Chapter 1
Eddie tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he navigated the quiet streets of Los Angeles. The city felt unusually still tonight, a far cry from its usual hustle and chaos. He should’ve felt calm, but his heart was pounding. It wasn’t just the drive–it was the decision he’d made before getting in the truck.
Tonight was the night.
For years, Eddie had kept parts of himself locked away, hidden from the world, buried beneath layers of expectations and traditions. Growing up in El Paso, in a deeply religious and traditional Mexican-American family, he’d always known what was expected of him. Be a good son. Respect your elders. Get married to a nice girl. Have a family.
He’d done all of it–or tried to. He’d married Shannon, had Christopher, and created a picture-perfect life. But the cracks had always been there, threatening to break the facade. Shannon had seen it, long before Eddie could admit it to himself. She had called him out on it during one of their many fights.
“Eddie, you’re not just unhappy with me. You’re unhappy with you. And until you figure out who you are, this is never going to work.”
Her words had stung, but they’d stuck with him, even after she’d walked away. Even after he’d told himself he was fine, that he didn’t need to question anything.
And then he met Buck.
The dating app had been a mistake–or so Eddie had told himself at the time. A moment of weakness. A way to distract himself from the stress of single fatherhood. He hadn’t expected to meet someone like Buck: bright, confident, and full of an energy that felt impossible to resist.
They’d kept things casual at first. Late-night texts. Coffee dates in places where they wouldn’t run into anyone Eddie knew. Eddie had told himself it wasn’t serious, that it didn’t mean anything. But Buck had a way of getting under his skin, of making him laugh when he thought he’d forgotten how, of reminding him what it felt like to be seen.
For the first time in his life, Eddie felt like he could breathe.
And then he fell. Hard.
Eddie glanced at his phone on the passenger seat, the message Buck had sent earlier still glowing on the screen.
Whatever happens tonight, I’m here. Always.
He smiled, the tension in his chest easing slightly. Buck had been patient, understanding Eddie’s fears and insecurities. He’d never pushed, never demanded more than Eddie was ready to give. But Eddie couldn’t keep hiding. Not anymore.
He’d spent the last year lying to his family, to himself, about the man he was seeing. Every time they asked if he was dating anyone, he’d given the same deflective answer: “No time for that, Mom.” Or: “Chris keeps me busy enough.”
But tonight, he was done lying. He was ready to tell them the truth. He had told his parents that he was going to introduce them to the love of his life, and has asked them to be open about them, as criptic as it had sounded.
The thought sent a shiver of both excitement and fear through him. His parents weren’t cruel, but they were... rigid. His father especially. Ramon Diaz didn’t bend for anyone, least of all his son. Eddie could already hear the words, the disappointment in his father’s voice.
This isn’t how we raised you.
What about Christopher? What kind of example are you setting for him?
Eddie clenched his jaw, pushing the thoughts away. He couldn’t let fear hold him back anymore. He was doing this for himself, for Buck, for Christopher. His son deserved to see his father happy, to see what love looked like, even if it didn’t fit the picture-perfect mold Eddie had grown up with.
The headlights appeared out of nowhere.
Eddie barely had time to react.
The other car barreled through the red light, slamming into the driver’s side of Eddie’s truck. The impact was deafening, the sound of crunching metal and shattering glass ripping through the night. Eddie’s head snapped to the side as the truck spun violently, the force slamming him against the door. Pain shot through his chest, his vision blurring as the world tilted and turned.
Time seemed to slow, every second stretching into an eternity. Eddie’s thoughts were a jumbled mess, panic and regret and a single, clear image: Buck’s smile.
The truck came to a stop, the front end crumpled like a soda can. Eddie’s body slumped forward, his breaths shallow and ragged. Blood trickled down the side of his face, warm and sticky, but he barely felt it.
Somewhere in the distance, he heard sirens.
His phone buzzed weakly on the passenger seat, the glow of Buck’s name flashing on the screen. But Eddie couldn’t reach for it, couldn’t even move.
As darkness crept in at the edges of his vision, a single thought echoed in his mind.
I hope he knows I love him.
***
Buck sat on the couch in his small apartment, nervously bouncing his knee as he stared at his phone. He glanced at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. Eddie was late. Not like, oops, I lost track of time late, but something’s wrong late.
He picked up his phone again, scrolling through the unanswered texts he’d sent in the last hour.
Hey, you okay?
Let me know when you’re close
Eddie?
The little dots on the screen taunted him, empty and lifeless. Buck sighed and leaned back, running a hand through his hair.
He had been so excited for tonight, so nervous, too. Eddie had finally decided to take the leap–to tell his parents the truth, to introduce Buck as the person he’d been seeing. They had talked about this moment for months, and tonight was supposed to be the first step toward something real, something public.
But it was a fragile, tentative step.
Eddie had told Buck about his family’s expectations early on. About how they had always envisioned a traditional life for him–wife, kids, a house in the suburbs. And Eddie had tried to give them that. He’d married Shannon, had Christopher, and built a life that looked perfect from the outside. But when the marriage ended, the questions had started.
“When are you going to find a nice woman to settle down with?” his mother would ask, her tone always laced with hope.
Christopher, unaware of the weight of his innocent questions, would sometimes chime in: “Do I get a new mom soon, Dad?”
But it was his father, Ramon, who had made things unbearable. Eddie had once tried to hint at the truth during a particularly heated conversation.
“You know, Dad, not everyone needs to get married again to be happy,” Eddie had said cautiously.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ramon had snapped, his voice sharp. “Christopher needs stability, a mother. You need a woman in your life, someone who can make you whole again.”
Eddie had hesitated, then blurted out, “What if that’s not what I want?”
“What are you saying?” Ramon had demanded, his eyes narrowing.
“I’m saying maybe I’m not looking for... a woman,” Eddie had admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
The silence that followed was suffocating. Ramon’s face had turned a deep shade of red, his anger erupting like a volcano.
“No son of mine is going to be queer,” he had spat, his voice echoing through the house. “Do you hear me? I didn’t raise you for this–this disgrace!”
Eddie had stormed out that day, his heart pounding, his hands shaking. It had taken days for him to calm down, weeks before he could even bring himself to talk to his father again. And even then, the subject had been avoided like a plague.
So when Eddie told Buck he wanted to introduce him to his family, Buck had been both thrilled and terrified.
“You’re sure about this?” Buck had asked, his brow furrowed. “I don’t want to push you into something you’re not ready for.”
“I’m sure,” Eddie had said, his voice steady. “I want this. I want us. And they’ll just have to deal with it.”
That had been this morning.
Now, hours later, Buck sat in his apartment, staring at the empty space where Eddie was supposed to be, his stomach churning with unease.
He picked up his phone and called again. Straight to voicemail.
“Come on, Eddie,” he muttered, pacing the room. “Where the hell are you?”
Another twenty minutes passed before Buck’s unease turned into full-blown panic. Grabbing his keys and jacket, he headed out the door, dialing Eddie’s number one more time.
This time, someone answered.
“Hello?” The voice on the other end was gruff, unfamiliar.
Buck froze. “Uh, who’s this? Where’s Eddie?”
“This is Officer Daniels,” the man said. “I found this phone at the scene of an accident. Are you a family member?”
Buck’s blood ran cold. “An accident? What kind of accident? Is Eddie okay?”
“I don’t have those details,” the officer said. “He’s been taken to Mercy General Hospital. You’ll need to contact the staff there for more information.”
Buck’s breath hitched; his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might break through his ribs. He gripped the phone tighter, trying to keep his voice steady.
“Thank you,” he managed to say before hanging up.
The drive to the hospital was a blur, every red light and slow car in front of him fueling his growing panic. He couldn’t stop replaying the officer’s words in his head. An accident. He imagined twisted metal, shattered glass, Eddie lying unconscious, or worse.
By the time Buck reached the hospital, his hands were shaking so badly he could barely hold the steering wheel. He rushed through the sliding doors, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of Eddie.
“Excuse me,” he said to the nurse at the front desk, his voice trembling. “I’m looking for Eddie Diaz. He was just brought in. He was in an accident.”
The nurse’s expression softened, and she nodded. “One moment.” She typed something into her computer.
As she worked, Buck’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw a message from Eddie’s number–a picture of Eddie and Christopher, smiling on a beach. The timestamp was from hours ago.
The nurse looked up. “I’m sorry, but Mr. Diaz’s family is already here. You’ll need to speak with them.”
Buck froze, his chest tightening. He turned and saw them: Ramon, Helena, and Ana Diaz, standing together near the waiting room. And that’s when Buck’s world began to fall apart.
***
The nurse at the desk had directed him to the waiting room, and with each step closer, his dread deepened.
Finally, he saw them–Eddie’s parents, standing together, their grief visible in every rigid line of their bodies. Ramon was pacing, his arms crossed tightly, while Helena sat in a plastic chair, her face buried in her hands. Ana hovered nearby, her expression unreadable.
Buck hesitated, his feet rooted to the linoleum floor for a moment before he forced himself to move. He felt like an intruder, like he didn’t belong here, but he couldn’t turn away. Not without answers.
“Mr. and Mrs. Diaz?” Buck’s voice cracked as he approached.
Ramon stopped pacing, his sharp gaze cutting to Buck. Helena lifted her head, her tear-streaked face looking at him with confusion.
“Yes?” Helena asked, her voice trembling. “Who are you?”
Buck froze, the question catching him off guard. He opened his mouth to answer, but the words wouldn’t come. How could he explain himself in this moment? What was he supposed to say?
“I’m...” His throat felt dry, and he glanced down, wringing his hands together. “I was–Eddie was–”
Helena’s eyes widened as understanding dawned. She stood abruptly, her hand clutching Ana’s arm for support. “You’re the one,” she said, her voice quiet but heavy with realization. “You’re who he was going to bring to meet us tonight.”
The words hit Buck like a punch to the gut, and before he could respond, Ramon’s voice erupted like a thunderclap.
“You?” Ramon’s face twisted in fury, his voice rising with every word. “You’re the reason my son is dead!”
Buck stumbled back, his breath hitching. “What? No–”
“Don’t you dare deny it!” Ramon shouted, pointing an accusing finger at Buck. “He was on his way to you! He wouldn’t have been on that road if it weren’t for you!”
“I didn’t–” Buck tried to speak, but his words were drowned out by Ramon’s fury.
“You filled his head with lies, made him think he could abandon everything he was raised to believe! You turned him against his family, against his values, and now–now he’s gone!” Ramon’s voice cracked, but his rage didn’t waver. “This is your fault.”
Buck shook his head, tears stinging his eyes. “I loved him,” he said, his voice trembling. “I–he loved me. He wanted to–”
“He wanted nothing but trouble because of you!” Ramon roared. “You’ve done enough damage. Get out of here. Leave us to mourn our son in peace.”
Buck staggered, his legs feeling weak. “Please, just tell me what happened. Is he–” His voice broke. “Is he really–?”
“Dead,” Ramon spat, his eyes burning with anger. “Because of you. So go. Leave. You’ve already taken enough from us.”
“Ramon, stop,” Helena said softly, though she didn’t move to stop her husband. Her face was tight with grief, and though her tone was less biting, there was no warmth in her gaze as she looked at Buck.
Buck’s breath caught, his mind spinning. This wasn’t real. It couldn’t be. Eddie couldn’t be gone. Not like this.
“I’m sorry,” Buck whispered, his voice cracking as he took a step back. His vision blurred with tears, and he could barely see the hallway as he turned and walked away.
The last thing he heard was Ramon’s voice behind him, cold and final.
“Don’t come back.”
***
The apartment was silent when Buck returned, a stark contrast to the chaos roaring in his head. He stumbled through the door, barely registering its slam behind him. His keys slipped from his hand, clattering to the floor, but he didn’t bother picking them up.
He collapsed onto the couch, his hands trembling as he pressed his face into them. His chest ached, every breath a jagged knife slicing through him. Eddie’s name was stuck on repeat in his mind, his voice, his laugh, the warmth in his eyes that Buck might never see again.
“Dead.” The word echoed in Ramon’s voice, harsh and unforgiving.
Buck shook his head violently, his nails digging into his palms. “No,” he choked out. “No, it’s not true. It can’t be true.”
But the image of Eddie’s parents, the raw grief on Helena’s face, and the anger in Ramon’s accusations were seared into his memory.
He pulled out his phone with shaking hands and scrolled to Eddie’s name in his contacts. The little picture Eddie had insisted he take of himself, grinning and holding up a peace sign, stared back at him. His thumb hovered over the call button, his heart screaming for him to do it, to prove this was some terrible mistake.
Instead, he flung the phone onto the coffee table, the screen cracking on impact. The room was too quiet, his own breathing too loud. He couldn’t stay here, surrounded by the echoes of Eddie.
Buck stood abruptly, pacing the small living room. His eyes landed on the framed photo on the mantle–a picture of him and Eddie from one of their beach days in which Christopher had stayed with his grandma, Eddie’s arm slung casually over his shoulder. Buck reached for the frame, his fingers brushing over Eddie’s face before the dam broke.
The sobs came in waves, violent and unstoppable. He sank to the floor, clutching the photo to his chest as if holding onto it could somehow bring Eddie back.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered between gasping breaths. “I’m so sorry, Eddie.”
He thought of all the things he’d never said, all the plans they’d made, now shattered. He thought about Eddie’s hesitation to come out fully, the way he’d been scared to face his parents but had finally been ready–ready for Buck, ready for them. And now he was gone.
Ramon’s words twisted like a knife in his gut.
“You’re the reason my son is dead.”
Was it true? Had he pushed Eddie too hard, too fast? Would Eddie still be alive if Buck hadn’t been part of his life?
The thought was unbearable.
“I loved you,” Buck whispered into the empty room, his voice breaking. “I loved you so much. I still do.”
The hours stretched on, the night unrelenting in its stillness. Buck stayed on the floor, clutching the photo until his hands ached, until exhaustion finally pulled him into restless, dreamless sleep.
***
The morning sun filtered through the blinds of Buck’s small apartment, painting soft stripes of light across the walls. The place felt empty, though it had always been that way since Eddie.
A year.
It had been a year since that night, the night Buck had waited for Eddie, dressed in his best shirt, full of nervous anticipation. A year since he’d gotten that call from the cop who told him there had been an accident. A year since he’d gone to the hospital only to be met with Eddie’s parents and their venomous accusations.
“You’re the reason my son is dead.”
That sentence had haunted him every day since.
Buck had tried to find closure. A week after the accident, he’d gone by Eddie’s house, hoping for answers, maybe even some connection to Christopher, the boy Eddie had spoken of so fondly. But the house had been dark, the blinds drawn, and no one answered the door.
He tried again a few days later, and again a week after that, but it was as if Eddie’s life had vanished along with him. Eventually, Buck stopped going. He couldn’t stand the sight of the house, couldn’t stomach the confirmation that Eddie was truly gone.
He’d tried to move on. Downloading dating apps, swiping through profiles, going out for coffee or dinner with a few of them. But every conversation felt flat, every laugh forced. No one could fill the Eddie-shaped hole in his life.
The guilt wouldn’t let him.
He wasn’t ready, and deep down, he knew he might never be.
His phone buzzed on the table, pulling him from his thoughts. The screen lit up with an unknown number. Normally, Buck would ignore it, but something made him pick it up this time.
“Hello?”
There was a pause on the other end, and then a small voice, tentative and unfamiliar. “Um... hi. Is this Buck?”
Buck froze. His breath caught as he leaned forward in his chair. “Yeah, this is Buck. Who’s this?”
“It’s Christopher,” the boy said softly.
Christopher.
The name hit Buck like a punch to the gut, a flood of memories rushing back–Eddie’s fond smile whenever he talked about his son, the way his eyes lit up when he described Christopher’s latest accomplishments.
Buck’s grip on the phone tightened. “Christopher,” he repeated, his voice trembling. “How did you...?”
“I found your number on a picture of you and my dad,” Christopher explained, his voice a little steadier now. “On the back, it said, ‘If you ever need something and I’m not there, call him. He’s me in another body.’”
Buck’s chest tightened, tears springing to his eyes. He could almost hear Eddie’s voice in those words, the deep trust and love that still felt too big for him to carry.
“Chris,” Buck said, his voice cracking. “Are you okay? Are you... do you need help?”
“I’m okay,” Christopher said, but his voice wavered. “I just... I wanted to ask you something.”
“Anything,” Buck promised immediately.
There was a pause, and then Christopher’s voice came through, small but hopeful. “Can you help me get a bicycle?”
Buck let out a breathless laugh, the first genuine sound to escape him in months. Tears spilled over as he pressed a hand to his mouth. “Yeah, buddy,” he whispered, his heart breaking and mending all at once. “Yeah, I can do that.”
For the first time in a year, something inside Buck shifted. A spark of life, of purpose, flared to life in the hollow place Eddie had left behind.
Christopher needed him. And maybe, just maybe, Buck needed him too.
***
Buck sat on the edge of his bed, phone still in hand, staring at the blank wall in front of him. His heart thudded in his chest, a mix of anticipation and nerves twisting his stomach into knots.
He should have reminded Christopher not to talk to strangers. That was the responsible thing to do. But the thought hadn’t even crossed his mind when he heard the boy’s small voice on the other end of the line. He’d been so overwhelmed by the fact that Christopher had called him–him, of all people–that common sense had flown out the window.
How had Christopher even gotten a picture of them together? Buck frowned, his mind racing. Eddie had always been cautious about their relationship. He wasn’t ready to be open about it, and Buck had respected that, even though it stung at times. The thought of a photo–proof of their connection–sitting somewhere in Eddie’s house felt out of place, almost unbelievable.
And yet, there it was. Christopher had seen it, had read the words Eddie had written. If you ever need something and I’m not there, call him. He’s me in another body.
Why was it still there? A year had passed since Eddie’s death. Buck had assumed that Eddie’s parents–traditional and painfully judgmental as they were–would have scrubbed the place clean of anything that might hint at Eddie’s “deviated tastes,” as his father had put it.
Hadn’t they packed up his things? Cleared out the memories of a life they’d refused to acknowledge? The idea that the photo had survived felt like an impossible fluke.
And then there was Christopher himself. Why had he called? He’d said he was at his home–the same house Eddie had lived in. But who was taking care of him now?
Eddie’s parents? His aunts or uncles?
Or had Christopher ended up in the foster system?
The thought hit Buck like a punch to the gut, and he doubled over slightly, gripping the edge of the mattress. He knew how hard the system could be, how often kids fell through the cracks. The idea of Christopher–a boy Eddie had loved so fiercely–being left to navigate that alone made Buck’s heart ache.
He couldn’t let that happen.
Buck sat up straight, running a hand through his hair as he tried to steady himself. He needed to see Christopher, to figure out what was going on.
The phone buzzed again, startling him. It was Christopher, his small voice still timid but laced with excitement.
“Buck?”
“Hey, buddy,” Buck said, forcing his voice to sound calm even though his heart was still racing.
Christopher hesitated. “It’s my birthday.”
Buck blinked, caught off guard. “It is? Well, happy birthday!”
“Thanks,” Christopher said. “Um... my dad said he was going to get me a bike for my next birthday, but... since he’s not here...”
The sentence trailed off, leaving an unspoken weight hanging between them. Buck’s chest tightened. Christopher still believed Eddie would’ve made good on that promise.
“Well,” Buck said after a moment, his voice soft. “How about this? I’ll come see you, and we’ll go pick out the best bike they’ve got. Sound good?”
“Really?” Christopher’s voice lit up with hope, and Buck felt a bittersweet smile tug at his lips.
“Really,” Buck assured him. “You deserve it.”
Christopher’s laughter on the other end of the line was a balm to Buck’s fractured heart. He clung to the sound, letting it anchor him, even as the questions and uncertainties continued to swirl in his mind.
He still didn’t have answers–about the photo, about who was taking care of Christopher, about why Eddie’s family hadn’t cleaned the house out entirely. But for now, none of that mattered.
Christopher needed him.
And Buck wasn’t going to let him down.
***
The house was smaller than Buck had imagined, tucked into a quiet neighborhood surrounded by an almost stifling sense of normalcy. The curtains were drawn, and the yard was a little overgrown–not enough to look abandoned, but enough to hint at neglect. Buck pulled his truck into the driveway, his palms slick against the steering wheel.
He sat there for a moment, staring at the front door. His heart pounded against his ribs, a chaotic rhythm that seemed to echo all his doubts and fears. He hadn’t stepped foot into Eddie’s house before–not for lack of wanting, but because Eddie hadn’t been ready. His family, his son, his private life–it had all been too complicated to share just yet.
And now Buck was here, uninvited, unsure if he even belonged.
“Get it together, Buck,” he muttered under his breath, gripping the keys in his hand. He stepped out of the truck and walked up to the door. Before he could knock, it swung open, and there was Christopher–smiling wide, his dark curls bouncing as he threw his arms around Buck’s waist.
“You’re here!” Christopher beamed, his enthusiasm contagious despite Buck’s nerves.
“Of course, buddy,” Buck said, his voice thick with emotion. He crouched down to Christopher’s level, ruffling his hair gently. “Happy birthday.”
“Thanks!” Christopher grinned. “Sophia said you might want coffee. She makes it better than Grandma, or at least that’s what everyone says.”
Buck blinked, standing as a young woman appeared in the doorway. She had Eddie’s eyes, though hers held a warmth that Eddie’s parents had never shown.
“You must be Buck,” she said, extending a hand. “I’m Sophia. Eddie’s youngest sister.”
“Hi,” Buck managed, shaking her hand. His nerves spiked at the mention of Eddie, but Sophia’s calm demeanor helped keep him grounded.
“Come on in,” Sophia said, stepping aside. “We were just about to make coffee.”
Buck followed them inside, the air in the house heavy with unspoken memories. It wasn’t quite as he had imagined–there were a few toys scattered across the floor, and a few family photos hung crookedly on the walls. It was lived-in, but it also felt like something was missing.
Christopher bounded into the living room, talking a mile a minute about the bike he wanted. Buck smiled faintly, letting the boy’s excitement fill the silence.
“He’s been talking none stop about this since he hung up. He begged for me to call you. I’m sorry if it wasn’t the right moment,” Sophia said softly as she poured coffee into two mismatched mugs.
Buck took the mug gratefully, his hands warming against the ceramic. “I’m glad he called me. I just...” He hesitated, glancing toward Christopher, who was now sorting through a pile of Legos. “It’s been a long time.”
Sophia’s expression grew somber. “I know. After the accident... things were hard for everyone.”
Buck’s throat tightened at the mention of the accident. He hadn’t dared to ask about Eddie–not since that awful day at the hospital. But now, standing here, the weight of his unanswered questions was suffocating.
Christopher broke the silence, looking up from his toys. “Sophia, can Buck come with us next time to see Dad? He’s still asleep, but I think he’d like Buck.”
Buck froze. The words hit him like a freight train.
“What... what do you mean?” he stammered, looking at Sophia, his eyes wide with confusion.
Sophia set her mug down, her shoulders sinking. “Buck...”
Christopher, oblivious to the tension, continued, “Dad’s been asleep since the accident. The doctors say he’s in a coma, but he’s gonna wake up soon. Right, Sophia?”
Buck felt like the floor had been ripped out from under him. “Coma?” His voice cracked. “Eddie’s in a coma?”
Sophia nodded, her eyes glistening with regret. “I’m sorry. I thought you knew.”
“I didn’t–” Buck’s voice broke, and he turned away, tears spilling down his cheeks. All this time, he had believed Eddie was gone. He had grieved, ached, tried to move on–only to find out Eddie was alive. Alive but unreachable.
Sophia moved closer, her voice gentle. “I owe you an apology, Buck. My father... he was cruel to you that day. We were all grieving, but that doesn’t excuse his behavior. He blamed you because he didn’t know how to deal with his own guilt.”
Buck didn’t respond, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.
Sophia continued, “After the accident, Christopher stayed with my parents, but Adriana and I tried to help as much as we could. Today, Christopher wanted to visit the house. That’s when we found the photo. He asked to call.”
Buck wiped his eyes, his heart breaking anew.
Sophia gave him a sad smile. “I don’t know what you and Eddie had, but... the last few weeks before the accident, something changed in him. He seemed lighter, happier. Like he’d finally found something worth fighting for.”
Buck’s chest ached at her words.
“You deserved to know the truth,” Sophia said, her voice steady. “If you want to see Eddie... I can take you to him.”
Buck swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. After everything, he didn’t know if he could face Eddie again. But he also knew he couldn’t walk away–not this time.
“I want to see him,” Buck said, his voice trembling but resolute. “Take me to him.”
***
The hospital was eerily quiet, its sterile walls and fluorescent lights doing nothing to calm Buck’s nerves. His footsteps felt heavy as he followed Sophia through the hallways, her presence a steadying force. Buck clutched the strap of his bag, his heart racing as they neared Eddie’s room.
Sophia stopped in front of the door, her hand resting on the handle. She glanced back at Buck, offering a small, reassuring smile. “Adriana’s inside. She’s probably reading to him–it’s her day to stay with Eddie.”
Buck nodded, his throat too tight to form words.
Sophia opened the door, revealing a cozy hospital room with soft lighting. Adriana was sitting by Eddie’s bedside, a book open in her lap. She looked up as they entered, her expression curious but kind.
“Sophia?” Adriana asked, closing the book and standing.
“Adriana, this is Buck,” Sophia said gently. “He’s... a close friend of Eddie’s.”
Adriana studied Buck for a moment before extending her hand. “I’m Adriana, Eddie’s older sister. It’s nice to meet you.”
Buck shook her hand, murmuring a polite greeting.
“Sis, could we have a minute?” Sophia asked, her tone soft but insistent.
Adriana hesitated, her eyes flicking to Eddie before nodding. “Of course. I’ll be right outside.” She gave Buck a brief smile before slipping out, closing the door behind her.
Now alone with Eddie, Buck felt his chest tighten. He took a hesitant step closer, his eyes falling on the man lying motionless in the hospital bed. Eddie’s face was pale, but still familiar. The sight of him hooked up to machines, his chest rising and falling in time with the steady beeping of the monitors, sent a wave of emotion crashing over Buck.
He sank into the chair beside the bed, his fingers trembling as he reached for Eddie’s hand. Memories flooded his mind–their first meeting, the easy laughter, the late-night conversations that had made Buck feel more alive than he had in years.
“I thought you were gone,” Buck whispered, his voice breaking. “All this time, I thought... I thought I’d lost you.”
The tears came unbidden, hot and heavy as they streamed down his face. Buck gripped Eddie’s hand tighter, his heart aching with all the love he had buried over the past year. He hadn’t just loved Eddie–he still loved him, with a depth that made his chest hurt.
“I’m so sorry,” Buck choked out, his voice barely audible. “I should have been there for you. I should’ve fought harder.”
The door opened softly, and Buck hastily wiped his tears as Sophia and Adriana reentered the room. Adriana looked concerned, but Sophia’s gaze was understanding, almost expectant.
“How is he?” Buck asked, his voice rough.
Sophia exchanged a glance with Adriana before answering. “The doctors say he’s stable, but... they’re not sure if he’ll wake up. There’s no way to know how much damage there might be until he does.”
“It’s not hopeless,” Adriana added quickly. “But it’s been... hard. For all of us.”
Buck nodded, his resolve hardening. “I want to be here for him. For both of you. For Christopher.” He paused, his voice softening. “I love him. I’ve been in love with him since long before the accident. I just... I didn’t realize how much until it was too late.”
Sophia and Adriana exchanged a look, their expressions shifting to something warmer, more understanding.
“That explains a lot,” Sophia murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. “Eddie... he was different those last few weeks before the accident. Lighter. Happier. I thought maybe he’d finally found something–someone–worth holding onto.”
“He had,” Buck said firmly, his gaze locked on Eddie. “And I’m not going anywhere this time.”
Adriana stepped closer, placing a hand on Buck’s shoulder. “Thank you. For being honest. For being here. Eddie deserves to be happy. If–when–he wakes up, he’ll have our support. All of it.”
Sophia nodded, her expression softening. “You’re part of his life, Buck. You were then, and you still are now.”
Buck swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving Eddie. “I’ll do whatever it takes. I just need him to know... he’s not alone.”
And for the first time in a year, Buck felt a glimmer of hope. Eddie was still here, and Buck wasn’t going to let him go again.
***
The first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the hospital blinds, casting a soft glow across Eddie’s still form. Buck sat in the chair beside the bed, his hand loosely holding Eddie’s. He hadn’t slept much–his mind had been too busy replaying everything from the previous day.
The soft hum of the machines was interrupted by the muffled sound of raised voices outside the room. Buck frowned, sitting up straighter as the voices grew louder. He recognized Sophia’s voice, steady but firm, and another, harsher tone that sent a chill down his spine–Ramon.
Curiosity turned to dread as Buck stood and moved toward the door. He opened it just enough to peek out, only to see Ramon and Helena Diaz standing with Sophia in the hallway. Ramon’s face was red with anger, his voice booming.
“He shouldn’t be here!” Ramon shouted, gesturing wildly toward Eddie’s room. “It’s his fault my son is lying in that bed!”
Sophia stood her ground, her arms crossed. “That’s not fair, Dad. You don’t even know the whole story.”
“I know enough!” Ramon barked. “He has no right to be here after what he’s done!”
Buck stepped into the hallway, his chest tight with a mix of anger and pain. “What I’ve done?” he said, his voice sharp and trembling. “You think I wanted this? You think I deserved to believe Eddie was dead for an entire year?”
Ramon whirled around, his eyes narrowing as he saw Buck. “I don’t think–I know. You came into his life, and now he’s here, broken, while you’re standing there like nothing happened!”
Buck’s jaw clenched, his voice rising as he stepped closer. “You think I’m not broken too? You think I haven’t been living in hell this past year, thinking Eddie was dead? You let me believe that, and now you’re blaming me for something I had no control over?”
“You had everything to do with it!” Ramon shouted, his voice echoing down the corridor. “If he hadn’t met you–if you hadn’t–”
“If I hadn’t what?” Buck interrupted, his voice sharp, his grief and frustration spilling over. “If I hadn’t made him happy? Because that’s what I did, Ramon. I made him happy, and you couldn’t stand it!”
“Don’t you dare–” Ramon started, but Buck cut him off.
“No, you don’t dare!” Buck’s voice cracked as tears filled his eyes. “You don’t get to stand here and act like you cared about Eddie’s happiness when all you ever did was make him feel like he wasn’t good enough. He deserved better than that. He deserved to live his life without fear, without shame, and he deserved to be loved–for exactly who he was!”
The tension in the hallway was thick, and a security guard appeared, walking briskly toward them. “You need to lower your voices,” the guard said sternly. “This is a hospital. If this continues, I’ll have to ask you all to leave.”
“I want him out!” Ramon barked, pointing at Buck. “He has no right to be here!”
Before Buck could respond, Sophia stepped forward, her voice trembling with emotion but unwavering. “Enough, Dad! You didn’t see it, but I did. Before Buck, Eddie was miserable. He was suffocating, hiding who he was because he was so afraid of disappointing you. But in those weeks before the accident, he was different. He was lighter, happier. He was finally starting to live his life. And that was because of Buck.”
Ramon opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out. His shoulders slumped, the fire in his eyes dimming.
Helena, who had been silent until now, stepped closer to her husband. Her voice was soft but firm. “She’s right, Ramon. Eddie deserves to be happy. If this is what makes him happy, we need to accept it. For him.”
Ramon stared at her, his face a mixture of anger and pain. Finally, he turned away, his steps heavy as he walked down the hallway, leaving the others behind.
Helena turned to Buck, her eyes filled with sorrow and something else–understanding. “I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “He just needs time. We all do.”
Buck nodded, his throat tight with emotion. “I don’t want to cause trouble,” he said hoarsely. “I just... I love Eddie. I’ve loved him for a long time, and I’m not going to walk away now.”
Helena gave him a small, sad smile. “Thank you for loving him,” she said softly.
Sophia stepped closer to Buck, her expression resolute. “You’re not alone in this,” she said. “We’ll get through to him. But more importantly, we’ll be here for Eddie. All of us.”
Buck nodded, his resolve solidifying. He turned back toward Eddie’s room, his heart heavy but determined. He wouldn’t let anything–not Ramon’s anger, not his own fear–keep him away from Eddie again.
***
The days turned into weeks, and Buck found himself slipping into a rhythm he hadn’t anticipated but had quickly embraced. Every spare moment he had was spent at the hospital, his world narrowing down to the sterile white walls of Eddie’s room and the gentle rise and fall of Eddie’s chest as the machines worked tirelessly to keep him stable.
Buck divided his time between the Diaz sisters’ rotating schedule of keeping watch over Eddie. Sophia, ever the steady presence, would often greet Buck with a smile and a cup of coffee when their shifts overlapped. Adriana, more reserved but no less warm, would quietly share stories of Eddie’s childhood during their time together.
It was during these quiet hours that Buck learned more about the Eddie he hadn’t known–the boy who had dreamed of becoming a firefighter, the young man who had been the backbone of his family, and the brother who had always looked out for everyone but himself.
And then there was Helena.
Buck hadn’t known what to expect from Eddie’s mother after the confrontation in the hallway, but to his surprise, she had begun to seek him out during his visits. It started small–a cup of tea handed to him without a word, a soft thank-you murmured as she left the room. Over time, their conversations grew longer, deeper.
“I see the way you look at him,” Helena said one afternoon, her voice soft but firm. She was seated across from Buck, her hands folded neatly in her lap. “You love him.”
Buck swallowed hard, his throat tightening. “I do,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ve loved him for a long time.”
Helena nodded, her expression unreadable. “Eddie deserves that kind of love,” she said after a long pause. “He always has.”
Those words stayed with Buck, a balm to the wounds left by Ramon’s cold stares and cutting silence.
Ramon.
If Helena was slowly opening her heart to the idea of Buck’s place in Eddie’s life, Ramon was a locked door, refusing to budge. Every time Buck crossed paths with him, the man’s eyes would darken, his frown deepening into a scowl that spoke volumes. Ramon never said a word–he didn’t need to. The anger in his gaze was enough to send Buck’s heart plummeting, though he did his best to ignore it.
One evening, Buck arrived at the hospital after work, a bag of Eddie’s favorite snacks tucked under his arm. He had just stepped out of the elevator when he spotted Ramon walking down the hall. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Buck thought Ramon might say something. But instead, the older man’s face twisted into a glare, and he turned on his heel, disappearing around the corner without a word.
Sophia found Buck standing in the hallway, his shoulders tense. “He’ll come around,” she said gently, resting a hand on his arm.
Buck let out a humorless laugh. “I’m not so sure about that.”
“He will,” she insisted. “He loves Eddie. And deep down, he knows you love him too. He just needs time to accept it.”
Time. It was all anyone seemed to have these days. Time spent waiting for Eddie to wake up. Time spent hoping for a miracle. Time spent navigating the tangled web of grief, anger, and love that had become Buck’s new reality.
Some nights, when Buck stayed late at the hospital, he would sit by Eddie’s bedside, his hand lightly resting on Eddie’s. The quiet was both comforting and suffocating, the steady beeping of the monitors a constant reminder of the life that hung in the balance.
“Hey, Eddie,” Buck would whisper, his voice cracking with emotion. “It’s me. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
He would talk about anything and everything–his day at work, the latest antics of the Diaz sisters, Christopher’s plans for his new bike. He would laugh, cry, and sometimes just sit in silence, the weight of his love for Eddie filling the room.
Through it all, Buck held onto one unshakable truth: he wasn’t giving up. Not on Eddie, not on their future, and not on the love that had brought him back to this place, again and again.
Even if Ramon couldn’t see it, Buck knew in his heart that Eddie was worth every moment of the wait.
***
Eddie floated in a place that felt like nowhere and everywhere all at once. Time didn’t exist here. He couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, but he could feel–vaguely, distantly, as if through layers of fog.
There were voices sometimes. Familiar ones.
“...miss you so much, Eddie. I’m trying to be strong for Christopher, but–” That was Sophia. Her voice was always steady, but he could hear the crack in it now, the pain she was trying to hide.
“Buck says you’ll wake up soon. He promised.” Christopher. His little boy. His everything. The sound of his voice was like a light cutting through the darkness, but Eddie couldn’t reach for it.
And then, there was Buck.
“Hey, Eddie. It’s me again.” The voice was soft, full of warmth and heartbreak. “I–I don’t know if you can hear me, but I hope you can. I miss you. God, I miss you so much.”
Eddie’s heart ached at the sound. He wanted to shout, to tell Buck he was there, that he could hear every word. But his body wouldn’t respond.
Instead, memories came, unbidden and disjointed.
Christopher’s laughter as they built Lego sets together on a rainy afternoon. The warmth of his hand in Eddie’s as they walked to school. The proud smile on his face when Eddie cheered him on at the school play.
Sophia and Adriana, sitting around the kitchen table, teasing him about his cooking. Helena’s gentle reprimands, always followed by a kiss on the forehead. Ramon’s stern expression softening just slightly when Eddie brought Christopher home after a weekend away.
And then, Buck.
The way Buck’s eyes lit up when he laughed. The sound of his voice, always so full of life. The way he had made Eddie feel seen in a way no one else ever had.
The memories blurred, shifting into the day of the accident. The screech of tires. The blinding flash of pain. The desperate thought: Christopher.
And then nothing.
But now, there was something. A pull, a weight. A feeling like he was tethered to something just beyond his reach.
More voices.
“...he’s still here, Mom. I know he is.” Sophia again.
“I just want him to wake up. I want my dad back.” Christopher. Eddie’s heart shattered.
And Buck. Always Buck.
“I’m not giving up on you, Eddie. I love you. I’ve loved you for so long, and I’ll wait as long as it takes for you to come back.”
Love.
The word echoed in the emptiness, louder and clearer than anything else. It wrapped around Eddie, pulling him closer to the surface.
He felt the heaviness in his body begin to shift, the fog lifting ever so slightly. The voices grew louder, more distinct.
“Eddie?”
That voice. It was Buck.
Eddie’s eyelids felt like they weighed a thousand pounds, but he willed them to move. Slowly, agonizingly, he forced them open.
The room was bright, too bright, and everything was a blur. But then, there was a face.
Buck.
His blue eyes were wide, tears streaming down his cheeks as he leaned forward, his hands clutching Eddie’s.
“Eddie?” Buck’s voice broke, raw with emotion. “Can you hear me? Eddie, it’s me, Buck.”
Eddie tried to speak, but his throat was dry, his voice nonexistent. He settled for the smallest of movements–a faint squeeze of Buck’s hand.
It was enough.
Buck let out a sob, his forehead dropping to rest against Eddie’s hand. “You’re awake,” he whispered. “Oh my God, you’re awake.”
***
The hospital room was quiet except for the steady hum of machines. Buck sat in the chair beside Eddie’s bed, a small box of Christmas decorations resting on his lap. The festive reds and greens felt out of place against the sterile white walls, but he’d wanted to bring some warmth, some life, into the room.
“Hey, Eddie,” Buck said softly, his voice breaking the silence. “It’s almost Christmas. Can you believe that? Another year without you. It’s not the same, you know? None of it is.”
He opened the box and pulled out a small, sparkling snowflake ornament. He held it up, letting the light catch the glitter before setting it on the windowsill.
“I thought maybe I’d decorate your room a bit,” he continued, forcing a smile he didn’t feel. “Christopher would love it. He’s been asking about you, by the way. He’s doing okay, I think. Better than me, anyway.”
Buck leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His hands rubbed together nervously, the weight of the past year pressing down on him.
“I wish you were here,” he admitted, his voice trembling. “I wish we could spend Christmas at home, together. Me, you, and Christopher. I know it’s selfish, but I just... I want you back, Eddie. I want to see you smile again. I want to hear your voice. I want–”
He stopped, his throat tight. The words felt like they weren’t enough, like they couldn’t capture the depth of his longing.
Buck closed his eyes, letting the silence settle again. The faint beep of the heart monitor was almost soothing, a reminder that Eddie was still here, even if it wasn’t in the way Buck desperately wanted.
But then, something changed.
A movement.
Buck’s eyes snapped open, his heart pounding. He leaned forward, staring at Eddie’s hand.
It had moved.
“Eddie?” Buck’s voice was barely a whisper, his breath catching in his throat.
The movement came again, small but unmistakable. Eddie’s fingers twitched, a faint, almost imperceptible motion.
“Eddie!” Buck stood, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. His hands hovered over Eddie’s, unsure whether to grab them or call for a nurse. “Can you hear me? Eddie, it’s me, Buck.”
And then, Eddie’s eyelids fluttered.
Buck’s heart stopped. Time seemed to freeze as he watched, hardly daring to breathe. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, Eddie’s eyes opened.
“Eddie,” Buck choked out, tears streaming down his face. He stepped closer, his hands trembling as they found Eddie’s. “You’re awake. Oh my God, you’re awake.”
Eddie’s gaze was unfocused, his eyes squinting against the light. But he was there. He was looking at Buck.
“You’re here,” Buck whispered, his voice breaking. He pressed Eddie’s hand to his lips, a sob escaping him. “I’ve missed you so much. I–I thought I lost you.”
Eddie’s fingers moved, a faint squeeze that sent a surge of hope through Buck’s chest.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Buck promised, his tears falling freely. “Not ever again.”
Outside the window, the first snow of the season began to fall, blanketing the world in white. Inside the room, Buck felt the faintest flicker of warmth, like the start of a flame that had been smothered for too long.
Eddie was back.
***
The moment Eddie’s eyes fluttered open, Buck was already on his feet, frantically pressing the call button.
“Nurse! Doctor! He’s awake!” Buck’s voice cracked with emotion as he leaned over Eddie, his hands trembling as they brushed Eddie’s hair back. “Eddie, you’re awake. You’re really awake.”
The room exploded into action. Nurses rushed in, their practiced hands moving swiftly as they assessed Eddie. Moments later, the doctor entered, barking orders to remove the breathing tube and check Eddie’s vitals.
Buck stood frozen, his heart pounding as he watched the medical team work. Eddie’s eyes flicked to him, disoriented but present, and Buck felt a lump in his throat.
“His vitals are stable,” the doctor said, her voice calm but firm. “We’ll need to run tests–CT scans, neurological exams–to assess the extent of his recovery. It’s common for patients waking from comas to feel disoriented or weak for a few days. The fact that he’s responsive is a good sign.”
Buck nodded absently, barely processing the words. All he could focus on was Eddie’s hand, still clutching his as though it were a lifeline.
“I’ll call your family,” Buck whispered, squeezing Eddie’s hand gently. “They need to know.”
Eddie’s fingers twitched in response, a faint squeeze that sent Buck scrambling for his phone. His voice shook as he called Sophia, then Adriana, and finally Helena, Eddie’s mom.
Within minutes, the room was filled with people. Sophia arrived first, rushing to Eddie’s bedside with tears streaming down her face.
“You scared us, Eddie,” she said, her voice breaking as she leaned down to kiss his forehead. “Don’t you ever do that again.”
Adriana and Helena followed, Christopher trailing behind. The boy’s face lit up when he saw his dad awake, and he ran to Eddie’s side, throwing his arms around him.
“Dad!” Christopher cried, burying his face in Eddie’s chest.
Eddie’s arms moved sluggishly, but he managed to wrap one around Christopher, his other hand never letting go of Buck’s.
“Hey, buddy,” Eddie rasped, his voice weak but filled with love. “Missed you.”
Christopher pulled back, his face glowing with joy. “I knew you’d wake up. I told everyone you would.”
Eddie chuckled softly, a sound that sent a wave of relief through the room. Buck stood silently, overwhelmed by the scene but unwilling to let go of Eddie’s hand.
The doctor returned, her expression serious but hopeful. “We’ll need to take him for tests now,” she said, addressing the room. “We need to ensure there’s no lingering damage and monitor his progress.”
“Will he be okay?” Buck asked, his voice tight with worry.
The doctor gave him a reassuring nod. “He’s showing promising signs. The first 24 hours are critical, but he’s responsive, which is a very good indicator. He’ll feel weak and disoriented for a while, but that’s to be expected.”
Eddie’s sisters and mom stepped aside as the nurses prepared to move his bed. Buck leaned down, brushing his thumb over Eddie’s knuckles.
“I’ll be here when you’re back,” he promised.
Eddie’s grip tightened, his gaze locking onto Buck’s. “Don’t go,” he whispered hoarsely.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Buck said, his voice steady.
The room cleared as Eddie was wheeled out, but Buck stayed close, waiting until he was brought back.
When Eddie returned, looking exhausted but alive, the tension in the room began to ease. Helena took Christopher home, and Adriana and Sophia lingered, chatting quietly with Buck.
Then, the door opened, and Ramon entered.
The room stilled as Ramon stepped in, his presence casting a heavy shadow over the fragile warmth that had begun to bloom. His gaze swept the room, pausing on Eddie, pale and fragile in the hospital bed, before zeroing in on Buck.
The sight of their intertwined hands made his face harden, and his jaw clenched visibly. Eddie’s breath hitched, but his grip on Buck’s hand didn’t falter.
“Dad,” Eddie rasped, his voice hoarse but steady. “This is Buck. He’s my boyfriend.” He paused, swallowing hard. “And he makes me happy.”
Ramon’s eyes widened slightly, his gaze flickering between their joined hands and Eddie’s resolute expression. “Eddie...” he began, his voice tight. “You don’t–”
“I do,” Eddie interrupted, his voice stronger now. “I do mean it. Buck is everything to me. He’s been here for me, for Christopher, for all of us. He’s... he’s the reason I was finally happy before all of this happened.”
Ramon flinched as if struck. His hands curled into fists at his sides, his face a storm of conflicting emotions. “I... I didn’t know you were unhappy,” he muttered, his voice barely audible.
“You didn’t want to see it,” Eddie shot back, his voice trembling with years of bottled-up pain. “You and Mom always wanted me to be someone I wasn’t. I tried to fit into the mold you wanted for me, but it was killing me inside.”
Ramon looked down, his shoulders sagging. “I thought I was doing what was best for you. For Christopher. For our family.”
“By making me miserable?” Eddie’s voice cracked. “By teaching me to hide who I am? To be ashamed of myself?”
Buck’s heart ached as he watched the exchange, his free hand hovering protectively near Eddie’s shoulder.
“I didn’t know,” Ramon whispered, his voice breaking. “I didn’t know it was this bad.” He looked up, his eyes glistening. “I thought I was protecting you. From the world. From judgment. From people who wouldn’t accept you.”
“You weren’t protecting me,” Eddie said, his tone softer now but no less firm. “You were suffocating me. I was too scared to even think about being happy, let alone trying to find it. And then Buck came into my life, and for the first time, I didn’t feel alone. I didn’t feel broken.”
Ramon’s face crumpled, and he took a shaky step forward. “Eddie... I’m sorry. I’ve failed you. As a father. As a man. I thought I was doing the right thing, but all I did was hurt you.” His voice cracked, raw with regret. “Can you forgive me? Can you give me a chance to make it right?”
Eddie stared at his father for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he glanced at Buck, who gave him a small, encouraging nod.
“I want us to be a family again, Dad,” Eddie said quietly. “But it has to be on my terms. No more hiding. No more pretending.” He tightened his grip on Buck’s hand, his gaze steady. “This is who I am. And Buck is who I want.”
Ramon’s gaze dropped to their hands again, his lips pressing into a thin line. After a moment, he exhaled shakily and nodded. “If he’s what makes you happy, then... then I’ll support you. I’ll try, Eddie. I’ll try to be the father you deserve.”
Eddie’s eyes softened, and for the first time, a small smile tugged at his lips. “That’s all I need, Dad. Just try.”
Helena stepped forward, placing a hand on Ramon’s arm. “We all want Eddie to be happy,” she said gently. “And Buck makes him happy. That’s what matters.”
Ramon swallowed hard and looked at Buck, his expression still tinged with reluctance but now also with a glimmer of acceptance. “I don’t know if I’ll ever fully understand this,” he admitted. “But I’ll try. For Eddie. For our family.”
Buck, who had been silent until now, finally spoke, his voice steady but full of emotion. “All I want is for Eddie to be happy. To give him and Christopher the love and support they deserve.” He hesitated, then added, “I promise I’ll do everything I can to make that happen.”
Ramon nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on Eddie. “I just... I want us to be okay again. To be a family.”
Eddie smiled faintly, a flicker of warmth breaking through his exhaustion. “We will be, Dad. One step at a time.”
Ramon stepped back, his posture less rigid, his expression more open. “I’ll leave you to rest,” he said, his voice softer now. “But I’ll be here. Whenever you’re ready.”
As Ramon left the room, Helena followed, casting a reassuring smile over her shoulder. Adriana and Sophia stayed behind, their faces lit with cautious hope.
Eddie turned to Buck, his smile growing as he squeezed his hand. “We did it,” he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of relief and gratitude.
Buck leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Eddie’s forehead. “No, Eddie. You did it.”
And for the first time in what felt like forever, Eddie felt a sense of peace, knowing that the road ahead was finally clear for him to walk with Buck by his side.
***
The soft glow of Christmas lights bathed the Diaz home in a warm, festive ambiance. The air was filled with the smell of roasted turkey, cinnamon, and the faint tang of pine from the freshly decorated tree standing proudly in the corner of the living room. Laughter and conversation echoed through the house as the Diaz family gathered, the room alive with a joy that hadn’t been felt in a long time.
Eddie sat at the head of the table, his cheeks flushed with a healthy color after days of recovery. His eyes sparkled as he watched Christopher excitedly chatter with Adriana about the gifts under the tree. Across from him, Buck sat, smiling softly as he helped Christopher cut his turkey.
Eddie’s chest swelled with emotion. Just a couple of weeks ago, he hadn’t even been conscious, and now he was here, surrounded by everyone he loved. It felt like a second chance at life, a chance to embrace everything he had been too scared to reach for before.
Helena stood to make a toast, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “This year has been one of trials, but also of blessings. Eddie, seeing you here with us tonight is the greatest gift we could have asked for. And to Buck”–she glanced at him warmly–“thank you for being there for Eddie, for all of us. You’ve brought light into our family.”
Buck’s cheeks reddened, but he grinned, raising his glass. “To family,” he said simply, his eyes flicking to Eddie, who smiled back, his heart full.
As the meal ended, Christopher dragged Buck and Eddie to the living room, insisting on showing them the ornaments he and his grandma had made. The room filled with laughter as Adriana playfully argued with Sophia about who had the best tree-decorating skills, and Helena joined in to settle the debate.
Amid the cheerful chaos, Eddie found himself pulled to the side by Buck, who was holding a small sprig of mistletoe above their heads.
“Mistletoe,” Buck said with a teasing grin, his voice low. “You know the rules.”
Eddie chuckled, his gaze softening as he looked into Buck’s eyes. “You’re not very subtle, are you?”
“Not when it comes to you,” Buck replied, his tone shifting to something more serious, more heartfelt. “Eddie, I–”
But Eddie didn’t let him finish. Instead, he leaned in, pressing his lips to Buck’s in a kiss that was slow, tender, and filled with all the love he had been holding back for so long.
The room around them seemed to pause, and when they finally broke apart, Christopher’s delighted shout broke the spell.
“Ew, Dad! Buck!” Christopher exclaimed, giggling uncontrollably.
The rest of the family burst into laughter, but the teasing was lighthearted, the kind that only came from love and acceptance.
Eddie pulled Buck closer, their foreheads touching. “Merry Christmas, Buck,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.
“Merry Christmas, Eddie,” Buck replied, his smile brighter than the Christmas lights around them.
And as the evening continued, filled with joy and laughter, Eddie knew this was just the beginning of a life he had always dreamed of–a life of love, family, and finally, happiness.
