Buck looks at the screen. It's a simple honest message but it fills him with anxiety, but he needs to prove he can push through and show his sister he is capable of doing stuff by himself. So he starts to reply and can see in the corner of his eye that his sister is smiling.
'Hey, thank you for reaching out, I would like to team up but could we maybe just do co-op for now?'
A sigh escapes him as the message is sent. All the what-if thoughts pushed in his mind as it was already done. He leans back onto the sofa as he waits for the answer.
"I'm proud of you." His sister's voice makes him turn and smile at her.
Eddie looks at the screen as the message appears, he reads it then sits and thinks back to the message the other day. He was used to playing with a few friends online at once but he decides for the night he can do a simple co-op especially as the other person had asked for a co-op. But he knew playing and sending messages would be hard.
'Cool, I will send an invite, but can we do open mic? I mean if you're uncomfortable I can talk and you have your mic off, just makes it easier to explain where to go. You know?'
Eddie hits sends and loads up the main screen waiting to click on the invite button, he knew all too well what playing online can be like when you first start and it takes people taking their time and teaching you the ropes before you can even start to match some of the levels people play at.
Buck sits and stares at the message.
"At least he offered for him to just talk and you can listen, that's gotta be something right?" Maddie asks.
"It is, but I will feel guilty if I don't talk, will you stay close?" Buck asks, admittedly, he knew he sounded like such a wuss. That he couldn't even face talking to someone over the internet, but then he hadn't spoken to anyone recently.
'Such a wimp, we didn't raise you to be like this!'
Buck shakes the thoughts away as he looks at his sister.
"Hey, of course, I will sit with you, it's no problem." She says rubbing her hand on his arm.
With a smile, he sends a message back.
'Ok, invite me, I will try to talk but sorry in advance if I'm not responsive but I will listen, just hard at the moment :('
Buck knew how it sounded as he looked back at the message, but this person didn't know what he had been through recently so they can judge all they want.
"Do you think it's a man or woman or maybe a child?" Maddie quizzes.
"Erm, I'm not sure. The player tag doesn't give it away." Buck replies.
As the message pops up Eddie smiles at it. The fact they were willing to talk while listening to Eddie made him glad. Talking someone through the game is hard at best when using the console chat but it's even harder with no mic. Still, a part of him wanted to know what had happened to this person to put them off people so much. His mind drifts back to what his sister showed him about the firefighters being attacked and Eddie thinks if this person has been through something similar.
He clicks the invite button and waits for them to appear in the lobby. His mind drifted, wondering if it was a man or woman. Going by the player tag he was expecting a man, but in this day and age, he knows you never know who will appear.
Buck watches as the invite appears and his grip tightens on the controller, he could feel the grip of his sister on his arm, calming him as he clicks accept. Slowly he moved the headset over his ear and positioned the mic in front of his mouth. He wasn't too sure why he did that instinct as the screen changes and he can see he was in the lobby with the other player and the sound of rustling comes through the speaker.
"Hey!" The voice sounds through
"So it's him and American by the sounds of it." Maddie says and Buck glares at her, "What?"
"I can hear you ya know? Just because you don't have a headset doesn't mean I can't hear you. Guessing you have it set to play my mic through the speaker. How about this, if you click options you can change it to just a headset, or if you prefer to keep it like this I don't mind just maybe turn your volume down so there won't be much feedback." Eddie explains and chuckles to himself, he loved when non-gamers said something in concert, plus he learned they were American too which would help him when explaining things.
"Sorry!" Maddie whispers.
"Yeah sorry about her and hey." Buck says and he knows his sister is smiling at him for speaking.
"It's cool. I have sisters who don't understand the whole thing. And just because I have a headset on, does not mean it will magically pick only my voice up. It picks everything up." Eddie chuckles, he hopes joking might lighten the mood and break the ice.
"Oh don't worry, my sister's voice can be heard from a block away." Buck chuckles. It dawned on him that he didn't feel the tension in his chest. It was like the sound of this guy's voice had a calming effect and they had only exchanged a few words to each other. Maybe his sister's idea wasn't crazy after all.
Eddie sat there contemplating the man's voice. He could tell something was holding the guy back from saying more but he didn't want to push. To be honest? He didn't think he would get this rapport back.
"I'm thinking we do the first campaign and go from there? Let you experience the story and develop the controls ready for the next games." Eddie explains, knowing all too well how in Halo 2 controls changed and new functions came into play.
"Sounds good to me, but maybe on the easy setting till I'm used to it? It has been a while since I played FPS games. I mainly play driving games and that's on my phone." Buck explains.
'Well, this is not how I was expecting this to go after the sister told me he had a problem talking to people' Eddie thinks to himself.
"That's fine, I'm just going to grab a drink and snacks so I don't have to pause now and then and I suggest you do the same. Be back in say ten minutes?" Eddie suggested. He knew he needed this time so he could check on Chris and with his leg, he knew he couldn't just dart around quickly.
"Okay then, be back in ten." Buck calmly responds.
There's rustling coming from the other line and then the sound of movement away from the mic. Buck pulls his headset off and gently gets up heading towards the kitchen.
"So, was that all a front just to do a 'told you so'? That you can do this?" Maddie questions softly, her voice neither accusing nor condescending.
"No, well maybe? But I don't know, there's something about his voice that… I dunno I just felt at ease when he spoke with him. I don't get it." Buck says as he grabs a few beers out of the fridge and the bottle of white wine passing it to his sister.
"Maybe, it's because it's not someone you know. Or seen so they can't judge you and can only go off what you say." she says, grabbing the bottle off Buck and pouring it on a wine glass.
"True, but I won't say too much, you hear all kinds of stories…"
"No, get that thought out of your head right now Evan." She cuts off Buck, "Look the guy sounds nice enough I mean he's spending the night playing with you." After saying that Buck burst out laughing.
"Child! But glad to see you smile." she says swiping at Buck's arm, they head back over to the couch.
Eddie slowly moves away from Chris's room after checking on him. He makes it to the kitchen and gently massages his leg that started to ache while reaching for the fridge picking up a few bottles of beer, a bag of chips, before slowly makes his way back to the couch settling down so he was comfy and able to reach everything easily. Once he is done he places the headset on and picks his controller up.
"You ready? I hope you're a quick learner." Eddie states as he flicks through the mission selections.
"Well, it mostly depends on the teacher. I guess." Buck remarks back and looks at his sister and shrugs as he sees the confused look on her face. If he was being honest he was pretty sure he would have that face too. He just didn't get what was going on with him, he struggled to speak to anyone at work but slap in a stranger and he's like his old self.
"Ah, indeed. So shall I move the difficulty up?" Eddie jokes back.
"Sorry." Buck retreats into himself.
"I didn't mean it I was joking, sorry," Eddie mumbles out realizing that to him it was a joke but to the guy, it may have come across as harsh. He hears the rustle of the mic and it sounds like it's dropped.
"Evan." Maddie whispers.
"Should have known people would have a go at me." Buck sniffles.
"No, he didn't have a go. He was just joking, he even said he meant it as a joke. Look, how about we leave it now, you've proven your point."
'Just a wimp, a failure, and a wimp.'
Buck looked up, he clenched his hands tighter around the controller before picking the headset up. He was going to prove that he wasn't a wimp. Picking the headset up he slides it over his head and gets the mic in position.
"It's fine, sorry just had a moment. Let's play." Buck tries to come off cool but he knew that his voice was shaking a bit.
"If you are sure, right. Let's start then." Eddie says with a smile as he launches the mission.
Maddie POV
After an hour of sipping wine and watching Buck play Halo, she still didn't get what the story was about other than shooting aliens. She had seen something that she thought she wouldn't, or at least not for a long time. Buck was there, laughing and joking with a complete stranger. But she understood when Buck explained the guy's voice just seemed to give off an easing tone. She gently gets up expecting Buck to freeze and stop playing but doesn't and continues to play not even flinching.
She makes her way into the kitchen and starts to pour another wine, as she puts the bottle away she picks her phone up and starts texting Josh checking in how his evening is and then opening a message to Bobby and sharing a quick video clip saying to pass on her thanks and that the game was a great idea. There's an immediate response from Bobby explaining he's happy to see Buck smiling again and hopefully this is a turning point.
She continues to watch Buck from the kitchen, as she plays on her phone. She's hoping once he finishes he will realize she wasn't there the whole time and that this could be the breakthrough he needed, but also wished this guy he was playing with was on more as she knew Buck would easily fall back into being broody so easily.
Buck/Eddie POV
Eddie was flying through a level on a warthog, his companion on the back shooting, and it suddenly dawned on him they had been playing for nearly 2 hours not even knowing the guy's name. Neither has said nor asked, but the way they were talking and joking felt like he had known the guy for ages. As they walk up to the main entrance of the door Eddie decides to take this time.
"Hey, just curious what do I call you? I mean we've been playing for nearly 2 hours and I didn't catch your name, I'm Edd..." He cuts himself off, he didn't want to give his full name or the one he goes by just in any case, he had Chris to think about.
Buck froze for a second and had to think. He too hadn't realized so much time had passed, but it felt natural and that confused him profoundly. He was about to say his first name but decided against it. He heard too many times that there are stalkers so decided to use his nickname. Which sometimes he used at work, but even though his teammates still used his full surname or his given name stating and just nicknames are for people who aren't probies.
"I'm Buck, nice to meet you, Ed." Buck says with a chuckle at the fact it had taken so long to explain names.
"Well, how about we get to the end of the room and once we watch the cutscene we leave it for the night? I don't know about you but I'm beat from a long day." Eddie explains the twinge in his leg had been duly aching for the last thirty minutes.
"Umm yeah, can I say tonight has been… You know what? Thanks for a good night and all the pointers." Buck backs out, he wanted to thank Ed for the support and making talking feel easy again.
Eddie ponders at what Buck had wanted to say but didn't, he didn't want to push Buck. To be honest, he enjoyed the night of plain co-op gaming. He missed the pleasure of just enjoying the story especially when it's with someone who hasn't played that game before. He wanted to do it again, that's for sure. They move through the final corridor and he knew this is where the cutscene would start so once it had finished he took them to the lobby.
"Would you be up for another session tomorrow? I understand if you are busy." Eddie asks politely.
"Yeah sure, I'm free, same time?" Buck says then it dawns on him that if Ed games with Buck he would be keeping Ed away from his friends that would also want to play with him, "I mean I would also get it if you want to play multiplayer with your other frien…" Eddie cuts in.
"No problem, at the same time? I enjoyed tonight. It's nice to slow down and just relax and play a game without a consent bombardment of multiplayer as you know." Eddie chuckles.
"Yeah, it can be a lot to take in. Speak tomorrow then around nine-ish?" Buck asks.
"Ayt, speak tomorrow Buck." Eddie says.
"Night Ed." Buck replies back.
Eddie closes his Xbox down and places the controller and mic on the coffee table as he lays back on his couch.
Buck places the controller and mic on the side of the sofa and turns to talk to Maddie but to his shock, she isn't there as he looks around and catches her waving to him in the kitchen.
"When did you move?" He questions he hadn't noticed.
"A while back, you didn't notice me, and I didn't want to interrupt you as you were so happy. I haven't seen you smile like that in a while." She smiles while she starts making a hot drink.
"I know, I forgot what it's like to have someone that I can bounce off, I mean I have you but.."
"But it's not the same, I get it. I mean you didn't take Ed off the speaker so I could hear everything. He seems nice and the fact he had you laughing and joking makes him a good guy in my book." She explains pouring the hot water into two cups.
"It's got me excited, you know, to go back out there and live my life?" Buck states and he can see the look his sister gives him.
"Okay, but how about we do a therapy session and take it slow? I don't want you rushing too far ahead."
Admittedly, she was right. He should take it one step at a time, but the excitement inside him wanted to break free, his mind aching, itching to feel the same happiness he once felt. Before everything. He smiled at her as she handed him the drink.
"Well, I'll head to bed because it's late, and aren't you on the early shift?" Buck asks.
"That I am, but I will pester you till you show me confirmation of the appointment." She chuckles.
"Yes, mom." Buck says rolling his eyes, a smile creeping on his face.
They make their way to their own rooms and say their goodnights. Buck relaxes on his bed watching some American dad as he drinks his drink. He sometimes wished he could be like Roger and just dawn a new persona to live as. While watching the show, his mind goes back to the events earlier and how at ease Ed's voice made him feel. He couldn't place why it made him feel at ease it just did, but as the credits of the show roll in it snap him out his thoughts. He really needed to get to sleep and prepare for a big day ahead. Getting up, he places the cup on the side and gets himself ready for bed with a smile on his face.
Eddie wakes up on the sofa from another nightmare, this time replaying when he was in the army. His back had not thanked him for sleeping on the couch, another reminder that he was getting older. Slowly getting up he grabs his phone and trenches around the house towards the front door to make sure it's locked. Once the bolts were properly placed he walks towards the backdoor to which the bolt is placed and heads down the hall to his room, quickly checking on Chris. Satisfied that his son was still asleep, he drags his feet to his room where he collapses onto the bed and falls asleep.
Buck POV
The sound of the door closing wakes Buck in a panic until he remembers it would be his sister leaving for work. He decides he might as well get up and make a start on his day. He had made several promises and he wasn't going to let himself or his family down now. Heading down the stairs, he saw his cup sitting next to a note. Buck picks the note that Maddie had left him.
'I knew you would wake as I left, sorry! There is fresh coffee in the machine, remember to call the therapist. See you later, love Maddie'
Buck smiles as he places the note down and pours himself a cup. He was relieved his sister had come back into his life. Buck noticed something was going on but didn't want to pressure her into talking about it till she was ready. He thinks maybe he should suggest her to talk to someone too. Glancing at the clock it was way too early to ring the therapist to see when they had a slot free, so he heads to the garden and starts looking at what he could do for now.
After three hours of just moving random bits, but mainly sitting and drinking coffee, it was time to call in with the therapist. Picking up the phone he finds the number he had been sent by the department after the attack and before he could talk himself out of it he pressed call.
"HI, thank you for calling Dr. Copeland's Therapy center, my name is Donna. How can I help?" Donna's professional voice came through.
"Hi, ermm my name is Evan Buckley, the LAFD department passed me your number. I need to arrange a session with the therapist." Buck is unsure of what he meant to say.
He can hear the typing of the keyboard and clicks of a mouse.
"Ah, I see you. The department has you on the system already, it was just a case of waiting for when you were ready, would you like to book an appointment?"
"Yes please." Buck replies.
"Ok, her next slot is three days from now at 2 pm is that ok?"
"Errr yeah it will be, but... Is it possible I can do it over the phone or skype?"
"That can be arranged, the Dr. would prefer skype mainly so she can see you, but it's definitely something we can do if that would make you feel more comfortable?"
"Please." He mutters out.
"Ok, I have it all booked in, is this number the best to contact you on? And could I also get an email address?"
Buck replies with the email and says his goodbyes. He quickly messages Maddie explaining he booked in to which her response was lots of smiley emojis. He knew it would be hard especially if the doctor delves into his past but maybe. Just maybe. This was the time to address everything.
He spends the rest of the day attempting to cook a homemade vegan lasagne for him and Maddie. It looked ok but the proof would be later when he gave it to her. He then goes about his day cleaning and sorting out more of the house but his thoughts wandered to how would people at work see him after he returns and also who the new probie would be? Who would be his competition? Shaking the thoughts he carries on with his day waiting for Maddie to return home.
Eddie Pov earlier in the morning.
Eddie wakes to the sound of something falling in the kitchen, he gets up and rushes to the kitchen using his stick to keep him balanced. He's greeted by Chris holding a bottle of orange juice and a smashed glass scattered over the floor.
"Christopher, what are you doing?" Eddie asks while gently rushing forward to see if his son was injured.
"I'm sorry dad, I wanted to bring you some breakfast in bed, and I knocked the glass over by accident... I'm sorry." Chris explains his voice barely a whisper.
Eddie looks at the table where a tray with a bowl of cereal sat, he loves how his son was so thoughtful, he looks at Chris and smiles at him.
"It's fine mijo, just come here and let me clean up the glass ok?" Eddie says picking Chris up and moving him out the way.
He moves around cleaning up the glass and then wiping the juice off the floor. Once done he gives Chris a smile and points to sit as he grabs another bowl and two glasses, pouring juice in both and cereal and milk in the empty bowl.
"Let me help in the future, ok? You could have been seriously hurt." Eddie firmly explains gently pushing the now filled glass and bowl of cereals.
"Ok, dad." Chirs says sadly.
"Hey, don't be sad, okay? What you did was nice, but just… Be careful next time?" Eddie reassures Chris and he could see that he relaxed because of what his father said.
They sit in comfortable silence eating their breakfast until Eddie hears his phone ringing but decides to leave it. If it was important they could leave a message, he wanted to spend and enjoy the time with his son. This time was precious as today he was ringing around some schools to see if they could accommodate Chris and fingers crossed he hoped to find one. Once breakfast was sorted Eddie asked Chris to go get cleaned and he placed the dishes in the sink to be cleaned later on. Moving to the living room he picked up his controller and mic and moved it as he knew Chris would play otherwise, his thoughts drifted to Buck and how good he sounded especially compared to the start. He was happy that he was able to help and maybe it could be the start of a good friendship.
All done, he checks on Christopher who was dressed and playing with lego, so he carried on and entered his room, picked his phone up to see a missed call from the estate agent who had also left a voicemail. Dialing the voicemail he hears the agent explain everything they had already gone through and they were happy for him to take the keys and start decorating the place. Hanging up the phone he sits down.
He didn't expect it to be so quick! There was a lot to do and not a lot of time. He wanted to speak to Bobby to see if he had anyone who could be a chef at least then he could get people working on menus etc. He quickly showers and changes.
"Chris, get some shoes on and a jacket and a bag with some stuff were going out for a bit." Eddie shouts from his room.
"Where are we going?" Chris asks from his room.
"You'll see."
Eddie formalizes a plan in his head, go to the estate agent and gets the keys, takes Chris to see the place, and then surprises him with a visit to the fire station. What kid wouldn't love seeing a fire station?
Ten minutes later they're in the truck and on the way to the estate agent. A quick nip in, keys, and alarm code is given to Eddie as they make their way to the restaurant. He couldn't wait to see what Chris thought. His plan was good, he just needed to make sure he gets the plans and layout right as this would use the last of his money especially when he pays the rent. Which was fairly expensive enough...
"Where are we dad?" Chris questions as they pull up outside the building.
"This is the restaurant." Eddie says with a smile.
"You mean yours?" Chris questions eyeing the building with visible excitement.
"Yeah, want to have a look round? Just have to be careful because it needs to be cleaned."
"Do I? Yes please!" Chris smiles.
Eddie climbs out of the truck and walks to the back door and helps Chris out. They start to head towards the entrance when Chris points over the road.
"Dad, it's a fire truck! Aren't they so cool?" His son says beaming at the bright red truck.
"They are, but come on let me show you." Eddie says he saw how happy Chris was to see the truck he dreads of the excitement that will happen when they head over in a bit.
They walk around the building, Eddie knew it didn't look much but Chris was happy and even pointed out where a giant ball pit and arcade could go as all restaurants should have one so kids could play while they wait. Eddie laughs at that idea but files it away as a maybe. Eventually, the tour is done and they head out of the building and lock it up, Chris wanders to the truck waiting to get in but Eddie walks up and holds his free hand out, and signals towards the back of the fire station.
"Where are we going?" Chris questions as they move slowly along the car park.
"To this building over there, you will love what's inside." Eddie smiles as they walk around the front he hears the gasp from his son and loves the smile he was flashing.
"Dad, it's the fire truck! Can I get in?" Chris questions and maybe this wasn't a good idea but knew Chris would be disappointed if he couldn't.
"Erm, I duno Chris, they are very special machines, they don't let just anyone in them." Eddie tries to explain.
"Yeah, they only let specific people in. So what do you say we change that today? Fancy having a look?." A woman's voice rings from the side which startles both him and his child, but then recognition falls on Eddie as he smiles at her. He remembers her name is Hen but isn't sure. As the dark skinned lady looked on both of them through her round glasses, Eddie didn't feel judgement from them, other than genuine curiosity and generosity. Every black person he met was like that, despite their gruff appearances, all of them had soul, beautiful ones at that. It was such a shame that these people had to go through so much racism everyday of their lives until today. Eddie somehow wandered back to Buck last night. It seemed like he was an okay person but something was amiss. He might be overthinking things and stretching them far off but he couldn't help but feel like there was more to him, like this woman before them.
"Can I dad?" Chris questions and who was he to say no?
"Only if you are sure Hen?" Eddie asks, making sure he had her name right.
Hen raises one of her eyebrows and holds her chest, mocking a fainting gesture,"Good memory on you and yes, so what's your name, little man?" Hen questions Chris and Eddie watches the interaction taking note of Chim and Bobby walking over.
"Hey, I hope it's ok to bring him here. Still trying to sort schooling out and I just got the keys to the restaurant, and I wanted to show him around and talk to you Bobby." Eddie explains.
"Hey, it's fine. Why don't we go talk and Hen and Chim will look after your son?" Bobby explains and Eddie looks around. He wasn't sure about leaving Chris with people he didn't really know.
Bobby somehow picking up Eddie's hesitation quickly says, "Hey, they are two well trained paramedics. They will look after him plus Hen also has a son similar to Chris's age by the looks of it." Bobby says and it reassures Eddie.
"Thanks, just hard at the moment, especially with us being new in LA." Eddie explains trying not to sound harsh about him being untrusting to people who were nothing but nice to him since they met.
"I get it, here how about we sit on the bench by the lockers so you can still see them?" Bobby says and Eddie nods as they walk over. "Would you like a drink?"
"Yeah, coffee would be nice and juice for Chris, though I doubt he would drink it with the excitement from exploring the truck." Eddie chuckles.
"Hen will make sure he doesn't worry." Bobby says with a smile "Probie!" Bobby shouts.
Eddie laughs at the loud voice echoing through the building and then they see the probie running towards his captain.
"Yes Cap?" He states Eddie remembers meeting him but his name he didn't know until he saw the tag. 'James'.
"Can you get Eddie a coffee and his son a juice box please?" Bobby asks.
"Sure can cap, Strong black coffee isn't it?" James asks.
"Yeah, you remembered?." Eddie replies astonished..
"Got it from my mother's side, dad was a no show" He chuckles before wandering off.
"So, what can we do for you?" Bobby asks.
Eddie spends the next thirty minutes explaining what he could use for help and Bobby explains he still hasn't spoken to Evan about the vegan side but had some potential chefs who he could talk to and even offered his office to hold the interviews. Eddie thanked him as they went to leave Chris was getting tired and to be honest so was Eddie. As they left Hen mentioned she may know someone who could help with care and getting Chris into a school if Eddie wanted. Eddie pretty much bit her hand off at the opportunity and gave her his number to pass on. By the time they arrived home Chris was out cold, Eddie knew he shouldn't let Chris nap but he could also do with one, so he gently carried him in. His leg aching as he places Chris on the bed and tucks him. Eddie walks back and locks the truck and front door before nodding back to sleep on the couch.
Eddie wakes a few hours later to find Chris tucked under his arm and a blanket round them. He smiles down at his son before gently nudging him awake.
"Hey, did you put a blanket over us?" He asks.
"Yeah, it was getting cold and I didn't want you catching a cold." Chris says sleepy.
"Thanks buddy, well best get some food on its late nearly time for you to sleep." Eddie explained knowing Chris wouldn't want to as they had slept a fair bit.
"Again?" Chris groans and Eddie just laughs at him.
"Hey, the more sleep you have, the taller you'll become."
"Fine." Chris sighs then stirs beneath him, "Can we have pancakes?"
"Maybe, wait here as I get something sorted."
He walks into the kitchen taking note of the time and it was just after 5pm so plenty of time to cook and maybe watch a film before Chris goes to bed. He does settle on pancakes for tea, deciding that he will cook something proper tomorrow.
Once eaten they settle and watch a film to which Chris falls asleep before the end. Eddie places him in bed and settles in front of the TV. It's just past 8pm so decides to have a quick game with his mates before Buck appears hopefully.
Buck 7pm
It was just past seven in the evening and Buck was setting the table. He knew Maddie would be home as soon as she got off at six but was taking Josh home too. He had the food in the oven baking and everything was ready as she finally walked through the front door. She apologized for being slightly late but thanked him for cooking. They sat down and started eating, talking about their day, Maddie telling the stories of some of the calls and Buck explaining what he had done all day which was sorting out some of the empty rooms and some gardening.
As he watched Maddie do the dishes he started to potter around moving things. He saw it was getting close to nine and his nerves weren't helping him. He knew it was silly but still they were there, he felt a hand on his arm and looked at his sister.
"Go on, get ready I'll come sit next to you for a bit" She reasures him.
He nods and heads over grabbing his controller and mic and settling on the couch. After a few, gruelling minutes the game was loaded and Maddie sat next to him with a glass of wine and placed a bottle of beer in front of Buck. He logged in, clicked on friends and saw Ed's profile saying he was ingame on multiplayer, Buck felt let down but he couldn't expect Ed to be sitting there waiting for him. It was wishful thinking and stupid to think about it. Damn it. He was an adult already! He knows that not all the time people can make it to their appointments because they too have their own lives and a set of unexpected turn of events.
"Hey why the long face? Talk?" Maddie nudges Buck gently.
"Oh, it's nothing. Just me being silly." Buck mutters out, his mind already telling him off.
'Well, maybe he is busy playing with others… Why should I be affected? I can just wait… Can I?"
"What do you mean?" She questions.
"I kinda felt let down that he's online playing multiplayer but I know he's most likely been on for a while and I get that." Buck explains, he watches as his sister shakes her head.
Eddie notices Buck login and quickly finishes the game he's in, explaining to his friends he was going to co-op game with someone on story mode and he would be back online in a day or two as he had things to sort. He exits the lobby and opens a new one in story mode and invites Buck.
While waiting, Eddie is kind of astonished with himself. Why is it like this? That he was so eager to play with this random person he just met anonymously?
Buck is shocked at how quick the invite comes through. He thought it would be a while before Ed would invite him; but he quickly accepted it.
"Hey Buck!" Ed's soothing voice puts Buck at ease straight away.
"Hey Ed!" Buck replies containing his excitement.
"So am I on speaker with you and your sister or just you?" Eddie questions, he wasn't sure and he wanted to know if the guy trusted him enough just to be one on one.
"Just on the mic, but she's next to me." Buck says, glancing at Maddie.
"Cool, so carry on where we were yesterday?" Eddie asks.
"Sure." Buck responds.
They start from the last mission and soon fall into banter and jokes mixed in with little nuggets of information from their pasts. Buck feeding information from his travels and Eddie some of the things he saw in the army. As it approached midnight Buck noticed Maddie was waving to say good night and he waved to her as she disappeared. They continued to play till one in the morning.
"Right Buck, now we're half way through the whole arc of the second game. I think we need to call it a night. I didn't realise it was so late." Eddie's voice suddenly comes through. He didn't want to go but he knew he had a few big days trying to get things sorted. But he loved talking to Buck and the bits he was told made him more interested in getting to know Buck more especially after the brief explanation of Peru and a doctor helping him with social anxiety.
"Yeah, I didn't realise it was late also. I just got caught up in it all, my bad." Buck explains, he just wished he could do it longer because he really enjoyed talking to Ed.
"We did," Eddie chuckled. "So I won't be on for a while as I have a lot to sort out, hope that's ok?" Eddie states
"Oh..." Buck mumbles and then Eddie connects it.
The anxiety Buck mentioned has to do with talking to people and with what his sister said the first night he messaged made more sense now. Meaning him saying he wasn't going to be on could affect Buck's mental state.
He felt guilty but at the same time he couldn't keep staying up, but he really liked talking to him. So against his better judgement he made a decision.
"Don't sound down, I know it's been hard for you to talk to others and I'm glad these past two nights we've spoken and you've opened up some. But I have a lot on my plate so can't play for the following days to come. But I enjoy talking with you and it's totally random and I know it could be weird but would you like to get my number?" Eddie says and once the words leave his lips he sort of regrets it.
He doesn't really know this guy. Dios, for all he knows he could be a axe murder or a family of canibals. But it felt right to offer.
Buck is in stunned silence. He wasn't expecting Ed to offer his number to him! Part of Buck wanted not to, but the other part was screaming Y E S! He knew he could relax and talk to him and not worry but was it the right thing to do?.
"That would be great." Buck finds himself saying before thinking.
"Cool." Eddie says and states his number over the mic and Buck types it into his phone.
"Saved, well I will let you go now then. Night Ed." Buck says.
"Night Buck, text me whenever. I will try to reply quickly." Eddie responds.
"Ok, bye" Buck says and turns off the Xbox.
He packs it up and slowly heads up turning the lights off. While in bed he looks at his phone, the contact labeled "Ed" on his screen. He taps on to send a message.
'Hey it's Buck, thanks for gaming with me these last two days. It's been great, here's my number too, speak soon.'
He lays down and starts to settle.
Eddie was walking to his room after making sure everything was locked and put away as his phone went off. He sees the message off Buck and smiles, placing the phone down he gets ready for bed and climbs in, picking his phone up and taps to respond.
'Same here man and saved your number, I feel this could be a great friendship :)'
Before placing his phone down and heading to sleep.