I first heard Love Someone by Lukas Graham on this show, and now it regularly inspires stories like these. This is another Buddie fic, and just one way I imagine how they would be found out if they ever become romantically involved. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Not mine.
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Maddie somehow doubted she would ever get used to seeing her baby brother lying in a hospital bed.
Barely an hour ago, she had gotten the call from Bobby. They had been putting out a fire and the floor, already weakened considerably by the heat, gave way beneath her brother's very feet. The fear and concern in Bobby's voice was all too painful as he recounted the events to her, scorching a perfect picture in her mind's eye.
Now she was sitting by Buck's bed, holding his hand and studying his sleeping face. The fall had caused quite a bit of damage, including a badly sprained ankle, two broken ribs, and a grade three concussion. Her fingers curled tightly around his. Chimney would have been with her, but their daughter had been teething and he reluctantly stayed home so Maddie could be at her brother's side.
Bobby and Hen were in the room with her, despite the ICU's two visitor limit. She strongly suspected Athena had something to do with that; the sergeant could be very persuasive when she needed to be.
The only person missing was…
Her thoughts were interrupted at the sound of footfall rushing down the hallway. She could hear Eddie Diaz speaking frantically with someone, likely a nurse, and Hen got to her feet.
"I'll get him." She stepped past the curtain, and moments later she returned with a near ghost white Eddie in tow. "He's going to be fine, Eddie. He's-"
Eddie stepped around her, rushing to the bed. Maddie watched from the opposite side, her hand still in Buck's. According to Bobby, Eddie had the day off and had taken Christopher on a day trip with one of his aunts. Bobby had called Eddie after calling Maddie, which she hadn't given a second thought to.
Then Eddie leaned down and brushed his lips softly against Buck's temple, and a new understanding washed over her.
"I can't leave you alone for five minutes, can I, mi amado?" he rumbled before whispering something indiscernible into Buck's ear. When he pulled back, he seemed to realize he wasn't alone with Buck. He met Maddie's stunned gaze and swallowed hard, taking a moment to glance at his stunned friends.
Hen was the first one to break the silence with a heavy sigh. "I owe Chimney five bucks."
Eddie shifted uncomfortably, not quite sure who to address first. It was obvious to Maddie that he had no idea what to do. If she was honest, neither did she. Buck had mentioned he was seeing someone, but he didn't give any details. In the past, that usually meant he really cared about the person.
Bobby crossed the floor and patted Eddie's back reassuringly. "You can't let it affect work," was all he said, and Maddie swore she saw relief fill Eddie's eyes. The older man glanced at Hen. "Let's go get something to eat, Hen."
"Sounds good, Cap." Hen offered both Eddie and Maddie a reassuring nod before she trailed out behind Bobby.
Now alone with the man between them, Eddie and Maddie shared an uncertain look. Eddie finally grabbed a chair and pulled it up to the bed, resting his hand gently on Buck's arm.
"We...we haven't told anyone," he finally murmured, his thumb gently stroking Buck's arm. "Not even Christopher… I mean, Chris knows Buck's around more, but any time Buck visits is a plus in his book."
"Eddie…"
"Please, Maddie. He's been nearly sick with worry about how to tell you-"
"Eddie." She reached over Buck, grabbing Eddie's hand. "All I care about is my brother's happiness. You make him happy. Anyone can see that." She squeezed his hand reassuringly and smiled when his shoulders slumped in relief. "I'm not going to lie; I wish he had come to me sooner. But I'm happy for you both." How could she not be?
Eddie let out a small laugh and wiped at his eyes with his free hand. "Thank you, Maddie. Really." His fingers gently squeezed hers and they shared a smile.
Maddie noticed Buck's eyelids start to flicker and she let go of Eddie's hand. "Eddie, look…"
Sighing in relief, Eddie cradled Buck's face in his hand, his thumb stroking Buck's cheek reassuringly. Buck's eyelashes fluttered again and Maddie didn't miss the soft inhale from Eddie when her brother opened his eyes and smiled tiredly at Eddie.
Oh yes, this man was good for her little brother. And Buck only deserved the best things in life.
When you love someone
You open up your heart
When you love someone
You make room
The End
