Archive of Our Own ^beta

<3 <3 <3 Buck

Somehow, even after a storm, the world manages to balance itself out again.

The spring had been tumultuous with change in Buck’s life but the start of summer saw a bit of calm that seemed impossible just a few months ago.
Despite this, Buck felt he was in a bit of a rut. 

It was like he was looking for something, something he couldn’t describe.

So when he met Bobby for lunch he said before Buck could even sit down, “Now, this isn’t going to be what you think it's about…”

“So it’s not going to be about when you’re returning?”

“No, Well. Yes. It’s unfortunate what happened to Gerrard.” He says with actual no remorse.

“No it's not, he literally died being a homophobe, Bobby. He got so angry I kissed a man in front of him and he literally had a stroke and died! He said he’d believe I liked men when I actually kissed one- well, in not so nice words- and so I found someone at that pride parade and kissed them?” Buck says, the stories still sound impossible, the man just crumpled in front of him and the twink who then was screaming his head off. “Well, I think the person I ended up kissing didn’t actually identify as a man, but it was really hard to ask them their pronouns after that ordeal.” They all did their best, their fast actions actually gave him a fighting chance but he died in the hospital, all alone, with no family or friends. Meanwhile, Bobby had gotten his Captain’s recertification, but had begun again at the 118. He was enjoying his extended vacation and Hen was making a wonderful interim captain. 

“About you kissing a man-”
“I thought we talked about this Bobby?” Buck was confused, he came out to Bobby months ago and he was totally over it before he even had a moment.

“Yes, but this random person in particular? And not your boyfriend?” 

“ Oh , I broke up with Tommy. He didn’t really… well… he didn’t really get the kind of support I needed when you were in the hospital, I think generally, we had bad communication.” 

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m glad you made the right decision.”

Yes because it was 100% only about Tommy’s lack of support… and not just his bad communication.

“So what was it you wanted to talk to me about, what else… oh the councilwoman? Did she get bail?”

“No she was not granted bail, and it’s not that either. I thought you would’ve gotten an update already from them? Mara of course has been home with Hen and Karen for a month now. Oh, but Athena pulled a favor to speed up their adoption process; it should be official this week.” He smiles, “Now stop interrupting me.” He chastises Buck but Buck knows it’s all love.

The whirlwind of events have been hard to keep up with but he knows his family will make it through anything.

“So, we appreciate you letting us stay at the loft this past month, but our insurance payout of the house finally came through and well… Micheal insured practically every part of it because it was custom. He’s been doing well in Florida, and said he doesn’t care much about the money. He simply had one request- that we buy a property for the yearly camping trip, if we’re looking for vacation homes.”

Buck frowned, Athena hated camping. There was only two ways you could get her in the woods- “So you either bought a glamping trailer too or you bought-”
“We bought acres of a lakefront camp. It has a big house and several small cabins. It was owned by a large family but they all ended up moving away off the west coast. So, after hearing our house was lost to … a fire… “

“They totally thought you meant wildfires.”

“Well, and they heard we were both first responders, so they were excited to give us a good deal for a big family with new traditions.”

“What about LA?”
“Well of course we’re looking to get a property here, but that could take a while, and it turns out this one was ready first and we decided while I was off work we should take a few weeks and… well, I talked to the Marshall. You know, About his decision after awarding you all with a bravery medal to then put a man who was removed for harassment and bigotry of those very people back in place? Lets just say he was inclined to give everyone a few weeks off while my captaincy gets reinstated… as long as none of us sue or go to the media. So, do you want to come to the lake house with us?” He asks hopefully.

“As a family?” He blurts out before he can even think.

“Yes.” Bobby says without a hesitant thought, he smiles a smile Buck always wished his father would. “And I’ve invited the Hans, the Wilsons, the Diazes and Ravi of course to join us.” He winks. 

“They all said yes?”

“I mean I got them 3 weeks paid time off and a free vacation on a lakeside… “

“And you waited to ask me last?” He says incredulously. He felt a little hurt, he guessed he was the only one without kids or family. Well buck thought Ravi might have a family.

“Only because I knew you wouldn’t say yes until I made sure everyone else could come.” Buck’s chest tingles, “And I knew you wouldn’t come if Eddie wouldn’t and… well Eddie said he wasn’t coming if you weren’t.”

Damn. Got him there. “Well okay then I’m going. Can’t let the Diazes miss a free vacation.”

“Well… I guess you should go home and tell Eddie he’s going to the lake house then.” 

Go Home.

God, if only Bobby knew what this arrangement was doing to his head. 

Chris was Back and Buck was on the couch but sometimes… okay most of the time he wished he was in Eddie’s bed. Maybe he had drunkenly fallen asleep there a few times and he got a bit indulgent.

But the Diaz household… it wasn’t home? Was it?

“Uh buck, you okay?” 

“Going home, Bye.” 

Packing… they’d be taking this vacation together, as a family. The Diazes were his family.

He has so much to think about and they haven’t even gotten there.

“I can believe we got a free vacation after all of this!” 

Eddie’s eyes seemed to sparkle at the word free. There were only a few things that really got him excited enough to jump for joy and free was one of them.

He wasn’t a materialistic guy but Buck knew there was never a lot of money hanging around for trips, in fact, in the 7 years he knew him he didn’t think he did much vacationing that wasn’t visiting his sister’s house in San Diego every few years. 

He had taken them to Disney once for Chris’ 8th birthday.

All they had to do was pay for the gas.

“I think Bobby and Athena are millionaires.” Chris says as he drops his bag into Buck’s Jeep, which will get better mileage than the truck. 

And also of course Buck will be driving the entire way, they didn’t even have to ask or question that part.

“You know, I didn’t ask Chris,”

“Because that's impolite.” Eddie interjects to teach a lesson, hefting his own duffle into the jeep. 

“But, you’re probably right.” He can't help but giggle with Chris.

He can’t believe he’s taking a vacation with them.

“Is that everything?” He asks.

“No, just the cooler left for cold drinks.” Eddie said.

“For the road! Good planning.”

Eddie’s eyes sparkled and he knew it wasn’t free but… “Well um we can also keep the leftover sliders you made there.” He shifts and places them in.

Buck didn’t know how but somehow their few brain cells just worked together so effortlessly.

At work, at home, it didn’t matter.

He and Eddie were perfect partners, always in sync.

He knew this and that’s one of the reasons he and Tommy broke up, he said “Well it’s hard to compete when you already have a boyfriend.” It was one of the more sharper things Tommy said. He was insecure, it’s why he called Buck, Evan, and why he talked about wanting to be a part of the 118 family so much. In the end Buck realized that Tommy was blaming his relationship with his best friend to be the problem, but the problem was that Tommy wanted to be Buck instead of being with Buck.

Which was sad because he was a pretty cool person, at least Buck thought so until he realized how jealous he was.

He turns to look at Eddie who's precariously stacking the cooler so it sits behind Eddie’s seat a good height to dig in. When he’s got it perfect he smiles and gestures towards his work for Buck’s approval.

Buck can help the smile that creeps on his face, he makes a show of thoroughly inspecting the work. He then nods and Eddie beams, squaring his shoulders proudly. He doesn’t know he does that. He doesn’t know he does this little man-stance when he gets approval. It’s adorable. Maybe it’s just that he only does it for Buck. That would be even more adorable.

God damn it.

Fuck.

Maybe Tommy was right, because Eddie has never wanted to be Buck, he has only ever wanted to be there for Buck.

The most touching part is he knows Buck is a fan of ice cold drinks, he knows Buck gets weird about food sitting out too long, food going bad. Years of living on the road, broke as hell eating questionable things did that to you. 

Buck sighs as the Diazes load themselves into the car, Chris already has his headphones on, Eddie is attempting to pull up google maps in the passenger seat, and kind of failing miserably to use the GPS.

Damn it all.

Tommy IS right.

He didn’t have room for another boyfriend.

He knows he's practically cohabiting, and coparenting with this man.

He’s so in love with this man, he just can't get over that last damn hurtle.

How is he going to survive 3 weeks of a dream without saying anything?

Buck climbs into the Jeep trying to sop up the dopey smile already on his face, he’d just have to bear with these feelings.

<3 <3 <3 Eddie

How the hell did Eddie make it this far without throwing himself at Buck, he’s not sure.

They survived the drive to the private lakeside vacation property and he swore it was the movie magic lake side out of every teen movie. 

The water was clear and stunning, the beaches were actually sandy, there were fish stocked and shared by the neighbors on the far side who didn’t come up much anymore (okay that was a little bit of a morbid rich person thing), but it didn’t matter. Because it was perfect.

The lake was a large strange oblong shape, but along Bobby and Athena’s property it narrowed into a little bay (he suspected the narrowing was man made. There were fully kitted cabins and one large main house that was a pleasant blue. It stood half way up a cliff that overlooked the lake and had a direct path winding down to the docks below that had a boat and some kayaks tied up already. It turned from dock to beach along the left side, where more of the cabins were nestled in a clearing. Behind them was a plains land and what he assumed were trailer hookups. The lake bay let out to the larger area of water to the right, wrapping around the cliffside.

Behind the cabins on the left was a forest, cutting off the edges of the property.

It was strange because, in all his time in the south and south west Eddie doesn’t think he’s seen such a large body of water that wasn’t an ocean. He guessed the lake looked rather plentiful due to the increased rains they had this year, but nonetheless it created a serene dream. 

The first thing they did was check in with Bobby and Athena- who were currently in the middle of redecorating the main house, a trailer with boxes stood out front and men were unloading items.

It was an enormous blue Victorian house with 5 bedrooms, plenty enough for them, their two kids, Micheal (if he ever left Florida), and Buck- as was told. THe backyard wasn’t too big, but it overlooked part of the lake, and the rest of the property.

They walk in to Athena in her prime, directing people to put things places, in a beautiful flowy sundress- full vacation.

“Now this is much better than a cruise.” She jokes.

She hugs and kisses both of them and Bobby comes by quickly to give them a hug before he’s off to his next task. 

Buck and Athena are suddenly in rapid conversation- Chris has already flopped down on a couch, glued to his phone.

Eddie should’ve been rejoicing about Buck not staying in his Cabin with Chris but something inside him panged sadness.

Oh yeah, it was the gay ass yearning for his best friend that never fucking stopped.

Dear god, get a grip Diaz!

He was struggling to pay attention as Athena showed Buck where everything was explaining her design choice or whatever.

“Oh, Buck I’m so sorry I totally forgot. Ravi is bringing a special guest we’re all very excited about so we wanted to make sure they stayed at the main house. The attic, which is the last room, is still unfinished and we were going to remodel it into its own suite, and it's nowhere near ready. So we’ve worked it out- it’s best you’ll be staying with Eddie this time, I don’t see that’s an issue as you currently already live together, right?” Her voice is saccharine sweet which makes Eddie incredibly suspicious.

Why is it quite the tale? Because Athena winks at him. He does a double take but her and Buck have moved on, him frowning and nodding, but then they both turn to him.

He awkwardly shrugs, “No difference to me,” He does a weird arm pat thing to Buck and he just regrets touching him all together because then he can’t stop thinking about it.

She gives him the cottage keys with a smile that seems like trouble.

“Don't worry the cottage isn’t that far and we actually left the golf cart there in case Chris wanted to use that- the terrain out here isn’t the best but the old owners assured me that the golf cart can even go on the beach and wont sink.” 

Eddie fully expects his son to turn up his nose at any sort of extra mobility aids but instead he whips around to Eddie with the biggest smile, “Dad you have to teach me how to drive it.” 

“Okay buddy, we’ll talk about it.”

He rolls his eyes and turns to Buck, “Buck will you teach me how to drive the golf cart?” 

Everyone laughs which makes Christopher roll his eyes. “Chris, you cannot be asking me to undermine your dad on day one of vacation. Have some class.” He leans over and fake whispers, “Try day 5.” And they put their heads together and giggle like they always do.

Chris picked up that little laugh from Buck and he never stopped.

He used to giggle like a kid but now his giggle is exactly like Buck’s gleeful and pure joy and Eddie god damn, doesn’t know anything that's more like sunshine.

“Well, I guess we should settle in.”

“Dinner’s at 6!” Bobby calls from the kitchen and they all go back to decorating.

“Do you think Ravi has a girlfriend? Is that why he needs the room?” Chris asks on the small drive to the cottage.

“Why? Don't you want me to stay with you?” Buck teases.

“No! I want you with us! But I thought you called Ravi ‘chronically single by choice’.” Damn, they gotta watch what they say around this kid.

He and Buck look at each other, neither of them seem to know. “No clue bud, we’ll have to see.” Buck says.

“Let's make bets.” Chris continues, his mischievous smirk on his face.

“Bets? On what?” Eddie asks suspiciously. Chris had picked up their family’s favorite conflict and meddling pass time- betting pools.

“Ravi’s special surprise. Who is it?”

“Oh I bet it’s whoever lives with him, he’s a good kid he probably wanted to give his parents a nice vacation, I bet he’s taking one of them.” Eddie says reasonably steering the conversation.

Buck shakes his head, “Nah, it's definitely a girlfriend.” 

“He said he doesn't ‘do girlfriends’, he’s a casual guy.” Eddie comments

“That was like three years ago when he was still a probie, look at me- think I’d be dating men 3 years ago? No way.” This shut Eddie the hell up. He didn’t exactly come out to everyone but he kind of slowly started implying that yes he was gay.

He guessed people knowing he was gay was way less of a problem for him than admitting to himself that he was gay.  Turns out Hen and Bobby basically already knew. 

All thanks to Captain Gerard, may he rest in hell! 

Eddie realized that he likes men and men only.

“I think it’s a boyfriend.” Chris says.

Buck swerves but manages to stay on the rough path and grinds them to a stop.  Eddie spits out his water that he was drinking. “Wha-why would you say that?”

They both look back at Chris who has an eyebrow raised over his glasses, “He reminds me of you Buck, you had a boyfriend. Why not?” He reasons. 

Eddie and Buck exchange a quick look and Buck pulls up to a cute cabin with a golf cart parked out front. It has a flower bed with some overgrown geraniums that came back no problem without any care. “I guess you’re right, it could be a boyfriend.” Eddie says carefully and he eyes Buck who’s not looking at him.

“50 dollars of my savings on it.” Chris says. They’re both too embarrassed about their inappropriate reactions, they don't say anything.

Bucks hands are clutching the wheel and he looks a bit panicked over it all and Eddie doesnt know why.

Eddie had come a long way from his identity crisis with Kim.

They all had been in stable therapy ever since Eddie’s little… disaster situation.
Okay maybe, Eddie needed it the most, but he didn’t realize how maybe Frank just wasn’t his kind of  therapist. His new Therapist, Emi, is nonbinary and cutthroat. They didn’t let him get away with jack shit. They were to the point and weren't afraid to call him out. They sent Eddie’s family anonymous surveys and it was really effective in seeing how others were worried for him.

They also gave him this workbook which was stupid but… well sometimes stupid worked.

“Alright let's unload!” Buck yells a bit loudly and a bit too cheery and they all get out of the car once more.

The cabin is quaint but an adorable shade of yellow.

The front room was small, a kitchenette, a little dining table and some chairs that had great window light. There was AC- thank god. 

It also had only two bedrooms.

“Oh did Athena…” Eddie begins and they both stand in the master bedroom with a king sized bed nicely made up.

“It’s big enough Eddie, it's not like we haven’t shared a bed before.” 

He says nonchalant but there is a slightly crazed edge to his voice. 

“O-kay.” Eddie is chalaunt. It is a big deal. It feels strangely momentous. They could fix this problem and they are choosing not to. 

Cool. Cool. Cool.  

Eddie needs to get it together, honestly he’s being so incredibly weird about all of this, and so not normal he’s just glad to take Buck’s lead.

But he’s trying not to think about how unhinged obsessed in love with this man he is and how the hell is he going to get through sharing a bed with him for 3 weeks .

<3 <3 <3 Buck

It’s fine!

It’s all fine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He is a mature adult who could compartmentalize. 

But he was gay as shit and sharing a bed with a man who likes to sleep shirtless and has a gay porn level bubble butt? 

FINE!

Why did he say that!?  They totally could’ve gone to Athena and been like ummm…

But Buck had to just be like “lEtS sHaRe” “nOtHiNg wE hAvEnT dOnE bEfoRe!’

“DAD! Can you show me the golf cart now?” Chris yells startling them both to hurry and run out of the room, as if they could cover the evidence of them sharing a bed.

Buck clears his throat, “Let’s unpack and inventory first okay, and then we need to make a list of everything we need.” He puts the Diaz boys to work. “You wouldn’t want to go 3 weeks without your juice Mr.?” Chris rolls his eyes but he gets right to work. Chris and no juice is a scary sight.

Athena and Bobby insisted on everyone giving them a list and they’d make one big grocery run tomorrow but they had enough for dinner and breakfast tomorrow. 

“Did they plan… an itinerary?” Eddie says looking at one of the things Athena must have handed him while Buck was staring at his ass.

A completely normal thing to do. Who doesn’t stare at hot men’s asses?

Buck didn’t think he noticed but he looked at the activity time table for this next week and it was quite literally like a summer camp.

A summer camp of his childhood dreams, and everyone he loved was here for it.

“Kayaking!” He yells and Eddie groans. “What, I’ll keep you above water.” He says like it’s a joke but something about it gets lost in the sauce and the look Eddie is looking at him with makes his heart sing out of his chest and he can't- 

Buck wrenches his eyes away because if this gets any closer to his dreams he cant be responsible for what falls out of his dumb mouth.

“There's an optional choice listed, that museum we talked about!.”
He quickly looked at the itinerary and saw indeed the suggestion for one of the option days, a small local forestry museum, Buck had been to many of them, but these museums usually directly support the local parks and it would be a great way to use the tourism for good, “This looks fantastic, I wonder if they have a website…” He says and he’s about to pull out his phone but Eddie is chuckling and when Buck gets distracted again he finally sighs a happy sigh and Buck glances up again at the man who’s just looking at Buck, watching him.

Eddie looks happy.

Just a few months ago his friend was drowning and he barely even noticed. It wouldn’t happen again. Nothing with Eddie Diaz was below notice. Not on his watch.

His heart beats a little faster as Eddie just keeps looking at him, silently.

“What?” Buck says, his rare smile was still contagious.

“DAD! I’m done!” 

“Okay!” Eddie calls and slowly peels himself away from looking at Buck, like he’s a good book that's hard to put down and it makes Buck feel… wanted. 

The two Diaz boys make their way out and Buck clears his head. He listens to their chatter outside the kitchen window, messing with the golf cart and makes up the list they need and heads out to hand it to Bobby. He mourns unsticking himself from the Diazes but it's for everyone's good. Nobody needs Buck to be literally a puddle at Eddie’s feet when they have to make enough food for an Army.

He takes his time walking down the way to examine the other cabins, and the garden out front, thinking someone had already started a plan with it.

The Main house truly is close , he thinks perhaps they got one of the nicer cabins. He probably should say something to Athena but when he enters the house he sees his sister sitting down for a little afternoon coffee with Hen and he can't help but beam at how effortlessly beachy and relaxed she looks. “Baby brother!” She pops up and gives him a hug. The nickname became a bit of a joke, and usually was only used in private but the pure joy on her face made it all worthwhile. 

“Hi, you two are looking beautiful and ready for vacation, where's Karen?”

“Why aren’t you asking where Chimney is?” She teases. 

“Because if you were doing a girl's moments- well anyways I have my list,” Athena who had been busy  in the kitchen came out without more coffees and grabbed his list out of his hand with a kiss on his cheek.

“Well you must have missed her because she wanted to walk with Denny to meet Chris- she said she was worried about the golf cart and needed to make sure our son had a firm lecture about the rules if using it.” Hen smiles with love.

“Ah yeah Eddie and Chris were checking it out, I thought I’d see if I could help with dinner.”

“I wont say no to more hands. But first everyone needs a pick-me-up, baileys anyone?”

“Oof not me, ask me in a week but I’ll be falling asleep with this breeze.” Maddie laughs but Hen nods to her glass and Buck nods too. Why not? He's on vacation. “Can you believe this is our first real family vacation!” Maddie exclaims when he sits down. She’s right, they never had anything like this growing up.

“You mean like as adults with your adult families,” Hen pauses, Buck didn’t exactly have a personal family? What?

They both look at each other, “Our parents were… really content where they were.” Buck shrugs.

“The first time I’d gone to the beach was with my friends in high school.”
“I joined cub scouts just so I could go camping, and then they still pulled me out after a year.” Buck shrugs. 

“That's part of the reason I left him the Jeep.” She smiles tightly. “They travel more now, but I think they were really scared to for a long time.” She says and she reaches up and brushes his hair back affectionately.

“Well! I’m glad to be able to get you guys out then!” Athena says sitting down.

“Okay Hen texted me there was baileys?” Karen walks in with a huff.

“Oh no, what happened.”

“Just sass. Athena I am grateful for your parenting skills Harry showed up and straightened them out. I left Eddie and Chris to continue the driving lesson and… well… I don’t know if they’re gonna get very far.” She grimaces.

“That's a shame, they found the petal adjustments we got?” She asks and Karen nods.

“I don’t think this one is going to be about Christopher’s abilities and more about the fact that he takes after his father- that kids a daredevil.” 

She gives Buck a look who for some reason feels like he should be defending that, Hey! Some of that is from Shannon too- “Does he get it from Eddie or is it Buck. ” His sister snipes and he’s about to object on many fronts when Bobby walks in and sets a warm hand on his shoulder.

“Is everyone here?” He asks Athena.

 “Now we need to make a food schedule and plan that we have all the chefs.” Bobby quietly settles down next to her and they hash out the schedule for the first week of who's cooking when, whose family is on wash duty and set up a safety patrol every night. Bucks family was lumped in to the Diazes instead of Ravi and whoever he’s bringing which he found interesting. 

“Okay well now I need a nap before May and Ravi arrive so shoo, everyone out of my house go have fun.”
Athena shoes them all out.

“Anyone want to sit out at the water, I have seltzers?” Karen waggles her eyebrows and everyone agrees to go change into swimwear and meet at the lakeside closer to Karen and Hen’s cottage so they don't disturb Bobby and Athena’s nap.

<3 <3 <3 Eddie

“So you cant rev the engine of a golf cart bud you’ll break it, it's not a car-” 

“Dad, I know I won’t break it. Can I actually try to drive now?” 

They had been sitting in front of the cottage for 20 minutes as Eddie gave Chris the basics on the machine, incredibly unsure. But Athena was a cop, like she kind of knew vehicles and safety the best. Buck had already left, and he knew Eddie loathed grocery list making and shopping, so he was just trying to help, but he kinda wished he was here beside him backing him up against his own son.
“I need to make sure the accessibility supports are secure Chris and that you know how to take them on and off.” He confirms and Chris rolls his eyes.

“Chris I still don’t know if this is a good-”

“Dad! You promised!” He starts to whine and Eddie really doesn’t want to keep fighting his son on vacation. 

“Alright, fine one lap to that tree and then we turn around and come back.” He compromises but that earns him another teenage eye roll. Chris turns the cart on and moves the wheel and his feel easily presses down on the pedal modifications and he takes off toward the tree. “NOT SO FAST!” He yells but right as they approach it Chris swings the wheel around rocking them around the path, and the speed back around to the cabin and he slams on the break.

“Seatbelts on now .” He says but he’s still clutching the frame of the open cart.

These things are much too dangerous.

“Dad I already have mine on.”
“Chris this is a bad idea-”
“Hey!” They look up and Denny is in front of them with Karen and Mara strolling behind.

“So this is the ride?” He hops on the back. “Where are we going?” He asks. “Can I try driving later?” He asks his mom. 

She looks at Eddie who shrugs. 

But the boys are ignoring her and Chris is already showing Denny how to drive it as they change seats.

“BOYS!” She yells and their heads both swing up. “Ground rules. No golf cart driving when it's dark without a licensed adult. That means someone who had a drivers license . If an adult asks you for the cart you will give it to them. If an Adult asks you to not drive the cart somewhere, or not do something with the cart you will listen to them. You both will watch out for Mara, got me? This is a privilege and in exchange for using it you will be doing chores with it, is that understood?”
They both nod. “But what if the adult asks us to do something like drive it into the lake?” Denny pushes.

“Use your common sense, Denny. It’s Athena’s and Bobbys and you need to take care of it. That means, when it gets low on gas you must refill it.”

“And it must be parked here or at the main house full of gas at the end of each night.” Eddie tacks on and Karen nods. 

“Yeah but what if-” Denny starts again.

“Hi guys!” They both turn and the two boys are already running over to greet Harry, the merry trio reunited “GWAF Boys, boys I’m here now, it's okay.” He says like they’ve reunited from the battlefront. He turns to Mara who’s been quietly hanging back next to Karen, “Hey Mara!” Harry calls out to her with an easy smile. \

Mara turns pink under the attention.

“Hey Harry.” She says.

“Whoa this is nice . Do you need a license to drive it?” He asks and then pulls out his new drivers license.

Shit Eddie forgot Harry was 16.
“When did you get that?” Karen asked.

“A year ago.” He smiles devilishly. “But don't worry my moms a cop if I dent this thing she’ll take it away.” He says turning back into an angel. Karen gave Harry Grant the evil eye.

“So if Harry asks us to drive it into the lake-”
“My mom would kill me!” Harry says and they all burst on in laughter and completely ignore Eddie and Karen.

“I think we’ve been saved by Athena’s wrath after all.” Eddie mutters and Karen snorts.

“I’m on vacation, they heard the rules, if they crack their heads open the ER isn’t too far away.” She shrugs. 

“And at least we have quite a few first responders on site already.” He shrugs and she grins.

“Hen is summoning me to the main house with the allure of coffee and baileys, come with?”

“I actually wanted to take a walk, Buck said they were planning dinner and I’d rather not be expected to cook.” He shrugs.

“Suit yourself. Dish boy.”
They laugh and go separate ways. Eddie takes a long walk but he can't help as he goes along the path thinking about things Buck would love and be excited to do. 

<3 <3 <3 Buck

Buck got back to the cottage and packed a cooler, he had texted Eddie who said he had been on a walk after the long car drive and would love to hang out on the shore. 

He rubbed sun block on his face and Eddie came out of the main bedroom from changing and he looked up to ask him what drinks he wanted for the cooler but the words stopped in his mouth as he was reacquainted with Eddie Daiz’ washboard abs.

The thing is anytime they went to the beach Eddie typically stayed fully dressed, even when Chris was younger and he had to hold him in the ocean, he’d just let his pants get wet. 

Actually, most of the times they were there together, it was Buck playing in the ocean.

He knew the Ocean reminded him a lot of Shannon so he always got a bit sad when they went, so Buck had always stepped up.

But here he was staring agape like he had never seen them in the locker room, and they were blinding in his face.

“I-uh-”

“Oh I love the mango ones!” He exclaims and checks the cooler with a nod. 

“Oh- yeah?” Is all Buck can manage even though he already knows he likes the mango ones.

“You got a little-” Buck looks at Eddie who's pointing at his face, he tries to get whatever it is but Eddie just sighs and grabs his face, rubbing in the sunscreen to his ears.

He knows the ears are one of those zones, but Eddie Diaz rubbing his ears should not be as much of a turn on as it is.

He quickly wrenches himself away and says “Oh, ticklish.” He tries to play it off with a smile so Eddie won't notice the half boner in his very thin swim shorts. “Are you ready, lets go!” He shuts the cooler and grabs the bags and marches out the door before the man can say anything else.

The spot everyone has settled at isn't very far and they’ve brought out various chips on the sandy lake front which apparently is essential beach food according to Hen.

Chimney and Jee Yun are already there and she and Maddie are playing in the sand. 

“Hey Chim!” Buck yells, the only person he hasn’t thus seen today. 

“Hey Buck, Eddie, how's the golf cart?” Eddie groans and Buck turns around curious.

“You’ll hear all about it later I’m sure.” He whispers to Buck who nods.

“Oh boy.” is what he says and they set up some extra chairs. 

Buck decides the first thing he needs to do is jump in the lake and hide.

But the second thing happens when he gets back. “Hey I totally forgot- can you get my back?” Eddie is holding a bottle of sunscreen with the most earnest ‘im an idiot’ face. He’s caught between a rock and a hard place, because Eddie practically yelled it, and yeah the idea of giving Eddie a sensual massage- he meant sun protection on his back- sounded like something he’d never say no to, but he also didn’t want to pop a boner in front of everyone on the beach! 

He nods, it's fine, it's cool, it's fine and totally normal!! 

He squirts some of the cold liquid out on his hands and rubs them together to make the temperature a bit warmer, and he.. Well he rubs Eddie’s back.

Fine Eddie.
Hope you like massages! 

Buck likes massage.

God damn he has issues but Eddie seems to be really enjoying it nonetheless and even if Buck was Totally Normal ™   about it, he’d want Eddie relaxed and happy on vacation- that was the point! Except for when he got near the waistband of Eddie’s swim shorts, his lower back swelled with his bubble butt, and well, yeah he may have lifted the waistband back, but Eddie Diaz’ golden skin was not going to burn on his watch!

“Okay um, I think you’re done?”
“Hmm?” Eddie says and Buck thinks he might have fallen asleep a bit. “Oh- oh yeah okay. I think I’m going to take a nap now.”
“Okay…” Buck says and he gets up from the towel on the ground to sit in the chair and promptly ignores Hen’s eyebrows and teasing looks.
It’s not long before Bobby texts him to help for dinner. Buck is happy to help and let everyone else relax. Before he leaves, he wakes a sleepy Eddie. Buck’s scared even with the generous coating of sunblock, his back will burn, and makes him put on Buck’s shirt. He sleepily does so, “But where are you going?” He almost whines and Buck’s heart soars well above the earth with how cute it is.
“I’m going to help Bobby with Dinner, I’ll see you there?”
He pauses, “Okay.”
Sleepy Eddie has always been his favorite, but today, vacationed, relaxed, nightmare less, fully rested sleepy Eddie takes the cake. 

Buck is quickly put to work skinning and mashing potatoes while Bobby makes brisket and chicken for a crowd.

Athena is assembling macaroni salad, ingredients for a regular salad buffet style, a pistachio pudding that is really just, another salad and finally she makes angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. 

May starts slicing bread into a bread basket with butter, setting the table outside with silverware and napkins.

“Knock, Knock?” Says a voice everyone in the kitchen recognizes and turns around.

Buck sees Ravi who instead of his normal smolder smile is smiling a wide grin that's slightly embarrassed, “Ah Buck…” He says like he was hoping Buck wouldn’t be there. He scratches the back of his neck.
“What, you're not happy to see me?” He jokes and walks over to hug Ravi.

“No I-”

“Buck!” Another familiar voice calls from around the corner and a familiar man flies into him. “God, brother, it's been way too long .” 

Albert leaned back from his bruising hug with a great smile and quickly went to greet everyone else in the room. 

“Albert? What are you doing here?” Buck was very confused, Albert Han was always welcome at any 118 party- hell any party Buck’s at, but he had been spending so much of his time in Korea as of late it was hard to catch him.

Albert looked back at Ravi and Buck looked at Ravi who was…. blushing ?

Eddie Diaz didn’t panic… Ravi Panikkar didn’t blush?
Like a strange horror show and yet slightly satisfying moment of Buck’s life, he watches Albert walk over and Kiss Ravi on the mouth, a sloppy, wet, passionate kiss. 

It was utterly disgusting and enlightening all in one moment.

“Wow.”

“And that's how you get your boyfriend to hard launch your relationship.” Albert announces to the room, Ravi still absolutely dead silent with no snide comments couldn’t take his eyes off his…

“BOYFRIEND?” 

“Congratulations!” May exclaims. “I had wondered…”

“What?” Buck exclaims again, “When did you guys even meet?”

“The wedding.” Ravi finally regains his composure, apparently he had lost it over Albert . 

“Yeah the 3 hours of waiting… my brother nearly died but he never stops giving,” Albert swoons?

Buck couldn’t believe it.

He literally could not pick his jaw up off the ground. 

“D-does Chimney know?”

Albert winces, “No, he was busy…. has been busy but I wanted to surprise him. Him and Maddie never got a honeymoon and I wanted them to have a surprise baby sitter on deck if they wanted to get away for a day.” 

“And also you were too scared.” Ravi bites out, but from the crinkle of his eyes and shit eating grin of his mouth he knows it’s all play.

“That too. But you didn’t tell Buck, I thought you said you told Buck.” He exclaims. 

“Why would I tell Buck?”

“He’s my brother’s brother-in-law. And I lived with him for years. And he’s gay as hell.”

“Um, Bisexual.” His interjection was ignored by the couple.

“And none of those things have anything to do with me?” Ravi exclaims, “Babe,” He says and Buck wants to barf, “Buck called himself an ally while he was dating a man.”

“And you know I’m 99% straight but you’re my 1%” Albert puts his hands on Ravi’s hips and corners him into a corner, Bobby makes a coughing noise that gets them to straighten up.

“And you two! YOU KNEW?” Bobby looks a bit guilty, Athena crosses her arms in a way of ‘how dare you speak to me like that’. 

“Just like you and Tommy, it wasn’t our place to tell.”
Buck is flabbergasted. It’s not that he felt entitled to any of this information, it's just the fact that such an unlikely pair could be so into one another and not tell anyone till they showed up for family vacation. Albert who he considered a brother, and Ravi who he works with every day and considers a friend. Well from that exchange, Buck isn’t really sure the friendship is all that mutual.

“Where's Tommy?” Albert asks, moving on already.

Fuck you Albert, “We broke up.”
“That's too bad.” He doesn’t really sound remorseful, in fact a bit cheerful, because the next thing he says is, “Maybe you’ll figure out your thing for Diaz now.” 

Buck rolls his eyes and tries not to act like he’s deeply mortified, extra fuck you Albert. “It’s not like that.” He says and everyone in the room now turns their attention to Buck, with a myriad of confused and sympathetic looks.

“What?” He asks.

“Alright, dinners ready! Sound the horn!” Bobby calls, saving Buck.

Everyone grabs a bowl or a dish of food and files out of the room leaving Buck and his pseudo father standing there and Bobby walks over to put his hand on his shoulder.

Buck really feels conflicted between always wanting Bobby’s comfort and actually not wanting to be in this nightmare situation where everyone seems to be slightly aware he’s in love with Eddie Diaz and he has not covered it up at all. “So you know?”

“You never have to tell me with you Buck.” He says and Buck slumps, “Hey, there is nothing wrong. But he’s right- you should tell him.”
Buck’s shock never ends. He looks at Bobby with such shock Bobby laughs, “Sorry your face- is it really that horrible to tell the man you already show your love to, that what you're showing him is love?” 

“What do you mean?”

“You parent his child, you go on dates, you take family vacations together and Athena very well knew what type of bed situation was in that cottage and nobody has come back to notify us of our mistake.” He shrugs, “You listen and cared for him when things got ugly, when he did ugly things you didn’t agree with and you still were there to help him through it. You’ve always looked out for him. Love isn’t always physical, Buck. Sometimes romantic love never does have to be physical to be there.”

Buck wants to say ‘I know’. He wants to say ‘yeah Bobby I’ve got a tumblr I know romantic and sexual love are different’. He wants to say ‘except I do want him to bend me over and fuck him’.
Wait, gross he doesn’t want to say that to Bobby- yuck - but to the universe… to Eddie he does. 

But… he never thought that maybe, they already have Love. “You think we’re already…”

“You both show your love, it’s your choice to call it what you want.” Bobby finishes.

They stand in silence once more but then a giant foghorn is sounded and everyone was instructed to return to the main house upon its blow. 

They bring the last few dishes out of the kitchen and the table outside is lit with beautiful yard lights and golden hour makes the entire Paito look magical.

<3 <3 <3 Eddie

Eddie did fall asleep in the sun trying to will his boner away.

The man you’re an absolute horny nightmare for gives you a sun tan massage? Yeah that wasn’t very smart of him.

But it did seem that Buck was really into it.

He cannot be biased with this one… right?

He’s literally going insane.
What the hell is he thinking? He’s been on vacation for like 5 hours and suddenly he’s asking for innuendo massages.

When Buck left him with a shirt and a cold drink Hen and Karen started making faces at him. “ What ?” He asks.

“Ohh Buck… I can't reach that spot… will you get it for me?” Karen mocks him turning towards her Buck- (Hen).

“Oh, Eddie,” Hen lowers her voice low, “Of course I can, I’m very very passionate about sunscreen, lay down …. Now we don't want that voluptuous ass of yours to get burnt now, let me-” 

Eddie throws an empty water bottle that misses them but manages to spring sand in his own face and he’s spitting the grainy salt mess and everyone's laughing.

“That's not what happened!” He yells embarrassed.

“Eddie.” Maddie says kindly from the far side. He finally looks at her and sees Chimney is distracted playing with their daughter now, “It’s okay, he’s really passionate about your voluptuous-”
“Not you too!” He stands up but lucky enough there's a loud motor sound coming down the path and he sees Chris driving, Denny holding on to the roof and Harry standing on the back two seats.

“CHRISTOPHER!” And Hen is up to but the boys are scrambling into their seats.
“That’s it- Denny, come here!” 

The boys all exit the gold cart looking dejected.

“What did I say?” He tries to be calm and not angry but he’s not the one named after a saint. 

Chris crosses his arms but does look guilty, “Sorry, the top of the cart kept flying off, we were just riding to the big house to get a screwdriver.”

“Was that a safe or smart way to solve the problem?”

“No.” He grumps.

“No more golf carts for today.”
“But I wasn’t breaking any of your rules!”
“You want to make it forever?”
“No.” He marches off and Eddie doesn't want to fight him so he leaves it be.

He finds himself thinking ‘He’ll have Buck talk to him who will go nuts about safety, and probably bring up being pinned under the truck.’ 

Oh.

He’ll have Buck do it because he’s just a bit better at these moments.

Eddie is good at other parenting things, but these moments… Buck is the best.

“Harry Grant, you drive that cart safely up to your momma’s house and you park it for the rest of the night. I will have a discussion with her later and if I see you be unsafe one more time-”

“Yes Hen!” He calls in a military cadence and scrambles away. 

Denny seems to have stormed off away with Chris.

“They want independence and then look at them!” Hen shakes her head. 

“They just don't use their full brains.” Karen says. 

“Turtle!” They all turn and Jee has used a toy to make a blob shape in the sand, which she keeps proclaiming is a turtle.

“So glad I have some time…” Maddie says and they all laugh it off.

 Dinner isn’t far off and the fog horn calls everyone to the main house.

Chris slumps next to him, he’s doing fine on the gravely paths with the crutches but they slip a bit. 

“I’m sorry.” He says as they walk back. “Sorry I drove irresponsibly. Sometimes it's hard to say no to Denny, it won't happen again. I’ll tell him it straight.” He says and sounds like a mature adult.

He hugs Chris with a side hug which makes them have to stop walking, “It's okay but that still doesn’t change my mind about tonight.”

“I’m tired anyways.” he sighs.

The main house is all decked out in the back yard with a gorgeous meal. Everyone else is getting seated but there are two chairs next to Buck across from- “YOU OWE ME 100 BUCKS! PAY UP!” His son shouts and everyone whips their heads around.

Eddie could not believe his eyes, “ No way. ” Ravi and Albert sit with their hands collapsed together and Eddie walks around the table. “This your plus one?” He asks Ravi who shrugs looking at Albert who grins wickedly. 

“What was the bet?”

“Who’d you bring to the vacation?” Buck says, opening his wallet.

“What’d you guess?” Albert turns to Chris with an even wider cheshire grin.

“A boyfriend!” Chris calls.

“He must have seen them with Pepa, they got together at the wedding.” Buck whispers in his ear as everyone gets comfortable.

Eddie’s mouth gapes. His son grins and makes a money hand motion and mouths ‘pay up’ at him.

Eddie opens his wallet and sighs “I only have 20s.” He turns to Buck, “I'll pay 60, you pay 40. You were closer.” He sighs. 

A class is clinked and everyone’s eyes turn to Athena and Bobby, sitting at the top of the long table. “Everyone, thank you so much for joining us here at our new lake house. We wanted to make a mix of new and old traditions, because you are our family, and we want them to last. And it means the world to us you all feel the same.” Bobby sniffles a bit, “I can't imagine myself anywhere else. Alright, lets eat!” He says and nobody needs another offer, they all dug in.

After dinner was a simple affair, they had dinner and a few drinks but everyone was tired from setting up and many still needed to unpack still. 

Chris, Denny and Harry hung out on the porch, as the two ‘grandpas’ as Chris called them, got ready for bed.

There was no doubt, he’s a teenager.

Eddie stalls, something about sharing a bed with Buck- no matter how many times they’ve done it before, no matter how many times they fell asleep on each other in the truck or on the couch- this felt different. This felt like actively crossing a strange line that had always been between them.
He never really asked Buck about Tommy. He knew they broke up but… well, Tommy was good for him. Or at least Eddie thought so. 

He felt like he was seeing every moment of their lives before him, “Something interesting with that drawer?” Buck says, startling as he comes in from the bathroom. He’s in one of his too small shirts and boxers- which Eddie notices because Buck typically wears boxer briefs, but he seemed to have thought about this… maybe. 

Eddie doesn't sleep with a shirt typically, but pants are a must for him for tonight, “Oh no, I just was thinking about… um, Chris.” 

Eddie distracts them by quickly slipping into the bed. Buck turns off the over head light and Eddie feels relief, but then he turns on the side lamp- he’s not done with this conversation apparently.

Eddie is facing away from the middle but he feels Buck hesitate then slip under the covers. The king is big enough they aren’t touching, but he can feel Buck’s lazer beam on the back of his head.

Buck has always been the one person he could never lie to. Everyone about Kim came tumbling out of him the second he had those brownies. He was like a vacuum that stole thoughts and secrets. Something about how earnest he always was.

This is the real danger of being relaxed on vacation with Buck- Eddie’s thoughts tumble out of him like his sunblock- god he cant think of that right now.

“Eddie.”
Buck pulls him out of his thoughts and before he realizes he’s turning over because he can’t not look at him. Bucks got his thinking face on, a cute little frown to show he’s processing the entire universe. Eddie thought he was a simple guy when he met him, a himbo, but little did he know Buck over analyzes every little detail of everything to the point where he’s just left without room and says something stupid. 

“Yes?” 

“Thanks for not just this, but… letting me stay with you here. You get me everyday at home but-”

“Buck I wouldn’t want you anywhere else. I couldn’t imagine you anywhere else.” Okay well shit that made it sound like he imagined Buck in his bed, well he does, but god damn it, it happened again!
Buck’s face crumpled into a look that told Eddie he was utterly touched by the sentiment. “Me too. I don’t think there's anyone else… um about staying with you… on vacation… in the cabin… in general, not the bed.”

“Yeah, it's generally not the bed.” That was true, but he still was glad to have Buck in his bed even if he was going to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to avoid any awkward boners. Nobody made him more into a hormonal teenager like Buck did.

“Okay, um goodnight.” Buck says.

“Goodnight, Buck.” 

He says it like a prayer, like a wish. 

A wish that he can always say goodnight to Buck in the same bed.

<3 

Eddie woke up at the crack of dawn.

He knew Buck was an octopus, but also was a pretty heavy sleeper, so he untangled Buck from him, who was very upset to have a pillow in his place but still didn’t fully wake up.
Eddie did estimate correctly his body would reduce to the function of a teenage boy around Buck with many dreams about Buck, and Buck in his bed.

A quick shower never did any harm, it didn’t take much for him to cum and quickly wash the shower out. 

By the time he was done it was only 6:30 and he wanted coffee. 

He wondered if Athena and Bobby would be up by then, the trek did not sound fun, but he really wanted coffee.

He got dressed silently, the golden light haloing Buck in a way that was so ethereal he wanted to draw or paint it even if he had never drawn or painted anything in his life- so he did a small crazy thing- take a picture of him. His shirt slipped off in the night and he looked kind of scandalous in his position, the sheets pooling at the small of his back, covering the boxers making him look naked. 

It was a work of art.

Eddie dressed and quickly ran away though as Buck stirred.

He was too busy thinking about the burning shame of the sexy photo of Buck he had on his phone where he tripped on a large stray rock in the gravel and ate shit.

He’s sprawled on the ground half in some bushes, at 6:42 AM, pebbles digging in his back.

He probably deserves this, some karmic justice?

And then he hears it.

Meow .

He’s hit his head!

“Mew!”

It’s a high pitched scream of a tiny creature. He carefully removes himself from the bushes before parting through them to see a small kitten stuck in the bramble.

It’s not that stuck, but it’s fluffy and still has its kitten blue eyes.

He looks around and there is no mom around, he didn’t hear cats once last night. 

“MEEEW!” It shouts even louder at him.

It’s orange and it reaches his paws up. 

“Okay, okay, I’ll get you out of there. I don’t know how you even got so stuck.” He says and brushes off the pebbles stuck to him before taking his jacket and grabbing the kitten as its sharp claws and loud voice cried. “Hey I got you, it's okay, I’ll find  your mom.”

Eddie then proceeds to run around with the loud kitten busting his ear drums with its cry. He’s careful and quiet hoping the mom will come try and find it. 

To no avail he doesn’t see a cat anywhere, as he approaches the main house he sees Bobby and Athena in chairs on the front deck.

“Eddie, good- Is that a kitten?” Bobby stands up and blinks.

Eddie shrugs helplessly, “It was in the bushes.”

“Oh the poor thing!” Athena says and hurries inside to get some water and who knows what.

“We got a trapper to bring a family to the shelter, I wonder if that's one of the mom’s babies and it got left behind.”
Eddie clutched it a bit tightly as it wriggled, “Oh,” He looks down. The guy was all alone.

“You know orange cats 80% of the time are male.” He says, “Can I-?”
He takes the kitten from Eddie and looks at the genitalia and nods, “Male.” 

“Probably have to get it fixed then…”

“It's really easy for the males. It won't take long. Orange cats tend to be needy but cats have different personalities.” He shrugs.

Athena comes back with little ramekins of water and finely chopped salmon and ham.

“Here you go, sit it here.” She says on the little table. He sets the kitten and it sniffs the air and runs to the food before it starts chowing down. 

“I'm sure Bobby told you, it's a shame it got separated.”

She pets its little body and it does a little wiggle. It moves to the water and is unsure but sticks its paw in and after a few moments it starts drinking from its little paw. 

Eddie smiles as it’s utterly cute. “Would you like coffee?” He's started and nods and Athena grabs some for him and they chat quietly watching the little creature eat, drink and climb back to Eddie and fall asleep on his flannel jacket in his lap again, puring as he rubs its little face.

“Is that a cat?” Hen and Karen are up and walking over with their own coffee cups.

He shrugs.

“I think the Diaz household got another new member.” Bobby smiles.

“Another?” Eddie says and everyone laughs at a joke he doesn’t get. “Oh,” he says… Buck . “I don't know… “ He says and the kitten yawns and stretches its little arms out and he sees it has black and brown stripes on the bottom of its paws.

But it’s when Buck makes his way adorably sleepy, sits down next to Eddie without a word, blinks a few times before he sinks to the ground to stare directly at, “A kitten.”
“Yes Buck, good job.” Chimney says. Maddie was coming over with Jee any minute. 

“You have a kitten on your lap.”

“Do… you want to hold it?” Eddie asks Buck to stare at him, the little kitten sleeping on one of his hands as a chin rest and the other still stroking it with his finger tips.

“Can I?” He asks and Eddie smiles softly, picking it up and hands the entire jacket to Buck who gingerly takes the kitten, “He looks like a tiger.” He says and his voice is giddy and excited.
“I found him in the bushes.”
And the second Buck’s eyes sparkle he knows they’re keeping the kitten.

It’s game over when the kids get there, they all want to hold the kitten who gets sick of being passed around, luckily Athena has a big box it can't jump out of to put before they’re ready to go out and get… cat stuff for the day.

<3 <3 <3 Buck

Buck assumes he’s still dreaming when he walks up the porch steps to see Eddie Diaz holding a 

kitten. It’s a gift from the universe. Eddie doesn’t believe in a calling from the universe, but if Buck wanted any it would be Eddie Diaz holding an orange kitten with blue eyes. 

Their entire day is restructured around the kitten, while Bobby, Athena and May do the Costco run that's a few hours away, Eddie and Buck call local vets asking if anyone has room for an appointment that monday. 

Chris demands he goes everywhere the kitten does.

Petsmart is a nightmare but they get out with more than what the kitten needs based on the vet’s recommendation and Chris is determined to leash train the kitten who spits every time he tries to put something on it.
“We should name him Tiger” Eddie says, “He looks like a little Tiger.”

“That's boring!” Chris exclaims. 

The cat is fast asleep in its carrier, exhausted from vaccinations and microchips it has. 

“It has to be the best name ever. Like… Hobbes from Calvin and Hobbes.”

“Oh, Rajah from Aladdin!” Buck exclaims but Chris makes a ‘meh’ sound. “Shere Khan… jungle book?”

“No, no. Something that can have a good nickname.” Chris says.

They debate the rest of the way home “Dad can I let him out?”

“Let me set up the litter box, remember what the vet said?” He says and Chris nods enthusiastically helping to unload and set up all the things.

Meaning he plays with the cat toys. 

The little kitten is doing remarkably great but the second it gets near a toy it turns into a little demon and starts ripping them to shreds the best it can.

They eventually set up the kitten to stay in the bathroom before it gets used to living with humans.
“I got it!” Chris says, “Blazer! Get it, Blaze like fire, it's orange. But Blazer because it destroys everything!” 

Eddie and Buck look at each other, crouched down next to Chris holding the orange furrball. They shrug and that's that, its name is Blazer.

The rest of the day is spent around the kitten but eventually the 3 boys take over. Eddie and Buck take a long walk around the property after another heavy dinner. 

Everyone had been teasing them all day about their kitten that they adopted ‘together’. Buck wished he could have a pet on his own for so long, he thought about snakes or reptiles but ultimately always felt guilty at the prospect of leaving anything alone, stuck in his house for 24 or possibly more hours. Plus he never spent time at home, he was always at Eddie’s house now.

The second he saw Eddie and that kitten though, he was gone. He didn't even see it at first, coffeeless brain running on like 3 marbles. Then he saw it.

Actually he heard the purring first and was very confused until he saw what was in Eddie’s lap.

Look, he spends a lot of time avoiding looking at Eddie’s lap.

He spends a lot of time staring, unsuccessfully at it too. 

But there was a kitten curled up on Buck’s favorite jacket. The one that made Eddie look soft and cuddly, apparently this kitten thought so too. 

The way Eddie looked at Buck when Buck held the kitten, his heart soared. 

“Hen and Karen’s cottage is way bigger than ours.” Eddie huffs, breaking the silence,

“Well they have two kids.” 

“But it's much nicer, it's not a cottage, it's a full house.” 

“Well… Athena said the building permits on the lot never quite specified the size of the house… I mean we could look at it. They were serious about sharing this space. They were serious about making it a tradition.”

“Are you asking me… to build a house together?” Buck didn’t realize what he had said, what he had implied was actually… actually what he really wanted.

“I- yes?” 

Eddie spares no moment, “Yes. Even if it's a pipe dream… or a far off thing. Yes.” He is back lit by the golden sun shower down on him like some piece of renaissance art. He’s gorgeous in a way that Buck wishes he had words for.

Eddie has never gazed at him so relaxed and tenderly and this is like a dream come true. If Buck never told this man how he felt, well, at least he knew Eddie would want to spend the rest of his life by his side anyways. Maybe if he wanted this much with Buck already, maybe the idea of more together isn’t too far fetched.

Maybe, he could ask more of Eddie. 

Maybe he could.. test.

They walk further around the property, they see all the fire deterrents Bobby has set up, and the trailer hook ups they talked about around the back of the property. They could rent out the camping spaces and turn a profit while they aren’t on site. 

They go back to the main house where everyone is making smores. Maddie makes wiggling eyebrows at him so he wanders over to her. “So how does it feel to be outpaced?” She asks.

“What?”

“Ravi and Albert!”
“What?” 

“They got together fast! 

“Yeah, what?”

“You and Eddie were outpaced, we thought you’d get together before Ravi broke his bachelor lifestyle.”

“What?” Buck felt like a broken record.

“Stop that!”

“Sorry but I’m so confused, don't tell me you guys had another bet.”
“You know I can’t bet and tell. I mean you could probably get it out of my husband but…” He shrugs. 

“I don’t think he…” Buck looks around them, Eddie and Chris are walking away with s’mores and he suddenly knows, he knows they’re bringing one to the water for Shannon.
His heart aches, he shouldn't long to be involved with blessings for Eddie’s dead wife but something about every Diaz tradition he longs to be a part of. He wants to always be a part of the Diazes.

“Buck?” 

“Sorry, I um dont know yet.”
“Gotta give me more than that.”

“I don’t know if he would um reciprocate.” There is no use to lying to Maddie at this point. He’s so head over heels stupid for him.  

Maddie just looks at him, her big eyes creased and he thinks she's going to stroke his ego a little bit and maybe cheer him until she starts giggling.

She had a few drinks that's very obvious as the giggles turn into fully uncontrollable laughter.

“Buck- Evan you can’t be serious . I thought- I thought all this time you just liked Tommy afterall, or if you weren’t sure what sort of relationship you wanted-  I thought it was you . Oh my god I’m going to pee my pants!” She's wiping tears out of her eyes trying to calm her giggles. 

“I- what- what do you mean?” He’s panicking a bit.

“That man is in love with you Evan and I don’t know how he’s ever going to survive if you’re that oblivious. Wait- does this mean- he hasn’t noticed you tripping over him?” 

“I think… I think he thinks I’m still not over Tommy or something.” Not that they really talk about Tommy, or Marisol or Kim or anyone they’ve been with this last year.

“Have you tried, hmmm I don’t know, communicating?” She says sarcastically.

Buck rolls his eyes, “It's not that easy. First of all he’s incredibly good at avoiding topics. Second of all, he had these big brown eyes when you look into them it’s like he looks inside your soul and sometimes I get freaked out and think he can read my mind.”

“Oh. Thats- oh do you like actually-”

“ Maddie. ”

“Evan. Talk to him. Tell him. It’s time. I’m sick of watching you two like this. And I will be betting on your success. You don’t want me to lose my honeymoon fund do you?”
“That much?”

“This is a 7 year pool.” She gives him a look. 7 years!?   “By the end of Vacation.”
“Well if that's not motivation…”

<3 <3 <3 Eddie 

Eddie’s up at dawn again because he’s going crazy.
They adopted a cat together.

Their names are both on everything.

Buck told him on their walk that he read cats do best in pairs so now he’s secretly researching shelters in LA to go adopt another cat but he wants it to be a surprise again for Buck.

God damn he’s already planning as if Buck’s coming home to live at his house.

A dream.

He did just ask him to fucking build a house together here.

Eddie checks on Blazer who is happy in the bathroom but yowls for food the second he walks in, who is he, to deny his little overlord?

His morning is quiet, sipping his coffee with Blazer, thinking intently.

Buck wakes up and sits on the couch with him but kinda dozes off again on his shoulder. 

They start puttering around, and he can tell just how excited Buck is to go to the museum today, but it’s a bit dampened when Chris says, “I don’t want to go, I wanna hang out with the boys and Blazer.”
Eddie blinks. “Are you sure-”
“Yes dad, please, Buck please can I stay home?” He changes his direction like he's changing parents.

Eddie looks at Buck who's disappointed but nods that it's alright, he doesn't even default to Eddie he just makes the sleepy decision that it's not worth fighting Chris into going with them. 

“It's probably best we dont leave Blazer alone for so long with nobody.” Buck sighs.

They make sure their son goes to breakfast with everyone as they get in the car. The Museum is a ways away but Buck had been talking about it the entire drive here. They leave early to get breakfast on the road and as Eddie watches Buck go on and on, he realizes how grateful he was that his son stayed back.

He loves his son, he loves doing things with his son but moments like these, he can’t help but endlessly listen to Buck. 

They get there right after it opens and Buck makes wood sound like the most intriguing thing in the world. He’s on his phone googling things he really knows, but wants to back up with sources and Eddie thinks the man’s dedication to research is endearing. Eventually he grabs Buck’s hand so he stops looking at his phone and just pays attention to the exhibit. He’ll regret it later if he spent the day in a research spiral. Buck is startled “Come on, lets go to the next exhibit.” Is all he says and he drags Buck to the sequoia area advertised outside, and Buck instantly is moving on to the next story, the next fact and he seems to forget Eddie is holding his hand. 

So he never lets go. 

Like he’s hanging on for his life.

Eddie doesn't really know if he could have had the more perfect day with Buck. well… because the day ended up basically being a date.

They grabbed some lunch from the museum café and sat the picnic benches and Eddie picked Bucks thoughts on trees and if they were to decorated their shared vacation home backyard and then the conversation spiraled into home-owning in general what types of trees were great in LA and apparently there were gardening zones and trees were extremely expensive but Buck knew a guy he used to work with that now worked on a tree farm in Oregon and they began discussing a trip to Oregon to… look at more trees and by the end the day they were driving g back and Eddie was so confused.

So confused.

Because in a day's time Buck had agreed to a lifetime of things wholeheartedly and passionately planning a life together.

And if Buck wanted to plan a life together?

Maybe the love oozing out of Eddie Diaz Wasn't so one sided. They never quite had a chance to dream together, their lives were one crisis after another- but finally something felt still. Like they finally found the calm in their ocean, the fog lifted and the sun came out to reveal Evan Buckley's sunshine smile holding his hand out to Eddie.

Because everything today felt like a confirmation. 

Maybe… maybe his friends weren't wrong. 

When they return in the afternoon, of course everyone is teasing them “How was your date Diaz?” Hen says sticking out her tongue. “Did you move any bases?”

“Shut up.” That's all he can say, but he’s grinning because it went really well. 

“That well? Any news to share with the class?” Karen’s head turns and he knows she and Maddie are listening. 

“No. No news. It was just nice.” 

“DAD!” Chris yells.

They’re all down at the lake, Buck had stopped back at the Cabin for a nap saying he’d join them later. They had only been here a few days, but Eddie noticed he tended to avoid the lake, or being at the lake much time at all. 

On their walk, he purposefully took them the route away from the lake, and when they were close he tensed up a bit. 

Eddie wasn’t sure what was going on. 

“Hey bud, how’s Blazer?” He notices that all three boys and even Mara are in their swimsuits. Chris has his floatees that he hates but are specially designed to help him.

“Sleeping. He’s been sleeping all afternoon, can I go swimming?” 

“Yeah, it’s pretty hot, that sounds good. I’ll join you, let me just get changed, you have your gear?”
Chris nodded. His legs were always a lot stronger in the water, but he always wore floatees for safety. “Okay don’t go out too far, stay close enough that if you need help Auntie Karen or Auntie Hen can hear you, okay?”

“Dad I know, and I know how to float. I'll be fine, can I go now?” He nods and the boys all dive towards the water. Chris throws the crutches down “Dad you grab those?” He asks and Eddie smiles and grabs them.

Making his way back to the cabin he peaks in and Buck isn’t napping at all.

“Hey, we’re all going to go swimming, it's so hot, do you want to go?”

“I- oh, did you put on sunscreen?” 

“Yes I did, Buck.” He smiles, crinkled but that seemed to not be what Buck really was asking. He looks at his hands, wringing them. 

“I think I’ll sit this one out.”

“What, you love swimming, why?” Eddie is confused and he will not let this go.

“I- I just don’t um… well… I guess I should tell you. Ever since we rescued Athena and Bobby, the tsunami nightmares came back. It’s been fine, I was dealing with them but they've made it hard to go near water.”
“You’re worried you're going to freak out in the water?”

“I.. yeah.”
“Hey, I’m not going to pressure you into this, I know how it is, but if you need help, Buck, I got you.”

“I don’t know…”

“Hey, again no pressure but, but if you ever want to get over this, you’re going to have to try. We both know Frank would say exposure therapy is the right way.  We can go down the shore a bit and try. Far away enough nobody will notice what's going on.”

“You don’t have to- I don’t want to-”

“Well I do want to Buck. I want to be there for you like you were for me. It’s been a shitty year. I’ve made some shitty choices but you’ve stuck with me. Let me do this for you.” 

Buck’s eyes shimmer with how touched he is and Eddie’s chest swells. 

“Okay.” He says quietly and Eddie moves to bustle around.

They change silently facing away from one another in the room.

And Eddie leads them out and they walk around the longer path and the edge of the lake is more shallow here, and they stand feet in the water in silence.

Chris turns and waves at them and they both wave back.

“He’s so big.”

“Him outgrowing me has always been my fear.” Eddie says out of nowhere but it kind of makes sense. 

“He’s only 13.”
“High school next year, Buck. High school .” 

“Yeah but these will be great years, he’ll grow in many different ways. He’ll stop being a kid but he’ll become a person with wants and dreams and plans and that's… that's really special?”

God is there anyone else more perfect than this man for Chris? How the hell did he think Ana or Marisol or even Kim would match up to… to how much Buck cares about Chris.

“You’re right.”

He takes Buck’s hand and they take a few steps into the water. Buck stops and his breath hitches when they get about knee height. “Hey you got this. You can do this, I’m here, the shore is there, our friend’s can see us, and there are no storms. “ Buck looks at all these things and takes a deep breath, and leads them this time, both until they’re neck deep.

“I think it might fall off around here so be careful.” Eddie says and they kinda glide through the water. 

Buck grabs his bicep, he’s breathing hard.

“Hey, Buck, I’m here. Bobby and Athena are right there.” He can see them under an umbrella playing cards. 

Buck nods and closes his eyes. 

“One last step.” Eddie says and Buck nods and they bob further into the lake where their feet no longer touch the ground and Buck clings body to body to Eddie but he’s strong so he’s keeping them both up in the water and Eddie didn’t even realize he was also closing his eyes, he opens them and Buck is staring at them, he’s got water on his face, and his lips are red and plump with blood thrumming through them, and his eyes are blue, so blue, and then he can't help it.

It’s like it oozes out of him.

His love is tendrils caressing Buck, and then the golden hour comes and illuminates his face, his eyes are like sapphires and they’re spinning so slightly and Eddie is so dizzy.

He’s Dizzy and in love, and they’re both breathing hard and he knows this isn’t the time but he just can't help it, he grabs the back of Buck’s head and he brings his lips to those red plump ones hanging open, he kisses them, biting his bottom lip a bit and he’s so lost he doesn’t even realize Buck might just be kissing him back.

He doesn’t realize that might be the case until, “DAD!”
They spring apart and he looks over and Chris is way too far in the middle of the lake.

“Buck I need to go check on him, are you okay to get to the shore?””
“I- I yes.” He stutters and pushes away from Eddie and walks out.

Eddie swims quickly over and Chris is floating in the middle, Denny and Harry are swimming next to him, waving their hands.

“Hey Chris,  are you okay?”

“My legs… they’re cramping.” He says in certain pain, he’s floating on his back.

“I’m sorry I can't swim and carry him!” Denny says and Harry’s head was barely bobbing above the surface upright too. Eddie nods.  “Mara went to the shore to go get help!”

“Okay, it’s okay, you boys did the right thing, go back to shore, Chris, hold on to me okay?” He puts Chris's arm on his shoulder as one handedly brings them back to shore.

Everyone has gotten up to help when he brings him out.

“Is he okay?” Athena asks tenderly. 

“He’s got some cramps we need to rub out.” He says with a small smile and carries his son to a lounger someone has cleared. And everyone begins to dote on Chris and Eddie rubs the cramps out of his legs.

Buck is instantly there, and he is talking to Chris, giving him water, drying his hair off and Eddie goddamn is so grateful.

“What were you guys doing over there?” Chris sniffs.

“Oh we just thought we saw some frogs last time.”
“Frogs come out at night.” He says simply.

“You’re right… we need to go back at night… to see the frogs.” Buck smiles but when he meets Eddie’s eyes he flushes and turns away.

Eddie doesn’t know what to make of this reaction. 

“Well dinner is almost ready, it’s the Buckley-Han’s night to cook.”
“Ah so Albert and Ravi are with Jee?” Eddie says and everyone agrees.

They all pack up and go home to shower off lake water before dinner. 

Chris showers and instantly falls asleep.

“I shouldn’t let him in the water without being there.” Eddie sighs, to Buck and the silence.

Buck shifts and he turns to see the puppy dog man frowning, “Eddie, no. Today proves that he’s old enough to problem solve when he needs help. He did exactly what you taught him, and we were within hearing range, and probably closer than everyone else.” 

He sighs. It still was shitty.
They get ready for dinner in more silence. Yeah it’s a bit awkward after that kiss they are not talking about .  They’re both hovering in the front room when he finally wakes Chris from his 30 minute nap who is instantly much perkier than the both of them. 

They take the golf cart back to Athena’s so Chris’ legs can rest. He’s determined that he’s 100% alright and hellbent on proving it- though when they get out he marches to a couch and doesn’t get up until it’s time to eat.

Maddie and Chim’s spreads are delicious, and she and Chim make some Korean style dishes for everyone to try alongside regular Buckley staples.
“Alright, in two days is the 4th of July, and yes, Bobby and I have talked to the local fire marshall about doing a show- I don’t want anyone to have any ideas about lighting other things on fire.'' Athena looks around with a glare. “But we do have something else planned for all of you.”

Everyone lets out surprised noises. “We have set up a scavenger hunt. Each household is a team- and then we thought the kids would probably want to be their own team too.” 

The boys cheer from where they’re sitting, “Mara you’re on our team too!” Denny turns to her and she smiles bashfully. 

“Oh-ho and baby Jee then too?” Albert bounces her from his baby watch, and both Buckley-Hans, although thoroughly wined and dined, snap their heads around in a panic, “No, no, Baby Jee is on team Han-Panikkar” He coos. 

“Anyone under 5, is a neutral player.” Athena rolls her eyes. 

“Wait, does that mean Blazer is neutral too!” Chris exclaims, surprisingly upset.

“Chris, why would you want a cat to be a player?” Buck asks.

Chris rolls his eyes, “Boost our numbers. Also distractions.” The rest of the kids nod in agreement of the benefit of having a cat on their team.

“Okay, we can discuss this after we let Athena finish telling us the rules..” Eddie says.

“Thank you. Each team will have a base of their cabin- the kids will have a base at the campsite between the main cabin and the Diaz-Buckley cabin, and that will be their base. At each base there will be a card with a riddle, and a player bounty. Solve your riddle and you’ll find your next card. Take out your bounties and earn points. The players first to find the treasure first will receive 100 points, those after 50, then 25. And for every hour left they receive 5 points. Bobby and I aren’t playing, and the house is neutral territory- no water guns allowed. Also quiet hours are 12-6- no attacks between those hours. You may not break an entry either. Once you take out your bounty, they are out for the day, and may not assist their team in looking for the prize, also you take their bounty and it becomes your new bounty. Even though you’re in teams, your bounty points and event points remain individual and you don’t have to share your bounty- it might even be your teammate. If you get yourself, you may exchange it for someone else with us. Your itinerary for events has been delivered to your bases along with the water guns. If nobody has found the treasure by the 4th of July show, the bounty winners will not only win the bounty pool” She says Bounty Pool like they should all know what it means, “As well as the treasure.” 

They go over the several questions about what constitutes the safety of the main house (yes including the backyard where they’re all seated- no not including the front yard). Some activities may be unfair for Chris, but that's why they get to have two teams of kids count for 1 total team. Yes the kids can sleep in their base and are welcome to shower and use the bathroom at the main house if they wish (and yes they can use the basement if they want somewhere more private to meet). 

Eddie’s head was spinning by the time they were going back and he nearly even forgot about their kiss earlier in the water until Buck said, “What did you think she meant by Bounty pool?” 

He looked at Buck- big mistake.

His eyes were like lake water, a deep blue and full of mysteries. He was frowning, oh yeah he was asking Eddie a question, “I don’t know.” 

It was just the two of them in the Cabin, Chris had insisted on bunking with his team from now on. Eddie picks up the envelope attached to his water gun. Inside is a clue and his bounty- Ravi. Well shit, it’s not going to be easy. Ravi is a pretty capable guy. 

He then opens the clue, which he assumes will be the same as the one Buck is currently frowning over.

Near shores where the breeze does blow, 

Where reflections dance to and fro, 

Look where travelers first embark, 

To find your next riddle, 

You must find what welcomes with a mark

“Wow, do you think Bobby wrote this?” Buck is already too close, looking over his shoulder.

‘Yeah probably, I don’t think of Athena as much of a poet.” They both laugh at the thought of Athena trying to write poetry.

“I think this probably is talking about the welcome sign?” Buck smiles

“Yeah, It’s getting pretty dark. How much time do we have?”

“It's 9- dinner was late. Do you think the others are getting started already?”

“Probably.” Buck leaves out there.

Before he knows it they're both getting their shoes on and into the jeep to drive to the entrance of the property from the road. Sure enough, here is a big overarching sign that used to have a different name on it but now says “Welcome!” 

“Oh, the mark!” Buck exclaims and Eddie doesn’t see what he’s talking about at first, but Buck is already kind of climbing the sign and takes something out of the ‘!’.

“Oh. Well that was easy.” Eddie shrugs.

“We don't know how many there are.” 

Buck has an envelope in his hand and Eddie notices how close they’re standing again, the scavenger hunt has become this perfect distraction for them to not talk about it.

<3 <3 <3 Buck

Buck was going to explode if Eddie kept coming any closer.

He’d been so confused on what Eddie’s body language was saying. 

Maddie said do something but then the man goes and kisses him!
What was he supposed to do now! 

The game had changed!

And now they’re dancing around in this stupid stupid scavenger hunt game.

He literally was doing anything he could, standing close, flirting, but Eddie seemed keen on repressing whatever.

Fuck this. 

Buck had the envelope and it had a key in it and some riddle, this stupid game and Buck’s target was his own damn son. 

That's right, his own son. 

This is what was driving him crazy! Eddie would probably agree!

“What's the key for?” He says like a dumbass over Buck’s shoulder.

Within the shadows in which wood sprites play,

Find an old stump where millenia secrets lay,

With key in hand, unlock such a sweet sound,

You must hear melodies in the echoes that round.

“Okay, uh, the woods?” Eddie shrugs. “I think I saw a big stump.” 

Buck can't take this man anymore. He’s got his hands braced on his hips in a dad-stance and he’s taking this scavenger hunt so seriously, when one of the prizes is obviously some joke on them. He had a funny feeling that the bounty might have been their bounty, well jokes on maddie- jokes on all of them.

Buck kisses Eddie back and Eddie is frozen. Buck leans back, panic bubbling up, and Eddie lets out a little whine before surging back after him.

They kiss like teenagers, like daylight coming soon and they can kiss again. Eddie pulls back for air and lets out a “God damn.”

“Yeah?” Buck says panting a bit.
“I- wow.” 

“I wow.” Buck agrees. 

“I just didn’t, why now?”

“Why the lake?”
“It just sort of..” He gestures, “It oozed out till it took much.” 

Buck had no clue what this man was talking about, but at least he sounded as crazy as Buck did. “I just had to know. I couldn’t do it anymore.”

“We’re so stupid.” Eddie sighs.

“Yeah” Buck kisses him again, “This was so stupid this was like we confirmed we both-” Eddie kisses him again, small pecks from his lips down his throat, “And then we we both were still like ‘oh i don't want to upset the balance.’”

“Yeah.” Eddie agrees.

“And then before this, Eddie's hands find the hem of Buck’s shirt and start exploring as Eddie’s kisses find a detour at his collarbone, exposed by his tank top choice today. “Maddie was like ‘there's a bounty and technically her win would be during this vacation but I think they repurposed it, because we’re so messy-”

Eddie takes a moment to divest buck of his shirt and shove him against the Jeep, Buck respectfully lets him of course, “And so that's why I think they moved that bounty be part of the scavenger hunt, and wouldn’t be funny if we won our own bounty, but like, if we told everyone we got together,” Buck lets out a little moan as Eddie licks over his nipple.

“Like that?” Eddie asks.

“Yeah, that's- wow. I wow.” 

“I wow, indeed.” Eddie puts Buck’s hands on him.

BUck is happy to explore Eddie as well, but his mouth is still open to theorize so, “So I think we shouldn’t tell them because then what if someone wins the bounty because we’re together. That might be like a secret rule.”

“Fuck em’ and win.” Eddie says.

“No I’m saying you fuck me and then we still win.”

“Really?”

“Yes?” Buck is confused.

“No I mean you want me to fuck you?” His eyes are watery and he looks like he’s torn between sentimental and very very horny.

“Of course I do.” Buck says and caresses his face. “But I also want us to win their stupid prize money they put on our relationship.”

“So it was the bounty that got you to make the first move?”

“Yeah.” Buck says sheepishly.

“I like that, that’s such a slap in their faces… putting money on us…” Eddie shakes his head, “So you want to keep this under wraps for a few days?”

“Yes.” Buck says but he kisses Eddie languidly, “We have only 7 hours until 6 am and quiet hours end.”

“Guess we should get back and make good use of them.

And they did.

The morning came when Buck felt like a new man. 

He was, because Wow, he’s in love with Eddie Diaz and Eddie Diaz seems particularly fond of him too. Although once Eddie’s hands were on him, it was kinda hard to get them off him. It was cute but not when they were trying to trick their friends at breakfast.

Eddie still was keeping his mark to himself.

Buck was still wheying whether or not to take Chris out. God it was so hard.

Right before breakfast though, Harry was hiding in the bushes and got Karen who was very pissed to be soaked at 8 am. 

The breakfast was made by May and her boyfriend, Darius who arrived last night. 

“So word on the street is saying you two already solved your first riddle.” Chimney says sitting back at breakfast.

“Who says that?” Eddie challenges him.

“I don’t divulge my sources, but just know, there is a little spy.” 

Chimney leaves it like that.

Today’s itinerary included breakfast with free time afterwards, but they’d have to make it back by 11:00 for the first game they had set up.

It’s only when Eddie and Buck are leaving breakfast that there is a sound, and they see May booking it across the yard, gun in hand, “Oh my god, she’s on a warpath.” Buck says.

“Yeah, I think we’re her target.” 

They both Buck it to the Jeep which they drove to breakfast, but was an inefficient vehicle to protect them from water splashes.

She ran after them but Buck was quicker.

“Maybe I’ll text Athena and make sure she lets everyone know that you can shoot someone who's driving.” Buck sighs.

“We have dinner duty later, you think we should make a plan?”

“Hmm.” Buck says. “The house is off limits, so should those reporting for dinner duty.” 

Eddie leans over and kisses him, a giddy smile on his face.

“I can't believe I could’ve been doing that, and I just was too chicken to try.” 

Buck tries not to melt in a puddle over this man. Because come on. That was so sweet. What the fuck. 

He gives him a peck back.

But there is knocking on the door of the jeep and the both jump back to see Chris. They unlock the door and he scrambles inside. 

“GO GO GO!” 

“What, we’re at-”

“GO!!!” He yells and soon they see the abandoned golf cart and the rest of the kids running down.

“Is this part of the hunt?”
“No, this is how we’re deciding who's the captain!” Chris yells.

“Oh so this is supremely unfair hmm.?” Eddie says.

“No! Dad! Come on, you gotta be on my side!” Chris squeals. 

He rolls down the window, “Hey! No water getting inside the car, but if you can get him out, he’s all yours.” Buck and Eddie both unlock the car and step out and chaos ensues. 

“So, the woods?” 

“Yeah, sounds nice.” 

Finding the music box on a stump wasn’t very hard. Well they didn’t know what to expect, but when you see a music box on a stump, it’s not very hard to piece together when the key fits inside.

The ballerina bursts open with a note and the next clue.

Where echoes of past owners linger and wait, 

This stash of trash might be another’s jewel and bait,

Seek whispers of secrets, up hidden steps in hush, 

You’ll find your treasure where memories rush.

P.S. return this object to Bobby and Athena’s please.

“I have no clue what this means.” 

They both shrugged, it was already time to head back. 

“So… who’s your bounty?”

Eddie asks and Buck supremely does not want to tell him. Honestly, Eddie probably would chastise him for not getting Chris out already when he had many chances to. But he wanted Chris to have fun and not sit the day out. Maybe he could do it late tonight, and then Chris could play again tomorrow. 

Still felt bad.

He had seen Mara get Chimney on their way back.

“I think we should keep them to ourselves.” He gulps and Eddie gives him a weird look.

“Okay.” 

Both their eyes are watching out for May as they get to the first event, that seems to be some weird version of cornhole mixed with fire safety facts. It’s quite literally the best game anyone could’ve asked him to do. 

He’s great at trivia. 

It’s only after the game where everyone is relaxed and dispersed that Eddie takes out the water gun he’s been keeping in his belt loop and sprays Ravi right in the back. He guafs and falls to the ground playing dead.

The kids burst into laughter and Albert sinks to his knees, “NOO!!! MY BOYFRIEND!!!” Dramatically screaming, “I WILL AVENGE YOU!” 

He then sprays Eddie back. “Did you have my bounty?” He asks, confused.

“No. I just wanted to get you.”  Eddie glares at him,
Eddie pick’s up Ravi’s Bounty and sighs, Buck peaks over his shoulder and it’s Maddie. 

“Sucks to suck.” He sticks his tongue out. 

Second place on trivia had been the Buckley-Han’s who were now very upset with the fact that they lost to the likes of Buck.

They both then sneak to the main house to return the box.

“Great thanks, I’ll expect you two back here at 3. To start dinner, it’ll be a bit early today because we’re doing something afterwards, now shoo get out. You don't get to linger.” She and Karen are sitting out on her porch enjoying the sun and lemonade and she goes back to ignoring them. Karen gives them a little smile, having gotten tagged out so early.

The rest of the afternoon they completely mean to actually do some brainstorming but they get… distracted to say the least and 3 PM rolls by and they make it back to the main house by 3:15, a bit disheveled.

Athena is pissed they’re late but she takes in their appearances, “What in the- oh you two. You can't hide it from me-”

“What are you talking about?” Buck blinks.

“You- oh I see.” 

“Nothing? I don't know what she’s saying?” Eddie looks at Buck and Eddie’s hair is toseled and his lips a bit plumper and his smirk is in the corner of his mouth and Buck cant help the dopey grin on his face when he looks at post-ravished Eddie and thinks ‘I fucking did that’. 

“Uh-huh try and lie to me- mama always knows.” She wags her finger, “But I’ll keep your secret. I see the game you’re playing.”

“The bounty is ours.” Eddie crosses his arms.

“10%.”

“What?” Eddie blanches. 

“10% or I spill, and the original bounty rules kick back in and it goes to Maddie, who guessed you’d get together during the first week of vacation.”

“You can’t prove it.” 

“Can I? Buck I’m a cop, I'm very good at evidence.” She taunts.

“What evidence- no- ew- gross you-”

“Buck get your mind out of the gutter. I would need much less than your used condom. I have a spy afterall.”

“No!” He gasps.

She texts someone on her phone and waits a few minutes.

“Ahah. The spy did catch you. Even if the spy didn’t, everyone would believe me, because again, this was a bounty on you two set up by everyone because everyone is sick of waiting for you two to figure it out the slow way.” She gets another ping from her phone. 

She shows them a grainy photo of them from what looks like a ring camera at the gate to the property of Buck pushing Eddie against the car, Buck looks like an idiot he keeps talking until Eddie distracts him with kisses. 

“Is that what I look like on a tangent?” He grimaces.

“It’s adorable.” Eddie gruffs. 

“And it’s on camera!” Karen comes up behind them and gasps. 

“NO! This is confidential!” Eddie yells and soon they hear a group of heavy footsteps bounding up from the basement. 

“What’s confidential?” Denny says with a wicked smile.

“Nothing, nothing.” Athena smirks. “We have a deal?”

Buck looks at the kids, then Karen then Athena, “Yep.” He says. Karen’s eyes are wide and her hands are thrown up.

“You cannot talk to your teammate about what you learned until tomorrow.” She points to Karen who slumps and puts her phone back in her pocket. 

“Mom, what was it?” Denny pleads but Karen zips her mouth and throws away the key.

Buck slumps back to the kitchen and Eddie follows, where Bobby is making some tea.

“Ah, so, um congrats!” He says with a small smile. “I’ll be out of your way soon, I took out the frozen things you requested Buck, they’re just in the sink.” 

“Bobby, can I change my target?”
“You have your original target?” He asks curiously.

“Yes.” It was still Chris.

“Then no. We gave you that target to slow you down, otherwise you’d be on a savage rampage by now.” Bobby laughs. 

“You do get pretty competitive.” Eddie muses and Bucks gasps in mock horror. 

“Oh, do you guys have an attic?” Eddie adds right before Bobby is leaving, he smiles even wider.

“Asking never hurts, here I had people sneaking through my house at 6 AM trying to find it. Follow me.”

<3 <3 <3 Eddie

Bobby seems to be taking this whole mastermind thing way too close to heart.

Like it really suits him but also he’s so eerie. Eddie leaves Buck to start cooking, promising he’ll come back to help after he gets their next clue. 

“I think people thought because we weren't playing because we set up the rules, that meant they couldn't ask us questions. But Athena, oh she's so clever, she left out that rule on purpose.”

“How far is everyone?”
“Well the Buckley-Hans are on their last clue, but are very stumped. The kids only did 1 and I think we’ll have to give them a hint to keep going because they’ve walked past their clue location quite a few times. Hen gave up I think. May and her partner are focused on the bounties, and Albert I think is having more fun messing with the Buckley-Hans than anything. 

“Last clue already?”
“Yup, each team has 5.”

Bobby has led Eddie through the second floor into what he thought was a bathroom or a closet but inside is actually- “Oh.”

“Yes, well, have fun,” He leaves Eddie to explore on his own.

He feels rather stupid crawling up the ladder to then skulk around in the unfinished attic, it was mostly the previous owner’s left belongings, cleared out for now. He sees a box of pictures from the fire house, old pictures from when Eddie was a probbie, it was just only stuff that somehow had been spared from the fire. It made Eddie’s heart pinch a little bit, thinking how much Bobby and Athena had lost, but grateful they still had these.

His heart tugs thinking of all the memories and mementos he has of Chris and Buck.

Inside one of the binders was an article about Buck’s first bad call, but the article called him a hero. 

He knew they did this on purpose, that they assumed Eddie would find this on his own.

He loses an hour up there reading through all the articles in the box that were once clip outs on the fire house walls, replaced by newer ones. 

It makes him fall even more in love with Buck.

Eventually he reads the new riddle, 

Where the final clue curiously lays,

Amidst where a love's whiskers play, 

In little steps is where hearts entwine, 

Is where a blaze waits, another kind of love is mine.

Alright Bobby and Athena are fucking playing them. 

“There is no way-” He says when he sees Bobby but Chimney is right there smiling.

“Yes, Eddie?” He says sweetly.

Eddie lets out a bit of a growl, frustrated and stomps to the kitchen.”

“Did you get it?” Buck says looking up from the lasagna he’s checking on.

“Yes! But it’s bullshit!”

“Oh, let me see?” Buck reads it once, twice three times and he’s got that cute little confused frown. “How do they know?”

“A spy.”

“The spy.” Buck nods. “But this was written before-”
“Then they knew they’d get us together.”

“They knew?” Buck echoes once more.

“They knew.” Eddie says angrily how well he’s been played.

"Well, more reason to show them who's boss.” 

“But Karen saw.” Eddie scrubs his face; they're taking this way too seriously. 

“We just gotta get that bounty, have you got my sister out yet?”
“With what time?” Eddie sighs. “What about you, you still won't tell me who your bounty is and I’m getting suspicious it's me.”

Buck winces, “It's not… you.” 

Eddie looks at him, he looks utterly pathetic. “It’s Chris?”

Buck sighs into the salad he’s now tossing.

“Just spray him.”

“I wanted him to have fun! It’s not fair- I asked Bobby for a new bounty and he said no!”

“They did this on purpose, Buck. Chris is your one weakness. You have to get him. I have an idea on how to get both of them here.”

They outline their plan, it's solid, there is no chance it could fall through, but it could jeopardize the rest of the mission- potentially letting one of their targets in on top secret information.

Dinner is served and they all participate in the next game, getting an apple from their stomachs to their mouths, and both taking a bite out of it. Whoever’s fastest wins.

It’s a lot of grinding, Eddie’s not gonna lie and he’s completely out of it by the time they’re done.

But Chris springs into action as soon as the games are over and their plan goes off without a hitch.

Step 1: Use his child as bait.

“Auntie Maddie, can I um talk to you about something?” He says with his ‘aren't I a cute precious child’ voice he uses when he wants something from adults. Eddie loves his son but he’s very good at getting what he wants. 

Step 2: Make your child feel like he’s in on the joke, that you’re forming a temporary alliance with him. Inflate his ego a bit, make him feel like he’s an adult- because a teenager and he desperately wants to be seen as an adult.

“Oh- oh yeah, of course are you sure this isn’t something that your dads- or- sorry- Buck could help with?” She asks gently, looking around for them.

Step 3: Be nowhere in site so the target agrees

“Actually… it's about that.”  Chris says.

“ Okay he’s going off script.” Eddie Gripes whispering to Buck.

“He’s improvising . ” Buck whispers back.

Step 4: Make maddie believe she’s getting some inside scoop on their relationship

“Oh- oh! I see, I see, let's go somewhere a little more private, how about around the gate?”

She says.

Step 5: Get the target hopeful and distracted, she’s now got her own mission to try and get as much information out of this child she can- and that will be the real distraction.

“Okay.”

They both go around the corner, and Eddie and Buck sneak around the other side of the house to see them both standing outside the fence in the backyard. And down towards the docks a bit, where someone wouldn’t overhear by walking past going home.

“So Chris, what is it?”
“I think My dad might like Buck.”

Eddie gasps and Buck slaps his hand over Buck’s mouth. Both of them hear the sound and look around.

“Let’s, um, move further down?” She says and they do. “So you think your dad might like Buck, and you’re okay with that?” She continues.

“Yes I am, but it’s just been so annoying because they won't say anything!” Chris exclaims exhausted and Maddie does a double take. “Can you get them to hurry up, I’m sick of waiting for everything to crack. I would be on their team if they weren’t so hopelessly in love and making goo-goo eyes all the time. They’re worse than the girls in my grade, Aunt maddie, please .” He begs her and this- this is not what they were expecting. 

“I- oh, yeah I can see how that's frustrating? Um, I also kind of noticed.”

“Yeah, I know you all have but I need your help to just get it over with.”

“You know, I’ve been trying already, but do you have any ideas?”

“Yes.” He says and suddenly he’s whispering.

“They’re corroborating right under our noses?” Buck gasps.

“Let's go NOW!” Eddie whispers and they’re both running out, having their guns and flashlights spraying both Maddie and Chris.

Maddie screams which makes everyone come over to see Chris and Maddie being sprayed.

“Wow, low blow, using your kid?” Chimney shakes his head, looking over the edge of the cliffed patio and mouths ‘I would never’. 

“Bounties please!” Buck yells and Chris is giggling and falling over, acting play-dead.

“You too mr, you were my bounty.”

“WHAT?” He yells and falls over again.

“I was PLAYED BY MY OWN FATHERS! Is this how Luke felt?” 

Maddie’s bounty was “Oh god.” Eddie groans. 

It was Mara.

“Haha sucker! I will get a new one tomorrow now, thanks!” She smiles. 

Chris’ Bounty was Hen, Eddie wasn’t sure why he hadn’t gotten Hen yet, but perhaps he had been too scared to get her, but it would be easy.”
Except then Denny came up and shot Buck in the back, “Please give me mom’s bounty thank you.” Denny was smiling like a little shit.

“Well. I think it's time we head back and hide.” Buck says 

On their way back the turn in the bounties to the box.

The entire way back they’re shooting out possibilities for their last clue.

“Well it's obviously something to do with us, right?” Buck muses.
“I mean it’s not it’d be the bed or anything? Or maybe they saw our first kiss?” He grimaces.

They lock the doors and turn in early for a night of enjoying each other’s company. It simply has become that Eddie doesn't think he can get enough of Buck. “You know you’re moving in with me after this, right?”

“What… what if you’re moving in with me?” Buck says smugly but then laughs and shakes his head, “I can't even seriously say that- I just yes. Yes that’s my plan too.” He chatters in between their makeouts.

“I think I found a good shelter to get Blazer’s companion at.”
“Ah yeah?” Buck chatters more and eventually it sways them both to sleep.

<3 <3 <3 BUCK

For once Buck wakes up first, he carefully tries not to make Eddie, and makes his way up, ready to get his new bounty before anyone else can get him off the map. 

He never thought he’d have so much fun over a silly game like this and hopes they continue to do it every year. He also can’t believe he gets to wake up next to Eddie everyday for the rest of his life. 

A dream.

He sleepily slumps into the bathroom and looks down when he hears a loud Meow, demanding food. Oh yeah Blazer. 

Blazer

Oh he’s not very smart. Very dumb indeed. 

To be fair he had been reading “whiskers” as “Whispers” this entire time, but “blaze” and “another kind of love” and “curiously plays” yeah. 

Blazer rubs against Buck’s ankle, someone gives him a little bell and He picks him up and gives him a little scratch, and sure enough tucked in the little bell is a folded up note. 

“So you had it all along huh, right under our noses!”

He first feeds Blazer and does his bathroom routine before sinking into their last clue.

Hopefully- they’ve caught up to the Buckley-Hans. 

Where my mysteries began and players play,

At the heart of every festive day, 

Where laughter echoes, feasts delight, 

Awaiting moments, in soft firelight,

Patience is key, for the time is near, 

When all shall gather, and my light appears,

If you seek my  final treasure,

Your meddling will be put to measure

Buck was so done with this bullshit.

This one made no sense.

What meddling?

It's not long before Chris is banging on the door asking for a truce to see Blazer and Buck sneaks out quickly to go get his new bounty- which is Chris again.

Bobby hands it to him and Buck gives him a suspicious look and Bobby just pretends he doesn’t see it.

Breakfast is a bit different, they normally sit next to each other, but this time, it feels like everyone is making them sit next to each other. And everyone is… watching them.

Do they know?

He looks to Karen and Hen who are pretending nothing is going on but Karen definetally saw the Ring video.

“So, you two called it early last night?” Maddie says. “What's up with that?” She says innocently but it’s totally her ‘I am so suspicious and I know something happened’ voice.

“We’re on our last clue, so we thought we’d save some for today.”

“Oh hmm? You guys are on your last clue? Wonder how you guys sped through it so fast…” Albert says “Perhaps you had some time together-”
“Maddie and Chimney beat us to the last clue?” Eddie throws out, eyes narrowing.

“Typical of newly weds.” Athena interjects, “Always the best at these things…” 

“Yeah and you guys tied us at the apple game… I know where our experience comes from…” Ravi looks at Albert with this awfully disgusting lovesick look that Buck didn’t want to see on either of their faces.

That was it.

Something was off.

These people were up to something.

“Dad, why did you lock the cabin door? I don't think bears can open doors, and it's just us?” Chris says and everyone’s head whips around.

“Oh sorry bud, habit? You can always call if you need inside and I did that.”

“But you locked your bedroom door only when Buck is with you.” Chris grins evilly.

That little- “Why are  you constantly opening other people's doors?” Buck tries helplessly but Chris just shrugs. 

The first game of the day was a 3 legged race, but in Chris and Harry’s case Harry’s leg was tied to chris’ crutch and it made for a pile of giggling children. 

Buck and Eddie were not the best at this, they were both big but Buck had about a foot of extra leg than him, that he made mostly up in torso, but for a team like maddie and chim whos leg to torso proportions were more evenly matched, it was much easier for them to do the race. That is to say none of the Diazes were winning this race. 

They in fact ended up sprawled close to the finish line, Buck on Eddie laughing as their kid and Harry rolled themselves to the finish. 

“Aw cute,” Hen snaps a photo of them “Another one?” She asks someone and then snaps another one.

“Hey stop.” Buck half heartedly reaches out and they laugh and eventually free them. 

The middle of their day is free, and they decide to canoe out to the middle of the lake, or Buck decides to show Eddie how to canoe, because he thinks it’ll be a bit romantic but it just ends up being wet, they try and go down the lake a bit where its just nature and national park.

“It is beautiful.” Eddie says.

“Yeah.”

“Do you think they know, is that why they’re acting like this?”

Buck turns to Eddie, who’s in front of him, “Probably, but they don't know we know.” He kisses him. “And that's how we’re going to win.” 

“I’ve been thinking about the note, I think it means tonight’s dinner.” 

“Oh yeah? That's a good idea.” Buck is brought back to the mystery.

“I think somethings going to happen, the last game probably.” 

So they spend the entire day just waiting for something to happen.

Waiting for something to jump out and bite them in the but but instead it's spent them stealing kisses or moments aside.

They’ve both given up on their children's bounties, maybe they’ll get them both at the end of the night, but staying out of the way of their bounty holders seems to be the best strategy on this day.

The afternoon goes by and nobody misses them when they go for a ‘nap’ in their cabin.

Nobody misses them until they’re the last ones till dinner and everyone is staring at them expecting something.

Buck sits down but glances at Eddie who is equally freaked out by the attention.

“So it seems everyone has made it here, all the teams, tagged or not, have made it to their final clue.” The kids team yells in outrage, thinking they had been the only ones to reach it. 

“But only one person can win the treasure. Tomorrow morning we’ll tally up the bounties and the points from games, but as of now the bounty leader board is Denny tied with Albert, and then it's Mara and May tied with Eddie.” 

Eddie raises his eyebrows at May, who he assumed had his bounty, “Albert got me yesterday, and then I got a new bounty and me and Dar got to work this morning.” Darius just smiles nicely like ‘please dont blame me’. 

Buck though, saw a fire in Eddie’s eyes, a fire about winning. They had done good in two of the games. “Alright, and as promised we have worked out a show for everyone, but first we need to set up our fire safety measures we agreed upon with the fire marshall. We’ll be setting them off on the opposite short of the lake, where the field is. Afterwards, we need everyone to help clean up.”

Everyone went to grab lawn chairs to set up on the shore- the best place to watch the fireworks, in which the house wouldn’t obstruct the view. 

They all grabbed their lawn chairs wary of potential last minute attackers. But it seemed nobody was going to ambush Buck or Eddie.

“So, Buck, any progress?” MAddie asks him when he’s alone setting up their little camp with chips and a cooler, and a blanket to lay on if Chris wants. 

“Progress on what?” 

He watches as Eddie carefully is balancing more snacks and chairs for Hen and Karen.

“Have you told him yet?” 

“Told him- what? Oh. Oh no.” He says and he knows he can't lie to his sister so she raises her eyebrows.

“It's complicated.” He tries to act sad but instead it just seems really weird. 

“Um, he’s coming back soon.” He swallows and she’s giving him the evil eye the entire time.

“Phew.”
“What?”

“My sister… she's onto us.” He sighs.

They push their chairs back from everyone else and BUck knows they’re both hoping to have a bit of a private moment but Hen moves her chair right back to where their chairs are, “I’m excited, it's been a while since we’ve done fireworks living in LA and all.” 

Karen violently throws her chair down too as if making a point.

The rest of the night seems to go just like that, everyone talking to them and looking at them funny.

Maybe they really are that obvious, maybe everyone seems to think they’re both in love with each other and this is the most perfect romantic time to confess it.

Would be if their friends would leave them alone.

“Its okay we’ll have sometime-”

“What's that?” Chim yells, whos now plopped down on their other side.

“Oh I was just telling Eddie there was some time until the fireworks.”

“Oh I think he’ll start them as soon as it gets dark, man it must suck for you two, even May has her boyfriend here, doesn’t it make you wish you were not the only singles.” Chimney says and Buck frowns.

“Hey, don't drag me into this.” May says, turning around in her chair. 

Her, Darius, Ravi and Albert had sat in front of them, and the kids were camped out as close to the shore as they could get on a few towels. 

“Sorry.” Chim lifted his hands, but it seemed that everyone else was glaring at them too.

“Fireworks just make me romantic, make me want to kiss someone.” He makes grabby hands at Maddie who smiles endearingly.

“Yuck?” Buck says, thoroughly grossed.

“No not yuck, yum!” Chim says.

“Okay we’re not trying to gross everyone out with PDA,” Maddie sighs.

“Here let's play some music-'' Karen sets up the boombox and out comes… careless whisper, is she trying to play ‘romantic music’? This sounds like Buck’s 80s karaoke playlist from the bachelor party.

“I’m going to go to the bathroom before the fireworks start.” Buck mumbles and gets up and leaves.
Everyone is extremely weird. 

He goes to the house and he finds Athena kissing Bobby on the cheek and him heading out across the lake. “Athena, is it just me or is everyone acting weird.” He says and she bends over laughing.

“Oh, I guess I didn't expect you two to beat me to my prize.” She shrugs. “The riddle, the riddle I gave everyone makes them think whoever gets you two to kiss or get together will win the prize.”

Buck blanches, “I know it’s not the best of things but, we know you two. You just needed a little push, turns out you already got that a while ago.” She shrugs, “I’ll call the dogs off, you two enjoy your little night.” She smiles.

He uses the restroom and then he doesn’ want to go back out there, he climbs out to the cliff beside the backyard so he can see the entire field where the lake is. It’s truly a great view from up here, but not everyone can fit out on the rocks. Maybe he’ll just settle here.

“Hey.”

He turns around and Eddie is standing there in the lantern light looking beautiful.

“Hey.”

“Can I join you?”

He hears everyone calling to Bobby that they’re ready. 

“I would like nothing more.” He smiles and Eddie climbs out onto the cliffside next to him. 

“Athena sent me.”

“I figured she kinda owes us.”
“Yeah.” 

Soon a few pop pop pops are heard and the first few fireworks are set off.

They’re beautiful. Something in hisnman brain loves the idea of exploding things.

“We gotta tell them after this. At least Chris.” he says as they both watch.

“Yeah.” Eddie sighs. “But for now-” He turns Buck’s head and kisses him so softly and tenderly.

It’s everything he ever dreamed. 

Buck realized, sometimes, dreams do come true. You just have to work for them. They aren’t handed to you on a silver platter, but if you work hard, you’ll find your way.

He pulls back and smiles at Eddie.

The lights glow various colors on his face and he looks just so beautiful, and so lovestruck.

“If it’s not clear- I’m in love with you.” He blurts.

“I think it's clear,” Eddie kisses him again, “I hope it's clear because I am too.”

They make out under the fireworks like teenagers, hands everywhere, and yes the rocks are extremely uncomfortable after about 10 minutes but Buck doesn’t care.

Well he cares until he hears a gasp, “I KNEW IT!”

He looks up and the fireworks are gone.

“SOUND THE ALARM.” Hen yells. “You bastards! Do you know what I did? Do you know what I’ve sacrificed? Who got you to-”

“No one.” Eddie says but Karen is already calling everyone back with the horn.

“No one?” Hen looks at them and then she remembers herself and her face crumples, “I’m so happy for you two.” She walks over and hugs them both, tears in her eyes.

“Why didn’t you- Karen told me she thought she saw Athena blackmailing you! Oh my god, I was like- ugh damn you!” Hen goes through like 50 emotions realizing this.

Eventually everyone, including Bobby gets back up to the main house and they all pile in the living room, waiting for Athena to talk. 

“Hello. So it seems that we’ve reached the end of our little game. You all reached the final clue sometime before dinner today. I’ll read it for you again now:

Where my mysteries began and players play,

At the heart of every festive day, 

Where laughter echoes, feasts delight, 

Awaiting moments, in soft firelight,

Patience is key, for the time is near, 

When all shall gather, and my light appears,

If you seek my  final treasure,

Your meddling will be put to measure”

“ But only some of you got the final part

In soft looks, it starts to bloom, 

A sparkle fills a not so quiet room. 

We know them well like the back of our hands,

As the friends and family we will take a stand,

May their hearts entwine when lights above, 

What am I? But a resemblance of two doves. ”

Everyone nods and looks at Buck and Eddie.

Something about it is so earth shatteringly touching and Buck can't help but start to cry.

“Oh hey, hey it's okay.” Eddie notices immediately, “They just-”

“No- no,”

“Oh Buckaroo I’m sorry I just-”

“No sorry these are just happy tears- so you’re saying, that the treasure was… was us?”

“You two together. Finally.” Bobby sighs. 

“FINALLY!”

Buck looks at Eddie, eyes shimmering knowing they have the best fucking family.

“Thanks guys but we kinda got there sooner than that.” Eddie chuckles.

“So who wins?” Maddie asks, hopeful.

“I think we do, huh? Get a piece of our own pool?” There are some complaints.

“Actually, I do have a winner. The winner reported to me first that he had already solved the riddle, because he had seen them together.” Athena glances over to a very smug looking Christopher.

“Wait a minute… the lake? Did you-” Eddie’s mouth is ajar.

“Oh yeah I faked it dad” He laughed. “I didn’t want anyone else to see you. And then of course the scavenger hunt came in handy.” He laughs.

“He was the first one to tell me the answer and show me proof twice.”

“He was the spy!?” Buck can't help himself.

Everyone whips their head around. “What buck, didn't think I could do it?” He teases.

Buck pouts, “Of course not I-” Chris gets up and throws his arms around Buck.

“I love you Buck, please please move in with us.” 

Buck crumbles under this kid and nods and hugs him.

Overall the team vacation to the lake house was a hit.

And what a year to kick it off.

The following weeks have sunburns and moving plans.

Buck and Eddie plan to renovate their cabin next year, but right now they’re arguing to paint it brighter yellow (Buck) or Deep Blue (Eddie). 

When they officially move in with one another, and neither of them are going anywhere, they end up adopting a second cat and playmate for Blazer. It’s a tiny little black cat they name Smolder. 

It’s ongoing and for years to come, and expansions of the family they all go and visit together.

Eventually Athena and Bobby retire there full time.

It’s such a wonderful feeling to have a tradition, somewhere to go back to, and who would’ve thought it would be the kickstart Buck needed to get the family of his dreams.