Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Buck was just getting out of the shower when his phone pinged a message. He opened it to see a notification from one of his many blog sites. To look up in the sky. The northern lights making perhaps a once in a life time appearance in the states. His eyes went wide and he glanced out his windows and almost dropped his phone. He did drop his towel though and quickly put on his shorts and a hoodie. Then carefully but steadily made his way down his stairs and opened his porch doors and looked up. The purples and greens were so pronounced. Was that a blue streak? It took his breath away. He opened his phone to dial Tommy, but remembered he was on a call, so he scrolled to Eddie's name and dialed. He picked up after the second ring.

"Hey Buck."

"Eddie, go outside!"

"Oh, well. I'm fine. Thanks for asking. How are you?"

Buck snickered. "Just go outside in the yard and look up!"

He listened to Eddie sigh his fond breath and then silence but he could hear him moving through the house, a door open and footsteps on the deck.

"Dios!"

"I know!"

"How is possible, Buck? Even with how bright our neighborhood is, it's so clear!"

"Same here, Eddie. Magnetic storms triggered by solar flares. Could be what triggered so many of our calls today."

"I don't think that's true."

He moved to sit on one his lounge chairs and leaned back, still in awe of the sight before him. He grabbed the pillow and pressed it to his chest.

"You never know! Solar flares mess with electronics. We had to rescue a couple from their tesla. And that cyber truck that got stuck in the middle of that intersection. God, they are so ugly! And break proof windows, my ass. They folded like paper. And have you seen those videos? They cause so much more damage to a smaller car, even if they made of crap. Remind me to never get one. And you should know what they call it by official scientific terms, its called coronal mass ejections!"

A light breathy chuckle on the other end of the line. "Chim would have a field day with that line. And, I'll mark down NO on all electric vehicles."

"Oh, for sure! And what about you? I know your mind can go to some filthy places. It surprises me what comes out of your mouth sometimes."

Another fond sigh. "Yes, well. I am trying to keep my mind PG for a while. I've got too many issues. I am a father, don't forget. Chris is number one, even if he is far away."

"Speaking of! Chris would totally enjoy this. Him being a science nerd and all. Maybe even more than me!"

Silence. "Eddie, call him. Tell him him to look up."

"It's not guaranteed to be there also, Buck. It would only be a disappointing phone call."

"Then you FaceTime him. Apparently it looks even clearer through a lens. He's been slowly opening up, this will just get your foot in the door a little more."

Another puff of air and he can picture Eddie rubbing a hand over his face as he does when he stresses out.

"It will be fine. Just call him."

"Okay, okay. So bossy." He could practically hear the smile on Eddie's face.

"Let me know how it goes?"

"Of course. Thanks Buck. How long do you think this will last?"

He put his phone on speaker and scrolled through the blog again. New posts popping up.

"Hmmm...they say could be for a few hours. Maybe go in and out. But it looks like it will hang out for a bit. Fingers crossed."

"They? Are you on your blog site again? What was it called? Science of the stars and all things extra terrestrial?"

"You know it! There are real scientists on there, ya know."

"Sure, sure. I'm sure I'll be the second to know when they find aliens nearby."

He heard the sound of his door open and smiled when Tommy walked in.

"Yes, you will! Gotta go! Tommy just walked in. Don't waste time Eddie!"

"Bye Buck. Say hey to Tommy."

They hung up and Buck bounded into the kitchen just as Tommy was grabbing a beer. He grabbed Tommy's free hand.

"Babe, you're home! Come outside and look at the sky!"

Tommy grumbled something under his breath, but he was too excited to notice. He held onto Tommy's hand and they looked up together.

Tommy nodded, taking a sip of his beer. "Looks great. I've seen it before."

Buck glanced at Tommy who had a neutral look to his face. His excitement dropped. "Like you've been to Alaska? Or did you go to Greenland? Iceland? Oh, we should totally take a trip there! I bet the lights would be so bright. Not all this light pollution to dampen it. Do you think you can take some time off? I've been wanting to take a break, believe it or not. I haven't had a vacation in years."

Tommy shrugged. "Saw it while on a rescue. Maybe. You know I've been trying for that promotion."

Buck nodded. "Okay, so future talk. But you'll think about it?"

Tommy nodded, taking a sip of his beer.

Buck squeezed Tommy arm. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just hungry and tired."

"Then we can order a pizza and sit out while we wait for it."

"It's cold out here and I all I want to do it shower and watch the game. World Series. Ringing any bells?"

"What's with the attitude, Tommy? I know you have it recorded. Doesn't even start until 8. We've got an hour. All I'm asking if for you to sit out here with me and cuddle for a little bit. Watch something amazing with me."

Tommy shrugged. "I don't know what you want me to say."

"Nothing. Just live in the moment with me. That's not too hard, right?"

"I guess not."

Tommy just stood there looking bored.

Buck rubbed his face in frustration. "Seriously, what is going on? Are you depressed? Because I know we've only been dating for six, almost seven months, and you totally don't have to tell me. But if there are signs that I've missed and pushing you too hard or whatever, then I feel I have the right to know, so I know how to approach you."

"Not depressed. There is nothing to fix."

"I didn't say fix, Tommy. I want to get know you more. And right now, you are really hard to read."

"Maybe it should stay that way."

He took a step back in shock, dropping his hand from Tommy's arm. "What?"

Tommy sighed. "I don't want the connection that you are looking for. If I had known you would have been so emotional about everything, I would have just stayed in the closet."

Buck was confused by that. "What are you saying? You were the one who kissed me! And told me you liked the way my mind works."

"Yeah, well. It's good in small doses."

He looked up to the sky in disbelief. The sky flared with colors seemed to match their fight.

"Then, what where you going on about at the hospital? Wanting a team, being part of a team, someone to have your back. That's connection. I'm not understanding what's happening here."

When Tommy raised an eyebrow, that's when it clicked. He got it. "So, you used me as a way to get back onto the 118? Unbelievable! But, maybe it makes sense. With Gerrard being in charge again. He told me you two were close. And what? Push me out? The others? Create a new team, one that is not 'soft' as Gerrard put it. He was giddy with power. Should have sensed something. That's not really how that works anyway. You integrate into a team and form bonds. We are a family here. It's harder when its all new people. And that kind of mindset. Don't tell me you still align with Gerrard's thinking? "

Tommy just smugly drank his beer.

"You are the worst kind of person, Tommy. So, you can kindly get the fuck out of my house and out of my life."

"I can do that. See ya, Evan." Putting emphasis on his name.

He really tried liking being called Evan again. Tommy always said it sweetly and he never questioned it. But now it just soured in his stomach and wished he corrected him in the beginning. Too late now. He'll have to be more careful in the future. He flinched a little when Tommy slammed the door hard.

"Fuck."

He slumped back down onto the recliner and looked up. The swirling lights were still bright and danced around, calming him almost immediately. He check his phone. They had been arguing for over an hour. He sighed and then noticed he missed a text. Eddie sent a picture, a screen shot, of him and Chris smiling widely.

Eddie: Chris could see them too! He wants to come home. He has a science event thing and then he's ready. Talked to mom. She's reluctant, but told her too bad. Chris also agreed to do family therapy.

Eddie: Thank you.

Chapter Text

Buck stared at his phone with a smile. He glanced back up at the light show. Sad that he was alone, but in awe that he really wasn't. As a whole city that surrounded him was probably also looking up. But he really wanted to share his joy with someone. Tommy couldn't be it, so the next best thing, was his best friend. He only hoped he wasn't interrupting a conversation between father and son still. The text had come in thirty minutes ago. Doesn't mean it was over already. He would give it a little more time. He scrolled through his blog site and was excited to learn the lights would stick around for another day or two.

Buck: You still home?

His phone rang immediately.

"What's wrong, Buck? Did Tommy get hurt at a call?" He got emotional at the concern in Eddie's voice.

"No, sorry. Nothing like that."

"Oh, that's a relief. Stuck at a call? I saw there was a rescue going on at Longspeak Ridge."

He probably took that call then. Always on call. Should have seen that as a sign long ago, thinking back to Chimney's bachelor party. He sighed. "He might have taken that call. We broke up."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"I'm not."

"Oof. Are you dressed? I'm picking you up."

"What? No, that's okay. I'm fine."

"I don't believe you. But even if you are, I feel like going out. There are a few new food trucks at the park I wanna check out."

His stomach gurgled at that. "I was gonna order pizza, but that sounds like a much better plan. Is the stuffed pepper truck still there?"

He heard keys jingling and a car door opening. "Yes! I made sure to check. The perogi truck. And the churro truck. They even have a booth for beer."

"Oh yeah! That guy we helped a few weeks ago, right? He was trying to find a place to open a brewery. I see he does this for now until he can get that running. Hope he's there!"

Eddie chuckled. "Yeah. He was a cool guy. That burn was nasty. Hope his hand healed quickly."

Comfortable silence fell as he heard Eddie driving and the occasional blinker. He went back inside to change into comfortable slacks and a sweater. Then found his favorite jacket. He grabbed his keys and wallet and headed out to the elevator. The next blinker sound on Eddie's car, sounded like he was only a few minutes away. He knew the route by heart and it just felt familiar. Like when you were asleep in the car as a child and you just knew you were on your street, just minutes from home.

"Hey Eddie, I'm hanging up now. At the elevator now and the signal always drops."

"Ok, only a few minutes away."

He waited at the elevator and when the door opened, Veronica stepped out.

"Oh, hey."

She studied him for a second. "You alright? I heard shouting about an hour ago and then a few doors slamming. I almost came to check, but I know you can handle yourself if something was wrong."

He smiled. "That's sweet, I think. Just a fight with Tommy. He was an asshole. We broke up." He wasn't afraid to share with her. She always gave it to him straight.

"On that, I have to agree."

"How so?"

"He was always slightly rude to me if we crossed paths, usually on the elevator. Maybe because he knew we dated, albeit briefly, and it didn't go well. I don't know. He just gave off a weird vibe. Sorry, but true."

"You should have said something. I would have told him to back off."

"It's not like he was gonna do something. It was just something. Couldn't place anything in particular."

He nodded. "I think I know what you are talking about. Just couldn't see it. Until now."

"Mmhmm. You were always a little slow."

"Hey now." They shared a smile.

Eddie: in the parking lot

Buck smiled.

Buck: Be right down

"What's got you all giddy?"

"What? Oh, Eddie is picking me up. Pity dinner."

"Don't do that. He does not pity you, at all. Just go before you spiral."

He stepped on the elevator and just before it closed she called out. "He's one of the good ones. Don't let him go!"

Chapter Text

He let that statement marinate for a little bit. It's not like he hadn't thought about it. Asking Eddie out. But was it too soon, after? He didn't even know if Eddie even was into guys, let alone him. Sure they got along like a house on fire, but was there more? He didn't want to spiral so he shoved that thought down and stepped outside. He gasped as the lights still flashed strong and danced off of Eddie's black truck.

Eddie's smile through the open window was just as bright so he couldn't help but grin back.

"Can you believe that the lights are still swirling up there? I had to be careful not to crash. Absolutely stunning!"

He nodded, hopping into the truck. Even with his height he still had to hoist himself up. Why Eddie decided on this particular vehicle, he'll never know.

He glanced at Eddie, who looked relaxed as ever. He was wearing faded black jeans and a cream sweater, black jean jacket over top of it.

"That jacket, Eddie? Really?"

"What? I like it. What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing, just it's cold tonight. It's not enough."

"Oh, relax! I've got another jacket in the back. You worry too much! You know I come prepared."

He glanced in the back and saw the jacket, along with some blankets and Eddie's to go bag from work.

"How did your call go with Chris?"

"Oh Buck. It was so wonderful. Therapeutic, even. We just talked and he aired all his thoughts, had lots of questions. I answered truthfully. He understood, but wants to do family therapy. Which I am on board with. Said he wants you be in on a few too. Only, if your comfortable with that."

His breath caught in his throat. "Uh, wow. Sure. If it will help. I'll always help where I can."

"Good. Good." Eddie's shoulder relaxed a little. Buck reached out and gave his arm a light squeeze, earning him a genuine Eddie smile.

They arrived at the food truck area and got out and walked around for a few minutes checking out the options. It was busy, but not overwhelmingly so. There were more people in the field area with professional cameras pointed at the sky. He smacked himself for not thinking of bringing his. His phone will have to do for now.

"Hey Buck. How about you get the food? You know my choice. I'll get us the beer. See ya back at the truck?"

He glanced at the line for the beer. It was quite long. The two food trucks that they chose were right next to each other and only a few people deep. He was touched, as Eddie knew he didn't do well in long lines. He got antsy and would try to strike up conversations with people near him. Sometimes he would find a willing participant, but often enough they would get annoyed at him or just ignore him. Which was fair. He was working on that. So he nodded. They fist bumped and went their separate ways.

He had gotten Eddie's burger and then found his spot on line for the stuffed pepper truck and stood behind a mother and she was holding a boy who couldn't have been much older than Jee. He had on a Bluey shirt and his hair was a curly mop on his head. Reminded him of Christopher when they first met. He smiled and the boy smiled back, who then pointed up.

"Lights!"

He chuckled. "Yeah, kiddo. They are pretty cool! That's when the sun gets really curious about the earth, just like you get really curious about the lights!"

The boy giggled, still pointing. Mom turned around. "Sorry, he's very outgoing."

"Oh, that's fine. I love kids. He reminds me of my Chris." It just slipped out.

She smiled. "Well, this is Tommy." Oh, the irony. He had to bite back a grimace. Not the kid or parent's fault. "Oh, no honey, he doesn't want to...".

Tommy made grabby hands to reach out and practically fell into Buck's arms, who quickly caught him. "Woah! I got ya!"

Mom sighed. "I'm so sorry. I'm trying to teach him stranger danger, but he wants to be friends with everyone."

"No problem. I'm a firefighter, so you can trust me."

Mom nodded. "Oh, uh, I'm Tori. My husband was a firefighter, medically retired. Works in real estate now."

"Buck. I'd shake your hand, but they are currently holding precious cargo." Tommy was poking his cheek, getting close to his eye. "Owie?" Then poked his birthmark under his eyebrow.

"Oh, no. That's a birthmark. I was born with it. Just a little different color skin. No owie." Tommy seemed to take that in, studying his birthmark before poking at it again, making him chuckle.

The line moved up and Tori was next. "Do you mind holding him for another minute or two? I have a couple things to get."

"No problem. So, you like Bluey?"

Eddie was almost at the front of the line when he looked back to where Buck was standing and rolled his eyes fondly. Buck was talking to a mother and son. The boy suddenly launched himself into Buck's arms and he could see him melt as the boy babbled about something. Buck being attentive and animatedly talking about something. His chest warmed and filled with want. He shook his head. Now was not the time! Buck had just broken up with Tommy. He wanted to find out more about that before he even considered making a move. Would Buck even want him when he knows all of his baggage? Uh, oh. He could feel himself spiraling.

"Next!" Oh, good. Distraction is good.

He walked to the booth and the man they had helped at that call was manning it. He still had a bandage on his hand. It was smaller, so that was progress, at least.

"Jackson, right?"

The man nodded and then his eye brows raised. "Oh, uh. Diaz! Right?"

"Eddie. Yeah. How's the hand?"

"Almost there. Your instructions were very helpful. I see your partner over there. Buck, was it?"

"Yeah. He was wondering if you were here. Wanted to pick your brain about the progress of your brewery. But I see your busy, so I'll just get two of your special IPA's and be out of your hair."

"It's been a good night. I close in an hour. Can't serve alcohol past 10. He can find me then. Aww, look. He is so immersed in that conversation with that kid. He looks like a natural."

"He's great with mine."

"Oh?"

"I have a 14 year old son, from a previous relationship. She, my wife, passed a few years ago. Buck stepped up and in." How about all the way in?

"I'm so sorry. Well, it looks like you have a good one there."

He nodded. "I really do." He watched as the mother got her food and the boy gave Buck a really big hug around his neck before letting go and was back in his mother's arms. They exchanged a few more words before heading in the direction of the parking lot. The boy waving goodbye wildly.

Jackson handed Eddie his beer order and he turned back to see Buck putting his order in. Buck looked over and he raised his beers with a smile and a nod in the direction of the truck. Buck smiled and thumbs up. He chuckled and made his way back to the truck. He pulled the trunk down and set the beers down. He grabbed the blankets and pillows and set them up on the bed and sat on the tailgate. Legs swinging as he took a sip. Oh, that was tasty!

Buck arrived ten minutes later, his arms filled to the gills.

"What did you do? Buckley!"

Buck chuckled. "Don't Buckley me, Edmundo. I got our order and then just a few sides. This bag right here, are different kinds of dips for the that. You can't have too many dips. And then of course the churros. Then I saw fried pickles. Stuffed and fried banana or plantain. Might be both. Chocolate covered smores. And then...". He held out a small bag and handed to Eddie.

Eddie opened it. "Flores de hojaldre! No way!" He took a bite. "Almost as good as Aunt Pepa's." As the taste of home swirled in his mouth, he hiccuped with emotion. She had been teaching Chris how to make them before disaster hit.

"Sorry." He brought his hand to his face as he tried to keep the tears at bay, but failing to do so.

"Oh, Eddie." Buck pulled him to his chest and pressed a light kiss to his temple. They comforted each other for a few minutes until Buck pulled away.

"Sorry, Eddie. I didn't realize."

Eddie shook his head. "It's fine. I think I needed that. Maybe we'll save that dessert for later. I wanna try my burger. I'm starving. Try the beer, its really good."

He took a sip and swooned in delight. "So good!"

"Jackson, the guy with the burn on his hand, was manning the booth. Said he would be interested in a chat at 10. He has to pack up then."

"Awesome!"

"That kid really took a liking to you. What were you talking about?"

"Oh! He thought my birthmark was an owie. And of course the lights. He was so sweet. So inquisitive. And you would never believe what his name was."

"Couldn't tell ya."

"Tommy." Buck frowned.

"Ouch. You wanna talk about it?"

"Just that he's an asshole. He used me to try and get back onto the 118. All that talk about having a good team. He was still in cahoots with Gerrard, I think. He wants to revamp the whole station."

"Such a coward. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that. I know you were excited about him. Hen said she has some kind of plan about Gerrard, but that's a conversation for another time."

"She mentioned something too, was very hush hush about it. He opened my eyes to a lot of things. But, I've had some time to think. He is not my person."

"You have a person? Who?"

Buck leveled him with one look.

"Oh."

Buck took his hand. "If you don't want it. To be with me. Let me know. I am happy to just be friends. Be part of your life. It's just a privalidge to be in your life."

He looked down at their hands entwined. He was amazed by how well they fit together.

"I want it."

Buck smiled so wide that his crinkles in his eyes had crinkles. "Yeah?"

"I want it all, Buck. I just don't think I'm ready for the physical stuff yet."

"No kissing?" Buck looked serious, but had a twinkle in his eye. He bumped his shoulder. "Sorry, I'd be fine holding your hand forever, if that's what you wanted."

"Kissing is fine. And I'm sure we would be more than compatible in the bedroom, I have no doubt."

Buck nodded. "What's hold you back?"

"My baggage?"

"Eddie, I know all of it. I'm all in."

"And I am so grateful. I think I want to go to therapy. For us. I regret not working it out with Shannon. I need to figure myself out. Why I get stuck at certain milestones in my life. And if we do a couples session too? I don't know. I just want to be better."

"You already are better, just by doing that next step. I'm in. Therapy and all."

"Yeah. Okay. That's a relief."

"I'm gonna kiss you now, Eddie."

They leaned in, careful not squish their food, and met in the middle. Their first kiss was as electrifying as the lights above them. Which were starting to dim a little. But he wasn't paying attention to that. His focus was on Buck's hands, which one was curled around his neck and the other on his thigh, more to keep balance. His hands were buried in the front of Buck's jacket. They kissed until they were startled when his watch started beeping. Buck pulled back and glanced at it.

"Did you set a timer for 10 pm so I could talk to Jackson?"

He shrugged, feeling kiss drunk. "Yeah. He seemed genuinely interested in talking to you. I see he is packing up if you wanna go."

Buck smiled adoringly at him. "I'll only be a minute." Pressed a quick peck on his lips, that seemed to ignite the light above again. Buck jumped down and made his way over to the booth. There was a short exchange of words, a business card given and Buck was making his way back.

"He'll be here for the next couple of weekends. So I'll catch up with him later."

He grabbed Buck's hand to help him back on the tailgate.

"Your truck is ridiculous."

Eddie chuckled. "I know." He would trade it in for a mini van right now if Buck asked him to. Hell. He might just look into doing it anyway and surprise Buck with it.

They settled further back in the trunk so they were leaning on the cab. They worked their way through their meals and saved the desserts for home. They huddled under the blanket, exchanging kisses. Looking at some new photo's that Chris sent. And just talking or looking up at the sky. His phone actually did a decent job. Dramatic over the city skyline. it was nearing 11 and the lights had faded out.

"Stay with me tonight?"

"Eddie..."

"I just want to feel you near me."

"Okay. It's a good thing we have off tomorrow. Can we lounge in bed all day?"

"I think that can be arranged." They started cleaning up.

"To home, home we go. Then to bed, to bed I said. Breakfast in bed."

"What are you saying? Are you quoting Dr. Seuss?"

Buck laughed. "No, don't think so. Just want to make a rhyme. Kinda works. Fits our current situation."

He just shook his head. "Buck logic. I kinda dig it."

"Dig it? Okay, I think we both had too much grease and sugar."

"Maybe we need to go for a run tomorrow before we lounge in bed all day?"

"Go for a run a the crack of dawn, then we mow your lawn? Oh, god, don't do that, you're gonna make me yawn." He yawned so hard that his jaw cracked. "I'm done."

"Me too. Ready?"

Buck grabbed Eddie's free hand and pressed a kiss to the knuckles. "Ready."

Chapter Text

There was a knock at the door.

Eddie rolled over, eyes still closed and not sure if he was dreaming that. He was half under Buck, his arms wrapped around his middle, who was stirring as well. He pressed a few quick kisses to his birthmark, and Buck's eyes blearily popped open. His plump kissed lips looked so inviting, that he leaned over again to kiss him.

"Hey."

"Hey, yourself."

They shared a moment, and then another knock at the door. They frowned.

"Are you expecting someone?" Buck rolled over to check his phone. "At 8:30 in the morning?"

Eddie got up and quickly got dressed.  "No...?"

"A package that needs to be signed?"

"No? Usually if it's a package, they would leave it and my phone alerts me."

Buck stretched and started to do the same, only with less urgency as he didn't want to reveal himself to whoever the caller was.

Eddie stepped out into the hallway and made his way to the door. The top of the person's head was visible at the top of the door. It looked awfully familiar. He just didn't want to be right. If it was bad news, he wasn't ready.

He opened to reveal, "Dad? What are you doing here? Is everything..."

His father looked the same. No blood spurting from anywhere. No signs of heart attack. He had a backpack strapped to his back, suitcase by his side. He sidestepped to reveal Christopher.

Eddie dropped to his knees in disbelief. "Chris! Oh my god! Mi bebe esta aqui. Casa segura. Gracias dios!"

Christopher quickly stepped into his space. Eddie pressed his face into Christopher's stomach wrapped his arms around his middle. Chris could only reach around his shoulders, but was hugging just as tight.

Buck appeared just out of eyesight, but he caught Ramon's eye. They shared a teary smile. He approached the reunion but kept quiet and mouthed 'thank you' to Ramon who nodded in acknowlegement with a smile as he watched Eddie lean back and take Chris's face in him hands.

"I'm so sorry, Dad! I'm sorry." Tears streaming down the boys face.

Eddie just smiled, wiping them away. "Nothing to apologize for. You're home, and that's all that matters. The other stuff, we work on later. Okay?"

Chris nodded and then noticed Buck.

"Buck!" Then launched himself in Buck's arms.

"Oof! Hey Chris. So good to see you. Wow, you got tall. Must be eating those veggies. In that case, I'll make some asparagus tonight. You'll grow taller than both of us by Christmas!"

"Oh, gross. I don't like asparagus! Makes my pee smell."

"Sure you do! Remember the last time, I made it with salmon and sweet potato."

"I don't like fish."

"What! Since when? Don't tell me you've became a picky eater? Oh no, what will I cook?" He poked Chris's side who was giggling trying to hide behind Eddie.

"Ahem."

They all looked at Ramon. "Sorry, sorry. But, Buck, would you help Chris unpack? I want to speak to my son before I head home."

Eddie looked past the open door to see his parents car in the driveway. "Pops, you're driving? At least stay the night."

"No, no. This will only take a few minutes. I don't want to waste any more family time."

Buck nudged Chris. "Hey, let's go unpack."

Chris rolled his eyes. "Fine."

Eddie and Ramon watch as the boys disappear down the hall.

"So...you two finally...?"

Eddie's cheeks reddened. "Yeah. Yeah. I think he's it for me. I've worked on myself over the last few months. I have therapy scheduled. We've agreed to go slow."

"Slow? What slow? Don't do that, you'll regret it. Sure, you may hits some obstacles, but that is half the fun of figuring out who you are with your significant other."

"Yeah. So, you're okay with me being with..."

"Son. As long as you are happy and he treats you well. Vise versa. I see how he is with Christopher. I couldn't ask for a better match for you."

"Thanks, Pops. So, tell me why you brought him back two weeks early? Not that I am not ecstatic out of my mind, but he seemed pretty excited about that science fair."

"Dios, it's your mother's doing. She heard Chris talking to one of his friends about missing home and found this program. Shortly after, you two talked. She told him he must do this and then she would consider it. I've been increasingly worried that she wanted to make this arrangement permanent. She started referring to Chris as her son to her friends. Chris was miserable. You looked twice as bad. I couldn't stay in the shadows any longer. He's my grandson, and I also know what's best for him. He needs his father. I'm retired. I don't want to raise more children. I want to have fun with my grandchildren. I want to travel with my wife. And looking back, before you left, I can't believe we ever thought of taking him away from you. What would have become of you?"

He was watching his father go to battle with himself. Breath getting a little more labored. He reached out to squeeze his shoulder.

"Hey, Dad. Hey, it's okay. I'm okay. Take a breath. In and out. There you go."

"Sorry, son. Had to get that out. It's been eating away at my heart." He cleared his throat. "Right, well. I must be off and deal with your mother's wrath."

Eddie just shook his head. "She's a tough one, Dad. You'll get through it, though. Tell her we need to have a conversation before she can come visit or if Chris ever stays with both of you. This situation can't happen again." His father nodded.

"Oh! Before you go."

He headed to the kitchen and brought back a bag from last nights food truck haul and handed it over.

Ramon peeked in and gasped. "Flores de hojaldre! Oh, I've missed these." He took one from the bag and popped it in his mouth. "Bueno, bueno, bueno."

"Take the whole bag."

"No, no. Just one more for the road. And what is that big truck doing out front? Buck's? Yours? What are you doing Eddie? You don't need that. I thought you were trying to save money. That thing must guzzle up gas. And safety. Sorry, sorry. Not my business. I almost bought a Tesla when I retired, but then we would have to change our power grid. Mom was wanting solar panels. I'm also technically challanged, don't have a smart phone. Heard you need one to even open the door. Too much hassle!"

Eddie chuckled. "Buck would give you an hour lecture on a Tesla. And don't mention Cyber Trucks. Another hour."

"Cosas muy feas. Saw one on the way here. Alright. I'll get out of your hair." He turned toward the door.

"Hey, Pops?" Ramon turned around. Eddie pulled him into a hug. "Thank you."

Ramon pulled away with a smile and lightly patted his cheek. "I'll do anything for my son."

Eddie nodded tearfully and watched his father get in his car and back out of the driveway. He wiped a tear and closed the door. His heart beating fast now as he made his way toward the bedrooms. He could hear Buck and Chris talking low. He entered the doorway and watched as Buck was putting away the last of Chris's clothes in the closet. He sat next to Chris and pulled him into a hug again.

"Hey, bud. Doing okay?"

"Yeah. I'm sorry it took so long to come back. Abuela was being difficult. She wanted to do so many things, and then realized I am not as capable. So she signed me up for so many science and math clubs. It just was non stop. I miss my friends. I miss this bed. I missed you most."

"I heard. I'll have a talk with her later. Not for you to worry about anymore. And I missed you so much!"

Chris nodded. "Can we check out the food trucks again tonight? The lights are supposed to be back around dusk."

"I think we can do that."

"Can Buck make breakfast. He's staying right? Then I think I wanna rearrange my bedroom. Maybe get rid a few things. I have so many toys I don't play with anymore. I need some new school supplies."

"Woah there cowboy. One thing at a time okay? We have plenty of time for all of that."

Buck laughed. "Yeah, kiddo. But, right now, I can make breakfast!" He pressed a kiss to Eddie's temple, ruffled Chris's hair and left for the kitchen.

"Dad?"

"Yeah, bud?"

"Are you and Buck together? I thought he was with Tommy."

He sucked in a breath. He wasn't going to lie or hold back anymore. Not to his son. "Yeah. Last night actually. Are you okay with that? Because we can talk about it. Buck can fill you in about Tommy."

"Ugh Dad!" He held his breath for bad news.

"Finally! Took you two long enough."

"Whew. Thanks."

Buck poked his head in. "Breakfast is ready!"

They sat at the table to scrambled eggs, toast, an assortment of fruits and orange juice.

"Looks great, babe."

Buck grinned. "Babe?"

"Trying out pet names. No good?"

"Love it. Come here." He leaned in for a quick kiss.

"Oh, gross! You guys are gonna do that a lot now?"

"Yes, Christopher Diaz. He is my partner now."

"I know. I'm just kidding. Trying for the teen angst thing. Not sure I like it."

"Oh my god! Just eat your food."

They laughed and talked and ate. Chris eventually excused himself to go to his room.

Buck smiled and then glanced at Eddie who was still looking toward the hallway. A few tears slipping down his face. He moved to wipe them away.

"You alright?"

He glanced at Buck and smiled.

"I think I am the happiest I have ever been."

"Good. Clean the dishes with me?"

He nodded and cleared the table. Buck was at the sink and he stood there smiling with a towel in his hand. Buck bumped into him occasionally. They exchanged a few kisses, getting the front of their shirts wet because there was usually a plate in between them.

If this is how they prepare to go through life together, then he'll take it.

Yup, the happiest and most content he has ever been.