Archive of Our Own

Before working at the cafe Buck would have told you it can't be that difficult. How hard can it be to pour out coffee or tea for people? But since starting, he regrets ever thinking that. It’s so much harder than it looks. He’s burnt himself more than he’d like to admit, he gets shouted at daily for apparently making drinks wrong when he makes what gets asked for, how is it his fault the customer orders the wrong drink. Not like he can argue back since the customer is ‘always right’. They’re never right, they don’t work here, they don’t know how to do his job.

At least he gets to dabble in baking, coming up with possible ideas for the menu. If it wasn't for him, they wouldn’t have added the jalapeno and honey scones, it sounds weird but it’s the perfect combination of sweet and spicy, which goes even better when it's cut open and topped with fresh grated cheese. The customers seem to love it. However, one customer in particular seems to order it more often than not. Buck sees him every once in a while, but never in the front of the house long enough to get a good look at him.

It was just another regular day, Buck mindlessly taking orders, and when he looked up to take the next order he was met with he could only describe as a very beautiful man. It took everything in him to focus on what was being said. 

“Can I get an iced latte with cinnamon with two shots of espresso,” the man ordered.

“Alright, and is there anything else I can get for you today?”

“Can I also get one jalapeno and honey scones and that’s it”

“Of course!” Buck typed the order in on the screen with one hand and grabbed a cup with the other, “what’s a good name for the order?”

“Eddie”

At that, Buck froze as he connected some dots. Both the name and the drink were common, but whenever the firehouse down the road sends one of the firefighters to pick up coffee for everyone, their large order with a vast variety of drinks included this specific one with the same name. It could be a coincidence, but it’s too specific of an order.

“Weird question…but are you a firefighter at the firehouse down the road?”

“Yes…” the man, Eddie, hesitated, “How do you know that?”

“Oh, I just recognized the drink and the name,” Buck admitted, sheepishly. His eyes locked on the cup in his hand. 

That was just the beginning of their many interactions. Eddie started coming in on a weekend and the odd early morning during the week, it was never the same day at the same time, sometimes with a kid but mainly on his own. They’d talk a little whenever they could, if it wasn't too busy. To say Buck is attracted to him would be an understatement, but there’s no way for him to know if Eddie feels the same. If he says something, it could make things awkward. That was until one of his coworkers brought something to his attention.

“You do know that he’s flirting right?” his coworker, Kiara, said. This caused Buck to whip his head around so fast that he wouldn’t be surprised if he got whiplash. He’s met with a bored expression, instead of the teasing one he expected to see. 

“No he’s not, don’t be ridiculous.” Buck can’t believe what he’s hearing right now. There’s no way he’d be flirting with him. Buck is just Buck, people don’t flirt with him especially not while he’s at work. 

“You really are stupid,” Kiara said, turning her back to him. “People flirt with you on a daily basis, trust me Buck, he's doing the exact same thing as everyone else. You're hot apparently, so own it.” 

“Apparently? Stupid?” he muttered, kind of offended. “What’s that supposed to mean”

“It means you don't recognise shit, Buck come on he’s clearly flirting how can you not see it?” 

He thought back to all of their interactions and nothing that even came close to flirting stood out to him, until he thought of some conversations that he had with other customers. They were friendly, but with Eddie it was completely different, their conversations had a whole other vibe. 

“Oh god, I think you’re right”

“I’m always right,” she sassed, “and don’t you forget it”

After that, Buck tried to send subtle hints, but it seems that Eddie is just as clueless as Buck was. Or worst of all… he’s straight and is unintentionally flirting.

He’s not sure which is the worst outcome of it. At least if he’s clueless, that can be changed. In his delusional state, he believes he could still be in with a shot. Buck needs a plan in order to work out if he's delusional or just stupid, and maybe playing the stupid card will work in his favour.

1.

Today was supposed to be a good day, but Buck was running late due to his alarm not going off and an unusual amount of traffic. Miraculously, he managed to get to work and clock in with seconds to spare. 

“Glad you finally decided to show up, Buckley.” Kiara joked, as she was working on an order at the espresso machine. 

‘I’m not late, I’m just not as early as I usually am,” he retorted.

There wasn’t any time to chitchat, as the morning rush was starting. He got straight to work, checking on any baked goods that were ready to be put upfront, restocking the shelf with said baked goods, making drinks when Kiara needed the help.

It was a never ending cycle of doing the same tasks over and over, while being shouted at, which seems to be a daily occurrence. It’s a lot to handle, Buck should be used to being shouted at and disappointing people he’s dealt with his whole life with his parents but it never gets easier, and with it being strangers it feels ten times worse and ten times more personal when they do it.

He knows that he most likely won’t see some of them ever again, but it’s baffling that anyone would yell at people who are just trying to do their job. He knows that he shouldn’t take it to heart, but he’s allowed to complain about it from time to time. 

Near the end of his shift things calmed down enough for him to restock and clean up around the cafe. Once he was done and after making sure they didn’t want him to do anything else, he clocked out and made his way out the door.

“Bye, everybody, see you tomorrow,” Buck waved.

On his way to his car, Buck went to grab his keys out of his pocket, but they weren’t in there. He checked his other pocket, and yet again, nothing…

“Shit, where are my keys?” he questioned, “Please don’t be locked in my car…” he pleaded as he got closer. Looking through the window, he spots his keys in the driver seat, clear as day. He went to grab the handle to test if the car was actually locked. He was moving slowly, as if moving too quickly would set off an explosion or the car would magically lock on its own if it wasn’t already. There was no explosion, nor was there the audible clicking noise of the locks. Buck let out a deep sigh of relief as the door opened. However, he froze as he was about to get into his car, as an idea came to mind. He pushed the button to lock the door and then slammed the door shut.

“Did you just lock your keys in your car… on purpose?” Buck startled at the sound of Kiara’s voice.

“No? Why would I do something like that? On an unrelated note, I think I should go to the fire house down the street and ask if they can get into my car”

“I can’t tell if you’re smart or just incredibly stupid,” she sighed.

“We will know for sure depending on how this plays out”

“And what is ‘this’ exactly?”

He just gave her a mischievous smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

They made their way to the fire house, Buck practiced what he was going to say until he was sure it sounded perfect. Walking inside, there were some firefighters cleaning and getting things ready for their next call.

“Hey, how can I help you guys?” one of the firefighters asked once he noticed them.

“This dumbass right locked his keys in his car,” Kiara answered before Buck had the chance to say anything.

“It was an accident…I was in a rush and didn’t realize that they were in the seat,” he defended himself, almost telling the truth. 

The firefighter looked at them both, just standing there rag in hand with a slight eyebrow raised, “accident huh? I'm sure we can help,” he said, throwing the rag over his left shoulder. 

“Is- erm actually is Eddie working today?” Buck asked, avoiding looking at the firefighter in front of him. 

“Eddie? Eddie Diaz? He doesn't work this shift.”

“Oh.”

Kiara laughed beside him, “You’re such an idiot.”

“Can you please help me unlock my car?” Buck asked the unnamed firefighter. 

“Sure, just tell me where it is and we can get that sorted for you.” His thoughts were taken over by Kiara laughing at him.

“We’re just outside the cafe up the road.” 

“I’ll get some tools we may need and grab a coworker and we can head that way” 

“Thank you…” Buck draws out, waiting for the firefighter to say his name.

“Oh, uh, Ravi,” the firefighter, Ravi, says with a smile as he goes to grab the needed tools and someone to help.

Once Ravi was out of earshot, Kiara started to laugh again, much to Buck’s dismay. 

“It’s not that funny”

“It’s hilarious” she managed to say.

“Alright, we are good to go,” Ravi said once he returned, “lead the way”

They made their way out of the fire house and down the road to the cafe. There are a few new cars in the parking lot, and Buck can see his other coworkers and a couple customers looking through the window, being nosy and all that. 

“It’s this one right here,” Buck informed, pointing to his Jeep Rubicon. 

“Yup, there are the keys,” Ravi commented as he glanced inside. “Okay, so we’re going to get this air wedge between the door frame and the body and then use this rod to press the unlock button”

Buck just nodded along as the process was explained to him and Kiara. Even though this didn’t go quite as he planned (there was no plan) this one time won’t stop him from trying again. Surly Eddie will be working next time…Right? 

“And we got it,” Ravi exclaimed, pulling Buck away from his thoughts of future plans. “Make sure you be more careful next time”

“Will do” Buck said, like a liar, who lies.

Now that Buck had actually formulated a plan, this should work in his favor. He had to go to the store to buy more milk and creamer, since they ended up running out after a particularly busy rush, busier than normal. He volunteered to go without a second thought, it’s a perfect opportunity to ‘accidently’ lock his keys in his car. However, Kiara offered to go with him as well, she had a feeling that he would do something stupid, and she would be correct.

“Are you going to lock your keys in your car again?” she deadpanned, as she was about to climb out of the car.

“No…maybe,” he tried to avoid eye contact but then let out a sigh of defeat, “yeah”

“Thought so, you stay here and call the non-emergancy line while I go grab the milk and creamer” she hopped out of the car and made her way around it to give Buck a parting look of disappointment. “Dumbass.”

She whispered that last part, but it was obvious that Buck was meant to hear her. Nevertheless, he pulled out his phone and dialed 311.

“Thank you for calling the non-emergancy line, how can I help you?”

“Maddie?”

“Buck? Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

“I uh… locked my keys in my car and need help getting them out”

“Why don’t you call a locksmith?” she questioned.

“Because I don’t want to… can you send the 118 to help…” he said, trying to sound nonchalant. 

“The 118? Any specific reason?”

“Uhhhh, don’t worry about it, just please send them”

“Fine, but I will question you about this later”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buck only had to wait for a few minutes before the 118 pulled into the parking lot. He waved them over just as Kiara showed up with all of the stuff they came there for.

“Let’s see if your pretty boy firefighter is working this time,” she said barely above a whisper, so only Buck could hear her.

“Stop talking, they'll hear you.” Buck whispers back which just makes Kiara laugh.

“Maddie said you locked your keys in your car?” Chim says as he makes his way over to them both.

“Yeah, and she'd mentioned what station you work for so I thought I could ask for you? Is it okay that I did that?”

“How do you two know each other?” an older gentleman, the captain Buck assumed.

“Oh he's dating my sister, she works at dispatch.”

“The famous Maddie that he won't let us meet yet is your sister?” a woman with glasses and a name tag that says ‘Wilson’ said.

“With a good reason, I don’t want you guys to scare her off” Chim quipped.

“I doubt that would happen,” Buck reassured. After a brief beat of silence Buck continued, “Is Eddie working today…”

“Oh, you know Eddie?” Chim asked.

“He’d like to know him a bit better,” Kiara muttered to herself which caused Buck to gently elbow her in the arm.

“Okay, so what we’re going to place an air bag-” the captain started

“Between the door frame and the car, and then use a rod to press the unlock button” Kiara said for him

“Oh so you’ve had this done before?” captain ‘Nash’ asks?

Kiara starts to respond but Buck interrupts her before she can get anything out, “Yeah saw it in a film.” 

“Oh, and what film was it, Buck?” Kiara asks with a coy smile.

“Mind your business.” he said through gritted teeth, which caused the group of firefighters to glance at each other in confusion. 

“Okay?… Let’s get this car door open,” Chim said as he made his way closer to said car.

Just like before, they effortlessly got the car unlocked and handed Buck his keys. While the 118 packed up their equipment, Kiara and Buck loaded the milk and creamer into the backseat. 

“Thank you guys, I really appreciate the help,” Buck thanked them as they were about to get back into the engine.

“Of course, that’s what we're here for, Kid” The captain said, “Do you want us to let Eddie know that you were asking for him”

“Oh, no, no, no,” he rushed out, “that’s fine, I’m sure he’ll turn up at the cafe later down the road”

With that, the 118 pulled out of the parking lot as Buck and Kiara sat in silence that was heavy with Buck’s disappointment.

“You’re pathetic, just go up to the fire station or look for him on social media” Kiara suggested, “There’s no need to make this whole thing complicated by locking your keys in your car”

“If I go the fire station, I need a reason to be there in case I need an escape plan and I tried to find him on social media but the account that I found is private, so I can’t make sure that it is actually him”

“Third times the charm, I guess”

“Or you know, bad things come in three Kiara, you know what my luck is like.” he sighs defeatedly. 

“Come on loverboy, let's get back to work before we get yelled at for taking too long and before the milk and creamer goes bad.”

3.

Buck didn’t think he’d be back at the cafe on his day off but here he is. He had stupidly left his phone here the night before. He was in a rush with closing up and he didn’t realise he left it behind the counter, so hopefully he can blag a free drink off Kiara. 

“What are you doing back so soon?” She questioned him as soon as he walked in.

“Left my phone here last night when I was in a rush to leave.”

“Oh yeah, I saw that this morning I put it in the back for you, I wasn't sure whose it was, and I couldn't check because it was dead.”

“Perfect, I’ll go grab it, can you make me a drink while I do?”

He just watches as she rolls her eyes, in Kiara talk that means yes. “Thank you, can I get a large iced latte with two extra shots of espressos, and cinnamon?” 

After a few minutes he comes back holding his dead phone, and waits for the coffee to be done. 

“What’s the plan for today then?” Kiara asks sliding the coffee over too him. 

“I was thinking about going to the fire station maybe, but I'm not too sure. I don’t know what to do there.”

“Keys again?”

“Keys again.” he confirmed with defeat.

He sulks out of the cafe, phone now in his pocket, making a quick detour to lock his keys in the car before heading over to the station.

Luckily for Buck there’s nobody outside the station this time so he walks into the open bay, where the trucks are kept. 

“Hey, fancy seeing you here again,” a familiar voice said. Turning towards it, Buck sees Ravi checking the stuff in various compartments on the side of the engine.

“Oh hey, Ravi right?”

“Yeah that’s me, Keys again?” Ravi questioned with a small smile on his face. If Buck wasn't already so gone for Eddie, Ravi would definitely be his type. 

“Buck? What are you doing here?” Chim asked, appearing from no where.

“Hey Chim, I erm, I locked my keys in the car.”

“Second time now, it's going to be a habit soon.” Ravi quipped.

“How do you know about the first time? You weren't even on shift” Chim said, sounding incredibly confused.

“I was? It was at the cafe? Right, Buck?” Ravi corrects, pointing towards Buck in confirmation

He doesn’t know what to say so he just silently looks between the two of them.

“No? It was at the supermarket. With the milk.” 

“What milk?” Ravi asked with a confused look, “it was outside the cafe, the keys were on his seat, put an air bag between the frame and everything.” 

Chim looked at him after that. Really looked at him.

“Did he ask if Eddie was working?” Chim asked Ravi, not taking his eyes off of Buck.

“Yeah? Why?” There was a brief pause, “Ohhh…”

“I’ll just figure out how to get my keys out of my car on my own…” Buck rushed out a quick, “Bye.” before turning to leave.

Unfortunately, when Buck glanced over his shoulder, Ravi and Chim were close behind him, equipment in hand. 

He tries to go faster to avoid them both but it's no use, they're too close. And before he realises he's back at the cafe with Chim and Ravi closer than ever. That’s not even the worst part, no, the worst part is the fact that Kiara is leaning against his jeep clearly waiting for them to get there.

“Good morning, gentlemen” she greeted with a shit-eating grin. 

“Shouldn’t you be inside working?” Buck asked with false kindness.

“And miss the show…please” she laughed, looking at the two firefighters behind him, “I took an early break… what? No Eddie?” that earned her a laugh.

“No, I'm Eddie for the next few days while he’s out of town.” Ravi said while waving around the tool in his hand. 

“I don’t think you’re his type.” 

Buck elbowed her ‘softly’ in the ribs “shut the fuck up, I’m already embarssed enough here.” 

Chim places a hand on Buck’s shoulder unexpectedly, causing him to jump slightly. “We’ve all done stupid things for a crush Buck, but please find a new way to get his attention, your car is going to be fucked after all of this.” 

“It’s okay I need a new one anyway, I’ll find a new way,” the liar lies “I promise.” 

“Liar,” Kiara said in between fake coughs, “Anyway, see you next time this happens.” 

“It’s not happening again.” Buck yells to her walking back into the cafe. He knows they don’t believe him. 

“Okay Buckley, let’s get your car unlocked … again” Chim exasperated.

Ravi finally hands the keys back over after a couple of minutes “see you again next week Buck.”

4.

It was a good day to go out for a run, so that’s exactly what Buck did. There is a park nearby that has a hiking trail that he likes to run on. There are more people on the trail than expected, given that it’s a weekday, but not enough for it to be too crowded to run. 

He ran a couple laps around the trail – working up a good sweat and then walked the last half as a cool down. When he got back to his jeep, he noticed that the parking lot was almost empty, meaning that a majority of the people had left. This brought a smile to his lips, as this was the perfect opportunity for him to ‘accidentally’ lock his keys in his car…again.

Just like the previous three times, he tossed into the floor of the driver seat, pressed the lock button, and shut the door. Pulling out his phone, he dialed the non-emergency line.

“Thank you for calling the non-emergency line, how can I help you?” a woman said as the call connected.

“Hi, I’m at the Switzer Falls trail, in the parking lot, and I locked my keys in my car… and I have no way to get home to get my spare key.”

“Okay, well my name is Linda, what’s your name?”

“Buck”

“Okay…” there was the sound of typing in the background, “And your last name?”

“Uh…Buckley”

“Buck Buckley?” she asked to confirm.

“Well, it’s actually Evan, but I go by Buck,” he explained.

“Any relation to Maddie Buckley?” she questioned, a hint of smugness in her voice.

“Yeah,” he sighed, “she’s my sister… please don’t tell her I called”

“Too late,” Maddie said as she joined the call, “Buck…” she started with a stern tone.

“Maddie…It was an accident…I promise!” he pleaded.

“I’ll send the 118” she sighed.

“Thank you… I love you…you’re the best”

As Buck waited for the 118 to show up he did his post-run stretches. He was bent over, touching his toes when the familiar sound of the engine’s air brakes met his ears.

“Well that’s one way to greet us,” Ravi joked. This caused Buck to snap up and turn towards them.

“Sorry, I just got done with my run and still had to do my post-run routine” 

“Too bad Loverboy wasn’t here to see it,” Chim added. This earned him a confused/concerned look from his captain.

“Who?” Captain Nash asked.

“Don’t worry about it Bobby, it’s just an inside joke… isn’t that right Buck?”

“Mhm” he hummed in agreement, as he motioned towards his locked car, trying to change the subject.

“Alright, let’s get to work” Captain Nash, Bobby, instructed. Buck let out a quiet thanks as he moved out of their way.

Chim and Hen stood next to Buck as Ravi and another firefighter worked on unlocking the door.

‘Honestly, Buck this is getting kind of pathetic. Just come to the fire house and talk to him, well, not now because he’ll be out for a few days”

“Why… is he okay?” Buck turned toward Chim, full of concern.

“He’s fine, he just had to get his wisdom teeth removed,” Hen answered. “But I agree, just come talk to him, locking your keys in your car is not needed”

“What if I chicken out… I need an escape”

They let out a collective sigh of annoyance as they shook their heads, muttering something about Buck being a love stuck dumbass.

“What if you ask for a tour of the fire house?” Hen asked him. 

“Do you think he’d give me a tour of him?” 

“You’re an idiot.” Chim said, giving him a deadpan look. Sighing deeply. 

“Chim you say that like you haven’t seen his ass, be fucking for real here.”

“The kid has got a point.” Hen chimed in.

“See! I’m not as stupid as I look Howard.” 

“Wheres your keys again Buckley?” 

“Irrelivant”

“Here’s your keys… don’t make a habit of this” Bobby said as he walked up to the three of them.

“Thank you” Buck said sheepishly as he reached his hand out to take his keys from Bobby.

Buck waited for them to pack up all of the tools that they used and drive away before he climbed into his jeep. When he started his car, he rested his head on his steering wheel and let out a defeated groan.

“It’ll be successful next time for sure” he tried to reassure himself. 

He drove home in a daze, the only thing on his mind was now getting a tour of the station, and of Eddie. He’s honestly surprised he didn't crash on the way back with how distracted he was, at least then he’d have a good reason for them to show up. Eddie still wouldn’t be there, so it wouldn’t be worth it, not now at least, but maybe another time.

Is there an age limit on tours of fire houses? 

Would Eddie let him go down the pole – or his pole? “WOAH…Pause, I need to calm down” he said to himself.

“I need a cold shower, fuck.”  Buck ran his hand through his damp curls. 

5.

It has been about a month since Buck’s last run in with the 118, which is a decent amount of time to wait before he locks his keys in his car again. It HAS to work this time, the four other times were just unfortunate flukes. Fifth time the charm. What could go wrong? (everything, that’s what). Unlike the other times Buck has his spare key in case something happens.

Once he gets to work he feels the judgemental stare before he sees it. Glancing towards Kiara with his peripheral, she has her hands on her hips and is impatiently tapping her foot.

“Good morning Kiara, lovely day today.” he tried to ignore her glare.

“A little birdy told me that you happened to get your keys locked in your car almost a month ago”

“Who told you that…and when?”

“Ravi came in yesterday and mentioned it while he was waiting for the last couple of drinks on the order for the fire house” she explained, “usually they would send a ‘probie’ but he decided to pick up the order”

“That traitor,” Buck murmured before a thought came to mind, “Was Eddie’s drink in the mix… a latte with cinnamon and two shots of espresso?”

“Of course you would have his order memoriz(s)ed,” she huffed, “I swear if you don’t man up and ask him out… I will”

“But you’re a lesbian?”

“And you’re stupid”

“Rude…you’re stupid” he said under his breath.

“That’s homophobic”

“Gay on gay crime,” Buck joked. 

“Go get to work stupid.” Kiara laughed

Buck walked into the back to wash up ready for his shift. He couldn’t stop plotting out ways to lock the keys in the car again, he can't do the supermarket again, not here at work, not the park, definitely not at home, maybe he could get locked out at a car wash, his jeep is looking a little bit dirty. 

He’s such a genius. Big brain Buck. It’s the perfect plan…he’s going to get one of the workers at the carwash to lock his keys in his car. Then they can’t say anything about him being clumsy or forgetful. A twenty dollar bribe should do the trick. Yes, a perfect plan indeed. He so smart.

Now with a plan in mind, all he has to do is survive until the end of his shift.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

This the longest he’s ever had (it’s the same as every shift), he feels like hours have passed when it had only been fifteen minutes each time he checks the time.

“If you keep checking the time, it’ll go by slower” Kiara commented, not even looking up from her current task.

“Time doesn’t work like that, it goes by the same no matter what”

“Well, you keep checking the time like you expect it to be the end of our shift already. One would believe that you think more time has passed than actually has” she replied, still not completely paying attention to Buck.

“Time is a social construct” Buck quipped.

“Whatever you say” 

With that being said, they both went on with their daily work tasks and tended to the customers that are seated around the cafe. People were trickling in every now and then, but slowly more and more customers showed up. It’s not unusual for them to get a mini rush after the initial morning rush, however, it is unusual for it to happen so soon.

“Well shit,” Buck whispered as he looked at the long line that almost went out the door.

“It’s time to lock in and buckle up for this wild ride” Kiara warned as she patted his shoulder.

Before he knew it, it was time to clock out. Buck had a pep in his step as he grabbed his things and headed out the door. 

“Are you still able to give me a ride home?” Kiara shouted across the parking lot. Buck stopped in his tracks, he forgot that he promised to give her a ride home since her car is at the mechanic's getting fixed.

“Yeah, of course” he tried to cover his grimace with a smile. “I wanted to go take my car to get washed, so I can drop you off before or after. Whatever you prefer”

“You can drop me off after…” she gave him a knowing look.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Once they got to the car wash, Buck made sure Kiara wasn’t within earshot when he went to talk to the worker at the desk, a teenage boy. He pulled out his wallet and took out a twenty, sliding it to the worker.

“I need you to lock my keys into my car once it’s done…no questions asked” Buck whispered.

“I beg your pardon?” 

“Listen…” Buck read the name printed on his nametag, “Travis, it’s not important, but I need you to do this…please” he slid the money back and forth on the desk until Travis slowly grabbed it.

“Yes, sir, can do”

Buck made his way to the waiting area and sat down in the chair across from Kiara. She stared at him, assessing him, possibly reading his mind.

“How much did you bribe the kid at the desk to lock your keys in your car for?”

“What? I would never” his voice went a little higher than normal as he denied her accusation. 

“Yes you would actually, don’t even lie” she pointed an accusatory finger at him.

“Twenty…do you think he would have done it for ten?”

“What an idiot,” Kiara said to herself.

“He probably doesn’t even know how to do it so it's fine he didn’t look too smart.”

Kiara looked at him in utter disbelief. How can someone so smart be so fucking stupid.

“Buck, you can’t say that, he’s a child.”

“Not my fault he was born when he was, he should have been born earlier.”

“Dumbass.”

Once Buck’s car was done, the worker at the desk walked outside and did as Buck asked. The other workers looked at him and questioned him on why he would do that. He simply said that the owner of the car asked him to.

“Alright sir, your car is done…” Travis informed him nervously, “however we happened to accidentally lock your keys inside…”

“Well that’s unfortunate…I’ll go call someone to help” Buck said, not even trying to sound distraught. He pulled out his phone and once again called 311, the non-emergency line as he made his way outside.

“Buck… I swear…if you locked your keys in your car again,” Maddie said through gritted teeth as she answered the call.

“How did you know it was me?” he paused midstep.

“I recognized your number. Did you lock your keys in your car again?”

“No.” 

“Okay go-” she started.

“The people at the car wash locked them in there” he interrupted. She was silent for a moment.

“Buck, you do know these calls are recorded, right? At some point they’re going to put you on a no call list”

“No they won’t”

“They probably won’t, regardless, I can’t send the 118”

“Why not? I’m in there response radius”

“There is a big wreck that’s all hands on deck”

“I can wait…”

“It might take a while, there’s at least twelve cars involved”

“I understand… I’ll see you soon”

“Okay, see you soon”

There was a soft click as the call disconnected and Buck hung his head in defeat. Is this a sign that it’s just not meant to be? Some divine intervention? Five failures isn’t some coincidence. 

“Chin up, Buck, things will happen on their own,” Kiara said, sounding surprisingly sympathetic, “You can’t force fate”

“Sure… let’s just go” he pulled his spare key out of his pocket and unlocked the door.

“Did you have that the other times you did this” she asked softly.

“No” 

“Look, he comes into the cafe all the time, just talk to him then. Your escape is that you’re at work. He’d be an idiot if he turned you down. Despite my teasing-”

“I think you mean bullying,” Buck muttered.

“Despite my teasing” she said firmly, “You are a great guy and anyone would be lucky to date you”

“Thanks,” Buck gave her a smile, “anyone would be lucky to date you too”

“Oh, I know, but this isn’t about me, this is about you” this caused both of them to laugh.

After they got their laughter under control, Buck pulled out of the parking lot headed towards Kiara’s house so he could drop her off. She lived pretty close to dispatch so it only took him a few minutes to get there. He desperately needed to talk to Maddie to ask her for advice on what to do once he actually has the chance to talk to Eddie, or to simply rant about the whole ordeal. More than anything he just wanted a hug from his big sister.

+1

It feels like it’s been a lifetime since everything happened at the car wash, in reality it’d only been two weeks, and every day he replays everything in his head, what he could have done differently. Maybe paid that kid more money, or turned up earlier before the wreck that happened. 

Today felt like it was going to be a good day though, for the first time in a while, he had a good feeling about going into work, the only downside to everything is it was Kiara’s day off. So he has to suffer through the day alone. 

He’d been paired with a new guy, he doesn’t know his name and he doesn’t really care about finding it out, he just wants the day to be done with so he can have Kiara back at work with him. 

The morning rush came in faster than he expected, but to say he was practically doing it by himself, it wasn’t as bad as what it could have been. The newbie was trying to make conversation throughout the whole thing but he just didn’t get the system Buck had perfected with Kiara. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the time his shift ended, Buck was dead on his feet and just wanted to be home, a nice bath or something to relax his muscles. 

The jeep was unlocked, with his phone on the front seat when he realised he’d left his phone charger inside the cafe. He started his car so the engine could warm up and the AC could cool down while he went inside to grab it. However, somehow, Buck managed to hit the lock button, but he wasn’t able to catch the door before it closed. Usually the door would unlock if the keys are in the ignition, but as if he was in some sort of telenovella, it didn’t do that.

“Oh no” he whispered, “not again” he can’t go to the fire station because he’s done that too many times, same with calling the non-emergency line, but even then, his phone is also locked in his car. He could go inside and call a locksmith or something, maybe call Maddie to swing by his house to grab his spare key? But what’s her number? What other choices does he have?

With no options left he just lets himself feel sorry for himself for a while and sits on the curb in front of the jeep in pure defeat. If he ignores the situation it’ll go away on its own. It’ll magically fix itself.

Unfortunately for Buck, things don't fix for him, he just ends up making situations worse no matter what he does or tries to do. 

Going back inside to call a locksmith is starting to sound like his only option right now.

“Hey you need a hand,” a familiar voice said. Buck lifted his head and looked for the source of the voice. His breath caught in his throat when his eyes locked on the man in front of him.

“Eddie?”

“That’s me,” he motioned towards Buck’s jeep, “Locked out?”

“Yeah, I’m not sure how it happened,” he responded, glancing at the vehicle.

““I think I might have some tools in my truck that we could use” 

“It’s fine, I was about to go back inside to call a locksmith,” 

“Nah, no need, they’re too expensive, my rates are much more affordable” 

“Is that so? What’s it gonna cost me?”

“Maybe a batch of the jalapeno and honey scones,” Eddie trailed off, “Or maybe a beer”

“I think I could work with that, I could drop off a batch of the scones at the station.”

“Maybe I could give you my number so you can text to make sure I’m actually there. You know, in case I end up having more teeth pulled… or I have to go out of town. You won’t have to make five batches of the scones” that caused Buck to chuckle nervously.

“Wouldn’t want that to happen…”

“We really wouldn’t and I wouldn't want to miss out five times on those scones,” Eddie’s smile is soft as he sits down next to Buck on the curb.

“Can I ask, what made you do that? And why five times?”

Buck sighs, he lets his whole body lean against the car.

“Honestly I don't know why it happened five times, I just kept thinking ‘surely it’s got to work this time, no one can have this much bad luck can they?’ turns out they can.” 

Eddie laughed and Buck felt his whole chest light up like somebody had set his insides on fire. 

“But why? I don’t get it, it's only me?”

“Because it's you Eddie, seeing you always feels like the best part of the day when you come in and I just wanted an excuse to see you again, outside of work but I can't even get that right.” A small sigh escaped his lips. 

“Why didn’t you just talk to me in the cafe? Or just turn up at the station?”

“What and embarrass myself? No thanks.”

“Embarass yourself how?” 

“By thinking I had a chance I guess.”

“Buck, you’re such a pendejo .”

“I’m a what now?”

“Why do you think I keep coming back to the cafe? It’s not the coffee I’ll say that much.”

“Is it the scones?”

“Sure, and for the person who makes them.”

“That's me? I make them.. Wait?” 

“Like I said… “pendejo’” Eddie laughed.

They sat there in silence for a minute before Buck spoke up.

“So about my car…”

“Oh, yeah right, let’s get it unlocked”

Cut to credits