The flashing lights of the bar's neon sign reflected in Buck's eyes as he stumbled out into the cool night air. A tough call at work today had weighed heavily on his mind, and a few drinks seemed like the perfect remedy to numb the stress. Little did he know, fate had something unexpected in store for him.
Eddie had joined him for drinks, a rare moment away from their demanding jobs as firefighters. As the night wore on, laughter and shared stories flowed freely, and the tension between them grew more palpable with each drink.
As Eddie and Buck sat at the dimly lit bar, clinking their glasses together, Eddie couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "You know, Buck, for a guy who's always jumping into danger, you sure have a knack for finding trouble even on your nights off."
Buck grinned, taking a sip of his drink. "Hey, what can I say? Trouble seems to find me, no matter where I am."
Eddie leaned closer, his voice lowering slightly. "Well, maybe I should stick close to you then. Keep you out of trouble."
Buck felt a shiver run down his spine at the implication in Eddie's words. "I wouldn't mind that," he replied, his gaze locking with Eddie's.
Their laughter faded into a comfortable silence as they exchanged knowing glances, the air between them thick with unspoken desire.
Hours passed in a blur, until they found themselves walking side by side through the deserted streets of Los Angeles. Without a doubt, the alcohol had dulled their inhibitions. As they walked, the distant hum of the city echoed around them, punctuated only by the sound of their footsteps against the pavement.
Buck grinned mischievously, nudging Eddie's shoulder with his own. "You know, Eddie, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to keep up with me in the drinking department."
Eddie rolled his eyes playfully, bumping Buck back. "Please, Buck, I could outdrink you any day of the week."
Buck raised an eyebrow, a challenge flickering in his gaze. "Oh, is that so? Well, I guess we'll just have to test that theory out sometime."
Eddie smirked, a hint of laughter in his voice. "You're on, Buckley. But for now, let's focus on getting you home in one piece."
Without a word, Buck reached out and took Eddie's hand, the touch sending a jolt of electricity through both of them. It was as if the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them in that moment.
As they reached Buck's apartment, he fumbled with his keys a couple times before finally getting the door open, Eddie laughing at Buck's struggle. Buck shot Eddie a sheepish grin, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Hey, it's not as easy as it looks," he retorted.
Eddie stepped closer, his laughter fading into a smoldering gaze. "Well, lucky for you, I find your clumsiness endearing," he murmured, his breath ghosting over Buck's ear. Buck's heart skipped a beat at the proximity, a rush of heat flooding his veins.
"In that case, I'll make sure to be extra clumsy around you," he replied, his voice low and teasing.
With a shared smile, they stepped into the apartment, the door closing behind them with a soft click. And as they stood in the entrance of Buck's apartment, they knew that this night would be one they would never forget, regardless of how drunk they were.
"Eddie..." Buck whispered, nervousness laced in his voice. Eddie's eyes were locked on his, telling Buck more than words ever could. Eddie reached out, his fingers gently brushing against Buck's cheek, a tender gesture that sent shivers down Buck's spine. "Buck," he murmured, his voice a soft caress in the quiet of the room.
