Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Buck smells the Alpha before he sees him.

Chimney’s words ring in his ears as Buck turns, time moving so slow he can taste the seconds on his tongue.

Jesus Christ and his Father, he’s beautiful.

Even through the wall panes, Buck catches a whiff of earthy syrup and fresh air. It’s a unique scent for an Alpha, not too overwhelming.

That just makes it even more mouthwatering.

Buck fights against the part of himself that wants to submit, to angle his neck invitingly and attract him closer.

Eddie, which is this new Alpha’s name, surprises him at every turn. He doesn’t growl or snip at him, posture or act like he’s better than Buck just because he’s masquerading as a Beta.

Their back and forth is dangerous, and worse, intoxicating.

“You can have my back any day.”

The words are out of Buck’s mouth faster than he can keep them. “And, uh, maybe you can have mine.”

Buck doesn’t mean to become friends with Eddie, to get to know him, to understand his actions and words and the unsaid anxieties he’s riddled with.

It’s a slow day when it happens.

There’s a woman on a bridge waving a gun around, and Buck’s scared.

He’s terrified, but he has a job to do. A job he loves.

So, he starts talking.

“You just want to be seen. I get that.”

“No you don’t.” The woman exclaims, seemingly more sad than angry. “You’re lucky enough to be a Beta. Us Omegas? We’re put in a box. Categorized. Stereotyped before we can even open our mouths. You could never understand.”

Buck looks around. Eddie’s the only one close enough to hear him, though Hen and Chimney and Bobby already know his true designation.

He makes a choice.

“You might want to think again.” Buck holds his hands up placatingly. “I might smell like one, might look like one, but there’s no changing my status. I presented Omega at 13.” Buck reaches up and tugs at his collar, showing off the scent gland he normally hides. It’s covered by a scent suppressing patch, but it gets the point across.

Buck hears an intake of breath behind him, but he soldiers on.

“I know more than most how it feels to be stuck. To be told who you are. To be ignored, and taken for granted, and left behind. But that doesn’t mean we’re broken, or bad, or not enough.”

The woman’s hand lowers, but Buck knows he’s not out of the woods yet.

“You don’t have to do this. You have more choices than you think. There are resources out there for you, for us. It’s up to you to take them, though.”

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, she lowers the gun completely. Buck takes it from her gently before passing it off to Eddie for him to disarm.

He doesn’t meet Eddie’s eyes; he can’t. What if this changes everything between them?

It’s not until they’re back at the station that Eddie sidles up to him.

Buck takes a breath, preparing for the worst.

“You did good out there.” Eddie says, shocking Buck to his core.

“What?” He responds, even as his body instinctually responds to the praise like a plant to sunshine in the spring.

“You didn’t have to trust her with that. Or me. But you did, so thank you. You did good.” As he repeats the compliment, something swirls dangerously in Buck’s gut.

“You’re welcome.” Buck croaks out. “Am I-- are we--”

“We’re good.” Eddie fills in the blanks of Buck’s uncertainty and doubts, stretching them out like a wrinkled page. He might always have those tears and fissures, but something feels comforting about being pressed down and smoothed over.

When Eddie calls out for a few days a week later, canceling their plans to hang out and watch Top Chef with Chris, a part of Buck thinks, “I knew it. I called it. He’s going to leave like everyone else; he doesn’t want me.”

But he hasn’t been working with a therapist for nothing. Frank, the shrink, has been trying to get Buck to make some steps toward trusting others and their intentions, so he attempts to make one.

Buck buys the ingredients for chicken soup, cooking it at his apartment and scrutinizing the flavor until it’s as good as Bobby’s. Or at least close enough.

He drives the familiar route to Eddie and Chris’s house, only driving past it once before pulling himself up and parking.

Something nags at him as Buck steps up to the door, something important.

He has a key, but he doesn’t use it this time.

It’s not until he leans in to ring the doorbell that he smells it.

It’s just a whiff, but Buck knows what it means.

Eddie’s in his rut, Chris is probably gone, and Buck just showed up without telling a single soul where he is.

He feels like he’s serving himself up on a platter instead of some soup, still warm in the container in his hands.

But he already rang the doorbell, can already hear steps walking toward the door, and nothing in him can remotely get his legs working.

When Eddie opens the door, Buck can’t help it.

Eddie smells like sin, like sex.

Buck whines on the spot, half-closing his eyes and clenching his fists. The soup container groans but holds up.

Eddie, to his credit, goes still.

“You’re not real.” He grits out, looking pained. He’s flushed and sweaty and barely clothed in some sweatpants and a thin tank top.

“Uh.” Buck manages.

“Fuck. You are. You’re here. Why are you here?”

Buck winces at his heavy tone.

“I made soup?”

Eddie melts, his eyes going soft.

“You made soup.” Eddie’s hands twitch, like he wants to grab something, so Buck hands over the container.

Their fingers brush, and Eddie physically jolts toward Buck before reigning himself in.

Breathing heavily, Eddie stares into Buck’s soul.

“You need to go.”

Ever the one to push back, Buck rolls his eyes. “What, are you gonna make me?”

He instantly knows he’s made a mistake, made Eddie mad, or just was stupid.

But Eddie cracks a feral grin.

“That a challenge?”

Buck’s blood runs hot. He can still smell Eddie’s scent, even more delicious than usual, and it makes him a little dumb.

“What if it was?”

Eddie shakes his head, like he still thinks Buck isn’t real. Like Buck might disappear if he stops looking at him.

“You need to go.” Eddie repeats gently.

Buck can’t help but sway into Eddie’s space just enough to smell the sweat on his throat, to see the way his hair curls up at his brow, to taste his scent in the air.

“Okay.” Buck breathes, making no move to do so.

“Buck.” Now, Eddie sounds pained.

But Buck can only comprehend his name on Eddie’s lips. Lips that look plush and slightly red and perfect for biting.

“Eddie.” Buck responds, sounding pitiful to his own ears.

“Do I need to call someone? Does anyone know you came here?” Eddie is panting, a little desperate.

Buck just shakes his head, shifting closer and leaning on the doorframe.

They’re not even touching, but Buck can feel Eddie’s gaze on him like a brand.

“Fuck. Fuck.” Eddie doesn’t sound or smell mad, which Buck appreciates. He’s getting stupider by the minute, and he knows he’s edging toward a dangerous cliff.

One Buck might not mind falling off of.

Suddenly, Buck gets a terrible thought.

“Is there someone else here?”

“What?” Eddie pulls his gaze up from Buck’s neck toward his eyes.

“I’m sorry-- I shouldn’t have come, I should have known--” Buck turns on his heel, but moving away from Eddie feels like stretching a rubber band taut. It’ll either pull him back, or break him.

Eddie grabs his arm carefully, squeezing like he’s reassuring himself that Buck is here.

“Buck, stop. No, there’s no one here.”

Well, now Buck just feels like an idiot. A relieved idiot, but still an idiot.

“Oh.”

“Yeah.” Eddie is worrying those perfect lips between his teeth, and Buck wants to take over that job more than he wants to breathe.

Eddie must see where he’s staring, because his tongue sneaks out to wet his lips.

Buck feels both calm and frantic with energy.

A part of him is screaming at himself that Eddie’s not in his right mind, that Eddie doesn’t want him like that, not for real.

“I broke my cell phone.” Eddie says suddenly.

“What- why?” Buck can’t help but worry. What if something happens?

“I kept wanting to call you. Text you. Beg you to come over.”

Buck’s heart jumps into his throat.

“Why didn’t you?” His voice is gravelly to his own ears.

“I couldn’t-- I’m still not-- It’s not fair, not to you. I wanted to--” Eddie looks like he’s about to combust and like Buck’s holding the detonator.

Buck doesn’t realize he’s stepped closer until he can taste Eddie’s short breaths on his tongue.

Buck’s eyes roll back, and he’s baring his neck before he can think better of it.

Eddie growls, and Buck can feel his body responding.

He knows they’re at his door, and Eddie’s neighbors could walk out and see them at any point.

But he just doesn’t care.

Buck’s drunk on Eddie, and he wants more.

Unfortunately or fortunately, dealer’s choice, Buck’s phone rings.

He barely hears it, not with Eddie’s eyes caressing his skin without even touching it.

But Eddie shakes his head rapidly, eyes clearing just enough to say, “Answer it.”

Buck doesn’t even hesitate, or look at the ID.

“Hello.” His voice is hollow.

“Buck!” Athena’s voice washes over him like cold water. “Are you still coming over for dinner? Where are you?”

“At Eddie’s house.” Buck can’t look away from Eddie, whose shoulders are shaking with something barely contained.

Buck hears Athena breathe in sharply, then hears her move around, to a different room presumably.

“Why are you at Eddie’s house?” She asks evenly.

“Dropping off soup.” Buck can barely remember the reason for his visit.

“Are you inside?”

“No.” Buck swallows, dreading what she’s going to say next.

“Okay, good. Buck, you know what I’m going to say.”

“Don’t say it.” He begs.

“You need to leave, Buckaroo.”

Buck whines, and Eddie rests his furrowed brow on the door, looking two steps away from banging it there.

“I know you don’t want to, but you have to. Not just for your sake, but for his.”

“Don’t make me. Please, Athena. I want to stay.” More than he ever has.

“I’m not making you do anything. But I need you to listen. Try taking a step back.”

Buck doesn’t know how she knows they’re close enough for that to be important.

Still, he listens. He looks down at his boots, shuffling an inch or so back.

It’s Eddie’s turn to protest, though his whine is lower. It stirs something deep in Buck’s chest.

“Very good, Buckley.” Athena praises, but he prefers Eddie’s compliments. Eddie’s approval.

Buck looks up at Eddie, searching for something he can’t name.

“Did you drive there?”

Buck nods, then remembers to affirm in words. “Yeah.”

“Okay, I’m leaving now. I should only be a few minutes, but you need to wait in your car.”

His car seems so far away. A lot of small steps.

“Can you put me on speakerphone?”

Buck presses the button and looks back at Eddie.

He’s sweating more, looking desperate.

His eyes scream at Buck, who just wants to run into the Alpha’s arms.

“Hi, Eddie.” Athena greets cautiously. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” Eddie murmurs, looking mournfully at Buck, like he’s something just out of reach.

“You know I need to come get him.”

Eddie growls possessively, making Buck flush.

“I’m not taking him away from you.” Athena is quick to reassure. “But you know it’s dangerous for you two to be alone right now. You don’t want to hurt Buck, do you?”

This time, Eddie’s whine is indignant.

“I know you would never hurt him on purpose, but you know you’re not thinking clearly, and Buck’s still on suppressants. You can’t even smell him, and you’re acting like this.”

Eddie nods slowly, the wood of the door creaking as Eddie’s free hand clutches it.

Athena walks Buck through the steps toward his car, the inches disappearing under his feet.

Buck can’t stop himself from looking back at Eddie as he goes, missing the Alpha’s nearness immediately.

It’s a little easier once he’s in the car. Athena makes him lock it, which turns his stomach.

Eddie’s still at the door, holding the soup container like a lifeline.

He doesn’t go back inside until Athena pulls up, dragging Buck back into the present.

He’s in her car when the embarrassment starts to appear.

“I thought he was just sick.”

“It was sweet of you to bring soup.” She responds.

“It was stupid.” Buck rests his head in his hands, suddenly exhausted.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself up.”

“Why didn’t he tell me?”

Athena sighs. “I couldn’t tell you.”

“I thought we were friends. I thought we were close enough--” Buck cuts himself off.

“You are friends.” Athena reaffirms. “Buck… would you tell him if you were in his situation?”

Buck bites back the “Of course!” he wants to exclaim so he can really think about it.

“I don’t know.” He settles on.

She nods understandingly and pulls up to the house she shares with Bobby and her kids.

“Look, I’m not sure I’m up for a whole dinner right now.”

“Then you’re staying in the guest bedroom. You don’t have to eat, but I’m nervous about you being alone right now.”

Nervous about Buck going back to Eddie’s house, she means.

He understands.

Buck’s Omega side just wants to run all the way back to his Alpha and roll around in his scent.

Wait.

His Alpha?

Chapter Text

Eddie is out for another few days. The urge to run back to his door is strong, God is it strong, but Buck can hold out.

Athena and Bobby bring Buck’s car back, only dropping Buck at his apartment when they’re sure he won’t turn right around and speed to Eddie’s side.

Buck knows it’s selfish to comfort himself by thinking that Eddie wasn’t with anyone else, but he can’t help it.

But as bad as the embarrassment of knowing that Athena and Bobby are aware of his slipup, it’s nothing compared to the anxiety Buck feels when it’s time for Eddie to return to work.

Will he say something?

Will he pretend it didn’t happen?

In the end, Buck shouldn’t have worried so much.

Eddie comes back quietly, slipping into the station and Buck’s life like he never left.

Their conversation is a bit stilted, Buck still too embarrassed to initiate much, but Eddie never pushes. Never gets upset.

It’s a bit annoying, if Buck is completely honest. A week ago, Buck is sure Eddie would have fucked him so hard he couldn’t walk, and now he won’t do much more physically than wave in his direction.

It’s driving Buck crazy.

So, maybe he’s a bit more reckless than he usually is.

Maybe he lifts a bit more than he comfortably should.

But each time, Eddie rears him back in, sometimes by the straps of his jacket, and suddenly, everything is soft and nice and good again.

The rest of his team have no idea why he’s acting out, thank God, but boy, do they try to find out.

“Jesus, Buck, what has gotten into you?” Hen asks one day after Buck had made another controversial call.

He’d gone back into a burning house to find a dog barking in a corner, terrified out of its mind.

Animals are always hard to read. A dog might bite the hand that’s trying to save it, and a cat might hide in the worst place.

But this time wasn’t the worst; the dog was scared enough to let Buck pick it up and carry it out, where his team was waiting.

Buck looks around casually after both him and the dog are safe, but Chimney knows immediately what was up.

Chim nods to Buck’s left, where Eddie is storming over with a look on his face that has Buck’s stomach doing somersaults.

Eddie grabs Buck by the jacket, causing sparks to fly across Buck’s chest, and pulls him toward the back of the truck, away from prying eyes.

Buck leans against the vehicle, projecting an air of confidence he doesn’t necessarily feel.

“Hey man, I’m good. Hen and Chim already checked me out--”

“I figured.” Eddie’s tone is clipped, and his eyes are intense.

“What’s up with you?”

“Funny. That’s supposed to be my line.”

Buck scoffs, looking away.

Eddie takes him by the chin and drags Buck to face him.

It’s soft, gentle, but Buck is unnecessarily excited by the power behind Eddie’s grip.

“What has got you all pent up?”

“Like you need to ask.” Buck responds before he can think better of it.

Eddie’s eyes widen in understanding, but instead of leaving, of abandoning Buck, he sidles closer.

‘I should have. Asked, that is. I should have checked on you after…after the soup incident.”

Buck laughs. “Is that what we’re calling it?”

“It was delicious, by the way.”

“Oh.” Buck squirms under Eddie’s heavy gaze. “Thanks.”

“You always take such good care of me.”

That line has Buck melting into a puddle and seeping into the pavement cracks.

He feels his chest rumble in response, an instinct older than either of them.

“I do?”

“Yeah, Buck. You do. When you’re not running into burning buildings and rescuing beloved pets.”

Buck feels his cheeks heat up, but he can’t muster up anything but relief that they’re finally talking about this unspoken thing between them.

“Sorry about that.”

“Hey, I’m not mad. Not at all. It’s our job. But maybe you could stop being a bit more reckless than usual, hmm?”

“You gonna make me?” Buck thrums with anticipation, praying to a God he doesn’t believe in that his words will elicit the same response as before.

Eddie steps in even closer so he can murmur into Buck’s ear.

His breath tickles his throat, which Buck bares without even a hint of hesitation.

Buck almost forgets to listen.

“Is that a challenge?”

“Yes.” Buck breathes, his voice going too high and whiny for him to pretend otherwise.

“Nah… I think it’s a promise. A threat. An invitation.”

Eddie noses at the juncture of his shoulder and neck, but still respectfully far away enough from his covered-up scent glands.

Buck wants more. He doesn’t care that they’re barely hidden, that someone could come around at any point. He needs his Alpha.

It’s not the first time Buck has thought of Eddie as his, but it does bring him back down to Earth enough to take a deep breath.

Eddie senses the change, leaning back to check on Buck.

Buck can’t stand the distance, his hand coming to the back of Eddie’s neck before he’s conscious of it.

Buck brings their foreheads together, just breathing in his strong scent and his exhales.

He’s almost dizzy with it when he hears footsteps.

They grow closer as Eddie opens his eyes and steps back fully, which Buck reminds himself not to whine over.

“Has he calmed down yet?” Chimney asks Eddie teasingly.

Buck feels more energized than ever, but Eddie cracks a handsome smile and nods.

“Thank God.” Hen appears as well, tearing off her gloves and climbing in the truck.

They all pile in after her, riding back to the station. It would be like any other drive except for Eddie’s thigh insistently rubbing against his own.

Is Eddie serious about wanting Buck?

He doesn’t think Eddie is messing with him, but Buck is going crazy with anticipation.

It’s not till later in the day, at the end of their shift, that Buck is finally alone with Eddie.

They’re in the locker room, packing away their stuff. Buck prays that Eddie is going to shower at home, because if the Alpha starts undressing right now, Buck cannot be held responsible for his actions.

Eddie stretches, and Buck swallows.

Eddie smirks, tracking the movement as he grabs his bag and starts walking away.

Buck flounders for a moment until Eddie turns back.

“You coming?”

Buck nearly slams the locker door on his own hand in his hurry to join the Alpha.

“You should come over.” Eddie says casually, though Buck can recognize the unsureness in his eyes.

Buck can’t even pretend to think about it.

“Top Chef tonight?” Buck says with a grin, looking forward to seeing Chris.

“I just know Jeremy is going to hand in his hat this time.” Eddie looks relieved Buck agreed, as if there’s any other place he would rather be.

“Oh, should I stop by my place first? I kind of want to shower.”

Eddie just shrugs. “If you want. But I’ve got great water pressure, and you can just borrow some sweats for the night.”

Buck has to remind his legs to keep walking as they reach his car.

“Yeah.” He croaks. “That’ll work.”

The drive to Eddie’s house is short, and Buck can’t stop smiling.

Chris greets him with a hug, which just makes him feel so whole.

Eddie looks at them together with such emotion in his eyes that Buck has to look away.

It’s so much, and they haven’t even kissed.

Yet.

Blood roars in Buck’s ears as Eddie presses some sweatpants and a cotton T-shirt into his arms.

Eddie rubs his shoulder, and Buck can’t help but preen a little.

It’s not until Buck’s in the shower, facing the bottles of shampoo and conditioner, that he realizes fully what this means.

He’s going to use his body wash.

He’s going to wear his clothes.

He’s going to smell like Eddie.

Buck washes and dresses with a blush high on his cheeks. It doesn’t get better when he emerges, throwing his clothes in his bag and finding Eddie and Chris in the kitchen.

“What about spaghetti?” Chris asks, and Eddie shakes his head.

“We don’t have any sauc--” Eddie cuts himself off when he sees and presumably smells Buck.

His eyes go dark, and Buck sees him sniff the air.

“Your turn.” Buck smiles, acting like he doesn’t notice Eddie really, really seems to like him in his clothes.

“My turn?”

“For the shower, Dad.” Chris reminds him.

“Right.” Eddie doesn’t move.

“Were you two talking about dinner?” Buck crosses his arms, posturing just a bit. He likes the way the shirt stretches across his biceps, and so does Eddie apparently.

“Yep. But we don’t have the red sauce.” Chris answers while Eddie stares.

“Do you have parmesan cheese? Olive oil?”

Eddie shakes himself a little, checking the fridge door and a shelf.

He holds the ingredients up like prizes. “Yep!”

“That works then. Get outta here, we got this.”

Eddie holds up his hands, smiling. “Alright, alright.”

On his way to the bathroom, Eddie reaches out to caress Buck’s shoulder like he can’t not touch him.

Buck leans into the movement before Eddie can let go, and they share a long look.

A clatter from the kitchen island breaks their spell as Chris messes with the spice rack, and Eddie clears his throat.

“Don’t burn the noodles.”

“You’re the one who did that, Alp-- Eddie.” Buck barely catches himself, and Eddie stops short, staring at him.

Buck rushes to busy himself , finding a pot and filling it up with water and salt. The next time he looks up, Eddie is in the bathroom.

The spaghetti comes together easily, so Buck also heats up a can of mixed vegetables. Chris makes a face, but Buck promises to put enough butter and salt on them that they taste almost as good as if they were fresh.

Dinner is ready quickly, so Buck goes to knock on the bathroom door. Before his fist makes contact, it swings open.

Buck almost chokes on his own tongue as he’s greeted with Eddie in a towel and Literally Nothing Else.

“Oh! Sorry. Is the food ready?”

Buck nods, mapping out miles of wet skin with his eyes.

He wants to touch. He wants to kiss. He wants and wants, and Eddie knows it.

“I just need to grab some--”

“Clothes! Right. Yeah.” Buck angles his body away so Eddie can skirt past, which he does very, very closely.

Buck can’t stop himself from staring at Eddie’s broad back as he opens his bedroom door, that small motion making the muscles shift enticingly.

As Chris and Buck set the table, Eddie comes out looking soft and biteable.

Buck can barely focus enough to blush at their compliments of his cooking, balancing between staring at his plate and Eddie’s face.

“What else did you put in the spaghetti sauce?” Eddie asks as they start to clean up.

Chris goes to the bathroom, and Buck squirms at all the attention Eddie foists on him.

“Uh, a little lemon juice.”

“We have that?” Eddie sounds surprised and a little impressed.

“Apparently.”

“Thank you, Buck.”

“Any time, Eddie.”

“No, really.” Eddie takes a plate out of Buck’s hand and leans into his eyesight. “I appreciate everything you do. You take such good care of us. You’re amazing.”

Buck can’t move. “I want to.” He whispers.

“I know. I want that too. Stay tonight. Watch an episode with us. Just stay…Stay with me.”

“Okay.” Buck can’t remember the last time he was this still, this quiet.

It softens something in his chest, relaxing into a distant place he’s only gotten a glimpse of before.

When Chris comes back, Eddie announces that they should get the show ready while he finishes up the dishes.

Chris grins, rushing to the couch to pick up the remote.

Once Chris changes into his pajamas, Eddie joins them, sitting on the other end of the couch with Chris in the middle.

Buck loses the plot of the episode as soon as Eddie’s outstretched hand meets his own.

He really loses focus when Chris falls asleep under his arm.

Buck meets Eddie’s soft gaze as they pause Top Chef and turn off the TV.

“Do you want to…” Buck looks at Chris, sleeping peacefully.

Eddie smiles. “He’s all yours.”

Carefully, so carefully, Buck lifts Chris up.

Eddie opens Chris’s bedroom door as Buck maneuvers the young boy’s body around the frame and into bed.

They stand together, watching him under the covers, for a few minutes.

Buck doesn’t want to leave. Not now, not ever.

Eddie seems to sense his mood shift.

He takes Buck’s hand in his own, shutting Chris’s door and leading them to his own.

They get ready for bed quietly, brushing their teeth in tandem and slipping under the covers without much chatter.

When Buck reaches out a hand to where Eddie is laying, Eddie responds instantly. He shifts closer to the Omega, lacing their fingers together and aligning their bodies until they’re pressed up against each other.

Buck feels something well up in his throat, and he opens his mouth before he knows what he’s going to say.

“Tell me you mean it.”

“What?” Eddie sounds a bit confused.

“All of this. Tell me you mean it.”

“Buck. I mean it. I mean it when I say I want you here. I want you.”

Buck turns to look at Eddie’s face, open and honest.

He can’t fight the pull any longer.

Buck leans in, almost expecting to wake up from a dream, but he’s met with Eddie’s lips.

They’re even softer than they look.

Buck gasps into Eddie’s mouth, which Eddie takes full advantage of to slip his tongue inside.

Buck pulls at Eddie’s shoulders, desperate for him to come closer.

Eddie obliges quickly, leaning his weight onto Buck.

Buck welcomes the weight pushing him into the mattress. Lives and breathes for it.

But still, he wants more.

They kiss for what could be hours, could be days.

They kiss, Buck’s hands wandering over the planes of Eddie’s back, until Eddie yawns into Buck’s mouth.

Buck chuckles, pulling away.

Eddie is quick to kiss him again, but Buck just shakes his head.

“Kiss me again and we’re not sleeping at all tonight.” He teases.

“Fine by me.” Eddie murmurs.

“I need my beauty sleep.”

“Oh, is that why you’re so gorgeous?”

Buck flushes at the compliment. He likes his body, but he knows he’s not the typical Omega. Hearing that Eddie likes his muscles, his height, is comforting.

“You like it when I compliment you.” It’s not a question from Eddie; it’s a statement.

“Yeah.” Buck whispers, pecking Eddie on the lips one last time.

Sue him, he can’t resist.

Eddie smiles, but he closes his eyes. “Goodnight, Omega.”

Buck sinks into the bed, held down by Eddie’s torso and his words until he falls into the best sleep he’s ever had.

Chapter Text

Buck wakes up slowly. He registers the feeling of being safe, being held, before Eddie’s scent wafts into his nose.

Eddie’s pressed up against Buck’s back with a strong arm around his waist.

Buck feels centered, settled, and loved.

He’s almost back asleep when Eddie stirs, holding him tighter for a split second like he can’t bear any distance between them.

That sends a dangerous zip down Buck’s spine, and he arches just a bit back into Eddie’s front.

A low growl spills out of Eddie, like Eddie is whispering “Behave.” right into his ear.

That makes Buck shiver, his Omega instincts rising up with the intent to be good, so good.

For Eddie. Just for him.

Eddie’s warning quickly fades as the Alpha grips Buck’s hip and rocks into him once, twice.

A third time.

Buck’s eyes roll back in his head as he feels the hard line of Eddie’s dick against his clothed ass.

Buck’s hands grapple for purchase on the sheets, scrambling to fist in the fabric as Eddie starts to mouth at his shoulder.

Eddie’s lips are just as soft on his skin as they felt last night.

He kisses Buck so sweetly, almost reverently as he starts to move against Buck’s body.

It’s so much, and nowhere near enough.

Just as Eddie’s hands start wandering threateningly low on Buck’s abdomen, he hears something start to ring.

Buck can’t comprehend what the noise means, but he notices immediately when Eddie wakes up fully and groans, pulling away to grab at his phone.

“What--” Buck pants, eyes half lidded and squinting against the morning light.

“It’s my alarm.” Eddie explains, sliding back into place beside Buck.

Buck nods while angling his head for a kiss.

Eddie smiles, indulging him. Morning breath be damned.

Eventually, though, the alarm rings again, insistent.

Buck glares at the offending technology, making Eddie laugh.

Buck can’t stay upset when Eddie laughs. His eyes crinkle up, and he looks younger. Softer.

He wants to make Eddie laugh every day of their lives.

Eddie hands over Buck’s clothes, washed and folded. Buck regrets pulling off Eddie’s attire, and judging from the heavy stare on him, Eddie shares the sentiment.

The room gets hot quickly as Eddie watches Buck strip. Maybe Buck pulls off the clothes a bit slowly, a bit teasingly.

When his hands stutter at the waistline of his borrowed sweats, Eddie curses, looking at the ceiling.

“I’ll start on breakfast.” Eddie says, kissing Buck’s shoulder as he passes.

Buck wants to keep him. To wrap him up and never let go.

“Don’t you dare make pancakes without supervision.”

“Cute.” Eddie winks at him before disappearing into the kitchen.

Without distraction, Buck changes quickly and goes to join his Alpha.

Eddie doesn’t seem to notice Buck slipping into the room, which Buck takes full advantage of. He walks up behind Eddie before sliding an arm around his waist and hooking his chin over Eddie’s broad shoulder.

He feels more than hears Eddie’s intake of breath, and he revels in the way Eddie’s hands twitch on the spatula he’s using to stir a pancake mix.

It looks just the right side of lumpy, so Buck rewards him with a kiss to his temple.

Eddie leans back into Buck’s weight, and Buck takes it gratefully.

He’d take any piece of Eddie he could. Hell, he’d cradle Eddie’s heart in his hands, pressing it into his own chest like it belongs there.

Buck regretfully lets go when he hears the hinges on Chris’s door squeak.

Eddie makes a mournful sound at the loss, but he shares an understanding look with Buck.

It’s too soon to tell Chris what they are. If they are anything.

But Buck can’t feel too bad about it when Eddie presses a quick kiss to the inside of Buck’s wrist, his lips leaving an invisible mark on the veins.

“Morning, bud.” Eddie greets a sleepy Chris, who lights up when he sees Buck.

“Buck! You’re still here!”

“Heck yeah, I am. Someone has to make sure your dad doesn’t mess up the easiest recipe in the book.”

“Pancakes?” Chris’s energy is infectious.

“You know it.”

Eddie looks at their interaction with such a sappy grin, Buck has to swallow. Hard.

Buck can’t help but feel like he fits into their family like a glove.

He adds fresh fruit to the pancakes so they get a hint of nutrition.

He helps Chris choose a T-shirt, packing a sandwich into his lunchbox while Eddie changes.

Buck and Eddie’s hands brush as they walk the few short steps toward Eddie’s truck, and Buck wants nothing more than to grab on and never let go.

It’s exciting, and terrifying, and Buck needs to focus on the present before he’s begging Eddie to put a ring on his finger.

They separate as Eddie drives Chris to school, Buck heading to the station for his shift.

Hen and Chimney both clock his repeat outfit, but Eddie shows up right on time to distract them.

The shift goes as smoothly as it ever can, but the calls are peppered with heavy looks from Eddie and even heavier pats on the back or shoulder rubs.

Buck’s sure he’s being obvious with his smiles and blushes, but no one calls him on it.

The end of the shift is close enough to taste, but Bobby has them doing chores instead of just handing out.

He feels hotter than usual under his collar, shifting constantly and snarking at everyone except Eddie.

Eddie, he just wants to be good for.

Buck just needs-- he needs, and he wants, and he would beg for anything from Eddie, anything at all at this point.

Eddie hovers, too. He looks confused and a bit concerned, but he listens to Bobby when the chief asks him to clean the truck while Buck finishes the dishes.

Hen comes up to Buck, wordlessly taking another dish towel and a plate.

“So, when are you putting in your leave?” She asks, and Buck tilts his head.

“What?”

“Come on, it’s not that embarrassing. Karen’s was a few months ago, and it was the most natural thing in the world. Bobby gave me the whole week off.”

“No, seriously, what are you talking about?”

Hen looks at him incredulously.

“Buck…your heat. It’s coming up, isn’t it?”

Buck drops a mug into the water.

The symptoms pile up in Buck’s mind, and he groans, dropping his head.

“I didn’t…didn’t notice. Shit, it’s going to come on fast, isn’t it?”

Hen rubs a hand on his back comfortingly.

He bristles, which has never happened before. He loves Hen, but her touch isn’t the one he wants right now.

Hen backs off, giving him some space.

“Thanks. I don’t know why--”

“Yes, you do. Come on, we’re not idiots. Has anything happened with Eddie?”

Buck blushes at just his name, which Hen clocks immediately.

“Holy shit. Did you guys…”

“We kissed.” Buck admits, a smile forming on his lips at the memory.

“Are you gonna ask him to help you?”

The smile grows fainter. “I want to. God, I want to. I just…I don’t think I could survive it if he says no.”

Hen wacks him with her towel.

“What the-- what was that for?!”

“You’re so smart, Buck, but you’re also so, so dumb. You really think Eddie’s going to say no?”

Buck thinks about the way Eddie held him through the night, the look in Eddie’s eyes whenever they make contact, and the syrupy smell of his scent in the morning, sweet and comforting.

“I guess not.”

They finish up the dishes quickly, and Buck tries not to run down the stairs toward Eddie.

But when he finds the Alpha, words fail him.

“Hey,” Eddie greets. “Bobby just gave word. We’re good to go home.”

Buck can’t help smiling softly, imagining how Eddie might mean their home, together.

“Right.” Buck croaks. “Cool.” Jesus, why was it so hot in here?

Buck tugs at the collar of his T-shirt, and Eddie tracks the movement with heavy eyes.

“Are they uncomfortable?” Eddie asks, then looks a bit shame-faced.

“What?”

“The patches.” Eddie responds, gesturing to Buck’s covered-up scent glands.

“Oh.” Buck is surprised. He barely notices them anymore. “I guess? I don’t really think about them. Why?”

Eddie looks away before returning, and his eyes come back almost black.

“No reason.” Eddie coughs, obviously lying, but Buck can’t be bothered to care. Not when Eddie is shiny with sweat, running a rag over his forehead from cleaning, and standing close enough to smell.

Buck shifts closer, taking advantage of the empty area.

Buck’s eyelids close half-way, angling his head to kiss Eddie.

But Eddie must have more sense than him, since he grabs Buck’s hand and tugs them toward the locker room.

It’s barely better, but it gives them the illusion of privacy behind a wall of lockers.

Eddie finally, finally, for the first time since that morning, kisses him.

It’s sweet and dirty and just a hint of what Buck needs.

Buck whines, a high-pitched sound that has Eddie writhing against him.

A hand comes up to Buck’s neck pulling him even closer.

Suddenly, a knock echoes throughout the room.

Buck barely hears it, kissing Eddie again.

Eddie smiles indulgently as he leans back. Too far.

Buck rests his head on Eddie’s shoulder, trying to get as close as he can to the source of Eddie’s scent.

It’s almost indecent the way Eddie shudders under him.

The knock comes again, with a voice this time.

“You know, public indecency is a crime?” Chimney’s voice has Eddie straightening up.

“Get outta here, Chim.” Eddie warns, voice heavy.

“Afraid I can’t do that. See, I’m pretty sure my car keys are in the locker you’re so helpfully pressed against.”

Eddie sighs, running a hand down Buck’s back.

He extricates himself, but Buck feels empty without those hands.

Buck feels wild, like he was struck by lightning again. Only this time, he isn’t passing out. He’s just full of electricity.

“Come on. Let’s get you home.” Eddie grabs their stuff and moves to leave, but Bobby appears with his hands up in a gesture of cautiousness.

“I need you two to slow down a second.” Bobby says gently.

“I swear, I’ll sign whatever form HR puts in front of me, but I need to--” Eddie starts, but Bobby shakes his head.

“You don’t know, do you? It’s harder without smelling him.”

“What?” Eddie looks confused, but the signs are piling up in Buck’s head.

“Did Hen tell you?” Buck asks, breathing heavily.

“She didn’t need to. I checked your records when I noticed the symptoms. Buck, it’s been too long. You need to take a week.”

Buck bristles, but a part of him knows Bobby’s probably right.

“What is going on?” Eddie demands, but his voice is soft and low.

Bobby angles his head in a silent question toward Buck, who nods.

“He…he’s going into heat.” Bobby explains.

“Oh.” Eddie swallows, looking at Buck. “Why didn’t you…how long have you known?”

“Just today. It comes on…they come on fast.” Buck shifts closer to Eddie, closer than he probably should with their captain literally right there.

Eddie looks like he swallowed something sour, and Buck reaches up to smooth cup Eddie’s face in his palm.

Eddie leans into the motion like he can’t physically stand without it.

“Do you…do you want to be alone?” Eddie asks, eyes clenched.

Buck answers immediately. “No.” He whispers.

“Buck…” Bobby starts. “Do I need to call Athena to calm you down? We should talk about this before you make any decisions.”

Eddie growls, eyes flashing open, making Buck’s heart thump traitorously.

“No, Cap. It’s okay, I’m good, I swear.” Buck looks at Bobby imploringly.

“How am I supposed to know that for sure? You’re still in the early stages, but you’re still going into heat.”

“Trust me anyway.” It sounds a lot like “Love me anyway”.

After a tense few seconds, Bobby sighs and nods.

“Okay. Okay, Buck. But Eddie? You hurt him, and you won’t just have me to deal with. There are a hell of a lot of people who love this guy.”

Buck goes even warmer at the reminder, and Eddie wraps a reassuring arm around his waist.

“I know. Hey, is Hen still here? Someone needs to pick up Chris, and I don’t think I can… I can’t be away from Buck for that long.”

A wave of affection swarms Buck at the mention of their kid.

“I’ll catch her and ask. If she’s busy, which I can’t imagine she is, I’ll have her text you.”

“Thanks. I’ll beg my abuela and Tia Pepa to take shifts this week.”

Buck sways on his feet, and Eddie holds him closer, pressing a kiss to his temple.

“You’re okay, cariño. I’ve got you.”

Not many people can hold up Buck’s weight, but he doesn’t even hesitate to let Eddie.

With another nod from Bobby, they’re heading toward Eddie’s truck in the parking lot.

Eddie’s head is on a swivel, his protective streak rearing up. Buck loves it; he loves Eddie.

He loves him so much, it’s tattooed on the tip of his tongue.

Buck wants to tell him before he’s delirious. He knows Eddie enough to think that Buck is only saying things he wants to hear, and Buck’s determined to make Eddie believe him.

So, as they’re driving to Buck’s apartment, where he only stays when he’s not with Eddie, Buck opens his mouth.

He should’ve known Eddie would beat him to it.

“I love you.” Eddie whispers at a traffic light, and Buck just. He melts.

“I love you.” Buck replies, getting lost in Eddie’s deep eyes and never wanting to be found.

A horn beeps at them, and the two men laugh at the obviously green light.

Eddie calls his family members on speaker, who agree to watch Chris at Eddie's house for a few days. Eddie thanks them profusely, and Buck can see the gratefulness bleed out of his pores.

Eddie gets them back in one piece, even though Buck rests their hands on his thigh and kisses the back of Eddie’s hand as often as he can.

Eddie unlocks his door while Buck unhelpfully kisses the back of his neck, running his hands over Eddie’s arms worshipfully.

Buck can barely hold himself up without Eddie’s guiding hands, bringing them to Buck’s bed, his nest.

Eddie stops at the edge, looking at Buck.

“What?” Buck breathes.

“I just…I want you to invite me in. If you want.”

“Eddie.” Buck’s breath goes heavy as he appreciates the Alpha in front of him. ‘Yes. Come in.”

Eddie straddles his thighs, and Buck can’t help but thrust up, his dick straining against his jeans.

Even through the layers of fabric, Buck can feel the hard line of Eddie and his body heat.

Eddie takes a deep breath, and Buck gets a bad, bad idea.

Slowly, he reaches up and peels off his scent gland blockers, throwing them in the direction of a trash can.

It’s not rare for Omegas to present fully to an Alpha without bonding, but it means something.

Eddie knows that.

Eddie’s eyes roll back as he sniffs the air, smelling Buck fully for the first time.

He moans, opening his mouth like he can taste Buck on the air itself.

Eddie’s grip tightens, and he leans forward like he can’t help it.

Buck goes slack, trusting Eddie with more than he can name. He’s hard, so hard.

So when Eddie noses at Buck’s weakest point, more exposed than he’s ever been with a partner, when Eddie opens his mouth and drags his lips over Buck’s scent gland, when his tongue licks at the skin, and when Eddie lets the barest, barest hint of his teeth to rake over the pressure point, Buck comes so hard he blacks out.

Chapter Text

Buck floats back down to his body to the feeling of a cool cloth on his skin, wiping away sweat and, well, other things.

He doesn’t open his eyes yet, enjoying the feel of protective hands on his body, of being safe.

“Buck?” Eddie asks, a hint of amusement in his tone.

“You’re going to be insufferable about this, aren’t you?” Buck groans, even as he smiles.

“Hmm, about what? About making you come so hard and fast you passed out? Nah, that’s pretty typical.”

Finally opening his eyes, Buck tries for an annoyed glare.

It just appears fond.

Before Buck can respond, Eddie leans forward to kiss him.

Buck will never get tired of kissing Eddie.

The Alpha’s lips are hot and insistent, yet also patient and slow.

Buck wants more.

He can feel the warmth simmering under his skin, the whine in the back of his throat, and the way his dick is still hard, pressing into Eddie’s body as the Alpha leans over him.

Buck’s hands move from around Eddie’s neck toward his hips, trying to pull the other man on top of him fully.

Looking regretful, Eddie pulls back for a second.

Buck is quick to kiss him again, earning a chuckle.

“We should shower. Come on.” Buck doesn’t want to move, but the thought of a dripping wet Eddie has him moving pretty quickly.

In the end, they just kiss under the spray for long minutes.

Eddie insists on washing Buck’s hair and body, which has Buck devolving into a writhing, naked mess.

Buck can’t decide between ogling Eddie’s body outright and just giving into Eddie’s ministrations and rolling his eyes back, head hitting the shower wall.

He eventually alternates between both options, causing him to become lightheaded.

“Shh,” Eddie murmurs when Buck whimpers. “Let me take care of you.”

Embarrassingly, tears burn behind Buck’s eyes at the words.

He can’t remember the last time someone other than Maddie took care of him.

“I got you.” Eddie speaks into Buck’s skin, pressing kiss after kiss to the column of Buck’s throat.

It seems like ever since Buck crossed the boundary by taking off his scent gland patches, Eddie’s been a little obsessed.

Buck doesn’t mind one bit.

They have to leave the shower once they run out of products to use, and Eddie wraps a towel around Buck so slowly Buck sways on his feet, overcome with emotion.

“Tell me what you want.” Eddie mumbles as he licks at the junction of Buck’s shoulder and neck.

“I want-- I need--” Words are getting more difficult as Buck slips further into his heat.

“Easy, Buck.” Eddie finishes drying them off, easing Buck down onto the bed again.

Wordlessly, Buck parts his legs and Eddie slips between them, easy and meaningfully.

“Please, Eddie…”

“You still haven’t said it.” Buck can feel the smirk on Eddie’s lips as they suck a hickey into Buck’s throat.

Buck can’t find it in himself to care as he whines.

“Fuck me.” Buck breathes, finally speaking the words into the air where they linger like leaves in the wind.

Eddie stutters, breathing heavily.

He pulls up, cradling Buck’s face in his gentle hands.

Eddie kisses him so softly, so sweetly, that a tear slips down Buck’s cheek.

When Eddie notices it, he presses his lips to the salty track, erasing its trace with a swipe of his tongue.

Buck can’t take much more of this.

“Eddie, I can’t--”

“I got you.” Eddie repeats, leaning them both back on the bed.

He tosses their towels somewhere, and they disappear from Buck’s mind just as quickly.

“Condom?” Eddie asks, voice getting rougher as Buck attempts to swallow Eddie’s tongue.

Buck makes a face, and Eddie chuckles.

“I’m clean, I got tested last month, I swear, Eddie, please, I want to feel you.”

“Jesus, Buck. Okay, okay. I’m clean, too, I promise.”

Eddie’s fingers are hot brands pressing into his waist.

Buck wants them to bruise.

His body goes warm at the idea of being possessed by Eddie, being owned, being marked.

“Fuck, your goddamn blush.”

“What?”

Eddie kisses his cheeks, his neck, his chest.

“You get so fucking pink. It’s ridiculous. I always wondered…how far down it would go.”

Eddie looks up grinning, and Buck thinks he’s died and gone to heaven when he slowly inches downward, leaving open-mouthed kisses along the way.

Bypassing his dick completely, Eddie stops at his thighs, which are trembling.

Eddie trails his hands along the muscles, as if in worship.

“Jesus, Buck. I have to--”

Eddie sucks harshly at the crease of his thigh and abdomen, holding him down so he doesn’t buck off the mattress.

Buck wants to push back, to fight until Eddie holds him down even harder, but he also can’t stand much more teasing.

“Eddie, Eddie, Eddie, please…”

Finally, Eddie must see the desperation in Buck’s eyes, since he pulls back to kiss Buck firmly.

Buck doesn’t see it coming when he wraps a hand around Buck’s dick and pumps it slowly.

This time, when he comes, he stays awake to enjoy the aftershocks.

Like the way Eddie’s eyes grow molten.

Like the noise Eddie makes, like someone just sucker punched it out of him.

Like the way Buck’s own breaths shudder out of his body in waves.

Eddie cleans him up carefully with a few tissues, but Buck catches his arm once he’s done.

“Eddie. Now, now, now, I need you now.”

“Buck--”

“Please, Alpha. I need-- I need you to fuck me now.”

If it’s even possible, Eddie’s eyes get darker. He quickly presses Buck down again, where he squirms against the Alpha’s body.

Every touch, every kiss, does nothing to stop the fire burning in Buck’s chest, in his heart, in his mind.

He tries to say so, but Eddie brings his hand to knead at Buck’s ass, and all that comes out is a broken moan.

Buck can feel the slick seeping into the sheets, and he sees the moment that Eddie smells it.

Eddie stills completely, nose in the air and eyes half-closed.

Almost tentatively, almost carefully, Eddie brings Buck’s leg up till it’s bent and open.

Buck almost cries outright when Eddie exposes his entrance and swipes a thumb over it.

Eddie brings the digit, shiny with slick, to his lips in slow motion.

In between the next moment and its following microsecond, Eddie’s face is buried between Buck’s legs.

He licks insistently at Buck’s hole, which flutters and spasms at the onslaught.

Buck can’t help the noises he makes, begging and pleading for more as Eddie gives him everything.

Before Buck can even get used to the feel of Eddie’s tongue, Eddie circles a finger around him.

It enters his body easily, smoothly up to the knuckle.

Buck can’t think.

He can’t speak.

He can only come again, orgasming with his hands on the headboard, using it to push himself back onto the digit.

When Buck can breathe again, he’s sputtering, drooling, and spouting words even he can’t understand.

Eddie must be able to though, since he adds another finger without stopping.

Buck loses himself in the movements, almost kicking Eddie when Eddie gets up to three fingers.

He’s crying now in earnest, begging for more.

Eddie can’t stop kissing Buck, his thighs, his nipples, but his throat mostly.

Eddie crooks his fingers, and Buck nearly arches off the bed as he finds his prostate.

Buck pulls himself together to whisper one coherent word.

“Now.”

Eddie nods a few too many times, pulling his fingers out with effort.

Buck lets himself stare at Eddie’s dick, flushed and hard and beautiful.

He can’t see the moment Eddie nudges at his entrance, but he feels the head breach him slowly, so slowly he can feel every second skip as time stops.

Buck is shaking, arms straining and fisting the sheets and ripping the pillow behind his head.

Eddie tries to check in on him, but he only gets as far as “Are you--” before Buck is pushing back on his dick.

“Alpha, alpha, alpha, more--”

Eddie braces one arm, and slides in all the way.

Buck could die happy at this moment.

Then Eddie moves, and he thinks he might already be dead.

Buck locks his ankles around Eddie’s back as Eddie begins to thrust in and out.

Every panting breath they share, every second they stare into each other’s eyes, every goddamn kiss Eddie won’t stop pressing into Buck’s scent gland just builds and builds.

Buck loses track of time when Eddie finds his prostate again, deciding to torture Buck by hitting it on every subsequent thrust.

He can only recognize the way his body finally feels right, feels complete.

Buck knows he’s moaning brokenly, punctuated by high-pitched whines for more, and he can’t do a damn thing about it.

Eddie is talking, too. Groaning his name over and over, licking at his throat and biting his shoulder harshly.

“Mine.” Buck hears, and he feels something settle in his chest.

“All yours.” Buck responds, almost too quietly for Eddie to hear.

But he does.

Buck knows because Eddie growls, low and threatening.

“Buck, please…”

“Wha--” Buck can’t understand what Eddie is asking, but he knows he would say yes.

Not just because he’s out of his mind with lust and love and heat, but because it’s Eddie.

“Please let me-- I need to--” Eddie’s knot is growing at the base of his dick, and it’s making Buck shake with need.

Something clicks in Buck’s addled mind, and he tilts his head, exposing his throat.

“Bite me.” Buck pleads, answering his Alpha’s begging.

Eddie’s teeth are on his neck before Buck even sees him move.

Eddie drags Buck down on his dick, knot full and catching on Buck’s rim, just a touch too roughly.

He bites down hard on the skin, drawing blood and claiming Buck forever.

Buck comes hard enough to lose his breath, going lightheaded as he lays in his nest, finally satiated.

Eddie comes inside him a second later, releasing Buck’s throat almost gently and licking at the mating mark.

Buck drags Eddie into a messy kiss, tasting just a hint of his own blood.

“I love you.” Buck pants, unwilling to let go of any part of Eddie.

“I love you, Buck.” Eddie responds, his hands wandering all over Buck’s body, as if wanting to touch him everywhere all at once.

They settle on Buck’s hips, where Buck is pleased to notice finger-shaped bruises.

Buck can’t notice much else before his eyes are closing in spite of himself.

They’re probably going to be locked together for the next hour or so, and Eddie looks as exhausted as Buck feels.

“I love you.” Eddie repeats as Buck falls asleep, pressing them into his skin and searing them there forever.

Like a brand.

Like a threat.

Like a promise.

Chapter Text

Eddie’s POV

Eddie almost changes his mind three times on the way to Buck’s apartment.

The other man had only been out sick for about a day, but Eddie is already half out of his mind with worry.

He can’t help the need to protect, to care for, to love his Omega.

So what if Eddie hadn’t yet found a way to show or speak his feelings?

There had to be some sort of mutual understanding between them, if the heated looks and lingering touches were anything to go on.

Just last week, Buck had gone beet red when Eddie pulled sharply on his harness straps to check their give. Maybe Eddie’d been a little enthusiastic about it, but who can blame him when Buck blushes so prettily?

Eddie finally gets to Buck’s door with a bag of takeout and frowns. Usually, he can already hear the TV or Buck’s latest podcast or even Buck’s horrendous shower singing, but there’s nothing coming from his apartment entrance.

His key slides in without much noise, and Eddie steps in, locking the door behind him on instinct.

“Buck?” He calls, half expecting a stuffy response from the loft.

Eddie’s already plopped the takeout on the nearby shelf and toed off his left shoe when his body freezes without any input from his brain.

He’s known Buck smells good. He’s caught a whiff after showers, during sweaty workouts, or even during early mornings.

But Eddie’s always been able to handle his reaction, which usually consists of shallow breaths and averted eyes.

This? Is nothing like those situations. Because, as Eddie pieces together, Buck is experiencing a full-on heat, and Eddie’s just invaded his home without any notice.

Eddie’s eyes are half-closed, his vision going blurry with the force of how captivating Buck’s scent is.

He almost stumbles over his discarded shoe as he scrambles for the door, but it’s too late.

“Eddie?”

Eddie senses Buck instead of seeing him. He still can’t focus, but he can hear steps running down the stairs toward him.

“Buck, I swear, I didn’t--”

All of a sudden, his vision clears in time to see Buck, clad in boxers and sweat, collide into him.

Eddie’s back hits the door, and he just barely manages to catch the Omega in his arms.

Before Eddie can even try to comprehend this new situation, Buck licks a line up his neck, biting at his jaw.

Eddie moans, hands pressing into Buck’s back hard enough to leave bruises.

Buck kisses across his face, spreading that god-forsaken scent like a brand.

All Eddie can do at the moment is hold on for dear life.

“You’re here. You’re really here. Oh, thank fucking God, Eddie, you’re here.”

“I’m here, I’m here, Buck, what is--” Eddie tries to get the words out, he really does, but then Buck slides a thigh in between Eddie’s knees, and words fail him spectacularly.

Only years of training and mental exercises give Eddie the strength he needs to pull back, just to breathe, and figure out what the hell is going on.

“Buck, just a second, please, I need to know what’s going on.”

Instantly, Buck shrinks back. “You don’t want me?”

“God, no, sweetheart, please don’t say that.”

But Buck’s eyes are glassy and he’s panting, and Eddie prays to a god he barely believes in anymore that he’s not going to screw up the most important friendship of his life.

Eddie’s pulling Buck back in without a heartbeat passing by, and the younger man falls into his neck like his strings were cut.

Eddie kisses the top of his head, trying to breathe in oxygen instead of that mouth-watering scent.

“Buck, I just thought you were sick. Like, a cold. I brought food, and the next thing I know you smell like the sun and the stars. I just…I need a minute. Are you okay? What can I do?”

Buck takes a hasty breath, shaking his head a little.

“I…you’re real? This isn’t a dream?”

“You dream about me?” Eddie can’t help but smile.

There’s that blush.

Buck looks away, the tips of his ears pink.

“More often…like this.”

The world fades away as all the blood in Eddie’s body rushes south.

Buck moves a step away, and Eddie has to make two fists in order to prevent himself from snatching his Omega right back.

“You…brought me food?”

“Yeah. Takeout.” Eddie’s working on constructing more than two syllables at a time, but Buck’s chest is still rising and falling hard, sending beads of sweat running down to his dark boxers, which aren’t concealing a literal thing.

“It can wait.” Buck has a glint in his eyes that makes Eddie shiver.

“Buck, we need to talk about this.”

“Do we?” He nearly whines, stepping back into Eddie’s space.

Eddie groans without meaning to, and Buck leans his forehead against Eddie’s.

Their breaths and scents intertwine, and Eddie closes his eyes.

“I need you, Eddie. Please, I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t.”

“Ask for what?” God, Eddie really shouldn’t be entertaining this.

“For you to stay. Please stay, Eddie.”

“You know I’d never leave you.” Eddie hears himself say.

“Do I?”

Eddie’s hands find Buck’s naked waist, gripping there firmly in lieu of an answer.

“Because I think…” Buck’s voice drops lower as he angles their faces closer. “...that you need to prove that to me.”

“Tell me you won’t regret this tomorrow.” Eddie begs. “Tell me I’m not alone in feeling this.”

“You’re not. I promise; I swear. Eddie, I want you. I want all of you. I want us, and it’s not because I’m in heat, or I’m desperate, though I definitely am.”

Eddie huffs out a laugh, which Buck quickly swallows as he finally kisses him.

It’s like everything holding Eddie back is severed in an instant.

Reversing their positions, Eddie shoves Buck back against the door, cradling the back of his head so it’s not pushed into the wood. His hips snap forward, earning Eddie a gasp from his Omega, so he does it again.

And again, and again, until Buck is writhing under him, moaning as Eddie maps out Buck’s throat with his tongue.

Buck tastes sweet, and salty, and Eddie’s drunk. He’s intoxicated with Buck around him, desperate for something he’s just barely cracked the surface of.

“Bed?” Eddie mumbles against Buck’s lips.

“Unngh,” Is Buck’s response, but he pushes Eddie toward the couch instead.

“Better,” Eddie gasps.

Buck is quick to straddle Eddie on the cushions, rolling his hips and chasing the friction he’s so obviously dying for.

For a second, Eddie just stares and lets him.

Buck is backlit by the light from the kitchen, and he now looks like the actual sun. His eyes are closed, mouth open in a perpetual gasp, and his eyebrows are furrowed in the way they always are when he’s concentrating on something.

“Fuck, you’re gorgeous. Jesus, Buck.” Eddie pants.

Buck just whines. He grabs Eddie’s hand from his hips and drags it up over his abdomen, his chest, to the back of his neck.

Eddie, grateful to understand anything in this frantic situation, grasps Buck’s hair, and pulls. Hard.

Buck straight up stops breathing for a minute as he comes in his boxers.

Eddie is an inch away from following when Buck, shaking, immediately climbs off.

Eddie doesn’t understand why, or what he did wrong, until Buck sinks to his knees on the carpet.

“Buck, you don’t have to--”

“If I don’t get some part of you inside me in the next three seconds, I might actually die.”

“Fu-uck,”

Buck unbuckles and undoes Eddie’s belt and jeans in record time, not even pausing to roll down his boxers all the way before he’s sinking down onto Eddie’s dick with a moan.

Eddie sees more stars than he could in Texas, which is saying something.

He returns to pulling Buck’s hair, which only spurs his Omega on more.

Buck slides up and down, sucking Eddie’s dick like he’s breathing through it.

A part of Eddie is concerned about how much air Buck is getting in, but he stops thinking entirely as Buck leans further down and swallows.

Eddie should have seen his orgasm coming, should have warned Buck, but all he can do is groan, thrusting up instinctually into the wet heat of Buck’s mouth, as Buck dutifully swallows everything he’s given.

Once Eddie drags Buck up onto the couch, kissing him more than a few times, it takes several minutes to catch their breath.

“Fucking hell.” Buck finally remarks, using some tissues to clean up as best he can with shaky hands.

“How the- how the hell can you do that?”

Buck winks. “I’ll show you sometime.”

“So you’re… I mean, you feel-”

“A little more normal and less pathetically desperate? Yeah. A good orgasm can do that. Sometimes it makes me even spacier, but I’m glad for the chance to thank you for staying.”

“Buck…”

“You didn’t have to.” Buck looks away, ducking his head a bit.

“We both know I wouldn’t have. The second I walked in here, anything else just…disappeared.”

“Shit, you didn’t have a shift or anything, did you? Is Chris okay?”

Eddie places an arm around Buck’s shoulders, bringing him in closer.

“No, it’s my day off. And Chris with Carla. I do have one tomorrow, but I don’t…”

“What?”

“I don’t think I can physically leave you anytime soon.”

Buck goes red at that statement, eyes flicking down to Eddie’s mouth.

“I’m sure you’ve got some sick days piled up.”

Buck leans in, but Eddie has a bit of a clearer head now.

“Wait, have you been eating? Drinking?” Concern for Buck pushes to the forefront of Eddie’s brain.

Buck looks sheepish. “Um, protein bars? And a water bottle.”

“Wait here.” Eddie says, and Buck nods eagerly. A little too eagerly, but Eddie fights not to notice.

Eddie wishes he didn’t know where all the plates and napkins were by heart if only to have something else to focus on other than BuckBuckBuck.

He brings over the takeout on plates, forks instead of chopsticks at the moment, and several of the Gatorade bottles Buck saves for intense workouts. Blue, of course.

Eddie all but shoves the supplies into Buck’s hands, who looks a bit surprised.

“What?” Eddie asks as he gives Buck the plate with significantly more protein on it.

“Nothing.” Buck is quick to reply, but Eddie shakes his head.

“You gotta communicate with me, man. I know it’s hard, but I need to know some of these things.”

“I just…it feels nice.” Buck waits a beat. “Being taken care of.”

Eddie couldn’t stop the urge to wrap an arm around Buck if he tried.

Buck settles underneath him instantly, starting in on the food like he’s starving.

Eddie has to be reminded that he has his own plate, but he’s getting more nourishment from just being near Buck than anything a takeout place could provide.