#damnit-buck

Buck, ever the eager puppy, had started wrapping Chris's birthday present in this disability-friendly style. He'd been watching the YouTube tutorial over and over again, but he'd neglected to grab tape. Eddie had noticed immediately, running off to find the cellophane tape for him, and then just stood there waiting for Buck to notice when he returned. Now that Buck's fingers are pressing down paper and trying to hold his careful folds in place, he finally realizes he needs it.

He must have not even realized Eddie left the room. The thought endears Eddie to no end, Buck's singular focus on doing this thoughtful thing for Eddie's kid—their kid, the thought snakes in. He doesn't fight it anymore. He's been letting himself think these things, roll them around in his brain, and let himself enjoy them.

The relief that floods Buck's expression at the sight of Eddie crouching down next to him, then sitting and offering the tape is worth everything.

"I jumped in without planning, again, huh?" Buck asks, his face pinking with slight embarrassment.

"Good thing I was here to notice."

Buck snorts. "Can you put your finger where my left pointer finger is?"

Eddie easily lets his free hand slot in right next to Buck's to hold the wrapping paper right where it was so painstakingly creased into place.

Then, he takes a piece from Eddie's pointer finger, their skin brushing warmly ever so slightly in the exchange.

"Good thing," Buck nods, strategically and carefully placing the tape right next to Eddie's finger.

From there, Buck's hands are a flurry of folding and taping, until the book and gift card combo are sufficiently wrapped in a Chris-friendly fashion.

"Thanks for doing this for him," Eddie lets himself say. He knows what Buck will respond before he does, but he lets the praise out regardless.

"It's no big deal," Buck says, exactly as Eddie predicted.

"It is. You care about him so much," Eddie insists, leaning heavily into Buck's side.

"Yeah, I love him," Buck admits.

"I know," Eddie says, warmth spreading through his chest and stomach, "and I love you for it."

Buck chuckles awkwardly, cheeks even redder than they were a second ago. "Love you too, man."

Eddie can't help the little bark of laughter. "No, Buck. You know that's not what I meant."

Buck freezes, his eyes flicking up to Eddie from under his pale lashes. "What?"

"Buck," Eddie says, leveling him with a gaze because he knows Buck knows, and Buck knows Eddie knows Buck knows.

"What are you saying?" Buck whispers.

"I'm saying I love you, Buck," Eddie repeats, letting that warmth spread through his whole body.

"Y-you do?" Buck stammers.

"Mhm," Eddie agrees, biting his bottom lip. "You love me, too?"

"Of course, Eddie," Buck shakes his head, incredulous. "How could I not?"

"Can we kiss now?"

"Yes, please." Relief floods his voice audibly.

Eddie doesn't think, just leans forward and kisses Buck like his future depends on it.