Chapter Text
Buck had noticed something was off with Eddie for a while now. It had been about a month of Eddie’s strange behavior, and Buck was starting to get worried. Every time Buck tried to hang out with him, Eddie would offer up a weak excuse. Usually, it was a headache or some vague mention of being tired. Instead of hanging out with Eddie, Buck ended up spending his time with Christopher. Not that he minded—he loved Chris—but Eddie's distance gnawed at him. They used to be inseparable, and now it felt like Eddie was avoiding him on purpose.
Tonight, after a grueling 24-hour shift, Buck had planned to go straight home, shower, and collapse into bed. But when there was a knock at his door just a few hours after their shift ended, he wasn’t expecting to see Eddie standing there. Especially not like this.
Eddie was swaying slightly, leaning heavily against the doorframe with an uncharacteristic, sloppy grin plastered across his face. His eyes were glassy, and the unmistakable smell of alcohol wafted off him.
“Eddie?” Buck asked, surprised and confused. “What are you doing here? Are you... drunk?”
Eddie laughed, the sound sharp and out of place. "Buck... hey, Bucky," he slurred, stepping forward unsteadily. “I took an Uber. I'm not that irresponsible.”
Buck quickly reached out, catching Eddie before he stumbled. "Come on, man, let's get you inside before you fall over." His voice was gentle, but his mind raced with questions. Eddie never got like this—never showed up drunk at his door out of the blue.
Eddie let himself be guided into the apartment, his weight pressing heavily against Buck. They made it to the living room, where Buck helped Eddie onto the couch. Eddie collapsed into the cushions with a sigh of relief.
"Why didn’t you call me?" Buck asked, crouching down in front of him. "We could’ve talked or—"
Before Buck could finish, Eddie reached out and grabbed his hand, clumsily pulling him closer. "Buck," he started, his voice a little slurred but oddly serious. "Listen, I’ve been... I’ve been thinking. A lot."
Buck blinked, thrown off by the sudden intensity. "Thinking about what?"
Eddie looked at him with a mix of sincerity and drunken conviction, his words tumbling out in a rush. "About you... me... us." He paused dramatically, like it took all of his energy to form the next words. "I think we should get married."
For a second, the world seemed to freeze around Buck. He stared at Eddie, trying to process what he had just heard. “Eddie, what?”
“You heard me,” Eddie said, his speech slurred but determined. “Marry me, Buck. We should… we should be together.”
Buck’s heart thudded painfully in his chest. He didn’t know what to say—couldn’t even begin to wrap his head around it. He’d always loved Eddie, but they’d never spoken about… this. And Eddie, drunk and clearly not in his right mind, couldn’t be serious. Could he?
"Eddie, you're drunk," Buck finally managed, his voice soft, trying to keep his own emotions in check. "You don't know what you're saying right now."
Eddie frowned, his hand tightening around Buck’s. “No, I do. I’ve been thinking about it for weeks. I just… didn’t know how to say it. You’re always there for me. You’re there for Chris. We’re already a family, Buck. Why not make it official?”
Buck's breath caught. He had dreamed of hearing words like this from Eddie, but not like this—not with Eddie drunk and vulnerable, clearly not thinking straight.
“I… I love you, Eddie. You know I do,” Buck said quietly, “but we can’t talk about this while you’re like this. You need to sleep. We can figure this out when you’re sober.”
Eddie’s expression softened, and for a moment, he looked heart-wrenchingly sad. “But what if you don’t feel the same when I’m sober?”
“I will,” Buck whispered, brushing Eddie’s hair back from his face. “But this isn’t how it’s supposed to happen.”
Eddie’s eyes fluttered closed, exhaustion and alcohol taking over. “You’ll think about it though?” he mumbled, his voice barely audible.
“I promise,” Buck said, his heart aching as he watched Eddie drift off to sleep on the couch. He stayed there for a long time, sitting on the floor by the couch, holding Eddie’s hand as he slept. The weight of Eddie's words pressed heavily on him, leaving Buck torn between the joy of finally hearing Eddie confess something that echoed his own feelings, and the fear of what it all meant.
What would happen when Eddie woke up sober?
That was a question for tomorrow. For now, Buck held onto Eddie’s hand, unwilling to let go.
The next morning, Buck woke to the soft sound of rustling fabric. His back ached from falling asleep on the floor, his hand still wrapped around Eddie’s. For a second, he forgot why he was there, but then last night’s events rushed back, hitting him like a tidal wave.
Eddie proposing. The drunken confession. The weight of feelings that had been buried for so long.
When he opened his eyes, Eddie was stirring on the couch, groaning softly as he slowly came to. He blinked against the sunlight filtering through Buck’s curtains, his hand going to his head as though to ward off the inevitable hangover headache.
“Eddie,” Buck said quietly, not wanting to startle him.
Eddie’s eyes snapped open fully, his face a mixture of confusion and discomfort as he looked at his surroundings. It was clear he didn’t immediately remember how he’d gotten there, but the realization dawned quickly as he saw Buck sitting on the floor, watching him with concern.
“Oh, God,” Eddie muttered, sinking deeper into the couch. “Buck, I’m… I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize,” Buck said, moving to sit on the edge of the couch now, closer to him. “You… had a rough night.”
Eddie rubbed his temples, clearly trying to piece everything together. “I don’t remember everything, but I remember enough.” His voice was quieter now, filled with shame. “I said something stupid, didn’t I?”
“You weren't being stupid,” Buck said softly, trying to find the right words. “But we need to talk about it, Eddie. You showed up here last night, drunk, and… you proposed to me.”
Eddie winced visibly at that. “God, I—” He paused, his face turning serious, like he was about to confront something heavy. “I didn’t mean for it to come out like that.”
“Eddie…” Buck hesitated. “What you said last night… was any of it true? You’ve been acting weird for weeks, and I need to know if this was just you being drunk, or if… there’s something more going on.”
Eddie’s eyes flickered to Buck’s, and for a moment, there was a vulnerability there that Buck rarely saw from him. He let out a long breath, looking down at his hands as he gathered his thoughts.
“I wasn’t lying,” Eddie admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “I meant it. I’ve been… thinking about you. About us. About how you’ve always been there for me and Chris. You’re… you’re everything to me, Buck. But I didn’t know how to say it. And I sure as hell didn’t want it to come out like that.” He gestured to himself, clearly referring to his drunken state the night before.
Buck’s heart pounded in his chest, hearing the raw honesty in Eddie’s words. He leaned forward, trying to make sure Eddie knew he wasn’t alone in this. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”
“I didn’t know how,” Eddie admitted. “And… I was scared. What if I ruined everything? What if you didn’t feel the same? Or what if I was wrong and just confusing everything because… because you’re my best friend?” He swallowed hard, his voice thick with emotion. “But then I kept thinking, what if we were more than that? And every time I tried to hang out, every time I wanted to say something, I’d just panic. That’s why I’ve been avoiding you.”
Buck sat with that for a moment, his mind reeling. All this time, Eddie had been wrestling with his feelings, just like Buck had been. He felt a mixture of relief and frustration that it had taken this long, but mostly he just felt an overwhelming wave of affection for the man sitting in front of him, who was baring his heart despite his fear.
“You’re not wrong,” Buck said softly, catching Eddie’s eyes. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. For a long time.”
Eddie’s breath caught at Buck’s words. “You have?”
Buck nodded, feeling his own emotions bubbling up. “I didn’t know how to say it either. I didn’t want to mess up what we have, especially with Chris in the picture. But, Eddie… I love you. And not just as your friend. I love you.”
Eddie stared at him, the weight of Buck’s confession sinking in. His eyes filled with something close to relief, maybe even hope, as he let Buck’s words wash over him.
“I love you too,” Eddie whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. “I’ve loved you for a long time. I just… didn’t know how to deal with it.”
Buck leaned closer, their faces only inches apart now. He could feel the warmth of Eddie’s breath, see the nervousness in his eyes. “We don’t have to rush this,” Buck said softly, his hand reaching out to rest on Eddie’s knee. “But if we both feel the same way… we can figure it out. Together.”
Eddie closed his eyes, letting out a long, shaky breath. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Buck.”
“You don’t have to deserve me,” Buck whispered back. “We deserve each other.”
For a long moment, neither of them moved, both of them processing the enormity of the moment. Then, slowly, Eddie leaned in, his forehead resting gently against Buck’s. It wasn’t a kiss, but it was something more intimate, something that felt like the start of something bigger.
“We’ll figure this out,” Eddie murmured, his voice soft but certain.
Buck smiled, his heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. “Yeah,” he whispered back. “We will.”
The morning unfolded slowly, filled with tentative glances and soft laughter as Buck and Eddie settled into the newfound intimacy of their relationship. Eddie’s hangover lingered, but the warmth of Buck’s presence made it more bearable. Buck fussed over him, making coffee and bringing him toast, despite Eddie’s protests that he could manage himself.
“Just sit there and let me take care of you,” Buck insisted, a teasing grin on his face. “It’s the least I can do after you proposed to me in your drunken state.”
Eddie groaned but couldn’t help the smile tugging at his lips. “That’s going to be a story for the ages, isn’t it?”
“Oh, definitely,” Buck laughed, handing Eddie a cup of coffee and plopping down next to him on the couch. “I’ll make sure to tell Chris how his dad tried to propose with a hangover.”
Eddie chuckled, and the sound made Buck’s heart swell. There was a comfort in the way they fell into easy conversation, the kind that spoke of years spent together, but now colored with the excitement of something new.
After breakfast, Buck decided it was time to get serious. “So, what do we do now?” he asked, turning to face Eddie fully. “I mean, I’m all for being together, but we should probably talk about what that means, right?”
Eddie nodded, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about that. I don’t want to rush into anything, but I also don’t want to pretend that this isn’t real. I care about you so much, Buck.”
“I care about you too,” Buck said, taking Eddie’s hand. “But we also have to think about Chris. He’s our priority.”
Eddie squeezed Buck’s hand, nodding. “I know. I want him to be part of this, too. I don’t want him to feel like he’s losing anything, or that we’re hiding something from him.”
Buck felt a rush of affection for Eddie’s thoughtfulness. “Maybe we can talk to him together? Let him know that we love each other and that we’re still a family. It doesn’t change anything for him, right?”
“Right,” Eddie agreed. “It could even be good for him to see us happy together. Kids are perceptive; he probably already knows something’s changed.”
“Then let’s do it,” Buck said, determination in his voice. “After he gets home from school today, we can talk to him.”
Eddie smiled, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. “Thanks for being so understanding about all of this. I’m still processing everything myself.”
“Me too,” Buck admitted. “But I think we’ll figure it out. Together.”
As the day went on, they both began to settle into their new dynamic, finding comfort in each other’s presence. They shared jokes, reminisced about their past adventures, and even snuck in a few moments of playful affection—light touches, lingering glances, and the occasional playful shove.
When Chris finally came home, Buck’s heart raced with anticipation and a touch of nervousness. He and Eddie exchanged a quick glance, a silent agreement that they were in this together.
“Hey, buddy!” Buck called as Chris stepped through the door, his backpack slung over one shoulder. “How was school?”
“Fine, I guess,” Chris shrugged, dropping his bag and heading into the kitchen for a snack. “Can we order pizza for dinner?”
“Definitely,” Buck said, following him into the kitchen while Eddie lingered by the doorway. “But first, we want to talk to you about something.”
Chris looked up, curiosity piqued. “What’s up?”
Eddie stepped forward, putting a hand on Chris’s shoulder. “You know how Buck and I are always hanging out, right?”
Chris nodded, a hint of confusion in his eyes.
“Well,” Eddie continued, his voice steady but gentle, “we’ve been talking a lot lately, and we both realized that we really love each other. And we want you to know that this doesn’t change anything for you. We’re still a family, and we’ll always be here for you.”
Chris blinked, processing the information. “You mean… you and Buck are together now?”
“Yeah, that’s right,” Buck chimed in, trying to gauge Chris’s reaction. “And we wanted to make sure you’re okay with that. You’re the most important part of our lives, and we want to make sure you know that.”
After a moment of silence, Chris’s expression broke into a grin. “That’s awesome! I always thought you guys would end up together. It’s about time!”
Both Buck and Eddie exchanged surprised looks, laughter bubbling up in Buck’s chest. “Wait, really?” Eddie asked, a smile growing on his face.
“Yeah! I mean, you guys are like the best team ever. I just didn’t know if you liked each other like that,” Chris explained, his excitement infectious.
“Well, we do,” Buck said, relief washing over him. “And we’re really happy about it.”
Chris nodded vigorously, clearly enthusiastic about the news. “So we’re still a family, right? Just with more hugs and stuff?”
“Exactly,” Eddie said, ruffling Chris’s hair affectionately. “And maybe some more pizza nights too.”
Buck grinned, feeling the tension lift as Chris jumped in excitement. “Can we order the extra-large pepperoni with extra cheese?” he asked eagerly.
“Only if we get breadsticks!” Buck agreed, and with a triumphant cheer, Chris dashed off to grab his phone.
As Buck watched Chris happily texting their usual pizza place, he turned to Eddie, who was standing beside him with a smile that made Buck’s heart skip a beat. “You did great,” Buck said softly.
Eddie looked at him, warmth in his eyes. “Thanks for making this easy. I was so worried he’d feel different about us.”
Buck shook his head. “You know Chris. He’s pretty perceptive, and he just wants us to be happy. And so do I.”
Eddie’s gaze softened, and for a moment, they simply held each other’s eyes, a world of understanding passing between them.
As the pizza arrived, laughter filled the apartment, the comfortable chaos of family life taking over. Buck and Eddie exchanged knowing glances, a shared promise that they would navigate this new chapter together, hand in hand.
And as Buck looked around at the life they were building—filled with love, laughter, and the occasional pizza night—he knew they were exactly where they were meant to be.
The days following their conversation with Chris felt like stepping into a new world for Buck and Eddie. It was as if a door had been opened, one they had been circling around for years, and now that they had walked through it, everything seemed lighter, easier, more natural. Eddie no longer avoided Buck or made excuses. Instead, he leaned into their relationship with an openness that surprised both of them, while Buck embraced it with his characteristic enthusiasm.
One evening, a week after their talk with Chris, Eddie invited Buck over for dinner. It wasn’t the first time they’d shared a meal as a family, but tonight felt different. Eddie had insisted on cooking, throwing together spaghetti and meatballs in a kitchen filled with warm, familiar smells. The scent of garlic and tomatoes lingered in the air as Buck stood beside Eddie, chopping vegetables for the salad. It felt strangely domestic, like they had been doing this for years, which in many ways, they had—just not like this.
Buck watched Eddie from the corner of his eye as they worked. Eddie’s movements were steady and sure as he stirred the sauce, his brow furrowing slightly in concentration. Every now and then, Eddie would glance over at Buck, a soft smile tugging at his lips, and Buck would feel a warmth spreading through his chest, as though this simple moment meant more than anything else.
“Think this is enough tomatoes?” Buck asked, holding up the diced vegetables for inspection.
Eddie gave a quick glance, his eyes lingering on Buck a moment longer than necessary. “Yeah, that’s perfect. You’re getting pretty good at this.”
Buck grinned, leaning against the counter. “I’ve had a good teacher.”
Eddie chuckled, but there was a tenderness in his gaze that went beyond the playful banter. The kitchen light above them flickered softly, casting a golden hue over the scene, making everything feel cozy and intimate. Buck realized then how much he had longed for this—a quiet, shared life with Eddie. It wasn’t just about the big moments anymore; it was these small, everyday things that filled Buck’s heart in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
Eddie seemed to be thinking along the same lines. “You’ve always been good with me and Chris,” he said, his voice quieter now, as if the weight of those words held more meaning than he’d let on.
Before Buck could respond, Chris burst into the kitchen, holding his phone like it was the most exciting thing in the world. “Dad! Buck! Can we do a movie night after dinner? There’s a new superhero movie that just came out, and I really want to watch it.”
Eddie exchanged a quick glance with Buck, both of them smirking. Buck raised an eyebrow. “What do you think, Ed? Should we let him pick the movie again?”
Eddie pretended to think it over, stirring the sauce one last time. “Well, only if we get popcorn. Deal?”
Chris’s eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face. “Yes! I’ll get everything ready!” And just like that, he was gone, his excitement palpable as he dashed out of the kitchen, leaving the two men to exchange amused looks.
“I guess we’re doing movie night,” Buck said, leaning back against the counter with a laugh.
“Looks like it,” Eddie replied, wiping his hands on a dish towel and turning to face Buck fully. For a moment, there was a quiet between them, the kind that felt like a shared secret. Eddie stepped closer, resting his hand on the counter beside Buck’s. “You know… this feels right. You being here, with us.”
Buck’s heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in Eddie’s voice. He swallowed, meeting Eddie’s gaze. “It feels right to me too, Eddie.”
Eddie’s eyes softened, and there was a flicker of something in them, a vulnerability Buck rarely saw. “I was scared,” Eddie admitted, his voice low. “I didn’t know how this would work, if it would change things between us or with Chris. But now… I can’t imagine it any other way.”
Buck felt a lump in his throat. He stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and placed his hand over Eddie’s, squeezing gently. “We’re doing this together. You, me, and Chris. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but I want it. I want us.”
Eddie’s lips curved into a small, grateful smile. “I want us too, Buck. More than anything.”
Before either of them could say more, Chris’s voice echoed from the living room. “The movie’s starting! Hurry up, you guys!”
They both chuckled, the tender moment interrupted in the most Chris way possible. Buck squeezed Eddie’s hand one last time before pulling away. “Let’s go join him before he picks a superhero marathon,” Buck joked, grabbing the salad bowl.
As they settled on the couch with Chris sandwiched between them, a huge bowl of popcorn in his lap, Buck felt a sense of peace wash over him. The movie began, but Buck’s attention wasn’t fully on the screen. Instead, he found himself sneaking glances at Eddie, noticing the way his face softened in the glow of the TV, the way his arm occasionally brushed against Buck’s in the confined space of the couch. Each small touch sent a ripple of warmth through Buck’s chest.
About halfway through the movie, Chris started nodding off, his eyelids drooping as the excitement of the day caught up with him. Buck noticed first, glancing down to see Chris’s head lolling to one side, resting lightly against Eddie’s shoulder.
“Looks like he’s out,” Buck whispered, nudging Eddie lightly with his elbow.
Eddie glanced down, a soft smile crossing his face. “Yeah, he’s done for the night.” Carefully, Eddie slipped his arm under Chris, lifting him with the ease of a father who had done this a hundred times before. “I’ll take him to bed.”
Buck watched as Eddie carried Chris toward his room, his heart swelling with affection. The sight of Eddie being so gentle, so loving with Chris, always stirred something deep in Buck. It was moments like this—small, quiet moments of fatherhood—that made Buck fall for Eddie even more. Eddie had so much love to give, and Buck was thankful to be part of it now.
When Eddie returned, Buck had already begun tidying up the remnants of their movie night, clearing the popcorn bowls and straightening up the blankets. Eddie leaned against the doorframe, watching Buck for a moment in silence before speaking.
“You don’t have to do that, you know. You’re supposed to be relaxing.”
Buck shrugged, looking over his shoulder with a grin. “Old habits die hard.”
Eddie pushed off the doorframe, walking over to Buck with slow, deliberate steps. There was something different in his expression, something more serious yet full of warmth. He stopped in front of Buck, his eyes searching Buck’s face.
“You know,” Eddie began, his voice soft but steady, “this—us—it's starting to feel like more than just us figuring things out.”
Buck’s hands stilled on the popcorn bowl, his pulse quickening as he turned to face Eddie fully. “What do you mean?”
Eddie stepped closer, their bodies almost touching. “I mean… this feels right. More than right. Like it’s not just something we’re trying out but something that’s real. Something we’ve both wanted for a long time.”
Buck’s breath hitched. He hadn’t expected Eddie to be so open, so vulnerable, but it was exactly what he needed to hear. His heart raced as he met Eddie’s gaze, seeing the same emotions reflected back at him.
“I’ve been thinking the same thing,” Buck admitted quietly. “I didn’t know how to say it, but… this feels like home, Eddie. You and Chris. You’re my home.”
Eddie’s eyes softened, and his hand found its way to Buck’s, fingers lacing together naturally. “I don’t want to waste any more time pretending like we don’t already know where this is going. I love you, Buck. I love you, and I want to build a life with you. Not just for me or for Chris, but because I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else.”
Buck’s heart swelled at Eddie’s words, the sincerity, the promise in them. He squeezed Eddie’s hand, his voice thick with emotion. “I love you too. And I want that. I want all of it.”
They stood like that for a long moment, the weight of their words hanging in the air, settling into their bones like the most natural thing in the world. Then, Eddie closed the distance between them, his forehead resting gently against Buck’s. The closeness felt intimate, grounding.
“I’m not going anywhere, Eddie,” Buck whispered, his breath warm against Eddie’s skin. “We’ll figure this out together.”
Eddie closed his eyes, exhaling softly, a sense of peace washing over him. “We will.”
Eventually, Eddie pulled back slightly, a small smile playing on his lips, the tension between them replaced with a lightness that hadn’t been there before. “So… does that mean you’re moving in soon, or are you going to make me keep asking?”
Buck laughed, the sound bright and full of happiness. “Oh, I’ll definitely make you ask a few more times. Gotta keep you on your toes.”
Eddie smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’ll ask as many times as it takes.”
With a grin, Buck pulled Eddie into a soft, slow kiss, the kind that promised a future filled with more moments like this—love, laughter, and a family they could call their own.
As Buck pulled away from the kiss, the world around them faded into a comforting blur. All that mattered was the warmth of Eddie's hand in his, the connection that had finally blossomed into something tangible and beautiful. Buck felt a sense of euphoria wash over him, a realization that they had crossed a threshold into something far more profound than he had ever anticipated.
“Okay, enough of this mushy stuff,” Buck said with a playful smirk, trying to lighten the mood. “What’s next on the agenda? Movie marathons? Pizza deliveries? Maybe a superhero costume contest?”
Eddie laughed, the sound rich and genuine, filling the small living room with joy. “If we’re doing a costume contest, you’re definitely going as Captain America. I’ll be Iron Man. Chris can be whoever he wants. He probably has a whole wardrobe of costumes somewhere.”
“Captain America? Really?” Buck feigned shock. “I was thinking more along the lines of a sidekick, like the Falcon. Way cooler, you know.”
“Sure, if you want to be the guy who always gets overshadowed by the star,” Eddie teased, nudging Buck playfully.
“Alright, alright, but only if I get to keep the shield,” Buck replied, laughing. The playful banter was so familiar, so easy, it felt like the most natural part of their relationship.
Just then, the silence of the apartment was broken by a muffled sound from Chris’s room. Both Buck and Eddie turned their heads, concerned. “You think he’s okay?” Buck asked, glancing at Eddie.
Eddie frowned, tilting his head slightly. “I’ll check on him. Can you grab some water? He might just be thirsty.”
Buck nodded and made his way to the kitchen, pouring a glass of water as he listened to Eddie softly knock on Chris’s door. “Hey, buddy, you okay in there?” Eddie called out, his voice low and soothing.
“Yeah… just had a weird dream,” Chris mumbled from the other side.
Eddie’s heart sank a little. “Do you want me to come in?”
There was a slight pause before Chris replied, “Yeah, please.”
Buck came back with the glass of water just in time to see Eddie push the door open. He followed Eddie inside, finding Chris sitting up in bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The glow from the nightlight cast a soft, warm light over the room, and Buck couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the boy looking so small in his oversized superhero pajamas.
“Hey there, champ,” Eddie said gently, sitting on the edge of the bed. “What kind of dream?”
Chris shrugged, looking down at his blanket. “It was just… weird. You were in it, but you were a superhero, and Buck was a bad guy.”
Buck raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a grin. “A bad guy? Me? I’m way too charming to be a villain!”
Chris giggled, and the tension in the room eased. “You were trying to steal candy or something.”
“Candy? That’s a pretty low-stakes crime for a bad guy,” Buck said, crossing his arms dramatically. “What can I say? I have a sweet tooth.”
Eddie chuckled, his hand resting on Chris’s knee. “What can I say? You two are a great team. Always getting into trouble together.”
Chris smiled brightly, his previous fear forgotten. “Yeah! I’ll get you next time, Buck!”
“Yeah? I’m shaking in my boots,” Buck replied, feigning a shiver and making Chris laugh again. The bond between the three of them was undeniable, and Buck felt grateful for moments like this—simple, filled with laughter and love.
Eddie reached for the glass of water Buck had brought and handed it to Chris. “Here, drink this. It’ll help.”
Chris took a sip and then handed the glass back. “Thanks, Dad. Can I have a hug?”
“Always,” Eddie replied, wrapping his arms around Chris, pulling him close. Buck watched the exchange, a smile spreading across his face as he marveled at the bond between father and son.
After a moment, Chris released his grip, his eyes bright with mischief. “Are we still doing a movie night?”
“Of course we are!” Buck said, bouncing on his toes. “You picked it, remember? Superheroes and popcorn! The ultimate combo.”
“Yay!” Chris cheered, clearly delighted. “Can we get extra butter on the popcorn?”
“Extra butter, coming right up!” Eddie said with mock seriousness, and Buck rolled his eyes playfully.
They spent the next few minutes getting Chris settled back into bed, tucking him in and ensuring his favorite stuffed animal was nestled securely under his arm. As they stood at the door, Buck turned to Eddie, an unspoken understanding passing between them.
“Looks like we’ve got our own little superhero team,” Buck whispered, leaning closer to Eddie.
“Yeah, we do,” Eddie replied, his voice thick with emotion. “And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
As they left Chris’s room, Buck felt a renewed sense of purpose. They were building something together—something strong, something lasting. It wasn’t just about him and Eddie anymore; it was about the family they were creating with Chris, a life filled with laughter, love, and shared dreams.
Back in the living room, they settled onto the couch again, and Buck grabbed the remote. “Alright, Mr. Captain America, let’s see what movie Chris picked.”
Eddie leaned back against the cushions, his arm casually draped across Buck’s shoulders. The movie started, and Buck found himself lost in the action on-screen, but he was equally aware of Eddie next to him—the warmth of his body, the way he occasionally glanced at Buck with a smile that spoke volumes.
During a particularly intense scene, Eddie turned to Buck, his expression earnest. “Hey, can we talk about something?”
Buck’s heart raced a little at the seriousness in Eddie’s tone. “Yeah, of course. What’s up?”
Eddie hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. “I know we’ve talked about our feelings, about wanting to build a life together, but I want to make sure we’re on the same page about everything. Like… what does that look like for you? For us?”
Buck took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Eddie’s question. He considered what their life could be together. “I think it means being there for each other through everything. Supporting each other’s dreams, being the best role models for Chris we can be. I want us to have a home together, a place where Chris feels safe and loved.”
Eddie nodded, his gaze steady and serious. “And I want that too. But I also want to be honest about the challenges that come with it. We’ve both been through a lot, and I don’t want to overlook that.”
Buck reached for Eddie’s hand, intertwining their fingers. “We’ll face those challenges together, Ed. I know it won’t always be easy, but I believe in us. I believe in our family.”
Eddie squeezed Buck’s hand, a smile breaking through his seriousness. “You always know what to say to make me feel better.”
“Just speaking the truth,” Buck said, a confident grin spreading across his face. “And I’m excited about our future, whatever it looks like.”
As they settled back into the movie, Buck felt a sense of peace wash over him. They were ready to tackle whatever came next, together, and for the first time in a long time, Buck felt certain about what he wanted: a life with Eddie, with Chris, filled with love and laughter.
After the movie ended, Chris wandered back into the living room, rubbing his eyes and yawning. “Did I miss anything?”
“Just the greatest superhero team ever,” Buck replied, pulling Chris onto the couch beside him. “You should have seen it!”
Chris grinned, excitement sparking in his eyes. “Can we watch it again?”
“Only if you promise to keep your eyes open this time,” Eddie teased.
Chris laughed, the sound infectious and bright, and Buck knew that this was just the beginning of something beautiful. They would navigate this new territory together, learning and growing as a family, and Buck couldn’t wait for all the adventures ahead.
As the credits rolled on the movie, Buck turned to Eddie, a playful glint in his eyes. “So, when do we start planning the superhero costume contest?”
Eddie smirked, his eyes shining with mischief. “How about next weekend? You better be ready to lose.”
“Lose? Not a chance!” Buck replied, feeling the familiar thrill of competition. “I’ll take you down, Captain America.”
With laughter ringing in the air, the three of them settled into the comfort of each other’s presence, knowing that together, they could face anything the world threw at them. It was a night full of promise, a night that marked the start of their journey together as a family.
As the days turned into weeks, Buck and Eddie found themselves falling deeper into the rhythm of their new relationship. The atmosphere in the firehouse had shifted subtly since their talk, their colleagues picking up on the unspoken bond forming between them.
In the mornings, the firehouse buzzed with the usual chatter and camaraderie, but now Buck and Eddie shared fleeting moments that sent sparks of excitement through them. Buck would catch Eddie’s eye across the room, and a smile would bloom on both their faces, an understanding passing silently between them. During briefings, Eddie would rest a hand on Buck’s shoulder, and Buck would lean into the touch just a little too long, savoring the warmth and the thrill of being so close to Eddie in a place where they had both spent countless hours.
The team, while unaware of the full extent of their relationship, couldn’t help but notice the shift in Buck and Eddie’s dynamic. They seemed happier, more at ease, and their teammates exchanged knowing glances that suggested they suspected something more was brewing beneath the surface.
One afternoon, after a particularly grueling training exercise, the crew gathered around the table for lunch. Buck and Eddie sat across from each other, the sun streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow around them. Chris had come along that day, eager to be part of the action and share a meal with his dad and his new favorite firefighter.
“So, what’s the plan for the weekend?” Chimney asked, looking around the table. “Anyone up for a hike?”
“I’m down,” Hen said, reaching for a sandwich. “But only if we can get some good food afterward. I need motivation.”
“Food is always the motivation,” Buck chimed in, his eyes darting to Eddie, who was laughing softly at Hen’s comment. The way Eddie’s laughter lit up his face made Buck’s heart swell.
“Buck, are you going to keep your eyes on the road this time, or are we going to have another incident with the GPS?” Bobby teased, arching an eyebrow at Buck.
“Hey! That was one time!” Buck protested, laughing along with the rest of the crew. “I think I’ve learned my lesson. Just let Eddie navigate next time.”
Eddie shot him a playful glare. “You mean I have to navigate when you drive? That sounds like a recipe for disaster.”
“Or a recipe for adventure!” Buck replied, grinning widely. The energy between them was electric, and even though they hadn’t explicitly told the team about their relationship, it felt like the whole firehouse was in on the secret.
“Adventure is right,” Chimney said, a knowing smirk on his face. “You two are practically glowing. What’s your secret?”
Buck’s cheeks flushed slightly, and he glanced at Eddie, who was trying to stifle a laugh. “You know, just… enjoying the little things in life,” Buck said, trying to keep his tone casual.
“Like the way Buck makes his infamous burnt toast?” Eddie added, leaning in slightly, their arms brushing together. The small contact sent a rush of warmth through Buck, and he felt a thrill at Eddie’s teasing.
“Okay, that was one time!” Buck shot back, but laughter bubbled up in his chest, knowing Eddie would never let him live it down. The team laughed, but there was a deeper understanding behind their smiles, an acknowledgment of the chemistry brewing between the two.
Later that day, after the shift had ended, Buck and Eddie found themselves alone in the locker room, the hum of conversation and laughter from the team fading away. Buck leaned against the row of lockers, a grin plastered on his face. “Did you see the way Chim looked at us? He definitely knows something’s up.”
“Yeah, and I think the others are catching on too,” Eddie replied, leaning against the lockers next to Buck, his shoulder brushing against Buck’s. “But do you want to tell them? I’m kind of enjoying this… it’s like we have our little secret.”
Buck considered it for a moment, the thrill of keeping things under wraps appealing, yet he couldn’t shake the thought that their friends would be happy for them. “I get that, but I don’t want it to feel like we’re hiding anything. They’re our family too.”
Eddie nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You’re right. Maybe we should tell them soon. But for now, let’s just enjoy it. We can take our time.”
“Yeah, I can do that,” Buck said, his voice softer now. “It’s nice just being us, sharing these moments. Like… this.” He nudged Eddie lightly, the small touch causing a rush of warmth to flow between them.
“Exactly,” Eddie said, a smile breaking through. He turned to Buck, his gaze intense yet soft. “I don’t want to rush anything. I want it to be right when we do tell them.”
Buck felt a thrill at Eddie’s words, a sense of unity between them. “Right. When we’re ready.”
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hallway, breaking their moment. Buck’s heart raced as he quickly stepped back, putting a little distance between them, even though he wanted nothing more than to stay close.
“Hey! You two lovebirds!” Chimney called out as he entered the locker room, a teasing grin on his face. “I thought I’d find you here, plotting your escape from the firehouse.”
“Very funny,” Buck said, rolling his eyes but unable to suppress a smile.
“Just don’t make out in front of the rest of us,” Chimney continued, laughing as he threw a towel over his shoulder. “Some of us are trying to eat.”
Eddie chuckled, shaking his head. “We’ll save that for later, promise.”
Chimney winked, heading toward the door. “You two are too cute. Just saying.”
Once they were alone again, Buck turned to Eddie, his heart pounding. “Do you think they really suspect something?”
Eddie shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Maybe a little. But it’s fun to keep them guessing for now. Besides, it gives us an excuse for more sneaky moments.”
“Like this?” Buck leaned in, letting their shoulders touch again, the thrill of proximity sending shivers down his spine.
“Exactly like this,” Eddie whispered, their eyes locking in a moment that felt suspended in time.
As they shared stolen glances and small touches, the anticipation of revealing their relationship to the team hung in the air. Buck knew that when the time was right, they would share the truth with their friends. But for now, he was content to enjoy the connection they had forged, the warmth of Eddie’s presence beside him, and the secret thrill of being together in a world that felt infinitely brighter with Eddie in it.
As the weeks passed, the little touches and stolen glances between Buck and Eddie became increasingly frequent, but they couldn’t ignore the growing need to come clean to their team. Buck had officially moved in with Eddie, and it felt wrong to keep hiding such a significant part of their lives from their friends.
It started with the morning routine—Buck arriving at Eddie’s place, sharing breakfast, and then heading to the firehouse together. The sight of them pulling up in Eddie’s truck became a regular occurrence, and while it thrilled Buck to start each day with Eddie by his side, he could see the wheels turning in their friends' minds.
One afternoon, as they were prepping equipment for a training session, Hen leaned over to Chimney, whispering just loud enough for Buck to hear. “Have you noticed how Buck and Eddie have been inseparable lately? I mean, it’s like they’ve turned into one person.”
“Yeah,” Chimney replied, smirking. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were living together or something.”
Buck exchanged a quick glance with Eddie, who was busy tying a knot on a rescue rope. The smirk on Eddie's face told Buck he was trying to hold back laughter, but Buck’s heart raced at the thought that their secret was on the verge of being discovered.
Later, during lunch, Buck and Eddie sat next to each other, trying to focus on the conversation at the table while sharing discreet smiles. But the tension hung thick in the air, and the team’s chatter about weekend plans turned into an unwelcome reminder of the need to tell them the truth.
“So, any big plans for the weekend?” Bobby asked, glancing around the table. “Maybe a hike, or some team bonding?”
Eddie looked over at Buck, their eyes locking for a moment, silently discussing whether it was finally time. Buck took a deep breath, the weight of their secret pressing down on him. “Actually, we’ve been meaning to talk to you guys about something,” he said, his heart pounding in his chest.
The table fell silent, all eyes turning toward Buck and Eddie, who sat side by side, shoulders touching. Buck felt a surge of nervous energy. “We… uh, we have some news.”
“What is it?” Hen asked, a curious glint in her eye.
Eddie reached for Buck’s hand under the table, squeezing it gently. “We’ve been together for a while now,” he started, looking around at their teammates. “And I just want to say that Buck has officially moved in with me.”
The reactions were immediate. Chimney nearly choked on his drink, while Hen’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, what? You two are a couple?” she exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and disbelief.
Bobby leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with a satisfied smile. “Well, I had a feeling something was going on. You two have been acting like love-struck teenagers.”
“Seriously! I thought I was the only one noticing the lingering touches,” Chimney added, his grin growing wider. “You guys are adorable!”
Buck felt a mix of relief and joy at their friends’ reactions. “Yeah, we were kind of keeping it under wraps for a bit,” he admitted, glancing at Eddie. “But it just felt right to be honest with you all.”
“Right?” Eddie echoed, his eyes shining. “We didn’t want to hide it anymore. It’s just… it’s been great, and we’re excited about this new chapter.”
Hen leaned in, her smile warm and encouraging. “You both deserve to be happy. I’m so glad you finally told us!”
Chimney raised an imaginary glass. “To Buck and Eddie! The cutest couple in the firehouse!”
The team erupted into cheers and laughter, Buck and Eddie sharing a relieved glance as they basked in the support of their friends. Buck felt a weight lift off his shoulders, and he couldn’t help but grin as he leaned into Eddie, who nudged him playfully.
As the lunch continued, the atmosphere shifted to one of celebration. The team bombarded them with questions about how it all started, their favorite moments, and even their plans for the future. Buck found himself laughing and sharing stories, his heart full as he realized how accepted they felt among their firehouse family.
“So, how’s living together going?” Bobby asked, a knowing smile on his face.
“It’s been amazing,” Buck replied, glancing at Eddie. “We make a great team. Plus, I finally get to use all my cooking skills on someone who appreciates them.”
“Cooking skills? Is that what we’re calling burnt toast now?” Eddie shot back, his laughter infectious.
“Hey! I’m working on it!” Buck laughed, feeling buoyed by the camaraderie.
As the day progressed, Buck felt a sense of peace wash over him. They had shared their truth, and it felt like a new beginning. It wasn’t just about the two of them anymore; it was about their family, their friends, and the love that connected them all.
Later, as the shift wrapped up, Buck and Eddie found themselves alone in the back of the firehouse, basking in the afterglow of their announcement. Buck leaned against the wall, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched Eddie pack up their gear.
“You okay?” Eddie asked, looking up with a mixture of curiosity and concern.
“Yeah, I’m great. I just… I can’t believe we finally told them,” Buck said, feeling a rush of happiness. “It feels so good to be open about us.”
Eddie stepped closer, his expression softening. “I’m glad. I was nervous about how they’d react, but they took it well. It’s a relief.”
Buck reached out, brushing his fingers along Eddie’s arm, feeling that familiar warmth surge between them. “You know, this just makes me realize how lucky I am to have you in my life.”
Eddie’s gaze softened, and he stepped closer still, their bodies almost touching. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted this. To be with you, to build a life together.”
Buck grinned, his heart racing at the intensity of Eddie’s words. “So, what’s next for us? More movie nights? Costume contests?”
Eddie laughed, his eyes sparkling. “Definitely more movie nights, but I think we should also start planning our own adventures. Maybe a trip somewhere together?”
“I like that idea,” Buck said, his excitement bubbling to the surface. “How about we make a list of places we want to go?”
“I’m in,” Eddie replied, leaning in just enough that their foreheads almost touched. “Just remember to pack the burnt toast.”
Buck laughed, their shared joy echoing in the empty firehouse. “Only if you promise to be my taste tester.”
“I can live with that,” Eddie said, his eyes glinting with mischief.
As they stood together, the world around them faded away, and all that mattered was the connection they shared. They were no longer just two friends navigating their feelings; they were a couple, ready to embrace whatever adventures lay ahead, together.
As the days passed after their announcement, things at the firehouse returned to their usual pace. But now there was a subtle shift—Buck and Eddie’s relationship wasn’t something they had to hide anymore. The teasing from the team continued, but it was lighthearted and supportive. The firehouse family embraced their new dynamic, and Buck couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of relief and happiness.
One Friday evening, after a long and grueling shift, the firehouse was unusually quiet. The rest of the team had already headed out, leaving Buck and Eddie with the closing duties. As they finished up, Eddie stretched his arms above his head, letting out a tired sigh. “What do you say we head home and order some takeout? I don’t think I have the energy to cook tonight.”
Buck grinned, wiping his hands on a towel. “Takeout sounds perfect. I’m too beat to even think about cooking.”
They packed up quickly and headed out to Eddie’s truck, the night air crisp as they drove back to the house they now shared. Chris was spending the night at a friend’s house, so the place was quiet when they arrived. It gave them a rare moment to just be, without distractions.
Once inside, they tossed their jackets on the couch, and Eddie pulled out his phone to order food. Buck leaned against the counter, watching Eddie with a soft smile, feeling a wave of contentment wash over him.
“I still can’t believe how well the team took it,” Buck said after a moment, breaking the comfortable silence. “It’s like they knew all along.”
Eddie chuckled, scrolling through the menu. “They probably did. We weren’t exactly subtle.”
“I guess not,” Buck laughed, pushing himself off the counter and walking over to Eddie. He rested his chin on Eddie’s shoulder, peeking at his phone. “What are you ordering?”
“Pizza,” Eddie replied, leaning into Buck’s touch. “You good with that?”
“Always,” Buck said softly. “You know me too well.”
Eddie placed the order and turned to face Buck, wrapping his arms around his waist. “I like knowing you too well. I like everything about this,” he said, his voice tender as his gaze softened.
Buck’s heart swelled at Eddie’s words, and he pulled him closer, their foreheads touching. “Me too,” he whispered. “I never thought we’d get here, but now that we have, I can’t imagine my life any other way.”
They stood like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s warmth, letting the silence between them speak volumes. The world outside could wait. Right here, in this moment, everything was perfect.
Later, as they sat on the couch, eating pizza and watching a movie they’d half paid attention to, Eddie suddenly turned to Buck, a serious expression on his face. “You know… I’ve been thinking a lot lately.”
Buck’s heart skipped a beat. “About what?”
“About us. About our future,” Eddie said, setting his plate down on the coffee table. “I mean, you’ve moved in. We’ve told the team. We’re building a life together, and I… I want to take the next step.”
Buck’s eyes widened slightly, his heart racing as he tried to process Eddie’s words. “What do you mean, the next step?”
Eddie smiled, his eyes filled with a gentle intensity. “I’m talking about really making this official. I want to build a future with you, Buck. I want us to be a family, not just in name but in every way that matters.”
Buck’s breath caught in his throat, the weight of Eddie’s words sinking in. “Are you… are you talking about marriage?”
Eddie nodded, his gaze never wavering. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. I love you, Buck. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to make it official, not just for us, but for Chris too. He already sees you as part of our family, and so do I.”
Buck felt tears welling in his eyes, the sheer emotion of the moment overwhelming him. “Eddie… I… I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything right now,” Eddie said softly, reaching for Buck’s hand. “I just wanted you to know where I stand. I’m ready for whatever comes next, as long as it’s with you.”
Buck squeezed Eddie’s hand, his voice trembling with emotion. “I love you too, Eddie. More than I ever thought possible. And the idea of marrying you… of being a family with you and Chris… it’s everything I could ever want.”
Eddie smiled, his own eyes shining with emotion. “So, what do you think?”
“I think I want that too,” Buck whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “I want to marry you, Eddie.”
In that moment, everything seemed to fall into place. They hadn’t planned for this conversation, but now that it was happening, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. They were no longer just Buck and Eddie, partners at work and best friends. They were something more. They were building a future together, a life filled with love, laughter, and the promise of forever.
And as they sat there, holding each other close, the weight of their past struggles and uncertainties seemed to melt away. They had found their way to each other, and now, they were ready to take the next step into a future they would face side by side.