It was a dull dark Friday 22nd November, people dressed in black had taken shelter in the firehouse as they watched the long black cars pull up following the hearse, The rain was pouring down and the people inside had tears the same, they watched as the coffin was carried from the firehouse to the hearse, once placed inside, people started making their way to the cars, filling them up ready to follow the hearse to its next destination, everyone watched the world pass by as the cars drove, a flash of lighting and a clap of thunder and the memory of that fateful day reappears.
Its six am and the alarm clock goes off blasting music to make the once sleeping Buck roll over and moan as he hits the alarm to shut it up, he rubs his eyes removing the sleep from them and slowly sits up looking at the outside it's a lovely sunny day, he looks at his phone and a reminder appears:
'Monday 11th November – meet Eddie at his place at 7:30am'
He smiles as he remembers that he needs to meet Eddie, today the whole team had the same day off as the firehouse was been fumigated so the station was closed and the neighbouring firehouse was picking up the slack but they were all on call just incase of a big emergency.
Eddie had spoken to Buck the previous day about wanting spend the day together as he had something he needed to talk to Buck about, so they both agreed to start early just in case something did happen and stop them talking. As he sat there wishing he could go back sleep his phone starts ringing.
"Hey." Buck says with a sleepy tone.
"Have you just got up?" Eddies voice appeared down the phone.
"Yeah, I don't have to be at yours for over an hour so plenty of time." Buck replied.
"True, I'm just calling makes sure your still okay for today?" Eddie asks.
"Of course, what else would I have planned for this unplanned day off?" Buck chuckles.
"Well with you, I never know. You do like to do the most random things don't you?" Eddie starts laughing.
"Oi! I do not, I just like to add spice to my day." Buck stats mock annoyed, but ends with a laugh.
"That you do, that you do. Right, I'll see you in a bit then, see ya." Eddie says.
Before Buck can even say goodbye, Eddie had hung up. He quickly sent him a text saying how rude he was hanging up before he could say goodbye and decided to get ready for the day, he had no idea where they were going or what Eddie wanted talk about. Buck had hoped Eddie was going to declare his undying love for Buck and ask him out, but he knew this wasn't going to happen as Eddie had been seeing Chris teacher for the last few months, so maybe he wants ask Buck what to do on the next steps of the relationship, Buck was scared at this for two reasons: he didn't want Eddie be with anyone else, and two: he wasn't the best person when it came to relationship advice.
He spent the next half hour getting ready and picking out several outfits. He finally decided on boots, pair of blue jeans and a white shirt, to which he had a jacket as well that way he could take it off if it was to warm or keep it if it was cold where ever they were going.
He gathered his wallet and keys, a battery pack and charging cable and just incase, he picked up his phone it was now 6:45am plenty of time grab a coffee and breakfast for him and the Diaz boys, he knew Eddie would moan that he brought Chris an expensive breakfast but he didn't care he loved Chris so any chance to spoil him he would take it.
Its five am and Eddie is up he hasn't really slept at all, he's trying keep himself busy doing push up and whatever else takes his mind off what will happen today, he tries be quiet so that he doesn't wake up Chris as he watches the clock in his room finally hit six am he gets up and heads in to the kitchen and starts making a coffee. After a few minutes, he calls Buck and afterwards he hangs up and gets a text saying how rude he is, he just looks at it and smiles he knew he was making the right choice especially after everything that had happened these last few weeks.
As it got to six-thirty, he heard noises coming from Chris's room so he opened the door and Chris was sat there pulling his socks on, he had got himself ready for school.
"Good morning Christopher. Carla isn't coming for a while yet so you could have stayed in bed and got some more sleep." Eddie says
"It's okay daddy, I wanted make sure I get spend loads of time with Buck and don't have to worry about getting ready, it's a big day today isn't it?" Chris finishes with a smile.
"What are you on about buddy?" Eddie asks, he knew the answer, but he wanted to see what Chris knew.
"I heard you and Carla speaking last night, you're going tell Buck you love him and want him be your boyfriend." Chris says with a big grin
"What have I told you about listening in to grown up conversations eh? But considering you now know about it, how do you feel about it?" Eddie asks
"I'm fine with it, I love Buck and it means he will be here more so we can have more sweets and ice cream when you're at work." Chris smiles.
"Well, if he says yes that be a conversation, but don't be sad if he says no, Buck may not feel like that way for me so don't be sad ok? He will always be here for you." Eddie says picking Chris up.
"I know Dad, but I know he does." Chris says, still smiling.
Eddie takes Chris in to the kitchen and places him down and places a bowl and the cereal box and milk down while Chris makes his own breakfast, as he watches him eat, his thoughts go to later and how it all could go, the fact Buck has no idea and he thinks he's going ask him for relationship advice made him smile. His thoughts are broken when his phone rings its seven-fifteenam and he sees Buck face appear on the screen.
Buck got in his jeep and pulled off as he left the car park his phone starts to ring and Maddie's name appears on the dash
"Do you have any idea what time it is?" Buck jokes
"Yes, and do you think I would call unless it was important?" Maddie says sounding annoyed
"Whoa! Who's rattled your cage?" Buck asks
"No one, I have a flat and need you come help me sort it please." She says
"I'm on my way meet Eddie, he got something he needs talk to me about think it's the teacher he likes" Buck says
"Well I'm sure he can wait an extra few minutes and plus your helping me, not like you're going off to meet for a quickie." She laughs
"First ugh, those words out your mouth is a no-no, okay, where are you?" He asks.
"Just off the slip road to town by the donut shop we go to." she says
"Ok I'm on my way, I should be there by seven-fifteen, and I'll see you there." He says
"Thanks Buck, you're a lifesaver." She says as she hangs up.
He switches direction and starts on his way to her and finds Eddies details and calls him.
"Don't tell me, you're going be late." Eddie chuckles down the phone.
"I have a valid reason though, Maddie has a flat and she needs me come sort it so I'll be a little late." Buck explains.
"Okay, that is a valid point I'll let you off, just let me know when you're on the way." Eddie says as he hangs up.
Buck drives along, he has his music playing and as he's singing along. When he sees the donut shop so he starts looking for Maddie, sure enough there she stood waving at him like a mad woman, he pulls up behind her and can see the flat tyre on the side where the traffic was zooming pass.
"So where's your spare?" Buck asks looking at his sister.
"In the boot, with the tools." She says.
They both walk round and Maddie opens the boot and Buck rummages round and lifts the boot liner to find the tyre and tools, he looks down and he knows if he gets dirty he's going have get changed which will annoy Eddie as he will be even later.
"Do you have anything I can put over myself so I don't get dirty?" He asks
"No, sorry I'm sure Eddie won't mind if you're a bit filthy, or you trying to impress." Maddie chuckles
"No, I just don't know where we are going, so I decided to put this on and don't really want be any later than I need, you know how Eddie has a schedule for everything in the day." Buck says lifting the spare out taking extra caution not to mess his shirt up.
"Well I hope he has planned for the storm that's heading our way" Maddie says pointing to the dark clouds forming in the distance.
"Oh yeah I can see that. Hopefully it's indoors but we don't have Chris with us, so it can be practically anything, but I don't fancy been out in it when it hits." Buck replies.
As he lays the tools on the floor and pulls off the flat and rolls it to the side before he picks up the spare and pushes it on, but as it does the tyre flops forward and hits him the chest leaving a great black mark on his shirt.
"Don't even laugh, or I will just leave you here." Buck says glaring at his sister
"Would I, so just you and Eddie then?; You finally going declare that undying love you have for him?" Maddie asks.
"I told you before how I feel and that I won't risk anything, he has a thing going on with Ana and I don't want ruin our friendship and lose any chance at seeing Chris." Buck replies in a tight tone as he tightens the bolts on the spare.
"I know, but you deserve be happy. I mean after everything you have gone through and especially that reaction when Eddie was trapped. I think people would have noticed by now, why not take the chance and try be happy and before its too late." Maddie says encouragedly.
"That was weeks ago, Maddie and no one said anything they understood because it was we have such a close bond and nothing more. Unless you have told anything different to Chim? But it wouldn't be awkward at all, he's telling me about Ana and him and how their relationship is, asking me for advice on how make it work and my answer is I tell him I'm madly in love with him and he should be with me and no one else, I'm sure that would work out great wouldn't it?" Buck says sarcastically.
Maddie doesn't say anything she just rolls her eyes as she picks up the tools as Buck picks up the spare not caring now he's already a mess, and chucks the spare in the boot and Maddie places the tools on top.
"Look Evan, I didn't say anything to Chim he mentioned to me it was weird the way you reacted, I replied by saying that you would have been the same if it was anyone on the 118 you're his family and he didn't say anything after that, I just worry about you I want see you happy." She says
They chat for another 5 minutes and do a air hug so Maddie doesn't get dirty, Buck gets in his car looks down and sees how dirty his shirt is but thinks sod it lets just go, he looks at the clock its now 8:15 Eddie is sure to be pacing round the house.
Eddie places the phone down its 7:20am, he starts looking worried and he knows Chris is looking so paints a smile on his face.
"What's up Dad you look sad" Chris asks
"It's okay. Buck is going be late, he might miss you." Eddie explains
"Why is he late?" Chris asks
"He's got help his sister with her car so he got to go there, he will see you later he will be picking you up from school I promise. Finish eating because Carla will be here soon." Eddie says
Chris nods and starts finishing up, as he finishes up there's a knock at the door Eddie walk over and opens it and there stands Carla with a big grin on her face.
"Well, I thought you would have at least made a bit of effort considering what may happen later." She jokes as she walks in.
"Going to get ready in a minute" Eddie replies.
"He's due any second if I remember." She says
"He going be late he's helping Maddie, she got a flat on her way work so he's going be late." Eddie says looking sad.
"That boy is always helping others, don't worry it will be okay, I'll head over and make sure the place is still okay, if anyone is around ill chase them off. I'll go as soon as I drop this one off at his morning book club." She says
"Thank you, I'll call you when we leave, I'm hoping he isn't too long." He says to Carla.
"Have a good day at school and I'll see you later." He says to Chris
"Okay good luck, and wear the red jumper its Buck's favourite on you." Chris says.
"And how would you know that?" Eddie asks, taken aback.
"I've seen him wear it when you're at work and he's looking after me and he thinks I'm asleep." Chris says with a grin.
"Thanks for the heads up now off you go." Eddie says and gives him a hug and watches as Chris and Carla leave.
He heads to his room and starts getting ready and puts the red jumper on he then notices the basket and blanket which should be in the truck and heads to his truck to put it in the boot as he gets there his phone ring its 8:15 and its Buck so he answers it.
Buck digs his phone out puts it on charge and dials Eddie as he drives pass Maddie and waves
"Are you on your way?" Eddie asks
"Hi, to you too But yes I'm on my way, sorry about it all." Buck says
"Can't help siblings in need, plus if you didn't help your life wouldn't be worth living she would punish you." Eddie says laughing
"That's very true, I won't be long should get to yours for eight-forty-five, I'm just annoyed I would have missed Chris." Buck says sounding a bit sad,
"Yeah, he wasn't impressed you weren't here see him off, you just have make it up to him after school." Eddie says
"Oh, so I'm on pick up duty then, since when and where will you be?" Buck questions
"Well I may have other things to do." Eddie chuckles.
"Guessing this is what you wanted speak to me about?" Buck quizzes.
"Yes, it does. Just hurry up." Eddie says.
"Ok see you soon" Buck says
He hangs up the phone and concentrates on driving noticing the storm clouds moving over he really hopes he's not out in it, but also he looks a mess after helping Maddie, as he gets closer to Eddies he quickly pulls in to the coffee shop drive through and gets him and Eddie coffee and breakfast in the hope it will ease the anger of making Eddies plans run late that they can skip eating at his.
Buck pulls up his jeep outside and sees Eddie closing his tailgate on his pickup's rear, he waves to Eddie and climbs out, and as he turns to Eddie he is met with laughter.
"Buck, what have you done you're a mess." Eddie laughs
"Sorry it's from the tyre, and didn't have time to change, plus it would have helped if I knew where we were going you know" Buck says as he takes the coffee out and holding it out to him.
"Well, it's a good thing I have a change of clothes for you, then isn't it?" Eddie says as he takes his coffee from him.
"You have some of my clothes here? I thought I took them all back the other week." Buck says confusedly.
"Well you missed the ones that were already in the wash, lucky really as it will sort out the mess." Eddie says as they walk in.
As they walk in, Buck can see he not long missed Chris as the empty bowl of cereal was on the table and the television still on, he must have been running late again, as Buck follows Eddie to the guest room he watches as Eddie as he rummages in the drawer and pulls out a blue shirt and passes it to Buck and leaves the room, Buck places his coffee down and takes off his dirty shirt and replaces it with the new one, it smells like Eddie he takes in the smell and enjoys the moment.
"All done, I can put the shirt in to wash while we are out" Eddie says on the other side of the door.
"Yeah." Buck says as he's broken out the trance.
He picks up the shirt and his coffee as he opens the door there stands Eddie them smouldering hot eyes just staring at Buck and stood in the red jumper Buck loves to wear as it reminds him of Eddie, Buck feels a tug on his hand he looks down and sees Eddie taking the shirt off him.
"In your own world today aren't you? Well I hope you're more with it later when I need speak to you." Eddie says as he walks off towards the kitchen
"What is it you need speak about? I told you earlier I'm useless at relationships so just do the opposite of me and you will be fine, but you and Ana are well suited." Buck says finding the last bit hard to swallow
"It can wait until later we need get going someone made us run late, and you know I hate things running late." Eddie chuckles pointing towards the door
They both leave and Eddie closes the door behind them and opens the door to his pickup Buck gets in the passenger side and sees a blindfold and looks at it.
"Errr what's this?" He says picking it up and waving it and looking at Eddie.
Before Eddie has a chance to say something back Buck is already starting.
"OH MY GOD, please don't tell me you and Ana are in to that kinda stuff and you didn't do it in the car and clean it up. Eddie, I am not getting in if it's dirty." Buck says trying not laugh.
"What are you on about that is for you so you can't see where we are going so put it on, I really worry sometimes where your mind goes." Eddie says laughing.
"Ohhhh." Buck says realising what it really meant rather than his dirty-minded suggestion.
Buck gets in the car and Eddie stays outside and closes the doors as he watches Buck tie the blindfold on, he then hears Eddie close the driver's side and can hear him talking but can't see he tries to listen but can't make much out.
"We… … …. … so is it ready….. Cool…..see you later…."
The next thing Bucks knows he hears the door open and Eddie get in, the car is started and they start driving Buck sits there wondering where they are going, he tries figure out if he has forgotten anything but can't think.
"So, is all this cloak and dagger - is it really necessary?" Buck asks as he pulls at the blindfold,
"Oi, keep it on." Eddie says as he grabs Bucks hand off the blindfold and puts it on Bucks lap.
Buck just keeps quiet enjoying the feeling of Eddie, his thoughts broken when his phone goes off
"Don't answer it, you're busy now." Eddie says
"It could be important" Buck says as he takes his phone out and answers it, he knows where to swipe
"Hello" He says waiting for an answer so he knows who it is
"Hey Buckaroo, I know your mad busy but I need your help, and I know your with Eddie, I need someone to come move a cabinet, the deliverymen just planted it my front door and it's in the way." Athena says.
"Erm one second Athena." Buck says.
"Athena needs our help. Can we go help and I promise keep the blindfold on." Buck says smiling at Eddie.
"Ughh, Fine." Eddie says rolling his eyes.
"It's okay, Athena we're on our way see you soon." Buck says
"Okay, and tell t Eddie that I heard that ughh sound. I'll slap him silly when I see him." She says as she hangs up
"Well you're in the bad books with Athena." Buck says.
"Why?" Eddie asks.
"She heard you make the 'ughh' sound, so now she going slap you silly." Buck chuckled.
Eddie didn't answer, Buck guessed he was just focusing on his driving, he could feel the car turn round he knew it would be annoying Eddie as he had plans and now they're getting messed up again, after 10 minutes Buck got fed up of the silence so yanks his blindfold down
"Eddie don't shout were on the way to Athena's, I needed look you in the eyes have I annoyed you with saying yes to going Athena's, and don't lie." He asks noticing Eddie didn't look his normal self
"No, well yes, it's just a lot to do and don't have much time as we go to get Chris when he finishes." He replies
"Hey we will talk, if not before definitely after we get Chris." Buck responds.
"It needs be done before, let's just sort out Athena and go." Eddie says focusing on driving as they get closer to Athena's.
They pull up and see the cabinet Athena was talking about sitting there. They hop out and say their greetings and without any ado, picked it up and carried it in and Athena pointed to where they are to place it, they then gently put it down.
"Thank you boys, do you fancy a coffee?" She asks.
"No thank you, we have things to do." Buck says with a smile
"Okay then." Athena says and gives Buck a hug and looks at Eddie.
"Don't worry there's plenty of time to tell him," She whispers in Eddie's ear as he hugs her, he smiles at her and they leave.
They leave the Grant-Nash house and climb back in to the truck. But Eddie doesn't notice hes droped a red box on he floor as they drive off
"Do you think anything else is going stop us today?" Buck jokes
"Well hopefully not, as long as you don't volunteer us for something else." Eddie smiles and points to the blindfold.
"Really? is there any point?" Buck says pulling his face.
"Yes, now put it on or I'll tell Chris you didn't wear it" Eddie chuckles.
"That's low, Diaz" Buck shook his head but puts the blindfold back on.
There was a silence that filled the vehicle and neither looked like they were going break it, Buck sat there in his blindfold and Eddie kept looking over laughing to himself at the sight of Buck all blindfolded up.
It's getting close to ten-am and Eddie starts looking at the sky its getting darker, he knows his plans are pretty much messed up now and then he turns and looks at Buck and smiles he's completely unaware what's going on.
"Can we pull over I need to pee." Buck abruptly says.
"Can you not hold it?" Eddie asks
"No, don't know how much longer we going be in the car do I? I can always pee where im sitting." He says turning to Eddie and sticking his tongue out.
"Don't you even think about it, give me a minute I'll find a service station, not going look dodgy at all you getting out blindfolded." Eddie says
"Well you wanted me wear it" Buck responds
Eddie shakes his head, he sees a service station coming up so pulls in, as they pull in he pulls down Bucks blindfold, Buck acts like a vampire seeing the light and Eddie laughs as he watches Buck head in to the toilet, Eddie takes the time to call Carla who he forgot call when he was at Athena's.
"Hey Carla" Eddie says
"So where are you two, the weather are has turned here you may need cancel its starting to drizzle here." She says
"Thought so, sorry we had to help Athena out and now were at a service station as he needed the toilet, pack it up and I'll see you later." He says downhearted
"But I thought you wanted to do it today." She says
"I'm still going to head there just not to get out, and I'll just tell him in the truck at least we will have the view." He says
"Ok, let me know if you run late and I'll pick Chris up" She says.
"Will do, best go he's on his way back see ya." He says and quickly hangs up
As Buck walks towards the truck he stops and puts his hand up and points towards the station shop and starts heading in, Eddie jumps out the truck locks it and goes chasing after Buck who is walking through the door as he does he doesn't realise Buck has seen him and has his arm out holding the door open and he walks face first in to Bucks elbow.
"What you go do that for?" Buck says grabbing his elbow in pain.
"Why did you stop?" Eddie says holding his face, also in pain.
"I was doing the nice thing and holding the door open, I don't know why you followed me in I was only grab some snacks considering you haven't supplied some." Buck says walking in
"Well I don't want you figuring out where we are going" Eddie says following Buck
They walk round the shop Buck picking up a bag of chips and some chocolates and Eddie picked up a bottle of water, as they went to pay they saw the weather change and the torrential downpour started.
"You sure you want go where ever were going I mean that's bad." Buck says, waving his hand at the weather.
"We will be okay." Eddie promises, rubbing his eye.
"Let me look at that." Buck says.
He takes hold of Eddie's hand and moves it and sees Eddie has a red mark over his eye.
"Can you see through it?"Buck asks concernedly.
"It's blurry, but I'll be fine." Eddie replies rubbing his eye again.
"Oh hell no, I'm not risking our health, if you crash because you couldn't see especially when its like that out there." Buck explains pointing to outside
"You did it on purpose, but your right." Eddie pulls his face knowing Buck is right.
"Whoa did you hear that, he admitted I was right." Buck laughs looking at the clerk who was ringing through there items who just gave a bored nod.
Once they paid for the items, they ran to the truck trying not to get wet they failed as Eddie dropped the keys on the ground. Finally when they got in they sat there laughing at the whole thing.
"So, where we heading?" Buck asks looking at Eddie who's dripping wet and looking so sexy. Buck tries not to stare too much.
"I'll pop the address in the navigating system and you can follow it. Just be careful." Eddie says as he enters the address in the sat nav.
As Buck starts the engine. Eddie reaches over brushing Bucks hand as he knocks off the parking lock, Eddie turns his head trying hide his redding cheeks, Buck also turns his head pretending to look in he side mirrors but to hide his redding cheeks.
"Please drive carefully, it's a new truck remember?" Eddie says chuckling.
"Yes Dad" Buck says sarcastically, rolling his eyes
The sat nav breaks the talking by stating they will arrive at the destination at 12:05pm
"So, another hour and half then stuck in the truck with you not telling me anything" Buck says as they pull back on the freeway,
"Well I'm sorry, we should have been there sooner but you know delays." Eddie says and trying not to sound to annoyed.
Buck doesn't answer he just drives, he can tell Eddie is annoyed and couldn't blame him the day was ruined and he still didn't know what he wanted talk about after twenty minutes Buck decides to break the silence
"So Eddie, considering the day is literally a wash out why not you tell me what you wanted talk about." Buck asks
"Everything is ruined I had the whole day planned, people knew how important today was and they still messed it up." Eddie started but Buck butts in.
"What are you on about? We can't help if people need help, Eddie its part of our job to help." Buck says confused.
"Just one day is all I asked for, and like normal it gets messed up. Why do you have to be so nice?" Eddie says as he punches the dash of the car.
"What the hell Eddie, why you do that for there was no need," Buck shouts in reaction.
"Yes, there was I wanted the day be perfect and like a normal day, it goes wrong." Eddie snaps back.
"Just spit it out Eddie." Buck says patiently.
"It doesn't matter you ruined it." Eddie spits out.
"What have I done, I thought you wanted help on your relationship." Buck says confused.
"Yes, but with you, you idiot. I had it all planned, I was going say I want be with you" Eddie says.
"What are you saying Eddie?" Buck says taking his eye off the road for a second to double check what he just heard.
"Buck, watch out!" Eddie shouts
Buck swerves away from the cars that's crashed in front, the pickup hits the side of the freeway and goes through the barrier, rolling down the hill and off the edge of the hill top, the car hits the lake underneath the hill with a thud and starts to sink with both Eddie and Buck cold as the car sinks to the dark bottom and rests at the lake bed.
The sky above flickers with a flash of lighting and a roar of thunder.