Archive of Our Own

“Chocolates?” Buck asked, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion as he walked past the kitchen island where a heart shaped box of chocolates sat. Eddie was already up and waiting, a coffee clutched in his hands as he watched Buck closely.

Eddie shrugged, “Yeah, you know, Valentine’s Day and all that.” He said sheepishly, his cheeks a soft pink.

Buck nodded, “Yeah I guess man,” he agreed, “although it’s not til tomorrow. Normally I wait till the day after when the chocolates are discounted, but we can take these to the station too.”

Eddie slumped slightly, “They weren’t for-“ he started before sighing, “No, you’re right. I should have waited for discounts, I just thought we could have them for the day since we’re working on the day.”

Buck nodded, “Good point, although I think we will be getting plenty from calls. Do you remember that one year we got sent a dozen bundles of roses? We had nowhere to keep them but the locker room.”

Eddie laughed softly, “Yeah, I remember. It was hard to move past them all.”

Buck grinned over his shoulder at Eddie as he grabbed the coffee mug that had been waiting for him. Eddie’s face warmed at the sight and his heart thudded in his chest. Buck was still in the sweatpants and hoodie he had slept in, his eyes half open and hair sleep rumbled and messy.

Eddie wanted to suggest calling in sick to their shift just so Buck could stay as cosy and cute as he was right then.

See, this was Eddie’s issue.

He was completely and wholeheartedly in love with his best friend.

There was just one thing that was standing in Eddie's way of telling him - he genuinely could not say it.

He wanted to, more than anything. Eddie has spent countless hours thinking about how he wanted to sit Buck down and tell him everything.

He wanted to tell Buck about the priest, and laugh about how a man of god had known before him. He wanted to tell Buck about the juice, and how he had been depriving himself of happiness. He wanted to tell Buck about how he had been actively avoiding joy - and how he was now chasing it.

He wanted to tell Buck about El Paso, Texas. How Eddie had spent his nights alone in that empty house, his mind replaying the last eight years over and over until it felt like Buck was there with him. How he analyzed what that meant. How he accepted what that meant. 

Eddie was a gay man, and he was in love with Evan Buckley.

He wanted to tell Buck about how every single night he was in Texas all he wanted was to be back under the same roof as both him and his son, for their family to be back together. 

He wanted to tell Buck about how he can’t think about their future together without a dopey smile trying to take permanent residence on his face. 

Eddie wanted to shout it from the rooftops about how deeply, ridiculously, extremely in love with his best friend he was.

But every time he went to tell Buck how he felt (because god had he tried) he couldn’t do it.

The first time being only hours after parking his Prius in the driveway of 4995 South Bedford Street after the longest drive of his life. They had arrived an hour after the U-Haul while Buck was still on shift, and Eddie and Chris had spent the entire rest of the afternoon moving their things back in and planning on how to surprise Buck.

Eddie wanted to sit on the couch with two beers ready to go and the biggest pizza they could find sat between them, just like any other day. He could imagine the way Buck would freeze in the doorway and flounder as he took in the fact that they were there. Maybe Chris could make a banner that they would hang above the fireplace.

That was Eddie’s idea… Chris wanted to text Buck a gif of some blonde girl with the caption Surprise bitch, bet you thought you’d seen the last of me. Eddie had quickly shut that idea down, Chris just snorting quietly and saving the gif anyway.

In the end, they didn’t have time to plan anything special since Buck had gotten his shift time wrong, finishing at 6pm instead of the 8pm that Eddie had been planning for. He was halfway through hanging the scribbled ‘You’ve got roommates!’ sign that Chris had made when he heard the familiar (and missed) rumble of Bucks Jeep pulling up outside.

He barely had enough time to get down from the chair he was standing on before he heard the jeep door slam closed and the front door bang open against the wall. He looked over to the doorway with a bright, but sheepish, grin.

His chest alight with anticipation and excitement as he clocked eyes on his best friend in person for the first time in months. Buck, exhausted from his shift and thoroughly confused, still caused Eddie’s heart to thud dangerously fast in his chest.

“Hey Buck.” 

Buck’s eyes were wide, his breathing heavy and his lips parted in shock as he stared at Eddie, “O-okay,” he started, his voice weary, “It’s been a really long shift. I need you to tell me you're actually here.”

Eddie laughed softly, “We’re really here.” He confirmed, his smile widening as he walked round the couch towards his best friend, his stomach swooping as he relished being back in Buck’s company.

Buck's eyes brightened, “We?” He whispered.

Eddie nodded before stopping in front of Buck, he didn’t give himself time to overthink it before reaching out and pulling Buck into a tight hug. Buck responded immediately, his arms going around Eddie tightly and melting into Eddie’s arms. Eddie ignored his thumping heart as he burrowed his head into Buck's neck, allowing himself to breathe in his best friend.

Eddie didn’t mind the faint smell of smoke and sweat that always followed after a shift, he knew Buck had likely been waiting till he was home for a proper shower. At this moment, Eddie only tightened his hold.

He didn’t want to let go, and it didn’t seem like Buck did either, but Eddie knew there was someone else who desperately wanted a Buck hug. He pulled back, giving Buck the biggest smile he could before turning towards the hallway.

“Chris! Buck’s home!” He shouted, and god did that not just sound so right. Buck is here, he is home. They are home. All three of them were back together as they should be.

Eddie clapped a still speechless Buck on the shoulder as he heard the manic clacking of Chris’s crutches from behind the closed door. A second later his bedroom door swung open, and if it was even possible Eddie felt his heart grow ten sizes.

The smile on his son's face as he clocked eyes on Buck was enough to make Eddie want to well up, but when he saw the way Buck snapped back to himself at the sight of Christopher - well Eddie was a goner. He discreetly wiped the stray tear that was threatening to fall.

“Buck!”

Buck lit up. His face brightening, his smile stretched into a toothy grin, and his bright blue eyes were sparkling with joy as he exclaimed an excited, “Chris!” and barreled towards the fourteen year old, scooping him up into his arms.

Chris laughed with glee as he let Buck pick him up, his crutches clattering to the ground. Eddie laughed, unable to look away from his boys reuniting. For the first time in months, Eddie felt his stomach settle. His chest felt light and he could finally breathe freely again.

“I missed you so much Superman.” Buck said, his voice muffled as he buried his head into Chris’s hair. 

Eddie could tell how much Chris needed to hear that, and he watched as his son completely melted into Buck’s embrace, “I missed you too Buck.” He replied softly.

When Buck finally let Christopher back down, he grabbed Chris’s crutches from the ground and helped right him before standing up straight with a beaming grin, “Have you ate? Do you need me to make something?” He asked.

Eddie chuckled, “No, we were waiting for you.” 

Buck looked at Eddie with pure joy before something flickered in his eyes. If you weren’t paying attention you would have missed the small flinch on his expression, but Eddie noticed immediately. He could see a seed of something had planted itself in Buck's head.

“Well, what do you fancy? I’ll make anything, I might need to go to the store,” Buck started as he made his way to the kitchen, Eddie could tell that wasn’t what Buck actually wanted to ask, “H-how long are you guys staying?” Buck finished, a slight tremble in his voice.

Eddie and Chris shared a small smile.

“Why, already trying to get rid of us?” Eddie asked, his voice fond.

Buck's eyes widened, “N-no! Never-“

“He was joking Buck,” Chris snorted, letting an amused grin take over his face, “besides, you can’t get rid of us, you’re subletting, dads still in charge.” He ended with a wicked smirk.

“We’re not kicking you out!” Eddie quickly assured him, a rush of panic taking over. “Obviously, we’d never kick you out.”

“Kicking me out?” Buck asked, his voice frail and so full of hope, “A-are you staying?” he asked, his eyes still wide and watching Eddie and Chris with awe.

Eddie grinned, “Yeah Buck, we’re staying.”

“Texas sucked.” Chris supplied helpfully.

A choked sound escaped Buck's throat before he could stop it, and Eddie chuckled as he watched Buck’s eyes fill with tears. A happy toothy smile cemented itself back on Bucks face and he pulled Chris into another tight hug, ignoring the teenagers grumbling and pleas to be let go. Eddie could see Chris leaning into his touch.

“So, celebratory pizza?” Eddie asked, unfolding the menu for their local pizza place from his back pocket where he stored it earlier.

“Yeah, yes!” Buck sniffed, wiping a stray tear away as he let Chris go, he reached out for the menu with one hand and grabbed his phone with the other, “Is your order still the same?” 

“Actually,” Chris started, trying to suppress a smile, “can I have anchovies and olives on mine?” 

Buck's head whipped to Christopher and he nodded, “O-oh okay!” He rushed out, his heart sinking a little. Eight months ago Chris hated anchovies and olives.

“He’s joking.” Eddie rolled his eyes at the mischief in his son's eyes.

Buck froze, the number dialled and phone halfway to his ear, he looked over at Chris with a frown and before he could stop it, “Texas made you mean.” 

A laugh erupted from Christopher and Eddie's heart warmed at the sight of his two boys teasing each other again. He walked closer to Christopher and gently placed a hand on his shoulder, causing Chris to look up at him, his smile still bright.

“You are going to tell him right?” Chris asked quietly.

Eddie looked over to the other side of the kitchen to where Buck was excitedly reciting their usual order by heart, a bright grin on his face as he laughed with the lady on the other end. He chuckled quietly as he heard Buck confirm the gang was back together.

“Yeah buddy, I am.”

Eddie meant it. He was going to tell Buck everything. He was going to tell him about how leaving him behind was one of the hardest things he’s ever had to do. He was going to tell him about how long he has been dreaming about this moment - coming home to him.

He was going to tell Buck about how he wanted to grab his shirt and drag him down into a long awaited kiss the second he walked through the door 20 minutes ago.

He was going to do it… after they ate.

Buck put the phone down, “Okay, they said 40-50 minutes. Are you guys okay if I quickly shower?” He asked, his voice unsure. He fiddled with his hands, wringing his fingers nervously.

“We’re not going anywhere Buck.” Eddie assured him, nodding towards the bathroom. 

“Actually, if you don’t shower we will leave, you stink.” Chris continued.

Buck huffed a laugh, “I’m so glad you’re home.” He said simply, ruffling Christopher's hair as he walked past with a grin as he headed towards the bathroom, unaware of the effect his words had held on Eddie.

I’m so glad you’re home.

Eddie couldn’t help the happy flush that coloured his cheeks, turning his head away to hide his satisfied smile. He heard Chris snicker quietly and quickly turned to him once Buck had left the room.

“Go wash up for dinner.” Eddie said, ignoring his blazing cheeks. Chris just snorted before making his way back to his bedroom. Eddie let out a small hum of content as he heard the shower turn on down the hall, he really was home.

Eddie returned to the living room, ready to move any boxes blocking the couch or coffee table. However, it does seem that in his excitement to get home and be back with both of his boys, Eddie seemed to have forgotten that meant he would be living with Buck. 

Buck, who he was entirely and wholeheartedly in love with.

Buck, who he was insanely and ridiculously attracted to.

Buck, who walked out of their now shared bathroom 10 minutes later with only a towel slung low over his hips. His hair was wet and curly, dripping water down his shoulders and chest. Eddie's eyes involuntarily tracked a droplet making its way south, his mouth dry.

Eddie froze first, his eyes wide and his cheeks flushed. He met Buck's eyes and saw the moment Buck realised.

“Sorry!” Buck quickly shouted over his shoulder as he rushed past Eddie into the bedroom, “I forgot!!”

Eddie didn’t have the brainpower to quip back with something smart. His feet were still planted in the middle of the hallway, his eyes fixated on a painting he didn’t recognize, his mind replaying the image over and over again. His heart thudded dangerously in his chest. Eddie had to tell Buck tonight.

Eddie quickly returned to unpacking boxes in the living room, trying desperately to push down the blush that still remained. He could hear Buck moving about the bedroom getting ready, and he could hear Chris in his room playing video games. Eddie couldn’t help but think back to his house in El Paso, always too quiet and never quite felt like home.

Sitting on the couch on one side of Christopher, Buck on the other end, their usual pizzas sprawled haphazardly across the coffee table in front of them, Eddie remembered what home felt like. He laughed easily and cherished the ache in his cheeks from smiling hard - it had been so long, too long.

It was getting late when Christopher made his way to bed, dropping into Bucks side and sinking into a hug before sluggishly pulling himself up, “Goodnight Buck.” He mumbled sleepily, Eddie watched as Buck melted at the teenager's bleary eyes and small smile.

“G’night Chris.” Buck replied softly. 

Eddie wanted to bottle this moment and keep it close forever.

The living room bathed in warmth, the tv on low in the background with a random show no one had been watching. The remaining pizza slices long gone cold but still tempting and delicious. The empty beer bottles and cans of juice acting as a shrine to their first night back together. Proof this was real.

“Night Dad.” Chris whispered, rubbing his eye as he shuffled past, causing his glasses to sit crooked on his face.

“Goodnight mijo.” Eddie replied with a chuckle, watching him go with a soft smile.

He waited until the door clicked shut softly before turning back to Buck, his heart thudding once again as he took in Buck's face. Joy radiated from his best friend and Eddie couldn’t help but grin, his eyes crinkled with happiness that Buck quickly returned.

Buck hadn’t changed much whilst Eddie had been gone. His curls had grown slightly longer, and his shoulders looked huge. Eddie wasn’t sure if he had always been that big or if he was just noticing now.

Buck sniffed, “I can’t believe you’re both home.” He whispered, his eyes wide and wet, “I- I’ve missed this so much.” Buck's voice cracked and lifted his hand to wipe a stray tear that had escaped, chuckling to himself softly. Eddie wanted to reach out and wipe the tear away himself.

Instead he smiled at Buck, pure and unfiltered, “Me too, I’ve missed you, us, this. So much.” He said, matching Buck’s little laugh, “F-for a while there… I wasn’t sure he was ever going to want to come back.” He admitted.

“Eddie,” Buck breathed out, causing Eddie's heart to jump, “you're his dad, and this is his home. He was always going to come back.” 

Eddie shook his head, suddenly biting back tears, “You don’t know that Buck,” his voice broke, “he was so upset with me, and my parents, god I was so scared that they had turned him against me for good. They were so against us leaving.”

“You know not to listen to your parents Eddie,” Buck said, sending him a watery smile, “look how you turned out. Christopher’s the best kid in the world, and that’s because of you and Shannon. Not your parents.”

“W-what if he wants to go back?” Eddie whispered, his heart sinking.

Buck sat up and leant closer to Eddie, making sure Eddie couldn’t look away from him, “That’s not going to happen. He’s here, he’s home. That’s not changing.” Buck spoke with such conviction that Eddie wanted to believe him, so he did. Eddie nodded, reaching to swipe at his own teary eyes.

“Come on,” Buck said, he placed an encouraging hand on Eddie's knee, “you’ve had a long day and an even longer few months. Why don’t you head to bed, I’ll set up the couch and make breakfast in the morning.”

Eddie barely heard him, his breath caught and his eyes stuck on the Buck’s hand. More specifically, the heat from his hand. The comforting weight of his hand. The smallest amount of the contact he had been craving for months and months, and even longer if he was being honest with himself.

It took him a second to blink back to himself and realize what Buck said, “I’m not taking your bed.”

Buck snorted, “Of course you are,” he clapped his hand on Eddie's knee before removing it and standing. Eddie immediately missed his touch. “It’s your house, and you drove for hours.”

“You just worked a 48!” Eddie replied, standing up to meet Buck’s eye and sending him a pointed look.

“Exactly!” Buck nodded, “So I'll sleep like a baby no matter where I drop.” Eddie knew that was a lie, if nightmares decided to visit Buck tonight he knew that Buck would be tossing and turning for hours on end. Buck seemed to take his silence as confirmation,a victorious grin taking over his face as he made a start for the linen closet.

Eddie grasped his wrist automatically, forcing Buck to a stop and to look back at him curiously, “Buck I-“ he took a breath, swallowed, “I-“ I love you. “I’m happy to be home.” 

Buck's smile softened, “I’m happy you’re home too.” 

After that, Eddie struggled to get the words out. He knew they were true, it was a fact. He loved Evan Buckley. 

Eddie Diaz was in love with Evan Buckley.

Loving him was easy, telling him was harder.

Eddie had been through therapy, he had accepted his truth. He knew that he deserved to love and be loved in return. He knew that Buck was it for him, and maybe that was the problem.

They had been through so much together. Everything, their entire future, was riding on how this conversation went.

The words I love you just don’t seem enough. 

Then there was the time at the farmers market when Buck was talking his ear off about the best way to test a watermelon. He watched as Buck picked up melon after melon and inspected it, turned it in his hands, slapped it in five different places before putting it back and moving onto the next.

He watched as Buck moved with complete focus, like the world didn’t exist and it was just the two of them and potentially the best watermelon in existence in front of them. Buck's eyebrows were furrowed in concentration, his tongue poking out between his teeth as his eyes stayed locked on the stand.

Eddie had laughed, his hair windswept and cheeks flushed (from the cool wind he would tell you) and had turned to Buck and said, “Come on, we will miss the best strawberries.”

“Eddie,” Buck had pouted, “how do I choose?”

“Seriously? You’ve just tested them all with your foolproof method.” Eddie teased.

“They’re all good.”

“I-“ I love you. You’re good. You’re the second best thing that has ever happened to me. “I think you should pick the one that speaks to you most.” 

“They all speak to me, that’s the problem!”

Then suddenly it was Christmas and Eddie was pacing the aisles of their eighth shop of the day with fast steps and urgency. His eyes locked on the video games section, calling out to him like a beacon. He could hear Buck behind him, knew that he was speaking a mile a minute, but couldn’t focus on anything apart from his mantra of dear god, please have this stupidly expensive ridiculously popular game in stock.

Eddie stopped in front of the games stand, his eyes scanning for the cover that he had memorised. His heart deflated as he went row by row and column by column, once, twice, three times, before admitting defeat and turning to Buck with slumped shoulders.

“They don’t have it.” He grumbled.

Buck just laughed and raised an eyebrow, “You didn’t hear a single thing I just said did you?” 

Eddie narrowed his eyes, “I swear, if we passed a display on the way here and you just let me continue on and walk right past-“

“No, more embarrassing than that actually.” Buck interrupted, lifting a hand to itch the back of neck. Eddie stopped and looked at Buck, he tilted his head and made a motion for Buck to continue. “Uh- so I was telling you about how I found out when their next shipment was and I snuck in here last week and hid a copy just in case this happened.”

Eddie blinked and took a step back, “You what?”

“Hid a copy of the game.” 

“Why didn’t you just buy it?” Eddie demanded, before his eyes widened, “Wait no! Not that I mean I expect you to buy things or pay for things for him-“

“Eddie!” Buck laughed, “I was going to but we hadn’t been paid yet. So I hid it.”

“Where?” 

Eddie didn’t know what to expect from Buck when he said he had hidden a copy of the game. He followed Buck anxiously, desperate to hold a copy of the game Christopher has been begging for for months. He watched, baffled, as Buck stopped in front of the display microwaves.

Buck looked back at Eddie with a proud grin, and reached up to the top shelf, pulling open the door of quite easily the ugliest microwave Eddie had ever seen in his life. It was a disgusting brown and beige gradient, there was a quote etched into the glass on the front reading a house is not a home without a fresh meal.

Eddie had so many issues with that.

How is it a fresh meal if it’s made in that microwave- no, any microwave?

Eddie blinked as Buck pulled something out of the microwave, he turned to Eddie and held up the game like it was a precious trophy, “Tada!” Buck sang, stopping just short of going full jazz hands.

Eddie's breath caught in his throat. He had been stressed about getting this game for weeks. It had been sold out online since its release, and every shop he had been into had had their displays wiped clean. 

Yet here was Buck. Buck, who had gone out of his way to find out when the store was due to have more copies of the game delivered. Buck, who had come to a store 45 minutes out of his way to find and hide a copy of said game so they could come back for it. Buck, who had managed to find quite simply the best hiding spot ever - because who in their right mind would look twice at that monstrosity of a microwave.

“I-“ I love you. “I-“ I love how much effort you put into things. I love how much you want to make Christopher happy. “B-but-“ I love you. I love you. I love you.

“What do you think of my hiding place?” Buck asked with a grin, oblivious to the overwhelming love surging through Eddie.

“I-“ Please stay with me. “Thank you Buck.”

Not to mention all the other times Eddie has had the words on the tip of his tongue but just out of reach from letting them escape. When he was watching Buck help Christopher with his homework. When he was watching Buck cook and move around their kitchen with ease. When Buck would throw his head back laughing, the sound glorious and loud and bouncing off the walls making Eddie's heart sing.

And then… then there was last Wednesday.

Eddie had entered the kitchen like a man on a mission. He had woken up late, and would have kept sleeping if not for Buck rolling over and flopping his hand limply over Eddie's face a few times to get him up, a grumbled “Turn it off.” causing Eddie to roll his eyes before realisation had hit that he was running late for a cover shift. He sprung from the bed with a curse and stumbled his way to the bathroom for a quick shower. 

When he paced into the kitchen freshly washed and dried and mostly dressed for the day ahead, he found Buck up and at the coffee machine, still bleary eyed, “You should have kept sleeping,” Eddie said, passing him with a soft touch on the bottom his back, “have you seen my work top?”

Buck had gone still, his eyes wide as he looked over his shoulder at Eddie. Shirtless Eddie. Shirtless Eddie who had just gently passed him with what Buck could only describe as a comforting touch, “U-uh-“ Buck stammered, his cheeks flushed.

Eddie raised an eyebrow, completely oblivious to the situation, “Buck? My work top? I can’t find it.” Eddie checked the pile of washing that had been left on one of the chairs and rifled through it.

“Right! Uh- clean laundry basket in the hall. I haven’t had a chance to put it away yet.” Buck said, snapping back to himself and pouring them both a cup of coffee, ignoring his thudding heart.

“Thanks.” Eddie grinned, quickly dipping out of the room and grabbing it.

“I also packed your bag last night, it’s by the door!” Buck had called after him.

Eddie stumbled slightly, his skin heating up. His eyes flashed to the front door and he felt his smile grow when they landed on his bag, packed and ready to go right next to his shoes. Eddie quickly put on his shirt, before putting his shoes on and slinging his bag over his shoulder. He checked the time and cursed again under his breath.

He rushed back into the kitchen to grab his keys, and smiled thankfully when Buck held them out alongside a coffee in a to-go cup for him to take, “Thanks Buck. You’re a life saver.” He said softly.

Then he leaned up and pressed a soft, but very much there, kiss to Bucks already flushed birthmark.

Eddie immediately felt his stomach drop, stumbling back a few steps. He felt his cheeks flush, and he watched as Buck stared at him with his lips parted and wide eyes. Eddie wanted to speak, wanted to open his mouth and tell Buck that he didn’t mean to - that he wanted to wait until he had told the truth.

He could do it so easily. He could shrug it off and smile easy and just say those three words and then leave. He could.

He opened his mouth but Buck got there first, “Hey, it’s okay.” He said, “You were just in a rush.” 

Eddie wanted to argue, wanted to tell Buck that he has been wanting to do that every day for the past couple of months. Eddie wanted to tell Buck that he wanted to do it again, over and over, for the rest of their lives.

“B-but-“

“You’re going to be late.” Buck reminded him.

Eddie swayed towards the door before hesitating, “I um, I’ll see you tomorrow though, yeah?”

Buck nodded, his cheeks still flushed and his birthmark a deep, adorable, red, “Yeah, of course you will.”

Eddie didn’t know 24 hours could go so painfully slowly. He spent his shift replaying the moment over and over again, even catching himself touching his lips every so often when he remembered the feeling of Buck’s soft skin under them. 

When he finally arrived home it was to Christopher standing behind the door with his arms crossed and an angry expression on his face, he didn’t give Eddie a chance to speak before saying, “You need to tell Buck, now.”

Despite pulling into the empty driveway and having read Buck’s text telling him he was going to the grocery store, Eddie still found his eyes going wide and panic clutching his chest, “Chris!”

Chris rolled his eyes, “He’s not here,” he said, “but whatever you did to him yesterday caused him to be weird. Like, weirder than usual.”

“I’m going to tell him.” Eddie promised.

“You said that months ago,” Chris narrowed his eyes, “We need a plan.”

“A plan?” Eddie blinked.

Chris nodded triumphantly, “Yes! A plan-“ he began moving to the kitchen with impressive speed, “It’s almost valentine’s day and the two of you are not going another year without acknowledging your disgusting love for each other.”

“That’s homophobic.” Eddie couldn’t help but say.

Chris threw a withering glare over his shoulder as he dropped into a seat at the table, “Disgusting because you're my dad, not cause you're gay.” He rolled his eyes, “Does Buck even know you're gay? Have you told him anything?”

Eddie's silence caused Christopher to groan miserably, “You’re hopeless.”

Eddie snorted, dropping into the seat opposite him, “Well what do you suggest casanova?” 

“Step one, tell him you're gay.” Christopher said with a pointed look, “Step two, tell him you think he’s hot. Step three, kiss him - preferably when I'm not around.”

“That’s what I've been trying to do.” 

Christopher hit Eddie with the most judgemental look possible, “You’ve been doing a bad job,” he said, before sighing, “okay, so we ease you into it, but you have until valentine’s day before I force your hand.”

Which brought Eddie to now. The day before valentine’s day trying to speed run wooing Buck so that his son won’t kill him (metaphorically). Over the last week, Eddie had made it his mission to relax, and to let himself show Buck more soft touches and romantic gestures.

So he thought the chocolates would be a good way to start the day, only Buck didn’t react exactly how he wanted him to, therefore the obvious next step was -

••

Eddie’s listening to a love song playlist.

Buck’s fine.

Eddie’s listening to a love song playlist as they drive to the station for their valentine’s day shift and Buck’s fine. Eddie has a heart shaped box of chocolates sitting in his lap and Buck is fine.

It’s just the season, the occasion.

That’s all.

It’s just… this past week Eddie has been different. His shoulders are less tense and he’s more relaxed, and he’s been throwing around soft touches and smiles like confetti and really, Buck is fine. He loves seeing Eddie like this, happier, more free. 

And maybe Buck is looking too much into it but Eddie seems to be really enjoying his love song playlist. He keeps tapping his fingers along to the beat of the song and looking at Buck with a small, almost secretive smile, and Buck’s fine.

It doesn’t make his heart thud faster in his chest every time he catches Eddie watching him from the corner of his eye. It doesn’t make his breath hitch every time Eddie leans over to change the song or turn the volume up. It doesn’t make his hands tighten on the steering wheel when Eddie turns in his seat to grab something from the back of the car, using Bucks seat as leverage, his arm touching Bucks and his head essentially on his shoulder.

His mind especially doesn’t flash back to last Wednesday morning when Eddie was leaving in a rush and flurry of limbs, placing an absentminded kiss onto Buck's birthmark, like it was normal, like it was something so easily and casually etched into his routine.  

Buck didn’t think about that one bit. Doesn’t think about how easy it would be to land a soft peck on Eddie's cheek as he leaned back into his seat. Doesn’t think about the way Eddies cheeks would bloom that same beautiful pink that they had that morning he had realised what he had done.

Buck had instantly recognised the wide eyes and terror in Eddie's face afterwards, the regret spreading to Buck like poison, his heart dropping slightly as he had murmured a soft hey, it’s okay to keep Eddie from spiraling. He knew Eddie hadn’t meant to do it, he was just busy and so used to kissing Christopher’s head before leaving. That's all it was, Buck knew that.

He may wish it were different, but Eddie was straight. Buck had spent the last few weeks since realising he was, indeed, in love with Eddie (thank you Maddie) carefully constructing a nice little lockbox in his head where he could keep his feelings. 

Buck let out a slow breath as Eddie flopped back into the passenger seat, “W-what uh, what’s that?” He asked, eyeing the slip of card that Eddie had pulled from the seat pocket behind the driver's side. It was a small rectangle of white paper, and Buck could just about make out the words table for two before Eddie quickly flipped it over.

“Nothing, it’s uh, just a reservation.” Eddie replied, reaching a hand to scratch his neck, he hesitated, “You said you’re free after shift right?” Eddie's eyes were wide and curiously watching Buck, a hint of nerves in his voice.

Buck's mouth went dry, To watch Christopher. His brain supplied helpfully. Eddie has a date.

“Y-yeah right of course.” Buck replied, “You have a valentine's date?” He couldn’t help but ask.

Eddie watched him closely, “Hopefully.” 

Buck's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “Hopefully? What does that mea-“

“Oh look, there’s a parking space there!” Eddie pointed out. Buck followed his eyeline to an open spot in front of the coffee shop that Eddie insisted they stop at before shift.

“Eddie, are you sure we have time for this?” He asked, his eyes flicking to the time on his dashboard nervously. Despite his hesitance, he pulled into the space with ease.

Eddie unbuckled quickly, “Trust me, I ordered ahead on the app.” He sent Buck a quick grin as he threw open the door.

Buck's mouth dropped slightly, “What? Who taught you how to-“ he stopped and blinked at the now empty space next to him as Eddie shut the door behind him. His eyes followed Eddie in disbelief as he bounced into the coffee shop with ease. 

When Eddie returned a couple of minutes later holding two trays of coffees, he smiled gratefully as Buck leaned over to open the passenger door from the inside, “That was quick.” Buck said, eyeing Eddie and taking the trays from him as he buckled back in.

Eddie smiled, breathless, “Yeah, like I said, ordered ahead. This one’s yours.” Eddie lifted the cup with Bucks name on it and handed it to him so he could have a sip before driving. Buck took it with a small thanks, his eyes catching on something as he lifted it to his mouth.

“Hey look!” He exclaimed with a grin, “They drew a heart on it! I bet they get a kick out of doing that for everyone around valentines." 

Eddie raised an eyebrow, “Looks like it’s just on yours.” He pointed out, a small tick upwards to his smile. 

Buck briefly inspected the other cups before shrugging and starting the car, “Maybe they could tell I’d enjoy it the most.” Buck's cheeks were warm, and he quickly placed the cup back into the holder before taking off, ignoring the small voice in his head that was telling him hey, maybe Eddie asked them to- no. Why would he do that and not get one for everyone?

They arrived at the station a few minutes early, both quick to grab their duffles and a carrier of coffees each before heading in, the box of chocolates left behind in the footwell of Buck's truck - much to his confusion.

“You aren’t bringing the chocolates?” He asked, falling into step with Eddie. Eddie looked over to him, slightly flushed and sent a small smile. Buck couldn’t help but feel slightly flushed too, the February sun already heating the streets of LA.

“No, no I think you were right,” Eddie said, “We will be getting stuff from calls all day, figure we save those ones for ourselves.” 

Buck's mind unhelpfully drew the scene very quickly and very vividly. The two of them, exhausted after their shift, dropping onto Eddie's couch to watch jeopardy reruns. The box of chocolates open between them, maybe they could open a bottle of wine? Wine goes well with chocolate.

Maybe they reach for a chocolate at the same time and their hands touch, and Buck would freeze of course. He would look up at Eddie with wide eyes and maybe, just maybe, Eddie would look back at him with sparkling eyes and his best smile and-

“Yeah,” Buck coughed, shaking his head slightly and blinking to adjust to the new light as they entered the bay, “Yeah, definitely.”

“That better be what I think it is, Diaz!” Chimney's voice called out loudly. Bucks eyes snapped to the stairs where Chim was bounding down towards them, Hen on his tail. Eddie handed Chim his takeout cup.

“Coffees, as promised.” Eddie nodded, taking his from the holder before handing it to Hen, “From the good place round from Antonio’s!”

“Edmundo Diaz, would you be my valentine?” Hen teased, a warm smile on her face as she took the holder from Eddie which held the last drink, she eyed the receipt attached to the holder and raised an eyebrow as she looked back at Eddie, “Or are you spoken for?” She asked, her eyes quickly sliding over Buck.

Buck ignored the exchange, heading towards the stairs so he could deliver the remaining coffees. Eddie smiled sheepishly and waited until Buck was out of earshot.

“Not yet… but today hopefully.” He admitted softly.

Hen smiled wide, her eyes twinkling as she gently nudged Eddie's shoulder, “Do you think he…” she trailed off in a silent question.

Eddie slumped slightly, “Not a clue.” He replied, “Sometimes I think he gets it but then he closes off again so quickly. How much more obvious can I make it?”

Hen looked at him blankly, “Have you thought about telling him with plain and simple words?”

Eddie sighed and looked away guiltily, “We’re not there yet. Chris said I need to ease us both into it.”

Hen blinked.

“It’s this whole thing,” Eddie continued, talking with his free hand as they started walking together, “Chris made a plan. He had a notebook, and he offered to make a powerpoint presentation.”

“Right,” she snorted quietly, “I wonder who he gets that from.”

Eddie glowered at her, “We both know it’s Buck.”

Hen simply hummed and took a sip of her drink, “Okay, so asking the coffee shop to put a heart on his drink was step…?” she looked at him expectantly.

“Three.”

“What was step one?”

“Chocolates.” Eddie admitted, “Red heart shaped box of chocolates on the counter this morning before breakfast.”

Hen hummed, “Yes, of course. The shared counter, in the shared house, that you’re sharing.” She teased, “What was step two?”

“Valentine’s day playlist in the car.” He said, a small grin threatening to take over when he thought about the way Buck had been looking at him. Eddie wasn’t even sure if Buck realised the wide eyed dopey look he had been making. 

“What’s step four?”

“Flowers.” Eddie flashed her a nervous smile.

•••

Their first call of the day included the pier, a valentine’s themed body building competition, and cupid gone crazy.

Buck spluttered, pulling a stray white feather from his mouth. He looked over at Ravi with wide eyes and glared at him when he doubled over, “Dude, stop laughing. Why does cupid even have wings.” He complained, pulling another stray feather from his hair.

“He’s an angel man, he needs wings.” Ravi supplied unhelpfully, wiping a stray tear from his cheek. 

“Yeah, he doesn’t look very angelic.” Buck muttered, eyeing the man ahead of them distastefully. He couldn’t hear what the man was saying to Athena, but he winced when she tightened the cuffs and roughly pushed him towards the police car.

Ravi hummed, “No, bringing a real bow and arrow to a cupid themed body building competition is not very angelic,” he agreed, throwing a look over his shoulder, “how’s the patient doing?” He called to Eddie and Hen.

Buck turned, “Started feeling particularly lovey dovey yet?” He asked, walking towards the woman on the ground. She looked up at him with a wince, her eyes going from watching Eddie wrap and secure the arrow in her arm to looking at him with a small pained smile.

“I’m thinking of taking him to court for our first date, what do you think?” She asked, her breathing uneven as she winced again.

Buck whistled lowly, “Very romantic.” He agreed, “I can see the hearts in your eyes already.” He flashed her a grin and looked at Eddie victoriously when she barked out a laugh. 

Hen tutted and gently pushed Buck a step back, “If you’re not here to help move Elena onto the stretcher with us, go back to crowd control.” She gave him a pointed look, “and stop flirting.” She said lowly so only he could hear.

Buck let out a strangled noise, “I’m not!” He exclaimed to her. She hummed and narrowed her eyes at him, before letting him past again to help Eddie carefully maneuver the patient without jostling her arm.

“The arrow went clean through,” Eddie explained, once she was sitting up, “I’ve secured it in place so it won’t move during transport but we will leave it to the doctors at the hospital to remove.”

Elena grimaced, “Thank you, I can’t believe I got shot by cupid's arrow.” She chuckled.

Eddie laughed with her, “Hey, some people would pray for that,” he said, “would make love a hell of a lot easier.” He looked at Buck with a pointed look, but Buck only smiled obliviously and nodded, not paying too much attention.

Elena looked between them with a raised eyebrow, before looking at Eddie with a small smirk, “You want this arrow once I'm done with it?” she asked.

Eddie snorted, “I think you’ve earned that keepsake.” He said, before leaning down slightly, “I’m hoping I won’t need it.” He added with a wink.

Buck's stomach dropped slightly. Eddie's date tomorrow night lingered in the back of his mind. They handed Elena off to the waiting RA unit and Buck waved her off with a grin, letting it fall when the door closed. 

Eddie nudged his shoulder playfully as they headed back to collect their things from where Hen was waiting, “So, Pepas going to get Chris from school tomorrow for us and he’s going to stay with her overnight.” He said, stopping in front of his ambo bag on the ground, bending over to repack his things. Hen and Ravi both greeted them with nods.

Bucks eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “What?” He asked. Why would Chris be staying at Pepas tomorrow? Wasn’t Buck watching him so Eddie could go on his date? Buck really doesn’t mind, in fact he would prefer to not be alone, “She doesn’t-“

Buck was going to tell Eddie that that was unnecessary, he was more than happy to hang with Chris, however he cut off as he watched Eddie jump up to a stand and go rigid. Eddie met Buck's confused look with wide eyes and red flushed cheeks, his mouth dropped open in shock.

Buck tilted his head, “What’s wro-“ 

Buck trailed off as Eddie reached behind and pulled something from his… back? No, that was too low. He pulled his arm to the front and Buck blinked, looking at the arrow in Eddie's hand blankly. It was a white and pink plastic arrow, and instead of a sharp arrowhead on the end, it had a dull circular velcro pad.

“What just happened?” Eddie asked, looking down at the arrow in his hand in confusion.

Hen and Ravi’s loud cackling caused both Buck and Eddie to look at them, Eddie was still slightly shellshocked and flushed a deep red. Ravi was doubled over, using Hen as a crutch to stay standing, “D-dude! C-cupid just s-shot-“ he struggled to speak between laughs.

Buck looked past Eddie and went still, Eddie followed his gaze and turned to face the half dressed man that was waiting patiently behind them, a bright mischievous smirk on his face. It almost looked flirty, and Buck wanted to smack the look right off his face.

Cupid just shot Eddie in the ass.

“Hey, I’m Nick.” He introduced himself, a spark in his eye as he looked Eddie up and down appreciatively. Buck wanted to hit Nick. He had clearly been a participant in the competition, with rippling muscles and shiny skin and perfect hair and not to mention the cupid's wings on his back and bow now hanging loosely in his hand.

“Did you just shoot me in the ass?” Eddie asked, baffled.

“What can I say, this cupid’s an ass man-” Nick shrugged, a cocky grin taking over his face, “and you have a great ass.“

“We’re working man, do you mind?” Buck interrupted, a glare on his face and anger boiling in his stomach. As much as he tried to avoid it, burning hatred laced his words.

Eddie's head whipped to Buck and for a second Buck could have sworn he saw glee as he preened under Buck’s possessiveness. Eddie quickly schooled his grin before turning back to the man with a blank face. Buck’s sure he just found it amusing, after all, Eddie was straight and here Nick was hitting on him.

“Yeah, I'm spoken for.” Eddie said, pride barely concealed in his tone. 

Buck couldn’t even focus on what that meant, his glare fixed onto Nick. If Buck had heat vision, Nick would be nothing but a melted pile of goo and feathers. 

Nick shrugged, looking between Buck and Eddie lazily, “Can’t blame a man for trying, can I get my arrow back?” He asked, reaching out for it. Eddie went to hand it back but Buck scoffed, lightly slapping his hand aaway.

“What, so you can go harass some other person just trying to do their job? You know what, give me that.” Buck snatched the bow from his hand and threw yet another glare at Nick, “I don’t think so, scram.”

Buck heard Ravi snort from behind him but he didn’t look away from Nick, only narrowing his eyes further until finally Nick rolled his eyes and gave up with a grumble, turning and walking away.

“Scram!?” Eddie asked incredulously.

“What? I confiscated it for public safety.” Buck insisted, letting his shoulders relax, attempting to hide his satisfied smile.

“You’re a dork.” Eddie huffed out a laugh, his cheeks blazing. He gave Buck a blinding smile before grabbing his ambo bag and heading towards the ambulance with Hen. Buck watched curiously at the way Hen immediately started talking to him with a bright teasing grin, causing Eddie to duck his head shyly.

“Dude,” Ravi whistled lowly, “subtle. Really nice.” 

Buck simply pulled back the string of the bow and let it snap against Ravi’s hand, chuckling at the loud yelp he let out. 

••

Buck blinked.

Then blinked again.

Once more.

Yeah, no, Eddie was definitely standing in front of him with a bouquet of flowers. 

They had only been back at the station for 20 minutes when Eddie's phone rang and he had jumped from his seat next to Buck and booked it for the stairs. Buck had watched him go with furrowed eyebrows and a tilt of confusion to his head, before shrugging and heading for the bathroom so he could finally get a look in the mirror and make sure he had gotten all the feathers from his hair. 

Stupid psychopathic cupid. Wearing angel wings when he decided to ambush his ex boyfriend and instead hitting the host Elena with a clean shot. Buck had had a hard enough time trying to get a hold of the maniac to finally pull him away from said ex boyfriend when the wings decided he was an enemy of the state and decided to shed all over him.

When Buck left the bathroom only three minutes later, he found Eddie waiting for him in the locker room… a massive bouquet of flowers in his grasp and holding them out to Buck with red cheeks and shaking hands. 

Buck's mouth parted in surprise, “Woah, who brought in the flowers?” He asked, ignoring the small voice in his head telling him they’re for you idiot. He got you flowers. Buck was not going down that road.

“I got them,” Eddie said, his voice surprisingly unsteady, “for you.”

Okay so Buck was going down that road.

“You got me flowers?” He asked dumbfounded. 

Eddie nodded, “Yes, do you like them?” He asked, his voice tinged with doubt. 

Buck suddenly wished he had never googled flowers and their meanings, because he was pretty sure that what Eddie was holding was essentially a love confession wrapped in paper and a bow.

The red tulips stood out first, true love, if Buck remembered correctly. The peonies for romance. The lilies for commitment. Buck even spied a few daisy’s in there, and he was almost 99% sure that they stood for soulmates.

Buck's mouth went dry with want, and he desperately searched Eddie’s face for any semblance of understanding. 

“Do I- Do I like them?” Buck echoed, his eyes going from Eddie to the bouquet and back again, “They’re lovely Eddie, I do, I love them but uh- why did you get me flowers?” He had to know. He had to know. 

Eddie smiled brightly, “You deserve pretty things Buck.” He said, blushing slightly, “Plus, they will look great on the dining table don’t you think?”

Buck's stomach settled into slight disappointment, but he took the flowers from Eddie, leaning in to smell them, sighing contently and letting a small smile bloom on his face, “Yeah they will, but you know you can just buy flowers for the house right.” Buck teased, not noticing Eddie's smile drop slightly, “You don’t have to get them under the ruse of me.”

Eddie's lips were parted and his eyes wide as he floundered for something to say. They aren’t a ruse. They’re for you, not for the dining table! There was so much he could say, but his shocked silence lasted a second too long.

“I’m gonna go find something to put these in!” Buck said with a grin, stepping past Eddie and heading towards the stairs, “Good choice Eddie!”

Eddie blinked, watching him go. There was no way. How much more obvious could he be than with flowers basically declaring his love. He patted his pockets, a small grin appearing when he found the reservation card from this morning.

“Buck, wait a sec!” He called, spinning around to follow him out of the locker room. Buck paused, half way up the stairs, before jogging down the last few to meet Eddie at the bottom.

“What’s up?”

“So tomorrow night! Dinner reservations, as I was saying at that call, Pepa's going to get Christopher for us so we will have plenty of time to get ready and drive there.” Eddie said, putting emphasis on the we, “It’s that new steak place on the other side of town you’ve been talking about, so it’s a little bit of a drive.”

Buck was frozen once again, blinking at him, Eddie's smile widened, this was it, he was going to get it.

“You… want us… to go to dinner on valentine’s day?” Buck asked, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Yeah! It will be nice… romantic even.” Eddie said, putting his hands in his pockets and rolling back onto his heels.

“Romantic.” Buck echoed, his face dropping into concern, “You want to go on a romantic dinner with me?” 

“Why do you sound so surprised?” Eddie asked. Probably because you haven’t told him you're gay yet… or in love with him. His brain supplied.

“Why do I- Eddie what?” Buck chuckled nervously, avoiding eye contact. His heart was hammering in his chest as he pictured it. Sitting across from Eddie in a dimly lit restaurant, soft jazz music playing. Maybe they’d share a dessert.

“Is that a no?” Eddie asked, folding his arms across his chest and raising an eyebrow.

Buck looked at Eddie inquisitively, scanning him from head to toe, before suddenly his eyes caught on Eddies… lower region. Eddie flushed under his gaze, shuffling slightly as he felt his cheeks warm. 

Suddenly Buck's eyes go wide, and he nods furiously, “Yes, wait no, not yes to saying no! I’m saying yes to dinner.” Buck rushed out, “Yes. Dinner, romantic dinner, me and you.. on valentine’s day. Yes.” He agreed, breathless.

Eddie grins brightly, his heart singing in his chest, “Great! Good! Okay.” He beams, “It’s gonna be great!”

“Yeah, yeah. I can’t wait.” Buck replied, looking around desperately, “I uh- water! Water for the flowers, I’m gonna just-“ He stumbled over his feet as he turned to head up the stairs , throwing one last look over his shoulder that Eddie couldn’t decipher.

He quickly shrugged it off, happiness radiating off him. Eddie bounced away, a proud victorious smile taking over his face as he headed towards the bunk room to update Pepa.

Buck speedwalked towards the loft, abandoning the flowers in the sink on his way, and dropped into the open seat beside Hen, his eyes wide and breathing uneven. Hen looked up blankly and slowly lowered her crossword book when she took in his frazzled state.

“Are you okay-“

“Hen, I think Eddie got shot by cupid.” He rushed out, his voice a whisper. His eyes were bouncing around the kitchen, anxiously watching all possible ways that Eddie could sneak up behind them.

Hen snorted, her eyes dropping back to her crossword book, “We were all there Buck.” she hummed, uninterested.

“No, you don’t understand,” he pushed, panic lacing his voice, “Hen, I mean it. He’s been acting weird. He- He’s been flirty! He bought me flowers! He wants to go for a romantic valentine’s dinner together after shift! That’s not Eddie!”

Hen looked up at Buck slowly, her mouth parted in disbelief, “Buck, please tell me you do not think that Eddie has actually been shot with the love bug.” She asked, her voice careful.

“I’m telling you Hen,” he leaned in and lowered his voice, “I think there was something on that arrow okay? When he was hit, I was the first person he looked at! That- that’s classic love potion stuff, love at first sight!” His tone was desperate.

“Something on the arrow? Love at first sight.” Hen echoed, a slight note of amusement in her tone, “You mean the velcro arrow that didn’t break skin in any way?”

Buck huffed and sat back, “You’re not taking this seriously.”

Hen snorted, “Buck, don’t you think there’s a much more logical explanation as to why Eddie’s maybe been acting differently?”

“No Hen, Eddies straight. He would never buy me flowers before today, and- and the chocolates! The heart on my cup! Explain those!” He sat back up, eyes boring into Hen with desperation.

“I think those things happened before Eddie was shot by cupid.” She pointed out, raising an eyebrow.

Buck blinked, his mouth open to reply, before he snapped it shut. His mind replayed the past few weeks, picking up on different moments where Eddie was acting unlike himself. His mind focused on the forehead kiss- no. Eddie is straight. He was in a rush. That’s all.

He dropped back against the chair and closed his eyes, “Maybe I need to take the arrow to an etsy witch, have them remove whatever curse Nick put on it.”

“Buck?”

“Yeah?”

“Leave me alone to my crossword,” Hen said, patting his arm gently, “and speak to Eddie before paying any etsy scammers money.”

Buck rolled his eyes, “They’re not all scammers!” He said, before huffing, “At least Ravi will help me.”

“No he won’t!” A voice piped up from the den, Ravi's face popping up over the top of the couch a second later, “I’m not getting involved.”

“You don’t even know what I was going to say!”

“Something something cupid, something something love at first sight. Don’t care, not my issue.” He replied, waving Buck off before flopping back onto the couch and resuming his game on the tv. 

Hen laughed at the offended look on his face, “Buck,” she said gently, “go talk to Eddie.”

Buck gave Hen one more concerned look before nodding slowly. He made a move to head towards the stairs, wringing his hands nervously. He had seen the way Eddie lit up after he had agreed. For a moment he wanted to be selfish, believe that it was really his Eddie looking forward to going out with him.

Before he could reach the bottom of the steps, the alarm blared out. Buck pushed his unease to the back of his mind, snapping into motion and heading for his gear. He briefly acknowledged Eddie stopping next to him and getting his turnouts on too, sending a small nervous smile to his best friend.

Eddie replied with a blinding grin and playfully bumped his shoulder as they raced to the engine. Buck's heart thumped in his chest as he landed in his usual seat, knocking knees with Eddie. He ignored the warm flush of his cheeks when Eddie casually locked their feet together.

He looked over at Ravi with wide eyes causing the boy to snort.

“Okay, fender bender. Two vehicles involved and ambulances already at the scene.” Chim explained through the headphones as they raced towards the scene, “We’ve been called for clean up duty, everyone was able to walk out.”

Buck sighed a small breath of relief. 

He jumped out the engine and landed with a soft thud, his eyes skimming the scene quickly. He clapped Ravi on the shoulder and the two started heading towards the biggest pieces of debris on the road. He noticed Eddie and Hen head towards the ambulances to check in while Chimney spoke with the paramedic in charge and Athena who was overseeing the accident.

“Okay! Buck, Ravi! Let’s get this road cleared so we can reopen. Clear what you can to the side of the roads, we’ve got two recovery vehicles on route.” Chimney ordered, walking back over from the squad car.

“You got it, Cap!” Ravi shouted over his shoulder. 

Buck grinned, “You got it Cap!” He repeated in a high voice so only Ravi could hear. 

Ravi rolled his eyes and didn’t wait for Buck to help lower the bumper they were carrying, deciding to let it drop with no warning. Buck swore and scrambled to let it go, glaring at Ravi, “You know what, just for that I'm getting you involved.” He glowered.

Ravi groaned loudly, “Please spare me.”

“Nope,” Buck grinned, “You’re involved now.”

“I’ll jump over the bridge, Buck, don’t think I won’t do it.” Ravi threatened lamely, already accepting his fate.

“Eddie is sick, ravi. Sick!” Buck stressed, moving to help him lift a door that had been taken off its hinges.

“He’s not sick dude,” Ravi tried, and failed, to hide his disbelief, “Do you know how homophobic that sounds.”

A strangled noise escaped Buck’s throat, "That's not- that’s not what I meant! Eddie's not - he’s not - he’s straight.” Buck pushed.

“He asked you, a man, on a date.” Ravi deadpanned.

“He’s under the influence!” 

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Ravi said, wide eyes trained on Buck. 

“I’m worried about him,” Buck confessed, “What if he’s still trapped in there and is watching all of this take place and trying desperately to claw his way out.”

Ravi snorted.

“I’m serious.” Buck glared at him.

“I know you are man, that’s the worst part.” Ravi sighed, “Just talk to Eddie would you?” 

They finished clearing the road and waited until the recovery vehicles arrived to pick up the smashed cars. Buck grabbed a broom and started to sweep the road for any small debris they could have missed, he saw Ravi do the same from the other end of the closed road section.

“Okay, the lady in the blue sedan said that she went to that new steak place last week,” Eddies voice behind him caused Buck to jump. He whirled round and came face to face with Eddie, “she recommended the mussels for starters.” He said, his eyes bright and sparkling as he looked at Buck.

Buck opened and closed his mouth a few times before collecting himself and nodding, “Right, mussels got it.” he agreed.

Eddie frowned, and reached a hand out, letting it land heavy and solid on Bucks shoulder. He could feel the weight and heat seep through his uniform top, his turnout jacket long abandoned under the beating sun, “You okay?” he asked, his voice soft.

Buck snapped back to himself, “Yeah, I'm good Eddie.” he said, “Promise.”

Eddie didn’t look convinced but he nodded, “If you're sure.” He said, letting his hand drop from Bucks shoulder to his arm, where he gently ran his hand up and down in a comforting motion, “You’re looking a little pink from the sun.”

Buck really doesn’t think it’s from the sun.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m just a little warm, that's all, we’ll be heading back soon.” He said, his breath catching as Eddie's hand reached down to Bucks own and squeezed lightly.

“Yeah, I'll grab a bottle of water for you from the truck.” Eddie scans Bucks face, his eyes lingering on Bucks birthmark for a second too long. He looks to contemplate it, then shakes his head. He smiles softly at Buck, before releasing his hand with another light squeeze and heading for the engine.

Buck let out a breath, watching Eddie go. He struggled to pull his eyes away, letting himself admire the way the sunlight cast him in a golden glow. He shook his head, finally pulling his focus back to the task at hand. He ignored his blazing cheeks, it was just the sun after all.

•••

Back at the station, Buck couldn’t handle it anymore. He had been lounging on the couch with a cold bottle of water held to his forehead when Eddie suddenly appeared above him. Buck jumped when he popped into view, wearing a frown as he looked down at Buck.

“Are you still feeling warm? You’re not looking as pink.” Eddie said, concern in his voice. He reached out and softly cupped Buck's cheek, gently running his thumb up and down, “You feel okay.”

Bucks mouth was parted to speak but no noise came out, he looked up at Eddie with wide eyes which only caused Eddie’s frown to deepen. Eddie reached up with his other hand and began running it through Buck's hair gently. Buck leaned into the touch for a second, letting his eyes fall closed, before he suddenly sat up, almost knocking Eddie off balance in the process.

“Buck?” Eddie asked, eyebrows furrowed as he let his hands drop back to his sides.

“Can we talk?” Buck blurted, avoiding eye contact with Eddie as he stood. He didn’t wait for a response before booking it towards the stairs, away from the watchful eyes of Hen, Ravi, and Chim. He didn’t look back, missing the wide eyed look Eddie sent Hen before following.

Buck burst into the bunk room and began rifling around for the bow and arrow that he had thrown in here earlier, he finally found it just as he heard the door swing open behind him.

“Buck, I really don’t think we should do anything at work-“ Eddie started, but the mischievous smile on his face suggested otherwise. Unfortunately for Eddie, Buck whirled round to face him with a serious, almost somber, expression and Eddie felt his heart drop slightly, “- what’s wrong?”

“You were shot by cupid.” Buck said, holding out the bow and arrow. 

Eddie blinked, “Yeah so?”

Buck took a step towards him, his eyes wide and crazed, “You got shot by cupid.” Buck emphasised, pushing the bow and arrow towards Eddie once more, “and- and then you started flirting with me, and giving me flowers, and asking me to go on a romantic valentines date with you! You- you touched my arm - no! Caressed! You caressed my arm.”

Eddie stared at Buck speechless.

Eddie blinked once, “Buck,” he started slowly, “please don’t tell me you think I did those things, actively doing these things, because of some plastic arrow.” He asked, his eyes shifting between Buck and the bow and arrow with disbelief.

“You were running your hands through my hair Eddie!” Buck reminded him, eyes full of desperation for him to understand.

“Yeah, because I wanted to, and I thought we were on the same page.” Eddie bit back, crossing his arms defensively.

“Same page? Eddie, you're straight. Cupid shot you with that arrow and suddenly you- you were courting me.” Buck stressed, “I was the first person you looked at and-“

“I’m gay Buck.” Eddie interrupted, standing up straight and raising a challenging eyebrow. 

A strangled noise came deep from Bucks throat, “T-that’s just the arrow talking Eddie, it’s the cupid effect,” he said, shaking his head furiously, “it’s okay, I’m sure it will wear off. This must be scary for you-“

“Jesus Christ Buck,” Eddie let out a laugh of disbelief, “Some stupid plastic arrow is not why I’m gay!” 

“Eddie,” Buck took another desperate step forward, “Can’t you see what’s happening here-“

“Can’t you?” Eddie asked, raising his voice, “You think I'm courting you because I got shot by some budget cupid body builder? No Buck, I’m wooing you because I’m in love with you!”

A pained look took over Buck’s face, his lip wobbling, “Eddie, please you don’t know what you’re saying.” Buck begged, his heart crumbling in his chest. He wanted to believe Eddie, allow himself to accept the words he had longed to hear. 

“Yes I do Buck!” Eddie shouted, taking a step back, glaring at him, “I know exactly what I’m saying and you’re not listening!”

“Eddie-“

Eddie started to pace, “I’ve been trying to build up the courage to tell you for months. When we came from Texas I wanted to tell you then and there but I couldn’t, so I’ve been easing into it.” He didn’t look at Buck as he continued speaking.

“So I make you your coffee in the morning and bring it to the bed that we share. I compliment you constantly and you brush it off like it’s nothing. I start showing you that I care and that I want to be near you and you don’t get it.”

“Then last week, I kissed your birthmark! Y-you looked at me like I had committed a crime and then you said it was nothing. It was okay, brushed it off because I was just in a rush and yes, Buck maybe it was because I was in a rush but it was only so natural to me because I had been thinking about doing it for months.”

“I— I just wanted to finally be able to say it. So Chris and I came up with a plan for me to woo you, ease you into it, and instead you think cupid had something to do with it?” Eddie seethed, “Cupid didn’t do a damn thing! I put in the work, Buck.”

Buck's mouth was parted in shock as he watched Eddie continue to pace, his heart thudding in his chest. His arms hung limply at his side, but his hands still clutching the bow and arrow like a vice.

“Chocolates Buck! A heart shaped box of chocolates! A heart on your coffee cup! A bouquet of flowers that apparently has meaning and for which the lady definitely overcharged me for, and you think that was cupid’s doing!?”

“Eddie-“ Buck whispered.

“Then I ask you to dinner - reservations I made two weeks ago, by the way - and I think you’ve finally clicked… and I- no- you know what! You wanna believe in cupid so much.” Eddie whirled round to Buck and stalked forward, pulling the bow and arrow from Buck's grip with force.

Buck watched in shock as Eddie stepped back, loaded the arrow into the bow with the grace of a professional who had done it a million times, raised it up, and let go.

Buck watched the arrow fly, his eyes tracking it until he was looking down at it attached to his own chest. He looked back up at Eddie with wide eyes and his mouth agape, “You shot me.” he whispered, his voice full of awe.

Eddie nodded victoriously, “I shot you.” he agreed, throwing the bow onto one of the empty bunks. When he turned back to Buck, his eyes were soft, but guarded.

“But-“

“Buck,” Eddie took a step forward, a smile curling onto his face, “I’m gay. I’m in love with you. I shot you with cupid’s arrow, now either kiss me, or let me down gently because this is getting embarrass-“

Buck cupped Eddie's cheeks with both hands, surging forward to smash their lips together. Eddie sighed contently into the kiss, melting into Buck's hold, lifting his own hands to tangle into Buck’s hair and adjust the angle, swiping his tongue across Buck's bottom lip.

Buck opened easily, a small hum escaping his mouth, swallowed greedily by Eddie. Their tongues danced like they had been partners for a while, falling into step with each other perfectly. Slowly, ever so slowly, Buck pulled away. Not far.

“I love you too.” Buck murmured, before pressing another kiss to the side of Eddie's mouth, before resting their foreheads together. He kept his closed and caught his breath, glad he wasn’t the only one affected if Eddie's chest rising rapidly pressed against Buck was anything to go by.

Eddie hummed, “Are you sure?” He asked in a hoarse whisper, voice wrecked and lips kiss swollen. “You might be under the influence-“

Buck cuts him off with another kiss, then another, and another, until they’re trading soft kisses between shared giggles and teases. Buck backed Eddie up against one of the bunks, his hands that had moved from Eddie's cheeks to rest on Eddie's waist slowly started travelling round and down, causing Eddie to gasp softly into Buck's mouth.

“We’re at work.” Eddie reminded him, but made no effort to pull away, instead letting Bucks hands roam freely.

“What can I say,” Buck started, pulling back with a small smirk and a mischievous twinkle in his eye, “This cupid's an ass man too.” 

Eddie huffed a laugh, “Technically I shot you. Which makes me cupid.” He teased, already going to pull Buck back with the hand still curled into his hair.

“Shut up.” Buck managed to murmur against his lips before melting into it again. His hands, still firmly planted on Eddie's bum, suddenly lowered again. He hoisted Eddie by the top of his thighs and lifted, revelling in the curse word that escaped Eddie as he wrapped his legs around Bucks waist.

Eddie lowered his hands, his fingers skimming the bare skin of Bucks lower back causing the man to shiver. Eddie smiled into the kiss, before making a move to raise Bucks shirt. However before he could, the alarm blaring caused them to break apart.

Eddie groaned, letting his forehead drop to Buck's shoulder. Buck laughed as he let them down, running a hand through his hair to try and tame the mess of curls, “We can continue that later.” Buck said with a grin, lightly slapping Eddie's ass before pushing him towards the door.

“You can bet on it.” Eddie grumbled unhappily to himself. 

They joined the others in the bay and began getting their gear on. Ravi took one look at them and rolled his eyes, “Finally,” he muttered, “congrats I guess.” 

Buck barked a laugh and gently shoved Ravi as they raced to the engine. Eddie smiled fondly as he headed to the ambulance, Hen already smirking at him from the driver's side.

“The cupid effect huh?” She mused.

“I may be in love with an idiot, but at least he knows it now.” Eddie replied, warmth spreading through him, his cheeks blazing.

•••

Walking out of the station the next morning with his boyfriend, Buck felt invincible. He hadn’t stopped grinning since last night and he had a bounce in his step as he walked hand in hand with Eddie towards his truck. Eddie was much the same, his cheeks had started to hurt with the smile he had been wearing non stop since they made it official after returning to the station yesterday.

“Oh, hey wait,” Eddie said, once he was situated in the passenger seat of Buck's truck, Buck having opened the door for him of course, “I don’t think I completed all of the steps Christopher set for me.”

Buck slid into the driver's seat with a raised eyebrow, “Oh really, what did this list of steps to woo Buck entail?” He asked.

Eddie's cheeks flushed, “Well, his list was less of a wooing list and more of a get your shit together list.” Eddie chuckled, he flipped the sun visor down and grabbed the small piece of paper that he had hidden in there earlier.

Buck watched with his mouth parted in shock, “How long has that been there?”

Eddie ignored him, “Ah I was right! Look, Step one, tell him you're gay.” He said with a grin, “Step two, tell him you think he’s hot. Step three, kiss him - preferably when Christopher's not around. I didn’t do step two!” 

Buck’s cheeks were blazing red, “Y-you think I’m hot?”

“Very.” Eddie agreed, reaching over and lacing his hand with Bucks.

Buck smiled softly and looked at Eddie with a bright spark in his eye, “I think you’re hot too by the way,” he said, “and uh- well… you want to head home? I heard that Christopher wasn’t going to be around today.”

Eddie's grin brightened, “Can we make a pit stop first?” He asked, “I heard it’s valentine’s day and I want to treat my boyfriend.”

Buck sent him a blinding smile and nodded, and well, if Buck and Eddie stopped on the way home to get a white lingerie set and a halo to go with their newly acquired cupid's bow, that was no one’s business but their own.