Chapter Text
The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window, casting an almost stereotypically warm glow over the room. The Buckley-Diaz family was getting themselves ready for the Lunch BBQ that Bobby and Athena are hosting.
Eddie was doing the almost impossible task of getting Theo dressed while Buck was packing up the Tres Leches Cake he had made for it and also the flowers he got for Athena.
Buck could hear the carnage from the kitchen and looked over to the living room where Eddie was trying to dress a squirming Theo.
“No!” The boy yelled.
“Theo, come on, buddy.” Eddie tried, “Don’t you want to see Grandpa Bobby and Grandma Athena?”
“Yes!”
“Then you have to get dressed.”
“No!”
"Theo, listen to Daddy Eddie!" Buck called out from the kitchen island, his voice laced with parental sternness, "Or you won’t get any dessert!"
Theo pouted then allowed Eddie to put his trousers on.
Eddie chuckled, finally managing to snap the button of Theo’s trousers. "That pout of yours will be a weapon one day, kid.”
“He learned from the best!" Chris said as he came through on his crutches, dressed and his hair done. “Buck’s pout could manipulate the government.”
Buck gasped dramatically, “Hey!”
Eddie laughed, the sound bright and easy, as he scooped a giggling Theo off the couch. He moved toward the kitchen, his arm brushing against Buck’s back as he passed. "Chris isn't wrong, baby. You’ve definitely got the 'sad eyes' down to a science when you want something."
Buck feigned indignation, though he couldn't hide the smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He finished wrapping the container of Tres Leches in a kitchen towel and turned, capturing Eddie with a look that was suddenly, sharply serious. "Is everyone ready?"
"Ready!" Christopher confirmed, hoisting his backpack onto his shoulder.
"I'm ready!" Theo chirped, though his shirt was slightly crooked - a fact Eddie quickly remedied before Buck could even point it out.
The drive over was filled with music and the comfortable, rhythmic bickering that had become the soundtrack of their lives. But as they pulled into Athena and Bobby’s driveway, the air in the car seemed to grow static with anticipation. Buck glanced at Eddie, who was staring at the house with a look of eagerness.
"You okay?" Buck asked, reaching over to squeeze Eddie’s hand. "You've been... I don't know, vibrating since we woke up."
Eddie tightened his fingers around his, his thumb tracing Buck’s knuckles. "I’m just ready for everyone to know you’re mine."
“Dad! Gross!” Chris called from the back before getting out of the car. Buck let out a howling laugh at the reaction and they all followed suit.
The backyard was bustling. Chimney and Maddie were already there, Jee-Yun chasing a bubble wand across the grass while baby Nash was sleeping in his stroller. Bobby was standing by the grill, looking every bit the commander of the patio, in an apron that said, ‘Captain of the Grill’.
Hen and Karen were standing near the back deck, glass of wine in hand and beaming at them with a knowing look. Denny and Mara were at the table, playing on their Nintendo switches.
Ravi and May were huddled together on the garden benches, talking quietly amongst themselves.
Harry came through with a tray of drinks, Maddie taking a glass of juice from him while Chimney took a beer.
Christopher was already making his way over to Denny and Mara, wanting to play video games with them as he had his own switch in his bag. The two cheered when Chris got near and suddenly no adults were a part of their fun as they dived into the online world.
Theo ran in through the garden and straight to one person in particular. “AUNTIE MADDIE!”
Maddie caught Theo in a practiced swoop, spilling her drink a little but laughing as he collided with her waist. “Hey, Trouble! Look at you! Have you gotten taller?”
“I’m going to be big and strong like Daddy and Daddy Eddie!” He declared, showing off his arm muscles, making those around him chuckle.
“You sure are!” Maddie said, kissing Theo’s cheek over and over, making him giggle.
“Theo! Come play!” Jee yelled and soon the two were running around, chasing bubbles.
That was when Athena came out from the house, carrying a large bowl of salad. She spotted the newcomers and set the bowl down on the patio table with a grace that belied the weight of the surprise she was carrying.
"Buck," She greeted, hugging the man and giving him a kiss on the cheek, her voice warm and maternal. "You look like you need a drink. Busy morning?"
"Always with my family, Athena," Buck replied with a blinding smile. He glanced toward the grill, where Bobby was waving a pair of tongs in their direction. "Looks like I’m being summoned.”
"Yep, he’s been missing his sous chef.” Athena said. Buck quickly rushed over to help Bobby cook and Athena took the time to turn to Eddie. “He still has no idea?”
Eddie shook his head with a grin, “No clue.”
“Rachel Pelt is coming around one with Baby Girl. So enjoy just having two kids for the next hour or so, Diaz.” She patted his shoulder, “Grab yourself a drink.”
Eddie moved toward the cooler, but his eyes never drifted far from the grill. Watching Buck - who was currently laughing at something Bobby had said - made Eddie’s chest tighten with the familiar blooming love. It was a domestic picture he used to think was just a dream, something reserved for other people. Now here he was. In love with a wonderful man, an amazing job, two kids, and a baby waiting to meet them. The perfect dream came true.
He moved to the deck, leaning against the railing next to Hen. She bumped his shoulder with her own, her eyes twinkling with that sharp, perceptive glint that always made him feel like she could read his thoughts like a telepath.
"So…. you two…." Hen sang, taking a slow sip of her wine.
"Is it that obvious?" Eddie asked, glancing back at the kids. Theo was currently trying to climb the fence while Jee-Yun was giving him a leg up. Chimney was quick to stop them from succeeding. Then back to Buck, who was working the grill in Bobby’s place while their Captain buttered the rolls.
"Only to those of us who have spent the last eight years watching you two dance around each other." Karen added, sliding up beside them with a grin. “You look like a man who’s about to do something extraordinary.”
Hen nodded in agreement with her wife, "What are you up to?"
Eddie laughed softly, then put a finger to his lips.
Bobby’s voice boomed across the yard suddenly, "Alright, everyone! Food’s almost ready. Let’s get these kids settled at the table!"
The backyard transformed into a flurry of motion. Buck moved with practiced ease, helping Bobby clear the grill before stopping to untangle Jee-Yun’s hair from a low-hanging branch and then tossing a playful warning toward Christopher, who was mid-argument with Denny about a turn-order in their game.
Eddie watched Buck move through the crowd - the way he kissed Athena’s temple when he passed her, the way he hoisted Theo onto his hip without breaking his stride. He looked like he belonged there. He did belong there.
He was the heart of this family, making it alive with just his presence.
Eddie set his drink down on the table. Courage soaring through his bloodstream like adrenaline.
He walked over to the grill, clearing his throat. Buck turned, his face lit up with that bright, open expression that always made Eddie’s heart skip a beat. “Eddie?”
"It’s time, Buck." Eddie said, then lifted his hand for Buck to take.
Buck smiled, happiness radiating off of his skin like sunshine. He put Theo in his seat next to Christopher before taking Eddie’s hand.
They heard gasps and whispers, excitement building.
"Buck." Eddie said, voice filled with emotion, reaching into his pocket and feeling the cool, solid weight of the velvet box. He took a step closer to his partner, closing the distance between them. "You spend your whole life making sure everyone else is fed, and safe, and happy. You’re my best friend and the best father to our kids."
“E-Eddie, what’s going on? We were just gonna tell them-”
“We were gonna tell our family we finally got our heads out our asses and are head over heels in love?”
Maddie yelped with excitement while Hen shushed her, wanting to hear more.
Eddie continued, “We may have just started holding hands and kissing but we’ve been partners in life just as long as we’ve been partners at work. You helped me co-parent my kid since he was seven years old. You’ve saved my life. In more ways than you can ever know.”
Tears flooded from Buck’s eyes, hands being cradled by Eddie’s larger ones. “E-Eds-”
“You’ve spent so long making sure everyone around you is being taken care off, making sure me and Chris were taken care off. But now, I want to spend the rest of my life making sure you’re the one who’s taken care of. You and Theo. And any other child we welcome into our home.”
Eddie dropped to one knee, the grass soft beneath him, and the world seemed to hold its breath.
Buck gasped, tears falling but teeth shining in an earth-splitting smile.
“Evan Buckley…” He opened the box, showing all the ring held inside. A thick gold band, five small diamonds embedded into it and the words ‘Te querré igual’ engraved within. “Will you marry me?"
Buck let out a tiny sob, nodding his head, “Yes.”
Eddie slid the ring on his fiancé's finger then pulled him into a passionate kiss. The garden erupted into cheering and gathering around the newly engaged couple.
Chimney was the first to bridge the gap, clapping a hand onto Eddie’s shoulder so hard he nearly tripped. "About damn time, Diaz! I had a betting pool with Hen going for years, and I was starting to think I’d lose my twenty bucks."
"You were betting on our relationship?" Buck asked in disbelief yet he was so so happy.
"I wasn’t just betting on it, Buck!" Hen laughed, stepping forward to pull both men into a group hug, her eyes shimmering. "I was manifesting it. This is the only way this story was ever going to end."
Maddie was already crying, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand while Jee-Yun looked on, confused but happy to be part of the excitement. She hovered near them, waiting for her turn. "I am so happy for you both!" She said once the others cleared a space. "I’ve seen how you look at each other when you think no one is watching. It’s been beautiful, even when you were both too stubborn to admit it."
Athena came rushing over, squeezing Buck tight, “Congratulations, baby! I’m so happy for you! You deserve all the happiness in the world, Buckaroo!”
Bobby walked over to them. He didn’t say anything at first, just pulled them both into the kind of fatherly embrace that felt like a foundation.
"I remember when you two first started working together," Bobby said, his voice unusually wavery. "I honestly didn't know if you’d kill each other or end up exactly where you are today. I'm glad it’s this."
"Grandpa Bobby?"
A small voice cut through the sentiment. Theo had wandered over, holding a bubble wand in one hand and a half-eaten piece of watermelon in the other. He looked up at Eddie and Buck, then back to Bobby, tilting his head. "Are we eating lunch now? I want a burger."
The tension in the backyard snapped like a rubber band, immediately replaced by a chorus of laughter that rippled through the gathered crowd.
Buck let out a breathless, wet laugh, wiping his face with the back of his hand before he knelt down to scoop Theo into his arms. The boy was sticky with watermelon juice and smelled of sweet summer grass but neither cared.
"You know what, kiddo?" Buck said, nuzzling his nose against Theo’s, "I think we can make a burger happen."
Eddie leaned in, resting his forehead against Buck’s shoulder, his heart finally slowing its frantic pace to a steady, rhythmic thrum of pure contentment. He looked up to find Christopher coming over, a wide, knowing grin plastered on his face.
"Took you long enough, Dad." Chris teased, though his eyes were glistening with unshed tears of joy. "I was starting to think I’d have to write a speech for you."
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Athena gave Eddie a knowing look then disappeared into the house.
Eddie cleared his throat again, “The proposal wasn’t my only gift for Buck today.”
Buck rolled his eyes, putting Theo down. “What could possibly be better than you asking me to marry you?”
Eddie just pointed behind his fiancé and when Buck turned to see what was waiting for him, he burst into tears and his knees went weak. Those around him gasped and shrieked, bouncing up and down in pure glee.
There, standing a few feet away, was Athena with Rachel Pelt beside her. But that wasn’t what everyone was gravitated towards.
It was the car-seat Rachel was carrying.
Inside, sleeping soundly, was the baby girl Buck had been dreaming about ever since he found her in that Safe Haven Baby Box. Black hair, tanned skin, long lashes and chubby cheeks. He took a stumbling step forward, his hands trembling as he reached out, not daring to touch the swaddled bundle just yet.
"Is that..." Buck started, his voice cracking. He looked back at Eddie, whose expression was one of pure happiness.
"She’s ours, Buck." Eddie whispered, stepping up behind him to rest his hands on Buck’s shoulders, grounding him. "Thanks to Athena and our past records, we were able to get everything sorted quickly.”
“E-Eds… I can’t believe this.”
“She’s been waiting for you, cariño."
Athena took the baby out from her carrier and gently passed her to Buck waiting arms.
Buck’s arms moved instinctively, creating a soft, secure cradle. As he took her, the baby shifted, letting out a soft, sleepy sigh that silenced the entire garden. Everyone was watching - Hen and Karen holding hands, Chimney wide-eyed with Jee-Yun tucked under his arm, and Bobby, who looked like he might actually burst with joy.
Rachel smiled, her eyes misty as she stepped forward to put the empty car-seat on one of the empty chairs. "Congratulations on your daughter, Mr Buckley, Mr Diaz."
Buck couldn’t look away from the baby in his arms. She smelled of milk and baby and pure mint. Her skin soft and hair as shiny as ever in the mid-day sun. He looked at Eddie, tears still streaming. Eddie went over and stroked the little girl’s head tenderly. Buck bent forward to give Eddie another kiss. One of gratitude and a symbol of unbreakable love.
Theo, having watched the scene, dropped his watermelon and trotted over. Bobby lifted him up so he could peer curiously at the tiny face. "Is that a real baby?" He whispered loudly.
“That’s your baby sister.” Bobby told him.
“Sister?! I have a sister! Chris! We have a sister! Chris, look!”
Chris came over and saw the babe and smiled brightly at his fathers, “She’s cute.”
Buck looked down, meeting the baby’s dark, blinking eyes as she let out a tiny yawn, she wrapped a microscopic finger around one of Buck’s.
"She’s perfect." Buck choked out.
"She is." Eddie agreed, leaning in to press a kiss to Buck’s temple, then a soft, fleeting one to the baby’s forehead and pulling Christopher in at his side.
Ruffling a brown file from her briefcase, Rachel then announced, “All she needs now is a finalised name.”
Before anyone could call out suggestions, Buck spoke, eyes not moving from his brand new daughter, “Isabel.”
Eddie’s head whipped up, “A-After Mi Abuela?”
Buck nodded slowly, his thumb brushing over the soft down of the baby's cheek. "She was a grandmother to me too. And was an amazing woman. She deserves to have her name continue on." He looked up, his blue eyes searching Eddie's big brown ones. "Isabel Maddison Buckley-Diaz. Does that sound right to you?"
Maddie let out another sob and was being held by a misty eyed Athena.
And Eddie felt the air leave his lungs, replaced by a warmth that felt like it could sustain him for a thousand lifetimes. He reached out, his hand covering both Buck’s and the tiny, fragile fingers of their daughter.
"It sounds perfect. Absolutely perfect." Eddie whispered.
Christopher nudged his shoulder into Eddie’s side, beaming. "Isabel," he repeated, testing the name out. "I like it." He went up on his tip toes to kiss the baby’s crown and whispered, “Hi, Isabel. I’m Christopher, your big brother.”
"And I’m Theo!" Theo chimed in, causing everyone to erupt into another round of tearful laughter.
“You are so loved already, Isabel.” Buck whispered to her.
Bobby stepped forward, his hand resting firmly on the back of Eddie’s neck - a silent, powerful gesture of pride.
When the sun began to dip lower, painting the sky in shades of gold and violet, the 118 turned the family BBQ into a huge party of celebration. They ate and laughed and music was playing. Kids and adults played in the grass. Bubbles were blown, drinks were poured and the grill’s fire never dimmed.
Everyone got a turn to hold Isabel - including her big brothers. Pictures were taken until everyone’s galleries were full.
Buck and Eddie signed the needed paperwork and when done, Rachel congratulated them again before leaving.
Buck leaned his head against Eddie’s, Isabel sleeping peacefully in Eddie’s arms. The noise of the party - the clinking of glasses, the laughter of friends, the sound of music - faded into a background hum.
"I love you so much, Eds. You brought me Christopher, built me into the man I am, shaped our family. Thank you for our kids and our home." Buck murmured, his voice barely audible. "Thank you for loving me anyways."
Eddie tightened his arm around Buck’s waist with his free arm, pulling him closer. "Loving you was the easiest thing in the world, Buck," he replied, pressing a soft kiss to his fiancé's head. "You’re my home."
The End :3