Chapter Text
Buck was the first to arrive at the bar where they had all agreed to meet after their shift from hell. Him having no kids, no-one to collect and no-one to check in with meant Buck arrived first. He snagged a large table at the back and ordered himself a beer and some water while advising the server that he would be joined shortly by the rest of his crew. She hadn't looked surprised and flirted lightly with him when she dropped off his drinks. He was polite but really wasn't in the mood to flirt for the sake of flirting.
Since discovering his bisexuality, Buck hadn't really had interest in any women. Well, no that wasn't exactly true. Of course, he still looked, it was L.A. so he met beautiful women everywhere – on the job, at the café, at the supermarket, at the grocery store, the list was endless. But he also met beautiful men everywhere. And that was a whole new dating pool that he was very excited to dive into.
Being bisexual obviously didn't erase his interest in women, but it had opened up new doors that, particularly after the mess that was Tommy, he was very keen to explore. The one-night stand with Tommy after Eddie left felt like a goodbye to that relationship, and maybe a way of dealing with the loneliness that signaled the loss of said best friend. He could see now that it hadn't been a sign to start again with Tommy, instead it was a sign to start looking again and to hopefully experience more of that side of himself.
Buck sipped on his beer and thought about how the last few weeks of his life had gone by. From the call to that lab that had almost killed Bobby, Chim and Hen, to his first facetime call with Christopher in months and finally to the call just last week when Eddie had announced they were finally coming back to L.A. Unfortunately, life wasn't as easy as just deciding to come back, so they weren't back yet, but they were in the process of planning the move back and that was all that mattered right now.
He took another sip of the beer, making sure to keep his drinking pace slow so he didn't end up miles ahead of his colleagues when they eventually turned up. In hindsight, he should have maybe called back home first, changed, but he hadn't really needed to so instead he had come straight to the bar. And now he was sitting on his own, slowly sipping away at a beer and holding a very large table. He caught a few eyes as people entered the bar, but no-one challenged his right to be there or suggested he move to a smaller table.
The server circled a bit, offering menus which he took for later, but as he didn't require another drink, she didn't have an excuse to stay long. He made small talk with her but didn't return her eager flirting. Part of it was a lack of interest in any flirting, and part of it was just lack of interest in her. She was pretty, but not someone he found particularly attractive, and he wasn’t going to lead her on for the sake of it. One-night stands and short flings just weren't his style anymore. Maybe he was too old, but he wanted a relationship again, and right now he wanted that relationship to be with a man.
As he hit the halfway point on his pint, the bar was starting to fill and yet his friends still hadn't arrived. Hen at least had messaged to let him know she had been delayed leaving Denny and Mara off at whoever’s house they were spending the night – Buck hadn't really listened. He knew Maddie and Chim were leaving Jee off at the Lee's so would be a bit later, but he didn't know what was keeping Ravi, or Bobby and Athena.
The server approached again, and Buck sighed, not wanting to start on another beer just yet. “They’re running behind, but they will be coming.” He explained sheepishly, noticing he had now been occupying the rather large table for over half an hour.
“Oh no problem at all for you.” She flirted, tipping her hair over her shoulder. He noticed the red under layer to the black locks and was immediately reminded of Taylor Kelly. “I just wanted to check in.” Her tone was light but almost predatory, she was used to flirting he thought, and he couldn't quite tell if she wanted him or just a better tip. “Get you anything else?”
Buck almost automatically said no, wanting out of the conversation, but decided against it. He ordered some nachos as an appetiser, no sour cream and guacamole on the side like it should be (even if Eddie vehemently disagreed). She nodded and moved to take the menus, deliberately brushing her hand over the top of his arms but he held onto them. “For my friends.”
“Right.” She winked at him and wondered off, leaving him vaguely uncomfortable.
He checked his phone but had no new messages. Annoyance surged in him, and he quickly pushed it right back down, taking a swig of his water to avoid downing the second half of his beer. He shouldn't be annoyed, they were coming, and he was the one who was early because he had nothing better to do.
Letting his gaze drag around the bar, he noticed a young couple sitting awkwardly at the bar knees knocking as they chatted, probably a first date. Further down the bar were three older men, sitting quietly and sipping on their beer as they watched the football on the TV, they looked like they were there all the time. A large crowd of what was probably college kids had taken over the other large table across from him and were already starting on their third round of shots, but thankfully they weren't overly rowdy about it. Then, like himself, there were a few people scatter singly at smaller tables, maybe waiting on people, or maybe just relaxing with one after work before continuing their daily lives.
Buck didn't mean to let his gaze linger on any of them, meaning just to take a passing interest, an account of who was there, as he was waiting not-so-patiently for his friends, but he couldn't help the double take at the man sitting at a tall table just in from the entrance. He was built similarly to Buck himself, broad shoulders and a narrow waist leading into long legs but had this gorgeous main of dark curly hair failing across his shoulders. The curls nicely complemented his neatly trimmed beard which sat tidily around his soft pink lips. An eyebrow piercing peaked out from above his right eye and Buck thought he could see the outline of another piercing at the left nipple that he couldn’t help but be intrigued by.
Their eyes met and Buck winced as the min smiled at him embarrassed at being caught but returned the smile bashfully. Buck glanced away, unsure of how to proceed, but quickly returned his gaze when he heard chairs shifting. The man was slowly approaching him, beer in hand and a soft smile on his face, with a confidence that Buck couldn't help but find attractive.
“Hi, I'm Chuck.” His voice was firm, confident and clear but had a raspy quality to it, like he had been using it shout, “You're waiting on people?”
Something about the tone settled any nervousness in Buck. “Buck.” He introduced himself. “I am but they seem to be running a bit behind.”
Chuck’s gaze was predatory as he swept his eyes over Buck, but in a way that Buck found attractive rather than uncomfortable like that of the server. “And they left you all alone in the bar?” Chuck’s voice was throaty and flirty and doing things to Buck's insides. “If I was meeting you, I'd never be late.” He slid into the booth beside Buck, leaving just enough space between for them Buck to want more. “Mind if I join?”
Buck knew he could say no, could move over, could push Chuck away, if he wanted to but he didn’t want to. He gulped again, loudly and Chuck grinned at him. “I’d appreciate the company.” Buck didn’t quite stutter but it was a close thing.
Chuck leaned back in the seat, spreading his legs so his knee lightly bumped Buck's thigh, just enough to feel the warmth of the contact but no real pressure. “I’m meeting my crew shortly. Celebrating finishing our most recent construction project. I work in construction.” His voice was warm, keeping that firm confidence that Buck couldn't help but swoon over. “I won't stay long.”
Buck had to hold himself back from asking Chuck to stay, for them both to ditch their friends. In just a few words, Buck was tied in knots and so attracted to this man he didn't know what to do with it. “I used to work construction.” His mouth was dry, and Buck fumbled to take a drink of his water.
Chuck watched his lips, not hiding the open desire in his eyes as said eyes moved from Buck's lips and down over his neck and across his broad shoulders. “I thought those muscles weren't all for show.”
Chuck was good at this, Buck thought, the tone alone leaving Buck scrambling for more. “I’m a firefighter.” He blurted out, meaning to come across flirty but knowing he very much missed the mark.
There was a fire in Chucks eyes to match some of the larger ones Buck had fought in his time. “Now that is a sexy profession.”
Buck almost spluttered, not expecting the blatant flirting so soon into their interaction. “I – well – yes I suppose – traditionally …”
“Are the firehoses as hard to control as they look?” Chuck cut him off, fire in his eyes as he let his eyes linger lower, down to Buck's crotch.
Buck flushed red, he knew he used to be good at this, but something about Chuck was hitting all his turn-ons and just leaving him flustered and confused. “Not really.” He stuttered, not sure what else to say.
Chuck grinned and pushed his knee more firmly against Buck's thigh, almost like he was reminding him it was there. “I bet you can handle a firehose though, easily get it under control.”
The spread of Chuck's legs had pushed his crotch forward more and Buck couldn't help that his eyes drifted down to the prominent bulge there – Jesus he thought if that was soft then he couldn't wait to see it hard. “I know what I'm doing.” Buck replied, a bit more confidently as he met Chuck’s eyes again.
Chuck smiled, “I bet you do.” The door to the bar opened and a crowd of men entered, Chuck nodded at them before slowly pulling away from Buck, leaving him wanting more. “That's my cue I'm afraid.” He eyed Buck up and down again, lewdly. “But this has been fun. Would you like to do it again?”
“I – what?” Buck glanced back to see the crowd of men gathering at the pool table. They did not look like Chuck at all, blue ripped jeans and stained t-shirts with roughly shaved faces and dirty hair. In fact, they looked more like the construction workers Buck had worked with in his twenties, than the attractive and suave man in from of him. “I mean yes I of course yes.”
“Good.” Chuck’s voice did that dark, throaty grumble that twisted Buck's stomach again, but in a good way. “Give me your phone.” He commanded and Buck was helpless but to obey, arousal thrumming through his veins. He watched silently as Chuck input his own number and then leaned close to Buck to hand it back, hand digging in right at the top of Buck's thigh, fingers brushing where his own bulge was hardening. “Text me tonight.” He winked, squeezed Buck's thigh again and was gone – taking his beer and joining the men at the pool table without so much as a glance back.
Buck stared after him, frozen and slightly in shock. The whole interaction had barely lasted 5 minutes and yet Buck felt like it was one of the most significant moments of his life. He couldn't take his eyes off where Chuck was confidently integrating with the men who had arrived, not playing pool but clearly part of the group. He didn't once look back at Buck.
A plate of nachos was dropped in front of Buck, and he startled, looking up to see the same server who was watching him, “Nachos.” She said shortly, polite but clearly not as flirty after observing his interaction with Chuck – maybe she had been flirting with him for more than tips. “Want another beer?”
Buck looked down, surprised to find he had finished his own. “Please.” His voice came out hoarse and yet he had barely used it. She nodded and walked away. He let is eyes follow her, before being distracted as he saw Ravi arrive with Bobby and Athena.
“Sorry Buck,” Ravi started, “Have you been here long?”
Buck shook his head as Ravi slid into his right and Athena sat beside Bobby opposite him. “Not long at all.” Hs gaze automatically drifted back to Chuck, but his back was turned to him. Buck shook his head. “I'd just got some nachos if you want some while we wait.” He pushed the plate forward.
The others happily dug into the food, ordering more drinks when the server returned with Buck's beer. Chat flowed freely with the group, shortly being joined by Maddie, Chim, Hen and Karen. They ordered food and drinks and celebrated the end of a rather crappy shift, but Buck felt hopeful all the same.
As the night progressed, Buck's eyes continued to drift over to Chuck's group by the pool table. They had played a few games and then sat at table in the area, clearly celebrating and loud about it. But Buck only had eyes for Chuck, who seemed like an island of calm in a wild sea. He sipped his beer and chatted calmly to the men around him, never raising his voice but always commanding their attention when he spoke. Not once did he meet Buck's eyes again, not once did Buck catch him glancing his way, or showing any indication that they had interacted at all, and it was driving Buck insane.
As the night went on, and he had a few more drinks, he found his eyes drifting over there more and more. He could barely concentrate on the conversations happening in front of him, only contributing enough to pass without the others noticing his lack of involvement. Chuck left at ten pm on the dot, standing up abruptly, nodding to his group of friends and walking out, leaving half of his drink on the table. The people he left behind didn’t seem surprised at all, one of them helpfully finishing Chuck's drink.
While that left Buck freer to focus on his own group, he couldn't help but struggle with the lack of even a nod goodbye when Chuck had left. Especially after such an intense interaction, an interaction that had left Buck reeling with attraction and want and just the right amount of confusion.
“You ok Buck?” Maddie of course was the first to notice his distraction, but her quiet question drew the rest of the group’s gaze to him.
Buck shook himself, “Just tired, I think. What were we talking about?”
“Eddie.” Ravi deadpanned and Buck knew he was caught, usually he was in the centre of the conversation if Eddie was involved at all.
“Right.” Buck didn't know how to expand, he hadn't been paying attention at all, didn't even know what they were talking about Eddie.
“About his return.” Bobby prompted when he saw how lost Buck looked. “Have you spoke with him?”
“Right yes of course. I think two months, maybe three? He has got Chris' school sorted so he can start back here after the Spring break, and Carla is on board to help with collection and drop off until he can get back on the school bus schedule. I think he was just waiting to hear back about when he can start at the station?” Buck racked his brain but couldn't remember if that had been mentioned.
Obviously, it had by the incredulous look in Bobby's eyes. “After spring break too. We've scheduled his first day back for the Thursday after Chris starts school.”
Everyone was watching him now, concern and confusion evident. “We were asking if you had worked out who was staying where?” Athena explained softly.
Buck dropped his head. They hadn't. “Not yet. We're still … debating.” Debating, arguing, avoiding it, all good words for what himself and Eddie had been up to in their own way of both talking and not talking about their future living situation. “I mean it was Eddie's house, and Chris should have in room back, so I was planning to move out. But Eddie's not sure if they need a fresh start in a new place but then it's hard to find an affordable two bedroom so I've started looking but that's not any easier really.” Buck stopped himself short. “No, we haven't worked out anything.”
Maddie squeezed his arm. “You can stay with us again if you want. You did enough when he first left.” She joked.
Buck nodded. Part of the problem was he didn’t know what he wanted. He had finally settled in Eddie's house and was comfortable there. He was now only thinking of it as Eddie’s house about half the time. That was a massive improvement. But in the end, he had only moved in there so Eddie could go be with Chris, had only moved for Chris and Eddie. And it made sense he would be the one to move out, it just sucked. He hated moving.
“Sure, let us know and if either of you need help moving, we'll be there.” Bobby affirmed for them all, before letting the conversation move on.
As it approached midnight, they all started to make shapes to head home, ready to enjoy a full weekend off for the first time in a few months. Buck should be excited, but he dreaded the prospect of a quiet weekend at home, in a house that might not even be his home by the end of the month.
Arriving back to the dark, empty house still kind of sucked no matter how many positive spins Buck tried to put on it. It was almost one by the time he had managed to get a taxi, and he slumped on the sofa, still a bit annoyed that it ended up in exactly the same place Eddie had had his. Buck laid his head back and closed his eyes, trying to relax after the evening.
Not that he wasn't relaxed exactly, but his thoughts kept drifting back to Chuck. The tall, handsome man who had made such an impact on him in their short meeting. Chuck's instruction echoed in his head – text me tonight – and Buck pulled his phone out. He automatically searched under Chuck and couldn’t help the disappointment at not finding anything there – maybe he hadn’t saved the number correctly.
Disappointment flowed through him as he realised that he couldn’t follow up. It had only been a very short interaction, but something about Chuck and his manner had ingrained into Buck deeply leaving a strong impression that Buck was desperate to follow up on. Idly, he scrolled through his contacts, hoping he would find something – maybe he had misspelled his name. He had almost given up when scrolled to the end and found nothing but decided to check back before the ‘c’s and that’s when he found it.
A contact with the name “Boss”. He knew he had no one with that nickname. Trying not to over think it he quickly messaged, “Hi. It's Buck. From the bar.” And then put his phone away and headed to get ready to bed.
He checked his phone once more before bed and was thrilled to see a reply there, “Now that's a good boy, Buck from the bar. You can follow instructions.” Nothing else but those words sent a thrill through Buck. There was nothing to reply too, no instruction to follow or question to answer, barely even a greeting and yet it left him so thirsty for more. Buck forced himself instead to go to bed and wait until the next day to reply.
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Buck had woken up the next day to more messages from Chuck and the thrill of his attention had put Buck in a great mood. He hadn’t planned much for the day but managed to motivate himself on a long run and to head to the gym for some weights.
Chuck didn't message regularly, sometimes replying instantly and sometimes waiting hours between texts. While that might annoy some people, the anticipation and unpredictability just left Buck wanting more. He felt more alert and invigorated than he had in weeks, the only thing leaving him more excited recently had been Eddie and Chris's forthcoming return.
Their text conversation was led primarily by Chuck, who kept just that edge of guidance and control that Buck couldn't help but crave. Buck had tentatively suggested they meet while Buck was off over the weekend, but Chuck firmly shut that down instead promising to take Buck on a proper date the following week when he had a twenty-four hour block off mid-week. While disappointed, Buck couldn't deny that the anticipation made it all that more exciting.
The others initially assumed he was texting Eddie when they observed him to never be far from his phone on the next few days on shift. Not that he wasn't texting Eddie, just he was avoiding that whole discussions and the decisions that came with it so instead he texted with Chuck. Who was funny and kind, who had nearly as many fun facts as Buck and who seemed fascinated when Buck shared them, who was quickly taking over his every waking thought.
“Are you going to tell us who has you so wound up these last few days?” Hen asked as she popped down on the couch beside him mid-shift. “I know it's not Eddie. He says he's barely heard from you.”
“I met someone.” Buck said carefully, making sure the others were out of earshot, although he couldn't quite fathom why.
Hen's eyebrows raised and her face broke into a smile. “That's great Buck. Who is she? Or he?”
“He.” Buck confirmed. “I met him at the bar the other night. He works in construction.” As Buck said it, he realised that's all he had really picked up about Chuck so far, while Chuck had got every waking thought out of Buck over the last few days and he could feel his own attraction going.
“That's great Buck, although I don't remember you chatting to anyone.”
“It was before you got there. We've been texting since. Got a date tomorrow.” Buck flushed slightly, but he was so excited, and Hen would understand. “He's taking me on a date. Picking me up. I've never … I mean normally I pick the girl up.”
“Oh he's spoiling you? That's great Buck, you deserve to be spoiled.”
“I really like him, Hen.”
“Then I hope it works out. I can't wait to meet him” She smiled at him and patted his shoulder. “Thank you for telling me.”
“It's not a secret.”
“Oh? Well then would you tell Eddie? He's really worried you haven't been replying to him.” Hen explained casually before heading off somewhere, leaving Buck to wallow in the guilt her comment about Eddie left him with.
The shift passed quickly after that as the alarms went off not leaving Buck much time to think about his conversation with Hen. Thankfully there were no deaths, just minor calls to fender benders and people stuck in places they shouldn't have been to begin with. All that really meant was that for once Buck was leaving a shift on time and relatively clean, something that didn't happen very often.
While the others opted to shower at the station before heading home, Buck rushed out the door as soon as he was relived, hurrying home to prepare for his date. He had a couple of hours before Chuck was picking him up which he should really be using for sleeping, but the excitement he felt for that evening wouldn’t allow him to settle. Chuck hadn't messaged much that day, and Buck felt his silence keenly, desperately checking his phone for messages, ignoring messages from anyone else while dropping his phone disappointedly every time there was nothing from Chuck.
That was how he didn't exactly miss Eddie's most recent messages, but he did get accused of ignoring them – loudly and by Eddie himself who eventually just face timed Buck when he wasn't getting a reply. If Eddie knew anything about Buck, he knew he would never deny a face time, or a call request from either Eddie or Chris and he used this knowledge to his advantage.
“You ignoring me Buck?” Eddie asked, not really angry, just frustrated.
Buck shook his head stubbornly, “I’ve been busy. You know working and all.” He was acting defensively, and he couldn't quite justify why. Nor could explain his reluctance to really talk to Eddie about this. Normally they could talk anything out, but it was harder at a distance, harder when Eddie was asking Buck to vacate the home he had just settled into.
“Hen said it was an easy shift.” Eddie answered, again not angry but just sounding confused, maybe a bit hurt.
“It was.”
Eddie looked away and then looked back. “Are you okay?”
Buck didn't answer straight away. He hesitated. It wasn't exactly that he was nervous, more that he didn't have a solution to their problem. He couldn't fix it. “I don't know how we fix this.”
“Fix what?”
“Us. This whole situation.” Buck gestured to the space in front of them although he was pretty sure Edie couldn't see him.
Eddie looked affronted. “I thought we were ok.”
“We are.” Buck emphasised. “I just - I'm avoiding trying to sort this out. Neither of us can afford to find somewhere else alone and I've just moved in here. I don't want to move again. I don't want to sleep in Maddie's spare room.”
“Then don't?” Eddie questioned.
“But Chris should have his room back, if he wants.” He stopped to look at Eddie through the screen. “Does he want it back?”
Eddie nodded. “He does. But Buck I'm not kicking you out. You taking over lease saved me, saved us, he wouldn't be coming back without you.”
“Then what do you suggest we do?”
“I've ordered an air mattress.”
He said it so simply that Buck's eyes just bulged. “An air mattress? That's your solution?”
“For now. I'll sleep in the living room - it's better than your sofa. We can do that for a few weeks until we sort out something better.” Eddie's answer was so simple and logical, but Buck couldn't understand it.
“It's your house. You shouldn't sleep on an air mattress. I’ll take the air mattress; you can take the bed.”
“I'm not taking your bed.” Eddie glared at him, “I'm inconveniencing you, but Chris wants to come home and so do I. Let me take the air mattress.” He pleaded, his brown eyes wide and Buck knew he was cornered. He couldn't say no to that.
“Alright. We can try it. But if your old man back gives up, we can swap,” Buck threatened light-heartedly.
“Deal.” Eddie smiled at him. “Any news then?”
Buck shook his head, catching the clock out of the corner of his eyes. “Actually, I have to go, shower and stuff. Catch you later?”
Eddie looked a bit off-guard, probably having expected a longer conversation. “Yeah of course. Have fun Buck.”
Buck nodded and ended the call. That was something.
He immediately noticed he had a message from Chuck, “Excited to see you tonight. Wear something blue to bring out those eyes, and tight – show me those muscles.” Buck trembled with excitement. He'd remembered that Buck had blue eyes. That was something.
Buck hurried to shower and changed, dragging out a blue polo that was just a little small on him, as well as tight black jeans. He styled his hair carefully, and lightly spritzed with his favourite aftershave. This was going to be a good night.
Chuck knocked on the door dot on seven with a bouquet of yellow lilies. “I've never seen yellow lilies before.” Buck spluttered, suddenly feeling guilty he hadn't bought anything for Chuck.
Chuck's smile was beautiful, lighting up his face in a soft and loving manner. “I’m glad I could surprise you.” He leaned over and softly kissed Buck's cheek. “The blue looks perfect.”
Buck couldn't help but preen at that. “Want to come in? I think I have a vase somewhere.”
“No need.” Chuck announced, pulling a bag out from behind his back. “I brought you one. Most men don't have them, but I plan to be bringing you flowers regularly.”
Buck flushed at the implication but couldn't deny that he loved it too. “Thank you.”
“Hopefully it fits with the décor.” Chuck pushed past Buck, easily entering the house as if it was his own. “Nice place here.”
Buck just nodded, feeling a bit weird seeing Chuck in Eddie's house. Mostly to distract himself he opened the bag, discovering a brand-new crystal vase. It was quite large and labelled as Waterford crystal. “This is too much.” He said stunned at the gift.
Chuck looped an arm around Buck's waist, “You're worth spoiling.” He kissed his forehead this time, the confidence and intimacy in that movement surprising Buck but not in a bad way.
“I'll just get some water.” Buck quickly filled the vase and placed the flowers inside. “Ready when you are.”
“Grab a jacket and we will go then. I have a special night planned.” Chuck waited patiently as Buck grabbed a light denim jacket and toed on his shoes.
Buck suddenly realised he hadn't even complimented Chuck and he felt awkward about it, was he supposed to? “You look good too.” He mumbled, but it wasn't a lie.
Chucks hair was down around his shoulders, curling perfectly in a way that may have been natural, but likely took a bit of work. He wore a white, loose-fitting shirt with dark tight-fitting jeans and a dark leather jacket.
Chucks mouth quirked upwards, “Thank you Buck.”