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Buck follows Sophia inside her house. It’s cute. Homey like Eddie’s. She leads him into the guest bedroom. Buck doesn’t fully pay attention, starting to feel the long day. He tosses his bag on the bed, sighing in relief. “Thanks so much for letting me crash here, Sophia.”
“Anytime. You want some tea? I could use a cup after today.”
“Yeah, that sounds great. Can I take a shower first?” Buck asks.
“Of course. Bathroom is down the hall. Towels are under the sink,” Sophia says, smiling at him. “I’ll be in the kitchen.”
Buck thanks her again. He watches her leave before sitting down on the bed. God, he’s so tired. Every bone in his body hurts. His leg is extra achy today. But Christopher is safe. He’s hurt but he’s okay and he’s coming home.
Buck rubs a hand across his face before sighing and standing up. He digs through his bag, grabbing his things for the shower and treads down the hall to the bathroom.
He washes the day away. The phone call jerking him awake. Eddie’s scared voice on the other end. The rush of packing and buying plane tickets. The drive to Eddie’s. Finding out Christopher is hurt. The drive to the airport. The plane. Eddie’s hand in his, squeezing like his life depended on it. Seeing Christopher again after months. He washes it away. He watches it go down the drain. He can finally breathe again. Christopher is coming home.
He pulls on a pair of sweats and a hoodie and finds Sophia sitting at her kitchen table with two mugs of tea. Buck waves his phone at her.
“Do you have an extra charger?” he asks. “I must have only packed one and left it with Eddie.”
Sophia nods, getting up and opening a small drawer. She digs for a few moments then finds it. She motions for Buck to give her his phone and plugs it in.
“Thanks,” Buck says, sitting down and taking a sip of the tea. “It’s been dead for a while and didn’t think about charging it. I plugged Eddie’s in before we left the hospital.”
Sophia hums, sitting back down. “You take care of him, huh?”
“I-um.”
“He needs it. He’s always taken care of everyone else and he’s never had someone to take care of him.”
“Oh.” Buck doesn’t really know what to say to that. He just blinks at Sophia.
Sophia sighs. “Look, Mom and Dad did their best but Dad wasn’t around much and Mom struggled. Her partner was gone and we were wild. Eddie stepped up. He was young. We all were but Eddie was getting Adriana and I ready for school when he was ten. He hasn’t stopped taking care of someone since. I’m glad he has you.”
Buck blushes, ducking his head down. “We-uh have each other.”
Sophia smiles. “I’m glad. But really, Buck, thank you for being there for him. For everything today. I mean, you came with him today with no hesitation. You called me when he couldn’t. You did so much for my brother, Buck. You’re there for him.”
“I always will be. For him and Christopher.”
Sophia nods at him, picking her mug up.
Buck grins and picks his mug up, taking a sip. “I thought this was supposed to be you telling me embarrassing stories about Eddie. Not whatever this is.”
“This,” Sophia motions between her and Buck. “is me saying I like you and I approve.”
“A-approve? Approve of what?”
Sophia smirks but is interrupted by Buck’s phone buzzing. Sophia raises her eyebrows when Buck doesn’t move. “You aren’t going to check that? What if it’s Eddie?”
Buck shakes his head. “It’s not Eddie. I have a custom tone for Eddie.” Buck’s phone buzzes again but in a different tone. “That’s Eddie.” Buck stands and grabs his phone off the counter, keeping it plugged in.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah, he’s just making sure we made it okay,” Buck says, typing out a reply. He places his phone back done and turns to Sophia, his face turning into a shit eating grin. “Now can I get some stories?”
Sophia grins, standing up and picking up her mug. “This calls for the couch. Follow me.”
Buck laughs, grabbing his mug and follows her to the living room. Sophia sits down, tucking her feet under her and pulling the blanket that was on the back over her lap. She pats the seat next to her. Buck shakes his head and sits down. The couch is comfortable, not quick as comfortable as Eddie’s but still comfortable.
“So, did Eddie ever tell you about the time he played soccer and scored for the wrong team?”
Buck’s eyes widen in delight and he shifts to face Sophia. “No! Tell me everything!”
Sophia and Buck exchange stories through the night. It starts with trading embarrassing stories about Eddie to Buck telling Sophia about his adventures before he moved to LA. Then Sophia goes into why she decided to become a teacher, causing Buck to tear up. And then Buck tells her about all the classes and things he dragged Eddie to all summer to distract him from missing Christopher and Sophia is crying this time. They talk until Buck is almost dozing off. Sophia almost has to drag him off the couch and push him to the guest room. Buck crashes as soon as his head hits the pillow, the early day catching up to him. He feels like he just closed his eyes when Sophia is waking him up.
“What time is it?” he groans, sitting up.
Sophia tosses his phone at him. “You left your phone in the kitchen. It’s six. We gotta go pick up your rental before you head back to the hospital.”
“Yeah, okay,” Buck nods, vaguely remembering asking Sophia to wake him up and driving him to pick up the rental. Sophia leaves, closing the door behind her so Buck can get ready. Buck quickly changes and meets Sophia at the front door. She hands him a travel mug and the phone charger.
“Figured you could use some coffee,” she says, motioning to the charge. “And just in case you need it.”
“Thanks.” He follows her out to her car, pocketing the charger. He sinks in the passenger seat, sipping the coffee slowly as Sophia drives him to the airport.
“What time is the surgeon supposed to get there?” Sophia asks.
“Eight. I want to stop and get some food for Eddie and Christopher before I head there,” Buck says.
“Oh, I’ll send you the address to Eddie’s favorite cafe growing up. I’m sure he would love it. I took Christopher a couple of times and he also loved it.”
“Yeah? Text me Eddie’s favorite too?”
Sophia grins. “Of course.”
“I-uh can I ask another favor from you?”
“Shoot.”
Buck pauses, taking another sip of coffee. He debates if he actually wants to ask Sophia this. He feels like he is stepping in something he shouldn’t but then he remembers Eddie’s face when his parents showed up all those months ago. How Buck held him after Christopher walked out that door and decides fuck it. He’s going to ask. “Can you keep your parents away today?”
Sophia quickly glances at him in shock.
“I just think Eddie and Christopher need time without them- you know?”
“Oh, I know,” Sophia mumbles. “Yeah, I can do that.”
Buck blows out a breath. “Thanks, Sophia. I know that I probably shouldn’t ask but I-”
“Buck,” Sophia interrupts. “I get it. You’re protecting Eddie.”
Buck nods, finishing his coffee and putting it in the cup holder. “Just-thank you.”
“Of course. I can go over and start packing Christopher things for y’all. It will be easier to get Mom to stay put that way,” Sophia says.
“Y’all? Damn, Soph, I forgot you’re southern for a bit,” Buck crinkles his nose.
“Hey! I thought we were best friends now! We cried together last night!”
“And as best friends, I can tease you about your accent and phrases.”
Sophia pouts. “I doubt you make fun of Eddie.”
“Oh, I do. Constantly.”
Sophia laughs at that, pulling into the airport. She navigates to the rental and parks in front. Buck moves to get out but she stops him, handing him a key. “Here. I’ll probably be up when you get back but just in case. And maybe try to get Eddie to come by and take a shower.”
“Thanks again, Sophia. Text me that cafe and keep me updated on your parents.”
“Got it. See you later.”
“See ya,” Buck waves then heads inside to get the rental.
It’s weird unlocking the door to a house that isn’t Eddie’s. Sophia is sitting on the couch with the tv on softly when Buck comes in that night. She turns slightly, waving at him.
“Hey,” Buck says. “I’m going to take a shower.”
“Tea?”
“Please.”
Sophia nods, pausing whatever she’s watching and getting up. Buck thanks her and goes to take a long, hot shower. He finds Sophia back on the couch when he gets out. He collapses next to her, grabbing the mug and taking a long sip.
“What time is Christopher’s surgery tomorrow?” Sophia asks.
“Eight,” Buck says. “I think he’s a little nervous. I’m going to get there a little early again.” He sighs, taking another sip of tea. “Thanks for keeping your parents away. Did they give you a hard time?”
“Dad figured out what I was doing pretty quickly but helped me out. Mom on the hand was unbearable,” Sophia says. “I went over to pack some of Christopher’s things. Got a good bit done by the way. And Mom was relentless. She kept asking all these questions about Christopher and trying to call Eddie.”
Buck cringes. “I’m sorry for putting you in that position.”
Sophia waves it off. “I’m used to it, Buck, don’t worry about it. How’s Eddie and Christopher? I didn’t catch Eddie when he came over to shower.”
“They’re good. I mean, they still have work to do and it’s going to take time but it’s progress. Eddie said they talked last night after I left and it was good.”
Sophia sighs in relief. “Thank god. I was so worried.”
“Me too. It’s been a long few months,” Buck tells her. “I’ve spent more time at Eddie’s than my own apartment. I leave him alone for one night and your mom calls.”
Sophia sits up and turns toward him. “Buck, are you saying you’re living with my brother?”
“I-uh-no?”
“Buck,” Sophia practically begs. “What is going on between you and my brother?”
“I-uh-what? Um, nothing.”
Sophia rolls her eyes. “Come on, Buck. Give me all the juicy details. Eddie doesn’t tell me anything anymore. And I need to know.”
Buck shifts on the couch, awkwardly turning away from Sophia but she pulls him back, tugging on his arm. “Uh- there’s nothing to say. We’re just best friends.”
Sophia scoffs at that. “Buck, please. I see the way you look at each other. My brother didn’t even look at Shannon like that.”
“Sophia,” Buck sighs. “It’s-we’re just.” Buck pauses and takes a deep breath. “We’re just Buck and Eddie.”
“That tells me nothing. Buck, please.”
“And I think it’s time for bed,” Buck moves to stand up but Sophia grabs his arm, forcing him back down. “Woah!”
“No! Just,” Sophia lets go of Buck. “Okay, just think of it from my point of view. I see pictures of you all over my brother’s socials. I’ve met you a handful of times. The first time was after his wife died. My nephew doesn’t stop talking about you all summer. I get a call from you instead of my brother yesterday saying you’re coming here. So excuse me for probing.”
Buck sighs. He sees her point but it’s complicated. He and Eddie have gotten closer and things seem to be shifting to new ways but they both agreed to wait. “I-it’s. We’re figuring things out, okay? That’s all I can tell you.”
Sophia squeals, wrapping her arms around Buck’s neck. “This is amazing! You two will be so good together.”
“Just don’t say anything, please?” Buck whispers, hugging her back.
“Got it.”
“Now, I really do need to go to bed. Another early start.”
As soon as he closes the door, she pulls out her phone and texts Eddie, “Buck is the best.”
Buck feels like he didn’t sleep at all. He tossed and turned for hours, worrying about Christopher’s surgery. He stumbles into Sophia’s kitchen where he is surprised to see her already up.
“Morning,” Buck greets, grabbing the empty coffee mug she offers to him. “Are you coming to the hospital today?”
“I wish I could but I have a teacher’s workshop today,” Sophia pouts. “I tried to get out of it but I really can’t. And there’s no way I can keep Mom and Dad from going today.”
“I figured they would come today,” Buck sighs. “I hate that you can’t come though.”
“Give Christopher a hug for me?”
“Of course.”
Sophia thanks him then motions for the seat across from her. Buck sits down, raising his eyebrows at her. “Mom is going to want to talk to Eddie. Probably talk him into letting Christopher stay or both of them. Just.” Sophia pauses, chewing the bottom of her lip. “You won’t be able to stop it. Just be prepared for it, okay?”
Buck groans, rubbing a hand over his face. “God, okay. You don’t think Eddie would move back here, do you?”
“God no,” Sophia shakes her head, scrunching her nose up. “Eddie hated living here. Too many bad memories. LA is good for him. Better for him.”
Buck sighs in relief. “Good. Cause I-I can’t lose him.”
Sophia reaches across the table, squeezing his hand. “He won’t leave you. And you better not leave him.”
“Never,” Buck promises, standing up and placing his mug in the sink. “Thanks for the coffee and heads up but I gotta head out now. Beat your parents there.”
“See you later tonight.”
“Yeah, surgery went well. He should be discharged tomorrow but we’re staying one more night.”
Buck is on the phone when he walks in later that night. He waves to Sophia on the couch who holds up a mug of tea. Buck mouths a thank you, sitting down next to her.
“No, Bobby, I’m not sure when we’ll be back if that’s okay? Oh, did you finally hear from Eddie? Yeah, sorry, he’s been distracted. It’s been a little crazy. But I’ll keep you updated on our timeline. Thanks, Bobby. Bye.” Buck sighs, hanging up and leaning back with his mug. “Sorry, that was our captain. He called asking about Christopher’s surgery and our plans.”
“That’s so sweet.”
“Yeah, Bobby’s great. I told him when we left what happened and updated him some here and there.”
“Eddie and Christopher have told me about the 118,” Sophia smiles. “They sound like really good people.”
“Yeah. Yeah, they’re my family.”
Sophia hums, taking a sip of her tea. She has been enjoying this small little routine she and Buck have been doing for three nights. “So, what are the plans? Eddie texted me that the surgery went well. And Mom and Dad dropped off Chris’ wheelchair after his surgery but didn’t say anything else.”
“Yeah, it did. He should be released tomorrow but we are going to stay one more day and leave the day after tomorrow.”
“Do I need to rearrange and get the air mattress out?”
“Oh. Actually, we’re going to stay with your parents tomorrow night,” Buck grimaces. “I’m sorry. You were right. Your mom cornered Eddie. I took a call from my sister and that’s when they talked.”
“And?”
“It was rough but Eddie’s good. He said they reached an understanding and your parents aren’t going to fight him on Christopher coming back. And Christopher really wants me there tomorrow night.”
“Good, I was worried but I’m glad Mom and Dad, especially Mom, accepted Chris’ decision,” Sophia says. “But does this mean tonight is our last sleepover?”
“Yeah, I guess it is.”
She pouts at this. “Well, we just need to make the most of it! We should stay up all night and watch movies!”
“I can’t do that,” Buck laughs. “Maybe two movies? After we load Chris’ wheelchair in the rental?”
“Fine,” Sophia sighs. “But when I come to visit in LA, we are doing a movie marathon.”
“Can’t wait.”
Buck regrets his decisions in the morning. Sophia talked him into three movies, keeping him up after midnight so when his alarm goes off at six a.m., he groans. He quickly gets dressed, makes up the bed, and packs his bag. He places it by the door before heading to the kitchen. Sophia is once again already up, sipping her coffee.
“I’m going to miss this,” she says. “It’s been so great getting to know you. Eddie almost keeps his life in LA as this private thing so it was nice getting to learn more about it.”
Buck smiles. “Eddie keeps a lot of things private. I’m working on breaking those walls.”
“You better call me when you two figure things out,” Sophia smirks. “I expect updates, Buckley.”
Buck laughs. “Don’t worry, you’ll get them. And you need to come out to LA more often.”
“Ooh! Yes! Maybe for the holidays?”
“That would be fun.”
“Alright, you gotta go and I have to go help Mom with Christopher’s party. I’ll see you there?”
“What is your mom planning?” Buck narrows his eyes. “Should I be worried?”
“It’s nothing major. Just all of Christopher’s favorites,” Sophia waves him off. “Did you get everything?”
“I hope so. I didn’t have a lot. Oh, wait!” Buck pulls out Sophia’s key out of his pocket. “Your key.”
“Oh! Yeah, that’s important.” Sophia tosses the key on the kitchen counter. “Let’s go, Buckley.”
Sophia grins, plopping down next to Buck at the table. She hands him a bowl of sopaipillas and ice cream. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, Soph,” Buck takes the bowl from her. “This is so great. Thanks for this. Chris is having a blast.”
“I’m glad he’s having fun,” Sophia loops her arm through Buck’s. “I’m so excited for him to go back home.”
“Yeah, well, you don’t have to drive halfway across the country,” Buck says.
“You and Eddie aren’t going to split the drive?”
Buck laughs, shaking his head. “Oh, no, I will definitely be doing most of the driving.”
Sophia snorts. “Sounds about right. I’m going to miss you guys though. Text me all the updates and send me all the pictures.”
“Of course.”
“Wait!” Sophia pulls out her phone. Buck looks over her shoulder, watching her create a new group chat. Buck squints and sees that she added him, herself, Eddie, and Adriana. She sends a gif to start the chat. Buck notices Eddie pull his phone when he gets the notification and looks over at them.
“Really, Soph?”
Sophia hooks her arm through Buck’s again. “Yep!”
Eddie rolls his eyes and turns back to Christopher.
“Now, Eddie can’t keep you from us,” Sophia explains, squeezing his arm. “But seriously, keep in touch, okay?”
“You’re going to get so tired of me, you’ll have to mute me.”
Sophia laughs, leaning into him.
“Buck!” Christopher calls, waving him over.
“That’s my cue,” Buck says, pulling Sophia in for a hug before heading over to see what Christopher needs.