Buck wakes up on boxing day the next morning refreshed. Everything felt right, the pain of the last few months was now slowly fading and he could look onwards without worries. He knew the trial would be soon and that Chase was due to go to his plea hearing in the next few days but, Athena had explained to Buck that he didn't have to attend because they had the evidence they needed and his video statement would be shown. Still, Buck sat up and looked around everything he had thought he couldn't have plus, he has the one thing he wanted the most. The one asleep down the hall in his bed, probably still sleeping.
Buck knew he had a date waiting with Eddie, but Eddie had made it clear he would wait till Buck was ready. Buck also did not want to rush anything, he was enjoying everything as it was, but with new year's so close Buck thought back to the other gift he promised himself he would surprise Eddie with but now he was unsure. He got his phone out and sent a quick text.
Buck: 'Hey sis, I need talk are you free? I know its boxing day and you might have plans so it can wait if you do.'
Buck placed the phone down and got up. He grabbed a change of clothes from the draws and had another look at the room. He still couldn't believe Eddie had done this for him, he took his key and as he left the room he locked it then went for a shower. As he showered he felt the stress flow away along with the water rinsing him down. Once he was clean, dried, and changed - he headed back to his room. He normally would panic out of fear but he knew it was locked and no one could get in. Another thing he had to thank Eddie for, the room itself would have been fine, but Eddie had gone out the way to put a lock on so he knew he would be safe and it made Buck smile at how thoughtful Eddie was. He unlocked the door walked in, placed his dirty clothes down grabbed his phone, and left locking the door and heading to the kitchen. He wanted to surprise Eddie and Chris with pancakes.
He quietly gets the pan and bowls out as he places them down on the table and he rummages through the cupboards for the ingredients he knew they would still be there because Eddie rarely cooked. Once everything was on the table he set the coffee machine and made himself a quick coffee and took a sip before placing an apron on. As he picks up a bowl and measuring cup his phone goes off, he places down the bowl and looks at the message.
Maddie: 'I'm free this afternoon I will pop round and we can nip to the shops if you want to talk in private.'
Buck: 'Yeah, that be good don't want anyone here to hear what I say, see you later.'
Maddie: 'I'll be there around 1 pm.'
Buck places his phone on the side and starts making the batter mix ready to make pancakes. Once ready he finishes his coffee and looks at the time, it's half past 8 and he smiles. Buck knew that normally both him and Eddie would be at work right about now. But due to their injuries, they were both on a day off. So he decided to give them both another half hour to let them sleep. He places plates on the table with glasses of orange juice and syrup, as it gets to 9 am he makes a quick stack of pancakes and puts them on the table and turns off the cooker. He walks down the hall and enters Chris' room.
"Morning superman," Buck says.
"Hey Bucky," Chris says as he yawns.
"Breakfast is on the table, its pancakes," Buck says smiling.
"Yay! Did you make loads?" Chris asks as he slowly starts sitting upright.
"Of course. Now, you get up and head to the table and start while I take on the challenge of moving your dad out his pit." Buck chuckles and he ruffles Chis' touseled hair.
"Good luck Bucky, you're gonna need it." Chris smiles.
"Thanks, if I need help I'll call for you ok?" Buck smiles back.
"Deal." Chris smiles.
Buck leaves Chris' room and wanders down to Eddie's, the door is slightly ajar and the soft sound of soft snores can be heard. Buck smiles and shakes his head as knocks gently on the door.
"Eddie, time wake up," Buck says softly but no answer.
Buck lets a sigh out and knocks a bit louder but still nothing. So he bites the bullet and enters the room. It's dark but thankfully the light from the hall helps Buck see where he is going. As he gets close to Eddie he stands next to him and runs his hand over Eddies' exposed arm.
"Moring sleepy, are you going to get up?" Buck says.
"Five more minutes babe," Eddie says, and Buck tries to hold back a smile.
"Ok, five minutes. But I'll stay here with you." Buck says softly.
There is a shift and Eddie lifts the covers upwards and Buck looks at him funny, but Eddie has not opened his eyes.
"Get in then, I can cuddle you for five minutes if that's ok?" Eddie says with a smile.
Buck sighs and as much as he knows he should not do it, he could not resist. So he climbs in and once in, he feels Eddie's chest firmly pressed against his back and been enveloped in an Eddie hug.
"So, you were awake when I came in." Buck asks.
"Yeah, sorry if saying babe was to forward my mind was still asleep." Eddie says.
"It's fine, now only five minutes because Chris is eating at the table and he will eat all the pancakes if we fall asleep." Buck explains letting the heat sink in on him.
"Ok," Eddie says as he nuzzles into Buck's back.
Buck laid there and he could not believe how safe and warm he felt when he was being held by Eddie. He could not wait for this to be a permanent thing and hopefully, it could be over the next few months. The plans he wanted to do start swirling round in his head, he needed to talk to his sister.
"Bucky?" Chris' voice wakes Buck up.
"Hey, Superman, what's up?" Buck questions he feels Eddie still holding him close.
"I came looking for you because you were taking so long, and the pancakes have gone cold. Did dad trick you into bed like he does to me so he can sleep longer?" Chris says smiling.
"I guess he did," Buck said and looks behind him and sees Eddie's hair while he still feels' his arms around him, "Well I'm up and this time your dad is coming, good thing I made extra mix isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." Chris says.
"Now, looks like your dad doesn't want to move so what do you say we play something I know will get him up?" Buck grins at Chris.
"Ok." Chris says.
"Go get my phone from the kitchen side," Buck says.
Chris wanders off and Buck sits up and looks at Eddie who rolls over on to his other side.
"Now, Diaz, you either get up or I will be forced to annoy you," Buck says trying to break free from Eddies' arms.
"You can never annoy me." Eddie softly says as he tries to hold on to Buck.
Buck holds his smile down and looks at Chris as he enters, he looks at his phone its nearly 10 am. Buck, shakes his head as Eddie was able to con him into nearly another hour's sleep. He loads up YouTube and finds the song and shows it Chris who smiles and nods.
"Eddie, last chance," Buck says smiling at Chris.
After a minute and no moving Buck smiles as he presses play and the song starts.
'Baby Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo Baby Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Baby Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo Baby Shark Mummy Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Mummy Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo Mummy Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Mummy Shark Daddy Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo Daddy Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Daddy Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo Daddy Shark Grandma Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo
Grandma Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo Grandma Shark doo doo, doo doo doo doo'
Chris bursts into laughter and Eddie sits up with a grunt and looks at Buck and Buck just smiles at him. Still, even after being mocked into waking up Eddie lets a smile slip.
"So, are you getting out, or do I have to play it again?" Buck says sticking his tongue out.
"Hey, I didn't see you complaining when you climbed in." Eddie replies rubbing his eyes.
"Can we play it again?" Chris says smiling.
"No! I'm up let's eat," Eddie says as he clambers out the bed.
Buck turns to Chris and holds his hand up and they high five.
Buck gets up and follows Chris to the kitchen and Buck starts making more pancakes with the leftover mix. He turns the coffee machine on again so Eddie can get a coffee when he wanders through. Eventually, Eddie appears looking a bit fresh and smiles at Buck and kisses Chris on top of his head and grabs a coffee.
"So, what you got planned today?" Eddie asks.
"I'm going out with Maddie at around 1 if that's ok," Buck asks and notices the funny look Eddie gives him. Buck's mind suddenly attacks him.
'Shit I should have asked before doing it, I'm such a fool'
"Buck you don't need to ask you can do what you want, what time will you be back, and I'll heat up some left-over Christmas dinner," Eddie says smiling.
Buck was taken back. He was expecting to be met with anger, he knew it's something he should work on that not everyone would have a go at him. He simply nods at Eddie and continues to make pancakes, as he tries to let his panic rescind.
By the time he has finished the first lot, Chris is all done eating and was in the front room watching cartoons. Buck moves the empty plate to the sink and piles Eddie's plate up and some for him then takes a seat opposite him as they eat and drink. Not much was said but looks were shared and Buck enjoys being able to do it without any awkward talks. The glances, the smiles when they were caught staring, and the laugh that comes after it. He knew that they need to 'talk' eventually, but they can wait. He just wants to enjoy this moment between them.
"You off to anywhere nice?" Eddie breaks the silence.
"Just the shops. I think she wants to get some sales and I think she just wants to try and get me out in crowds a bit more." Buck says looking down he felt so guilty for lying but it was mostly true.
"That's fine but if you feel overwhelmed or just need extra support, call me ok?" Eddie says placing a hand on Buck's hand and giving him a smile, which sets Buck to ease.
"I don't want to put you out, Eddie. I will be fine, I have Maddie and you know how she can get, I think if anyone gets close to me she will be swinging those arms." Buck chuckles.
"That is true but still I'm here. I and Chris don't have much planned, but I did want to speak to you about New year's." Eddie says.
Buck panics was Eddie going to ruin what Buck had planned? Well, not planned but in planning, he looks at Eddie and nods.
"What about new year's?" Buck asks trying to sound neutral.
"Well, we are both off and was wondering what you fancied doing. I know the team is working and so is Maddie and Athena." Eddie says.
"True, I mean I hadn't thought that far, maybe we can discuss it later?" Buck says hoping to put Eddie off. He could read Eddie and he knew the man in front of him, was going to say something about having all the kids around. So the team didn't have to worry. Especially, as they were picking up the void Eddie and himself had left been off injured.
"Yeah, ok." Eddie says as he moves his hand back and finishes his last bite of pancake.
"Well, I'm going to go get something decent on. Can't walk around looking like this," Buck says getting up and gesturing to his attire of joggers and baggy shirt.
"I don't know, I wouldn't mind walking around with you like that." Eddie says with a smirk and winks.
Buck smiles and rolls his eyes on Eddie being flirty, but he didn't mind it. Buck actually blushed at it. He picks up his empty plate, cup, and places them in the sink and starts filling the sink with water and soap. Thinking about the comment Eddie just said and he knew he needed to move on but did not know if he should. His thoughts are taken away when Eddie moves closer to him but slow enough that Buck saw him, it made Buck smile even more because Eddie was putting Buck first.
"Nope, you were the one who cooked. Least I can do is clean so you go get yourself ready." Eddie says as he slides in front of Buck.
Buck huffs but gives in and walks to his room unlocking it and spending the next thirty minutes looking at what to wear. Everything seemed to be so much harder now when it came to picking things on his own approval. He had jeans on but he couldn't pick a shirt out, he currently had four on the bed and each one he looked at he liked but didn't like at the same time. Buck was holding one of the shirts when he caught movement.
Then at the corner of his eye, he sees a familiar figure. There he was. Standing beside the mirror was Aaron, blood dripping from his mouth as he opens it.
'This is why you need me; I would help you pick one. It would be sooooo much easier.' Aaron said and slowly makes his way towards Buck.
"GO AWAY!" Buck shouts and throws the shirt towards Aaron. He hears footsteps coming through the door as tears start to fall.
"It's ok, Buck. I'm here," Eddie says as he pulls Buck into a hug.
"I'm…" Buck starts but couldn't seem to say it.
"Shhhh, it's ok, what happened? Do you want to tell me?" Eddie asks while rubbing Buck's back.
"I couldn't pick a shirt and then I saw him… He said he would have helped me pick one." Buck explains not moving from Eddie's neck.
"Its fine Buck, you don't need him to pick one he is not here anymore. You wear what you want, you deserve to choose and whichever you do pick will suit you." Eddie explains.
Buck slowly moves from Eddie's neck and smiles at Eddie as he looks at the shirt and closes his eyes. For a while they just sat there, Eddie comforting Buck. Eventually he decides to blind choose as he liked all the shirts.
"Could you mix the shirts around for me and I'll choose that way as I like them all?" Buck asks wiping his eyes.
"Ok," Eddie says, and Buck hears him moving, "Done." Eddie says.
Buck moves forward, his eyes still closed, and feels Eddie hand on him as he gets close to the bed. He bends down and picks a shirt up. As he stands he opens his eyes and he has picked up a pale green shirt and smiles as he puts it on. Once the shirt is on nicely he turns and hugs Eddie.
"Thank you," Buck says.
"It's fine, anything else I can help with?" Eddie asks.
"No, I'm good, thank you," Buck says giving Eddie a final squeeze.
Eddie nods and leaves Buck on his own. Buck finishes getting ready spraying deodorant and aftershave. He picks his jacket up and leaves the room locking it. He heads to the living room to sit and watch whatever Chris was watching because he has time to kill before Maddie arrives.
As they sit there watching the film, Buck looks around seeing Chirs tucked into Eddie, cuddling him close. As they watched the film Buck thought that this is what he wanted the most: Him, Eddie, and Chris all together in one room. Being a family. But then the lawsuit happened, and now? He was back to where he felt the safest, he is disturbed by his phone going off.
Maddie: 'On the way, be there soon.'
He smiles and puts his phone back, just as he turns his attention there's a knock at the door. He shoots straight up. Trepidation bearing over his mind. He knew it wasn't Maddie. It couldn't be. He looked at the door and saw Eddie already on his way over to the door giving Buck a reassuring smile while holding out his arm, trying to calm him down. Buck tried to smile back but the fear still being dominant. Buck watched as Eddie opened the door and his fear dissipated because in walked Athena along with Harry.
"Athena, Harry, what are you doing here?" Buck questions trying to keep the fear out of his voice.
"Harry," Athena says and Harry looks up at her, "Can you be a darling and take Chris and go play in his room?" Athena says.
"Do I have to dad?" Chris asks obviously confused.
"Chris, buddy. Yes, please? And while you're there you can show Harry the new lego set Buck bought you." Eddie says and smiles at Chris.
"Oh cool, you have a new lego set?" Harry asked stepping inside the room and made a beeline towards Chris.
"Yeah, Buck bought them for me." Chris smiled.
"Can you show me?" Harry asked and Chris looked at Eddie, but Eddie just nods and smiles.
"Follow me!" Chris said excitedly as Harry also help Chris walk with his crutches. When they heard Christopher's door close, a moment of silence passes by them. And it all went down to business.
"So, can you explain why you're here?" Buck asks again.
"Yeah, I came to inform you that Chase has been brought before the judge for his plea." Athena stars and eyes Buck, "It's earlier than we expected. I just wanted to warn you in advance because people will find out sooner or later. The press will be hovering once they find out a lawyer trying screw the system has been arrested, and will want the full story." Athena explains and she holds Buck's hands.
"I understand, but they won't know to look here. As far as people are concerned me and Eddie aren't friends so I'm all good." Buck says and looks at Eddie and longingly smiles. Eddie does the same, and Buck feels safe "I'm just glad I don't have to face him in court," Buck says.
"That you don't, but will he get to bail?" Eddie questions.
"No chance," Buck says terrified of its implications when Chase got out of jail.
"No, when I spoke to the DA; they said there's no chance they would grant him bail because he is dangerous," Athena says just then there was another knock at the door.
Eddie wanders over as Buck watches with intent and sees Eddie smile as he opens it and is embraced in a hug and Maddie comes into view.
"Athena, what are you doing here?" Maddie questions.
"Just explaining that Chase is going before the judge later on." She explains and hugs Maddie as well.
"It's boxing day though." Maddie quizzes.
"Yeah, but they don't stop at the court. So hopefully we will get his trial date soon and it all be over," Athena says smiling at Buck.
"Yes, can't wait. Can we go, Maddie?" Buck says shifting a bit as he was getting uncomfortable with this topic. Chase getting his plea today, the court, another trial.
He hopes his sister picks up on the feelings Buck has as he looks at her and she smiles.
"Yeah let's go," Quickly grabbing his hand," There's a lot of shopping to be done." Maddie says and smiles at Eddie and Athena.
"Hang on, doesn't this take priority over some shopping?" Eddie says stepping close with Buck.
"No, it doesn't." Buck says, "We knew what was going happen eventually, Eddie. I just want to go and enjoy the rest of my day."
"Buck..."Eddie starts but he was cut off by Athena's hand.
"Its ok Buckaroo. You go enjoy the day and I'll see you later, Eddie you can make me a brew?" Athena says smiling at Buck.
"Thank you." Buck says.
"I'll see you later Eddie," Buck says, and Eddie moves to give him a hug and Buck melts into it.
They break the hug and head off jumping into Maddie's car and head to the shops. The whole ride there Buck didn't say a thing he just kept thinking how he was going explain to his sister what he wanted to do but didn't know if he should. Eventually, they park up and Buck goes on autopilot as they go in and out each shop. Later on, they go for coffee and pick a quiet corner in the coffee shop.
"So, what was so important you needed me to break you out? Even though you haven't spoken at all." Maddie asks as she takes a sip from her coffee.
Buck looks up and smiles at her.
"It's just, ugh… It's going sound lame." Buck says taking a sip of his drink
"It won't." Maddie says reassuring him
"Well, I was thinking on New Year's eve, when it hits midnight that I should maybe ask Eddie out? But I don't know if its too soon or if its right to burden him with my troubles. I just don't know what to do." Buck says.
"Ok, let me try to understand your rambling. You want to ask Eddie out on new year's eve and day, but you don't know if it's too soon or to burden him with your troubles, that right?" She asks and Buck nods "Evan, Eddie has you living with him and he gave you a room."
"Yeah, he did, because I had no where else to go to" Buck admitted thinking about the effort Eddie must have gone through to do that, and hide it from him.
"In his own house!" Maddie said exasperated. But Buck knew she was just being sarcastic. "He has already said that he will wait till you are ready, and anyone can see he wants to be with you. He is just waiting for you to make the decision. I mean if you are thinking it I'm guessing you want to." Maddie says.
"I do, I do…" Buck says, but he just wasn't sure if it was right in his mind, "He has been there and supported me this whole time, he helps no matter how tired he is and I want to do this."
"But?" Maddie interjected him.
"I know he said he would take me out but I want to take him out? Am I crazy?" Buck asks.
"No, you are in love. I know it's been hard for you to bring up your feelings for Eddie, but they were there the whole time. It's a leap of faith, Evan. You just have to jump and see if it works, but we all know it will." Maddie says smirking.
"Thank you." Buck says smiling.
"So now we sorted that out. Give me deets!" Maddie says, maybe a little bit overexcited which made Buck chuckle at his sister's enthusiasm.
"I haven't thought about anything." Buck admits.
"Well, me and Chim will have Chris… So there's one thing sorted and we can discuss other details later." Maddie smiles.
"Yeah, lets hit some more shops and head back. Eddie will be pacing around the house like a mad man and you know that." Buck chuckles.
"He will be, thank God for Athena." Maddie chuckles.
They head back into the shops and buy some more things and make there way back to the car, heading back to the Diaz house. Once there, they pull up in the driveway. Maddie chuckles and points out the window and Buck sees Eddie standing there with a smile.
"See, he is keen." Maddie chuckles.
"Maybe, too keen." Buck smirks.
"Can never be too keen" Maddie jokes as she gets out.
Buck gets out and waves to Eddie as he grabs the bags from the car. Buck hugs Maddie and waves her off. He looks down the street, the sound of Christmas carollers could be heard around the block and he smiled then headed towards Eddie; who held his hand out to take the bags.
"More stuff?" Eddie chuckles.
"Yeah more, has Athena gone?" Buck asks.
"About 30 mins ago, she got a call. Said she'd be back later for Harry." Eddie explains as he leads Buck inside.
"Oh ok, so cooking for three kids?" Buck smirks at Eddie.
"Rude, I was thinking of pizza though." Eddie smiles.
"Yeah maybe, best get them in as the singers will be here soon by the sound of it, and I promised Chris he could watch them." Buck smiles.
"Ok, I'll go get them. You go put your shopping away." Eddie says.
Buck smiles and opens his lock and heads in. He tidies his room then looks at his new stuff, smiling at what he brought. He hears Chris and Harry as they walk past and there's a knock at the door. Buck places the stuff down and heads out, joining Eddie and the kids at the door as they listen to the singing. Eventually, they finish and Buck hands them some money and they close the door.
"Lets order pizza," Buck says.
"Everyone to the kitchen." Eddie says.
They start walking and there's a knock and Buck turns
"Must be after more money. I'll get rid of them" Buck says.
"Ok, shout if you need me," Eddie says and Buck smiles as he turns the doorknob and opens the door his smile disappears.
There was no one on the front porch. Across the yard, however, was something Buck hadn't thought to see. A man stood just behind a white car, clad in a full blue suit. The man smiled and raised his hands as if to greet him. Buck could feel his blood turning cold on him.
'No, he's not there…. I'm just imagining things…' Buck thought to himself and he wipes his eyes, in hopes that he is just seeing things. Just like with Aaron earlier. But no. It really was him.
Chase stood behind his white car and raises a sign up. The letterings were in red and Buck felt the fear crushing his lungs, forcing out the remaining air he has.
'Miss me, Princess?' The first sign read, then Chase lowers it and lifts another.
'I'm still alive. But the next time, you won't be.' He lowers it again and raises the third sign.
'And I'll make sure to bury you next to Aaron.'
Buck just stood there, His face turning white as he gets a flashback on that night at the pier. The marking on Buck's leg, gunshots, and Eddie's face as he felt the blood coming out of him. His thoughts were then crashed by the sound of an engine revving.
Chase had already speeded away.
"Buck," It was Eddie. "Is everything okay?" He asks him as he looks out across the yard and sees nothing.
He couldn't take it anymore. Buck needed to end this. Permanently.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Buck said in response and went inside to wait with the kids for the pizza.