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Eddie hates going to the club. Too many sticky, sweaty bodies, the music isn’t as good is it used to be, drinks are even more expensive than he could’ve ever thought. He doesn’t understand the appeal. He also doesn’t understand why he accepted to going out with Hen and Chimney when they asked him if he wanted to go.
Maybe there’s a small part of him that felt like he owed himself a night out. Work was rough for all of them this week, seeing a ton more people in the repair shop than usual. Which, Eddie will never complain about business. But he can still complain about the people giving him business.
And then maybe there’s the small part of Eddie that feels as though he doesn’t deserve anything good in his life. That the club, where it’s a likely place for someone to hook up, or even just exchange numbers with someone, won’t work in Eddie’s favor. He’s already pessimistic about something that hasn’t even happened.
Maybe Chimney and Hen telling Eddie that he might meet the next love of his life at this club. That sometimes, you meet people unexpectedly who will have a great influence in your life.
“You used to go to college with Karen. That’s not exactly fate. Or unexpected.” Eddie reminded Hen.
“Ah, but we both could’ve chosen different schools. Or not taken Women Studies that semester. That’s what matters.” Hen said back, Eddie would just roll his eyes.
And maybe, just maybe, Eddie doesn’t believe in chance encounters, or chance at all. Or fate, or whatever sick and twisted Gods that Chim and Hen believe in, but coincidences just don’t happen. Everything in life, in Eddie’s life, needs to be entirely planned out.
Anyways, it was a rough week. “We deserve a night out.” Hen says. “I’ll bring Karen. Chimney you can bring the girl you’re seeing and Eddie-“ She turns to look at Eddie puts her hand down that she didn’t realize was pointing. “Well, maybe we’ll find you someone at the club!”
“Right cause that’s exactly what I want.” Eddie says, rolling his eyes and sliding back underneath the car he was working on.
“Boo! There could be a nice person there for you!” Chimney says.
“Or someone who is too into the clubbing scene.” Eddie says from underneath the car.
“Or someone who isn’t! You’re coming. Doesn’t matter.” Hen says, kicking Eddie in the foot.
So that’s how he managed to be the fifth wheel in his friends lives again. He appreciates that they are not excluding him on their hangouts, but Chimney and Hen haven’t been the single friend in their group for a while. Especially since Chimey has been seeing Maddie, who they’ve all heard nothing but great things about. Which is a good thing for Chim. He dated some of the dullest crayons in the box.
“Is there a reason we’re at a gay club specifically?” Eddie asks through the too loud music.
“Well for one, you’re gay.” Hen says.
“Recently new development. Doesn’t mean we pimp me out immediately.” Eddie says, sipping his drink. The bartender poured with their heart on this one, it’s really strong.
“Why not? You’re hot!” Chimney says, patting Eddie aggressively on the back. “You have no real men dating experience-“
“-Oh thanks for the reminder Chim-” Eddie says.
“-Whatever. You deserve some dick!” Chimney says, slapping Eddie’s back.
“Don’t ever say that again.” Eddie and Karen both say.
“Anyways,” Hen stares at Chim, giving him a confused look, “Second point. Yes, gay, recent development, but gay clubs are easier for everyone here! Karen and I, and later Maddie when she comes, won’t get hit on, Chimney will get hit on and will be flattered and love it-“
“-She’s right-“ Chim says, smiling
“-And maybe you’ll find a hot piece of ass!”
“Half these guys are half my age or double my age.” Eddie says, rolling his eyes.
“And three, it’s 2010’s night! So the music can’t be that shitty!” Hen says, moving her hips to the song.
“Right, and when does 2010’s night starts cause they keep playing songs that I can’t even understand.” Eddie says, taking another sip of his too strong drink.
“Oh is it past your bedtime? Does Eddie need his milk? C’mon! Loosen up.” Chimney puts down his drink and puts his hands on Eddie’s waist, trying to move him around. Eddie can’t help but laugh, especially when Chimney starts grinding on him in his own Chimney way.
“I hope you’ll dance with me like that. Or I guess, on me.” A voice behind Chimney says. By the excitement on his face, Eddie deduces its -
“Maddie! Hey!” Chimney brings her into a hug, planting a brief kiss, an action so sincere and one that Eddie hasn’t experienced in a while that he can’t help but feel a little twinge of guilt for feeling jealous. The way Chimney talks about Maddie, to have someone be so excited to see you and so excited to share what they do with you. It’s nice, nice to have that companionship. (Not that Eddie is actively searching for that either, he just steams in silence)
“Everyone, this is Maddie. Maddie, Hen, Karen and Eddie.” Chimney introduces them all.
“I’m excited to finally meet you all! I came with my brother, Evan, but I have no idea where he ran off to. I swear he was right behind me.” Maddie says, looking
“Your brother gay?” Hen asks and Karen slaps her shoulder. “What? A girl can’t know these things?”
“He’s figuring it out. He’s had relationships with women and men, he hasn’t quite put a label on it. He likes what he likes.” Maddie says shrugging.
“Well dang, wish he was here. Could’ve introduced him to poor Eddie here. Tragically gay.” Chimney says.
“It’s not tragic. Just…some catching up to do.” Eddie says.
“Well, there’s nothing wrong with that. I felt the same after my divorce. Like, what is the point of throwing myself back in there when everything went so shit the first time? But you know, you think that everyday and you start to believe it. And then you start to just…not do things. So then you just have to…do. What am I saying?” M
“Wow. That’s incredibly insightful.” Eddie says.
“Just gotta move on ahead. Just…do.” Maddie winks at Eddie and Eddie smiles, appreciating her words. Someone bumps into Maddie and Chimney and his drink gets all over his shirt.
“Aw shit.” Chimney says.
“I’ll go get some paper towels.” Eddie says, taking the chance to walk around, be alone for a little bit, take in what Maddie said. Not doing anything, and telling himself that he doesn’t deserve anything, is what led him to…not have anything. He gets to the bathroom, ignores the many, many sounds he can hear in there, and grabs the paper towel straight from the sink. As soon as he exits the bathroom, he bumps right into someone.
“Hey man, I’m sorry.” Eddie says, then he takes his eyes off the paper towel in his hand, and realizes he has to turn his head slightly upwards to make eye contact with who he just bumped into and man, what a delicious sea of blue he is met with. Face ain’t half bad either, alright, he’s kidding himself. This guy is a fucking model, has a to be. There is no way. And he’s got a curly head of hair that he can just imagine running his hands through and -
“Oh don’t worry about it dude. You would think I just learned how to walk yesterday. This place is too crowded. 2010’s night or something.”
“So that means I can blame this on you then? Perfect. Cause I never do anything wrong.” What the fuck just came out of his mouth. Is he trying to flirt? Oh god Eddie is trying to flirt.
“Yeah you seem too perfect.”
Mystery model super hunk then smiles and Eddie really then believes that time stops.
“Is that your line with all the guys?”
“Why, is it working?” Hunky Mystery Man leans against the wall with his shoulder, crossing his arms and smiling even harder.
“I won’t give you that satisfaction.”
“Mm, our first fight.” HMM says, leaning a little closer to Eddie.
“Now we don’t have to be so worried about it in the future.” And Eddie winks what is he doing he’s never tried this hard.
Eddie thinks that he could stay here, continue talking to Hunky Mystery Man. Doesn’t really need to mean anything, doesn’t mean he’s into him (he is), doesn’t mean that he is going to flirt (he’s gonna try, doesn’t mean he’ll flirt well). And yeah, this guy seems like Greek God Adonis in real life, but Eddie, who remembers he’s holding paper towels in his hands, and remembers that he left his friends for a reason. (He also refuses to believe any of this is a coincidence)
“I um, gotta get this back to my friend.” Eddie says, jerking the paper towel in the direction of nothing and no one in particular.
“Okay. I’ll be here.” He flashes another smile.
“What?”
“In case you want to come back.”
“Why would I do that?”
“So we can finish this riveting conversation.”
“Who said it was riveting?” Eddie says. Now why is he acting so COCKY this guy is HOT what are you DOING
“I guess we’ll find out.” Mystery hunk of meat just shrugs. Eddie pffts and makes his way back to Chimney, the walk across the club feeling like an eternity, handing him the paper towels.
“What took you so long?” Hen asks.
“It was not that long.” Eddie says.
“Oh my god are you blushing? Oh my god you met someone!” Karen squeals.
“No I didn’t. I bumped into someone accidentally, and he was crazy hot.”
“Bumped into someone?” Hen says, wiggling her shoulders.
“Accidentally?” Karen wiggles her.
“Dude, that’s a total coincidence!”
“Oh my god, not this again.” Eddie says, ripping paper towels to help Chim get dry.
“Not what again?” Maddie asks, also helping Chimney.
“Eddie doesn’t believe in fate, or coincidences, or whatever. But think about it Eddie, if we didn’t come to this club tonight, if we weren’t standing right here, if I didn’t get bumped into, if you didn’t go grab these paper towels-“ Chimney says.
“-Chim-“ Eddie puts his drink to his cheek, his entire face feeling flushed all of a sudden.
“-Then you would not have met this guy! And you just walked away from that!”
“Well, I think he said he’d wait for me by the bathroom -“ Everyone raises their eyebrows. “Not like that kind of waiting. At least I don’t think so. We were bantering. Sort of. Then I came here for the paper towel delivery.”
“Man, fuck these! Go back!” Chimney says, making it an apparent show of throwing them on the floor. Maddie picks them up and hands them back, Chimney nodding appreciatively.
“Thought the paper towel roll is proof of coincidence or whatever.” Eddie says, smiling.
“Go back!” Karen says.
“If he’s not there when I go back-“
“He could be. You don’t know till you try.” Maddie says. Eddie takes a deep sigh, brings the drink from off his face, and asks the bartender for another drink before going back to the spot.
Sure enough, Hunky Mystery Man is still there, leaning against the wall on his phone. When he notices Eddie approaching, he puts his phone away, flashes another smile that Eddie is definitely gonna dream about.
“Is one of those drinks for me?” He asks. Eddie shakes his head.
“No. Both mine. I like to shovel two drinks at once.” Eddie hands HMM the glass he hasn’t touched.
“Bummer. I was thinking the hottest guy I’ve seen in a very, very long time would at least try to get me a little tipsy before I asked him to dance with me.” HMM takes a sip of the drink and makes a surprised face. “This club is great if you’re looking to get tipsy after just one drink.”
“They’re extremely strong.”
“They better be. They’re like 18 bucks per drink.” Eddie laughs, Eddie hates that HMM made him laugh. “So, about that dance?”
“Now what about me screams that I would dance with strangers? Especially you?”
“Well for one, we’re not strangers anymore. Secondly, nothing about you screams that actually. Which is why I think, it’ll be fun. Feel like you have something you need to let go of.”
“Now you’re psychoanalyzing me.”
“I hope I’m doing it correctly. Didn’t take all those classes for no reason.” Eddie doesn’t realize that HMM has naturally been moving away from the wall, closer to Eddie. Eddie can’t help but noticed that he moved a little too.
“God please don’t tell me you’re like 20.” Eddie says. “Cause then I’m really gonna start thinking I’m unlucky.”
And then he laughs and it’s a whole body laugh and Eddie can feel his cheeks getting red again and somehow the laugh made him get even closer.
“Someone who looks like you can’t be that unlucky.” HMM says, trying to keep eye contact with Eddie while moving his tongue to get the straw for his drink and Eddie just processes he’s doing it on purpose.
“Is 29 okay?” Mystery Man tilts his head, getting even more in Eddie’s personal space.
“I’ll think about it.” Eddie is trying so hard to play it off but the closer this guy gets, the more inappropriate his thoughts get. And Eddie can’t have that. Eddie is here to have some sort of fun, not have this very intense and intimate flirting moment, that is…sort of fun.
“Compromise already and we haven’t even been on our first date.”
“Are you always this cocky?”
“What is more surprising, if I answer with no or yes?” Eddie scoffs. Mystery Man holds out his free hand. “I’m Buck.”
Eddie takes it, ignores the stupid electrifying touch that he feels, ignores the heat pooling everywhere in his body.
“Eddie”
“So Eddie” Why is he saying my name like that? Eddie thinks. “You frequent this club? Or any club for that matter?”
“No and no. Wait, was that an insult?”
“I mean, you’re wearing a dress shirt to a gay club. It’s a little too formal.”
“I thought I looked nice.” Eddie picks up the collar of his shirt.
“Oh you do.”
Eddie squints his eyes. He cannot figure out what about this interaction is so…captivating. Why he’s so intrigued, curious.
Then he remembered curiosity killed the cat.
“Look Buck, I gotta admit, you’re hot. A 10/10, an 11/10 hot, an ‘I can’t believe I can see your muscles through your shirt kind of hot’, but also in a pretty way like how your eyes are these reflective orbs in this club, but I’m just here to be in the club, not to hook up or anything like that.”
“Okay, well for one, I’m glad this shirt is working for me and that you have been checking me out. Two, how are you gonna say the most romantic thing I’ve heard and expect me not to obsess with you even more and three, who said anything about a hook up? Do I not seem like a guy capable of taking out someone on a nice date?”
“I don’t know. I met you roughly 12 minutes ago.”
“Best 12 minutes of my life.”
“That could change.”
“Now who’s gravitating this conversation to a hookup?”
“You’re right. I’ll shut this down. I can’t do this, I won’t.”
“Hey, who said it had to be just a hookup. I’m a loverboy!” Eddie laughs, he has to. Who just calls themselves a loverboy? “But you know, a hookup would be nice, cause you got a tight ass and a mouth I’ve been itching to get inside of, in a lot of different ways, but I also don’t hook up randomly either.”
“Great. So we’re both wasting our time.”
“Seems like it.”
“Well, it was nice to meet you Buck.”
“You too, Eddie.”
Eddie doesn’t know how it happens (there’s been tension between them during their entire conversation but sure bud) but suddenly his back is getting pushed up against the wall of a bathroom stall and Buck’s hands are all over him while they’re bruising each other’s lips.
“I gotta say.” Buck says between kisses, palming Eddie’s ass with one hand, the other hand rubbing underside of Eddie’s shirt. Eddie has his head thrown back to the wall, and just lets Buck do what he wants. He does put a hand in Buck’s hair, cause he wants to. Cause he can. Because Buck’s low moan as soon as Eddie’s hands got there confirms that he should and can. “For someone that said no hooking up, I don’t think this is going along with your plan.”
“You’re talking too much.” Eddie brings them in for another kiss, and Buck chuckles into it.
“I really don’t do this. I mean, I kiss random people all the time sure, but not like this. My body doesn’t always feel this electrified with other people.”
“You gonna say some shit about love at first sight?”
“Well, like I said.” Buck licks up Eddie’s throat and Eddie can’t hold back the noise. “You’re hot, charming, a killer smile. I’ll take you out on a proper date. See if we can confirm that theory.”
“I have a kid. He’s 13.“ Eddie says as Buck continues his kissing on his neck.
“I love kids.” Buck says easily, unbuttoning the top of Eddie’s shirt.
“I just came out as gay. Never really been out with a guy.” Buck is kissing down Eddie’s chest.
“Well you kiss like you have.” Buck stops kissing Eddie’s chest and looks up at him. “Look, if you’re not ready, I won’t pressure you. If you’re gonna keep making excuses though, I might pressure you a little bit. You have to live your life how you want. Just, do. So, what do you want?”
Eddie really thinks about that question.
“I knew I was gay for a while, before I officially came out. I’ve been with women, hell, I had a kid with one, but all of the relationships just felt like companionship, more friendship than romantic. I would avoid sex as much as I could, didn’t really do anything romantic for them. I cared for all of them, they’re incredible women. Just obviously, not for me.”
Buck gives Eddie a look that’s like “Keep going.”
“Then I realized, hey, maybe if I don’t like dating this woman, I might just…not want to date women. So I tested that theory out, and infinitely the dates I went on with men were better, even if it was two. I felt more, myself. And I didn’t kiss those guys. And I thought, you know, I’m fine with being gay but not dating anyone. It could just be me and Christopher. And then we get to you, throwing yourself at me, at me, and looking at me like you’re planning your future with me-“
“Call me an optimist.” Buck is skimming his fingers up and down Eddie’s arm.
“And I told myself I wouldn’t be reckless. I told myself, today, just enjoy not being in your sweats on a Friday night. I didn’t want to talk to you. But my friends convinced me, my heart convinced me, but my brain didn’t want to catch up.”
“Another romantic thing to say to me. I think you’re obsessed”
“You’re an ass.”
“Where is this going?” Buck asks, eyes wide, confusion lying behind it, and if you’re looking hard enough, maybe some hope.
“I don’t know, Buck, but I would like it to keep going. Just…do. I guess. I’m being told that a lot tonight apparently…”
“No, that’s the most romantic thing you’ve said to me all night.” Buck holds Eddie’s face between his hands. “I don’t know, something is gravitating me towards you and I never, never want that feeling to go away.” Buck leans in to kiss Eddie, and when their lips connect, it’s different than what it was before. It’s less needy, it’s less of a want, it’s less desire and passion. It’s sweet, colorful, filled with promise. “Call it fate, or a coincidence or something else if you don’t want to call it love at first sight, but let’s not deny these feelings. If it works out, it works out, if not, then you can live knowing that you at least tried.”
“Right. And what are we trying exactly?” Eddie asks. Buck tilts his head, and groans as he hears a vibration from his back pocket.
“Not that I don’t want this to continue, but my phone has been buzzing in my pocket all night so I’m gonna-“ Buck takes out his phone and quickly looks at his notifications. “Just my sister. She thinks I left her here alone. She wants to introduce me to her boyfriend and his friends.”
“Okay. I’ll just wait-“ Eddie fixes his shirt and Buck rolls his eyes, holds out his hand.
“You’re coming with me, asshole.” Buck says
“Oh. I think my hands are sweaty.”
“Okay well.” Buck grabs Eddie’s hands and wipes them on his own shirt, before interlocking one of his hands with his own. “Should be good now.”
They get out of the bathroom, Buck on his phone still texting his sister and Eddie unbelieving that this is his night. When Buck starts walking a little faster, Eddie realizes that he knows exactly where he’s going…
“Oh! Evan, looked what you picked up along the way.” Maddie says, squinting her eyes at him.
“Wait, Evan? You said your name is Buck.” Eddie says.
“Legally, Evan. Personally, Buck. Maddie likes the switch what she calls me.”
“Wait, this is your brother?” Hen says. “Damn.” Karen says.
“Why are you holding hands with Eddie?” Chim asks
“Oh, we were making out in the bathroom for a while.” Bucks says. With his free hand, Eddie hides his face. Buck with his free hand, holds it out to Hen and Karen. “I’m Buck. Evan. Whatever. Preferably Buck.”
“Hen. This is my wife Karen.”
“Nice to meet you both. And this must be the man of the hour.” He angles his body towards Chimney, holding out his hand. “Maddie has told me a lot about you. She’s kinda obsessed.”
“Buck!” Maddie says, hiding her face.“Is he always this outspoken and blunt?” Eddie asks. Maddie nods without revealing her face.
“Worked for you, didn’t it? We’re going on a date because of it.” Buck says happily, flashing everyone a smile.
“When did I agree to that?”
“Since I felt your dick-“ Eddie slaps a hand over Buck’s mouth, and Buck bites it. Eddie can’t help but laugh.
“Oh so you’re going on a date with someone you met tonight, which wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t come out tonight-“ Karen starts
“-And wouldn’t have met him if I didn’t get my shirt all wet-“ Chim says.“-Well, he’s my brother, and I technically brought him here-“ Maddie says.
“So we have Maddie and Chim to thank for this!” Hen says.
“No. No no, we’re here, because Buck here is incredibly hot, and despite my everything-“
“-Hey don’t sell yourself so short-“ Buck says, kissing the top of Eddie’s knuckles and Eddie almost, almost, drops his pants right there.
“-He kept flirting with me and I flirted back and because we communicated, is why we are here.”
“And cause I’m hot.” Buck says. “And a hopeless romantic. And Eddie is hot. And hopeless.”
“Hey!” Eddie says.
“I said you’re hot!” Buck says, smiling.
Eddie can’t help but smile back. And you know, what the hell, maybe this is love at first sight. Maybe this will crash and burn. Whatever it is, Eddie is fine to be along for the ride.