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It starts with the elf at the mall. Eddie mentioned earlier in the week that he was taking Chris to see Santa because he was having a difficult time prying his Christmas list out of him. Buck had only been amused when it had been mentioned, but since he had the next day off he did some research and visited a few malls to find the Santa that would suit Christopher’s unique needs the best, and on the next shift he passed the information along. Buck was pleasantly surprised when Eddie had invited him along on what he assumed would have been a family outing with the not quite ex-wife.Seeing the look on Christopher’s face made it worth it though, and the look on Eddie’s face when he realized how happy his son was was just icing on the cake.
Chris may be used to going with Shannon earlier in the season because it was usually less busy, but Buck had found the perfect setting that had a profession group that kept the line moving and with enough other things going on close by so parents could choose to enter the line when it waned. Upon arriving Eddie had been a little shocked when instead of the main entrance they headed toward one of the lesser known store ones, but the confused look turned to a grateful smile aimed solely at Buck when he realized it guided them out to just behind the Santa exhibit.“You planned this,” when Buck just shrugged. Eddie added a soft thank you. Not too long after it was Christopher’s turn, and as they watch Chris pour his little heart out about what he wants for Christmas Eddie leans over to Buck to say that he was glad Shannon had recommended Santa even though it is a creepy tradition to let his son sit on some stranger’s lap.Buck just laughed, “wow someone has a serious grudge against Santa.” “Not a grudge, just a concerned parent observation”Buck shakes his head knowing when Eddie gets defensive like this it usually means there is an embarrassing story somewhere. He can tease it out of him later. He is working on restraint and knows that with Eddie patience is everything, especially when dealing with personal information. Instead, he points out that it looks like Chris is done, “go find out his Christmas list and make sure he isn’t scarred for life by this joyous experience.” The look Eddie gives him clearly states he would have gotten a one finger salute if there weren’t so many kids around. Buck hangs back and lets Eddie have a few minutes with his son. “You guys have the most adorable son,” the elf is completely sincere in her statement and it has Buck hesitating for just a second thinking about correcting her, but figures that in their progressive city there wouldn’t be any backlash and that it would be easier to just go with it, so he thanks her. As he imagines the life that the elf assumes he has he puts a little bit of skip in his step imagining how good that might just be.
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In his Abuela’s words, Carla was an angel who was truly sent from the heavens to ease the pain and offer comfort all those suffering. Eddie finally felt as though he had a handle on the ins and outs of the bureaucratic system in figuring out the best care for Christopher. It felt as though a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Now when Christopher’s new school, that Carla helped to find, was recommending a few other therapies and programs for him to look into his first call was to Carla. For the price of a coffee, he gained priceless advice. Including the discussions over the finances of everything, his insurance was good and the VA helped, but it never covers everything. Carla a voice of reason points out that he does have that office that it might be small, but it could be easily turned into a bedroom for a roommate. “Things for this type of care can be expensive. It might not hurt to have someone around that can truly help and wants to help”.Eddie gives her a pointed look, “you mean, Buck.” “He loves Chris and you already trust him as a babysitter, isn’t that who is watching him now?” To Eddie’s dismay, she did have a point. While he was reluctant to rely on anyone outside of his family, Buck may be the next best option to them. Carla seeing the chinks in Eddie’s armor growing continues, “well why not help each other out, you’re stressed out over the finances of Chris’ care and your new best friend is stressed about a place to live, seems fairly straightforward to me.” Carla effectively closes down the conversation with a nod of her head. Knowing Eddie well enough that if the topic isn’t changed soon he would go on the defensive instead of processing the possibility.Though one last jab is hard to resist, “you three sure make a cute family, just as my husband and I when we first met.” From there she launched into a story of their early wedded days and how he is still sweet on her. Eddie sees through the quick topic change and lets the blush on his cheeks be associated with the overly sweet details of Carla’s tale.
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It had been just over a week since Eddie’s conversation with Carla when after a fairly routine call he overheard Chimney say that while he adored Buck he needed his own space. Though Buck moving onto the air mattress of his sisters wasn’t really helpful to Chimney’s new found love life. In Eddie’s opinion, an interrupted love life was exactly what Chimney deserved for kicking Buck out while he was going through a hard time. With that realization, Eddie seriously started considering the possibility of Buck as a roommate and even began to clear out the small office slash gym to start turning it back into a bedroom. -----A few nights later Buck was over at the Diaz residence and after Christopher was in bed, Eddie broached the subject of him moving into the spare bedroom. “What spare room? The junk room? Nah man, I’m not displacing your stuff,” Buck squared his shoulder and locked his eyes firmly on the commercial playing.Eddie rolls his eyes knowing it had been a cluttered mess before, but “It didn’t take that long to get it in order, take a look for yourself, if you don’t believe me,” completely missing the tension building in his friend. “I don’t need pity, nor am I going to infringe on your family.” “Infringe, seriously,” Eddie teased before growing more serious, he drops his own shoulders. knocking them into Bucks’, “listen this isn’t pity. If anything this would be a favor to me.” At Buck’s confused look. Eddie sighs and explains the actual finances behind Chris’ care. The new school's tuition is on par with a state college and that was in addition to the other therapies that Eddie was looking into. “What about Shannon? If you’re looking for a roommate, I would think Christopher’s mom would be the top choice.” “I don’t want to get my hopes up with that. We may be civil” at Buck’s disbelieving snort, “fine more than civil, I still don’t trust her, especially with my son. But I trust you.”Buck conceded quickly after that. Not willing to let himself over think the long glance at the end of Eddie’s confession and what his stomach and heart did in response. He had to admit that it was a good option for both of them. It was the definition of friendship to mutually help each other out. ---It hadn’t taken Buck long to move his things. As most of his things were moved between Chimney’s to Maddie’s and back again before Buck ended at Eddie’s place. Now he didn’t even need an excuse to hang out at la casa de Diaz for that was now his home. His home with Eddie and Christopher. Buck didn’t know if the fact that his stuff was already packed or if it was that fact that made the move one of the fastest he had ever experienced.Eddie realized shortly after that like with most things in his life Buck seemed to fit seamlessly into the Diaz’s routine. Making life a little brighter and easier for Eddie from the morning stretches to household chores to simply being another person who could pick Chris up from school. Eddie hadn’t realized how stressed out and worried he had been all the time until it was gone. All but evaporated the day Buck moved in. If Eddie was being honest though one of the best things about living with Buck was his habit of practicing his new found cooking skills from his lessons with Bobby every chance he could. This had the happy side effect of a fridge stocked with homemade meals and a kid that now preferred the leftovers instead of school bought lunches. It also turned the weekly grocery trip into more of an extravaganza than it had been previously. Christopher now wanted to go to make sure he got, not only the type of snack he was craving that week but also to get a sneak peek into what his Bucky would be cooking that week. It was during one of these weekly outings when they had split up and Christopher had opted to accompany Buck to the deli while Eddie handled the bulk of the list gasped loudly and started speaking about peacocks and rainbows at the speed only a 7-year-old would be able to understand.When it was clear that Buck didn’t understand his references Chris pointed toward the quintessential grandmotherly woman who had joined the line for service. Quickly as to not offend, “Bud you know it is impolite to point, remember how at school you want to fill another person bucket with positive things.”“It is a positive! She has really cool hair and I didn’t want you to miss it.” “I know Bud, but we want to make sure she knows that we are looking because we like it not just staring and pointing.”At this point, the lady gives a laugh and says, "sweethearts, I am going gray, not deaf or worse yet out of style. Needed something to spice up my look now that I’m retired.”Addressing Christopher she continues, “My green hair matches your braces. It’s very rock and roll.” Chris giggles looking up at Buck, “I’m rock and roll.” “Yes bud you are," Buck ruffled his hair and Chris took the comment as permission to make a new friend. He was telling her all about how his dad was wandering the store looking for the spices while they were looking for the main courses. The woman would laugh and entertained Chris with a story about her own son and granddaughter wandering the same store. Just as they were finishing at the counter, Eddie had turned the corner and was making his way toward them and Chris spotted him right away. Chris called out his goodbye to the lady with the rainbow hair. “Goodbye, young man, you make sure your Dads get those cookies you were after!” Buck had a brief second of panic over the comment, but Christopher was far too focused on making his way toward the cookies that he was promised. “Well you certainly have a good looking family. I take it that tall drink of water is yours too.” Buck blushed not having a comment ready just nodded. Before remembering where those two were heading, “Thanks. Good luck with the rest of your shopping, if I leave those two much longer, then junk food will be the only thing making it into the basket.” With that he waved making his way after his Diazs.
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It was rare for Eddie and Buck to spend evenings apart nowadays. If Eddie was being honest with himself he always preferred to stay home and hang out with his two favorite people over going out. However, he couldn’t miss and really didn’t want to, miss the latest invite. Especially since Alex was the one to suggest going for drinks and orchestrated the time and place. She just finished her third deployment, and Eddie knew the situation well enough to know she was really reaching out for help with the adjustment back to civilian life. The few of them that had learned the hard way about the difficulties of the transition knew the importance when one of their own reached out. They all planned to leave the families at home and just be the ones that made it through boot camp for a night. For Eddie that meant leaving Buck and Christopher. Eddie was enjoying his evening out with his fellow soldiers; however, as the night went on Eddie’s patented Dad Sense kicked in and at 9:01 just past Christopher’s bedtime he began incessantly checking his phone. Normally Buck would text him once Christopher was settled in and would usually offer him a reasonable excuse to come home if he needed one. It was one of Eddie’s favorite things about Buck that even though he was an extra extrovert he just seemed to get his introverted tendencies. There was only so much of people he could take at a time. Eddie knew that Buck often covered for him when he went off to find a quiet corner in the firehouse to recharge before immersing himself back in the group. The guys noticed the anxiety rolling off their friend as soon as every phone check was accompanied by Eddie drumming his fingers along the table. Just as Eddie was about to be the one to call home, just to check in he reasoned with himself. Buck sent his standard text, and shortly after he received a notification that he had been tagged on Instagram. Eddie’s niece had been coaching Buck in order for him to up his Instagram game and gave him daily challenges to complete. Today’s was to edit and post a video.In it displayed a singing Christopher wearing a strainer on his head and a bath towel cape with Buck dressed in a similar fashion. They were dancing around singing clearly having a blast with music overlaying the entire thing. The last few seconds were of Chris passed out still wrapped in the bath towel on the couch with the words, “even singing superheroes need their rest.” The other guys noticed the abrupt change and asked after what had him looking love stricken.
“My son is just being adorable,” he says handing the phone to the other side of the table so they can all watch the short clip. It gets the appropriate smiles from veterans. “Who’s your other hero?” The comment coming from one of the more drunken in their group sends a flush down Eddie’s neck. Sputtering still being affected by the video and now the comment, “oh that’s, um that’s just Buck.” Alex snatching the phone away, “honey that man is not JUST anything, he’s smokin’. No wonder he’s a firefighter.” She bursts into a fit of giggles at her own joke, as Eddie makes to cover his own reaction to being called out by aiming to get his phone back. Alex calms from her latest giggle attack and takes a deep breath before latching onto his arm in the way only a drunk girl can, “seriously though it’s good to see that your unmentionable ex didn’t break you.” Eddie is about the defend himself when Alex breaks serious atmosphere, “And now! Now, your family is even more super-ly adorable.” The comment elicits an even mixture of groans and giggles until Eddie announces the next round is on him receiving cheers all around. --- Eddie stumbles home thankful that he took an Uber from the bar and immediately goes to check on Christopher. Seeing him still cuddling his cape brings a soft smile to his face. It also leaves him with the thought that he should check on his other hero. Buck groggily awakens enough to register that Eddie is near, and immediately reaches out to him. Eddie takes the invitation and settles in with his head in the crook of Buck’s neck and his arm draped over his chest. “Glad you’re home, safe,” Buck murmurs tightening his hold before adding, “how was your night?” Eddie snuggling in smiling, “they called you my hero.” He only meant to comment on the benefits of his niece’s influence on his video, evidently, he lost his filter sometime during the night. Luckily Buck had no filter either when he was semi-conscious and just chuckles lightly, “you’re my hero too.”It’s quiet for some time both content and exhausted from their days. The last thing Eddie is aware of before he drifts off to sleep is the faint press of lips to his forehead. They both fall asleep with smiles on their face.
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One of the first things that were given to Eddie upon the completion of registering Christopher for school was a calendar filled with all the events... and a volunteer form. It didn’t take Eddie long to figure out that if he signed up for an event, then the odds of Buck tagging-along were very high. Eddie would stand at his station, being the dutiful dad. Buck would often wander around offering his help to anyone that seemed to need it. Leading him to become quite popular quite quickly amongst the PTA volunteers. Eddie would just give a small smile, shaking his head fondly as he would watch Buck make friends with literally everyoneEddie would have questioned Buck’s involvement more, but he had come to rely on Buck’s genuine expressions. And anytime Buck was involved in anything that revolved around Christopher he lit up and nothing would get rid of his smile.Eddie was surprised by the number of times where Buck’s ability to make friends had unexpected advantages. Eddie early on had made it a point to be a part of the group chat with some of the other parents that had running dialog about the homework their kids were bringing home and the upcoming events. However, the schedule of a firefighter could never be predicted, and Eddie couldn't always follow through on the things he had committed to. When setting up a carpool schedule. Eddie had expected some resistance when he was introducing Buck into the regular rotation but found none as most had met Buck during one event or another during the past year and all loved him. Before Buck, Eddie would have had to take personal days to ensure that he would be there for Christopher or rely on his Abuela more. Now though Eddie knew he had a trustworthy substitute if he ever couldn’t make it. Such a time came during the walkthrough that the staff led at the beginning of every school year. It allowed the staff to lead the parents through a day in the life of their kids. When Eddie first asked Buck to fill in for him he had agreed quickly with his usual excitement. Buck didn’t have a lot of time to get ready for Eddie had given himself every possible moment to see if he could go. Buck always put in a little more effort in his appearance when he was at school events representing his Diazs’. It did help to ease some of the nerves when upon arriving it was proven that Buck was a familiar face because he didn’t even have to enter the line before one of the other regular volunteer parents recognized him and waved him over. Handing him Eddie’s name tag without a second thought. A call of “Mr. Diaz” caught Buck by surprise. Later Buck would attribute the pounding of his heart and the stomach flips to the fact that the outreached hand was from Christopher’s new teacher, and not being referred to as Mr. Diaz. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Diaz. I met Eddie at registration before school, I’m Mr. Crombez,” the teacher continued without noticing the slight hesitation from Buck. Buck put on his charming smile, even though the light in his eyes dimmed a little knowing he would have to correct “It’s very nice to meet you. Though I’m not Mr. Diaz, just call me Buck.” “Oh, of course, the name tags do help to associate the kids with the parents, but not their given names.” Buck knew he should have tried harder to correct the perception from the very beginning, but it was hard to do when the name tag he wore painted a picture that he hoped he and Eddie were moving toward. “I may be new to the school, but I’ve heard the stories of the Diaz family from the staff and of course Christopher talks about both of you all the time.”Buck didn’t even try to contain the goofy grin that spread across his face, “hopefully all good things.” “Honestly some of the most positive. Despite your work schedule, you both make a tremendous effort to be involved in the school community. And the support and enthusiasm always help to keep kids engaged in a learning environment.” Buck breathed a sigh of relief knowing that he was helping Eddie give Christopher everything they could. Before Buck could respond, “I must go greet the other parents, it’s been nice to finally meet Christopher’s Daddy Bucky.” Buck is stunned and the teacher moves on but Buck does not. He needs to confirm with the teacher if that was his inference of the situation or if Christopher actually called him that to his teacher. This is more than strangers or friends assuming they are family this is about Christopher. The most important thing. Buck hangs around until the end when he can finally corner the teacher and not make a scene. when he finally gets around to asking about what he said Chris has been calling him. The teacher gives him a confused look before they pull out one of Christopher's art projects that have his family on there. In the picture the 3 of them holding hands with his mom standing to the side. It doesn’t get more clear than the labels of Dad, Daddy Bucky and Mom all in the neat crayon writing of an 8-year-old. Buck quickly thanked the teacher and turned away hiding the glassy eye effect the picture has drawn out of him. When Buck gets home that night it is late just as they knew it would be, and Eddie still isn’t back from his shift. Buck sighs in disappointment even knowing that there was no way that Eddie would be back tonight. Buck knows they need to talk at the next chance for they can’t keep dancing around this. Christopher sees them as a family and Buck knew that is what he wanted. Now to find out where Eddie stood.
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“Hey, Buck! How was it last night?” Eddie’s easy smile greeted Buck as he entered into the squad room at the station. Buck can’t help his answering smile; however, he glances away quickly, looking down not wanting to have the important part of this conversation with the entire fire station within hearing range, but he figured he could go with everything else. “It’s was good. I like the new teacher, he sounded like he knew what he was talking about in terms of the kids. And I especially like the music program they have going. Getting everyone out of their comfort zone and into trying new things, I think is really important.” Hen responds first with her teasing, “Aww don’t you sound like the responsible Dad.” Buck sets his shoulders, locking eyes with Eddie, “only the best for Chris and anything I can do to help, I will,” his statement sounding more like a vow to all those watching. “I appreciate it, Buck,” understanding passes between the two men. Just then the siren blares and they all scrabble into the fire truck off to the next emergency. While in the truck, Buck takes a breathe and reminds himself this is Eddie and it’s about Christopher. “Actually we should go out after our shift and I can give you the complete rundown.” “It’s ok I trust your judgment, Bucky.” That stills Buck for a moment, thinking of Christopher that morning and has him pressing on. “There are a few details you should know of though. Just so we are on the same page about everything.” The others don’t miss the emphasis and neither does Eddie as he nods while they are pulling in. Buck had fully intended to talk to Eddie at the next available opportunity, but a few days had passed and the next available opportunity still had yet to present itself as life happens and then the job happens. While Buck was usually under the impression that a busy life is preferable to boring, but he was also growing rather anxious, for he was done with waiting and seeing where they were going he wanted to lay all the cards out on the table and have a conversation about the direction they were going in, hopefully ending with them being together. He knew they needed more than a split second here or there and the little bit longer blocks of time was spent eating and sleeping just enough to get them through. It comes as no surprise that when the days are slowing down and the disasters have been diverted that Buck is not nearly as aware of his surrounding as he usually is, and in more desperate need to just spend some time with Eddie than anything else. Eddie’s feeling the stress too and just wants to be with the one person that has been there for him always, helping him to recharge. So when Buck asks in the middle of everyone, “would you like to go to dinner, tonight?” Eddie’s shoulders relax and the weary wrinkles are replaced with the soft laugh lines as he immediately feels the tension seep out of him just picturing the night ahead of them. Their simple but healthy dinner, then maybe a movie at their place, at home. Buck looks tired enough that he could probably sneak some cuddles in without too much explanation. Not that any explanation is ever needed between the two of them. Not since that night, Eddie came home spurting about Buck being his hero and falling asleep in his bed. Unfortunately, the world was still working against the two of them and the peaceful evening Eddie had planned out in his head. Chimney not seeing the silent communication answers, “Maddie and I have been wanting to try the new Tex-Mex place, we should all go there.” That’s the moment Hen is passing through the room teases, “oooh the Buckley siblings double dating.” Eddie flushes red not quite able to meet anyone’s eye with that statement-making Hen burst into cackles as she continues on her way. Buck, however, is not embarrassed anymore just exasperated because this is not how he had wanted this conversation to go. So he just sighs and goes with it, “no double dates, just a date. Christopher has already been hinting at giving his blessing.” Eddie’s breath catches at that implication, his eyes still light up and he nods shakily. Figuring the first thing they would be discussing.They are both still smiling goofily as the siren goes off and they all pile into the truck. Before anyone can comment Bobby shuts them all down. “Yes, yes Buck and Eddie are a pretty family now shut up and get your heads on straight.” At the end of a more or less routine call, Eddie manages to get Buck away from the group, specifically out of their hearing range, he’s a nervous sort of calm when he meets Buck’s eye, “I think we make a good family, too.” Everyone may not have been able to hear the words, but they all understood the meaning when Buck beams before pulling Eddie into a kiss. It remained quick and chaste, only because of the wolf whistles.