Something I Need: A Buddie Story

Program Leader Diaz

Eddie found himself sitting in the captain's office, his palms sweaty and his nerves on edge. Bobby makes his way into the room and shuts the door behind him.

"I want to start off by saying that you're not in trouble, so you can stop worrying," Bobby said, chuckling when Eddie let out a sigh of relief.

"So what's this about, cap?"

"I wanted to ask if you could go to Texas this next week. Captain Strand is doing a sort of combat training session. As you have had both firefighting and been on combat tours, I figured you'd be able to lead the team."

"Oh, I'd have to lead the team?"

"Yes, Diaz. During your evaluation, I noticed that all your scores were high except for leadership. For Chimney, I sent him to the academy, and I feel that this would be a good opportunity for you. "

"I don't know, cap. Christopher has a sleepover and a quiz, and he can't afford to keep missing school.." Eddie continued on, listing many things that needed to be done.

"I understand, Eddie. But please, if you can, think about it first before getting back to me. This is a very great opportunity that may never come back," Bobby said slowly, "and if you're worried about Christopher, maybe Athena and I could help out whenever possible". 

Eddie looked at his captain and nodded slowly. They shook hands and Eddie immediately made his way back to Buck's apartment to discuss this.

Back at the apartment, Eddie stood with his back leaning on the kitchen island while Buck essentially sat on his coffee table. The two sat in silence for a moment as they processed all that Eddie had said. 

"I think you should do it." Buck finally says, glancing up at Eddie with a soft smile. 

Eddie looks down to where Buck is sitting, his mind racing. 

"I would, babe, but-"

"But what? This is an amazing opportunity!" Buck said, getting up from his spot on the coffee table to stand directly in front of his partner. 

"But what about Christopher? He has a quiz, and Grant's sleepover birthday party on Friday. I know he would be downright pissed if I told him he couldn't go to that because I wanted to go to Texas." Eddie explained, absentmindedly taking Buck's hand into his own. 

"What if I take care of Chris then? I mean he's gonna be in school for most of the day, so I can take day shifts, on the weekdays, Carla picks him up from school and I take over at night. I'm off on Sunday so I can send you to the airport and I have next weekend off so I can do something fun with Christopher and pick you back up from the airport..." Buck trailed off, already planning out the week ahead. 

Eddie couldn't help the feeling of adoration in his heart for this man. He apparently couldn't help but convey that feeling verbally too because soon enough the words just slipped out of his mouth. 

"I love you, Evan, you know that?" Eddie clapped his hands over his mouth after he processed what he had said. 

The man in front of him was just as shocked if not more. In fact, Buck was essentially standing there with his mouth on the floor. 

"I'm sorry that came out of nowhere. I understand if you don't say it back there's no pressure to..." He was quickly cut off by a strong pair of hands on his shoulders and lips on his. 

"I love you too, Eddie", Buck was blushing red, and so was Eddie frankly. 

They stayed like that for a moment, just smiling and standing in each other's space.

"Are you sure you want to take care of him? A week is a long time, mi amor, and I know you love Chris but I couldn't ask you to spend your free time chasing after him", Eddie tried to argue. 

"Oh, he's not that fast anyways. Don't worry about it, Eddie. We're gonna have fun. You need to start doing things for yourself and not just Chris and me for once. You deserve this." 

That evening they explained the game plan for the following week to Christopher, who basically ignored the fact that he wasn't going to see his dad for a week and only heard the part where he gets to spend an entire week with his Bucky. 

***Time skip***

That Sunday, the three boys piled up into a car and headed to LAX for Eddie's flight to Texas. Buck enveloped Eddie in a hug, kissing his cheek midway. 

"I love you, I'll see you in a week". Eddie whispered into Buck's sweatshirt. 

"I love you too, darling. You have the best time in Texas, okay? Show 'em what you got." Buck clapped Eddie's shoulder as they parted. 

Then it was Christopher's turn to hug his dad. They whispered their affections to one another, promising to call every night before Chris went to bed. Eddie made his way to the departure gate and waved them goodbye once more before disappearing through the sliding doors. 

Then it was just Buck and Christopher. They looked at each other before Buck lead them back out to where he parked his Jeep. 

It would be the start of a very eventful week for all of them.