Work Text:
Eddie’s nodding off, his head leaned back against the back of the couch, the beer in his hand swaying dangerously, so Buck gently takes it and puts it on the table, then lowers the volume on the TV. He knows that he’d have to wake him up soon, to get him to go to bed. Sleeping on this couch, especially in this position, will result only in his body aching the following day.
For now, though, Buck takes this opportunity to just stare and fully appreciate Eddie – it might be a bit creepy, observing him while he sleeps, but he doesn’t care. It’s one of those moments when he doesn’t have to be sneaky, steal glances, and be careful. And it is very hard, because Eddie is just magnetic. He can always catch your eye, even in the most crowded room. It’s impossible not to just stare adoringly. At least in Buck’s case. It’s difficult not to notice Eddie, and it’s even more difficult to divert your attention to something else. It’s okay when they’re on a call, all of Buck’s focus on the job, but when they’re done? His eyes just automatically find Eddie all the time, and he has to force himself to act like he’s not totally in love with his best friend.
Right now, Buck can’t suppress a soft smile, as Eddie sleeps, looking so peaceful and calm, and so, so beautiful. His head is still leaned back, his lips parted a bit, and his arms folded loosely. Trying to be as quiet as possible, Buck drapes a blanket over him. He doesn’t have a heart to wake him, not yet. He can’t resist, and before he moves away, runs his fingers delicately through Eddie’s amazing hair, and it’s as nice and soft as Buck imagined. Eddie smiles in his sleep, and Buck just melts. God, he loves this man so much, he’d give anything to see this smile permanently on his face.
“You know,” he whispers, barely even aware of it. He has no idea why he even says anything out loud, maybe the feelings have built up so much he has to finally say something, even if the object of his affection won’t hear them – or especially then. “I’d do anything for you. I love you so much, you can’t even imagine. I wish I could tell you.” he finishes quietly, and sadly, knowing it’s gonna take a while before he gathers the courage to actually tell him.
Then he decides it’s time to stop being creepy. He goes to the kitchen to clean up after dinner, which they were supposed to do before, but, well, Eddie fell asleep.
When he gets back to the living room, he sits there for a second and considers just leaving Eddie like that, not disturbing him. Before he can decide though, Eddie shifts, leaning his head on Buck’s shoulder.
“Hey, Buck.” he says sleepily, his voice a bit hoarse. His eyes are still closed.
“Yeah?” he glances at him.
“I love you, too.” Eddie murmurs quietly, but there’s a huge smile spreading across his face. Buck’s stunned for a second. What the hell?
“You heard that?” he asks, terrified, Eddie’s words not yet fully registering.
“Uh-huh. Been half-asleep, I think. Heard everything.” he says, so calmly and sleepily, Buck’s half-convinced Eddie’s still asleep. But then he lifts his head up, opens his eyes, and drowsily looks at Buck. “I love you.” he repeats casually. “As in, in love. And, God, I hope you meant it like that, too.” he chuckles quietly.
“Of course. I- yeah. I’m so in love with you, I couldn’t even keep it to myself anymore, apparently.” he smiles shyly. Eddie yawns. “You should get to bed, Eds. We can talk in the morning.”
“Nah, I can talk.” he shakes his head, but Buck can see that he struggles to keep his eyes open. “I wanna talk. I wanna tell you how much you mean to me, and exactly how I feel-”
“Eddie.” Buck says softly. “Tomorrow. We have all the time in the world now, okay?”
“Mhm, okay.” he gets up, shakily, and then lets Buck lead him to the bedroom. As Buck helps him lay down, Eddie grabs his hand and doesn’t want to let go. So, Buck lays down next to him. It’s dark, but he can still see Eddie, and as he also falls asleep, he keeps looking at Eddie, wondering how on earth he got so lucky to get this beautiful and amazing man to love him back.