Touches

Low Stakes

Buck seemed to be doing better, Eddie was thankful to see. He slept over more often than not, which Eddie was just fine with. Christopher was ecstatic with having him there, Buck making sure to wake every morning and making them breakfast.

Honestly, on their days off, Buck was always over. Eddie didn't know the last time Buck had spent more than one night a week at his own loft. But he wasn't complaining.

Buck was finally back to work, and they'd discovered something during a call at a work out class. Buck apparently was a fucking genius at math now.

Calculating formulas and equations on the fly, figuring out percentages and figuring out how much gas it takes to get to work.

He'd gone down the rabbit hole again, Eddie watching amused. "Did you know apparently people who've been struck by lightning sometimes end up with like, powers? Some people find they're suddenly really good at intellectual subjects, they know a whole new language, a man could control electricity. He'd walk into a room and turn the lights on and off!" Buck said enthusiastically to Christopher, the boy watching amazed.

Eddie had a sudden thought, frowning. Could the lightning be the reason why he could feel what Buck was feeling? And it was centered on Buck because it'd hit him first before travelling down the ladder and striking Eddie?

"Can you give me the answers to my math homework?" Christopher asked hopefully, cutting into Eddie's thoughts. "I don't think so," he said quickly, Christopher frowning disappointed.

"Sorry Superman, but you'll have to learn them yourself. You're smart though, you're able to do it yourself," Buck said encouragingly, Christopher grumbling.

Eddie chuckled, appraising Buck a moment. "You know, I have an idea," he mused, Buck raising an eyebrow at him curiously.

Eddie left it at that, Buck watching him the rest of the day as they made and ate dinner and got Christopher in bed. They cleaned the kitchen together, arms brushing and sending curiosity, confusion, contentment through Eddie's chest.

The curiosity kept growing, a bit of frustration adding to it as Eddie still didn't say anything. Eddie grabbed two beers, handing one to Buck and leaning against the counter casually.

"Okay, what's your damn idea?" Buck finally asked, Eddie's grin growing. "What about a game? Put your, math powers to good use?" He asked, Buck frowning confused.

"You'll need a suit, and don't worry, it's low stakes," Eddie said and Buck grumbled. "That doesn't explain shit, Eddie," he complained and Eddie just laughed.

"Let me set some things up, I'll get back to you about it," he said, pulling his phone out. He sent a quick text to Rosie, a firefighter with the 118 B shift, getting one back moments later agreeing that Buck could come.

"Alright, make sure you're free next Tuesday night," he said, Buck frowning frustrated. "No other hints?" He pleaded, placing a hand on Eddie's arm.

Curiosity, irritation, playfulness and amusement flooded Eddie's chest, a grin crossing his lips. He stepped closer, tilting his head.

"Let me surprise you, Buck, it'll be fun," he hummed playfully, a feeling of shock, nerves and pleading slamming into his chest.

"Y-yeah, okay, fine," Buck grumbled shakily, Eddie nudging him with his hip before stepping back and taking another drink of his beer. He couldn't wait for Tuesday.

~~~~~~~~~~

Eddie straightened out his jacket, eyeing himself in his mirror. Buck would be here soon, Christopher staying in with Pepa watching him.