"Is it cheating if I use a recipe?" Eddie mumbled to himself, staring at his computer screen. He was trying to figure out a menu for the cafe, but it was harder than it sounded. Besides the fact that he wasn't the best cook to begin with, he needed to figure out when he would be able to do the actual cooking, so the food would be available for people to buy. Getting up at 3am to knead dough sounded like a nightmare.

Their first night in the apartment had gone well. Buck left soon after they finished bringing the boxes in, due to a mother cat going into labor at the clinic and him needing to assist with the kittens. He promised to come back the next day when he had a chance. Eddie almost told him that it was unnecessary, but he actually did want to see Buck again. It was nice having a friend in a new town.

Eddie and Chris shared the king sized bed, getting an amazing night's sleep. Maybe it was due to the exhaustion from the move, but Eddie liked to think it was because the place already felt like home. That the two of them together was all they needed. And that things for them were only going to get better.

"Can we explore the town today?" Christopher asked, finishing his bowl of cereal.

"In a little bit," Eddie agreed. They'd brought some food with them, but they'd definitely need more soon. And he was going to have to figure out the best places to get supplies for the cafe. Eddie figured if he bought local, those store owners might be more inclined to return the favor.

"Hello!" Buck greeted, poking his head through the door like he had the day before.

"Come on in!" Eddie called out, smiling as Buck walked in juggling a few travel mugs. "Uh oh, do I have competition?"

"These are from my apartment. I live above Buddies and wasn't sure if you had any coffee, so I decided to bring you some. And a hot chocolate for Christopher," Buck replied, setting the mugs down in front of them. "I wasn't sure how you took yours, but I figured you wouldn't mind it black."

"Black is fine. Thank you," Eddie said, taking a sip of the hot liquid. It was strong and smooth, just like he liked it.

"Thanks, Buck!" Chris said excitedly, swallowing down a big mouthful.

"This is good coffee. Where do you get it from?" Eddie wondered.

"I get it from the local grocery store down the road. Michael's stuff is the best quality."

"I'll have to see about buying some for the cafe. This is much better than the stuff from the can I used to drink back home."

"He'll definitely give you a good deal if you name drop me. We're friends."

"Seems like you're friends with a lot of people."

"And now I've got two more," Buck grinned.

"Can you show us around town?" Christopher asked, peering up at them both with his best puppy dog eyes.

"Buck is probably busy," Eddie said, giving the man an out if he wanted to take it. He probably had a ton of other things to do. "How are those kittens, by the way?"

"Amazing! Five perfect babies," Buck sighed, pulling out his phone and showing them the screen. There was a picture of the smallest kittens Eddie had ever seen, laying in a pile. Then one of what he assumed was the mother cat resting. Then came a video that damn near made Eddie swoon. It was Buck holding one of the kittens and feeding it a bottle. He was looking at the helpless animal with so much affection that Eddie flashed back to when Chris was a baby and he held him the same way.

"Wow."

"Mother and babies are doing great. They'll be going to a foster home in a few days until they are old enough to be adopted," Buck said, looking fondly at his phone before putting it away again. "And I would love to show you guys around the town square. I can tell you all the dirty little secrets."

"Yes!" Christopher shouted, springing up from his seat. "I'm gonna go get dressed."

"Put on something warm," Eddie told him as he happily walked away. He waited until he heard the chair lift moving before turning back to Buck. "You really don't have to do this if you're busy. I can come up with an excuse for Chris."

"It would be my pleasure to show you around. I insist." Eddie was about to argue some more, but Buck held up his hand. "You shouldn't bother. I'm very stubborn."

"Apparently," Eddie chuckled. He really didn't mind.

A few minutes later they were walking out on the chilly street. Eddie's cafe was right in the middle of the town square, where all of the retail shops and other businesses were. All of the houses were spread out around it, with a bigger city about a half hour away. So if someone needed something and didn't want to go far, they came here. Eddie hoped that meant business would do well.

"We've been able to keep all of the chains out of town so far, so everything is locally owned," Buck explained as he pointed out a clothing store.

"How do you do that? Pitchforks?"

"Of course not!" Buck gasped, looking horrified for a second before laughing. "Just very threatening letters."

"Naturally."

"It helps that the mayor cares about community more than profits. He's a good guy."

"You know the mayor?"

"He's kind of like my dad actually. Not biologically, but in spirit," Buck said, looking slightly embarrassed.

"Wow. Next thing you'll tell me is that your mom is the sheriff," Eddie joked. When Buck just stared at him, he huffed out a surprised laugh. "Really?"

"Again, not biologically. They kind of took me under their wing when I first came to town. My parents weren't the best," Buck explained, keeping it vague since Christopher was with them. Eddie understood, but didn't want to say anything disparaging about Chris' grandparents, so he reached over and squeezed Buck's shoulder supportively.

"I think that's great," Eddie said sincerely. Buck flashed him a bright smile, before continuing on their tour. They passed by a mechanic and hair salon, which Buck gave rave reviews on. There probably wasn't anything that Buck would say a bad word about. There was a gym and a hardware store. Both places Eddie was looking forward to checking out soon.

"If you want, I can help you fix up the outside of the cafe. Armando never let me," Buck offered.

"If I told you I could handle it myself, would you listen?"

"Probably not," Buck smirked, winking at him. Charming bastard. "Are you planning on keeping the name the same?"

"I think so. Feels wrong to change it, after my uncle created it. I want to continue his legacy."

"I like that."

They stopped off at a little clinic at the end of the street. With Christopher's complex medical needs, it was important to know where Eddie could take him to take care of him. While driving into the city wasn't ideal, he'd do anything to make sure his son stayed happy and healthy. But hopefully this place would be able to take Chris as a patient.

"Hey Hen!" Buck said, greeting the woman behind the front desk brightly. "These are my new friends, Eddie and Christopher. They are taking over Sunshine Cafe. Guys, this is Dr. Wilson, the town doctor."

"Just Hen is fine," Hen said, standing up and shaking Eddie's hand.

"Good to meet you."

"I'm so happy to hear the cafe is opening back up. Now I won't have to drink the swill we brew here."

"My coffee is not that bad!" a man grumbled in annoyance as he walked in from a back room. "Your palate is the problem."

"And this is Nurse Han. Eddie and Christopher," Buck said, finishing up the introductions.

"They're taking over Sunshine Cafe," Hen added.

"Oh thank goodness. Our coffee is terrible," Nurse Han sighed in relief, shaking Eddie's hand. "And you can call me Chimney. Any friend of Buck's is a friend of mine."

"Seems like Buck has a lot of friends," Eddie chuckled.

"I can't help if I'm a friendly guy," Buck said, throwing his hands up. Hen looked fondly at him, before turning her attention back to Eddie.

"Would you like some new patient paperwork? You don't need to fill it out now, since you're settling in, but you could have it on hand for when you get a chance."

"Are you able to take on new patients?" Eddie asked, glancing toward where Christopher was playing with the toys in the waiting area. Handling a patient with Christopher's needs was implied, even if he didn't say it out loud.

"I can take care of pretty much anything here, short of actual surgery. That we would need to go into the city for. But if you choose me to be your doctor, you can rest assured that you'd be getting the best care possible."

"If she wanted to, Hen could be the head physician at any hospital in the country. But thanks to her wife, Sunshine Grove hit the jackpot," Buck bragged.

"My wife, Karen, opened up the school here. It's her pride and joy, besides our son. I'm happy to work wherever she wants to live."

"It's great you guys are so supportive of each other."

"Do you have a special someone in your life?" Hen asked. Eddie saw Buck wince out of the corner of his eye. He was probably thinking of the conversation they had the day before.

"Not at the moment."

"Well, don't look at me. I'm taken," Chimney smirked.

"Chim is dating my sister, Maddie. And he's lucky she puts up with him."

"That's true," Chimney conceded.

"I'm not opposed to dating, but I'd have to find someone worth it," Eddie said, watching Buck out of the corner of his eye. Was that a hopeful smile, or was he just reading into it?

They moved on after a few more minutes of chatting at the clinic. Hen and Chimney promised to stop by the cafe as soon as it reopened. At least Eddie had three customers he could count on so far. The school was a little bit down the road outside of the square, but that stop would have to wait for now, since classes were out for winter break.

"Sunshine Grove takes Christmas really seriously, so the kids get a long break," Buck explained.

"Clearly," Eddie huffed. It was only the beginning of December and the kids wouldn't go back until the new year. He hoped he could figure out something for Christopher to do, since he was going to be busy with the cafe.

"There's a big festival the day before Christmas Eve. Games and gifts for the kids, booths for people to do some last minute shopping, even a pie contest. It's my favorite."

"Sounds like fun."

"I bet if you set up a booth, you'll sell out quick."

"Spoken like a person who's never tasted my cooking."

The grocery store was the next stop on the tour. It was so different from the impersonal big box stores Eddie was used to. He could tell that it carried everything he needed. This town really was perfect.

"Hey Michael!" Buck went through the introductions again. It was nice that Eddie wouldn't have to do it himself with everyone, since this seemed like a town that liked to know the townsfolk. "Michael owns this place with his fiance, David."

"David mostly handles the pharmacy, but when it's slow, he helps me with the store. Along with my son, Harry," Michael said, waving over a little boy. Christopher's eyes lit up at the sight of the first kid he'd seen in town.

"I'm Christopher," he introduced excitedly.

"I'm Harry," he replied, looking up at his dad. "Can I show Christopher the games?"

"I don't see why not," Michael said, looking to Eddie for confirmation. Eddie nodded and the boys immediately took off to one corner of the store, already chatting away about things they liked. It was so great to see Christopher fitting in already.

"I like your store and I'd love to keep things at my cafe as local as possible. Would I be able to order the supplies I need from you?" Eddie asked.

"I can definitely help you with that. I'll talk to my suppliers and get you some great deals," Michael agreed.

"I really appreciate that," Eddie said, shaking the man's hand. "As soon as I know what I need, I'll swing by."

"I'll be waiting. And if you need any remodeling done in the cafe, I can help with that too. I'm also an architect."

"I'll keep that in mind," Eddie chuckled. It seemed like Buck wasn't the only one who wore a lot of different hats. "We should probably get going. Buck is showing me around the square."

"Have you met the sheriff yet? She's a real tough cookie," Michael warned seriously.

"Stop trying to scare him," Buck chastised, rolling his eyes. "Michael and Athena are divorced, but it's very amicable."

"Spoilsport," Michael huffed. Eddie was going to have to make a chart of all these people and how they were connected. How long would it take for him to be just as intertwined?

"Chris, it's time to go."

"Can I stay and play with Harry?"

"I thought you wanted to see the town?"

"The town will still be here tomorrow. My new friend is here now," Christopher argued.

"He makes a good point," Buck grinned.

"I don't mind watching him if you want to continue on," Michael offered.

"Alright," Eddie agreed, after a bit of hesitation. The idea of leaving Chris with someone he didn't know well was strange to him, but there was something inside of him that told him it was okay. Maybe it was because somehow he already trusted Buck. And anyone he said was good had to be good.

"Next stop is the mayor's office," Buck declared once they were outside again.

"Introducing me to the parents already? Isn't that a little soon?" Eddie teased, nudging Buck with his shoulder. The other man probably would've fallen into the road if Eddie hadn't caught him by the elbow. "Kidding."

"Funny," Buck mumbled, leaning into Eddie's hold for a few seconds before pulling away. They walked in companionable silence until they got to the building. It looked like it held multiple official looking offices. This was where you went for important town business.

"Hey Buck!" a young woman said from a desk outside one of the offices. Buck had to be a local celebrity or something because this was ridiculous. He couldn't know everyone.

"May, this is Eddie, the new owner of Sunshine Cafe," Buck introduced. "May is Michael and Athena's daughter."

"Pleasure to meet you."

"You too. Mom and Bobby are inside his office having lunch, if you're here to see them."

"We are," Buck confirmed.

"Go on in," May said, waving them back as the phone on her desk started ringing. Buck knocked softly on the office door and opened it once he got permission from the person inside.

"Hey Buckaroo," a woman, who Eddie assumed was Athena, said from where she was seated on one side of a massive desk.

"Hey Athena. Bobby."

"To what do we owe this pleasure?" Bobby asked, beckoning them inside.

"I wanted to introduce you to someone. This is Eddie-"

"Diaz. New owner of Sunshine Cafe," Bobby finished for him. Word sure traveled fast. "Pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise," Eddie said, shaking his hand. He was starting to feel like a politician himself.

"I'm Athena, the sheriff."

"So you're the tough cookie I heard about," Eddie said with a grin as he shook her hand.

"You must've met Michael," Athena laughed, shaking her head. "He's not wrong about that though."

"How did you know who Eddie was?" Buck wondered.

"I'm the mayor, Buck. It's my job to know everyone."

"Come on."

"I spoke with Armando not too long before he passed. When he got sick, a couple chain coffee shops started hassling him to sell the business. He didn't want that, so I got him in touch with a lawyer to discuss his options," Bobby explained, speaking more to Eddie now than to Buck. "He told me that he didn't keep in touch with his family, but he kept an eye on all of you from afar. He heard about you and your story and thought the business would be in the best hands if it went to you."

"I didn't know any of that. I wish I had a chance to meet him," Eddie said softly. His uncle probably could've made a lot of money and lived out his final days in the lap of luxury, but he chose to give Eddie a shot without even knowing him. He hoped he could be half of the man his uncle was.

"I'm sure he'd be happy to know you're here and continuing his hard work. Do you have any idea when you'll be opening back up?" Bobby asked.

"I'm not sure. Soon, I hope, but I've got a lot of work to do."

"If I can be of any assistance, just let me know. A lot of people in town are happy to help," Bobby said, nodding over at Buck.

"I know. Everyone I've met has been great."

"Once you've got a date set, let me know and I'll put a notice in the local newsletter. That will surely get the word out."

"I'll do that. Thank you."

"We should get going. I've got a few more places I want to take him and we've already disturbed your lunch enough," Buck said, walking over to give Bobby a hug.

"Don't be a stranger. It's been a few weeks since you've been over for dinner."

"I know."

"And you're more than welcome to join us, Eddie," Athena insisted, giving Buck a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Eddie never would've considered the invitation before, but in this instance, he wanted to accept. It didn't feel like a throwaway line people said out of politeness or obligation. It felt genuine.

"Your parents are amazing," Eddie said as they walked along the sidewalk again. They were almost getting to the end of their adventure, but Eddie didn't want it to stop. He felt like he could spend time with Buck forever.

"I know. I got so lucky finding them."

"I'm sure they'd say the same thing about finding you. I know that's how I feel," Eddie said sincerely. Eddie probably would've figured his way around this place without Buck's help, but he was glad he didn't have to. It was much more pleasant with Buck by his side.

"My place is the last stop, so we should probably grab Christopher. He wouldn't want to miss seeing the animals, right?" Buck murmured, looking away bashfully. Eddie had seen so many people in this town who cared about Buck, but it seemed like he wasn't used to being told that he was. Maybe Eddie could rectify that situation.

They walked side by side back to the grocery store, making idle small talk. A few times they walked so close that their arms brushed against each other and every time, it made a small smile flash across Buck's face. Eddie wondered if he felt the tingle too.

Christopher complained a little when it was time to leave, but he perked up again when he heard where they were going. Michael told him that Chris was welcome by any time and Eddie was going to take him up on that offer when he needed to focus on getting the cafe set up. It was amazing having amazing neighbors.

Christopher chatted about how much fun he had on the whole walk to the shelter. Instead of brushing him off, like a lot of adults would do to an overly excited kid, Buck engaged in conversation with him the whole time. Eddie truly believed Buck cared about what Chris was saying.

Buck pushed open the door to the clinic, with a little bell signaling their arrival. The waiting area they walked into was simple and clean. If Eddie had a pet, he'd definitely trust this place to take care of them.

"I'll be with you in a moment!" a woman called out from the back.

"It's me!" Buck replied, gesturing for them to follow him further inside. They walked through a few doors until they got to a room filled with cages. It wasn't like any other animal shelter he'd seen. Instead of a bare bones set up, each cage looked like a cozy home. There were blankets and toys and content looking animals nestled inside. It was everything he'd expect from someone like Buck.

"Oh, hello," the woman said, looking up from the cat she was examining with a smile. "You must be Eddie and Christopher. I'm Maddie."

"Pleased to meet you," Eddie replied. If she was anything like her brother, she was someone worth knowing.

"Buck went on and on about you two after he met you yesterday," Maddie said, smirking as Buck's face turned red.

"I wouldn't go that far," Buck mumbled, scuffing his toe on the floor.

"Your timing is perfect. I've got a couple kittens who need a bottle."

"I don't want to be in the way. If you need us to go-"

"Actually, I was wondering if you'd help?" Maddie asked, cutting off Eddie's offer to leave.

"Can we?" Christopher asked in awe.

"It would be my pleasure to show you," Buck said, leading Chris to a sink so they could wash up. Eddie watched as Buck carefully cradled Chris' hands as they held a kitten together. He couldn't resist taking out his phone and snapping a few pictures. Maddie moved to stand next to Eddie and watch the display as well.

"Your brother is great," Eddie said softly, so the man in question couldn't overhear him.

"He really is," Maddie agreed, staring at her brother fondly. "He's had a rough year, but he's been getting better recently. I haven't seen him smile this much in a long time."

"Can I ask what happened? Unless it's too private. Forget I said anything," Eddie said quickly. It wasn't his place.

"He had his heart broken. I'll leave it at that," Maddie said evasively.

"How could anyone break Buck's heart? He's not the type of person you let get away," Eddie murmured, blanching when he realized he said that out loud. And to Buck's sister, no less. "I mean-"

"I think I know what you mean, but I won't say anything," Maddie said, smiling up at him. Eddie hoped Maddie was just really good at reading people and his feelings weren't so obvious. They were new to town and had so much on their plate at the moment. He didn't have time for a crush. "Just make sure you keep that in mind. Buck can put on a good show, but he's fragile. He's been let down by too many people in the past, myself included. But now I'll do anything I can to make sure he's happy."

"I would never do anything to hurt him," Eddie said sincerely. And he knew in his heart that he meant it.

"Here we are," Buck said as they stood outside of the cafe. Buck had actual work he had to do that couldn't be put off any longer, so their adventure was done for the day. Christopher scampered off to call Harry on the phone, since they'd exchanged numbers earlier.

"Thank you for today. It was one of the best days I've had in as long as I can remember," Eddie said, feeling more content than awkward during this lingering goodbye. He didn't want the moment to end.

"For me too," Buck agreed, rocking back on his heels.

"Would you want to come over sometime tomorrow? I'm going to start working on some recipes and I need a taste tester."

"I'd be honored. How does around noon sound? I don't think the clinic has any appointments then."

"It's a date," Eddie agreed, feeling slightly flustered by his choice of words. He was about to take them back until he saw the pleased smile on Buck's face. Now he was glad he said them. Maybe they would turn out more true than he expected.

"It's a date."