Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The shift had been long. Too long.
Smoke still clung to Eddie’s hair and uniform, a reminder of how close the fire had gotten and how fast he’d run toward it anyway. His body ached in places he didn’t even know could ache. He was twenty, new to the 118, and still trying to prove that he could handle whatever the job threw at him.

Buck saw the cracks forming before anyone else did.

When Eddie stumbled out of the fire truck, eyes half-shut and moving on autopilot, Buck didn’t even hesitate. He caught him by the elbow, steadying him easily with one hand.

“Hey, easy,” Buck said, voice low and warm. “You’re running on fumes, princess.”

Eddie tried to mumble a protest, something about being fine, but it came out slurred with exhaustion.

“Sure you are,” Buck chuckled, and before Eddie could blink, he was being lifted clean off the ground. One strong arm under his knees, the other around his back — Buck carried him like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Buck—put me down,” Eddie muttered weakly, his head falling against Buck’s shoulder.

“Not a chance,” Buck said, grinning as he started toward the common room. “You look about two minutes away from collapsing. Couch or bed?”

Eddie didn’t answer. His fingers just curled into Buck’s shirt, holding tight.

“Couch it is,” Buck murmured.

The station was quiet when they came in. Hen glanced up from her coffee, saw Buck carrying a soot-smudged Eddie like a sleepy kid, and wordlessly turned back around.

Buck eased Eddie down onto the worn leather couch, moving carefully, like he was made of glass. But the second he tried to straighten, Eddie made a soft, broken noise — something between a sigh and a plea — and his hand fisted tighter in Buck’s shirt.

“Don’t go,” he whispered, not even opening his eyes.

Buck froze.

He could’ve walked away. Should’ve, maybe. But instead, he kicked off his boots, dropped down beside him, and tugged Eddie gently against his chest.

“There,” he murmured, voice almost a whisper. “Not going anywhere, princess.”

Eddie relaxed instantly, his body fitting against Buck’s like it was meant to be there. The couch was too small for Buck’s frame — his knees hung off the edge — but he didn’t care. He tucked one arm around Eddie’s waist and let his chin rest lightly on the top of his head.

For the first time all shift, the world went quiet.

Morning crept in slow and soft. The smell of coffee drifted through the station, and sunlight slanted across the couch, catching in Eddie’s messy hair. He blinked awake, confused for a second, until he realized he was pressed up against Buck’s chest, Buck’s heartbeat steady under his cheek.

He shifted slightly, feeling the rise and fall of Buck’s breathing, the warmth of his arm still looped protectively around him.

“Hey,” Buck mumbled, half-asleep. “You good?”

Eddie didn’t trust his voice, so he just nodded.

Buck smiled — lazy, soft, the kind that reached his eyes even in the morning light. “Good. Go back to sleep.”

And somehow, Eddie did.

From across the room, Bobby caught sight of them and sighed, muttering to Hen, “I’m not saying a damn thing.”

Hen smirked. “Wouldn’t matter if you did. That boy’s already gone.”

And maybe she wasn’t just talking about Buck.

Chapter Text

Eddie woke to the smell of coffee and the sound of someone humming softly in the kitchen. For a moment, he didn’t remember where he was — just that he was warm, safe, and wrapped in something that smelled like smoke, soap, and Buck.

Then the couch creaked as he sat up and reality filtered in. The station. The morning light spilling through the blinds. Buck — shirtless, of course — moving around the kitchen like he owned the place.

Eddie blinked blearily, rubbing a hand over his face. “You always up this early?”

Buck turned, a grin tugging at his mouth. “When I’ve got someone to feed? Yeah.”

The counter was covered in chaos — waffle mix, syrup, fruit, and a mug of steaming coffee. Eddie could barely process it. “You made all that?”

Buck shrugged, flipping another waffle. “Couldn’t have my princess starting the day hungry.”

Eddie froze halfway through sitting up, cheeks heating. “You—did you just call me—”

“Princess?” Buck offered, completely unbothered. “Yeah. Fits.”

Eddie stared at him, trying to figure out how the hell this man managed to say things like that without combusting.

Buck just winked. “Coffee’s on the table.”

Eddie shuffled over, still half-asleep, drowning in his uniform shirt. Buck poured him a mug and slid it across with two fingers, the movement casual but careful, like he was always making sure Eddie didn’t burn himself or spill.

“You really don’t have to—”

“Yeah, I do.” Buck’s tone was soft, but final. “You had a rough night. Eat.”

Eddie sighed but didn’t argue, taking a bite of waffle that made him hum despite himself. Buck chuckled quietly.

When they finished, Buck grabbed something from the back of a chair — a dark navy hoodie with the LAFD logo across the front and BUCKLEY printed on the back. He held it out.

“Here,” he said. “You look cold.”

Eddie blinked, looking from the hoodie to Buck’s bare chest and back again. “You’re shirtless.”

Buck grinned. “Yeah, but I’m not the one shivering.”

Eddie hesitated — just for a second — before taking it. The fabric was warm, still holding Buck’s heat, and way too big. The sleeves swallowed his hands, the hem brushing his thighs.

Buck watched him pull it on, something quiet flickering in his eyes that Eddie didn’t notice.

“How’s it fit?”

Eddie tugged the sleeves up, the faintest blush still lingering on his cheeks. “Like it’s yours.”

Buck smiled, soft and fond. “Good.”

Eddie looked down at the stitched name over his chest, tracing the letters absently.

He didn’t know why, but it made his chest ache — not in a bad way, just… unfamiliar. Like being claimed, just a little.

Hen passed through on her way to the lockers, saw Eddie in the hoodie and Buck cooking shirtless, and smirked. “So, when’s the wedding?”

Buck rolled his eyes. “Funny.”

Eddie’s ears went red. “We’re not—”

“Sure you’re not,” she teased, disappearing before either of them could reply.

Buck leaned against the counter, coffee in hand, smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “You gonna deny it forever, princess?”

Eddie looked away, tugging at the sleeve again, hiding his smile.
“Maybe,” he said softly.

Buck’s voice dropped, quiet enough that only Eddie could hear. “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”

And just like that, Eddie didn’t care that the hoodie was two sizes too big — he wasn’t planning on giving it back anyway.

Chapter Text

The sun was merciless that morning — glaring, hot, and far too bright for someone who hadn’t had enough sleep or caffeine.

Eddie squinted against it as they stepped out of the truck, shielding his face with one hand. “Ugh. I forgot my sunglasses.”

Buck glanced over, grinning at the sight of him in that oversized hoodie — his hoodie — the sleeves still covering Eddie’s hands even in the heat. “Want mine?”

Eddie frowned up at him. “You wear those tiny aviators that make you look like a cop from the ‘80s.”

Buck laughed, that easy, warm sound that always made Eddie’s chest feel a little strange. “Then what’s your plan, princess?”

Eddie sighed dramatically, looked at Buck’s tall frame, then moved behind him and grabbed the back of his shirt. “This.”

Buck blinked, glancing over his shoulder. “What are you—”

“Using you as shade,” Eddie said matter-of-factly, tugging him a step to the left so Buck’s shadow covered him completely. “Don’t move.”

For a second, Buck just stared — then started laughing so hard he nearly dropped his helmet. “You’re unbelievable.”

Eddie’s cheeks went pink, but he didn’t let go. “It’s hot, Buck.”

“Yeah,” Buck said, voice dipping softer now. “I know.” He turned his head slightly, catching Eddie’s expression from the corner of his eye — the stubborn little pout, the furrow between his brows, the faint smile threatening to break through.

And something in his chest ached.

“Fine,” Buck said finally, holding still. “Stay in the shade, princess.”

Eddie grinned triumphantly and stood there, his fingers still curled loosely in the back of Buck’s shirt.

Hen walked by, took one look at the setup, and didn’t even try to hide her amusement. “You two are ridiculous.”

“Efficient,” Buck corrected. “He’s staying cool.”

Eddie tilted his head up, squinting. “You’re a good sunblock.”

Buck smirked. “Glad to know I’m useful for something.”

Eddie opened his mouth to say something snarky — but stopped. Because Buck’s smile wasn’t teasing this time. It was soft, quiet. The kind of smile that hit low and made Eddie’s stomach flutter unexpectedly.

He looked away quickly. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” Buck said, still smiling. “But I’ve got you covered.”

---

That night, Buck couldn’t get the words out of his head. Use me as shade.

It stuck — the way Eddie had said it, the way he’d hidden behind him without hesitation, like he trusted him completely.

Two weeks later, on his next day off, Buck sat in the tattoo chair.

The artist glanced up from sketching the design. “You sure about this?”

Buck nodded once. “Yeah. Right here.” He tapped the spot over his heart.

When it was done, the words curved cleanly along his chest, just above where Eddie’s head had rested that night on the couch:
use me as shade.

Chapter Text

The tattoo shop smelled like antiseptic and ink — clean, quiet, calm in a way Eddie didn’t expect.
He’d never been in one before, not really. The buzz of the machine made his stomach flutter with nerves, but Buck sat across from him on the padded chair like it was nothing, relaxed and sure.

Eddie still didn’t know why Buck had asked him to come along. He’d just looked at him that morning over breakfast and said,
“Got an appointment today. Thought you might want to come.”

Eddie shrugged and said sure, because when Buck asked, he usually didn’t have it in him to say no.

The artist rolled his stool over and nodded toward Buck’s chest. “Touch-up first?”

“Yeah,” Buck said, glancing at Eddie with a small smile. “Right here.”

He tugged his shirt off, and there it was — curved just above his heart in clean, dark ink.
use me as shade.

Eddie froze.

He’d joked that day, laughed about hiding in Buck’s shadow, but seeing it there—permanent, real, right over Buck’s heartbeat—made something inside him crack open.

“You…” Eddie’s voice caught, barely more than a whisper. “You actually—”

Buck looked up, eyes soft. “Yeah.”

“Buck, that was just…” Eddie swallowed hard, pressing the heel of his hand against his chest like he could hold it together. “You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to,” Buck said simply. “You make me want to remember things like that.”

Eddie’s throat went tight. He blinked hard, but the tears came anyway—quiet, hot, unstoppable.

“Hey, hey.” Buck was off the chair in seconds, crouching in front of him, one big hand coming up to the side of Eddie’s neck. “It’s okay, princess. You don’t have to hold it in.”

Eddie leaned forward, forehead against Buck’s shoulder, and Buck just held him—steady, warm, solid. No teasing, no questions. Just a hand moving slow circles against his back.

When Eddie finally pulled back, sniffling, Buck brushed a thumb under his eye and smiled.
“Good tears?”

Eddie nodded, voice barely a breath. “Yeah. Just… no one’s ever done something like that for me.”

Buck’s eyes softened even more. “Get used to it.”

The artist, giving them quiet space, cleared his throat gently a minute later. “You still want to go ahead with the new piece?”

Buck smiled at Eddie. “Yeah. Actually… add these too.”

He slid the small sketchbook he’d been carrying over the counter. On the page were a few simple drawings:
— a small sun behind a cloud.
— a heartbeat line that ended in a tiny flame.
— the number 118, stylized inside a pair of open hands.

“For him?” the artist asked.

Buck nodded. “All reminders of what I’ve got to protect.”

Eddie watched silently, fingers twisting in the sleeve of his hoodie, tears threatening again.

When it was over, Buck buttoned his shirt just enough to hide the fresh ink, then turned back to him. “C’mere.”

Eddie stepped forward, and Buck wrapped an arm around his shoulders, guiding him out into the evening air.

“You okay?”

Eddie nodded, wiping at his eyes again. “Yeah. Just… you’re kind of impossible, you know that?”

Buck grinned. “Yeah, but you like me anyway.”

Eddie huffed out a laugh, leaning into his side as they walked. “Unfortunately.”

“Good,” Buck said softly. “Means I’m doing something right.”

And for the first time in a long time, Eddie believed him.

Chapter Text

Eddie wasn’t sure when walking with Buck started feeling like being escorted by a bodyguard who moonlighted as a knight.

They were just supposed to grab lunch. That’s it. Nothing fancy, nothing worth overthinking. Except Buck was—Buck. All broad shoulders and casual confidence, tattoos curling out from under his rolled-up sleeves, and that easy grin that made everyone around them melt just a little.

The problem was that Buck was treating Eddie like he was something fragile.

It started when they left the station. Buck automatically moved Eddie to the inside of the sidewalk without saying a word. Just a gentle nudge with one hand at the small of his back and a quiet, “Stay here, princess,” like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Eddie blinked, cheeks heating. “I can walk, you know.”

Buck smiled down at him. Of course he smiled down, because the height difference was criminal. “I know you can. But humor me.”

Eddie huffed and didn’t move back. He told himself it was easier than arguing. (It wasn’t.)

When they crossed the street, Buck’s hand stayed right there—warm, steady, protective. Every time they passed someone or stepped too close to a corner, that same hand came up instinctively, either on Eddie’s back or hovering near his shoulder, guiding him through the crowd like Buck had some invisible claim to him.

Eddie wanted to be annoyed. He really did. But instead, his brain short-circuited every time he felt Buck’s fingers brush through the fabric of his shirt.

“Why do you do that?” Eddie finally asked when they reached the café.

Buck held the door open, letting Eddie walk in first. “Do what?”

“The—” Eddie made a vague gesture. “The sidewalk thing. The hand thing. You act like I’m gonna walk into traffic or something.”

Buck didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”

Eddie blinked, thrown. “Yes?”

Buck shrugged, the corner of his mouth twitching. “You get distracted, princess. You’d walk straight into a hydrant if I wasn’t looking.”

Eddie’s mouth opened, then closed again. He wanted to argue—but he could think of at least two times Buck had to catch his arm at a crosswalk because he’d zoned out mid-conversation.

Buck just smiled, that easy, infuriating grin, and nodded toward the door. “Go on, before you trip over the welcome mat.”

Eddie muttered something about overprotective giants but still went inside—because Buck was already holding the door open and there was no way he could not walk through when Buck looked at him like that.

They ordered—Buck insisted on paying because “you got breakfast last time, remember?”—and found a table by the window. Eddie tried not to notice that Buck’s knees brushed his under the table, or that Buck kept leaning forward when Eddie spoke, like he was soaking in every word.

When they got back outside, the sky had gone a little cloudy, the kind of bright gray that made Eddie squint. Buck automatically shifted closer, his shoulder brushing Eddie’s.

“You okay?”

“Fine,” Eddie mumbled.

“Good.” Buck smiled again and added, “You hungry still, princess? There’s an ice-cream stand up the block.”

Eddie snorted. “You gonna buy me that too?”

“Obviously.”

“Buck, you don’t have to—”

“Eds.” Buck’s voice dropped low, calm but firm. “Let me take care of you, okay?”

Eddie stopped walking. His heart fluttered in his chest in a way that felt dangerous.

No one had ever said that to him before. Not like that.

He didn’t trust his voice, so he just nodded and let Buck’s hand find his back again.

---

Ice Cream, Instincts, and Idiots with No Spatial Awareness

The ice-cream stand sat at the corner of the block, a small red-and-white trailer that looked like it had been there since the seventies. The air smelled like sugar and toasted waffle cones, and Buck was grinning like a kid as he tugged Eddie toward the line.

“I can pay for myself,” Eddie muttered, but he didn’t exactly pull away from the hand that brushed his wrist.

“Sure, princess,” Buck said easily, already pulling out his wallet. “And I can stop breathing air if it makes you feel better.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched. “You’re impossible.”

“Only for you.”

Eddie tried very, very hard not to react to that.

When their turn came, Buck ordered for both of them—because of course he already knew what Eddie liked. Eddie pretended to scowl but couldn’t hide the way his mouth curved up when Buck handed him the biggest cup of strawberry ice cream he’d ever seen.

“You remembered,” Eddie said softly.

Buck shrugged like it was no big deal, tattoos flexing under his rolled-up sleeve. “You talk about strawberry ice cream a lot, princess.”

Eddie ducked his head to hide his smile.

They moved off to the side, finding a spot near the curb under a tree. Eddie was mid-bite, content and relaxed for once, when a group of teenagers came barreling down the sidewalk, laughing and shoving each other without looking.

Buck saw them before Eddie did.

It happened fast—one of the kids clipped Eddie’s shoulder hard enough to make him stumble. Before Eddie could even catch himself, Buck’s arm shot out, wrapping around his waist and hauling him firmly against his chest.

“Hey!” Buck’s voice was sharp, commanding enough to freeze the whole group in their tracks. “Watch where you’re going!”

The kids mumbled apologies and hurried off, but Buck didn’t let go. His hand stayed splayed across Eddie’s side, warm and solid.

“You okay?” he asked, his voice softening instantly.

Eddie nodded, though his heart was pounding. “Yeah, I just—didn’t see them.”

“I know.” Buck exhaled slowly, jaw tight. “You don’t have to. That’s what I’m here for.”

Eddie looked up at him, eyes wide. Buck’s stubble caught the sunlight, and there was something fierce and gentle in his expression all at once—like he’d fight the whole damn world just to make sure Eddie didn’t get bruised.

“You really mean that, don’t you?” Eddie asked quietly.

Buck’s thumb brushed over the hem of Eddie’s shirt before he realized he was still touching him. He cleared his throat and stepped back, giving a small, crooked smile. “Yeah, princess. I do.”

Eddie’s face burned, and he quickly looked down at his cup—only to realize that in the chaos, he’d managed to smear a streak of whipped cream across his cheek.

“Hold still,” Buck said, his tone slipping effortlessly back to teasing. He leaned down, close enough for Eddie to smell the faint trace of smoke and mint on his skin, and wiped the spot away with his thumb.

Eddie froze. “You—you could’ve just told me.”

Buck grinned. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Eddie mumbled something about overgrown firefighters and turned away, hiding behind another spoonful of ice cream.

But Buck stayed close the whole walk back—hand hovering at Eddie’s back again, watching every car, every curb, every shadow.

And Eddie, for once, didn’t mind being protected.

Maybe it wasn’t about needing it.
Maybe it was about finally having someone who wanted to.

Chapter Text

The station was loud when Eddie and Buck walked in, but Buck didn’t relax. Not really. He was still stuck in that coiled-up protective place he got whenever someone got too close to Eddie.

They barely made it ten steps into the bay before Chim came around the corner with a new paramedic Eddie hadn’t met yet. Tall guy, too confident, grinning like he already owned the place.

“Eddie Diaz, right?” the paramedic asked, stepping directly into Eddie’s path. Eddie stopped short to avoid colliding, but the guy didn’t bother moving. Instead, he reached out and grabbed Eddie’s forearm lightly, like they were already friends.

“Sorry, man,” the paramedic said casually. “Didn’t mean to—”

He didn’t finish the sentence.

Because Buck moved. Fast. Instinctively. A protective flash of heat and muscle.

He stepped between them so fast Eddie barely processed it. One strong hand reached back and pulled Eddie behind him, shielding him completely. The other braced against the paramedic’s chest, stopping him cold.

“Don’t touch him,” Buck said, voice low and dangerous.

The paramedic blinked. “Hey, woah—”

“You heard me.”

“Buck,” Eddie whispered, tugging lightly at the back of Buck’s shirt, trying to calm him.

But Buck wasn’t looking at him. He was staring the guy down, jaw tight, eyes sharp.

And then the paramedic made his mistake.

He scoffed.

A tiny, irritated sound — like Buck was overreacting. Like Eddie didn’t matter.

Buck froze.

Slowly, he turned his head just enough to look back at Eddie. Eddie’s heart hammered. He expected anger, or tension, or something wild.

But what he saw was something steadier.

A decision.

Buck’s hand came up and cupped Eddie’s jaw gently — the exact opposite of the anger he’d shown a second ago. Eddie’s breath caught. His fingers curled into Buck’s shirt.

“Buck…” Eddie whispered, not even sure what he was asking.

Buck leaned down.

And kissed him.

Soft but sure. Claiming without being rough. Steady. Warm. A kiss that said mine without saying a single word.

The entire bay went quiet.

Eddie melted before he even realized he’d moved, hands fisting in Buck’s shirt, knees going a little weak as Buck held him securely, like the world could disappear and Eddie wouldn’t fall.

It wasn’t long. It didn’t have to be.

Buck pulled back just enough to brush his forehead against Eddie’s and whisper, “You okay?”

Eddie nodded, breath shaky. “Yeah.”

Buck turned back to the paramedic, arm firm around Eddie’s waist now, the message unmistakable.

“Don’t touch him,” Buck repeated, calm as steel. “Ever.”

The paramedic raised both hands. “Got it. Loud and clear.”

Buck didn’t respond. He just guided Eddie away, hand never leaving Eddie’s waist, body still a protective barrier until they were halfway down the hall.

Only then did Buck slow down, turning Eddie gently toward him.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked again, softer this time.

Eddie nodded. But then added quietly, “Can we… talk about that kiss later?”

Buck’s lips twitched into the smallest, proudest smile. “Yeah, baby. We can.”

Eddie’s face flushed hot at the pet name.

But he didn’t correct him.

He didn’t want to.

The city lights stretched below them like a galaxy pinned to the pavement. Eddie perched on the edge of the station rooftop, hoodie sleeves pulled over his hands, knees drawn up, still buzzing from the kiss a few hours ago. His heart wouldn’t stop hammering. Not from fear. Not from surprise. But from Buck — from the way Buck’s lips had pressed to his, steady and sure, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Buck settled beside him, careful not to crowd him, though Eddie could feel the warmth radiating from his arm. His massive frame was impossibly comfortable, grounding, but it also made Eddie painfully aware of how small he was.

For a long while, neither spoke. The city hum was enough. The breeze was enough. Just the two of them, side by side, quiet and full of tension and warmth.

Finally, Eddie broke. “Buck… why do you… do all of this?”

Buck tilted his head, eyebrow quirking. “All of what?”

Eddie swallowed, fiddling with the edge of his hoodie. “The… the sidewalk thing. The guiding. The hand at my back. The ice cream. The… protecting me from idiots.” He trailed off, voice barely above a whisper. “And… tonight. The kiss.”

Buck’s chest rumbled softly with a laugh, but it wasn’t mocking. “You really want the whole list?”

Eddie bit his lip. “Yeah.”

Buck exhaled, shifting slightly so he could lean back on his hands and look at Eddie properly. “Okay. Listen.” His voice dropped low, soft, careful. “I do all of it because… you’re mine. Not in some possessive, scary way, princess. But… I want you safe. I want you happy. I want you to know that no matter what, someone’s got you.”

Eddie’s fingers twitched in his sleeves. “But… I’m not fragile. I can take care of myself.”

“I know,” Buck said immediately, eyes serious. “And you do. But some things? Some people? They’d hurt you without even realizing it. And I… I can’t let that happen. Not to you. Not if I can stop it.”

Eddie blinked, chest tight. “You… want to stop it?”

Buck’s grin softened, teasing but tender. “Yeah. I want to stop it. I want to stop anyone from touching you without asking. I want to keep you out of trouble. I want to make your days easier — even just a little. You make me feel… protective. Alive. Happy. Terrified. All of it.”

Eddie’s breath hitched, shoulders lifting in a small, nervous shrug. “That… that’s a lot.”

Buck shifted closer, careful, patient. “It’s a lot of feelings. I know. But… you’re worth it. Every single one.”

Eddie stared down at his hands, twisting the hoodie sleeves tighter. “I… I’ve never had anyone do anything like that for me. Ever.”

“You will now,” Buck murmured, leaning closer so his shoulder brushed Eddie’s. “Every day. Every minute. I’ve got you, princess.”

Eddie’s heart thudded so hard it felt like it might burst. He looked up at Buck, cheeks red, and whispered, “I… I like it. All of it. Even if it makes me… dizzy.”

Buck’s grin spread, slow and fond. “Good. Means I’m doing my job right.”

Eddie let himself relax, leaning just slightly against Buck’s arm. The world felt big and messy and terrifying—but with Buck, it also felt safe. So safe. So warm.

And for the first time in a long while, Eddie let himself believe that someone might actually see him as something worth protecting.

Buck tightened his arm around him ever so slightly, thumb brushing over Eddie’s hoodie sleeve. “Rest. Look at the city. Think about nothing but this moment. You’re allowed.”

Eddie closed his eyes, inhaling the warmth of Buck’s jacket, the faint scent of smoke and soap lingering, and let the tension in his chest melt into the city lights.

For once, he didn’t have to prove anything. He just… was.

And Buck was there. Always.