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Evan Buckley is a weak man. That’s an understatement, considering what he’s been through: a fire truck landing on his leg, a pulmonary embolism, a tsunami, etc. But the one thing he was truly weak for was a man.
A man who Buck would love to inspect and take apart and build back together, finding out everything that makes up the man. A man that goes by the name of Eddie Diaz, a man that has a spectacular ass and an awkward personality and an even cuter kid by the name of Christopher. God, was Buck smitten on Eddie and Christopher. It’s like one day they just popped up and he couldn’t get enough.
Eddie was the exact same for Buck. That first day he entered Buck’s shop, he knew he was in for it. He wanted all of it, all of Buck. There were only two things - as of post-meet - that made Eddie weak: his son and now his Buck. Eddie wouldn’t change it for anything.
“Hello, welcome to Buckley’s Bites, how may I help you?” A velvety, thick voice rang through the deli shop, Eddie’s attention immediately snapping to it as he helped Christopher through the shop doors, the sound of his crutches hitting the hardwood floor softly as they made their way up to the front. He looked up from Christopher and froze.
His dark brown eyes met ocean blue and something inside Eddie went oh . The next thing Eddie noticed was the sweet smile on the stranger’s face. It was like rich chocolate and he couldn’t get enough of it.
Chris, standing in front of Eddie, smiled brightly at the owner. “Hi, I’m Christopher, this is my dad.” Blue eyes moved from him, sadly, down to his son, but he figured he wasn’t exactly upset about it.
“Hello, you can call me Buck!” He introduced, the sweet smile lingering on his face, seemingly only getting bigger as he stared at the adorable seven year old. Buck. An odd name, but it suited the hunky man. Yes, did Eddie mention how fucking hot it was that Buck definitely looked like he could toss him around. That wasn’t a question. The real question is why does he need all this muscle for working in a deli shop.
When Buck looked up at him for an introduction, Eddie had to unstick his tongue from the roof of his mouth.
God, was he pathetic for a man he just met.
“I-I’m Eddie.”
Buck’s smile widened. Eddie could tell it was genuine, especially how it reached his eyes - his beautiful blue eyes.
“So, what can I get started for you?” Buck asked, as if he could tell the inner turmoil Eddie was having. “We have a variety of foods: sandwiches, salads, soups. Whatever you’re in the mood for.”
Eddie almost forgot they were here for food. He would rather eat Buck’s biceps that bulged against the tight black tee he was wearing. Eddie almost prayed he could see Buck’s bottom half. It really couldn’t get any better.
“Umm, what do you recommend?” Eddie asked, sullenly moving his eyes from Buck’s down to the food options, hiding behind the glass only for Buck and the people behind to touch.
Buck grabbed gloves out of the box, slipping them easily onto his hands. God. “Well, it is the afternoon, so sandwiches are always an easy option.”
“I want a sandwich, dad.” Chris agreed, nodding his head up and down as he looked at the meats and vegetables through the glass. Eddie looked down at Chris, a soft smile on his face.
“You know what you want, hijo?”
While Eddie looked away from Buck, Buck’s eyes strayed down Eddie’s body. Of course he knew that Eddie was an attractive man, but damn, he really wanted a piece of that. And if he was a little bit younger, he would slip his number on a receipt or ask to meet up in the back, but he has learned from his past so no random hookups yet. Plus, Buck would rather get to know the man first.
“Umm, no, can you order for me, dad?” Chris finally said when he realized he probably wouldn’t know what to get. It kind of melted Buck’s heart, it was really sweet, okay, and he’s a sucker for kids.
“Of course, so for Chris, can I get…” Eddie looked at the options, “ham, cheese, and ketchup, please?”
“Of course!” Buck starts to use his glove-covered hands to get the bread and warm it up on a stove. Chris watched curiously as Eddie looked around, getting a better inspection of the place. It was a small deli shop that wasn’t too far from where he lived in South Bedford Street and it was on the way to the fire station where he started work on Monday. “So, you guys new here? I’ve never seen you come in before.”
Eddie smiled, “Yeah, actually, just moved.”
“Ooh, really? Am I allowed to know where from or is it top secret?” Buck looked up from where he took the bread off the stove and winked. Chris let out a small giggle as Eddie’s smile got bigger. Buck placed the bread down onto a metal station where it gives him enough space to place ingredients into the sandwich, starting to load it up.
“We came from Texas!” Chris reveals, not even ashamed in the way he blurted it out.
“Wow, so a very big move. Texas to LA.” Buck nodded, like he was impressed, which he was. “How are you liking it here?”
“Well, it’s only been a few days, but we’ve been settling in nicely.” Eddie answered, trying not to let his eyes wander down to where Buck’s tattooed arms flexed with his movements.
“That’s good! It’s the summer so more time for the little man to get settled in before school starts, 1st grade right?” Buck pointed out, making Christopher nod eagerly, his glasses shifting slightly with his movements.
“Yeah, I can’t wait, but dad has to go to work Monday! He’s a firefighter!” Chris beams proudly and Eddie tries not to tear up. His son was the only validation he wanted and needed - and maybe now Buck, who knows.
Buck perked up, his hands almost stilling from where he was putting ketchup on the sandwich, “Really?” It almost reminded Eddie of a dog, but Buck was definitely cuter. “What station?”
“The 118.” Eddie said, biting his lip to hide a grin at the way Buck just couldn’t stop getting any cuter.
“No way! My brother-in-law works there and my adoptive dad as well.” Buck beamed, reminding Eddie of Chris from literally just a few seconds ago. They could be mistaken for father and son and Eddie kind of loves that. Buck finished Chris’ sandwich, putting the top piece on and squishing it down lightly so nothing falls out. “Alright, we have a sandwich for the prince,” Buck hands Chris his sandwich over the glass, doing a hand motion like Chris was royalty, making him giggle and Buck’s smile brightened, “There’s some tables right over there if you want to sit and eat.” He points out, making Eddie and Chris turn to see decent size brown tables with chairs, an area for people to sit and eat or relax.
“Can I go sit, dad?” Chris asks, a tone of exhaustion apparent in his voice, probably from all the walking they’ve done. When his dad says yes, he happily waddles away to sit down and enjoy a nice sandwich.
“And what can I get for you, Eddie?”
“Can I get ham and cheese as well, but with pickles and mustard?” Eddie asked, making Buck nod. He quickly hands over some napkins to Eddie who walks over to place it down on Chris’ table before walking back over.
“Of course.” Buck started working on Eddie’s sandwich just as he did Chris’, “So you nervous for your first day?” The way Buck actually sounded interested made Eddie even more smitten. It would take a lot for Eddie not to fall in love.
“Yes, actually, I can’t wait to see who I get to work with and I’m a little nervous to be out in the field.” Eddie admitted, a little tug of anxiety hitting his chest.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry about the people! I know the 118 like the back of my hand. They’re very inviting, I promise.” Buck nodded because he definitely knew what he was talking about. He puts the ham slices onto the bread, smoothing it over as he placed the cheese slices on after.
“Really?” Eddie asked, unsurely.
“Dad, if Buck said they’re good, I think they’re good.” Chris butted in from his spot, making Buck giggle - God - and Eddie laugh.
“Yeah, Eddie, listen to your son.” He winked, and Eddie was glad he could blame it on the heat outside.
“So, you said your adoptive dad works there? Do I need to watch out?” Eddie asked, slightly joking and not. Eddie would hate to get on Buck’s fathers bad side, especially if Eddie wants more.
“He’s the captain, Bobby Nash.” Buck proudly stated, “Trust me, if he picked you to work at his station, then you’ll do good there.”
“You think?” Eddie questioned, nervously looking down, almost trying to get Buck’s validation.
“I know.” Buck, honest to God, smirked. Eddie really should stay away if he wants to live, but Eddie always loved to run into danger. Buck finished Eddie’s sandwich, pressing it down before saying, “And here’s the King’s sandwich.” He hands it over to Eddie who takes it with a smile and Chris laughs.
Buck takes his gloves off, depositing them into the garbage can, not visible to people across the counter, handing a few napkins to Eddie who takes them and places down his sandwich on it. “How much do I owe you?” Eddie asks, patting his back pocket to take his wallet out.
Buck shakes his head, “Nothing,” Eddie’s about to protest, but he cuts him off quickly, “It’s on the house, especially for newcomers and there’s a discount for public safety services.”
Eddie’s still unsure, “Are you sure?”
Buck’s smile softened, “I’m sure, Eddie. Go enjoy your sandwich.” He shoos him off, making Eddie let out a boast of laughter, taking his sandwich and napkins with him. “Okay, okay!”
Eddie sits down with Chris who was halfway through his sandwich, “It’s good, Chris?”
Chris nodded, eagerly, his mouth full of a bite, “It’s really good.”
“Swallow your food first.” Eddie reprimanded, but the smile on his face was too fond for him to be truly mad. Eddie took the first bite of the sandwich. God, it was so good. Screw Buck for being handsome/adorable and a good cook - Eddie did want to screw Buck.
“I like Buck, he’s nice.” Christopher says after swallowing a bite. Eddie looks back at Buck who was cleaning up the station. Buck looks up, feeling eyes on him, connecting his eyes with Eddie’s, whose face burns at the attention. Buck gives him a soft smile and Eddie returns it, glad he walked into that deli shop.
“Me too.” Eddie responded, looking back at Chris. He couldn’t wait to see what lies ahead of him and he really hopes it’s with Buck.