From A Spark to a Flame

From a Spark to a Flame by Corgiqueen14, artwork by saphicwitch/Kylia

Category: Slash

Fandom: 9-1-1

Relationship: Evan Buckley/Eddie Diaz

Tags: Alternate Universe-Canon Divergence, Alternate Universe-Different First Meeting,  Not Chimney Han Friendly

Summary: Buck wasn't expecting much when he signed up for a dating site after Abby dumped him. His coworkers gave him a hard time for going back to hookups, but all he wanted was a chance to really connect with someone. He wasn't expecting to match with a gorgeous guy who made him weak at the knees, who came with an adorable son. He definitely wasn't expecting to jump headfirst into building a family with the two of them.

Chapter 1:

Buck wasn't sure what the hell he was doing right now. 

Abby had just left him at the airport a week and a half ago, and part of Buck felt like he should be waiting for her, even if she told him that they were over when he watched her walk through those glass doors. She said she might return someday, but Buck knew better than to believe that.

Over the years, so many people had promised that, and it was never true. Buck was all too familiar with being left behind.

Maybe that was why he was signing up for a dating app during a moment near the end of his shift. He knew he didn't want to backslide into the man he was six months ago, who took casual hookups to a whole new level. He highly doubted that Bobby would give him a third chance if he misappropriated the firetruck again. 

But Buck would be lying if he said he wasn't lonely. Abby had filled a hole that he didn't even know was there. And now that she was gone, that hole seemed to grow larger. All he did was work and return to Abby’s apartment, and the empty rooms seemed to remind him of how alone he was. He was moving out of there this week, but that didn’t solve the problem of him feeling completely alone.

So yeah. A dating website seemed like his best option. It wasn’t like he had a lot of free time to go out and meet someone. But he didn’t want to use one of the hookup apps he had used before. He wanted one geared toward people who wanted to be in a relationship, which was precisely what Buck was looking for.

Now, he just had to figure out what to write on his profile. Was saying that he was looking for a real connection too pretentious? Or was it just honest enough?

At least this app used real names instead of usernames. Buck was glad not to have to use a moniker like “Firehose” again, which might have sent the wrong message. 

Buck sighed, looking at the different bios he'd have to write. thought he'd rather get hit with another bowling ball to the face than write about himself.

“And what do we have here?” Buck quickly put down his phone as Chimney walked into the locker room. “Are you trying to call your girlfriend? Or have you just finally realized that she ghosted you?”

“Chimney, I know Abby and I are over. You don't have to keep rubbing it in.” Buck sighed, getting up from the bench.

“I just find it funny that's all,” Chimney smirked. “Two weeks ago, you were practically crowing about how you had the healthiest relationship out of everyone on the team. Guess you really bucked that up.”

Buck rolled his eyes at the lame pun. He just couldn't figure Chimney out. He helped Buck figure out who was catfishing people with his identity one day, and made crappy comments about his dating life the next.

“Whatever man.” Buck left the locker room, feeling the heat start to rise to his face.

Deep down, he knew that what had happened to his relationship with Abby wasn't his fault. He had tried everything to prove that he wasn't the one leading on all those women. Chimney had even been there with him, and Buck thought he would have corroborated Buck’s story. But Abby didn’t even ask for his side of things. She didn’t even care that he was being framed. And that was what hurt more than anything else. He had always been there for her, and the one time that he had actually needed support, she chose to believe the worst of him. She chose to believe that he could do something stupid like cheat on her when he was happier than he’d ever been when he was with her. Maybe

Buck sighed before steeling himself. He wouldn’t let Chimney stop him from choosing a new path forward for himself. He was going to do this.

Buy, maybe he’d just want to wait until he got home. There was no point in giving Chimney more ammunition to tease him at work. 

~~

Later that night, Buck sighed as he looked through all the different apps. There were so many to choose from, and all of them seemed to do the exact same thing. The only thing he knew was that he wasn’t going to use Tinder or any of the apps that he had used before. He didn't want to go backward and end up just hooking up again. He wanted to move forward and maybe meet someone he could spend the rest of his life with.

Or at least someone with whom he could be in a relationship. That would work too. No point in getting ahead of himself. He just didn’t want someone who was going to just be there for a good time. He wanted someone who could be there for a long time as well, as corny as what was. 

 He could do Bumble, where the woman made the first move, but if Buck was being honest, he didn’t want to limit himself to just women anymore. Buck had known he was bisexual for a while, but for the last few years, he had only dated women. Maybe it was time to give dating guys a shot again.

He discarded Bumble and moved onto one called Hinge. This one said it was designed to be deleted, so maybe it was a good place to start? Buck filled out his profile, chuckling at some of the odd questions they had you put on there. It took him a moment to figure out his “two truths and a lie,” but finally he was ready to go.

He started swiping through the app, discarding options as he went.

This Veronica girl seemed pretty, but the way she worded things on her profile made Buck think they wouldn’t be well suited. Then there was this Marvin guy, who seemed cute, but something about his pink hair gave Buck pause. And then here and Athena ranting over a pink-haired car thief when she had lunch at the station a few weeks ago. Even if this wasn’t the guy, better safe than sorry. 

Then there was Taylor. She seemed pretty, with long red hair and big green eyes, but something about her smile seemed almost predatory. Then again, that could be a good thing for a reporter. Buck wondered if she was the same Taylor Kelly who was responsible for doing the traffic reports that he listened to in the morning. She must be, right? How many reporters named Taylor Kelly could there possibly be in LA? If she was the same person, then Buck knew that she had a very nice voice, at least. He enjoyed listening to her broadcasts; that was for sure.

Buck wondered whether dating a reporter was a good idea, though. He'd been in the press a lot lately, and he wasn't a fan of all the attention he had gotten as a result—all the people following him on social media, friending him on Facebook…

Buck shuddered as he thought of the therapist who had tried climbing into his lap during a session after friending him on Facebook. He had managed to get out of there before anything had happened, the whole thing still haunted him, if he was being honest.

Bich decided to swipe past Taylor, not interested in the drama dating a reporter would bring. After a few more minutes of random swiping and messaging, Buck came across one profile that gave him pause.

Eddie. He was only a year or two older than buck, a mechanic, and it said he was new to LA. Buck swiped through the profile, and soon found himself captivated by the man in the photos. His warm tan skin. His expressive brown eyes that lit up when he smiled. His coiffed, chocolate brown hair. Bucks was trying very hard not to judge a book by its cover, but it was very hard not to do that when the cover was as pretty as that. 

Buck searched the profile, looking for something interesting to say. He didn't want to just comment on one of Eddie’s pictures; he wanted to start a conversation.

He saw that ”Escape from New York” was one of Eddie's favorite movies, and Buck jumped on that.

Buck: Escape from New York? I’ve never seen it. Why’s it your favorite?

He was tempted to ask if the movie was good, but Eddie likely wouldn’t have it as his favorite movie if he didn’t think it was good.

He didn’t expect to get a response right away, but as he was cooking dinner, his phone chimed with a notification.

Buck wasn’t proud of how fast he ran back to his phone. When he picked it up, he was pleased to see Eddie messaging him back.

Eddie: It’s an amazing movie. Do you live under a rock or something?

Buck thought that sounded a little harsh, but then again, things could come off differently in text than they would face to face.

Buck: My family wasn’t big on TV growing up, and my job keeps me busy. With that glowing recommendation, though, I'm definitely going to watch it. 🙂

Buck was pleased to see the typing bubbles immediately pop up.

Eddie: I guess you can be forgiven for being busy. Firefighting is tough work after all.

Buck grinned as he tried to think of what to say next, but was saved by Eddie messaging again.

Eddie: So what do you do for fun? Besides getting punched in the face, apparently.

Buck was confused for a second, and then he remembered his birthmark. To some people, it looked like a bruise at first glance.

Buck: it’s a birthmark, lol. I didn't repeatedly get punched in the same spot.

Eddie: I feel like an idiot now. Sorry.

Buck, it’s fine, you are not the first to make that mistake lol.

Eddie: So, now that I've put my foot in my mouth, what do you like to do for fun?

Buck thought for a minute before replying.

Buck: In my off time, I’ve been trying to go to a lot of museums and stuff. I'm also learning to cook. My fire captain is amazing, and he's been teaching me.

Eddie: You're lucky that you’re able to get lessons. My abuela and Tia have been trying to teach me for years, but I'm a horrible cook. They’ve pretty much given up.

Buck: I’m sure you’re not that bad.

There was a long pause, and then-

Eddie: my kid says i can't even boil water.

Buck raised his eyebrows. He hadn’t seen anything on Eddie's profile to say that he had a kid.

Buck: You have a kid?

There was a long pause, and then Eddie messaged back.

Eddie: a son, Christopher. He’s seven.

Buck grinned. He bet Christopher was a cute kid.

Buck: I bet he’s adorable.

Eddie: I’ll be honest: I thought you were just going to ghost me after I said that.

Buck frowned.

Buck: why would I do that?

Eddie: It tends to be a dealbreaker. 

Buck: Not for me. 

Eddie: Good. I’m glad.

Buck: So, are you from LA originally?

Eddie: Nope. I’m from El paso. What about you?Buck: I’m from Hershey.

Eddie: Like the chocolate?

Buck: Exactly like the chocolate.

Buck grinned as he settled in for a longer conversation.

Chapter 2:

Eddie: so, I have a question.

Buck had been speaking with Eddie for a week, and to be honest, he had given up on matching weight with anyone else. Whenever he opened the app, he just went straight for the messages.

Buck: Go for it

Eddie: Did you really bartend in Peru?

Buck rolled his eyes and smiled. People always assumed he was making that up, but it was true.

Buck: sure did.

Eddie: Were there no bartending jobs in the US? Why Peru?

Buck smirked. Eddie had a tendency to go for the throat, and Buck kind of loved that.

Buck: why not Peru?

Buck: I traveled extensively before deciding to join the LAFD. I was a ranch hand, a construction worker, a bartender…

Eddie: Think you’ll change jobs again?

Buck: Nah, I’m pretty happy where I am.

Eddie: It sounds like you really love your job.

Buck: I really do. It’s incredible.

Buck: Do you feel the same way about your job?

Eddie took a while typing, and Buck frowned in confusion. He didn’t think that was such a hard question.

Eddie: So I have a small confession to make.

Buck felt his heart sink, but he quickly typed back.

Buck: Oh?

Eddie: I’m still working as a mechanic part-time… but I’m actually close to graduating from the fire academy.

Buck’s jaw dropped. He had not seen that coming.

Buck: No way! That’s awesome! What made you want to join up?’

Eddie: I used to be a medic in the army. It seemed like being a firefighter might be a good way to put those skills to use again.

Buck: yeah, I'm sure. Maybe we’ll work together sometime!

Eddie: Maybe, depending on if I make it to graduation. Some of the classes are tough.

Buck: yeah. But I'm sure you will.

Buck thought for a second before deciding to just go for it.

Buck: I know we haven't been talking long, but would you like to grab coffee this weekend or something?

There was another long pause, and then Eddie messaged back.

Eddie: sire, sounds good. Do you know any good places?

Buck smiled as he gave Eddie an address to a local coffee shop, and they agreed on a time. Maybe things wouldn’t work out between them, but who knows? Maybe they would.

~~

Buck took a deep breath as he stood outside the coffee shop where he was going to meet Eddie. He smoothed down the front of his button-down, wishing he were a little more put together. Then again, a suit and a tie for a coffee date would have clearly sent the wrong message.

He shouldn’t be nervous. There was no reason to be nervous. This was going to be fine. At least this date wasn't going to end with him getting an emergency tracheotomy from his date on the floor of a steakhouse.

…Okay, maybe there was some reason to be nervous. But really, what were the odds of that happening twice?

…he might have just jinxed himself.

“Okay, let’s do this.” Buck said to himself, checking his watch to see it was Exactly when he was supposed to meet Eddie. 

He walked to the coffee shop, almost immediately spotting Eddie waiting at a table with another woman. Buck slowed to a stop as he approached, mildly considering. Was Eddie married, and this was them looking for a third? If so, it was a little creepy not to let him know.

“Eddie?” he asked, waiting to make sure he had the right table.

“Yeah. Are you Buck?” Eddie asked, getting up from his seat. Buck tried not to stare at him as he nodded. Eddie was even more beautiful in real life than in his pictures. He was dressed in a henley and jeans, the red of the henley perfectly complimenting his eyes. The henley was pushed up past his elbows, showing strong, muscular forearms. Buck had never thought of him as an arm guy before, but the way Eddie filled out that henley might have just changed all that.

“Yeah, good to meet you.” Buck put out a hand for Eddie to shake, the woman with him seeming amused by the action. “And you are?” Buck turned to him, giving her a smile.

“This is my sister, Adriana,” Eddie said, blushing slightly. “She wanted to come along and make sure you weren’t a serial killer or something.”

“That's fair.” Buck shrugged. “Do you want a picture of me just in case?”

Adriana gave Eddie an impressed look. “I like him already.” she snapped a photo of buck and then quickly exited, leaving them alone.

“She seems nice.” Buck told Eddie as they sat down.

“She’s overprotective.” Eddie corrected him. “Which is ironic because I’m the older brother.” 

“As a younger sibling, I will say that we can be just as overprotective when given a chance.” Buck told him.

“Still, I'm sorry about the hat,” Eddie said. I'm not sure what you were thinking when you walked up, but you must have been confused.”

“Honestly, I thought you were married.” Buck laughed at that before seeing a dejected look on Eddie’s face. 

“Wait.. are you married?” Buck asked, getting a bad feeling about this.

Eddie was silent for a moment and then spoke.

“So technically, yes, but—”

“Oh god.” Buck made it as if to get up, but Eddie stopped him.

“Please let me explain, all right?” Eddie asked.

“Okay.” Buck settled back down, no longer feeling as good about this as he had when he walked in.

“I’m still legally married to Christopher’s mother, but I haven’t seen her in years.” Eddie told Buck. “She left me and Christopher after I returned from Afghanistan, and we haven’t seen her since.”

“Do you know where she is?” Buck couldn't help but ask.

Eddie shrugged. “I think she’s in LA because her mom used to live here, but I don’t know.”

“But you moving here didn’t have anything to do with that?”

Eddie vehemently shook his head. “Definitely not. I’d like to get in contact eventually so I can get divorced, but for now, I'm just trying to do what’s best for my kid. That’s why we moved here.”

Buck nodded at that. “Makes sense.”

Eddie looked nervous. “So, are you ready to run for the hills yet?”

Buck settled in, raising his chin and smiling at Eddie. “Definitely not.”

Eddie seemed relieved by that. “In that case, what do you want to drink?”

“Shouldn’t I be getting the coffee?” Buck asked. “I did ask you out after all.”

Edie gave him a look, and Buck relented. “Black coffee.”

Eddie went to order, and Buck sat back in his chair. He was trying so hard not to get his hopes up; this was only a first date, and so many things could go wrong. Eddie seemed perfectly nice though. And maybe this would work.

“So, how’s work been?” Eddie asked when he got back to the table. “Any interesting calls?”

“It’s been pretty tame lately.” Buck laughed, thinking back on some calls he’d had. “No bowling balls to the face, snakes, or babies in a wall.”

Eddie gave him an alarmed look. “Did you say a baby in a wall?”

“Yeah.” Buck nodded. “She was fine, though. Thank goodness.”

Eddie nodded at that, and they sat in silence for a moment.

“I’m glad things have been kinda calm lately,” Buck started rambling. “It gives me lots of downtime for apartment hunting.”

“Oh, are you moving?”

“Yeah, well, I’m currently living in my ex-girlfriend's apartment while she's out of the country, so I’d like to move as soon as possible.” Buck froze and started at Eddie. He hadn’t meant to let all that slip.

Eddie merely chuckled and reached for his cup. “So I’m not the only one who’s had a bad history in relationships?”

“Definitely not.” Buck chuckled. “At least this first date is going better than that one. No choking on bread or emergency tracheostomies here.”

Eddie gave him a wide-eyed stare. “Yeah, let’s avoid that.”

“So, do you want any food while we’re here?” Buck tried to change the subject.

“Not after hearing that.” Eddie laughed. “Why don’t we just talk about something else?”

“Sounds good to me.” Buck grinned.

~~

Buck was walking on air for the rest of the week after his date with Eddie. He couldn't believe that he had met someone as menacing as him. Eddie was sweet, funny, and so handsome. Nothing could spoil the good mood that Buck was in.

“Well, I have to say I’m impressed, Buck.” Chimney drawled when they got back in the truck after a call.

Except for Chimney.

“By what?” Buck was barely able to keep the defensive note out of his voice.

“You didn't take any of the seven numbers that were offered to you,” Chimney quirked a brow. “Color me impressed.”

In truth, Buck hadn’t known how many numbers were offered to him, and he hadn't cared. He was seeing Eddie now, he didn't need to be taking numbers from people he met on calls.

“You counted how many numbers I got offered?” Buck finally said in response. 

“Didn’t you?” 

“No.” Buck gave Chimney a confused look. “Why would I?”

“Yeah, that’s a little weird Chimney.” Hen gave Chimney a look before giving Buck an approving nod. “But either way, good for you, Buck. I’m glad all those talks about not hooking up at work sunk in.”

Buck knew Hen was trying to be supportive, but part of him hated how, even when she was trying to congratulate him, she was still condescending.

“It’s not a big deal,” Buck said before trying to be honest with them. “I’m actually seeing someone right now. Not that I'd be getting numbers from people if I was single. I’m past being unprofessional on the job.”

The truck was silent as they pulled into the station, and Buck was relieved when he was able to get out. 

Of course, that didn’t mean he was safe from the questions. 

“You’re dating someone?” Chimney snarked. “Like, actually dating? Not just them showing up at your house at three in the morning and leaving at three thirty?”

Buck wasn’t sure what to be more offended by: the fact that Chimney couldn't believe that he could actually date someone or the fact that he thought Buck would only last thirty minutes in bed.

“It only takes you thirty minutes?” Buck asked, tilting his head in confusion. “What can you even get done in that amount of time?”

Chimney looked like he bit into a lemon, and Buck could see Hen struggling not to laugh.

“Yes, I’m actually dating someone. It’s new, and we’re still getting to know each other, but I’m happy,” he finally said, choosing not to respond to Chimney’s snarky comments.

Chimney looked like he was about to say something else before Hen elbowed him in the side. 

“I think it's great that you're getting back out there, Buck.” Hen gave him an encouraging smile. “How did you meet them?”

“We met online,” Buck told them, figuring honesty was the best policy.

Hen deflated slightly as Chimney let out a barking laugh.

“Online?” He snickered. “God, you wasted no time returning to your hookup apps, huh?”

“I'm not using a hookup app–” Buck started to say before Chimney cut him off.

“Oh, I'm sure you're not.” sarcasm dropped from every word. “I'm sure you found this person looking for a real connection. I'm sure they're all not agreeing to meet up just for your pretty face, only to leave when there's nothing else between those ears.” Chimney gave Buck a pitying look. “Just make sure you don't catch anything from all the people you sleep with. I don't want to have to give you antibiotics because you can't keep it in your pants.”

Buck looked at Chimney incredulously as the other man walked away and then turned to Hen. “Why does he assume I'm going to catch something?”

“Buck, he might have a point.” Hen sighed. “You don't have the best track record when it comes to online dating. And I don't think I'll be able to get Bobby to give you another chance if you mess up again.”

“Hen, I'm not going to mess up,” Buck told her. “I'm taking it slow.”

“I’m sure you are, but just think about it,” Hen told him. “The people on those apps aren't really looking for anything long-term. I just think you need to be realistic and not end up with someone trashy who's going to lead you down a bad road.”

Hen got up and left the loft, leaving Buck alone with his thoughts. He knew he hadn't been the best when he was first starting out, but did they really think he was incapable of change? What he was making with Eddie had the capacity to be real. Why could neither of them give him the benefit of the doubt?

Buck was most disappointed with Hen if he was being honest with himself. He didn’t expect much out of Chimney; he never did. He had learned that lesson when Chimney used to give him a hard time about risky maneuvers and then use those exact stories to impress his girlfriend. Chimney was an asshole, and that had only gotten worse after the rebar accident. But Hen? Hen saw the best in him when he was being an idiot and stealing the engine to hook up. Why couldn't she see the best in him now? It wasn't like he had met Abby under ideal circumstances. Looking back, it was creepy that Abby had stolen his number to get in contact with him. He had liked Abby, though, and that made everything okay, apparently.

Buck was sure that Hen would like Eddie too. If she ever gave him a chance.

Buck sighed. He thought his team should have been more supportive, but it didn’t matter. He and Eddie had the ability for something real, and he wasn't going to let anyone else's negative comments get in his way. 

Just then, the alarm rang, and Buck got up to grab his turnouts. Maybe the next few hours of calls would clear his head about all this. Maybe. 

Chapter 3:

“Buck, can we talk for a second?” Bobby asked at the end of the shift. Buck nodded and waited for the locker room to empty. Chimney shot him a smirk over his shoulder as he left.

“Chimney told me about what you guys talked about earlier.” Bobby cut right to the chase and Buck groaned.

“Bobby, I know that I fucked up when I first started here, but I've grown since then. I want a real relationship, not just hooking up.”

“I know,” Bobby told him, Buck blinking in surprise. He didn't expect Bobby to have his back on this after his history.

“You do?”

“Buck, I saw how much you grew with Abby. You were all in with her, and I know how much you hurt when she left. If this new girl makes you happy, then I'm happy for you.” Bobby got a faraway look in his eyes. “Life is too short not to take a chance on love.”

Buck smiled at that before he spoke.

“Guy.” Bobby gave him a confused look, and Buck elaborated. “I'm dating a guy. Well, it’s new, so maybe dating isn’t the right word. But I like him a lot.”

“Oh.” Bobby paused for a second. “Chimney made it sound like it was a girl.”

“Chimney didn't really let me get a word in edgewise,” Buck told him. I haven't had a chance to tell anyone that I like guys and girls. It hasn’t come up yet.”

“Understood.” Bobby paused for a second. “I’m happy that you felt you were able to trust me with that.”

Buck grinned at him. “I trust you with everything on the job and teaching me how to cook; trusting you with this seemed like the natural progression of things.”

“Fair enough,” Bobby said. “Just know that I'm proud of you. And one day, if things get serious, I'd love to meet this new man of yours.”

Buck smiled. “I'd like that.”

Buck grinned as he got into his jeep at the end of the shift—not that he had expected anything less. For all of Bobby’s earlier talk about this team not being a family, Buck knew that if he ever really needed Bobby to be there, he would—just like Buck would be there for him.

~~

Buck had an unexpected day off from work, and so he texted Eddie.

Buck: Want to do something this afternoon?

Eddie must have had his phone nearby because Buck got a text back right away.

Eddie: Sounds good to me, around 4?

Buck: That sounds great. I’ll send you the location. Wear comfortable clothes; we might get pretty active.

~~

“You know, when you said things were going to be active, I didn’t expect ax throwing.” Eddie deadpanned as they stood in front of their target later that afternoon.

“Well, as you know, firefighters have to use axes at work all the time,” Buck told him. “I’m just helping you get acquainted with the equipment.

Eddie held up one of the tiny throwing axes, rolling his eyes at Buck. “How is this going to acquaint me with the equipment? Aren’t the axes at work a lot bigger than this? And not exactly throwable?”

“Hey, if you don’t think you could do it, that’s not a problem.”

“I didn’t say that.” Eddie frowned at Buck before giving him a flirty grin. “I bet I’d kick your ass at this.”

Buck raised an eyebrow playfully. “I think I could take you.”

“You think so?” Eddie gave him a challenging look, stepping closer to Buck.

“I know.” Buck stepped closer to Eddie, the two of them inches apart. “You want to go for the title?”

Buck and Eddie stared at each other for a long moment, neither of them willing to break the connection between them. The air felt almost electric, as if one wrong move could send a shower of sparks flying everywhere.

Buck wasn’t sure how long they stood there before someone coughed loudly. They broke apart, Buck looking over his shoulder to see a man and his date standing there, looking unimpressed.

“Get a room.” the girl snarked at them. 

“Excuse me?” Buck frowned at her. 

 “Are you guys going to actually use the lane, or are you going to step aside to let someone else have a go?” she asked, her boyfriend looking uncomfortable and apologetic behind her. “Some of us actually came here to throw axes, not flirt awkwardly.”

“We’re using the lane.” Eddie gave her a look, and the girl rolled her eyes, stalking off.

“For the record, there was nothing awkward about our flirting.” Buck called after her, wincing as the words left his mouth. That was not quite the comeback he had been hoping for.

“Yeah, that definitely showed her.” Eddie deadpanned.

“Shut up.”

Eddie laughed at Buck as they got ready.

“Okay, it's time to see who’s better at this.” Buck grinned, lining up his target. He threw the ax, the weight leaving his hand at the perfect moment…

Only for the ax to fall to the floor, the handle hitting the target instead of the ball.

Buck felt his face flush, and he could practically hear Eddie holding back a laugh.

“Well, at least you hit the target.” Eddie said diplomatically, and Buck gave him a look.

“Okay, let's see how you do.” Buck challenged Eddie. Eddie stepped up to the line, throwing the ax. While his wasn't a bullseye, it did at least stick to the target.

Eddi gave Buck a little smirk as he handed him the next ax. “Want me to give you some pointers?”

~~

When they left the bar an hour later, Buck had actually managed to get his ax into the target at least a half-dozen times. Eddie, on the other hand, had hit the target every time.

“No one likes a showoff, Diaz.” Buck playfully grumbled on the way to his car.

“Hey, to the victor goes the spoils.” Eddie retorted, flashing Buck a grin as he walked next to him, their hands interlocked.

“It’s a shame there wasn’t actually anything for you to win.” Buck shrugged before Eddie pulled at his hand and stopped him in his tracks. When he turned around to see what was going on, Eddie tipped his chin down and captured his lips with a kiss. Buck immediately responded to it, his body pulling closer to Eddie like a magnet pulling a nail. He wound his free hand into Eddie’s hand, the silky strands slipping through his fingers; he felt Eddie’s hand on the back of his head, pulling him closer.

After a long moment they pulled away, Buck breathing hard as he rested his redhead against Eddie’s.

“I disagree,” Eddie said softly. “I think I won something for sure.”

Buck chuckled at that, finally opening his eyes to see Eddie’s sparking grin. “That was really corny.”

“You know you loved it.” Edie worked until the two finally pulled away from each other. “I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”

Buck smiled at that. “That sounds perfect.”

~~

“So, how’s work been today?” Eddie asked.

They finally had some downtime at the firehouse one day, and so Buck immediately took the opportunity to call Eddie and talk to him. He was only human, after all. And part of him hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Eddie since the kiss at the ax-throwing place a week before. Between Buck’s shifts and the academy, not to mention taking care of Christopher, their schedules hadn’t been able to link up since then, and Buck was starting to miss him.

“It’s been kinda…” Buck trailed off. “Fuck, realized I can’t say that word.”

“What word?”

“Eddie, how has no one at the academy told you this?” Buck would have given him a look if he was there. “You never, ever, say the Q word in a firehouse. Never. Not even when talking about something else. It’s the ultimate jinx.”

“Are you serious?” Eddie laughed. “You believe in jinxes?”

“I absolutely believe in jinxes, " Buck told him. “You want to know what happened the last time I said the Q word?”

“What?”

“Bad things.” buck emphasized. “Really, really bad things. 37 calls in a single shift. It was a new firehouse record.”

“That’s a total coincidence,” Eddie told him.

“Eddie, you can choose to believe me or not, but just be warned,” Buck told him. “If you say the Q word during your probie year, people will resent you.”

“That’s assuming I even make it through my probationary year.” Eddie sighed. “Or if I graduate from the academy at all.”

“What do you mean?” Buck frowned at the phone. “Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine,” Eddie groaned, Buck hearing him flop onto his bed. “Today's training was just... rough.” 

“It’s going to be fine, I promise you,” Buck told him, knowing how he felt. The last month of training kicked his ass more ways than he could count.  “I promise, it’ll all be worth it in the end.”

“What will, Buck?” Buck tensed as he heard Chimney walk up and behind him. “Getting your latest hookup to get checked for STDs? I guess that’s what happens when you online date. ”

“Chimney, can you just give me a minute?” Buck asked, trying to be polite.

Before buck could react, Chimney grabbed his phone from his hand. 

“Look, whoever you are, I’m sure you’re a nice girl, but Buck is the last person you want to be with. His last girlfriend fled the country because of him! I’d cut and run now while you have the chance. He’s only going to bring misery into your life. And possibly an STD or two.” Chimney talked into the phone before buck managed to wrestle it away from him.

Buck went to talk into the phone, only to find that Eddie had hung up on him.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Buck snapped at Chimney.

“What?” Chimney snarked, “It was a joke. It wasn’t my fault they took it seriously. Maybe the next one will have more willpower.”

Chimney sauntered into the locker room, and Buck tried to call Eddie back. The call went to voicemail after one ring, and Eddie texted him.

Eddie: Let’s just talk after you get off work, okay?

Buc felt a pit in his stomach at those words and sighed.

Buck: Okay. I’ll call you.

This was either going to go well or it was going to end in a breakup. And Buck had no clue which way it was going to go. And he still had four more hours on his shift. Awesome.

Chapter 4:

Buck stiffened at a knock on the door, opening it to see Eddie. He had asked Eddie to come over to his place after his shift, thinking it was better not to do this in a public place.

“Hey. thanks for coming.” Buck let Eddie in. In other circumstances, Buck would have loved to have Eddie over to his new apartment. But today was not those circumstances. In fact, Buck wasn’t sure if he'd still be in a relationship after this was over. Or if he had been in one to begin with.

“I’m sure you have some questions.” Buck rambled as he walked over to the couch, Eddie trailing after him. “I know Chimney said a lot of things—”

“Buck.” Eddie reached for his hand. “Take a breath. It’s okay.”

Buck breathed in and out, feeling a little more settled.  

“Let’s just take a seat and talk, okay?”

Buck went to sit on the couch next to Eddie. He breathed in and out once more and then turned to face the other man.

“What do you want to know?” he finally asked.

“Well, your friend—”

“--not my friend.” Buck shook his head. “I thought he was but he isn’t.”

“Okay.” Eddie nodded. “Well, your not-friend had a lot to say about you bringing misery into my life. And apparently STDs?”

Buck snorted. “Yeah, he’s an asshole sometimes.”

“He also said something about your last girlfriend fleeing the country?” Eddie asked. “I figured I’d let you explain that.”

Buc sighed, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his legs. Chimney might have said a lot of stuff he had no right to, but Eddie was right: he should explain it.

“I met Abby about six months ago.” Buck finally said. “She was the dispatcher on a call I took while I was technically fired for stealing the ladder truck to hook up—”

“You got fired?”

“I got rehired, but yeah. And I stopped hooking up, obviously.”

“Okay.” Eddie nodded. “So that’s how you met her?”

“Yeah, she got my number from the call log—”

“She did what?” Eddie asked, looking at Buck. “Isn’t that not allowed?”

Buck paused, thinking for a moment. “I don't think so. In retrospect, it was creepy, but back then, I thought it was okay.”

Eddie seemed unconvinced, but he let Buck continue to explain.

“Either way, we started a relationship,” Buck told him. “And things were going well, aside from the whole ‘her giving me an emergency tracheotomy at dinner’ thing. But then, around the time her mother died, people started coming up to me in the streets, accusing me of ghosting them. Abby thought I had been cheating on her. I eventually proved with Chimney’s help that there was a guy catfishing people using my picture. But by the time I had figured that out, it was too late. Abby left the country, saying that she needed to find herself. She said I could wait for her, but I knew she was never coming back.”

“That must have been hard.” Eddie’s eyes were filled with sympathy. “It's not easy being left.”

“Yeah.” Buck sighed. “Even when I was with her, Chimney never stopped making comments about me sleeping around and being a manwhore. Since she’s been gone, they’ve only gotten worse. And when I told him I met someone online?” Buck scoffed. “He started making jokes about me sleeping around again and getting all kinds of STDs. So when he saw me on the phone with you—”

“He thought it was the perfect chance to scare off however you were dating.” Eddie nodded. “But why did he think I was a girl?”

Buck flushed. “I kinda never told him I was bi. I am out-my captain knows, and so do some friends- but Chimney never gave me a chance to tell anyone else, and after a while, I didn’t want to hear more jokes.”

“Given what you told me about him, that seems fair,” Eddie muttered.

“So…” Buck ventured. “Do you hate me?”

“Of course not,” Eddie told him. “I think your coworker is an asshole, but I don’t hate you.”

“That’s good.” Buck relaxed. “I really like you, Eddie. I know we haven’t talked about what we are yet—”

“We haven’t?” Eddie looked confused. “I thought we just kinda implicitly agreed that we were together.”

“That's how I've seen it, but I didn’t want to assume,” Buck said.

“Well, no assumptions needed,” Eddie told him. “We’re together.”

Buck grinned. “Good. And I’M GLAD you weren’t scared off by what Chimney said.”

Eddie reached for his hand. “I don’t scare easily, Buck.”

~~

“So, how did the breakup go?” Chimney asked in the locker room during the next shift.

“What breakup?” Buc gave him a confused look. “My relationship is still going strong. Thanks for asking.”

Chimney seemed almost put out, and Buck just had to ask him something.

“Why did you even do that?” Buck asked. “You know I never slept around on Abby. You know I was being catfished; why do you keep making comments about me being a manwhore?”

“It’s a joke, Buck.” Chimney rolled his eyes as he left the room. “Quit taking things so seriously.”

Buck frowned after him, the answer as unsatisfying as he expected it to be.

~~

“What’s wrong?” Buck asked at dinner a week later. “Was it a rough day at the academy today? I know the month before graduation can be hellish.”

“Nah, the academy's fine.” Eddie clocked his head slightly. “What makes you think something is wrong?”

“You seem nervous.” Buck had a horrible thought. “Oh god, is this when you tell me things aren’t actually over with your wife?”

Eddie gave him a horrified look. “What? No! Why would you think that?”

“I tend to catastrophize.” Buck told Eddie.

“Well, it’s nothing like that.” Eddie paused for a second, looking down at his plate before looking back up at Buck. “I was just thinking that maybe now was a good time to talk about you meeting Chris.”

Buck sat back in his chair, slightly stunned. “Wow, really?”

“Really.” Eddi gave him a soft smile.

“I thought you wanted to wait for me to meet him.” That was something that Eddie had said when they had first started dating, and Buck had respected it. As much as he wanted to meet Chris, he followed Eddie’s lead.

“I did, but honestly?” Eddie looked deep into Buck’s eyes. “The last month and a half with you have been so amazing. You’re amazing. And I know I was the one to talk about going slow, but I think I’m ready to take the next step. Are you?”

Buck grinned at Eddie, reaching for his hand. “Absolutely. Just let me know when and where.”

“How about Friday at the park near our house?” Eddie suggested. “I’ll text you the location. If things go well, maybe we can all grab a bite to eat together. 

“That sounds great.” Buck paused for a second. “Should I bring him anything? Legos, books, model trains?”

“Buck, you don't need to spoil my kid to get him to like you,” Eddie told him. “Just be yourself.”

“Buck smiled. “I think I can do that.”

~~

Buck had never felt this nervous in his life. 

Except for the time he got fired after Bobby caught him hooking up on the job. Or when he finally met Abby. Or when he joined the LAFD in the first place.

Buck could admit he'd been nervous like this before, but this was different; this was him meeting Eddie’s son. This was going to make or break their budding relationship, and Buck knew it. 

Even though Eddie told him not to bring anything, Buck was standing in a toy store looking at the Legos.

He was about to grab a particularly intriguing Star Wars set when his phone buzzed with a call from Eddie.

“Hello?” Buck answered the call.

“Buck, get out of the toy store.”

Buck jumped. Looking around for Eddie, not seeing him anywhere. “What makes you think I’m in a toy store?”

“Besides the fact that you asked me if you should get Chris a present?” Buck could practically hear Eddie giving him a look. “I know you’re nervous about this.”

“Of course I'm nervous.” Buck argued. “This is your son we’re talking about. If he doesn't like me–”

“Buck, he’s going to love you.” Eddie told him. “Trust me. I wouldn’t date someone that I didn’t think my kid would like. You don’t need to bribe him. I promise.”

“Okay.” Buck sighed. “That makes me feel a little better. Are you guys almost at the park?”

“Yeah, and we have a few other people with us,” Eddie told him, an apologetic note in his voice.” My Tia and Abuela decided to come along to meet you.”

Buck froze. Instead of just meeting Chris, he was meeting Eddie's entire family at once—everyone except his parents and sisters.

This was not helping with his stress levels about his meeting.

“Buck?” Eddie asked after a long silence. “Are you okay?” 

“I should get them flowers.” Buck immediately said, leaving the toy store. “Or wine. Or cookies.”

“Buck, no.”

“I want them to like me!”

~~

After Eddie finally convinced him not to bring flowers, chocolate, or anything else, Buck arrived at the park with sweaty palms and a stomach full of butterflies. 

Eddie was already there, with two women that he could only assume were his aunt and his grandmother. And sitting next to Eddie was the most adorable child that Buck had ever seen. Though if Hen heard him say that, she would be very offended.

“Hey, glad you could make it.” Eddie gave him a hug when he reached them, the two women eyeing Buck critically behind Eddie’s back.

“I’d like you to meet my Tia Pepa and my Abuela.” Eddie introduced Buck to them, and Buck shook their hands.

“It's lovely to meet you both,” Bick told them.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” The older one, who Buck could only assume was Eddie’s Abuela, said. His Tia merely nodded at Buck's words, her sharp eyes never leaving Buck.

“And this is Chris.” Buck smiled as Eddie introduced them, sitting across the table from Chris.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Buck said. “Your dad has told me a lot about you.”

Chris smiled at Buck, and the toothy grin melted Buck’s heart.

“Dad said you’re a firefighter,” Chris said.

“Yeah, I am. Just like your dad is going to be.” Buck grinned at Eddie.

“Have you done a lot of crazy things?” Chris asked.

Buck quickly wracked his brain to figure out which of the stories he had would be most child-appropriate.

“Well, there was this one time when I had to go help a little girl who somehow got into the toy compartment of a claw machine,” Buck told Chris, whose eyes went wide. “She was just chilling in there with all the stuffed animals.”

“What happened?” Chris asked.

“Well, I unscrewed the panel and got her out, and she got to keep a toy.” Buck smiled. “Everyone walked away happy.”

Chris nodded at that before looking at Buck.

“Do you like Legos?”

Buck blinked, not expecting the question. “Yeah, Legos are cool.”

Chris was undaunted, moving on to his next questions. “What about video games? Or dogs?”

“I like both of those things,” Buc told him.

“Do you think dogs know they’re dogs and we’re humans?” Chris asked.

“Probably,” Buck told him. “Cats don’t realize humans are something different, though. They think we’re all bug dumb hairless kittens.”

Chris nodded at that information before looking at Eddie. “Okay, I like him.”

Buck grinned at that as Eddie aligned.

“I'm so glad you approve,” Eddie ruffled Chris’ hair. Now, how about we get some food so we can all keep talking?”

Chris cheered at that, and Buck smiled.

~~

“Thank you for today,” Buck murmured as he and Eddie lay on the bed that night. Chris was staying at his grandmother’s for the night, and Eddie was spending the night at Buck’s place. “Thank you for trusting me to meet him.”

“Of course,” Eddie told him. “You’re important to me, and so is Chris, and now the two most important people in my life have met, and they’re happy. What more could I want?”

Eddie leaned in, Buck closing his eyes as their lips met.

Eddie deepened the kiss almost immediately, bringing his hand around to cup the back of Buck's neck. Buck pulled Eddie in closer as the two continued to kiss, Eddie’s free hand started to make his way under Buck's shirt. Buck leaned back to let Edie get his shirt off, Buck’s fingers scrabbling to take Eddie’s shirt off after. They had never done anything like this before, keeping to kisses until now. But something about tonight made it seem like the perfect moment to take that ne

Before he knew it, they were both lying on the bed, and Buck felt Eddie pull back to look at him.

“Are you okay with this?” Eddie asked, his brown eyes filled with concern.

“Yeah, yeah.” Buck was panting as if he had just run a marathon. “Maybe not all the way tonight, but I’m okay with something more.”

In truth, Buck was very okay with something more. He wanted all of Eddie, body and soul. But with a part of him still holding back, he'd take what he could get.

“Yeah, I get it.” Eddie pulled Buck into another kiss before Eddie started to slide his pants down his hips.

Buck mirrored the action, and then they were both naked. Buck took in the sight of Eddie’s cock, long and thick between his legs, and thought back to the day he'd seen Eddie in the hot springs under the palace, his skin golden in the dim cavern light. He had thought that nothing could be a more beautiful sight than that. He was wrong.

“You’re beautiful,” Eddie said, eyes shining as he looked at Buck. Buck blushed in response and pulled Eddie into another kiss, biting at Eddie’s bottom lip.

Eddie and Buck tangled together, rolling over so that Buck was lying on top. Buck’s hands grabbed Eddie’s, interlacing their fingers as they settled into their new positions. 

Buck threw his head back and groaned as his cock brushed against Eddie’s, the friction sending a jolt down his spine. The sensation was new and yet familiar at the same time.  He’d done things like this before, but never like this. Never with Eddie. Though he'd had dreams about him that had started like this.

Eddie's hips bucked as he groaned, his lips moving to Buck’s neck, teeth grazing the tender skin. Buck’s breath hitched in his throat as Eddie passed over a sensitive spot on the side of his neck, feeling Eddie’s lips against his skin smirking in response.

Buck moved experimentally, groaning at how good it felt.

“Keep going, please,” Eddie said, his voice a guttural whisper.

Buck did so, Eddie releasing a long, drawn-out groan in response.

“Yes, Buck, just like that,” Eddie said, each breath harder than the one before.

Buck could feel Eddie's cock rubbing against his, the friction between them almost electric. He wondered what it would be like to have Eddie inside him. Or to be inside Eddie for the first time. He groaned at the thought, the sound high in his throat as Eddie chose that exact moment to suck at the spot he had been teasing. The pressure on his threat with the friction between them was the perfect combination, and Buck felt a tightness in his stomach as he sped closer and closer to release.

With a final movement from Eddie, Buck felt the wave that had been building inside him crash down. His hips stuttered, and suddenly he was cumming, his hips stilling.

Eddie followed suit, biting down on Buck’s shoulder as he came. For a moment, all was still, the two of them breathing hard as they clung to each other. Then, as if every movement pained him, Buck rolled off of Eddie and landed on the bed beside him. What they had just done and the day's events had completely exhausted him.

Eddie chuckled at that and then started nudging Buck.

“Come on. We should go clean up.”

Buck groaned, and Eddie nudged him again.

“You know you’ll regret it in the morning if you don't.”

Buck sighed. He knew Eddie was right. If they didn't clean up, they'd both be regretting it in the morning.

Buck stretched and got off Eddie, padding to the bathroom.

He was stepping into the shower when Eddie joined him, and the two pressed against each other under the water’s spray.

Buck kissed Eddie, pulling him as close as possible as Eddie wound his hands into the other man's hair.

Eddie pulled away for a long moment, opening his eyes to look at Buck with water flecking his eyelashes.

“As fun as this is,” Eddie said as he kissed Buck on the nose once more, “We really should get cleaned up.”

Buck sighed but nodded in agreement, the two helping clean each other off. 

Before long, the two of them were in bed, and Buck smiled as he was curled up in Eddie’s arms.

“Thank you for being here tonight,” Eddie whispered before pressing a kiss to Buck’s cheek. “For not running away as soon as you saw how crazy my life was.”

Buck turned around to look at him. “I’m never going to run away. Ever.”

Eddie smiled at that as he gave Buck one last kiss, the two of them drifting off to sleep.

~~

Even though Buck had to rush to work the next day, he wouldn’t have traded that night for anything. Because being with Eddie made all the troubles in his life fade away. And he loved that.

Chapter 5:

Two weeks later, Buck was sitting with Abuela, Pepa, and Chris at Eddie’s graduation.

“I can’t believe he's finally done.” Chris grinned as they sat, waiting for the ceremony to begin. his parents hadn't come out for the ceremony, so it was just the three of them. Eddie had told Buck that he had invited them but that they hadn't even responded to the invitation. Buck comforted him as best he could, knowing how much it sucked to have your parents refuse to support you.

“I know!” Buck told him. “I remember my graduation day. Realizing that I was finally done with the academy was the best moment.”

“Did your parents come for the ceremony?” Chris asked. “Were they super proud of you?”

Buck felt his smile start to slip, but he rallied. “They weren't able to make it, but I know they would have loved to see it and are proud of me.”

Buck didn’t know that but he hoped it was true.

Chris seemed satisfied with that answer and turned to his Abuela.

Pepa, seated on Buck’s other side, tapped his shoulder to get his attention.

“It seems that you and our Eddito have more in common other than a desire to run into burning buildings.” She gave him an appraising look.

Buck couldn't argue with that. From what little he knew about Eddie's relationship with his parents, things certainly seemed strained there.

“I guess so.” Buck shrugged.

There was silence for a long moment, and then—”

“I think you two are good together.”

Buck gave her a surprised look. “You think so?”

“I do.” Pepa nodded before giving him a stern look. “But if you ever harm my Eddito, I WILL carve your heart out with Mama’s sharpest knife.”

“Understood,” Buck said, eyes wide as they both turned to the stage to watch the ceremony begin.

~~

“So, you seriously aren’t going to tell me?” Buck asked.

“Nope.”

“Not even a hint?”

“Not a one.”

“How about you just tell me what the first digit is?”

“How is that not a hint?”

“Please, just tell me!”

“Buck, I am not going to tell you what firehouse I ended up at.” Eddie rolled his eyes at buck. Chris was with  lsabel for the night, and they were having a movie night at Eddie’s place.

“But it’s killing me not to know.” Buck knew he was whining, but he almost didn't care. Eddie had graduated at the top of his class at the academy, and he was all set to start work this week. Except he still hadn't told Buck which firehouse he had ended up picking, and Buck was starting to die from not knowing. He just hoped that they'd be on the same shift. He’d miss Eddie far too much if he had to wait days to see him.

“I promise you will find out tomorrow, okay?” Eddie kissed the tip of Buck’s nose.

“Okay, fine.” Buck sighed. 

Eddie gave a pleased hum before settling in next to Buck, his hand carding through Buck’s curls. Buck couldn't help but lean into the touch like a cat. “So, did you make a decision about the LAFD calendar? I’m sure my niece will help you with your pictures.”

“Thanks, but I think I’m going to pass,” Buck told Eddie. 

“Really?” Eddie asked. “How come?”

Buck gave Eddie a small smile. “Because there's really only one person who I care about finding me hot, and that’s all I need.”

Eddie laughed, rolling his eyes. “And you call me corny.”

“You know you love it.” Buck took a deep breath before deciding just to take the plunge. “I know I love you.”

Eddie stilled next to Buck, shifting to look Buck in the eye.

“Did you just say–”

“I did.” Buck gave Eddie a hesitant smile. “I love you.”

 “I love you too.” Eddie grinned, pulling Buck into a kiss. “Can you stay over tonight?”

 Buck groaned. “I wish I could, but I have a doctor’s appointment in the morning that I have to wake up early for.”

“I’ll wake you up.” Eddie offered.

Buck gave him a look. “You mean you’ll keep me up.”

“Same difference.” Eddie grinned, pulling Buck into another kiss.

~~

Buck stopped dead in his tracks when he walked into the firehouse the next day. 

Eddie, his beautiful, wonderful boyfriend, was getting changed in their locker room. He was in the firehouse, getting ready for work.

Eddie was going to be working with him! This was the best day of Buck’s life.

“That is a beautiful man right there,” Chimney announced, smacking his gum as he stood beside Buck. 

“Where's the lie? And I like girls.” Hen said as she stopped next to them.

“I see you guys have seen the new recruit.” Bobby had an amused look on his face as he took in his team staring at the new arrival. “His name is Eddie Diaz. He's former Army, and was even awarded a Silver Star. I was stunned we could get him; I thought I'd have to steal him away from station 6.”

“How come you didn't?” Hen asked. “The captain over there practically lays claim to all former military.”

“Diaz actually asked to be assigned here,” Bobby told her. “I guess it's more convenient for him to be here location-wise.”

Buck was only half paying attention to the conversation happening around him. Eddie was joining the 118. He was going to get to work with him!

“Buck!” He jumped as someone called his name, looking up to see Bobby giving him an amused look. “Why don't you come over and introduce yourself?”

“Yeah, and hopefully you don’t scare him off.” Chimney mutters just loud enough for Buck to hear it. And by the look Eddie was giving Chimney, loud enough for him to hear it too.

Buck walked over to Eddie, not sure how to play this. Did Eddie want him to pretend like they had never met? He decided to play it safe by holding his hand for Eddie to shake, only for the other man to roll his eyes as he grabbed it. 

“I think we can do better than that, Buck.” Eddie grinned as he pulled Buck into a quick kiss. Buck couldn’t help but laugh at the look on Bobby’s and Hen’s faces.

“Anyone wants to tell me what’s going on here?” Bobby asked, confused.

Buck was about to answer when chimney started laughing. 

“I knew all that talk about being loyal to your relationship was bullshit,” he smirked. “How can you claim to be loyal when you’re making out with other guys at work? And here i thought you kept your manwhoring to one gender.”

Buck flushed a deep red as Chimney kept going. “I guess it’s just a matter of time before your girlfriend gets tired of your lies and flees the country like the last one.”

“Chimney.” Hen admonished him, but Buck waved her off. It was time to have this out once and for all.

“I don't have a girlfriend,” Buck said as Chimney started to crow.

“I knew you couldn’t keep a relationship for—"

“But I have had a boyfriend for the last three months.” Buck cut him off. “He’s right next to me.”

Eddie gave Chimney a little wave as the firehouse went silent. 

“I didn’t know you were–” Hen started to say. 

“I was going to tell you, but,” Buck sighed. “I didn't know how to bring it up, and at a certain point, it felt like too much time had gone by.”

Hen seemed to nod in understanding. “So, Eddie’s who you’ve been dating? The one you met online?”

“Yeah.” Eddie joined the conversation.  “But i believe you might know me as ‘someone trashy who’s going to lead you down the wrong road.’” Hen flushed as she heard her own words parroted back to her.

“You told him what we said?” Chim shook his head. “That’s not cool, Buck.”

“No, what wasn’t cool was all the care you gave me for trying to find someone.” Buck fired back. “It’s been months since I made all those dumb mistakes, but you still gave me as much crap as you did when I stole the engine. Even after months of being loyal to Abby and not messing around and being catfished, you still only see me as that screwup.”

“And I’m the one who asked him why he didn’t want me to meet his coworkers after that crap you said to me on the phone that day,” Eddie told Chimney. “Buck told me that they made some comments when he started online dating, so he wanted to hold off a bit before I met them.”

“How many comments are we talking about?” Bobby asked, looking between Buck and Chimney.

“I was only joking around.” Chimney rolled his eyes. “I thought Buck knew I wasn't serious about it.”

Buck was relieved to see that Bobby wasn’t buying that, and the captain answered his eyes at the chimney.

“Go to my office.”

“But Cap–”

“Now.”

Chimney grumbled as he walked off, andBobby turned back to Buck and Eddie,

“So, I take it this is why you were so interested in joining our station?” Bibby asked Eddie, a twinkle in his eye.

“Yes sir.” Eddie started to look nervous. “I was going to tell you, I just wanted it to be a surprise for Buck.

“Which it was,” Buck said. “I had no idea Eddie was coming here until I walked in  today.”

Bobby nodded, looking at the two of them. “Okay. We’re going to have to fill out some paperwork, and the brass will separate you two if your relationship gets in the way of the job, but if you’re fine with working together, then I have no problem with it.”

Buck reached for Eddie’s hand. “I am definitely fine with it.”

“As am I.” Eddie agreed.

“Okay.” Bobby nodded at them. “I’m going to go have a word with Chimney, but after that, we can fill out the paperwork after breakfast.

Buck grinned as Bobby walked away, knowing that it had gone better than he had ever imagined.

Hen walked up to them, an apologetic look on her face.

“I am so sorry.” She told them.

“Hen, it’s–”

“No, it's not okay.” Hen cut Buck off, “I know better than anyone how hard it can be to be an LGBT firefighter, and I’m sorry that you didn’t feel like you could come out to me.” she grimaced. “And I'm sorry that I didn’t stop him from saying all that crap. I thought he was just having some fun, but I see now that what he was doing was deeply harmful. I’m going to work on not letting that kind of teasing happen again. This firehouse used to be a horrible place to work, and I want to keep it from becoming that way ever again.” 

Buck smiled at her. “Thank you, Hen. That means a lot to me.”

“To both of us,” Eddie told her. 

Hen gave them each a small smile before walking off.

Buck sighed. “That went about as well as I figured.”

“You weren’t kidding about Chimney being an ass,” Eddie commented.

“He’s not that bad.” Buck defended Chimney before sighing. “He just gives me a hard time about dating. It gets a little annoying after a while.”

“You know who does that?” Eddie raised an eyebrow. “Assholes. Assholes do that.”

Buck sighed. “Yeah, you may have a point.”

Eddie pulled Buch into a hug. “I am glad I'm here, though.”

Yeah?”

“Yeah.” He smiled at Buck. “It’s nice knowing that I’ve got you to watch my back out there. Just like I’ll be watching yours.”

Buck grinned as he leaned closer to Eddie. “I think I like the sound of that.”