Positivity

Day 4: You want to marry me? + love

Eddie had a long day. He ended up covering part of the next shift after their usual one while that team was a man down for a couple of hours.  

Buck, on the other hand, went home, but after wandering around his apartment for 20 minutes already bored he came up with a better idea. He called Eddie’s Abuela, who Eddie asked to pick Chris up from school, and asked her if she didn’t mind if he collected him from her place and brought him home in a few hours. She happily agreed.

After speaking with her, Buck sent a quick text to Eddie.

Buck: Just go straight home after work, okay? I’ll get Chris from Abuela’s : )

Now with a plan for his afternoon, Buck headed out to pick up some ingredients for dinner. He knew that Eddie would be finishing in the evening and would be too tired to cook for himself by the time he got home. So tonight, Buck was going to make his day a little easier.

He already had Eddie’s spare key, so after the supermarket, he headed over to the house to pack the food away until he was ready to cook.

In the meantime; he checked the laundry and did a load of washing after seeing that the clothes hamper was nearly full, tidied up some of Christopher’s toys that were spread haphazardly around the living room and washed up the handful of dishes that were left out next to the sink.

A few hours had passed by the time all the jobs were done and it was finally time for him to go pick up Chris.

When they got back, Buck started prepping dinner after setting Christopher up at the kitchen bench with any school work that needed to be done. He puts on some quiet tunes and sets about chopping up the onions and bacon before frying them off in a saucepan.

Once everything in the saucepan for spaghetti bolognese was brewing nicely, he sets about boiling a pot of water for the pasta and then pulls out a fresh baguette of bread and brandishes it playfully like a sword in front of Chris, “What do you say to some homemade garlic bread?”  

Chris giggles at his silliness and bounces in his seat, “Yes please!”

Buck bows to him, baguette still in hand, “Your wish is my command,” He grins at Christopher before pointedly looking down at his half-finished homework, “Only if that homework is done before dinner is ready.”

Chris nods his head excitedly and continues to scribble out answers. Every now and then he would read out a question he was stuck on and Buck would do his best to answer.  

“Who would have thought that all it takes is for the promise of garlic bread to get you to do your homework.”

“Dad!” Eddie moves around the kitchen bench and plants a kiss in his son’s hair, “Hey mijo.”

“Eddie! Perfect timing as always, dinner is just about ready.”

Once they plate up and take a seat at the table, Buck distributes the garlic bread between the three of them, blowing lightly on Christopher’s to be sure that he didn’t burn his mouth on the steaming buttery goodness.

Eddie watches on happily, head resting on his palm as he lets his two favourite boys carry the conversation while they eat. He and Buck have only been in a relationship for barely a month, and yet, it feels as though they’ve been a family from the very beginning.

Them being partners and being in sync with each other at work translated so seamlessly in their personal lives. Buck always seemed to know exactly what he needed before he even has to say anything. He knew he was going to be tired after his shift, and what does he do? Instead of staying home and doing his own thing, he picks up Chris from his Abeula’s and cooks’ dinner, just so Eddie didn’t have to.

He even managed to get Christopher to do his homework, which is not always an easy task and yet Buck handled it effortlessly. They just looked so happy together, telling each other about their days and Eddie couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment. It was all so very domestic.

Buck interrupts his musing by standing up and clearing the table, causing Eddie to notice that they had already eaten their dinner without him realising it. Christopher was already on his way out of the bathroom after brushing his teeth.

“I’m going get Chris ready for bed, why don’t you go have a quick shower cause I can still smell the smoke coming off you from our last call together.” He wrinkles his nose but still leaves a quick kiss to Eddie’s temple as he heads to the kitchen, still laden with the bowls.

“You saying I stink Buckley?” Eddie asks teasingly.

“Yeah, but I love you anyway!” Is what he hears in return. He chuckles before taking the advice and heads towards the bathroom himself.

Buck hears the shower running as he heads to Christopher’s room, knocking on the door, “Can I come in?” He hears a quiet affirmative from inside and enters. Chris was already settled into bed with his blanket thrown over his legs.

Buck comes over and sits next to him, pulling up the covers to his chest and gives him a kiss on the forehead, “Goodnight buddy, dad will be in soon after his shower to say good night.”

“G’night, Bucky.”

Buck turns off the light before partially closing the door and heads back to the kitchen to wash the dishes. He’s so focused on what he’s doing, he doesn’t notice Eddie until his warm body is pressed against his back and his arms wrap themselves lightly around his waist.

Eddie rests his head on Buck’s shoulder and presses a kiss to it causing Buck to grin and sway slightly. He was so caught up in the moment that he almost didn’t hear the words mumbled into his shirt.

“What did you just say?” He turns in Eddie’s arms, dishes now forgotten as he loops his arms around Eddie’s neck.

Eddie meets his gaze sleepily, “Marry me.”

“You want to marry me?” He asks it so sincerely that it must have woken Eddie up slightly. His eyes widen as what he said to Buck sunk in, completely misreading the tone of Buck’s question.

“I-I um, crap, I didn’t mea-” Buck quiets his panicked words with a kiss. He does it so tenderly, it reminds Eddie of all the reasons why he loved him so much. He leans into it and lets his eyes fall shut, allowing his boyfriend to lead but Buck doesn’t deepen the kiss instead keeping the pressure soft and gentle, a promise of his love. It was exactly what Eddie needed to settle his thoughts.

He eventually pulls back and brings a hand to the side of Eddie’s face, gently running his thumb along the edge of his lips, eyes searching Eddies. “I love you, but perhaps we should talk about marriage after we’ve been dating for longer than a month.”

Eddie sighs in embarrassment and rests his forehead on Buck’s chest and Buck encompasses him in a warm hug, “I can’t believe I just did that. Just, this whole evening all I could think about was how easily you fit into our lives and it just came out.”

“Come on, I think it’s time for you to go to bed.”

Once they’re settled in bed with Buck on his back and Eddie with half his body covering Buck’s and his head pillowed on his chest. “Buck?” “Hmm”

“I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t give me an answer.”

“Is that so?” Buck asks playfully.

Eddie turns onto his belly and rests his chin on his hands a question in his eyes. Buck looks down at him with a soft smile, “When you ask me again, my answer is and forever will be, yes.”

(Beginning) (Previous Day) (Next Day)

Also on Ao3

Series: Part 2 of Hidden Truths  / Link to Part 1: The Secrets We Keep

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Chapter summary:

Older sisters are very perceptive, Buck should have known Maddie would be concerned about his life choices.

Read under the cut

Summary: Buck can count on one hand the number of times Owen had called him over the years and he can’t help but feel a sense of dread wash over him as answers it. The last he heard from the family, TK had called him to say that they were moving to Austin - Now, Buck wishes that Owen was calling to catch up instead of calling to tell him of TK’s most recent trip to the hospital.

Also on Ao3

(Next Chapter)

Buck was just starting to collect the gear on their recent call when his phone started ringing in his breast pocket. Setting the gear down next to the truck, he slips off his helmet and squints down at the caller ID. Owen.

Buck can count on one hand the number of times Owen had called him over the years and he can’t help but feel a sense of dread wash over him as answers it. The last he heard from the family, TK had called him to say that they were moving to Austin.

“Hello, Evan.” Buck leans his back against the truck, tilting his head up to the sky. Damn, Owen only ever called him that when things were serious.

“Owen. It’s been a while. How are you?” He asks the question despite knowing that this wasn’t a social call. He can hear Owen’s voice crack as he says the next words, “Buck, something hap- something happened to TK.”

Buck feels like he’s just been sucker-punched. Any breath that he’d been holding escapes him as he squeezes his eyes shut. He swallows around the thick lump formed in his throat before asking, “W-what happened?”

“We were on a job and he-he accidentally got shot in the chest. He’s at the hospital in a coma and we’re not sure when he’s going to wake up.” Buck can hear the unspoken if hanging in the air. Regrettably, he can’t help but feel his chest unclench the tiniest amount, thankful that at least it wasn’t that call.  

He startles when he feels a hand on his shoulder. He opens his eyes to finds Hen peering at him in concern. He lets his gaze dart past her, searching out the rest of the team who were packing the gear into the truck, each surreptitiously glancing at him with various degrees of worry painted across their faces.

He gives Hen a tight smile and steps out of her touch and shakes his head slightly before walking a few paces away while keeping his back to them, trying to achieve some semblance of privacy.

“Buck, I know you’ve only been back a couple of months, but I just wanted you to know and thought maybe you–”

Buck cuts him off gently, “Owen it’s alright, you don’t even have to ask, I’ll be there. Just send me the info and I’ll get there as soon as I can.”  

He can hear an audible sigh of relief on the other end of the line. “Thank you.”

“Hey, you did the same for me. We’ll get through this together too.”

“I’ll see you soon.” Owen murmurs and throws in another thank you before hanging up. Barely a minute later, Buck’s phone dings with the location of the hospital they were in.

Buck screws up his eyes and harshly takes in a deep breath, holding it and allowing it to calm him before letting it out slowly. He reminds himself that there is no reason to get worked up just yet and settles himself before joining the team back in the truck. They all look at him questioningly, but no one says anything as he puts on his headset and looks out the window, a clear sign that he’s not in the mood to talk. Nonetheless, he feels the touch of Eddie’s knee against his, another grounding force that always seems to settle his nerves, “Hey man, you alright? You don’t look so good.”

“A good friend of mine is in the hospital, he, uh he was badly injured. They’re not sure how bad it is.” He doesn’t say much more than that and he doesn’t have to, Eddie shifts closer offering support and all he can do in return is give him a tight smile in thanks.

When they get back to the station, Buck makes sure all of his jobs are done before he seeks out Bobby who was getting some paperwork done in his office.

“Cap. I-um, I know this is late notice and I haven’t been back on active duty for long, but I need the rest of the week off, maybe more. It’s a-um… it’s a family emergency.”

Bobby shuts the file in front of him and gestures to the seat in front of him. Buck hesitates before sitting down, unsure if Bobby was even going to approve leave, considering that he’s only recently been put back on full active duty.

“Talk to me Buck, tell me what’s going on.”

Buck ducks his head and scrubs his hands through his hair, “Well you were probably listening in the truck but um, TK, one of my friends from the academy, he got shot on the job, it’s bad Cap. The phone call was from his dad and he said the doctors aren’t sure when he’s going to wake up.”

Bobby stays quiet, feeling as though there’s more to the story than that. The silence unsettles Buck and he gets up and starts pacing while rambling.  

“I met TK by chance years ago. He was vacationing in South America and we got to know each other for a like a week while I was bartending. We kinda just clicked, you know? In that time, he told me he wanted to be a career firefighter like his dad and I told him how I was planning to be a SEAL. Before he went back home he gave me his details saying if the SEALs didn’t work out to come and find him in New York. And, as you know it didn’t work out, so I got in touch with him; At that point, I had very little money and I just couldn’t go back to my parents.”

Bobby had moved around his desk now, edging closer as if he was being sucked in by Buck’s story.

“A-and he and Owen took me in as if I was just part of the family, no questions asked. TK was preparing to apply to the academy and Owen suggested that I should too, so I did, and I’m so glad that he told me to do it. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay either of them for what they did, they became my family when I had no one else to turn to in that time in my life. Now it’s my turn to be there for them like they’ve been there for me.”

Buck finally stops in the middle of Bobby’s office, surprisingly out of breath. Bobby moves in front him and reaches out, grasping both his shoulders to get his full attention. “I get it Buck there is nothing more important than family. I’ll sort out the paperwork, take all the time you need.”

Buck leans forward and buries his face into Bobby’s neck, wrapping him in a grateful hug. “Thank you. Thank you for understanding.”

Tagging: @seaofashes @diazbuckleysworld @buckleystrand @diazsbuckley @justsmilestuffhappens @confessions-of-a-shipperholic @spell-of-the-rain @novemberhush @sparksfly-buddie

(Beginning) (Previous Day) 

Day 7: Free Day 

10 reasons why we love Evan Buckley. (bear with me on this one, it kind of got away from me a bit)

“Hey Cap, have you heard from Buck? Is he working today?”

The last anyone had heard from him was two days ago when they had their last shift before having two days off. Their last call was a rough one; more so for Buck than anyone. He had been trapped with a young teenager who was heavily injured when the house collapsed around her. Buck was the only one to make it to her before the building became unstable and sealed off any entry points before anyone else could join them.

There was some kind of interference messing with their radios, so they weren’t entirely sure what happened in that period of radio silence, all they knew was that it was bad. By the time they had cleared a path to them, it was too late. They found Buck completely distraught with tears streaming down his face while covered in blood, cradling her body as he rocked back and forth.

By the time they were back in the ladder truck, Buck had all but shut down. His pain was palpable as he stared down at his bloodied hands while they drove back to the firehouse and no matter what they said he barely reacted. Their shift had ended by the time they were back at the station and Buck had vanished as soon as he had put his gear away.

Bobby shrugged his shoulders, “He said he was coming in.”

It wasn’t just that he disappeared from work without a word of farewell to anyone, but he also stopped answering his phone. Hen and Bobby had even stopped by his apartment the following day to check up on him, much like what they did for Bobby after the plane crash.

Buck wasn’t home. His bed was made, his work bag left by the door and his truck was still parked at the apartment, he simply dropped off the face of the earth. They were all beyond worried for him, Maddie especially - knowing that this wasn’t the first time something this had happened, she just wasn’t sure what he’d be like when he returned. The only text he answered in that time was one from Bobby saying he’ll see him at work, so at the very least they knew he was still alive.

As if saying his name had caused him to appear, Eddie spots Buck walking slowly between the trucks to the locker room. He quietly gestures to the others who were in the kitchen and they all move to rail to watch him. He looked haggard and withdrawn to say the least; his hair wasn’t smoothed back in its usual fashion, a shadow of a beard was developing and even from this distance they could see the dark circles under his eyes as if he didn’t sleep a wink, which was probably true.

Hen looks to the others worry clear on her face, “Guys, I think I have an idea that might help him.” After telling them her plan, they were all quick to get on board.

Buck was tired. Exhausted, actually. Every time he closed his eyes, he was back with Mia. He did what he could to keep her awake, to keep her alive but it was already a losing battle by the time he made it to her in the first place. Massive blood loss was the cause of death. And all he could do was talk to her until her dying breath.

He’s sure the reason he was so affected by her passing was the fact that she was so young, only sixteen years old and already wise beyond her years. She knew she was dying by the time he found her, and it was something that she had accepted. Instead of panicking, she told him all about her family and how much she loved them. As he held his hands against the gaping wound in her side, Buck promised her that he’d tell them.

She was quiet for a bit and must have read him like a book after something in his troubled face, of how much this was going to weigh on him because with the last of her strength she placed a hand over his and says her last words. “Don’t let my death…be the cause of your suffering…don’t forget…the reason…why you do this job.” She passed away beneath his hands only a few moments after that. He promised her he would, even if she couldn’t hear it.

In the time after while he waited for the others, he lets himself fall apart and mourn her passing. On the trip back to the station he resolutely plans to fulfill both his promises to Mia, something that he knew he had to do alone–

Buck is brought back to the present by a hand on his shoulder. It’s Bobby, he leans against his locker trying to appear nonchalant, but Buck can see the concern in his eyes.

“You doing okay? We haven’t heard from you in a while.”

He shrugs and looks away, “I’m fine.”

“Buck…” He hears the warning in Bobby’s tone and quickly backpedals, “Okay, I’m not fine per se, but I will be, I just-I just need to be working instead of wallowing in my thoughts.”

“Alright. That’s all I needed to know.” Bobby moves closer and lightly ruffles his hair before moving to the door, “Just so you know, we’re all here for you, don’t be afraid to lean on us.”

Buck sniffs, and nods his head still looking at the floor, “Yeah, I know. Thanks, Cap.”

“Okay then. Breakfast is on that table if you want any.” And then he’d gone.

Buck peers up at his locker and frowns, there’s a sticky note that wasn’t there a moment ago.

10 reasons why we love Evan Buckley.

1.       He’s a true firefighter in and out of the uniform.

His brow knits in puzzlement as he looks out past the glass door, knowing that Bobby was the one who put it on his locker. He appreciates the sentiment, understanding what they’re trying to do without smothering him. However, he keeps to himself during their shift, still not entirely willing to be around the other and their concerned looks and questioning eyes just because of a sticky note.

Over the rest of the shift, he continues to find the rest of the series, hidden and not so hidden throughout the firehouse. And he’d be lying if said it didn’t help make getting through the day easier.

The next note he finds was trapped between the pages of the stocktake checklist – one of his set jobs for the day. Buck smiles down at it, somewhat pleased that he wasn’t just annoying them all with those little factoids, regardless of childish complaints that were made.

Reason #2 – We love that he teaches us something everyday with fun facts from whatever he’s been researching.

The third one was attached to his helmet and he had to quickly slide it into a pocket for safekeeping before getting a chance to read it. It was a grueling call but luckily everyone made it out safely.

Buck almost forgot about the little note trapped in his pocket and only remembered when he stuffed his hands in his pockets, doing his best not to let his emotions get the best of him. He’s not ashamed to say a little tear managed to break through his mask.

3. We love that he’s selfless and would do anything to help another person

The next one he finds follows closely after reading the third. Buck was in desperate need of a pick-me-up after that last call and coffee would definitely help him with that. The sticky note was attached to his mug.

Number 4 – Even if he doesn’t realise it, he’s amazing around kids.

He rolls his eyes and shakes his head as he prepares the coffee. Almost every time there’s a job that involves young children, he is almost always the one requested to keep them occupied and calm. Not that he’s complaining cause as he said to Eddie when they first met, he loves kids.

5. He’s still a badass under pressure.

Buck chuckles at this one, knowing exactly who came up with it. It was found stuck to his phone after he’d taken a quick nap on the couch. He goes down to his locker to add it to his collection only to find the sixth one resting on top of his gym bag.

6. He would protect anyone he considers family (or anyone else for that matter)

He actually barks out a short laugh in amusement. Yeah, many a time has he been scolded for recklessly protecting someone else and endangering himself in the process.

The seventh note was on the gym equipment, specifically, the punching bag and Buck can’t help but shake his head at the symbolism of it.

#7 – He’s a fighter and always survives whatever life throws at him.

Buck doesn’t see any more notes for a while after that. Admittedly his mood had significantly improved throughout the day and he was more willing to hang out with the others during the shift, at least until a wave of sadness rolls over him and he has to take some time to recollect himself.

The next note he finds is one of those times as it unexpectedly hits him differently from the other, bringing Mia to the forefront of his thoughts. He can’t help but choke back tears as he reads it.

8. We love his innate ability to make a connection with anyone he meets.

It was a little too on the nose from their last shift than the team could have realised. He did not anticipate feeling as closely connected to that young girl in the short time that he knew her. And yet he knows that she’ll always be one of the ones he’ll always remember.

The others must have sensed the change in his mood because the second to last note almost immediately followed the previous one.

Number 9 – He has the biggest heart out of all of us.

He snorts, yeah ain’t that truth. Although he’s pretty sure Hen could give him a run for his money.

Buck finds the last sticky note back where it all began, stuck to his locker at the end of their shift. He feels the team’s presence around him as he reads it and he turns to face them. Each of them were sporting matching grins, an aura of infectious energy surrounding them and Buck can’t help but let it overtake him and returns a wide smile of his own.

He gestures towards them and they all file into the small room, circling him into a big group hug. He feels a sense of peace flow through him at the comfort that they all bring. Yeah, it’ll take him some time to feel alright again, but at least he knows that his family has his back.

10. And most of all we love Evan ‘Buck’ Buckley just for being him.

Chapters: 1/5 Series: Part 2 of Hidden Truths / Link to Part 1: The Secrets We Keep

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 

Summary:

Eddie is finally settled with his sexuality for the first time in his life and he has Buck to thank for that. And now he’s offering his spare bedroom to the guy, but he never thought it would end up like this.

Read under the cut 

“The world keeps moving around him. In a second, Bobby is somewhere nearby talking about God knows what- keeping him alive a little longer, no doubt. It’s hard to make sense of what’s going on around him, but Buck knows the risks. If he closes his eyes, he could lose reality altogether; Buck isn’t ready to see what the other side of that door looks like.

Not yet, anyway.”

OR

For someone who said he wanted to talk he’s not saying much.

After a minute, Bobby finally prompts him. “Buck,” he says, gently. “What was it you wanted to talk about?”

Buck looks almost startled when he looks up again- like he forgot Bobby was even in the room with him. It takes Buck another second but he finally says:

“…my dad just died.”

It comes out more like a question than a statement and Bobby swears that all the air and light leaves the room in a second. That’s not where he expected this conversation to go- not even close.

“Oh, God, Buck, I’m- I’m sorry.”

OR

since you didn’t say what ship i’ll just pick one lol

“Just stay a little longer. Please.” Buck tries (and fails) to cover up his whine as Eddie walks towards his front door. Buck tightens his grip on Eddie’s hand, making him stop. 

“We’ve got a shift tomorrow, Buck-.”

“Spend the night. We’ll drive in together.”

“And Christopher has school.” 

“Carla can take him.”

“Buck.” 

“Please?” Buck lowers his voice, tugging Eddie closer until he’s close enough to kiss him. He crowds Eddie’s space, leaning in until their foreheads are pressed together. “Please, Eddie.”

“Tell me how I can help, Buck.” 

Five minutes ago, Buck showed up on Eddie’s doorstep out of nowhere with soot still covering his face from his shift and looking distraught. Eddie’s shift had ended before Buck’s today- and by the looks of it, a call hadn’t gone very well after he had left. 

Buck burrows further into Eddie’s warmth and hides his face in the juncture of Eddie’s neck. “Please just… just hold me.”

Eddie nods against the top of Buck’s head. “Okay,” he whispers. “Whatever you need.”

Eventually, the two of them will get out of the doorway and find their way into Eddie’s bed. In the morning, Eddie will call out of work for the both of them and assure Bobby that they’ll be good to go by next shift. After he’s hung up the phone, Buck will turn to him with glossy eyes and say, “I pulled a six-year-old girl out of a fire yesterday,” and Eddie won’t have to ask to know if she made it. The look on Buck’s face is enough. 

Summary:

“I have to talk to him.”

Bobby shakes his head. “You can’t do that.”

“Bobby, I-.”

“I’m not just saying that to be a jerk, I’m saying it because no one can. Buck’s isn’t talking to anyone." 

“I think I’m in love with you,” he whispers quietly, the words so faint that for a moment Eddie wonders if he even said anything at all.

He waits a beat, still staring off at the sea before turning his gaze on Buck. Beside him Buck is watching him in silence, his ridiculously perfect lips parted. Eddie doesn’t say anything in response, just stares back unblinkingly, as if daring Buck to ask him to repeat himself. He does.

Dude, I’ll write as many as you send! I’m so glad you’re enjoying these omg. This is so much fun. 

#97. Taking care of the other when sick/injured 

Eddie places the back of his hand against Buck’s forehead and frowns. He repeats the gesture alongside his throat and clicks his tongue. “Buck, you’re really hot.”

Buck manages a cheeky smile. “Tell me something I don’t know,” he says smoothly before groaning and swallowing thickly.

Eddie scoffs and rolls his eyes. “Christ, even with a fever you still manage to find a way to be a little shit, huh?” he razzes. “No more talking. You’ll only make yourself feel worse.”

Buck watches as Eddie gets to his feet again and retrieves a hand towel from one of Buck’s drawers. The ease to which Eddie moves in his home is not lost on Buck. Eddie is assured in each step he takes, knowing just as well as Buck where everything is. There’s a comfort to that, Buck thinks, in knowing that there’s someone out there that’s so attuned with him that being in a place that isn’t theirs can still feel like home.

Eddie leaves the room and Buck’s tired eyes drift shut though he remains awake. He can hear Eddie’s bare feet padding against the hardwood floor, followed by the rush of running water. Buck can just picture Eddie mulling about the kitchen, grabbing whatever odds and ends he needs to help Buck through. A soft smile tugs at his lips but he doesn’t even have the energy to keep it for long. He can feel himself drifting just as Eddie’s footsteps approach.

“Here,” Eddie says softly and Buck’s eyes flutter open at the feel of a cool compress on his forehead. He shudders slightly in relief. Every nerve in his body is firing and any form of reprieve is welcome to him.

“I hate this,” he mutters, his bottom lip jutting out.

“Oh boy, you’re such a baby,” Eddie teases from the bedside. “I swear, you’re even worse than Chris when he gets sick.”

“To be fair, that kid is tough as hell,” Buck counters.

Eddie nods and concedes. “Fair point but you’re also one of L. A’s finest. You’ve survived far worse than a fever. You’ll be okay.”

Buck makes an undignified sound and Eddie laughs. “Drink some of this,” he says to Buck, reaching for the mug he brought up with him.

“What is?” Bucks asks.

“Vodka. Good lord, it’s tea. What else would it be?”

“I don’t like tea,” Buck replies, sitting up in bed.

“Fine. Then stay sick longer. See how much you’ll like that.”

The words are a challenge and Buck can see it’s a losing battle. Grudgingly, he takes the steaming mug from Eddie’s hands and bring it towards his face. He breathes in the vapors and feels his heaviness in his chest lift marginally. After a moment he takes the first sip, savoring in the warmth of the liquid as it hits his tongue and coats his throat.

“That’s actually good,” he says, his tone colored in obvious surprise.

“Abuela’s recipe. Works every time,” Eddie replies as Buck helps himself to more of the drink.

Eddie sits on the edge of the bed beside Buck and brushes his fingertips against Buck’s cheek. Buck’s heart lurches at the contact. As sick as he is, there’s no getting over how it feels to be touched by Eddie; his body will always respond to this man. Eddie murmurs something so softly that Buck can’t discern but it hardly matters. He gets swept up in the repetition of Eddie’s gentle strokes, sighing contently as he finishes his tea.

“All done?” Eddie asks. Buck nods and Eddie’s takes the mug from him, setting it on the nightstand. “We’ll get you better in no time, I promise,” he assures.

Whatever pledges Eddie makes, Buck will take him at his word time and time again without question.

Eddie removes the cloth from Buck’s forehead and tosses it next to the cup as he lets loose a low sigh.

“I wish there was more I could do,” he says, his hand reaching for Buck’s who doesn’t hesitate in linking their fingers.

“You’re doing plenty, Eddie. Thank you. Even you just sitting here is enough, honest.”

The sentiment seems to do the trick and Buck watches as the corner of Eddie’s mouth turns up into a shy half smile. Buck exhales audibly and closes his eyes once more. He feels the pad of Eddie’s thumb making soft circles against the back of his hand. Despite how much he loves the gesture and this stole moment with Eddie, a part of him worries that all this closeness now won’t be good for him later.

“You’ll get sick too,” Buck says though he makes no effort to make Eddie move.

chapter ¾: heavy in your arms; word count: 6.6k || read on ao3

And is it worth the wait? All this killing time? Are you strong enough to stand Protecting both your heart and mine?

Eddie expected to have an eventful first day at the 118 but he couldn’t have possibly imagined the night would end like this.

Bobby had told him this morning that each shift was like playing Russian roulette. Some calls were minor, scenarios that the team could get through quickly enough without anyone’s life hanging in the balance. But the flip side to that were high stakes moments where one bad decision could mean death.

Eddie was used to working under pressure. He was certain that nothing could be more daunting than trying to save someone’s life and maintain his own while in the middle of a war zone. By comparison, the streets of L.A. would be milder, easier to tame, he figured. So, to find himself now staring down at a 40 mike-mike is startling, bringing his mind back to his tours in Afghanistan. How crazy, he thinks, that he would leave the military behind only to be faced with the weaponry in his civilian life. It’s a lucky thing, Eddie supposes, that he’s here for this now. He has a particular skill set that can very well save this man’s life.