoots back fondly. “But you have nothing to worry about. After we left the accident my team actually, uh, kept teasing me about flirting with the cute florist.”

“Oh, yeah?” He preens at the word cute. Normally when people compliment him he hears hot or sexy but hardly ever cute. He likes it. It feels…more intimate. Sincere.

“Mhm,” Eddie hums in agreement and Buck’s stomach twists in knots as Eddie moves his hand down on top of where Buck’s is resting on his leg. His hand’s a bit sweaty, and Buck selfishly hopes that it’s because Eddie’s just as nervous as he is. Eddie slowly turns their hands onto their sides and laces their fingers together. “But now they keep teasing me, asking when I’m going to ask that cute florist out. On a date.”

Oh.

“Is that a question?” Buck asks, flustered.

The soft chime of the bell dings before Eddie can answer. Buck pulls his hand away from Eddie’s, cursing internally, and turns toward the door with his classic charming smile.

“Welcome! How can I help you?”

It’s the customer who’s finally come for her order. And so once Buck hands her the flowers and she leaves, he locks the door and turns the sign to Closed.

“So how long do you have until you have to pick up your son?”

“What?” Eddie asks, an indecipherable expression crossing his face. “Oh, uh, he’s with my abuela until whenever I can swing by to pick him up. Sorry, I forgot you knew about him for a second.”

Buck looks at him apologetically as he walks back over towards Eddie. “I’m sorry if I overstepped by bringing him up–”

“No, you’re okay. It’s just that it tends to scare people off when they find out I’m a single dad so I get kind of defensive over it,” Eddie says quietly, interrupting Buck. He shrugs and gives Buck a weak smile as if saying What can you do?

Buck easily settles back into how they were before they were interrupted: hands intertwined and resting on Eddie’s leg. The only difference is that now he’s stepped closer, fitting himself in between Eddie’s legs, tucked happily between his thighs.

“Well I love kids, so you have nothing to worry about there. But the reason I was asking is because, well, would you just want to go out tonight? Like, right after I finish closing up? I know you have a crazy schedule and if I’m being honest, Eddie,” Buck brings his free hand up to thread through Eddie’s soft hair, “I have really enjoyed getting to know you and messaging and everything, but now that I have you here I don’t think I could stand going one more day without taking you out. You could say that you're... irisistable.”

Eddie's brow furrows adorably in confusion for a moment. "Was that - was that a flower pun?"

Buck laughs and shrugs. "It comes with the territory, Eddie. But... would you? Want to go out tonight?"

"I would love to,” Eddie says, his soft tone waning into remorse as his smile drops at the corners, “but it’s a school night so…”

Sadness swirls in Eddie’s dark brown eyes and Buck realizes that this is probably what Eddie meant by people being turned off by him having a child. But this is Eddie. And Eddie had been right when he had called Buck stubborn, because he’s certainly not going to let one decline of a last minute invitation get him down.

“I understand,” he says before leaning forward slightly and, without even thinking, places a reassuring kiss to the top of Eddie’s head.

A low hum escapes Eddie’s throat and Buck feels him squeeze his hand softly. “I’ll be free on Saturday, though, so if you’re also free I would love to take you out, Buck.”

Buck pulls away to look Eddie fully in the eyes and he finds Eddie looking up at him fondly. Expectantly.

“Saturday,” Buck confirms with a small nod, trailing his fingers from Eddie’s hair down his face and stopping to rest on his jaw. His fingers rest there as his eyes slowly drop down to lock on Eddie’s lips.

The faint buzzing of the fluorescent lights fills the air as they stand there silently. Buck watches as Eddie’s tongue darts out to lick his lips and it’s like a siren song, calling out to him. He leans in closer, goosebumps erupting over his body as Eddie’s warm breath fans across his lips.

A shrill ringing punches through the charged silence, and Buck pulls away in surprise. Eddie scrunches his eyes closed as his free hand pinches the bridge of his nose. “Fuck,” he whispers before detaching their hands and shuffling awkwardly to remove his phone from his back pocket.

Brow scrunched in concentration, Eddie’s eyes glance over the screen before looking back at him remorsefully. “It’s my abuela. I should go…”

Disappointment swirls in the pit of Buck’s stomach but he nods and steps away so Eddie can get up. His body yearns in protest.

“Oh, but before I forget,” Eddie says as he stands, holding up his phone, “Can I get your number?”

Chapter Text

“Which one?” Eddie asks, holding up a button-down shirt in each hand – one forest green and one navy blue. This indecision of shirts is merely the tip of the iceberg of his nerves. The rapid ticking on the clock beats in time to his heart, serving as a reminder that he only has an hour left before he needs to meet Buck for their first date.

“Green,” Carla tells him. “It brings out your eyes.”

Eddie licks his lips and nods before he goes back into his room to change – Carla’s immediate confidence in her decision only helps calm him the slightest bit. With the shirt of choice tucked neatly into dark wash jeans, Eddie fusses with his hair in the mirror, threading through it until it finally manages to look somewhat presentable. Once he feels like he’s achieved the effortless yet stylish tousled look, he walks back out to the kitchen where Carla’s started chopping up vegetables for dinner.

“Thanks again for watching Chris tonight,” he tells her.

She scoffs and waves his thanks off. “You deserve to have a night out. I just want to hear all about this mystery date of yours after, okay?”

A soft blush tints Eddie’s face as he nods. While he had told Carla that he was going on a date, he made sure to dodge any subsequent questions. And it’s not like he’s embarrassed to be going out with Buck – he actually still can’t believe that he is going out with Buck – it’s just that he has a history of unsuccessful dates, so he’s found there’s really no point in getting his hopes up and talking about them before they’ve even happened. That, and the fact that only the 118 knows his date is with a man.

He doesn’t think that his family would have an issue with it … at least he hopes they wouldn’t. But for all they know Eddie is straight, hence Pepa continually trying to set him up with her friends’ daughters. And he goes, because he doesn’t want to let Pepa down, and also because he knows that once he officially comes out, everything will shift into unknown territory in an already rocky environment with his family.

Luck was truly on his side, though, when he was assigned to the 118 because nobody had batted an eye at the fact that Eddie was interested in a man despite their only previous knowledge of his dating life being Pepa’s failed setup attempts. He’d never talked about any of his few actual dates with men, but now it was nice to be out to at least one of his families.

—

Soft yellow lighting from the stringed patio lights pairs with the faint blush of the incoming sunset, painting Buck’s cheerful grin in an angelic glow as Eddie settles in his chair across from him at the restaurant – a cozy mid-scale Italian restaurant not too far from Buck’s shop.

Carla’s choice of the green shirt over the blue was the right call, because Buck’s adorning a cobalt blue button up, a couple of his tattoos visible from under the short sleeves. The urge to pinch himself grows stronger the more Eddie looks at Buck, his own consciousness doubting the reality that someone so beautiful and kind is actually into him.

Having already been in constant communication for a week now, a part of Eddie is worried that they’ll run out of things to talk about. Or worse – Buck will think that he’s actually more exciting over text than he is in person. But what he comes to learn is that, just like their first meeting the day of the farmers market accident, everything with Buck just comes so naturally and the conversation flows effortlessly throughout their meal.

“Wait so he really had an entire pole… in his head?” Buck asks incredulously. The waiter who’s collecting their dinner plates pauses for the briefest second and Eddie has to take a sip of wine to stop himself from laughing.

Eddie then nods in thanks to the waiter before turning his attention back to his very excited date. It turns out that Eddie’s previous avoidance of discussing work wasn’t necessary, because Buck seems not only interested, but absolutely enthralled, at his stories.

“I mean, that was before I joined but I’ve heard the story and seen the pictures so many times that I feel like I was there, but yes. The craziest part about it, though, is that you can’t even really see the scar anymore. It’s just…”

“Gone?” Buck asks.

“Gone,” Eddie repeats with an amused smile and a nod.

Buck exhales and leans back in his chair and Eddie struggles to avoid looking at the way the buttons on his shirt seem to be fighting for their life at the motion. In the three times that Eddie’s now seen Buck, he isn’t convinced he owns anything in his size. Not that Eddie’s complaining.

“Well my job must seem so boring to you in comparison,” Buck jokes as he sits up straight again. Eddie senses a twinge of insecurity to his tone, though, indicating he may not be entirely joking.

“Hey,” Eddie reaches over and gently places his hand on top of Buck’s. “I love hearing about what you do. Honestly, I love hearing everything about you. I, uh, may have even told Chris that story about how you almost got trampled by cows when you were a ranch hand and he thought it was hilarious.”

Buck leans forward curiously. “You talked to Chris about me?”

“I mean I haven’t told him that I’m out on a date with you or anything – not that I’m embarrassed! It’s just –”

“Hey, no, It’s okay. I understand,” Buck promises.

Eddie smiles gratefully at him. “But he does know I have a, uh, new friend named Buck.”

“I see. So I’m just a friend now?” Buck teases as he sends Eddie a wink, his lips curled up into a smirk.

Eddie gently nudges Buck’s shin under the table with his foot, his smile never wavering. “You will never be just a friend, Buck, because you — you’re amazing. And I’m sorry that I’m not always the best with words and saying how I feel but I want you to know that I do think you’re really amazing. It takes a special kind of person to do what you’ve done – just trusting yourself so completely and following your passions.”

The blush on Buck’s cheeks is indistinguishable from the now reddened sunset in the sky. “Thank you,” he says softly, batting his eyes through his lashes. “That actually means a lot. A lot of people thought I was crazy when I told them I wanted to open my own shop. But I love it. It’s the first thing in my life that’s ever been mine, you know?”

Eddie squeezes Buck’s hand again as he nods, thinking back to how he felt that exact same way when telling his family that he and Chris were moving to LA to start over. “Yeah, I get it.”

—

“Welcome to your first official visit,” Buck announces as he shuts the door and promptly locks it back up since it’s well after-hours.

Even though he was just here a few days ago to ask Buck out, Eddie hadn’t really had the chance to get a good look around. He’s surprised to see the shop is larger on the inside than it looks from the street, but even with the lights off, it feels light and airy with bright, modern decor and arrays of flowers in individual displays scattered on tables and shelves.

“It’s really nice,” Eddie comments as he looks around. He separates from where he’s practically glued to Buck’s side to wander through the displays, his eyes catching on a vase of flowers as blue as Buck’s eyes. Smiling to himself, Eddie takes one and slips his hand behind his back as he makes his way back over to Buck.

“Close your eyes,” Eddie says, and Buck does without question. He brings the flower up to Buck’s ear and tucks it behind as best he can, long stem and all.

Buck’s soft laugh fills the room and he asks, “Are you trying to woo me with my own merchandise, Eddie?”

“Open your eyes,” is all Eddie replies, feeling the corner of his lips curl up into a satisfied smile. Heat blooms throughout his bloodstream, warming every inch of his body upon seeing Buck’s bright blue eyes open. And, yes, he’d been absolutely right about the flower being a perfect match. “Just as I thought.”

“Hm?”

“The flower, it matches your eyes,” Eddie explains. “It’s perfect.”

Buck’s smile grows wider, eyes sparkling, as he pulls the flower from behind his ear, gently swatting the tip of Eddie’s nose with it. “You’re perfect.” His eyes widen as he registers what he’s just said. “I mean tonight – tonight’s perfect.”

Eddie stills, swearing that the pounding of his heart is audible in the heavy silence that falls between them, and it only grows louder as his eyes follow as Buck’s gaze slowly drops down to his lips. Sucking in a deep breath, Eddie regains control of his body and takes a hesitant step closer…

A burst of laughter from outside startles them apart and Eddie drops his head in exasperation as Buck’s eyes shift to the shop window as a couple walks by outside.

An unreadable expression colors his eyes as he looks back to Eddie. “Do you want to, uhm, finish the tour?”

Eddie nods, so Buck places the flower on the counter and grabs his hand, dragging him to the back of the store to where there’s a door labeled ‘Office.’ Buck fiddles with his keys for a second before getting it open.

From the light of the streetlamps, a dark shadow is cast across the room. Even in the darkness, Eddie can tell it’s not what he was expecting, although he’s not exactly sure what he was expecting – maybe an office to match the liveliness of the rest of the shop? Instead, there’s an almost empty room and, pushed up against the opposite wall, there’s a small desk with a couch next to it. The walls are bare save for one framed picture of Buck and a woman – Eddie’s assuming it’s his sister, Maddie.

He’s about to question why, exactly, Buck brought him back here when Buck steps closer to him, their chests brushing.

“So, there’s something I’ve been wanting to do since the day you came to ask me out,” he says, voice low. “But I figured we should have a bit more privacy.”

The question is in the way Buck moves a hand slowly up Eddie’s arm, trailing a featherlight touch across his shoulder until his hand comfortably cups the back of Eddie’s neck, his fingers tugging gently at the hair resting at the nape.

The answer is in the way Eddie leans forward, closing the short distance between them and pressing his lips desperately against Buck’s in a passionate kiss. He licks the taste of the wine Buck had with dinner out of his mouth and savors it with a deep, satisfied sigh against Buck’s lips.

They break apart for a moment, breaths heavy in the space between them. Eddie’s stomach twists into knots as he watches Buck’s lips slowly curl up into a satisfied smile and they stay there – frozen – for just a moment too long for Eddie’s liking before he’s leaning in and kissing Buck again.

Seconds bleed into minutes bleed into … Eddie’s lost all track of time and he doesn’t remember when, or how, exactly, but they’ve made their way onto the couch with Buck hovering over him as they lazily make out like teenagers experiencing privacy for the first time.

“As much fun as this is,” Eddie rasps, finally pulling away just enough to break the kiss. “I think I need a second.”

Soft curls tickle his forehead as Buck rests theirs together, pressing one last quick kiss to Eddie’s lips before rolling onto his side next to Eddie. The couch certainly isn’t big enough for the both of them, but Eddie doesn’t mind the tight squeeze.

“So… does this mean I can come to your station and we can make out there too?” Buck jokes, his finger absently tracing light circles on Eddie’s chest. “I’ve always thought it’d be hot to mess around in a firetruck.”

Eddie rolls his eyes fondly, pressing a gentle kiss to Buck’s birthmark. “Not only would I get fired and probably blacklisted from the entire LAFD, but my captain’s wife is a police sergeant and I don’t feel like getting arrested for public indecency.” Buck pouts slightly so Eddie adds: “But maybe I can sneak my uniform out to wear for you sometime. I happen to know for a fact that my captain did that once.”

In response, Buck lets out a low moan as he maneuvers himself right back up to straddle Eddie’s hips. “I’d be so into that, you have no idea.”

And Eddie has some idea by the way Buck then leans down so they’re flushed chest to chest, his lips finding soft purchase on Eddie’s neck. A sharp gasp fills the room as Eddie’s eyes flutter shut at the touch, goosebumps rising like constellations over his body as he feels Buck slowly lick up his neck before pressing a gentle kiss just under his ear. He moans out as Buck bites down, not hard enough to leave a mark but enough to elicit a raspy and drawn out, “Oh, fuck.”

Buck hums against his skin and Eddie can feel the smirk on his lips. “No, not tonight. Don’t want you to get the wrong idea about my intentions with you.”

A breathless laugh punches out of Eddie’s lungs and Buck pulls back just enough to meet his gaze, pupils blown wide. “Your intentions with me?”

“Mmhm,” Buck hums as he sits up fully so he can properly look at Eddie and god Eddie doesn’t know how Buck manages to get even more beautiful with every second that passes. “I don’t want this to just be some casual thing. I like you a lot, Eddie, and I hope that doesn’t make me sound crazy because we’ve only known each other for a week but–”

Eddie surges up and swallows the rest of that sentence with a deep kiss.

“I like you too, and I don’t want anything casual, either,” he promises as he pulls away, laying down flat on his back again.

Buck smiles as he traces his fingers across Eddie’s chest, and even in the dark Eddie can tell his cheeks are flushed. “I believe I said I like you a lot.”

Eddie lets out a louder laugh and moves his arms around Buck's waist to pull him back down against his chest. “I like you a lot too,” he mumbles into the crown of Buck’s curls.

And if he didn’t have to get home to Chris, Eddie thinks he would never want to leave.

–

Later that night, when he’s back home and getting ready for bed after checking in and making sure that Chris is asleep, Eddie sighs contentedly to himself.

Carla knows now. It was kind of impossible to not tell her everything the second he walked in the door. The knowing gaze she shot him let him know that there was no use trying to hide anything. He assumed it was because of how he was smiling so hard his face felt as if it split in two, or how his cheeks still carried a flush from the way Buck had kissed him goodbye.

No. It was his top two buttons that Buck had apparently undone while Eddie was otherwise preoccupied that gave away how well the date had gone.

As expected, yet still a relief to hear, all she cared about was that Eddie was happy. She had left him for the night with a tight hug and an “It’s so good to see you smiling like this” whispered in his ear.

Buck: did you make it home okay?

Eddie smiles as he slides into bed, his phone in hand.

Eddie: Yes, and just finished getting ready for bed. I don’t know if I’ll actually be able to sleep, though

Buck: cause you’ll be thinking of me? ;)

Eddie: I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we met

Eddie chews on his lip as he watches his phone screen go unchanged for a few minutes, worrying that he had just somehow crossed a line. Been too honest too fast. But then his phone lights up again.

Buck: good, bc i haven’t stopped thinking about you, either. i’m keeping that flower for my personal collection by the way :)

Eddie: Don’t you own dozens of them?

Buck: yeah… but there’s only one that you gave me

And Eddie does manage to eventually fall asleep, but not until shortly after midnight. He doesn’t regret it, though. Except he does – for a very brief second when his alarm goes off at the horrible hour of 6 AM.

He rolls over in bed with a groan to turn off his alarm, his brow furrowing as he sees that Buck apparently messaged him an hour ago. Eddie’s barely alert brain is both amazed and confused. Why was Buck up and texting him at five o’clock in the morning?

Buck: you go in at 8 today right?

Eddie shoots back a quick: Yeah, why? before staggering out of bed and getting his morning started so he can drop Chris off at Abuela’s and still make it to work on time.

When he arrives at the station at just past 8:15 with a silent prayer that Bobby won’t notice him slipping in a little late, he checks his phone only to see a very ominous response:

Buck: :)

“Eddie!” Hen greets cheerily as he makes it to the top of the stairs of the loft. “We were waiting to ask how your date went, but I think we already got our answer.”

His face scrunches with a confused frown but that’s when he sees it. Behind Hen on the kitchen island stands a bouquet of roses, and nestled in the sea of red sits a single blue flower matching the one he had given Buck.

“Are those –”

“For you,” Chimney confirms with a knowingly smug look on his face as Eddie makes his way over to them. “They were here before any of us arrived.”

His heart twists in his chest as he reads the card attached:

‘I had so much fun last night :) Have a good day at work! I’ll be thinking about you all daisy - B’

All eyes are on Eddie, and he suddenly feels like a teenager again with his parents watching the end of a date from the living room window. With the card clutched in one hand, Eddie pulls his phone out with the other. Chimney and Hen, in all their good-natured nosiness, look as if they’re about to pounce in an eager demand for answers, so Eddie shoots them a “Give me a second,” before stepping out of earshot.

Buck picks up halfway through the first ring.

“Do you like them?”

Eddie worries that if he spends any more time smiling then his face is going to freeze like that, so he chews on his lip to fight back a giant grin so he can answer, “I love them, but how –”

“After you stopped replying last night, I still couldn’t really sleep,” Buck tells him, and Eddie can hear the smile in his voice paired with a slight rasp of drowsiness. “So I just got a really early start to my day, making your bouquet and dropping it off before your shift. I wanted… I wanted to surprise you, is that okay?”

A million different replies swirl through Eddie’s mind: I’m sorry if you didn’t get much sleep because of me; I wish it had been you waiting for me; I know it’s only been one date but I like you so much that it should scare me, but it doesn’t, which might actually scare me more.

But he settles with: “Of course it’s okay, Buck. I’ve actually never had anyone do this for me before.”

“What, bring you gifts at work?”

“Well, yes, but I mean I’ve never had anyone give me flowers. I love them, really.”

Being a secret romantic at heart, Eddie’s always wanted to experience romance like in the movies – the dates, the gifts, the permanent buzz reminiscent of after a couple of drinks when you feel warm and invincible.

And while there was some of that with Shannon at the beginning, looking back the romance was never really there; it was more of the comfortable intimacy of a close friend. Time spent close together combined with a desire for something meaningful eventually led to misinterpreted and misplaced feelings and then suddenly…

He went from buying her flowers for their senior prom to buying diapers for their son in the blink of an eye. And then when he wasn’t overseas, he was at home playing the role of a husband and trying so hard to make it work because this was what he wanted, wasn’t it?

He convinced himself that things would get better after the stress of the pregnancy… after the stress of him being deployed… after the stress of readjusting to a regular life together once he came home because they had to, right? Things would get better because this was what they both wanted.

It wasn’t until after a year of being home and still hoping things would magically get better that it had been time to rip off the bandaid and expose the festering wound below. It was clear that it wasn’t working out, that everything always just felt like going through the motions – checking off a box on a list of expectations for a relationship.

But now, Eddie has someone who is waking up early and bringing him flowers at work just to surprise him. It’s a weird feeling to adjust to, finally being treated the way he’s always dreamed of – and so openly and unashamed at that.

“Well if you love them, then you’re in luck,” Buck tells him.

Eddie crosses a foot over the other as he leans back against the wall. “Oh is that so? How come?”

“Because you should see the ones I’m planning on giving you when I pick you up for our second date.”

“I don’t know, these are kind of hard to beat,” Eddie tells him, an idea suddenly popping into his head as he looks down at Buck’s card. “You really rose to the occasion with this one.”

There’s a pause. Then, a soft laugh fills his ear, setting off a flurry of butterflies in Eddie’s stomach. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I didn’t think of that first – it was right there! See? This is why we’re good together, Eddie. Not everyone appreciates my puns.”

“I do,” Eddie promises, silently shooing away Chimney who’s suddenly taken a very keen interest on the framed photograph on the wall next to Eddie. Chimney gives him a faux innocent look so Eddie rolls his eyes and uncrosses his foot to gently nudge the other man away. “It’s part of your charm, Buck.”

The phone call ends not too long after that and, as he pockets his phone, Eddie raises an eyebrow at Chimney. “Can I help you?”

Chimney fish mouths, unable to come up with an excuse. Eddie snorts and shakes his head. He’s not mad at him. Hell, Eddie grew up with two sisters so he can’t exactly say that he’s never done the same to them. But it’s just too much fun torturing Chimney, though.

“Well, since you were listening in I guess that means I don’t have anything else to tell you. Feel free to let the others know that that’s all they’re getting too.”

A pleading “Come on, man!” follows Eddie as he makes his way back to the kitchen to grab some coffee and admire his flowers.

He’ll consider telling them at lunch.

Buck’s finishing up the final touches of a bridal bouquet when the bell above the door chimes.

“I brought coffee!” Maddie announces cheerily. Buck looks up at his sister who’s holding two cups close to her chest. “But you only get yours once you tell me how last night went.”

Hazelnut aromas swirl in the air between them, signaling to Buck that Maddie’s splurged on their favorite café – the one three blocks down that always has a bustling line from the moment the doors opened. It’s well worth it, though, with their lattes that make you feel as if you’re sipping heaven itself.

Her lips pull up into a knowing smile as she appraises Buck’s appearance. “You look exhausted. I’m taking that as a good sign?”

Buck rolls his eyes as he mindlessly plays with the petals on one of the flowers. “He went home a little after ten last night. I told you I’m not trying the hookup thing again – plus Eddie deserves way better than that. I actually, uhm, may have even brought some roses to his station this morning as a surprise.”

“Okay, who are you and what did you do with my brother?” Maddie jokes, feigning seriousness as she leans against the counter. When Buck flips her off, she laughs. “Like a week ago you were on the verge of a panic attack because he hadn’t even messaged you back, and now you’re going full romcom.”

It wasn’t an actual panic attack, Buck wants to argue. But Maddie’s right, and he himself can’t even believe just how well things have progressed in such a short amount of time. Eddie is… everything Buck never knew he was looking for. Sure, when they had first met it was a little bit of shameless flirting on his end because Eddie’s hot and, well, Buck’s only human.

After actually getting to know Eddie, though?

Despite being a romantic at heart, Buck isn’t one to believe in love at first sight; however, he’s always been someone who falls fast and falls hard when he does. And falling for Eddie was inevitable even looking back at their first meeting, despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding it. From the moment Buck handed Eddie his business card he had – unknowingly – toed too close to the edge. And, after their first few days of messaging back-and-forth, he stumbled right over that edge, falling head-first and unable to stop.

“Can I just have my coffee, please?” Buck asks, running a hand through his unstyled hair, trying to hide a smile.

The first taste of his hazelnut latte rolls through his bloodstream, perking himself up almost instantly. Maddie takes a sip of hers before walking around the counter to stand next to him. “Don’t think you’re getting out of telling me so easily. Here, I’ll even help you while you talk.”

The urge to just wave her off and ignore her questions tempts Buck, but he loves Maddie too much to do that. She’s always been the only one on his side, supporting dream after dream and never once judging when he inevitably changed, not only jobs, but entire states every few months. Even now on her days off as a nurse, she’ll come into the shop just to help or keep him company.

“Okay, well then do you want me to start from when we met at the restaurant?” Buck asks, arching an eyebrow and biting back a smirk. “Or do you want me to just skip ahead to when I almost gave him a hickey on the couch in the office?”

“Oh my god, Evan –”

Chapter Text

It’s just past noon on a slow start to a shift, and Eddie’s finishing wiping down the ladder truck – partly because it was going to need to be done anyways, partly because the other option was to get his ass kicked by Chimney playing video games. 

The day seems to be ticking by so tortuously slowly that the boredom is crawling under his – and everyone’s – skin. But it makes more sense to just suffer through the boredom than to accidentally invoke the q-curse which, if you ask Eddie, is nonsense. He loves his family at the 118, but sometimes they’re just too superstitious for their own good and he would never hear the end of it if that were to happen. 

A sudden cough from the open bay doors behind Eddie startles him and he swivels around on instinct. 

“Excuse me, sir, I have an emergency.” 

Bright blue eyes meet his as Buck grins cheekily, a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

“Oh? And what emergency would that be?” Eddie plays along as he tosses the rag over his shoulder and leans against the truck, arms crossed as he tries to bite back a smile. 

“I’m dying,” Buck says, attempting – and failing – to make a solemn expression as he steps closer to Eddie. “Tell me, Firefighter Diaz, is it possible to miss someone so much that it kills them?” 

Eddie laughs and rolls his eyes before pushing himself off the truck and pulling Buck in by his waist. “We Facetimed yesterday,” Eddie reminds him. “And the day before that.” 

A faint blush paints Buck’s cheeks and he shrugs. “I know. But I haven’t seen you in a week. I’ve missed–” his eyes roam over Eddie’s body, “ – you. ”

One month. It’s been one month since his first date with Buck and Eddie still feels butterflies like it’s the first time he laid eyes on him. However, being a firefighter and a father has its specific challenges timewise, so despite it being a month of seeing each other, their in-person dates have been few and far between. Plus, on top of Eddie’s chaotic schedule, wedding season’s started and so Buck’s been swamped with deliveries on top of running his store like usual. 

They’ve made it work, though. In between their three dates, virtual dates have consumed almost all of Eddie’s limited free time. That, and also they still text constantly. So much, in fact, that Eddie’s had to skillfully dodge Hen’s teasing which seems to always feature the words “Buck” and “codependency.” 

This – Buck actually coming to the station is a surprise, though. After Buck delivered the roses to the station the morning after their first date, he hasn’t come back since – much to Eddie’s secret disappointment.

“I’ve missed you too,” Eddie assures him with a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry I’ve been so busy. It’s just, you know, with all of Chris’s end of the year projects and the extra shifts I’ve had to pick up –” 

“Eddie, you don’t need to apologize. We’re making it work, yeah?” When Eddie nods, Buck smiles brightly and steps back, holding up the flowers in between their chests. “I made you something.” 

It’s a bright arrangement of yellow and white flowers and Eddie gladly takes them from Buck, his cheeks hurting with the familiar ache of smiling too hard. No matter how many times Buck brings him flowers – which, to be fair, is every time they’ve seen each other– Eddie thinks he falls for him a little bit more. It’s only been a month and, yet, Eddie’s finally experiencing what he feels he’s been searching his entire lifetime for. 

After a string of people who quickly decided Eddie wasn’t good enough for them, there’s finally someone who sees Eddie for all he is and still wants him - still pursues him. For the first time in as long as Eddie can remember, he finally feels not just that he’s enough for someone, but that he deserves this. 

“The yellow daisies are for happiness and the white ones are for new beginnings,” Buck explains, ducking his head slightly, his face fully flushed. “And I added chrysanthemums because they’re known to symbolize protection so I just… I wanted to, uhm, yeah…” 

“Buck,” Eddie says softly, reaching out to cup Buck’s jaw with his free hand and lifting his head so they’re making eye contact. “This is so beautiful and thoughtful. I love it.” 

Buck glows at the praise. “I hoped you would because, uhm, I didn’t just come here to give you those.” 

Eddie quirks up an eyebrow. “Is this a bribe for your firetruck fantasy?” 

Buck sputters out a laugh. “Oh my god, no!” He then pauses, a playful gleam sparkling in his eyes as he raises his eyebrows suggestively. “Unless?” 

Eddie smirks and shakes his head, “Sorry, still not happening.” 

“You’re horrible for even bringing that up, you know,” Buck jokes, his eyes quickly flicking to the ladder truck beside them, “but, no, what I was going to say is that I want to take you out on another date. And since it’s been a month of – ” he motions between them, “ – this , I wanted to make it special and come ask in person.” 

Eddie’s eyes soften into warm pools of brown as his heart swells in his chest, pushing all of his blood to his face where it warms to the touch. 

“Yes, absolutely. How’s Monday?” 

Right as Buck opens his mouth in reply, Eddie feels someone coming up from behind him. 

“Cap wanted me to see what was taking so long with the truck,” Hen says but judging by the smirk in her tone, Eddie doesn’t think that’s at all true. She’s just come to meet Buck. 

“Uh,” Eddie coughs out awkwardly, avoiding Hen’s amused gaze. “Buck, this is Hen. Hen this is –” 

“The famous Buck,” she finishes as she reaches out to shake Buck’s hand. “It’s so nice to meet you.” 

“You know who I am?” 

Hen lets out a short laugh as she looks at Eddie with a playful eyebrow raised before turning her focus back to Buck. “Oh, we’re all very aware of who you are.” 

An embarrassed heat burns across Eddie’s face. “Hen…” he pleads.

At that, Buck’s polite smile shifts into one of mischievous curiosity and he cocks his head to the side. “Oh! Does he talk about me a lot?” 

Eddie’s effort to protest is cut off as Buck winks at him, causing his mouth to instantly snap shut to bite back a flustered smile. 

“I mean, yes, but just look at that,” Hen says, gesturing to Eddie’s face. He swats her hand away. “You’re the only person who’s ever made him look like that. He hasn’t stopped looking like that since you two met.” 

Eddie’s smile vanishes into a frown, his brow furrowing. “What are you talking about? I look normal.” 

“You look perfect, as always,” Buck promises sweetly, causing Eddie’s frown to disappear as quickly as it had come on, his face flushing almost as red as the truck next to them.  

“Yeah, Eddie, this whole lovesick look is totally normal.” She snorts out a laugh and claps a hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “I am sorry, though, because Bobby was asking for you. I’ll just let him know you’ll be up in a few minutes. Nice to officially meet you, Buck!” 

Buck smiles and nods back at her and when Hen is out of earshot, Eddie groans and scrubs his free hand over his face. “I’m so sorry. I swear I just tell them regular things, like if we have a date or something. Nothing bad, I promise.” 

A soft laugh escapes Buck’s lips and Eddie drops his hand to see Buck looking at him in awe. “You really talk about me to your friends?” 

Eddie shrugs in an attempt to be nonchalant, but then he slowly nods in admission. 

“God, Eddie. Can I kiss you?” Buck asks.

Eddie quickly looks behind him to make sure nobody’s watching them from the loft before turning back and leaning up, pressing a soft kiss to Buck’s lips. Goosebumps rise across his skin as Buck sighs happily into the kiss. 

“I’ll let you go so you don’t get in trouble,” Buck murmurs against Eddie’s lips a few seconds later before slowly pulling away. “But we’re on for Monday. I’ll text you the details, okay?” 

Breathless, Eddie only smiles and nods as he holds the bouquet close to his chest. 

After Buck’s gone – not without turning around and sending Eddie another playful wink – Eddie reluctantly makes his way up into the loft where he’s certain there will be an interrogation thrown his way. But everything is normal, which Eddie almost finds to be a cause of more concern. 

From the kitchen, Bobby eyes the flowers in Eddie’s hand knowingly as he gestures with his head for Eddie to join him. 

“Hen said you needed me?” Eddie asks.

“It’s your turn to help prep for lunch,” Bobby tells him, gesturing to a bowl of uncut bell peppers and cucumbers. “I also want to check in with you and see how you’re doing with… everything.” 

Ah. And there it is. 

Eddie sets the flowers down on the kitchen island and washes his hands before joining Bobby again. He places a bell pepper on the cutting board and starts slicing it into strips.

“Everything’s okay,” he promises. “It’s actually more than okay. I, uh, I really like him, Bobby.” 

Out of the corner of his eye, Eddie sees Bobby’s lips turn up into a smile from where he’s placing lettuce in the salad spinner. “That’s really good to hear. I’m happy for you. We all are.”

Eddie’s quiet for a moment and, as he makes one last slice through the pepper, he blurts out, “I want him to meet Chris.” 

“Oh,” Bobby pauses, “Well, it sounds like things are getting serious, then. How does Chris feel about this?”

Eddie’s face twists up guiltily as he reaches for another pepper. “He doesn’t know. I mean, he knows that I have a friend named Buck because I’ve talked about him a little bit… and one night he caught us Facetiming and I may have panicked and introduced them to each other, but it was very brief. He doesn’t know anything other than that. I haven’t even told him I’ve been dating just in general.” 

He assumes that Chris knows something’s up, though, but he just doesn’t know how to broach the “I’m seeing someone, and I want to be in a relationship with them” conversation. Ever since things ended with Shannon, nobody Eddie’s gone out with has made it past a second date so this is entirely new territory. 

“Do you think it’s a bad idea?” Eddie asks. “I mean, I really like him and if it goes well with him meeting Chris, then I want to ask Buck to, you know, be in a relationship.” He tries to say it casually, to not give away the nerves he can feel fraying all over his body. 

He misses the mark by a mile. 

Bobby pauses again, longer this time, and they both turn to look at each other. With Bobby’s pointed look, Eddie can tell he knows there’s something else. A quiet moment passes as Eddie contemplates how to word his next question.

“You were single for a long time after losing your family, so how did you – When did you realize that you were ready to be with someone again? Because a part of me is scared that I’ve been single for so long that I’ll mess things up. I haven’t been someone’s boyfriend since high school and that just led to a terrible marriage so I just… I’m a little worried. Especially since I have Chris to think about too.”

After a long silence, Bobby finally answers, “It’s not something that I knew I was ready for. I wasn’t looking for it at all, actually, when I met Athena. But then she helped me through a hard time and I just knew. I know that’s probably not the answer you’re looking for, and I’m sorry that I can’t be of more help. You just have to trust yourself, and trust that you’ve learned from your past. I think the bravest thing that anyone can do in this world is just… try. You may surprise yourself with how easily things come when you’re with the right person.” 

Eddie sighs and nods as he takes in Bobby’s answer. There’s always a small ache in his heart that throbs whenever Bobby takes on this fatherly role to him. It’s a welcome role, but it also serves as a reminder of the father figure he missed out on in childhood, something he swore he would never let Chris experience. 

“Okay,” he finally says with a nod. “Buck and I are going out Monday so I’ll bring it up with him then.” 

The crisp sound of another slice punctuates the definitiveness of his decision.

One month. It’s been one month of scattered dates and Facetime calls during the long stretches of days where their schedules conflict. One month and Buck is ready to take the next step. He wants to officially ask Eddie to be his boyfriend.

In the past, going on dates seemed to always just casually blend into being in a relationship. There were never any questions or discussions, it just…happened. Buck knows it's time to break that cycle, though, and actually take charge for once. 

“Oh wow, really?” Maddie asks as Buck refills her glass of wine. “I didn’t know it was getting that serious already.” 

“I mean we’ve only technically been on three actual dates, but I don’t know I just…I really like him, Maddie. We’ve been taking it slow but he just makes me feel so happy and so… so seen . It’s like he’s the only person I’ve met who actually understands me – okay, don’t look at me like that! Obviously I mean besides you.”

“You better,” Maddie states as she playfully smacks his arm. Buck laughs and waves her off before taking a quick sip of his beer, eyes falling on the waning evening light streaming in from the window and he finds himself swallowing and smiling wistfully. 

“Monday. That’s when I’m going to ask him. I’m going to take him to his favorite diner, then, afterwards, I’m going to ask him. That way in case he says no at least it’s at the end of the date.” 

“Buck,” Maddie says in her famous big sister tone. He looks back at her and she’s giving him a look of disapproval. “Don’t go into this with an escape plan, okay? If he’s even half as into you as you’re into him, he’s not going to say no.” 

Sucking in a deep breath, Buck nods on the exhale. It’s not like he wants to think about it possibly going wrong. These thoughts… they just pop up in his head and he’s learned preparing for them is more effective than trying to make them go away. 

“I’m proud of you for doing this,” Maddie announces with a smile, holding up her wine glass and clinking it against Buck’s beer bottle in a cheers, “and you should be proud of yourself too.” 

Buck goes to wave her off again as his phone buzzes from its place on the counter. His whole body warms when he sees that it’s a text from Eddie and – wait, no – it’s a photo from Eddie. 

Buck snatches his phone a little too quickly to be played off as casual and almost drops the bottle in his hand when he opens it. 

It’s a full body mirror shot of Eddie at work and, evidently, at the end of a workout. A strenuous one, Buck presumes, based on how his normally loose black tank top is practically painted onto his abs with sweat, face flushed against the slight smirk on his lips. 

Buck: what the fuck eddie you’re actually going to kill me

Buck: like if i called 911 rn for a heart attack would you be the one showing up to save me? 

Eddie: You surprised me at work today, so I figured you deserve a surprise too :) And maybe wait until Monday for that heart attack? I want to be the only one to rescue you

“So he’s just casually sending you photos looking like that and you still haven’t asked him to be official?” Maddie asks. Buck pulls his phone close to his chest, finally sensing her looking over his shoulder curiously. 

She looks at him expectantly, so Buck blushes and shrugs in a non-answer before bringing his beer up to his lips. 

“Okay, look. I’m going to be honest with you because I love you,” Maddie says, a teasing lilt to her voice, “if that’s what you’re responding when he’s sending you those photos and he’s into it ? You need to lock him down immediately because that was embarrassing to read.” 

Buck sputters out the last sip of his beer. “Maddie!” 

Maddie smiles innocently and holds up her hands defensively. “I mean I think it’s sweet that he brings out this side of you. Sweet, but extremely embarrassing.” 

Buck playfully flips her off before putting his now empty bottle on the counter and looking back at his phone, holding it close enough so Maddie can’t see what he’s replying. 

Buck: my sister’s bullying me now 

Eddie: About what?

Buck: she’s implying i don’t know how to flirt with you 

Eddie: I mean, you started flirting with me by giving me a job offer and a lecture about botany 

Buck:  well i believe that technically you started it

Eddie: What? How?

Buck: you called me stubborn

Eddie: You are stubborn, and I don’t see how that was flirting

Buck: and then you started manhandling me ;)

Eddie: I had to check if you were hurt! 

Buck: if you just wanted to feel me up, you could’ve just asked. i would’ve let you

Eddie: Oh my god, okay, I’m going to get back to my workout. Go have fun with Maddie

Buck: send me another pic? 

Buck grins proudly to himself as another photo comes in a minute later. It’s another mirror shot, except this time Eddie’s sitting on a workout bench, legs spread and flexed, and instead of a smirk on his still-flushed face there’s a soft smile partially blocked by his phone. 

Buck then opens his photo album and scrolls through it to find a recent picture he had taken after one of his morning runs. One where he’s shirtless with gym shorts hanging low on his hips, chest and abs glistening with sweat. If he had taken it with the thought in mind of having it on hand to send to Eddie sometime? Well, that’s only for him to know. He’s just glad it’s finally becoming useful. 

Buck: figured you deserve one in return ;)  

His phone buzzes almost immediately. 

Eddie: On second thought, I definitely think you should fake that heart attack right now

Buck: who says i’d be faking? 

“You know, maybe I should start a support group with Eddie’s coworkers if this is what they deal with all the time too.” Maddie’s voice pulls Buck away from his phone, and he looks up to see her eyeing him with an amused expression. 

“What? We’re not that bad,” Buck objects. 

“You totally just forgot I was here!”

“This is practically your place too,” Buck counters. “It’s not like you’re a guest.” 

“Okay,” she relents before taking a small sip of wine. “But I want to meet him. As your older sister it’s my duty to grill the new boyfriend.” 

Buck groans. “Fine, but you’re not grilling anyone and, also, he’s not my boyfriend.”

“Not yet.”

Sundays off are always Eddie’s favorite. Not only does it mean guaranteed time with Chris, but it’s his one day a week that he allows himself to order in food without feeling guilty. Growing up, Sundays in his home were filled with large family gatherings from sunrise to sunset and food was more than a meal – it was an excuse for quality time. After moving, however, Eddie obviously wasn’t able to keep up that tradition, instead allowing himself to be lazy and avoid the stress that comes with planning what to cook for dinner. 

Also, he may be using this as a not-so-subtle way to sweeten Chris up before having the conversation with him. 

With one foot propped up on the coffee table, Eddie looks above his phone and watches proudly as Chris defeats a boss in the video game that he’s been working through for about a month now. 

“Hey, Chris?” he asks nervously as Chris then saves the game and turns it off. His foot drops to the floor as he shifts to sit up straight. It’s now or never. 

Chris frowns as he looks up at him. “Is something wrong?”

Eddie fights through the nerves and shakes his head, sending him an unconvincing smile. He pats the empty space next to him on the couch. Chris makes his way from his favorite gaming position on the floor to sit down next to him. Eddie sucks in a breath and moves a hand up to thread his fingers through Chris’s curls. 

“There’s something I want to talk to you about. And I want you to know that if it’s something you’re not ready for then that is completely fine, I just need you to be honest with me, okay?”

Chris’s brow furrows as he looks up at Eddie through his glasses. “Are we moving again?” 

A nervous laugh punches out through the lump in Eddie’s throat and he shakes his head. “No, we’re not. I, uh –” Eddie clears his throat, “How would you feel if I told you that I wanted to date again?” 

“Dad,” Chris sighs out, exasperated. “I know you’ve gone out on dates.” 

And, yeah, Eddie should have expected that. Chris is way too smart to not catch on. 

“And you’re okay with it?” Eddie asks. 

Chris smiles at him and nods. “I just want you to be happy.” 

“And would you – If I told you that I’ve already met someone who makes me happy and I want to ask them to be together, would you still be okay with it?” 

“It’s Buck, isn’t it?” 

Chris’s question pulls all the air from his lungs. Okay, he’s definitely been giving himself too much credit for thinking that he’s been at all subtle with anything. 

There’s a sudden knock on the door, and Eddie’s not sure if he’s grateful for the interruption or if he just wants to rip the bandaid off and continue the rest of this conversation. Once he gets their food and takes it to the kitchen to plate it for them, Eddie takes a few deep breaths to collect himself before walking back out to the living room – two steaming bowls of sesame chicken and fried rice in hands. 

It’ll also be a movie night, he’s just decided. Chris definitely deserves it with how easily he’s taking the news, even if he’s known for a while. 

“So how did you know that it’s Buck?” Eddie asks as he settles back down next to Chris. 

Where his son gets his sass from, Eddie is clueless as he faces down unimpressed raised eyebrows. 

“Dad, one day you just started talking about your ‘new friend’, and you’ve been on your phone a lot more. Also Andrew in my class says his older brother always stays up late talking to his girlfriend, and you were up late talking to Buck that one night.”  

“So you’re…okay with it? That Buck’s a man?” 

Chris stares him down, his unimpressed look not wavering. “Of course I’m okay with it. Denny has two moms and May and Harry’s dad has a husband.” 

Eddie can’t help the laugh that comes out at that. “Yes, I know.” He ruffles Chris’s hair. “I just wanted to make sure it’s okay with you because sometimes people feel differently about things when it involves them.” 

Chris rolls his eyes in a way that reminds Eddie, once again, just how quickly he’s growing up into his teen years. He then picks up his bowl and takes a bite out of a large piece of chicken. 

Eddie picks up his bowl as well, stirring his fork around aimlessly and waiting until Chris swallows his bite to finally bring up the topic.

“Just one last question, and then you can pick out a movie to watch tonight, okay?”

A suspicious look crosses Chris’s face. “Okay?”

“Before I ask Buck anything, I want you two to meet in person. Is that something you’d be okay with? Again, if it’s not then that’s okay, and I just want you to let me know.”

“Well that depends,” Chris says, a sly grin turning up on his face. “Can we get pizza when I meet him? Extra pepperoni?” 

Eddie lets go of the breath he’s been holding and smiles, gently nudging into Chris’s shoulder. “I think we can make that happen, yeah.” 

Buck adjusts the hem of his t-shirt for the final time before entering the diner. Eddie had picked up a half shift for someone this morning, and he’s already texted Buck to let him know that he’ll be running about thirty minutes late for their date. It had accompanied what felt like a dozen apologies, all of which Buck promised weren’t necessary. He figures he can at least order some coffee for them so it’s ready when Eddie gets here. 

As he sits, Buck gently places a bouquet of roses on the table in front of him. It’s just like the one he had made for Eddie after their first date, with another single blue flower standing out prettily in the center. 

The little speech he’s planned runs through his head as he taps his fingers across the table: Open with a comment about how he’s been happier this last month than he has in years, then add in a joke about how he’s never been more grateful for almost getting run over by a car, and finish off with telling him that he thinks there’s something really promising between them, and then finally – finally – asking him to be his boyfriend. 

“I’m so sorry,” Eddie rushes out, coming from behind Buck and sliding into the booth across from him. His hair is still slightly damp and falling loosely against his forehead, and the strong aroma of a pine scented body wash follows in the wake of his movements. “On my last call someone threw up all over me and it was a huge mess and… you probably don’t want to hear that right before we’re about to eat, do you?” 

Buck blinks a few times as he catches up to Eddie’s rushed entrance, then laughs. “Damn, Diaz. You really know how to set the mood.” 

“Shut up,” Eddie laughs as he runs a hand through his hair. “Have you been waiting long?”

Buck shakes his head. “I did order us coffee, though. Figured you’d want it before you’d even want to see me.” 

“You’re correct,” Eddie deadpans before grinning sweetly at him and, god , Buck can’t believe that, hopefully, when they leave here Eddie will be his boyfriend . 

“Well, maybe this will push me a little higher on your list,” Buck jokes as he slides the flowers closer to where Eddie’s across from him. 

“Buck,” Eddie breathes out, recognition flashing in his lit up eyes. 

“I told you I wanted to make this special,” Buck tells him. 

You deserve everything special, and I want to give it to you weighs heavily on his tongue, but he swallows it down as the waitress comes over and drops their coffees, asking if they’re ready to order. Buck goes with his signature scrambled eggs and turkey sausage while Eddie orders a chocolate chip waffle with whipped cream. 

“So, you never did tell me how your big delivery went yesterday,” Eddie says before taking a sip of coffee. His face twists up in disgust before grabbing the sugar and dumping a frightening amount into the mug. When he takes another sip, though, he sighs happily and relaxes against the back of his seat. 

“You mean with the bridezilla? I swear, Eds, I almost blocked her number and canceled her order so many times. She was the worst . Her mother wasn’t any better, either! I showed up and, you know, it’s like two hours before the ceremony and they got mad because I ‘wasn’t dressed for the wedding.’ I wasn’t even going to be there for any of it!” 

Eddie chokes on his coffee in a laugh. 

“And, like, you know how I feel about what I do. I love it! I love that people want me to be a part of their special day, even as small as that part is. But when I get customers like that…” he trails off, shaking his head. 

“I’m sorry,” Eddie says. And it’s so sincere, even though he has nothing to apologize for. 

After the food’s brought out Buck and Eddie fall into a comfortable silence as they eat, only sharing the occasional smile and fond look. And Buck loves this – loves how Eddie makes him feel settled. There’s no feeling like he needs to fill the silences or just be on all the time with him. Even on their phone calls, there have been some times where the two of them just went about their own tasks, keeping each other on the line simply for the comfort of knowing someone’s there. The quiet that surrounds them is always peaceful, never expectant. It’s perfect. 

He doesn’t even realize he’s been staring down at his plate for a while, deep in thought, until the next thing he knows there’s whipped cream smeared across his lips and chin. Buck looks up and gasps at Eddie who’s trying to hold in his laughter. But he can’t hold it in for long and lets out a loud laugh as Buck leans over the table to press a wet, whipped cream covered kiss to his cheek. Curious looks from the other diners don’t even register to them as Eddie wipes the food off his face. He flips Buck off with a frosted finger, and then smirks as he brings the finger to his mouth and slowly sucks it clean. 

Looking at Eddie like that, eyes alight and lips wrapped perfectly around his finger, Buck’s brain completely blanks and he blurts out: “I want you to be my boyfriend!” 

Eddie chokes and pulls his finger out of his mouth, but he’s still left agape. 

Oh shit oh shit oh shit

He can’t read Eddie’s face as the other man seems to try and fail to come up with a response until finally he says: “Okay, I want to, Buck, I really do –”

“But you can’t,” Buck interrupts, suddenly feeling as if he’s about to be the second person to get sick in front of Eddie today. This is exactly why his original plan was to ask after their date. Fuck . “Eddie, that’s – uhm, can we just forget I asked then? I’m sorry. Look, I’ll even go if you want.” And as he’s moving to pull out his wallet to drop enough cash to cover their bill plus a tip, Eddie’s hand shoots out and wraps around his arm. 

“I’m so sorry, that came out so wrong,” Eddie apologizes in a rush. “It’s not a no, it’s just that I want you to meet Chris first,” he says and… 

Oh.

Oh my god. 

“Really?” Buck rasps out, still frozen in Eddie’s grip. “You want me to meet him? Seriously?” 

Eddie nods as he lets go, clasping his hands together on the table in front of him. “I was actually going to bring it up to you after our date. I told Chris about us last night and I wanted you two to meet before, well, before I asked you to be my boyfriend.” 

Buck can’t help but let out a relieved laugh, blinking back the unshed tears that had rushed to his eyes moments earlier. 

“Is that a yes?” Eddie asks hopefully. 

“God, yes,” Buck replies. “I’d love to meet him. I just – are you sure?” 

Eddie reaches across the table and grabs Buck’s hands in his, gently running his thumbs across the knuckles in a soothing motion similar to how Maddie does. 

“Buck, I am so sure. How would you feel about coming over one night this week for pizza? I hope extra pepperoni is okay with you.”

A mix of emotions swells in Buck’s chest and he finds that words are evading him, so in response he leans over the table and kisses Eddie softly, squeezing his hands that are still in his grasp. 

Eddie may not be his boyfriend yet, but this – having his trust to meet his son with the intention of being together? It’s way better. 

Chapter Text

The sun is just starting to set into another beautiful evening as Buck pulls up in front of the Diaz household. 

Sucking in a deep breath, he pulls the keys out of the ignition with shaky hands. This is it. This is the night that will change everything about his and Eddie’s relationship, one way or the other. 

God, he hopes that Chris likes him.  

Thankfully, though, since Eddie talks about Chris so much, Buck already feels as if he knows him enough to know that it won’t hurt that he’s brought some of his special homemade cookies. Warm chocolate chip cookies that serve both as a gesture of thanks for Eddie inviting him over for the first time and a good old fashioned bribe. 

A sudden knock on the driver's side window startles him and he whips his head up to see Eddie standing there, greeting him with a small wave.

“You planning on coming in anytime soon?” Eddie asks, a comforting smile on his face. “The neighbors might start to think you’re casing the place.” 

Buck flushes and grabs his stuff out of the passenger seat before stepping out of the Jeep as Eddie opens the door for him. “Sorry. Was just … thinking.” 

“Nervous?” 

A flash of guilt crosses his face. “Will you hate me if I say yes?” 

Eddie’s eyes soften and he shakes his head. “Of course not, but I’ve got your back, okay?” 

The knot in his stomach unfurls at that and Buck finds himself smiling shyly, knocking his shoulder against Eddie’s. “Okay, yeah. I’ve got yours, too, you know.” 

And it’s a promise that Buck fully intends to keep. Not just for this but for, well, everything that Eddie allows him to be by his side for. 

“Oh, I have something for you,” Buck adds as he reaches into his bag and pulls out a dozen light red carnations, presenting them to Eddie who’s cheeks flush in an almost perfect match to the petals. 

Admiration. That’s what the flower represents and it couldn’t more accurately describe the feelings that have been blossoming from deep within Buck’s chest, a beautifully unyielding force of nature.

Eddie graciously takes the flowers before leaning in and kissing him, lips soft and gentle. 

“Thank you,” Eddie whispers as he pulls away, eyes roaming over Buck’s body. “They’re almost as beautiful as you.” 

Buck’s face visibly warms, his heart constricting in his chest. Eddie grins proudly as he watches him flush before raising an eyebrow in a silent question of if he’s ready to go in. 

Hands together, and with one more quick kiss, they make their way into the house where Chris is hunched over at the dining room table, finishing up one of his assignments. He looks up when they walk in and smiles widely, greeting them with an excited, “Hi, Buck!” 

And Chris takes to him like a sunflower to a bright, sunny day, immediately launching into a story about his assignment and “Did you know that when bananas decay they become radioactive?” 

Now, Buck was an energetic and friendly kid, but Chris for sure would give him a run for his money with his eyes – so similar to Eddie’s – lighting up with an excited twinkle. 

“Chris, why don’t you let him settle in,” Eddie laughs from where he’s watching behind them. Buck turns from where he’s crouched next to Chris’s chair and looks at Eddie, blue eyes bright and hopeful. Eddie nods in encouragement before his attention turns to his son. “The pizza’s going to be here soon.” 

“Extra pepperoni?” Chris asks expectantly. 

“With cookies for dessert,” Buck tells him and places his baked goods on the table like an offering he no longer thinks he needs to give. “Or,” he drawls out as he turns to look back at Eddie again, “a cookie before the pizza?” 

Eddie levels what Buck can only describe as a dad look at him as Chris nods in agreement. “Cookies before pizza.” 

“No,” Eddie objects. “You won’t be hungry for the pizza then.” 

“Aw, come on, dad,” Buck whines teasingly as he sends Eddie a wink. 

Chris laughs from behind him. “Yeah, come on, dad,” he echoes. 

Eddie groans and pinches the bridge of his nose as the corner of his lip twitches up, fighting a smile. It’s always so adorable when he pretends to be frustrated. “Fine, but only if you promise to never call me dad again.” 

“Then what am I supposed to call you?” Chris asks through giggles, punching a surprised laugh out of Buck as Eddie looks at them, unimpressed. “What? You just said to not call you dad.”

“I believe he’s right, Eddie,” Buck agrees with a smirk, reaching out to fist bump Chris who happily returns the gesture. 

“And I believe I’m dealing with two kids right now,” Eddie mumbles with a fond roll of his eyes. “You know I was only talking about you, Buck.” 

A flurry of giggles fills the air as Buck stands up and opens the container before handing Chris a cookie. In a peace offering, Buck holds out another one to Eddie, blinking innocently through his eyelashes, a slight pout on his lips. 

Eddie walks up to Buck, taking the cookie from him. “You’re lucky I like you,” he grumbles cutely before splitting the cookie in two, handing one half to Buck. 

Buck beams, his heart somersaulting in his chest. No matter how many times Eddie tells him that, it always elicits the same reaction as the first. 

“I am. I’m very lucky,” Buck whispers for only Eddie to hear, blue eyes piercing into brown with sincerity. 

- 

“So, Buck, my dad never actually told me how you two met.”

There’s an empty pizza box sitting in the middle of the dinner table and Buck stretches out his arms with a groan as his dinner digests. He then grins before leaning forward, resting his forearms on the table. 

“Well, I was in an accident and even though I didn’t get hurt-” Buck makes a pointed look over to Eddie, who cocks his head to the side, eyebrow arched, “-he made sure I was okay.”

“Let’s not forget that you were literally sitting in the aftermath of a car accident.” 

“I told you, like, twenty times that I was fine, though!” 

“I am not having this discussion again,” Eddie says, eyes softening and mouth turning up into a fond smile. 

“And then,” Buck continues as if Eddie never interrupted him, “he followed me on Instagram and the rest is history.” 

Chris’s face scrunches up in confusion. “You hate Instagram, dad.” 

Eddie reaches out and covers one of Buck’s hands with his. “I do, but I just…” he trails off with a shrug.

“He just couldn’t stop thinking about me,” Buck teases, turning his hand up to lace his fingers through Eddie’s. “Not that I blame him. I was quite charming that day.” 

There’s a snort, and Buck gapes in mock offense at Eddie who’s now looking at him with an amused expression and a warm glow in his eyes. 

“Well dad’s been happier since you met,” Chris tells Buck with an approving nod. “A lot happier.” 

Eddie huffs quietly, then mumbles, “I was also happy beforehand, thank you. I don’t know why everyone just assumed I wasn’t.” 

“Aw, Eds,” Buck coos then laughs as he dodges a piece of crust that Eddie tosses at him. “I believe you, don’t worry.” 

-

The evening passes and as Chris heads to bed, a charged silence settles in the air throughout the house. Buck’s nerves feel like a live wire without an off switch. 

He thinks it went well, though. Now the only question is if Eddie feels the same, but he won’t get an answer until Eddie finishes saying goodnight to Chris. So in an attempt to distract himself and calm his nerves, Buck stands and starts clearing the table. 

“Hey, no you don’t have to do that,” Eddie rushes out as he comes back to the kitchen, seeing Buck cleaning up. 

Buck turns from where he’s folding the empty pizza box by the recycling bin and shrugs. “I like helping you… plus I was getting kind of antsy just waiting.” 

“Nervous?” Eddie asks for the second time tonight. 

Buck nods shyly before shoving the box into the bin. He then wipes his hands against his jeans before looking back up at Eddie with uncertainty painted across his face. 

“He likes you,” Eddie promises as he sits down at the table, pulling out the chair next to him. Buck settles down into it and Eddie places a hand on his restless thigh, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I had no doubt that he would. I wouldn’t even have had you over tonight if I didn’t think you two would get along.” 

“You sure?” Buck asks quietly, looking at Eddie through his lashes. 

Eddie hums affirmatively and leans in, placing a chaste kiss on Buck's lips. When he pulls away, Buck whines, chasing the touch. Eddie smiles and laughs softly before leaning in again and kissing him deeper, gently rolling Buck’s lower lip between his teeth and eliciting a gasp into the kiss that ends all too soon as Eddie pulls away. 

“Chris isn’t asleep yet and I don’t want him accidentally walking in on us if he gets out of bed,” Eddie whispers, moving a hand to cup Buck’s cheek, thumb brushing softly against his blushing skin. “Would be embarrassing having my kid catch me making out with my boyfriend like I’m the teenager.” 

Boyfriend. 

Oh. 

A strangled noise escapes Buck’s throat and his eyes widen. “Eddie…” 

Eddie licks his lips nervously as he looks at Buck hopefully. “Yes?” 

“I… I don’t think you can call me your boyfriend until I hear a question.” 

Which is not at all what Buck meant to say, but it works just as well. It’s better, even, with Buck’s newfound desire to actually take the proper steps in defining a relationship rather than falling into one through assumptions.

Eddie’s cheeks flush. “Right. Sorry, seeing you with Chris and seeing how comfortable and easy it is having you here, I just – it slipped out.” 

Buck leans into the touch of Eddie’s hand on his cheek. “That’s what happened to me at the diner,” he admits. “I had this whole speech planned but then you had to go and be an absolute menace with the whipped cream and I couldn’t hold it in anymore.” 

“I mean if you want to ask me again…” Eddie says, trailing off. He drops his hand from Buck’s face and points over his shoulder. “I can always go get the whipped cream from the cabinet.” 

Buck barks out a laugh before covering his mouth as he remembers that Chris is in bed. “Menace,” he hisses from behind his hand, eyes sparkling at Eddie. 

But the question doesn’t come again from either of them. Not until later when they’re sitting on the couch, the tv volume set low. All Buck can focus on is the fact that his body still feels like a live wire, cranked up to the highest voltage and sparking every time his thigh bumps against Eddie’s as they both pretend to pay attention to what’s on the screen.

“Do you have any idea what’s going on?” Buck eventually asks, voice cutting through the thick cloud of tension that’s fallen upon them. 

“With the show? No. But, uh, with us, though?” Eddie swallows nervously as he turns his body fully to face Buck. Buck turns to face him as well, blinking back at him with wide eyes. “I – fuck, I don’t know why I’m so awful at this, I’m sorry.” He pauses, taking a deep breath. “What I wanted to say earlier is that I want to see where this goes, Buck. Us. Together. In a relationship. So would you –” 

Buck swallows the rest of the question in a filthy kiss, one hand coming up to grip Eddie’s jaw, fingers splayed wide down the length of his throat while the other finds its place on Eddie’s hip, holding him firmly against the couch. 

“-be my boyfriend?” Eddie rasps out the rest of his question in a daze once Buck pulls away, just far enough that they can properly look at each other.  

“God, yes. Absolutely,” Buck breathes, kissing Eddie between each word. 

The night continues with hushed whispers and slow, lingering kisses, the two of them breaking apart only when necessary to catch their breath. All track of time is lost, and eventually the tv show turns over to infomercials, signaling that it’s getting a bit too late and time for Buck to head out so they’re both somewhat coherent for work the next day. 

Eddie’s sad eyes burn a hole in Buck’s back as he gathers his stuff and slips his shoes on. Buck knows the feeling all too well, and so as he stands at the opened door with Eddie right beside him to see him off, he presses one last kiss to his boyfriend’s – god Buck can’t believe that he can say that now – lips. 

He gets one foot out the door before he’s struck with a reminder. “Oh! By the way…” Buck hesitates as he turns and looks towards Eddie. “Maddie wants to meet you. She, uhm, says it’s ‘her duty’ as my sister.” 

Eddie sighs and runs a hand through his messy hair, Buck’s nervousness mirrored in his features. “I’m guessing she can’t be as easily swayed by pizza, can she?” 

Buck laughs softly and shakes his head. “Yeah, no, probably not. But maybe a nice bottle of wine? That’ll make her go easy on you.” 

Eddie slowly licks his lips as he thinks it over. “I’ll make it two bottles, then.” 

“So,” Eddie announces, rubbing his hands together nervously at the station table during his shift the next day.

Bobby, being the only one aware of Eddie’s plans to further his relationship with Buck, looks at him expectantly as he brings a forkful of pasta to his mouth. Hen rests her chin in her hands, a smile on her face. Chimney… well, Chimney is almost too focused on downing his garlic bread to have heard Eddie. 

“As of last night, Buck and I are together. In a relationship.” 

Chimney chokes on his bite, the announcement having finally gotten his attention. He thumps a fist against his chest as he coughs around his food. “What?!” 

Eddie smiles and shrugs. “Yeah, I figured I’d let you all know since you were the ones who encouraged me to even go after him in the first place.”

“Well I’m very happy for you, and I expect a thank you gift,” Chimney jokes and Hen cackles, smacking his shoulder. 

Sighing dramatically, Eddie concedes, “Your thank you gift is that you get one question about it and then you stop bothering me about my love life.” 

“That’s the worst gift ever, Eddie,” Chimney argues playfully. 

Eddie smirks, his attention now turned to scooping pasta onto his plate. Without even looking back at Chimney, he smugly states, “I know.”

- 

It’s been two weeks since Buck met Chris – two weeks of honeymoon phase bliss – and tonight he’s meeting Maddie for the first time and it is… intimidating to say the least. 

Which is why, as large as Buck’s loft is, Eddie’s suffocating. The cool of the kitchen island countertop pressing into his lower back does little to extinguish the nerves burning through his veins.

“Babe,” Buck says gently, placing a hand on Eddie’s waist. Eddie takes a deep breath and looks at Buck, meeting his favorite pair of blue eyes. Eyes he’s pretty sure that he’d know anywhere by now. “Are you okay?”

“I’m nervous,” he admits, brow creased in worry. 

He and Buck just got together and he knows how important Maddie is to him and how much weight her opinion holds. If she doesn’t like him what would that mean for them? Would they break up? 

God, he’d be mortified. After coming out to Chris and the big deal everyone made, having to take it all back? What would he even say? 

“Sorry, guys. I guess you were right and my love life is a perpetual disaster”?

“Eddie,” Buck soothes as he curls his fingers under Eddie’s chin and tilts his head so their eyes meet, Buck searching for something in the pools of brown. “Has anyone ever told you that if you were a flower you’d be a damndelion?”

The unexpected joke startles a laugh out of Eddie and he admires Buck with fond bewilderment. How he managed to land someone as caring and, well, utterly and adorably dorky he’ll never understand, but he most certainly will never complain. 

With one hand still providing a grounding pressure against Eddie’s waist, Buck flashes a crooked grin before picking a strawberry up from the fruit tray on the kitchen island and bringing it to Eddie’s lips. “Eat.”

Eddie does without question and the sweetness on his tongue becomes a welcome distraction from his thoughts because – “Oh my god, this is delicious,” he practically moans around it before swallowing. “Where’d you get these?”

“The farmers market,” Buck supplies. “Want another?”

Eddie licks his lips and nods. 

“So greedy,” Buck teases as he brings another strawberry up to Eddie’s lips. 

“Fuck y–” He’s cut off as Buck takes the opportunity to shove the strawberry in between his opened lips. 

“Feeling better?” Buck asks once Eddie’s done chewing. 

“Maybe.” Eddie shrugs, biting back a smirk. 

Buck gasps. “Maybe? Eddie, I gave you the best two of the bunch and you’re saying that they only maybe helped you feel better? I’m a little wounded.” 

Eddie laughs as he pushes away from the island and into Buck’s chest, leaning up and pressing a soft kiss to the underside of his jaw. 

“I feel so much better,” he drawls out, lips dragging across Buck’s scruff in a satisfying burn, “because I happen to be lucky enough to have the best boyfriend. Who else would sacrifice their best strawberries for me?” 

The soft rumble of Buck’s laugh thrums under where Eddie’s slowly dragging his lips up to his ear, placing multiple smaller kisses along his jaw on the way.

“Well that’s not true because I don’t remember you giving me any and you’re the best boyfriend.” 

Eddie pulls away and shrugs, a pretend look of boredom on his face. “Maybe I just don’t like you enough to give you the best ones.” 

“Wounded, Eddie,” Buck repeats, lips fighting hard against a smile to form a pout as he tightens his grip on Eddie’s waist. “I’m wounded.” 

Dragging his bottom lip between his teeth, Eddie’s eyes do a once-over of Buck’s body. “I guess I need to check you out then, yeah? Gotta see where you’re hurt.” 

The blue of Buck’s eyes darken as Eddie slips his hands up under Buck’s shirt, fingers delicately tracing the outline of his body as if to commit it to memory. 

“Well, we still have a little bit of time,” Buck murmurs, licking his lips slowly. “Maybe we should … take this examination to the couch?”

And if this – Buck blindly backing Eddie from the kitchen to the couch, lips and tongues frenzied in a desperate kiss – was Buck’s plan all along to help Eddie calm down? Well, his boyfriend is a genius.  

- 

“So.” 

It’s an hour later, and Eddie wishes he could go back in time and warn Buck to be a little bit more careful with his teeth because in all of the scenarios he imagined meeting Maddie, not one of them included having to hide a reddening bruise that’s only just barely hidden under his collar. 

“So,” he repeats back to Maddie, making a deliberate effort to not shy away from her eye contact. Despite his worries flooding back the second she had knocked on Buck’s door, Eddie wants nothing more than to appear calm and confident – like someone Maddie would think worthy of being her brother’s boyfriend. 

She leans back against the arm of the couch and crosses a leg over the other. He visibly shrinks under her appraising gaze. It must be a Buckley trait, being so expressive with their eyes. 

“Uh,” Eddie clears his throat. “It’s great to finally meet you, Maddie. I’ve heard so many great things about you.” 

“Mhm.” She narrows her eyes as she swirls around the wine in her glass – wine that Eddie had picked out after almost an hour staring helplessly at aisle after aisle of bottles, sending Buck no less than ten options and at least twice as many questions. Though, he’s not sure if she’s actually this serious or if she’s just, as Buck warned, playing up the big sister role for this meeting. “So what are your intentions with my brother?”

“Maddie, don’t!” Buck yells with a laugh from the kitchen where he’s seasoning the chicken for dinner. 

Buck not taking Maddie’s intensity seriously does little to calm Eddie, though. Each second that passes seems to do so in slow motion, but Eddie’s focus never wavers from her face. Then, after what feels like an eternity, Maddie’s face instantly softens and her eyes warm considerably. 

“Sorry, it’s just that you’re the first person Buck’s dated who I’ve gotten to meet. He told me not to do the whole grilling thing but I couldn’t help myself, it always seems like fun in the movies!” 

Eddie lets out a long-held breath in the form of a shallow laugh and relaxes against the couch, a small smile appearing on his face. He shouldn’t be surprised that she had been joking because after everything he’s heard about her, he couldn’t imagine her actually being impolite. Plus he understands being protective of your siblings. He would’ve done the same for his sisters. 

After a quick sip of wine, she uncrosses her leg and continues, “I’m actually super excited to meet you, Eddie! I’ve heard so much about you.” 

At that, her lips turn into a knowing smirk and she quickly sneaks a glance over to where Buck’s back is turned before her gaze briefly lands right where Eddie knows his new hickey is. He instinctively brings a hand up to scratch at his neck, attempting to inconspicuously bring attention away from it but failing spectacularly. 

“Hopefully good stuff?” he asks. 

Maddie nods and leans forward. 

“Can I be honest?” Her voice is low to keep Buck from overhearing what she’s about to say next. “I have never seen him like this before. He’s never been this… I want to say happy but that doesn’t even really describe it. Satisfied? Self-assured in a relationship? I don’t know, but it’s been like this since you two met. At first I thought I should be worried, you know? Because I wanted to make sure he wasn’t just jumping into something and getting himself hurt again, but I’m really happy he has you, Eddie. It makes me feel better, knowing he has someone like you looking after him.”

“Well, I am a trained paramedic so that does come in handy,” Eddie jokes, but his voice wavers at the end, choking up over Maddie’s words.  

“Well, yes, but I mean looking after his heart. You seem really good for him.” 

Eddie ducks his head down and rubs the back of his neck. “Yeah, well, he’s really good for me.” 

And it’s true. So true, in fact, that it hits Eddie like a bullet – piercing and unmistakable. Ever since meeting Buck, Eddie feels as if he’s grown into a more comfortable and confident version of himself. With Buck’s support, not only has he come out to those closest to him, but for the first time in a very long time he thinks of the future and doesn’t just see a hopeless void when it comes to his love life. He sees a second chance of love, of having a partner. Being with Buck has opened Eddie’s eyes to all of the doors of possibilities that he had long since bolted shut. 

“My ears are burning. You talking about me, babe?” 

Eddie looks up, first meeting Maddie’s pleased smile, and then catching Buck’s eyes as he walks over to them. Eddie opens his arms on instinct and Buck settles onto his lap, humming happily as Eddie wraps an arm around his waist, holding him close to his chest. 

It hadn’t taken long in the getting to know each other stage for Eddie to learn just how tactile Buck is – always touching or wanting to be touched. Casually or intimately, Buck just craved physical touch. But between the army and years spent alone after, Eddie wasn’t accustomed to it. He quickly adjusted, though, and now it’s a miracle if he and Buck aren’t touching in some way, Eddie’s body seemingly always subconsciously yearning for him. 

Wanting to respect Maddie’s unspoken wish of Buck not knowing what she had said to him, Eddie settles on, “I was telling her how you burnt those cookies one time when we were on the phone because I couldn’t remember the name of a movie and you wouldn’t stop until you found it for me on Google.” 

“That happened in confidence, Eddie!” Buck groans. “Just for that, I hope you enjoy intentionally burned cookies from here on out.” 

Eddie presses a kiss to Buck’s shoulder. “You wouldn’t dare.” 

“Well, speaking of embarrassing stories,” Maddie interjects with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, “did Buck ever tell you the story about how when he was a freshman in high school, he wanted to try out for the football team–” 

“Maddie, no!” 

“ – but he had a growth spurt over the summer and didn’t realize that his clothes didn’t quite fit as well as they used to. So, he’s out on the field and doing the warmups when all of a sudden –” 

“Nothing. All of a sudden, nothing,” Buck protests. 

Eddie hugs Buck closer to him. “What, did your pants rip or something?” 

“Yeah, something like that,” Buck grumbles. “But I made the team next year and that’s all that matters.” 

“You know, I think if high school me had seen you playing football I might have realized I was gay a lot sooner,” Eddie murmurs right behind his ear before placing a gentle kiss there. “I bet you looked hot.” 

A tangible warmth radiates from Buck’s body in response, butterflies erupting in Eddie’s own stomach as he relishes the effect he has on him. Buck turns his head so he’s looking at Eddie as best he can while still sitting in his lap, the corners of his lips pulled up into a cocky grin. “I did, but I look way better now.” 

“Won’t deny that.” 

A clearing of a throat startles Eddie and he looks over to where Maddie’s giving them a look as if to say Seriously? It’s almost uncannily similar to the one Hen had when she first confronted Eddie after meeting Buck and he tried to deny being interested. Must be a sister thing. 

And that look is how Eddie comes to learn about Maddie’s playful, or, judging by her face, deadly serious suggestion of a support group for everyone who has to deal with them. 

“I don’t think we’re that bad,” Eddie insists, thumbs rubbing soft circles on Buck’s waist. 

“That’s what I said!” Buck exclaims. 

Maddie laughs and rolls her eyes but gives Eddie a thumbs up in approval, which only makes Buck snuggle back impossibly closer into Eddie, humming happily. 

The rest of the night goes by easily, nerves completely dissipating and embarrassing stories of Buck flowing despite his many protests. 

It also didn’t hurt that the more Maddie teased, the more Buck pressed closer to Eddie until they were practically in each other’s laps at the dinner table by dessert time, and had remained attached until she headed out, only separating to let Buck give her a hug goodbye. She had surprised Eddie when she then pulled him in for a hug of his own with a whispered, “Take care of him.” 

“So,” Buck says as he locks the door after making sure Maddie made it to the elevator. “Are you staying the night?” 

And it’s cute, how nervous he is to ask – lip pulled between his teeth, eyes wide and unsure. Sure, Buck’s asked him before, but Eddie declined and it went unspoken that he just wasn’t ready for that stage yet. Which is why Eddie surprises both himself and Buck with how eagerly he answers: 

“I’d love to.” 

Four months later, Eddie and Buck find themselves right back where they started. It’s Buck’s triumphant return to the farmers market as a vendor and this time, Eddie’s glad that he’s here before any potential injuries occur rather than after. 

Buck’s finishing setting up the tent while Eddie helps carry the last of his flowers. He smiles to himself as he does so, remembering something Buck had said to him in their first conversation: “Look at you, learning already. You happen to be looking for a little hobby on the side? I could always use some help with the heavy lifting.”

Oh, the things he wishes he could go back and tell his past self. Namely: there’s no need to panic. Everything is going to work out and everyone is going to be supportive. 

While his family in Texas took some time to adjust to his coming out, Abuela and Pepa almost seemed a little too unsurprised, raising unasked questions from Eddie about if they had already somehow had a feeling – or were tipped off by Chris before he had had a chance to tell them himself. 

And with their conflicting schedules, it had taken almost two months of officially dating before Eddie had been able to introduce Buck to the rest of the 118 at one of Bobby and Athena’s cookouts. Gracious as ever, they had even OK’d Maddie to come along as well because “Your family is our family” which absolutely did not make Buck tear up when Eddie passed the message along – except it did. 

It had gone amazingly, as Eddie knew it would. The teasing they received was expected, of course, because what was family for if not to embarrass you in front of your significant other? And Eddie was more than happy to return the favor once he caught Chimney mumbling under his breath, practicing how he was going to start a conversation with Maddie. His interest was unsurprising, though, with the double-take he had made upon seeing her walk in. 

Who knows? Maybe the 118 family would be expanding even more. 

All he does know, though, is the undeniable feeling that’s been coursing through his body like an undertow for the last month – Eddie wanting to bring it to the surface, make it real with his words, but always stopping out of fear. However, as he admires Buck in the sunny LA morning light, already sweating through a stolen (“Borrowed, Eddie. I’m your boyfriend, I can borrow your clothes”) LAFD t-shirt with DIAZ printed in bright red across the back, that feeling rushes back. Except this time, the feeling rolls through Eddie like a wave, swelling and crashing with such strength it nearly knocks him off his feet. 

As if on instinct, always knowing when Eddie’s eyes are on him, Buck turns and flashes a radiant smile. “Checking me out, Diaz?” 

“I love you,” Eddie confesses.

Buck’s mouth falls open, the rest of him freezing like a deer caught in headlights. 

“It’s okay if you aren’t ready to say it back,” Eddie promises. “I’ve actually been wanting to tell you for weeks and I don’t know, something just told me to say it now.” 

After a worrying pause, Buck finally breathes out. His face breaks out into a dimpled smile that reaches his eyes, crinkling up into his birthmark. “God, of course I love you, too, Eds. You have no idea how much I love you.” 

Eddie lets out a laugh, running a hand through his hair. “Well, I’d like to think I have some idea.” 

A single glistening tear slides down Buck’s cheek, and Eddie reaches up to gently thumb it away. He then presses a soft kiss in the tear’s absence before whispering, “Come on, we have to finish getting ready.” 

Thankfully, this time around there are no accidents. Everything goes off without a hitch and they even get a surprise visit from Carla and Chris, both of them seemingly more excited about seeing Buck than himself. And typically that would make Eddie jealous, but instead he’s secretly thrilled at the reminder of how Buck’s been so easily and enthusiastically welcomed into his life.  

After the event ends and they finish stripping everything down and packing up, Eddie surveys their space with his hands on his hips. 

“I’d say this went well, but then again I’m not the expert here, Mr. Floriculturist.” 

His smirk only grows wider as Buck narrows his eyes at him, no threat behind the daggers. “I hate you.” 

“You love me.”

Buck’s face relaxes into a bright smile, his cheeks flushing. “I do.” 

And Eddie doesn’t know what the future holds. Whether in a few years from now Buck will speak those same words as a vow in front of their loved ones as he slides a ring onto Eddie’s finger, he doesn’t know. All he knows is that he loves Buck and Buck loves him back, and that’s enough. They're enough. 

-

And it ends up only taking two years. 

Two years for Eddie to come home from work one day to find Buck in his living room – their living room – down on one knee, framed by a heart made up of red rose petals and a single blue flower resting behind his ear.