#qyeen

With a soft, considering noise, Buck pauses. “Hang on, just a second.” Eddie watches silently as Buck starts to move the pillows around the couch, forming what looks like the perfect place to sit. “I had to work at this when I was off work. I found the perfect position.”

“Yours was a leg,” Eddie says doubtfully, but then Buck’s helping lower him down and oh, fuck, that takes the strain off his stomach. “Buck.”

Buck laughs gently, kissing the top of Eddie’s head. “The doctor definitely mentioned no under the clothes touching,” he says, “so stop that tone right now.”

Eddie grins, staring up at Buck tiredly. While he can’t deny that getting Buck between the sheets is an accomplishment Eddie will always be proud of, his body can’t even manage the trip home without giving up. 

“I gotta change your bandages,” Buck says quietly, sitting on the edge of the coffee table and resting the bag from the hospital next to him. Eddie settles deeper into the cushions, blowing out a slow breath while Buck goes through the motions of dressing the wounds. Buck’s fingers are light, his voice soothing as he talks about everything and nothing, gentle with his touches and care. “All done.”

The pain’s not so bad anymore, but one wrong move and Eddie’s grunting in pain. Buck leans over, thumb rubbing the crest of Eddie’s cheek. 

“How are you doing?”

“Tired,” Eddie admits, catching Buck’s hand in his own. “Glad I’m home. That you’re here.”

“Duh,” Buck says, leaning in to kiss Eddie softly. He does it again, a third time, thumb moving to Eddie’s bottom lip. “Nowhere else I’ll ever be.”

Eddie hums, closing his eyes again. There’s a soft buzzing and Buck pulls away slightly.

“Hey,” Buck says, a hand on the back of Eddie’s head before it’s gone. “I’ve got something for you, wait right here!”

“Not like I’m going anywhere,” Eddie mutters and watches as Buck moves out of the living room. His body is starting to revel in the fact that he’s in home territory, on his own couch, surrounded by things that smell of his family; himself, Chris, Buck. He wants to sleep, but then there doors opening and- “Chris.”

Chris comes into the room, eyes wide and mouth curving into an instant smile. “Dad! You’re home.”

“Oh, I missed you, buddy.” Eddie desperately wants to move but he doesn’t, waiting for Buck to help Chris get into a position on the couch that doesn’t jostle Eddie. 

“I missed you too,” Chris says, hugging Eddie carefully. “Are you feeling better?”

“A little,” Eddie admits, sharing a look with Buck, who raises his eyebrows. “I have to be careful because my stomach still hurts, but I wanted to come home.”

Chris nods, satisfied, and then looks at Buck. “Bucky said I should come home because I would like his surprise.”

Buck grins, looking too pleased with himself. “Do you?”

“Dad says you shouldn’t fish for compliments,” Chris says primly. 

Eddie laughs, holding his stomach and trying not to grunt in pain. Chris looks apologetic but softens when Eddie winks at him. Buck squishes on the end of the couch, arm stretched along the back. His fingers stroke the back of Eddie’s neck in a soothing gesture, and Chris keeps a hand in Eddie’s. 

Though he still hurts and his recovery isn’t close to over, Eddie’s content for the first time in over a week. 

“Thanks,” he says later, when Chris is sacked out in bed. Buck’s closer now, pressed along Eddie’s side, and they’re cuddling in a way that doesn’t make Eddie want to cry. 

Buck makes a soft noise. “Knew you’d want to see him.”

Eddie lifts Buck’s hand, kisses his knuckles. “You’re a good man, Evan.”

“And you,” Buck says, tilting Eddie’s head gently so he can kiss him, “deserve every inch of me.”