#Buck is like if the Diaz parents were actually good and kind and fair to either their son or their grandson

[islandoforder]

daydreaming about a phone call that won’t happen a couple of episodes down the line…

“I’m not the dog, Buck!”

“What?”

“I thought I was the dog, but I’m not!”

“Eddie, what are you talking about?”

“You were glad when that family showed up and took the dog, right? Because they loved him and it was where he belonged?”

“Right…”

“And I thought I was the dog. You thought I was the dog, but I’m not. I don’t belong here. I don’t.”

“With Chris, I meant. You belong with Chris.”

“Right!! And I’m not the dog, Chris is!”

“Eddie, I just meant—”

“Buck, please, listen.”

“Okay.”

“The fire was bad, right, the fire and the shelter was a bad situation, and you rushed in to help, and you meant well, and you did help that dog. You loved that dog. You loved it and you took care of it, but no matter how well you took care of it, and how well you loved it, you couldn’t be what was truly best for it, right? That’s why you were happy when it went back to its owners. Because it belonged with that family. Who loved it. Right?”

“…right.”

“I’m not the dog, Buck, Chris is. Chris is the dog.”

“Eddie…. What are you saying to me?”

“I want to come home. I think we need to both come home. Back where we belong.”

“Here? L.A.?”

“Yeah, Buck. To L.A., to you. The people who love us, right?”

[chaoticornot]

I am almost 2 weeks late, but here is episode 18 from s5 9-1-1. I am so excited, and my hope for something is so high. I also hope they won't get hurt again, please. 

I initially saw nothing wrong with mushrooms in the tea. Like, I thought he was allergic and then realised they were talking about the narcotic. In my defense, in my country, they are a meal if you eat them with some sauce. 

Bobby, what is going on? I am just as confused as Chim and Buck. They couldn't have moved those stones real quick? Now the thing is unstable. So it's not the rocks but the cliff, great. I knew something was going to happen the moment Bobby said he would go down. It's always the ladder truck, isn't it? It's bad, but they are not hurt, so that's good. My poor mentally unstable father-son duo. It wasn't their fault, any of it. "Kid", shut up. 

The smile and the chuckle, aw. I love how they go back and forth. I also love that we know things because they tell each other things because otherwise we would have never known. Maybe that makes no sense but whatever. Oh no, Bobby. She is going to college, yay. Chim, that panic sip was not subtle. Maddie's face, help. I am so happy for her. It also fits perfectly in the schedule. May goes, and Maddie comes back. I will miss seeing more May when she moves away. I am here for meteologist Albert. That makes me so happy. Chris would react the same as Denny, Buck would tell him all about it, and Eddie wants them to please talk about something else. What is going on with Karen? Yeah, I get that. Fair is fair. You don't need to fix it, just talk about it. They are okay, yay. I love this relationship, btw. Like, someone who has decent parents-in-law. Buck, Eddie, Chim, and Maddie can't say the same. I missed this friendship. Go, Maddie. 

The awkward silence. Buck's face and his look at Chim. God help me. I am actually crying. That is hilarious. Lucy, changing the topic, genius. Well, that didn't work. Bobby 100% knows what they are trying to do. Buck!! I was like, oh, he is going to smile because Eddie is his partner and has his back, and then "Until they stick a knife in it." Nevermind. Buck's smile. I love the team dynamic. So the team knows, okay. I love that they joke about it. Oh no, Chim. Apparently, Bobby did not know. Bobby, no, listen to your wife. 

Not Maddie that has to respond. That went better than expected. Buck looks good. Buckley siblings. I am so proud of you. This is better for both of you. Finally. I love Eddie and May's friendship, and I always need more of it. I am sorry, but Eddie's posture reminds me of a guy picking up a girl for a date and who is about to show the bouquet of flowers that he has behind his back. That is a really good speech. I think it got through to Bobby. I also love that Eddie is still 'I don't know how to be vulnerable in front of most people Eddie'. Like, he used Christopher to escape as fast as possible. I am so proud. I am crying. Omg. 

They look so good, shut up. So it's a surprise? I love how they got out of there as fast as possible, haha. Yes, Toni. That sigh of relief when Taylor walked out. Chim and Maddie hopefully getting back together. The first steps were made. I adore Christopher Diaz from the bottom of my heart. I am kind of disappointed we didn't get to hear the vows and stuff. They are also mean for not showing if Buck and Eddie were actually sitting next to each other. Also, where is Christopher in his little suit? They are going on vacation, good for them. I wanted to see the rest of the wedding. I live for details. Firefighter Eddie Diaz, shut the fuck up. I want to scream so loudly. Everyone looks so serious, and Buck is smiling. 

I am so happy, I feel like crying. We are going to have Buck and Eddie working together again. Omg. I am so excited for next season, and I cannot wait. Something is going to happen on that cruise, though.

[ineedapuppyandsomevodka]

Eddie was Maddie's best friend in HS and Buck has a crush on him but Eddie only sees Buck as Maddie's little brother until years later when they're working at 118

Okay, let me just say, I love this prompt. It’s great. I think that it would probably be better as a multi-chapter fic, but here it is anyway <3

Buck has always had a little bit of a crush on Eddie Daiz. Okay, more than a little, maybe, but he never really thought that he had a chance.

See, Maddie and Eddie were best friends when they were growing up. With a sibling that’s four years older than you with great taste in friends, it’s hard not to know who you like and don’t like. Evan Buckley liked Eddie Diaz. 

The only problem was, Eddie always saw Buck as Maddie’s kid brother. He was nice about it, at least. Buck would flirt with him, and Eddie would kind of flirt back. Buck would always want to go out and do things with them, and Eddie would never complain. Buck knew, though, that he never stood a chance. Eddie and Maddie were best friends and he wasn’t about to be the one to put a kink in their relationship. He loved that his sister had someone her age to stand up for her. 

People grow up, though, and they change. Maddie went off to college and Eddie enlisted. They both left Buck behind. 

Buck heard about Eddie every once and a while, through the grapevine. Maddie would text him every now and then. They would talk on the phone and he got to stay with her for a weekend at school. Eventually, though, Maddie started her career, she got married, and it was time for Buck to graduate high school.

He wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do. He knew that his parents had certain expectations of who they wanted him to be, but that didn’t interest him. He tried college, but it just wasn’t for him. So, he set off on a journey across the states and through South America, trying to figure out who he wanted to be and what he wanted to do. 

He ends up in Los Angles, working for the LAFD. He’s not entirely sure why he picked it, but he thought that he would be good at it. Turns out, he loves it. He loves helping people, and the team that he works with is incredible. 

Then one day, they get a new recruit and Buck’s world flips on its axis. 

“That’s Eddie Diaz, our new recruit,” Cap says. He says something else, but Buck doesn’t process any of it. 

Eddie Diaz is now a member of the 118. 

“Eddie?” He asks, disbelieving. 

All it takes is one look into those honey-brown eyes and Buck knows it’s true. He... He doesn’t look that different than the last time he saw him. It’s been almost 14 years, though, and those years did him a service. Eddie filled out in ways that will have Buck... reminiscing over in the shower later. It’s not fair. 

“No way, Evan?” Eddie asks, once his shirt is properly pulled over his chest. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same thing,” Buck says, dropping his bag on the floor. “Last I heard you had a kid and had got a place out in Texas.”

“Yeah, my parents moved out there after I enlisted,” he explains, then looks at the other coworkers who are staring at them. 

“You two know each other?” Bobby asks with raised brows. 

“Eddie lived down the street from me growing up,” Buck says. “He and my sister were best friends.” 

“You have a sister?” Chimney asks, pinching his eyebrows together in disbelief. 

“How is Maddie?” Eddie asks, disregarding Chimney’s question completely. 

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Buck says, shrugging. 

“But you guys were so close?” 

“I don’t know what happened,” he shrugs again. 

“God you’ve.. Grown since the last time I saw you,” he says, changing the subject. 

“Alright, I’ll let you two love birds get to it, then,” Hen says, shaking her head as she makes her way past them and into the locker room. 

“I mean, yeah. I think I hit my growth spurt junior or senior year,” he replies with a shrug. 

“Definitely not little Evan Buckley any more,” he states, gesturing at him. 

“It’s actually Buck, now. No one really calls me Evan.”

“Boys, get dressed, breakfast will be ready in 5,” Bobby says, and Buck actually listens, heading into the locker room to get changed. 

***

Working with Eddie was like nothing Buck would have ever imagined it being. They get caught up and reacquainted quickly. They work together like they’ve been doing it for years. It’s seamless, and they make a great team. 

When Maddie shows up, the first thing that Buck does, after they get reacquainted with each other after years of not talking, is tell her about Eddie. 

“Wow, you two sound really close,” Maddie says with a grin. 

“I mean, he’s only been at the station for like a week.”

“A week? Buck, you sound like you and Eddie have been great friends for years,” she laughs, and Buck can feel his face turn red. 

“Yeah, well, it’s weird that he got placed at my station, you know? Like out of all the fire departments he could have ended up at, it had to be the 118.” 

“Maybe it’s fate,” Maddie teases, knowing all too well how much of a crush Buck had on him growing up. 

***

When the earthquake hits and Eddie is obviously worried about his son, Christopher, Buck reminds him about all of the different zoning regulations that were put in place. Buck even goes with Eddie to pick his son up and makes certain that the two of them get home safe. 

When Shannon comes back, Buck is there to listen.

When Shannon dies, Buck is there to help out. 

When he gets crushed by the firetruck, Eddie holds his hand on the way to the hospital and it’s Eddie who helps him with physical therapy. 

When Eddie finishes his probationary year, Buck sits in the front row. 

When he gets the pulmonary embolism, Eddie uses Christopher as an excuse to get Buck out of bed. 

In the aftermath of the tsunami, Eddie takes both Christopher and Buck home. 

Soon it becomes clear to both of them, that Buck is no longer just “Maddie’s little brother,” but apart of the Diaz household. 

Not long after that, they realize that they love each other.

[randomfandomsstuffs-blog]

Its done!!

The fic is officially completed and ready for y'all to read. Unfortunately it's giving me massive problems when it comes to actually posting it. I will have it up as soon as possible, but until I can get the full thing up enjoy this sneak peek!!

Better Together

Summary: 5 times Eddie sees Buck wearing his last name and 1 time its not just his.

Tags: 911 fox, Buddie, Evan Buckley, Eddie Diaz, Christopher Diaz, Firefam, wearing each other's clothes

(Before the sneak peek Im going to suggest you listen to the song "Better Together" by Luke Combs. I listened to it a lot while writing and it inspired quite a bit of the fic!)

1

To be fair Eddie had no idea that he would have the reaction he did upon seeing Buck wearing his clothes.

It started unexpectedly to say the least. They were out on a call, an apartment complex on fire, and Eddie and Buck had been instructed to clear the floors. It was only a small two level building and they were told that most of the tennants had gotten out long before the fire had even reached halfway through the first floor. Buck and Eddie were just finishing the last three rooms when he heard Buck's voice come crackling through the radio.

"Hey Eddie, I got a kid in the last room over here! You all good to clear the the building?"

Eddie gave the current apartment he was in one more sweep then pulled his radio up to respond to his partner. "All good Buck. Let's head out."

Eddie met up with Buck in the hallway and together they exited the building. Hen met them at the door to give the little girl a once over, deciding that other than some smoke inhalation she was okay. Buck and Eddie were tasked with sitting with the young girl while Hen went to grab her parents from a nearby ambulance. They had only just reached the nearest firetruck to lean against before he heard the soft sound of Buck's voice, the kind he reserved specially for dealing with frightened children.

"Hey Sweetheart, are you cold?"

Eddie looked down to find the young girl trembling in Buck's arms as she gave a small nod. Eddie could hardly blame her, tonight had to be one of the coldest nights he's known L.A. to have and here these people were, standing outside in their pajamas. Eddie had even taken extra care to wear a few more layers underneath his turnout gear. Sure he may regret it while he's inside the heat of a burning building, but in times like now as they stand outside to wait on the back up transport as the last of the fire is put out, he can't seem to find a single regret.

He watches as Buck has the girl stand up on her own before he slides out of the jacket of his turnout gear, then lightly drapes it across her shoulders. She instantly offers a small smile in Buck's direction, pulling it tight around her and snuggling deeper into it. Buck smiles gently at her and pulls her back into his lap.

Its at that moment the girl's mother and father come running around the side of the fire truck and zero in on her. Buck allows her to jump up from his lap and meet them halfway as they drop down to pull her into a hug, muttering 'thank yous' to the two firefighters behind her. Afterwards the family stays nearby, sitting against the back of one of the other fire trucks.

Buck and Eddie stay where they are across from them, sitting shoulder to shoulder on the front of their own fire truck as Hen and Chim finish their last check overs on the other tenants and Bobby gets an updated ETA on when more transport is to arrive. Buck stays quiet all the while, swinging his feet with a small happy smile on his face as he watches the little girl and her family.

At least, that is, until Eddie feels him start to shiver from where they are pressed together. Its at that moment that Eddie realizes that Buck had not prepared as Eddie had for the cold weather. Instead all Buck currently has to shield himself against the bite of the wind is his LAFD t-shirt, having given his coat away to keep the little girl warm.

"Dios Mio, Buck. Not even a long sleeve shirt? You knew it was going to be cold today." Eddie says, shaking his head fondly at Buck. Buck looks over at Eddie sheepishly before offering a small shrug.

"I thought about it, but then I decided against it because its like walking into an oven when we are on a call for a fire. I guess I didn't think much about the after part of it."

"Of course you didn't." Eddie chuckles lightly before he leans up a little to shrug his own turnout coat off. Without a word Eddie hands it over to Buck who opens his mouth to protest before Eddie interrupts him. " Take it Buck, I have an undershirt, t-shirt, and my sweater on. Besides, Cap said tranports' ETA was about 5 minutes out like...4 minutes ago. I'll stay warm long enough. You, on the other hand, are going to turn into an ice cube."

Buck lets out a loud laugh before conceding, reaching out to take the coat from Eddie and snuggle down into it, much like the little girl did with Buck's own jacket, before letting out a grateful sigh. "Thank you Eddie."

" Yeah, of course." Eddie responds. A few seconds later they hear the distant sound of approaching sirens from the requested extra transport.

"Buckley! Diaz!" Both of their heads turn automatically and to follow the voice of their captain, preparing themselves to follow the orders he gives out. "Help Hen and Chim round up the tenants for transport. Make sure the most severe injuries go first."

"Got it Cap!" Buck responds, sending a small salute towards Bobby as he hops down from the truck. Eddie stays one step behind him as the seek out the other two members of the team. Chim automatically grabs Buck and pulls him away to the other side of the lawn to help the people there. Eddie watches them go for a second before turning back to Hen.

" Alright boss, whatchya got for me?" Hen doesn't waste time in pointing him in the right direction and Eddie gets to work. 

He doesnt think about his coat again again until after they have the last of the people loaded up. Eddie taps doors on the final ambulance as a signal that they can head out, more than glad that they have finally finished the job. It took longer to figure out where everyone was going and how to fit them all in the ambulances, even with the extras, than they thought it would and Eddie can feel the edges of the cold beginning to latch onto his bones with an icy grip. He rubs his arms as he walks around, eyes scanning the grassy front area and the fire trucks for any sign of his partner.

He finds him standing Chim near the firetruck. He has his head thrown back in laughter as they load the last of the gear back into the truck and he can see Chin wildly gesturing with his hands as he tells a story. Eddie can see a turnout coat clutched in one of Buck's hands, undoubtedly his own returned one that he hadn't bothered to switch back into instead of wearing Eddie's.

Eddie's body freezes mid stride. He looks Buck over again, still engaged in conversation though now he seems to be the one telling a story, and something warm settles heavily in Eddie's heart. It helps soften the icy edge of the cold. He'd try to deny it if anyone ever asked, but it certainly wasn't the fondness over his team that sent that feeling all the way to his toes.

No, instead it was from the way Buck smiled, the low rumble of his voice reaching Eddie though the words were incomprehensible from the distance he was parked at. It was the way Buck's own coat remained ignored and instead Eddie's was favored. The big yellow letters of "DIAZ" stretched across the back of the other man. It was the way Eddie's mind instantly whispered you know, the name actually suits him that sent Eddie stumbling to a halt, his heart stuttering before settling on a rapid pace.

He was only brought out of his stupor (more like starstruck staring) by his captain clamping a hand on his shoulder before asking him if he as ready to head back to the station. If it was accompanied by a knowing smile well....Eddie would deny that too.

(A/N: Even though this is just a small part of the big picture I would love any and all feedback. It helps a lot since this is my first time writing! Hope you enjoyed the sneak peek! )

[the-one-eighteen]

Okay for the prompt request, how about Buck plans a picnic with Eddie and Chris and they're once again mistaken for a couple? Bonus point if it leads to love confession and a first kiss (and no pressure if you don't feel like writing this, okay?)

Thank you so much for the prompt, and sorry for the delay! Hope you like it ^^

I Don’t Want Them to be Wrong

(read on ao3)

Buck couldn’t ask for a better day. The sun was shining without burning everything to a crisp, the park was busy without being crowded, they’d managed to find a perfect spot under a couple of trees - close enough to the playground that Chris could easily make it without help, but out of the way enough that they weren’t in any danger of being trampled on by excited kids or harried parents - and...well, he was out and about with his two favorite people.

The day honestly couldn’t get much better.

Eddie had given him a bit of a weird look when he’d suggested the picnic about a week ago. But Buck was smart, and had suggested it in front of Chris, who was immediately on board and helped him convince Eddie that it was a great idea without much prompting. He was pretty sure it was physically impossible for Eddie to say no to Chris over fun, easy stuff.

No one ever said he had to play fair when it came to Eddie.

And now, here they were, and even Eddie had to admit this was a good idea when he saw Chris light up, saw the spot Buck had picked out, and saw the food Buck had put together and just…

Yeah, it was a good idea, and Buck was a little proud of himself, honestly.

They’d needed a day out. Eddie’d been complaining about the never ending stream of take out he’d been having to get lately, and how, with it being summer, Carla and his family were having to watch Chris more, and while they were all great and wonderful, there was only so much they could do with an excited eight year old who didn’t have school and homework as a distraction.

Buck hadn’t thought of a picnic originally - it wasn’t generally his go-to, which tended more towards beer, pizza and video games, because, honestly? He didn’t need a whole lot, if he was spending the day with Eddie and Chris. Hell, he’d probably be happy with just hanging out on their couch for a couple hours, he was that far into it.

But Eddie had just looked so...upset, about the fact that Chris was bored out of his mind, and Eddie...hadn’t really been able to do anything to help relieve that boredom lately.

He might have also gone to Hen for suggestions.

Hen had given him a weird look - she’d been giving him a lot of those lately actually - before just shaking her head and suggesting one of the parks her and Karen took Denny to when the summer blues hit.

So, yeah. Picnic.

Eddie was currently stretched out beside him on the blanket, leaning back on his arms and watching Chris play, a pair of sunglasses perched on his nose, and a little dab of sunscreen there too, from where he’d been trying to cover Chris and Chris had been having none of it.

Buck kind of wants to tell him it’s there. Kind of wants to see how long it’ll take him to notice.

The sandwiches Buck had made are already long gone, a couple snacks still laid out here and there for when Chris decides he wants to come back.

They’re in absolutely no rush, and Buck is just enjoying the moment. He’s stretched out on his back, hands behind his head, enjoying the heat and the sounds of laughing kids and parents, and, honestly, if he wasn’t feeling so bright and full, he’d probably doze off, just absolutely content with life.

“...Thanks. For this.” Eddie murmurs a little while later, and Buck blinks slightly as his brain comes back online. Maybe he did doze off there for a moment. Whoops.

“Huh? Oh, of course man.” He grins up at Eddie, cheeky and bright. “You looked absolutely miserable last week. Had to do something.”

And Eddie looks at him, sunglasses making it impossible to actually decipher his expression. “No, you really didn’t.” And Buck doesn’t really get that, feels himself frowning, “But I’m glad you did.” And Eddie smiles down at him - that small, surprised one that he so rarely shows that makes Buck’s heart skip a beat or two every time he manages to tease it out.

And then he’s looking back towards the playground, and Buck gets a moment to just. Breathe. In through his nose, out through his mouth.

Calm down.

It’s something he has to tell himself a lot these days.

Calm down, when Eddie invites him to stay the night ‘cause they’ve been watching movies and it’s now midnight and there’s no point in him going home at that hour. Calm down, when Eddie tells him Chris misses him and he should come over soon. Calm down, when Eddie accepts invitations to his place for just the two of them for a night. Calm down, when Eddie asks if he can pick up Chris from school, or from his abuela’s because he’s picking up the end of a shift and knows Buck will without hesitation.

Calm down, when Eddie smiles at him, laughs with him.

Calm the fuck down, when Eddie does...anything.

It doesn’t ever really work, but he says it a lot. Likes to think it keeps him from doing something stupid.

“Daddy!” Chris calls, causing Buck to glance over, even if Eddie’s already on it.

“Yeah, buddy?” Eddie calls back, pushing himself up to actually sit.

“Can we get ice cream?” Chris asks, clearly already set to start heading for the ice cream cart that Buck had clocked when they’d gotten there.

Eddie frowns slightly, exaggeratedly, pretending to think on it for a moment.

Chris just huffs and turns to look at Buck instead, “Buck, can we get ice cream?” which causes Eddie to bust out laughing, and Buck just grins and shakes his head.

“Not how that works buddy. Good try though.” Buck says, even as Eddie mutters something about kids too smart for their own good.

Chris pouts a bit, but Eddie’s already throwing his hands up in defeat, “Go over and tell the nice lady what you want. We’ll be right there.” And Chris is off as fast as his little legs can carry him.

“Come on, let’s get over there before he orders more than he can carry…” Eddie says, trying for grumpy and put out, but Buck can see the smile, so he just shoves Eddie when he tries to get up, laughing when Eddie sprawls out with a squawk and a curse too low for any close by parents to be offended.

“You good there, Diaz?” Buck asks, smile as innocent as he can make it. Eddie’s not buying it for a second, if the look he shoots him is anything to go by, and Buck guesses he’s got about two seconds before Eddie tackles him in retaliation, so he’s up on his feet and gone in one. The shout that follows him as Eddie goes sprawling again just proves him right.

He laughs to himself, slowing down a good couple of feet from the cart, where Chris is waiting patiently, a frozen orange pop already in hand. “Looks good buddy, why don’t you go help your dad up while I pay?”

Chris beams at him and bolts back the way he came. Buck looks back long enough to see Eddie scoop up an excitedly shrieking Chris a moment later, both of them laughing and spinning around, enough that Buck’s vaguely worried about Chris losing his popsicle.

“He’s adorable. And incredibly polite. You two are doing a good job with him.” The woman behind the cart says and Buck blinks, glancing back over, what he’s sure is a dumb grin still in place.

“What? Oh, uh-” This isn’t the first someone’s mistaken them for...for more than what they are. Isn’t the first time Buck’s heart has flipped over itself at the very idea. “Thank you. He’s a good kid.” And she smiles kindly, and he orders two chocolate pops for him and Eddie and pays for all three with a thank you before heading back to their blanket, where Eddie’s losing at trying to keep Chris clean.

And, maybe, just maybe, it’s a little selfish, that he doesn’t correct them, every time it comes up. But the very idea of being able to call Chris his, of being able to call Eddie his...going along with it for one moment, just a moment where he can smile and be loud and proud about what he supposedly has…

It’s never hurt anyone, and it takes less time than explaining that no, they’re not together, no, Chris isn’t his, and yes, it hurts every single time he has to come back down to reality.

So.

Yeah.

He drops back down on the blanket, offering over the popsicle to Eddie, who just looks at him, utterly defeated, while Chris grins at him, smile orange and sticky and so, so bright.

“Give up Eddie. We’ll soak ‘em with the hose when we get home.” And Buck can feel his face heating up as his jaw snaps shut. He didn’t mean to say that, sneaking a look at Eddie to see if he noticed.

Thankfully it doesn’t look like it, as Eddie just sighs and takes the popsicle that’s being offered, giving up on getting a napkin to Chris’ face. “He needs a bath anyway…”

Chris finishes his popsicle in record time after that, muttering that Eddie and Buck eat too slow before asking if he can go play again. Eddie makes one last attempt at wiping his face off, but Chris is too hyper now to really sit still for it, though Buck will give it to him that he tries. For a second.

“Fine, fine, ya little sugar demon. Go burn off that energy.” Eddie says, shooing a now laughing Chris off towards the playground.

Buck tosses his popsicle stick into their small bag of trash, laying back to rest his head on his hands again, watching Chris with a smile as Eddie goes quiet. God, he just wants this day to last forever.

“Why do you never correct them?” Eddie asks after a long couple of minutes. He’s still sitting crosslegged next to Buck, and in theory, he’s watching the playground, but who the hell knew with those sunglasses that Buck was starting to hate. His popsicle is mostly forgotten in his hand, melting onto a napkin in front of him while his arms rest on his knees.

Buck doesn’t get what he’s asking at first, frowning and pushing himself up to his hands, “Correct them?”

“When people assume Chris is ours.” Eddie says, still not really looking over, though Buck has a sneaking suspicion he’s watching Buck out of the corners of his eyes.

But Buck’s not really concerned with that right now.

No, no, he’s mainly concerned with the fact that it seems his stomach has suddenly relocated to his knees, and he’s pretty sure that’s not where it’s supposed to be.

“Uh…” Okay, think. Calm down and think. “...It’s faster to just agree?” Buck tries, hating how his voice goes a little shaky.

And there’s a pause. A long one that has the hair on the back of Buck’s neck standing on edge.

“...Oh.” Is all Eddie says though, his shoulders slumping slightly. And Buck can feel his gaze going back to the playground, even if he can’t actually see it.

...What the ever loving hell was he supposed to do with that?

He sits up completely then, moving to sit crosslegged in a mirror of Eddie, just eyeing him for a long moment. Eddie’s not...avoiding his look, but he’s definitely pretending like he doesn’t notice, if the sudden tension he can see in his shoulders is anything to go by.

Buck’s stomach is back where it’s supposed to be, but now his heart is beating double time as the very possibility starts worming its way into his mind. Was Eddie...disappointed?

Calm down. There had to be another explanation.

Calm down. But what could it be?

Calm down before you do something stu- “And…” Buck begins, slowly, testing the words in his mind over and over again before he actually lets them out, “I really like the idea.” He hesitates, before adding, softer, “I don’t want them to be wrong.”

And Buck’s like. Ninety percent certain Eddie’s stopped breathing. Which, you know, is only fair, since Buck’s holding his breath now too, waiting for Eddie to respond.

It’s quiet between them for long enough for Buck to go a little light headed before Eddie sets down what’s left of the popsicle. He reaches up to pull off his sunglasses, finally looking at Buck.

Really looking. Intense eyes bore into Buck for another long moment and it’s all Buck can do not to look away. Look away from this, whatever this turns out to be.

And then Eddie’s face breaks into a smile - one Buck’s never seen, but one that immediately takes his breath away, it’s so damn bright. Well, looks like he has a new favorite smile. Or, you know, he could just stick to loving all of them. That works too.

“I really like the idea too.” Eddie says, almost shyly, and Buck just...he needs to do something stupid. Again.

He leans in to press a kiss to Eddie’s lips, grins when he feels Eddie lean into it immediately, only for them to have to break apart way too soon because they’re both grinning too hard for it to work. Both of their smiles are a little stupid as they laugh softly,

“Maybe try that again?” Eddie asks, and Buck has to actually school his face so he doesn’t laugh again before he’s leaning back in to steal an actual kiss, all sweet intensity and soft breath, and it damn near takes his breath away when Eddie shifts just enough to slot them together just right.

Yeah, Buck couldn’t ask for a better day.