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Eddie is not sure what the hell is going on yet but he doesn’t like it, doesn’t like the implication of seeing boxes in the living room when he gets home.
“What are you doing?”
“You’re coming back,” Buck states, with no emotion. “So I’m moving out.”
Eddie stops dead in his tracks, stunned.
He should have known that it would come to this. He should have known that Buck would still be hurt by everything that happened between them. He should have apologized, should have talked to him instead of ignoring it.
“You already found a place?”
“No,” Buck huffs. It’s Los Angeles, of course he hasn’t. “I’m getting everything in storage. I’ll stay with Maddie.”
“You could stay here,” Eddie offers. “Chris and I –”
“No. I can’t,” Buck cuts him off.
“Of course you can!”
“No.” One word. Cold and distant. Unmovable. Like he’s made up his mind and won’t budge.
“I thought you’d be happy!”
“I am,” Buck sighs. “I’m happy for you and I’m happy for Chris.”
“Then what’s the problem? I thought you wanted me to stay.”
“I did! I do!” Buck throws his arms up. “But it didn’t matter, did it?”
Eddie recoils, understanding dawning on him.
“This is about Chimney?”
“It’s not about Chimney!” Buck argues. “I opened my eyes, okay? I get it, now. I’m not your partner, Eddie. I’m not Christopher’s dad, no matter how much I love him, just like I wasn’t Bobby’s kid no matter how much I wish I had been!”
“Buck –”
“Don’t,” Buck snaps.
“I’m sorry,” Eddie still says. “I shouldn’t have said what I said to you. I should have apologized as soon as it happened instead of just bringing Chris to you to make up for it. I should have talked to you.”
“I’m not your partner,” Buck repeats. “You made it very clear and I got the message.”
He’s about to leave the room and Eddie knows if he doesn’t speak up now, they won’t be able to come back from it.
“It wasn’t Chimney!” Eddie yells, desperate.
“What?”
“It was the thought of losing you,” Eddie breathes. “That’s why I came to help, that’s why I’m coming back. I can’t – I can’t have the next phone call be about you. I wouldn’t survive it, Buck.” Eddie takes a step forward, then another. “I’m sorry I made you doubt how important you are to me. To Chris . I’m sorry I let my guilt anger me, I’m sorry I hid things –”
Buck’s shoulders slump, his eyes teary. “I’m not okay,” he admits. “I need space.”
“Okay,” Eddie whispers. He reaches out, gathers Buck up in his arms, and holds on. “Whatever happens between us,” he says softly to his ear, “you’ll always be my best friend.”
“You’ll always be mine,” Buck says, hugging him tighter. “I need to finish packing.”
“Five minutes,” Eddie mumbles.
They haven’t hugged in what seems like forever. Not like this. He’s not ready to let go.
“Five minutes.” Buck agrees.