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Snatching his phone up, Buck punched to accept the call. “Hey,” he said brightly. “Chris!”
“Hi Buck.” Christopher’s voice was low and worried. “Are you busy?”
Immediately, every plan Buck had for the day flitted from his mind. “Not if you need me,” he said quickly. “What’s going on?”
“I think something’s wrong with Dad,” Christopher said lowly.
A spike of anxiety ripped through Buck’s belly. “What’s wrong?” he asked abruptly, racing to the loft to grab some shoes. “Is it a panic attack?”
“No,” Christopher said. “If anything, it’s the opposite.”
Frowning, Buck sat on his bed and shoved one foot into a shoe, phone wedged between his ear and shoulder. “What’s the opposite of a panic attack?”
“I don’t know.” A desperate, frightened whine entered Christopher’s tone. “But right now, he’s just sitting at the kitchen table with his head in his hands. It’s like he’s a statue.”
Stamping his second shoe on, Buck stood up without bothering about his laces. “Okay, it’s okay. I’m on my way.”
“Thanks, Buck,” Christopher murmured. “I’ll see you soon.”
<*-*>
Letting himself into Casa Diaz, Buck called out softly but didn’t get a reply. The living room was empty. Pausing for a moment, he moved through the house, calling again a little louder.
Christopher appeared in his bedroom doorway and raised a finger to his lips.
Scooting towards him, Buck leaned down and whispered, “What’s happening?”
Behind his specs, Christopher’s eyes were wide with worry. “He’s still in the kitchen,” he said quietly. “He hasn’t moved.”
Swallowing, Buck nodded. “Okay, I’ll go check on him.”
Squeezing Christopher’s shoulder, he turned away. Crossing to the kitchen doorway, Buck stalled as his eyes landed on Eddie. Hunched over, he was smushed against the table, arms folded over his head. A soft, piteous groan emanated from his broken form.
Darting forwards, Buck crouched beside his chair. “Eddie?” he breathed. “What’s wrong?”
Very slowly, Eddie’s arms slid forwards and his face peeled up. His cheek had a flat, pink impression from the table, his glassy eyes unfixed. “Buck?” he rasped. “Why are you here?”
“Chris rang me,” Buck murmured. “He said you weren’t well.”
Pinching his eyes shut, Eddie let out a shaky breath. “M’fine,” he mumbled.
Huffing, Buck reached one reassuring hand around Eddie’s wrist. “You’re very clearly not. What’s wrong?”
Talking seemed to be a terrible effort. Eddie whispered, “My head hurts.”
Not convinced, Buck narrowed a glare at him. “That’s it?”
Grunting, Eddie shrugged and dropped his head back against the table.
Sweeping his tongue across his lips, Buck floundered, unsure how to help. He asked quietly, “Have you taken painkillers?”
“Sort of,” Eddie mumbled against the tabletop.
“What … what’s sort of?”
Grunting, Eddie rolled his head to the side and slit one eye open. “I took some, but I coughed them right back up into the sink.”
“Oh…” Rubbing one hand across his mouth, Buck glanced at the kitchen sink. “So you’re nauseated as well?”
“Mm.”
“And … sensory sensitivity?”
Eddie’s eye fell shut again. “What?”
“Light, noise … they hurt?”
“Oh,” Eddie breathed. “Yeah.”
“I think you have a migraine.”
Eddie made a noise that would have sounded like a scoff if he’d been livelier. “Impossible.”
Buck frowned. “Uhh … why?”
“I’ve never had a migraine.”
A wry smile tugged one corner of Buck’s mouth. “Well, you have one now.”
Rolling his face into the table, Eddie groaned again, a weak and whining sound. “I don’t feel well, Buck,” he whispered.
Smoothing one hand across Eddie’s back, Buck shuffled closer. “I know,” he said. “Come on. Let’s get you into bed.”
“I can’t go to bed,” Eddie said. “I have things to do.”
“Not today you don’t,” Buck assured him. “You need to rest. I’ll take care of everything.”
“I really can’t,” Eddie whispered. “I need to get groceries and do some housework and I promised Chris I’d take him to the stables today.”
“Okay,” Buck said lightly, shifting his hand slowly down Eddie’s spine. “Well, did you have a time booked with the stable, or were you just going for a visit?”
“Visit,” Eddie grunted. “But it’s been awhile and I know Chris really wanted…”
“I’ll talk to Chris about it,” Buck said, his mind moving fast to figure out how he could best support Eddie without needing to leave him alone. “I can do your housework and get some groceries delivered.”
A single tear seeped beneath Eddie’s closed eyelid and striped down the side of his nose. “Can’t ask you to do that,” he grumbled.
“You absolutely can ask me to do anything,” Buck said, getting to his feet. “Now come on, I’m serious: Bed.”
Eddie didn’t move.
Concern sank sharp fangs into Buck’s mind and he leaned forwards, close to Eddie’s ear, and murmured, “Do you need me to carry you?”
“No,” Eddie said, but he still didn’t move.
Gently, Buck closed both hands on Eddie’s shoulders and carefully supported him to sit up again. Together, with significant difficulty, Buck supported Eddie to get to his feet, slung one arm around his waist, and steered him towards the hallway.
“Moving makes me feel like I’m gonna be sick,” Eddie muttered.
Throwing him a sharp glance, Buck said, “Are you going to be?”
Eddie’s eyes were still closed; he followed Buck blindly through the guiding touch of their bodies. “I dunno.”
“Well, let’s get you into bed first,” Buck said soothingly. “And I’ll get a bucket for you.”
Groaning his distaste, Eddie tried to shake his head but aborted the movement just as quickly. “I don’t need a bucket.”
“You don’t need to be a hero, Eddie. You’re sick. It’s okay. It happens to us all.”
“Doesn’t happen to me,” Eddie muttered as they reached his bedroom and Buck urged him inside.
“I really think you need to reevaluate your argument,” Buck said, a soft tease in his voice. Reaching the bed, he pressed Eddie towards the mattress. Sinking down with obvious relief, he pulled his legs onto the bed, curling immediately towards the pillow. Buck watched the pinch of pain on his face ease slightly. “Are you comfortable?”
A grunt.
“Okay,” Buck said, taking that to mean Eddie was as comfortable as he could be. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
But he was waylaid on his way to the laundry to fetch a bucket. Christopher slipped out of his room again and blocked the way, a twist of anxiety creasing his brow. “Is Dad okay?” he whispered. “What is it?”
“I think it’s a migraine,” Buck replied, keeping his tone low as well. “He’s gonna be in pain and feel sick, and noise and light are gonna bother him until it breaks.”
Nodding in understanding, Christopher said, “So what do we do?”
“Let him rest,” Buck said. “If it gets too bad and he can’t keep anything down we might have to take him to the ER for some meds and fluids, but hopefully it won’t come to that.”
Christopher’s eyes were wide. “That sounds serious.”
“It can be,” Buck agreed, dropping a reassuring palm to Christopher’s shoulder. He gave him another gentle squeeze. “Hopefully it won’t be as bad as that for your dad though. Hey—I don’t think it’s a good idea to visit the stables today.”
“No,” Christopher said. “I already figured that. It’s not important, I just want Dad to be okay.”
“He’s gonna be fine,” Buck said, his voice warm and sure. “He just needs time to rest.”
Nodding slowly, Christopher asked, “Is there anything I can do?”
“Not for this.” Buck smiled gently. “Just try to be quiet. I need to get him settled and then we can do a grocery order. You wanna help me with that?”
Christopher’s eyes lit up in a way that left Buck confused. “Yes,” he said immediately.
“Okay, you can start making a list while I see to your dad,” Buck said.
Grinning, Christopher nodded and moved past him to the kitchen.
Retrieving a bucket from the laundry, Buck returned to Eddie’s bedroom and found him lying in the exact same position, a thin, whining groan seeping between his slack lips.
“Here,” Buck whispered, putting the bucket beside the bed. “I’ll get you some water.”
Eddie did not respond.
Moving around the room, Buck pulled the curtains shut as quietly as he could and then went to get Eddie some water. Once that was done, he pressed a reassuring hand to Eddie’s shoulder and murmured, “Try and rest, Eddie.”
Joining Christopher in the kitchen, Buck sank into a chair beside him. “Okay,” he said, voice soft and deliberately bright to cover his worry. “Groceries.”
Christopher glanced at him. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah.” Buck blinked. “Why do you ask?”
“Your voice sounds weird,” Christopher said.
“I’m fine,” Buck answered. “Just a little worried about your dad, I guess.”
“Should we be worried?” Christopher’s eyes went very wide.
“No,” Buck said with certainty. “He’s going to be fine, Chris. I’m going to look after you both until he’s feeling better.”
Considering for a moment, Christopher nodded. “Thanks Buck. So. Can we get Space Rocks?”
“Space Rocks?” Buck repeated. “What … are they?”
“Cereal,” Christopher said.
“Oh.” Tapping the tablet sitting on the table, Buck pulled up the grocery store website and shrugged. “Sure.”
<*-*>
Once the groceries were sorted, Buck went to check on Eddie.
Curled against the bed, his face was shoved into the pillow, but he wasn’t sleeping. Instead, the subtle shakes of his shoulders suggested he was crying.
“Eddie?”
Sniffing, Eddie froze. wriggling, he turned slightly and muttered, “Go away, Buck.”
“Not happening,” Buck said softly. Crossing the room, he sank down on the side of the mattress and very gently slid one hand across Eddie’s arm. “Why’re you crying?”
“I don’t know,” Eddie whimpered, rolling with some difficulty onto his back. “Everything fucking hurts.”
“You wanna try some painkillers again?”
“No.” Eddie’s voice was reedy-thin. “I’ll be sick again. And being sick hurts.”
Gliding his hand up Eddie’s arm, Buck skimmed his fingers across Eddie’s shoulder, his neck and into his hair. Dark, silken softness brushed against his skin. Idly, Buck toyed with a few locks.
He’d never touched Eddie’s hair before, and for a minute, Buck wondered why not. Probably because it was not the kind of thing friends really did. It was … too intimate. And yet, running his fingers through Eddie’s hair, it didn’t feel inappropriate. It felt natural, like his hand belonged there, sweeping through Eddie’s locks, smoothing the lines of pain away from his brow.
“That’s nice,” Eddie breathed.
“Mm,” Buck hummed, then gave himself a little shake. “Uh, yeah? Doesn’t hurt?”
“It’s nice,” Eddie repeated softly.
“Okay,” Buck murmured. He continued playing with Eddie’s hair, delicate strokes, teasing out a few tangles, as Eddie gradually relaxed beneath him. “I’m gonna take care of your housework, alright?”
“Not just yet,” Eddie whispered.
Silently, Buck nodded. Twirling Eddie’s hair carefully through his fingers, Buck sat with him until, after many long minutes, Eddie did fall asleep. And then Buck sat a few minutes more before finally letting Eddie’s soft hair slip away from his hand. Getting up, he left Eddie to rest.
Christopher was settled playing an online computer game with some friends, so Buck started on the chores Eddie had planned for the day. There was a rota on the Fridge, a large magnet with each day of the week where Eddie could schedule tasks according to their shifts.
Vacuuming was at the top of the list. That was impossible.
Laundry was the second task, and Buck hesitated a few moments, wondering if the sound of the machine would disturb Eddie. Deciding to take a chance, he slipped into Eddie’s room again to collect his washing, gathered Christopher’s as well, then checked the bathroom hamper. Sorting through the lights and darks, he paused when a slippery fabric brushed his fingers.
Eddie’s boxers.
Tugging them from the mass of clothes, Buck rubbed the waistband with his fingertips. He had no idea whether to put them in with a regular wash or split them out as delicates.
Then, realising he was fondling Eddie’s underwear, Buck dropped the boxers abruptly, his face heating. Flushing, Buck stuffed the clothes into the washing machine and started the cycle.
Resisting the desire to check on Eddie again so soon, Buck moved on to dusting and then prepared lunch for Christopher. Finally, he poked his head in on Eddie to find him still sleeping, lines of pain gripping his face even in slumber.
The afternoon wore on, the groceries arrived and Buck stacked them away, eyeing the box of Space Rocks before slotting it into the pantry. He had a feeling Eddie would not approve of them.
Every half an hour, Buck went to Eddie’s door and glanced in. Watching him sleep felt strange, so he didn’t hover for long, but Buck did notice the gradual easing of Eddie’s expression, the sleeping grimace of pain seeping away.
Filling the day with more laundry, punctuated with activities with Christopher, Buck had Eddie’s house neat and tidy and smelling like a bakery. He cooked muffins and cupcakes with Christopher, slotting them into the oven before retreating once again to Eddie’s room.
Easing the door open, Buck glanced inside and a scratchy voice whispered, “Chris?”
“Oh, you’re awake,” Buck murmured, stepping inside. He crossed to the bed and sank down. “How’re you feeling?”
“Buck?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re still here?”
“Yeah,” Buck repeated. “Of course. I’m not going anywhere until you’re up and about again.”
Groaning softly, Eddie rolled onto his back and peeled one eye open to catch Buck’s gaze. “I’m okay,” he said. “You don’t need to stay.”
“You’re a liar,” Buck said lightly, smiling at him. He reached out and smoothed one palm across Eddie’s forehead, brushing his hair back again. “Although, you are looking better. Do you think you can try drinking some water and taking painkillers now?”
Swallowing, Eddie’s eye dropped shut again. “I dunno,” he breathed. A tiny sigh surged through his chest. “I hate being sick.”
“Well, you’re looking better than you did this morning,” Buck said. “What’s your pain level like, on a scale of one to ten?”
Eddie snorted. “I don’t know.”
“Well, if ten is the most excruciating pa—”
“Buck.” Eddie cut him off. “Shut up.”
“Sorry,” Buck said. Raking his fingers through Eddie’s hair again, he offered, “What do you need right now?”
Breathing slowly, Eddie rolled his face towards the pillow again. “I want someone to hold me until the world stops spinning.”
“I can do that,” Buck said.
Eddie sighed again. “I can’t ask you to.”
“Then I’ll offer so you don’t have to ask,” Buck said.
“Buck…”
“Shut up and let me cuddle you,” Buck said, his tone playful even though his heart stomped against his ribs.
His only answer was another grunt. Buck took it as an invite. Very carefully, he stretched himself out on the bed and shuffled close to Eddie. Slipping an arm around Eddie’s chest, Buck tugged him gently, but he was still amazed when Eddie actually turned towards him. Nuzzling his head into the curve of Buck’s shoulder, Eddie rested against him, one hand sliding over Buck’s chest to rest above his heart. A finger tapped idly against his chest, and it took Buck a few moments to realise Eddie was patting out the rhythm of his heartbeat.
A light, dazzling feeling danced throughout Buck’s body, spiralling like glitter. Rolling his chin down, he gazed at Eddie snuggled against him. There was nothing else to do. Buck wrapped both arms around Eddie and held him, broad muscles soft beneath his palms as Eddie relaxed into him.
One hand found its way back to Eddie’s hair as Buck relaxed as well. The lingering traces of a perfumed shampoo caught his senses, something rich and fruity and sweet. Breathing deep, Buck pressed his nose towards it, his exhale ruffling Eddie’s hair. Smiling, he let his eyes drift shut and took another slow breath…
<*-*>
“Buck?”
Starting, Buck jolted against the bed, his head turning towards the distant voice calling his name. Groaning, he tried to sit up, but the weight against his chest pinned him down.
“Buck?”
“Chris?” Buck muttered, glancing down and discovering Eddie curled across him. Sprawled over Buck’s chest with one arm coiled tight around him, there was a damp patch against Buck’s shirt beneath Eddie’s chin.
“Buck?”
This time, the voice came from the doorway. Catching his bottom lip with his teeth, Buck glanced across and hoped he didn’t look as guilty as he felt. “Hey Chris.”
“There you are,” Christopher said. “I turned the oven off, the cupcakes were burning.”
“Oh.”
Eyes flickering across them, Christopher said, “How’s Dad?”
Wriggling slightly, Buck tested Eddie’s wakefulness—making only a tiny burble, he snuggled deeper against Buck. With a reluctance so deep it pulled from his toes, Buck carefully lifted Eddie’s head and slithered out from beneath him, replacing his body with a pillow. “Sleeping,” Buck said needlessly, shaking his shirt away from his skin and turning to Christopher. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep too.”
“It’s okay.” Christopher seemed entirely unfazed at finding Buck napping with Eddie wrapped around him. “I was wondering what you were thinking for dinner? Are you staying?”
Glancing down at Eddie snoozing and dribbling, Buck turned back to Christopher. “Yeah,” he said. “What do you feel like?”
“Lamb.”
“Lamb it is.”
They cooked together, Christopher telling Buck about how his game was going as they prepared dinner. Dishing up enough for three, Buck set Christopher’s place and then murmured, “I’ll just go see how your dad’s doing.”
“No need.” A soft voice came from the doorway and Buck snapped around to see Eddie leaning against the jamb. Looking a little shaky, his face drained and pale, he nonetheless smiled as he glanced at Christopher and then Buck. “I’m up.”
“Should you be up?” Buck immediately said, rushing over to him. Smoothing a hand across Eddie’s brow as though that would tell him how much pain Eddie was in, Buck peered into his washed-out face. “You can go back to bed.”
“I’m feeling better,” Eddie said, although Buck knew it wasn’t the full truth. Narrowing his eyes, Eddie noticed and amended, “Better than I was, at least.”
“Hm,” Buck said. “Are you hungry, or do you still feel nauseated?”
“I guess both,” Eddie admitted. He looked past Buck to the table, their meals waiting to be eaten. “Smells delicious.”
“Can you handle a meal or do you just want some toast?” Buck said, slipping an arm around Eddie’s shoulders and guiding him to a chair.
Sinking into his seat, Eddie shrugged. “You tell me, Doctor Buckley.”
Rolling his eyes, Buck pulled his phone out. “Forget Doctor Buckley, I’ll ask Doctor Google.”
A quick internet search convinced Buck that if Eddie felt able, he should attempt to eat a proper meal, so he slid the plate he had prepared onto the table, then got Eddie some water before taking his own seat.
Christopher chatted lightly through dinner, while Buck watched Eddie as he ate slow and steadily.
“Buck, stop looking at me like I’m gonna crack apart,” Eddie murmured eventually.
Flushing, Buck looked down at his plate.
After dinner, he gathered the dishes, glaring at Eddie when he offered to help. “You just sit right there and hydrate,” Buck said sternly.
“Alright,” Eddie replied mildly. “Shall we watch a movie when you’re done?”
“Yes.” Christopher answered before Buck could.
Eddie smiled at him. “Go and pick one, then,” he said, leaning across the table and ruffling Christopher’s hair. As he stood and moved past Eddie towards the lounge room, Eddie pulled him into a hug, dropping a kiss into his curls before releasing him.
Watching him leave the room, Eddie’s gaze was heavy as he swivelled it back to Buck.
“What is it?” he asked, a tremor of nervousness creeping down his spine. “Why’re you looking at me like that?”
“Thank you,” Eddie said, his voice rich with sincerity. “For everything you’ve done today.”
Brushing it off, Buck joked, “You won’t be saying that after you realise I washed your underwear.”
A frown creased Eddie’s brow. “What?”
“Nothing.”
Eddie peered at him. “Uh … huh.”
“Anyway,” Buck changed the topic. “You’re welcome. Anytime you need me, Eddie. I’m here for you.”
Staring at him from the table, Eddie’s face was unreadable. “You went above and beyond, though.”
Puzzled, Buck frowned. “What are you talking about?”
Swallowing, Eddie’s gaze darted away, dropping to his hands folded against the tabletop. “I remember asking you to hold me,” he whispered. “And … I don’t think I dreamed it. I think you did. But I guess I can’t be sure because when I woke up, you weren’t there.”
“Oh.” Buck turned to the sink, rinsing off their plates. “I did. Yeah.”
Eddie was silent for a moment. Then he murmured, “That wasn’t … weird for you?”
It felt strange to have his back to Eddie, yet Buck could not make himself turn around. “No,” he said.
“Just … no?”
“Just no,” Buck confirmed. He planted his hands on the edge of the sink. “Was it … weird for you?”
“No,” Eddie breathed. “It was … nice. Just…”
Freezing, Buck stared into the sink. “Just?”
“Nothing,” Eddie said, his voice a little stronger.
Finally, Buck turned. Gazing at Eddie, he cocked his head. “Not nothing,” he said. “Just what , Eddie?”
Shrugging slightly, Eddie wouldn’t look at him. He fidgeted. “I don’t normally … cuddle like that,” he muttered.
“Well, sure,” Buck said, not following. “I get that, we’ve certainly never cuddled before.”
“Right,” Eddie said. “Because we’re friends. And friends don’t cuddle.”
There was something he still wasn’t saying. “We … can cuddle, if you want,” Buck said carefully, uncertain if he was on the right track. “I mean, just ask me when you want a hug and I’ll give you one.”
“That isn’t quite what I was getting at,” Eddie muttered, scruffing a hand through his hair and sending strands flying in every direction.
“Okay,” Buck said slowly, dragging the word out. “What were you getting at?”
Drumming one hand against the table, Eddie wouldn’t look at him. “I only cuddle with people I’m … intimate with. Usually.”
“Eddie, you were sick and you wanted some comfort, this doesn’t have to be a big deal.” Buck heard the words leave his mouth before his brain was aware of thinking them. His heart sank though, realising the cuddle was clearly a one-time thing. He should have appreciated it more when he’d had the opportunity.
The memory of Eddie’s sweet shampoo came to him, and tears tickled the back of Buck’s throat as he realised he might not ever be able to breathe Eddie in like that again.
“Of course you think it’s not a big deal.” Eddie’s voice had gone distant and hollow. “Because you don’t get what it’s like for me.”
“What does that mean?” Startled—preparing to be offended—Buck peered at him.
Curling into himself, Eddie seemed to shrink as a cloak of vulnerability settled on him. “You don’t get what it’s like to be … to want to be …” Eddie trailed off.
Swallowing, Buck took a single step forwards. “To be what?”
But Eddie shook his head.
“Eddie, whatever you’re trying to tell me, please … just say it.”
A long and heavy silence dragged between them. Buck had given up hoping for a reply when Eddie gave an audible sigh and said, “I want the intimacy.”
“Oh.” Blinking, Buck scrambled for something supportive to say. “Well, I guess you’ve been single for awhile, but if it’s something you want, then Eddie—”
“With you.”
Confusion crumpled Buck’s brow. “With me?”
Softly, Eddie looked up at him and nodded.
“With me … what?”
“Oh my god, Buck!” Eddie burst, frustration punching every word. “I want you ! I want intimacy, with you !”
Buck stilled. He said, “Oh.”
Panic overwhelmed Eddie’s expression. Shoving his chair back, his mouth opened to spit out nervous words, but Buck stopped him before he could start.
“Eddie, it’s okay. I want that too.”
Freezing, Eddie gaped at him. “What?”
“I want intimacy with you, too. I want … I want you.”
Mouth soft and pouty, Eddie gazed at him with a soft, questioning gaze, like he was trying to puzzle out Buck’s words. “You want me?” he whispered.
Nodding, Buck said gently, “In every possible way.”
“Why?” Eddie breathed, then covered his mouth with one hand.
Moving slowly, giving Eddie time to stop him, Buck approached him. Eddie followed every step, his eyes glued to Buck’s.
Kneeling down beside Eddie’s seat, Buck rested both palms against his knees, taking in the hitch in Eddie’s breath as their bodies connected. “Because, Eddie,” he said simply. “I’m in love with you.”
Lips parting, Eddie’s mouth shaped words Buck couldn’t hear. His hands sought Buck’s skin, fingers cool as they touched him.
Tipping into Eddie’s touch, a brilliant, irrepressible smile broke over Buck’s face as he realised, without a word needing to be said, that Eddie absolutely loved him too. “What now?” he whispered.
“Chris is waiting for us,” Eddie whispered back.
“Hm,” Buck said. “Okay. But … can I kiss you?”
Cheeks pinking, Eddie nibbled on his lip before giving his head a shake. “I should brush my teeth first.”
Snorting, Buck reached for Eddie’s head with both hands and muttered, “I don’t give a fuck about that.”
Beneath his palms, Eddie’s flushed cheeks burned hot, his eyes glossy and sweet as their gazes met. And then, stretching up from the floor, pulling Eddie down to meet him, Buck fit his mouth over Eddie’s and kissed him.
Tender, gentle, Buck kissed him.
Hands tangling in Buck’s curls, Eddie’s touch was reverent.
Lingering against each other for long, sweet moments, Buck restrained the wild and hungry part of himself that wanted to maul Eddie, to kiss him hard and desirously … the giving sweetness of their kiss was perfect, the perfect first, and hopefully perfect for Eddie while he was still recovering from the migraine.
Breaking away, Buck smiled as Eddie sighed against his lips then pressed a few fleeting kisses to his mouth before pulling back. “I love you too, Buck,” he whispered.
Joy bloomed in Buck’s chest. Despite his best intentions, he dragged Eddie into another kiss, this one stronger, deeper than the first. A gravelly noise scraped up Buck’s throat as Eddie leaned closer, his lips parting slightly…
“I’ve picked a movie!”
Jolting apart, Buck and Eddie both snapped towards the doorway. “Oh,” Buck said. “Yeah. The movie.”
“Stay,” Eddie said, his tone softly pleading.
“Yeah?” Buck looked back at him.
Eddie nodded. “For the night, though. Not just the movie.”
Eyes widening, Buck asked, “Are you sure?”
Flushing lightly, Eddie said, “Yes. Just for cuddles, though. I still feel kinda ill.”
“Eddie, I would love to stay the night for cuddles,” Buck said. “That sounds amazing.”
“Yeah?” Eddie smiled.
“Absolutely.”
“Okay,” Eddie said, glancing away shyly. “Amazing.”
“What are you two doing?” Christopher’s voice broke between them again, closer. Looking up, they discovered him in the doorway to the dining room, watching them curiously.
“We kissed,” Eddie said abruptly.
“Oh.” Christopher looked a little taken aback, but quickly recovered. “Well, good. Are you coming to watch the movie now?”
“Huh?” Glancing between Eddie and Christopher, Buck was stunned. “That’s your reaction?”
“If you two were less obvious, I’d be more shocked,” Christopher said. “So … movie?”
“Go get comfy and we’ll be right in,” Eddie said.
Christopher’s eyes narrowed. “Are you just saying that so you can kiss again?”
“You don’t want to talk about this?” Buck asked.
Christopher shrugged carefully, his weight shifting between his crutches. “What is there to say? It’s about time you started dating.”
“Wow,” Buck said, but Eddie simply smiled.
“Stop kissing and come watch the movie,” Christopher said.
There was nothing else for it. Clambering up from the floor, Buck reached out and offered his hand to Eddie. Taking it, Eddie stood as well. Together, the three of them moved through to the lounge room to enjoy the rest of the evening.
Settling on the couch, Buck looped his arm around Eddie’s shoulder and pulled him close. Shuffling down, Eddie rested his head against the curve of Buck’s shoulder.
“So this is how it’s gonna be now, huh?” Christopher asked.
“It’s nice,” Eddie murmured, wrapping one arm around Christopher and tucking him against his other side.
“Hm,” Christopher murmured, but he settled against Eddie and then said happily, “I’m glad you came over today, Buck.”
The reason for his visit might have been less than ideal, but given how the day had ended, Buck was glad too. Sinking into the couch, pulling Eddie a little closer, Buck smiled. “You’re welcome. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”