Archive of Our Own ^beta

You know that feeling? That feeling you get where it literally feels as though all of the air has been sucked out of the room? That, that is exactly how Buck was currently feeling. Tommy had broken up with him...

Tommy had broken up with HIM.

Yet again , here he was, heartbroken over somebody that didn't even see themselves having a future with him to begin with.

What's that saying? Circles and roundabouts? No, that wasn't it..

Same old , same old? Yep, that sounds about right. The irony of it all is the fact that this is only the second person to make him feel this way and by some insane amount of Evan Buckley luck! It turned out they were actually engaged to the first! Honestly you couldn't write this shit! 

Buck felt as though he couldn't breathe. It was as though everything he'd been picturing for his future, all the plans he had made for him and Tommy had been set alight right in front of his eyes.

The older man had opened up a whole new range of feelings within him, ones he couldn't even begin to explain to anyone else, yet they were the ones Buck had told him about so openly! How could he walk away?!

There was only one person Buck wanted to run to right now and that was Eddie.

Eddie always knew how to help him out. Just by simply knowing what to say or do to boost the mood. Then again, sometimes he said nothing at all, which honestly? That was even better in Buck’s opinion . So with two beers In hand and a face like a smacked arse he made his way to his safe place. His second home. 

Eddie swinging the door open in his underwear when he finally arrived barely even phased him. They were best friends after all. Plus , whatever the hell the dude was doing before he got there .. that was his business. As long as it was something healing Buck couldn’t care less.

Because man did Eddie need some healing right now.

The two of them sat in silence for a while, Buck unsure as to whether or not he should mention why he was there. Not that he really needed to, Eddie would know just by his body language , he always did. 

"So, erm." Buck cleared his throat, "You done much tonight?"

"Considering I haven't moved out of the house since we spoke earlier, you'll be pretty surprised when I say, yes. Yes I have, I've had a ball, a real whale of a time." Eddie smirked.

Buck cringed. "TMI man, you do know there are some things we can keep to ourselves right? Best friends or not.”

The older man paused mid sip of his beer in confusion. "What the hell are you talking about? Buck, I was dancing. Ya' know? having a little boogie? I was recreating the whole Tom Cruise thing." 

"Dancing? Alone?" 

"Uh huh." Eddie confirmed. "It's good for the soul, you should try it sometime."

Buck raised an eyebrow, an impressed smirk taking over his lips. "Huh? Maybe I will." 

"No time like the present!" 

The younger man snorted. "No way, I'm gonna need more than one beer for that kinda thing man." 

"Good job I stocked the fridge then." Eddie quipped jumping up from his seat on the couch. "Oh and I’ve got wine."

"Wine?"

"Yup! Somebody told me today to do something that makes me happy and well, dancing and wine makes me happy."

Buck chuckled fondly. "Well then, I say bring on the wine."

"Red or white? For the red I bought that Jammy Roo brand you like." 

"Jammy roo huh? You really are making yourself happy! I'm real proud of you Eddie!" 

Eddie rolled his eyes , grabbing two glasses and the bottle of Jammy Roo. "I am. I guess I just finally realised that if I really want Chris to come home. I need to prove to him that he still has his father to come home too. Not the messed up, twisted version of me he's had since I got shot." 

"That's good , really good." Buck smiled in encouragement. "I take it that starts with you dancing around in your underwear?"

"It does, now get that beer down you and enjoy the wine . Then you can join me. Maybe we can do the dance scene from LaLa Land." Eddie teased, wiggling his eyebrows.  

"Now that one I can get behind." Buck winked, tipping back the rest of his beer and reaching for the glass Eddie was offering. "To new starts?"

"New starts."  The sound of their glasses clinking together signalling the start of their 'drink until we forget our shit' nights. Because they were always a good idea.

Jammy Roo however, as it turned out. Was in fact a very bad idea. They were only three glasses in and already giggling like school kids in a playground. Neither one of them could think past the buzz in their ears and the adrenaline pumping through their blood. They danced and danced atop of the coffee table. Footloose blasting through the speaker as they playfully invented names for their ridiculous moves. Now that seems like fun right? Not so bad, well it was bad. It was very bad , because suddenly the original 'unfazed' feeling Buck had towards pantless Eddie was slowly turning into something much, much... hornier. 

"Man, you're staring a lil' too hard right now." Eddie slurred with laughter, dropping to sit on the edge of the table. 

"Shit am I?" Buck scoffed shaking his head. "Sorry, this Bi awakening has clearly awoken a lot of things for me."

"Oh yeah? Like what?" The older man asked, completely unaware of Buck's growing issue. 

"Like how damn hot you are." 

Eddie laughed, loudly. "Are you serious, Buck?!"

"Deadly, you should really go put on some pants." The younger giggled, dropping down next to his best friend as Eddie grinned wickedly.

"What if I don't wanna?" He pouted.

Buck groaned. "Don't pout Eddie, seriously look away from me! Drunk me has no control!"

"Powerless and I don't care it's obvious! I Just can't get enough of ya' the pedals down my eyes are closed-"

"Are you singing one direction right now?"

"Yesssss sir!" Eddie giggled. "Was always a secret directioner , it's my deepest darkest secret." 

Buck swallowed back another quick wave of arousal , why was that so hot?! He'd never ever looked at Eddie like this before, at least not since they first met!  "I think mine just came to light for both of us..."

"What that you think I'm sexy?" The absolute drunken state of the older man giggled, leaning over so his face was right in Buck's personal space. "You're not too bad your self."

What the actual fuck was happening right now? Why was Eddie moving closer? Why was he moving closer? When did his hand land on Eddie's thigh? Buck couldn't keep up, everything was a drunken blur of words and an insane amount of hormones.  

"I'm like an inch away from kissing you, how crazy would that be?" Eddie whispered. 

"All kinds of crazy..." Buck breathed, the warmth of Eddie's own breath hot against the soft skin of his lips. "Which is why you should definitely shuffle back man..."

"Are we not two consenting adults?" 

"N-no we are, but we're wasted man." 

Eddie smirked. "I kinda like drunken hook ups. They're always better."

"Because there's no strings attached?"

"Exactly, plus you get to do all the things you wouldn't do when you're sober..." 

Buck's breath hitched. "Like hooking up with your guy best friend?"

"Well I did say I was turning a fresh page.” He paused. “And you see the thing is Evan... I never got to explore in college." 

"Eddie seriously, you'll regret it in the morning."

"No I won't."

There was a firmness to the words that made the younger man submit completely, the drunken haze taking over once more at the thought of finally acting on things he'd so clearly been pushing down. "Eddie..."

"Kiss me."

That did it, it was as though they were connected by an invisible string. The force that pulled the two together was something neither one of them could explain. The rush of fear and excitement all delving into one searing kiss of passion and built up tension. It was hot and messy and unlike anything Buck had ever felt before during a kiss. And holy shit! He's kissing Eddie! He's kissing his best friend! What the hell is he doing?! It's all so messed up . But god did it feel right. This is what people talked about. The fireworks and the sparklers , the confetti poppers all blazing off behind your closed eyes as you fight for breath. A real kiss, a kiss that has real pent up feelings involved.  It was all happening so quickly, Buck was now in control and before either one of them knew it , Eddie was being pushed back against the table with the younger man clambering up to keep their lips in line. The filthy moans falling from the usually well mannered mouth of his best friend , were something Evan Buckley knew he'd never forget. 

"F-fuck Eddie, Eds! if- shit if you don't stop I-"

"I want you to have me Evan." Eddie panted, pulling back to hold the younger man's gaze. "All of me , drunk or not. I wanna do this."

"L-like have , have? As in-"

"As in penetration, sexual intercourse. The thing people of every gender tend to enjoy. All of the above." 

Buck spluttered, face and neck turning red with embarrassment rather than the previous lust. "Don't say it like that!"

"Don't be such a prude man! I want to have sex with you! Are you going to do it or not?"

"If you're really sure?"

"I may be drunk Buckley , but I'm sane enough to say yes. Now shut the hell up."  They kissed sloppily, both of their hands struggling as they began to explore one another with confidence. Buck using his secret weapon and biting down on Eddie's plush lower lip  causing small moans to leave the older man's mouth at the foreign sensation. 

"I would really appreciate it if you stopped with this teasing game you got goin' on ." Eddie whimpered. The younger man's skilled hands somehow managing to pull down his boxers whilst pulling at Eddie's hair all at once , without ever breaking their kiss.

"As you wish." Buck finally replied breathlessly. His hand circling around Eddie's ' hardening shaft, pumping him slowly and gently. Causing the already wrecked , former soldier to thrust upwards into his palm to gain more friction. 

The dirty blonde grunted, pulling away to pull off his shirt, showcasing the softly toned muscle and gorgeous summer glow. His own underwear and jeans following shortly after , allowing Eddie to stand and slowly sink to his knees in front of him. 

All of that gay porn he accidentally bought and watched that one time out of curiosity came in handy for things like this. He couldn't help it as he smirked, a new confidence overtaking him as he teased the tip with his tongue sending the thirty two year old into a complete mess of moans and pants of desperation.

"Your mouth Eddie, holy shit." Buck growled , pulling on the other man's dark locks. "You sure you've never done this- Fuck!"  They both knew there was a limit , a limit they couldn't afford to reach just yet. Not if they want to keep progressing. And Eddie was fast approaching meeting it so with a few shoves to the shoulder he was popping off  Buck's aching member in order to throw off his shirt. Gasping as Buck quickly manhandled him and pushed him back down on to the table . Strong tanned thighs being spread almost immediately as the younger fireman lubed up his fingers with as much spit as he possibly could. The older of the two moaning loudly as the first digit entered his tight, virgin hole, curling up slightly to knock against his prostate. 

"M-more, god that felt so much better than I thought it would've! Please more." Eddie begged, back arching as the Buckley listened , slowly adding in another finger and scissoring them out. "Fuck!" He breathed out, Kissing Buck hard on the mouth as they both struggled to breath.

The amount of pleasure and want pumping through their veins was intense...

Buck was experienced enough to know when he was ready, he didn't need to ask to be sure. The way Eddie was whimpering and reaching out to touch himself was enough to know... he reached into his jeans that lay at his feet, fishing out the condom that he knew had been in there since well, the last time he and Tommy hooked up. But now wasn't the time to dwell on that.. slowly rolling it over his aching length and pressing in.

The burn and stretch of feeling the younger enter him was insane. Even in his slightly drunken state it was unlike anything Eddie had ever felt before. And he had bedded his fair share of women since his teen years. But none of them had ever made sex feel like this! It was intense yet amazing. Leaving him a withering mess as Buck pounded into him over and over. It really didn't take long for both of them, despite their mature age, to reach their climax. The pair of them cumming with a shout of the other's name. Panting harshly as they struggled to come down from their high. The adrenaline from both the alcohol and the sex was slowly leaving their bodies causing exhaustion to set in. Thats why neither one of them noticed the cum dripping from the condom as Buck skilfully removed the ruined latex. 

"So good." The younger man uttered, kissing Eddie's cheek as he plonked himself down into the chair behind him. 

"It really was." Eddie panted tiredly, eyelids dropping as he struggled to catch his breath. "I understand now."

"Understand what?"

"Why everyone explored in college." The comment made the younger man chuckle. "No but seriously dude, sexuality really shouldn't be seen as so black and white. Hell I always thought I was straight , but you Mr Buckley have got me thinking otherwise..."

"Yeahhh, well let's see if you feel the same way in the morning huh?" 

"Chill , I'm not gonna kick you out of my life or anything man." 

"Like I said, we will see in the morning."

"Yeah okay, whatever, let's go shower and sleep. I'm zonked."

"Not surprised Patrick Swayze." 

The bark of laughter Eddie released was more than enough to have Buck relaxing. Both of them stumbling down the hall towards the bathroom. Whether or not they showered together Buck couldn't exactly remember. The exhaustion mixed with the fuzz of alcohol was making him all kinds of woozy, that's how he found himself collapsing down onto Eddie's bed. The other man already fast asleep and dead to the world. Completely unaware of the internal freak out his best friend was experiencing. 

Evan Buckley was officially fucked. 

—————————————————————————

The sun was bright, almost too bright. Eddie could quite literally feel it burning its way past his eyelids. LA sunlight was no joke. The blinding headache was also building up more and more as he tried to screw his eyes tighter together. Why?! Why had he allowed Buck to convert him into drinking wine on a work night?! He was supposed to be a changed man, no more late night drinking and waisting away his future wallowing in self pity. Yet here he was not even one day in and he had already fucked it...

He groaned , attempting to roll over onto his front and scream into the pillow when he suddenly felt the unmistakable weight of another human being on his left arm. That's the exact moment when he realised he was cuddled up against something that wasn't just actually his pillow. He took in a deep breath through his nose... maybe it wasn't as bad as it seemed. 

Finally taking the next step in his usually cheerful morning routine. Eddie finally decided that opening his eyes was now vital. How the hell else would he be able to figure out who was in his bed?. Hissing slightly as the piercing pain that exploded In his lower half, he finally managed to shuffle his legs over to his side of the bed and opened his eyes . Eventually managing to focus enough to get a real look at the figure currently snuggled against him. To say he was shocked would be an understatement...

Buck? Holy shit is that Buck?

The Evan Buckley, his one, true best friend, was lying in his bed. Not only was he lying in his bed, he was lying in his bed naked! 

"Oh shit." He whispered.

How the fuck had this happened?! He and Buck are like family! It's his best friend for gods sake! He's never even looked at another man in a sexual way! At least not until last night anyway! Although , he supposed in a way he never allowed himself to. But god , why now?! Why with Buck?! Was it really that hard for him to keep it in his pants when he's drunk?! This was going to make things awkward as hell for them both. In every sense of the way. 

And - oh fuck what about Tommy? He gathered from Buck's shitty mood when he arrived at the house last , that they'd broken up. But what if they hadn't?! What then? Or even if they really are broken up, how messed up is that?! He really felt it was okay to sleep with his newly , heartbroken best friend.  For what? A bit of exploring?! He could have done that with another dude! Someone who was random! 

"Buck, Buck... wake up man." He spoke gently, shaking the younger mans shoulder. 

"Come on , we need to get up. Shift starts in an hour."  Buck only whined cutely, shoving him away and pulling the duvet over his face as he mumbled into the pillow. "G'way"

"I kind of can't man, you're laying on my arm." Eddie stated awkwardly.

"W-what?" Buck muttered in confusion, peaking out from the covers.

"My arm, you're laying on it." Eddie told him smiling wearily.

Buck froze, taking in the sight before him. There was Eddie , hair all a mess , naked in all his glory, looking slightly rough from the after affects of the alcohol... but perfect never the less.

And then there he was, naked , with a killer headache and legs muscles that felt as though they were on fire. It didn't take a genius to put two and two together. He and Eddie had fucked .. 

"Fuck!" The younger man uttered in shock, blushing a deep shade of red as he slowly sat up.

"I-I-shit how much do you remember ?" He asked the older lad in confusion.

"Erm, one too many glasses of Jammy Roo, dancing like idiots and me stupidly wanting to explore college style?" Eddie offered as an answer.

"Yeah and a whole lot of mixed emotions..." Buck stated rubbing his head. "What the hell were we thinking?"

Eddie only chuckled. Thank god Buck was feeling the same way as him. He carefully sat up, searching his room with sore eyes looking for their abandoned underwear. They had just over an hour to head into work.. a refresh shower  and one huge black coffee for the both of them was most definitely needed.

"Do you want to shower first or?" Eddie asked , clearly trying to skip past the awkwardness. 

"Yeah, but I'm going to have to-erm well I need clean underwear." Buck said in embarrassment. "I don't mind wearing last nights clothes again, just yeah..you know how I feel about dirty underwear."

"Of course, hold on." Eddie replied standing up , making sure to hold his goods as he rushed over to his drawers. Buck didn't exactly know where to look, although he couldn't help but sneak a cheeky glance ... damn Eddie really was something huh? How he's ignored this attraction  towards him for so long he'll never know. 

"Here you go man." Eddie's voice suddenly chirped throwing a pair of black boxers towards him as well as a fresh Black T- shirt.

"Thanks." Buck muttered , wrapping himself up in a blanket as he stood up and made his way into Eddie's bathroom.

The water was especially nice, it was exactly what he needed to wake himself up and snap out of the awkward funk. Plus Eddie seemed to have a thing for vanilla and cinnamon flavoured shampoo's and he was not complaining. The scent was absolutely incredible.  It only took him five minutes before he was out and drying off. Slipping into the same tight jeans he wore the previous night . Eddie must of found them and brought them in whilst he was showering. That was huh.. that was really sweet of him.

He quickly stopped the soft smile that was sneakily tugging at the corner of his lips. No, just no! He couldn't go there. Eddie was straight! Everything that happened was a little fun fling for him to try out something new! That's all this way! No feelings! No strings! Plus, he's only just broken up with Tommy! He couldn't be thinking of starting a new relationship yet, especially not one with his best friend! That was just plain wrong! He'd ruin everything he and Eddie had worked so hard to build. 

Shaking away his thoughts, Buck cautiously entered the hallway, smelling the signs of freshly cooked breakfast. Great, an awkward chat over breakfast was just what he needed.

"Took you long enough." Eddie smirked as he entered the kitchen. "I thought  I was the one feeling a little limpy?"

Buck choked. "Dude!"

"What? Are we supposed to just go about our lives pretending we didn't just do that?" 

"Well yeah! I thought that was what you'd want?"

Eddie smiled gently. "Well it's not." 

"So what?"

"Nothing, it is what it is right? Can't go back and change it now. It happened, that's it over and done with. It doesn't mean we have to ruin our friendship." 

Buck furrowed his brows in confusion. "A-aren't you - I don't know. Like questioning a lot of stuff right now?"

"Like my sexuality?" Eddie asked in response, the younger man nodding. "Not really, I mean I've never had the urge to do that sort of thing with a guy before." He paused in thought. "So to be honest I'm not exactly sure what that means for me. But I can't waste my time worrying about it. Sure I'm freaking the hell out on the inside for now , but Buck, I'm glad it was you okay? You don't have to worry about that. I just-  if I start letting my head go there, I'll drag up a whole load of unresolved catholic guilt and I am not ready to face that right now." 

"I guess that's fair." Buck sighed, finally taking a strip of bacon off of his plate. "As long as me and you are okay?"

"Always man! I've got your back remember?"

"And I've got yours." 

Eddie chuckled fondly, both of them more than relieved to have gotten that conversation out the way. What happened , happened. They didn't have time to sit dwelling on it and living in regret. There would come a time when the older of the two would have to face what sleeping with another man meant for him. But the time wasn't now. Eddie had made that more than clear. 

"We taking my jeep?" Buck questioned, shovelling a large amount of eggs into his mouth. 

"Uh huh, as long as you're cool with dropping my back home after shift?"

"No problem, you going to FaceTime Chris later?"

The older paused, mouth twisting. "I-I dunno man, of course I want to. But I'm trying to let him come to me y'know?" 

"I get it." Buck assured. "He knows you love him Eddie, that's all that matters." 

"Yeah I know.. thanks Buck."

"Right! We best move our asses, Cap will not be happy if we're late." 

Eddie raised an eyebrow. "It's Bobby, not Gerard. I think we will be fine."

"Nuh uh, move it. Bobby needs us all to be at the top of our game! He deserves nothing more than for us to be the best of the best!" 

"Okay...." 

Rolling his eyes, Buck grabbed for Eddie's half eaten plate. "I'll bag this to go, go get your shower will you!"

"Alright jeez, calm down." Eddie snorted. "Someone's overly sensitive."

"Yeah well I've just been broken up with, AGAIN. Sue me for being a lil' butt hurt." Buck pouted.

"Okay I'm sorry." Eddie soothed. "I'll go get my shower and I promise we will be out the door in less than twenty!" 

"We better be!"

—————————————————————————

It took a little over six weeks for Chris to finally FaceTime without any form of persuasion from either of Eddie's parents. The feeling Eddie experienced when he hit that answer button only to see it wasn't his mom on the other end of the phone was one he'd never be able to explain. And the added bonus? Christopher seemed genuinely okay, more than okay in fact. He actually seemed excited to talk. Continuously pushing new topics of conversation and asking over everyone they loved and cared for. It was indescribable.

"So uh, how's things going with all of your new friends buddy? You've been pretty busy with them." Eddie asked happily. 

"They're good." Chris told him. "I really miss Denny though, make sure he knows he's still my best friend. I got scared when Abuelo told me he was hurt , I should have come home." 

"Oh Chris, you don't need to worry about that." Eddie assured. "He knows you love him and that you'll be back when you're ready. He understands."

"Yeah." The boy hesitated slightly. "Dad? Erm - W-when can I come back?"

"Like I just said- whenever you're ready to bud. I'm not going to force you. I understand what I did was something you needed time away from me to come to terms with." 

Christopher sighed. "I know I really hurt your feelings dad, but you hurt mine too. You were acting weird and you kept ruining things with people I liked, people that helped me deal with losing mom. Like Ana and Marisol."

"I know I was and I know how badly that impacted you now, I was being selfish. And that's exactly why I've been doing everything I can to be better for you. Sorry was never going to change what I'd done, you didn't need to hear anymore apologies. I knew I had to prove to you that I was listening, that I was willing to allow you the time to heal." 

"You did that when you let me come to Texas."

Eddie perked up. "I did?"

Christopher nodded. "Buck told me you've been working really hard to get better. He told me it's  because you love me so much."

"He did huh?"

The fourteen year old nodded. "Thanks dad."

"You never have to thank me for being your father Christopher. I love you so so much kid."

"I love you too, I wanna come home dad, to you and Buck and everyone else." 

Eddie's heart melted , the look in Christopher's eyes filling him with so much hope. Hope that they'd be okay in the end, hope that he'd eventually work his way through the never ending storm currently raging inside of his head. "Did you tell your Abuela and Abuelo?" 

"I did, that's why I called. They're going to book us on the plane- is that how you say it?" Chris quizzed in confusion. 

"Erm, it's book a flight. But hey it works the way you said it too." Eddie spoke fondly. "I can't wait for you to come home."

"Not long dad, not long."

They ended the call with a promise of two more FaceTimes before Chris and his parents got their flights the following Monday. That meant he only had to survive the next four days without bursting of pure excitement. He'd done it, he'd finally allowed himself to be happy and everything that had followed since then had been nothing but good. How was this his life?

"Knock , knock!" Buck chirped, entering the bunk room. "Cap said you were on call so I thought I'd come- woah you okay man?!" 

It was only then that Eddie realised he had tears of joy cascading down his cheeks.  "Oh- yeah sorry! Shit I didn't even realise I was crying!"

"Why are you crying?" Buck panicked, rushing over to wipe at Eddie's cheeks. Barely thinking about the action. 

"Christopher..." Eddie breathed , still in awe that his son was actually coming home to him.

"What about him?"

"He's coming home Buck, he's coming back to me." 

The smile that lite up the younger man's face was one that literally melted all of Eddie's insides into mush, holy crap. "Eddie that's amazing! Our boy is coming home!"

Our boy.. our boy. Crap , he couldn't let himself spiral not now, not now! "Y-yeah, I can't believe it."

"How was he? Did he seem excited about it?"

Eddie turned to look at the younger man properly. "He was good, really good. He told me you had spoken to him last week."

"Erm yeah, didn't I tell you about that?"

"No you did, you just forgot to mention that you told him how hard I'd been working and that I was doing it all for him." The older stated pointedly. 

Buck blushed, looking down at his fiddling hands. "Well I didn't think it mattered all that much.. I mean it was the truth."

"It matters to me Buck." Eddie told him. "You're probably the main reason he decided to come back."

"I'm sure that's not true Eddie, he'd probably made up his mind a while back." 

"Just take credit for it and give me a hug." 

The younger man laughed happily at that, pulling Eddie in close. "I'm so happy for you Eddie, seriously it's amazing." 

Eddie wished the moment could have lasted, but all of a sudden the rushes of nausea he'd been experiencing came back with a vengeance. "Oh god no..." He cringed, breathing in through his nose. "Not again."

"What? What's the matter?"

"N-nothing I'm just a little nauseous, it'll pass."

That didn't ease his best friends concern. "You said 'not again'. How long has this been going on?"

"Erm around two weeks now I guess..."

"You haven't actually been physically sick though right? Maybe it's just stress?" 

"It could be, I mean I've been tired a lot more often than not and the headaches I've been getting are on a level I can't even begin to explain." 

Buck hummed in thought, those symptoms sounded awfully familiar to him. He just couldn't put his finger on why.. "Anything else?"

"Erm yeah, but I - I'm not telling you. It's sort of embarrassing." Eddie cringed. "I'm assuming the stress is causing my hormone levels to malfunction."

"Come on man, you know you can tell me." Buck snickered. "Considering what we did the other month, I don't think there's any lines drawn in our friendship anymore."

Eddie sighed out a groan. "Fine, just- don't you dare speak a word to anyone else, got it?!"

"Scouts honour!"

"My chest is all swollen and I swear to god I am literally having to put ice packs on my nipples just to control the burning!" 

Buck paused , eyebrows raising. "Damn... that's ah, that's not great."

"Nope." Eddie grimaced. "Who knew stress could have that effect on you huh?"

"Have you been to a doctor? Just to make sure it is stress? I feel like I know someone who's had those symptoms before and it most definitely wasn't stress.... God why can't I think who it was?"

The older man watched as the younger wrecked his brain. The silence turning tense the longer they sat there. "Buck? Seriously it's not that big of deal I'm sure it's nothing-"

"Maddie!" Buck exclaimed, Eddie jumping slightly at the sudden outburst.  "It was Maddie! She used to complain all the time about her - y'know - when she was pregnant with Jee!"

"Oh well there you have it then! Panic over! It's  definitely the stress. Because let's face it , there is no way in hell I'm pregnant." The nervous chuckle Buck released was not what Eddie had been expecting. "What? What's with the awkward chuckle?"

"I mean, we hooked up Eddie, there's always a small chance that-"

"Woah hold up!" He quickly interrupted. "We used a condom Buck, we were safe."

"Condoms break..." Buck muttered in defence. "I'm not saying you are, I was just saying as a theory what if-"

"Well don't!" Eddie snapped, shooting up out of his seat. "I don't have time for your stupid theories right now Buck. I have to focus on my son. He's finally coming home! For once I actually feel happy within myself! I can't let you ruin that feeling for me."

"Wow okay." The younger huffed. "If you wanna carry on burying your head in the sand then go ahead. That's your choice Eddie, I just think you'd be better off knowing for sure whether or not it is that- but hey, just a stupid theory right?" 

Buck had stormed off so quickly that he was up and out of sight before Eddie could even form a sentence. The guilt sinking in as the other heard the door slam closed. Poor Buck , He was just trying to help, why did Eddie rip his head off like that? Sure the thought of his little theory being right was freaking Eddie the hell out, but it was still no reason to treat the younger man so poorly. It was just a dick move.  "Damn it."

"Everything okay in here?" Hen's voice spoke, causing Eddie to look up towards the door. "Buck seemed upset, almost took me out."

"I'm a dick." Eddie groaned in defeat. "He was trying to help me out and I kinda ripped his head off for it."

Hen sighed, walking over to sit beside him on the bunk. "And why did you do that?"

"Because I'm afraid he's right." Eddie spoke without thinking. 

"Right about what exactly?" 

Crap, now he's crying again! "I-we messed up Hen."

"Hey, hey , hey." Hen soothed, pulling him in for a firm hug. "Shhh."

"No you don't get it! I- we slept together." He blurted, all of the conflicting emotions he'd been battling since that night pouring out. 

"You- wait you and Buck?!" She gasped. 

"Yeah..." Eddie whined. "We got drunk the night he broke up with Tommy and i decided it would be a good idea to explore like immature college students."

"Oh lord." Hen stated rolling her eyes fondly. "Exploring is just code for 'I know I'm gay deep down but I'm hiding it'. I take it that's what Buck told you huh?"

"N-no, not exactly..." 

Hen frowned in confusion. "Then what?"

"He thinks I might be pregnant." 

There it was, the little theory was out in the open. 

"Oh..." 

Eddie chuckled dryly, wiping at the tears on his cheeks. "Yeah, Oh. So not only am I dealing with a whole load of catholic guilt and a huge gay crisis. I may also be pregnant with my best friend's kid." He could see the clogs ticking inside the older woman's head. "And let's not forget the fact that Chris is coming home and it's supposed to be about me and him finally getting back to normal. If I am pregnant there's no doubt in my mind that he'll leave again.. probably for good this time."

"That - wow that all came around fast." Hen uttered in shock. 

"Tell me about it."

He'd gone from feeling on cloud nine , to feeling as though he was drowning under years of repressed feelings and panic. It had all hit in what? A matter of five minutes?

"Well, I mean- there's only one way you're gonna be able to settle." Hen stated the obvious.

"I know." Eddie sniffled pathetically. "I just- I can't have a baby Hen..."

"Can I ask why?" 

"Christopher."

Hen nodded in acknowledgment. "I get what you're saying Eddie, I do. But a baby would only add to the love you and Christopher share." 

"How? He's barely forgiven me as it is! If he finds out me and Buck are having a baby together, he'll be not only devastated, but terrified that I'm gonna ruin things with his Buck!" 

"Oh honey. Is that what he told you? That you ruin things with people? Is that what you're truly afraid of? That if you are pregnant it'll ruin you and Buck?" 

Eddie whimpered. "I'm scared Hen."

"I know and it's okay, I promise you it's all gonna be okay." She calmed him gently, hand rubbing soothing circles over his back. "But you can't let yourself get this upset until you know for sure."

"That's what Buck was trying to tell me..." 

"Well then , it doesn't take a genius to know where he's ran off too." 

The younger man looked at her in confusion, fresh tears dripping off of his nose. "What do you mean?"

"I told you he nearly wiped me out, he was running off somewhere. My guess is he's off to get the one thing that'll give you both the answer you need right now." 

Hen remained by his side for the twenty minutes it took for Buck to come warily knocking on the door. Grocery bag in hand, because of course the older woman had been right.  "Erm hey, I can come back-"

"No need Buckaroo! You two do what you need. I'll keep the others entertained." Hen informed, standing after a pat of reassurance to Eddie's back. "You'll be okay."

Buck waited until the door closed to speak, awkwardly shuffling towards the bed Eddie was sat upon. "I - erm I got something from the store, I don't want you to snap or argue I just- we need to know Eddie."

"I know we do Buck." Eddie spoke softly. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. I was freaking out and I shouldn't have took it out on you like that." 

"It's okay to freak out Eddie,  I'm freaking the fuck out too." 

"Chris is going to leave again."

"You don't know that." 

The younger man was trying, Eddie knew that. But nothing he said could convince Eddie he was overthinking it all. Christopher would panic, he'd think the worst of the situation and that would be that. Back to square one, only he'd have a new born and a complicated relationship with his best friend. That's if Buck even stuck around. 

"We don't even know if I'm pregnant yet and we're already stressed to the max." Eddie huffed in sarcastic amusement. "Typical huh?"

"Well that's what I got you these for." Buck pointed out, passing the bag of digital pregnancy tests his way. "The man at the store said these were the best brands for accuracy."

"There's about ten of each! Jesus Christ Buck." 

"I wanted us to be sure!"

Eddie laughed softly. "I'm sure three would have sufficed." 

"Yeah well, I got fifteen, deal with it." Buck smirked, finally taking a seat next to Eddie. "Now can you please down that bottle of water and pee on the things? We kinda need to know sooner rather than later man."  

"I'm terrified Buck." The older man whispered brokenly. "I don't know what I'm gonna do if that result comes back positive."

"Eds.." Buck cooed softly. "We will deal with all of that once we know okay? Whatever it is you decide to do, I am with you every single step of the way." 

"O-okay, Thankyou." Eddie choked out, squeezing Buck's thigh before standing to make his way into the bathroom.

"Right , shit you're doing this.." Buck stammered. "I'll be waiting right here okay?" He told him gently.

"No!- I mean... do you mind coming in once I've taken them? I don't really wanna look by myself." Eddie asked him , cringing inwardly at himself for damn near begging the younger man. 

"Sure! Of course I will! Now go take them please. I'm going to pee myself from the anxiety of it all!" Buck pressed, the joke making Eddie chuckle slightly despite the rolling nerves.

It took him all of five minutes to complete four of the tests. That seemed like the right number to be certain. Two could be wrong, but four definitely couldn't right? He made sure to open them all at once to prevent stopping and starting. Then all they had to do was chill on the bunk room's bathroom floor until the results were ready.

"Three minutes?" Buck asked.

"Yep three minutes." He confirmed.

"Eddie have you- er have you thought about anything past telling Chris about this?" The younger wondered. "If the test is positive I mean." 

"N-no, I just-the thought of having a baby terrifies me... but so does the thought of-" He cut himself off shaking his head. "Catholic parents and a ridiculously religious background remember? Abortion is wrong in the eyes of the lord." 

"I get it, but you're a grown adult... you shouldn't have to worry about your parents and their religion anymore. It's your body Eddie, your choice."

"But I also shouldn't be having a baby." Eddie facted. "Not when I've let the kid I already have down far too many times as it is. Who's to say I won't fuck it all up with another one huh?" 

Buck smiled in sympathy. "Yeah... but whatever you decide, whether it's abortion or keeping it you won't be alone during any of it okay? Not this time Eds, you have me." 

"I appreciate that." Eddie said emotionally, tears dripping off his chin.

"I didn't mean to make you cry I'm sorry-" The younger man was cut off by his phone timer.

Both of them turning to the side where the tests lay. Shakily standing to approach. It was almost like they were on some kind of mission , like the man with the bomb inside of his leg the first time they'd worked together. In some ways Eddie supposed that was kinda a full circle moment for the two of them. These tests were literally about to blow up his entire future or they weren't , there was no In between. 

"Y-you going to look?" Buck stuttered, his nerves for the both of them clearly showing.

"Uh huh." He nodded, hand reaching out to flip them all over one by one.

"Oh shit..."  Was the only words Buck could offer , his jaw hanging open in shock, his heart breaking for the older man he called one of the most important people in his life. Each and every test signalling the unmistakable fact... Eddie was in-fact pregnant. 

"I'm fucked." Eddie sobbed , hands tugging at his hair . He couldn't help but let the broken sobs escape him. It felt as though his world was folding in on him and he was suffocating. He couldn't catch his breath, his happiness was officially on hold . Everything he'd been working so hard to fix was about to be shattered once again. How could he not feel completely in over his head?!

"Shhh it's okay" Buck croaked, his own tears falling at the sight of the broken man.

"I-I can't do this.." Eddie cried. "Evan I can't do this." 

"Yes, yes you can... you're either going to have baby or you're not. Either way you will pull through! Looking at it both ways, there is light at the end of the tunnel I promise you!" Buck told him sternly. "If you don't have this baby then you'll heal and move forwards and if you do have this baby.. God Eddie, that baby is going to be so so loved. Not only by you and me, but by our friends, our family at the 118, Maddie, your abuela and especially by Christopher ... no matter what or how he takes it in the beginning . You're not by yourself! I've got your back."  

"W-what if Chris really doesn't take it well huh?What if he doesn't want me to go through with this Buck, but I want to ? I can't do that to him, but I just know I won't be able to let go of this - our baby either:" Eddie said, voicing his fears. "I can't choose between my children Buck I can't." 

Our baby, Buck couldn't help the wave of emotion that crashed into him just hearing those words. "Then we pull together, we work as team like we always do! We help him see that me and this baby, we aren't going anywhere. We're his family and we will be ready and waiting for him whenever he is ready to accept us."

"Y-you'd do that?"

"Eddie Chris is our boy, I have his back just as much as I have yours. We'll get through this."

Eddie could only cry in response, heart aching with the overwhelming amount of feelings he felt deep within during that current moment. There was so much he needed to think about, so much he needed to come to terms with and accept. 

There was only so much a dance around his living room could do... 

—————————————————————————

"You nervous?" Buck whispered.

They were currently sat waiting to be called in to their appointment at Eddie's OB's office. The nerves were going through the roof. Eddie saw each and every unhappy stare from couples sat around them. Why did people have to be so bloody judgemental! So what they were firefighters?! He couldn't just give up work! He needed the money!

"Yes! Aren't you?" He quizzed back, knee bouncing up and down rapidly.

"I am, I'm more worried about you though..." The younger man trailed off.

"I'm okay... it's just weird." Eddie muttered looking down at his nails.  The past two days had been okay, awkward, but okay. It was like taking the test the same day he had the initial idea he was pregnant had lifted one of the many weights off of his shoulders. Buck of course kept himself distant , just for the simple fact of coming to terms with things and how much his world was changing. It was all in typical Buck fashion, Eddie wasn't mad.

"Tell me about it..." Buck breathed, nodding his head towards a couple looking down at their newborn. "That'll be us in what? Seven months?" 

Oh that was another thing, Eddie had officially decided that abortion was completely off of the table. Just the thought of it had his heart aching in a way he couldn't explain.  "Erm I think it's about that yeah... scary shit huh?" He replied biting his lip.

Buck just nodded , eyes focusing in on how in awe the couple seemed. He wondered if he and Eddie would feel that way. Would they feel that same unconditional love they always talk about having for Chris? Or would they be so focused on keeping Christopher happy that they forget to split their love equally? 

"Edmundo Diaz!" A voice chirped , causing them both to snap out of their daze. A middle aged woman stood, hair a beautiful, shiny, black. Eyes soft and sparkling... she looked friendly enough.

They followed her into a room. An examination table placed perfectly to the side. Two chairs next to what was quite obviously her desk. She politely guided them to the seats and instructed them to sit.

"So first things first boys! I'm Dr Ferguson. But you can call me Rebecca." The young obstetrician chirped. "Now , Edmundo. Not that it will come as much of a surprise but we have your blood work back and it does indeed confirm your pregnancy..." 

Eddie scoffed shaking his head. "Yeah, I had a feeling four pregnancy tests couldn't be wrong." He chuckled softly.

"Oh wow! You really wanted to be sure huh?" Rebecca laughed.

"Yeah well... having a baby with your best friend when you're supposed to be straight and catholic , all whilst fighting to get your son back home isn't exactly something you want is it?" He stated smiling sadly.

"Well erm no... but it happened and that's okay! I want you to feel comfortable with me! So please don't ever worry about me judging either of you or your situation! I actually had my own little girl at eighteen , completely alone. No help from her father, my parents, my friends and look at me now.." She explained.

"W-well thankyou." Buck replied for the both of them.

"No problem! Right Edmundo! Let's get you laying down on the examination bed and we will take a look okay?" Rebecca suggested.

"Eddie please and y-you mean a look through a screen right?" The pregnant man gulped.

"Yes, don't worry , you're about six or seven weeks right, going off of your consultation ?" She waited for him to nod before continuing on. "It'll just be a simple abdominal ultrasound then! No looking below south of the boarder for now don't worry! Although I will probably have to do that at some point during your next few appointments. Suck it up buttercup." 

Buck smirked at that, hand tapping Eddie's thigh to encourage him into standing up. The older man eventually taking the hint and making his way over to the examination bed. Laying down carefully as Rebecca dragged over what looked like a really extravagant computer.

"Lift up that T-shirt for me please." She instructed kindly. "LAFD huh? I'm impressed, although it means a lot more paperwork to sort out a light duty letter for your boss." 

"Oh great, I forgot about that part." He spoke as he did what he was told , revealing his tan skin slowly. Feeling self conscious due to the two pairs of eyes currently locked on his middle as he did so. Honestly, Buck couldn't help but watch, Eddie's body didn't look any different yet.. but he knew it wouldn't be long until a bump would be forming between those perfect hip bones of his. 

"You okay?" He whispered quietly to the nervous man before him. He could practically see Eddie shaking head to toe. 

"I-I'm scared." Eddie whispered back, eyes watching as Rebecca set up the Ultrasound equipment.

"Don't be , I'm right here with you man." Buck stated softly. 

Eddie didn't really trust his voice enough to reply , so he settled for grabbing onto Buck's spare hand firmly. The younger man squeezing back as he too focused his attention on their obstetrician.

"Right , this'll be a little bit cold . Just prepare yourself." Rebecca chuckled. Squirting a small amount of blue gel on to the bottom of Eddie's stomach just above his naval. Placing the ultrasound wand down almost immediately after. 

Both men waited anxiously for her to give them some form of information. Eyes locked on the screen as blurry images of black and white flashes before them. They didn't have a clue what they where looking for... all they could do was hope that everything was okay.

"Ah ha! There's the little Bubz!" She suddenly chirped.

Eddie's eyes instantly locked on the small blob she was pointing to. Although it was tiny, you could still make out the shape of it's little head and body. Arms and legs more like stumps ... it was alien like, but utterly amazing at the same time.

"Looks like Bubz is measuring right on for seven weeks! So that will set your due date around August fifth, two thousand and twenty five."

August fifth... they would have a baby by the end of next summer.  "Wow." Eddie breathed. 

Tears threatening to spill as he took in the sight of his baby. This little one was his and Buck's, a whole little human they'd made together ... god this kid was going to be so loved. 

"Wow indeed..." Buck breathed out, his own eyes becoming slightly moist at the sight.

Rebecca finished up pretty quickly after that, making sure to snap some print outs for the two men . Along with the boring stuff such as prescribing Eddie some prenatal vitamins and suggesting ginger biscuits for his sickness and nausea. Apparently sucking on lollipops helped too, that of course triggered Buck off into a very immature round of giggles. 

Both of them were in a world of their own as they drove to start their shift. Eddie remaining focused on the image of his baby. He couldn't look anywhere else.  Come on? Why would he want to? "Hey buck? Am I an idiot?" He suddenly asked out of no where.

"W-what? No why?" Buck answered in shock.

"Because I've literally fallen in love with this little blob of ours in a matter of what? Half an hour?" Eddie stated. "Literally everything from their cute bean shaped body, to their stumpy legs.. I'm in love with them." 

Buck smiled softly at that , pulling up into a parking space and looking over at the image himself. "Well if that's the case , then we are both Idiots..." 

That made Eddie smile the widest he had since Christopher told him he was coming home. "I'm glad you feel the same way."

"That's our kid Eddie, who would have thought it huh?" 

"Definitely not me that's for sure." Eddie snorted. "I'm still tryna' figure out what exactly all this means for my sexuality. All I know is I can't really say I'm straight anymore."

"Nope, you definitely cannot." Buck smirked. "But hey, you're on your own journey. It doesn't matter how long it takes you to reach your final destination." 

"I've said this before Buck, but I really am glad it was you man." Eddie breathed. 

The blush that coated the younger man's cheeks was well worth the anxious thrumming pulsing through Eddie's veins. 

"Me too Eds, me too." Buck smiled warmly. "Now let's get going! It's our last shift until Chris is home! I am more than ready to get these conversations over with!" 

"Do we have to tell Bobby today? Can't it wait?"

"No way man, you heard Dr Ferguson! She needs you on light duty as soon as possible!"

Eddie frowned at that. "I can still work as a paramedic Buck!"

"I know that, but only if it's a call that doesn't involve any form of toxic fume! So therefore, in our world, it's considered light duty!" 

"Urgh! Fine! Let's just get it over with." 

Bobby was waiting for them just as they had been expecting. Arms crossed and eyebrows raised in a way that told Buck they were in for one hell of lecture. "You're late you two."

"Technically we're not! We actually came in early this morning and left before you came in to go to Eddie's appointment." Buck informed.

"And you went with him because?" 

Eddie cleared his throat awkwardly, clocking the look of reassurance Hen was sending his way. "Can we talk about this upstairs cap?"

That caused the older man to drop the hard boss act. "Of course." By the time all three of them were seated safely in the office, tucked away from any prying ears. Eddie could tell that Bobby was on edge.

"Listen Cap, it's not bad news so you can breathe." Eddie chuckled softly. "We're just not ready to announce it to everyone yet."

"That you're tougher? That's what this is right? If it's good news that's got to be it!" Bobby rambled on excitedly.

"What? No , no we're not together Bobby." Buck clarified, Eddie's heart sinking a little at the confirmation. 

Why though? He's the one who needs time to figure out what he wants, this is technically on him right? 

"Seriously?" Bobby frowned, face clearly showing his disappointment. "Then what is this about."

Eddie sighed, taking out their ultrasound picture from his wallet to slide it over to the other man. "Light duty, it's about light duty."

"F-for you?" He gaped. 

"Yep, Buck here knocked me up during one of our drunken dance parties." 

Buck spluttered. "Hold on a second you make it sound like we do that often! Normally it's just beers and some slices of pizza!"

"So I wasn't entirely wrong then?" Bobby interrupted. "You two technically have been together, y'know doing the nasty."

"Ew gross Cap! I don't need to hear you talking like that." Buck complained, face flushing bright red. "Plus it was one time! It wasn't anything extreme."

"I mean- I'd say me ending up pregnant is pretty extreme buddy." Eddie snickered. "But he's right Bobby oh was just the once!" He paused , heart pounding as his mind began to spiral once more. "And it's unlocked a whole lot of crap for me so let's not go there right now." 

"Of course." The older man said, showing his understanding. "I guess congratulations are in order then?"

"They are, baby should be here by the end of next summer." Buck informed his father figure happily. "Crazy huh?"

"I definitely wasn't expecting it no. But honestly kid, I'm over the moon for you both." Bobby said, practically bursting with pride as he looked between the photo and Buck. 

"Kinda makes you a sort of grandpa to be huh?"

Both Eddie and Buck pretended not to see the tears that filled the older man's eyes at the comment. "Y-yeah I guess it does."

"So erm, I have my letter from my OB. She just listed the main things I need to stay away from and stated how twenty four hour shifts from this point on are an absolute no go." Eddie told him, rolling his eyes to alert Bobby of his true feelings.

"That's great, I'll work something out for you both." Bobby said. "Oh and don't worry, your secret is safe with me."

"It's only until we reach the twelve week mark, both Christopher and Maddie will know by then and that's who is most important to us." Buck stated. "No offence."

"None taken! I get it."  

They were one person down, Bobby was the easiest to tell. Now all they had to do was break the news to Chris and Maddie...

—————————————————————————

"Dad! Buck!" Christopher called out in excitement, both Helena and Ramon rushing behind him. 

"Chris!" Eddie cried, tears already falling as he rushed forwards to hold his boy close. "Oh Mijo I missed you so much."

Christopher giggle, his own eyes a little wet. "I missed you too dad.  Hi Buck!"

"Hey bud!" Buck chirped, wrapping his own arms around the fourteen year old. "Did you get taller?! I feel like you did!"

"Uh huh! I'm nearly 5ft 9 now!" 

"What?! No way! That's nearly as tall as your dad!" 

Eddie pouted at that, heart melting at the sight of Buck and Christopher's reunion. This was family.

"Edmundo." Ramon spoke, breaking the tender moment. "We should move, I feel as though we're in people's way son." 

"R-right yeah, the car is parked right outside, let's go!" Eddie informed, helping his mom with Chris' backpack. "This is a lot heavier than I remember."

"Abuela got me some more books so that I could read them on the plane." Christopher explained. "Buck I think you'll like them!"

"Oh really?! You'll have to let me borrow them once you've finished!" 

"I will!" 

"So Eddie, how have things been honey?" Helena asked gently.

"They're good mom, I took some time for myself to gather my thoughts. Definitely learnt a few things about myself whilst I was at it."  Eddie explained.

"Like what?" His father asked curiously, placing their bags in the trunk of Eddie's car. 

"Erm, that's something I'd rather explain once we're all home." 

Christopher took notice of that. "It's not something bad right?"

"No! Nothing bad, just different for me I suppose." Eddie reassured his son. "It'll all make sense once we talk I promise buddy." 

"Okay..." The teen replied, allowing Buck to help into the car. "Thanks Buck!"

"No problem." Buck told him happily, sliding in beside him , Helena taking the front whilst Ramon slid in the back with them. 

The ride home took just over an hour due to traffic, but it was a nice hour. An hour filled with multiple stories from Chris and excited replies from Buck. His mom and dad just sat listening, seemingly intrigued with Buck and Chris' relationship. 

"Right , so the guest room is all set up from you mom and dad. Buck lent me his double air mattress so you don't have to worry about fitting in the single bed!" Eddie spoke as he showed them all into his home. "Once you're settled we can all sit down for a talk, how does that sound?"

"That sounds good Mijo." His father nodded, both him and Helena making their way down the hall. Chris remained where he was , taking in every inch of the home he'd missed so much.

"We can wait for them on the couch, what do you say Chris? Up for A few video games?!" Buck cheered. 

"Hell yes!" Christopher exclaimed.

The dreaded chat came about an hour later. You could quite literally hear a pin drop as all five of them sat around the living room. Christopher and his parents patiently waiting for Eddie to explain what this all important meeting was about. Buck, Buck was amazing, passing out cups of coffee and juice to break the tension. 

"So Edmundo, what exactly is this about? You said it's to do with you learning a few things about yourself?" Ramon asked kindly. 

"Erm yeah, I - crap I'm not really sure what the best way to say this is."  Eddie stammered. "I guess I should just rip off the bandaid right?"

His parents nodded their agreement. 

"Right okay, so erm- I've basically been trying to figure out some new feelings I've been having.. feelings to do with my sexuality."  Christopher gasped at that, seemingly excited.. wait what? "I won't go into any details, but it involves Buck and a few glasses of Jammy Roo."

"That's a nice wine." Helena breathed in agreement. Clearing her throat when Ramon raised his eyebrow. "Sorry carry on honey."

Eddie would have laughed if he didn't feel like peeing his pants right now. "And well- Dios I'm just gonna say it. Me and Buck are having a baby."

"You're what?" Ramon gaped in shock. 

"Having a baby, I'm pregnant dad." Eddie relayed, hoping to paint the picture clear for the three of them. "I understand it's a lot to take in and I'm not expecting any of you to be okay with it but-"

"Woah hold on Eddie." Helena was quick to jump in. "Why wouldn't be okay with it?"

The pregnant man frowned. "B-because I'm a man , because I- because me and Buck created this baby." 

"That means nothing Mijo." Ramon spoke calmly. "Religious man or not, my love for my children comes before all." 

"Y-you mean that?" Eddie choked out in relief.

Both of his parents looked to him fondly. His mother replying for the both of them. "Honey, when we took Christopher with us that day, all we wanted was for you to figure out how to find yourself again. And you've done that my love, we couldn't be prouder of that fact. As for you Evan, all I can say is welcome to the family."

Bucks shoulders sagged in relief. "Wow, erm Thankyou I guess."

"S-so that means I'm gonna be a big brother?" Chris whispered in shock. "You're having a baby with Buck.."

She 

"I am, but Chris." Eddie paused for a moment to collect himself. "I want you to know that this changes nothing. Me and you, we're a team okay? This baby and Buck will be a part of that now, but they'll never replace what we built together okay?"

Christopher nodded, looking to Buck. "A-and you're going to stay right? You won't run away even when dad is being hard work and the baby is crying all night?"

Buck snickered at the statement. "I promise you buddy, I'm here for you and your dad. No matter what. Right now we're just taking it a day at a time."

"Buck's right, it's one day at a time Mijo." Eddie pressed, leaning over to grab a hold of his son's hand. "And like I said, if you need some time to process this, then I'm more than okay with that."

"Thanks dad." 

The timid smile and slight squeeze back on his hand was more than enough for Eddie to know. To know that they would be okay, that Chris would love his sibling just as much as he loved him and his Buck.

"So my sister Maddie, she doesn't know yet. We just haven't found the right time. However, she's joining us for dinner later along with Chimney and their daughter Jee." Buck spoke, breaking up the tension in the room. Not that the tension was bad, but the silence was not helping Buck's nerves in the slightest. "So erm- If you're all okay with it, I was wanting to tell her when they arrive?"

Helena chuckled fondly. "Buck, of course it's okay! They're your family. You're well within your rights to tell them your news whenever you feel ready to!"

"I second that." Ramon assured, watching the weight lift off of the younger man's shoulders.

"O-okay good, I just- I guess I was worried you'd think I was taking away Eddie's moment telling you guys."  

"Honestly honey, it's fine." The woman spoke kindly. "Now why don't we all help prepare for dinner huh? What was you thinking of preparing."

And that's how they spent the rest of their afternoon, working alongside Eddie's parents as they made a mixture of classic Mexican dishes. All Abuela Isobel's original recipes of course! Who else's would they follow?! By the time Maddie, Chimney and Jee arrived , Buck had completely forgotten why he was nervous in the first place! This was his family, he had no reason to be nervous, all he was doing was announcing there would soon be another member to add!

"Christopher my man!" Chimney cheered, rushing over to crush the teen a hug. "It's been too long buddy!"

"Hi Chim." Chris snickered, playing nudging the older man. "Hi Maddie, hi Jee!"

"Hi Chris." Maddie smiled warmly, nudging Jee forwards. "Are you going to say hi Jee?"

The four year old waved cutely, eyes looking around the room for her favourite person. "Uncle Buck!"

"JeeJee!" Buck gasped, dropping down the scoop up the small girl as she came hurdling towards him. "Oh I missed you so much!"

"Missed you!"

Chim and Maddie smiled fondly at the pair, making their way around the room. The introduction to both of Eddie's parents going pleasantly well. 

"It's so nice to finally meet you Mr and Mrs Diaz." Maddie stated, taking her seat at the table. "Everything smells so good!"

"You too sweetheart! I can definitely see that Buckley gene in you! Must be those beautiful smiles!" Helena gushed. 

"Or the curls." Ramon remarked with a warm chuckle. The more settled the man became, the easier he was to be around. A fact Buck never believed would come to fruition. 

The group all tucked into the wide spread of food. They had everything from spicy rice to enchiladas and a delicious main of pozole! It was all cooked to absolute perfection. Buck couldn't thank the Diaz' enough for their help. There was only so much Bobby could teach him about making traditional Mexican cuisine. 

"Wow Buckley, you've really out done yourself!" Chimney complimented, leaning back in his chair to take a sip of wine. 

"I can't take all of the credit. Helena and Ramon helped me out a lot." Buck told him, blushing at the praise.

"We hardly helped at all!" Ramon disagreed. "You did very well young man, accept the credit."

Eddie rolled his eyes at his father's words, always so strict. "He's just being nice dad, he'd take all of the credit if you weren't here." He winked playfully towards the younger man.

"Hey!" Buck immediately protested, stopping mid sentence as he noticed Eddie nodding towards the ultrasound photo in his hidden hand. 

"Oh Jee?!" He gasped excitedly, coming up with an on the spot plan to break the news to Maddie and Chim. 

"Hi." The girl giggled, looking towards her uncle.

"I think Eddie has something he wants you to give mommy, why don't you pass it to her huh?" 

Jee nodded , the four year old grinning widely as Eddie placed the picture into her hold. "You take extra special care of that okay?"

"Uh huh! I is big girl now!" Jee told him confidently.

"That's my girl." Eddie beamed, watching with nervous anticipation as Maddie finally managed to take the photograph from her daughter. 

"What is mommy?" Jee Yun questioned, little hand still holding onto Maddie's wrist. 

"I-is this- holy-" Maddie paused to gather herself. "Is this real?" She finally croaked. 

"It is." Buck spoke gently. "Aunt Maddie has a nice ring to it don't you think?"

"Wait what?!" Chim gasped, shooting up from his seat to rush over and see the image his wife was holding. "Eddie you're- you and Buck?!"

Eddie chuckled nervously. "Yes , just the once though."

"Wow, one take huh?" The older man smirked towards Buck. "Good job pal."

Buck rolled his eyes, looking towards his sister with soft eyes. "You okay Maddie?"

"I just can't believe this, it's just- it's perfect." Maddie choked out, reaching out to squeeze her baby brother's hand. "My little Evan is having a baby."

"Well technically Eddie is having the baby."

"I'm carrying the baby sure." Eddie nodded. "But we're having a baby Buck, that is something you can take full credit for." 

"Y'know what makes it even more perfect Eddie?" Maddie asked him gently.

"What?" 

She chuckled in amazement. "I get to do it all alongside you."

Buck froze, eyes darting between his sister and brother in law. "Y-you're pregnant?"

"I am." Maddie giggled, tears falling freely as Eddie stood up to wrap her in his arms.

"Oh Mads." He whispered. "We've got eachother! We don't have to do this alone." 

"No we don't. I'm so happy I get to do this with you both!" She smiled in return. "Our babies will grow up together Buck!"

Buck chuckled wetly, pulling Jee Yun into a warm hug as the little girl clambered onto his knee. "I can't wait." 

"Oh this is just absolutely wonderful!" Helena chirped. "Congratulations all around!"

"Cheers!" Ramon spoke, everyone raising their glasses. 

The whole night felt like one incredible dream, something Buck had never , ever pictured having for himself. It was all so surreal, almost as if he was about to wake up any second. But he wasn't, he was already awake and this was very real. 

This was his life now, this was his family. He finally felt whole again. 

—————————————————————————

"Are you two seriously not gonna find out the gender?" Hen asked with a pout, watching Eddie cup his hand underneath his small bump.

"No Henrietta, we're seriously not finding out the gender." Buck chuckled fondly. "This pregnancy is a first for both of us, we want to make the most of every second."

"Sooo why not find out?" She continued on.

"Because I wanna wait until that special moment. You know? When they're finally placed on my chest and me and Buck can have a moment to ourselves." Eddie explained. 

"Think of it this way." Buck started off, gaining Hen's attention. "You can start a betting pool, we all know how much you love you a betting pool."

"Hmmm, that's true." Hen hummed. "You got me there. I guess I just expected you to wanna know, especially since Maddie and Chim found out they're having a girl." 

Eddie shrugged. "Honestly it really doesn't bother me not knowing. Besides, buying plain , white , gender neutral all in ones is a hell of a lot cheaper than all that generic coloured crap." 

"You gotta admit those pink bow hats we bought baby girl were pretty , damn cute though?" Chim piped up, taking a seat next to Buck on the couch.

"They were super adorable." Buck agreed. "Just not for us, it's not our style."

"Booooorring." 

Bobby rolled his eyes fondly at the group. "Enough you lot, this is supposed to be a chill time! You're not making it very chill!"

"Oh come on Grandpa Bobby! Don't tell me you didn't wanna know the gender of your first grandchild?" Hen teased. 

"As long as that baby is healthy, I couldn't care less." Bobby stated.

"See? I knew I could count on you cap." Buck grinned smugly.

"However, if we're taking bets, my bets are on girl." 

"Cap!" Eddie scolded playfully. "I can't believe you'd do our kid like that." 

"Don't make me feel guilty for having a gut feeling!" Bobby defended. "I'm allowed to have my guesses! As are you." 

"Have you got any idea?" Chim asked the pregnant man. "Maddie said she knew from the second she felt baby girls flutters."

Eddie blushed, looking down at his small twenty week bump. "I guess if we're going off my own personal gut feeling I'd say it's a girl."

"Wait seriously?" Buck asked , raising his eyebrow. "You never told me that." 

"Because you hadn't taken any guesses yourself, I didn't wanna seem like the stupidly, over excited dad." 

Buck huffed, leaning over to place his hand on the bump. "Like I would ever think that!" He paused to talk to the baby. "Daddy is silly huh? Dede would never judge him for that!" 

"Ah so you've finally decided on what they're going to call you both  then?" Bobby guessed. 

"We have, took us some time but this is what feels right for us." Eddie explained. "I've always been Dad for Chris, so it's only right that I stay Dad for this little one too."

"Fair enough." 

"Hey Ed's have you shown chimney our kids cool trick?!" Buck suddenly gasped, a wide excited grin stretching across his face. 

"No I haven't actually." Eddie smirked. "Our kids gonna be hella smart Chim!"

"And how the hell would you know that?" Chimney asked raising his eyebrow. 

"Because they can play knouts and crosses." 

The room paused at that, three pairs of questioning gazes bouncing between the two best friends. 

"You heard him right." Buck stated proudly. "Wait until you see it! I'll get the marker." 

"There ain't no way." Hen snorted in amusement. 

Eddie only smiled gleefully. "Oh just you wait, Christopher's had them playing this most nights. They've gotta be a pro by now."

"I got one!" Buck gushed , rushing over to sit back down next to the pregnant man. Eddie slowly leaned back against the couch, pulling up his T-shirt carefully. Making sure he was comfortable before giving Buck the go ahead.

The three others in the room watched in pure fascination as Buck began to draw the grid. Happily poking a spot gently with a small smile before he carefully drew an X on it. All of them waited in disbelief hoping the baby wouldn't leave him hanging for long.  Merely seconds later there was a poke that jutted Eddie's belly out in the top left corner. Buck was quick as he marked it with a circle and went on to mark the one next to it with an X. He continued with his game till he made three in a row, then he looked up at the others beaming, mainly Hen who was tearing up.

"You're actually playing with your unborn baby! Like how incredible is that!." Her voice shook. 

Eddie just nodded his agreement and smiled at her kindly. "Do you want to try?" He asked as Buck held out the marker to the older woman. Hen immediately nodding  as she quickly went to get a wet wipe from the kitchen to wash off  the mans stomach for a fresh game.

The lot of them sat there for two hours playing some very intense games of noughts and crosses with the tiny baby . Getting frustrated when they actually lost to them.

"I don't see how that's possible... they aren't even born yet and they've beaten me five freaking times now." Buck  huffs as he tried to win the latest game but Eddie can already see that their little one was going to win. 

"Well at least they have Eddie's brains." Chimney smirked at the soon to be dad. 

"Shut up." Buck huffed , pouting as Eddie began pulling down his T-shirt and sitting up.

"Okay, that's enough, games over."

"You're such a sore loser... even against your own damn child." Hen howled.

"My unborn Child ! UNBORN! How are they so smart already?! It's scary." Buck cried out.

"I told you, the kid has Eddie's brains!" 

That one earned Chim a pillow to the face. "Hey! Back off Buckley."

"Nuh uh! You don't get to provoke me then play the victim Howard Han!" 

This is how most of their down time ended lately, a mixture of playful arguments and baby talk. It was nice, the sort of calm that both Eddie and Buck needed right now.  Eddie had been feeling pretty good mentally, obviously he still had the odd hiccup and he still hadn't exactly dealt with the whole him and Buck of it all. But slowly he was starting to accept that maybe he was always meant to take this path. Whether he's gay, bi , pan.. it didn't matter to him anymore, at least not right now anyway. He is who he is . All that mattered now was that he found it somewhere within himself to tell Buck that he was it for him. That the younger man made him feel a way nobody else could. That when he looked to the future all he could see was Buck and their kids. 

This was it for him, he couldn't settle for anything less than this. 

"You okay there Eddie?" Buck asked him softly, noticing the far away look in his best friend's eyes.

"Yeah I'm good man , baby's wriggling all over the place, distracts me from the world around me sometimes." Eddie lied. 

"Oh is that right? You need to lay off daddy little one, it's nice to know you're there don't get me wrong, but daddy needs his sleep too y'know? Come on baby, we've had this talk multiple times already." The younger man spoke fondly, nose pressed close to the bump containing his child. 

"And you'll probably continue to have said conversation until they pop out of there. They're your child after all." 

"Yes they are and I've never been prouder." Buck chuckled , lips pressing against the clothes skin without him even thinking. 

Eddie couldn't help the blush that spread across his cheeks. The warmth one of both embarrassment and pure love. "You're going to be the best dad Buck." 

"Thankyou..."

Bobby coughed awkwardly, alerting the pair that they weren't exactly alone in the room right now. "So, any ideas on what I'm making for dinner today?"

"Well if you fancy appeasing your grandchild, then I do believe they're craving some form of stuffed chicken and creamed potatoes." Eddie suggested.

"Oooo Bobby's creamed potatoes sound so good right now." Chimney groaned 

"And here I was thinking it was you with the craving Eddie." Hen laughed. "You got everything you need for that Cap?"

"I do indeed! My grandkids got good taste." Bobby winked, patting Buck's shoulder as he walked past. 

Buck grinned smugly. "Damn straight!" 

—————————————————————————

Baby names where slowly becoming the most hated discussion within the Buckley-Diaz clan. Some days they managed to get a pretty decent list going. But most days, most days they spent the discussion arguing over whether or not they wanted something unique or simple.

"Evan, I'm serious." Eddie spoke sternly. "I'm twenty nine weeks now. That means we've got eleven weeks at most to make this decision."

"I get it Eddie. But how the hell are we supposed to decide on a name, when you keep flipping between traditional names and more modern names every five seconds!" Buck argued back. 

"I do not!"

Christopher rolled his eyes. "Stopppp! Both of you just stop!" 

"He started it!" Eddie grumped, crossing his arms over his rounded stomach. "All I wanted to do was pick out a name for our kid! PEACEFULLY."

"I did not! Screw you Eddie!"

"You already did that!"

"Ew dad!" Chris yelped. "Stop!"

Eddie groaned, glaring towards Buck. "See now we've just scarred the kid for life!"

The fourteen year old couldn't believe how childish the pair of them were being. "How about I name the baby?!"

"What?" Both Buck and Eddie blanked.

"I think I should name the baby. Something that's gender neutral, that way we have one name for either my brother or my sister. Whichever they are!" Chris explained. "You two are never going to decide!"

Buck winced. "I mean he does have a point Eddie. This is literally the only thing we seem to disagree on. Even sorting out your birth plan was easier than this." 

"That's true..." Eddie mumbled, chewing his bottom lip in thought. "What names are you thinking Chris?"

Christopher beamed . "Wait you're going to let me?!"

"I mean if it's a sensible name and it works well for both genders then yeah, I'm gonna let you decide buddy." 

The young boy looked to Buck for his reassurance. "I'm good with whatever kiddo, go for it." 

"Okay, so I was looking on Google the other day at the list and there was only one name I really liked."

"Oh is that so?" Eddie smiled softly. "What name was it?"

"Lennon." 

The pair of expecting parents paused to look at each other. Both of them knowing in that moment that they should have just gone to Chris the second they started mentioning names. 

"A-any middle names to offer?" Buck asked softly, the name filling him with a warmth he couldn't explain. Maybe it was because Chris had picked it out, is that why it felt so perfect?

"Obviously." Christopher rolled his eyes. "Lennon Robert Buckley-Diaz for a boy and Lennon Madison Buckley- Diaz for a girl!" 

Eddie's eyes watered hearing the name paired with their last names. "Christopher..."

"You don't like them?"

"What?! No , no they're perfect buddy! I love them." His dad assured him. "I think I'm just kicking myself for not asking you to decide them myself."

"You pretty much chose the perfect name for your sibling in the space of five minutes superman!" Buck gushed. "Saved me and your dad another hour of bickering."

"I was not bickering." Eddie pouted. "I was stating valid points."

"And so was I - you know what? No we aren't ruining this moment Eds, we finally locked in on our kids name! That's amazing!"

"Yeah it is." 

The two smiled widely at one another, Eddie chuckling fondly as the baby began to kick happily. "Looks like little Lennon likes their name too!" 

"Can I feel?" His son asked hesitantly.

"Of course you can bud." Eddie spoke, voice choking up with emotion. This was the first time Christopher had wanted to interact with the baby. Sure they'd spoken about them and discussed a few things with him, but he'd never openly shown this much affection before. Chris took his time walking over , slowly sitting down next to his father before placing a palm flat against the swell. 

"Hi Lennon, It's Christopher." The teen spoke softly. "I'm your big brother."

Buck watched on as the boys face lit up with nothing but pure joy. The baby must have responded. "They kicking buddy?"

"Uh huh! It's so weird." Christopher giggled. "That must be annoying dad."

"Actually it's kinda nice." Eddie told him. "As long as it's not when I'm trying to get some sleep. I like knowing they're okay and alive in there."

"What does it feel like?"

"Erm... it's hard to explain. I guess it's like a popping sensation, like when you have gas. You know that bubbly feeling?" 

"That's so gross!" Christopher said pulling a face. 

Buck snickered at the reaction. "Believe it or not those were the exact words your dad spoke when he felt it for the first time too." 

"Hey I did not! I said it was ... weird! I said it was weird." Eddie defended, a laugh threatening to escape as he watched Buck gape.

"I have no words for you Mr Diaz, you're such a liar, liar, pants on fire!" The younger man mocked.

"You two are killing me." Chris groaned.

"We're not that bad superman."  Buck laughed happily.

"Yes you are! You're going to drive me and Lennon insane." 

Eddie howled with laughter. "Alright smart mouth, that's enough out of you."

It was two weeks after naming their baby that Eddie found himself laying down, his hands tracing back and forth over his bump with one of Christopher's many toy cars (he liked to collect them!). Because for some reason the baby seemed to be really enjoying the sensation. Eddie hasn't felt them move this much since Buck sang one of his many favourite 1D songs to them. The baby was always pretty chill, except from when Eddie needed sleep or a piss. That's when they liked to step it up a gear. He hadn't been expecting Buck back so early so when he heard the door slam shut he just assumed Chris was going out to grab their mail or something.  He just wasn't expecting the younger man to barge into his room, completely out of breath and sweating. "Dios!" He screeched, instantly throwing the toy car at Buck. The small object hitting him smack bang in the middle of his forehead. 

"Ow! What the heck Eddie!" Buck cried out .

"You just scared the absolute shit out of me!" Eddie glared, standing up.

"Well sorry! But did you have to hurt me?!" Buck shouted back pouting.

"It was a reflex!" The pregnant man stated, rushing over to check his head. There was a small red mark and bump. But It wasn't anything too bad, it'd be gone by morning. Buck was just being a little dramatic, the injury was hardly classified.

"It's fine, no blood or anything right?" The younger asked anxiously.

"Nope! You're such a pansy man!" Eddie chuckled fondly. 

"M' not! I just hate blood!" Buck stressed.

"Well there is no blood! But seriously you're a fireman dude! How the hell do you cope? So help me god when I give birth ." Eddie sighed , moving to lay back down on the bed. "Why're you back so soon?" 

"Erm I kinda called in sick..." He said awkwardly scratched the back of his neck.

"You what? Why the hell did you do that? Buck we need the money!" Eddie gasped sitting up.

"I know I know!" Buck stressed. " I just- i might of had a bad dream last night involving you and premature labor ..." Buck trailed off.

"Oh Buck." Eddie sighed in sympathy. "I'm all good, baby's all good too. Here come say hi if you want." 

Buck let a timid smile slip, moving to sit beside his best friend. One hand running over the small curve of a bump. "Hi baby... how you doin' in there huh? You all cosy and warm? I bet you are."

"They love when I run the car over my bump, it's what I was doing when you walked in here." 

"I wondered why you were doing that." 

Eddie smirked. "I'm not losing my mind that much Evan. I may be mid sexuality crisis, but I promise I'm not regressing into a child again."

"I'm sorry I called in... I just had to make sure you were okay y'know? It's freaking me out not having you in work so I can just check in." 

"I get it Buck, but I promise you, if anything feels off or I get any form of pain you'll be the first person I call." 

The younger man seemed to relax at the reassurance. "Okay cool, I just- you mean the world to me Eddie , you , Chris and the baby.. all of you." 

Eddie blushed at that. "You mean the world to us too Buck. Really, I know you're waiting for me to - let's just say sort my shit out. And I know that can't be easy for you." 

"Hey we don't have to talk about all that right now, we have time Eds. In fact we pretty much have our whole lives now that we share a kid." Buck stated.

"Crazy huh? Bet you never thought we'd end up here that day we extracted that bomb together?"

"No, but I'm pretty sure Cap did." 

Eddie snickered, hand moving to rest over Buck's own as their baby kicked happily to the sound of their parents speaking. 

"That man always knows."

—————————————————————————

Maddie gave birth to her and Chim's second child Three weeks before her predicted due date. The birth was calm and quick, and the woman looked a million dollars considering she'd pushed an entire human being out of her body. Eddie was beyond jealous. 

"What did you guys name her?" Buck breathed, eyes filling with tears as he looked down at his new niece in awe.  She looked so much like Maddie it was crazy. 

"We named her Joy." Chim spoke with pride. "Joy Henrietta Han." 

"I bet Hen is over the moon." Eddie chuckled fondly. Finger reaching out to trace the small girls nose. "How are you feeling Maddie?"

"Sore, aching everywhere, ridiculously tired.. but I've never been happier." Maddie beamed. "She's exactly what we needed to complete our little family. Just us and our girls." 

The pregnant man smiled at that. "You done good , real good. Although I am slightly jealous that I was due before you and yet somehow I'm still pregnant."

"It'll be over before you know it." She assured him. "Have you been trying ways to induce labor?"

Buck groaned at that. "Have we tried?! He's had me doing all kinds of stuff. We've tried raspberry leaf tea, spicy food, yoga, dancing! We've even tried dancing! The kid is too cosy in there."

"Oh I feel your pain Buckroo." Chim chirped. "We were the exact same trying to get Jee Yun to come on out and meet us." 

"Why the hell are you two complaining?" Maddie protested. "Last time I checked you two aren't the ones carrying around the weight of a bowling ball all day on swollen feet!" 

"Thankyou!" Eddie exclaimed. "That's exactly what I said to Buck when he wouldn't quit moaning about his calves after yoga!" 

"I got cramp okay?! Cramps hurt." Buck defended. "I haven't complained since then!"

"Erm you just did." 

Maddie giggled at the pair, they already acted like a married couple as it was. Seeing Eddie pregnant only amplified that image. "Alright you two, let's not argue. Why don't you try going for a long walk once you're home huh? Curb walking usually kicks things off Eddie. Who knows? You could be in here yourself this time tomorrow."

"A guy can dream." Eddie spoke wistfully. "I'm so ready for them to be here , but at the same time I am so not ready for Labor and delivery." 

"Just remember to breathe and accept that it's gonna hurt. What ever else happens , happens. You can't control those types of situations unfortunately." Maddie tried to reassure. "But no matter what, you get your precious baby at the end of it. They're more than worth it."

Eddie smiled thankfully towards her, eyes looking down at the small baby held within his best friends arms. Buck looked good holding a baby, ridiculously good. If they weren't inside of a hospital right now, Eddie was pretty sure he'd actually give into the feelings he was having. 

"Can you believe we get to have one of our own Eddie? Like how crazy is that?! A whole little person we created together." Buck's gushing suddenly broke him from the spell. 

"I know right." Eddie hummed, biting his lip nervously. "I wonder who they'll look like? This little girl is clearly taking after her momma." 

"You think?" Maddie asked them proudly. 

"Oh yeah." Buck informed. "From her nose, to her pouty little lips.. she's all you Mads." 

"Well thanks guys! You do realise I take some of the credit right?" Chim pouted.

"Maybe so, but the end product isn't showing very much of you." Eddie teased. 

"That's it, off you go you two! Visiting time is nearly over!"

Buck laughed gleefully. "Alright, Alright." He cooed handing over the baby. "Go back to daddy baby girl, he's getting a little angsty."

"Keep us updated on the labor front okay you two?! I wanna know when I'm about to become an auntie for the first time!" Maddie called as they opened the door to leave.

"We will do Mads! Gotta go though , I start shift in an hour." Buck called back. "We love you!"

"Love you too!"

The walk to the elevator was a slow one, Eddie wincing in discomfort at the never ending ache low in his back. "I cannot wait to sit down."

"Your back still bothering you?" Buck frowned. 

"Yeah, it's normal though. Remember what Rebecca said? The baby is back to back, the likely hood is I'll suffer a lot with my back for the final few weeks." 

"I know, but it can also be an early sign of labor Eddie." 

The older man snorted. "Trust me if I thought I was going into labor we would not be stepping foot out of this hospital."

"Fair enough, just make sure you call me if anything changes."

"I will Buck, stop stressing will you."

—————————————————————————

It finally happened four weeks later, Eddie was officially one week over due and miserable. He'd actually reached the point where he genuinely believed the baby would stay in there forever. Turns out he was wrong, because the baby was most definitely coming and he was alone. Chris was staying at Hen and Karen's and Buck was on shift. He was fully alone and currently dealing with one hell of a contraction.  Back labor was definitely not fun and he wouldn't definitely not recommend. 

"Ow, ow, okay , okay." He breathed , panting to catch his breath. Hands clutching onto his dresser for dear life. "Hmmm, I've got this, I've got this."

The contractions held a pain like nothing he'd ever felt before. It burned and twisted and ached in ways that had him sweating and literally clawing for breath. He knew he would have to call Buck once this one was over. Luckily enough they were still only fifteen minutes apart which meant the younger man had more than enough time to make it home. Hen and Karen would take care of Christopher for the rest of the night and however long it took for the baby to arrive. He didn't have to worry, all he had to do was breathe. It was almost over, just ten seconds more. Ten seconds more and he could call Buck.

Eddie could physically see the release as the tension left his aching muscles. He rounded stomach relaxing into the soft dome it had become over the past four months. It was so crazy to him that the human body was capable of causing its self so much pain and anguish. 

He was quick to dial Buck's number, fingers shaking as he flipped the call to speaker. He had to make sure he was on the stopwatch app. Just incase another contraction hit out of no where. 

"Eddie? Everything okay?" 

Eddie couldn't help the sigh of relief that left him the second he heard the younger man's voice. "Hey, Buck I need you to come to my place man. I think this is it." 

"You think- wait you're in labor?"

"Yeah I think so, the contractions are every fifteen minutes and they're pretty intense." 

"Right okay- holy shit Eddie." 

The labouring man chuckled warmly at the sound of his best friend's shock. "They may be one week late, but they're finally on their way Buck. We're about to have our baby." 

"We're having our baby... Is-is Chris okay?"

"He's with Karen. Denny and him wanted to have a sleepover seems as it's been a while. Good job I agreed really, wouldn't want him to see me like this y'know?"

"Yeah I get it, listen I'm leaving now okay? I'll be at your place in under half an hour. Will you be okay until then? Do I need to send someone around to you?"

"I'm good Buck, they're still pretty tame compared to how they're gonna get. Just please hurry? I don't want anything to change and have you missing it." 

"Okay, I'm coming I swear." Buck assured him. "You've got this Eddie." 

"I've got this." Eddie spoke once more, listening to the call end. "This is it little one, the toughest ride we will ever face together, but we'll be okay. Daddy's got you, he's gonna make sure you enter this world safe and sound." 

The baby kicked in response, the action causing Eddie to smile down and take notice of his bump. This was his final few hours this close to his baby. After this he would never be able to protect them in the same way, they'll be out in world, holding his heart in the exact same way their big brother does. "Try and make it easy on us okay? I love you so much baby." 

Buck arrived around forty minutes later, just in time for Eddie to feel his worst contraction yet. The pregnant man couldn't help the slight whimper that slipped past his lips. 

"Woah, woah, woah." Buck rushed out, immediately standing in front of Eddie so that the older man could wrap his arms around his neck. "M' right here Eddie, M' right here."

Eddie moaned, soft pants of air puffing against the other man's next as he tried his best to get in the zone. He just had to breathe, breathe and keeping breathing. "This sucks." He managed to hiss between clenched teeth. "Really sucks."

"I'm sorry man, I wish I could do it for you."  

"Me too." 

Buck let out a startled laugh at the response. "Good to know you've still got your sense of humour." 

The contraction let up another thirty seconds later, Eddie lifting his head to lock eyes with his concerned baby daddy. "M' good now, we have at least twelve minutes until the next. Gives you enough time to change and get comfortable right?"

"What the hell do you mean change and get comfortable? Eddie we need to get you to the hospital." Buck immediately began to protest. 

"Buck my labor could go on for hours yet! I'd rather you take a shower and get changed into some sweats so you're comfortable, than I would you stay in uniform." He explained gently. "I'll be fine, I've managed okay for the last four hours alone. I'm sure I'll managed for ten minutes whilst you freshen up yeah?" 

The younger man hesitated. He could really do with that shower. He'd just done fifteen hours straight on shift. "Are you sure?"

"Of course I am. I'll make sure we have everything in the baby bag whilst you're in there."

Honestly, it was the quickest shower Buck had ever taken in his life. He didn't have time to lather, rinse , repeat. Not when his baby was about to be born! Because , holy shit! He was about to become a dad! His baby was about to be born! Eddie was in labor, his best friend was in labor with their baby, THEIR baby. It all felt like one huge dream he was about to startle awake from. All he had ever wanted in life was a family of his own and he was finally getting that. 

As he stepped back into the living room, the first thing he noticed was the baby bag all closed up and ready by the door. The carrier sat just next to ready for Buck to install it in Eddie's car. It was a huge reality check, this was actually happening. It wasn't a dream, it was real.

"Eddie?" He called, following the sound of the older man's heavy breathing.

"I-in here, I'm er kinda stuck right now." Eddie groaned, watching as the younger man came rushing into the kitchen.  "My waters broke, I would've grabbed a towel myself but I didn't wanna risk slipping."

"The fluid is clear right?" Buck checked. Running over to the laundry hamper to grab a towel. 

"Uh huh, it's a lot grosser than I thought it would be." Eddie cringed. "I'm still leaking."

Buck winced in sympathy. "Alright let's get you away from the puddle." He said, guiding Eddie away from the soaked towel. "You wanna get a quick shower? I can help you."

"Yeah that sounds good I just need to- oh shit here comes." The pregnant man gasped, relaxing into hummed breathing and rocking his hips. 

"There you go Eds, that's it." Buck soothed, hands massaging the lower muscles in the man's back. "You show that contraction who's boss." 

Eddie choked out a laugh. "W-who would have thought you'd be such a cheerleader Evan." 

"Too much?" He asked, cringing at himself.

"Not at all." Eddie panted. "If anything it's a good distraction."

"Is it over? Can you move?" 

The labouring  man moaned quietly , face scrunching in concentration before he finally began to relax. "N-now I can, that was 9 minutes after the last." 

"So hospital time?"

"Yeah, hospital time." Eddie agreed. "Let's just get me sorted and I promise we will go."

Buck did as asked, quickly helping Eddie shower and switch into a clean pair of sweat pants and oversized T-shirt. Neither one of them feeling awkward or out of sorts despite the intensity of the situation. They'd always worked well together under pressure, it shouldn't be a surprise that on the brink of the most life changing event of their lives , they'd cope pretty damn well. 

"Right okay, I've got the carrier in the car all secured. Now we just need you and baby. You ready?" He asked. 

Eddie bit his lip, taking a look around his home. "This is the last time I'll be in this house alone for a while. Minus you obviously, feels kinda sad to be leaving." 

"Yeah, but you're bringing home the most precious lil' baby. That's even better than alone time right?" Buck spoke softly. 

"It is, I guess I just can't believe it's finally happening. All those months of internal battles and anxiety.. they've all came to this." Eddie said.

"Crazy how life works." Buck agreed. "You're gonna be okay Eddie, I've got your back."

"I know you do." The older man breathed, so much love shining in his eyes. "Come here a sec."

Buck frowned, walking over until he was stood in front of Eddie. "You okay?"

"Never better." Eddie hummed, leaning in to press his lips firmly against the younger man's. "Just couldn't leave without telling you that I-" He chuckled nervously and pressed his forehead against Buck's own. "That I love you and I'm so glad you were my first and my last." 

The tears that Buck allowed to fall at those words were ones of true and real emotion. Tommy had said he wasn't his last, he'd made that perfectly clear. But Eddie was his last and he was Eddie's only. The moment was so tender and perfect. Unlike anything he had ever experienced in any of his other relationships. It was hard for him to breathe. "I-I love you too Eddie."

Eddie winced , taking in a deep breath as a new contraction started. "O-okay, let's go have our baby now."

—————————————————————————

When they finally arrived at the hospital Eddie was immediately admitted and taken up to the labor and delivery wing. He was asked numerous questions that Buck was thankfully able to answer for him. He didn't have the will power to think clearly. Even though he should probably be more aware of what was going on with his body. But he knew enough! He was in pain , that was that! It took just over fifteen minutes before he was finally taken to a private room , a nurse who introduced herself as Leila entered shortly after. She was pretty, a cute little red head. Although she seemed a little bit too young to be qualified. 

"So my lovely! I'm just going to attach this monitor to your stomach! It allows me to track your contractions as well as baby's heart beat." Leila explained happily, her accent thick and British, honestly it was a little hard to understand .

"That's great." Eddie said , smiling back slightly. He didn't have the heart to tell her he was a medic and more than aware of why the machines were there. Plus he was kinda nervous, he barely knew this woman yet she was about to go places he only allowed himself or well Buck , to go.

"Right, I'm just going to ask you to bend your knees up and boyfriend over here can help you slide off those boxers! We need to check your dilation and baby's position!" She went on. Wow this woman was a ray of sunshine, if only Eddie could share in her happiness. Leila focused in on what she was doing, the monitor could only be described as a weird sort of belt thing with a large button. She used the same type of gel Rebecca used in ultrasounds. It didn't take as long as Eddie first thought. Lucky for him he supposed, because just as she finished up another contraction hit causing him to groan. Buck immediately grabbed onto his hand in support. It was actually pretty , damn adorable how switched on his was.

"Oh wow, that's a big one honey!" Leila chirped watching the monitors.

Eddie just threw her a look that said 'No shit Sherlock' whimpering and releasing his controlled breaths when it finally began to ease off. What was she?! Stupid?! "Yeahhh, y-you don't say.." He moaned.

"Sorry! I know that was obvious but I'm surprised!" The young nurse explained.

"W-why?" He breathed.

"Because your contractions are still between eleven and nine minutes ! Usually when contractions are that strong they're a lot closer together. Plus your waters have broken, I'd expect them to start picking up the pace now."Leila states, patting his shin to get him to bend his legs.

"But that's okay right?" Buck asked in concern, pushing his hair back.

"Absolutely! Baby coped really well throughout so no reason to worry!" The redhead reassured them. Eddie slowly followed her instructions, lifting his hips to allow Buck to pull down his underwear and sweats under the fitted sheets. Dios, it was absolutely humiliating. He's only ever allowed Rebecca down there. So feeling her slowly push her cold, gloved digits up inside of him was not fun. He tensed almost immediately.

"I need you to relax my lovely!" Leila cooed, rubbing his shin with her free hand.

"Eds, hey look at me." Buck instructed, turning the labouring mans face towards him. "Just breathe okay, she'll be quick."

Eddie nodded , allowing his body to relax as he focused in on Buck's features. He loved him so much. He couldn't of asked for anything more. He was gorgeous, caring, supportive, kind, silly, goofy and exciting all in one. Eddie didn't understand what he done to deserve someone so amazing. "I love you." He croaked. Using those three special words once again , trying his best to ignore the finger currently adding to the unbelievable pressure.

"I love you more." Buck whispered , kissing his lips lightly. "M'so proud of you Eddie." 

"Right! You're seven centimetres dilated! That's great! But it also means you no longer have the option to get the epidural!" Leila began explaining as she lowered his legs.

"I-I wasn't planning on getting it anyway." Eddie told her gently. "I have my birth plan in the bag if you need to look through it?" 

"Oh fabulous! I'll take a quick look before I write down your stats." Leila grinned. "Rest when you can honey, you'll need all the sleep you can get."

They managed to rest for around two hours on and off before Eddie's contractions finally began to kick up a notch. Hen had called when the 118 finally finished their shift to say that she'd be happy to keep Chris with them until the baby was born. Throwing in the many congratulations and good lucks from their team. Bobby had even offered the suggestion of walking around to help speed up the labor. The man was a bucket of knowledge. 

Buck was careful and steady as he helped him stand,  immediately putting a supportive hand on Eddie's back as he slowly began to pace back and forth. He was wearing an extra large T-shirt for the soul reason of he didn't want to wear one of those stupid gowns. Plus this way he could keep what he was wearing the day his and Buck's baby entered the world. 

"A-shi- Dios!... sorry-sorry!"  Eddie suddenly moaned, his hand squeezing Buck's as another pain struck suddenly.

"Why are you sorry?" Buck asked puzzled continually moving with.

Eddie just shook his head, taking in deep breaths of air. It worked miracles, it was absolute bliss to stay focused on something other than the pain and the never ending back ache ! Thank god he had said yes to those Lamaze classes Maddie insisted on him taking. It was an actual gift from god! He wasn't wasting any of that lesson!

"For cursing so much... it just hurts so bad." He finally managed to whimper out.

"It's fine, trust me curse all you want Eds! You're bringing a whole ass human out into the world! You can do whatever the hell you please as far as I am concerned !" The younger man assured him. "Please don't cry! What's the matter? The contractions over Eddie, I'm literally watching it as we speak ..." 

"I don't know - I just- I guess I want my mom y'know? She was always good when I was in pain as a kid. She'd know how to help me." He spoke, tears falling down his cheeks. It all came out of nowhere, up until that point he had been completely cool, calm and collected. But all of sudden he felt as though he was missing something or some one. And he knew it was his mom. She was always the person at his side taking care of him when he was in pain. The first time he got shot and came home from serving she was always there, helping him eat, sleep , bathe! This shouldn't be any different. But he knew she wouldn't come, not right away. They'd have to wait for a flight to come available. 

"I texted your parents Eddie don't worry. They're getting a flight out as soon as possible." Buck informed him.

"Y-you did? You remembered?" Eddie gasped, voice cracking.

"Of course I did." Buck cooed, pecking his forehead.

"T-thankyou." Eddie said, smiling up at him through his matted locks. Although the moment didn't last long. The pressure in his hips suddenly doubled causing him to grunt and immediately wrap his arms around Buck's neck. The pain in his back also returning with a vengeance.

"Ahhh Dios ." He whined, biting the fabric of Buck's shirt between his teeth in pain. 

"What? what's wrong?" Buck asked in confusion, the monitor didn't show any contractions.

"P-pressure and god the pain in my back, it's just getting worse." The pregnant man groaned. Slowly pulling Buck down with him as he dropped down into a squat. It felt better like this. Whilst he was stood he felt as though his legs could snap under his weight and it was awful. "Pressure is good right?"

"Usually yeah, means baby is pressing on your cervix." Buck reported back. "You're almost there Eddie, just a little longer yeah?"

"Nine hours of labor isn't too bad, Shannon was in labor for twenty two." Eddie cringed, breathing in and out through his nose, desperately trying to find a way of stopping the never ending backache. 

"You're such a rockstar man, seriously I couldn't do what you're doing right now."

"M' not really doing that much yet."

Buck shook his head. "You're doing more than enough man, come on let's get you on that birthing ball huh? See if we can move things along."

"Worth a shot." Eddie agreed, allowing the younger man to pull him up. "Let's just pray baby makes this easy for me huh?"

"Oh believe me ... I'm praying Eds."

It was five hours later and Eddie was only just reaching eight and a half centimetres. Buck was getting worried, but Maddie assured him that sometimes labor took a while. She had arrived at the hospital not long after despite Eddie and Buck's concerns. Maddie of course reassured them that this is what she wanted and she wouldn't miss her little niece or nephew entering the world for anything. Buck's panic only grew when he heard the news that Eddie could labor for up to thirty hours before the medical staff would even begin to worry. So here they were at hour fourteen and Buck felt like he was losing his mind. The labouring mans contractions were now at three minutes apart and lasting just over a minute long. It was heartbreaking to watch. Eddie would just curl in on himself , breathe in and out and clutch onto Buck's hands like his life depended on it. His entire frame would literally shake in the process. It was terrifying.

"Evan!" Eddie suddenly panicked, shooting up. Immediately throwing his body over the side of the bed as he gagged.

"Here!" Maddie panicked, placing the small plastic bowl in front of Eddie's face as he threw up the remaining contents of his stomach. "Shhh it's okay."

"I-it's not and m' sorry." Eddie whined, face red in embarrassment. He didn't want Buck seeing him like this! It was utterly humiliating.

Leila had stepped out an hour ago after his last check to go have a breather and inform their friends and family of his progress. Bobby , Athena and Hen had all turned up about three hours into Eddie being admitted. It was cute really how supportive they where all being. He just wished he could see them.  "Shit! Another one!" He growled , hand squeezing the death out of Buck's. He didn't want to use to any form of drugs. Labor was making him far too nauseous as it was, he couldn't imagine how much worse it'd be after getting some form of pain relief. 

"Can you please try something for the pain Eddie, please." Buck begged, he couldn't bare the pained moans leaving his best friend's mouth.

"No! Just shut up Buck!" Eddie snapped, he was so done. "I want them out! I can't do this anymore!"

"I know Eds, I know." Buck sighed, pushing his hair back. He didn't take the snaps personally. He knew it was just the pain talking.

"I'm not using any form of pain relief, the pain is making me feel sick enough." The pregnant man panted tiredly. "I get nauseous off anything." 

"That's fine, don't worry." Maddie spoke, trying her best to sooth both of the anxious parents to be. "You've got it Eddie, you're doing so good."

"Hurts so fucking much." Eddie complained. He had given up on crying, there was no point. It wasn't helping.

"And I'm so sorry it hurts so badly. But they will be here soon yeah?." Evan cooed. "Not long until we're holding our baby Eddie." 

"You best fucking hope so, because I may kill you if they aren't ." Eddie groaned, flopping back down on the bed.

Buck only  chuckled, pressing a kiss to his sweaty temple. Even now, when he was pissed off and in pain, Eddie was managing to keep a smile on everyone's face. He may not even realise it but he was helping keep Buck sane.

"Don't laugh I'm serious!" Eddie pouted.

"Sorry baby." Buck whispered, the term of endearment slipping out without him realising.  His amused smile staying in place.

"Dios." The older man whimpered once more, another contraction hitting way sooner than he had expected. "Ow, ow ... Buck ! Shit I think-" He cried out.

"What? What's wrong Eddie?." Buck immediately panicked.

"Call Leila in here! We need Rebecca!" Eddie sobbed out, turning so that he was on his side facing the younger man, one leg up and bent at the knee. 

"O-okay." Buck stammered, pressing the call button quickly , whilst running his fingers through Eddie's sweat soaked hair. Maddie massaging his back whilst he was at it. 

"N-need to push." Eddie moaned, shoving his face into the pillow.

"Really?" Buck asked in shock. This is what they'd been waiting for.

"Yes! Nggghh." Eddie growled, trying his best to ignore the need to push down. 

"I - Dios I really need to push! H-help me please!"

"I wish I could babe... Eds, come on don't hold your breath! Pant baby!" Buck told him sternly.

But Eddie couldn't listen, all he could do was push down. Hand clutching the underneath of his bent knee so that he could pull it up towards his chest. His body was begging for it and he didn't want to hold back! He needed his baby out. He barely registered what was happening around him as Rebecca came rushing into the room, Leila at her side. The poor nurse had stayed overtime after Eddie refused to allow anyone but her near him.

"Eddie ! Stop , stop pushing!" Rebecca ordered, hand pushing on his thigh gently to gain his attention.

"I-can't-dont-want-to." He panted between breaths.

"You have to! You may not be ready and you'll stress your baby out!" The doctor exclaimed.

"Eddie, Look at me!" Leila barked, forcing to the man to lock eyes with her. "Pant okay, like this." She said showing him how to breath correctly.

Eddie grit his teeth, whimpers leaving his mouth as he fought against his body's instincts. It all felt so unnatural and out of control. It was as though his body was working without his help, the babys head clearly pressing down against his cervix. It was like spraying a fire with water and expecting it to stay a light! It just wasn't possible. He was trying so hard to hold off and listen to them. But in the end his body was pushing without his consent, no matter how hard he forced it not to. Rebecca was already finger deep in him by this point, the sheet originally covering his lower half gone, but at this stage he couldn't care less.

"Ten! You're at ten honey! Do you want to stay like this." Rebecca gushed.

Eddie could only nod , there was less than a minutes break between each agonising pain and he didn't have the energy to answer properly. All he wanted to do was push. He needed to push.

Buck made sure he leaned in close, his free arm slipping underneath the pillow and Eddie's head. The labouring man clutching on to his other hand desperately. This was it, they where about to have a baby.

"Okay, Maddie can you just adjust the head of the bed so it's a little higher? That's it amazing! Thank you. Eddie? you can push sweetie do what your body needs." The OB informed, rushing to grab her birthing kit , already mid way through sterilising her hands.  He didn't need to be told twice, finally allowing himself to take in a huge gulp of air and pushing down with all he had. The relief was immediate. It felt good to finally be working with the pressure rather than against it. His face was red with excretion and he was sweating like a pig, but he was determined.

"That's it , there we go!" Rebecca encouraged, pressing a warm cloth to the stretched skin of his entrance. "Baby is nice and low Eddie, you just keep pushing." 

"This is it Eddie." Buck whispered into his ear. "You're doing so good." 

"Hmmm." Eddie hummed, teeth gritted as he continued to hold his push down for a count of ten. Breath hitching as he released. 

"If that pain is still there go for another ten sweetie pie!" Leila coached, smiling happily as the man listened, giving another solid shove. "Maddie can help pull his leg up and back for me?" 

"Yeah." Maddie agreed? Helping Eddie get the angle he needed in order to open up his pelvis. 

"8..9...10. Okay breathe Eddie, nice slow breathing!" Rebecca called out, watching as her patient came down from the intense pressure. 

Eddie remained mostly silent as he pushed. The odd choked off moan slipping past his lips as the pain and pressure became too much. Are all that could be heard alongside their baby's heartbeat for the next forty five minutes.

 “Gah!" Eddie growled, finally releasing yet another exhausting push. Head burying into the pillow below his head as he panted for breath. 

"Okay rest for a moment Eddie." Rebecca soothed. "I want you to move onto your back before this next one hits okay?"

"T-the baby's okay right?" He whimpered, looking to Buck for reassurance.

"They're perfectly fine Eds I promise, you're just struggling to push in this position is all. Let’s get you moved onto your back okay?" Buck was quick to jump in. “Listen to Rebecca she knows what she’s doing.” 

"Okay." Eddie nodded, breath hitching as both Maddie and Buck helped him turn onto his back. 

"That's the one!" Leila encouraged. "Now when you push we want you to pull your legs right back as far as you can. Basically so your knees are right up against your chest okay?" She spoke, raising the head of the bed so that his back was straight. "Because baby it's back to back, this is the best way of getting them out without adding more strain on your back muscles." 

The soon to be father didn't get a chance to reply, the pain hitting full force out of nowhere. "Mmmm it’s coming back,  I gotta push."

"Then go for it!" Rebecca stated calmly, eyes locked on the business end. "Nice solid pushes now! Come on honey! Let's get this baby crowning." 

Eddie did as told, pulling his legs up and against his chest as he gave into the overwhelming pressure. The push succeeded, he could feel the difference now, he could feel as he baby moved down, the vague burning he felt previously going stronger. "Ohhh that hurts."

Buck's eyes widened with worry, looking down towards where Eddie was working to bring their baby into the world. The tiniest oval of dark, matted hair finally beginning to show behind the mans swollen opening. "Oh! Oh god! That’s them Eddie, holy crap! I can see their hair! That’s our baby!”

Eddie whimpered , the news that their baby had hair sending his heart beat into overdrive. "Y-you can?"

"I can babe, come on keep pushing. You’re so strong, I’m in awe of you I swear." 

The next few pushes came in hard and fast, but they most definitely became the pushes that changed the game for Eddie. The intense burning between his legs was finally enough to cause the sob he'd been desperately holding back to rip its way out of his throat. "I can't do this."

"Eddie, Eddie listen to me." Maddie stepped up. "This part hurts like hell, believe me I know that. But you just need to breathe okay? Slow steady pushes , don't rush them out."

Rebecca voiced her agreement. "She's right Eddie, baby is crowning, they're so close now okay? Just keep those pushes gentle! We don't want any tearing." 

"Buck." Eddie cried, tears flooding down his cheeks. "I can't, I'm serious, it hurts too much. Please , help me. I can't get them out, I can’t.” 

Buck cooed. "Hey, hey, hey. None of that, you're Eddie Diaz! Of course you can do this! You've survived so much to get us to this moment Eddie , don't give up now okay? We're so close to meeting this little baby, don't you wanna know if they're a boy or a girl?"  

"I'm scared."

"I know, I know you're scared." Buck choked out. "But you're gonna be okay, you both are. Come on Eddie, push for us baby." 

Eddie groaned, a loud yelp leaving his mouth as he finally allowed himself to push down gently. "Ow, ow. Ow."

"That's it! That's it!" Rebecca cheered, fingers helping to carefully stretch the skin around the baby's head. "They're fully crowning now Eddie, breathe them out." 

"Blow Eddie, like we practiced okay?" Buck coached him , Maddie watching on with pride as  her baby brother took the final steps into becoming a father for the first time.  

"Out! Get them out! Please!" Eddie begged, teeth clenched as he hissed for breath. "Hurts so bad." 

"Give us a nice solid push Eddie, you can get their head out." Leila soothed him kindly. "They're right there honey."

And so Eddie did, caving to the uncontrollable urge to push.

The pain suddenly hitting an all time high as he tried his best not to scream in pure agony. He was sure the push went on for a solid thirty seconds before with a sharp shot of pain his baby's head was born into his doctors waiting hands. "Ah! Fuc- is it out?!" He garbled. 

"It's out Eddie! You’re so amazing. Wow they have so much hair it’s crazy." Buck cried out happily, free hand stroking back Eddie's wet hair strands. "They're so perfect." 

Eddie sobbed, Buck taking over holding his leg so that he could drop his own hand down. Fingers delicately tracing over the features of their baby. "That's our baby Buck." 

"That's our baby." Buck cried back in reply, pressing kisses to the older man's temple. "You're doin' so good."

"Just breathe for me Eddie, let baby get into position for their shoulders okay?" His OB instructed gently. "Once they're out I'm going to ask you to pull your baby up and onto your chest okay?" 

Eddie nodded shakily, breath hitching at the thought of finally getting to hold their baby. This was it, he was moments away from meeting the baby who quite literally rocked his world.  "Hmmmm here it comes."

"Breathe, breathe Eddie." Maddie reminded him, taking slow steady breathes with the younger man until he followed her pattern. "That's it, you're almost done."

Eddie turned towards Buck, moving until he could press his forehead against the younger mans. A slight whimper leaving his lips as he tried his best to pant through the in coming pains. Just a few more minutes and he would have his baby. He just had to focus ... keep his attention on Buck. His comfort was Buck. 

"Okay, this is the one honey! Push when you want!" Leila called , watching as Rebecca placed her hands under the baby's head.

Eddie nodded, taking in a deep breath as he kept his eyes on Rebecca, Buck not moving an inch . Forehead remaining against Eddie's temple as Eddie pulled in tight and bore down as hard as he possibly could. "Gah! Ah! Come on ... please baby, please come the fuck out!." He sobbed. Leila smiled at his determination, watching as the baby's shoulder tugged at his entrance. His doctor slipping her finger into encourage them to come forwards. "One more Eddie, pass me your hands!" She cheered. "Buck and Maddie have got your back." 

"God!" Eddie screeched through his clenched teeth , hands being pulled down to get a hold on his tiny baby. He sobbed as carefully pushed down once more before he felt a crazy rush from between his legs.  Making sure his baby was securely in his hold as he pulled them up and collapsed back with them against his chest. He could hear Buck and Maddie as they cried out in joy, but all he could focus in on was the croaked , watery whines and snuffles coming from his baby.

"Welcome to the world precious girl !" Leila smiled, rubbing the tiny baby's back as she struggled to clear her airway. Smiling in victory at the screech of dismay she got in return for his efforts. 

"It's a girl! Guys you have a baby girl." Maddie sobbed, relief filling her at the sound of her nieces loud cries.

"H-holy crap Eddie, you did it baby." Buck whimpered , tears leaving his eyes at uncontrollable rates.

"I did it." Eddie whispered . "Hi, hi my baby girl, Hi Lennon Madison." He cooed, soft sobs wracking his form. "Oh don't cry, I've got you. Daddy's got you... yeahh daddy's got you mi princessa." 

The small girl screamed her little lungs out. Her little arms and legs kicking about restlessly as she tried to process this new , bright world she'd entered into. Her small, cone shaped head was covered in a mess of dark brown curls, small pouty lips almost identical to Buck's own.  Her tiny button nose a replica of Eddie's with long, fluttery eyelashes that shadowed on her chubby, little cheeks.

She may be covered in vernix and all kinds of bodily fluids, but she was completely and utterly perfect in their eyes. 

"Shhh come on baby girl, it's daddy. You know daddy don't you?" Buck soothed, large hand moving to cup the back of her wet head. "You know his voice."  

Lennon's cries softened down at the comforting sound of her Dede. Little squeaks and whimpers leaving her small mouth as Leila covered her with a clean towel for warmth. 

"Is that your Dede?" Eddie spoke softly , head bending down slightly to press a kiss against her wrinkled forehead. "He's your favourite out of the two of us huh? You just needed to know he was here didn't you? ." 

Buck beamed, his heart aching with love for the two incredible humans in front of him. "I love you so much Eddie, you done so good. I can't believe you just did that , you're so brave..." 

"Hurt like hell." Eddie croaked, voice strained from the screams of labor. "But she's so worth it Buck, look at her? Can you believe we made this? I'm so in love with her, and you. Dios I love you so much Evan." 

Buck chuckled wetly, tears falling down his cheeks as he pressed his lips against Eddie's own for a quick peck. "I know I've said it already, but I'm so damn proud of you."

Eddie pressed their lips together once more before focusing his attention back on their girl. Everything Hurt, he was sweating and sobbing uncontrollably. Yet the moment was so unbelievably perfect. He had his baby, he actually did it! He managed to come out of this alive and with the most beautiful baby girl he'd ever seen. Eddie just couldn't believe how lucky they were. Lennon Madison was indescribable, too cute to be real. He slowly ran his fingers over his daughter's slightly damp locks. A small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as Lenny grunted in response. She was practically curled up against Eddie's chest like a tiny little ball. He's not too sure when, but somewhere within the next five minutes Buck is told to cut the cord and Eddie was able to lay down properly, legs up in stirrups for Rebecca to remain in her spot. Everything around him was just a complete blur nothing else mattered except this tiny being in his arms.

The other people in the room were content to just watch on through tears of their own. Watching Eddie interact with his baby girl for the first time outside of the womb was a beautiful scene to witness unfold. You could practically see and feel the amount of love oozing out of him.

"I'm really sorry Eddie, lovely I just need to take her and check things over.." Leila said gently, placing her hand on his still shaking thigh. "I won't be long I promise." 

Eddie looked down at the baby on his chest, lip quivering slightly at the thought of passing her over. It just didn't feel right... he didn't want anyone else to hold their daughter until Buck had. "C-can Buck hold her before you do? Would that be okay?" He asked voice cracking. 

"Of course he can! He's her Dede after all..." Leila chuckled.

"G-good , I don't want anyone else to hold her before you." Eddie explained kindly,  looking up at his best friend or well boyfriend now he supposed. "She's all yours Buck."

Buck smiled widely at that, slowly reaching in to help Eddie transfer the small baby into his arms. Leila helping to keep the towel in place. It was such a surreal moment finally being able to hold  his own baby after so long waiting . To feel as her tiny chest moved up and down. To feel her flickering heartbeat against his forearm . To see all of her perfectly delicate features. She was definitely a mini version of himself .  Just with Eddie's hair colour, nose and eyelashes. Everything else from her lips , to her eye shape, to her little curls .. they were exactly like him. 

"Hey Lenny, Hi baby girl, it's so nice to finally meet you." He cooed softly , kissing the baby's forehead. "We've waited a really long time for you to join us, did you know that?." 

By now Lennon had completely settled down in the comfort of her father's arms. The sight melting Eddie into a literal puddle of goo. It was everything he had imagined it to be. Buck had instantly fallen in love with their baby, the exact same way he had. He allowed himself to cry again now. Although it wasn't out of pain or sadness anymore. It was out of relief and pure happiness.

"Oh sweetie, come here." Maddie soothed, pulling Eddie's head into warm chest as he cried.

"I-I'm fine, it's happy tears." He reassured her chuckling tiredly. Wincing slightly as a smaller contraction wrapped around his stomach.

"That'll be the placenta, let Leila clean baby girl up and weigh her. Then we can finish you up and get you all settled." Rebecca told the new parents. "You done really well Eddie, no need for stitches! Let's just see how the bleeding is once we've sorted the afterbirth."

Buck nodded , kissing his daughter's tiny forehead once more before slowly passing her over to the nurse waiting . The baby started crying almost immediately, causing both men to twitch nervously.

"She's  okay, just misses the familiarity." Maddie reassured them.

Eddie relaxed slightly , taking in a deep breath as he tried to cope with the pain radiating in his lower area. Now that he didn't have Lennon to focus in on, he was really starting to hurt. It was no where near as bad as actual labour ... but it was pretty close.

"Well done Eddie, she's freakin' perfect." Maddie told him, kissing his head gently.

"T-thankyou." He croaked, feeling overwhelmed. It just didn't feel real.

"We did make one perfect kid." Buck pointed out.

"You say it like you didn't think she'd be perfect.." Eddie said in reply. 

"I had no doubt in my mind that she'd be cute as hell , but wow Eddie, she's just unreal." Evan said proudly.

"She's basically a mini version of you that's why." Eddie giggled , glad to have a distraction from the small pain.

"And she's also a very healthy weight of seven pounds , two ounces! Tiny little bean!" Leila gushed as she finished fastening the small diaper on Lennon's waist.

"She's so little for being a week overdue!" Maddie said awe, Joy had been slightly over eight pounds and she was three weeks early! 

"T-that's okay though? Right?" Eddie asked their doctor anxiously.

"More than okay, let's focus on you for a few minutes Eddie. You're nearly done here, I just need a gentle push when you feel another pain okay?" Rebecca was quick to assure. 

"Okay." Eddie cringed, it only took a couple of small pushes before the placenta finally came out. Rebecca calling out that it was all in one piece and his bleeding was steady. 

"You can relax your legs now honey, we will get you all cleaned up and to the Paternity unit as soon as we can."  She added, pulling off her gloves and apron, before standing from the stool.

"Welcome to parenthood."

—————————————————————————

"I can't believe how cute she is!" Chris gushed, holding onto his baby sister with a proud smile. "I thought she'd be all wrinkly and gross, I'm glad I was wrong about that."

Eddie snickered softly at that. "Jeez thanks kid, it's nice of you to admit you were wrong." 

"Your Tia Pepa and parents landed about an hour ago Eds. They'll be here as soon as they've checked into their hotel. Your Abuela Isobel sends her love of course." Buck informed as he entered the room once more. "How's our girl doing?"

It had been a crazy first twenty four hours for the pair. Between visits from the team and constant check ins on Eddie's vitals, they'd barely had chance to be alone and appreciate the little moments with their baby girl. 

"She's good, more than happy to stay cuddled up with her big brother over here." Eddie smiled proudly.

Buck grinned, crouching down next to the chair Chris was sitting in. "Does she get the Chris approval then superman?" 

"Of course she does! I mean duh.. she's my sister Buck." Christopher giggled. "I love her." 

"I'm so glad buddy." Buck choked out tearfully. He was so unbelievably in love with these two kids. 

Eddie patted the bed space next to him to gain the younger man's attention. "Come ere' you."

"I don't wanna hurt you man, you've gotta be sore after that shower-"

"Buck stop, I want you to come sit with me. I promise I'm okay, I'm a little achy yeah. But you're not going to hurt me by sitting still. I just want you closer." 

"R-right okay." Buck said, moving to sit by Eddie's side, his arm wrapping around the older man's shoulders as he relaxed against him. "What did the nurse say after I left this morning."

"Nothing much, just that we should be discharged tomorrow morning if she continues to latch as well as she is right now." Eddie told him, he's eyes never leaving Christopher and Lennon.

"Hey that's amazing!" 

"Yeah, I can't wait to have her home with us. One day in this place is a day too long for my liking." 

Buck chuckled fondly. "Tell me about it, your house felt weird when I got there this morning. It's like it's not home unless you and the kids are there y'know?"

"That's how I feel when you're not there." Eddie admitted out loud, a light blush covering his cheeks. "It's a little soon for you to move in officially and I get that but-"

"Eddie, we literally have a baby together now.” Buck spoke gently. "I don't think anything will be a little too soon for us now."

The post partum father sighed with a kind smile. "I guess you're right." He paused. "Is that your way of saying you're officially ours for good?"

"It is, as long as you're okay with that?"

"I'm more than okay with it." 

Eddie finally turned his head properly to catch the younger man's eyes. "I love you."

"I love you too."

"Urgh, you two are gross." Christopher fake gagged. 

"You think that's gross? You should have seen how mushy we got straight after your sister was born." Buck teased. "We'd never hear the end of it." 

"I don't wanna know." Chris whined, focusing on his baby sister who was supported by Eddie's free hand and his arms. "Our dads are so cringe Lenny." 

"Dads? That's a new one." Eddie stated, the corner of his mouth twitching up . 

"Well Buck has always been like a dad to me anyway and now that you're together it makes sense right?" The fourteen year old stated. 

"Y-yeah , I'm glad you think so highly of me." Buck told him , voice filled with emotion. 

"Nuh uh, no more of the grossness Buck!" Chris immediately protested, the comment making Eddie laugh in pure joy. 

He couldn't wait for all of their adventures together. Just him and his little family. 

—————————————————————————

They were given the discharge papers the following morning. Both of his parents driving to pick them up and bring the new member of their family home safely. It all seemed so surreal for Eddie as they stepped through the doorway.

"Well, here we are baby girl! Home sweet home." He breathed, placing the carrier down on their coffee table, carefully lowering himself down onto the couch with a wince. "Smells extra clean in here."

"That's because me and your mom have been cleaning non stop to make sure it was ready for you all." Tia Pepa stated, sitting next to him with a cup of black coffee out stretched. "Here."

"Boy have I missed caffeine." Eddie moaned, taking a sip of the burning hot liquid. "This is too good."

"It's definitely a lot better than that hospital stuff I've gotten used to the past three days." Buck agreed , leaning in to check on their daughter. "She looks so content, I don't wanna disturb her."

"She's okay to sleep in there honey for a little while at least. Trust me the last thing you wanna do is get her out of the habit of enjoying the carrier." Helena assured, patting his back as she walked over to the armchair.

"Okay good." Buck spoke in relief, looking towards his boyfriend. "You okay? Need a heating pad?"

"I'm good, I took some aspirin before we left the hospital , don't worry." Eddie told him. "What time is it? Aren't you supposed to pick up Chris from Hen's place?"

"Nah, they're gonna pop by and drop him off. Karen is devastated she missed meeting Lenny the other day so I said she could have five minutes." 

Eddie nodded in appreciation. "Okay cool, I'll text her and let them know we're back. You guys are okay with them calling by right?" He quickly checked with his aunt and parents.

"Edmundo, this is your house son." Ramon chuckled. "Whatever you say goes. You're friends are going to want to visit. We don't mind going for a drive somewhere."

"No that's not what I meant!" Eddie panicked. "You can stay, of course you can stay."

"Don't stress Eddie, we know you didn't mean any harm." Tia Pepa soothed. "Your father just had a bad way with words. Don't get yourself all worked up, it's not good for your recovery."

"I'm sorry Mijo, I just meant if we go out somewhere your friends won't feel the need to rush their visit." Ramon corrected himself.

"R-right yeah, thanks dad." Eddie breathed out in relief. "I should probably try and feed her before they get here." 

"I'm sure they won't mind you doing that with them here Eds. There's nothing to be embarrassed about." Buck said. 

Eddie bit his lip. "No I know that I just- I kinda like it just being me and her y'know? It's our little bonding time." 

"Then by all means, I can help you to the bedroom if you wanna go in there?" 

"That'd be nice, yeah thanks Buck." 

Buck carefully picked up the carrier containing their girl with one hand , whilst holding out the other to give Eddie something to pull himself up with. "There we go, I've got you."

"Always got my back huh?" Eddie grinned, walking down the hallway slowly. 

"Too right." 

Once Eddie was settled on the bed , Buck was quick to bend down and gently release the straps securing their daughter into her seat. "Hey Lenny bug, you ready to eat? Daddy's waiting for you sleepy head." He cooed. Lennon grunted, soft whines escaping her form as she stretched her little legs out. "Come on then baby, let's get you and daddy comfortable yeah?" 

Eddie smiled softly at the pair, the way their girl curled up perfectly against Buck's firm chest, like she'd always belonged there. Had his heart fluttering with so much love and affection.  "Come ere' Lenny bug, ohhh you're so cuddly , you love your snuggles huh?" He breathed, happily accepting the tiny girl into his hold. "You're just like your Dede."

"I still can't believe she's real." Buck murmured, hand running over her head of curls. "She's ours Eddie, our baby."

"Yeah she is..." Eddie spoke wistfully, helping the little girl latch onto his chest, chuckling at the little snorts she let out. "Alright greedy chops, it's not going anywhere." 

"Right I'll leave you both to it." Buck stated, kissing Eddie's forehead , before leaning down to do the same to Lenny. "I love you."

"We love you too." 

The soft click of the door was all Eddie heard over Lennon's suckling. The distant chatter coming from the living room soaking into the background as he focused in on his daughter. 

The journey he'd had with her had a been a long one. Full of turmoil and repressed emotion, but also full of joy and an unbeatable amount of love. 

Who would have thought shaving off his moustache and dancing around his living room to old time rock n' roll would lead to this huh? Not only was he fully accepting of who he was now, but he was also in a healthy committed  relationship with a man who made him feel like he was worth the world and more. And last but not least, he had his beautiful baby girl now, she completed him in ways nobody else could. 

"You're my everything Lenny girl, I cannot thankyou enough for choosing me to be your daddy." Eddie cooed. "You've saved me in ways I didn't even realise I needed saving, I can't wait to spend the rest of my life watching you grow and learn to love in whatever way you please..."

Lennon blinked sleepily, little mouth slowing down as she started to fall asleep once more.

Eddie smiled, spare hand moving the trace a finger down her tiny nose. Humming along to the tune of their favourite song.. the lyrics falling from his lips in a hushed whisper.

"Still like that old time rock 'n' roll

That kind of music just soothes the soul

I reminisce about the days of old

With that old time rock 'n' roll"

Buck leaned against the other side of the door with a wide grin. Listening in to every word his boyfriend spoke. Their next adventure started today and he couldn’t wait to embrace every single second of it.

Together, just as it should be.