Chapter Text
It's an unassuming diner.
Classic red roof with giant white blocks that spell out the name:
SOMEWHERE ELSE CAFE
It's a little ominous, but something about it speaks to Buck. It's in its own pocket of time. A place where all wanderers end up at.
He parks his jeep right up front, the parking lot empty save for a pair of bikers who are just entering the diner themselves, helmets left dangling on the edge of their handles.
He walks inside, stomach rumbling as the smell of grease and coffee hits him.
The inside fits the theme of the outside. Red and white checkered ceiling, with red vinyl seating, and the walls are covered with photos of natural beauty from the surrounding area (waterfalls, rivers, mountains, trees, and everything in between).
There are also potted plants scattered around and it adds a homey vibe to it that Buck appreciates.
There's a wall with art that has clearly been drawn by kids, crayon scribbled over with pencil crayons, and Buck finds himself smiling at one particularly adorable drawing of a family and their dog and a giant plate of bacon.
He watches the two bikers nod at one of the waiters, before seating themselves, and if he hadn't thought they were regulars beforehand, he's certain now.
He himself waits, not wanting to go based off the assumption, as he's a newcomer.
The same waitress sees him standing and nods at him. "You can take a seat wherever, love."
He smiles in thanks and then looks back around himself.
Besides the two bikers, there's only one other person in the diner, huddled in the far back nursing what he thinks is a coffee. If he had to guess, he'd think they were a truck driver, who was getting one last boost of energy before continuing for the night.
He decides on a booth that's near the window, wanting to enjoy the view of the mountains while there is still alpenglow.
The seat is surprisingly comfy. Worn in and less stiff than your average vinyl. Buck sinks into it, and picks up the menu that's already been placed on the table.
There’s a large variety of sandwiches and burgers. There’s a handful of meals as well, including fish and chips, steak, chicken strips, pigs in a blanket, and some salads.
It all sounds so good and Buck struggles choosing which one to get.
The waitress from earlier comes by, Buck noticing the name tag this time that says Audrey. “What can I get ya to drink?”
Buck opens his mouth to just say water, but then his eyes get caught on the section of the menu labeled Milkshakes.
He hasn't had one in a very long time.
“Can I get a strawberry milkshake?” Buck feels himself smile as he asks, a warm feeling settling inside of him as he lets himself have a treat.
“‘Course love. Would you be wantin’ that with whip as well?” Audrey asks, writing it down on a notepad that has seen better days.
“Please,” Buck says, and then Audrey's whisking away, leaving Buck back to his torment of indecision.
As he stares at the menu, he hears the door open, a cold whoosh of air being brought in with a man who looks like he has seen better days.
His hair's a mess, his dark grey hoodie has stains blotted along the sides, and there's a tiredness to his eyes that looks much heavier than from a long day.
Buck watches as the man approaches the back, voice not unkind as he asks for a charger.
“My truck broke down and I just need to find a place to stay.”
Buck frowns as he listens. He has a working vehicle. By all accounts, this man is giving off the vibes of someone you do not want to hitchhike with, and yet Buck would feel really bad if he let the man get stranded.
It's not like Buck's a small guy either. He can easily handle himself.
He watches as all of the workers turn him down, and the uneasy feeling in his gut becomes bigger.
He should do something.
It's just a ride to a nearby inn, it's nothing crazy.
He watches the man nod understandingly, before turning away and heading towards the exit.
Buck’s waving at the guy, before he can second guess himself.
“I can drive you if you need?” Buck winces at how unsure his voice comes out as, but pushes through. “I was heading to a local inn tonight myself, anyway.”
The man walks over to his table. “Yeah?”
“Yeah! You'll uh, you'll need to wait a bit though cause I am starving and haven't ordered yet. So, if you don't mind waiting…” Buck pauses before adding on, “I wouldn't mind company.”
The man tilts his head, eyes almost seeming confused or… concerned? Buck's not quite sure, but the man takes his invitation, sitting across from him.
“So, what brings you to this part of town?” Buck's quick to ask, knee starting to jitter as he distantly wonders what the hell he is doing.
The man—and oh, Buck should really get his name—continues to give him a similar puzzled look as he answers. “Bailey Bridge.”
Buck brightens. “Oh! The abandoned one over the river?”
The man nods and Buck continues speaking, excitement rolling off of him. “Did you know that a bailey bridge is an actual type of bridge? Though funnily enough, Bailey Bridge here isn't actually one. Bailey bridges were originally created during World War 2 as portable bridges. They're light and easy to assemble, but fucking durable. They can carry the weight of whole tanks!”
The man watches Buck speak, oddly patient as he continues to sprout out other fun facts and knowledge about bridges, eventually spreading to other types of bridges.
When Audrey returns with his milkshake, Buck has already forgotten he'd ordered it, and he straightens, hands tapping the table excitedly.
“You seem to know a lot about bridges.” The man says, eyebrow raised as he watches Buck take a giant sip of his milkshake.
“Yeah well, I grew up in PA. Bridges are kinda our thing.” Fuck , this milkshake is good. Buck is incredibly happy he decided to drop by this place. Even if the food turns out to be shit. This is the best milkshake he's had in his life.
Which speaking of food… “Have you decided what you want yet, love?” asks Audrey.
Buck sheepishly smiles at her. “Sorry, I still need a bit more time.”
Audrey then turns to Buck's guest (seriously, Buck really needs to get his name). “And you? Any drink or food?”
“Just a water for now, please.”
Audrey nods, and then she's whirling off to another table.
Buck takes this moment to finally say, “I'm Buck by the way.”
“Bobby,” the man—Bobby—answers.
Buck looks at Bobby, studying him. “Yeah, you look like a Bobby.”
Bobby's eyebrows both furrow while also raise in confusion. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Buck shrugs. “It means you look like a Bobby.”
Bobby laughs, disbelief filling the air but it sounds good natured. “Whatever kid.”
“Bobby, what should I eat?” Buck asks, changing the topic as he looks back at the menu in indecisiveness.
“How should I know?” Bobby asks, amusement tingeing the judgement in his voice.
“Well, have you been here before?” Buck asks, genuinely curious as he does so.
Bobby stares at him deadpan. “No.”
Buck rolls his eyes at the blankness in his tone. “Well, still. I'm sure you have a preference of food.”
“And you don't, kid?”
Buck shrugs. “I'll eat whatever you put in front of me. I even ate a Butterfingers I found on the ground once.”
Bobby's eyes widen so much that they look like they're going to pop out of his head and Buck cackles.
“It was still in the wrapper!” Buck defends, but he adds on fully knowing it'll make it sound worse, “That was partially ripped, but eh it tasted fine.”
Bobby shakes his head, judgement coming off of him in waves. “Did your parents never teach you any self preservation?”
At the mention of his parents, Buck makes a stink eye. “They'd have to actually care to do that.”
Bobby sobers at that. “Ah. I'm sorry, kid.”
Buck shrugs. “I can't blame it all on them. My sister Maddie tried real hard to look out for me. I guess self preservation just isn't in my blood.”
Bobby keeps quiet, though Buck can tell he's wanting to say something.
Buck, however, sees Audrey making her way towards their table and he panics, not wanting to turn her down again. “Seriously Bobby! I need help! Pick something for me, please.”
“You're a grown adult, you can choose for yourself.” Bobby says seemingly stern, but Buck can see the glint in his eye that says otherwise and it makes him push once more.
He does his best impression of puppy dog eyes, the ones that never failed to make Maddie give in to him. “Come on, please. I really have no idea.”
Bobby stares and Buck holds his gaze, refusing to break. It works, Bobby sighing and taking the menu from him.
Buck tries to hide his grin at winning by sipping his milkshake. The twitch of Bobby's eyebrow makes him think he hasn't quite succeeded.
“You said you were decently hungry, right?” Bobby asks, eyes flicking from the page to Buck.
Buck nods, taking an obnoxious sip of his milkshake.
“Okay, well when in doubt I normally go for a burger. You're at a diner and that tends to be what they're good for.” Bobby starts, eyes going back to the page. “If you're feeling adventurous, the Trucker’s Banquet sounds good. It has chanterelles, portobellos, a nice aioli sauce, along with two beef patties, mozzarella, and the classics—onion, lettuce, tomato.”
Buck's not sure what the hell half of what Bobby said is, but he nods. “That sounds great. Thanks, Cap.”
“Cap?” Bobby asks, head tilting in confusion.
“Y’know, like captain. I'm saying aye aye captain, cause I'm following your orders.” Buck explains distractedly, as he focuses on eating whip cream from the bottom end of his straw.
Bobby chuckles, shaking his head. “You're a weird kid.”
“Do I really count as a kid if I'm 24 years old,” inquires Buck.
“Yes,” Bobby answers without hesitation.
Buck makes a face but before he can say anything, Audrey arrives at their table. She gives him a cheeky smile. “Do you still need more time, dear?”
Buck grins. “No, actually! I'll get the—” he pauses looking at Bobby.
“The Trucker's Banquet,” Bobby answers for him.
“That!” Buck states, and then he's looking back at Bobby. “Do you want anything Bobby?”
Bobby's eyes widen slightly in shock but his face goes neutral again. “No, no I'm okay.”
Buck squints at Bobby trying to see if he's hungry but doesn't have enough money for it. It's hard to tell, but Buck thinks it doesn't hurt to try. If he doesn't eat any of it, he'll just eat it as lunch tomorrow.
“Is that all?” Audrey asks the two of them, and Buck is quick to answer before she goes.
“I'll also get the—” He pauses, grabbing the menu from Bobby. He quickly scans, trying to figure out a neutral thing that Bobby is least likely to hate. “Chicken strips.”
Audrey doesn't question him, just writing it down and after Buck tells her he's all good, Bobby asks. “All that stress of not knowing what to get and you order chicken strips as well?”
“They're not for me,” Buck says simply, hoping he gets the hint.
Bobby does, instantly frowning. “You honestly did not have to. I'm—”
“Looking like you could use a warm meal,” Buck interrupts. “C'mon, it's chicken strips. Everyone loves chicken strips.”
Bobby doesn't dispute him, which is good because Buck's not sure he would allow someone who hates chicken strips to ever be in his car.
There's a companionable silence for a moment or two, and though it isn't uncomfortable, Buck's never been one to sit in it for long. “Where do you plan on going after Bailey Bridge?”
Bobby takes his time in answering and Buck wonders if he’s like him, a wandering vagabond searching for something without knowing what.
“I’m not sure,” he eventually answers. “Possibly east.”
“How far east?” Buck asks, genuinely curious. He'd originally been planning to go west but if he heads east he could try to see if he could find Maddie again.
Bobby shrugs noncommittal. “I have a cousin who lives in New York.”
Buck brightens. “New York?! Like the city—?”
Bobby laughs. “Yes, the city.”
“That's so cool! I've always wanted to go. The Big Apple…” Buck trails off, thinking about what it would even be like. He's gone to many different places, but he's yet to go to a proper city. He wonders if he'd like it. He thinks he would. He likes people. New York must have a lot of people. A lot of fun clubs too.
“What about you, kid?” Bobby asks, and Buck looks up from his drink to see that Bobby looks genuinely interested in his answer.
“I dunno. I just came back from living in Peru for a year. I’m getting adjusted to cold weather again.” Buck must make a face because Bobby snorts at that line. “What? You can’t tell me you like the cold. It’s horrible!”
Bobby rolls his eyes. “I happen to in fact enjoy the cold weather, yes. That’s what happens when you grow up with it.”
Buck furrows his eyebrows. “PA gets plenty of cold. Doesn’t mean I like it. Bobby, I think you need to re-evaluate your definition of weird because you’re plenty of weird, old man.”
Bobby shakes his head, rolling his eyes, but the two of them are quickly distracted by Audrey returning with their food.
Buck points at Bobby when Audrey goes to put down the chicken strips, and Bobby once again tries to deflect. “I’m not hungry, kid. It’s fine.”
“At least try it. You don’t want to be rude.” Buck suggests, doing his best to smile as innocently as possible.
“It’s not rude when I’m not the one who ordered it.” Bobby counters, and Buck elects to just focus on his meal.
It’s great, and Buck has a new appreciation for mushrooms on burgers. To his joy, Bobby does end up eating his chicken strips and Buck hides his smile at the sight by eating more of his burger.
“Thanks Bobby,” Buck says, after the two of them have finished eating.
Bobby raises an eyebrow. “For what?”
“For choosing this burger. It was really fucking good.”
Bobby laughs, and the sound makes Buck perk up. It’s a nice sound. Buck thinks it’d be a fun challenge to try to make the man laugh more. He seems to be someone who doesn’t laugh a lot.
Bobby shakes his head while smiling. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
Buck checks the time and sees that it’s just after six, so they still have a bit of time left before sundown. “You said you were wanting to go to Bailey Bridge, right?”
Bobby tilts his head, curiosity filling his face. “That is right.”
“We still have a bit ‘till it gets dark. D’you want me to drive you there before we head out to the inn for the night? I uh,” Buck pauses, scratching the back of his head as he suddenly grows self conscious. “I don’t really have plans for the night.”
Bobby’s silent for a moment and Buck is terrified he’s going to say no, but then he nods and quietly says, “Okay.”
Buck grins. “Okay.”
ᨒ↟ོ༘₊⁺☀︎₊⁺⋆.˚༄
The sky is already starting to be painted with pink and orange hues when they arrive at the bridge.
To Buck’s surprise, it’s closed off on both sides with a giant metal barrier that’s been graffitied over time. It’s easy enough to climb over it, but Buck quickly learns why it’s been cut off. The ground is falling apart, large holes littered throughout the length of the bridge that are big enough to let anyone slip through them and fall into the river below.
He likes the challenge, and so he makes his way to the other side, only pausing in the middle to take some photos with his camera.
Bobby’s off… Buck doesn’t actually know where Bobby is. All he knows is the man had grumbled something about being too old to scale the wall and then Buck was gone, focused on trying to get over it.
He’ll circle back once he’s finished with the area.
He watches the horizon, watches as the sky gets more and more vibrant as the sun goes further down. The birds are loud in this area, though he can still hear the occasional car drive past.
It’s peaceful and Buck cherishes the moment, enjoys how calm everything is. Peru was so chaotic, there was always something happening, and while Buck enjoyed it, lived for the thrill of it all, it is really nice to take a step back and breathe .
However, with the calm comes the same question that always haunts him whenever he has a moment to himself.
What is he doing?
It’s been four years. Four years and he’s still flying by the seat of his pants. He can’t say he hates his life right now. Getting to see so many different states and even a whole other country has been incredible. He has so many memories that he’ll be able to cherish forever. He’s met so many different kinds of people. He’s gotten to do so many different things.
And yet…
He still hasn’t found the answer. He still doesn’t really feel like he knows who he is. He just feels like he’s an extra in the movie that is life. He floats around from place to place, only feeling like someone when he interacts with someone else. When he’s by himself, he feels himself fade into obscurity, the only thing left a gaping wound that bleeds and bleeds and bleeds.
A gaping wound called loneliness.
No matter how many people he meets, no matter how many he sleeps with, it still manages to crawl its way back to him.
It sinks its claws deep into his chest, tearing away bits and pieces of him, until all that's left is a hollow shell of who he used to be.
His next breath comes out as a shudder, and he shuts his eyes close trying to fight past the ache in his soul.
He focuses instead on the wind and how it tickles his skin, moving his hair into his eyes. With the sun going down, the temperature decreases immensely and Buck can already start to feel the goosebumps line his skin.
After a couple of minutes, he opens his eyes and shakes his shoulders, doing his best to dust off all of… that.
Besides, he at least has company for the rest of the night. Even if it is some weird guy he met at a diner. It's just another adventure to add to his postcards, right? What kind of person would Buck be if he didn't help someone in need?
Buck makes his way back over the barrier, and finds Bobby waiting for him.
“D’you get what you were looking for?” Buck asks, curiosity picking at his skin as he wonders what Bobby had been doing while he'd been gone.
Bobby takes a moment to answer, somber as he stares at the horizon, the sky starting to turn a dark navy as the sun finally dips below.
“I think I did,” Bobby answers simply, and then he's heading back to the car, Buck quickly jogging to catch up to him.