Love Doesn't Change

by Dragon-Unicorn99

Something mysterious happens to Buck on a rescue, shocking everyone. Buck doesn't want to deal with it considering he more wants to deal with the ever growing feelings he has for his best friend and work partner; Eddie. Will this situation help or make it worse? [(bottom Buck) (top Eddie) (genderbend Buck) (Female Buck)]

2. Love

Hen quickly works to get a bandage on Buck wound then move him on the back board, all of their hearts breaking at the sound of his pained whine as they move him, his face scrunching in pain. Eyes glassy as the time ticks by. Once on the board they lift him to the gurney too. Running as they get to the ambulance.

"Chim drive us!" Hen orders. He doesn't argue as he runs to get in the drivers side. Hen and Eddie working together to get Buck inside, then themselves next.

"Go. I'll see you at the hospital." Bobby says. He close the doors, then slaps the back. He stands in place as he watches the ambulance drive away with a piece of his heart.

As much as he wants to go with them, he's got work. He'll join them when the scene is cleared.

Bobby walks back to where Buck was laying, he finds his helmet, picking it up. His eyes stop at the bloody handprint on the silver of the engine. His mind helpfully supplying images of Buck face first into the pavement, pinned under the engine. It was all his fault.

"This isn't because of you." Athena says next to him, her tone comforting, and it is, especially when she places a hand on his back. It soothes him.

"I know." He says. But there's a small part of him that wonders if someone else from his past has come back.

The hand on his lower back leaves making him turn to his wife, seeing her moving to walk away.

"Where-?" He doesn't say much as he sees the sharpness in her features, the tightness in her jaw.

"I've got a job to do." She says, seriously. Tone deep and emotionless. She is not playing and she's not going to be nice. All Bobby can do is nod.

"I'll see you at the hospital." Bobby says turning to get his work done. He wants to join the others at the hospital as fast as he can. He knows Athena will get answers. They all will want answers.

---

"Don't close your eyes Buck!" Hen yells because not again is she going to hear Buck flatline.

"I... don't..." Buck starts but his eyes are getting dazed.

"Evan, focus on us!" Eddie says, turning from the wound that's bleeding more and more to Buck's face.

"I can't see the wound clearly." Hen says. Buck turns to focus on Eddie.

"That's not really the problem." Eddie snaps, they can't do anything about a gunshot wound in the back of an ambulance. They need to get the bullet out and the wound closed. A process they don't have the tools for and aren't certified to do in the back of an ambulance. All they can do, which is what they are doing, is pressing their hands onto the wound. Applying pressure to it.

"If I knew the damage maybe I can do something to stop the bleeding." Hen snaps back. If they were animals they'd be snapping their teeth at each other. Of course they'd be at each other's throat. Hen doesn't have many calls for gun shots, if any. She wasn't there for Eddie gunshot wound. So she's freaking out. She wants to do something, all this knowledge and for what? To sit around and do basically nothing?

Eddie isn't any better. It's one thing to have been deployed, to have been deployed then shot while in combat, shot again by a sniper in the states and it's another thing to have your heart, your beloved shot and bleeding out unable to do anything. And all that keeps ringing in his head is Hen warning him to tell Buck his feelings. To get his feelings out before he regrets it. It was never a guarantee they'd have forever together.

It's bringing memories he doesn't want. Shannon was also bleeding out in the ambulance. He tried saving her but it didn't work then, will it work now? But he can't do anything. He's as useless as he was back then.

"E-Eddie," Buck calls him voice broken, reaching with shaky hands Buck pulls Eddie down by his turnout, reaching a bloody hand to cup his cheek pulling his ear closer to his mouth. He doesn't want Eddie to miss anything he says. Not a single word. "I... love y-you. De-deeply. Tha-thank you f-for being my-my friend." Buck lets out a small wheeze. "Tell C-Chris I lo-love him too. T-tell Maddie thank yo-you for raising me-me when our parents cou-couldn't. A-and tell Chim to pro-protect my sister and wa-watch her back." Buck lets out a breathless gasp. He moves his head, placing a kiss on Eddie cheek, lips feeling his stubble. "I'm so glad I met you." Buck lays back, thumb rubbing that mole underneath his eye.

Eddie stares wide eyed, he does not like this. Buck is talking too much, too much like he's given up. Not again! Chris can't lose someone else.

Buck gives Eddie a wonky smile, then looks over to Hen. He beams at her.

"T-thank you." Buck smiles at her, they see it, his eyes rolling back as the hand on Eddie cheeks slips, falling.

"NO!" Eddie screams.

"He's losing to much blood!" Hen states the obvious.

"Wake up Buck! Evan!" Eddie shouts desperately, raw.

"We need to tourniquet him." Hen says.

"What?" Eddie looks at Hen as if she is crazy.

"We need to slow the flow of blood. Got a better idea?" Hen challenges.

"I'm almost there." Chim says but almost isn't good enough.

Not wanting to give it to chance, Eddie and Hen use the straps for the gurney to strap Buck in, right above where the wound is. Wrapping it fully around Buck torso. Pulling tight as the other keep pressure. Ears on Buck vitals the whole time. It's not flat lining but it's not steady. Of course it wouldn't be.

Eddie watches Buck face as Hen keeps an eye on the bandage on the wound. It soaking the blood. Hen adds some more, making sure to keep the pressure.

They make it to the hospital finally. Eddie keeping close until they pass the double door.

Left standing there and waiting. Ears ringing, breaths ragid. Adrenaline high.

Chim breaks the silence first. "I need to call Maddie." He walks away.

Hen stands knowing Eddie could probably stand here forever, waiting until there's news but that won't do anyone any good.

"Come on. We need to wash our hands." Hen says, taking note of Buck hand print on Eddies cheek. He looks like he came out of a zombie flick. Eddie follows her but doesn't do anything else. As if his mind can only do so much at a time. She leads him to a bathroom, pushing him in.

Alone, truly alone, Eddie saunters to the sink placing his hands on the edge of the porcelain sink. Red staining the white. He takes a shuddering breath as he closes his eyes tight, the sink keeping him up. His mind flashing him with scenes. Mixing them with Shannon. He knows it makes no sense, Shannon was hit by a car and Buck was shot, it's two different things but the feeling is the same. Now it's worse.

Buck was shot.

They don't even know why. Athena was there but he doesn't remember much. His eyes were so focused on Buck, just lying there as he bleed out.

He opens his eyes, facing the mirror to see on his cheek, Buck hand print. His heart shatters. He clenches his teeth to hold the sob that almost came out. He keeps it in because Buck is alive until told otherwise. Buck is alive.

He wants Buck to live. He has so much to say. He wants to do so much. Go out on a date. Kiss him. Hold him close. Everything and anything. It will not end here. It shouldn't. It can't.

Eddie stares at himself, he almost doesn't want to wash away the blood. It's Buck, it belongs to Buck. He would never throw away something Buck gave him, bloody hand prints on cheek included.

But he has to. Of all the things to keeps from Buck it shouldn't be blood.

As Eddie washes his hands his eyes water, making his vision blur. Only able to see blurred lines of pink as the blood flows down the drain. He takes a watery breath, trying to keep his tears back. He feels as if he cries then he's already mourning Buck.

He takes a deeper breath in. Then out.

Over and over again. Until he's calm. He won't cry yet.

Eddie cleans himself as best as he can. There's only so much one could do in a hospital bathroom. But he tries his best, also cleaning the sink of blood from his hands. He walks out to Hen waiting, for him he guesses.

Hen gives him a nod, the two walk over to the waiting room. Chim joining not a second later. He looks devastated, but who wouldn't having to tell your wife her brother was shot. Telling her because he was there. He drove the ambulance.

"She'll be here. Karen will be watching the kids." Chim says taking note of the redness in both the others eyes. Hen gives Chim a nod.

"What about Christopher?" Hen looks at Eddie.

"Carla is with him until my shift ends." Which isn't until the evening.

They wait and wait. Eddie unable to sit still so he ends up walking, pacing back and forth until his legs are tired where he then sits, but not for long.

They don't know how long they wait for but they must have been waiting for an hour at least. Chim, thinking it'll help, calls out to Eddie. "It'll be okay." He says, voice as reassuring as he can get without showing his true feelings. He doesn't know if that's true. He said it to reassure Eddie but he needs to hear it to. Maybe Hen needs to also.

But Eddie snaps his head to Chim, brown eyes dark. Angry. "How can it be okay?" Eddie growls at Chim as his face turns into a glare.

"Eddie..." Hen starts, trying to get his attention but it goes on deaf ears.

"Buck told me to tell Maddie thanks in his place. Told me to tell you to watch his sisters back. That doesn't sound like it'll be-" the sound of keys dropping on the floor interrupt him. Slowly he turns to see Maddie standing behind him. Her eyes wide, eyes already red, she must have cried on her way here.

"N-no." Maddie lips wobble as she says "he didn't..." she shakes her head as her eyes water and she doesn't stop them from falling, "he didn't say that. Please." She begs, wanting to believe she heard wrong, if he didn't that means he was slipping through their fingers. Buck was fading away. Eddie looks away, not able to meet her eyes. Anger calmed down. Maddie reaches up to cover her mouth, she wants to scream.

Buck actually said those things. Buck is dying. No one fighting for their life says things like that. Chim runs to her, comforting him. Eddie feels his nails digging into his palms. He wants so bad to cry, to sob, to scream and beg but he holds it in. He wants to cry in relief not sorrow.

He wants to join Maddie as she sobs loudly, breath hitching as she tries to inhale. It doesn't work. Chim comforts her, but her mind can only go back to where she was just moments ago.

---

Maddie smiles, sitting across from Karen both with a drink in hand. They watch as the kids play, it's getting way past their bedtime but seeing as it's the weekend they allow it.

"So tell me is it true?" Karen wonders.

"What is?" Maddie asks, looking down at the juice she's drinking while Karen drink a glass of wine.

"Buck? Chim sent me a picture..." she starts, Maddie laughs. Yeah she knows, she's seen them.

Maddie nods, large smile on her face. "It's true. He's still tall but not as much anymore."

"He's beautiful isn't he?" Karen wonders.

"Absolutely, I'm a little jealous." Maddie smiles with a chuckle.

Karen lets out a whistle, "tall and beautiful, look out LA." Karen shakes her head with a smile. Maddie chuckles.

"I'd agree but Buck isn't chancing it with how things are." Maddie eyes soften with sadness but hope. She knows deep down it will work out for Buck, if only he'd be honest about his feelings.

"Hen told me it's uncertain if he can turn back."

"Yeah. Alex, the guy who did this is currently in a coma. Who knows if he'll survive."

"I hope I get to see him once before he turns back."

"I hope he can turn back. With the way he looks... I know he's a bit insecure about it especially with..." Maddie stops herself, it's not her secret. "I think turning back would solve a couple things for him." Maddie shrugs.

"I agree. As much as this situation is interesting it's confusing for... some." Maddie looks at Karen. There's something there. The words going usaid are loud. Though neither want to reveal anything if they are wrong. They can not chance it. Not when it's not their secret to reveal.

"You know something?" Maddie asks narrowing her eyes.

Karen matches her look, "so do you." Both staring at each other.

---

Maddie sits on the chair, not registering how uncomfortable a hospital chair is. Her eyes dazed but not her mind. She sat watching Eddie pace. The man couldn't sit still. It's been at least two hours and still no news. All three are still in there turnout minus the jacket. Eddie's hair is wild with how many times he's run his hand through the strands, parts sticking up from where he's clenched worryingly. His lips red from biting, trying very hard to keep from crying.

She understands his feelings, after she cried her body felt tired but she's can't close her eyes, can't rest without knowing her younger brother will be okay. She's not even sure what happened. Chim had just told her Buck has been shot. After it's a bit fuzzy because she remembers sitting on the couch with Karen, after hearing the news she freezes. She's not sure if her phone slips out her hand or if Karen takes it but next she hears Karen getting the information she needs. Once Maddie comes to Karen is shoving her into her car telling which hospital to go to.

In the back of her mind she wonders 'why can't Buck be happy?'

Then, 'why do they keep trying to take her brothers away from her?' She's not sure who they are but still. The universe is out to get them. She'd like it to stop.

She doesn't register the new person joining them.

"News?" Bobby wonders looking at them. But from their faces he knows the answer. His heart sinks. But there's nothing he can do until the doctors inform any of them something. It's out of their hand. And that's the most frustrating part. "We're offline until B shift comes in." Bobby joins their circle.

"Cap the ambulance?" Hen wonders softly, she can only imagine the amount of blood (Buck blood her brain is stern on specifying) needs to be cleaned.

Bobby shakes his head, "Smith got it. Our job is to wait here." Bobby answers. His presence brings them some comfort. Some. Eddie goes back to pacing.

And wait they do.

Maddie can't help but think about Buck last words. Asking them of things. He wasn't fighting, not like he usually was. Why did he give up?

It's moments like this where she's just sitting and waiting that she wish she was a nurse, even then she wouldn't have been the one working on him. No way she could. She never enjoyed seeing her brother hurt. She wouldn't be able to stomach it seeing him like this.

Another hour or two passes. No one is really keeping track, and no one is willing to move. Not even for a cup of coffee. Athena walks is, face stone cold. Angry. She stands next to Bobby. The one hand not holding his rosary going to the small of her back, a comforting weight and feel. In turn she places a hand on his neck, under his turnout jacket. Even Eddie has stopped his pacing and joins the circle.

Knowing they all want answers she speaks up, "we arrested the culprit," Athena looks down at her shoes, taking a deep breath before continuing, "he's being charged with attempted homicide."

"Attempted? Why?" Hen asks surprised, mirroring the others expressions.

"Who'd want to kill my brother?" Maddie wonders staring straight at Athena, water blurring her vision.

"On one of your saves a couple months back Buck saved a women." Athena says.

"We save countless people." Chim points out.

"It was the car crash into the cafe. He saved a women... and he shouldn't have." Athena says, all eyes growing wide. That is not her moto. They know how she feels about saving everyone. It's not their place. They don't choose.

"W-why?" Maddie asks wetly. Knowing her brother tried saving everyone, did save everyone, so why the target on his back? Her younger brother who is like sunshine and clouds. Bright and fluffy. He's so caring and loving.

So why?

"After Buck saved this woman, she became obsessed with him. Our culprit got angry, then furious when she broke up with him. So he tracked Buck down. Found the firehouse he works in, followed all you to the scene. Waiting and watching." Maddie cries, Chim comforts her but his eyes are on Athena, unbelieving. She doesn't need to finish it, they know the outcome.

"Athena..." Hen starts, with eyes on her she continues, "you should wash your hands." She motions to her hand. Athena looks down at her hands, turning them back and forth. It's dark with dried blood. Especially around her nails.

"No wonder the culprit spilled his guts." Chim says, it sounds like a joke but they know he didn't mean it that way. They can all see why. Athena is scary add bloody hands and she's a nightmare.

Quickly Athena goes to the bathroom to wash her hands. Once cleaned she rejoins them. Sitting next to her husband.

Not that long after a doctor comes to them. "Buckley." He says. At the name they crowd the doctor. He puts a hand up to stop anyone from bombarding him with questions. "She'll be fine. The first bullet went right through but the second took some time to find."

Athena frowns. "Second bullet? I only heard one gun shot." The doctor blinks in surprise then looks at his chart.

"The first was a bit too close to the edge, it would have grazed her if it were two inches to the side. The second got stuck around the kidneys."

"We were standing in front of a fire truck." Athena says.

"Ah. Rikochet." The doctor nods. "The bullet fragment is already on its way to the LAPD. She lost a lot of blood so she's resting. She'll be up later tonight or tomorrow. We are keeping her for observation for a day or two to make sure both wounds heal."

"Can we see him?" Maddie asks desperately.

"She won't be awake but be my guest." He then leads them to Buck room. Everyone is silent as they enter the room.

Maddie rushes to Buck side, holding onto his hand. She holds tight to his hand, staring down at their entwined hands, no longer do they dwarf her hands. Buck fingers are longer but thin. She knows it's Buck but it doesn't feel like it. Buck always look small when he lays on the hospital bed but now, in this body he really looks small.

Small because someone was jealous.

Hurt because someone was obsessed.

Eddie stands behind, letting Maddie, Athena and Bobby stand by Buck side. Chim at his feet. Eddie feet seems rooted in place by the door. The dam breaks. The tears he's been holding in finally fall. His legs give up too lucky Hen stood by his side, so she notices and catches him. She pulls him in to hug, letting him cry on her shoulder.

Buck is going to be okay.

---

Buck stays in the hospital for three days, then is discharged, being able to go back to his loft. The three days had been filled with visits that Buck hardly remembers. People checking on him. People staying with him. Keeping him company. Something he will be thankful for.

But now, back at his loft. Alone. Sitting halfway up the stairs because he couldn't decide if he wants to lay on his bed or chill on his chair in the living room, he is allowed to think. Think about how he fucked up. Buck raises his hands to rub his face.

More than fucked up. He royally screwed himself over. What was he thinking confessing on his deathbed? It's a wonder Eddie didn't visit once. It's all ruined. Their friendship. Him seeing Christopher, though it wasn't looking good anyway because of the situation. His breast a weighty reminder of that.

He should have kept his mouth shut. Though, everything was happening so fast. One minute he's just talking to Athena, the next he's on the ground in pain, there's so much blood and in the end he felt himself slipping away. He wasn't sure he would wake up again. It felt like a waste to hold his feelings in any longer. For a second he a thought of regret came if he never said it.

Sitting here, alone, in the dark, depressed, he kind of wishes he didn't. He wouldn't be feeling this way.

He still has one more week of leave, to make sure his wound heals fully. Then he's got to take the test again. There's a lot of visits to the hospital, seeing a new provider, and staying home. He'll be able to get his mind around trying to act like nothing changed. Eddie is probably doing the same.

Sure he's heartbroken but he doesn't want to loose Eddie friendship. He wouldn't know what to do if he lost that as well. So he's going to do his best.

So Buck sits there, eyes on the large window reflecting the city outside. It's so quiet in his loft. He wishes everyone was here again, waiting for him to celebrate. Everyone had stayed a long while before kids needed to get picked up and taken home. Leaving Buck alone.

Buck lets out a sigh. He doesn't like feeling lonely but he knows he's too much for most people. All he can do is try to be there for Chris no matter what. Chris who still has no clue he looks like this.

Buck lets out another sigh.

---

Eddie paces back and forth. His mind is reeling, has been for the last week. Since he saw Buck on that hospital bed healing. So glad that he cried on Hen shoulder. Bobby and Athena had taken the first night. Once he's gotten home he'd done some chores. Waited for Carla to drop him off. Then got ready for bed.

As he lay there in the night, alone, in the dark it all came crashing down. Buck was almost gone again. He'd be texting Buck right then. Giggling in the night. But he can't.

His mind then reminds him of the confession. They love each other. He's both happy and scared about that fact. He's always the happiest around his best friend. No matter what. They can be sitting on the couch in silence and still he happy. Content. It's easy with Buck, there's no expectation, no need for theatrics. He didn't have to perform. He can just be. And Buck has shown he accepts Eddie and all his faults. Shown in the way Buck smiles at them. The way Buck comes over, when asked or not, he's there. The way he plans thing with Eddie in mind (and not). It's shown in the way Eddie trust Buck with his life, his heart, and Chris. The most important thing in Eddie life. Buck can tell Eddie to do anything and Eddie would do it, no questions asked.

But Eddie is scared. How can he not be? They are best friends and this, talking about their feelings, taking a step forward and put a deeper label to it will change things. Make it more real. Make it fragile.

A feather can destroy it.

Eddie doesn't want to destroy what's been going on, the peace they have.

As scared as Eddie is the shooting was a wake up call. A single moment and Buck can be taken away. No best friend or lover.

Would it not be better to take a leap and ask Buck out, to talk to Buck.

After all Buck almost died thinking Eddie doesn't feel the same way.

That thought drives Eddie to move. He can't have Buck thinking Eddie doesn't love him. That thought gives him a strength he didn't know he had.

Buck has a heart of gold, is kind, thoughtful, and someone like that deserves to be be loved. Worshipped. Instead he's been emotionally abused and neglected by his parents. A sister who leaves easily. He doesn't have the best opinion of Maddie but he knows she is getting help especially with her PPD. Still, she left a child with parents she knew didn't love him like they should. It has caused trauma. He's seen how it's affected Buck, and he's not even fully sure about the extent of everything he's been through. Buck doesn't talk about those days, and everyone knows not to ask.

Buck deserves to be happy.

Eddie wants to be the one to do that.

Eddie will make Buck happy. But the first step is talking to Buck.

Buck who he has sort of been avoiding.

So with free time on his hands, and a decision made, Eddie get in his truck and drive to Buck's loft.

He's keyed up with emotions so by the time he gets there, he slams his door closed and stomps his way up to Buck's door. He's trying to find the words but he has no clue what to say. How does tells Buck just how much he feels for the other? How just thinking of Buck's smile Eddie finds his shoulders feeling lighter and a smile tugging at the corner of his own lips. How much he feels at peace being in Buck's presence. He's never trusted someone more than he does Buck. It's sad to think he doesn't even trust his parents as much as he does Buck, but it's true. Buck has shown time and time again that Buck thinks of him and Chris. He cooks for them, takes care of them when they are sick or injured, comes by when they are sad, and will stop anything he's doing when they ask. Buck listens to Eddies insecurities, doesn't judge him, and understands him. Buck always tries to understand him. Learn about him.

Sometimes he doesn't know how his life would be like without Buck. Would he ever feel this happiness?

How much more happy can they both be when it's a official?

Eddie bangs on the door, the sound echoing in the empty hallway. He wants to say it all but where does he start?

"Yes?" Buck opens the door confused, voice soft but weary. His voice pulling Eddie from his thoughts. Shit he must have scared him. Eddie gets a good look at Buck, it's been almost what, a week? It's been a while since he's seen the other and he's forgotten what Buck looks like. A women. His hair is full and curled with loose ringlets. Face beautiful but blue eyes wide in shock. He's also wearing a tight tank top and long sweats. Eddie heart finds itself in his throat.

Shit. He needs to focus.

"Eddie?" Buck's voice is cautious almost scared. The other should never be like that around him.

Eddie pulls him into a hug. "I'm... I'm glad you're okay." Is the first thing his mind can think to do.

"I'm glad too." Buck says back, wrapping his arms around Eddie. They are smaller than he remembers but nonetheless warm. Eddie turns his head to nose into Buck's curls, take a small whiff. Buck still smells like Buck.

"Buck I..." shit he still doesn't know where to start. "I'm sorry. Sorry for not seeing you at the hospital. I was too stuck in my head after what you said." Eddie feels the way Buck whole body freezes. It felt like a good place to start.

"It's okay if you don't feel the same. I just wanted you to know. I'm use to-"

"I love you!" Eddie shouts, slightly angry at Buck's thinking like that. To say he's use to people not feeling the same. He knows it's true. It happened with Abby, Natalie, Ali. Even Taylor. Buck loves with his whole heart, body and soul, but people like to choose how much to love him while they take everything. Only to be overwhelmed. But Eddie is different. "I love you. I love you. I love when you smile. When you do your jokes. When you ramble about something you just learned. I love your little facts. I love how well you are with Chris. How you take care of us." Eddie takes a breath feeling Buck hand clenching his fingers into the back of his shirt. "I am so in love with you I was going crazy not able to tell you but so worried that I'd ruin us if I did." Buck lets out a gasp. Then a shuddering breath in. Eddie leans back to look at Buck to find his eyes bluer than ever, tears slowly falling.

"You really...?" Buck says almost lost. Eddie gives Buck a comforting smile.

"I do."

"A-are you sure? I know I'm loud and- and not like any of the other people you've dated." Buck looks away as his eyebrows furrow. Eddie cups Buck's face with one hand, turning his head softly so he can look into those blue eyes he loves, the other hand on his bicep, now smaller.

"I'm sure." Eddie leans forward to place his forehead on Buck's. "I love you. And It'd make me unbearably happy to start this with you." Hand going to the back of Buck's head, tangling itself into his curls.

"Really?" Buck's eyes are wide, as if it's unbelievable.

"Yes." He answers firmly.

"Even though I look like this?" The way Buck says it makes it seem like he looks like some alien.

"I don't care what you look like. I just want you- I want Buck."

"What about w-when I turn back?" Buck's eyebrows furrow at that.

"I'm not letting you go. You're mine." Eddie says, his brown eyes burning. Buck has to blink through the tears.

"W-what if-" Buck licks his lips, nervously, "what if I don't turn back?"

"Buck, I told you I don't care I mean it. I love you who you are. I like how you look no matter what. You're beautiful, inside and out."

"You... really want me?" Buck blinks, once again looking at Eddie like that is so hard to believe.

"Yeah," Eddie lets out as chuckle. "I really want you."

"C-can I kiss you?" Buck asks, blue eyes boring into his soul.

"I'd like that." Eddie grins. Buck gives Eddie one of his own. They stand there close, staring at each other but neither moving.

Then, Buck cups Eddie's face. Buck can see the way Eddie's cheeks pinken, feeling warm in his hands. They move their heads forward, nose brushing against each other. Finally tilting their head for the right angle, their lips slotting together. It's warm and soft. Short but sweet. Buck loves it.

It's a short kiss. Barely five seconds. Both pull back with a grin on their face. And like an invisible wall finally disappearing they move forward to meet each other in another kiss. This one more heated. Eddie moving his hands down to Buck waist, hands warm and almost burning. Buck wraps his arms around Eddie neck, hand sliding into brown strands of hair. Tongues meet and Buck let's out a groan. A noise that goes straight down to Eddie's dick.

Eddie wraps one arm around Buck waist then the other goes up to settle in between his shoulder blades, pulling the younger man closer to his body. Feeling the other's warmth. Trying to merge. The action causes Buck to grind a bit on his hard cock, a moan escaping his lips. Eddie groans at the friction. He grinds his cock harder into Buck, trying to find traction.

Buck pulls back from the kiss, a thin line of saliva the only thing connecting them. Until it snaps. "Wait." Buck breathes out heavily. He takes a deep breath in.

"What?" Eddie asks just as breathless, the back of his hair messy. Buck smiles, moving to smooth it out. Eddie eyes Buck worried.

"I... god I would love to continue but I think that's as far as we go."

"O-okay." He agrees easily but is no less confused. Buck chuckles.

"I'm not on any birth control, so unless you want to knock me up I suggest we wait until I do." Buck explains lovingly, with a grin on his face. Eddie blushes at his word choices.

"That makes sense."

"Do you need help with that?" Buck asks motioning with his eyes down. Eddie looks to see his jeans tenting a bit. Eddie takes a deep breath, to calm himself down. To get a grip.

Eddie shakes his head, "no. It'll go down."

"Thank god, I think if I did help you I wouldn't be able to control myself." Buck steps back to give Eddie space, but his cheeks are still flush. The older man is hypnotized. With the tank top on Eddie can see more of Buck milk like skin. The blush is going down his neck, there's even a little pink on his shoulders.

"How are you?" Eddie finds himself asking, looking around the loft for something to distract him.

"Well... getting shot hurts. 0/10. Wouldn't recommend." Buck says. Eddie lets out a chuckle, he turns his head back to Buck finding the other hold a hand to the spot.

"I know the feeling. Does it ache?" Eddie wonders now worried.

Buck shrugs with a small smile. "I try not to move too much. I'm doing the stretching the PT told me to do."

"Want to talk about it?" Eddie wonders. Buck smile fades. He looks away.

"There's not much to talk about." Bucks says.

"Buck." Eddie says the name seriously.

Buck looks at him. "No really. I wasn't facing the shooter. One minute I'm talking to Athena, then bang! My ears are ringing and I'm back to you getting shot. I..." Buck looks away sadly. They don't talk much about the sniper. He hasn't with Eddie at least. It felt like so long ago. So much happened in such a short time. Then when everything was settled, the time to talk passed. There was almost a peace in the days. Until this happened. "I moved to go check on you and that's when the pain hit. I guess I was in shock I didn't feel it until I moved. I remember there being a lot of blood and pain. Hot pain. Then... well... I'm sure you know." Buck shrugs.

Eddie gives him a nod.

Buck blinks, then snaps his head to Eddie. "Are you okay?" Buck asks. It's Eddie's turn to blink.

"I didn't get hurt." Eddie looks at his -girlfriend? Boyfriend?- confused about why he would ask.

"I know but I'm sure seeing me bleed on the asphalt brought memories, bad ones." Buck's eyebrows furrow in the middle, showing his worry.

Eddie breath about stops. Because of course Buck is more worried about him. "I love you." Comes out without Eddie really thinking.

Buck cheeks flush. He blinks owlishly at Eddie because that was random, not that he didn't like hearing it. "I love you too." Buck says back with a smile.

"I'm okay though. I just thought I'd never get to tell you my feelings." Eddie tells him. Buck nods.

"I thought you didn't return my feelings." Buck says sheepishly, looking away with a sad grin.

"Sorry, for going no contact. I was in shock and... trying to process."

"Feeling better?"

"Yeah. Much better." Eddie smiles at Buck, the love in those chocolate eyes has Buck feeling warm all the way to his toes.

"Want to hang out? I'll make us lunch." Buck looks away, then back.

Eddie grins. "We never finished our Street Fighter game." Eddie says stretching as he moves to the living room.

Buck lets out a squawk. "It was a tie!" Buck says but chuckles. Eddie watches as Buck moves around the kitchen.

Buck comes back with two plates of reheated alfredo chicken pasta and a beer for Eddie and one of Chris' juice box for himself. Seeing Eddie's raised eyebrow Buck sheepishly answers that he can't drink because of the medication.

---

"Is he awake?" Buck shifts in his bed, eyes slowly blinking awake at the voice.

"Doesn't look like it." Buck knows that as Chimney's.

"I hope he's not moping." Maddie voices her worries.

"Then it's a good thing we came." Buck can already see Chim's grin. Buck shifts in his bed, burrowing further into his covers.

He hears footsteps on his stairs to his bed. He decides to ignore them and go back to sleep. He hears shuffling around his bed. He's right there on the line of sleep and consciousness. Can feel his body getting light, time escaping him.

"Looks like he's still asleep."

"Buck, it's way past noon." Maddie moves around the bed.

"... sleep." Is all Buck mutters as he moves pillows to cover his face. He hears Maddie let out a huff.

"Come on. When was the last time you left the loft?" Maddie moves the blanket trying to find his body to shake him awake. With a slimmer body it's hard. He's drowning in the covers.

"Don't wanna." Buck whines, slightly muffled under the pillows. It's the silence that follows that puts Buck into a false sense of security.

Then, his ankles are grabbed and he's pulled. He lets out a high pitched scream as his hands scramble for some purchase but there's nothing on his bed that's not loose to hold onto. Chim and Maddie pull him all the way off his bed. Falling into a heap on the floor on top of his duvet. He huffs as he sits up, giving the two a glare. Maddie gives him a grin while Chim his holding a hand over his mouth to keep from laughing. Buck leans on his bed, one arm resting on top.

"Why?" Buck huffs.

"Come on. I know you don't like being alone. You're going to hang out with us. Then we're going to Athena's for a gathering." Maddie tells him, hand cupping the back of Jee's head as she lay against Maddie in the carrier.

They see the way Buck's face pales at that. "I... don't think that's a good idea." Buck shakes his head.

"Why not?" Maddie raises an eyebrow.

"Look at me Mads. The kids will most likely be there." Buck says standing up.

"Quick question." Chim steps up. With eyes on him he continues, "you are wearing something underneath right?" He points to Buck who is wearing one of his male t shirts. A blue t-shirt with Captain America's shield in the middle of the chest. Though on his body it's lower on his breast and top of his stomach. The sleeves are also down to his elbows. The hem is past his thigh, and it's bunched oddly around his hips. Buck knew he was large but seeing just how sort of blows his mind. It was normal to him. "Please." Chim pleads.

Buck huffs. "Relax Chim." Buck grabs the hem and pulls it up. "I'm wearing my briefs." Buck says showing off said briefs. A dark blue. Maddie scrunches her face.

"I don't need to see your underwear." She says. Buck lets the hem go, hiding his briefs from his guests. "And going back to what we were talking about, I don't think Athena or Hen care about how you look."

"Aren't they worried about explaining it to Harry and Denny?" Buck wonders as he gathers his duvet from the floor.

"I don't think so." Chim says. "Athena called us to make sure you show up." He adds. Buck pauses to look at them. Both of them staring at him back.

Maddie breaks the silence. "Buck no one cares what you look like. It's not like it was your choice to change. It's not that hard to explain it. And the boys are old enough to understand you look like this but you are still Buck, their friend. That's all that matters."

"Yeah, even Jee knows who you are and she's not even old enough to actually be aware." Chim says. Madde playfully slaps his bicep. Buck smiles.

"Fine. Let me take a shower at least. As if I can say no to Athena." Buck says. The two nod seriously.

They wait in the living room as Buck gets ready. Wearing some grey loose sweats and a white v-neck short sleeve t-shirt. And of course his sneakers.

"You sure like wearing those." Maddie points out looking at the grey sweats. Buck goes to grab his wallet and keys.

"These are the only sweats that fit moderately well. They are tight on the hips but loose on the legs. They don't look to bad when I'm wearing them." Buck explains.

"Well all we planned to do today is go out for lunch then park for Jee." Maddie says.

They eat first, something small as they know they will be stuffing their faces at Athena's. They talk a little about Buck's healing. It's going well. Buck might be back a day early if things keep as they are. Then they go to the park for Jee, letting her play and crawl. Buck and Chim ended up playing some basketball with a couple kids. They stayed at the park for a long while. Buck spend more time laying in the grass feeling the sun on his skin.

Of course Buck doesn't tell them about him and Eddie. They had both agreed to keep it on the down low for now. If they were to tell people there may be pressure on both of them. It was still so new that they wanted to settle and figure it out themselves first. They were friends first and now they are dating. Things obviously have changed. But so far not really. After work Eddie talks to him. They hang out. They say 'I love you' before hanging up.

The only thing that's not the same is first, Christopher. Buck still hasn't seen him. He's not sure why Eddie hasn't told him but if Buck were to guess it might be because of how he looks. He's also a bit scared of Chris reaction. Would he be scared? Put off by it? Would he reject Buck? The thought makes him want to cry. Plus how would he react to them dating? Buck would do anything to make Chris happy but if the kid were to ask to break up with Eddie? Buck doesn't know if he can do that.

The second is sex. It's not so much the lack thereof, Buck doesn't feel the need to have sex. Does he want to? Yes. But there isn't a pressure to do it. Plus Buck isn't really sure how to bring it up. Does he just text Eddie he's got some birth control and is ready? Doing that kind of feels wrong, like a booty call, like all he wants is sex. Which he doesn't, he wants all of Eddie, what that man would give him he'll take. With Eddie it feels like it could happen naturally. Buck wants that.

Still it's good to know he's got birth control so no accidents happen. He's even got the morning after. It's why he was so tired. He saw his PT, talked about if he needs to do a recertification for his job (he does not), talked to an OBGYN (which took longer than it should have), did some groceries, cleaned around the apartment, then spent most of the night texting Eddie like a teenager.

Buck has a few more days of rest then he's back on the job. He's ready for that. He's been so bored. The only thing keeping him sane is Eddie. Especially the videos he gets send of Christopher.

Buck looks down at his phone. In the back of Maddie's car with Jee on the other side. He had texted Eddie that he'll be at Athena's that night. As a heads up, in case he brings Christopher.

Eddie said he's not. Then reminds him about the sleepover Chris has. The project sleepover. Which Buck had forgotten about. It was set like two months ago. The class is going a group project, something about the ecosystem. The group has to make a diorama of it while also making a small essay about a part of it. Buck had helped with the essay, especially since Christopher had pulled gotten the part of the predators, but the kids still needed to make the diorama together. Eddie would have done it but he's a single parent, he could not handle four or five kids. It felt safer letting the sleepover be at a kids house with two parents.

Buck let's a breath out. He misses Chris but now there's a fear. A fear that Chris wont like him anymore. And it's a bit childish thinking like that but he loves the kid. Chris is his best friend.

Buck looks out the window, the sun beginning to set. He would be crushed if that were to happen.

No later do they find themselves in front of the Grant-Nash household. Buck finds his hands shaking a bit as they get closer to the front door. Of course Chim opens the door first, walking in knowing everyone is probably in the backyard talking and already drinking. Chim steps to the side to let them in. Maddie carrying Jee walking in first. Then Buck. Chim closes the door behind him.

Buck can feel his heart beating hard against his chest the closer they get to the noise. It already sounds like a full house. Does everyone know? He knows those closest to him do, but what about others? Ravi hasn't been around in a while. What about Michael and his new boyfriend? They'd be so weirded out by this.

No one is in the living room or the dining area. So they make their way to the backyard, which the sliding glass door is open. The three pause as they take in where everyone is. Harry and Denny are rough housing. Athena is talking with Hen. Bobby is manning the grill with a man Buck has never seen before. His eyes are searching for a specific latino man.

"BUCK!" Someone screams his name causing him to jump almost a feet in the air. He snaps his head to the voice, the clattering and mumbling coming to a stop as all eyes go to him. Maddie and Chim pause as they move away from him. Karen is staring at him.

"Hey Karen." Buck smiles with a shy wave of his hand.

"OH MY GOD! You look gorgeous." She says getting up from her seat on a lounge chair to get closer.

"Uh..." Buck blushes, "thanks." He shyly wraps arms around himself. He can feel everyone's stares at him.

"Chim's pictures don't do you justice." Karen says getting a closer look. "I thought I'd never get a chance to see you in the flesh."

"Pictures?" Buck questions.

"Here." Hen slides closer, phone in hand. She hands it over to Buck who takes it to look. It's a very blurry picture of him from afar, he's looking somewhere to the side so they only can see his side. He must have gotten scared or something while taking it. Of course leave Chim to be the one who texts them all this. He really can't keep a secret.

Buck hands the phone over taking a look at May who is staring at him. "You could be a victoria secret model." She says, which sounds like a compliment.

"She's the start of the apocalypse." Karen says almost in a trance. Hen shakes her shoulder.

"That is such a you shirt. Where'd you get it?" May asks.

"The internet." Buck says looking down, smoothing some of the wrinkles.

"I think you guys are smothering him." Athena comes to the rescue. "I'm glad you made it Buck. How are you feeling?" She asks taking note of Buck.

"Better. But I'm still told to go slow." Buck says with a tight grin. They all smile at that knowing Buck doesn't like slow. All know he's bored and crawling up the walls for something to do.

"I'm glad. And follow your doctor or I'll step in." Athena tells him sternly.

"Of course." Buck nods. Athena raises an eyebrow at him, the boy agreeing way to fast. But all Buck gives is his innocent smile back. Athena shakes her head.

"Go say Hi to Bobby will you." She moves away to give a direct path to.

"Hey Bobby. It's been awhile!" Buck shouts as he rushes over, all can see the dog ears and tail wagging. Buck steps up close to the older man with a large smile on his face. Bobby face softens at the sight.

"How have you been?" He asks.

"Better. Soon I'll be bothering you at work." Buck says taking a deep breath of what looks like burgers. Bobby smiles at that but he keeps his eye on the smaller man. Buck just tilts his head curiously.

Bobby then turns back, seemingly satisfied. Buck then rambles on about something. Then like an excited puppy goes somewhere else. He does what he usually does. Play with the kids. Talk to everyone, catch up, make people laugh, the usual. It's not until Eddie joins his side with a non alcoholic drink that Buck remembers they are dating and he just totally ignored the man. No, more accurately, forgot. Though he is unsure what he should have done as they are keeping it a secret anyway.

It's when he's meeting David, Michaels new boyfriend, that he hears something unexpected. "I never thought I'd meet you." He says.

Buck, who is shaking his hand, looks confused. He looks at Michael, then Athena thinking maybe they've talked about him. They both just shrug their shoulders and shake their head. Those close pause in their conversation to listen. "Um... I... Nice to meet you too?" Buck spits out eventually. David gives a chuckle.

"I'm a doctor. In our little -well large actually- doctor circle, there's been rumors about a medical mystery. Or marvel to some. About a man getting turned into a women almost instantly. You don't have to worry, your name isn't known, just your circumstance. Some don't even believe it."

"I'm sorry but there's not much I can tell you. It just happened on a rescue. It was an experiment." Buck says rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I don't know much."

"The person who made it is currently in a coma." Eddie helps.

"What did you inject?" David asks.

"Well at first it was a gas, then a powder and lastly a liquid." Buck tells him with a head tilt.

"Really?" David asks, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Yeah." Buck nods.

"Did it hurt?" David asks.

"Yes." Buck nods erratically. "My bones felt like they were breaking one by one. I was nauseous, my insides felt like it was tearing itself apart. It felt like I was walking on pins and needles. I even threw up."

"You did?" Eddie asks alarmed. Bobby and Hen looking over, alarmed looks on their faces. Buck grimaces realizing what he had just confessed.

"Sorry I didn't tell anyone. We all were working hard to get the fire out. When the pain stopped I had changed. I didn't know what to do. Hell, I didn't even believe it but there was no denying my clothes didn't fit." Buck says trying to sooth Eddie, and the others, worries.

"Makes sense, everything was changing inside and out." David points out.

"Alright let's leave him alone." Michael pulls David away as he mutters, now in deep thought.

After that, Buck shakes it off easily but Eddie sticks to him. Something that isn't unusual for the two.

Buck is sitting with a cup in one hand and Jee in the other. The leg Jee is sitting on is bouncing. Buck is taking a drink, feeling the back of Jee's head looking around. Entertained by the others.

"Denny!" Karen yells. Buck looks over to see what's wrong only to come face first with juice or soda and a large body. His own drink long abandoned and added to what was already spilt to take hold of the boy.

Karen rushes up, to check on them. A stern expression on her face. Athena behind her, but her eyes are on Harry who is close too. "What did we tell you boys?" Athena asks seriously.

"Sorry." Harry hunching.

"Buck you okay?" Karen asks watching Denny get off Buck, the back of his shirt wet.

"Just a bit wet, no injury." Buck smiles standing up with Jee.

"Let's get you changed and your clothes watched. You're wearing white." Athena says. Maddie comes up to take Jee. Buck looks down to see his shirt pink and translucent. His skin becoming visible, especially his tattoos. Buck nods. Athena pulls Buck along. "May get a change of clothes."

"Kay!" May shouts rushing to her room to find something.

Athena leads Buck to the bathroom where he strips and wrinces what he can. When he's done it's less pink but now his shirt and pants are wet. The door is knocked on.

"Here Buck. These don't fit me." May says.

"Give us your dirty clothes." Athena adds. Buck cracks the door open to shove his wet clothes out. Someone takes them then he's handed May's clothes. With the door closed Buck sets the clothes on the counter by the sink. Both articles of clothing are very thin. He pulls up a shirt, a turquoise v-neck with purple flowers. It does look big. The next he holds up are shorts. Short shorts. Bright pink shorts.

Buck blushes. Listen, he's comfortable in his body but he's never worn short shorts before. Never had the urge to, even in this modern world. He found the clothes he's comfortable with and won't get him on some sort of list.

Now he knows in this body there is a lot he can get away with, clothes wise. Still never had the urge to try it though. But he'd rather wear this than being moderately naked in Athena and Bobby's house. Sure he's got on a bra and panties but he still feels exposed and uncomfortable. Like wearing a bikini to a soccer game, any sports game really (besides swimming). It's out of place.

Another knock. "You okay in there?" Athena asks worried.

"Uh... yeah just give me a second." Buck squeaks out. He hears some mumbling on the others side. He shakes his head and puts the shorts on then the shirt. He's about to reach for his shoes when he pauses to look in the mirror. He checks himself out. Twisting and turning to get a look at each side. "Uh... I think we have a problem." Buck says face completely red.

"What?" Someone asks.

"It doesn't fit." He answers.

"Oh." Athena says.

"Are you sure?" May asks.

"Then just give it back and we'll find something else. It's going to be a while before you're clothes are finished." Athena intructs.

Buck's face gets redder. "Well fit isn't really the right word. Maybe inappropriate is."

"How?" That's Karen's voice, sounding giddy with curiosity.

"Ah... well... um... mmm..." Buck doesn't know how to explain it.

"Can we see?" Maddie wonders.

"What?" Bucks squeaks once again.

"Good idea. We might get an idea what does fit if we see." Karen adds. Though they sound to happy.

It's not like he's actually naked but it's more embarrassing. This isn't really how he dresses. If he were to compare it it'd be like wearing lingerie. Not that he has ever before. If he were to imagine what wearing lingerie feels like this feels like it. And it's not like they haven't ever seen him. They've all gone to the beach, as a man all he wears are trunks.

"Fine." Buck says. He slowly opens the door for them to peek inside. They all gape at him. Which causes his face to heat up again after it had just gone down. The sleeves are high and short, barely over the joint of his shoulder, the v on the neck is deep, exposing his breast, and the hem is tight and scrunched just past his ribs exposing his belly button and lower stomach. Now the bright pink short short are very short on him. "Told you. Inappropriate. My ass cheek is hanging out." Buck says showing his side. The short short could be underwear honestly.

They hear someone choke and cough. Turning they see Eddie hunched over, face red. "Ig-ignore me." He heaves out waving at them, a beer in his hand. He walks away. After he's gone all eyes turn back to Buck who is as red as a lobster.

"I don't think any of May's clothes would fit you." Athena says thinking out loud.

"Those were too big on me." May tells them.

"I don't think any of my clothes would either." Athena adds, face deep in thinking.

"Well what will I do?" Buck wonders turning around to take the shirt off, the sleeves are digging into his armpit and it's uncomfortable. Eyes on the curve of Buck's spine.

"That would be the start of Ragnarok." Karen mutters.

"Hey, Athena, do you have anything large like a dress?" Maddie wonders.

"I don't think they'd fit, they are mostly form fitting." Athena says. They all nod. Buck only looks at them with furrowed brows. He'd really like to have some clothes on. Clothes that fit and cover him in front of his family.

"To bad you don't have one of Buck's male shirts, he could wear that. Like this morning." Maddie mutters.

Athena perks at that. "Maybe we can use one of Bobby's shirts then. Keep the short shorts on." Athena says walking away.

Chim walks past the gathered women. He shakes his head. He walks over to the guys, minus Buck. "They seem to be enjoying themselves." Chim says motioning to the women.

"I'm sure they're just teasing Buck." Bobby says.

"Leave it to Buck to get along no matter what." Chim says.

"He does find a way to become friends with everyone, especially those women." Eddie says lovingly. The look is gone as he takes a swig of his beer.

"That's true. Even while in his male body he hangs out with them. Not like I don't have Hen as a friend either but Buck blends in seamlessly." Chim says with a nod.

"That's what makes him so lovable." Michael says with a smile.

"Buck will be Buck." Bobby says with a smile.

Laughter brings attention to the group finally coming out and rejoining the rest. Maddie sits on a lounge chair. "I kind of wish Buck was born a girl. I would have had fun dressing him up." She says with a smile.

"I could only imagine." Karen says with a large smile of her own.

"Buck isn't a doll." Hen rolls her eyes.

"I wish I had a sister." May pouts.

"May." Michael calls her name.

"I'm just saying. Harry will always be my brother but it would have been fun to play dress up."

"With Buck and I's year difference being so large, I think it would be more like playing with a doll." Maddie smiles.

"Didn't you do that anyways?" Buck says holding his arms out showing Athena the large sweater, that belong to Bobby, sleeves are too long.

"I guess that's true. I was the one who dressed you most." Maddie says. "But putting a large bow in you hair as a baby would have been too cute." Maddie gushes at the image.

"Wait didn't you- never mind." Buck turns away as Athena rolls the sleeves for him. Maddie stares at him curiously.

"Oh my god!" Maddie eyes widen as she remembers. "I did do that." Maddie throws her head back at the memory, laughing.

"Do what?" Chim asks curious to what has Buck blushing so hard, face looking like he sucked a lemon.

"When Buck was younger, I dressed him up. Literally. I found an old dress of mine and put it on Buck with the matching shoes. He had crazy long curly hair, he needed a cut but mom and dad didn't care. So before I went with him to the barber I dressed him up. I was curious. I brushed his hair and put them in buns, or a ponytail, I even did a half do. I- I have a picture." Maddie says jumping up.

"You do?" Buck asks shocked. They all watch as Maddie digs through her purse.

"Yeah. Mom send me a stack of old pictures I had stored away. While I was going through them I found those pictures. I was so confused. I thought it was like a distant cousin." She pulls out her phone. "The birthmark confused me more because it's so unique but I thought surely not. I don't remember ever having much fun growing up. I took a picture of it, wondering if maybe I had met a distant relative of ours with the same birthmark, to show mom and dad one day. Here." Maddie says holding out her phone. Everyone comes to crowd around the phone.

Buck takes hold of it in awe. He knows for a fact he doesn't have baby pictures so this might be the closest thing to it. There in the picture, that's him. He's got chubby cheeks, striking blue eyes. He's wearing a white short sleeve fluffy dress with pink accents. He's got a bear in his arms and he's smiling at the camera. He looks like he's around three. His long hair in a half do, tied with a large pink bow. A curl or two falling in his face but not hiding his birthmark. He looks happy. Probably one of the rare moments he is.

"Are there more?" Buck wonders handing over the phone for others to look at.

"Yeah. That's the only one I took a picture on my phone with though." Maddie says. Buck nods. He's actually got more pictures.

"You look like a young princess." May laughs handing over the phone to the next person.

"How precious." Hen says with a smile.

"You could be one of those porcelain dolls." Karen says.

Athena, Bobby and Eddie take the longest staring at the picture. All know Buck doesn't have any so this is more precious than gold. This one picture. Buck's eyes are shining. His smile wide. Why wouldn't he be, he's with his sister. Athena stares, looking at those plump cheeks and large blue eyes. Buck deserves better parents. Knowing him now, she wish she got to him earlier. Bobby stares too, taking in the sight. Buck is so innocent and small. Eddie tries to memorizes the picture. Taking in his chubby hands, his short legs showing off his pale legs and those small white mary janes with a pink bow on the clasps. It's almost haunting to know what's in the future for this Buck- no, Evan.

In at least five more years his sister leaves for collage. And who knows what happened in those five years while Maddie was busy with her last year of middle school, then her four years of high school. She couldn't always be with her brother. She had her own life. Then she wasn't around at all.

Eddie once again sticks close to Buck. Sitting next to him as they eat their burgers. Watching to make sure Buck is okay. And he is, happy that there is a picture of him when he was younger. A way to say he does exist. A somewhat good memory was immortalized in a picture.

---

Eddie knocks on the door. Feeling a bit nervous. Though, he knows there's no reason to feel like that. There's no pressure. It all feels so natural with Buck. And they both knew on some level that it would be like this but it's somewhat surprising that it's true.

It's only been a week and Eddie feels lighter and happier. There's just one problem.

His mind and dick. Mostly his mind.

That night at Athena's. He had gotten a glimpse of Buck in those tight revealing clothes. And Buck voice talking about how his ass hung out. Now he can't unhear it. He found himself looking. It's not like he hasn't been looking at Buck like that. Everything is very different now. They are dating. Which means he can look. He can touch. Of course if Buck allows it.

These last few days have been torture. Having to see first hand Buck in his new form fitting uniform. Buck bending over in said uniform. Buck working. Stretching. Flexing. Smiling that goddamn smile. The worst of it is when the adrenaline is over, and they are all back at the station, and Buck starts stripping out of his turnouts. Hen has definitely caught him ogling. Eddie can't help but watch. Eyes on the way Buck is sweaty, skin glistening, muscles straining and chest taking breaths. Eyes following the lines of muscle. Taking note of the way the clothes cling to his body showing off those curves. He should not be finding it sexy but he can't help but find it exactly that.

His mind all too happily supplying him with wild dreams. Dreams that leave him aching.

He wants so badly but he doesn't want to push. He's waiting for Buck to jump him. Not fully, he just wants Buck to make the first move.

So he'll wait. But that doesn't mean he can't see his partner in person. His partner he hasn't seen alone. If it's not work then it's through text.

So he wants to hang out with the person he's dating!

Eddie comes to as the door opens. Only for his mind to short circuit. Buck with his curls crazy and untamed. Looking beautiful. But that's not what has Eddie mind blanking. Eddie looks down then back up, for another look. He can feel blood rushing south. He blinks to take Buck in. Crazed curled hair, an overly large shirt and nothing else. Showing off those bare long legs off.

Eddie knows that the large t-shirt is one of Bucks. He's seen the shirt on his lazy days. It does nothing to stop his mind from imagining it's his shirt the other is wearing. The thought fills some sort of possessive streak of his, makes him want to preen and also gets him incredibly horny.

Then Buck has to go and give him that beaming smile of his. "Hey Eds." his nickname casually coming from Buck. He loves it, it always fills him with warmth.

Eddie, can't seem to control himself. He pulls Buck into a kiss, large hands firm on the others waist. The younger kissing back thin fingers on large shoulders. They continue the kiss as Eddie moves them into the apartment. Kicking the door closed. The kiss heated but doesn't turn into something more. Until they separate to breath.

Buck pulls back to get a good look at the older man. "Don't you have Chris?" Buck asks. Eddie can't help but smile.

"Take two of the sleepover for that project, turns out they didn't finish it." Eddie smiles shaking his head. Buck throws his head back to laugh.

"Sounds like a group of boys. Did they get any of it done?" Buck tilts his head in that usual way he does. Eddie finds it endearing. His thumb rubbing small circles into the soft fabric.

"They started from what I heard." Eddie answers, and like he knew Buck lets out another laugh. The sound music to his ears. "Since I'm free I thought I'd come to see you." Eddie looks deeply into Buck's eyes.

"Oh?" Buck blue eyes turn electric.

"I missed you." Eddie confesses, and Buck beaming smile gets impossibly larger. Eyes softening.

"I missed you too." Buck voice is soft. Then his face light up with an idea, "want to play my new game with me?" Buck asks excitedly. Eddie is an easy man where Buck is concerned.

"Yes. What game?" He agrees easily.

Buck turns, already vibrating as he turns to his living room. Eddie right behind him. "It's the Resident Evil 2 remake. I don't usually play horror games but it looks fun." Buck jumps onto his couch. Eddie right beside him. Sitting closer than needed but it's never been a problem. Buck takes the remote from the coffee table pressing play.

"So what's going on?" Eddie asks as he watches.

"Want me to start again?" Buck looks at Eddie.

"You don't need to." Eddie snaps his head at Buck.

"It's fine. Now that I know what to do and have gotten use to the controls I want to start again. I wanted to anyways." Buck says restarting the game. Eddie watches as Buck starts the game over. Buck chooses Leon. Eddie gives him a look. "He's hot so what? I'll play as Claire later." Buck shrugs his shoulder without looking at Eddie.

Eddie shake his head with a chuckle. "Let's watch the cut scene." Eddie sinks into the couch as he watches Buck play.

It's easy to get invested. Eddie finds one of his arms resting on the back of the couch, behind Buck. The story is good. It's funny to see Buck scrunch his face in disgust. Jump and let out a squeak when scared. Taking deep and even breaths when it gets tense. Buck thinking out loud about how to solve the puzzles. They bicker a bit. Buck letting Eddie take control. Buck encouraging Eddie. Celebrating when they process in the story.

Time goes by. Next thing either know dinner is eaten and it's getting late. It's dark in the apartment. The only thing lighting the apartment is the t.V. They are so invested in the story that a single knock on the door has Buck and Eddie jumping into place. But Buck is extra, screaming and jumping onto Eddie lap, wrapping his arms around the older man. Buck and Eddie stare at each other with wide eyes. Then a second knock comes. Buck lets out a breath.

"My heart." Buck whines placing a hand flat on his chest, feeling the way his heart is beating against his ribs. Eddie lets out a chuckle. With a breath Buck slowly gets off of his boyfriend's lap.

Eddie makes a face Buck doesn't catch. Wanting to pull Buck back onto his lap. To hold the younger man in his arms.

Then he catches what Buck is doing, answering the door, in only a shirt. Showing off those legs. Just like he did when Eddie came knocking. Eddie jumps off the couch. A second too late. "Hello?" Buck greets the unknown guest. It's a man he's never seen before. The man blinks at Buck. It doesn't go unnoticed the way his eyes roam Buck figure.

"Um... Sorry." The man shakes his head a bit to rid the thoughts. "I was told to get muffins. And to apologize for not getting them earlier." he says looking as confused as Eddie feels.

"Oh!" Buck exclaims, seeming to remember something. "You must be Veronica's husband. I thought she forgot about it. Hold on." Buck smiles turning to run into the kitchen. Eddie comes more into view. Eyes on Buck as he opens the microwave to get plate. A couple muffins on top. Buck walks over to the door. With a smile he presents the muffins. "Here. Tell Veronica thank you." Buck smiles that smile of his. Of course it makes the man blush. Karen may be right about Buck being the start of the world ending.

"Right. Thank you. Goodbye." The man runs down the hall. Buck shrugs it off closing the door.

After a moment of silence Buck lets out a loud breath. "I think that's enough scary games for me." he turns to Eddie leaning on the wall. The tan man smirking at the younger.

"Really?"

"Yeah, do you still want to play?" Buck walks to the living room to save and turn the game off.

"I'm invested in the game." Eddie answers with a smile.

"Then you can, I'm going to get ready for bed." Buck hands the control over to Eddie who takes it. Then goes to take a seat on the couch once again. Buck walks to the stairs.

He leans over to see Eddie getting comfortable. A sudden urge to tease the other man hits him. With an evil smirk, he says "guess I'll just sleep alone in the nude." the reaction is instant. Eddie snapping his head to Buck. Eyes wide and hungry. A thrill goes down Buck spine. Buck lets out a cackle, going up the stairs.

"Buck?" Eddie calls confused on what to do now. Was that an invitation? Or a sign to wait? He knows Bucks many sides but this is not one so he doesn't know what to do. What to look out for. Eddie looks at the remote in hand then the stairs. Does he go for it?

He trust Buck. If it's too soon the other man would let him know.

He's chancing it. Saving the game he rushes to turn everything off. Going up the stairs two at a time. Once at the top he finds Buck turning both lamps on from the bedside.

"Uh... Buck, was... is this..." Eddie starts and stops. He looks away embarrassed. He feels Buck walking closer before he feels a hand on his shoulder.

"We don't have to if it's too fast." Buck says gently. Eddie looks at the other, he should be saying that.

"I don't want to rush you." Eddie searches Buck face. Buck is nervous, about what though?

"I don't either." Buck looks down. "I don't want you to think I'm just in this for the sex."

"I wouldn't think that. I know you Buck." Eddie places a hand on Buck cheek, thumb stroking the soft skin there. Now that he can, he will never not get tired of being able to touch his lover.

"I know but I... I love you Eds, I don't want to ruin this." Buck deep blue eyes bare into Eddie soul.

"I don't either. God, I'm a mess." Eddie threads a hand through the other's hair.

"I think everyone is a little bit of a mess." Buck tone is light and joking. Eddie finds himself smiling. With determination Eddie closes the distance between them. The hand that was threading through his hair now placed on the others hips. Buck moving to hold his waist. Both holding each other.

"If you're ready I'd like to have sex with you." As an answer Buck smiles.

"Thank god. I don't think I'd be able to sleep alone." Buck blue eyes looking down to Eddie lips.

"The game scare you too much?" Eddie teases.

"Yes." Buck pouts. Eddie closes the distance, placing a kiss on those pink lips. Buck hums into the kiss. They both pull back to stare at each other. "Oh, fair warning I haven't taken my own body out for a joy ride."

Eddie raises an eyebrow. "You... nothing?" A bit shocked considering this is Buck, Eddie for one thought that might be one of the first things the younger would do.

Buck shakes his head. "Nope. To be honest," Buck looks away, cheeks flushing pink, "I thought I'd be back to normal by now and I didn't want to know. I also didn't think we'd get together so I didn't see why I should explore." Buck looks at him again, giving his best puppy dog eyes. "You have no idea how hard it was trying not to think of you being all sexy." Eddie bites his lip to stifle a chuckle.

"Then let's explore." Eddie says sliding hands down to Buck thighs, lifting him up. Buck lets out a cute excited chuckle, even though they didn't need to travel far. Literally one step and Eddie walked them to the bed.

Gently he sets Buck down on the bed. Already Buck looks gorgeous like this, hair splayed out, legs open for Eddie. Those eyes so blue, and Buck cute birthmark. Of course the shirt is the only modest thing Buck is wearing at the moment. Though, because of gravity it's showing off the curve of breasts, where his cinched waist is, bunching around his hip and hiding Buck's... private area.

Buck takes a breath, reaching down to the hem of his shirt pulling it up without Eddie having to ask. Eddie keeps his eyes on every inch that's revealed. He raises an eyebrow at the sight of briefs but Buck pulls the shirt higher. His eyes pause at the new scar Buck has gotten. The gun shot wound. Two light pink circles. Eddie's eyes go further up to see the shirt bunches over his breasts, but Buck doesn't move to pull it over his head. He's unsure he's blinking. Not with the sight of bare skin. He use to see Buck's chest unapologetically when he was a man. But now not so much. And it's not like Buck strips out of his shirt or something before. Now he can see every inch of milk white skin.

Eddie's eyes pause at his chest. Breasts. He never cared about breast but with Buck, even before he can appreciate the curve. Now, it looks soft. Buck isn't small. Of course they're not comically large but they are large. His eyes tracing the tattoo on the top curve of his breast. Not able to hold back he leans down getting down in between those thick thighs, placing his lips on soft skin. Buck gasps at the feel, warm but scratchy. Not in a bad way. Or new.

He's had other men kiss his chest.

He watches as Eddie kisses around. Warm calloused hands coming to hold his waist. Eddie's hands feel large on his body. Buck can feel heat pooling in his lower area. He can feels Eddie's nose on his bare skin. Eddie lips then find his pink nipple. Without warning wet heat covers one of them. Buck let's out an 'eep' at the feeling. Again, not a new feeling but it does at the same time. Is it because it's Eddie? Eddie suck hards causing Buck to let out a soft groan. Then Eddie flick the nipple with his tongue causing Buck to let out a soft moan this time. Next Eddie reaches with his hand to the other nipple pinching and nibbling the one in his mouth at the same time. Buck thigh tremble as he arches his back to push his breast forward into Eddie, a loud moan passing his lips. Eddie finally looks up from where he is to look Buck in the eyes. Thin blue rings around black desire.

As much as Eddie would love to continue to explore Buck body, they can do that some other time. For now he'll continue. Both wanting to get to the main course. Wanting to feel each other. So Eddie leans back, getting off of Buck. His brown eyes land on grey briefs. He looks up to Buck, his hands on the elastic, asking silently for permission. Buck nods. Letting the older man do the honors. He pulls them off, Buck lifting his hips to get them over his ass, then stretching his legs for Eddie to get them right off. The older of the two tosses them behind him somewhere looking at Buck. The younger of the two feel his whole body heat up, the look in Eddie's eyes. No has ever looked at like that during sex. And they aren't even fully naked yet.

There's lust but more importantly there's love and adoration. It burns Buck in an addicting way.

Because there's nothing to hide from Eddie, Buck spreads his legs, presenting himself to the other. He watches as Eddie takes a deep breath in at the sight. A small patch of dark blond hairs, pointing straight to Buck's pussy. "Eds-" Buck starts not sure what else to say in the moment. He doesn't know what he likes or hates. Hell he hasn't touched himself sexually.

Before Buck can get more out of his mouth Eddie drops to his knees. Getting eye level with Buck vagina. It's so pink... and perfect. Which is a weird thought to have, especially when he's never thought that when seeing someone elses pussy. Not that he's seen many.

Either way Buck's has his mind in a trance. He leans forward placing his hands on Buck's thigh keeping those legs open, giving a small lick. Buck jumps with a squeak. The feeling wholing different that having a dick licked. Eddie does so again, giving a longer lick, adding more pressure from his tongue. Buck letting out a keen. But Eddie keeps going. Not stopping. Tasting everything Buck has to offer. Licking up those juices. Sliding his tongue in between Buck's labia. Licking at his hole up to his clit. Giving the little ball a flick of the tongue. Buck throws his head back moaning unashamedly, getting wetter and wetter. "Oh! Fuck! Eddie!" And damn does his name sound sweet coming from Buck moaning lips. More blood rushing down to his cock.

It eggs him on, slurping and sucking. A hand comes up to spread the other's labia apart as he moves down, one of Buck's hands come down to Eddie's soft hair. Fingers threading through, until they get to the back of his skull. Keeping him in place. When Eddie enters his tongue Buck pulls him close as he shoves his hip forward, grinding onto Eddie's face, not caring about the scratch of his stubble. Let his thighs burn red. Eddie eating him out feels to good.

"Please don't stop!" Buck begs. Eddie chuckles, vibrating against Buck causing more slick to come out. Buck hips try humping onto the older man's face.

He leans back a bit escaping Buck hold on his head. "I won't carino." Eddie says lovingly. Curious Eddie slowly slides a finger into Buck. The slide easy with how wet the other is. Feeling how wet and hot the inside of Buck is. Eddie can only imagine how his dick would feel instead of his fingers. His dick twitches in its confines, so aching. He looks up to see Buck is laying back, the only he can see is Buck's chin and his heaving chest. He can hear little 'ah's as Buck gets air into his lungs, hands clenching his bedsheets. He slides his finger in then out. The sound wet. It doesn't take too long to add another. An 'mmph' coming out of Buck.

Buck takes a deep breath in then out, or he tries to. Eddie's fingers are long and thick. Much more that his are, and having two of his large fingers inside is stretching him. He loves the stretch. It's something new he discovered about himself. It seems to keep true even like this.

And fuck does Eddie have a magical mouth and hands. The way he licks his clit, the way his fingers stretch him. It's like nothing he's felt before, even though he has, just not like this. Buck lets out noises as Eddie moves his fingers inside. Two soon become three. He then starts feeling around. Sliding in then out, only to slide in at a different angle. "T-try up." Buck says in between moans. Following instructions, Eddie pulls out then slides in angling up, causing Buck to shout an "Ah!" as his body trembles. Eddie smiles. Having found it, with Buck's help of course. He slides out, then slides in at the perfect angle. Hitting that g-spot over and over again. Listening to the way Buck moan and whimper. "Harder!" Buck demands.

So he does, leaning over to lay kisses on Buck's thighs. Giving soft nibbles and light bites. Going down, letting a trail of marks leading to Buck's clit. With his tongue he plays with it. Licking, flicking it, using the tip of his tongue to press on it. Going in circular motions. The squlching his fingers are doing getting louder.

"Eddie I'm going to-!" Buck shouts out a warning but Eddie keeps going not listening. Moving down while his hand that was keeping Buck legs open come to play with Buck clit. Buck looks down at Eddie a bit scared, worried as it feels like he needs to urinate and that would be humiliating. Going to the bathroom on his boyfriends face during sex. "I'm going to-!" Buck screams as he comes, legs snapping shut as Buck curls in on himself. Hands once again coming to Eddie head fingers clenching strands of hair rightly.

Buck's eyes are screwed shut, taking in air. A pat on the outside of his thighs has him opening them. He finds Eddie trapped in between his thighs, eye looking at him hungry. With a breath he opens his shaking thigh to release Eddie also letting his fingers uncurl from the other's hair. He takes in Eddie's disheveled hair. Slowly Eddie stands up, the back of his hand coming to wipe some of Buck's fluids off him. Buck then notices the way Eddie's shirt is wet. Another second to notice the covers beneath him are wet. Eddie reaches his other hand to rub Buck causing him to moan as more liquid squirts out of him. Buck mouth falls open, eyes owlish. He squirt all over Eddie. Twice.

The older man just smirks.

Without thinking Buck opens his mouth, "looks like I can keep my firehose tag." He says with a stupid as grin on his face. As soon as his mouth closes Buck slaps a hand over his face. What the hell is wrong with him?

Eddie just laughs. He knows about it. The rumors. Secretly curious if it were true (honestly that should have clued him in about not being straight) but never wanted ask about it. It felt to private and Eddie wasn't going to bring it up. "Let's continue firehose." Eddie teases, reaching behind him to take off his now wet shirt. Giving a little show. Buck swallows down some saliva. He has seen Eddie bare torso before, just never this close and allowed to just stare. He can touch now too.

"Oh. That's weird." Buck says blinking. Eddie look at him confused and a bit worried. "No. Not you. I just... you being all sexy... I felt my pussy pulse. It's not like I've never had my ass clench during sex in anticipation but this felt so different. It's the same but not... I just..." Buck looks away. Face burning. "Sorry." Buck says.

"There's nothing to apologize for Buck."

"I mean... I don't usually talk like that during sex. I guess I feel comfortable with you. I don't want to ruin the mood." Buck explains even though he wasn't asked. Eddie gives him a soft look. He leans over to give Buck a soft kiss on his cheek. The idea that he has made Buck comfortable enough that he acts like this even during sex has pride filling him up.

"It's okay. Talk as much as you want." He says seriously. Buck stares at him, checking to see if he's telling the truth. Once he does Buck smiles at Eddie. Making his heart swoon.

"Thank you."

"You don't need to thank me for that." Eddie smiles leaning back to continue taking his clothes off.

"Oh!" Buck perks up. "Condom. Condom." Buck chants as he shimmies around to reach the bedside table, opening the drawer. He pulls out a box of condoms. He sets it on the bed. Eddie continues what he's doing. Unbuckling his belt, then unzipping his pants. Letting it slide down. Taking his briefs off next. He shoves them to the side.

Buck takes off his shirt, throwing it somewhere. He moves to lay on his back, getting comfortable. Box of condoms within arms reach, all he's waiting for is Eddie. With one hand on under his knees he keeps his legs open. Curious Buck reaches down to touch himself. Feeling his sensitive clit, his wet folds. Jesus he's leaking like a faucet. He slips a finger inside of himself, he lets a shuddering breath. It's really not the same as Eddie but he wants to feel himself. Everything feels the same but so different at the same time. He's fingered himself before but now it's in a different hole and his fingers are slimmer.

He hears a gasp, looking up he finds Eddie watching him. Eyes wide. Going from head to pussy. Buck spreads his labia, "well?" he asks breathy, eyes full of want. And Eddie sees the way Buck hole clenches around nothing.

He reaches over for the box, opening it. He grabs one and tosses the box back down. He quickly undoes the wrapper, throwing that aside, not caring where it lands. He puts it on, stroking himself a bit, giving some attention to his ignored cock. He groans as he steps closer, getting more onto the bed to join Buck. He settles easily in between those lovely pale thighs. He slaps the tip of his cock against Buck clit, causing the younger to shiver a gasp moan escapes. A little more juices come out. Eddie is fucking loving it, using it to slick his cock up.

Eddie looks up to Buck's eyes. "Ready?" He asks. The last thing he want is to hurt the other so he'll be taking this slowly. Buck nods eagerly. He's more than ready.

"Yeah." Buck takes a breath. He know it hurts for women but no one has ever said how much it hurts. Is it painful or like a needle getting your blood drawn? Buck feels the head of Eddie's cock move down until it's at his hole. There's a pressure as he moves in. "Oh." Buck breaths out, because that sure is stretching him. He knows Eddie's large, he was large too but being like this he's somewhat forgotten about size.

Stretching him wide open. Holy shit! Eddie dick does not compare to his fingers. Not at all! He knows Eddie is big, he just saw him but he feels huge. And it's not ending. He's got girth and length.

Feeling some resistance, Eddie stops looking at Buck. His eyebrows are furrowed together. He can't tell if it's in pain. "Breath, carino." Eddie adds as he leans on both hands on either side of Buck head.

Buck nods. "He he hu. He he hu." Buck breaths hands clenching onto his thighs tightly, keeping them open. Eddie blinks at Buck. A grin spreading on his lips.

"Why are you breathing like a woman giving birth?" Eddie asks with a chuckle. Buck looks at him like he's crazy.

"If it works for them I don't see why it wouldn't now." Buck says one hundred percent serious. Eddie feels warm as he lets out a chuckle, shaking his head. He's filled with so much love.

His heart feel light. Sex has always been about passion, lust, and heat. It's not like there's not love and passion, and there is here too but he's never been able to just be with his partner. Have they ever had sex and just been? To just feel. To just be. Here they are talking, laughing, and feeling good. It's wonderful. It's nice. He wants it forever.

Eddie leans over to give Buck a kiss on his forehead, then one on his birthmark, as he continues to breath. As Eddie feels Buck relax around his cock he pushes forward. Buck warm and wet around him, wanting him to just snap his hip all the way in but doesn't want Buck to cry in pain or get angry at him. His eyes roam Buck body, eyes landing on the gunshot wound. He leans his weight over onto one hand as the other reaches down to rub at it. Feeling the raised skin, the scar. He knew Buck had many before this. The one on his leg gone. Buck had a clean slate only to get shot.

It pisses him off but he can feel the warmth underneath his fingers, around his cock. Buck is alive and well. Alive and underneath him.

His hips finally meet Buck ass. He looks up to see Buck's eyes dazed at being filled, chest heaving. Completely blissed out. Eddie now noticing the way Buck blushes. From his cheeks to his ears, down his neck, to his shoulders, even the top curve of his breasts. Beautiful. But it hides that cute birthmark.

Eddie moves Buck leg to over his elbows, Buck moving his hands to Eddie bicep, leaning forward to get closer to press as close to Buck as he can get. A mating press. Buck pulses around him, massaging his cock, causing him to groan. "How are you feeling?" Eddie asks.

"So good. Fuck!" Buck moans looking down to see where they are connected. In this position he's so deep. The head of his cock pressing against his spot.

"Think I can move?" Eddie wonders also looking down. It shouldn't be as hot as it is to see where Buck pussy is stretched open for his cock. But he throbs inside Buck who whimpers at the feeling.

"Yes. Please. Fuck me." Buck begs, and fuck does Buck beg beautifully. A shiver goes down his spine. Eddie pulls back to thrust forward. Softly at first. Going in and out. Letting Buck get use to the slide. Then he goes a little harder. Buck throwing his head back moaning. Loud. Sure their neighbors know what they are doing. Though he doesn't mind. Let Buck show he's getting fucked. A possessive thrill goes down his spine. Making him snap his hip into Buck hard. Buck lets out a shout as he throws his head back hands clenching hard, mails digging into skin. Eddie let's a groan out himself.

"Shit, you feel so good." Eddie groans, Buck shivers at the others tone. Deep and rough. Buck wraps his arms around the back of the other's neck.

"Eddie." Buck whines his name. Said man knows what the other wants. So Eddie spreads his knees to get a good purchase on the bed, leaning his weight on his forearms.

He thrust hard into Buck, the man beneath him cries in pleasure. "YES! Eddie!" He pulls his cock out only to thrust just as hard. Buck moans. "SO BIG! I love it!" Eddie keeps the pace up. Feeling the way Buck's nails dig into the skin on his back, it just motivates him to keep going. And he does. Feeling the way Buck clenching around him. The slide of his breast against his own chest with every thrust, those soft mounds moving with the action. The sound of Buck moaning and crying out. The sound of their skin slapping against each other. The sound of Buck pussy sucking Eddie back in. So loud. He loves it.

Eddie letting out groan and grunts himself. Peppering kissing where he can. It all feels so good. Like his skin has so many tiny fireworks going off.

Eddie keeps going, drowning in the senses. Feeling the way their skin slap hard and loud against each other. The wet sounds of his cock entering Buck and sucking him in, the sounds of the bed shaking against the wall. All of it on top of Buck noise.

"I'm- ah!- I'm going to squirt again!" Buck moans looking at Eddie, who has been watching his face, mouth open, eyes dazed with pleasure. So fucked. Eddie is memorized by that look on his face.

"Come carino." Eddie kisses the others cheek sweetly.

With permission Buck doesn't hold back, "Ah!" Buck cries as he squirts all over Eddie dick, and the bed. Making a new wet spot. Eddie dick have come out at one point. Having not come yet he shoves his cock back in, Buck whimpers. Pussy sensitive. Eddie starts his hard thrust. Hard and fast. Not missing a beat. Buck feels like he's on fire and he's been shocked. His body is still alight from his orgasm but Eddie isn't stopping. It all feels so good. "Good! So fucking good!" And his mind can't process it properly. His mind an empty white mush. Only able to think about the stretch and slide of Eddie cock going in and out of his pussy. The weight of his breast bouncing up and down.

"Fuck! Carino, I'm going to-" Eddie doesn't say much before he groans cumming, just as Buck cries as he cums again, the wet spot growing even larger. Eddies body stilling,a slight tremble as his balls empty into the condom. Buck pussy clench around him tightly. They both take deep breaths. Buck feeling light and floaty. Eddie wanting to let his weight take over and fall but he doesn't want to crush Buck. Buck can handle his weight but that seem rude to do.

After a while Buck calls his name breathy. "Eddie?" Buck still trying to get air in his lungs.

"Yes carino." Eddie, who's no better and just as breathy, raises his head to look at Buck who stare at him with dark eyes.

"Please tell me you can go another round." Buck asks.

"Really?" Eddie asks back, eyes wide. He hoped but didn't want to assume, after all Buck hasn't gotten use to this body yet.

"Yes. That was not enough for me. Can you?" Buck tilts his head looking up at Eddie. Eyes large and pleading. Eddie leans forward to kiss him, making them more breathless than they already were.

"Yeah." Eddie says. Buck beams. Eddie moves, slipping out of Buck who grimaces. No matter what that always feels weird. As Eddie pulls the condom off and ties the end of it closed Buck moves around to grab the condom box.

"Lay down. I want to ride you." Buck smacks the bed, closer to the other side of the bed, away from the wet spot. Buck's eyes deep with desire and anticipation.

"Are you sure?" Eddie asks to make sure but crawls over.

"Fuck yes. It's one of my favorite positions." Buck nods excited. Eddie watches Buck pull another condom out of the box. Eddie gets comfortable in his spot. Hearing that makes him think if he has a favorite position. Only to think that so far his sex life has been rather vanilla. Very vanilla. His past partners (all three) didn't seem to express wanting something more than missionary.

"Wre-e?" Buck asks, the condom in his mouth. Eddie watches a little confused. Buck gives him a sultry grin before getting to touch Eddie. Hands grazing over his hip and v line. Buck grasps onto the base of Eddie somewhat flaccid cock. Decorated with dark patch of hair. Wet from Buck.

To think that was in him. And it's about to be inside again. The thought sends a thrill up Buck spine. Softly he pumps Eddie to hardness. The skin to skin contact causing Eddie to moan. Buck looks over to the night stand, there is lube in there but it feels like a waste of time to shuffle over for that. With a wonderful thought Buck reaches down between his legs, touching himself again, getting his fingers as wet with his slick as he can. Once good enough he switches hands, the slide much easier than before.

"Fuck." Eddie breaths out. Watching with almost unbelieving eyes. Buck only hums, watching as Eddie's cock fills out.

When his large cock is at attention, as much as Buck can get it he leans forward, breast falling on his thighs. Carefully Buck slips the condom in his mouth on top of the mushroom top. Slowly going down, further and further slipping the condom on. Inch by inch. Though being careful as he's unsure how far he can take into his mouth now. Careful of his teeth. He's more than half way down before there is resistance in his throat. He's going to have to train himself again for that. But that's a later thought.

Buck pulls back up with a loud pop, with his wet hand he slides the condom further down. He pumps the cock more, sliding over the condom. Checking if there are any tears. When he sees there's not Buck turns his attention to Eddie to see him staring with wide eyes and his mouth open, all in awe.

"What?" Buck asks, getting a bit self conscious.

Eddie lets out a few words in spanish, muttering so Buck can't hear it. Buck looks over to see Eddie still hard. So it must not have been bad. Right?

Wanting to continue, considering Eddie hasn't told him to stop, Buck throws his leg over Eddie hip. Straddling him. Immediately large warm calloused hands are on his hips. A very pleasant weight. Buck places a hand on Eddie chest, right in the middle feeling that chest hair. He's so warm. Of course he knew, they were pressed together but it's a nice warmth to feel again. It's more than just his body heat, it's in his eyes as well. Being looked at like that has Buck feeling all warm and fuzzy.

"Ready?" Buck asks, reaching underneath for Eddie's dick. He lines himself up.

"Go for it." Eddie encourages. Watching Buck very intensely.

"He he hu. He he hu." Buck breathes causing Eddie to chuckle.

"Carino." Eddie calls him lovingly.

"It works." Buck insists looking at Eddie as he slowly sinks down. Taking his time. Feeling his pussy getting stretched once again. It's so different but good. Buck throws his head back as he lets out a breathy moan.

"Shit." Eddie grits his teeth as he holds onto Buck's hips tighter.

"Ah! Eddie." Is all Buck can moan as he sinks down further.

The moment Buck is fully seated on Eddie, Buck leans forward placing both hands on Eddie's chest to steady himself. He takes deep breath, they come out shaky. Buck moves one hand to place on his stomach. There's a little puge there, nothing that too drastic, just like before. He's always had pudge there. A larger tan hand rest against his paler hand. standing out on his skin. He looks up to see Eddie staring.

"You're so deep." Buck says. The head of Eddie dick passing by that spot, but his shaft is still putting pressure on it.

"It feels good." Eddie nods looking up to meet the others eyes. Testing the waters Buck rotates his hips, with their eyes locked. They both groan at the feeling. Buck then starts rocking his hips. Moans start filling the room once again as he moves. Getting more desperate for that hot pleasure. He leans forward, both hands once again on Eddie's chest. He slides up Eddie's dick to drop back down. He starts bouncing up and down.

"Yes." Buck cries out. Feeling Eddie slide against his g-spot. All attention going down to this. Of driving Eddie inside him.

"Keep going mi vida." Eddie calls hands on his hips helping him lift up and down.

"It's so good!" Buck moans out as he goes fast. One hand moving down to touch himself, rubbing his clit. Fucking himself hard on Eddie's cock. Something that was only in fantasies. Not anymore.

It doesn't take long to tip over once again, squirting all over Eddie as they look at each other. Eddie loving the way Buck face get blissed out, drowning in pleasure. The way Buck body closes in on itself as he shakes. He wants to see the look on Buck forever.

Eddie sits up, directing Buck to continue to sit on his lap. Buck whines at the feel of Eddie inside of him. Buck continues riding Eddie, chest to chest, arms around his neck, mouth ghosting each other. Rather than kissing they are breathing each other's air. Buck's breast bouncing against Eddie's, the other mans chest hair scratching his own. It's an amazing friction.

"Evan, I love you." Eddie groans, feeling Buck tighten around him.

"I love you- ah! - Eddie." Buck moans, bouncing faster on Eddie. Eddie hand finds Buck's ass. Helping him better like this in bouncing on his cock.

It's not long before Buck is coming once again. Eddie not so far behind this time. They stay holding each other, breathing, chest moving against each other. Taking the moment in.

---

Buck blinks awake. The sun shining. He takes a deep breath shifting to burrow into the covers more. His leg touches something the makes him jump and his mind clear, growing more awake. He shift to see what he touched only to see someone next to him. It takes a while for his mind to think of who and why someone is in his bed with him.

It's Eddie. He stayed the night with him.

They had sex.

Buck relaxes into the covers. Mind going back to sleep. He closes his eyes ready to go back to his dream when he feels Eddie move next to him. An arm wraps around his waist before he's being pulled back into a warm chest. His heart flutters, curious to see if Eddie is asleep but not wanting to move. To just soak in this feeling. Enjoy the moment.

Buck doesn't fall asleep, he just rest his eyes with a large smile on his face. But after a while he feels movement behind him. "Wha-?" Eddie voice croaks with sleep. The arm around his waist slips away. Slowly he turns around to face Eddie. He finds him on his back looking at his phone. Eddie looks over to him. Doing a double take when he sees Buck is awake. Eddie smiles. "Morning." He says.

"Good morning." Buck smiles back. Eddie stares at him for a while. "Something wrong?" Buck wonders, a bit nervous.

"Of course not." Eddie face scrunches with confusion.

"Then... why do you keep staring at me?" Buck wonders.

"Wha... I mean... Buck you're beautiful. Always have been. Especially when you smile." Eddie knows he's blushing but it's worth it to see Buck with wide blue eyes with his whole face red.

"What a flirt." Buck says before shoving his face into the pillow, ears burning red. Eddie laughs, rubbing a hand on his back.

"I didn't say anything that's not true." Eddie whispers into Buck's burning ears. Slowly Buck turns his head to Eddie, staring into his brown eyes.

"I feel very lucky to have you as my boyfriend." Buck tells him, genuinely. Eddie heart can't tell what it wants to do; jump out of his chest or get lodged in his throat.

Eddie smiles, "I think I'm the lucky one," leaning forward. Buck meets him halfway. The kiss sweet. Then they deepen the kiss, moving their heads to slot even further, better together. Mouths open as tongues meet. Buck pushes Eddie back to lay down. Eddie follows Buck lead, especially as the other moves closer.

When they part Buck's eyes turn lustful. "would you like some help with that?" Buck wonders motioning with his eyes down. Then his body freezes, eyes wide with worry. "What time do you need to pick up Chris?" Buck wonders almost all lust and desire gone.

"We've got time. Sarah said they'd keep the boys till they finish. The project is almost due anyways." Eddie says moving his hand to the back of Buck's head, tangling his fingers into the other's curls. God, how much more can he love this person.

"Continue?" Buck asks.

Instead of a verbal answer he pulls Buck into a searing kiss. Buck shifting to lay on top of Eddie. Eddie's dick pressed underneath Bucks stomach. It's so hard. Buck puts his hands on Eddie' bare chest. Buck had some of Eddie's clothes but they were both rather tired so they half assed getting dressed for bed. Buck himself only put on the t-shirt he had. Buck flinches as Eddie's hands sliding up the back of his thighs, going up until he reaches his ass. Grabbing a fist full in each hand. Buck moves his hips lower to rub against Eddie's cock. The man groaning into the kiss that's more sucking each other's lips and tongue at this point. Eddie moves his finger to touch his pussy, getting a moan to pass Buck's lips.

"Please get a condom." Buck begs knowing the kiss has made him wet. He can feel his pussy throb with need, to be filled. Eddie nods. Buck gets off the older man. They move around, getting the covers off. Shoving them down. Buck pull the t-shirt over his head. Then he moves to a more comfortable position on his hands and knees.

Eddie moves, going to the side table where the box of condoms were put after clean up. He grabs the box, opens it and takes one out, all fast. He sets the box down near the edge turning around as he shuffles his black gym shorts off. He thought about pushing them down to his thigh but decided to just go all the way and take them off. And he's glad he did. The sight of a bare Buck, ass up, legs spread happily showing off in front of him has all the blood in his head going south. At this point he thinks loving Buck is an addiction. He can't get enough of the other. He wants more, and when he does it's amazing but at the same time not enough.

"Fuck." Eddie huffs at the sight.

"Don't take too long to stare." Buck teases, the older can tell by the tone of his voice.

"Patience." Eddie says smacking Buck's ass not too hard, the smack echoing in the loft, then the moan Buck lets out is absolutely obscene. It belongs in a porno. The silence that stretching from them both is long.

Buck breaks it fist, "Eddie?" Buck calls his name like a beg, shaking his ass. Eddie's eyes the way Buck's ass jiggles. The spot he smacked turning red, standing out like a neon sign. Eddie gets into gear, ripping the pack off and shoving the condom on to his cock, it throbbing in his hand.

They can talk about that later for now he should get the edge off. He rubs the head of his cock against Buck's pussy, causing him to gasp at the feeling. Eddie slides his cock against Buck pussy, wetting his cock. "Fuck, you're so wet for me." Eddie groans. Buck shakes his ass, then reaches behind himself to spread his ass cheek for Eddie to get better access. The sight has Eddie muttering words in spanish.

As much as he wants to just shove himself inside Buck, he does not. Slowly entering his cock. Feeling the way Buck's walls message him, trying to suck him in further. Once fully sheathed he pulls out. Then slams his hips forward, hard and fast. Buck moving forward with a loud moan.

"Fuck! Yes!" Buck screams high pitched, moves his arms to hold himself up. Eddie puts his hands on Buck's hip, holding tight to pull him back onto his cock. Slamming himself inside. Loving the rush having Buck surround him gives. The sight of Buck's expansive and curved back helps too. The way those muscles ripple, the narrowing of his waist, and firm feeling of his hips in his hands.

"Eddie! Go harder!" Buck cries. Feeling a bit sorry about making so much noise this early, the neighbors must be able to hear it. Who cares about that though? Not Buck, not with the way Eddie cock curve up into him. It's driving him wild.

"Buck!" Eddie grunts going as fast and hard as he can. "Shit!" Eddie grits his teeth. Buck's moans and skin slapping echoing in the loft.

"Ah!" Buck falls forward, arms giving around, giving Eddie a better show of the arch of his spine. "It feels so good." Buck gives a desperate cry, moving his hip back to meet Eddie's. Moan and moaning at the feeling of Eddie stretching him so well. The head of his cock reaches so deep inside. The head of his cock sliding against his g-spot.

Eddie moves to lay over Buck, chest to back, giving hard shallow thrusts. Eddie lay kisses to Bucks back, anywhere he can reach. Eddie moves his hand to grab hold of one of Buck's breast. Fingers finding his nipple. And as hard as he can pinches them with a pull. Buck about screams at the feeling. Eddie loves how loud Buck is getting. It fueling him further. Wanting to tease and play with Bucks body until he's writhing and begging. One of these days, he'll have to be patient.

As he keeps doing that he turns his head to take Buck's red ear into his mouth, nibbling on it. "Cumming!" Buck shouts hands clenching onto his sheets tight enough his knuckles are white. Eddie moves back to inspect the mess Buck has made. "Come on." Bucks looks back at him, desire deep in his eyes. He spreads his legs more open for Eddie to see his twitching hole. "You haven't come yet." He explains breathlessly.

Eddie doesn't need to be told twice.

---

Maddie and Chimney sit in their car, both silent. Jee on Maddie's lap.

"So... what now?" Chim looks over to his wife for advice. Maddie, whose face is scrunched up, shakes her head.

"Let's wait for now."

"For how long?"

"I don't know an hour or two?"

"Hour or two?" Chim looks at his wife with wide eyes.

"Well, I don't want to walk in on them still... doing that." Maddie says back motioning forward as if who she is talking about is right in front of them. Of all the times, they just had to walk in on Buck and Eddie having sex.

It seems like Buck had forgotten their deal. Buck said he wanted to cook the family breakfast. Since Maddie is okay at cooking and Chimney is atrocious, though, Maddie isn't the biggest fan of cooking, food isn't the best at home. Meals are okay. It also doesn't help that Jee has been teething recently so she's been grumpy and the parents are sleep deprived. So instead of eating they sleep. As much as they can. Buck seeing this volunteered to make them breakfast today. Anything they want. So that's why they are there. Maddie, knowing her brother wasn't going to be dating, didn't think he'd bring his one night stands to his loft. So they used Maddie's key to walk in.

Only to pause at the familiar sounds of loud moans and skin slapping against each other.

But they heard the name being called. It's no one night stand. They high tailed it out of there.

"Ugh." Maddie groans as if she's going to throw up.

"Are you okay?" Chim asks worried.

"I'm trying to erase my mind."

"Let me know how you do it so I can be next." Chim says.

And so they wait, talking about anything other than Buck and Eddie and the fact they know what they are doing at the moment. Playing with Jee, and entertaining her as they wait.

As the time approach, thinking they have given enough time for the duo to feel satisfied a thought comes to Chimney. "How do we act?" he wonders. Should they act normal? Though he's never really been good at it. One look from Buck and he might just announce that he knows. But "are they dating?" Chim can't help but ask. Eddie doesn't seem like the friends with benefits type of guy.

"We act normal. Like we don't know. It's up to Buck to tell us." Maddie decides at that moment. Buck is not the type to keep secrets so he'll tell her the truth sooner or later.

When two hours hit they get out the car a second time and go back up to the loft. Chimney nervous because he can be so easy to read, especially when he knows a secret. It's such a weird thing to hide though, the fact he knows they have a deeper relationship. What's his life? Where he ends up having to hide the fact that he knows from the people themselves. It's so like Monica and Chandler.

They don't know that we know situation.

He doesn't like it. Every step closer to the door has him sweating.

"Howie." Maddie calls his name softly. She shakes her head with a grin as she knocks on the door. To their surprise, though not because Eddie is here, but because he's the one that opens the door. Buck doesn't like letting guest open the door. After what they heard Eddie isn't a guest.

Wordlessly Eddie steps to the side. Maddie walks in, Chim behind her. "Buck just started cooking." Eddie tells them, closing the door behind them. So Buck did remember. To be fair Buck never said when to show up, just to show up. They may have gotten here early. The three were awake anyways so they just made their way to the loft.

They find Buck in a long plaid long sleeve shirt, the sleeves rolled up. It's obviously not his from the size. Once again not wearing any bottoms. It's big on him, the hem falling down to his thigh but it's not as big as some of his other male clothes are. It's someone else's shirt. Buck also has on an apron as he cooks. Standing in front of the stove with his moist hair clipped back. Eddie moves to the table, setting the utensils down his hair also moist.

Maddie raises an eyebrow at the ease at which he moves. Eddie looks over to see her staring. "Chris and I come here to eat often." Is his answer. Which makes sense. Maddie just did not know Buck cooks for them. Often enough Eddie works without much thought. The way the table is set up is how Buck likes it. Placemats, with plates and utensils on top.

"You guys can sit down, I'm almost done." Buck informs them.

"Thank god. It smells good and I'm starving." Chim chuckles, sounding forced. Eddie looks at him as if he's gone insane. Maddie gives a chuckle herself to cover for Chim. Which only makes Eddie looks at them, Buck looking over his shoulder to them. Then Eddie and Buck look at each other. Eddie shrugs his shoulder. Buck shrugs back but doesn't comment, turning to focus on the food. Eddie leaves them as Chim and Maddie sit down, Jee on her lap. Maddie watches as Eddie moves around Buck to get to the refrigerator. He takes out the orange juice and a pitcher of water. He sets them on the table. Then goes back into the kitchen to get the glasses. Setting them all down, then sitting himself. Seems like he's joining them. Which of course he is. He's here isn't he? Like Buck would tell him to leave.

Buck then starts moving everything to the table himself. Setting down hashbrowns, fruit salad, scrambled eggs and french toast. Moving back to grab maple syrup. "Dig in!" Buck says happily taking off his apron to join them. As they plate their food Maddie watches Eddie and Buck. Nothing has changed. They are sitting as close as they usually do, almost pressed side to side. Surprisingly their elbows don't go knocking against each other. They are their normal selves.

They are half way through their meal when Maddie can't hold it in any longer. "How long?" she asks.

Everyone stops to look at her. "What?" Buck asks, expression confused.

"How long have you been dating?" She clarifies. Buck jerks back, dumbfounded, eyes wide and mouth dropped to the floor. Eddie no better but he's stone still. They look at each other. A silent conversation happening between them. Eddie then turns to her.

"How did you know?" Eddie asks back.

"We got here two hours ago and... accidently walked in on you." Maddie answers slowly.

"You what?!" Buck squeaks loudly. Face red but he covers it with his hands. Eddie covers his face with one hand.

"Oh thank god you told them. I wasn't sure if I can keep a straight face at work." Chimney leans back in his chair as if the weight of the world finally came off his shoulders.

"We really didn't mean to." Maddie looks at them apologetically, of course because the two are hiding behind their hands they don't see it. "So? How long?" Maddie asks again. If she didn't walk in on them she would not have been able to tell. And she knows Buck loves Eddie so he would not risk heart break on just having sex. And like Chim she never saw Eddie as someone who would have sex with just anyone. So that means they must be in a relationship.

"It's been... a week and a half." Buck says sounding unsure, looking at Eddie to confirm.

"Almost two." Eddie nods.

"You've been dating for two weeks?" Chim says shocked. Buck has been back at work for at least a week.

"Buck why didn't you say anything?" Maddie asks completely shocked, she thought Buck would tell her considering Maddie knows about Buck's feelings. Also what happened to his whole plan of hiding it forever?

Eddie's face twitches. Hands curling to fist. "We made a deal of keeping it a secret from everyone." Eddie says firmly. Eyes neutral as they stare at Maddie.

"We didn't want pressure from anyone. Plus we wanted to get a feel of what works and what doesn't. See what changed and what we need to talk about." Buck explains rubbing the back of his neck.

"No one knows?" Maddie asks.

"No." Buck answers.

"Does Bobby know?" Chim asks worried for the answer.

Eddie and Buck shake their head. Chim was afraid of that.

"Will you tell him?" Chim asks, looking at them like he's pleading for them to tell Bobby right now.

"Of course." Buck says looking offended.

"Duh." Eddie says like it's obvious.

"We just want a little more time to ourselves. Before people are in our business. So you can't tell anyone. Chim." Buck says pointing a look at said man.

"Oh man!" Chim groan, moving to look at his plate.

"Don't worry we won't tell anyone." Maddie says with a smile. Happy it worked out. Though she still questions.

Those questions can wait. Like when Eddie gets ready to leave. Putting on his shoes. Dressed in a henley and his pants. Different from what he was wearing for their late breakfast. Which was a tshirt and gym shorts. Pajamas now that she thought about it. He stayed over then.

"Sure you aren't going to take your shirt." Chim asks pointing to Buck who is playing with Jee. Maddie doing the dishes. The least she can do. Eddie snaps his head to look at Chim.

"How do you know that's my shirt?" Eddie asks because he genuinely wants to know.

"Come on." Chim says though Eddie continues to stare at him. He obviously does not know. "It's a dark green plaid shirt. Buck never wears plaid. If he did it was stylish. He is always in nice shirts, button ups and jackets. Like a men's warehouse model. You... do not." Chim says.

"You don't dress any better." Eddie says back.

"I never said I did." Chim shakes his head and raises his hands.

Maddie chuckles as she walks pass them. "When Buck was little he use to help me get dressed. Telling me what I looked pretty in. He was always like that."

"I've got to go." Eddie shakes his head, the image of a young Buck telling a teenage Maddie she looks pretty brings a smile to his face, turning to leave.

"See you at work." Buck calls with a wave. Eddie smiles, before moving to give a kiss his birthmark. Buck beams, they can all practically see flowers blooming around him.

"See you all." Eddie waves at them all. He leave with a click of the door.

After a few more seconds Maddie turns to her brother. "Details." She demands excitedly.

Buck smiles with a roll of his eyes. "Really?"

"Ew! No not of what we caught you doing, how'd it happen?" Maddie face scrunches in disgust.

"I wasn't talking about that." Buck says blushing.

"So... who confessed? What happened?" Maddie asks.

"Yeah. I didn't know you two liked each other like that. Though..." Chim trails off realising it should have been obvious, Eddie's feeling anyway. Chim has caught him staring at Buck.

"I... confessed in the ambulance." Buck tells them. Their grins falling.

"You did?" Maddie furrows her eyebrows. Looking ready to cry.

"Yeah. After not visiting for a while he came knocking on my door. He has a key so I didn't think it was him. Then he hugged me. Confessing his feeling." Buck smiles at the memories.

"And is everything good?" Maddie asks, they said they wanted time to figure out their new relationship so she hope nothings come up. With the way Buck beamed from Eddie's head kiss she has to say nothing has. If something has they seem to have it handled.

"Nothing. It's like normal. Besides hugging more and kissing and... well... yeah." Buck says, cheeks growing pink.

"I'm glad for you Buck." Maddie smiles. Glad Buck is getting his happy ending.

"Have you seen Chris?" Chim asks.

"No." Buck looks down to the stuffed animal and toys Jee had set on his lap.

"He still hasn't let you see Chris?" Maddie asks shocked.

"I want to see him, and it's Eddie's choice but even I am nervous about seeing him. I don't know how he'll react." Buck says looking at them with scared eyes.

"He loves you Buck, no matter what." Maddie says.

"But we don't know that." Buck shakes his head slightly.

"Harry and Denny were fine." Chim points out.

"Yeah but... they haven't gone through what Chris has. He... he might not react well to me being like this. Then there the fact Eddie and I are dating. After Marisol... I don't think he wants his dad dating women." Buck tells them.

"He told you that?"

"He hinted at it when we talked. He was hurt about Marisol. She doesn't talk to him at all. He thought they were close but she cut contact with him completely." Buck gives Jee a plastic carrot.

"It's not easy dating someone with a kid." Chim says. Buck nods. Someone dating a person with a child. He's sure Marisol saw them getting married and having more kids. Buck thinks about marriage with Eddie too. That's the goal.

"I get that, but this is serious. He can't keep you out forever. We also don't know how long you'll be like this Evan. Is he going to keep you away the whole time until you turn back? And that's a big if. What's his plan if you can't turn back?" Maddie wonders.

Buck's lips thin out. He hasn't thought that far ahead. He was just enjoying the now. What will happen?

At some point Eddie will have to tell Chris they're dating. But even before that Chris has to see Buck like this. At the rate they are going Buck will be like this for a long while. The one thing Buck hates is lying to Chris or hiding something from him. But it's not up to him.

It's going to blow up in their face.

---

Everyone exits the fire engine. Bobby steps up to see what they are dealing with. After a second to think he turns to his firefighters. "Buck strap up. Chimney you're holding him." Buck and Chim move to get the harness and ropes. "Eddie and Hen on stand by, get to her apartment." Eddie and Hen get a med kit then rush with the other two to the apartment building.

As they take the elevator Eddie stand next to Hen in front while Chim and Buck stand behind them. Every so often the Asian man eyes will go from Eddie to Buck. Eddie chooses to ignore it, not wanting to bring attention to it. Considering he's been like that all shift. Eddie and Buck have agreed to not address it. Especially not with Hen with them.

Seeing as Hen can't see him Buck turns to him, eyes screaming at him to chill. Buck has no clue to what can possibly be the problem. Chim has known for two shifts now. It was almost like he forgot until now.

Eddie and Hen get off the floor, leaving Chim and Buck. Going only a floor higher. Once the door closes Buck opens his mouth to ask his brother in law what his problem is but Chim beats him to it. "You still haven't told Bobby have you?"

"Ah..." Buck starts not having expected that, "no." Buck shakes his head.

"Why not?"

"Because it feels nice having no one know." Buck answers. The elevator door dings. Once open Buck moves out first.

"Please announce it. I'm dying." Chim chases after him. They walk three doors down.

"Chim, it's not your place." Buck says seriously, a slight frown on his face. He knocks on the door. Chim knows he's correct but he doesn't like secrets. And not being able to talk about this one specifically is killing him. The only one he can talk about it to is Maddie, but she doesn't have much to say about. Though she did tell him Buck talked to her about his feelings. And how Buck didn't want to say anything.

The tenant kindly lets them in. They walk in and go to the balcony hearing voices being shouted from below. Buck strips off his turnout jacket to strap up while Chim gets the rope tied. He does have a question though. "Have you seen Chris?" He whispers. Buck looks at him with a raised eyebrow. Now is not the time.

With a huff Buck answers, "I text him but I haven't seen him in person or on FaceTime." Buck whispers back. "Now let it go Chim." Buck warns him with a look. Chim listens considering the taller man cooks for him and his wife.

With everything secure Buck climbs over the balcony, getting in position to jump down. Now he just has to wait.

"Please! I'm sure a sign from above will show you to not do this!" A familiar voice shouts. It's not Eddies or Hens, Buck doesn't take the time to think about before he jumps back and goes down. Instantly he's flying down, barreling towards two women. One holding another by the waist. Not wanting to kick the woman in the chest backwards Buck opens his legs. As soon as he has the first women he unties himself. The momentum forcing all three back. Buck tumbling further back into the apartment. Buck lands on his side. Besides his groan he hears two others.

Finally he opens his eyes to see Hen and Eddie checking the first women. He shifts on his side, moving to get up. As he does so his gaze shifts to the second woman, the one holding the first back. She is staring at him. Buck blinks. He knows her!

"Do you need help?" She asks already on her feet. She extents a hand for Buck to take. Who does so with a smile.

"Thanks." Buck is pulled to his feet. He dusts himself with his free hand. Not caring that his hand is still being held or the fact that the woman is checking him out. "So Lena what are-" Buck begins to asks but Eddie slides between them. Lena hold on his hand slips. Eddie sends a glare to Lena, telling her to back off. Hen rolls her eyes as she talks to their patient.

Eddie looks over to Buck, taking him in. "Are you okay?" He asks worried.

"I'm fine. Nothing I haven't done before." Buck smiles at Eddie then turns to Lena. "Are you okay?" Buck asks Lena who is staring at Eddie stunned. "Lena?" Buck calls getting her to shake her head out of her shock.

"I'm good." She says looking at Buck, it taking a moment for him to realize she must not know who he is. He thinks about introducing himself or just letting it be. Is it worth it? Then Buck takes in her eyes. Oh, he's getting check out.

"What are you doing here?" Eddie asks keeping his body in front of Buck. Buck stares at Eddie. What is he doing?

"I was with a friend, she lives next door. The women's friend knocked on the door for help." Lena explains. It's then that it hits Buck, Eddie is being possessive. It's sort of hot. Usually people like showing him off and that's it.

Before Buck can say anything Chim comes rushes in rope already tied up. Buck takes off the harness to get his turnout jacket on. As he's doing that Bobby calls for them, "Wilson, Han, Buckley, Diaz report." His voice serious.

"Buckley reporting all good cap." Buck answers.

"Looks like our job here is done." Chim says pulling Buck with him.

"Hey!" Buck calls following the man out. Eddie watches.

"Come on Eddie." Hen calls, the women with Hen.

"See you around Bosko." Eddie waves at her, though peeved that she was checking Buck out. He's never felt such strong possessiveness coil inside him. It wanted to burst out almost ugly. Luckily he reined it in as best as he can. He'd say he did a really good job. He was about to start throwing his fist. Though by the look Hen is throwing him he wasn't subtle. To be fair being subtle did not cross his mind. He was ready to claim Buck in front of everyone. The consequences be damned.

Thank god he didn't he's unsure if Buck would have been okay with that.

It's mostly forgotten as they get the women admitted to the hospital for her suicide attempt. Then they are back at the firehouse. Buck is gone as they get back, But Eddie tells himself to act normal which is to relax in the loft with the others. Hen joining him. Eddie at the table with Hen and Chim. The man less antsy now. Buck must have talked to him. Good. It was getting on his nerves.

As he forgets what happened at the most recent call, Lena herself comes walking up the stairs in her uniform. Eddie raises an eyebrow. Her heads twists around as if looking for someone. Which irks him, can only think of one person she'd want to look at. When she spots them she steps forward.

"Um... please tell me I didn't hallucinate." She says, her face scared but confused and a bit anxious.

"About?" Hen asks not looking up from her phone.

"Buck."

"What about me?" Buck himself walks in changed into his civi's, a zip up LAFD jacket, a white v-neck shirt underneath, form fitting jeans and some converse. His duffel slung over his shoulder. A normal sight for those who know Buck.

"Oh, my god! You're actually..." Lena eyes grow comically large taking in Buck. No mistaking him. This is the same person she was checking out earlier. Though Buck had his hair in a braid for work which is now undone, letting his curly hair free.

"So you're the one taking over my shift." Buck nods.

"Yeah, lost a bet." Lena says though her mind is stuck on the fact this beautiful woman is Buck.

"A-shift isn't that bad." Buck says.

"You are a woman." Lena points out. Buck snorts with a smile.

"If you want answers asks them, they know what happened. I just got off my 72, so I'm going to leave." Buck smiles turning to the others. Bobby having come out of his office. "See you all next shift!" Buck shouts cheerfully waving his hand. Everyone echoes their goodbyes to him.

"Evan!" Maddie shouts rushing up the stairs. "Let's go- nice pants where'd you get them?" Maddie comes to a stop in front of Buck. She looks down as Buck turns one way then the other to show off his jeans.

"The men's section. I was cycling through the same outfits." Buck says. "And women's pants have sorry excuses of pockets."

Maddie nods then shakes her head, remembering why she's there in the first place. "Come on we have to go." Maddie grabs Buck hand and starts dragging him forward.

"Oh you know I searched why women's pockets are shitty. Turns out most dresses use to have pockets. Then the silhouette of women got slimmer and the old pockets would disrupt it. Though it's not all because of that..." They hear Buck talk as Maddie drags him out. Chim and Eddie join the other at the railing watching the two leave. Chim and Eddie have goofy smiles watching their Buckley.

"You two..." Hen smiles with a shake of her head. Eddie blushes as Chim goes solid. When he realizes he didn't mess up he lets out a tired sigh. This is going to be a long shift.

---

The sound of beeping echoes, boots hitting the floor, doors slamming closed. Tired groans echo as the A-shift crew move like zombies. Pausing at the sight of B-shift walking around. Though they all had a look in their eyes. Looking at them then away. Some choose to ignore it, like Eddie and Chim. But Bobby and Hen are curious about it. What happened?

One of the B-shift firefighters comes up to the group. "Someone from A-shift has a guest." He points to the loft.

"And she's angry." Another mutters as he walks pass them.

Curious they all walk up to the stairs. Bobby in front leading the charge. He pauses at the sight. He steps to the side to let the others up. Those who see who it is, know it has nothing to do with them leaves back down the stairs to shower and change. Eddie and Chim move to the front. They all stare at the person.

Buck sat on the couch, arms crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed in anger. It's shocking that Buck is so mad, Buck doesn't really get mad, jealous? Yes. Possessive? Also yes. But he doesn't get mad. They all seem to think, very much believe, that Buck doesn't have a mad bone in his body. Even when patients they interact with get mean Buck doesn't get mad at them. He's very calm and forgiving. It doesn't look like he is this time.

It doesn't help that Buck is dressed in a deep red, strapless heart shaped, knee high dress. Though with him sitting down the hem of the skirt has risen up. Buck is also wearing red wedges, to match his dress. His hair is up in a half do with what looks like a red bow holding his hair up. A necklace around Buck's neck. He also has on a watch and bracelet.

He's dressed up nicely. So why is he mad?

Buck's eye narrow at them.

"Hey Buck. What's wrong?" Hen asks, Buck doesn't look at her. She turns her head to see who Buck is glaring at.

"Why don't you ask Edmundo Diaz." Buck says, anger lacing her tone, standing up and walking closer but not to close. Once again crossing his arms over his chest. The group (made up of Bobby, Chim, Hen and Lena) look over at Eddie who is frozen in place.

"What?" Eddie asks, mind blanking at the attention, the call out and Buck's glare being directed at him. Eddie takes a good look at Buck, it's a little distracting, Buck may be mad but he's still beautiful! At his confusion Buck glares harder.

Eddie takes a look at Buck, obvious in the way his eyes roam down Buck's body then back up. He looks gorgeous. Ready for a night out. Or maybe a date. He always imagined what Buck would wear for their date.

Their date.

...

Oh shit! "We had a date!" Eddie shouts out loud. It was planned for them to go out tonight, it was after Chim and Maddie caught them, that night they had gotten to talking and a date come up. They set a date, of course after looking at their schedules and Chris having someone to take care of him. "I'm so sorry, I forgot." Eddie says, which as soon as it came out of his mouth he regret that. From the corner of his eyes he can see Bobby shaking his head with a sigh. Hen, Chim and Lena are cringing. Buck blue eyes widen, hurt fills his eyes. "That came out wrong." Eddie says moving forward. A look from Buck makes him stop.

"Then you can forget about the rest of tonight." Buck angrily says. He reaches down to take of his wedges. "I even wore these stupid heels. I had to learn how to walk in these stupid things." Buck grumbles as he jumps around to get them off. He then reaches for the bow holding his hair up and yanks it off. "See you next shift." Buck says stomping away.

"Wait Buck." Eddie moves to follow Buck.

"Don't." Buck says firmly. He gives Eddie a look for a second. Anger in his eyes but his lips in a pout, red from biting. He's holding back. Eddie just doesn't know what. Buck continues walking on his bare feet, Eddie watching along with the others.

The second after Buck is gone from view Eddie pats his turnouts. "Shit. Shit. Shit." Eddie says scrambling. He pulls out his phone to see he's got notifications and reminders. His phone reminding him when he gets off shift, which was like four hours ago. About when to start getting dressed. And when to leave. Even reminding him about the address of the restaurant they were supposed to meet at. He even finds text from Buck asking if everything is okay. Asking where he's at. Wondering if something happened to Chris.

Eddie is frozen in place. How is he going to fix this?

"How'd you forget?" Chim asks, genuinely curious.

"I've been so busy. Chris has been getting angry and wont listen to me. He's demanding to see Buck and I just... Carla's been helping. Then there's some more forms to fill out for him. Groceries." Eddie let's out a groan. So much came up this week that it had slipped his mind.

"Buck was excited today, I thought he was just happy to be back at work." Hen points out. Then her mind catches up to the situation. "Wait! Are you guys dating?" Hen asks. Bobby and Lena leaning in for the answer.

Eddie can only stare at them. Would Buck be angry at the fact he told them the truth? Technically Buck let it out, but does that count? Should he just ignore that and focus on a way to get Buck to accept his apologies.

Before anyone can ask more they hear someone stomping their way up the stairs. Not long after Buck appears again. This time his eyes are red, his cheeks are flushed obviously he was crying. "I forgot my purse." Buck says walking past them, still not wearing any shoes. He grabs his purse and makes his way back down the stairs.

"Buck-"

"Leave me alone Diaz." Buck says firmly. When he knows Eddie listened he rushing off. Without a look back.

Once Buck is gone for the second time Hen speaks up, "So are you dating?"

"It's obvious at this point right?" Chim asks because he wants it to be out in the open. Eddie gives him a glare.

"Since when?"

"After Buck was shot. Oh it feels so good to let it out." Chim says turning round for something to eat.

"You both know the policies?" Bobby wonders, looking more disappointed than mad.

"I don't think you'll need to worry about that anymore." Lena says.

Eddie just groan going to sit on the couch so he can contemplate what to do next. Chris should be with Tia Pepa and family. He's obviously free the whole night. He starts thumbing his leg as he thinks.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Hen says slapping his shoulder.

"I'm currently having a crisis. Plus we agreed not to tell anyone." Eddie says staring down at his phone the screen saver of all three of them. Him, Buck and Chris, one of their many Zoo trips. Buck and Chris smiling the widest.

"I am curious." Chim says sitting on a couch with a small chip back in hand. "You got busy with Chris and what not, but shouldn't that be normal? Like his paperwork and groceries? Why is it a problem now?" Chim asks.

"Buck usually helps. He cooks more often for us so he does the groceries. And with paperwork he's with Carla helping me. And, well, when Chris wants him Buck is there." Eddie answers. Everyone nods their heads. They always knew Buck is close with Eddie, they just didn't know they were already married without living together. Or knowing themselves. Though, now is not the time to tease him.

"Wow. Next thing you're going to tell me Buck also reminds you of things." Chim says playfully.

"Ah.." Eddie starts but stops. The silence loud.

"He does." Hen points out. Eddie gives a shy nod.

"Not everything." Eddie adds, not wanting to sound completely useless. As long as Chris is taken care of everything else can easily slip his mind. Buck is always with him so sometimes when they are hanging out and Buck is talking about something he just learned about he sometimes pipes up with a 'oh and don't forget this is going on'. It works for them. It helps Eddie remember. He remembers everything Buck talks about.

"So what are you going to do?" Lena asks.

"Since we are off clock, I won't reprimand you so word of advice, you know Buck. Trust your gut." Bobby says with a small smile.

"He does forgive easily." Hen says, giving Eddie some hope.

"Yeah, but we all know how he reacts to being left behind or forgotten." Chim adds.

"Yeah that's true." Hen says sadly. Buck doesn't react well to that. Though no one can really blame him. Can't imagine what he felt like as a child. To think he came out so loving and happy, it's nothing short of a miracle.

"I don't like that you hurt Buck's feeling but I'll tell you this," Chim starts looking at Eddie, "bring Chris into this. He knows Buck sometimes better than you do. Plus he wants his Buck and Buck loves him and misses him. It's killing two birds with one stone." Chim tells him with a shrug of his shoulders, because it's an easy solution.

Seeing the hesitant look in Eddie's face Hen steps up, "what's stopping you from letting Chris see Buck?" Hen is starting to feel offended for Buck. Chris is like his son. Buck saved him from a tsunami, went hours searching for him to the point of exhaustion. She can only imagine how hurt those two are about being kept away from each other.

"Chris has been... sensitive to me being around women lately." Eddie says.

"What do you mean?" Lena asks.

"If I'm talking to a cashier, or a waitress, helping someone at a grocery store, Chris gets... weird about it. Uncomfortable and ansty."

"Because of Marisol? Right?" Chim asks, he knows Buck told him and Maddie but it's good to hear from the source, well the source is Chris. And Buck did hear it from Chris so... but still it's good to hear from the cause, in this case.

"But that was like a year or so ago. It's been so long." Hen says.

"He got attached." Bobby points out.

"Yeah. I don't want Chris to freak out over how Buck looks at the moment." Eddie says.

"Eddie, if there's anything that we all know is trying to protect someone from the inevitable causes more problems than fixes them. You may be trying to protect Chris and Buck but at the same time what will happen will happen, whether you like it or not. Also, you're dating Buck. How do you think this will go?" Hen points out. And Eddie knows she right, she's been proven to be countless times. He can't. And he knows that makes him a coward and horrible but he can hold off just a little longer then that's what he'll do.

---

Maddie opens the door, curious to who it could be. When she finds her brother there, purse and shoes in hand, tears going down his face anger fills her. "What happened?" She asks pulling Buck into a hug. Then pulls him inside to close the door.

"Eddie forgot." Buck breath hitches, obviously just done with his crying.

"Forgot?" Maddie asks, unclear to what Eddie could have forgotten. She leads her brother inside the house.

"Our date. He forgot about our date." Buck cries frustrated. Throwing his things on the floor by the couch.

"Oh." Maddie can't believe it. How does he forget?

"I waited for hours. It was so embarrassing, people kept staring at me. I think I'd rather choke on another piece of bread that go through that again." Buck brings his hands up to cover his face, pacing back and forth.

"How'd he forget?" Maddie asks stuck on that.

"I had found him still at work. But he could have sent a text, let me know. We could have rescheduled. Something." Buck says stopping to look at his sister.

"I'm sorry Buck. I knew we spend a lot of time getting you all dressed." Maddie says giving him her watery eyes.

"I just feel... stupid. I just want to cry and hide myself from the world for... forever." Buck says falling to the couch. Buck crosses his arms.

"Why don't you get changed? We can eat ice cream on my bed and watch something while we make fun of boys." Maddie says sitting down next to him, a comforting smile on her face.

"You're married to one." Buck raises an eyebrow at her.

"You are one." Maddie reminds him with an eyebrow raised herself.

"Oh." Buck laughs. "Right." Buck smiles at his sister. "I can do with ice cream but shouldn't Chim be home soon." Buck wonders remember seeing him at the firehouse. He shouldn't be that far behind him.

"No, he's got an extra shift. We have been taking turns taking on extra shifts." Maddie explains.

"Okay." Buck smiles rushing off to get changed.

Maddie smiles as she runs to the refrigerator, grabbing mint and rocky road, spoons and one of Jee frozen teething rings. On her way to her room she grabs Jee who is still awake. It's way past her bedtime but uncle Buck needs comfort.

It doesn't take long for Buck to join them, in his LAFD jacket with sweats that are most likely hers. Buck sits down, Jee in the middle, leaning against the headboard. Maddie gives him the mint and a spoon.

"Did you take of the make up?" Maddie wonders, watching Buck eagerly open the small tub of ice cream.

"Yeah. It felt like a waste." Buck answers shoving a spoon into his mouth.

"I will say the mascara worked wonders, it didn't bleed while you cried." Maddie points out looking at her own tub.

"I did hold it in for a while. And if you want it you can keep it. Make up is... to much trouble. It was fun trying it though." Buck smiles, eyes looking at Jee who happily sat between them sucking on her teething ring.

Maddie lets out a laugh. "That lady that helped us was overwhelmed by your questions, I'm also sure she thought you were an alien with the fact you knew nothing."

"Thanks for indulging me today." Buck says spoon lodged in the ice cream.

"No. There's no need for that. Of course I'd be there to help. You asked Buck. I've told you anyways that it was fun shopping for dressing. I got to see what it's like to have a sister." Maddie says, her tone soft but serious.

"I'm sure it was boring for you." Buck looks at his sister, almost guilty for wasting her day away.

"It wasn't, it was fun. I saw you try on so many dresses. I saw you try on dresses period. That was funny. Are you going to give everything back?" Maddie wonders.

"No... well, maybe the dress. But the jewelry is nice." Buck says tickling his niece with one hand.

"So... what about Eddie? Is this the end?" Maddie wonders, eating her ice cream.

"No." Buck looks down at the bright green ice cream, "I don't want it to be. I love him. It just really hurt. Being forgotten." Buck says.

"I'm sorry Buck." Maddie says sincerely.

Buck shakes his head. "I want to forgive, I just don't know if I can that easily. Was I the only one excited? Was I the only one looking forward to it? This happens so often. I always put 100 percent in and get shit. It's always me." Buck voice cracks, and Maddie can see his eyes water.

Maddie puts a hand on his back, rubbing soothing circles to comfort him. She'd say "that's not true" but Buck has receipts. With her as well. She never truly forget about him, but before leaving Doug there were days that she was numb. She wasn't herself, and she was alone, even in her head. She'd forget about Buck, then when she did remember she'd go look at his post cards. She's no better.

"It's okay if you need time." Maddie says. "You should tell Eddie that too. After all it's still so new. Even Chim and I needed time to get use to dating and not just being two people who hung out." Buck let's a small chuckle at that, remembering those two dancing around each other.

"This sucks." Buck lets out a sigh. "I thought it was going so well."

"Buck, it's not always going to be rainbows and sunshine. There will always be bumps in the road. Now no more, let's watch something. Want to watch a documentary?" She asks knowing he likes those. She will fall asleep but for her brother will try to keep her eyes open.

"No, let's watch something funny." Buck says. Maddie smiles pulling up a list of comedies.

They eat ice cream as they laugh. There were so many old movies they missed out on when they were younger. It feels nice to be here, almost trying to catch up on the things they missed out on. It helps that Maddie is here with him now. That they are here together. Happy.

In the late morning, almost afternoon. Chim comes home. Walking in with a stretch. He locks the door. He walks in, finding their couch empty. Weird, he thought he'd find Buck there. Chim shrugs and moves forward, going to his room to check on Maddie. The door is wide open. Chim pauses at the door frame to take in the sight. Empty tubs of ice cream on the nightstands. Buck spread out snoring. Maddie on her side sleeping. Jee in the middle, also sleeping peacefully with her teething ring clench hard in her hand. Chim smiles at them. Yeah, he figured this would happen. He takes a quick picture. Then moves to go to the living room.

He decides to take a nap on the couch. Hoping Buck will cook when he's awake. Chim has faith Eddie will fix this. The two will work through it.

(Buck does cook for them when he wakes up)

---

Chim watches the way Eddie sat on the high stool at the kitchen island. His eyes going to the stairs then to the clock on the wall, that's honestly just there for decoration, then back at the stairs again. A one Edmundo Diaz got to work early and is currently waiting for his lover (currently pending) to show up at work.

Hen joins them, her eyes landing on Eddie. "Waiting."

"Yup." Eddie answers. "Honestly, how much did I fuck up?" Eddie turns to them.

"I'm sure it's fixable." Hen encourages.

"Eh, I'm not so sure." Chim says looking down at his coffee.

"How would you know?" Hen wonders, looking at her friend with raised eyebrows.

"I'm married to Buck sister. Where do you think he was these last three days?" The two nod, sometimes they forget. "Who currently hates Eddie."

"That bad?" Eddie asks.

"Yeah. From what I heard Buck wore make up for you. Spent the whole day after work getting ready. Like the whole nine yards. Spas, messages, nails and whatever else women do." Chim waves his hand out. "Eddie, Buck bought a dress. He didn't have too. He could have put on a suit." Chim points out

"That's true." Hen nods.

"All that and you forgot. You could have send a text." Chim points out.

"I know. I know." Eddie runs a hand through his hair, frustrated.

"You've been wanting this and you forgot the person you've been pining for were suppose to go on a date." Hen says rubbing salt into the wound.

"I know." Eddies shoulders slump.

"Alright, we're going to be a man down for an hour or two." Bobby announces as he walks into the area, Eddie stands on his feet. Buck still isn't here.

"Is Buck okay?" Eddie asks, Hen stepping up because that doesn't sound like Buck at all.

"He's fine. Eddie I'll need to see you in my office." Bobby says with a smile.

"Sure." Eddie easily agrees.

"I wonder what happened to Buck?" Hen questions.

"Oh, Maddie and I's schedule aligned and we didn't realize it. So today we both started early, and it was late that we realized we didn't book a babysitter. Buck volunteered to help until the babysitter can take over." Chim explains calmly. Eddie snaps his head to Chim.

"Why didn't you tell me? I was waiting." Eddie wonders. Chim shrugs.

"I wanted to see you squirm." Chim smiles. Eddie glares. Though he can't be too mad, even he hates himself a bit. Eddie shakes it off, moving to go to the office.

All it is is Bobby getting him to sign papers about his and Buck's relationship. For HR. It doesn't take too long for them to finish. But Bobby does give Eddie the shovel talk. Which was long and a bit scary, especially the smile Bobby gives him at the end. But that's to be expected when he's already fucked up somehow. Then, like a warning, tells Eddie to expect one from Athena. And he dreads that one.

When he walks out he finds Buck snacking on something in the kitchen. He has put his hair in a two french braids, on either side of his head. It makes Eddie question himself because even like this he's beautiful. Buck has always had this boyish charm, like this it's a girlish charm.

Before Eddie can talk to Buck Bobby is calling him into his office. Buck walks past Eddie without acknowledging him. It hurts but he knows he has to make up for it.

He waits for Buck to get out of Bobby's office to talk to him. But they are in there for a long time. Was it this long with him? Or is it longer because now he's waiting.

Then the bell rings. Buck and Bobby rush out the office.

The call is simple, a small car accident. And the whole ride there Buck is driving as Eddie keeps his eyes on Buck. The silence awkward without anyone talking, and usually that person is Buck.

Once they get to the scene, Bobby is in captain mode. Buck and Eddie work together, silently and Buck does his utmost to not look at Eddie. They are getting the driver onto a gurney as Eddie checks on him. He's not hurt bad, the worst might be a concussion, he's got a few scratches but nothing life threatening.

Buck jumps with a loud yelp, turning to face the man. A smile on his face. "Sir. Please keep your hands to yourself." Buck tells him. Eddie stares down at the man but his attention is on Buck. Hen and Bobby turning their attention to them.

"You're ass is soft." He says sounding delirious.

"I'd really appreciate if you didn't do that again." Buck tells him.

"You liked it." He gives his best dirty smile but it comes out wrong.

"Buck! Let Hen handle him." Bobby orders. Buck just steps away, Hen taking his place. Hen takes charge, ordering Eddie to keep from strangling the man. If looks could kill.

Buck helps clean up. Bobby keeping an eye on Eddie as he comes out to help. It doesn't take too long to clean the scene. Then they are back. Hen and Chim coming back not long after. Buck is fast in getting his turnouts off and put back to how it should be in case they are called again. Buck is going up the stairs two at a time, ready to start on dinner. Sure it's a bit early but he and Bobby had planned this when discussing his shift.

At the top Buck pauses at the sight, they have guests. Two. Buck smiles. "Chris! Carla!" Buck says sprinting over to them. Excited to see them. If feels like forever. It's been at least of month. To think that about as long as he's been a women. Chris is on the couch while Carla is seated next to him.

He pauses at their faces. Remembering they have never meet this version of him. He stands in place awkwardly. Unsure what to do now. They don't know it's him. "Buck!" His name is called. He turns in time to see Eddie coming up the stairs. "Buck, we really need to talk." He says finding him.

"Uh... Eds." He says apprehensive. He moves over so Eddie can get a better look but Eddie just looks hurt. Buck looks over to them, Carla obviously understanding what is going on and Chris is just confused. Seeing where Buck is looking at Eddie turns only for his whole body to turn cold. Chris is here.

"Chris." Eddie looks at Buck, for help and guidance but even he looks shocked and out of place.

"Buck!" Bobby calls his name, he looks over to see Hen standing next to him. "We still have some paperwork to go over. Plus we need to talk about what happened at the call earlier." Bobby says. Buck nods. He looks at Chris, then Eddie. He doesn't know what to say to either. Chris is not his son so it's not his place. He gives Chris a wave and a smile. Then jogs to Bobby's office. Hen joining them.

Hen closes the door after Buck. "I'm not in trouble am I?" He asks because he feels like. He's been in trouble enough to know.

"No. We just need to finish the paperwork. There were only a few more papers for you to sign. Then we need to report what happened." Bobby say in his captain mode. All serious. It's no time to joke. Buck goes to sit down. Hen standing close.

"A patient sexually harassed you. The department needs to know Buck. Especially if we ever run into him again. Or god forbid someone else." Hen tells him.

"Oh." Buck says. He really thought he did something wrong. It doesn't take too long to finish the forms for HR. Signing his name along Eddie's. His heart clenches. It still aches.

I forgot. That echoes in his head over and over again. Along with 'you're exhausting,' though he knows it's been a long time since then. It's just the fact it's been Eddie both time. And Buck knows it wasn't malicious on Eddie's part, not this time, it still hurts though. He just never thought Eddie would say that to him.

"Now for this, you'll have to explain what happened. What lead up to him touching you." Bobby's face scrunches up at having to say it like that.

"I got it." Buck says reaching over for the paper to start writing it. It's nothing much, he and Eddie got the man onto the gurney and was wheeling him away. As they were getting close to the ambulance he felt something pinch his ass hard making him jump. It didn't take much to get what happened. He even added what he told the man. When done he hands it over to Bobby. "What happens now? Will someone talk to me about it?" Buck wonders.

"No. They have your statement. And I'll have Eddie and Hen make one too. As well as my own." Bobby answer looking over the statement.

"That's it?" Buck asks shocked.

"Well, it's hard to do anything when it's a patient. They can say it was because of the accident." Hen rolls her eyes. "And it's sort of over with at this point. It's still good to keep records though. If it happens again then the authorities can do something." Hen adds.

"Is there anything else for me to do?" Buck asks.

"No. Why?" Bobby wonders. Buck looks at the door, almost scared.

"Don't want to go out?" Hen asks.

"Yeah. I know how Chris has been since Marisol. I was hoping, I think Eddie was too, that I'd change back. I was sort of hiding from Chris too." Buck says pulling his knees to his chest.

"Eddie told us Chris has been weird when he's around women." Hen says sitting down.

"Chris told me he doesn't trust his dad, worried he'll find some other women to start dating and she'll just leave. Chris doesn't want Eddie dating anyone. He was really sad after Marisol. He really liked her, but she didn't answer his call or text. Can't imagine how he'll feel with me." Buck looks scared and small curled up in the chair.

"He loves you though." Hen looks doubtful.

"Which is why he'll get scared." Buck says points out. "And I look like this."

"That's true." Bobby says seeing things from Chris' perspective.

"Just like Eddie, you can't hide in here forever." Hen give Buck a pointed look.

"Of course. Let's just wait for Chris to get his anger out first." Buck says looking at the door again.

"As much as I enjoy the company I do have work." Bobby smiles at them.

"It was fun while it lasted." Buck says getting up, stretching his long legs. Hen standing up behind him. They walk out the door. Going to the loft they find Eddie looking devastated. Chim jumps up to them.

"Chris is waiting for you." Chim whispers giving a look to the stairs. Buck nods turning to go down. At the bottom is Chris and Carla. Buck jumps down fast. Chris seeing him.

"Bucky!" Chris screeches happily.

"Hey superman!" Buck smiles reaching forward to hold him in his arms. Like always Chris jumps into his arms, wraps his small arms around Buck. "Mm, I've missed you." Buck holds the back of Chris' head. Feeling whole again. He's missed the little man so much.

"I have too." Chris buries his head into Buck shoulder. "I miss your cooking."

"I miss you telling me how much you love my cooking." Buck says.

"Let's go Buckaroo. It's time to go home." Carla says with a soft smile on her face. Buck nods following her out. He can feels eyes on the back of his head. No doubt the others are watching from the railing.

Once far enough away Chris pulls back giving Buck a good look over. "What happened?" He asks.

"Well you know how in your comic books, most of the superheros accidently injected with serums and things?" Buck wonders, making sure to keep a secure hold on Chris. He's not heavy but new body makes it different. Chris nods, then his eyes widen.

"Do you have powers too?" Chris asks excited. Buck and Carla chuckle at that.

"Sadly no. It was just something to change genders. A fire went out in a lab, and the scientist working on it needed help so I went to help only for what he was working on to get inside of me. And after I looked like this." Buck explains. Hoping Chris gets it.

"That's boring. You didn't get any powers." Chris says with a frown. Buck wants to squeal and squish his cheeks. God he's so cute.

"Yeah. It sucks. I have to buy a whole bunch of new clothes." Buck pouts.

"Is that why dad didn't let me see you?" Chris tilts his head. Buck sees that they are getting closer to Carla's car.

"Yeah bud. We didn't know how you would react. I know Marisol hurt you, we didn't want you to think about that." Buck eyes on the car

"But you're not her. You promised to never go away. No matter what." Chris says holding onto Buck shirt tightly, Carla walking to the other side of the car to give them some privacy.

"And I'll keep my promise." Buck smiles as he stops at the car door.

"But you haven't been around." Chris says sadly.

"I know. I'm sorry. We didn't think I'd be stuck like this for so long. The scientist who did this to me was hurt and we need him to wake up." Buck moves Chris to free his arm.

"I thought you saved him?" Chris wonders watching Buck open the car door.

"I saved him from the fire but he was still hurt. I just couldn't see it. And now we are waiting for him to be okay to help me go back to how I was before." Buck says setting Chris down onto his seat, he takes Chris crutches. He watches Chris wingle around until he's comfortable.

"Now that I know, will you come by more?" Chris buckles himself in as Buck moves the crutches for easy access.

"Yeah. I'll try. I'll have to ask your dad." Chris frowns. "Hey, it's not Eddie's fault. We both thought it would be best to not tell you." Buck says, leaning against the car, bracing one arm on the top of the car, facing Chris.

"I missed you." Chris says looking down at his lap.

"And I missed you. And I'm sorry. We thought we were protecting you." Buck tells Chris earnestly.

"So you don't hate me?" Chris looks up at Buck with sad eyes.

"I can never hate you superman." Buck leans over, kissing the side of Chris' head. "Want me to tell you a secret?" he whispers even though Carla is on the other side of the car.

"Yeah." Chris smiles nodding his head. Buck smiles.

"You're my favorite." Buck whispers. Chris giggles.

"You're my favorite too." This time Buck giggles.

"I love you Christopher." Buck tells him looking into his brown eyes.

Chris beams. "Love you too Bucky."

"Be good for Carla and I'll see you soon." Buck says with a smile. He gives Chris one more hug and a kiss to his curls before closing the door. He walks around the car to Carla who stood by the driver side waiting for him. "Hi Carla. It's been a while." Buck smiles.

"It has. You look beautiful." she smiles at him.

"Thank you." Buck blushes a bit.

"How are you?" Carla asks worried.

"I want to turn back. I didn't think it would take this long." Buck rubs the back of his neck.

"I'm sure. We heard that you were hurt. We were worried but Eddie wouldn't let Chris see you." Carla tells him.

"I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about." Buck smiles to reassure the older women.

"We will always worry. Don't forget that. You better come around, you hear?" Carla looks at Buck, pinning the man with her serious eyes.

"Loud and clear. I missed him so you bet." Buck smiles, but then he remembers he is a bit angry at Eddie at the moment. "How is he with Eddie?" Buck wonders to think about something other than his own feelings at the moment.

"He knew Eddie was keeping something a secret, and he was getting mad that he wouldn't let him see you. We knew he saw you so Chris was throwing his tantrums. Honestly it was sort of a mess without you." Carla answers honestly, she know Buck is truly Chris other parent.

"Chris was throwing tantrums?" Buck asks shocked. He knows Chris, and that doesn't sound like him.

"Yeah. I'm glad he did, I use to worry Chris was too grown up. But now that all seems to be solved so I don't expect him to that much."

"He was throwing tantrums for you too?" Buck wonders.

"Oh please. He can try. I did listen to him though. He wants to build that Lego set you got him. He's been waiting. And he misses your cooking. And those dates. He loves you being around." Carla says.

"I told Chris but I'll see about being there. I still have to talk to Eddie though."

"I don't know what's going on with you both but I know it'll work out. I know." Carla says with a smile. And Buck should be shocked but he's not. He misses her. "Now I better let you get to work. See you Buckaroo."

"Bye Carla." Buck says going in for a hug. He then steps back to let her get into her car. He watches the car drive off. With a breath he turns and goes back to the firehouse. Walking up to the loft. Already Bobby is there getting dinner ready.

Easily Buck slides next to Bobby, but the whole time they cook Eddie eyes follow Buck around. His brown eyes big like a dog watching their owner eat. Buck let's a sigh out. He looks at Eddie shocking the other man.

"What?" He asks because he can't tell what he wants to ask, about Chris or about them.

"Is Chris... okay?" Eddie wonders.

"He is. Just wishes I got superpowers." Buck says looking down to focus. Eddie's shoulder lower at that. They all expected it to be worse.

"And he's...?" Eddie starts ignoring Bobby standing close. Or that Hen and Chim are watching from their seat at the table.

"Mad at you. He knows you were keeping me a secret, and that you saw me while he didn't." Buck tells him.

"Okay." Eddie nods, he can deal with that for now he's got to talk to Buck, "And about us... I'm sorry. Truly. A lot happened leading up to it. And Chris wasn't making it easy, which is my fault. I didn't mean to forget." Eddie tells the other, not caring he's doing this at work in front of their coworkers.

"I know. But... I don't think a sorry is going to fix it so easily, Eds." Buck looks at Eddie, those blue eyes hurt. It stabs Eddie in the heart.

"Okay. What can I do to make up for it?" Eddie straightens. Ready to do what it takes.

"I don't know." Buck looks down.

---

Eddie walks into his house, dropping the bag by the door. He finds Carla with Chris in his room, helping him to his homework. "Hey Chris, can we talk?" Eddie asks, though it's not really a question. With him having a talk with Buck over with, though there's not much he can do with no clue on how to make Buck forgive him, it's time to talk to his son. Fuck, he made both people he loves angry at him. At the same time.

"He just finished his homework. I'll get started on dinner." Carla says making her exit. Eddie moves to sit on the bed facing Chris.

"Listen Chris, I'm sorry I didn't let you and Buck see each other but I didn't want to hurt either of you." Eddie just goes for it.

"How would Buck be hurt?" Chris looks at his father curiously.

"I know you don't like me being around women so I thought you wouldn't like seeing me with Buck, that rejection would hurt Buck." Eddie explains rubbing his hands together.

"But... Bucky is Bucky." Chris says simply.

"I know now, and I see that. Buck told me to tell you that you can tell him to come over whenever to build that Lego with him. And I'm sorry." Eddie says again because he can't apologize enough.

"Why are you sorry?" Chris wonders, knowing Buck had apologized a lot as well.

"I did something so Buck is mad at me at the moment." Eddie confesses.

"Did you tell him you're sorry?" Chris watches his father, which makes him squirm under his son gaze.

"I did but it was really bad. But he's said he'll always be there for you so if you ever want to see him you just have to tell him, just like always okay?" Eddie says, Buck had stressed that point before they separated.

"Okay. Since I finished my homework can I play my game?" Chris asks.

"Sure." Eddie says standing up. He ruffles his son hair then leaves. Eddie walks to the kitchen to grab his water bottle with a heavy sigh.

"Dinner is almost done. So tell me what happened." Carla demands.

"With?" Eddie raises an eyebrow at Carla. So much has happened. Carla rest a hand on her hips.

"How our Buckaroo got hurt. You were destroyed Eddie when we got home. All you told us was that Buck was hurt. It must have been bad for your reaction. I asked and he just said he's fine. Sometimes I want to slap that boy upside the head." She frowns.

"Carla... he was shot." Eddie says lowly, in case Chris giant out his headphones on.

"What? Why?" Carla eyes widen, reeling at the news.

"We were working at a fire and someone shot him. It was on purpose. That man's girlfriend became obsessed with Buck and broke up with him. Mad he planned it all. And followed him. Shooting him." Eddie says.

"They got him right?" Carla asks worried.

"Yeah. Athena got him. Didn't make it far."

"Good. And Buck is fine?"

"He had lost a lot of blood but otherwise nothing. It was on his side so nothing major." Eddie says.

"So... what's going on with you and Buck? Finally crossed the line?" Carla asks, worried about that considering what she saw today.

"Everything was so much better when no one knew anything." Eddie grumbles.

"So you both are dating?" Carla grins.

---

Eddie walks up the stairs with determined steps.

He finds Buck and walks to the other. As soon as the other man turns Eddie hands the letter in his hand over. Buck just stares at it. Then slowly takes it. "It's from Chris." Eddie tells him. Buck opens the card with more enthusiasm. He watches Buck read it, a smile quickly forming on his face. Then he lets out a laugh that has Eddie smiling.

"Have you seen it?" Buck wonders looking at Eddie, eyes bright and it feels like forever.

"No. He told it was a secret and to give it to you."

"Do you know what it's for?"

"Yes. Why?" Eddie asks. Buck turns the card over. Eddie reads it, knowing what it's for. A dinner invite somewhere. Most likely Olive Garden because Chris likes the alfredo pasta there. Then his eyes land on the picture of them three, though there's an arrow pointing to what seems to be him and the words 'not associated' with spelled somewhat wrong, though Chris must have underestimated the size of the word because the word associated curves to the side of the paper. Trying to fit it all. Eddie lets out a huff. Chris was curious to why Buck is mad at him so he pestered Eddie for the answer. Eddie didn't tell him that they are dating just that they made important plans and he forgot. Chris has never judged him so hard.

So Chris told Eddie he wanted to make it up to Buck. That and it's been so long since they were together. Chris made this plan. And Eddie agreed. He knows Buck would love it. And it was a shot in the heart about how well Chris knows Buck. Eddie really needs to make it up to Buck himself. But it seems Chris has beat him to it.

"I'm guessing you will be with us too." Buck turns the card back to look at it, a smile on his face.

"I don't have to be there. It could just be the two of you."

"It's fine. I think it would be fun with all three of us." Buck says with a shrug, looking at the card. Then he frowns. "There's no date." Buck points out looking back up at Eddie.

"Chris doesn't know when you have off so he tasked me with figuring that out." Eddie says making Buck laugh, a bright smile on his face.

A smile that doesn't leave his face the whole shift.

---

Eddie stands to the side. in a nice dark red suit and black turtleneck. He may be a third wheel but he still wanted to dress nicely. He looks over to Chris, who is dressed in a suit as well. A typical black suit with a white shirt and black tie. "Nervous?" Eddie asks because he is and it's technically not his date.

"Nope." Chris says casually, knocking on the door. Eddie can only shake his head in disbelief. His kid is amazing, and he'll never not amaze him.

It's quiet until an "I'm coming!" is heard from the other side. Another second of silence before the door is wretched open. Buck takes a breath. Looking at them with a smile. Both Eddie and Chris stare. Buck is once again in a dress. A light blue halter dress. It's not form fitting but slightly loose, reaching past his knees. Buck has his hair up, a braid leading to a top bun. Decorated with a blue flower pin. A bracelet, watch and blue flats.

"You look pretty." Chris compliments. Buck smiles.

"Thank you Chris. You look very handsome as well." Chris smiles with a small blush. "Shall we go?" Buck suggest taking a small blue purse with him.

"We don't want to be late." Chris says seriously. Buck lets out a chuckle as Eddie grins. They wait for Buck to lock his door before they walk to the elevator.

"Chris I have a very important question." Buck says putting his keys in his purse.

"Okay." Chris nods waiting to hear, serious expression on his face.

"Does this dinner include dessert?" Buck wonders. Chris eyes widens, he must not have thought that far. His head snaps to Eddie, eyes wide and asking for help. Eddie gives him a reassuring nod. Chris beams turning back to Buck.

It's so cute Buck wish he was recording this. "Yes." Chris answers.

"Now I'm even more excited. Where are we going?" Buck wonders looking at both of them.

"It's a surprise." Chris tell him, excited.

Eddie watches them from the side, watching Buck ask Chris about the restaurant they are going to and Chris trying not to say too much. He can feel himself smile. It's been a while since he's heard the way those two talk, bouncing off each other. He's always loved the way they flow with each other. Love when they make each other laugh.

"Oh! Wait!" Chris exclaims as they near Eddie's truck. Buck looks at Eddie for an answer but gets a shrug. They watch as Chris runs to the truck. He opens the door to the back seat, then look over to Buck expectedly.

"Oh. What a gentleman." Buck smiles, giddy, making his way to the seat.

"You're my date." Chris says as a matter of fact.

"Makes sense. You know I don't think I've ever been in the back." Buck says getting in. Chris closes the door once Buck is settle. As Buck puts on his seatbelt he catches Eddie carrying Chris with a sprint to get to the other side quickly. Buck lets out a snort. The other side open and Chris climbs into his seat. Buck watches amused.

The car ride is full of Buck catching up with Chris. Then Chris asked Buck some questions. Eddie listen but he wasn't worried. Buck answered questions in a kid friendly way. Then Chris started to press Buck to check if he got powers. Buck of course humors him. Chris was very sad about Buck really not gaining superpowers.

They finally get to the restaurant. One look and you can tell it's a mom and pop shop. It's a cute little restaurant with vines going down the side. Seats on the second level. The name Love, in fancy cursive. An older women stood by the stand. Seeing them the woman smiles. "Welcome, do you have a reservation?" She wonders cheerfully.

"We do." Chris steps up, taking charge. Buck smiles, leaning into Eddie space.

"He's taking this seriously." Buck whispers.

"He insisted. I promised to let him lead." Eddie smiles leaning into Buck, it's so natural.

"Diaz, for three." Chris says. The woman smiles, obviously finding it cute.

She repeats the name as she looks down at the paper on the podium. "Ah, yes. Right this way." she takes a look at them then leads them to a table in the corner. The restaurant has many tables full. Dates. Families. It's still early in the night. With how cute the restaurant is he can see it getting fuller later.

Once at the table they wait for Chris to lead. What's the next step? "Dad." Chris whispers though Buck and the women can hear it. "How will I push Buck's chair?" He asks worried and upset. Buck covers his mouth to hold in his laughter. The women is biting her lip to hold it in.

"Well, how about I push both of you in your chair?" Eddie suggests also in a whisper. Chris looks at him for a bit before agreeing.

"But Buck goes first." Chris says.

"Of course." Eddie nods. Eddie pulls out a chair, Buck smiles as he goes along with it. He thanks Eddie, then watches as Chris is next. Chris and Buck are seated close to each other. The women then sets their menus down and utensil. They order their drinks. Two cokes and a Dr. Pepper.

"You have a very handsome and gentlemanly date tonight." She says as she writes their order. Buck beams.

"I'm very lucky." Bucks says. The women nods, giving a smile at the look Eddie gives Buck. What a cute family.

Eddie sits back, as the third wheel, listening to Chris recount fourth grade drama. And Eddie is lost. Buck on the other hand is invested and following along easily. Even asking about students he knows the name of.

Eddie feels bad for keeping them apart. Though, it's not his fault, Buck had agreed. But maybe he should have stepped up and told Chris the truth. Especially when they started dating. Buck is shining. Chris is happy. They could have had this earlier.

And he wants this forever.

For that to happen he needs to get Buck to forgive him.

Buck laughs, Eddie looks at the rearview mirror. On their way to drop off Buck at his loft. He takes another look to see what Buck is laughing at. He looks over to see Chris is fast asleep. Buck reaches over to take Chris' glasses off. The sight makes Eddie heart warm. Sights like this always remind him how much care Buck always has when Chris is with him. Gentle but trusting. Knowing when it's okay for Chris to get hurt, like most kids, and when to be more soft with Chris. It's why he trust Buck.

Eddie comes to a slow stop. Parking in front of Buck loft.

"Buck." Eddie turns to look at him, Buck looking at him. Eddie looks over to Chris, happy in sleep land. "I'm sorry. I know I messed up and I'm willing to do what it takes. I just want know if you are okay waiting, I don't want to screw this up. I... you are too important to me to let go."

"Eds, you know I'm willing to wait. Always." Buck says.

"I know. Buck but I don't want you to have to wait again. So please, will you go on a date with again. I'll plan it this time, that way I won't forget." Eddie is serious.

"Okay." Buck agrees. "You're too important to let go for as well."

---

Once again Eddie walks up the stairs, up to the loft at work. He's got a goal. Spent all day yesterday thinking, getting Chris opinion since he's obviously better at this than him. He's got a plan he just needs to ask Buck. To show he's serious he'll ask in front of everyone instead of over text.

He finds buck on his phone at the kitchen island. Eddie rushes to him. "Buck, are you free tomorrow?" Eddie asks cause he's on an eight hour shift. Hoping it's the same for Buck.

"Uh..." Buck takes a moment to think. "Yeah."

"Good, be ready by 6:30 pm tomorrow."

"Is this your redo date?"

"Yes."

"How should I dress?"

"Fancy."

"Okay." Bucks nods and Eddie decompresses. He was sort of nervous about the possibility that Buck would say no. But he shouldn't have been worried. Buck did agree. Okay with Buck agreeing he needs to plan what he's going to dress in. He also needs to get a gift. He would show up with flowers but that seems like a typical and impersonal thing to do. He wants to give Buck something he'd love. Something he'd use. Not something that would be put on display for a couple weeks before being thrown away. He knows Buck always feels bad about throwing flowers away.

Eddie got to into thinking he did not notice everyone looking at him worried. Even Buck was worried Eddie might be pushing himself.

It pays off in the end. He finds something he thinks Buck would love. He even wrapped it up in wrapping paper he did not know he had and a bow. He decided to go classic with a black and white suit.

He knocks on the door, knees trembling, hands sweating, heart pounding in his chest, taking a page from Chris and just going for it. Even if he is nervous.

And his breath is taken away from him at Buck answering the door. His hair once again in a braid leading back to a bun. Tied with a dark purple bow. Buck is wearing a dark purple tight fitting, thin cross strap dress. Dark heels. A watch on one wrist and a purple beaded bracelet in the other. His eyes seem to have it's own light source with now bright they are.

"Hi." Buck says, blush on his shoulder and cheeks. Eddie blushes himself, he was staring at the other way too long.

"Hi." Eddie smiles. Jesus he feels like a teenager. "Here." he hands the gift over. Buck takes it, visibly stunned.

"Can I open it?"

"If you want." Eddie says, knowing Buck isn't patient enough to wait. And Buck knows that so he steps back to let Eddie in. He waits by the door, watching Buck gently take apart the wrapping paper slowly revealing a book. A recipe book. For Buck to write the recipes that he found on the internet. Or the ones Bobby teaches him.

Buck stares at it.

He stares for a long time. Long enough for Eddie to worry he thought wrong.

Before Eddie can say anything Buck rushes to him, pulling him into a kiss. Holding him close. Eddie kisses back, feeling Bucks tongue against his own. He loves it, he wants more. Buck pulls back before it goes further.

"I forgive you." Buck breathes heavily.

"What?" A bit dazed from the kiss.

"I forgive you." Buck says again, a large grin on his face.

"That's good." Eddie says feeling less pressure now. He holds Buck close, feeling him against his own body. "We should get going for our date though." Eddie points out.

"Okay. I can't wait to fill this out." Buck smiles putting the book on the counter then gathering his things. "Maybe I'll have a section for Chris favorite foods." Buck says walking out with Eddie.

"If that's what you want." Eddie smiles at the thought, watching the other lock his door.

As they walk down, Buck hand easily slips into Eddie hand. And Eddie holds onto it tightly. He's not letting go.

This is it.

Their love is strong.

After all their love hasn't changed, just gotten stronger.