Work Text:
Eddie Diaz has created a group chat
(Maddie Han, Chimney Han, Bobby Nash, Athena Grant, Ravi Panikkar, Hen Wilson, Karen Wilson)
Eddie Diaz:
I’m sure you’re probably wondering why I’ve called you all here.
Athena Grant:
No Buck?
Maddie Han:
Oh my gosh
Hen Wilson:
Is this what I think it is?
Maddie Han:
Oh! My! Gosh!
Karen Wilson:
*excited sequel gif*
Ravi Panikkar:
👀👀
Athena Grant:
Are you all finished?
Let the man talk.
Eddie Diaz:
Thank you Athena.
First, I wanted you all to know that I did a lot of self reflecting during my two VERY long weeks in Texas.
And I’ve realized two things
Chimney Han:
To quote my wife: OH MY GOSH
Eddie Diaz:
Damn it chim, let me come out in peace!
Bobby Nash:
Proud of you Eddie- Bobby
Eddie Diaz:
Damn it.
Anyway, I’m gay and in love with Buck
And I need your help.
Don’t let him plan anything for Valentine’s Day
No babysitting
No singles night at the gay bar
Nothing.
Bye.
Eddie slams his phone down on the couch beside him in frustration.
“You good?” Christopher asks, looking up at him from the table where he was currently doing his book report.
Eddie sighs, running a hand down his face. “Yeah, buddy. Just—your dad is bad at this whole ‘confessing his feelings’ thing.”
Christopher raises an eyebrow, unconvinced. “Did you tell Buck you love him?”
Eddie groans. “No. I told the group chat.”
Christopher pauses, then tilts his head. “So… not Buck?”
Eddie throws himself back on the couch with a dramatic groan. “Not Buck.”
Christopher hums, thoughtfully tapping his pencil against his notebook. “So… how’s he supposed to know?”
Eddie sits up again, staring at his son in mild horror. “That’s what they’re supposed to help with.”
Christopher nods, looking deeply unimpressed. “Okay. But have you thought about just… telling him?”
Eddie scoffs. “Of course I have.”
Christopher gives him a knowing look.
Eddie shifts under his son’s gaze. “…Okay, no, I haven’t. But I panicked! I needed a plan.”
Christopher grins. “You needed a group chat.”
Eddie sighs again, shaking his head. “I needed a support system.”
Christopher shrugs. “Seems like a lot of work when you could just say, ‘Hey, Buck, I love you.’”
Eddie stares at him, deadpan. “Yeah, because it’s just that easy.”
Christopher smirks. “Kinda is.”
Before Eddie can respond, his phone starts going off. One notification after another, the group chat absolutely lighting up. He hesitates before picking it up again.
Maddie Han:
OH MY GOSH AGAIN
Hen Wilson:
Operation “Force Buck into a Romantic Situation Where He Can No Longer Deny His Feelings” is a go.
Chimney Han:
Working title.
Athena Grant:
We’re not calling it that.
Karen Wilson:
But we are doing it.
Ravi Panikkar:
Sooo… romantic scavenger hunt?
Bobby Nash:
Let’s keep this simple. A nice dinner. No distractions. Just the two of them. -Bobby
Athena Grant:
Bobby is right. Eddie, you’re overcomplicating this. Just ask him on a date.
Eddie Diaz:
…No.
Christopher laughs from the table. “Oh my gosh, Dad. Just ask him out.”
Eddie groans again, throwing a pillow over his face as his phone continues to buzz.
Christopher chuckles as he watches his dad spiral, shaking his head in amusement. “You’re being so dramatic.”
Eddie lifts the pillow just enough to glare at him. “Whose side are you on?”
Christopher smirks. “Love.”
Eddie groans again, letting the pillow fall back over his face.
His phone vibrates in his hand, and he reluctantly peeks at the screen. The group chat is still going strong.
Hen Wilson:
Eddie, be real. If Buck asked you out, would you say no?
Eddie Diaz:
…No.
Athena Grant:
Exactly. So what’s the problem?
Eddie Diaz:
The problem is that I’m a mess, and he deserves a grand gesture.
Chimney Han:
He really doesn’t. He just deserves you.
Eddie stares at the screen, heart clenching at that. He knows Chim is right, but the idea of just saying it makes his skin crawl.
Before he can overthink it any further, Christopher sets his pencil down with a decisive clack. “Okay, if you won’t do it, I will.”
Eddie’s eyes go wide. “Christopher—”
But it’s too late. Christopher is already grabbing Eddie’s phone and adding himself to the group chat.
Christopher Diaz:
Hi everyone, it’s Chris. Dad is being ridiculous. He just needs to ask Buck out.
So I’m going to do it for him.
Buck is coming over to watch a movie with us this weekend. That’s a date now. Don’t let Dad ruin it.
There’s a pause—then absolute chaos.
Maddie Han:
OH MY GOSH AGAIN AGAIN
Hen Wilson:
Christopher, you are officially my favorite Diaz.
Athena Grant:
That’s leadership.
Bobby Nash:
Proud of you, kid. -Bobby
Chimney Han:
Ruthless. I love it.
Karen Wilson:
Buck is gonna LOSE HIS MIND.
Eddie groans, staring at his son in disbelief. “Chris, what the hell?!”
Christopher just grins, completely unbothered. “You’re welcome.”
Eddie’s phone vibrates again.
Ravi Panikkar:
…Should we tell Buck?
Christopher Diaz:
Nope.
Just do what dad said
And don’t let him make any plans for Friday
Eddie drops his head onto the table. “I’m doomed.”
Christopher just pats his back, still grinning. “Nah. You’re in love.”
***
Buck wakes up on Monday morning on the wrong side of the bed. His leg has been bothering him lately, and frankly, the idea of going to work today doesn’t sound too good.
But it’s too late for him to call out now, so he’s going to have to take medicine and suck it up.
Buck:
If I asked you to cut my leg off, would you do it?
Eddie: rough morning?
Buck: don’t recommend getting crushed by a fire truck
Eddie: aw damn, there goes my weekend plans
He slowly pulls himself out of bed and gets dressed, walking down the stairs of his loft. He’s just about to get a glass of water where there’s a knock at his door.
He sighs and walks over to open it, seeing no one. He almost closes the door but looks down at the last second and notices a giant bouquet of flowers.
“What the hell?” He says, bending down to pick them.
Hope you have a good day, Ev. XOXO
Buck blinks at the note, heart stuttering in his chest. He glances up and down the hallway, but there’s no sign of anyone. Just the flowers—bright, fresh, and ridiculous in their size—cradled in his arms.
His brain stutters over the name on the note. Ev. Hardly anyone calls him that. His sister, sometimes. Bobby, once in a while. But the little "XOXO" at the end? That’s something else. Something teasing. Something affectionate.
His stomach does a weird little flip.
Still, his leg aches, and he's not awake enough to unravel this mystery before coffee. He shuts the door and sets the flowers on the counter, pulling out his phone. He texts Maddie first.
Buck:
Did you send me flowers?
Maddie:
?? No??
Buck:
Okay. Weird.
Maddie doesn’t text back right away, which is suspicious in itself. But before he can dwell on it, his phone dings again.
Hen:
Heard you got a surprise this morning.
Buck frowns.
Buck:
…How do you know that?
Chimney:
Oh, buddy. You’re in for it.
Now Buck knows something is up. He stares at the flowers again, then at his phone, debating.
Then, almost on instinct, he pulls up Eddie’s contact.
Buck: Hey, did you—
He stops, staring at the half-typed text. Would Eddie send him flowers? Eddie, who pretends Valentine’s Day doesn’t exist? Eddie, who grumbles about “corporate holidays” but secretly buys Christopher a chocolate heart every year?
No. That would be crazy.
…Right?
Before he can think too hard about it, there’s another knock at his door.
Still holding his phone, Buck hobbles over, opening it to find—
A delivery guy. Holding a small white box.
“Evan Buckley?”
Buck nods, bewildered, as he takes the box. “Uh. Yeah?”
“Have a good day, man.”
The guy leaves, and Buck stares at the package in his hands. His heart thuds as he carries it back inside, setting it on the counter beside the flowers. He carefully lifts the lid—
Inside is a single chocolate croissant from his favorite bakery.
There’s another note.
Eat something before work. And take your meds.
Buck swallows hard. His fingers tighten around the paper.
And suddenly, his morning doesn’t seem so bad after all.
He gets to work and feels loads better than he did when he woke up this morning.
“Someone is a good mood,” Ravi points out as Buck walks into the locker room.
“Uh, yeah.” Buck says, blushing at the thought of the roses sitting on his kitchen counter.
“Any particular reason?”
“Okay, don’t tell anyone…but I think I have a secret admirer.”
“Oh, really?” Ravi asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Yeah, someone sent flowers and baked goods to my apartment this morning.”
“And you don't know who?”
“No, no idea.”
“He didn’t leave a card?”
“Yeah, they did but it wasn’t signed.” Buck paused and turns to look at Ravi. “Wait, he?”
“Oh would you look at the time,” Ravi says, pulling his phone out of his pocket and running away.
Buck watches Ravi practically sprint out of the locker room, eyebrows furrowed. “What the hell?” he mutters to himself.
He turns back to his locker, but the seed of suspicion has already been planted. He. Ravi had said he. Not they. Not someone.
And Ravi knows something.
***
Opp: Buddie
Ravi Panikkar:
Eddie you idiot
Chimney Han:
What?
What’d he do?
Eddie Diaz:
I sent the flowers and the baked goods this morning
Just like you said
Ravi Panikkar:
YOU DIDN'T SIGN THE CARD?
Christopher Diaz:
Dad! You had one job!
Eddie Diaz:
Shouldn’t you be in class?
Christopher Diaz:
It’s just study hall.
Karen Wilson:
How could you not sign the card?
Eddie Diaz:
I addressed it to Ev!
Who else calls him that?
Maddie Han:
Eddie, I love my brother
But you KNOW you have to spell things out for him.
Hen Wilson:
Eddie. Sweetheart. You know Buck would walk into a room labeled "Secret Admirer Meeting" and still be confused.
Athena Grant:
The man once spent an entire day thinking a woman was flirting with him when she was just trying to sell him a gym membership.
Chimney Han:
HE BOUGHT THE MEMBERSHIP, TOO.
Eddie Diaz:
…Okay, yeah, fair point.
Christopher Diaz:
So what’s the plan now?
Bobby Nash:
The plan is Eddie tells Buck the truth. -Bobby
Eddie Diaz:
The plan is to let Buck figure it out on his own.
Hen Wilson:
Oh, that’s a terrible plan.
Maddie Han:
That’s the worst plan I’ve ever heard.
Chimney Han:
This is almost as bad as the time you didn’t tell us you were dying.
Eddie Diaz:
Okay, OW.
Christopher Diaz:
Just tell him, Dad!
Eddie Diaz:
He’s already having a rough morning.
I didn’t want to overwhelm him!
Karen Wilson:
Yeah, God forbid you overwhelm him with love and affection.
Ravi Panikkar:
Also, he literally told me he thinks he has a secret admirer.
Eddie Diaz:
…Shit.
Hen Wilson:
Yup. And now?
He’s going to spiral.
Maddie Han:
And guess who he’s going to come running to for advice?
Eddie Diaz:
Oh no.
Chimney Han:
OH YES.
Athena Grant:
Congratulations, Eddie.
You’ve played yourself.
Bobby Nash:
Eddie. Just tell him. -Bobby
Eddie Diaz:
…
Christopher Diaz:
Dad.
***
Buck has figured it out. Ravi is his secret admirer. That’s why he was acting weird, and asking all those questions.
Buck just needs to find away to let him down gently. He likes Ravi, but he doesn’t like Ravi.
How could he?
When he’s in love with Eddie?
That had a been a shocking discovery, and at the worst possible time.
Buck and Eddie stood in the rain, outside Eddie’s house, the U-Haul hitched to his truck packed with everything he owned. The streetlights cast a dim glow over the pavement, reflecting off the wet asphalt.
“Well—” Eddie started.
“Wait, hang on.” Buck cut in, already jogging back to his own truck before Eddie could say whatever it was he was about to say.
He’d stayed up all night. Between Maddie recovering from being kidnapped and Eddie leaving today, Buck had been a ball of restless energy, nerves coiled so tightly in his chest that sleep had been out of the question. So, he did what he always did when he couldn’t sit still—he found something to do.
He baked.
A lot.
Enough to fill a gallon-sized Ziploc bag with chocolate chip cookies.
Buck returned, slightly breathless, holding out the bag like some kind of peace offering. “I made you a snack for the road.”
Eddie blinked down at it, then back up at Buck. “Buck—”
“Just—just make sure you save some for Christopher.”
Eddie closed his mouth and nodded, taking the bag with careful hands. Then silence settled between them, thick and uncertain, like neither of them knew how to say what they really meant.
“I’m not going to be gone forever,” Eddie finally said, voice softer than before.
Buck sniffled, nodding as he looked down at his shoes. “Yeah. I—I know.”
Only, he’d heard that before. And he was having a hard time believing it.
Eddie took a small step forward, like he wanted to close the space between them. “I mean it, Buck. Just a couple of weeks, a month or two at most. I’m going to talk to Christopher, and we’re going to come home.”
Home.
Buck forced another nod and met Eddie’s gaze. “Okay.”
And then Buck did something stupid. Something reckless. Something he was probably going to regret for years to come.
He hugged Eddie.
And it wasn’t like their other hugs—not the quick, brotherly pats on the back after a rough call, or the tired, relieved embraces when one of them made it out of a life-or-death situation in one piece.
This was different.
Because this was goodbye.
And Buck knew it.
He felt Eddie stiffen for half a second before he melted into the hug, arms tightening around Buck like he wasn’t quite ready to let go either.
“I’m—I’m going to miss you,” Eddie murmured, finally pulling away.
Buck swallowed hard, nodding as he blinked against the rain—and definitely not tears. “I’m going to miss you too.”
Eddie nodded, stepping back, his hands lingering at his sides like he wanted to reach for Buck again but didn’t. He turned toward his truck, but Buck found himself following, his feet moving before he could stop them, like something in him wasn’t ready.
“Drive safe,” Buck said, sticking his hands deep into his pockets, like maybe that would keep him from doing anything else reckless.
Eddie glanced back, already half in the truck. “I will.”
“Uh—text me when you get to Texas.”
Eddie nodded, offering a small, lopsided smile—one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
And then he was climbing into the truck, shutting the door, and turning the key.
Buck stood there as the engine rumbled to life, watching as Eddie slowly pulled away from the curb. He told himself not to be dramatic, not to make this bigger than it was, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something inside him was unraveling with every inch Eddie’s truck rolled forward.
Then it hit him.
Like a punch to the gut, like the ground shifting beneath his feet, like a door slamming shut before he even realized it had been open.
It felt like half of him was driving away.
Because half of him was driving away.
Oh.
OH.
Buck was in love with Eddie.
And he was just standing there, in the middle of the street, letting him go.
So, yeah, the seven weeks that Eddie had been gone were rough. But, he’s in love with Eddie. And he doesn’t think he’ll ever not be in love with Eddie.
Which means, he needs to let Ravi down gently.
Buck:
Hey man, can we talk?
Ravi:
Uh sure?
Buck:
Look, I appreciate the gifts. And I get it, we work a lot of hours together, and we like some of the same things. But, I’m not interested in you like that.
Ravi:
Wait, huh?
Buck:
I know your my secret admirer
I’m trying to let you down easy
Ravi:
And you could even face me, Buckley?
How cruel are you?
If you’re going to break a guys heart, at least do it to my face.
“Shit,” Buck groans at his phone. This is bad, this is so bad.
Ravi:
Relax Buck
I’m not ur secret admirer
I have a bf already
Buck:
Rude
You’re rude
You could have just laughed like a normal person.
Ravi:
Where’s the fun in that?
Buck:
Well if it’s not you
You gotta know who it is?
Right?
[read 8:45pm]
Ravi?
[read 8:52pm]
You not answering is an answer in itself
Who is it??????
[read 9:05pm]
Opp: Buddie
Ravi Panikkar:
Alright, seriously Diaz.
Time for you to get your man
{attached: 1 image}
He thinks it’s ME!
Maddie Han:
Thinks what is you?
Ravi Panikkar:
Buck thinks IM his secret admirer
So Eddie you gotta stop with the secret gifts
And just TELL HIM
Eddie Diaz:
…
Christopher Diaz:
Idk if I can take this till Friday
Athena Grant:
Eddie. Seriously, what are you so afraid of?
Eddie looks down at his phone and sighs. What was he afraid of? The answer was obvious.
Eddie Diaz:
Bucks my best friend and I don’t want to screw anything up.
I’d rather never tell him then to tell him and lose him.
But you’re right, I’ll text him and tell him the flowrs and baked goods were from me
Karen Wilson:
That’s it?
Hen Wilson:
Why don’t you invite him over, tell him in person?
Eddie stares at the messages, his thumb hovering over the keyboard. Texting felt safer, easier. But Hen was right—this wasn’t something he could just throw out there over the phone.
Eddie Diaz:
Yeah. Okay. I’ll invite him over.
Maddie Han:
Finally!
Bobby Nash:
Proud of you, kid. -Bobby
Eddie swipes out of the group chat and taps on Buck’s contact. His heart pounds as he types.
Eddie:
Hey, you free tonight? Want to come over?
The response is almost immediate.
Buck:
Always. See you in 30?
Eddie exhales and runs a hand over his face. No backing out now.
Thirty minutes later, Eddie is pacing his living room when there’s a knock at the door. He takes one last steadying breath before opening it.
Buck grins at him, holding up a six-pack. “Brought beer. Figured that’s what this was about.”
Eddie steps aside to let him in, shaking his head. “Not exactly.”
Buck raises an eyebrow as he sets the beer on the counter. “Okay… what’s up?”
Eddie swallows hard. He hadn’t planned a speech. Hadn’t figured out how to say the words sitting heavy on his chest. So, he just says it.
“The flowers. The breakfast. They were from me.”
Buck blinks, his mouth parting slightly. “You?”
Eddie nods. “Yeah. I—” He exhales sharply. “I didn’t mean for it to turn into this whole secret admirer thing. I just… I wanted to do something nice for you.”
Buck stares at him, his expression unreadable, and Eddie braces himself for the fallout. For rejection.
But then Buck’s lips curve into a slow, stunned smile.
“O-okay.”
“Okay?” Eddie asks, hopefully.
“Yeah,” Buck smiles again and sits down on the couch. “Here, don’t want to let these go bad.”
Eddie grins and sits beside Buck on the couch, closer than he usually would, feeling hopeful and grabbing a beer.
***
Buck doesn’t know what to expect. Maybe he never did. He definitely hadn’t thought Eddie would turn out to be his secret admirer—except he wasn’t, not really. Eddie had made that clear, brushing off the whole thing as just a nice gesture between friends.
Buck had been hopeful for a moment, though. A brief, fleeting moment when Eddie sat close, their arms pressed together on the couch, warmth seeping through the fabric of their shirts. But then nothing happened. No confession. No lingering touches. Just the soft hum of the television in the background until Buck fell asleep, and when he woke up, Eddie was tucked away in his sound asleep.
So, he drove home that morning, showered, and got ready for his shift like nothing had changed. Like his heart wasn’t still lodged somewhere between his ribs, waiting for something that was never coming.
Buck has created a group chat
(Maddie, Rebar , Karen , Hen)
Buck:
Good morning, VDay is Friday
Just wanted to offer my babysitting services
Maddie:
You don’t have plans?
Buck:
Uh no, not this year
Single remember?
Karen:
Don’t you and Eddie have a standing movie night?
Buck:
Yeah, but if you need babysitting so you can go out for valentines, we can do that too.
Hen:
My mom is actually in town so she’s keeping the kids for us.
Buck:
Oh.
Okay
Maddie?
Rebar:
Uh yeah
Mrs. Lee is keeping Jee for us.
Buck:
Okay, well, just thought I’d ask.
Buck sighs and tosses his phone onto the couch, rubbing a hand over his face. There goes his plan for a distraction. He’d figured babysitting would keep him busy, keep his mind off the fact that he’s about to spend the most romantic day of the year sitting on Eddie’s couch, pretending his feelings aren’t eating him alive.
Because that’s the real problem, isn’t it? It’s not the holiday itself. It’s the way Eddie looks at him sometimes, soft and unguarded, like maybe—just maybe—there’s something there. Something more.
But there never is.
Because Eddie is straight. Because Eddie doesn’t see him like that. Because this is what Buck gets for falling in love with his best friend.
Opp: Buddie
Maddie Han:
Eddie you idiot
Christopher Diaz:
lol
Good morning
Eddie Diaz:
What did I do now?
Hen Wilson:
I thought you talked to Buck last night
Eddie Diaz:
I did
Karen Wilson:
Then why did he just ask all of us if we needed a babysitter Friday?
Chimney Han:
Yep.
Seemed pretty desperate to have plans for Friday
Athena Grant:
What exactly did you say to him?
Eddie Diaz:
I explained that the gifts were from me
Ravi Panikkar:
And?
Eddie Diaz:
That was it.
Maddie Han:
🤦🏻♀️
Ravi Panikkar:
🤦🏾
Hen Wilson:
🤦🏽♀️
Karen Wilson:
🤦🏽♀️
Chimney Han:
🤦🏻
Bobby Nash:
Ditto! -Bobby
Athena Grant:
So you didn’t tell him your feelings?
Eddie Diaz:
I didn’t think I had to after I told him the gifts were from me
I signed the card XO!
Maddie Han:
Eddie…
Honey…
I love you, but you have got to be kidding me.
Hen Wilson:
You really thought “XO” was enough?
Chimney Han:
Does Buck strike you as the kind of guy who would assume a love confession from a couple of letters?
Karen Wilson:
you came out to all of us…
Did you ever actually talk to Buck about it too?
Eddie Diaz:
…Shit.
Christopher Diaz:
Dad, you gotta tell him.
Bobby Nash:
I second that. -Bobby
Athena Grant:
Eddie, the boy is literally looking for any excuse not to be alone on Valentine’s Day because he doesn’t think he has a date. FIX IT.
Ravi Panikkar:
Text him. Right now. Before he ends up babysitting random neighborhood kids out of pure emotional distress.
Eddie Diaz:
Okay, okay! I’ll talk to him.
Maddie Han:
No, you had a chance to “talk” to him. You need to be clear this time.
Hen Wilson:
Yeah, maybe use your words instead of signing a card like a middle schooler passing notes in class.
Eddie Diaz:
Noted.
I’ll fix it.
Christopher Diaz:
Good luck, Dad!
Only, Eddie never gets the chance.
From the moment they step into the station to the second they clock out 24 hours later, it’s one call after another. A multi-car pileup on the freeway. A structure fire that takes half the night to contain. A medical emergency at a high-rise where they have to rappel down the side of the building to reach a victim. There’s barely time to eat, let alone pull Buck aside for a heartfelt conversation.
And Buck? He’s fine. Totally fine.
If anything, the chaos is a blessing. It keeps him moving, keeps his mind too occupied to dwell on the way Eddie’s hand brushed his when they passed equipment back and forth. Too busy to analyze every glance Eddie throws his way in the brief moments they have between calls. Too exhausted to keep feeling the ache in his chest that never quite goes away.
By the time their shift ends, Buck is running on fumes. He doesn’t even bother waiting for Eddie in the locker room like he usually does. Instead, he throws on a clean shirt, grabs his bag, and heads straight for his Jeep.
He’s halfway home when his phone buzzes in the cup holder. He doesn’t check it until he’s parked outside his apartment.
Eddie:
Hey, you wanna come over?
I think we should talk.
Buck stares at the screen, his heart pounding in his chest. He could say no. He should say no. Whatever Eddie wants to say, Buck already knows how it ends.
But he’s never been able to say no to Eddie.
So he takes a breath, throws his Jeep into reverse, and heads to Eddie’s house.
Opp: Buddie
Eddie Diaz:
Buck is coming over.
I’m telling him everything this time.
Maddie Han:
FINALLY.
Hen Wilson:
Oh my God, it only took you an entire group intervention and a 24-hour shift to get here.
Karen Wilson:
I’m proud of you, but also mildly concerned it took this long.
Chimney Han:
Do we think he actually goes through with it or should we start placing bets?
Athena Grant:
Eddie, listen to me very carefully—
If you chicken out again, I will personally drive to your house and shake some sense into you.
Bobby Nash:
Same.
Christopher Diaz:
Dad, just tell him. You like him, he likes you. It’s not that hard.
Eddie Diaz:
How do you even know he likes me?
Ravi Panikkar:
Oh my god.
Are you serious right now?
Maddie Han:
EDDIE.
He literally tried to find emergency Valentine’s Day babysitting duty to avoid sitting on your couch in heartbreak.
Hen Wilson:
That man has been in love with you since approximately five minutes after meeting you.
Karen Wilson:
And you’ve been in love with him for just as long.
Chimney Han:
I hate to say it, but even I noticed. And I’m usually oblivious to everything that isn’t directly about me.
Athena Grant:
Don’t overthink it, Eddie. Just tell him how you feel. No cryptic messages, no “XO” nonsense. Plain words.
Bobby Nash:
We believe in you, kid. Go get your man.
Christopher Diaz:
Good luck, Dad!
Eddie Diaz:
…Okay.
I got this.
Maddie Han:
That’s the spirit!
Hen Wilson:
Do not make us regret having faith in you.
Eddie stares at his phone for a long moment before locking it and setting it down on the kitchen counter. His heart is racing, his palms are a little sweaty, but he knows they’re right.
He can’t back out this time. Not when he’s this close.
A knock at the door makes his breath hitch.
This is it.
No backing out. No second-guessing.
He wipes his palms on his jeans, takes one last deep breath, and heads for the door. His pulse thrums in his ears as he grips the doorknob, hesitating just long enough to wonder if maybe—just maybe—he should have planned this out better. But then he shakes his head, steels himself, and opens the door.
Buck is standing there, hands stuffed deep into the pockets of his hoodie, shoulders hunched slightly like he’s bracing for something. His eyes, even tired from their shift, are still so damn bright. They flicker over Eddie’s face, searching, unsure.
"Hey," Buck says, voice quieter than usual.
"Hey," Eddie replies, stepping back to let him in.
Buck hesitates for half a second before stepping inside. The familiarity of Eddie’s house should be comforting—it usually is—but tonight, everything feels heavier. Charged. Like something is shifting between them, and Buck doesn’t know if that’s good or if it’s about to break him.
Eddie closes the door behind them, the click of the lock echoing in the silence. He turns to face Buck, hands flexing at his sides. "I meant it when I said we needed to talk."
Buck lets out a small, breathy laugh, shaking his head. "Yeah, I kind of got that from the texts." He gestures vaguely. "What’s up?"
Eddie swallows. His hands twitch, every instinct screaming at him to just say it, but years of habit make him hesitate.
Buck sees it. Of course, he does.
"Eddie, if this is about the gifts, you don’t have to—"
"It’s not just about the gifts," Eddie interrupts, voice firm but careful. He exhales sharply, dragging a hand through his hair before looking Buck straight in the eye. "It’s about why I gave them to you."
Something flickers across Buck’s face—hope, disbelief, fear, all tangled together. "Okay," he says slowly, like he’s bracing himself. "Then tell me."
Eddie takes a step closer. Buck doesn’t move away.
"You ever notice how we do this thing where we don’t say what we actually mean?" Eddie asks, his voice quieter now, rougher around the edges. "How we dance around the important stuff like it’s safer to pretend we don’t feel it?"
Buck’s breath catches.
Eddie gives a soft, almost nervous laugh. "I don’t wanna do that anymore."
Buck blinks at him, lips parted like he’s about to say something but can’t quite find the words.
So Eddie takes the final step forward, close enough now that he could reach out and touch. Close enough that he can see the exact moment Buck realizes what’s happening.
"I—when I was in Texas, I realized a lot of things about myself. About what I want from life, who I want in my life, things like that."
Buck is frozen, barely breathing.
Eddie licks his lips, exhales, and finally, finally says it.
"I’m in love with you, Buck."
Silence. Heavy and thick and terrifying.
Buck is still staring at him, blue eyes blown wide, and Eddie feels his heart start to race. And then—
Buck laughs.
Not the reaction Eddie was expecting.
A startled, disbelieving sound that bubbles up out of Buck’s chest before he can stop it.
“No, you’re not.”
It’s Eddie’s turn to freeze. “I just told you that I am.”
“But I’m a guy?” Buck says, voice laced with something that almost sounds like panic.
"So?" Eddie shrugs.
"So?" Buck stares at him, eyes searching. "You're straight."
"Am I?"
"You’re not?"
"Definitely not."
"Oh."
Buck huffs out a laugh again. It’s soft, breathless, and maybe a little wet around the edges, like he’s trying not to cry. He drags a hand through his hair, eyes darting away like he needs a second to process. Then suddenly, he’s shaking his head, letting out this disbelieving, relieved sound, and before Eddie can panic, Buck is stepping forward, grabbing Eddie’s face in both hands, and kissing him.
And just like that, Eddie is gone.
He sinks into it, into Buck’s warmth, into the way Buck presses in like he’s been waiting for this just as long. His hands find Buck’s waist, pulling him closer, and the second Buck sighs into his mouth, Eddie knows—this was always it. Always them.
Buck’s fingers curl into Eddie’s shirt, like he’s holding on for dear life, like he’s afraid this might not be real. But it is.
It is.
When they finally pull back, Buck is grinning, breathless, still holding Eddie’s face like he’s afraid to let go.
"Took you long enough," he teases, voice shaky but full of something that sounds a lot like happiness.
Eddie laughs, forehead dropping against Buck’s. "Yeah," he murmurs. "Took me way too long."
Buck just smiles and kisses him again.
Opp: Buddie
( Eddie Diaz has added Buck 🩵 to the chat)
Buck 🩵:
Oh you weren’t kidding
There’s a group chat
Eddie you needed an emotion support group chat?
That’s so adorable and stupid
I love you
Karen Wilson:
Wait, does this mean what I think it means?
Maddie Han:
OH MY GOSH
Chimney Han:
Yep, it means exactly what you think it means!
Hen Wilson:
Took him long enough.
Ravi Panikkar:
Wait, wait, wait—someone explain for those of us who are a little slow on the uptake?
Athena Grant:
Eddie added Buck to the group chat. You do the math.
Bobby Nash:
Congratulations, Buck. Welcome to the club. -Bobby
Buck 🩵:
Uh… thanks? I feel like I just got initiated into a very intense secret society.
Karen Wilson:
That’s because you did.
Eddie Diaz:
It’s just a group chat, Buck.
Maddie Han:
Just a group chat?! My brother is finally officially a part of Buddie and you’re acting like this is nothing?
Buck 🩵:
Wait—Buddie?! Is that what you guys have been calling us??
Chimney Han:
Oh, Bucko, you have no idea.
Hen Wilson:
We’ve had bets running on when you two would finally figure it out.
Ravi Panikkar:
Pretty sure I lost my money to Bobby on this one.
Bobby Nash:
Always bet on experience. -Bobby
Athena Grant:
Anyway, Buck, welcome to the chat—officially! Be prepared for lots of meddling
Buck 🩵:
…Should I be scared?
Eddie Diaz:
Yes. Yes, you should.
Buck 🩵:
Great. Love that for me.
Karen Wilson:
You’ll get used to it. We only meddle because we care.
Chimney Han:
And because it’s entertaining.
Maddie Han:
And because some people took forever to get their act together!
Eddie Diaz:
Okay, okay, we get it. Everyone saw it before we did.
Hen Wilson:
Way before you did.
Buck 🩵:
Alright, I think I’m starting to regret being added to this chat.
Bobby Nash:
Too late. No exits. -Bobby
Athena Grant:
He’s right. You’re stuck with us now.
Ravi Panikkar:
Welcome to the chaos.
Buck 🩵:
Guess there are worse things to be stuck with.
Eddie Diaz:
You’ll survive.
Maddie Han:
Barely.
Buck 🩵:
You guys are impossible.
Hen Wilson:
And you love us for it.
Buck 🩵:
Yeah… yeah, I do.
Eddie Diaz:
Same here.
Maddie Han:
Okay, now I’m emotional.
Chimney Han:
You? Emotional? Shocking.
Athena Grant:
Alright, that’s enough hazing for one night. We’ll let you two enjoy your official couple status. But just remember—this chat never sleeps.
Bobby Nash:
And we’re always watching.
Buck 🩵:
…Why does that sound vaguely threatening?
Eddie Diaz:
Because it is.
Buck 🩵:
Wait….we have a whole other group chat? Do we need 2?
Hen Wilson:
eh, the other one needed an upgrade anyway
As the chat quieted down for the night, Buck set his phone aside, shaking his head with a soft chuckle. He looked over at Eddie, who was already watching him with that small, knowing smile—the one that made Buck’s heart race in a way he was finally allowed to acknowledge.
“So… this is my life now?” Buck asked, half amused, half exasperated. Eddie shrugged, reaching over to lace their fingers together.
“Yeah. But let’s be honest, you wouldn’t have it any other way.” Buck sighed dramatically before squeezing Eddie’s hand.
“Yeah, okay. You’ve got a point.” And with that, the weight of all the years they had spent circling around each other finally lifted, leaving nothing but certainty in its place.
Opp: Buddie
Buck 🩵:
So….
Is anyone available to take Chris for Valentine’s Day?
[read: 7:30am]
Hello?
[read: 7:45am]
Guys?
[read 8:05am]
Oh come on!
I babysit for you all, all the time!
[read 8:15am]
Okay
I see how it is
[read 8:45am]
The end