Work Text:
“I need your help.”
The moment those four words left Eddie’s lips, traveled through the phone, and hit Buck’s ears, he was already planning his trip to visit.
There wasn’t a second of hesitation in Buck’s head. Eddie needed help and Buck would move mountains for him.
Bobby gave Buck a hesitant look when he asked for a week of PTO to visit El Paso. It’s not that Buck didn’t have enough saved up, but he figures it’s because of how he worded it.
“Eddie really needs my help. I’m hoping to fly out tomorrow evening, if that’s possible. I-I’m sorry it’s so last minute. I wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t important, Bobby.”
Bobby stops filling out his post-shift paperwork and sets his pen down carefully. He folds his hands in front of him before speaking. “I understand, Buck. Of course you can take off. Are Eddie and Christopher okay? He hasn’t mentioned anything to me.”
Buck nods, relief settling his shoulders. “Thank you, Bobby, thank you. And yeah, they’re doing good! Eddie needs me to help paint and replace the flooring in his new house. He wants Chris to move in soon and the place needs some work.”
Bobby narrows his eyes quizzically. “You’re rushing to catch a flight to visit Eddie because he desperately needs to redecorate? Can’t he just hire someone to do that?”
Buck shrugs, smiling down at himself. “He’s strapped for cash so that’s not really an option. And, I’ve done this kind of stuff before so he trusts me. He said he really needs my help.”
Bobby shakes his head before picking up his pen to resume his paperwork. “Just be back by next week. Seven days, got it?”
Jumping up, Buck can barely hold back his grin as he turns to leave.
“Appreciate you, Cap! And you know,” Buck pauses, halfway out the door. “Eddie knows what he’s talking about. I bet your house would be finished by now if you had my help.”
Bobby shoots Buck a quick glare as he slips away, but his eyes are filled with nothing but warmth.
- - -
Eddie picks Buck up from the El Paso Airport around eight PM the next day.
Buck waits outside the airport for Eddie, vibrating with nervous energy and excitement. They hadn’t seen each other in almost three months, the longest they’ve been apart in years.
Spotting Eddie in the crowd made his world go silent. There he was, hands in his jeans, a dark strand of hair falling over his forehead, a grin bigger than the state they were in spread across his face.
“Hey, Buck, how was the flight?” Eddie asks when they’re finally standing face to face.
“Good,” Buck says, vaguely aware of the crowd flowing around them.
He couldn’t wait another second. He steps forward at the same time Eddie does and wraps his arms around his friend. They hug, arms tight around one another. Buck’s beyond thankful that this hug feels more welcoming than their last.
Their last hug was a goodbye, a “see you later.” Filled with something messy and hard between them. Something they couldn’t bare to talk about yet.
This hug feels like a reunion. A homecoming feeling like a sigh of relief, a breath they didn’t know they were holding.
Buck buries his head in the crook of Eddie’s neck and breathes in his comforting scent, feeling right at home hundreds of miles away.
Eventually, Eddie leads Buck out to his Prius in the parking lot. RIP GMC Truck.
They drive to Eddie’s house in a peaceful silence, the sun deep below the horizon now. Eddie flips through a few country stations before settling on one he must not hate, but turns the volume low.
“And we’re here,” Eddie says, pulling into the driveway and breaking their silence.
“Finally. I’m exhausted,” Buck says, yawning into his hand.
They head inside and yeah, Eddie wasn’t lying about the house not exactly being turnkey.
Buck spots fresh drywall on the ceiling, from the water leak he guesses. The bookshelf has new lumber and sanded corners. Half of the house’s outdated wallpaper is torn off, but it still needs work. Not to mention, most of his furniture is still covered in sheets and plastic.
“Welcome home,” Eddie says, laughing lightly and using an arm to gesture around the open living room.
Buck hums, amused as he walks around the place and nods to himself. “Love what you’ve done with the place.”
Eddie huffs a laugh. “Gracias. Why do you think I asked for your help?”
Buck shrugs. He wanders down the hallway and peaks into what he assumes is Eddie’s bedroom. “Y’missed having me cook for you?”
“No… maybe,” Eddie says, shoving his hands in his pockets and following Buck to Christopher’s soon-to-be bedroom next.
Eddie was right again. Christopher’s room needs the most work. There’s no light fixture, no window coverings, the closet door is falling off its hinges, the flooring has suspicious staining, and the wallpaper is by far the ugliest Buck has ever seen.
“Here I thought you were lucky to escape Meth Lab Jim, except now I think you are Meth Lab Jim,” Buck says, gaping at all the work they have to get done in just this room alone.
“Minus the actual meth lab,” Eddie quips. He sighs loudly, leaning his shoulder against the wall. “I know, it’s a lot. But, Chris and I are a lot better now, I want him to start staying with me instead of at his grandparents. I’ve been too busy trying to make money to focus on the house much before. But, now that you’re here, Buck, I’m feeling… hopeful.”
Buck turns to look at Eddie, his head resting on the door frame. “I’m here to help. And, I’m so happy for you, Eds. You’re doing so well.”
Eddie turns his head away for a second, bashful from Buck’s compliment. He meets his eyes, a smile spreading across his lips. They stare at each other for a minute, content and safe in the other's presence. Buck still isn’t used to seeing Eddie this close again, after weeks of FaceTime calls from a tiny phone screen.
Buck suddenly feels the urge to lean forward and embrace Eddie in his arms again. To touch his warm skin and feel his beating heart thump against his chest. Because Eddie is here and nothing else has ever made Buck this happy.
Before he can, Eddie yawns. “I suppose, we should probably get some sleep. Going to be a long few days.”
Buck nods. “Yup, I’m ready to be put to work, Edmundo.”
Eddie rolls his eyes and chuckles. He pushes himself off the wall before beckoning Buck to follow him to his bedroom.
Buck feels dizzy as he follows behind him. He barely glanced into Eddie’s room when they passed by earlier. But, he swore he only saw one bed and a dresser. Plains walls and an area rug. At least it was in better shape than Christopher’s room.
Buck swallows as he turns the corner into the doorway. Eddie opens his closet door and lugs out a folded up air mattress.
Buck sighs quietly, the color returning to his face. He watches for a moment as Eddie pumps up the air mattress beside his bed and lines it with fresh sheets. As his heart rates slows, he walks out to fetch his suitcase from the living room.
“I can take the air mattress if you want,” Eddie says when Buck returns.
“No, no. You sleep in your bed. I’ll take the air mattress. I don’t mind.”
Eddie frowns but shrugs. “If that’s what you want.”
I want to sleep next to you, Buck thinks. I want to feel you in my arms so I know this isn’t a dream.
Buck doesn’t say those things, though. He can’t, and he won’t. Ever.
They change into their sleep clothes, turning their backs to each other for a sense of privacy. Buck’s wearing a cutoff tank and basketball shorts and Eddie with no shirt and sweatpants.
“G’night, Buck.”
“Night, Eddie.”
The air mattress is noisy as Buck rolls over, but it doesn’t take him long to fall asleep, listening to Eddie’s soft snoring from across the room.
- - -
“Eddie, this color is ugly.”
Eddie groans. “No, it’s not. It’ll look good on the walls, I promise.”
“It’s the color of Dijon mustard.”
“I happen to like Dijon, so.”
Buck gives him an unsure look as Eddie pours the mustard colored liquid into the paint tray.
They spent the entire morning tearing off the remaining wallpaper in the living and dining rooms. They sanded and primed, but then Eddie revealed the paint he bought a couple weeks ago and Buck had… thoughts.
”Are you sure?” Buck asked, one last time before they covered the walls in mustard. Eddie dipped his paint roller into the tray, coating the brush in yellow.
“Just get painting, Buckley.”
- - -
Three hours later, they finished painting the main part of the house a shade of yellow that Buck thinks he’ll never look at Dijon mustard the same again.
“You like it?” Buck asks, wiping sweat from his brow.
Eddie looks around and nods. “Yeah. Better than the wallpaper.”
Buck laughs. “True. I'll give you that.”
Eddie sighs and brushes some dust from his paint splattered jeans. They’re both covered in yellow. Tiny dots and smears of paint all over their clothing and skin.
Eddie glances at Buck and bursts into a fit of laughter. “You’ve got yellow ears!”
Buck brings his hands up on either side of his head, attempting to rub off the paint he can’t even see. He just smears the yellow around even more, some of it spreading to his jaw.
“No, no, Buck, you’re making it worse!” Eddie’s laughing so hard he’s got tears spilling from the corners of his eyes.
“Help!” Buck exclaims, laughing along with Eddie.
Buck drops his hands from his ears as Eddie steps forward and drags him by the hem of his shirt to the kitchen.
Buck’s leaning his back against the counter, hands braced behind him while Eddie wets a paper towel under the faucet.
“Stay still,” Eddie instructs, voice quiet as he steps into Buck’s space.
He gently holds Buck's chin with one hand, tilting it to the side as the other wipes at his paint covered ear with the damp paper towel.
Buck catches himself holding his breath as Eddie wipes the warm towel against his skin. His fingers are feather-light and gentle around Buck’s chin. Eddie switches hands, tilting Buck’s head in the opposite direction to wipe off his other ear.
Eddie looks so focused, Buck thinks. His lips slightly parted, eyes squinting in concentration as he works at cleaning Buck’s ears. Buck knows he shouldn’t be staring, he should be looking off somewhere behind him. But, what view could possibly be more interesting than Eddie’s face?
Eddie hums in content as he finishes wiping the paint from Buck. He quickly swipes his fingers around the shell of Buck’s ear before backing away, almost like he would with a girl’s long strand of hair.
Buck clears his throat and smiles. He’s doing his best to ignore the goosebumps flowering across his body. “Thanks.”
Eddie’s eyes linger on Buck for a moment, and Buck thinks he’s going to say something. The air feels thick and charged, but it doesn’t last once Eddie turns away to throw the paper towel in the trash.
“No problem.”
Buck wills his heart rate to slow before following Eddie out of the kitchen. Eddie’s cleaning up from their afternoon of painting when Buck’s stomach rumbles.
“It’s past six. You want dinner?” Buck asks.
“Um, yeah,” Eddie coughs, looking up. “What do you want to eat?”
- - -
“And, then, she says, “not by you, I trust”! Can you believe that? Who says that to their own son!” Buck explains to Eddie, leaning across the table in their booth. “I really don’t blame him for calling his mother a fraud after that.”
“That’s insane. Wow, can’t believe I missed that,” Eddie says, sipping his beer.
They decided on a local dive bar with supposedly great burgers for dinner, too tired to cook anything themselves. Buck couldn’t wait to fill Eddie in on the drama he’s missed since he moved. Of course, he ends with a bang, telling Eddie about Bobby’s not-dead mother who runs a cult-like megachurch.
“I think they’ve worked things out, though. Bobby seems happier,” Buck says, finishing the last bite of his black bean burger.
“So,” Eddie starts. “My parents invited us to dinner tomorrow.”
Buck raises his eyebrows in surprise. “Really? Sure, I’ll go.”
“You don’t have too,” Eddie says, rolling his beer bottle between his fingers. “I can tell them we’re too busy and you’re not here very long anyways.”
“No, really, it’s okay. I want to meet them.”
Eddie sighs and pauses before saying, “I’m warning you. They can be… a lot. They know how to push buttons, whether you know about them or not.”
Buck nods, giving Eddie his best reassuring smile. “I can handle it. You’re not the only one with a messed up family and insensitive parents, you know.”
Eddie rolls his eyes but laughs. “Yeah, I know.”
They talk some more about work, exchanging stories like tokens, memories they want to combine and make their own. Two beers turned to three, and three beers turned into shots of tequila.
Buck laughed so hard he almost spilled the rest of his drink on the table as he listened to Eddie recall his latest Uber fail.
“And, she did what?” Buck shrieks, slapping a hand over his mouth.
“Yeah, I know! She started taking her clothes off! Her friend was so embarrassed. I had to pull over and make them get out!” Eddie exclaims through laughter.
“Oh, my god! Wow.” Buck’s wiping tears from his eyes. “I knew I was right, I can’t wait to tell Maddie.”
Eddie’s smile falters for a moment before he asks, “right about what?”
Buck breathes a laugh, waving his hand in dismissal. “It’s nothing. Just a comment she made a while ago.”
“No, c’mon. What, like an inside joke?”
Buck bites the inside of his cheek, weighing his options. The alcohol flowing through his veins decides for him.
“It’s funny, really. She just kind of implied that maybe you weren’t straight and that I was in love with you after something stupid Tommy had said.” Buck clears his throat and takes a sip of his drink. “You just had to be there, it’s nothing, really. Obviously I’m not in love with you, you’re my best friend. And clearly they were wrong about suspecting you to be anything but straight. You’ve got women shedding their clothes for you left and right!”
Buck’s giggling again, but Eddie’s staring at the table, his head low. Buck feels a pang of guilt as he searches Eddie’s face for why he’s fallen so quiet. Buck realizes he’s made a mistake.
“Hey, it’s really nothing. They didn’t mean it in that way. Really, I was the one defending that you’re straight. It’s…” Buck swallows the regret in this throat. “I’m sorry. It’s not our place to question anything about you when you’re not around.”
“Yeah, it’s not,” Eddie finally says. He finishes off his beer and grabs his sweatshirt from the booth. “Ready to go?”
“Eddie, please,” Buck pleads, his hand reaching out to stop Eddie from standing. “I’m really sorry. Can-can’t we just talk about it?”
Eddie’s face is expressionless, his mouth in a straight line. “You’ve already made up your mind about me. What’s there to talk about?”
He pushes Buck’s hand aside and stands, pulling out his wallet to throw down a couple fives for a tip before walking towards the exit.
Buck clamors out of the booth, his knees knocking the table and tipping over a bottle. “Ed-Eddie, wait!”
Buck stumbles out of the bar after Eddie, his mind spinning and off balance. One too many shots, he suspects.
He spots Eddie walking down the sidewalk back towards his house, just over a mile away.
“Eddie, please, talk to me,” Buck huffs, struggling to keep up with Eddie’s fast pace.
“Like I said, there’s nothing to talk about. Just drop it, okay?”
“No, no, no. Let me-let me fully apologize. It wasn’t my place, or anyone else’s. I’m really dumb, seriously, a real idiot sometimes. Please, can you forgive me?”
Buck knows the alcohol is flushing his face involuntarily. He can feel a cry welling up in his chest too. He does his best to stifle them down, for Eddie’s sake.
Eddie shakes his head, but slows his pace to Buck’s relief.
“You’re not an idiot.”
“No, really, I am. It’s okay.”
“Buck,” Eddie sighs. “I’m not mad, okay? Just… confused. Hurt.”
Buck wants to cry again. “I know, I know. I am so sorry.”
“And, if you want to know about my sexuality, just ask me directly next time. Don’t gossip.”
Buck’s feet stop moving. He’s standing on the sidewalk, five paces behind Eddie now.
Shitfuckshitfuckshit, Buck’s mind is a whirlwind of swearwords before he remembers how to walk again.
He jogs to catch up to Eddie, out of breath he hesitates before asking, “w-what do you mean?”
“Don’t gossip. Especially not with Tommy.” Eddie grimaces, causing Buck’s lips to twitch into a smile.
“O-okay. I won’t, ever again. I’m sorry.”
“Good.”
They walk in silence for a while. The street lights cast long shadows in front of them. The night is pretty calm and the roads are empty. He appreciates the quiet so he can process their conversation. Because what was Eddie implying? Buck can’t think straight. His head is too groggy and his limbs feel heavier with each step. That doesn’t stop him from asking more questions, though.
“So… would it be too early to ask about your sexuality then?” Buck asks, timidly.
Eddie hums. “Yes.”
“Fair enough,” Buck sighs. “So. What’s the plan for tomorrow?”
“Christopher’s bedroom.”
“Got it.”
“Then dinner with my parents at six.”
“Yes, our last supper.”
Eddie chuckles and Buck practically cries with relief. He’s not mad. Or, not so mad that he can’t laugh with Buck a little. The feeling gives Buck an extra spring in his step for the last five minutes home.
They complete the same bedtime routine as yesterday. They brush their teeth, turn their backs to change clothes, and crawl into their respective beds.
This time, Eddie’s wearing a t-shirt and boxers to bed. Buck chose a long sleeve shirt and loose shorts.
“Thanks for your help today, Buck,” Eddie says after he clicks off his lamp and the room falls into darkness. His voice travels over the edge of the bed to Buck. He can’t really see him or his face, just the outline of his body under a blanket.
“Of course. I’m always happy to help.”
“I know,” Eddie whispers. ”I love that about you.”
Buck closes his eyes and allows his body to absorb Eddie’s words. I love that about you.
Would it be so bad? He recalls Maddie’s conversation from a couple months ago. Would it? Be so awful? To be in love with Eddie? To love him and his son like his own?
No, Buck thinks. It would be a privilege.
- - -
Their next morning is just as busy as the last. They’ve torn off the truly horrendous wallpaper in Christopher’s soon-to-be room. Sanded, primed, and painted the walls a beautiful light blue (Buck made sure he picked the color this time). Fixed the closet door, hung a new light fixture, and picked out some outer space themed curtains for the windows.
They were exhausted after over seven hours of working on the room. But, it paid off and the space was practically unrecognizable by the time they finished.
“Looks like a totally different room!” Buck exclaimed, knocking his fist against Eddie’s.
“I know. Just the flooring left now,” Eddie says, looking around the room with a smile. “Do you think he’ll like it?”
Buck nods. “Yes, absolutely. Once he puts his bed and desk and own stuff in here, it’ll be just like his home in LA.”
They fall silent for a moment. Christopher’s home in LA doesn’t really exist anymore. It’s Buck’s spare bedroom and office space now. A room he rarely enters because every corner reminds him of the family that used to live there. Buck refuses to think further about it.
“Yeah,” Eddie mumbles before glancing at his watch. “It’s almost five. We should shower and get ready to go to my parents. Chris is really excited to see you.”
“I can’t wait.”
- - -
They’re showered, dressed, and out the door by 5:30PM. Eddie does his best to prepare Buck for a night with his parents. Buck entertains him, even though he’s sure it’s nothing he hasn’t experienced with his own parents before.
“Buck!”
Christopher practically throws himself in Buck’s arms when they enter the house. He clings onto him tightly, warmth filling every inch of his heart.
“Hey, Chris! Man, I’ve missed you so much.”
“I missed you too. I’m so happy you’re here. I want to show you my PC setup. C’mon.”
“Christopher, show him after dinner,” Ramon interjects.
“Help me set the table?” Helena suggests, carrying a stack of plates from the kitchen.
“It’ll be quick, I’m sure,” Eddie says, shrugging. He turns to Helen. “I can help you with that. Chris, go ahead and show Buck your room.”
Chris beams with excitement as he gestures for Buck to follow him down the hall. Buck’s grinning so wide he barely notices the silent exchange between Eddie and his parents as he leaves.
After Chris shows Buck his PC and his favorite games, they’re called to the dining room by Helena.
Buck notices Eddie’s tense posture the moment he sits beside him at the table.
“You good?” Buck asks, whispering under his breath for only Eddie to hear.
“Trying to be,” Eddie mutters back.
“So, Buck- is that your real name?” Ramon asks, passing him a bowl of mixed vegetables.
“No, sir. It’s Evan Buckley. Buck is just a nickname, but it’s what I prefer to go by.”
“He’s Buck to me,” Christopher chimes in.
“I see,” Ramon says. “And you’re a firefighter, like Eddie was?”
“Yes. But, I started at the 118 a year before Eddie joined.”
“Such a dangerous job,” Helena comments, taking a tip of her iced tea.
“It can be. But, it’s worth it. We help those in need on their worst days. I’d only hope someone would do the same for me,” Buck explains.
“It’s rewarding work,” Eddie adds, nodding.
“Well, I’m sure it is for you, Buck. Eddie’s been an Uber driver for four months now,” Helena says.
Eddie slouches slightly in his chair. Buck tightens his lips into a line before responding. “Whatever it takes to pay the bills. I know I couldn’t do it for that long.”
Ramon hums as he cuts into his steak. “Sure.”
“Once the department is off their hiring freeze, I’ll be back in the field. Ride sharing is just a temporary jig. I’ve told you that,” Eddie says.
Buck’s eyes slide from Eddie to Helena to Ramon. Eddie’s gripping his fork so tightly he might bend it in half. Meanwhile, Helena and Ramon seem so unbothered Buck wonders if they’re even listening to the same conversation.
“It’s been four months. You haven’t tried looking anywhere else. So at this point, I think you’re just going to be an Uber driver forever,” Ramon admits, sighing.
Eddie grits his teeth. “I’m not. I just needed the money. I’m fixing up the house and getting Christopher’s bedroom ready. It’s all just temporary until I can find my rhythm.”
“We’ve done a lot of work to the place. It looks like a totally different house,” Buck says, attempting to steer the conversation more positively.
Ramon and Helena exchange a glance. Buck feels his heart start to sink.
“We don’t think it’s a good idea for Christopher to move to your house, Edmundo.”
“And why not?” Eddie asks, his voice strained.
“He’s comfortable here, with us. He just made a big move from LA to El Paso, why bother moving him again?” Helena argues.
“Abuela, I wouldn’t mind-“ Christopher starts, but he’s cut short.
“No, Christopher. We’re not going to have you move again. It’s the middle of the school year. It’s too much of a distraction,” Ramon says.
“What? His father is too much of a distraction?” Eddie snaps.
“You show up here, with barely any notice, and expect us to do whatever you want,” Helena says, frustration building in her voice. “You’re not in a stable enough position to do what’s best.”
“I really think-“ Buck starts, but isn’t able to finish.
“No,” Eddie interjects, waving a hand towards Buck. He turns his attention across the table to his parents. Eddie’s face is red and his jaw clenched. Buck stands from the table and tries to quickly usher Christopher away to his room, hoping to shield him from what’s coming next.
“You two are his grandparents. I’m his father. So, yes, I do get to show up whenever I want and yes, I expect you to respect that.”
“He called us,” Helen argues.
Eddie’s voice turns to venom. “Sure. But, I’m the one that allowed him to leave. So, now that I’m here again, I get to decide what’s best for my son. Not you.”
“Edmundo,” Ramon warns.
“What? Did I hit a nerve?” Eddie spits. “Legally, you have no right to hold him here without my permission. I’m playing nice by allowing him to stay with you two.”
“Legally?” Helena asks, looking at Ramon with confusion.
Buck returns from closing Christopher into his room, offering a small smile and a whisper of apologies before turning away. Chris didn’t even look alarmed or scared, just sad. Something he’s probably witnessed a lot these last few months.
“It’s in my will. If I die, Buck becomes Christopher’s legal guardian. Not either of you.”
Helena gasps, her head snapping to Buck standing beside Eddie at the table. Buck places a hand on Eddie’s shoulder and squeezes, reassuring him with a familiar touch.
“Why?” Ramon asks after a moment.
“I trust Buck with my life and Christopher’s. I trust him more than I have either of you my entire life,” Eddie admits, his voice tight and thin. Buck knows he’s struggling to get the words out, even if they have to be said. “You don’t get to re-do my childhood with Chris. I’ve learned from your mistakes. Now it’s my turn to make things right.”
Eddie pushes himself up from the table, his chair scraping across the tile. He takes Buck’s hand into his and pulls him across the room and out the front door. The chilly night air fills their lungs as they walk off the porch and to Eddie’s car.
“Can you drive? I need to call Chris,” Eddie says, releasing Buck’s hand and passing him the car keys.
Buck starts up the car and pulls out of the driveway as Eddie makes a phone call to Chris, explaining why we had to leave so quickly.
“Once we get the flooring installed, you’re more than welcome to move your things to my house. It’ll only be another day or two, max. How does that sound?”
Eddie smiles while Christopher responds. Buck relaxes into his seat a bit. He can’t say he’s surprised the dinner with Eddie’s parents ended this way.
Buck focuses his eyes on the road for a while. Then, he peers up at the night sky and wonders how many other planets have parents on them that are this awful to their children? But then, there’s also parents like Eddie and children like Christopher. Buck has to believe the good outweighs the bad.
“I love you, son. Have a good night,” Eddie says, ending his call.
Buck glances over at him and smiles. “Doing okay?”
Eddie sighs, but nods. “Yeah. I think so. Christopher is excited to see the house and his new room, so, I’ll take that as a win.”
“Yes,” Buck agrees. “That’s a win for me, too.”
A thoughtful silence fills the car, only lasting a few minutes before Eddie speaks up.
“Thank you.”
Buck raises an eyebrow. “For what?”
“Just, being there. Having you with me really helped. I haven’t been able to stand up to them like that since I got here.”
“I’m glad I could be there for you,” Buck says, offering a comforting smile.
He doesn’t think about it, and he’s not sure why he doesn’t even hesitate. But, before he realizes what he’s doing, Buck reaches across the console and rests his hand on Eddie’s thigh, a couple inches above the knee. His fingers squeeze around the fabric of his jeans, a friendly gesture meant to provide comfort.
Eddie freezes beneath the touch and Buck thinks he’s made another mistake. But, before he can pull his hand back and wave it off as a moment of absent mind, Eddie slowly places his palm on top of Buck’s.
Buck doesn’t breathe. Eddie’s fingers carefully find the slots between Buck’s hands, fitting so safely and comfortably, like they’ve done this a hundred times.
Swallowing hard, Buck steals a glance at their hands and intertwined fingers. He can’t really explain why this feels different than the other times they’ve touched hands before. On the job, it happens all the time. Brief moments of fingers sliding against palms, working on the same task and end goal.
Eddie gently rubs his thumb up and down the side of Buck’s hand, sending shivers to his toes.
Buck pulls into their driveway, skillfully with only one hand on the wheel. He wouldn’t dare move away from Eddie until he did first.
“I really appreciate you,” Eddie says, quietly. He’s staring down at their hands, so Buck does too.
“I do too, Eddie,” Buck says, smiling. “You’re my best friend.”
Eddie peers up at Buck with a strange expression. The car is mostly dark, except for the street lamp shining dimly through the back window.
He’s not sure what he expects Eddie to say next, but it’s definitely not this.
“Can you sleep with me tonight?”
Evan Buckley has passed away and will never be seen or heard from again. Good riddance.
“W-w-what?” Buck croaks out, returning from the dead in record time.
Eddie rolls his eyes before elaborating. “Buck. Not like that. I mean, sleep beside me in my bed tonight. I'm not asking for sex, if that wasn’t clear.”
Buck returns to his body and nods, the deep red blush finally retreating from his face. “Ah, o-okay. Yes, sure. If that’s what you want.”
Eddie narrows his eyes. “Is that what you want? You can say no. I just… it would be nice to have you close, after what just happened with my parents. And, I feel kind of guilty having you sleep on a shitty air mattress every night.”
Buck laughs, nervously. “Oh, shucks. The Tinman found a heart.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Eddie sighs, smiling fondly. “Coming inside or what?”
They release their hands and Buck follows Eddie inside and to his bed.
Just like the couple nights before, they follow their bedtime routine. They brush their teeth, turn their backs to change clothes, but crawl into Eddie’s bed together.
Eddie changed into a t-shirt and shorts while Buck opted for a loose tank and sweatpants.
His bed is so soft, Buck thinks. He’s lying on his back beside Eddie, their shoulders a hair away from touching. Buck can feel Eddie breathing beside him, the warmth of his body radiating through his skin. Buck thinks this is already a thousand times better than sleeping on the air mattress.
“Sweet dreams, Buck.”
“Goodnight, Eddie.”
Before Buck is fully drifted off to sleep, Eddie rolls onto his side and wraps Buck in an embrace. His arm slung over Buck’s chest, leg hiked up on his thigh. Buck easily falls into sleep soon after, Eddie’s day old stubble tickling his neck.
- - -
The next two days are spent ripping out all of the old flooring and replacing it with luxury vinyl planks. This took the biggest chunk out of Eddie’s budget, but he didn’t want to skimp on the good stuff.
Installing it was easy enough, simple as cutting the pieces to size and snapping the planks into place. They barely broke a sweat. Actually, their beer bottles sweat more than either of them did over the course of two days.
“This place looks incredible,” Buck says, admiring the work they’ve completed.
“I’m as shocked as you are,” Eddie breathes, grinning.
After finishing the flooring, they finally got to rearrange Eddie’s furniture, too. Everything seemed to fit just right, like it was always meant to be there.
“I truly couldn’t have done all this without you, Buck,” Eddie says, turning to him. “How can I ever repay you?”
Eddie’s staring at him so sincerely, Buck feels the slight urge to cry. Little does Eddie know, Buck would do literally anything for him. It’s even better when he gets to do the things with him. Helping Eddie fix up this haunted house and make the space ready for Christopher is similar to breathing for Buck. There wasn’t a second thought or an ounce of hesitation.
That’s love, Buck thinks suddenly. He’s so taken aback, he‘s made himself speechless, simply staring at Eddie with wide eyes.
“Let me buy you dinner,” Eddie says, breaking Buck from his thoughts. “It’s the least I can do.”
“Okay, s-sure,” Buck agrees. He notices his hands are shaking as he brushes them against his dusty sweatshirt.
Buck’s mind is spinning as he takes the first shower. The water sprays his face and he exhales deeply, trying to ignore the burning ache in his chest.
It’s so easy because you love him. You’d do anything for him because you love him. No, I can’t be, it could ruin our friendship. But, it’s Eddie. He’ll understand. What if he doesn’t? But he’s everything you’ve been looking for, you can’t let him go this easily.
He turns off the water, unfocused as he dries himself. Buck steps out of the bathroom, his curls a wet mess against his forehead, the towel tucked around his waist.
Eddie’s in the bedroom gathering a change of clothes when Buck walks in.
“I was thinking about the Mexican restaurant down the road. Does that sound-“ Eddie stops abruptly when he sees Buck.
A drip of water falls from Buck’s hair and runs down his bare chest. “Yeah, that sounds good to me. I’m starving.”
Eddie glances away. Buck notices a pink tinge in his cheeks as he clears his throat.
“O-okay, cool. Cool. I’m gonna- shower. I’ll shower next.” Eddie stammers, blindly grabbing his pile of clothes and breezing past Buck to exit the bedroom.
Very normal behavior in the Diaz household tonight.
- - -
“Oh, my god,” Buck gushes, leaning back in his chair. “I think those were the best enchiladas I’ve ever eaten.”
“Right?” Eddie agrees, sighing with content. “It’s the salsa verde that’s so good, I swear!”
They’re sitting across from each other, empty plates and full bellies between them. Buck drinks down the rest of his water before he notices Eddie watching him, a strange smile across his face.
“What?” Buck asks, cautiously “Do I have something in my teeth?”
Eddie shakes his head and chuckles. “No. I’m just happy you’re here.”
Buck returns the smile. “Me too. It’s been a really fun visit so far. Even if I spent most of it covered in paint and dust, and helping you fight off your parents.”
“What else would you expect?” Eddie laughs.
They laugh together some more, exchanging kind eyes and fond smiles, before the waitress delivers the check, sliding it face down in Eddie’s direction.
“Have a good night, handsome,” she says, flashing a smirk and a quick wink at Eddie before walking away.
Buck practically falls off his chair. “No way! Did she really just do that? What’s on the receipt? A phone number?”
Eddie doesn’t seem to share the same enthusiasm. He turns over the receipt, a phone number and a heart scribbled below the bill’s total. Eddie barely acknowledges it, instead simply pulling out his wallet and counting out enough cash to cover the check and a tip.
“Ready to go?” Eddie asks Buck, standing from the table.
“What about the phone number? She’s very pretty and seems nice,” Buck says. He’s treading water carefully, not knowing whether Eddie is ready to date again or not. But, it’s been months, and who says you can’t have a little fun once in a while?
“She’s just not…” Eddie says, trailing off as he leaves the restaurant.
Buck catches up behind him, following him out to their car.
“Not what? Your type?” Buck asks, teasingly.
“A man.”
Buck freezes in place, his hand outstretched to the door handle. Eddie, completely unphased once again, slides into the driver's seat and starts up the car.
Buck blinks to clear the spots in his vision. Clearly, he misunderstood, or even misheard. He glances up at the night sky, the stars are so pretty out here compared to LA. Besides Eddie and Chris, this is what he’ll miss the most.
Buck sucks in a deep breath before opening the car door and falling into the passenger seat. He waits for Eddie to start driving before he speaks.
“A man?” Buck asks, hesitantly.
“Yes,” Eddie confirms, eyes fixed on the road.
“Um,” Buck starts. “Care to elaborate?”
Eddie’s quiet for a moment before saying, “ask me about my sexuality.”
Buck’s drilling his eyes into the side of Eddie’s head. He’s scared to look away, scared to breathe. Maybe this is Eddie’s ghost and one wrong move will cause him to vanish and take his secrets away with him. Buck forms his words carefully.
“What… what are you saying, Eddie?”
”I don’t think I’m straight.”
Buck swallows. “Why do you think that?”
Eddie’s eerily silent as he veers onto their road and pulls into the driveway. He shifts the Prius into park before turning in his seat to face Buck.
“I don’t think I’m straight, because I’m in love with you.”
Floating somewhere high up in the sky, millions of miles away, an alien is laughing at Buck right now.
Because instead of offering support, or understanding, or even shock, Buck starts crying.
Hot tears spill down his cheeks and soak his shirt collar. He can’t seem to stop them, even as he frantically wipes at his face.
Eddie’s so surprised he reaches forward and cups Buck’s jaw, his thumb rubbing soothing motions along his wet cheek.
“Hey, hey, Buck, it’s okay,” Eddie coos, but there’s deep worry behind his eyes.
Buck has to figure this out quick, before he fucks it up even more. Thankfully, Eddie’s gentle touch is working miracles to soothe him.
“No, no, I-I’m sorry. Th-this is s-so embarrassing,” Buck says through hiccups.
“Shh, no, it’s okay. I-I’m sorry. That was a lot to drop on you after dinner.”
Buck smiles sadly, his head resting into Eddie’s soft hand as he continues cupping his jaw.
“I… I just can’t believe this,” Buck mumbles. He searches Eddie’s face for more answers. For more confirmation that this is real life and not some food-coma induced trance.
“I know. But, I’m telling the truth, Buck. I love you, more than a best friend should. You mean everything to me. Christopher too,” Eddie pauses and drops his hand to Buck’s shoulder. “But, I’m telling you this because I’m choosing it for myself. For so long, I’ve been trying to find Chris a new mom, but not a partner for me. This time, I’m choosing you because I want you. It’s just a bonus that you’re also great with my son.”
More tears flood Buck’s eyes. His heart aches, but this time with love and happiness, something he’s really only felt when he’s around Eddie.
“Eddie, I…”
“And, listen,” Eddie says, his expression turning serious. “I’m only telling you this because I needed you to know. Being out here, alone, has given me a lot of time to think. So, if you don’t feel the same… I promise I’ll never hold it against you.”
“No, Eddie, I-“
“-And I’m sorry if I put our friendship at risk. I-I really struggled with coming to terms with it all. But, if you don’t feel the same, you can head back to LA and never speak to me again. I wouldn't blame you, not one bit.”
“Eddie, stop!” Buck cries.
Buck surges forward, his hands finding the sides of Eddie’s face. Their lips connect and it feels like a breath of morning air.
Buck kisses Eddie, more deeply than he typically would on a first kiss. But, this isn’t typical. And Eddie isn’t his first, he’s his last.
After Eddie’s shock wears off, he’s kissing Buck back so feverishly, their teeth clash together. One hand finds Buck’s hair, his fingers running through every curl. The other finds Buck’s waist, urging him as close as the center console allows.
Buck wonders, as Eddie moans into his mouth, if heaven exists on the tip of Eddie’s tongue.
Epilogue.
“I’m so glad to be home,” Eddie says, grinning as he falls into Buck’s awaiting arms. They hug tightly, their heads leaning against one another.
“Dad,” Christopher whines. “This is too much PDA.”
Buck and Eddie laugh, tears brimming their eyes as they continue to unpack the U-Haul.
Eight months after Buck’s week in El Paso, Christopher and Eddie decided to move back to LA and live with Buck in their old home.
Christopher moved into Eddie’s newly renovated house a day before Buck left to go back to LA. Chris was so sad to see Buck leave, they spent most of their last day together, side by side and never wanting it to end.
Eddie was suspiciously quiet on Buck’s last day in El Paso. After his love confession a couple days prior, they’d been exploring what an official partnership could look like. Apparently, it wasn’t all that different. Except now, they got to kiss, cuddle, and shower together without it being “weird.”
Saying goodbye felt like mourning for the both of them. Eddie couldn’t promise he’d ever move back to LA at the time. Buck understood and promised to visit. They left a piece of their heart with the other, hoping to return it one day.
Six months later, Chris couldn’t take it anymore either. And wonderfully, selling a newly remodeled two-bedroom family home was easier than expected. Eddie even made a small profit after such a short time.
After unpacking and settling into their home for the evening, Buck and Eddie found themselves standing in their bedroom, happily planted in LA again.
“I missed you,” Eddie says, dragging Buck by his collar until their lips meet.
“Yeah, I missed you too,” Buck responds, smiling against his mouth.
Hope that stupid little alien is jealous as fuck right now, Buck thinks, gasping as Eddie bites below his ear.