Work Text:
It was after.
After Tia Pepa had gone home, kissing them all goodnight and reminding them how to reheat the leftovers. It was after they had watched a movie together and Christopher had gone to bed. Eddie had walked into the living room and found Buck standing at the fireplace, looking at the photo of the three of them on the mental. Eddie leaned against the wall, watching him.
“He really wanted to be here for you.” Eddie said softly, watching Buck carefully. “He wanted to come home right after I told him about Bobby but I wasn’t sure what state you’d be in when I got here.”
“I was fine.” Buck said, his voice wavering slightly.
Eddie let out a short, wounded laugh, pushing himself off the wall and stepping closer to the other man. “Yeah, sure. Taking care of everyone but yourself. Being strong for everyone when you were dying inside.” He watched as Buck’s shoulders slumped. “You pretend you’re fine but I know you’re not Buck, and that’s ok. When I called Tia Pepa, she planned everything. We’re your family Buck.” He reached out and put a hand on Buck’s shoulder.
“Don’t.” Buck said angrily, spinning around to face Eddie, tears running down his cheeks. “Look, I appreciate everything you guys did, but it doesn’t change anything. You’ll be going back to El Passo later this week to take that fancy new job with your new team and pretty soon they’ll become your family! You’ll forget all about me and everyone here!”
“Buck-“ Eddie tried.
“No, it’s ok.” Buck said. “Really, it’s fine. I’m happy for you. Really.” He moved to walk out of the room, but Eddie grabbed his arm.
“I lied.” Eddie said.
“About the job, Eddie-“ Buck started but Eddie cut him off.
“No, not about the job.” Eddie said. “The job is very much real. Nice pension, nice benefits plan, really nice firehouse. It has a lot of things, Buck. But you know what it doesn’t have?”
Buck stared at him.
Eddie stepped closer to him. “It doesn’t have an amazing curly haired blonde who, while he can be stubborn, pigheaded and self centred at times, is a pretty badass firefighter, a really great cook and a pretty amazing co parent to our son.”
“Eddie I-“ Buck started.
“I told you that everything that mattered was in Texas.” Eddie said softly. “But that was a lie. The last few months has felt like my heart has been in two different places. One half in Texas and one here. Tonight was the first time in a long time that my heart actually felt whole. Being here, with my family. This is where I belong. If you’ll have us.”
Buck stared at him, unshed tears in his eyes. “Yes, of course I will. This is your home. I’ll start looking for a place tomorrow.”
Eddie laughed, looking down and back up again. “You never listen, do you?” He stepped closer, resting his hands on Buck’s hips. He smiled when Buck’s breathing picked up.
“Eddie, what are you-“ Buck started.
“You know how Tommy said I was the competition?” Eddie asked, ignoring him.
Buck nodded.
“I couldn’t be competition because I already won.” Eddie smiled. “You’ve been my partner since the day I moved here. You’ve always had my back, you treat Chris like he’s your own. It was only a matter of time before I figured out my feelings for you. I’m just sorry it took me seven years.”
“Eddie. I don’t. Are you-“ Buck was cut off by Eddie’s lips crashing into his. Buck felt like the world stopped. He had dreamed about this moment, although he’d never admit that to Maddie. His arms wrapped around Eddie, as he pulled him closer. He didn’t know or care how long they kissed. When they finally pulled apart, they rested their foreheads again each other, panting hard.
“I love you, by the way.” Eddie smiled. “Just in case that wasn’t clear.”
“I love you too Eddie.” Buck said softly. “I think I’ve loved you since the day I met you. Just don’t tell Maddie I said that, I’ll never hear the end of it.”
Eddie laughed, before he squeezed Buck’s sides. “I wish we could have figured this out under better circumstances. But, I think Bobby brought us back together.”
Buck nodded. “Me too.”
They stayed like that for a long time, holding each other close. Both of them sending a silent message of gratitude up to Bobby Nash.