training wheels. // evan 'buck' buckley

xxix. chasing distance

the 118 firehouse was buzzing with its usual hum of activity, but the atmosphere was lighter than usual. the team was taking a break between calls, lounging around and catching up on the day's events. i was sitting at the kitchen table, engrossed in a book, while buck, of course, was being his usual over-the-top self.

buck had just come back from a quick errand, and as soon as he entered the kitchen, his eyes landed on me. a mischievous grin spread across his face. “hey, charlie, did you know you’ve been here long enough to officially become part of the furniture?”

i glanced up from my book, barely suppressing a smile. “funny, buck. i was actually thinking about how comfortable this chair is.”

buck plopped down next to me, throwing an arm across the back of my chair. “comfortable, huh? well, that’s good to hear. i’ve got some plans for us to break in this chair properly.”

i raised an eyebrow, my amusement clear. “oh really? and what kind of plans do you have in mind?”

before buck could answer, eddie and hen walked into the kitchen, drawn by the sound of buck’s latest antics. eddie was carrying a stack of paperwork, while hen was holding a cup of coffee. they both exchanged knowing glances as they took in buck's posture and my amused expression.

buck flashed a grin at eddie. “hey, eddie! just trying to make sure charlie’s day is as interesting as possible.”

eddie rolled his eyes. “of course you are. what’s the plan this time?”

buck leaned back, stretching his arms out and making himself more comfortable. “oh, you know, just a little light-hearted fun. maybe see how many ways i can make charlie blush before she throws something at me.”

hen snorted, taking a sip of her coffee. “good luck with that. charlie’s pretty good at keeping her cool.”

i tried to hide my smile as i looked up at buck. “you know, buck, sometimes i wonder if you’re just a walking disaster waiting to happen.”

buck’s eyes widened with mock hurt. “ouch! that stings, charlie. can’t a guy just be friendly without getting roasted?”

eddie shook his head, clearly amused. “friendly? is that what you’re calling it?”

buck leaned in closer to me, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “hey, if you ever want to escape this craziness, you know where to find me. i’m always up for a little adventure.”

i chuckled, shaking my head. “you’re ridiculous, buck.”

buck’s grin only grew wider. “and you love it. admit it.”

hen, who had been observing the exchange with interest, decided to chime in. “buck, you really should give it a rest. not everyone appreciates your... unique sense of humor.”

buck feigned shock. “unique? is that what we’re calling it now? i thought it was just charming.”

eddie groaned, dropping the paperwork on the table. “it’s charming until it becomes overwhelming. like right now.”

buck laughed, leaning in closer to me. “speaking of overwhelming, how about we spice things up a bit? you and me, alone in the gym. i promise i’ll go easy on you.”

my eyes widened in surprise, but i quickly masked it with a smirk. “oh really? and what exactly are you planning on doing in the gym?”

buck leaned in even closer, his breath warm against my ear. “just showing you a few... techniques. you know, to make sure you’re in top form. could be fun.”