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DWTS Season 33 Cast announced!

Our favorite dance reality show is back for it's thirty third season with a new cast of celebrities ready to compete for the mirrorball trophy. Olympic star and TikTok sensation Evan "Buck" Buckley joins the cast, along with Disney star T.K. Strand and MMA fighter Lena Bosko.

Click the link below to check out the full list of stars and learn more about this season!

“Maddie, if this is your way of punishing me for throwing up on your bed after the Olympics, I already said I’m sorry,” Buck whines. 

“This is my way of punishing you for not keeping up with the show while I was gone,” Maddie, as always, ignores his whining. 

“So I have to be on this season?” Buck flops pathetically onto Maddie’s couch. 

“You get to be on this season,” Maddie responds, “You got a bronze medal at the Olympics and now you’re going to win a mirrorball trophy, and most importantly, I’m going to meet Athena Grant!” 

Buck has always been the one compared to an excitable golden retriever, but Maddie is the spitting image of one in this moment. Her cheeks slightly flushed in excitement, and her feet kicking excitedly. Buck can’t blame her giddiness though, Maddie has loved Dancing with the Stars her whole life. 

Some of Buck’s earliest memories are of watching the show with her. He had liked the show as a kid too. Especially in the early days when it meant he was allowed to go to bed an hour late in order to watch the show with her. He would stand on her toes and they’d dance down the hallway each week before she tucked him into bed. 

Athena was always Maddie’s favorite professional dancer. No matter who the star was, Maddie was loyal to her. Buck still remembers Maddie helping him punch in the numbers on their landline to vote for her. The last season they watched together before Maddie left had been one Athena had won with her partner, former Olympian Bobby Nash.

Maddie had been obsessed with them, and a year later when they announced their engagement Maddie had called him right away. It was the first time in two months Maddie had called him. Buck had been so happy to hear her voice that he didn’t even care that she only wanted to talk about two strangers' whirlwind romance. 

So much has changed about Maddie since then, but Dancing with the Stars is still her favorite show all of these years later. Buck knows it was her lifeline during the Doug years, and even though Buck is hesitant about dancing on national television he knows he can’t say no to Maddie. Not about anything, but definitely not about this. 

“They want to put you with a male partner,” Maddie smiles, “When they talked to me I figured it would be perfect. After the Olympics you’re basically the face of queer athletes, and you’re strong enough that you could do the lifts with a male partner.”

Buck raises an eyebrow at the information, but nods. When Maddie had pitched it he had pictured himself with one of the tiny women he remembers from watching as a kid. According to Maddie the show is different from the last time he saw it. Athena Grant is the executive producer, Bobby hosts the show, and apparently there's a social media aspect of it.

“They want you to make tiktoks while you’re on the show. Like how you did at the Olympics. Last year May and Ravi made a bunch of tiktoks and it brought a ton of new fans to the show,” Maddie explains. 

Buck hadn’t intended to make a million tiktoks during the Olympics and he hadn’t intended to go viral either. If he was being honest, the tiktoks were an act of self preservation. He had just been hot off the heels of his mess of a relationship with Abby and he was determined not to backslide. 

Not backsliding into casual hookups when you’re in the Olympic Village with hundreds of the hottest people you’ve ever seen in your life is easier said than done. So Buck devised a plan, every time he was horny, or even thought about sex, he’d post a tiktok. 

By the time the games were done, he had a bronze medal in Rugby sevens, two million new tiktok followers, and a weird bruise on his side from a tiktok dance gone wrong. For him tiktok was a coping mechanism, not a way to promote a dancing reality show. He wasn’t going to post that many tiktoks because he wasn’t going to have to worry about Buck 1.0 reappearing. 

“So who is my partner?” Buck asks finally. 

“Eddie Diaz,” Maddie turns her phone to show him a picture of him. 

Oh fuck. Maybe he is going to be posting a lot of tiktoks. 

Eddie has a tradition where he takes all of the celebrities he’s partnered with out to lunch before press and filming starts in earnest. Even though their first meeting is televised, Eddie still wants to have a chance to connect with them properly before the show really kicks off. The show can be a lot and even though Eddie is usually paired with girls who are at least somewhat used to being on camera he knows everyone has different comfort levels. 

His last partner Linda, who had a cooking show, had been good with the cameras but completely unprepared for how intensely the show takes over your time. Another partner some years ago had been totally thrown by the live audience and had almost frozen during their first dance. 

The lunch helps him get a baseline for what kind of season it’s going to be, usually. This time he’s not sure one lunch will properly prepare him for what’s ahead of him. When Bobby had come to him about a potential partner, he knew something was off. It was Athena’s job to deal with the casting decisions, Bobby was a host and an executive producer, but this show was Athena’s baby. 

Bobby talking to him meant only one thing, this was going to be a conversation with feelings. Not that Athena couldn’t have emotional conversations, she just had a show to run and had better things to do than offer Eddie a shoulder to cry on. Bobby loved being a shoulder to cry on. 

“If you’re firing me, I’m not above pulling the single father to a disabled child card,” Eddie informs him. 

Bobby laughs, “Not firing you.” 

Eddie knows that. If Athena was firing him she’d tell him herself. 

“Actually we’re giving you a partner we’re really excited about,” Bobby smiles. 

“Who?” Eddie knows it's important if Bobby's talking to him about it instead of letting him go in blind like he normally does. 

“You watch the Olympics this year?” Bobby asks. 

Eddie feels a glimmer of hope. An Olympian, he can win with an Olympian. Chris would think it was so cool if he finally won a mirrorball trophy.  

“He’s a bronze medalist for men’s rugby.” 

“Men’s?” 

“We’re trying something new, and Athena trusts you to be his partner,” Bobby claps him on the shoulder. 

Eddie’s armor cracks a little at that. Athena trusts him, “What’s his name?” 

Evan Buckley sits across from him looking like a puppy. He’s big, bigger than Eddie, but he curls himself into the chair with the ease of someone used to making himself look small. His leg hasn’t stopped bouncing since he sat down, and Eddie feels the urge to reach under the table and squeeze his knee. He pushes that urge down. 

“I wanted to talk a little about what to expect on the show and establish some ground rules,” Eddie breaks the silence that’s fallen over them. 

Evan cocks his head, “Ground rules?” 

“We’re going to be spending a lot of time together, and I’m going to be teaching you. I want to make sure I do it in a way you’ll respond well to.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Lots of things, some people work well under pressure, some people prefer praise, that kind of thing,” Eddie watches as Evan’s face does something unreadable. 

“We should make a tiktok,” he says abruptly.

Eddie raises his eyebrow, “Um, alright. Maybe let’s finish this conversation then you can do the tiktok thing.” 

“Right, yes, conversation—good,” Evan looks at him flustered before something seems to dawn on him, “Wait did you just call it the tiktok thing?” 

“I’m not really good at the whole social media thing,” Eddie crosses his arms defensively. 

“Isn’t that part of the show?” Evan asks. 

“It’s part of the show for May and Ravi, I guess. May made me one and she tags me in stuff on there, but I don’t use it a lot,” Eddie isn’t sure why he feels embarrassed. 

“Well that’s about to change. We’re going to make so many tiktoks,” Evan laughs a little like he’s thinking of a joke only he understands. 

Eddie does his best to not visibly cringe. Tiktok, and social media as a whole, aren't really something he really enjoys. He's has them all for work, but mostly he just lets May post for him or reposts things Ravi posts. He's not the oldest cast member by a long shot, but he's still decidedly older than the youngest generation of dancers on the show.

“Alright, so other than your obsession with tiktok, is there anything else you want to tell me about yourself?” Eddie asks. 

“I want to be coached. I can’t be better if you don’t tell me how. My coach doesn’t pull punches, you shouldn’t either,” he answers, “Oh and call me Buck. Everyone does.” 

“Buck?”

“There were three other Evans on my team in college,” Buck ducks his head in what Eddie reads as embarrassment. 

“So Buck, not Evan, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you this because you’re an athlete, but this is going to be a big time commitment,” Eddie starts. 

“Are you going to make me get up at five in the morning and run laps around the rugby pitch?” Buck grins cheekily. 

Considering Eddie had to beg Chris not to get out of his bed before 6:30 he's not concerned about that being an issue. Eddie is a lot of things, but he's not an early bird by any means.

“My main forms of cardio tend to be dance related,” Eddie laughs. 

Eddie can tell that Buck is biting back a joke about other forms of cardio, “Two steps and sambas, not interval training, got it.” 

Eddie is surprised at Buck even knowing the term samba, and he says as much. This launches Buck into a long tangent about his sister Maddie. Maddie and Buck, though Buck much more reluctantly, have been watching the show since they were little. Buck spins a tale about two siblings in an empty home united by their love for each other and mutual appreciation for Athena Grant. 

Buck opens up more about Maddie, and though he doesn’t come right out and say it, Eddie can tell Maddie had been in an abusive marriage up until a couple of years ago. Buck tells him about how Maddie thought of the show as a life line during the hard years. Buck even goes so far as to thank him, and Eddie trips over his words trying to balance a fine line of being thankful, but also acknowledge how little of a role he played in that.

In turn, Eddie offers up parts of his life that he doesn't usually give up right away. Eddie doesn't even realize he's been talking about Chris and his new school for the last thirty minutes until the waitress arrives with their food.

It's surprisingly easy to talk to Buck about, well anything. The conversation flits from Chris to bad reality television to Buck's time in Paris. His stories about the Olympics are accompanied by seemingly random facts about the French Revolution and the science behind pasteurized milk.

Eddie finds himself ordering dessert, something he never does, just to extend the conversation with Buck. Which turns out to be a mistake because Buck makes him be in not one, but two, tiktoks as they wait for their dessert to arrive.

After he's satisfied with the videos on his phone he looks at Eddie, "So, besides you being bad at tiktok and having the cutest kid on the planet—who is absolutely welcome in the studio any time, by the way—is there anything else I should know before we become dance partners?"

Maybe it's the cocky grin on Buck's face or the way Eddie can feel the start of something in his gut when he looks at Buck, but either way he says, "I don't do showmances. We're going to win this season, but I'm not getting votes by making doe eyes at you and leaking rumors to the press."

"What if they're not rumors?" Buck waggles his eyebrows.

"I want a mirrorball trophy, not a fling," Eddie laughs him off.

Buck's grin turns a little more genuine, "Bobby and Athena got a mirrorball and a marriage."

"They're the exception, not the rule," Eddie argues.

Because it's true. Eddie's seen a lot of relationships explode on the show. Most publicly, but a couple privately too. Chimney and Tatiana, Tommy and that former Olympian Abby, Taylor and, well, every single partner she's ever had. Plus, a dozen more that crashed and burned before and after he joined the show.

"No showmances, but just for that I'm going to get you really into tiktok," Buck relents.

"You're really into this social media thing huh?" Eddie laughs, but doesn't object as Buck pulls out his phone again.

"You have no idea."

The promotional shoots are exhausting. You would think that after the Olympics Buck would be used to getting his picture taken, but it still doesn't come naturally to him. Especially now wearing a dumb costume, and too tight pants.

"Tilt your chin this way," Eddie directs him, "The light hits you better like that."

Buck does as he's told and Eddie hums in approval. Based on their conversation yesterday Buck wouldn't have pegged Eddie for the kind of person who was at ease in front of a camera, but here he was proving him wrong. Calm under the studio lights, Eddie looks effortlessly handsome in all of the shots they've taken so far.

When the photographer finally releases them with a warning not to stray too far before the group photo Buck finally allows himself to breathe. It's already cooler just a few feet away from the lights, and Buck feels just a little less like a child wearing a Halloween costume.

Eddie stays close to him, but breaks away slightly to peruse the craft services table. Buck watches him go, doing his best to fight the urge to stare at his ass in the tight pants production had given him. There's no possible way Eddie would actually be able to dance in those things.

Buck's pulled from his thoughts by a young girl making her way over to him. Buck's never met her, and she can't be more than twenty, but something about her instantly reads as familiar to him.

"Buck!" She smiles at him as she calls his name, "I heard you're joining me in the fight to bring Eddie into the 21st century!"

This must be May Grant, Athena's daughter. Eddie had mentioned her a couple of times during their lunch yesterday. Based on how much respect Eddie clearly held for the girl Buck had imagined her older than she clearly is. Even from this small interaction Buck can understand why Eddie likes her so much.

"A face like that shouldn't be limited to just cable television," Buck says loud enough so Eddie can hear it, just because he knows it will ruffle Eddie's feathers, "The masses deserve to see Eddie Diaz."

"The masses deserve to scroll on social media without seeing one of you two on their phones," Eddie snarks from the craft table.

"I'm May, this is my partner on the show T.K. and that's—" she points to another person standing near Eddie, "my partner in crime Ravi."

Ravi bounds up next to May and T.K. "Dude, I'm so glad you're partnered with Eddie. We have a million tiktok ideas and last year our ones with him always performed the best."

"Have you seen the dance to the newest Sabrina Carpenter song?" May asks, "I thought we could learn it quickly while Taylor takes her pictures. She always takes forever."

Eddie rejoins them handing Buck a water before opening his own. Buck watches the way his throat moves has he tilts his head back and takes a sip. Fuck this is going to be so much harder than he thought.

"I'm ready for my May Grant tiktok debut, Eddie teach me the dance," Buck turns to him with puppy dog eyes.

Eddie rolls his eyes, "Buck I don't know the dance either. I'm not even sure I've heard the song. May will teach us, she's the best in the business."

Buck can tell there's more to the throw away compliment by the way May's eyes go a little watery, but he doesn't push further. Instead, he allows himself to be lead to a corner in the studio and shown the dance video on May's phone.

May runs them through the steps quickly and in a blink Ravi and Eddie are both able to do the dance easily. Buck makes an attempt, but his feet don't seem to listen to his brain. T.K seems to be having similar trouble and May gives him a few tips. Buck can feel Eddie's eyes on him.

"Gotta keep your hips open, you're thinking too much about your feet. They're not a separate thing from the rest of your body, everything flows. This is an adaptation of a partner dance so do it with me and then try again on your own," Eddie grabs him by the hips and restarts the dance.

With Eddie practically dragging him into the right steps and forcing his hips to stay more open Buck does the dance correctly. He also feels a bit like he's going to faint from the way Eddie's hands feel against his hips, but he's already accepted that that's an annoying reality he's going to have to deal with as long as he's in this competition.

Buck's able to do the dance well enough alone that May can post the tiktok and then again when Ravi wants one for his page. Buck's about to ask them to do it once more for his until May, Ravi, and T.K. get pulled away to film something with the social media team.

"They don't want us for socials?" Buck asks, a little put out.

Eddie chuckles, "Some of the girls from social are a little afraid of me. I didn't do anything to them, I'm just not always the most willing participant in their videos."

"You were happy to dance with Ravi and May," Buck doesn't mean to make it a question, but it still comes out like one.

"May had a rough season last year," Eddie's eyes go a little stormy, "Her partner was an asshole and she really struggled with it. If filming dumb videos with me and Ravi was what it took to make her laugh, then I was more than willing to help."

He shrugs like it's nothing, but Buck knows by the way May had looked at Eddie that it's absolutely everything.

The air around them feels a little too heavy for a moment so Buck changes the subject, "I wanted to make a tiktok for my account too."

"Well I'm no May or Ravi, but I'll help. We'll do it as a duet again, but keep it open to the camera can see us and we can do a variation during the second count and add a spin," Eddie offers.

"I don't understand half of what you said, but I'm in."

It takes them a couple tries, but Eddie is good at getting Buck to do exactly what he needs to. He keeps most of the steps the same, but adds in a few things to make it distinct from the videos they'd made before. Eddie twirls him close then flips the sides they're on and has Buck dance facing the camera again. Instead of the group dance they had done before it reads more as a couples line dance than anything.

Whatever it is it looks great on the video and Buck has enough to post both the dance and some bloopers. Maybe he can convince Eddie to post those on his account. He thinks Eddie's followers would get a kick out of the way he'd had to practically catch Buck from falling on the floor.

Buck has the chance to edit both of the videos before they're called back for the group photo. Eddie keeps a hand on the small of his back as they crowd in for the group shot. May slides into the other side of Eddie whispering something to him that makes him laugh. Buck can't help but melt a little at the look on Eddie's face.

He feels the flash go off, and he knows logically they likely won't use the first shot from the photos, but he worries about how much emotion will show on his face if they do. For the next set of photos he keeps his eyes straight ahead until one of the guys Buck hasn't met yet cracks a joke. Buck remembers him from the last season of the show he'd seen with Maddie, his name was something weird—Chimney maybe?

The joke has the desired effect and most of the cast is laughing loudly. Buck chances a glace at Eddie who, despite not laughing has a happy fond look on his face. Eventually everyone quiets down and the photographer tells them they're done for the day.

"Thank you for coming everyone," Bobby Nash calls out, "I'm really glad you all seemed to be enjoying yourself."

"Thanks to my good humor!" Maybe Chimney interrupts.

"Right, Chim, thanks for that. I know all of you are used to media in one way or another, but I want you to know that this set is a family. You all being here is important and I'm really excited to get to know you all over the next few weeks," Bobby explains.

"Now go home and get some rest, you all have a lot of dancing in your future," Athena claps her hands in dismissal.

Bobby's words are cliche, but his tone resinates with Buck, "A family?" Buck asks Eddie.

"A fucking dysfunctional one, but a family. Welcome to the family, Buck."

Ren @dwts_fan11

Buck Buckley paired with Eddie Diaz on DWTS this season??? If god hates gays why do I keep winning?!

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

T.K. Strand better be a good partner for May Grant or he will die by my hand!!

Gracie C. @gracecam

@hanbanan or by Eddie and Ravi's hands they're the co-presidents of the #MayGrantDefenseClub !!!

Chapter Text

Week 1.

Eddie would have bet a lot of money that Buck would have selected some frat boy song to be personal anthem, which leaves him pleasantly surprised when Buck suggests a Bruce Springsteen song. The songs not exactly the tempo he was hoping for for the dance he had planned, but it's workable.

It's more than worth it watching the way Buck's eyes light up at Bobby's excitement in his song choice. Buck is practically shining from Bobby praising his music taste.

"I wouldn't have pegged you for a Springsteen fan, Buck," Eddie teases.

"He's my second favorite artist!" Buck says happily, "Behind the queen of pop Carly Rae Jepsen, of course."

"That's more like it," Eddie laughs.

"Oh my god, Eddie can we dance to Carly next week?" Buck lights up at the prospect.

"Movie night is next week, but as long as we're still in by week four we can dance to her," Eddie compromises.

"Eddie I'm willing to do anything to stay in this competition so I can honor the queen of pop," Buck's face takes on a serious quality Eddie isn't used to seeing.

"Well in that case, maybe we should save her for the finale?" Eddie teases once more.

Buck laughs, "No way, hotshot, Maddie and I have known what our finale songs are going to be since I was like seven. Can't change it now, the pinky promises are sacred."

"Well let me know so I can start planning then," Eddie laughs imagining Buck at Christopher's age.

It's easy to imagine Buck at that age, probably a bit taller than Chris is now, sitting in front of the television with a young Maddie watching the show. He wonders if Buck had felt the same pull Eddie had when he first fell in love with dancing. Did Buck watch Athena and the other dancers on screen and imagine himself with them the same way Eddie had?

"If we get to the semi-finals I'll let you know, but I don't want to get anyone's hopes up before then. I'm still mostly leg and lack rhythm," Buck jokes.

"I like your legs," Eddie says before he can stop himself.

The problem with that statement isn't that it's not true, it being true is the problem. Eddie likes most things about Buck from his muscular build to the way his curls catch the sunlight and create a golden halo around his head when they're outside. Buck's funny and charming and Eddie can easily see the way Buck could slot into his life.

Buck is a lot of things. An Olympian, a brother, a teammate. He's the kind of person who is quick to pick up on Eddie's mildly overbearing protective streak when it comes to May, and instead of questioning or judging he just goes right along with it. He's the type of guy who flirts as easier as he breathes, but also goes out of his way to ask about Christopher even though they've never met.

None of that is a problem. The problem is that Eddie is a lot of things. A single father. A dancer. A mess. Most importantly though he's not the kind of person who develops crushes on his dance partner. Certainly not the kind of person who falls in love on a ten week reality show.

Not that he's falling in love with Buck. He's only known the guy for a few weeks, and most of that has been pre-production promotional things plus a few text conversations where Buck has forced Eddie to post things on social media. Buck just is one of those people that is easy to fall in love with, even if Eddie isn't one of those people who fall in love easily.

"We should film another tiktok," Buck interrupts, this guy and his fucking tiktoks.

"You have an idea in mind?" Eddie asks.

"I don't know, maybe something that shows off my legs you like so much," Buck shoots him a flirty grin.

Eddie knows he's blushing, but then an idea strikes him, "You ever leg wrestled?"

Buck makes a strangled noise from the back of his throat — ha who's flustered now?

Eddie ignores him in favor of texting the groupchat Ravi had created with some of the cast and crew. Originally he had named it DWTS nonflops, but Hen said that was too mean so it was now named The 118 Crew. A reference to Bobby and Athena's home address which only a select few had been invited for monthly barbecues during the off season.

118 Crew

Eddie: Leg Wrestling competition in studio three in 15. Be there or be square.

Ravi: Everyone it's finally happening Eddie wants to have fun with us.

Karen: If you want to wrap your legs around your hunky dance partner you don't have to construct intricate rituals, just work it into your dance routine Eddie

Eddie: @May how do I block them??

May: No blocking. Yes leg wrestling. I'm going to get so many tiktoks from this :)

Chim: May, be honest, do you get paid by tiktok?

May: Do you get paid by the corny joke?

Albert: Hen! Chim's gonna need some ice for that burn

Eddie: Bring the ice and your dumb asses to the studio, Buck's gonna make me film more tiktoks if you guys don't come soon.

May and Ravi are the first to arrive, T.K trailing behind them. Ravi hasn't brought his dance partner, which makes sense considering she got famous for standing naked on a billboard. Eddie isn't sure why ABC had insisted Lola be on the show, but Athena was willing to concede because the network had allowed Buck and Eddie to be partners.

Chimney brings along his partner Lena, an MMA fighter, but both Karen and Albert have also left their partners behind. It doesn't surprise Eddie this is only their first day of rehearsal and they're all going to spend enough time with their partners over the next week anyway. If Albert, Ravi and Karen need a break from their partners Eddie's not going to judge them.

Buck apparently is, "Aw, no Thomas? I love that guy. Maddie and I used to watch reruns of his show when we were kids."

Karen smiles at the mention of her dance partner, "Oh he's the best, but I'm not inviting an elderly man to a leg wrestling competition. Besides his husband came to take him for lunch."

"Please we've got the greatest physical therapist in the business with us, Thomas would have been fine," Chimney claps Hen on the back.

May pulls out her phone, "Alright team enough talking and more wrestling."

The competition is fierce. Karen and Hen create a complicated bracket system that only seems to make sense to them. Ravi and May seem to be the most evenly matched and Eddie puts on a funny accent for Buck's camera as they pretend to be commentators.

Buck and Chimney's match up ends with Chimney fully flipping backward and yelling about how Buck is supposedly cheating. Eddie is having so much fun he doesn't even resent the way that he gets distracted watching Buck have a giggle fit on the floor.

He does resent the way Lena nearly beats him during their match up. Eddie almost gives up until he hears What a Man blast through Buck's phone as he films a clip for tiktok. The stupidity of the gesture is enough to give him one final push and beat Lena. Which would be more exciting if he then didn't have to face off against Buck in what Hen has dubbed the Ultimate Showdown.

If Eddie hadn't had his gay crisis two years ago when Shannon left then he definitely would be having one now. Buck's legs are stupidly long and unfairly thick and strong. Buck talks a big game as Eddie goes to lay on the floor next to him.

"Make sure everyone films this. I want plenty of angles of my win," Buck announces.

Eddie rolls his eyes, and instead of responding he just pokes Buck lightly in the ribs, "You're on Buckley."

When Buck created the whole 'make a tiktok when he's turned on' plan he hadn't expected to start being turned on by making tiktoks. Then Eddie Diaz had come into his life and adjusted his poses while dancing and suggested leg wrestling of all things.

Buck knows his body and how hard he trains. He should be able to beat Eddie easily. Eddie is strong sure, but his training and strength come from dancing — not tackling three hundred pound dudes. Though Buck wouldn't mind Eddie tackling him off of the pitch.

The point is that Buck should have won easily. Except he makes the mistake of looking at Eddie at just the wrong moment while Eddie lets out a grunt and his shirt rides up a little from effort. Then, before Buck can process it he's flipping upside down and everyone is cheering loudly.

Chimney crouches to pat Buck on the shoulder from where he is still laying on the floor, "Hey, at least you got a silver medal this time, Buck!"

Buck groans and closes his eyes. When he opens him May is towering above him holding her phone in his face.

"I'm never going to live this down, am I?" Buck whines.

"Not if I can help it," Eddie laughs but puts his hand out to help Buck up.

Eddie throws arm around Buck's shoulder while May continues to film, "Thank you all for coming to the first annual Dancing with the Stars leg wrestling competition everyone, but lunch time is over now. Go dance!"

Eddie ushers them all out of the studio they're using and then moves over to the stereo system to start playing music.

Listen Buck is an Olympian, he's no stranger to hard workouts. That doesn't stop him from being laid flat out on the floor three hours later covered in sweat and feeling like his legs are made of jelly.

Eddie had pressed a water bottle into Buck's hand and then gone to sit in the corner to eat a protein bar, letting Buck suffer on his own. Buck is busy counting cracks in the ceiling when there's a knock on the door.

Buck's tired enough that the Queen of England could walk in the door and Buck doesn't think he'd care. He's happy to remain on the floor until Eddie makes him stand up and fix his sloppy footwork during the middle section of the dance. Until he hears a giggle.

"Daddy! Don't hug me you're all sweaty," the voice Buck knows must be Christopher yells.

"Nope, too bad, you come to the studio you get hugged. That's the rule," Buck sits up quickly enough to see Eddie pick Christopher up and wrap him in a hug.

Chris whispers something in Eddie's ear that causes Eddie to turn to Buck. Eddie whispers something back and then both Diaz boys turn their attention to Buck.

"Christopher, this is my new friend Buck," Eddie sets him down so Chris can make his way toward Buck, "He's being a lazy bones right now."

Buck makes a noise of protest, "Chris thank goodness you're here your dad was torturing me."

Chris giggles again, "I saw you on TV during the Olympics!"

Buck's heart swells, "Oh yeah, you like rugby?"

Chris makes a face, "No, I saw you during the swimming part."

Buck is confused for a moment before he understands what Chris is talking about. After Buck had gone viral during the games the Olympic committee had paid him to stay during the Paralympics to promote the games and do some interviews with some of the competitors. That must be what Chris is talking about.

"Christopher has been really into swimming and surfing lately," Eddie explains.

"Surfing, huh? That's so cool. Maybe when you go to the games you'll win a gold medal!" Buck imagines the little boy standing before him on the podium with a medal around his neck.

"Your bronze medal is really cool too," Chris assures him, "Carla and I brought you a present."

Christopher mentioning her causes Buck to realize there's someone else in the room. Christopher is the kind of person that naturally pulls all of your attention toward him. He must get that from his father, or maybe Buck just has a natural affinity for the Diaz boys.

Carla hands Christopher the decorative bag which Christopher promptly hands over to Buck. Buck gasps loudly as he opens the bag just to make Christopher laugh again. Inside is a hand made card which Buck inspects carefully. Happy first day! Good luck Buck! with two stick figures that are clearly meant to be Buck and Eddie.

Also in the bag is one of the protein bars Buck has seen Eddie eat along with some fruit snacks and a blue Gatorade. It's one of the ones with the sippy cap that he used to beg for at gas stations as a kid. Buck feels warm all over at the small act of kindness.

"Blue is my favorite. Thank you so much Christopher," Buck pulls him into a hug. Buck tries not feel superior about the fact that Chris hadn't complained about him being sweaty.

"Mine too! Dad likes the yellow ones," Chris's face scrunches up in disgust.

"Gross, guess we'll have to convince him we clearly have better taste than him," Buck laughs.

Chris smiles and gives him a high five before turning to his father, "Dad can Buck come to movie night tonight?"

Eddie bites his lip clearly worried about how to let Christopher down, "I don't know bud, I think Buck might be a little sick of me after spending the whole day with me."

"I'm not!" the words are out of his mouth before Buck can stop them, "I mean I'd love to come to movie night if it's alright with you. My sister actually just moved out of my apartment and it's been way too quiet."

Buck doesn't let himself blush at how desperately he wants to accept their invitation. Eddie fixes him with a long look and Buck hopes he can see on his face how much Buck genuinely wants to hang out with him and Christopher.

"Fine, but Buck gets to pick the movie because he's the guest," Chris cheers, "and we're getting Thai not pizza. We've had pizza too many times this month."

"Any more rules dad?" Chris sasses.

"Yeah, dad?" Buck mocks.

Eddie rolls his eyes, "Buck has to go home and shower first because he stinks and we've still got two more hours of rehearsing left."

Buck can't even be offended, too distracted by Christopher's loud laughter.

Eddie isn't anticipating the way Buck slots so easily into his life. Eddie has had good partners since starting the show four years ago. Hell, he and Marjan had almost won two seasons ago, but none of them have had the kind of connection that he seems to have with Buck.

Buck is the kind of person he doesn't get tired of. They'll spend all day rehearsing and then Eddie will still crave more time with Buck. If Eddie enjoys spending time with Buck it's nothing compared to Christopher. Christopher and Buck get along like a house on fire.

If Chris had it his way, Buck would come home with Eddie after rehearsal every night, but Eddie's doing his best to make sure Buck has some space for himself if he wants it. So Eddie plans to restrict movie nights with Buck to once a week, this plan immediately falls apart the night before the first show.

Buck is practically buzzing out of his skin with anxiety. Eddie knows that Buck cares about this more than he's letting on. He can tell he's worried about disappointing Maddie. Maybe even about disappointing Eddie, which isn't that just gut wrenching?

So when Eddie's as satisfied as he can be with the dance they're performing tomorrow he drags Buck into his truck without so much as asking. Just like when they dance, Buck follows without a second thought.

He feeds Buck leftover tamales and throws on an old Disney movie and let's Chris tuck in to Buck's side as he excitedly tells him about the moon landing book he's reading. Eventually, he starts to see the nerves leave Buck's body. By the time Eddie has put Chris to bed Buck is mostly back to his normal self.

"Whatever happens tomorrow and next week I'm incredibly proud of the progress you've made already," Eddie says as he reenters the room with a beer in hand.

"What if I make a fool of myself in front of everyone?" Buck asks quietly.

"Then you push through it, you know the steps and you've got me there with you."

"What if I drag you down with me?" Buck blue eyes look impossibly soft in the dim light of the living room.

"Ravi is dancing with a woman who got famous by stopping traffic with her naked body and Taylor is pretending to have a fling with a guy who got rejected on live television. You can step on my feet a hundred times tomorrow and I'll still be less embarrassed than them," Eddie jokes.

It's easier to joke than say what he's really feeling. He doesn't have the words to explain the weight of the feelings that are growing inside of him. Even if he could he's not sure he'd want to. It's so much easier to take cheap shots at Taylor Kelly than admit how he really feels.

"I really want to do well," Buck whispers.

"You already have and you will continue to be amazing. If you can't trust yourself, trust me," Eddie squeezes his shoulder.

Buck doesn't reply just nods, so Eddie continues, "Now you're going to go sleep in the guest room because if you go home you're just going to spiral more. Then in the morning we'll have cereal because Chris doesn't trust me to make eggs after I burnt the last batch."

Buck looks hesitant to accept the offer. Eddie hopes his face conveys what his words can't. You're wanted here. We want you here. Please stay. Buck must be able to read it because finally he relents with a sigh.

"Fine, but I'm making pancakes instead."

Eddie doesn't object and that's how he finds him the next morning. Christopher perched on the counter while Buck flipped pancakes. Carla arrives shortly after to take Christopher to school and doesn't even seem surprised by the six foot adonis sitting at Eddie's kitchen table.

"Well they gave you some eye candy this year, huh?" Carla asks Eddie as Buck offers to take Christopher to the car.

"I don't do showmances Carla, you know that," Eddie grumbles.

"Well that doesn't stop you from looking, and from what I see there's plenty to look at," Eddie follows her gaze to Buck leaning into the car was he helps Chris with his seatbelt.

"Trust me, I'm aware," Eddie rolls his eyes, "You're good taking him to Abuela's after school?"

"Of course, Christopher and your grandmother have never missed an episode for as long as I've been working with you," Carla kisses him on the cheek before making her way to the car, "Now you and your partner go get some perfect tens."

Eddie bites back the sassy comment he feels building on his tongue, and instead follows her to give Chris a goodbye hug.

"It's okay to be nervous Buck, but I know you guys are going to be awesome. Dad is a really good teacher and you're tough," Christopher placates as Eddie approaches the car.

"Exactly, Mijo. Buck is going to be amazing tonight. Especially because his biggest fan is going to be watching him on TV!" Eddie pokes at Chris's side making him laugh before pulling him into a hug.

Buck's quiet on the way to the studio, and even more quiet once they get there. Eddie's a little worried he's going to have to pull Chris out of school today just to get Buck to calm down again, but then around lunch Buck gets a text on his phone and perks up immediately.

"Maddie's here," if Buck were a cartoon there would be a cloud of dust behind him with how quickly he runs toward the parking lot.

"Come find me once you give her the tour, and don't be late to tech rehearsal!" Eddie calls to Buck's receding figure.

Eddie spends the rest of the morning going through the opening number with the rest of the pros. The guest choreographer had taken pity on him and he'd been paired with May for most of it. During his first season people had been convinced that he was dating Ana Flores and after Chimney made a joke about it during an interview they had been constantly paired together during the professional dances.

It's not so much that Eddie minded dancing with Ana, she was a good dancer and a nice person, but he hated the weird dynamic it had caused. It finally died down when Eddie had come out to the cast and crew two seasons ago, and even though he wasn't officially out to the public he suspected that most of the hardcore fans of the show knew.

Since May joined the show last year Eddie has loved dancing with her. She's bubbly and energetic in a way that can only partly be attributed to her age. More than that, she dances like it's as easy as breathing. Eddie is one of the few dancers here who didn't come from a family of dancers.

He'd entered the ballroom scene as a gangly preteen who only signed up for ballroom because they had rehearsals on Sunday mornings and it seemed like the only way he could avoid going to mass. His instructor had taken one look at him in the beginners class and moved him up two skill levels.

She said, "Some people are just made to for ballroom, I can tell from the second their feet start moving. I can't teach that, but when I see it I have to honor it."

Eddie didn't really understand what she meant until he saw May dance for the first time. Every single molecule in her body was made to dance ballroom. Even though her background was completely different from Eddie and he was a good ten years her senior he'd felt an instant kinship with the girl.

It was just one of those universal facts of the show. Athena had two coffees before each show, Bobby always cried during an elimination, and Eddie and May were cut from the same cloth. Which is why she's the only dancer who's allowed to address the Buck thing.

"You two have become awfully cozy," May offsets her teasing by refilling his water bottle for him.

"He's a good partner," he offers not rising to the bait, "I think we'll go far this season."

"Oh I'm sure you both are going to go all the way," she wiggles her eyebrows to really drive home the lewd joke she's making.

"If you're mean to me I'm not going to make any tiktoks with your during the break," Eddie rolls his eyes.

"I get it, saving yourself for Buck," May cackles as Eddie frowns.

"Gross! Aren't you like ten? Should you even be making sex jokes like this?" Eddie asks.

"You have a literal eight year old, I think you know I'm not ten," May smacks him with his own water bottle.

"Not with that attitude."

Eddie is saved from whatever comment May is going to make next by Buck calling his name. Maddie's presence seems to have soothed some of the nervous energy from this morning and completely replaced it with full excitement. Likely because of the sheer amount of excitement that's radiating off of Maddie. She looks like she's a kid on Christmas and like a lottery winner combined.

"Eddie and May, I'd like you to meet my sister Maddie," Buck waves his arms in a flourish in front of Maddie who waves excitedly.

May ever the charmer goes in for a hug which pulls a small squeal from Maddie, "You're a phenomenal dancer, I'm so glad you have a better partner this year."

May flushes happily, "Thank you, and me too. This past week has already reminded me why I love dancing again."

Eddie feels his heart swell at that. He'll have to remember to stop glaring at T.K. when he sees him now that May has given him a proper seal of approval. He'll also remind Buck to lay off the scary rugby guy routine around him too, not that Buck has been pulling that off. No one can be scared of Buck for long.

"Maddie, it's really nice to meet you. Buck has told me a lot about you," Eddie shakes her hand and finds the bright smile on his face is genuine.

"You and Marjan were robbed in season 31," Maddie says, seemingly without thinking.

"Maddie, oh my god, you promised me you weren't going to go full fan girl on him" Buck is blushing and Eddie physically has to stop himself from holding his cheeks to feel the warmth.

Instead, Eddie laughs, "Don't let Taylor hear you say that. She already doesn't like me enough as it is."

"Well it's true, but don't worry I've been coaching Buck since birth to be on this show. You'll both get your trophy this season," then with a grimace toward May, "Sorry, May."

May laughs, and Eddie wraps his arm around her shoulders, "I don't know, May's actually got a live one this year. She's tough competition. Guess I'll have to keep whipping your brother into shape."

"Don't worry Maddie I'm practically a pro dancer already," Buck does some of the footwork from their dance. Eddie, being the good coach he is, doesn't mention that Buck really needs to watch where his left foot lands during the final combination. No critiques this close to air, it'll just mess with Buck's head.

Buck and Maddie stick close to May and Eddie as Buck proudly shows her the set and all of the other dancers. They go through rehearsal and eat a small dinner and suddenly it's time for the show. Eddie loses sight of Maddie when it's time for him and Buck to change into their costumes

Oddly, this had been the only thing that Eddie had been concerned about when he found out he'd have a male partner. Not the backlash from conservatives, not the way it effectively confirmed his queerness, but the costumes. Eddie knows there's a certain part of the audience that watches for the dresses they put the girls in. As much as he loves the costume team he was worried about how creative they'd be with two male partners.

He'd been less worried when they'd put Buck in a fully sheer shirt. Eddie may be above getting votes through a fake romance, but he's not above winning through sex appeal, and boy does Buck have that. Eddie's shirt compliments his nicely and Eddie can't help but smile at the pair they make.

Without Maddie by his side, Buck is back to being a bundle of nerves, and Eddie is worried about leaving him for the opening number. Eddie pulls him down on one of the benches they have lining the walls.

"You have worked incredibly hard this week. There is no score you could get where I wouldn't be proud. Even if you go out on stage and completely trip over your feet I'm still going to be thankful that you're my partner, alright?" Eddie squeezes his hand.

Buck nods, "What do you want?"

"What?"

"Score wise, I know you're be proud any way, but what score do you want?"

Eddie thinks for a moment, "I want a seven from Brad, and sixes from Elaine and Athena. Think you can do that for me, cowboy?" Eddie bumps his shoulder.

"Six, that's just above middle of the road. I'm better than middle of the road right?" insecurity creeps back into Buck's features.

"Leaps and bounds better than middle of the road," Eddie promises, "I have to leave for the first dance, but then I'll be by your side the whole night. We're a team, I've got your back."

"Or I could have yours," Buck offers.

Eddie laughs and stands to leave for the start of the show, "Deal."

The dance goes well from Buck's perspective. He's a little nervous with the lights and the crowd, but he thinks he hides it well. Athena calls him out on it in judging, but she still gives him a big smile after everything is said and done.

He can do this he thinks as the judges go to reveal their scores. All Eddie wanted was a seven and two sixes. Chimney and Lena got two sevens and an eight, he can get some sixes.

Brad goes first making a silly face that matches his slightly ridiculous accent, "Seven!"

Eddie's grip on his arm tightens as Buck's jumps.

Then Elaine, "Six." Holy shit they're actually going to do this.

Athena Grant, always the stoic one doesn't give him any sort of sign of approval before she turns her paddle, "Seven."

Bucks being twirled in the air before he can even understand what's happening. Bobby is laughing as Buck and Eddie yell wildly. Eddie finally places Buck on the ground, and Buck turns to Bobby.

"Well clearly you both are excited about your scores! Not many people can spin an Olympic rugby player like that, can we expect dances with lifts in your future?" Bobby asks.

"That's why Eddie's the best partner!" Buck beams.

"Well, a perfect partnership still needs your votes! Remember to call, text or go online to cast your vote before the final dance tonight!" Bobby says as the camera light blinks and they go to commercial.

"Great job boys, it's not often I see my wife give out a higher score than Elaine. She must see something very special in you," Bobby winks and then he's off to prep the next team before they come back from break.

"A seven from Athena on your first dance," Eddie lets out a long whistle, "Maddie really did train you well."

"Couldn't do it without you," Buck knows that the words come out too sincere, but the smile that Eddie gives him is worth it.

Their conversation is cut off by the next dance starting, and Buck loses himself in the rest of the show. He and Eddie trade jokes back and forth during breaks and happily cheer on the rest of the competitors. It's a magical sort of energy that Buck's never experienced before.

He's been on teams before, loves his rugby team like they're his blood, but he's never had a family outside of Maddie. This feels different. He thinks of the way Chim had insisted they create a secret handshake, and the way Hen applies KT tape to his ankle and finishes the job by ruffling his hair. He thinks about how May will send him memes at 2 am with the caption this is u, and the way Eddie has brought him a blue Gatorade every day since their first rehearsal without fail.

It already feels like a family.

Buck is struck for a moment about just how badly he wants to stay in this competition, and even though there's no elimination tonight his stomach clenches at the thought of one next week. It's only been a few weeks and he doesn't want this to end.

Eddie, as if reading his mind, slips a hand around his waist and pulls him closer as the show comes to a close, "You ready for eight more weeks of chaos?"

Buck smiles at Eddie's confidence, "Never been more ready for anything."

Buck's and Eddie's introduction package:

Buck: Honestly, I joined Dancing with the Stars because of my sister. When we were little she used to let me stay up late so we could watch the show. The finales were like Christmas in our house [Buck laughs].

The camera shows a picture of a young Maddie and Buck in matching ballroom poses with boa scarfs around their necks.

Buck (continued): Going to the Olympic games was the proudest Maddie's ever been of me… until we got the call that I was going to be on dancing with the stars. Other than watching the show I don't really have any dance experience, but I have a Olympic bronze medal, how hard can it be?

The video cuts to Buck tripping over his feet as Eddie guides him through the dance.

Eddie: Buck's exactly the kind of partner any dancer could want. He's eager to learn and creative, dancing might not come as naturally to him as plowing over people on the rugby pitch, but he's getting there.

Another scene of Buck and Eddie dancing. Buck laughs as Eddie dips him, clearly not part of their actual dance.

Eddie (continued): It really means a lot to be paired with a male partner. Getting to be apart of something I desperately needed as a kid is such an honor. I hope there are people out there that see Buck and I dancing and see themselves.

Buck: I'm so glad I'm with Eddie. Being from a sports background I need to be given direction and coached, and Eddie isn't afraid to pull punches.

On screen Eddie shakes his head and uses his hands to straighten Buck's elbows.

Buck (continued): I'm really excited to be here and I can't imagine doing it with anybody else.

Ren @dwts_fan11

So let me get this straight (ha) so far we've gotten Buck calling Eddie the perfect partner, Eddie looking at Buck like he's the sun, and the most sexually charged leg wrestling video of all time (god bless you May Grant's tiktok), and the show wants me to care about TAYLOR and the guy from the bachelor???

DWTS is BACK!! @maygrantluvr

@dwts_fan11 exactlyyyy rip Taylor Kelly but the only showmance I care about this season is #buddie

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

Going to start going door to door telling people to vote for #buckandeddie because I need these two on my television screen for as long as possible

Gracie C. @gracecam

Chimney, May and Eddie being the top three this episode of #dwts nature is healing

Chapter Text

Week 2.

The thing Buck hadn't realized about Eddie is that even though he's bad at posting on tiktok he's somehow in the comment section of every video. He's not as bad a Ravi who will randomly comment on videos about the show that have like twenty likes, but it's close.

During the first lunch of week two May had told Buck that she had turned on post notifications for Buck, May and Ravi on both tiktok and instagram, so it shouldn't be a surprise, but Eddie loves commenting things.

Mostly it's harmless stupid things. Sometimes mocking Buck or teasing him about how he needs to get back in the studio. Other times it's just a series of emojis that Buck tries his best not to cringe at. If he had to guess he'd put good money on Bobby and Eddie having the same top emojis.

When Buck first started posting on tiktok he always felt a flutter of glee when he'd receive comments and likes, the feeling he gets when Eddie comments on his tiktoks is like that times a million. Of course, there are unexpected consequences to Eddie being in Buck's comment section all the time.

Eddie: Why do your fans think I went to the Olympics with you?

Buck: huh???

Eddie: They're always saying stuff about us in Paris or wanting to go to Paris with us.

Buck: oh!

Eddie: Wait is it a meme or something? Is this like when they told me not to go bald?

Buck: i think you'd be handsome bald or at least with a buzz cut

Eddie: You're avoiding the paris thing, do you not understand either? I can ask May

Buck: no!!!

Buck: i can't tell who that would traumatize more

Buck: are you familiar with Eiffel towers

Eddie: Just because I've never been to Paris doesn't mean I don't know what the Eiffel tower is Buck

Buck: no like

Buck: ugh this is hard

Buck: they're saying they want to have a threesome with us

Eddie: Oh!

Eddie: So it's bad that I liked a comment about it?

Buck: eddie!

Buck: noooooooo

Eddie: I thought they were being nice

Buck: i'll handle it

Eddie: my hero!!!

Buck ignores the flutters in his stomach as he opens tiktok. He finds a photo he took of Eddie yesterday. Eddie's sitting on a chair with his hair falling in his face as he looks down on this phone. He looks as stupidly handsome as always.

He posts it on his tiktok with large red text reading: PSA THIS MAN DOESN'T NOT UNDERSTAND GEN Z LINGO AND THOUGHT YOU ALL GENUINELY WANTED TO GO TO PARIS FRANCE WITH US!!! I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY HEARTBREAK THIS MAY CAUSE

The comments start to roll in right away.

user917432: Damn.

Kris: Buck said that's MY man fr

Spammm: Eddie Diaz my chronically offline king

And a dozen others all in a similar vain. Then finally one from Ravi.

RaviPanikkar: I'm crying. This is the funniest thing to ever happen @maygrant look at this

MayGrant: Introducing him to the internet was a mistake

Buck likes a few comments and watches a few more videos before setting his phone down. He really needs to get some sleep, they have another long day of rehearsals in the morning, and he's going to Chris and Eddie's after because Eddie is making them watch Risky Business once Chris goes to bed.

This weeks theme is movie night and Eddie had lit up when Buck told him he had complete control of the theme. Buck didn't grow up watching many movies and Eddie had seemed so excited about the idea of doing Risky Business. Eddie's grin had been blinding and Buck didn't even bat an eye when Eddie had asked, "How do you feel about dancing in your underwear?"

Which is why he needed to go to sleep. Preferably right now, so he can be well rested enough to dance all day and not fall asleep during the movie. It feels like it's important for him to know why he's going to be dancing in his underwear on live television in a couple days. So he should just close his eyes and sleep.

Except, the apartment is way too quiet. It's been this way ever since Maddie moved in to her own place. Before when she was here Buck could just lean over the railing and listen for her quiet snores as he watched the rise and fall of her chest. Now as he sits in bed he's met with silence.

He fucking hates silence.

He thinks about texting Eddie, but he knows that them both being over tired is worse than just one of them. He knows Maddie will already be asleep by now, and his only other friend is an eight year old who is both definitely asleep and doesn't have a phone.

Chris is working on a school project about Saturn's rings, maybe Buck can do some research to help him out. Surely doing a little research will tire him out enough to sleep, right?

Buck's phone dies at 4 am and Buck has just enough time to see the time staring at him before the phone does black. Shit. He plugs his phone into the charger and when his head hits the pillow he finally gets some sleep.

Buck is exhausted. Eddie can tell from the second he walks in the door to the studio that the guy hasn't slept properly. His eyes don't quite have the dark rings that Eddie gets sometimes, but he can see the beginnings of shadows under his baby blues. Eddie wants to drag his thumbs across them as if he'd be able to wipe them away like he does with sauce on Chris's face.

Buck, despite looking half dead on his feet begins babbling about Saturn of all things. He's got a list of facts on his phone that he waves in Eddie's face as he babbles about Chris's science project. If Eddie's honest he doesn't even remember Chris or himself telling Buck about the science project, but he's honored Buck remembered either way.

"Seriously it's spinning so quickly it basically flattened itself out—" Buck continues rambling.

"Is Chris's science project the reason you didn't get any sleep last night?" Eddie asks.

Buck freezes, a guilty look overtaking his features, "No! Well sort of, but I wouldn't have slept either way."

Eddie gives him a long look. Trying his best to understand what's going on in Buck's brain. He thinks back to the first time Buck had stayed with him and Chris. How he'd accepted their offer of staying the night with an offhand comment about his apartment being too quiet.

"Have you been struggling to sleep since Maddie got her own place?" Eddie knows the answer by the look on Buck's face.

"It's just so quiet. I've never lived alone before. I've always had roommates or a partner," he cringes at that, "I know Maddie couldn't live on my pullout couch forever, but I liked having her in the house."

"When I can't sleep, I sneak into Chris's room to watch him breathe. Better than any white noise machine in the world," Eddie tries to keep the words casual, hoping to convey that what Buck's feeling is normal.

Buck smiles, "I did the same with Maddie. I know I'm the little brother, but ever since—" he doesn't mention Maddie's ex but Eddie understands anyway, "since she came back I've felt really protective of her. It's just nice to have someone to take care of, helps me sleep I guess."

"I've got a guest bed and a kid who asks for pancakes every single morning," Eddie knows it's stupid to offer, but he can't help it.

He's opening a door he won't be able to close. Playing house with someone he won't be able to keep once this show is all over. Still, he wants it, desperately. He wants to make fun of Buck's bed head in the mornings and to get whipped cream on his nose and pretend not to notice while Chris makes fun of him.

More than anything he wants Buck to sleep. He wants Buck to feel comfortable in his home. He wants to take care of him.

"Eddie you don't need to do that for me," Buck argues, but Eddie can hear the undercurrent of want in Buck's voice.

"What I need is a partner who is getting sleep, and Chris needs his best friend to not die of sleep deprivation," Eddie jokes.

"We already spend a lot of time together? Are you sure you won't get sick of me?" Buck asks.

"Impossible," then in an effort to diffuse the intensity of the moment he says, "Besides I can't get rid of you if I tried, you're all over my social media."

"Hey you're the one agreeing to threesomes on there!" Buck argues.

"I knew you were going to hold that against me!" Eddie whines.

"I can't believe they somehow snuck PR manager for Eddie Diaz into my contract. If you do something to get canceled I quit," Buck finally laughs for the first time that day.

"Whatever, you're the one who has to live with me now," Eddie pokes him in the side.

"Yeah, I guess I am."

Eddie's going to be thinking about the goofy smile on Buck's face for a long time.

That night Buck arrives on their doorstep with two duffels thrown over his shoulder and a six pack of beer in his hand. Eddie quickly takes the duffels out of his hands before Buck can change his mind. Buck has a sheepish look on his face, but it's overpowered by the sheer exhaustion present on his features.

"I already told Chris you're going to stay with us for a little so you can't back out now," Eddie half jokes.

As if on cue Eddie can hear the familiar clack of Chris's crutches on the hardwood, "Buck! We're going to watch Tarzan and eat pizza on the couch!"

Buck crouches to pull Christopher into a hug. Eddie has to leave the room in order to ignore the pounding in his chest at the image. He busies himself placing Buck's bags in his room and giving the room a final once over. It had been Chris's idea to decorate it so he and Eddie had set it up while Buck was at his apartment.

Eddie's eyes lingered on the picture Chris had drawn of the three of them. The mild annoyance at the exaggerated height difference Chris had drawn between him and Buck was overridden by the mirrorball trophy he had drawn in their hands.

Eddie knows he's being foolish. Buck is his dance partner and even if they make it to the finale Buck didn't sign up for Eddie's mess. Eddie was a single father with weekly therapy sessions and more baggage than LAX. Buck was an Olympian with a heart of gold and thighs that could crush a watermelon. More importantly, Buck was someone that Eddie wanted, and Eddie wasn't the kind of person who gets what he wants.

So Eddie leaves the room and slots himself on the couch next to Buck and doesn't think about the way their knees knock together, or the way Christopher smiles brightly at Buck during a funny part of the movie. Instead, he watches Buck and Christopher sing along to Phil Collins and pretends that whatever small time he's going to have with Buck is going to be enough.

Eddie knows they're making it to week three. As much as the show likes to say that anything can happen Eddie knows that there are some things that are just inevitable. Some people have worse partners than others, it's just the luck of the draw. As much as May and Ravi have brought in a younger generation of viewers ABC still knows it's core audience.

And that audience wants to see people who are pushing seventy. Which is all well and good except they can't dance the same way that the twenty something contestants can. So Eddie's not actually worried about them making it to week three or even week four (though he is worried about Buck being able to narrow down which Carly Rae Jepsen song he wants to dance to), because he's already factored in that Karen and Thomas and Ana and Red are going to be out before then.

It sucks, but having an older partner isn't actually the worst thing you can have on the show. The worst thing you can have is a controversial partner.

Ravi's on the losing end of that this year.

If Lola had only been controversial it would have been one thing, but she also can't keep time to save her life. Eddie feels horrible for Ravi. It's his first year as an actual pro and they've saddled him with a woman who went viral for having a mental breakdown over the highway. Eddie only has to take one look at Ravi's face after Athena holds up a five to know that Ravi knows he's eliminated.

Buck looks devastated for him, the joy from receiving an eight earlier in the night totally dissipated. Eddie almost wants to laugh at the dichotomy of Buck in his risky business button down and boxers with his sad puppy dog eyes. Eddie pulls him close to whisper in his ear as Bobby speaks to the camera.

"Lola is the one who is going to be eliminated, not Ravi. He'll still be here every day just like before, don't worry alright? It's just more time for him to comment on every single tiktok ever made," Eddie whispers.

That draws a small laugh out of Buck, "You're one to talk. You've been one of the first comments on my last three tiktoks."

"Chris and I are in a stiff competition for the spot as your number one fan," Eddie jokes, "I have to use him being too little for social media to my advantage."

Buck smiles, but his eyes are turned again to Ravi who's keeping a brave face. They'll be back from commercial in a moment, and only the bottom three remain on stage. Eddie's not surprised when Ravi and Lola are sent home, but he is surprised when they announce Marisol and her soccer player partner are eliminated as well.

He turns to Chimney with a confused look, they hadn't scored as poorly as Ana and Red or Karen and Thomas who hadn't even been in the bottom three.

"Dude snapped at a PA in front of Bobby," Chimney whispers to him and Buck, "I thought he was going to throw him out right then, but Athena wanted Marisol to be able to dance tonight."

"He was an asshole to one of the makeup people on Good Morning America, too" Buck mentions offhandedly, eyes never leaving Ravi who is now hugging May.

"Fuck him, then," Eddie shrugs, "Let's go hug our newbie."

Buck doesn't have to be told twice, rushing to join the bear hug May has Ravi in. Eddie and Chim share a look before they're both running to join as well. Before he knows it most of the cast have joined in.

One of Karen's tassels smacks him in the eye and Chimney is standing on one of his toes, but he wouldn't change it for the world. He loves this stupid show and his stupid dysfunctional family he's made on it. Buck turns to look at him around the crush of bodies, and Eddie's heart pangs at how easily Buck fits into the picture.

Eddie Diaz doesn't ask for what he wants, but that doesn't stop him from wanting.

Week Two Video Package:

Buck: If I'm being honest I've only seen like a dozen movies ever, so I let Eddie pick our song this week. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't a text from him asking if I'd be cool dancing in my underwear. [Buck laughs.]

Buck (continued): Which is silly because my first viral tiktok was me dancing shirtless at the Olympics. I think Eddie should know by this point that I have no shame.

The camera cuts to the studio where Eddie and Buck are practicing sliding in socks. Buck uses too much force and slides directly into Eddie and they both topple to the ground.

Eddie: Buck is a phenomenal athlete, but dancing doesn't come as easy to him as rugby does. Our biggest challenge in this competition is going to be getting him to learn how to use his body in a way that's completely different than he's used to.

Eddie: [to Buck in the studio] Buck you have to trust your body, alright? When you're on the rugby pitch and you have a break away what do you do?

Buck: I kick it into gear and just go, I don't let anything stop me.

Eddie: Right and you trust that your body is going to get you where you need to go. Trust it now, you know the steps inside and out you just have to trust your body and get out of your head.

Buck: Okay, yeah, I can do that.

Eddie: I know you're used to trusting a team too, and it's a little different but we're a team. Trust your body and trust me.

Buck: [once again to camera] Eddie and I are a team, even if it means I have to watch old movies I've never seen and dance in my underwear. [a soft smile spreads across his face] Best team ever.

DWTS is BACK!! @maygrantluvr

May and Ravi are THE besties of all time. Ravi you're still the people's princess no matter what!!!!

Ren @dwts_fan11

oof the first partner curse is alive and well with Ravi this season :( next year will be your year bb girl

Fujoshi Warrior @yessirrrrrrr

#buddie doing the risky business dance is so incredibly old man coded, but also weirdly incredibly hot??? Much to think about…

Luke @Lukedaduke912

gf made me watch #dwts and now i'm lowkey tearing up, them hugging the sad one made me emotional. plus the two buff guys gave me a renewed belief in love. I may be the only straight guy to ever watch this show but I'm weirdly invested now??

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan
@lukedaduke912 you're so right bestie, pls live tweet every episode I'm dying to know your thoughts random straight guy

Chapter Text

Week 3.

Buck feels hungover. It's the combination of the adrenaline crash from the their performance and the not insignificant amount of tears he'd shed during the elimination. It's only been a few weeks, but Buck's already formed an emotional attachment to most of the cast, and watching two of them go home had done a number on his heart strings.

Buck didn't even really know either of the contestants who left, but it was still a harsh reminder that every week from now on someone is going home. It's strikes him, as he's laying in Eddie's guest room, how desperately he doesn't want to leave, both the show and Eddie's house.

It's only been a few days, but he can't help but feel at home in the Diaz household. It's a little pathetic, but he can't bring himself to feel ashamed of it. Not when he falls asleep each night to the sounds of Chris softly snoring in the next room and wakes to the smell of fresh coffee and Eddie and Chris's whispers in an effort to not wake him.

Before, when Eddie was just his incredibly hot dance partner it was easy enough to write his desires off a purely physical. Eddie was handsome and Buck, despite being Buck 2.0 now, still had eyes. Someone would have to be blind not to be attracted to Eddie.

Except now that Buck's taken up residence in the guest room his fantasies about Eddie have gone from x-rated to distinctly PG. Now, instead of imagining Eddie pushing him against the wall, he imagines Eddie kissing him while he washes dishes. All of the sudden he wants soft kisses and love confessions. He wants a life with Eddie and Chris that doesn't depend on his ability to stay in a dancing competition.

He wants everything to stay the same when this is all over. He wants to be asked to stay. He wants this to feel like this is more than playing house.

Buck isn't able to wallow for long because Christopher crashes into the room, "We're not going to have time to eat breakfast together if you don't get out of bed soon Buck!"

Buck hops out of bed, "Sorry Superman! I'm just tired from all the dancing last night."

"I think you're just lazy Buck," Chris teases.

Buck gasps dramatically and faints back on to the bed in offense. Christopher's giggles and complaints make his chest feel like it's going to burst.

"Mijo, I thought I asked you not to wake Buck," Eddie leans against the doorframe like a model, and Buck has to advert his gaze in order to not do something stupid like confess his feelings.

"I want to eat breakfast together before school."

Eddie laughs, "Well if you had waited for two minutes before running in here you would know that school is delayed this morning."

Chris shrieks happily while Buck looks out the window checking for snow for remembering that it's September and he's not in Pennsylvania anymore, "Why?"

"The AC's down and they don't want to melt all the third graders," Eddie finishes his joke with a poke to Christopher's side, "The repair guy is apparently there now so you'll go going in at 11."

Christopher looks at the clock on Buck's bedside table, clearly doing some sort of math in his head, "When do you guys have rehearsal?"

"12, half days on the day after the show remember, mijo?" Eddie asks and Christopher nods.

"So we have time for a movie?" Buck doesn't know how Eddie gets anything done when Christopher has puppy dog eyes like that.

"Breakfast first, then a movie," Eddie relents.

Chris cheers and Buck finds himself cheering with him. Buck still can't get over how infectious Chris's joy is. His excitement follows them from Buck's bedroom to the kitchen as Chris keeps up a constant stream of chatter about what parts of school he'll be missing today.

The three of them sit at the kitchen table each with matching bowls of cereal. Buck pictures what they must look like from an outside perspective. Would someone look at them and see a family?

"What's your favorite Disney movie?" Eddie asks during a lull in Chris's storytelling.

Eddie, despite refusing to admit it, is superstitious. He absolutely refuses to select songs before official confirmation that they're still in the competition. Eddie argues that it's so they can focus on one dance at a time, but Buck knows he's just afraid to jinx it. Which means that less than twelve hours after eliminations Buck can tell Eddie's contemplating their next dance while finishing his cheerios.

"Lilo and Stitch."

"Tarzan," Chris says at the same time before processing Buck's answer, "No! You love Tarzan. You've watched it with me four times."

Buck chuckles, "Well that's because it's your favorite buddy. Tarzan is really good, but Lilo and Stitch holds a special place in my heart."

"What's so special about Lilo and Stitch?" Chris crosses his arms, clearly offended on behalf of his favorite movie.

"Well, it's all about finding a family and fighting for the people you love. Ohana means family and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten," Buck lets out a small breath, "I like the idea of not being left behind or forgotten."

"Tarzan has that too, and the mom picks Tarzan and keeps him. That's what I like about that movie Tarzan's mom finds him and then they all stay together in the end," Chris explains.

Eddie's face shifts quickly and Buck feels like all of the air has been sucked out of the room. Buck has never thought to ask about Chris's mom, but from the look on Eddie's face Buck can tell the Tarzan story hits a little close to home. Suddenly the cereal in his stomach feels like lead.

Chris seems unphased, "Plus Lilo and Stitch barely has any songs for you guys to dance to. Tarzan has the best songs."

Eddie shakes his head quickly and turns to look at Chris, "You're right about that one, bud. Not sure we're the right demographic to be doing a hula, Buck."

"Yeah yeah. I open my heart to you people about my favorite movie and you both clown on me. How about we go watch Tarzan and see if watching it a fifth time will make it my favorite movie?"

Chris accepts the offer happily, and Buck only has a moment to shoot Eddie a look before he follows Chris into the living room. Eddie is avoiding eye contact with him, but he does knock their knees together once they're sitting on the couch as if to say everything's okay, we'll talk later.

Buck takes what he can get, already feeling like he's intruding on a situation that's so much bigger than himself. Chris seems oblivious to the emotions Buck can clearly see Eddie suppressing, happily pushing play and singing along to the opening number.

They watch the beginning in comfortable silence before Eddie shoots up quickly. Before Buck can process what's happening Eddie is rewinding to the start of the Trashing the Camp song. Then Eddie begins to dance.

What he's doing is more involved than the other dances have been so far including a complicated moment where Eddie does a full body roll on the floor. It a little messy and at times Eddie's unable to fully convey what he's planning without Buck dancing with him, but that just makes it all the more magical.

Buck's used to Eddie dancing in the studio or on stage, but something about him here in living room feels more intimate. Eddie's letting Buck into his and Christopher's life, it's an gift unlike anything he's ever been given before.

So when Chris restarts the scene with a shout of encore and Eddie pulls Buck up to dance with him, Buck can't help but picture forever. Dancing to Disney movies in the living room, waltzes in the kitchen at two in the morning, Eddie twirling Buck down the hallway. The three of them making a family where he doesn't get left behind.

The spell is broken when Eddie looks up at him with a mischievous grin and says, "Oh I am so putting you in a Tarzan wig!"

Eddie knows he's been set up the second Buck opens his mouth after they drop Christopher off at school.

"So about what happened this morning," Buck keeps his eyes on the road, but Eddie can feel the way his eyes keep quickly darting to him.

Eddie sighs dragging a hand down his face, Buck seems to take this as a sign to continue, "I don't need to know everything, but if I'm spending a lot of time with Chris it might be helpful to know at least a little so I don't say anything to hurt him."

The walls Eddie had felt himself building come crumbling down in an instant. Of course Buck is asking for Chris. In the past few weeks Buck has centered Chris so fully in his life that Eddie almost forgets that Buck hasn't been in Chris's life this whole time. Buck isn't out to get him by asking about Shannon, he's trying to help Chris.

Eddie breathes out slowly, "Shannon, Chris's mom, she and I have been divorced since I've been on the show. She's dancing with a company in New York right now. I've had full custody of Christopher since I started the show."

Buck nods, "Is she in his life at all?"

Eddie shrugs, "My Tia calls her a CEO mom. It's not nice but it's sort of true."

Buck looks confused, "Like a girl boss or—"

Eddie laughs, "C.E.O. Christmas and Easter only. It's a thing old judgemental Catholic ladies say. Shannon visits maybe twice a year, and she sends post cards, but she's not really in the mental space to be a mother to Chris."

"I can't imagine leaving a kid like Chris," Buck's eyes look a little watery.

"I can."

"Eddie, what?"

"When we found out about Chris I got this job dancing on a cruise ship. It was a great opportunity, and because all my expenses were paid I was able to send all my money back to Christopher. I did that for two years before Shannon begged me to come home, but Chris needed another surgery and we would have lost our insurance so I signed up for another six months without telling her," Eddie refuses to let his voice waiver.

"Eddie, you were trying to provide for Chris," Buck argues.

"I was running away too. I was scared, Chris was so small and so sick and I didn't know how to support him. Then I got offered Dancing with the Stars and it's like everything fell into place," Eddie explains.

Buck nods, but doesn't say anything, "Then five weeks before the show Shannon printed out divorce papers and the email of her booking a show out in New York and left without saying a word to me."

"So now she's just Christmas and birthdays?" Buck asks.

"No, she came back once. During my first season out of troupe and on the main cast. She asked to see Christopher after having not spoken to him at all since she left. I almost let her, but then she said something and we had this huge argument," Eddie's stomach twists remembering that day.

"What- what did she say?" Buck urges him to continue.

"She said she blamed herself for Christopher's CP. Just something about the way she said it really hit me that day. She kept talking about Chris's disability like it was a bad thing, and don't get me wrong I know some people see it that way but— she's his mom. I can't have her thinking like that. Chris's CP isn't a bad thing or a good thing. It's just a neutral thing," Eddie feels the heat rise in his chest again after all these years.

"The sun rises in the east, summer comes after spring, and Christopher has cerebral palsy," Buck offers.

"Exactly. Except I was pissed and said something like: Chris was born with CP the same way I was born gay and you can't do anything about it. Not the best way to come out to my ex wife," Eddie shakes his head.

"Yeah, not the smoothest thing you could have said," Buck smiles softly at him, "But she's better now?"

"Yeah, and I think Chris understands it more now, but obviously it's still hard on him. So we're at Christmas and birthdays and and sometimes Shannon calls me after therapy and we compare notes on how badly my parents traumatized us," Eddie laughs.

"She's cool with the whole—" Buck waves his hand broadly, "gay thing?"

"Oh yeah, when she found out I was getting a male partner she was so excited. Apparently having a gay ex-husband gives you serious street-cred in the New York dance world. She's practically Liza Minnelli now," He rolls his eyes, but the tension he'd felt at the start of the conversation has mostly left him.

Buck nods and continues driving them the last few miles to the studio lot. Finally when they arrive Buck turns to look at him after shutting off the engine.

"Hey, Eddie?" Buck's face is soft, "Thank you for telling me."

Eddie smiles tapping Buck's shoulder lightly, "Thanks for listening. Now let's get a move on, Tarzan. This dance I have planned isn't going to learn itself."

118 Crew

Eddie: Insane Tommy Kinard lore update

May: wait mom told you???

Eddie: Wait your mom knows?

Chim: Is it the lore I know or different lore

Ravi: can one of you bitches reveal your lore i'm begging

Eddie: Buck's last girlfriend is Tommy's ex-fiance

May: NOT MY NEWS

Karen: Buck dated Abby Clark???

Chim: wow a true love triangle

Eddie: Right???

Eddie: Wait, Chim what?

Chim: Oh my lore is that Tommy said he's going to ask Buck out, so you know fully connected triangle. None of that twilight bullshit where the boys don't kiss

Ravi: a. gross Tommy is like 100, and b. Chimney have you seen challengers

Albert: Agreed on the gross, unwilling to think about my BROTHER watching challengers

May: i am also on team gross! and on team #buddie

Eddie: who is buddie

May: wouldn't you like to know weather boy?

Eddie: ???

Chim: for clarification I have ofc seen challengers and I am also team #buddie

Hen: So the children are in agreement that Tommy is old and gross

Ravi: well yeah, the girls and gays have hated Tommy since day one

Karen: clearly Buck is into old bc Abby Clark is like twice his age…

Chim: Abby was at least nice when she was on the show, Tommy thought I was the Chinese food delivery guy

Eddie: who is buddie and why do you want him to date Buck

Karen: Eddie no, buddie is you

Eddie: Like a code name?

Ravi: normally i appreciate that you're a chronically offline king, but this is a bit much buck + eddie = buddie

Eddie: I don't do showmances

May: silence flop I don't have time for your emotional constipation

Eddie: I-

May: ANYWAY I too have Tommy Kinard lore

Albert: is athena finally taking him out back and old yellering him?!

May: close…

May: this is officially his last season!!!!!

Ravi: i've prayed for times like these

Karen: We're popping bottles babes!!

Eddie: !!!

Hen: While this is the great news can we circle back to Buck telling Eddie about his past relationship? How did that convo happen?

May: yeah we can celebrate Eddie's wario leaving the show at the cookout next week

Eddie: I was telling him about Shannon, and he was like I have a Shannon her name is Abby

Chim: Abby left him and his child in the middle of the night?

Eddie: Rude. No, Abby's mom died and she went to Europe and ghosted Buck for like six months before he finally accepted they were over

Ravi: damn maybe Abby and Tommy were a match made in heaven

Chim: Too bad he's gay… I blame Eddie for that

Eddie: ????

Hen: No, wait, Chim you're on to something. Tommy coming out the same year Eddie started the show? A little too convenient

Eddie: EW!!!!!!!

Chim: You changing backstage during your first season went triple platinum for the DWTS boy kissers

Albert: I'm begging you to stop flirting with Eddie in front of me

Chim: You invaded my workplace and my friend group I can be horny on main if I want

Eddie: No showmances rule applies to you too, Chim

Chim: Don't worry my heart belongs to another

May: all of your closest friends and your dance partner this season are lesbians when have you had time to give your heart to another

Chim: It's amazing who you run into on show days. Especially when a certain someone is making heart eyes at his dance partner and abandons his sister

Eddie: ??? Who was making heart eyes??? Taylor and the bachelor guy??

May: awww he's stupid

Eddie: Rude again!

Eddie: Speaking of dance partners, can Buck come to the cookout next week or is it strictly 118?

Ravi: oh it's serious serious

May: !!!! you've never asked to bring someone to the 118 before ofc he can come!!! we love Buck and TK is coming too

Hen: If Buck's coming he should bring his sister, right Chim?

Chim: YES

Chim: I mean

Chim: Could be cool

Eddie: Perfect, I'd feel weird leaving him at my house while Chris and I went

Karen: HUH

Eddie: Oh Buck's staying with me for a little while

Ravi: WHAT?!

Hen, Albert, and three more are typing…

"This is fully the greatest day of my life just so you know," Eddie smiles brightly at him.

The wig itches and the leather pants they have him in are giving Buck a wedgie, but he finds himself unable to complain when Eddie grins at him like that. Buck can't really complain about his costume when Eddie is basically wearing a loincloth and nothing else. Buck's pretty sure they're going to get through to the next round based on Eddie's abs alone.

Not that the dance isn't good. It's stupidly good. Eddie's really outdone himself this time. It's fun and exciting and Eddie even shakes his ass for the camera. Buck has seen a lot of dances on this show and this one is easily his favorite, and he gets to be in it!

An ugly wig couldn't ruin his good mood, "Yeah, yeah take a picture it'll last longer."

"We're about to be on live television in two minutes, I'm going to have high resolution video evidence tweeted at me like a thousand times in the next hour," Eddie reminds him.

"The people tweeting at you aren't going to be talking about my wig, they're going to be asking you to have their children," Buck does his best to avoid looking at Eddie's costume, or lack of one.

"I really doubt that."

"Well, that's what I'll be tweeting," Buck is only human, he's allowed to flirt with Eddie a little bit.

"So being Chris's Buck isn't enough now, you're going for full custody?" Eddie jokes.

"Or we could give him a sibling, a PT once told me I have child bearing hips," Buck shakes his hips for good measure.

Eddie laughs, "Save that for the dance floor, Tarzan."

Before he can respond PA's are ushering him into place as the lights fade on the stage. Eddie gives him one last look before getting into position.

"Remember trust me and trust your body. We've got this."

Eddie's right they do have it. The dance goes off without a hitch and Buck spots Maddie at the end flying out of her seat to give them a standing ovation. Eddie clings to him during the judges feedback and Buck is so high on the thrill of his bare skin he doesn't have time to be nervous for the judging.

He doesn't need to because they receive two nines and an eight. Buck doesn't think he'll ever be able to forget the look on Eddie's face when Athena had given them a nine. Over the last three weeks Buck has learned that Athena's feedback means more to Eddie than anyone else.

He can understand why. Athena is consistently the one to score lower than the other judges, and she is always the harshest when it comes to feedback. Buck finds himself equal parts afraid of and obsessed with her. Eddie seems to share a similar sentiment.

"Well boys you just got the first nine of the season and the highest score my wife has given out during week three ever. How does it feel?" Bobby asks them.

Eddie is beaming under the praise, "I think this means Buck has to wear the wig for the rest of the season."

Buck laughs, "Seriously, though I'm so incredibly proud and thankful for Eddie's hard work this week. He's a visionary. Oh—and special shout out to Eddie's son who inspired this dance by making us watch Tarzan five times this week."

Eddie laughs and smiles directly at the camera, "Hi Chris!"

Buck waves as well until Bobby moves the show along to the next set of dancers.

Buck spends the rest of the night on a high, which is why when he and Eddie are announced as safe he can't stop himself from yelling, "Carly Rae Jepsen!" loud enough for everyone to hear.

Eddie laughs so hard Buck has to physically elbow him to stop long enough for them to announce who's going home. Buck sheds some tears at Red and Ana being eliminated, but it's nowhere near the waterworks he had during Ravi's departure last week.

So when he checks twitter later and sees a gif of him clinging to Eddie and screaming about Carly Rae Jepsen in a Tarzan wig he can't even begin to feel embarrassed.

Ren @dwts_fan11

Trying not to be parasocial about Buck and Eddie, but why did Buck watch Tarzan with Eddie's child five times this week?

Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool

Can not wait to use that gif of Buck screaming about queen of pop CRJ every twenty minutes

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan
Athena Grant being the biggest buddie warrior this season was not on my bingo card, but I'm incredibly grateful for it

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

damn they're voting off the old people now. this is worse than great british bake off fr! are the two dudes married why does it sound like they live together? #dwts

Ren @dwts_fan11

@Lukedaduke912 welcome to buddie nation legend

Buck! @buckbuckley

For those wondering why I screamed about my queen @carlyraejepsen on #dwts it's bc next week is pop icons week and Eddie promised we could dance to her music. This is more important to me than anything ever, and I was in the Olympics

Carly Rae Jepsen @carlyraejepsen

@buckbuckley rooting for you!!!

Eddie @EddieDiazDWTS

@carlyraejepsen he's running around the house screaming and crying because you know he exists fyi. We'll do our best to honor you next week :)

Ren @dwts_fan11

why are buck and eddie together in a house rn it's 10pm??? Eddie Diaz i know what you are

Chapter Text

Week 4.

Buck is easily having the best week of his life. He's been recognized by his favorite artist, Chris finally agreed to watch Lilo and Stitch, and Eddie started using a new hair gel that allows for a few stray strands to fall in his face.

His good mood is only bolstered by the fact that he's been invited to an exclusive barbecue at Bobby and Athena's house. Buck has heard Eddie mention the 118 groupchat offhandedly a couple of times, but he hadn't understood the importance of it until he and May were eating lunch together one day during rehearsal.

"The show is kind of cliquey sometimes," May explains, "Bobby says we're a family, and we are, but I consider some people to be more like distant cousins and weird uncles."

Buck doesn't miss the dirty look she sends Tommy Kinard's way at that comment, but she continues without acknowledging it, "The 118 is the people who Bobby and Mom have deemed worthy enough to come to our actual home address."

"And I'm worthy enough?" Buck asks genuinely surprised.

"Eddie thinks so," Buck flushes at the her words, "and that's good enough for the rest of us. Plus I'm pretty sure you're mom's favorite dancer this season."

"Really?" That's news to him. Sure she had given them a nine last week, but Buck had attributed that to Eddie, not him.

May nods, seemingly unphased by how much Athena's approval means to Buck, "By the way, I have a million tiktok ideas. Ravi wants to do one of the pass the phone challenges, but I'm worried it's a little overdone. What do you think?"

"We could prank Eddie and just keep passing the phone back to him?" Buck offers.

"You're an evil genius," May laughs, then her face changes, seemingly remembering something, "Oh! I forgot, but Chim said that Tommy wants to ask you out."

Buck cocks his head in confusion, "I kind of got the impression that you don't like him."

"I don't. Mom's been wanting him off the show since he called Hen a bitch during her first season working here, but he's a nepo-baby so she's been playing the the long game," May scowls.

"He called Hen a bitch? She seems kinda friendly with him now," Buck's genuinely surprised by this revelation.

"Chim and Hen have this weird frenemies thing with him. The show has diversified a lot since Chim first started, but I think they're both stuck in the survival mindset sometimes. Tommy's better than he was, but me, Ravi, and Albert aren't really willing to forgive and forget," May shrugs.

"So if he asks me out you think I should say no?" Buck asks.

"No, I already know you will. I see the way you and Eddie look at each other, there's no room for Tommy in that equation."

Buck flushes, "Eddie doesn't do showmances."

"Eddie also didn't do Erewhon until I started making him split a smoothie with me. Now he secretly goes after therapy and drinks it in the car before coming back to the studio," May smirks.

Buck thinks about the Erewhon cup he'd seen in Eddie's truck the other day, "How do you know that?"

"I have everyone in the 118 on find my friends, actually, you know what? Give me your phone I want to track you too," May grabs his phone out of his hands.

"You're kinda insane," the insult doesn't hit the same with how happily Buck is laughing.

"Oh, you don't even know the half of it," Eddie tells him coming over to sit with them.

Buck wants to test a theory, "Hey, we should go to Erewhon after rehearsal."

"Buck we're not an Erewhon household, those smoothies are like twenty dollars," Eddie scowls.

His phone buzzes with a text from May.

May: he's a lying liar who lies.

May: makes you wonder what else he's lying about, huh?

May: perhaps his thoughts on showmances are also a lie

Buck: die

May doesn't dignify his text with a response and instead says out loud, "Eddie, Buck and I have a great idea for a tiktok. Do you know the pass the phone challenge?"

May: Hi my name is May and I'm passing the phone to someone who thinks this is a normal pass the phone challenge.

Eddie: I'm Eddie and I'm passing the phone to someone who cried so hard watching Lilo & Stitch he got snot on my throw pillow.

Buck: Hi I'm Buck, and I'm passing the phone to someone who tried to google what turning nineteen in Poland meant for an hour before finally asking me.

Eddie: Hi I'm Eddie again, and I'm passing the phone to someone who has forced me to do his taxes for the last three years because he got audited.

Chimney: Oh my god he said that? Fine I'm pulling out the big guns I'm passing the phone to someone who — [the camera cuts abruptly]

Eddie: I'm Eddie again and Chimney lost his turn apparently. I'm passing the phone to someone who cried when Julia Fox liked his tweet.

Ravi: Hi I'm Ravi, the guy who got his tweet liked by Julia Fox, and I'm passing the phone to someone who once jumped through the window of the tour bus instead of going through the door like a normal person.

Eddie: Why me again? Okay, fine, I'm passing the phone to someone who kissed three members of the cast at the holiday party last year.

Albert: [Albert blows a kiss to the camera] I'm passing the phone to someone who got asked to star in a step it up reboot but declined.

Eddie: I'm passing the phone to someone who called a stranger's mother because her son was being homophobic on the internet.

Hen: I'm passing the phone to someone who, when he came out to me, did a body roll in effort to break the tension, and then had a panic attack.

Eddie: How many times are you going to give me this fucking phone? Okay, uh, I'm passing the phone to someone who once had a woman fake her death in order to get out of seeing her.

Karen: Did he really say that's how it happened? Oh I'm going to kill him. I'm passing the phone to someone who got so wine drunk on my living room floor he convinced himself that the room had flipped upside down.

Eddie: I'm passing the phone to someone who is going to get smacked if she gives me this phone one more time.

May: [giving a peace sign to the camera then turning to include Athena]

Athena: I'm passing the phone to a bunch of people who need to focus on dancing instead of making videos.

[a clip of the dancers and Buck pretending to look ashamed]

Eddie loves Bobby and Athena's house. It's spacious and beautifully designed, but more than that, every time he's there it's full of his favorite people on earth. If Eddie had to draw their house he wouldn't be able to do it without sketching Chimney sprawled on the couch or Bobby at the stove pulling something out of the oven.

He can't picture the house without imagining Ravi and May sitting cross legged on the floor playing cards or Karen holding a glass of wine in the corner. Now though, there's a new addition to his mental picture, Buck in the back yard with Christopher on his back laughing while Albert tries to teach him to krump.

Buck has natural talent as a dancer, but he's still a white boy from Pennsylvania and krumping is so far out of his wheelhouse that Eddie can't help but laugh. Albert and Buck get along well, but it's clear Albert isn't the kind of teacher Buck needs. Albert keeps shaking his head in disappointment while Buck fumbles as Christopher giggles on his back.

He's so focused on watching them that he doesn't notice when Athena slides up to him, "Your boy is a good dancer, not right now of course, but normally."

"Yeah, if we make it to the finale we're not doing a hiphop that's for sure," Eddie laughs.

"You've never invited anyone to my home before," damn, Eddie had been lured into a false sense of security by making fun of Buck.

"'Thena," Eddie starts.

"I'm just stating an observation," Athena cuts him off, "It's nice to see you connect with a partner like this, you're a phenomenal dancer Eddie, but connection is half of the battle. You're dancing better than I've ever seen you."

Eddie feels his throat tighten at the praise, "Thank you."

"Don't thank me, Bobby's the one who suggested the match. I wanted you with Lena," Athena answers honestly.

"We would have been fine," fine, but not great like him and Buck.

"Sure, but the last three weeks have been a hell of a lot more than fine, and you know it," Athena keeps her tone neutral, "It's not my job to tell you what you already know—Lord knows my daughter does that enough for the both of us. All I'm saying is dancing can't be done all in your head, so don't expect the rest of life to work that way either."

Athena heads into the kitchen with one last glance in his direction leaving Eddie alone with his thoughts. He's so caught up thinking about Buck that he doesn't even notice when the man in question appears in front of him.

"I think Chimney is flirting with my sister."

Oh. That's who they'd been talking about in the group chat the other day. Eddie looks over at the two of them playing what appears to be an incredibly competitive game of go fish. Eddie thinks they'd be a good couple despite the nervous look on Buck's face.

"Yeah, Chim's got a major crush on her. He even stopped flirting with me," Eddie jokes.

"Why does Chimney get to flirt with you but I don't?"

Eddie laughs, "You flirt with me plenty, bud. You think if I'm not going to break my no showmance rule for you, I'd break it for Chimney?"

"So you're saying Chim's not the kind of person you'd date? Maddie has been through a lot," Buck jaw clenches in worry.

"Chim is an amazing person, he'd be really good for Maddie. Just because I don't want to date the guy doesn't mean Maddie shouldn't," Eddie placates.

Buck's shoulders settle slightly, "Cool," then he leans back against the wall hands in his pocket, "So if Chimney's not your type what is?"

All of the protective brother nerves are gone and replaced with the bravado Eddie's used to seeing. It's a strange mix of the flirty confident Olympian who had made a name for himself on tiktok this summer, and the soft golden retriever human hybrid that's taken up residence in his guest room. Eddie feels a little drunk on the smile Buck sends his way.

Well in for a penny, "Tall, broad shoulders, curly hair, good with kids, looks like a surf bro and a golden retriever had a baby," Eddie leans into Buck's space a little bit despite knowing better.

"Oh yeah?" Buck whispers, "Know anyone matching that description?"

Eddie pretends to think, tapping his finger to his chin, "Bobby's hair might curl if he grew it out a little. Too bad I have this rule about showmances."

Buck pouts, "When does a showmance stop being a showmance and become a real romance?"

"With Bobby? Probably never— he's married, and Athena scares me," Eddie jokes.

"You're mean," Buck pokes him in the chest.

"For not wanting to break up a marriage?" Eddie fakes innocence.

Before Buck can respond Ravi is running up toward them yelling about some sort of tiktok trend Eddie is absolutely needed for. Eddie goes with Ravi willingly, happy to burst the bubble of whatever had been brewing during this conversation.

Eddie's not willing to take the next step with Buck, not now when they're only on week four of this competition, maybe not ever. He's got five more weeks of dancing with the guy if everything goes well, and then Buck is back to his apartment and to being a world famous Olympian.

Eddie's going to go back to his house, and his son and a job that he loves. He's going back to a life that's never felt lonely before, but now Eddie's chest already aches at the idea of a life without Buck. This whole thing is going to hurt like hell when it's over.

But for now, Buck is playing tag with Christopher while May cheers him on, and Eddie lets himself pretend a little bit longer. He pretended he was straight for twenty years, he can pretend this is all going to work out for another five weeks.

The last three dances Buck and Eddie have done have been upbeat and fun. Still creative and technically impressive, but still distinctly fun. Buck sort of expected that to be the case with this one too.

Eddie had other plans.

It's not that the dance isn't fun, it really is, but it's also more intimate than the others had been so far. Sure last week he and Eddie had been dancing shirtless and there had been some moments that where they danced closely, but this week blew it out of the water.

Eddie had been clear that they needed to have a routine with more lifts and because they're both strong enough both Eddie and Buck have lifts in this dance. This results in Buck spending the whole week of rehearsals either being touched by Eddie or touching him.

"Normally guys have a leg up in the show because they throw their partners around and it looks really good on camera even if all they're doing is standing there while their partner is doing all the work. Taylor's been doing that like crazy this season it's driving me nuts," Eddie had complained.

"You saying you don't want me to throw you around?" Buck had asked.

"Trust me I do, but I'm going to be throwing you around just as much. Now stand over there, we need to rework that eight count."

Buck doesn't understand how Eddie can do that, go from flirting with him to bossing him around so easily. Although, Buck wouldn't be opposed to Eddie bossing him around outside of the dance studio too.

After the flirting at Athena and Bobby's house and long week of touching, so much touching, Buck has to pretend to have dinner plans with Maddie so he can go back to his empty apartment and jerk off. It's fucking embarrassing, but it's apparently an occupational hazard of spending all of his time with Eddie Diaz.

Thankfully the nerves of the performance have overtaken any other less than PG thoughts that have filled his brain this week. Eddie is in final rehearsals for the pro number and Maddie won't be here for another couple hours, so Buck is hiding in a corner of a studio just trying to work through his nerves.

They're getting to the point of the competition where it's starting to be serious. There's still a couple pairs that aren't at the level of everyone else, but after that it's going to start being a really tight competition.

He's not surprised when someone finds him hiding away, but he is surprised at who finds him. Thomas isn't someone he's been particularly close with during the last few weeks, but everyone is a little enamored with the older man.

Buck remembers watching reruns of his sitcom with Maddie growing up. Even then Thomas, playing the father, had been older, but it still feels like a shock to see him with gray hair and more wrinkles.

He and Karen make a great pair, she's an incredible teacher and she has the patience of a saint. Thomas isn't a spring chicken, but he's got a sense of rhythm and incredible charm that's kept him in the competition this long.

"What are you doing hiding here all alone?" Thomas asks.

"Nervous," he admits, "I don't want to go home. This my first dance doing complicated lifts and I don't want to drop Eddie."

Thomas laughs, "My husband and I met dancing. I stepped on his foot and he just smiled like it was charming."

"You told that story for your interviews your first week right? I cried like a baby when I watched it," Buck admits.

"That's part of the reason I went on the show," Thomas smiles softly, "To tell that story, our story. We were in the closet for so many years while I was acting. I just wanted everyone to hear my name and think of me and Mitchell, not some acting work I did when I was forty and in the closet."

"Will you tell me about it? The two of you I mean," Buck asks.

So Thomas does. He spins a tale of two young men in love. Of being gay in Hollywood while building a life with Mitchell. His story ventures off into little vignettes of a life well lived, of all the adventures the two have been on together. He pulls out his phone and shares all the photos that go with it.

Buck can feel the tears in his eyes, but he doesn't let them fall, "I hope I can find that kind of love someday."

"You don't find it son, you make it."

He thinks of Eddie and Christopher, and the family he's wormed his way into. Desperate to be asked to stay there after this is all over. They could make that, a family. He knows they could.

Buck just nods, throat too tight to form words.

"You'll get there," He places a hand on Buck's shoulder, "It's been really special to see you in the public eye. You and all your muscles, and your pride flag sticker, and your male dance partner. It's everything people like us need to see on television."

Buck never really put much thought into coming out as bi. One day, a boy kissed him and he realized he could expand the playing field, and that had been that. No big gay crisis, no repression; just a decent kiss and a four hour google session.

Being a queer Olympian hadn't even been something he thought about until one of the woman from the U.S. Soccer team had mentioned something about it during the opening ceremony when Buck had offhandedly mentioned his bisexuality.

It's not that he's not proud, he is—so incredibly proud, but he forgets about the weight of it sometimes. Forgets that Eddie and him are the first male duo this show has ever had, and what that means for people. He forgets that people like Thomas and Mitchell paved the way for people like Buck and Eddie.

"I couldn't do it without all of the people that came before me," Buck says honestly.

"You and me both, kid," Thomas keeps his had on Buck's shoulder and tightens his grip, "Would you do an old man a favor?"

"Anything," Buck offers honestly.

"I want you to win this for me, for all of us."

Buck sucks in a large breath, "I'm going to try. I really am."

They sit together for a while longer, until it's time to get ready for the show. Then, sometime later, when Thomas is eliminated from the show, Buck finally lets the tears he's been holding in all day fall. Eddie keeps a warm hand on his back while Buck cries.

"I really liked Thomas," Eddie says softly into Buck's ear as the cameras turn off and the lights go down.

"Me too."

Evan "Buck" Buckley sits down with Pink News to talk the Olympics, Dancing with the Stars, and becoming a Tiktok sensation.

If you've spent any time on social media this past summer you know Evan Buckley, affectionately known as Buck by his family and fans. He originally rose to fame by creating hundreds of tiktoks hilariously documenting his time at the Olympic Summer Games in Paris. From trending dances to comedy videos, Buck quickly became a fan favorite of the US Olympians.

Two million new followers isn't the only thing Buck took home from Paris this year. Buckley and his rugby team took home a bronze medal in Men's Rugby, the first medal the U.S. team has received in decades.

Now he's on the hunt for a new prize, the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, given to the winner of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Buck and his partner, professional ballroom dancer Eddie Diaz, are the first male partnership to appear on the show. Not only is the partnership historic, it's also been a fan—and judge— favorite this season.

Buck and I sat down at a cafe to discuss the show, the Olympics, and his recent social media fame.

So Buck, you got your following through Tiktok. Talk to me about how that happened.

Honestly, I was making the tiktoks for myself more than anything. Rugby is so high intensity that even after a match you're still filled with adrenaline. All through college and now playing professionally, I've always struggled to come down from that intensity.

Some of my coping methods were healthier than others, but Tiktok started to be the one that stuck. Any time I needed to get out of my head I knew I could film a silly tiktok, it was really a way to wind down.

More than that, though, it was about connection. Being in Paris was overwhelming, even though I had a team it was isolating. I was meeting all of these people, but everyone was so focused on their main goal, you know? Then I could post on social media and talk to people and hear their stories and know they were rooting for me. It was pretty special.

I have to say I'm a huge fan of the show, and I was really excited to see you cast. How has the experience been so far?:

You might be a fan of the show, but I promise no one is more of a fan than my sister Maddie. If there are two constants of my childhood, they're my sister and Athena Grant, but that being said I honestly haven't watched the show in years.

So for me being on the show has felt like a homecoming. Sometimes when I'm watching the other dancers I almost feel like I'm in my childhood home watching the show instead of being on the show. Then Eddie will whisper a comment about how impressive May's choreography is or something and then I remember I'm actually competing.

Speaking of Eddie Diaz, Dancing with the Stars is famous for creating fast connections between dance partners. What has it been like working with Eddie?

Eddie is the best partner anyone could ask for. I think one of the things that draws people into the show is watching the friendships form. The nature of the show is that you and your partner spend a lot of time together. Eddie and I have practically been living in each others pockets since the show began. There's not a lot of people willing to put up with me that much, so I really lucked out with that one.

I've never had a best friend until I met Eddie.

In addition to you being such good friends your partnership is also special because you're the first male partnership on the show, can you talk about what that means to you?

At first, I honestly didn't think about it, the show is actually the one who approached me about having a male partner, and well I'm an equal opportunity kind of guy. [Buck laughs] It wasn't until I saw the reaction from other people that I could start to understand the opportunity I had been given.

Now I think about little Buck who watched the show and wondered about his place in the world, and little Eddie growing up in the Texas ballroom scene navigating his identity and the expectations of the world around him. I wonder how our lives might have been different if we had seen someone like us.

More than that, I think about all the people who came before us. One of the things I'm still learning about being a queer person in the public eye is that I sit on the shoulders of giants. Everything I am and will ever be is owed to people I've never met who fought like hell for me.

This is how I fight, by being myself, and learning to dance on national television and screaming about Carly Rae Jepsen like a weirdo. There are people who watched the Olympics or are watching this show and I'm the first bi guy they've ever seen, and I'm slowly learning how important it is for me to take up that space.

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Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool

Read Buck's interview during my chem lab and now I'm crying while trying to do titrations… will my tears impact my results

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

Karen Wilson I know you're married and twenty years my senior but all I'm asking for is one chance

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

Another old man voted off #dwts and it's not even the one who looks like an easter island head… when is it my turn to be happy?

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

@lukedaduke912 oop not you being a tommy anti lol

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

@hanbanan the man is a horrible coach and also needs to tighten his elbows

Ren @dwts_fan11

@lukedadduke912 you just don't miss king!!! get tommy, his floppy elbows, and miss golden bachelorette OUTTA HERE

Gracie C. @gracecam

"I never had a best friend until I met Eddie" brb throwing myself off a bridge

Chapter Text

Week 5.

"Have you seen Rocky Horror Picture Show?" Buck asks him, except instead of saying Rocky Horror Picture Show properly he says it in pig latin.

"Stop talking funny," Chris whines.

It's a habit they've picked up after a month of living together. Whether it's something they don't want Chris to know or something he's too young to understand they say it in pig latin. It drives Chris up a wall especially when Buck told him that the only way to learn the language is to kiss a pig and Eddie had backed him up by making ridiculous snorting sounds.

"Sorry Chris, we're talking about a movie you're way too young for" Buck explains.

"I haven't seen it, but I know the time warp song, it would be fun to dance to," Eddie can picture a couple combinations that would go well.

"The show is insane," Buck waves his hands excitedly, "they do live performances of it and there's all these traditions that come with it. I've always wanted to go."

Eddie knows Buck well enough at this point that Buck already has a plan, but is too afraid to ask, "So when are we going then?"

Buck lights up, "There's a place near here that does midnight showings every day in October. Chris has that sleepover Friday so I thought we could do it then if you're really interested?"

"Of course, can I watch the time warp scene to get some ideas for choreo or would that be spoilers?" Eddie wiggles his fingers as he says spoilers to tease Buck.

Buck's quiet for a moment, genuinely weighing the pros and cons, "You can watch that scene, but only that scene!"

Then Buck flushes, "It's important to the experience if you haven't watched it. There's a name for it and everything."

"Oh yeah what's that?" Eddie asks.

Buck clears his throat, the blush remaining on his cheeks, "Uh, irginsvay." Virgins.

Eddie lets out a low whistle, "What are you getting me into, Buckley?"

"No more trouble than usual," Buck grins at him.

It takes most of Eddie's considerable will power to not kiss that grin off of Buck's lips. Thank goodness for Chris, who is once again loudly complaining about Buck's use of pig latin. They're only going to be able to use this system for so long before Chris cracks it out of pure spite.

In a world where Buck stays forever, Eddie can imagine it, Buck and Eddie having to create more and more complicated ways of communicating to keep secrets from Chris. The pig latin would probably last another few months before they'll have to move on to something else. Buck's been to Paris, maybe they can both learn French?

Of course, this is reality, and the show ends just before thanksgiving this year. He's not going to have to worry about Chris cracking their system in the next month. Eddie's a man living on borrowed time.

"You're coming trick or treating with us, right Buck?" Chris asks.

"I don't know," Buck teases, "are you finally going to tell me what you're dressing as?"

"Nope!" Chris laughs as Buck whines.

"Alright Christopher, you've got three more minutes to tease your Buck and then we've got to get going to school," Eddie reminds both of them.

Buck has been a huge help with their morning routine, but he's also a distraction. Often, Eddie has to be the time keeper when Buck and Chris find themselves too wrapped up in their friendship to notice the minutes ticking by.

"Do you think I'll get any Hershey bars? It will be like having a piece of Buck!" Chris wonders out loud.

"Probably, Superman," Buck's smiling but it isn't as bright as it was a few moments before, "I won't even steal any if you do. I've had enough Hershey to last a lifetime."

Eddie doesn't have to question if Buck means the town or the chocolate; from the look in his eyes, the answer is clear.

Buck's good mood is back as he and Chris discuss trick or treating. Buck's been buzzing with excitement about it since Eddie mentioned it to him a few weeks ago. Halloween actually falls on the same day as the show this year, but Eddie's neighborhood is one of those weird ones where everyone trick or treats on the last Saturday in October no matter what.

Eddie hates the rule on principle, but it's working out pretty well for him this year. Even if he worries that Christopher is missing out on the joy of trick or treating on a school night. Buck had also bristled at the idea of trick or treating on a day that wasn't actually Halloween, but he'd moved on when realizing it'd be the only way to take Chris because of the show.

Buck and Eddie are going as Crockett and Tubs from Miami Vice. Eddie had been the one to suggest it, and Buck had lit up like the forth of July at the idea. If that had been his reaction to Eddie and him having a joint costume he knows Buck is going to explode when he sees Chris on Saturday.

Chris had insisted he wanted to be an Olympian for Halloween, and who was Eddie to say no? Even though U.S. Men's Rugby player wasn't something they sold at party city, Eddie had made it work. With the help of Maddie and Carla, of course. Maddie had gotten him an official shirt and patches which Carla had stitched onto an old pair of shorts.

When Chris tried it on for the first time last week, Eddie had facetimed Maddie who had proceeded to cry for a solid five minutes. In the end, she had laughed it off with an apology and an explanation of He just looks so much like Buck.

The phrase sticks in his brain and rattles around in there until Friday when it fully cracks him open watching Buck and Chris hug goodbye while dropping Chris off for his sleepover. They really do look so much alike. Sandy hair and big light eyes. If the three of them walked down the street together it would be almost foolish to think they weren't all a family. His chest aches with want.

Then Buck turns to look at them as Chris runs to give Eddie one last hug, and Eddie reins his feelings in and thinks this is enough. It can be enough, to have Buck like this for as long as they're allowed.

Even if Buck doesn't want to be in their lives permanently, he's still selfless to a fault. He'd still come over for movie nights once in a blue moon if Eddie asked. Hell, Eddie knows that Buck's already planned Christmas gifts for Christopher. When the show stops airing in a month Eddie might not have Buck in his home—in his family—anymore, but Buck won't disappear off the face of the planet. Buck will give them something, and that will be enough; it has to be.

They have some time to kill between dropping Christopher at his friends and the midnight showing, which Buck had insisted be used to get ready. Of his friends, Chimney was the only one who seemed to understand the cult classic that was Rocky Horror Picture show and Buck had been picking his brain all week.

Now, Buck had a very meticulous list of everything he could possibly need, or need to know, for the showing. Eddie didn't understand a lot of it, but relented when Buck handed him a baggie containing rice, toast, a party hat and a couple other miscellaneous things Eddie didn't know the purpose of.

Buck had also added drinking to the to do list so Eddie was two shots in and now nursing a beer while Buck tore around the living room looking for things. Eddie's about to force him on to the couch just he can calm the fuck down when Buck turns to look at him.

"Do you know how to do eyeliner?" Buck asks, a little frantic.

"I'm a professional dancer, of course I know how to do eyeliner," Buck doesn't even let Eddie finish the sentence before he's tearing off into the other room. He returns shortly with some eyeliner and what Eddie thinks is holographic glitter.

"Buck you're acting like we're going to pride, I thought we were just seeing a show."

"Apparently, Rocky Horror is like pride but only for alternative slutty gay people," Buck flops on the couch and deposits the make up into Eddie's hands, "Those are Chimney's words by the way."

"So you want to fit in with the cool kids," Eddie teases.

"Eddie, I've never wanted anything more. I bought a mesh shirt for this," Buck looks deadly serious.

Eddie gets distracted picturing Buck in a mesh shirt, "Eddie hurry up and do my makeup, we're on a tight schedule."

"Are you this bratty in the bedroom too?" Eddie blames the alcohol for that question.

"Yes," Buck smirks, but continues, "but I have a different clipboard. Can you do my eyeliner now please?"

Eddie relents, and much of the rest of the night is spent in a flurry of frantic dress up and Buck quizzing Eddie on show etiquette, of which there is a lot. Eddie's under strict instructions to call one character a slut and another an asshole each time their names are said. What the fuck was this movie?

Buck wearing a mesh shirt prompts Eddie to wear an old queen shirt he's had forever that May took scissors to last year, resulting in it being both sleeveless and cropped. Buck made a joke about Eddie's slutty little tank top to which Eddie had responded, "I can literally see your nipples right now, Buck."

Eddie had really expected once they got to the theater he'd feel over dressed, but as it turns out he feels anything but. There are people here in just lingerie, and others in full costume. Eddie, in his band t-shirt, looks more normal than anything. Still, Buck seems happy, bouncing on the balls of his feet taking everything in.

"You ready for this?" Buck asks as they take their seats.

"Absolutely fucking not."

In the end Eddie was correct, he was absolutely not prepared for whatever the hell it was he just saw. The show was insane. Truly one of the most confusing things he's ever seen in his life. Despite that, he sort of enjoyed it.

There was something special about the chaos of the night; something even more special about the way Buck grins at him as it nears three o'clock in the morning and they're both drunk in the back of an uber.

Buck's got a bright red V drawn on his forehead in lipstick and his eyeliner has started to smudge around his eyes. The whole look is making Buck's eyes look incredibly blue. Eddie thinks, not for the first time, how easy it would be to reach over and take Buck's face in his hands to kiss him.

"I have no idea what happened, but it was easily the best movie I've ever seen in my entire life," Buck smiles so widely Eddie wonders if his cheeks hurt.

Eddie laughs, "God, I hope no one asks us the plot of the show during our interviews."

"Speaking of the show, I haven't talked to costumes this week. What are we wearing, because I don't think ABC's going to be able to air the show if we put you in those gold booty shorts," Buck's face is flushed. Eddie does his best not to examine why.

"First of all, if either of us is Rocky it's you," Eddie points a finger at him, "We're dressing up as the people at the party during the time warp scene. Just tuxes and party hats."

"That's tamer than I imagined," Eddie doesn't miss the way Buck pouts.

"Apparently Athena found out our song and told costumes that gold booty shorts were strictly forbidden," Eddie shrugs.

"You wore a loin cloth two weeks ago," Buck protests.

"That's how Tarzan dresses and it's a kids movie. It's a little different than dressing you up like someone made in a lab to be a sex god," Eddie moves to get out of the car as the uber driver pulls up to the house.

Buck follows behind him and then says so quietly that Eddie almost doesn't catch it, "I was, you know."

"A sex god?"

"Made in a lab," Buck's good mood has completely vanished.

Eddie unlocks the door silently, allowing Buck to continue, "I'm a savior baby, well a failed savior baby. I had a brother Daniel, he died and my parents never really forgave me for not saving him."

Eddie exhales, "That's not your fault."

The dam breaks, and Buck is sobbing. Eddie opens his arms and Buck falls into him. They stand like that for a moment, Buck just sobbing against Eddie's chest. Eddie doesn't let go of Buck, but he does lead him to the Buck's bedroom. Just like when they're dancing, Buck follows without question.

"Everything is going to be alright, Buck. You've got me, and Maddie, and Christopher. Let's get you to bed," Eddie pulls back the blanket and deposits Buck on to the bed.

He moves to go get Buck a glass of water when Buck says, "Stay."

Eddie freezes in the doorway. He knows it's the combination of alcohol and guilt in Buck's blood stream that's asking. This isn't a sign that Buck wants anything more than a friend to comfort him, but Eddie's heart still thumps loudly in his chest.

Eddie knows in the morning everything will go back to how it's been. In the morning this thing with Buck will still have an expiration date written on it. But here, in the darkness of the guest bedroom he's come to think of as Buck's, he ignores what he knows, lays down and let's himself hope.

Buck's mouth tastes like a rodent has died inside of it. That's the first thought he's able to register when he wakes up. The second thought is that his eyes feel puffy in that familiar way they always do when he's cried himself to sleep. Fuck.

Eddie leans in the doorframe looking at him, and all of the memories come flooding back, the show, crying about his family, and asking Eddie to stay. God he's so embarrassing when he's drunk.

"You want to talk about it?" Eddie's hiding his hands behind his back, but Buck ignores it in favor of answering Eddie's question.

"Nope."

Eddie nods and then reveals what he's been holding. A bag of take out and two drinks. As Eddie brings them closer, Buck can tell the smoothies are from Erewhon. Buck's heart flutters remembering his conversation with May.

"Breakfast burritos and these stupid expensive smoothies," Eddie explains as he hands the bag over before depositing himself on the bed, "I felt like an asshole getting these delivered, but only the best for Mr. Olympian."

Eddie bumps his shoulder playfully, "You don't strike me as the kind of guy who eats food in bed," Buck observes.

"Oh trust me, we're never eating food in my bed. When there's crumbs in the bed tonight that's your problem and your problem alone," Eddie takes a large bite of food.

"So, you're not going to make a habit of falling asleep in my bed?" Buck teases. Better to make the joke than be the butt of it.

"Don't get greedy, Buckley," Eddie laughs, "Besides, I'm pretty sure you just spilled pico de gallo on your pillow case."

"Sheets can be washed," Buck argues.

"I'm sure you'd know all about that, Buck," Eddie teases, "Now eat up, we've got an hour before we have to pick up Christopher and I'm pretty sure you're going to want to wash the glitter off of your face."

"Glitter doesn't go over well with the PTA moms?" Buck jokes.

"Nothing I do goes over well with the PTA moms," Eddie groans, "They can smell fear."

"Not even Chris's Halloween costume this year?" Buck asks in hopes of Eddie finally spilling the beans.

"Nice try, you're just going to have to survive until six when we go trick or treating," Eddie pats him on the back.

In reality, Buck only has to wait until four because Christopher is so excited to show Buck his costume that he puts it on two hours early. He insists Buck sit on the couch with his eyes closed while instructing his dad to properly film Buck's reaction.

Buck has a couple guesses about what Chris has decided on. If he had to put money on it, he'd wager either a firefighter or Wolverine. Buck and Chris had gotten into a heated debate a few weeks ago over who the best X-Man was and Chris had finally relented that Wolverine was pretty cool. Chris is the kind of kid who would dress as Buck's favorite hero just to make him smile.

So when Buck opens his eyes to Chris yelling surprise, he's already sort of expecting to cry. He just thought the tears would be prompted by an eight year old with fake claws, not one with his jersey and a paper mache bronze medal.

"Ta-da!" Chris does a proud spin to show off the back, "I'm you!"

Buck feels like his heart is going to explode. He leaps off the couch in an instant pulling Chris into a hug, "You are the best kid in the entire world, do you know that?"

"Of course I do, Buck," Christopher laughs, "You and Dad tell me all the time."

You and Dad. Buck and Eddie. A matching set.

"Well that's because it's true, mijo" Eddie sets the phone down, Buck will have to remember to get the video off of him later, "Though I still think you should have gone with a French rugby player, after all, they're the ones who won gold this year."

Buck shoots for snarky but finds the words coming out of his mouth to be entirely too sincere, "There aren't any French rugby players who get to hang out with the two best guys in the world. No medal is worth more than being friends with the Diaz boys."

"We love you too, Buck," Chris smiles widely then his face turns serious, "but you can't steal any of my candy tonight."

"Wouldn't dream of it, Superman."

It's not Buck Chris needs to be worried about when it comes to his candy. Eddie is constantly stealing from Christopher's bucket when he's not looking. Buck is offended on Chris's behalf until Eddie explains both the ethics of the dad tax and Chris's recent phase of hating fruit candy. Buck can't bring himself to be mad when Eddie opens a starburst and hands Buck the red one while popping the yellow one into his mouth as Christopher trudges on ahead of them.

"You like the yellow ones?" Buck wrinkles his nose.

"They're fine, but red is your favorite. You always trade your pinks for red when you and May steal candy from the front desk," Eddie explains.

Buck doesn't even have time to process the weight of Eddie's observation before they're arriving at the next house. Typically, Chris likes to go up to the houses alone while Buck and Eddie stand a few feet back, but this house has a particularly frightening mummy statue on the front porch.

Eddie and Buck each bracket one side of the boy as they make their way up to the porch. Buck does his best to distract Chris by sharing all of the mummy facts he knows. Chris cuts off his fact about Cleopatra with a loud trick or treat as the front door opens.

"Happy hallow— hey you're dressed as Buck from Dancing with the Stars!" The twenty something girl who opens the door exclaims.

"Pretty sure he's dressed as Evan Buckley from, you know, the Olympics, Ash" another twenty something calls out. Both of them have squatted to Chris's level and haven't looked up at Buck and Eddie.

"Well if the Olympics had Eddie Diaz dancing in a loin cloth maybe I'd mention that first, but from where I'm standing my show has the Olympics beat," Ash explains as she grabs a handful of candy for Christopher.

Chris giggles happily as a third young adult enters the doorway, this one takes note of them, "Um Ash and Liv, why are the guys from Ash's show on our porch?"

The second one, Liv, gets half a sentence of Buck's not just from the show before she's caught off by Ash squealing, "Oh my god, it's you guys."

"You just talked about him in a loin cloth. In front of him," Liv reminds her.

Buck laughs, "If it helps your embarrassment, I for one, agree."

Ash laughs while the other roommate whispers, "Oh my god, they're like this in real life too."

Christopher is watching the entire exchange with such unabashed glee that Buck doesn't even feel embarrassed about flirting with Eddie in front of strangers.

"Do you guys want a picture?" Eddie offers, cheeks bright red. Buck allows himself the delusion of thinking he caused that blush.

The girls insist on taking a picture not just with them but of Buck, Eddie, and Christopher. By the time they're done posing for the girls, Christopher has clearly hit his limit on trick or treating. Eddie hoists Chris on his hip as Buck takes hold of the candy bag. Before they can turn to leave, Ash dumps the rest of the candy bowl into their bag.

Buck goes to protest before he's cut off, "Sorry, when the cutest kid on earth comes to the door and I accidentally mention how hot his dad is he gets to have all the candy in the world. That's the law. Actually let me get my wallet, he deserves financial compensation."

Christopher cackles against Eddie's shoulder, "It's okay, Buck thinks my dad is pretty too. So I'm used to it."

"Sorry, he's an evil lying eight year old who wants me dead," Buck explains, hightailing it off the porch.

"One Buck always tells the truth and one Buck always lies," Buck doesn't turn his head to see which one of the girls says that. Too focused on making it back to the sidewalk before the blush can fully envelope his face.

They walk home in silence as Christopher curls into his fathers neck, content to fall asleep like that. Eddie holds out his hand and for a brief delirious moment Buck thinks he might be asking to hold his hand, until Buck realizes he's asking for more candy. Buck deposits a packet of sour gummy worms into Eddie's hand.

"You have an addiction to candy," Buck admonishes as they make their way to the front door.

"Sorry, does that make me less pretty?" Eddie teases.

"No, but your bad attitude does," Buck counters.

Eddie waves him off moving toward Christopher's bedroom. Buck busies himself by loading the dishwasher and sorting through the candy. Buck hasn't gone trick or treating since Maddie took him as a kid so he's not exactly sure what adults mean when they say they're checking over candy, but Buck dutifully checks over every piece. Eddie finds him as he's giving a kit-kat the stink eye.

"There razor blades in there or are you just not a fan of wafer candy?" Eddie asks from the doorway.

"Neither, just taking precautions," Buck puts the kit-kat down and moves on to inspecting the snickers.

"Well try not to taint any of Christopher's chocolate with your worrying," Eddie turns to leave the room, "Oh and Buck?" Eddie calls out over his shoulder.

"Yeah?"

"I think you're pretty too."

118 Crew

Eddie: *attachment: video of Chris surprising Buck with his costume*

May: eddie you can't send things like this Ravi, Al and I are at the club and now I'm crying

Chimney: So have you proposed marriage yet or?

Eddie: Remind me how your last relationship with a dance partner went Chim?

Hen: Boys. Play nice please

Chimney: I'm ignoring how rude that was and instead letting you all know that Maddie and I have a date

Ravi: at least someone is dating their Buckley

Chimney: RIP Eddie but I'm built different

Eddie: Why are you guys my friends?

Karen: Congrats on your date Chim!!

May: eddie you're our friend because we want what's best for you, and what's best for you is for you and buck to fall madly in love

Ravi: and to fuck nasty

May: that too

Albert: would you guys love me if I was a worm?

Chimney: No I'd feed you to a bird

Albert: wtf you're my brother you birthed me

Hen: How drunk did you let Albert get?

Chimney: Albert I did not birth you

Ravi: less than christmas more than last halloween

Karen: more than when he did a handstand on top of the bar last year???

Albert: oh my god I'm a c-section baby

May: yeah ok we're going home now. whoops

Eddie: be safe!

Ravi: i'll be safe if you kiss buck

Eddie: Nevermind everyone except Ravi be safe

Hen: You all will be safe no matter what. I get paid for sprains and sore muscles not picking you three up off the pavement

May: anything you say Dr. Hen!!! we are in a uber and the driver even knew our costume!

Eddie: He knew you guys were jump ropers?

Ravi: he knew we were from jump in, the greatest DCOM ever made, you goddamn FLOP

May: brb telling Buck to make you watch jump in tonight

Eddie: No don't I told him he was pretty and now I'm hiding in my room

Chim: YOU WHAT?

Eddie: Wow would you look at the time. I gotta go!!! See you in rehearsal on Monday!!!

Ravi: you will begin coughing in three days

The thing about the jive is that it's fucking fast. Faster than anything he's done before. Most of the time he gets it, but sometimes he gets too in his head or he steps awkwardly and everything gets messed up. Eddie has talked him through it a million times, but Buck still doesn't feel like he's got the thing down. He'd been nervous before the other dances, but this is unlike anything he's ever felt before.

This week is a double elimination, which adds another layer of nerves to Buck's already large pile.

If he doesn't do well, he could very well go home this week. Back to his empty apartment. Questions race through his head a mile a minute. Will Christopher still think he's cool when he messes up so epically on national television? Will Maddie be disappointed in him for leaving the show so soon? Will Eddie hate him? Oh god, Eddie is going to be so disappointed in him.

Eddie seems to finally catch his gaze from across the room. They're two minutes out from their performance and Buck wonders for a brief moment if he might collapse. Eddie's next to him in an instant wrapping an arm around Buck's waist.

"Buck, it's all going to be fine," Eddie placates, "I've got your back."

Eddie has his back, maybe this will all be fine.

It's not fine. It's so not fine. Buck fucks up the dance in the middle section. Buck's crying before the judges can even criticize him. Fat ugly tears that burn his eyes as the sweat mixes with them. Eddie keeps his grip tight on Buck's waist, the only thing keeping Buck from fleeing the stage entirely. Buck can't bring himself to look at Eddie so instead he turns to face the judges. Athena's expression is unreadable so Buck resigns himself to look at Brad and his stupid british face.

"Are you alright, Buck?" Brad asks. What a stupid question.

"Been better Brad," Buck snaps, the first thing to break him from his sobbing.

Eddie laughs quietly next to him while the judges critique his performance. They don't say anything Buck doesn't already know and they certainly don't say anything meaner than what he's already telling himself. Buck catches Athena's eyes for a moment and he can almost read her mind, wasted potential.

Isn't that how it always is, he always burns so brightly and fades so quickly. His dancing. His relationship with Abby. His stupid viral tiktoks. His birth. All that potential to be the perfect match and he still couldn't save his brother. The one thing he was made for and he still couldn't achieve it. Why the fuck was he on this show?

He's numb enough that by the time they've made it to the eliminations he's stopped crying. He's still clinging to Eddie like a little kid. He imagines himself at Christopher's age. Eight years old clinging to his mother desperate for something he knows he can't truly have; his mother's love. Now he clings to Eddie desperate to keep him. To stay in the domestic bubble they've been building, to stay with Eddie and Christopher.

Eddie wants this so badly, and Buck couldn't give it to him.

They're in the bottom three, which Buck knew they would be, but it still hurts. Tearing his chest open in shame. Bobby is saying something, but Buck can't hear him over the blood in his ears. Then suddenly Eddie is hugging him and cheering happily. It takes Buck a few moments to process it as Eddie pulls him along across the stage. They're still in the competition.

"All the way to the finale, Buckley. Can't get rid of me that easily," Eddie beams at him.

Buck just wishes it were true.

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

Tommy Kinard found dead!!!! cause of death?? the power of #buddie 's love

Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool

Buck sobbing on national television don't kys aha you're too sexy

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

Is it unethical to get my entire fraternity to vote for buck and eddie tonight? too late already did it

Ren @dwts_fan11

@lukedaduke912 it's actually unethical to NOT make them vote for #buddie especially after tonight

Hannah @hanbanan

josh bb girl I'm sorry you had to go home and no one noticed bc we were all cheering about buddie being safe and tommy getting eliminated. We still love you icon

Gracie C. @gracecam

what crack are they putting in #dwts these days????? why am I crying about a six foot man feeling nervous, but also #BeenBetterBrad is the funniest thing to come from the show in years

Ash @ashmeoutside

In honor of Buck and Eddie making it through to next week here's some photos of me with them from last weekend when they went trick or treating with Eddie's son at my house

Ren @dwts_fan11

@ashmeoutside they took Chris trick or treating TOGETHER???

Ash @ashmeoutside

@dwts_fan11 yes!!! Chris was dressed as Buck. I gave him literally all the candy we had in the house. I also may have tried to give him cash, the whole experience is a blur

Ren @dwts_fan11

@ashmeoutside the lore is so vast????

Chapter Text

Week 6.

Eddie has almost quit dancing more times than he can count, but the reasons for wanting to quit can be placed into three neat categories: finding out Shannon was pregnant, getting called gay in middle school, and the times it stopped feeling fun. The first one, Eddie thinks, is pretty self explanatory. Dance had always been the most important thing in Eddie's life right up until Eddie saw two little lines on a pregnancy test. The second reason is also pretty open and shut, it's one thing for people to call you gay in middle school, but it's another thing to worry that they're right.

The last reason, though, that had been the most prevalent throughout his entire childhood dance career. If you asked 17 year old Eddie all the things he hated about dancing, the only things he'd be able to name were Helena and Ramon Diaz. Not the sore muscles or the constant training, just the hard line of his fathers lips and his mother's reminders to keep his chin up.

If he's being honest, all of his reasons for quitting came down to his parents. From the way being gay was a taboo subject to their reaction to finding out about Christopher, the Diaz parents were at the scene of the crime for every single one of Eddie's insecurities. In the end though, dance was also the only thing that got Eddie's parents out of his head. He couldn't hear them tell him what a huge mistake he was making over the bass pounding in his ears. The stage lights were the only thing strong enough to hide their disapproving eyes.

Dance had won out over his parents, but sometimes Eddie can't shake how touch and go it had been for a while there. There's an old photo that sits in his parents house in El Paso of him after a competition, his hair thick with gel and face still sweaty. He's holding a huge trophy and smiling at the camera. His mom loves that photo, she pulls it out every time he's home. Eddie can practically recite the monologue she gives about that competition.

It would be a funny story if Eddie didn't see something completely different. He doesn't see the trophy or the baby fat still left on his face or the ridiculous costume he'd had that year, instead, all he can focus on is his eyes. When you start in dance young you learn to recognize the look. It's the look someone gets when dance isn't cutting it anymore. When you can be covered in medals and trophies and the smile doesn't ever reach your eyes. He hates seeing that look on his own face.

Today, though, he's found the one person who he hates seeing that that look on than his teenage self. Buck. Buck who has spent the morning moping around the house. Buck who refused to even look him in the eyes after the show last night. Buck who is sitting in the drivers seat quietly as they make their way to the studio.

Buck is never quiet, especially when driving. He's either humming or singing or talking Eddie's ear off about whatever interesting article he read over his morning cornflakes. The silence sits heavy in Eddie's gut. He's going to have to fix this somehow. He opens up his chat with the 118—maybe they'll have an idea.

118 Crew

Eddie: What reminds you guys why you love dancing?

Ravi: /srs or?

Eddie: Text like someone who knows what a 401k is please

Ravi: i literally don't but ok

May: sending jokes out of the room

May: for me it's when i want to dance when there aren't any cameras. like i spent my whole life surrounded by dance so the fact that i still seek it out in the quiet moments is what reminds me

Chim: I think for me it's the opposite almost. Not that I need cameras and an audience, but something about dancing with the people you love and people who care about you cheering for you is special.

Albert: Guys I think Chimney likes us

Chim: Everyone but you, Albert

Karen: Boys I believe May and Eddie sent jokes out of the room

Karen: idk if you boys will understand but doing lifts always reminds me of why I'm here something about the way your stomach swoops just always gets me

Ravi: not to be vulnerable on main but there's something special about just being in a place where you know everyone loves dance just as much as you do. especially growing up watching the show it's cool to know all of you had similar dreams and we're living them right now

Ravi: but also it's my first year as main cast so i don't really fuck with you all like that and excluding May and maybe Albert I'd sell all of you for a ten piece nugget meal

Eddie: That was almost helpful…

May: damn not the … ravi your days are numbered I fear

Hen: It appears jokes have reentered the room, that was solid three minutes I'm actually proud of you all

Eddie: I'm not

Karen: Is Buck ok? I know he had a hard night last night

Eddie: Honestly I'm not sure, I think I have a plan though

Eddie: Chim can you ask Maddie to come to the studio today?

Chim: Invite the most beautiful angel the world has ever seen to my place of work? It would be an honor

Ravi: SIMP

Chim: Bro you're literally pansexual and still single. Got the whole playing field available and still striking out

Ravi: i-

May: chim stop he's already dead

Eddie: ANYWAY. I'm going to be in studio three all day with Operation Cheer Up Buck if y'all want to stop by at any point

Albert: SIMP

Albert: sorry had to honor Ravi's legacy now that he's dead

Ravi: aww now I'm def not selling you for mcdonald's

Eddie: simp?

May: aww he's learning

Ravi: it's like when they gave that dog buttons, next he's going to need antidepressants

Eddie: Why do you think I'm not already on antidepressants?

Hen: On Eddie's first season as full cast he felt sick and I asked him what he had to eat that day and he said and I quote "75 mg of zoloft and two thirds of a redbull" it was 7 pm

May: sometimes i forget that eddie is the blueprint for girl dinner

Eddie: I'm actually up to 100 mg now

Chim: hot

Eddie: Does your girlfriend know you're in love with me?

Chim: Not my girlfriend, but yes!

Chim: She said she'll meet you guys there btw

Eddie: Cool, I'm making Buck get us coffee and then we'll be there in 10

Ravi: do you guys think it would do numbers if i made a fan cam of eddie and chim

May: that depends are you posting on main or your spam

Ravi: main, spam is for thirst comments and starting rumors about you all

Eddie: You have a spam account for thirst comments

Ravi: not about you, narcissist

Eddie: Literally when did I say I thought they were about me?

Chim: Are they about me?!

Ravi: ew, you're literally albert's dad

Chim: Do you guys really think that's true? Be honest

Ravi: lowkey I did when I first got here

Karen: Ravi can I study your brain for science (I double majored in rocket science and dance in college)

Ravi: literally yes of course

Ravi: anything for you diva

Eddie: We'll be at the studio in two minutes, please be nice to Buck but not too nice. He'll think you're pitying him.

Ravi: i'm going to throw rocks at him

May: i'm going to put him under a magnifying glass and fry him like an ant

Eddie: Oh!

"Do you want to know what song I picked for my most memorable year?" Buck asks.

Eddie has been suspiciously quiet about the competition this week. Normally Buck and Eddie select a song the morning after the show so Eddie has time to prepare, but Eddie hadn't brought it up at all this morning. Not that Buck had mentioned it, still too stuck in his own head to think about anything other than how badly he'd messed up last night.

"Nope," Eddie says casually as they make their way to the studio.

"Can I ask why not?" Buck stomach tightens in worry.

Maybe Eddie has given up on him completely and he's isn't going to even bother teaching him a dance this week. Maybe he'll just call Athena and Bobby and tell him he wants a new partner because the one he has now is defective.

"We'll worry about it tomorrow," Eddie opens the studio and tosses his bag in the corner, "I have other plans today."

"Other plans?" Buck tries to keep the worry from his voice.

"Do you know why Chris doesn't do any dance classes?" Eddie asks.

Buck shakes his head. He never even thought about it. From what he's seen it seems like most of the people on the show come from dance families. Chimney and Albert, May and Athena, and some of the other pros have mentioned having siblings, parents or children who do dance.

"He doesn't think it's fun," Eddie explains.

"It's that easy, huh?" Buck asks.

"That easy. Dance is meant to be fun. This show is supposed to be fun. We take celebrities and put them in silly outfits. It's hard work, but the thing everyone tells me at the end is that they had fun," Eddie places a hand on Buck's shoulder, "Until yesterday you were having fun."

Buck's throat tightens, "Eddie I-"

"So today is going to be about having fun. No choreography, no plans for next weeks show, and certainly no jives," Eddie moves to set the sound system up.

"No old man music?" Buck teases to divert the raw emotion he feels.

"I've got Carly Rae's Emotion album queued up and after that you can pick what we dance to," the opening notes to Runaway with Me blare from the speakers, "Dance with me?"

Eddie sticks out his hand for Buck to take. Once Buck takes it, Eddie spins Buck toward him and for the first time since last night Buck smiles. Eddie shakes his hips goofily and Buck does a sort of dance that consists of mostly just jumping for the better part of the first three songs. It's easy and it's fun and Buck starts to feel the ever present weight on his shoulder start to life little by little.

They get through about five songs before there's a knock on the door. Eddie moves to answer it while Buck jumps along to the music. Buck's half expecting the camera crew to be here. He knows they're probably the only ones having a dance party right now, it'll probably make good television if nothing else. He keeps hopping around the studio ignoring what he's sure to be one of the camera guys entering until he hears a familiar laugh.

"You still dance the exact same way you did when you when I picked you up from your middle school dances," Maddie giggles.

The combination of the music and his sisters presence has him giddy, he picks Maddie up and spins her around, "What are you doing here?"

"I heard we were having a dance party, think you still remember that routine from my middle school talent show?" Maddie asks, grinning wildly.

Buck is pretty sure that he could do that routine blindfolded with how much he and Maddie had rehearsed it as kids. After Maddie did it for her middle school talent show they had pulled it out at every single holiday event they could. Even if most of the time his parents hadn't been interested them, Maddie had always managed to hold their attention for the length of their three minute dance.

Maddie informs Eddie of the song and suddenly Buck is a kid again. The dance isn't very well thought out, and it's more just them describing the lyrics to the song with their bodies, but there's a certain buzz under his skin that comes from dancing with Maddie.

Dancing with Eddie is always new and exciting with an undercurrent of something stronger Buck isn't willing to let himself name. Maddie, though, dancing with Maddie is like slipping on your favorite sweater after a day spent in the cold, all comfort and warmth.

The finish the dance with large over exaggerated bows while Eddie claps loudly, "Wow, maybe Maddie should choreograph the dance this week instead of me."

Maddie smiles brightly, "No way. In fact, I want to be choreographed by the great Eddie Diaz. Will you show me how to do that thing you did with Marjan in the finale?"

Eddie smiles brightly, "Yeah, but it will be easier with someone your height. Let me see if Chim is available."

Eddie heads out of the studio leaving the Buckleys alone.

"Thanks for coming, Maddie," from the look in her eye he can tell she knows how much this means.

"I'll always come if I can," a look crosses her face and he knows they're both picturing a time when she couldn't come to him.

"I know," he extends his pinky out to her and he smiles as she returns the gesture.

"What's this dance move you're making Eddie teach you?"

"Oh you're going to love it," she smirks.

In the end Buck does love it, if only for the fact that he gets to watch his sister fall on her ass about twenty times. Eddie uses Buck to demonstrate what Maddie should be doing, but it's clear Chim and Buck have the easy part of the dance. Eddie's doing this crazy thing with his feet where Buck pulls him up from the floor and Eddie is practically parallel with the floor as Buck spins slowly.

Maddie finally gets it, and Chim cheers loudly and pulls her into a hug. Buck's heart does a funny twist in his chest watching them. He's happy for Maddie, and Eddie's assured him time and time again that Chim is a good guy. It's just hard to get over the fact that he wants what they have so badly.

He can't be hung up on it too long because Chim takes over the speakers, "The best kind of dancing is where they tell you what to do," Chim informs them.

Chappell Roan's Hot to Go starts blaring through the speakers as Chimney pulls Maddie into a dance. As if summoned by the song, May, TK, and Ravi appear in the door way. They pile into the room without invitation, all beginning to dance to the song.

They all continue on like that for the rest of the afternoon dancing and laughing. May has her phone out for most of it, and Buck's sure most of this is going to end up on tiktok. Especially the moment where TK was convinced that he could do a back flip despite never having tried it before. Buck can imagine the way the video will pan from TK laying on the floor to Eddie with his head in his hands.

Buck leaves the studio feeling lighter than he has in years—maybe ever. His muscles are pleasantly sore and his cheeks hurt from smiling so widely. Eddie gives him a large grin before asking, "Do you want to do thai tonight from that place up the road?"

Maybe it's the domesticity or just the bubble of joy finally bursting, but Buck finds himself throwing himself into Eddie and wrapping him in a tight hug. Eddie wobbles slightly at the force of it, but Buck refuses to soften his grip even a little bit.

"Good day?" Eddie asks quietly in his ear.

"You're one of the best people I've ever met," Buck doesn't cry but it's a near thing, "I love dancing."

Buck is so elated he can't even chastise himself for how close he had been to saying the word you instead of dancing. Either way, it's still true. After today Buck loves dancing more than he ever had before. Dancing was always his connection to Maddie, and now it had brought him Eddie and Christopher. Dancing was everything.

"Dancing loves you too," Eddie laughs.

It's not a confession, not in the way Buck is so desperate for it to be. Still, in the haze of this perfect day it feels like one. Buck loves dancing, and dancing loves him. Buck loves Eddie, and maybe, just maybe Eddie could love him.

"I have an idea for something, but I need your permission," Buck tells him Friday evening after he's put Christopher down for bed.

They've had a great couple of days since their impromptu dance party. Buck's back to being bubbly and excited every time they walk into the studio and most of the tension around his shoulders has left him. They're dancing to a Lizzy McAlpine song that Buck had picked out. Eddie couldn't tell if the blush on Buck's cheeks was embarrassment about it being a love song or embarrassment about it being a slower song.

Either way, Buck thrives in this style of dance. Buck's always more confident when he's able to stick close to Eddie. Eddie's happy to support that, and he's choreographed a dance where they're practically fused together for the whole thing.

"If you're asking to wear a cape this week I already talked to costumes and they said maybe."

Buck brightens, "Oh my god really?"

"Yeah, I think it will look good during that spin in the middle section. We can work it so you can bring it around both of us at the end if you want. I think that might work," Eddie can practically see it in his mind's eye.

"Shit the cape distracted me. I actually do need your permission for something," Buck turns to face Eddie on the couch, "I have a friend who I met during the games and I want you guys to meet her."

"You're asking my permission to introduce me to your Olympian friend?" Eddie is confused.

"Paralympian actually. She's a swimmer and I know Chris has been talking a lot about missing swimming since his lessons ended last month so I thought we could go to her meet tomorrow. She, uh, has CP like Chris does," Buck's clearly nervous about asking, as if he's worried he's somehow going to upset Eddie.

Like Eddie could be anything other than amazed by magic that is Evan Buckley.

"Buck that sounds amazing, thank you," Eddie pulls him into a hug.

It does end up being amazing. Even if Buck wakes them up stupidly early so they can drive across town to the meet. The early start time is worth the way Chris's eyes light up once they reach the place. Buck and Eddie had only told Chris they were going to watch Buck's friend compete, leaving the sport to be a surprise.

When they enter Chris takes a exaggerated whiff of the chlorine, "It smells like a pool. Is your friend a swimmer?"

Buck nods, "Yeah, Ellie is a really good swimmer. I met her when I was in Paris."

Buck takes out his phone to show Chris a picture and Chris gasps loudly, "I saw her on TV. She has CP too!"

"Yeah, and I told her all about you and she's really excited to meet you after her meet, so we have to cheer for her really loud alright?" Buck hand hovers behind Chris's back as he moves to sit down.

It's amazing how during a day where Buck is doing such a big thing for them Eddie is so focused on the small things. He can't help it, all the small things are what make Buck, Buck. The way he's so caring with Chris, while also never towing the line into babying or pitying Chris. The way he gives Eddie a shy smile right before the meet starts. Most of all, it's the way that everything with Buck feels so totally and completely right. Even as Buck yells loudly in his ear when the match starts and Eddie has to lean away so he doesn't get a ringing headache.

Chris makes Eddie take nearly a hundred photos of him with Ellie and some of the other swimmers. Which wouldn't be so bad if he didn't know Buck was also taking dozens of photos. Eddie was going to run out of storage on his phone before the day is through. Ellie is incredibly kind, and it's clear she's just as obsessed with Chris as Chris is with her.

While they chatter on Eddie whispers to Buck, "I think your title of best friend might be up for grabs."

Buck gasps, "No way, I'm the one who introduced them in the first place. Plus once he sees what I got him for Christmas he's totally going to love me the most."

Eddie groans, "Alright, but you can't let him open it at the 118 Christmas party. Denny, Harry, and Ravi will all get jealous and I don't want to deal with that."

Buck laughs, "We'll have to have him open them at home then."

They stay there for a while watching Ellie and Chris converse. Eddie doesn't let himself think about the fact that Buck won't be living with him by the time Christmas comes around. Moreover, he can't bring himself to examine the way Buck had called it home. So instead he just stands next to Buck letting their fingers brush, and imagines a world where this isn't all over in just a few weeks.

Nepo babies and also buck

May: hello you may be wondering why I've gathered you all here today

Ravi: i mean i am but also i'm not a nepo baby

May: your parents own real estate just bc your dad can't tango doesn't mean you're not as nepo as the rest of us

Ravi: tough but fair

Albert: technically i'm a nepo brother

TK: you two need to accept your nepo status like me and may

Buck: ok but why am I here not that i don't love y'all

May: sorry before i was so RUDELY inturrupted

May: there's a gay club doing a line dancing night and i want to go!!!

TK: can my boyfriend come? he's gay and from texas

Ravi: the two minorities, gay and texan

Albert: ???

Ravi: albert do you hate me be honest

Albert: yes

Buck: can eddie come too?

May: awww look at both of our stars asking to bring their boyfriends

May: yes carlos can ofc come and eddie is always invited to everything don't be dumb

Buck: then why is he not in this chat??

May: i didn't want to look at him capitalizing everything

Ravi: also so we can do this

Ravi: *screenshot of Buck and Eddie dancing*

Ravi: you want him so bad in this pic it makes you look stupid

Buck: raviiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii noooooo

May: i'm sorry, but he's right you should kiss him on the mouth

TK: hard agree, you guys are being so gay on main people are forgetting how cool and gay i am

Buck: i hate all of you

May: when you and eddie get married can i be the flower girl

Ravi: wait no i want to be the flower girl

Albert: wait what if chimney and maddie have a baby and it gets to be the flower girl

Buck: pls don't talk about our siblings procreating

May: you really think that maddie would have time to grow a whole human before buck and eddie get married, they're going to speed run that shit so quick once they get it together

Albert: good point, all three of us can be the flower girl

Buck: still here, and still hate you all

TK: if you're not at the gay club with people you hate are you really at the gay club

Buck: ???

TK: god forbid a guy be messy

"Do you think May is trying to throw the competition for Chimney or something?" Buck asks from the other end of the couch they're both sprawled out on.

"Has to be, because why did we get hammered the night before the show? It was literally a Monday who drinks on a Monday?" Eddie whines.

Eddie's shirt is half unbuttoned and his legs are squished underneath Buck's torso. Apparently neither of them had the energy to make it to their beds last night and they both ended up sharing the couch. Eddie feels a little bit like he's been hit with a train.

"Gen-Z are evil and we should never interact with them again," Buck whines, "Thank god Christopher is at Abeula's because I'm pretty sure I threw up on his sheets last night."

"Why did you go to Christopher's room last night?" Eddie makes an attempt to stretch, but ends up nearly rolling off the couch completely.

"I woke up to pee and forgot he wasn't here. I think I just wanted to check on him. Then I got dizzy and the rest is history. Don't worry the sheets are in the dryer," Buck, unlike Eddie, is unable to catch himself and does go tumbling to the floor.

Eddie takes a moment just to stare at Buck who is now sprawled out on the floor. His heart thumps at the image of a half awake Buck who feels sick and knows the best cure is Christopher. He imagines another world where Buck and Eddie share a bed. Chris is getting a little old for it, but occasionally he'll crawl into bed with Eddie after a particularly hard day. Eddie longs to know what it would feel like to fall asleep to the sound of Christopher's breathing mingling with Buck's snores.

"Alright, showers and then there's a place near the studio that does breakfast pizza which I know sounds gross, but I promise it's a hangover cure," Eddie directs.

Buck lays on the floor for a moment, holding his head, before making his way to the guest bathroom. Eddie showers as well and is absurdly proud of himself for not throwing up in the sink afterward. What was in those shots?

Eddie feels mostly better by the time he's got pizza in his stomach and he's downed two gatorades. The yellow ones are the best, especially for hangovers, Buck and Chris's opinions be damned. Buck also seems to be perking up. The color has returned to his face and he even has enough energy to show off his bright blue tongue thanks to the gatorade.

"When I see May I'm going to kill her," Eddie says as Buck puts the car in park.

"I think she might already be dead," Buck points at May who's getting out of her car in an oversized hoodie and a large pair of sunglasses.

"May Grant you're evil, and I hate you," Eddie informs her as he steps out of the jeep.

May doesn't do him the honor of responding, instead choosing to just flip him off. Buck laughs as they all make their way to the studio. Once they're indoors, May has finally mustered up the energy to speak to them.

"Eddie please tell me you brought me a Gatorade," May whines.

"Do I look like I'm made of gatorade or something?" Eddie complains knowing full well he does have a gatorade for her in his trailer.

It's something that he's done since he got to the show. Hoarded gatorade in his mini fridge so he could give them to people when needed. Eddie's never been the best at communicating his feelings, but he's got a steady paycheck and a costco membership he uses almost exclusively for gatorade. He might not be able to tell his friends how much he loves them, but he can give them gatorade.

It started with Chimney who likes the weird white ones that taste like cough syrup. He had complained that his local grocery store stopped stocking them and Eddie happened to find them in costco the next weekend. Then Karen mentioned offhandedly liking the pink ones and it had spiraled from there. Yellow for Eddie, white for Chimney, pink for Karen, purple for May, red for Albert, and blue for Chris and now Buck.

Ravi used to get the cucumber ones, but was now banned after the incident. Said incident being the day he had mixed it with a hard lemonade and created something the internet called "The Flavor." Eddie had found the experience so unsettling that he'd poured all of the cucumber lime gatorades down the sink and vowed to never buy them again. Ravi still pouted about it to this day, but Eddie was unwilling to let up.

"Eddie, you're a genius I bet if I made a tiktok about your gatorade stash we could get you sponsored by them," May's eyes light up.

"I don't know if I want to keep indulging your obsession with artificial grape flavoring," Eddie teases.

"Eddie we've talked about this. Once you accept that fake grape is independent from the fruit you can let that beautiful drink into your heart," May argues.

"I don't know why you both are arguing when clearly blue is the only valid flavor," Buck interrupts.

May and Eddie share a look, "You're basic Buck," Eddie taunts.

"Basic bitch Buckley" May sing songs, "that would be a good username actually."

May opens her phone and Eddie knows without seeing she's opening tiktok —probably to call Buck a basic bitch. She stops walking with them as something catches her eye. Eddie turns back to look at her. He doesn't like the way her face morphs into an evil grin.

"Buck, you posted so many tiktoks last night," May turns her phone to show him the screen.

"Oh no," Buck whines, "This is your fault." He points at Eddie.

"How is it my fault? You're the one with the tiktok addiction," Eddie defends himself.

"You wore a green shirt," Buck explains, as if that makes any sense.

May has the phone held to her ear clearly listening to Buck's tiktoks, "Buck you used like one audio for half of these."

Buck groans.

"How did you find a club remix of Wendy Williams talking about Abby Lee Miller at the gay club?" May giggles.

Eddie pulls out his own phone to look, "When did you sing karaoke? There wasn't even karaoke at that place."

"Don't laugh too hard Eddie, you commented on every single one of these tiktoks. Some of them multiple times," May teases.

"God forbid I guy have hobbies."

A collection of Eddie's comments on Buck's tiktoks:

EddieDiaz: I LOVE this audio it's so weird never stio using it

EddieDiaz: Mays hair looks nice in this, ravi looks evil

EddieDiaz: omg carlossss that's my new best friend

EddieDiaz: sorry buck youre my bfffffff not carlos :(((((

EddieDiaz: @dwtsbaddie NO ONE IS GOUNG TO PARIS

EddieDiaz: why is this one just of me with a bunch of cat noisde. do you want to get a cat? we can

EddieDiaz: buck buckley coem back from the bathorom we have to daaaaaance

EddieDiaz: i THInk the apples ROTTen RIHGT TO THE CORE

EddieDiaz: <3333333333333333333

"Do you remember what we talked about this week?" Eddie asks during the commercial break before their dance.

Buck nods, "Dancing is supposed to be fun, and that's all it needs to be."

"And," Eddie prompts, sending Buck a knowing look.

"And no matter what happens, you're proud of me," Buck adds, trying not to duck his head in embarrassment.

For all the nerves Buck's feeling right now, he actually is feeling pretty good about the dance. It's slower which has been easier for Buck, but it's more than that. Buck just feels like a better dancing when Eddie sticks close to him. Buck can't tell if that's just the result of having a dance partner or if it's something unique to his and Eddie's dynamic. Buck wouldn't be surprised if it's just Eddie.

Sometimes, on the bad days, before Maddie came back, Buck would imagine himself with a huge gaping hole in his chest. Nothing he did could ever fill it. Not meaningless sex, not friendships with his team, not even Abby in the end. Maddie had helped, stitched his wound with nimble fingers from years of nursing and helped put him back together again. Not all the way, but just enough.

Then in came Eddie and Chris, who filled the hole in his chest so completely he felt like he was going to burst. Buck's not ready to go back to living with a hole in his chest, so that means he's going to have to fight like hell to stay in the competition.

"Just keep your eyes on me the whole time," Eddie whispers as the lights go dim and the music swells.

So Buck does. He keeps his eyes on Eddie the entire time. He lets his eyes roam over Eddie's face in a way he's rarely allowed. He focuses on the deep brown of Eddie's eyes and the way the stage lights catches him. He watches the way Eddie's jawline shifts under the dancing lights. He takes notice of the little beauty mark under his eye.

He keeps his eyes on Eddie and lets his feet and body move. For the first time on stage Buck dances without thinking. He doesn't think about his feet or smiling brightly for the camera. He just watches Eddie and glides around the stage.

He almost doesn't realize the dance is over until Eddie is pulling him into a tight hug, "I'm so proud of you."

He doesn't have any words to say back, just a chest too full of emotion. He's saved from speaking by Bobby asking them questions.

"That was really something guys, how are you feeling after that Buck?" Bobby asks.

Buck's feeling a million different things, most of them not fit for television, "I feel like I just really love dancing."

Bobby smiles and turns to say something to the camera while Eddie and Buck wait for their scores. Eddie has an arm around Buck's waist while Buck keeps his arm wrapped tightly Eddies shoulders. It takes everything in Buck not to cling on to Eddie completely.

"Alright let's see those scores," Bobby announces.

Brad makes a flamboyant gesture with his score card and then flips it to reveal a 9. Buck feels like he can breath again.

Elaine, much more serious, flips her card quickly also revealing a 9.

Time seems to slow down as Athena locks eyes with the two of them. Buck can feel the way Eddie's shoulders tense under his grip.

"Welcome back Buckaroo," Athena smiles softly as she presents them with a final 9.

Three fucking nines.

Buck feels like he's floating through the air throughout the rest of the show. Only Chimney and Lena manage to get as good of a score as them so Buck's not surprised when he and Eddie are the first to be called safe from elimination. Buck picks Eddie up and twirls him around while Eddie cackles. Then when Chimney and Lena are deemed safe Buck picks Chimney up and spins him too.

Buck is so giddy he has half a mind to pick Lena up too until she shoots him a stern glare. His joy picks back up when TK jumps into Buck's arms and before he knows it Buck has spun pretty much the whole cast around. It all comes to a finale when Ali and her partner are eliminated and Albert, happy to be still on the show throws himself into Buck.

They all do another group hug with the eliminated partnership as the lights go down on the stage. Buck has hugged more people today than he has in years, but he still pulls Eddie into another one as they make their way back stage.

"Thank you," Buck whispers in his ear.

"For what?" Eddie asks.

"For making this fun," Buck responds.

"Dancing?" Eddie questions.

"Life."

DWTS is BACK!! @maygrantluvr

We're so back BABY. CHIMNEY MAY EDDIE big three! and albert lives to see another week thank god

Ren @dwts_fan11

Buck and Eddie getting wasted at a gay bar and then being tied for first place the next day,,, gay ppl are so powerful

Fujoshi Warrior @yessirrrrrrr

someday we will acknowledge the homoeroticism between chim and eddie… not today but someday

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

we're so fucking back boys! team #buddie forever

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan
May and TK you both are so powerful pls dance together forever

Ravi @ravipanikkar

forgot to be worried about albert getting elminated, was too busy looking at his abs

May-Day @maygrant

@ravipannikar NOT YOUR SPAM

Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool

@ravipanikkar HELLO!???!

Chapter Text

Week 7.

Eddie has a strict rule about planning too far in advance. It's not because he believes in jinxes or anything like that, it's simply because he knows how easy it is to get into your head. Eddie can't properly teach Buck if he's thinking about what they might be dancing to next week, he has to focus on what he's doing this week.

It's good strategy, nothing more nothing less. That doesn't mean he doesn't occasionally imagine what he might do during certain weeks. It's a habit all of the dancers fall into, especially when it's a new theme or they're out early in the competition. It's easy and fun to imagine what you might do, even if you know there's a chance you won't be able to do it.

So when they make it to dedications week, Eddie already has an idea of some moves he wants to incorporate into the dance. Buck loves Maddie more than anyone and she loves the show, it's basically a given that the dance will be for her. So Eddie plays around with some combinations in his head. He's not sure how much Buck and Maddie would be willing to share, but he's at least got some cool ideas to showcase two people who love each other but are forced to be apart.

So much of Buck and Maddie's childhood is recorded on an old camcorder that they had growing up. Buck doesn't talk much about his parents, but from what Eddie can tell they weren't around much. Eddie imagines it being similar to his father, two people who prioritized work over their family. All of the videos of Maddie and Buck are clearly recorded either using a tripod or one of them holding it.

Buck's shown him dozens of videos of the two of them dancing together or acting out some little game only they understand. Eddie can practically see the way the show will cut together clips of them for the video package this week. Eddie knows Maddie is going to cry like crazy in the audience. Eddie has it all planned out in his head.

Which is why it throws him through such a loop when Buck sits him down at the kitchen table after Chris has left for school with a nervous look on his face, "I think I know who I want to dedicate my dance to."

Buck is chewing on his bottom lip, clearly too nervous to meet Eddie's eyes. Eddie looks at him in confusion. Why is he so nervous to tell him about his dance for Maddie?

Eddie gives him a look prompting him to continue, "I want to dedicate it to Christopher."

Eddie must make a face because Buck is backtracking immediately, "Oh god, never mind, I'm so sorry I way over stepped. I can just like dedicate it to my team or something."

"Hey, Buck no, it's not that at all!" Eddie placates, putting his hand on Buck's shoulder, "I just thought you would want to dedicate a dance to Maddie."

Buck features relax slightly, "Oh right. Maddie and I talked about it a little bit last week, and I think we both felt like we'd rather keep our story off of the show. I don't think I can properly dedicate something to Maddie without mentioning all of the things she's been through, and it's not fair of me to try and tell that story for her."

"So Christopher," Eddie prompts.

"I know I'm not Christopher's dad or anything, but Eddie, I love that kid more than I've ever loved someone. He's the greatest, strongest, coolest kid in the world and I want everyone to know that," Buck explains.

Eddie almost says something stupid like, you could be his dad if you wanted to, but he holds it in.

"Chris has never had a best friend before," Eddie explains as Buck looks at him in confusion, "I mean the kid is a social butterfly and he's loved by nearly everyone he meets, but he never had a best friend. Then he met you, and you know what he said a couple nights before you moved in?"

Buck shakes his head, "He said, I'm so glad Buck is my best friend. Totally unprompted, he was just thinking about you."

"Eddie I-" Buck begins, but Eddie cuts him off.

"You are one of the best things that's ever come into Christopher's life, my life too. You don't have to minimize that for my comfort," Eddie moves his hand to wipe a stray tear off of Buck's cheek, "So, what song do you want to do?"

"Have you ever seen Mamma Mia?"

Eddie shakes his head no, and Buck pulls up a video on his phone. Eddie makes it through the first thirty seconds before feels tears in his own eyes.

"It's not fair of you to make me cry when we have to leave for the studio soon," Eddie complains, wiping away a tear.

"Sorry, slipping through my fingers will do that to you. Does the song work though?" Buck gives him a nervous glance.

"It's perfect."

"Are you sure you shouldn't be the one asking him, Eddie?" Buck asks as they drive back from the studio.

Eddie rolls his eyes, "It was your idea bud. Besides he's eight, I don't think he's going to say no to a chance to be on television."

Eddie's not wrong, but Buck still feels a pit of anxiety in his stomach at the idea of Christopher rejecting him. The decision to dedicate the song to Chris had been an easy one. Buck's found that in the short amount of time he's known Chris there's very little he wouldn't give to him. He and Maddie had talked about it for a long time one night when he went over to her apartment for dinner.

Buck and Maddie had both agreed that Maddie's story wasn't something either of them were ready to share with the world, but Buck had still worried she would be upset she didn't get a dance in her honor.

When he told her as much, she just laughed, "Buck, you tell everyone that will listen that you're doing the show for me. I don't need this week's dance to be dedicated to me because every other dance already has been."

Which was true. Buck's whole dancing journey had started because of Maddie. Maddie may have been the reason he joined the show, but the reason he was so desperate to stay on it was the curly haired boy smiling at him from the school pick up line and his dad.

"You guys are picking me up from school?" Chris asks brightly, clearly surprised it's not Carla here to get him.

"Yeah, we got out early because Buck has a very special question to ask you," Eddie explains as he helps Chris buckle.

Buck swallows around the lump in his throat. Of course Eddie would mention it in front of Chris so Buck wouldn't be able to back out.

"What special question, Buck?" Chris wiggles in his booster seat excitedly.

"Well you know how this next week on the show is dedication week?" Buck begins, willing his fear out of his voice.

Chris nods, "Well I was hoping that your dad and I could dedicate a dance to you. It's completely your choice, but I'd really like it if you said yes."

"Would I get to come to the show?" Chris asks.

Eddie nods, "Yes, you and Abuela and Tia Pepa would sit with Maddie and then they will take you home after the show and you'll sleep at Abuela's."

"It would be a big difference from coming to rehearsal, they'll be a lot of people and a lot of lights and music," Buck adds, "Plus your dad and I will be really busy so we won't be able to hang out with you like we normally do."

"That all sounds really fun," Chris's smile makes Buck's chest hurt a little.

"One more thing, bud. Because Buck would be dedicating the dance to you the camera people are probably going to ask you some questions and put you in a video if you're alright with it," Eddie explains.

Before Chris can reply, Buck quickly adds, "Being in the video is a big decision and you can say no if you want. Not everyone wants to be on camera all the time, and that's perfectly fine."

Buck and Eddie had talked about that a lot today. Eddie was usually pretty careful about what he posted of Chris, but he didn't keep him out of the public eye entirely. Eddie was open about having a son with CP, and occasionally he would post a picture of Christopher in his back to school outfit or at Christmas. Still though, Eddie was intentional about Chris getting to live a normal life regardless of the fact that his dad had an online following.

"Do you think other people with CP will watch me?" Chris asks as they pull into the driveway.

Eddie seems surprised by the question, "Why do you ask that, bud?"

Buck turns the car off, and they both turn to look at Chris, "Ellie said her favorite part of swimming was that other people with CP got to see people who are like us. If I was on TV would other people with CP be excited to see me?"

Buck's thankful the car is off because if he was still driving they would have crashed by now. Buck can't see through the tears in his eyes, "Well Superman, I think so many people would be excited to see you, and I bet there will be some people who have never met anybody with CP before and you could help them learn."

"Then I really want to be on TV," Christopher agrees.

"Christopher, remember Buck is dedicating this dance to you because he really cares about you. Is there anything you want to say to him?" Eddie prompts.

"Thank you Buck, I love you so much!"

Eddie sends Buck a smile as Buck blinks away tears, "I love you too, thanks for being my best friend."

eddie's worst nightmares

May: guys i need five tiktoks on my desk by tonight

Eddie: So make them?

May: that's what i pay you for

Eddie: You don't pay me

May: I bought you boba that one time

Eddie: May that was, and I'm not exaggerating, eight months ago

Ravi: not may in her broke era

Eddie: She's not broke she just doesn't respect me

May: truuuuue, back to me needing to make tiktoks

Buck: that one studio at the end of the hall has a ceiling fan…

Ravi: veto!!!

Buck: come on i love those videos

May: yeah bc you're not in them

Eddie: I don't know what you're referring to but I have to stick with my partner

Ravi: he wants us to tie a waterbottle to the ceiling fan and then let it hit us

Eddie: Buck what the fuck?

Buck: wait Eddie come to the living room i'll show you some they're soooo funny

May: sometimes i forget you guys live together and then you jumpscare me with saying shit like come to the living room at 7am

Ravi: they're going to ignore us now that they're together so i'll just reveal that i have like ten saved audios for the four of us to do today

May: yipeeeeeee

Eddie can very cleanly split his life into two parts. Before Chris and after. When Eddie imagines his life before Chris he can't help but apply a filter of gray. Everything was duller before Chris. He can't remember the sun shining as brightly or the birds chirping in the morning before Chris was born. It's like all of the good things in the world got dialed up to eleven that day in the hospital room.

Christopher Diaz is the brightest thing on earth, and Eddie's just honored to bask in the light. It wasn't always this way. Chris's light used to terrify Eddie. How could someone made up of shadows be good enough for someone as bright as Chris?

In the end it hadn't mattered. No matter how far he ran, no matter how many times he failed, Chris still shined brighter than every star in the universe. Even on the days when Chris's muscles ache, even when he struggles at school, hell even when Shannon left. Christopher remained the brightest thing in Eddie's universe.

Eddie knows he's not very good about asking for what he wants. He wasn't raised that way. A smack on the hand when reaching for seconds, or a sharp glare from his mother when asking to extend his bedtime will train that out of you rather quickly. Eddie could blame those things, but in reality he knows there's another reason he doesn't allow himself to ask for things.

He already has the thing he wants most. Eddie has never wanted anything in his life more than he wants to be Christopher's father. He'd choose it over anything in the world, he does choose it every single day. It's the easiest thing in the world to want.

So why should he want anything more? He has the most amazing son in the world. Asking for anything more is nothing short of selfish. He has his son, he has his family—both on and off the show— he has everything he could have ever dreamed of.

Then there's Buck. Eddie wants Buck, of course he wants Buck. He wants Buck differently than he's ever wanted anything before. At first, he attributes it to the show. You spend all of your time with someone that attractive and there's bound to be some chemistry. Most of the other dancers have experienced it. It's Eddie's first time dancing with a male partner, of course it's going to feel different. He and Buck have chemistry, but that can't matter because it's just a trick of the show.

The cameras will stop rolling, the lights will turn off and whatever is sparking between them will fade. Buck isn't Eddie's to keep. He knows that and he accepts that. Nine weeks of playing pretend and if he's lucky he'll come out of it with a mirrorball trophy and a bruised heart. Bruised not broken. Because it's not love—just a trick of the show. Eddie can live with that.

Then Buck dedicates a dance to Christopher, and the dam breaks. Eddie has the cutest kid in the world, he's used to people liking Chris. He enjoys the way Bobby's eyes light up when Chris visits the studio, and the way May has basically adopted Chris as another little brother. He prides himself on the way the nurses will coo at Chris during doctors visits, and the way his teachers have glowing things to say. Chris is universally loved.

It's not a surprise that Buck loves Chris, what takes Eddie's breath away is the way Buck sees Chris. Buck looks at Chris and just sees him so fully. He doesn't treat Chris differently because of his CP, but he doesn't shy away from it either. Eddie has never once looked at Buck and seen pity in his eyes. Buck looks at Chris and knows the same thing Eddie's known for eight years. Chris is pure light.

Once, Eddie's therapist told him to try his hand at another form of art other than dance. Eddie had bristled at the concept, but eventually relented. For a fleeting three hours he attempted poetry. All he had been able to get down was some lines about homophones—how sun and son tasted the same on his lips. The words intended to mean different things but for him there was little difference.

My son. My sun. Mi sol. My soul.

Christopher is Eddie's sun and soul. Buck understands that in a way no one else every has, and unlike Eddie's therapist he asks Eddie to communicate it the best way Eddie knows how—dance. Their rehearsals are unlike anything Eddie's ever experienced in all of his years of teaching. He feels connected to Buck in a way they haven't been before. Buck's able to predict nearly all of Eddie's moves and for the first time it feels like they're creating a dance together rather than Eddie telling him what to do.

It's electric and fun and all the things he loves about dancing. The happy electric feeling follows him home each night, and he buzzes with energy as he tucks Chris into bed. Chris is clearly tired, but not quite ready to fall asleep yet.

"Dad I'm really excited to go to the show tomorrow," Chris smiles tiredly.

"Buck and I are really excited too," Eddie kisses his forehead.

"Buck is so nice, I really love him," Christopher confides, eyes closed, already half way asleep.

"Me too, mijo," Eddie whispers without really thinking.

It's only when he exits the room that the weight of the words set in.

The funny thing about the sun is the way it's able to completely eclipse all of the other celestial bodies during the day. It fills the sky so completely that you don't even think about what you're not able to see until it disappears. As the door shuts on the brightest boy in the universe, Eddie's able to see what he's been missing.

There Buck stands smiling at him, and asking if Christopher went down alright and handing him a beer. Eddie can't tell if the halo around his curls is a trick of the light or fully his own imagination. He thinks briefly of Sirius, the brightest star in universe. Not as all consuming as the sun but undeniably present.

The dog star— fitting for the golden retriever of a man in front of him. Chris did a book report on it last year, and Eddie had watched some ten minute youtube documentary about the star with him. The brightest thing in the universe.

Eddie thinks about the way Buck lights up a room, the way people fall over themselves just to be in his orbit. Chris is the sun and Eddie's world revolves around him, but Buck's brightness is undeniable too. A different light that shines just as brightly. He just didn't see it until now.

Eddie is in love with Buck.

Fuck.

Week Seven Video Package:

[Eddie and Buck inside the dance studio]

Eddie: Week seven are you ready?

Buck: Not even a little bit.

Eddie: Well good thing I've got a very special coach here today [Eddie opens the studio door to reveal Christopher. Christopher and Buck hug.]

Buck:[to camera in interview] My dance this week is dedicated to Eddie's son Christopher. Christopher is the coolest kid on the planet, and I wanted the whole world to see how special he is.

Eddie: [also to camera] Christopher was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was a toddler, and he's been educating people about it ever since.

Christopher: A lot of people think that I'm different because I have CP, but dad says I can do anything, even if I have to do it a little differently. Being different is important, even if some things are harder for me than they are for other people.

Eddie: Christopher doesn't want to be a dancer, but he doesn't have any issue bossing me around in the studio. [The camera cuts to Chris gesturing at Buck and Eddie as they rehearse]

Christopher: Dad getting Buck as a partner has been so cool. I love Buck and I think it's really nice that they made up a dance for me.

Eddie: Buck dedicating his dance to Christopher means —well it means a lot — [Eddie purses his lips and shakes his head willing the emotion away] Chris and I are really lucky to have Buck in our lives.

Buck: This show has given me a lot of really special gifts, but none of them have been as special as getting to see the bond between Eddie and Chris. Eddie's the best dad in the world and Chris is the best kid ever. It's an honor for them to trust me enough to dedicate this dance to them.

Buck is good at reading people. Mostly. He's not always great at understanding what they're saying, but he considers himself an expert in reading people's moods. His therapist would probably tell him it's some sort of trauma response from growing up in an emotionally neglectful household, but Buck prefers to say he was just really good at reading vibes.

Which is how he knows that Eddie's vibe is totally wack right now. Not necessarily in a bad way, just in a way that shows there's a clear difference from how he was a few days ago. At first, Buck is terrified that it's a result of Eddie being mad about Buck's dedication choice. Eddie had assured Buck that he wasn't overstepping, but what if he changed his mind?

That theory is blown out of the water when one of the camera guys finds him after Eddie's interview and tells him how much Eddie appreciates Buck's dedication. Said camera guy had also thrown in a joke about how Buck was absolutely getting lucky after such a big display of affection, but Buck ignored that part. Too giddy at the idea that Eddie had appreciated his dance to let his happiness be tainted by a lewd sex joke.

The traitorous part of his brain that sounds like May offers him another theory, if Eddie doesn't hate his dance maybe he loves it. Maybe he loves you. The problem with this theory, other than the way it makes Buck's heart skip, is that he can't even figure out how to properly disprove it.

Eddie's eyes linger on him for just a touch too long, he smiles brighter than ever, and he's biting his lip almost constantly these days. All signs point to something more than just dance partners—more than just friends. Buck can almost see the trajectory they're on. How close they are to the real thing, he just needs Eddie to take that extra step.

Then suddenly Eddie will make a comment about how Taylor is still playing up the showmance angle, and Buck feels like he has cold water dumped on him. It's the one hurdle Buck can't seem to get over. Eddie says no showmances, and Buck can't bring himself to wonder if this could be more than that.

Maddie's has always been the one more interested in the interpersonal relations that happened on the show, but Buck's absorbed enough information from her to understand that relationships formed on the show aren't exactly meant to last. Most of them aren't even real, a fact that even Maddie has come to accept.

Sure Taylor and Chad P. from the bachelor are hooking up, but both Chad and Taylor have mentioned that they aren't interested in anything long term. Chimney had his ill-fated romance with Tatiana that had basically exploded right after the show. Even Tommy and Abby, who had seemed like they were in it for the long haul, had broken off their engagement.

Bobby and Athena were the exception, not the rule, but that doesn't stop Buck from hoping. This thing with Eddie feels different. It feels real, more real than anything Buck's ever had before. Is it so crazy to wonder if Eddie might feel the same?

"You're going to miss the show if you keep hiding in here," Karen catches him by surprise.

"Oh shoot," Buck panics.

"I'm just teasing, we've got a little time. Everything alright?" Karen places a hand on Buck's shoulder.

Buck doesn't answer and instead asks, "How did you and Hen get together?"

Karen takes the conversational pivot in stride and laughs, "Now that's a long story. The easy answer is that Chimney set us up during my first year on the show."

Hope fills Buck's chest, "So you guys had a showmance?"

Karen's nose scrunches at the term, "I wouldn't call it a showmance. We met working on the show, but we didn't fall in love because of the show."

"Oh right," Buck deflates.

"When I was twenty I thought I was in love with one of the girls from my dance studio. I normally do ballroom, but I was cast for this contemporary piece where we were playing friends forced to be apart," Karen waves her hand slightly as if to indicate that the plot isn't important.

"I really thought we were going to be together forever, then show ended and the relationship totally fizzled. We weren't who we were on stage, you know?" She asks.

"I guess so," Buck offers.

Karen shakes her head, "Nah you don't. Every second you're on that stage you're your authentic self. You and Eddie don't dance and play characters the way some of us do. You're both your whole selves dancing out there. The relationship I was in was founded on two characters not on two people. Does that make sense?"

Buck nods, so she continues, "That love was stage lights and cameras flashing. Loving Hen is quieter—more special. I feel like myself, dialed up to a thousand. I love Hen on the stage and I love her off of it and every other moment in between. So yeah we fell in love filming a show, but it's not a showmance."

"I understand," Buck closes his mouth so he can't ask something stupid like Is that what Eddie and I have?

Karen still hears it anyway, "Showmances fade. Something bigger— that thing you're looking for, it doesn't. You both will get there I promise."

Buck nods, too choked up for words.

"But first we really do need to get moving. You owe two very special guys a dance," Karen loops her arm through Buck's and guides him to the stage.

Buck's not a dancer, but he's gotten good at reading them. When the haze of adrenaline fades and he lights come up on the judging table after their dance Buck knows they've done something special. Bobby is wiping a tear out of his eye as he interviews them, but Buck can only focus on Eddie.

Buck watches the way Eddie's brown eyes catch the stage lights. The light gives them a golden sort of glow. Buck wants to live inside this moment forever. He's almost too focused on Eddie to notice when the judging begins. It's only when Brad's stupid accent loudly yells out ten that he checks back in to reality.

Holy shit they just got a ten.

They get a nine from Elaine and another ten from Athena. Eddie pulls him in for a hug, and the air feels electric. For the fainest moment, Buck wonders if Eddie is going to kiss him. From the look on Eddie's face, Buck thinks he might be thinking the same thing. Then Bobby is speaking again, and they're being herded off camera as Chimney and Lena begin their dance.

The energy doesn't go away as the show continues on, if anything it amplifies. Every graze of Eddie's hand feels electric. Buck floats through the rest of the episode anchored solely by Eddie's hands on him. When Buck thinks back on this episode, he can measure the moments by Eddie's touch. Eddie shaking him excitedly as May pulls off a difficult lift. Eddie clutching him as they're announced safe. Eddie squeezing his hand as Lucy and her partner are eliminated.

Then, Eddie pulling him off stage and Christopher crashing into both of them. The way Eddie's arm tightened around him as he held both him and Christopher. How his grip never left Buck's side as Chris went home with Abuela. Then finally, Eddie leaning in to kiss him before pulling away at the last second.

Buck lets out a small whine, "Eddie I-"

Eddie cuts him off, "Buck we can't."

Eddie springs apart from him like Buck is a live wire. Buck misses his touch like a missing limb, but Eddie doesn't want this. Not the way Buck does at least, he's made that clear now. Buck tightens his shoulders. He should have been prepared for this, this was always the way it was going to end.

"No right. Sorry I'll just- um I'm going to go back to the loft. I'll see you at rehearsal tomorrow," Buck forces the sob, threatening to break, down.

Everyone leaves Buck. Why should Eddie be any different?

For a brief delirious moment Buck thinks of Abby. Thinks about how she was on this show another lifetime ago. He thinks of all the things she taught him, all the ways she helped him grow. So he decides to take one final page from her book and he leaves Eddie without daring to look back.

Ren @dwts_fan11

i know you all are expecting me to be tweeting about buddie rn and i will but first we must acknowledge how intensely brad was flirting with bobby

DWTS is BACK!! @maygrantluvr

@dwts_fan11 shout out to Elaine for holding down the judges table by being the only one not in love with Bobby Nash, but also she'll answer for her sins bc Buddie deserved a ten

Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool
Lena Bosko i'm free on friday if you're free on friday when i'm free which is friday

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

i know you guys keep saying that buck and eddie aren't married but if not why do they share a kid

Ravi @ravipanikkar

@lukedaduke912 that's what i'm saying!!!

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

@ravipanikkar not ur spam bb girl

Ravi @ravipanikkar

@hanbanan it's fine i lost all dignity after last week

Chapter Text

Week 8.

Once, when Eddie was twelve, he and the rest of his family had gotten separated at the mall. He hadn't been all that worried, except for that fact that Adriana had been going through a phase at that time where she would take off running. Eddie's mom had tasked Eddie with being the one to go and get her. It was such a common occurrence that his mother hardly batted an eye when Adriana would run, always expecting Eddie to chase after her.

Except, Eddie had stopped to tie his shoe as his family turned a corner, and now he couldn't find them. If Adriana ran off would his mom even notice? Would she remember that Eddie wasn't there to catch her? Eddie was his sister's protector, everyone knew it. What would happen to them when he wasn't there?

Eventually he caught up to them, and Adriana, instead of running away, had run straight to him. He carried Adriana for the rest of the day, refusing to let her leave his grasp for even a second. His mother hadn't even noticed he was gone. After all, why would she notice something so unremarkable?

The moment had planted something in Eddie, a fear that rooted itself deep in his chest. Eddie didn't start therapy until he was twenty three years old, but his first coping mechanism started three days after their trip to the mall. Eddie would simply list where everyone was and that they were safe until he could breathe again.

Adriana is in her bedroom taking a nap, she's safe. Sophia is in the living room watching cartoons, she's safe. Tia Pepa and Abuela are in LA, they're safe. Eddie is in the kitchen, and he's safe. It was a mantra he said for years.

Now his affirmation goes like this: Christopher is at Abuela's, he's safe. Buck is at his apartment, and he's safe. Eddie is still in the dance studios, and he's an idiot.

He'd gone straight to studio three once Buck left. He hadn't even realized where his feet were taking him until he got there. Eddie needed to move. His skin was too tight, and his thoughts were moving too quickly to understand. So Eddie does the one thing he's always done, he dances.

Athena finds him at 11 pm. He shouldn’t be surprised she’s still working this late, but he can’t help but jump as she opens the door to the studio. She gives him a long look, and then gestures her head in a way that clearly means follow me.  

Eddie does, he’s sweaty and sore from dancing for so long, but his legs move before his brain does. Before he knows it, he’s being led to Athena’s office. He hesitates to sit, but she shoots him another look and he drops into the couch on the back wall across from her desk. She sits in the chair beside it. 

She just looks at him for a while before finally speaking, “You know, Bobby’s the one who cast you.” 

Eddie hadn’t known. Honestly, he hadn’t ever questioned who cast him. He had just been so happy to get the call at all. You could have told him that one of the cleaning staff had chosen him and he would have been fine with it. 

He shakes his head and she continues on, “Don’t get me wrong, I always get final say—but I was watching audition tapes in the living room and Bobby comes in and sees you, and you know what he says?” 

“He looks like another stray to adopt?” Eddie means it as a joke, but it comes out just a touch too sincere. 

She laughs, “He said ‘He dances like you’. Bobby’s been in the dance world for years at that point, but he’s never gotten a hold on the language. Didn’t talk about your stage presence or your footwork. Just looked at the screen and saw me in you.” 

Eddie’s heart thuds in his chest, “Why are you telling me this?” 

“Because I never got it. We’re similar dancers, I’ll give him that, but I never felt like we were all that alike,” Athena smiles at him, “Then I saw you last night. Saw the way you looked at Buck when you danced. More than that, though, I saw the way you looked at him and your baby after you got off of that stage.” 

Eddie knows where she’s going with this, but he won’t let himself be the first one to admit it. Never brave enough to deviate from the path he’s always been on, even now. 

Eddie might be an immovable object, but Athena is an unstoppable force so she continues on, “Did you know Buck’s sister Maddie is a fan of the show?” 

That pulls a laugh out of him, “Fan is kind of an understatement, I think.” 

She nods, “Well, when she met me she told me that she knew Bobby and I were going to fall in love the second she saw our first dance. She told me I was the most me I’d ever been when I danced with him. She said she could just see the love in every dance move.” 

Athena laughs again, “Honestly Eddie, I thought she was full of shit. Bobby and I fell in love on the show, but we made a lot of choices to end up where we are. I didn’t think anyone could see the complexities of our love in a waltz.” 

“But?” Eddie finds himself asking without really thinking about it. 

“Then Evan Buckley wandered into our studio, and into your life—hell into all of our lives. You two danced together for the first time and I saw it. You were more you than you’ve ever been. Then tonight you weren’t just you, you danced like me.” 

“So I’m more me, but I’m also you?” Eddie knows the sass won’t cover the raw and open hole Athena has just bore into his chest. 

“I’m not a poet. I’m a dancer,” Athena rolls her eyes at him, “My point is we’ve got two more shows before this whole thing is over. Make them count.” 

“The first thing I ever told him was that I don’t do showmances,” it’s as close to a confession as he’s going to get. 

“That’s because you don’t do showmances. I hired Taylor for that. I hired you to put your heart into every single dance you do. Whatever you’ve got going on with Buck doesn’t end in two weeks. It’s bigger than that,” Athena taps his knee and stands to leave. 

Eddie stands as well, but asks one last question before leaving “Does everyone know I’m in love with him?"

“Everyone but the man himself.”

Nepo babies and also buck

Buck: friends i've hit levels of flop not yet observed by humanity

Ravi: don't flop bb girl ur too sexy aha

TK: buck be honest are you using humor to try and tell us you're upset and need comfort

Buck: since when are you emotionally intelligent

TK: idk since rehab probably

Ravi: baby buck tell auntie ravi what's wrong

May: throwing up at that sentence, but buck fr you good?

Buck: so hypothetically if eddie almost kissed me and then i went to kiss him back, but then he pulled away and told me we can't do this. do you think i would be good if that hypothetical thing happened?

Ravi: oh fuck your flop levels are catastrophic

May: no!!! buck, honey you're not being a flop, eddie is

May: he likes you so much it makes him stupid

May: well more stupid

TK: buck i'm door dashing ice cream to your house do you want phish food or the jimmy fallon one

Buck: how do you have my address?

Buck: but phish food,,, jimmy fallon's face may be my thirteenth reason

TK: may put a tracker in your forehead, remember?

Ravi: why did they give that man the best ice cream flavor? wait do you think they would do a dwts one if we asked nicely enough

May: mango tango

TK: samba party (like slumber party idk)

Ravi: cha-cha-chocolate

Buck: dancing with the starch and it's ube flavored

May: fuck that's genius. heart break made you so smart

Buck: it's fine i just need to never love again and/or kms

TK: the inventor of dancing with the starch can't die he has so much potential

Ravi: also eddie is actually in love with you. idk what crack he's smoking tonight, but we all see the way he looks at you

Buck: guys it's fine

May: no they're right, eddies just stubborn

May: don't worry though I have a plan

Buck: pls not a may grant plan

May: technically it's an athena grant plan

Ravi: oh god she's going to shoot him with a gun

TK: buck if eddie dies do you get chris

Buck: die

TK: so close! eddie's dying, not me!

Buck: may don't tell your mom to kill eddie

May: i'm not i'm telling her to fix him

May: oop she texted me back she's on the case

Ravi: i love your mom i wish she was real

May: me too

May: don't worry buck we'll handle everything you just eat your ice cream and get some rest

May: can't use your heart break as an excuse when TK and I kick your ass in the semi finals next week

Buck: i hate all of you

Buck arrives to the dance studio eighteen minutes late. Eddie spends the first seventeen minutes worrying that he's ruined everything and Buck isn't going to come. Then, when Buck arrives during the eighteenth, Eddie realizes why he's late. Buck's apartment is eighteen minutes further from the studio than Eddie's. Buck had left at the time they always leave, and forgotten that he was at his own apartment.

Buck was so used to being at Eddie's home he had forgotten that he wasn't. A few things slot into place. Namely, how much Eddie wants Buck to forget he even has a home that isn't Eddie's. Eddie is reminded, not for the first time in the last twelve hours, how close he had come to fucking this all up.

Eddie had planned what he's going to say, but he can't stop thinking about those eighteen minutes.

"Eddie I'm really sorry," Buck begins.

"Eighteen minutes."

"Huh?" Buck questions.

"You were eighteen minutes late because your apartment is eighteen minutes further from the studio than the house is," Eddie explains like he's making any sense.

"I wasn't apologizing about being late, but I guess now I am," Buck scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Aside from Bobby and Athena the longest couple to come out of the show since I've been here lasted eighteen months, a year and a half," Eddie knows he sounds half insane right now, but the words keep pouring out.

"When we finished the dance last night my first thought was 'I want to play this at Chris's high school graduation'. That's ten years away, and that's the problem. I don't feel eighteen months about you. I look at you, and I want to dance in the kitchen with you while you cook dinner, and I want to travel the world with you. I want our mirrorball trophies to sit on the mantle next to each other. I want to sit front row at Chris's high school graduation with you. I want to go to the 2028 Olympics and wear your jersey. I want to see your hair go grey, and I want share a joint plot in the cemetery," Eddie takes a deep breath, "I can't do all that in eighteen months."

Buck's eyes are soft as he stares at him, "Eddie that's—"

Eddie cuts him off, "I can't do showmances because this is bigger than the show, and I'm sorry I didn't explain that properly before. Sometimes the dancing stops and the lights dim and when the show ends the magic fades. I can't do this if I'm worried about us having an expiration date and I really can't handle the idea of you realizing I'm not worth it once this whole thing is over."

"Eddie, if it's the show that's in the way I'll go tell Athena I quit right now," Buck takes a few steps toward him.

Eddie lets out something between a laugh and a sob, "No! I want matching trophies remember?"

Buck shakes his head, "Fine, weird priorities, but fine. So we dance for two more weeks and then what?"

"Then you decide if you still want me when the magic fades."

"Eddie, I'm always going to want you," Buck's voice is quiet, almost a whisper.

Eddie's not sure if he believes him, but he's willing to play along, "Alright, then we dance for two more weeks, win first place, and then you'll take me on a date."

"It'll be me taking you on a date, huh?" Buck asks.

"I did the big love confession in the dance studio, the least you can do is buy me a milkshake or something," Eddie crosses his arms.

"You want our first date to be somewhere with milkshakes?" Buck giggles slightly.

"One milkshake, two straws. I'll even let you order chocolate despite vanilla being better," Eddie offers.

"Alright, two weeks of the show, then a milkshake, then the rest of forever?" Buck asks.

"Sounds like a plan to me."

118 Crew

Chimney: I need all of you to lock in this week

May: chim we're locked in every week

Chimney: Do you understand what happens if Taylor gets eliminated this week?

Ravi: oh shit 118 finale

Chimney: Exactly so you all know what you need to do

Eddie: Kill Taylor

Chimney: No! Jesus Christ! calm down Tonya Harding

Ravi: sick i, toyna reference chim

Chimney: Right I was referencing the movie and not the real life events…. right right right

Albert: i believe my brother father is telling us to lock in

Chimney: Especially you Al, imagine if we get a 118 finale and a HANale

Karen: My brain is physically incapable of reading hanale the way I know you want it pronounced

Ravi: yeah I'm reading that shit like han-ale like ginger ale but worse

Chimney: I literally don't care. May, Eddie and Albert LOCK IN

May: i'm plenty locked in. maybe we should point the finger at the guy who fumbled an olympian last night

Eddie: I didn't fumble anything

May: …

Eddie: So I may have lightly fumbled, but don't worry I locked in

Chimney: Did you kiss him?

Eddie: Have you kissed Maddie?

Chimney: We're taking it slow!!!

Hen: Don't change the subject

Eddie: No, I didn't kiss him

May: WHY

Ravi: Edmoomfdo Diaz pls

Eddie: Hey wtf does that mean?

Ravi: Edmundo + oomf = Edmoomfdo

Eddie: More confused now actually

Albert: no wait he's actually cooking with that

Hen: So if you didn't kiss Buck, what did you do?

Eddie: I told him I cared about him a lot and I didn't want our relationship to be ruined by the nature of the show

Karen: So you friendzoned him?

Eddie: NO!

Eddie: I told him I'm in love with him and would like to be buried next to him when we die

Eddie: You know like a normal person

May: you both are so crazy4crazy it's insane

Chimney: So you said THAT to him, but you didn't kiss? Does he not love you back?

Karen: Chim don't be dumb of course he loves Eddie back

Eddie: I told him if he decided that he still wanted me after the show was finished that we could go on a date

Hen: And he said?

Eddie: That he'd wait two weeks and then we'd go on a date

Eddie: He may have also implied that he wants to spend the rest of forever with me, but if I think about that too hard I'm either going to cry or fuck him in the studio before the shows over. Juries still out

Ravi: i vote fuck him!!!

Albert: seconded

May: thirded

Chimney: Wait no your studio is next to mine ew

Hen: Well clearly you both want the same thing and are trying to build strong foundation for your relationship. I support you

Karen: If waiting until after the show is what's best for you both then good for you

Eddie: Fuck you bitches I have the power of lesbians and anime on my side

Ravi: who taught you that???

May: when did i say i'm on your side

Eddie: Probably when you sent your mom to kick my ass when I was having a mental breakdown

Chimney: Ah yes the lesser known love language: ass kicking

Eddie: circling back into the finale and away from my love life, what is everyone doing for the semis

Chimney: If I tell you you have to promise not to laugh

May: no <3

Chimney: Tough, but fair. We're dancing to Katy Perry's roar

Ravi: that's the most millennial thing I've ever heard in my life

Chimney: Lena could literally crush you like a bug

Ravi: heard chef

Eddie: Buck and I are tangoing

Chimney: ooooh a MANgo

Hen: reductive

Karen: Chim you know as well as I do that argentine tangos were traditionally performed by two men

May: are you guys gonna kiss at the end?

Eddie: No? Did you ignore the whole convo we just had?

May: you can kiss platonically

Ravi: tangBRO

May: i'm just saying if you really want to beat taylor kelly you could kiss buck on the mouth

Eddie: I'd rather bring her physical harm, but thanks for the suggestion

Chimney: So we're all in agreement if we don't get a 118 finale we blame Eddie?

May: yes

Albert: yes

Eddie: No!

Eddie had told Buck how hard this weeks dance was going to be, but Buck still wasn't prepared. Granted, it didn't help that Eddie had told Buck that less than five minutes after confessing his love for him. It always surprises Buck how quickly Eddie can slip into choreographer mode, it may also turn him on a little, but that's between him and the shower.

Either way, Buck can't use the excuse that he wasn't warned that this dance would be hard. It's just that every time Buck thinks about Eddie telling him that, he gets distracted by thinking about Eddie's eyes or something equally ridiculous. They're two days out from the show and Buck's got most of it down, but he still feels shaky on parts of the dance.

"I know that this isn't easy, Buck," Eddie tells him after rehearsal, "This is probably the most skilled thing I've ever choreographed for this show, but I wouldn't do it if I didn't think you could do it."

Buck blushes, "Thank you."

"I've always wanted to do a dance like this, especially after I came out, but I don't think there's anyone in the world I could do this dance with besides you," Eddie admits.

"What if I fuck it up?" Buck bites his lip anxiously.

"You won't," Eddie shrugs, moving to put the rest of his things in his dance bag, "You ready to go home?"

"Actually, I think I'm going to stay here and rehearse for a little on my own. Maybe you and Chris can pick me up after dinner and we can get ice cream?"

"You sure?" Eddie asks, clearly suspicious.

"Yeah I think I'll feel better if I put a couple more hours in. Plus I might focus more if you're not in the studio looking all," Buck shakes his hands, "You know."

"Looking all what, Buck?" Eddie smirks at him.

It's different now, in the light of their love confession. Buck knows Eddie isn't flirting just to flirt. There's intent behind his words. Buck thinks about the countdown he set on his phone until the show is over. He's going to kiss the shit out of Eddie in nine days, six hours, and thirteen minutes.

"Eddie, you're in a slutty black tank top and leggings, don't play stupid with me," Buck whines.

Eddie laughs and shoots him a wink, "Alright, call us when you want to be picked up. You want me to start the music for you before I go?"

Buck nods, and Eddie moves toward the sound system, pushing a few buttons before leaving. Buck closes his eyes and lets the music wash over him. He can do this.

Buck's not sure how many times he does the dance before his phone's text tone comes through the speakers.

Eddie: Chris is going to riot if we don't do ice cream soon so we'll be at the studio in twenty

Eddie: I changed out of my tank top so hopefully you'll be able to focus on eating your weird lavender ice cream

Buck: Lavender ice cream is amazing you're just a hater. See you both in twenty

Buck packs up his things and makes his way toward the door. He's almost too busy looking at his phone to notice the lights on in the studio next door, until he hears laughter. It's not unusual for people to stay late at the dance studios, but it is unusual for one of them to sound like his sister.

Buck peeks in the studio to find his sister and Chimney dancing. It's clearly not anything choreographed, just Maddie giggling as Chim twirls her around and around. He hasn't seen her this carefree in years, maybe ever. For a moment, he racks his brain to try and think of a time she had laughed like that. Finally, he remembers a time.

It had been just a few months before Maddie had left, though Buck didn't know that at the time. Dancing with the Stars had announced a competition where people could send in dance pieces, and the winner would have theirs performed by the stars during the finale. Maddie choreographed a piece for them, and they rehearsed for weeks before finally filming.

Looking back now, Buck can realize that Maddie would have had a better chance of winning if she hadn't included her kid brother in the video. It wasn't about that for either of them though. Just another excuse to spend time in each other's orbit. Buck honestly can't remember much of the dance, so many of those memories caught up in the weight of Maddie leaving, but he remembers Maddie laughing as they danced.

There's one particular spin from the dance that Buck can recall. One of the first days they practiced it in the living room Buck had only worn socks and he'd slipped and fallen over. Maddie took one look at him sprawled out on the floor and burst into giggles. Buck had joined her, and soon both of them were laying next to each other laugher.

Buck would think of that memory often in the years without Maddie. Always imagining if he tried hard enough he could remember the specific twinkle she had in her eye that day. He sees it now as she giggles with Chim. Happy, vibrant, and so alive it takes Buck's breath away. He only looks away to check look down at the phone in his hand.

Eddie: Buckley what part of hungry child do you not understand?

Eddie: If you don't get in this car soon he's going to start gnawing on the leather seats

Buck turns to get one more look at his sister. Instead of seeing her dancing, he sees her lean in to kiss Chimney. Yep, definitely time to go.

Buck: sorry my sister is swapping spit with chim

Eddie: Oh no

Buck: wait what I thought you said chim will be good for maddie?

Eddie: No, he will be. He's just going to give me so much shit about kissing his Buckley before I kiss mine

Buck feels his cheeks heat, and he has to physically stop himself from running toward the parking lot. Instead, he walks toward the parking lot at a reasonable pace, and only when the jeep is in his sights does he allow himself to speed walk.

Eddie's sitting in the passenger seat clearly expecting Buck to drive, so Buck throws his bag in the trunk and hops in the front, "Alright Diaz boys, you ready for some lavender ice cream?"

Both of them groan as Buck puts the jeep into reverse, but Buck just smiles. Nine days, one hour, and fifty minutes and Eddie's going to get to kiss his Buckley alright. Buck will make sure of that.

May forces Eddie into three tiktoks before lunch on show day. Buck's there the entire time laughing and cheering him on. In one of them, he's asked to read Kesha lyrics and in another, to drag May across the floor so it looks like she's driving a car, or something? Eddie's not really sure. The third one is easily the most embarrassing. Eddie's supposed to explain why people should tune in for the semi finals, but May's written the script to make him sound like an insane person.

Buck and May are still laughing about it all the way until showtime. Eddie tries his best to pretend to be annoyed with them, but he's in too much of a good mood this week to even properly fake a scowl. Eddie wonders if Buck knows he's entirely to blame for Eddie's good spirits, he thinks by the soft smile Buck shoots him that he does.

Eddie is in such a good mood he even does something he rarely does; he texts Shannon.

Eddie: If I started seeing someone would you want to know?

Shannon: Eddie everyone with a cable package or a hulu subscription knows you started seeing someone

Eddie: Shan, it's not like that

Shannon: But it's going to be?

Eddie: I think so yeah

Eddie's not sure why he's still hedging his bets. In his heart, he knows this thing with Buck is a sure thing, but he still feels like he has to give Buck an out. After all, hadn't Shannon felt like a sure thing at the time? If Eddie's honest with himself, probably not. Marrying Shannon had felt like it was the right thing, but it wasn't a sure thing, both of them always had one foot out of the door.

Shannon: Normally in this situation I'd ask if Chris likes him, but I do happen to watch the show

Shannon: Which speaking of hulu is expensive these days, not everyone can have a gig on network television. Shouldn't being your ex-wife get me a discount code or something?

Eddie: When has being my ex-wife ever gotten you anything but a migraine?

Shannon: You took me out for chinese that week we signed the divorce papers

Eddie: Migraines and orange chicken, but no hulu subscription. Kind of shit deal, huh?

Shannon: Not like you made out any better. I've never even bought you take out

Eddie wants to laugh. Eddie had gotten everything he could have ever dreamed of having after the split, afterall he had Chris. Sure there was a time where he had wanted Chris and Shannon. More than anything, he had wanted Chris to have Shannon, but what they had now was better than before. That's what mattered. Eddie isn't sure how to respond, but Shannon beats him to it.

Shannon: What are you dancing this week?

Eddie: Argentine Tango.

Shannon: Like the one from?

Eddie: Yeah

Shannon: Good, I'm glad you found a partner to dance it with you.

Eddie knows why they're dancing around the subject. This is a dance that Eddie's had in his head for years, probably since he first started dancing the tango. He and Shannon had talked about it at length during their relationship. They'd even tried to dance it together a few times, but it just never worked.

Shannon wasn't a ballroom dancer, and even if she was, the dance really needed a male partner, not that Eddie had been willing to admit that at the time. Whenever he tried to show her the steps, it never clicked. Shannon was brought up in ballet before switching to contemporary, and her body just wasn't trained to move the way Eddie had needed for the dance. It was more than that, though, neither one was willing to admit it. The tango didn't work because they hadn't worked. They both knew that now.

Eddie: You'll watch tonight?

Shannon: Eddie you know I always watch. Just because we're not what we were doesn't mean I don't like what we are now

Eddie: Thank you

Shannon: Always, now go get ready for the show.

Shannon: Oh, and Eddie?

Eddie: Yeah, Shan?

Shannon: You better kiss that guy soon or I'm going to fly to LA and kiss him myself

Eddie: Rude.

For the first time in a long time, he doesn't feel worse after texting with Shannon, in fact he somehow feels better than before. Shannon's approval eases some of the tension in his chest that he didn't even realize was there. Hen finds him a few minutes later, quietly grinning at his phone.

"There you are, I want to stretch your shoulder out before the show starts," Hen gives him a soft smile.

"Thanks, I appreciate it," Eddie follows her toward her office.

Stretching out Eddie's shoulder takes long enough that it's nearly call time when they wrap up. Eddie dresses quickly before slotting himself into Buck's side backstage. Buck brightens at the touch.

"How's Maddie?" he asks, knowing Buck spent most of the afternoon with her.

"She's under strict instructions to still vote for us even though she's got a thing going with Chim," Buck jokes.

"She could always split her votes between us."

Buck gasps, "Eddie I thought you wanted to win."

"I've seen how hard you've worked this week Buck, we can spare five votes," Eddie squeezes his hip.

"You really think so?" Buck asks.

"I do, but let's have Maddie use all ten votes for us just in case."

Buck laughs, "Deal."

Someone backstage calls for places, and both of them move to their spaces. They're scheduled to dance last tonight, and Eddie watches through the night as Buck's excitement never fades. He's looking ridiculously handsome in his costume tonight, a classic suit. Eddie feels a bit like a school girl for the way he can't help but imagine Buck in a suit like this on their wedding day. God, Eddie is so gone for this man.

It's the last thought he has before the dance starts. Buck performs brilliantly. It's everything Eddie has ever imagined it being and more. Athena, usually the most subdued of the judges, is openly cheering when they finish. Brad has pretended to faint across the desk while Elaine indulges him by fanning him with her scoring paddles.

Eddie shouldn't be surprised when the scores come back, but he still is—three tens. It feels bigger than any other time he's done well on the show before. He'd given up a part of himself with this dance, something that's been brewing inside of him longer than anything else.

Buck is ecstatic, and he doesn't stop bouncing for the rest of the show. When they're called as safe, Buck bounces happily into Eddie's arms, and then whispers, "Seven more days."

Eddie knows the blush on his cheeks is bright enough that the entire country will be able to see it. Eddie's so happy, he can't even bring himself to feel all that sad when Albert and Veronica are eliminated. Still, Eddie's a professional so he doesn't giggle when Chimney whines about the loss of the "HANale." His frown actually does turn real when he remembers that Taylor is coming to the finale with them, but all it takes is one smile from Buck sent his way to forget about her.

One week. Sevens days. Then no matter what happens, the rest of forever.

Eddie feels lighter too. This thing between them that they've been dancing around finally has a name.

Transcript of Eddie's Tiktok

Eddie: Hey besties. Do you want to watch a totally slay show? Well tune in tonight for Dancing with the Stars. It's going to be lit AF. May do I really have to say this shi— [muffled noises off camera]

Eddie (continued): Our show has everything including: slay queen baddies [the camera points to Lena and Chimney], gen-z rizzlers with gyatts [May and TK wave], epic girlbosses [Taylor flips the camera off], a sigma level 9000 skibiti toilet [Albert dabs] a sigma [Albert dabs] and even two people slaying the boots down mama [Buck smiles at the camera] Wait that ones supposed to be us? May come on! [more muffled noises and then a hard cut]

Eddie: So don't be a flop and tune in tonight at 7pm eastern you slay legend brat summer icons. May seriously what the fuck?

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

TENS ACROSS THE BOARD lfg bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!

DWTS is BACK!! @maygrantluvr

May Grant in the finale. I've prayed for times like these

Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool
I can't believe they made Albert and Chim the final two. That was the most devastating moment of my entire life. Miss you already Albert :(((((

Ren @dwts_fan11

that tango was fucking insane, but bobby nash if you call it a MANgo one more time i'm going to start screaming

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

@ravipanikkar @alberthan expecting plenty of tiktoks from you boys next week now that Albert has more free time

Fujoshi Warrior @yessirrrrrrr

dwts finale being during thanksgiving break is so evil like what do you mean my roommate is going to be in ohio and not watching with me live next week????

Chapter Text

Week 9.

When Maddie texted him an hour after the finale Eddie wasn't sure what he was expecting, but a text starting with TOP SECRET wasn't it. Maddie and Eddie very rarely texted, just a few good luck messages exchanged, or words about Buck. Certainly nothing that needed to be kept top secret.

Maddie: TOP SECRET DON'T SHOW BUCK

Maddie: [video attachment] This is the video Buck and I submitted when he was twelve to get our dance shown on dancing with the stars. We didn't win, and I honestly don't know if Buck still remembers, but I thought you could have it play during the video package during the finale. Full circle moment, you know?

Eddie: You're a genius

When Eddie started the video, he honestly didn't expect it to be very good, after all Buck was twelve, but some of the choreography and staging was actually really advanced. Buck, for his part, still danced like an awkward preteen, but Eddie could see the foundation of a really spectacular dance.

Eddie: Did you do the choreo? This is really good Maddie

Maddie: haha thanks, so you think you'll use it?

Eddie: Oh definitely

Eddie: Thanks Maddie

Maddie had suggested putting some of this video in the video package, but Eddie had different plans. He watches the video a few times, taking notes on places that can be tightened up or a little more advanced, but if he plays his cards right he can probably adapt Maddie's dance into their freestyle this week.

He can picture it already, Maddie and Buck playing on the screen behind him as they danced. It would look phenomenal on screen, and more than that it would be really important to Buck. Eddie pauses the video to write another note, but is distracted by the brilliant smile on young Buck's face.

Eddie and Buck haven't even kissed yet, which is why Eddie absolutely doesn't spend the rest of the night thinking about Buck's young features on a baby. Moreover, he definitely doesn't spend most of the night wishing he could invite Buck into his bedroom instead of the guest room he was currently sleeping in, because that would be a little pathetic.

Instead, Eddie uses the restless energy to work through the two dances they're doing. Eddie knows they'll be doing a redemption jive, that's basically been in the cards since they performed it. Since then, Eddie's thought of some ways to to tweak the format of a jive to work a little better for Buck's set of skills. Buck works best when he can stick close to Eddie, and Eddie's certainly not going to keep him at a distance if he can help it.

Eddie works late into the night before finally crashing. When he finally wakes up, it's to Buck shaking him awake. Eddie groans at him and rolls over in favor of getting more sleep.

"Good morning sleepy head," Buck sing songs, "I didn't want to wake you, but we've got like twenty minutes before we need to leave for the studio."

Eddie groans, but complies. He spends the next twenty minutes in sleepy haze, only really starting to wake up when Buck places a coffee in his hands before shuffling them both out of the door.

"What had you staying up so late last night?" Buck teases as they enter the studio.

"Choreographing," Eddie answers honestly, "I have a lot of ideas for this week."

"Well let's get to it then."

Eddie leads them through the jive first. Buck's clearly nervous about it, but Eddie does his best to assuage his fears. Buck picks up most of the steps quickly, and it's clear how much he's grown as a dancer even in these few weeks. Eddie tells him as much and feels his chest warm at the way Buck preens at the compliment.

After a couple hours, Eddie moves on to the freestyle. Eddie's altered the beginning enough that Buck doesn't seem to recognize it from the first couple of combinations. Then they move into the next section, and something clearly clicks for Buck.

"That's so weird, Maddie and I did a dance like this when we were younger," Buck looks at him in confusion.

"Huh, weird coincidence," Eddie shrugs him off and keeps walking him through the dance.

"No, Eddie wait—this is just like the dance. Did Maddie tell you about it?" Buck questions.

"More than told me," Eddie admits, moving toward his bag to grab his phone, "Here."

While Buck watches the video, Eddie watches Buck. Eddie loves the way that Buck wears his emotions on his face so plainly. It's refreshing, especially compared to growing up in a place where everyone was taught to bite their tongues. The emotions dancing across Buck's face are like a breath of fresh air.

"I've never seen this before. I didn't even know Maddie had a copy of it," Buck's eyes are watery.

"She wanted it to be a surprise and include it in your video package this week, but I had other plans," Eddie admits.

"You really want this to be our freestyle?" Buck seems surprised but excited none the less.

"Of course, Maddie did a really good job, and I thought it would be a nice surprise for her," Eddie explains, "I talked to the production team, and they said they can sync it up on screen so it's in the background."

Some of Buck's tears begin to fall, "Eddie that's perfect. Maddie is going to love it—I love it."

Buck pulls him into a hug. Eddie allows it to linger longer than he would have a couple of weeks ago. Buck's the one who pulls away first, but he doesn't go far. Buck stays in Eddie's space, and they just look at each other for a moment. For a moment Eddie considers throwing this waiting game out of the window and kissing him, but he pulls back instead.

"So you ready to learn the rest of this dance?"

"Always."

Excerpts from May's Instagram Q&A

Hanbanan: What has been different for you this season compared to last season?

May: Great question, honestly so many things it's hard to even keep track. I think the biggest difference though is how fun this year has been. Having Ravi join me and Albert on the main cast is really special. It's really nice to have this group that's all close in age. The stars this season have been special too, obviously TK and I are super close, but also becoming close with Buck has been amazing. I already felt like Eddie was my big brother so it's nice to have another one in Buck.

Ashmeoutside: what are you dancing to this week?

May: You all know my mom would kill me if I gave out spoilers on instagram, but I think it's pretty clear what kind of dance TK and I's redemption is going to be. That tango was not our best work.

user732: What song did you want to use this season that you didn't get a chance to?

May: Ooo this is fun I'm going to ask this to some of the others too. I really wanted to find a way to get some Dolly Parton in there, but she just didn't end up working with the themes this year.

TK: My boyfriend really wanted us to do a country song too, but it just never happened so I guess that.

Eddie: I still haven't gotten the chance to dance to a Selena song which my Abuela complains about every single year without fail.

Buck: When we had the movie week I sort of wanted to do the dirty dancing scene, but I was worried it would be kind of cliche, you know? Plus Eddie's choreography was so fun that week that I can't complain.

Ravi: If I had made it to pop icons you KNOW i would have honored my queen charli xcx

LukeNelson: Are Buck and Eddie together, and if not why not?

May: [flipping the camera to Buck and Eddie who are sitting together and whispering to each other and laughing] Your guess is as good as mine

Eddie: [looking up] May are you filming us?

May: Whoops, well fun Q&A guys we should do this again sometime soon. Don't forget to tune in on Tuesday and vote for May and TK via text or on the web!

Eddie: May what did you film— [video ends]

Buck wasn't dumb, he knew that Dancing with the Stars would take up a lot of his time. Eddie had told him that from the minute they started, but Buck didn't expect the unexpected complication that comes with that. The show is over in three days and he has no idea where he's going to take Eddie on a date. It's currently 11 pm, and Buck can't sleep because he's too focused on their upcoming date.

Nepo babies and also buck

Buck: greetings nepos i'm in distress

May: what's up with you and eddie this time

Buck: how do you know it's about eddie

TK: it's always about eddie

Buck: no it's not!!!

May: it is in this groupchat, it's the only one we have together without Eddie in it

Buck: well when you put it like that

Ravi: so did you guys fuck or what?

Buck: ravi we're waiting until the show is done you know that

Ravi: right saving yourself for mirrorball

May: that was funny, but TK and I are winning this week sorry

TK: yeah team nepo baby forever!!!!

Albert: i feel like i have to vote for chimney as his brother

Ravi: well if you're rooting for chim i'll root for taylor so we're fully spread across the board

May: bro wtf what happened to 118 loyalty

Ravi: oh i'm sorry you hate to see a girlboss winning

May: i'm a girlboss!!!! that was literally our halloween costume last year

Ravi: well maybe i'm still mad i had to be gaslight instead of girlboss

Albert: dude you were literally the perfect gaslight, I'M the one who had to be gatekeep that's the worst one

Ravi: you literally asked to be gatekeep what are you talking about???

Ravi: you sound crazy rn

Albert: oh my god he's gaslighting me as we speak

Buck: can we circle back to me now? you know the guy in ACTIVE CRISIS

Albert: if you were actually in active crisis you'd be hiding it from everyone

Ravi: oh damn clocked

Buck: i need to take eddie out on a date once the show ends

May: buck this is so not a crisis

Buck: and yet here we are

Ravi: well the show ends on tuesday and we have GMA in new york the next day so maybe you could plan for thursday

Buck: noooo too long! what if he forgets he likes me by then?

May: you're being dumb eddie's obsessed with you

Buck: don't care the date needs to happen as soon as possible

TK: so something in nyc? i'm from there i can give some recs

Buck: that's still too long, that's a solid 12 hours into my being able to kiss eddie window without any actual kissing

Albert: do you need to go on a date to kiss him?

Buck: well no, but eddie just kind of seems like that kind of guy. i don't want to move too fast

Ravi: YOU LIVE TOGETHER

Buck: shhhhh

TK: so you're telling me you want to take him out immediately after the show finishes, and then get on a plane at like 3am to be on GMA the next morning?

Buck: exactly yes

May: when will you sleep?

Buck: on the plane or in nyc i guess

Albert: you're insane

Buck: well yes

May: alright so we need to find a date spot that is 1. open late 2. near either the airport or the studio 3. romantic but also private so you don't have a million people taking your picture

Buck: also they need to have milkshakes

Ravi: why?

Buck: it's eddie's requirement, one milkshake, two straws

May: you guys are gross

Buck: and yet you're helping me

Ravi: [link to diner] 24 hour diner near the studio, good milkshakes. tell eddie to get the banana pancakes

Buck: ravi you're a genius, i'm going to kiss you on the mouth

Ravi: please don't cheat on eddie after i've just planned your first date

Buck: good point, albert pls kiss ravi on the mouth for me

Albert: on it

Ravi: ????

Buck ignores the groupchat in favor of looking at the diner menu. It's a cute little place, old school but not comically so. The retro style would appeal to Eddie, but it wasn't trendy enough that they'd have to worry about a bunch of tourists or influencers. It was perfect. Having a plan allows him to finally feel comfortable enough to roll over and try and go to sleep, until he hears a familiar sound in the hallway.

Chris's crutches creak toward the doorway slowly, clearly trying to navigate the hallway in the dark, "Buck?"

"Chris, buddy, everything alright?" Buck whispers back.

Buck moves from the bed to the doorway. Chris lifts his arms in a clear indication that he'd like to be picked up. The combination of the dark room and lack of glasses causes Christopher to squint up at him as Buck pulls him into his arms.

"Can we sit on the bed and talk a little before I go back to sleep?" Chris asks.

"Did you have a bad dream?" Buck asks.

Chris nods, but doesn't elaborate. Buck isn't quite sure how to navigate this situation. Eddie has mentioned that Chris has nightmares occasionally, but he's never come into Buck's room after having them. Once, he had woken up from one when Buck and Eddie were still hanging out in the living room. Buck remembers the way Eddie had rubbed Christopher's back to soothe him. Buck repeats the action now, and Christopher leans his head further into the crook of Buck's neck.

"Are you excited to come to the finale on Tuesday?" Buck asks trying to distract Chris from his dream.

Chris brightens, "Of course! Dad and Carla are going to let me have a half day at school since we're going to stay up late. I hope you guys win."

"Me too," Buck smiles, "but even if we don't, you know I'm still going to be your best friend and we're still going hang a bunch, right?

"Duh, Buck."

Chris makes it sound so simple. Of course Buck was going to stay in his life, as if Buck hadn't spend weeks of his life worrying about what would happen once the show is all over. It hits him, not for the first time, how special it is that Chris and Eddie want him in their life as much as he wants them in his. It's a gift unlike anything anyone has ever given him.

Chris lets out a large yawn and Buck remembers how late at night it is for a kid his age, "You seem pretty tired. Do you want to me to bring you back to bed?"

Chris shakes his head quickly, "Can you bring me to Dad's room? I want to see him, but the hallway is really dark."

Chris is right, the hallway is a lot darker than it normally is. Usually light from the moon flickers in through the window, but it's a rare stormy night in LA and the moon is hidden behind the clouds. Chris must have seen Buck's phone light on the way to Eddie's room that caused him to divert from his original path.

"Of course. Your dad's cuddles are the best way to feel better after a bad dream, huh?"

Chris nods, perhaps a little shyly, and allows himself to be picked up again as they head to Eddie's room. Eddie's door is cracked open, and Buck can hear his soft breaths from the hallway. Buck would feel bad waking him up if it weren't for the eight year currently clinging to him. Buck deposits Chris on the bed next to Eddie who mumbles softly at the movement.

"Daddy?" Chris whispers.

Eddie's eyes blink open almost cartoonishly, "Bad dream, mijo?"

Chris nods and tucks himself into Eddie's side, "Buck helped, but can I sleep with you tonight?"

Eddie looks up at Buck, clearly just noticing him for the first time, "You're always welcome, but no snoring," Eddie teases.

Buck leans over to ruffle Chris's hair before moving to leave the room. Instead, Eddie grabs his wrist pulling Buck in, "Same rules apply to you too, no snoring."

Eddie's clearly still half asleep, but the look in his eyes is genuine, and the opportunity is too good to pass up. Buck climbs into the bed, sliding into the open space next to Chris. Chris and Eddie are both practically asleep by the time Buck settles in, but Eddie is still awake enough to intertwine his fingers with Buck. Buck feels himself smile before drifting off to sleep.

The smile must stay on his face throughout the night, because when he wakes in the morning even sweaty hands and Chris's knee in his kidneys can't will the smile away.

Reporter: I'm here with Buck and Eddie from Dancing with the Stars. Now boys, not only are you the first male partnership on the show, you're also the first male partnership to make it to the finale, how does that feel?

Eddie: I've done a lot of things on this show that I'm incredibly proud of, but there's nothing I'll ever be more proud of than this partnership. For a long time, I kept pretty quiet about my sexuality—not out of shame—just out of habit. Now though, I think about how Buck watched the show growing up, and how there's other people out that who benefit from seeing us dance on the screen. Getting to the finale, though, that's all Buck. Couldn't have done it without him.

Buck: Yeah right, I could barely dance my way out of a paper bag before I found you.

Eddie: Hey, that's not true, I've seen your home movies.

Buck: Seriously though to answer your question, I really never thought I'd make it this far. I always say that I did this show for my sister, but it's become so much more than that. Getting to be in the finale is one of the things I'm proudest of in the world.

Reporter: Big talk coming from an Olympian. Speaking of the Olympics, how does being on a competition show compare to the Olympics?

Buck: Well you know rugby is a team sport, so the competition is also really teamed based. In rugby very rarely can you say something like 'we won because one of our players played better than one of their players,' instead it's about 'our team played better than their team'. Here it's not really like that, Eddie and I are a team, but I don't find myself competing with the others so much as I do with myself.

Buck (continued): Eddie really helped me shift my mindset, especially with how close he is with some of the other pros. When I go out on stage I don't think about dancing better than Lena or TK, I focus on dancing better than I did the week before. No matter what happens in the finale, I'm really proud to say that I've grown so much from where I started, both as a dancer and as a person.

Reporter: That's amazing, any final things you want to say to the folks at home?

Eddie: Don't forget to tune in on Tuesday and vote either through text or by website.

Buck: Tell your friends to vote too! Oh, and your grandma and parents, steal their phones if you have to.

Reporter: Well you heard them folks. Watch Buck and Eddie in the finale this Tuesday on ABC.

If Eddie's being honest, show day comes much too quickly for his liking. Buck and Eddie have been rehearsing like crazy, and Eddie feels a bit like he blinked and suddenly it's the finale. Buck's been dancing better than he ever has. Karen told Eddie that Buck's probably the best male contestant they've had on the show since she's been here. Eddie's biased, but he has to agree.

It's more than that, because Buck is good, but so are TK and Lena (Taylor's partner Chad is fine, but he's gotten this far by throwing Taylor around and riding the Bachelor franchise fame). Buck and Eddie's dances have as much to do with Buck's talent as they do with their connection. Eddie's worked with talented dancers before, but it's never been like it is with Buck.

Every time they dance together it's electric. It's everything Eddie's ever wanted, but refused to let himself have. It's enough to make him feel lightheaded if he thinks about it too hard, but what really makes him dizzy is that fact that he gets to have this, hopefully forever. The season finale is a beginning, instead of the ending it felt like it was a few weeks ago.

Buck had picked the song for their jive, but Eddie can't help but feel like the song was made for him specifically. Eddie loved the song Naked in Manhattan the second he heard it last year, but now that he and Buck are so close to something more he can't help but feel like the song has taken on a new meaning. An inch away from more than just friends.

Eddie catches Buck's eye from where he's talking to Ravi backstage. Buck smiles at him, and it takes all of Eddie's control to not run over and kiss him senseless. They have time for that once the show is over. Just a couple more dances. Eddie's composure can hold out that long.

Someone calls out that they have ten minutes until the show starts, and Buck makes his way toward Eddie. Eddie expects him to start heading toward their places, but instead Buck pulls them toward a empty corner.

Buck looks nervous so Eddie tries to reassure him, "Buck, the jive is going to be great, you've got this."

"I know, I just want to say something before we go out on stage, if that's alright," Buck smiles softly when Eddie nods, "I just need you to know that I choose you and I'm going to keep choosing you every time. I know you're worried that this spark between us will fade once the show ends, but I know it won't. I love you in all the quiet moments. I love you on stage and in the studio and I love you at the house too. It's not the show, it's just us."

Eddie feels tears prick the corners of his eyes, "I choose you too. I loved you when you stepped on my feet during our first rehearsal, and when you and Chris wake me up early to go to the zoo. I love you in all imperfect moments."

Buck smiles brightly, "Cool."

"Cool?" Eddie teases.

"Super cool," Buck smiles, and Eddie is really starting to question this whole kissing after the show plan.

"Anything else, or can I go to places now?"

"Oh yeah," Buck's smile brightens even more, "We're going on a date after the show tonight."

"We are?" Eddie's smiling now too.

"Yep, Chris is going home with Tia Pepa, and I have a bag packed for you so we can go straight to the airport from our date," Buck grins confidently.

"This place have milkshakes?" Eddie teases.

"World famous ones, even. One milkshake, two straws, I know the deal," Buck winks.

Yeah, Eddie really wants to kiss him, but before his restraint can give out they're being called to places. Buck seems to have been thinking the same thing by the pout he's sporting, but Eddie doesn't mind. They're going to have all the time in the world after this.

"Get a move on Buckley I've already cleared out space on the mantle for our trophies."

Buck brightens at that, clearly as excited about the prospect as Eddie is. Not just the idea of winning, but the idea of sharing both the win and their lives.

Week Nine Video Package:

Buck: Being on Dancing with the Stars has been one of the best gifts that I've ever been given. Growing up, very few things were constant in my life, but this show was. I'm not sure I'm ever going to have words for what this show means to me, especially now. My entire life I've been searching for a family, and I really think I found that here with everyone. [The video cuts to Buck laughing with Bobby and May].

Eddie: The thing I've always struggled with on this show is that so much of ballroom dance is about connection. You can be placed with a celebrity and they can be a great dancer, but if you guys aren't compatible or your teaching style doesn't work for them, you're dead in the water. I've never had a dance partner like Buck before. [The video shows a montage of Buck and Eddie dancing over Eddie speaking].

Buck: The thing I'm most worried about this week is the jive. I really struggled when we did a jive last time, and even though I'm feeling more confident about this one I can't help but let the doubt seep in. [Buck laughs]. Eddie helps though.

Eddie: I'm incredibly excited about our freestyle this week. Long time fans of the show will remember a fan contest where people could submit their dances to be features by the pros on the show. Buck and his sister submitted a tape for it, and even though it wasn't selected then, I thought maybe now would be a good time to showcase it.

Buck: We're actually surprising my sister by doing her choreography during the finale. She gave Eddie the video thinking that he'd use it during this video right now, but he had a better idea. My sister Maddie was my first dance partner, and it feels only fitting to end this journey in a way that honors her.

The jive goes really well if you ask Buck. Two tens and a nine is nothing to bat his eyelashes at, especially when no one has gotten all tens on their first dance. Hell, Taylor and Chad didn't even get a ten on their redemption dance. Not that the scores matter all that much during the finale. They're all dancing incredibly well at this point, it's all going to come down to how the fans vote. Well it will so long as he doesn't fuck up this final dance.

The freestyle is Buck's favorite dance of the whole show for a million reasons. The song choice—Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield— the beautiful choreography, but more than anything, he loves how the whole thing is a love letter to the show and to Maddie. If Buck wasn't completely sure how Eddie felt about him, this would be the thing that solidified it.

Eddie could have choreographed anything and Buck would have loved it, but Eddie chose to use the time to dedicate it to Maddie in a way that felt special and private. Something that would mean something to Maddie, but wouldn't bring Maddie's past any unwanted attention. More than that though, it was also dedicated to Buck. A love letter to the one good thing in Buck's childhood, Maddie.

As Buck begins to dance, he's careful to ignore the background where he knows preteen Buck dances on the screen behind him. He knows if he thinks about it too hard he'll burst into tears. So he does what he's done for the past few weeks, he focuses on Eddie.

Maddie loves lifts, and the age gap between the two of them had allowed her to lift him constantly. Eddie had been just as happy to incorporate them into the dance, making them all slightly more complex but true to the spirit of Maddie's dance. Eddie's also split the lifts in the dance between them, so Buck spends most of the dance either in the air or lifting Eddie into it.

Lifts used to freak Buck out in the beginning of the show. He's a big guy, and he's not used to to being picked up. but he loves it now. He likes the lifting aspect too. There's a trust aspect he really enjoys, knowing that Eddie trusts him so completely as he lifts him in the air. He likes having Eddie in his arms just as much as he liked being in Eddie's.

Lifts or no lifts, it's a beautiful dance regardless. Fun and exciting, but also built on a foundation of an unbreakable sibling bond. Buck knows it's a really good dance, but it doesn't fully set in until the dance is over and he catches Maddie's eye in the audience. She's fully sobbing, but Buck knows her well enough that it's happy tears. When she realizes he can see her she lifts her pinky and mouths I love you. He mouths it back and turns toward Bobby.

Eddie stays tucked into Buck's side for the entire interview. Buck knows it must look intimate, but he doesn't care, too happy about the feeling of Eddie's hands on him. Eddie squeezes his wrist seconds before they turn toward the judges to hear their scores.

First Brad, "Ten!" Eddie gives him a squeeze on the wrist.

Then Elaine, "Ten!" another squeeze.

Finally Athena, "Ten," Eddie squeezes again before Buck pulls him into a tight hug.

They stay glued together for the rest of the show. Buck watches Eddie's face as he focuses on May's dance. It's beautifully done, a tribute to TK and his recovery journey. Buck had teared up watching it during dress rehearsal. This time, he's too focused on Eddie to even notice a second of the dance.

Sometimes Eddie looks like a painting, simply too beautiful to be real. A work of art that's come to life. When May's dance ends, Eddie shoots him a smile, it makes his eyes crinkle in a way that makes Buck's heart feel like it's going to burst. He can't believe he gets to have this, have Eddie. What did he do to deserve this? Buck doesn't have an answer for that, but he doesn't have time to worry about it because before he knows it they're going to announce the final results.

Eddie holds out his hand and interlaces his fingers with Buck's. The anxiety in Buck's chest softens. No matter what happens, Eddie and Buck are leaving this hand and hand. One milkshake, two straws, and then the rest of forever. He can do this.

He repeats this mantra in his head until they announce fourth place, Buck is fully ready for his name to be called. Instead, Chimney and Lena's names are announced. Buck does his best to keep the surprise out of his face. Chim and Lena have been one of the most solid pairings this entire time, and he thought if he was going to lose to anyone tonight it would have been them. Still, it's sort of a relief to know they weren't the first ones eliminated.

Honestly, Buck thinks, it would be kind of poetic to get third. Bronze medal at the Olympics, bronze at Dancing with the Stars. Buck likes the number three anyway. It's his number in the birth order, the number of his sandwich order at the deli by his apartment, and it's the number he makes in the family he's started to build. Eddie, Christopher, and Buck. 1,2,3. It all fits so perfectly that when Bobby announces third place he's almost confused to hear Chad and Taylor's names instead of his own.

That confusion gives way to joy when he realizes that they've made it to the final two, more than that though, it also means that May and TK have made it to the final two. Buck watches the looks May and Eddie give each other. Eddie is glowing with pride, and May is shifting from foot to foot in excitement. Before they can make the final announcement, Bobby announces a commercial break to the groans of everyone on stage. Buck just wants to get it over with at this point.

"Is it bad I kind of want to lose now?" Eddie whispers in his ear.

Buck knows the feeling, but he'd rather tease Eddie, "Oh so when I want to quit the competition so we can go on a date you say no, but now that it'll help May you're all ready to throw in the towel?"

"Exactly. May is—" Eddie pauses, trying to find the words.

"Your sister," Buck offers.

"Oh god, don't let my actual sisters hear you say that," Eddie groans.

Before Buck can tease him further, one of the producers lets them know they're back on in thirty seconds. Eddie makes eye contact with one of the camera men, mouthing sorry before pulling Buck over to stand directly next to May and TK. Eddie pull Buck into his side and extends his hand for May who takes it immediately. The camera's adjust quickly as the countdown begins.

"Well folks if that isn't what this show is about, family. Eddie and May, you both know as well as I do that there can only be one winner of Dancing with the Stars, but we're all still a family after this," Bobby smiles at him. Buck knows he loves them both like they're his blood.

Bobby turns to face the camera, and he goes through a whole speech that Buck can't properly process. All he can do is listen for whatever name Bobby is going to call. Buck sends one more look to May and TK, who are hugging, and then follows May's arm to where she's connected to Eddie. Eddie's grip on May's hand is firm, but it's nothing compared to the iron grip he's got on Buck's waist. The pressure of it is almost enough to distract him from Bobby. Almost.

"This year's winners of Dancing with the Stars are—" a beat of silence.

Love you, May mouths to Eddie.

Love you more, he mouths back.

"Buck and Eddie!"

Buck registers Maddie's loud cheering before he registers that they've won. He sees May move toward them out of the corner of his eye before stopping. He only has a split second to wonder why she stopped before he understands. Eddie twists Buck toward him and pulls him in for a kiss. Buck's returns the kiss eagerly as the rest of his body begins to catch up with the reality of the situation.

They just won, and now Eddie is kissing him on live television. Buck's knees start to give out and Buck can feel himself begin to lean backwards. Eddie responds in kind and maneuvers them so he's effectively dipping Buck while continuing to kiss him. It's the kind of shit you only see in movies. Damn Eddie and his smooth dancer skills.

Buck is giggling as Eddie pulls him to his feet. Buck thinks about going in for another kiss before he sees Chimney holding the mirrorball out to them and Bobby looking at them with a mix of joy and exasperation. Buck takes the mirrorball trophy from Chimney and holds it above his head for a moment before handing it to Eddie.

"Well, that was certainly something boys. Buck how are you feeling?" Bobby asks.

Buck knows he's blushing and giggling like a school girl, but he can't help it, "Really, really good Bobby. Never been better actually."

Bobby allows Buck to babble for a little bit more until he finally takes the reins again and brings the show to a close. May finally makes her way over to them, and Eddie lets go of Buck to twirl her around. Chimney moves over to the stage to pull Buck into a head lock and ruffle his hair. Buck catches glimpses of Maddie and Christopher through the confetti that's flying everywhere.

Buck doesn't even realize he's begun to cry until Eddie's back at his side and wiping away tears, "Happy tears?"

"The happiest."

Eddie laughs, "Let's get a move on. I've got a date I've got to get to soon, and I want to hug my son goodbye before then."

Buck follows him as Eddie leads him through the crowd. He follows him later too, as Eddie leads him through the quiet parking lot toward the jeep. Eddie pauses, causing Buck to bump into him. Eddie takes their intertwined hands and twists Buck into a spin. Buck laughs and allowing himself to be twirled. They dance like that for a while under the yellow light of the streetlamp. Eventually, Eddie pulls Buck toward him and kisses him firmly. Buck feels like he's still spinning.

Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool

gay people are real????????????!!!!!!!

Chimney Han's left earlobe @iamnormalandcool

i was so blinded by Buddie kissing on my television screen that i forgot how angry I am about chimney get FOURTH?!!!?

DWTS is no longer back :( @maygrantluvr

may and eddie mouthing i love you right before the winner was revealed,,, im never going to recover

Hannah loves DWTS @hanbanan

best finale of all time???!!!!

Luke (who watches DWTS ig?) @Lukedaduke912

Ran a lap around my house after the Buck and Eddie kiss this is like when my team won the superbowl!!! actually why aren't the eagles kissing on the mouth at the end????

Gracie C. @gracecam

buck and eddie kissing on live television just put us back on the right timeline, like i think nature is finally healing

Ren @dwts_fan11

awesedfghujkl'[ 3456ty7hnj' BUDDIE REAL?!

Ren @dwts_fan11

i'm going to be so normal about this guys don't worry

Eddie finds him backstage after the opening number. Buck's wearing a blue shirt that compliments Eddie's green one that they're wearing for the dance. Eddie takes a second to appreciate the way the color brings out the blue of Buck's eyes. Eddie has missed having Buck on set desperately this season. Sure, he and Chris visited often, but it wasn't the same. After dancing with Buck, everyone else pales in comparison.

Becca had been a fine partner, a little vain and airheaded, but nice enough to make up for it. She'd been a strong enough dancer that they'd finished in sixth, and Eddie was proud of her improvement. Still, she wasn't Buck, no one else could ever be Buck.

Seeing Buck back on set settles something in his bones he wasn't aware he needed. When Buck catches his eye, he gives him a big smile. Buck's been buzzing with excitement all day, honestly, he's been excited since they've started working on the choreography for the dance. It's one of Eddie's favorite things about the finale, getting to watch last years winners' dance. It's more special now that it's Eddie and Buck that will be dancing.

The past year has felt like a dream. The transition from dance partner to life partner had been easy in a way that he'd never experienced before. Even when things felt hard, they always felt right. In the year since the show so much has happened, from Buck getting even more internet fame to Eddie going on tour with the rest of the Dancing with the Stars cast, but the most remarkable thing was how much felt the same, only better.

Buck still lived with him, only this time he shares a bed with Eddie instead of living out of the guest room. They're still practically glued at the hip, only now Eddie is able to kiss him whenever he feels like. Well, not quite whenever, both Chris and May complain loudly if any kissing occurs in a twenty foot radius of either of them. They still dance together, only now it's more slow dancing in the kitchen than jiving in the studio. It's everything he could want.

Eddie slots himself into Buck's side as the lights go down on stage. Buck bounces on the balls of his feet. Buck may be excited for their dance later, but he's even more excited for this one. Bobby and Athena are doing a version of their freestyle from their season. He knows Maddie, who is sitting in the audience with Chris, is probably just as excited.

Athena does a gorgeous spin, and Buck draws in a breath, "I want to be just like them," Buck whispers.

Eddie smiles, "Oh yeah, you want to host when Bobby retires?"

Buck nods, but Eddie knows he's half joking, "I'll host, you can judge, and we'll be the second best power couple in the show's history."

"You think we rank better than Karen and Hen?" Eddie teases.

"Fine we'll be third. You know I'm a fan of bronze medals anyway," Buck jokes.

Eddie thinks of the band burning a hole in his pocket, "I don't know, I think silver compliments your skin tone better. We'll have to do something to secure our spot in second."

"You could try kissing me after our dance, people seemed to really like that the first time," Buck kisses his cheek.

"I'll think about it," Eddie teases.

It's silly because Eddie knows he intends to do much more than just kiss him after their dance. He's been planning it for months, and when Athena had mentioned doing it on the show it had just felt right. Eddie didn't think he'd ever be the kind of person to do a public proposal, but this is where they fell in love. It just makes sense.

They've both talked about it—wanting to get married. Both of them have known it was in the cards from the beginning, but Eddie knows Buck isn't going to be suspecting a proposal tonight. Which is a damn miracle given how many people have been looped in just to pull this whole thing off. The only other person in their family who doesn't know is Chimney, and that's only because Eddie simply couldn't risk him ruining it. Maddie was an angel for being able to hide that secret from her boyfriend for that long.

Not that she'd have to wait that much longer. There's only one more dance before Buck and Eddie's, and Eddie's too excited to watch it to even work up any anxiety about proposing. May has had an amazing season, and it's all but written on the wall that her and her partner, Judd, are going to win.

They're just dancing at a level that's leagues above the other contestants on the show. That fact is proven by their dance tonight, a beautiful freestyle portraying Judd's struggle with PTSD. Eddie knows how much effort May has put into this dance and this season. She deserves the win more than anything, and Eddie's sure she's going to get it.

"She's amazing," Buck comments as her dance finishes up. They have a few minutes of commercial break before their dance.

"I know," Eddie watches as Bobby hugs May before she makes her way to them.

May bounces over to them, and both of them pull her into a hug, "You killed it out there," Buck compliments.

May smiles, "Just try not to steal my thunder too badly with your dance, alright?"

Eddie would feel worried about May's words if she hadn't told him earlier how excited she was for Eddie to propose, "It'll be you and Judd here next year," Eddie leaves no room for argument. The only way May isn't winning this season is if the sun crashes into the earth in the next hour.

"Yeah, yeah, just get out there and remind everyone how disgustingly in love you are," May pushes them out to the stage.

Eddie is happy to do just that. Dancing with Buck on stage again is like breathing in fresh air for the first time in months. Buck had selected the song—Best Guess by Lucy Dacus—but the lyrics had been so fitting for Eddie's proposal that Eddie hadn't complained. It's a good song either way, even if it's a little slower than what Eddie had originally planned.

The dance ends with Buck facing away from Eddie, so Eddie has time to get down on one knee. When they rehearsed it during dress rehearsal the lights had gone down immediately after the dance. Eddie can see the way Buck's shoulder tighten in confusion when they lights stay on. They raise even higher when Eddie gets down on one knee and the crowd erupts into even louder cheering. After a moment, Buck finally turns around.

Eddie watches the emotions dance on his face as Buck registers what's happening. Eddie can tell as soon as he does because the tears begin to form in his eyes. Buck smiles at him and the force of it sends a few tears down his cheeks.

"I kissed you for the first time in this very spot," Eddie begins, "I fell in love with you in the dance studio down the hall, and I knew I wanted to be with you forever since we danced on this stage in honor of my son."

Buck lets out a mix between a laugh and a sob, and Eddie takes a moment to be thankful they're not mic'd for this. Over the roar of the crowd, only Buck can hear what he's saying. A perfect mix of public and private, just like the rest of their love story.

"Just over a year ago, you and I made a deal that we'd finish out the show and split a milkshake before starting on the rest of forever. I was thinking now would be a good time to solidify the forever part. Evan Buckley, will you marry me?"

Buck nods, and Eddie stands to kiss him. Somehow, impossibly, the crowds roar grows even louder. The stage lights go off sometime during their kiss, and Eddie has to drag Buck off the stage so the show can move on. Eddie can't help but twirl Buck around once they get off stage.

After dozens of congratulations from cast and crew alike, Buck and Eddie finally find a quiet part of the studio to hide in as the show continues. Buck keeps looking down at the ring on his finger before looking up at Eddie and shooting him a dopey grin.

"I thought you didn't do showmances, Mr. Diaz?" Buck teases.

"That's soon to be Mr. Buckley-Diaz, thank you very much."