Work Text:
-x-
Buck politely holds open the glass door into the gym hosting the LA Amateur Muay Thai Championships for Bobby, Chim, Hen, Ravi and Harry.
“You look nervous.” Hen muses as she waits for Buck as they slip inside the building.
“I’m not nervous.” He deflects and her eyebrow cocks as she gives him a pointed look.
“Okay, maybe I’m a little nervous. This means a lot to Eddie. He’s worked really hard. But I know he’s going to win.” Buck enthuses and she chuckles at just how proud he looks, all of his nerves disappearing in a flash, because as Eddie’s partner in the field, how could she not know how hard he’s been working to compete in this event.
“Of course he is.”
Buck nods furiously, “He’s totally got this. He’s going to win the whole damn thing.”
Hen can’t help but smile at how much love and trust Buck and Eddie have for one another.
The two of them head over to where Bobby and co have gathered and Buck slots in between Bobby and Chim, finding them reading a board declaring the rounds of the tournament and his eyes scan it, looking for Eddie’s name in the 1st round listings.
A smile comes unrestrained to his lips when they land on ‘Diaz, Eddie’, but the smile drops in an instant when they move down to land on the name of Eddie’s 1st round opponent.
Kinard, Tommy.
“Eddie’s got this. There’s nothing to worry about.” Chim declares, having watched Buck’s face fall at the sight of the match up.
“Who said I was worried?” Buck scoffs, shooting his brother-in-law an admonishing stare, and Chim goes to retort but is stopped by a shake of the head of Hen.
“I didn’t know Tommy did Muay Thai.” Ravi says as they step away from the board.
“Yeah, he used to train in his garage with Eddie. He’s got a whole set up.” Buck answers over his shoulder as he leads the group.
Ravi and Harry share a questioning look.
“Like just the two of them?” Ravi questions and Buck shrugs, “I guess.” He wasn’t really familiar with the details of their training sessions other than it was just Eddie and Tommy. Buck never did see Tommy’s set up, he didn’t exactly share his hobbies and interests with Buck while they were together.
“Are we sure Tommy wasn’t into Eddie first?” Ravi ponders quietly to the others as Buck spots Eddie and hurries over towards him, his expression like an excited puppy.
Chim and Hen share a knowing look at Ravi’s comment as Bobby shrugs, but his face says it all.
“You guys thought he was?” Harry asks, looking between the three.
“Let’s just say Tommy didn’t exactly share as much of himself with Buck as he did with Eddie.” Hen replies diplomatically.
“What’s that even mean?” Ravi questions, with brows furrowed.
“All I’m saying is Tommy never flew Buck to a sold out fight in Las Vegas in a helicopter.” Chim clarifies with a knowing look as Ravi lets out an “oh” at that piece of information.
"Seriously? He took Eddie to a fight in Vegas. In a helicopter. Just the two of them?” Harry says, looking a little shocked and Hen nods in confirmation. “Oh he was definitely trying to get in Eddie’s pants then.” Harry adds.
“Talk of the devil.” Ravi murmurs as he spots Tommy meandering through the crowd, and it appears that he’s heading in their direction, just as Buck and Eddie walk over to them.
“Are you all ready?” Bobby asks Eddie as he and Buck join their little 118 huddle.
“Yeah, I think so.” Eddie replies and Buck scoffs.
“Come on man, you’re ready. You’re going to smash it.” Buck states confidently, wrapping an arm around Eddie’s shoulders and giving him a little shake, which brings a little smile to Eddie’s face.
“Well hello one-eighteen.” Tommy Kinard’s voice comes from behind Buck and Eddie, who both bristle at the sound of it. Buck’s arm drops from Eddie’s shoulders as they turn to face Buck’s ex.
“Kinard.” Eddie says curtly.
“Diaz. Evan. Hen. Chim. Bobby. Ricky and Harvey, isn't it?” Tommy replies, looking at the 118 old and new.
“Ravi and Harry actually.” Harry responds but Tommy is barely paying any attention as he looks right at Eddie.
“I’m quite looking forward to our match up. It’ll be nice to get back in the ring with you, Diaz. To get you on your back again.” Tommy smirks, his eyes trailing leeringly over Eddie.
“I bet.” Chim mutters beneath his breath, but given the way Hen, Ravi and Harry bite their lips they heard.
“Yeah. It’ll be nice. Especially when I put you on your ass within thirty seconds.” Eddie retorts boldly, clearly surprising his friends, and his opponent given his barked out laugh.
“I’ve always loved your bitchy side, Diaz. And I’ll enjoy it all the more when I beat you and lift that trophy.” Tommy states confidently, stepping closer to Eddie.
“That’s not going to happen.” Eddie says coolly, holding Tommy’s gaze.
“Do you want to put a bet on it?”
“Is that even allowed?” Buck questions before Eddie has a chance to reply.
“Probably not, right Eddie.” Chimney quickly cuts it.
“Right.” Eddie answers, eyes still locked on Tommy’s smirking face.
Tommy breaks, chuckling as he steps back and looks down before his gaze settles on Buck.
“We might not be able to put a bet on it, but you and I can go to dinner once I’m declared the winner. What do you say Evan? Do you want to go on a date with the winner?” Tommy boldly proposes.
Buck glances sideways towards Eddie, and sees his nostrils flare slightly as he refuses to look away from Tommy. Buck looks between the two men, quickly appraising them both.
“Sure. I’ll go on a date with the winner.” He declares confidently.
“Now I’ve got even more incentive to win then.” Tommy grins, clapping his hands together as he returns his attention to Eddie, whose face is now completely blank.
“I’ll see you out there Diaz. And Evan, I’ll see you later.” Tommy announces confidently, throwing Buck a wink before turning and walking away, a smirk clear on his face.
“I need to finish getting ready,” Eddie says before marching off towards the locker rooms.
“Well this is going to be interesting.” Hen mutters as Buck turns to face his friends.
“What were you thinking, agreeing to go on a date with Tommy?” Chim sighs, clearly disappointed in his brother-in-law.
“No. I said I would go on a date with the winner. Not Tommy specifically.” Buck clarifies.
“But what if neither of them win?” Harry questions.
“Then I guess it comes down to who gets the furthest?” Ravi wonders with a shrug.
“It’s going to be fine. Eddie’s got this. He’s going to win.” Buck states assuredly as the others all share pointed looks.
-x-
“And with a retirement in just eighteen seconds Eddie Diaz progresses to the quarter finals.” The announcer’s voice declares out of the speaker system as the crowd erupts with cheers and applause as Eddie turns in the centre of the ring, arm held high by the referee, as medics and event organisers move to Tommy’s side who is slumped in the corner clutching his back after Eddie put him on it twice in quick succession.
“WHOOOOOOO! YEAH!” Buck hollers, springing up to his feet alongside the cheering 118 in the front row.
“At least now you won't have to go on a date with Tommy.” Ravi smirks as he nudges Buck as they sit back down.
“As if that was ever going to happen.” Buck replies as Eddie steps out of the ring after a brief courtesy check on Tommy, who just scowls back angrily before howling in pain as he’s helped out of the ring.
“What’d you mean? It wasn’t a fix was it?” Ravi questions, almost looking scandalised.
“What? No! I just never doubted Eddie. He was always going to win. It was never even in question.” Buck explains before diving to his feet again, this time to greet a half naked Eddie.
“Congratulations Eddie.” Bobby states as Buck grips Eddie on the shoulder and gives him a shake as his hand settles there while Eddie smiles as the others also offer their congratulations.
“I told you Eddie was going to smash it.” Buck says proudly, hand still resting on Eddie’s shoulder.
“True. We just didn’t expect Eddie to be putting your ex boyfriend's back out in eighteen seconds.” Hen sniggers as Buck beams proudly at his best friend, who is blushing at the attention.
“It’s quite a feat Eddie.” Bobby says and the man in question smiles shyly at the praise from their retired Captain.
“I can’t believe you did that. You were so awesome.” Harry exclaims excitedly.
“I’m just glad the probie was filming. I’m sure Maddie will enjoy watching it.” Chim smiles, looking over at Buck who rolls his eyes at him.
“Well, I should go get ready for my next round.” Eddie says, looking sheepish under the attention.
“I’ll come with you.” Buck announces, his cheeks turning pink before blurting, “To help you strategize.” when he realises there are six sets of questioning eyes on his now blushing face.
“Okay.” Eddie mumbles as he steps away, Buck hot on his heels.
“I really wish they’d get their respective heads out of their asses and just admit they’re in love with one another.” Chim sighs, slumping back down onto the benched seating.
“Oh for sure.” Hen adds, sitting down next to him.
“Even I am beyond tired of them.” Ravi huffs as he, Harry and Bobby take their seats, with their old Captain letting out a chuckle of agreement.
-x-
“That was so fucking hot they way you put him down with just one kick.” Buck mutters against Eddie’s lips as he presses him harder against the bathroom stall wall.
“It was all for you.” Eddie mumbles in reply. “Didn’t want him to think he still had a chance.”
“Never going to happen. I’m yours. Forever.” Buck growls before plunging his tongue down Eddie’s throat.
-x-
Eddie wins fairly easily in the quarter final before being declared victorious in a tight and tense semi final.
Buck is a fidgeting, nervous mess as Eddie stands in the middle of the ring waiting on the winner announcement. He’s breathing heavily, and there’s a sheen of sweat coating his skin, while a bruise blooms on his cheek.
“He’s got this. He’s got this.” Buck repeats to himself like a mantra as he leans forward, elbows on knees and lips pressed against his clasped hands.
“And the winner by unanimous decision is Eddie Diaz!” The announcer declares through the mic and Buck is on his feet in a flash, cheering and whooping Eddie’s victory as Eddie grins with his arm lifted in the ring before shaking hands with his opponent and then turning his attention to his family.
He makes quick work of exiting the ring as Buck surges forward and the two of them collide in a hug as Buck cheers in Eddie’s ear, but from the delighted look on his face he doesn’t care one bit.
The rest of the 118 make their way over and each of them congratulate their victorious friend, with Harry still recording and Eddie lets out a cry of victory into the lens before he’s called back to the ring to receive his trophy and cheque for $1,000.
-x-
The 118 are settled in a bar, now joined by Maddie, Athena, Karen and May and Buck is animatedly recounting Eddie’s 1st round victory over Tommy to the table as Eddie sits back, arm stretched over the back of Buck’s chair and his face flush with happiness as he watches Buck’s expressive retelling of his brief encounter with his former friend.
“So, what are your plans for your winnings Eddie?” Karen asks after Buck finishes and sits back, a little closer to Eddie than he’d normally sit, at least in public that is.
“I dunno, I was thinking maybe an engagement ring.” Eddie replies calmly as the table falls silent.
“Uh, an engagement ring for who?” Ravi asks, looking around the table at the bemused and confused looks of his friends.
“For Buck of course. Who else would I be proposing to other than my boyfriend?” Eddie answers smoothly, eyes fixed on said boyfriend who is simply looking back at him with big wide, watery eyes.
“You guys are together?” Hen exclaims.
“I thought you were straight.” Harry says.
“Since when?” Chim asks, looking between Buck and Eddie and Maddie who looks equally surprised.
“Since our joint cowboys and dinosaur birthday party three months ago.” Eddie replies and the table descends into a flurry of questions that neither Eddie or Buck hear as they gaze at one another.
“I love you Evan Buckley.” Eddie murmurs, leaning in and capturing Buck’s lips with his own.
“I love you Edmundo Diaz.” Buck replies when they pull back enough to press their forehead’s together.
“So, how about it? Will you marry me?” Eddie asks, a hopeful smile on his lips.
“Yes. Of course I’ll marry you.” Buck sniffles in reply as Eddie brushes the tears trickling down Buck’s cheeks away with his thumbs as he cups Buck’s face, before surging forward and sealing their engagement with a searing kiss and plenty of cheers from their family.
-x-
Barely ten minutes later Buck and Eddie are on their feet, tugging on their jackets.
“I’ve left some money behind the bar for you.” Eddie informs their still gathered friends, some of whom (Chim, Hen, Ravi, Karen and May) are gently heckling them for making a swift exit.
“It’s probably best if none of you try to contact us for say the next seventy-two hours. We’re going to be a bit busy.” Buck adds with a wicked grin, as he wraps himself around Eddie.
“TMI little brother.” Maddie chuckles, but she gazes at her brother with so much love and warmth in her eyes.
Buck pulls Eddie towards the door before quickly darting back to the table.
“Can you send me all the videos of Eddie’s fights. Especially the first one. You know, for reasons.” Buck asks Harry with a devilish grin before Eddie is tugging him away as Harry fake gags as the others shake their heads with affection for the pair.
-x-