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Evan Buckley-Nash’s name, or his professional name Evan Buckley, was centered around every headline for all the wrong reasons. His manager, Taylor, had rode his case more than a few times about the ‘image’ he was ‘putting out there’. But if you asked him, sleeping with people wasn’t really headline worthy. Though, the tabloids seemed to disagree on that point, case in view, his newest rise to fame.
BREAKING NEWS
EVAN BUCKLEY SPOTTED KISSING MAN OUTSIDE BAR SHIRTLESS
Buck just groaned as the alerts chimed through on his phone, one after another, leaving the device to consistently sound off. Between his sister and Taylor, Buck knew every time his name went viral in another article. At this point it was damn near ridiculous, didn’t these people have anything better to do than commentate on his life? It was a kiss, not public sex. Well– not that he was against that either.
His phone rang, a rather annoying ringtone that he set for one very specific person. Buck swiped the phone up and hit answer, pressing it to his ear.
“Hi, Taylor.” Buck hummed cheerfully.
“Don’t ‘Hi Taylor’ me, Buckley.”
He winced, knowing exactly how much trouble he’d gotten himself into with that one. “You saw the article?”
“What I saw was your big dumb face splashed across TMZ.” Buck winced again at her snappish tone. She was really unhappy.
“Okay so maybe I should’ve worn a shirt.” He mumbled.
“Or maybe you should stay in your goddamn apartment, Evan.”
“Or that.”
Buck rubbed the back of his neck, a flush spreading across his cheeks. This was probably going to be a bigger nightmare for Taylor than he’d intended, which meant a bigger headache she would give him in return.
“Here’s the deal, Buckley. I’ve hired and assigned a 24/7 guard to your detail. Anywhere you go, he goes.” He did not like the sound of that glee in her voice.
“Taylor–”
She cut him off, going right into her next point. “He will also not be letting you do anything that will tarnish that perfect image I’ve carefully curated. Think of him as your new babysitter!”
Buck’s groan was audible and his next words were quite snappy. “I don’t need a babysitter. I’m an adult, not some child star.”
“You’ll meet him at my office in two hours, Evan. Show up or else.”
His phone beeped, letting him know that not only had she sprung this on him but she also hung up on him. He did not want to know what Taylor had meant by “or else” either. This day was going fan-frickin-tastic.
He ran a hand through his hair, irritation causing him to tug at the strands as he looked down at his phone. His image wasn’t that bad and it was only a few people. It wasn’t like he’d slept around with the entirety of Los Angeles. He looked over to the clock on his wall and scowled, the minutes already ticking down until it was time for him to meet his personal shadow.
Buck was halfway through getting his pants on when his phone chimed again, signaling that it was time to leave or else he’d be late. He cursed and hopped forward on one leg, trying to reach his phone. His socked foot slipped on the carpet, sending his long limbed body careening for the floor. This day just couldn’t get better.
Once he was both off the floor and dressed, Buck stepped out of his apartment, taking the elevator down to the lobby where his personal driver was waiting for him. Paparazzi were camped outside of his building, the shutters audibly snapping as he walked forward to the car, questions being hurled his way.
“Evan, what's your comment on last night’s debacle?”
“Mr. Buckley! Care to comment on Tommy’s statement?”
“Mr. Buckley! Do you even know the identity of last night’s man in question?”
He internally bristled at the questions and the way they made him out to be some kind of whore. Outwardly however, Buck just smiled politely at the photographers and opened the door, getting inside. Once the door was shut, he let out a long breath of relief at the silence.
“Good morning, Mr. Nash.” Lena hummed, rolling down the partition separating them. “Where to?”
Buck huffed a laugh, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “It’s just Buck, Lena, and we’re going to Taylor’s.”
Lena pulled away from the curb and expertly maneuvered them into traffic. “Alright, Buck. You don’t seem too pleased about that though.”
“You could say that again,” Buck muttered. “Taylor’s put me on a leash with some new babysitter bodyguard.”
Lena couldn’t help but laugh, “Well you did have the incident with someone in your apartment.”
“That– That was one time! And she was arrested!” Buck sputtered, glaring at the back of her head.
“You’ve also been featured in basically every headline since well– Tommy.” Lena chirped, her tone catching on his ex’s name.
Buck grumbled, rolling his eyes even though she couldn’t see him. “Tommy needs to get off the paparazzi’s ass about me.”
Lena just chuckled again but said nothing. Soon enough, she’d pulled the car up to the curb outside of Taylor’s office. The large expanse of building stretched outside the car window and Buck knew that his life was basically fun free from here on out.
“Thanks Lena,” Buck hummed and opened the door, climbing out. “Be back in like an hour, please?”
“Sure thing, Buck.” Lena called out after him.
He shut the door and turned, looking up to the fifth floor of the building, a frown already settling on his face. There was no possible way that he was just going to take this from Taylor, it was stupid. Buck continued muttering to himself all the way to the elevator and up to her floor, his bad mood settling into something more sour and mischievous. Just because he had to do it didn’t mean he had to like it. Or make it easy for them.
Taylor greeted him at the elevator, her voice cheery. “Morning, Buckley. Here’s the agenda for today. Your new bodyguard is in my office and you will play nice.”
She had one hand on her tablet and the other hand on the small of Buck’s back, digging her nails in as she forcefully led him to the doors of her office. Taylor let go of him, pushing the doors open and leveling him with a glare until he walked inside. Buck huffed petulantly, almost like a child that didn’t get his way.
“Alright, here’s the deal,” Taylor hummed and stopped in front of a man in a crisp black suit. “Evan Buckley-Nash meet Eddie Diaz, your new bodyguard for 24/7 protection.”
Buck crossed his arms over his chest, watching the man. Eddie turned to face Buck, a subtle smirk settling onto his lips. Well fuck. Things just got exponentially harder for him. Literally. Eddie had caramel colored hair and sharp brown eyes, not to mention he filled out the suit like he was carved from stone, or a God’s son. His features were schooled into a neutral expression as he raked his eyes up and down Buck, analyzing his newest client.
“Eddie,” He said and held out his hand. “You can call me Eddie.”
Buck bit his cheek, dropping his hand into Eddie’s and shaking it. Eddie held firm, his grip tight but not hard, holding on for just a second too long before letting go. This just got from bad to worse. For Buck that is.
“Evan.” Buck said stupidly. No one called him Evan except for Maddie and occasionally his dad when he was in trouble.
Taylor snorted, rolling her eyes at the two, “Here’s the deal, Mr. Diaz. Everywhere that Buckley goes, you go. You’ll live in his apartment, you will have 24/7 connection with him. You will also make sure he’s not seen at any more bars or ‘unsightly’ places.”
Eddie turned to Taylor and raised a brow, curiosity flitting across his face before promptly vanishing. “So I’m a babysitter with a gun?”
Oh he’s got jokes. Great. Buck scoffed internally, his eyes narrowed at the two. He was twenty-eight and this was utterly ridiculous.
“You’re his protection. We’ve had stalkers and such try to get their hands on him,” Taylor said curtly. “It just so happens that it works as you keeping him out of trouble too.”
“Noted, Miss Kelly.” Eddie murmured, nodding.
“Do I get a say in this?” Buck interrupted and glared at Taylor.
“Take it up with Mr. Nash if you want. Or Mrs. Grant-Nash.” She hummed cheerfully and walked to her office door, opening it.
Buck was absolutely not doing that, his father would laugh him out the door. His mother would probably smack him upside the head. He just huffed again and stalked out of the door, going straight for the elevator. Buck didn’t bother turning around to see if Eddie was following, he was. At least his permanent shadow was nice to look at.
Eddie’s footsteps were soft, quiet, his shoulders were straight and his head was on a swivel, military precision bleeding into his actions. He stopped Buck at the elevator with a hand on his shoulder, speaking evenly.
“I’ll go in first.”
Buck couldn’t help his scoff at that. “It’s an elevator, not a fucking rooftop.”
Eddie quirked an eyebrow at Buck but said nothing, stepping inside the elevator once the doors opened and then motioned Buck inside. As if this man could get any more irritating. They rode the elevator silently, the air between them charged in a way that no one could explain. When the doors opened again, Eddie stepped out and let Buck go ahead, staying two paces behind him at all times. His personal car was parked out of the building, Lena standing outside and opening the door.
“Oh look Buck,” Lena cooed good naturedly. “Someone looks delighted to have a bodyguard.”
Buck shot her a glare and climbed inside, Eddie right behind him. The partition was rolled up as soon as Lena got into the driver seat, pulling off from the curb and back toward his apartment. He was both grateful for her lack of teasing and annoyed at the silence he now had to sit with.
His phone broke the silence, blaring. Buck shimmied it out of his pants pocket and looked down at the screen with a sigh. He answered the call, putting it up to his ear.
“Bobby–” He started, biting his lip.
Buck winced at the sound of his parents’ voices on the other end of the phone. They were anything but happy with him. The call lasted all of five minutes before he begrudgingly agreed to their terms.
“Yes, fine. I’ll come to dinner,” Buck mumbled. “Yes I’ll bring the bodyguard so you can meet him.” He quickly hung up his phone before they could convince him to do anything and shoved it back into his pocket.
The partition rolled down and Lena’s voice popped through. “Five minutes until we arrive!”
Buck looked over to Eddie and caught him watching him with an unreadable expression. The man was stone cold silent the entire ride, his gaze occasionally flicking between watching Buck and looking out the tinted window as the world passed them by.
“Parents?” Eddie asked.
“None of your business.” Buck snapped childishly.
Eddie lifted one shoulder in a shrug and turned back to the window. There wasn’t any need for them to be friends. He was here protecting Buck’s life, not here to be his best friend or gossip buddy. The car rolled up to the front of his apartment building, Lena throwing it into park as Eddie opened the door and stepped out, his eyes tracking every movement of the pedestrians on the street around them before letting Buck out of the car.
Buck held in his scoff and got out, his long legs taking him quickly inside the building and to the elevator. There was no need to wait for a man who was going to follow him everywhere. He did however fire off a quick text to Lena and apologized for his coldness. She’d been his driver for years now and one of his really good friends, she was undeserving of his icyness.
Eddie stopped short a few spaces behind Buck, letting him get into the elevator before trailing after him just before the doors could shut. The silence was louder than their words, stretching between them like a cavernous trench. Buck glanced over as he jammed his finger into the button for the seventh floor, studying Eddie while the man seemed otherwise preoccupied.
The elevator took its time going to the floor, Buck noted unhappily, minutes winding by before the doors yawned open and he could step out of the stuffy, enclosed space. He strolled to his apartment, patting his pockets for the keys, reaching the door. Buck fumbled with his keys for a minute, a soft chuckle sounding behind him, and opened the door with narrowed eyes. Eddie stepped in behind him, eyes scanning over the space and all of its adornments.
“Your room is the second door on the right.” Buck said stiffly, lifting his hand and pointing in the general direction.
“Noted, thank you, Evan.” Eddie said softly but not weakly. His voice commanded authority and it sent a shiver down Buck’s spine.
Buck internally smacked himself and rolled his eyes, pulling off his suit jacket and hanging it across the back of one of the dining room chairs before heading into the kitchen. He rolled up the sleeves of his white button down, cuffing them just above his elbows. Eddie looked around a little more, peering into Buck’s life little by little, before retreating to his room, closing the door with a soft click.
Now alone with his thoughts, of which he had many about the situation, Buck wasn’t sure what to do. He let out a long exhale of breath before getting to work, pulling out every ingredient he needed to make omelets. It was a recipe of Bobby’s that he could make in his sleep, something just busy his mind, his heart straying far from the meal.
A knock at the door sounded, pulling his attention from the stove. Buck lifted his head and grabbed the nearest dish towel, wiping his hands. Eddie emerged from his room on quick footsteps, gun in hand.
“Woah what are you–” Buck startled.
Eddie made a gesture, quieting him, and going to the door. He looked through the peephole before opening the door, voice firm.
“Who are you?” Eddie asked.
“Who are you?” The voice responded, sass overflowing her tone. Maddie.
“Maddie?” Buck called and walked over, blinking at the sight of Eddie holding a gun in front of his sister.
Buck laid a hand on Eddie’s shoulder, “Let her in. It’s my sister.”
Maddie cocked a brow as Eddie moved over, walking inside and giving the man a once-over. She then turned to her baby brother and raised another eyebrow, gesturing over to Eddie. Her lips quirked up in a knowing smile. Buck immediately dropped his hand and stepped back like he’d been burned, making his way back to the kitchen with a shake of his head.
“What’s with Mister Bad Cop?” Maddie asked, sparing Eddie another glance before following her brother.
Buck just groaned, “Taylor’s idea. Protection and apparently keeping me out of trouble.”
Maddie just laughed, loud and bright, at his plight. She took a seat at the dining table, turning the chair to face the kitchen. Eddie lingered by the door, closing it quietly before looking over at the pair, a dip of his chin and he was returning to his room. Buck heard the door shut, the click louder than their conversation.
“So Taylor assigned you a hot bodyguard without asking?” Maddie questioned.
“Taylor, Bobby, and Athena.” Buck huffed, chopping up the vegetables.
Maddie winced sympathetically, “Ouch. She got your adopted parents in on it too?”
“Maddie,” Buck turned to look at her, tone chastising. “They’re my parents. Not adopted.”
“Right, sorry.” She murmured with a slight frown. It would never be normal to her that she had and lost her brother, him being raised all across the country.
Buck returned to his chopping, shrugging, “They think it’s best for my image, I guess. Especially since the break-in and the whole Tommy thing.”
“Is he still bothering you?” Maddie asked.
Buck moved to the eggs, flipping them in the pan as he let the question sit between them. Was he still bothering him? It wasn’t really bothering if all Tommy did was talk to paparazzi about him. They’d only broken up a month ago.
“Not exactly.” Buck finally answered.
“Buck.”
“Fine. He’s just been– talking to papers and stuff. About me.”
“Evan!” Maddie said, concern taking over her features. “You can’t keep letting him get away with stuff, you know that.”
“I’m not letting him get away with anything. It’s just more headache than it’s worth. Especially with Athena’s re-election coming up.”
Maddie sighed and got up, walking over to her brother. It was hard watching him struggle on his own. She waited until he’d set down the knife before pulling him into a hug.
“It’s all lies, Buck.” She murmured into his shoulder.
Buck nodded silently, a sniffle coming through. Maddie pulled back from the hug, her hands resting on either side of his arms as she looked up at him. She smiled softly and patted his arm, stepping back.
“I’ve got to get home to Howie, but this isn’t done. We’re going to all have dinner, you and the rest of our family. We can fix this if we put our heads together.” Maddie hummed and walked over to the door.
“I love you, remember that.” She said before slipping out.
: ̗̀➛
Buck did his best to ignore Eddie’s presence around the apartment until it was time for them to leave for the Nash family dinner. He dressed quickly, a pale blue button down dress shirt and black slacks, a combination that complimented his pale skin quite well. Buck ran a hand through his curls and sighed, standing in the living room to wait for Eddie.
“Eddie! Let’s go!” Buck called, frustration curling at the end of his tone.
Eddie emerged from his room in a wrinkle-free black dress shirt and black slacks, again irritating Buck with how good he looked in everything. His hair was gelled back, eyes assessing Buck’s every move in a way that was damn near unnerving.
“You still have an hour, Evan.” Eddie pointed out.
Buck rolled his eyes and went for the door, “Whatever, Lena’s waiting downstairs.”
Eddie just chuckled, a dark, smooth sound that sent Buck’s nerves on edge and trailed after him leisurely. He patted his hip where his gun was holstered to his side, checking every exit before following Buck out the door. Buck bit the inside of his cheek in annoyance and locked the door, stalking down the hallway to the elevator. He already knew how this night would end up and it would be at his expense.
Buck jammed his finger into the ‘call elevator’ button repeatedly, as if that would make the thing go faster. Anything to get him out of this apartment with tall, dark, and broody. Eddie stood two paces behind him, eyes constantly surveying his surroundings, looking for potential threats. His shoulders were pulled back and his weight was evenly distributed between his feet, a sense of calm radiating from him in waves.
The elevator opened with a ding, several people filing out causing Buck to stumble back slightly, startled and unsure. Eddie immediately laid a hand on his waist, guiding him out the way, leaving a scalding touch as he did so. Buck’s breath stuttered in his chest, the sound audible between them. Eddie dropped his hand and stepped back, murmuring an apology under his breath.
Once the area was cleared, Buck stepped inside, a flush creeping up his neck, standing out against his pale skin in stark contrast. His mind was a muddled mess of confusion, Eddie’s touch was burned, branded, into his side. He felt it long after the hand was dropped. Buck yanked at his lower lip between his teeth as they silently rode the elevator down to the lobby of his building.
As soon as the doors opened, Buck ducked out, running away from both Eddie and an inevitable conversation between the two. Eddie quickened his pace to keep up, footsteps pounding soft but firm into the floor, silent in the small space despite the action.
Lena looked up from her phone, raising her brows in amusement at Buck. “You’re moving like something’s chasin’ you.”
“It is.” Buck just muttered, getting into the car as soon as Lena opened the door.
She just laughed, keeping the door open for Eddie and closing it as soon as the other man was inside. Lena got into the other side of the car, still shaking her head in amusement, and rolled down the partition.
“Mr. Nash,” Lena greeted, settling the car back into the traffic. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced yet Mister–?”
“Eddie, Just Eddie is fine.” Eddie said firmly and pulled out his phone, the screen dark enough for privacy.
“Lena,” Buck groaned. “Seriously. You’re making me sound like my dad.”
Lena huffed a laugh and rolled her eyes, “Right, Buck, sorry. Mr. Nash requested your presence tonight?”
“Saying requested makes it sound like I didn’t have a choice.” Buck muttered.
“You didn’t.” Lena pointed out unhelpfully.
Buck just flipped off the back of her head and turned to look out the window. Lena chuckled but rolled up the partition, allowing silence to fill the cabin of the car once again. It was weighted, heavy and unsure, filling Buck with a sense of unease. He knew what he felt but he wasn’t sure if Eddie felt it too. Maybe he did considering the way he dropped his hand like Buck was a flaming rock and not a person. Or maybe he just didn’t like Buck. Most people didn’t, certainly not Tommy.
At the very thought of his ex-boyfriend, his phone rang, shattering the silence like glass. He fished it out of his pocket and frowned at the name flashing across the screen. Speak of the literal devil. Taylor would probably kill him if he answered.
Against his better judgement, Buck answered the phone, putting it on speaker. “What do you want, Tommy?”
Eddie, having been briefed on virtually everything that involved Buck’s personal life, focused his attention on the phone call once he’d heard the name. It was the person making the most trouble of Buck’s image and apparently as relentless as a stalker. Two high profile people with a messy breakup never ended well for either of their public images, that much Eddie was sure of. As well as being sure that this was not a recommended idea.
“I just want to talk, Evan.” Tommy said, his voice kind and soft.
“You talk enough to the tabloids.” Buck snapped as his temper flared.
“Calm down, no need to overreact.” He visibly flinched at the implication of that.
Buck took the phone off speaker and pressed it to his ear, lips set in a firm line. Tommy always knew just what to say to shut him down, to make him shut up and lower his personality, knew how to disarm him in all the worst ways. The two went back and forth until Buck was on the verge of tears, hanging up the phone with a frustrated, blown out breath.
Eddie turned his head and watched him, using his elbow to nudge his side, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Buck said firmly, not looking Eddie in the eyes.
Eddie watched him for a couple more seconds before sighing and turning his attention back to his phone. He didn’t feel like this was something to share to Taylor, it wasn’t image related, this ran deep, it was personal in every way.
Buck blew out a few stuttering breaths, trying to calm himself before they reached the house. It would tear his parents apart to see him like this over the same man, again. He knew better than to answer but sometimes old habits die hard, especially habits that worm their way into your head and completely change your thinking.
Lena, unaware of the tension behind the partition, pulled up to the curb and rolled down the barrier, cheerfully announcing their arrival.
Eddie got out first, one hand on his gun as he looked around the neighborhood. It was safe, secured behind a gate, full of plenty of high roller families. Buck sighed deeply and got out behind him, straightening his shirt and striding for the house. He knocked once, twice, his signature arrival marker.
The door opened, revealing Bobby Nash, grin bright and wide as he took in his son, “Buck! You made it!”
“Dad,” Buck plastered a shaky smile on his face and stepped forward to hug the man. “I’m pretty sure attendance was not optional.”
Bobby laughed, wrapping his arms around Buck tightly, “That’s all your mother’s doing. I’m just happy when you kids come home.”
Buck’s reply was muffled by his father’s shirt but he chuckled, pulling away. Bobby stepped to the side and allowed the pair inside, Eddie trailing in behind Buck. His eyes tracked every corner of the house that was visible from the foyer, taking in both the appearance and trying to map exits for himself and Buck. Especially Buck.
“You must be the bodyguard we hired.” Bobby’s tone turned firm, stricter. The warmth was missing.
“Eddie Diaz, Sir.” Eddie said, shaking Bobby’s hand.
Athena drifted her way into the foyer, raising a brow at her husband. She laughed quietly and laid her hand on her husband’s shoulder, murmuring, “Stand down, Papa Bear.”
Bobby gave his wife an exasperated look but sighed, letting go of Eddie’s hand. “Welcome to the family Eddie.”
“Ma’am–” Eddie started, his hand out for Athena.
Buck winced sympathetically, looking over at Eddie and motioning for him to stop.
“Oh no you don’t.” She cut him off. “Do not call me ma’am. It’s Athena.”
Too late, Buck thought.
“Mom,” Buck stepped forward with a smile. “You look beautiful, as always.”
Athena looked over to her son, leveling him with her stare. Buck did his best not to wince again under the weight of her gaze. She was apparently not happy with his behavior either. Guess that makes three people unhappy with him currently.
“Boy, flattery will get you nowhere.” Athena snapped, her tone lacking the heat.
She walked over and wrapped Buck in a hug, squeezing firmly. Buck wrapped his arms around his mom and sighed, contentment flowing through his body from being back at home with his family.
Athena pulled back and gave him a once-over, “You spoke to Tommy again.” She said simply.
And Buck was screwed.
“I–He–” Buck stammered, searching for the words before settling on the truth. “Yeah.”
She just shook her head and him and took his hand, leading him into the kitchen where the rest of the family was. Bobby and Eddie trailed behind, quiet conversation flowing between the two easily. Eddie blended in with his family so well, it was hard to believe that he was only contracted for a year, just until the election was over.
May and Harry were huddled together on the couch, heads raising as the conversation overtook the dining room. She got up first, making her way over to her big brother, a bright smile on her face.
“Hey you!” Buck said with a grin. “You’re home from college?”
May grinned right back, wrapping him into a hug, “Only for dinner then it’s back to USC.”
He hugged her back, brushing a hand down the back of her head comfortingly. Buck missed his siblings, his family, more than he’d missed anyone. Tommy wasn’t the type to let him come to family dinners, they usually spent all of their time in the apartment or in front of paparazzi. It was “good” for his image,
“Good to see you, little sister.”
“Right back at you, big brother.”
Harry jumped up next and raced over, knocking into his sister and Buck with a laugh. The boy was tall, almost reaching his own head now. The growth spurt hit Buck squarely in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. He’d missed so much of their lives.
“And you’re back from your trip with Micheal?” Buck asked, wrapping an arm around Harry.
“Nah. We’re in town for a few days and then we’re heading back.” Harry hummed.
Buck looked down at his siblings, a soft, sad smile gracing his face. The kids pulled back and looked at Buck, twin smiles on their faces as they stepped away from him.
“Dinner!” Bobby called, capturing their attention.
: ̗̀➛
The chatter around the table never stopped, never slowing, constant conversation filled the space. It wasn’t loud or overwhelming, it was warm and full of life, full of home. It encompassed the room, a single world fluttering through the air. Family. It was safe and secure, unbreakable, unshakable, the one thing that Buck had hoped for his entire life. A rock that couldn’t be moved no matter how many waves crashed against it.
Eddie leaned back in his chair, content to just listen to the talking, observing as he did so. It was well lived in, the family and the house. He watched as Bobby laid a hand on Buck’s arm, comforting and reassuring at the same time. Something that was as easy as breathing–– love. He watched Athena’s attention dart between all her kids, fond exasperation on her face as they told her of their antics. Her gaze lingered on Buck a few times too many, a story unfolding before his eyes, a very private one at that.
Buck grinned at his family, any traces of the earlier insecurities had been thrown out of his head. He smiled at his mom and dad, a genuine, true smile. They returned the favor, love outpouring from them.
“Alright, alright,” Buck chuckled and rose from the table, gathering plates. “It’s probably time we head home. It’s getting late.”
Bobby rose from his seat too, swiping up the rest of the plates before following his son into the kitchen. They laid them in the sink, dishes clanking together quietly. He glanced over at Buck, a knowing look on his face.
“Mom told you.” Buck sighed, turning to face his father.
“She’s worried about you, Buck,” Bobby responded and laid a hand on Buck’s shoulder. “We all are.”
“I’m fine, really,” Buck huffed. “It was just a phone call.”
“Buck, we almost lost you to him.”
“But you didn’t! That’s the thing that no one remembers apparently.” Buck snapped, embarrassment circling in his gut.
It was Bobby’s turn to sigh, squeezing his shoulder firmly, “We could’ve. We hadn’t seen you in person in months.”
Buck brushed off his father’s touch and leaned against the counter, arms crossed, looking ever the picture of how he was as a teenager. He knew their meddling came from a good place but it still made him bristle. The tension lingered in the air between them, silence stretching.
“Kid, I’m sorry.” Bobby murmured. “We just don’t want to lose you again.”
“You won’t. We’re done, I promise.” Buck said vehemently, leaning in to give him a hug.
Bobby just nodded and hugged his son, rubbing his hand up and down his back soothingly. He would never forgive himself if he didn’t try to stop it this time. Bobby didn’t want to lose his son a second time, not when the boy was very much alive and trying to rebuild himself.
Buck stepped back and patted his father on the shoulder, “We’re gonna get going but thank you, for dinner. You and Mom, it was wonderful.”
“You come back any time, kid. I mean it.”
Buck nodded, smiling as he left the kitchen. He winded around the dining room and gave every one of his family members a hug, extra long and squeezing tightly, as if to commit this moment to memory forever. Something he never wanted to forget. Eddie watched Buck round the room for a moment before standing and adjusting his holster, shifting it into a more comfortable spot.
Eddie stepped up to Athena with a polite but pleasant smile, “Governor Nash, it’s been a pleasure.”
Athena chuckled, nodding her head, “You just take care of my boy.”
“With my life.”
Athena looked pleased at that but said nothing in favor of joining her husband in the kitchen to talk, likely about their oldest child. Buck made his way over to Eddie, the previous ice defrosting as he offered him a smile and walked into the foyer, letting the man trail behind him.
Once they were safely inside the car and pulling away from his family home, Buck turned to Eddie, his eyes warm and bright. He looked happy, both from his family and Eddie’s participation in it. He felt at home, it reminded Eddie of his own family.
“Thank you.” Buck finally said, his voice soft and quiet.
Eddie blinked, not expecting those words, “Thank you?” He repeated.
“Yeah, for not making it weird. You just– blended in with them.”
“They’re a lively bunch, it’s hard not to.” Eddie hummed in response.
Buck seemed pleased with that, smiling more to himself than at Eddie and turned away, murmuring, “You fit, you know, with us.”
For once, Eddie was stunned into silence. He wasn’t sure what to say or how to say it. The silence stretched between them but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was settled, like something had finally clicked into place between them but neither knew what it was.
Buck had a faint dusting of pink covering his cheeks every time he looked over at Eddie, a feeling tugging in his chest that he ignored. It was nice, as much as he disliked having a shadow, the feeling was still nice.
It wasn’t long until the two made it back to the apartment complex, trudging into the building with tired bodies but full hearts. They made their way up to the apartment and stepped inside, the quiet encompassing them lightly, like a blanket. Buck yawned as soon as they walked inside and undid the first four buttons of his shirt, untucking it from his pants.
Eddie’s gaze flicked to Buck’s chest, then down to the untucked portion of his shirt. He schooled his features into something unreadable and shook his head, quickly bidding Buck goodnight before heading into his room.
Buck just blinked at the way Eddie basically ran out of the room but sighed, shrugging as tiredness washed over him. He undid his shirt the rest of the way and made his way into his own bedroom, the door clicking shut behind him quietly.
: ̗̀➛
His phone rang, loudly, over and over until Buck rolled over in bed, groaning. He slammed his hand onto the night stand, grappling for the blaring device. He quickly answered and held it to his ear, blinking awake.
“Hello?” Buck said, voice muddled with sleep.
“Morning, Buckley. You’ve got a busy day ahead of you.”
“Taylor, it’s seven in the fucking morning. Nothing is that important.” He huffed and sat up, rubbing his eyes with his free hand.
“It is when you have public interviews at nine about Governor Nash’s performance.” Taylor’s voice was unusually cheery.
Buck blinked again, his body tensing as sleep fully left, leaving him wide awake, “You’re calling to tell me this now? Who’s the reporter?”
“Lucy Donato.” Great, his ex-girlfriend is interviewing him about his mother.
“Taylor.” Buck’s tone was snappish and unhappy.
“There was nothing I could do, Buck. Tommy’s covering the main network channels demanding to have a sit down with you. Lucy was the only one who would do it without including him.”
Buck scrubbed a hand down his face and threw his legs over the side of the bed, standing up and heading out of his room, forgoing a shirt. The root of most of his troubles in the public eye had stemmed from Tommy monopolizing everything he needed to get done. Photographers, interviews, if you thought of it, Tommy had gotten to them first.
“Alright, fine. Your office at nine?”
“Yes. I really am sorry, Buck.” Taylor sounded genuinely apologetic, like she wished she could change it.
Buck sighed, murmuring a goodbye and hanging up, padded out to the kitchen to start the coffee. He glanced at Eddie’s door, noticing it was still shut, and likely locked, on his way to the kitchen. Coffee was a necessity before he woke up his shadow, the pot brewing as soon as he clicked it on.
He knew Lucy wouldn’t ask him anything detrimental about his mom, they’d ended on amicable terms. She didn’t want to be fully in the spotlight of someone whose parents would likely run for president. Politics seemed to get in the way of all his relationships, clearly not the fact that he was a model before he was the Governor’s son.
Buck wanted to make a name for himself outside of all the noise of politics, it was why he’d set out with a professional name using his birth last name, something wholly not part of his adoption.
The coffee pot chimed, signaling that the pot had finished brewing. Buck made his way over and grabbed two coffee mugs, filling them with coffee and setting them on the counter. He padded over to Eddie’s door and knocked twice, hoping that the man was already awake.
Eddie opened the door minutes later, hair disheveled and tank top wrinkled. He raised a brow at Buck, raking his eyes up and down his body, lingering on his shirtless chest.
“Uh–Hey, coffee’s done.” Buck stumbled over his words, internally chastising himself.
“Thanks.” Eddie murmured, voice heavy with lingering sleep.
Buck just nodded and basically ran back to the kitchen, putting some distance between the two. He needed to get his head on straight and stop thirsting over his stupid shadow. Even if the shadow was stupidly attractive. His phone pinged from where it was left on the counter, drawing his attention to the device.
Taylor had forwarded a list of interviews and photoshoots that took up his entire schedule, time blocked off and all. His interview with Lucy was the first thing on the list, starting at nine a.m. and it was currently– eight. Fuck. Buck groaned and swiped up his coffee, sipping from the still very hot liquid, scalding his mouth in the process.
Eddie wandered his way into the kitchen and looked over at Buck but said nothing, taking his own coffee mug and drinking from it deeply. He sighed and let the warmth of the mug settle the cold chill in his bones. Despite it being October in Los Angeles and sunny, the mornings still had a cold breeze that flowed through the windows.
“Taylor shared your calendar with me.” Eddie said, trying to start a conversation.
Buck snorted, “Of course she did.”
Eddie couldn’t help but chuckle, looking at Buck from over the lip of his coffee mug as he took a sip. He couldn’t help but think about how interesting Buck acted, whether around friends or family, the man seemed to wear different faces or personalities. They always all led up to one big golden retriever though.
“The paparazzi will be outside her office to snap photos of you. It’ll show your ‘reformed’ playboy lifestyle.” He hummed.
“I’m not a playboy.” Buck snapped, though his tone wasn’t exactly what one would call mean.
“You were photographed kissing two people.” Eddie pointed out.
“That was– I was drunk!”
“Playboy.”
Buck just scoffed, glaring at Eddie as he drank from his own mug. Once the caffeine had woken him up a little, he ignored the man and headed to his bedroom to get dressed. It was stupid of him to care whether or not Eddie actually thought he was a playboy. For some reason, he didn’t want Eddie thinking what the public thought of him, that he was some whore out for attention, doing whatever he could to be in the spotlight. Whatever. He didn’t dwell on it much, focusing all his energy into preparing for the interview.
: ̗̀➛
Eddie had a hand on his gun as they braved the thick of paparazzi outside Buck’s manager’s building. Questions were thrown at Buck every time he took a step, shutters flashing so much he could barely keep his eyes open. It hurt Eddie’s head just thinking about all this publicity. Lena was parked farther down the road, giving them a chance to walk through the market of downtown
He laid his hand across the small of Buck’s back, guiding him through the paparazzi and out onto the sidewalk. Eddie leveled anyone who stepped too close with a glare, daring them to try, promising it wouldn’t end well if they did. After they’d cleared the main group of reporters, Eddie dropped his hand from Buck’s back and stepped to his side, looking over at him.
“You okay?” Eddie asked quietly.
Buck nodded, rubbing the back of his neck, “Yeah, it’s just a lot. Like I know I’m a public figure or whatever, being a model and Athena’s son, but still.”
“It’s hard, being in the spotlight all the time.”
“Yeah. It’s like I’m constantly performing every time I leave the house.” Buck muttered, slowing his pace for Eddie. “I’m always being watched, I can’t ever just be– me.”
Eddie hummed his agreement, “Considering I’m the one constantly with you, I’d say you’re not the only one. Those questions were brutal too.”
Buck huffed a laugh and bumped his shoulder into Eddie’s, a grin tugging at his lips, “How was your first taste of the paparazzi?”
“Something I never want to experience again.”
“Too bad.”
Eddie snorted, rolling his eyes. He bumped his shoulder into Buck’s, a matching smile on his face. Maybe Buck wasn’t so bad, a little rough around the edges and maybe a little too loud, but he wasn’t bad. No, in fact, he was good. Too good for people and certainly too good for Eddie.
Buck just grinned, happiness pouring from him, and started walking towards the farmer market he was supposed to be photographed at. The streets were bustling with vendors and people shopping, chatter steadily increasing as they got closer. Everyone looked so careful and happy, like they had all of the time in the world.
Eddie watched Buck occasionally as they perused the shop, his eyes moving from their surroundings back to Buck. The man just drew in his attention wherever they went, and yeah, while that was his job to be alert, he was just more tuned into Buck. Which is why he noticed when Buck’s back suddenly went ramrod straight, shoulders tensing like he was preparing for something.
“Buck–” Eddie started, concern filling his voice.
“What do you want, Tommy? Why are you here?” Buck snapped, crossing his arms only so his hands didn’t shake.
Tommy stood two feet in front of Buck, a smirk playing on his lips as he looked the man up and down. Suddenly everything about Buck’s posture made sense to Eddie. This was the man that Taylor had warned him to look out for, someone that was just unnaturally obsessed. Eddie’s right hand immediately went to his gun, resting there, waiting for something to happen.
“Don’t sound so mad about it, Evan.” Tommy said, his tone light and charming. “I can be here to shop.”
“You’re not.”
Tommy raised one shoulder in a shrug, his eyes meeting Eddie’s for a moment before returning back to Buck, “Maybe I am. Or maybe I’m here to convince you to give me another chance.”
“No way. Absolutely not.” Buck said, shaking his head.
Tommy took a step forward. Buck took one backward. Now they were dancing around each other, the hunter and the hunted, the predator and the prey. There were two predators, one just didn’t boast about it. A lion in waiting.
“Why not, Evan? We had so much fun together. You loved being in my spotlight.”
Buck laughed humorlessly, “I didn’t. You kept me from my family and when I left, you told the tabloids lies about me.”
Tommy’s face shifted, subtly as first, a flare of anger in warning of what was to come. He took another step forward, invading Buck’s space, their breath entangling. His hand reached out and latched onto Buck’s arm, squeezing as he dug his fingers into the meat of Buck’s flesh.
“I didn’t keep you from anything, Evan. I simply saved you. I saved your image from being associated with her horrible practices. Her and that man.” Tommy said, slowly.
Buck winced, his face betraying his feelings, “Let me go. Don’t talk about my mom and dad like that.”
Something in Eddie’s control just snapped, shooting him forward before he could process. His hand wrapped around Tommy’s wrist and wretched it back, shoving the man’s arm behind his back. He twisted the wrist, feeling the bones grind in protest. Eddie dropped his lips to the shell of Tommy’s ear, breath fanning over the skin.
“Touch him again and lose your hand.” Eddie growled, low and dangerous, voice full of promise.
Tommy grunted in pain, trying to yank his arm free. “Evan, call off your stupid guard dog.”
“No.”
Eddie chuckled, the sound full of smoke and menace. He yanked Tommy’s arm back further, his shoulder blade protruding from his back. Eddie felt the exact moment that the ligaments in his arm began fraying and pulled harder, yanking Tommy’s back to his front.
“Walk away and leave with your arm.” Eddie murmured, twisting the wrist just a little more. “Or stay here and I’ll break it.”
Tommy’s face paled, “Fine. You win, Evan. You and this doberman.”
Eddie smiled viciously and let Tommy go, shoving him far away from Buck and himself. Tommy looked from Eddie to Buck, spitting on the ground with a glare before stalking away, his heavy footsteps pounding into the asphalt. Eddie turned to Buck, walked over to the man as he tried to make himself smaller.
“Are you okay?” He asked softly and brushed his hands along the finger shaped bruises on Buck’s bicep.
Buck nodded, chewing on the inside of his cheek, “Yeah– yeah. Thank you, for that, I know he’s an asshole.”
“It’s just my job.” Eddie responded, taking a step back. Liar. He was a liar.
Buck bit his lip but nodded again at that, rubbing his hand over the bruises. He watched Eddie for a moment, contemplating saying something but deciding better of it and turning to walk away. He glanced at the photographer following behind them and motioned over to the flower vendor, the two walking away to take more photos.
Eddie took a minute to compose himself, blinking. He knew better than to show that much, do that much, it only ever ended up with him in trouble. Eddie knew first hand how much trouble that he could get into with his knowledge, he’d already done it once before Taylor had found him for this job. This job was his second chance, his second shot at a life that wasn’t illegal. His second shot at a life that didn’t involve hurting people or being hurt by them.
Buck was the one thing that made this job so much more complicated than it was originally going to be. Eddie didn’t want to be friends, he didn’t want to care about that man. But he did, he did way too much.
“You coming, Eds?” Buck called over his shoulder.
“Yeah, I’m coming!” Eddie called back and jogged over, his head full of more confusing thoughts than before.
: ̗̀➛
Eddie and Buck walked side by side after all the photos had been taken, a silence comfortably wrapped around the pair as they went for the car. There were so many things that could be said but none of them quite fit, no label could explain what had occurred between the two.
“Taylor doesn’t need to know this, does she?” Buck asked quietly, a flush creeping up his neck.
“She already knows. A restraining order is in progress. Should be processed by tomorrow.” Eddie replied and glanced over at Buck, taking note of how uncomfortable he looked.
Buck stayed silent, settling for a nod as they reached the car. Lena stood outside and took one look at the two, raising a brow at Eddie but opened the door. Eddie shook his head behind Buck’s back, mouthing “nothing”, and helped Buck into the car. He climbed in behind the man and let Lena close the door.
“It’s not your fault, you know.” Eddie murmured, brushing his arm against Buck’s.
Buck looked at Eddie, his eyes studying him, “Yeah– of course. I know that.”
Eddie resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the unconvincing tone, “Seriously. No one deserves that.”
“I provoked him.” Buck said after a few minutes of silence.
“No. You kept your boundaries.”
“You don’t understand, Eddie.”
“Make me understand then.” Eddie said quietly, firmly.
Buck dug his nails into his palms and turned his whole body to face Eddie. His shoulders were hunched and his normally bright blue eyes were dull with sadness. It shocked Eddie in that moment, just how much Buck believed that he deserved love like that. It wasn’t love. Love is kind and protective, love makes you smile, love is–– Fuck. Eddie was screwed.
“I was always being photographed going out or doing something without him.” Buck mumbled. “I made him worry, I didn’t always respond. I spent too much time with my parents, helping my mom’s campaign.”
Eddie stayed silent, his anger slowly burning in his gut.
“I went out with my friends, my family. I’d get drunk. He wasn’t always like that, I made him that way. He said it made him worried, about my image, about his. He said I was being dramatic.”
“You didn’t make him anything that wasn’t already there.” Eddie let out a deep breath. “You reacted to his abuse. He’s not allowed to control you.”
Buck blinked, his eyes filling with tears, “He said I deserved it.”
“No one deserves that. You’re per– fine just the way you are, Buck. He shouldn’t have tried to change and control you.”
Eddie couldn’t help himself, brushing his hand again Buck’s leg in a soft, rhythmic pattern. Buck bit his lip and slowly calmed himself down, dropping his hand to where Eddie’s rested on his leg. He knew it was a bad idea but Buck was never known for his good ones. He nudged Eddie’s hand with his own, fingers caressing his skin.
Eddie, to his credit, didn’t move, tracing gentle circles into Buck’s pant leg. The touch was electrifying his skin, setting every one of his nerves on fire. This was unprofessional, he told himself, but didn’t stop. One brush of Buck’s fingers against his own had his movements halted.
Buck glanced at Eddie’s face, finding it unreadable. He swiped his thumb along the skin of Eddie’s index finger, testing the waters, hoping for a reaction. Eddie exhaled sharply and clenched his jaw, damning himself. The tether of his control thinned, fraying at the edges. Buck tried again, wrapping his pinky fingers around Eddie’s thumb. The tether snapped. Eddie grabbed Buck’s hand in a quick motion, tangling their fingers together and stroking his thumb along the back of Buck’s hand.
Buck just smiled and looked away, his heart thudding nervously in his chest. He knew that this was a bad idea but he didn’t care. This felt deeper than before, something settled in him at the touch. Like it had been there all along, just waiting for him to notice it.
Eddie wanted, God how he wanted. He wanted everything there was about Buck to become about him. He’d gotten one taste of salvation and never wanted to let go. If having this man was a sin, then Eddie never wanted to be absolved, he was be willing to be damned for life.
: ̗̀➛
They ignored it at the apartment, drifting around one another like there wasn’t an invisible string tying them together. Eddie kept his features neutral, not once betrayed how he actually felt inside. His gaze flicked from where Buck was in the kitchen to his phone on the kitchen table. Nothing had ever knocked him off his feet as soundly as this. Something that felt so solid on unsure ground, a foundation that desperately needed attention.
Buck busied himself in the repeated nature of making dinner, his shoulders straight and tense. He loved using his father’s recipes and usually it was calming but maybe the turmoil inside was too much to ignore. He knew he needed to keep his head on straight, it was election month after all. He wanted to be present for his family and what they would expect of him. Eddie made all of that impossible, like caution thrown to the wind, he just wanted to encase himself in something good for once.
Eddie watched Buck work, noting the tenseness of his body, how it was wound tight. Several thoughts floating through his brain, how he could just come up behind the man and slowly unravel him.
“Buck.” Eddie said softly.
A muscle in Buck’s neck ticked, indicating that he’d heard him but made no move to respond. He continued on his prep for the meal, washing and chopping up the vegetables. Eddie clenched his jaw, his teeth grinding together.
“Buck.” Eddie said again more firmly, his tone bordering on warning.
“What?” Buck huffed, his knife chopping the vegetables with more force.
Eddie stood up slowly, straightening his shirt and walking over. He laid his hand on Buck’s waist and turned the man to face him. His eyes searched over his face, assessing him and setting Buck’s skin on fire.
“Eddie, we can’t.” Buck murmured and dropped the knife, letting it clatter to the cutting board.
“Why not?” He hummed, rubbing his hand up and down Buck’s side, caressing his ribs.
Buck chewed on his lip, trying to read Eddie’s expressions, “Because– Athena’s election is this month, Taylor will throw a fit, there’s only so much we can hide.”
Eddie chuckled, soft and slow, “We’re not hiding. If I have you, everyone will know you’re mine.”
“Eddie–” Buck whined as Eddie’s fingers moved over his chest, the touch featherlight.
“Those aren’t reasons why, Buck.” Eddie murmured and used his free hand to tilt Buck’s chin. “Those are excuses. You’re already mine, now we just let everyone know.”
Buck just whined again, low and desperate. Eddie smirked and used the collar of Buck’s shirt to tug him closer. He yanked the other man down, connecting their lips in a passionate kiss. Buck startled but quickly recovered, his hands going to Eddie’s hips, gripping them firmly. Eddie nipped at Buck’s lower lip, letting the surprise of it part Buck’s lips open as he licked into his mouth, mapping every corner of the space with his tongue.
Buck pushed Eddie back, the two grappling for dominance as they banged into every wall of the small apartment. Eddie’s back hit the wall first, the man letting out a quiet growl as he flipped them. Buck hit the opposite wall, moaning into Eddie’s mouth as Eddie bit his lip, drawing a small amount of blood. Eddie’s mouth left Buck’s and left trails of open mouthed kisses down his neck, sucking on the sensitive skin just below his ear. Buck keened in dissatisfaction as soon as he felt the absence of Eddie’s mouth on his own.
Eddie couldn’t help but snicker, fisting Buck’s shirt and yanking him into his room. Buck let out a quiet gasp as Eddie kicked the door shut behind them, the slam rattling the walls of the apartment.
: ̗̀➛
It was Election Day and Buck was beside himself with the amount of overwhelming tasks looming on the horizon. He and Eddie had spent the beginning of the day tangled in bed together, mapping the outline of each other’s bodies with their mouths.
“Eddie! We have to go now!” Buck yelled from the kitchen, his nerves wound tight.
“Relax Buck,” Eddie hummed as he stepped into view. “There’s still time. Lena just pulled up outside and the campaign office is setting up the election space.”
Buck scoffed, grumbling to himself as he searched the apartment for his keys. He just left them on the counter but now they were nowhere to be found. His anxiety started heightening the longer he looked for the stupid item.
“Buck.” Eddie said softly and held up the keys to his boyfriend.
“Thank you.” Buck sighed and swiped his suit jacket off the kitchen, walking to the door.
Eddie trailed after him, his hand automatically going to his side and checking for his gun. He rolled his shoulders as they left the apartment and looked around, eyes scanning for any threats. Buck locked the door, glancing at Eddie before bounding down the hallway for the elevator.
“Baby, relax.” Eddie murmured, brushing his hand along Buck’s back as they waited for the elevator.
“I just– I need this to go perfectly. I need her to win. I need to know I didn’t fuck everything up for her.”
Eddie sighed, gently guiding Buck into the elevator and pressing the button for the lobby. “Athena’s polls put her past winning numbers, everything will be fine.”
Buck nodded but chose to stay silent, picking at the skin around his fingers. He wanted this to be perfect for his mom, she deserved the re-election more than any of the other candidates. He’d really cleaned up his act just in time for election day, maybe Eddie had more help with that than he’d like to admit though.
Once the elevator doors opened, Eddie kept his hand on Buck’s back and led them outside to Lena’s awaiting vehicle. Lena watched the two approach and raised a brow at Eddie but said nothing, opting to open the door for the pair instead. The two climbed inside and then they were set off for the campaign building where they’d watch Athena hopefully win.
: ̗̀➛
The results rolled in, two candidates battling for Governor of California. Buck stood nervously off to the side with his family, Eddie’s hand always finding Buck’s back. He rubbed circles over the suit jacket Buck wore, hoping to ease some of the anxiety that had the man bouncing off the walls.
Bobby drifted out of the crowd and over to his son, clasping a hand on his shoulder, “She’s got this, kid.”
“I know, Dad. Thank you.” Buck murmured.
“You don’t have to come on stage for her speech if you want, I know you’d prefer to stay here.” Bobby hummed, glancing over at Eddie with a pointed look.
Buck flushed, his cheeks turning a rosy pink, “Dad, seriously.”
Bobby just laughed and left the two alone in favor of going back to his wife, who was standing at the end of the stairs leading to the stage. Buck watched his parents, lips tugging up in a smile as his eyes flickered back to the screen that held the results. Polls closed in one minute and it would solidify his fate for another four years. Not that he minded, he loved helping his mom and being a part of her campaign was the most responsible he’d felt in a long time.
Eddie tugged Buck closer and murmured in his ear, “After she wins, everyone will know who you belong to.”
The words sent a shiver down Buck’s spine and he bit hard into his lip to stop a whine from slipping out. He shifted his hand and pinched Eddie’s side, making the other man chuckle.
The bell dinged overhead, signifying that the polls had closed and the results were in. Buck grabbed Eddie’s hand and gripped it tightly, eyes going up to the screen as the room held their breath.
ATHENA GRANT-NASH WINS GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA
Buck let out a yelp of happiness and turned to Eddie, wrapping the man up in a tight hug. He quickly let him go and placed both of his hands on either side of his face before smashing their lips together in a kiss. Eddie let out a noise of surprise but kissed Buck back, his hands going to grip Buck’s waist tightly.
They pulled back after a few minutes, panting and blinking at one another.
“I love you.” Buck blurted.
Eddie chuckled softly, squeezing Buck’s waist beneath his fingers, “I love you too, and when we get home I’ll show you exactly how much.”