Chapter Text
Buck struts into the firehouse as he listens to Hen and Chimney’s chatter.
“These next 2 months are so busy man. Turkey Day with the in laws,
118-giving and Holidays are so much.” Chimney shakes his head.
“November is crunch time. Karen does not play with last minute plans. She has 3 spreadsheets. ” Hen groans.
“Oh damn, It is close to November.” Buck mutters.
Chimney gives him a look, “Why are you stressed about November? Are you trying out an experimental dish?”
“No, forget I said anything.” Buck brushes it off.
Bobby peeks over from the kitchen, “If you need help I have some great recipes for Thanksgiving.”
“I am alright Cap.”
“Is it not about food?” Chimney raises an eyebrow, “Are you getting me a super cool gift?”
“I wouldn’t tell you if I am, “ Buck smirks.
Eddie comes in then, “Eddie do you know what makes November weird for Buck?”
“Huh?”
“He made a weird comment about not being ready for November . I don’t think it is recipe or holiday planning related, considering he doesn’t ever host and he is already a suspiciously good gift giver.” Chimney pries.
“I don’t know. Maybe he is gonna go Keto or something until thanksgiving.” Eddie shrugs.
“No , not again.” Buck shivers.
“Wait, is he hiding a clipboard somewhere?” Eddie looks around dramatically. Buck rolls his eyes.
“Huh, are there obscure holidays and events?”
“All Saints Day!?” Bobby says.
“What is that?” Buck asks, confused.
“It is an old catholic tradition, like white people’s Dia Las Muertas,” Eddie explains.
“No shave November? I have never seen you with much facial hair.” Hen muses.
“Is the stache coming back?” Ravi looks at Eddie.
“No. That was a one time thing. We are trying to figure out why Buck is being weird about November.” Eddie says.
They throw out a few more internet holidays, until Ravi gets a funny look “Is it No Nut November?”
Buck blushes as Ravi laughs, “Dude!”
Bobby whips around, “Are you alright? Did you develop an allergy? Do I need to modify our recipes?”
Buck shakes his head , “That.. no. I am not allergic to nuts.”
“He has acquired a newfound liking for them actually.” Ravi teases as Hen and Chimney cackle.
“I am going to kill you all.” Buck mumbles red faced.
“I am confused. What is special about nuts and November?” Bobby asks.
Buck sighs, “It is a challenge of sorts. To see if people can restrain from.. physical pleasure for a month.”
Hen sighs “Wasn’t that started by losers on the internet who hate women and any sexual expression?”
Buck widens his eyes , “I am not doing it cuz of that! I looked it up and there are some health benefits.”
“Are you donating for a kid again?” Chimney interrupts.
“No! But that experience had me thinking. In small doses restraint can help physically and mentally. I think of it as self reflection on my relationship to sex and my previous coping mechanisms. Also can clear my thoughts a bit.” Buck explains.
“Is it similar to lent?” Bobby says, trying to understand .
they look at Eddie. “Dios Mio,” he groans, “In a way maybe? It is a shorter period of time but is less about guilt from having sexual desires and shame for some people at least . Or it should be?”
Bobby nods, “As long as you are being safe and it doesn’t interfere with work sounds fine. But I prefer not to hear any specifics.”
Buck goes red, “Heard cap.”
This started a trend of the 118 tormenting Buck with psychosexual warfare.
It starts out fine the first week. Chimney started sending him goofy NNN memes. They are mainly puns about actual food nuts , even a weird one about Mr. Peanut. Ravi, does send some more PG-13 ones but are mostly tame.
Then Ravi sends a goofy meme that makes him realize he may have a bit more difficulty this time.
There is white text at the top of a simpsons screencap. It says
[during NNN]
‘Straight guys: “I just have to not think about women”
‘Gay dudes: “I just have to stop thinking about men” .
Bisexual dudes: *shows meme of kid on bus* with caption “(chuckles) I’m in danger”
Buck blinks then ponders his life choices. He could just stop but he is pretty sure the team is doing a counter bet if he fails , plus they would roast him endlessly. It should be fine. He was single, and stressed about the responsibility for the donation last time he tried to abstain and he made it. He is single now, the 118 has survived worse things since and just happened to have a bisexual revelation and is at peace with what happened with Tommy. No pressure , don’t overthink it. Maybe he will start a new hobby.
By week 2 he notices little things get to him a bit more. He came over for the Diaz movie night. They found the new Jurassic movie on streaming. It was an honest attempt but Buck thinks it was just alright. He still gets annoyed about some of the scientifically inaccurate dinosaurs in the media but it is a fun time. He kinda zones out during part of it. Chris is entertained enough , Eddie just savors any moment he can get with his son.
“That was fun!” Buck says after the credits.
Chris shrugs, “It was alright. ScarJo still looks hot even though she is like your guy's age.”
Eddie frowns and Buck gasps in fake offense. “Chris,” Eddie scolds.
“What?”
“She is a fine woman I admit but also , be respectful of women no matter their age.” Eddie chides.
Chris rolls his eyes, “I know. I am not one of those dudebros who thinks women are old hags after they turn 22.”
“Chris!” Eddie says shocked.
Buck chuckles and steps in patting Chris’ back. “I think what Chris was trying to say is that she looks good for her age. To his credit , Chris is more respectful than half the kids his generation.”
“Yeah. Buck gets it. She is a MIL—“ Buck’s eyes widen and he makes a cut it out motion, “Mother I would love to know-” Chris saves himself and Buck gives him a thumbs up.
Eddie sighs. “Who was that guy? He looked familiar. The scientist.”
“He is in Bridgerton.” Chris quips.
“You watch Bridgerton?” Eddie asks, surprised. Buck looks scandalized.
“No. I hear some of the girls talk about him. Seems too boring and old and timely for me.” Chris shrugs.
“Thank God,” Buck whispers. “Which one is Bridgerton again? I haven’t seen it ” Eddie asks.
“It is like the regency era. Royals with fancy ballgowns and castles. Some drama about nobles and stuff. I think it is about a family finding their suitors. Romance and class and intrigue. So I have heard. Maddie watched it for a bit.” Buck answers.
“Huh. Maybe I should look into it. Anyway, what else is that guy in?”
“What Am, I IMDB? Wicked, dad. Fiyero. The dude who Glinda is obsessed with but has a thing for Elphaba. Jonathan Bailey ye ol internet says.” Chris snarks. Buck chuckles.
“Oh! I see it now. He was dancing in the library.” Eddie nods.
Buck blinks away the memorable moments - that may or may not involve his obscenely tight pants as he was dancing in that scene.
Christopher takes that moment to smile at him , “Buck remembers all right.”
“Dude! You little!” He ruffles his hair. Chris is at the age that he groans and tries to fix it after.
Eddie shakes his head, “What is that about? You gonna be singing around the firehouse?”
“Oh, he doesn’t remember the singing.” Chris teases.
“I do . It is called dancing my life..?”
“Dancing through life, man.”
“Whatever! When did you get so nosy?” He crosses his arms.
Eddie tilts his head, “ Is this some inside joke?”
Chris smiles as he shakes his head , “Buck is into Jonathan Bailey!” He sings
“I- No! What do you know?” Buck blushes.
“You got all quiet. You choked on your popcorn twice. Didn’t even comment on the bookshelf wheel during that movie.” Chris adds smug.
“I was entranced by the performance,?” Eddie and Chris give him twin disbelieving looks.
“He didn’t even rant about dinosaurs today, dad, he just twirled his hair whenever the guy or Scarlet was on screen.” Chris says smug.
“Oh my god, he didn’t go on a Buck tangent the whole time.” Eddie says shocked.
“Ok fine. He is hot. But why are you teasing me so hard, little man? How do you even notice this stuff?” Buck asks.
“Oh I have seen the thirst tweets.I know the girls and guys like him. He was in a teen show- heartstopper. He literally is in an episode just for the bi kid to get flustered over. Like someone else we know..”
“He got you there.” Eddie teases and high fives Chris.
That night the real teasing begins. He sees Ravi sent him a video link. He usually sends funny animal videos or incomprehensible tiktok memes so he opens it as usual.
It is not an average tiktok. It is a fucking thirst trap compiliation of Jonathan Bailey. Mainly slowmo shots of him in wicked.
He opens up his chat:
Buck: You little Shit! Eddie & Chris betrayed me!
Ravi: 😏 It is alright he is almost everyone’s type.
Ravi:My sister is obsessed. I just had to ask her for the links.
Ravi:She is still upset that he is gay. Cuz she now has no shot with him.
Ravi: She never did before 😆
Buck: She understands taste. Don’t be so mean, it's not like you have a chance with Lupita Nyong’O .
Buck: Wait, he is gay?!
Ravi: I accept I am not worthy of the Queen 😔but that was rude af!
Ravi: You think a straight man can slay that hard?
Ravi: Oh !
[Shared 3 videos]
Ravi: Good night , don’t get too carried away king! Keep your head up .
Ravi: But not that head
Ravi: 🤭 😜 🤤 😩🥴
Buck: 🖕🏻 🤬🤛🖕🏻
Buck tries not to look but he is curious by nature. 20 minutes later he is sweating after seeing the fan edits of Jurassic Park. They are alternating Jonathan Bailey’s character with Scarlet Johansson in a tank top firing a gun and drinking beer. He sees there are two more videos. He decides to watch them.
He punches his pillow after the last video and decides to go with a late night workout and color codes his meal plan & tupperware for the week.
He marches into his next shift searching for Ravi and Eddie.
Chimney looks confused, “Whoa Buck ! Wake up on the wrong side of the bed?” Then he smiles, “Or are you getting a little frustrated this month?”
Hen chuckles. He ignores them, “Where are Eddie and Ravi ?”
Just then they walk in , “Hey man sleep well? Have some nice dreams?” Ravi smiles .
“Screw you!” He points to Eddie then Ravi.
Hen and Chimney sip their coffee watching it all go down.
“What? I was just encouraging your little celebrity crush.” Ravi smirks.
“Yeah. We are good allies.” Eddie adds.
“You didn’t have to tell him about it! He tormented me all night about it.”
“What is happening?” Chimney asks amused.
“We were teasing Buck about his crush on Jonathan Bailey. I thought Ravi would like to know this so we can lightly tease him. No idea what he said though.” Eddie explains.
“Who?”
“The guy from Bridgerton and Wicked,” Hen supplies, “He is very popular with queer men.”
“I can see that. Hey Buck wanna have a Bridgerton marathon? I am sure Maddie & Karen would love a rewatch.” He teases.
“Absolutely not! But wait, I am not done with you!” He glares at Ravi.
“What did he do?” Hen asks amused.
“This little shit sent me thirsty videos of him [Jonathan Bailey] all night! You know how many sexy scenarios they put that man in?”
“Oh I have seen a couple episodes with Maddie. I can imagine.” Chimney chuckles.
Ravi then shrugs, “What kind of videos did he send?” Eddie asks.
“Thirst edits! Fans make compilations of him being hot.” He takes out his phone and shows the first one. “I see the vision.” Hen says. “He does look great in glasses.” Chimney adds.
“These aren’t too suggestive” Eddie argues.
Ravi then plays the next one. Eddie raises his eyebrows after seeing the edit of Scarlett and him.
“Damn. Where did you find these Ravi?”
Ravi laughs, “Never underestimate the power of horny people on the internet. Actually my sister is into him so she helped with that part.”
“Wait, what is the last video?” Hen asks.
“I need more caffeine.” Buck mumbles.
The video plays in the background of an ad for milk. He is wearing a shirt that says “Drink your milk” . He then seductively drinks milk, spilling it all over himself and licks his fingers seductively.
“Damn, that is evil!” Chimney cackles.
“That is, wow. Honestly, I didn't think he would go that far, Buck.” Eddie looks over to him who is stewing with his mug.
“Not my fault he decided to do the challenge, also he deserves some payback,” Ravi shrugs. “so how did you sleep? Did anyone cool appear in your dreams?”
Buck gives him a death glare, Bobby comes in and from the office confused as he hears:
“I was in bed naked with Scarlet Johansson and Jonathan Bailey right as I was about to be in the middle of a sexual sandwich before I woke up!”
Bobby's eyes widen in horror right as the tones go off . “Oh my god!” Hen starts laughing and they are all giggly on the way to the truck.
“What just happened?” Bobby asks.
“I don’t think you want to know Cap.” Chimney laughs.
The first few calls are pretty standard. Then about 6 hours in they get called to a beach runway show. “Damn it!” Buck groans
The models are gorgeous and the team are professional as always helping the woman who fell off stage and landed with a tent peg in her foot.
Of course the medics take over which leaves the other models to stroll over and chat with Buck and Ravi. They flirt shamelessly and he is saved by Bobby instructing them to make way for the gurney.
“We are having an afterparty! You are all welcome to come!” One of the ladies in a bikini calls out after them.
“Eddie, eyes ahead.” Hen reminds him as they load up the patient. Hen rides with the patient in the ambulance with Chimney.
Once in the rig Ravi smiles at Buck, “Do you wanna go to a party with me tonight?”
“Shut Up!” He snaps at him.
“Gotta love LA,” Eddie says wistfully.
Bobby chuckles, “Buck I am proud of you for staying professional back there. Probie Buck would probably not make it back here with us.”
Buck smiles, “Thank you Bobby!”
Eddie smiles , “From what I hear Buck 1.0 would have been all over those models.” Buck sends him a glare.
“I saw you looking too, Diaz.” Hen smirks.
He shrugs, “I can appreciate a beautiful woman, respectfully, of course.”
Buck then looks at Hen, “How do you act so unbothered by hoards of beautiful women?”
She shakes her head, “I am a professional, know how to act around the public.”
“Yeah, yea.” Buck brushes her off.
Chimney smirks, “They are not her type.”
Buck balks, even Ravi blinks.
“I prefer a more natural, down to earth type of woman.” She shrugs.
“Isn’t Karen a rocket scientist? Chimney jokes and she rolls her eyes, “You know what I mean.”
“Well I appreciate women in all forms.” Buck comments.
“We know, dude.” Ravi sighs.
Ravi proceeds to send him a mix of bizarrely funny, and sometimes concerning sex memes, and hot celebrity photos & videos.
There are so many gifs, tiktoks and videos of random hot people.Sabrina Carpenter, Oscar Issac,Megan Thee Stallion, Pedro Pascal, Margot Robbie, Janelle Monae, Michael B Jordan, Lucy Lui,Michael B Jordan,Diane Guerrero,a famous Dodgers player, Anne Hathaway, Winston Duke and so on. Just an ongoing plethora of sensual edits of men and women.
Buck is frankly concerned why and how Ravi has this many hot celebrities saved on his phone. Did he just start collecting them ?
The others tease him as well. He swears everyday there is a new LAFD firemen calendar in the locker room. An entire wall is just April, it is freaky seeing so much Chimney. He is surprised Hen even went along with all of this.
Speaking of , Hen actually almost breaks him. One day she is telling Chimney she and Karen have almost finished another season of Shameless. “We got to start that one.”
“What is that one about?” Buck asks.
“It is a dysfunctional low class family in Chicago trying to survive. It actually involved quite a few interesting topics mixed with antics. It is a big family with an alcoholic father and all the kids trying to take care of each other. One big white trash chaotic family. It also touches on addiction, mental health struggles, prison, poverty, and shows LGBT couples. But it is a bit dark mixed with humor, so don’t watch it for Diaz movie nights , we don’t watch around Denny & Mara.”
“Huh , sounds interesting.” Eddie nods with Buck.
They decide to start watching it together while Chris is at a sleepover.
It starts out fine and they make it through an awkward sex scene or two with Buck using the excuse of needing more beer to go in the kitchen to cool off for a bit. Then the show pans to a man sleeping in his bedroom while one of the kids looks for something at their neighbor’s house.
Buck looks at his phone for a minute before ..“Whoa!” Eddie shouts.
Buck looks up to see a man mostly naked on his bed through a mirror. The camera obscures nothing, his cock on display when he moves his leg.
Buck stares a second until the camera gets slightly closer as the kid comes into the room; he swallows hard. God he would love to get his hands or mouth on—
He stands up and looks for the remote. As Eddie chuckles.Buck finds it and turns it off .
“Wow. Haven’t seen that on tv before. Wait why did you turn it off , we can skip that part!” Eddie grumbles.
“Nope, enough.” Buck breathes out, he is flushed and breathing a bit heavier.
“Are you good, Buck? You look clammy and red.” Eddie asks in concern.
“Yep, f-fine.”
“What has gotten you so weird? Oh,” He smirks, “Did that get to you? Getting a little hot and bothered? That was like 15 seconds of nudity. He wasn’t even hard!” Eddie teases.
“You know how pent up I am Eddie.” Buck groans, “you said it yourself , they don’t usually show that much on shows.”
“Wow, there were like 2 sex scenes, including a woman topless but you got worked up over a flaccid dick?” Eddie shakes his head.
“Well if that is what it looked like soft god damn,” Buck says breathy then gets red as he realizes he said that out loud.
Eddie raises his eyebrows with a teasing look.
“Whatever. I think I need to go home.” Buck shakes those thoughts away.
Eddie laughs, “See ya tomorrow man. Have a good night”
Buck comes into the station making a beeline for Hen. “Henrietta were you of all people trying to sabotage me?”
“What?” She asks in disbelief.
Chimney looks between them excitedly, “Is Hen in on the game too?”
“No. What are you talking about Buck?”
“I watched an episode of Shameless. And you didn’t warn me there would be nudity! I couldn’t get through the pilot!”
Eddie rolls his eyes. “He is being dramatic.”
“ I know there are some sex scenes but surely nothing too graphic for you Buck.” Hen frowns.
Chimney and Ravi look between them sipping coffee once again.
“A man was naked!” He whispers harshly, looking around.
“It is rated MA! There is gonna be nudity. Why are you so upset?”
Buck gives her an unimpressed look. “Oh, Oh! Did you get a bit excited Buck? Was it some guy's naked ass in a scene? It wasn't Frank was it?”
“No! It was Kevin,” He bites out, “But Hen, it was a lot more than his butt. He had his,” he lowers his voice “dick out . On screen.”
Hen makes a disgusted face, “He did? I must have blocked that out.”
“I wish I could.” Eddie mumbles.
Ravi and Chim laugh, “A little sexy scene you hot and bothered Bucko?” Chimney jokes.
“I just would have liked a warning.” He mutters.
Hen raises an eyebrow, “Why would I of all people remember a man’s penis being in a scene?”
Buck blinks, “Fair point. But you actually weren’t trying to make me fail my challenge?”
“No, honest mistake. Didn’t know you were so sensitive this month.” She jeers.
He looks over to see Chimney whisper “Kevin from Shamless,” as Ravi nods crowded around his phone.
Buck facepalms, Ravi smiles, “You really do go for muscular soft guys huh?”
“The guy from Reba was naked?” Chimney asks, confused.
“What is Reba?” Buck and Ravi ask.
Chimney sighs.
After the shift they all go out to drinks & trivia. Before they leave Buck makes Ravi promise not to summon any of his exes. He is not strong enough tonight. Also that would inflict even more emotional damage.
“I get it. That was a bad move last time. I didn’t think about how that could hurt you.” Ravi says sincerely.
Buck is on a roll tonight. By the second round he is smug, “You see laser focused, we are gonna cream Smartacus! (their rival trivia team)!
“Oh I am sure you will.” Chimney whispers to Ravi. They have been their rivals for 2 years. It is a team made up of 5 people who have been matching them every time. They have won half the time. The captain is an infuriatingly smart engineer. He is such a know it all with his glasses and dress shirts. Richards is the worst.
Buck gets up to grab another pitcher of beer as he puts it down he hears, “When did Richards get buff?”
He looks over to see a spilled pitcher on their table , two guys wiping up the mess and Richards.. shirtless. He is wildly jacked for someone who works in an office. He has strong arms and washboard abs.
“Damn, he was hiding all of that under his business casual wear?” Ravi chuckles.
“I wonder what his workout routine is?” Eddie muses.
“We should fight him for dominance. Maybe arm wrestling . Or a sparring match! Buck could arm wrestle and Eddie could give him the old one-two.” Chimney throws some fake punches.
“Why would I challenge him to a fight? Why don’t you ask him if want?” Eddie sasses.
“I could take him!” He whines. Hen and Ravi shake their heads. “Alright then Buck could take him.”
Buck is currently starring as Richards wipes his glasses shirtless, biceps shifting with each movement.
Eddie taps him, “You could take Richards, right? For the honor of our team?”
“Why do you want us to fight him so bad?!” Hen questions.
Buck looks at Chimney and sits up with his arms crossed “I could definitely take him.”
“In a fight too?” Ravi smirks knowingly.
Buck kicks his shin under the table. He then gets back into strategy mode, “Eddie you got sports?” He nods. Chim, “Up to date on movies & tv ?” “Obviously”
Hen, “Science & Math?” She nods. He turns to Ravi, “Chronically Online Pop Culture?” He gives him finger guns.
They win in a sudden death match.
“They were really locked in with us.” Chimney looks over to their opponents. A young woman shakes her head as another man pats Richard's shoulder.
“They were great today. Richards almost took the geology category.” Hen notes.
“But he didn’t!” Buck grins.
Eddie nods, “We should get them beers in solidarity. They did spill a whole pint.”
“Yeah!” They all get up to console them.
Chimney walks up smiling “Gotta give you kudos, you almost got us this time.”
“I still think you guys get special treatment. Do you know the owner?” Richards shakes his head.
“We actually don’t personally but we do come here often enough to be familar.” Hen answers.
“Well good game, would you like to have some drinks with us?” Ravi holds up the beers.
They accept. After a bit Chimney asks the question, “Richards where did those muscles come from? Are you a former D1 soccer player? A gymnist? Are you like that one dude at the Olympics? Nerdy but wildly athletic?”
“Chim, smart people can be fit.” Hen chides.
He laughs and Buck is drawn in by how light sounds, “Actually rock climbing. I got into it with Gabi,” He points to his left, “She kept telling me about it and I came along. I ended up loving it. It was really challenging to get at first in the training gym but once I got outdoors it was all worth it. Sometimes if I get too in my head over a project I just need to go out in nature.”
Gabi smiles, “We all need to touch grass sometimes.”
Eddie & Hen ask her how she got started. She explains her girlfriend was raving about it.
Buck turns back to Richards and Ravi, “Is your work stressful a lot?”
He shrugs, “Not as intense as yours I am sure but in a different stifling way.”
“You do engineering? Is it hard to get funding or work out issues?” Ravi asks.
“Well yes, mostly funding. I do civil engineering . It is hard work but I try to help people in what I do. I am not the guy saving lives by any means but I want to help make community infrastructure that lasts. So many people try to cut corners and half ass it to save money.” He sighs .
They nod, “Hey, I am sure you are doing more than you realize.”
“I hope, anyways enough about that, no spiraling on my birthday, besties orders.” He laughs to himself.
It is cute Buck thinks, he doesn’t notice Ravi sitting across to talk to the other people at the table.
“It is your birthday? Well happy Birthday”
“You know I have had worse birthdays but losing to trivia and half a pint being spilled on me was not ideal,” He sighs.
“Hey, it was unique.”
“Yeah. They were just trying to celebrate and got a little carried away.” The dark haired man smiles fondly at his friends.
“I get that I really do.” Buck smiles.
“What was your worst birthday?” He asks after.
Richards sighs, “My boyfriend forgot my birthday after being together for two years. But it was in college so we were pretty young and all that.”
“Ah yeah. That is rough.Are you doing a birthday climbing adventure?” Buck asks .
“I might go out to a spot this weekend. I love just watching the landscape after I get up there. It is beautiful” He says, lighting up, then looking down, “Sorry, this is probably boring, thanks for the beers.”
“Hey, I love nature. I have hiked half of the country. Seen some breathtaking stuff.” Buck smiles at him.
Before he knows it half an hour has passed . They talked all about Buck’s travels , their favorite trails and parks.
Hen and Chimney say they are heading out. Ravi and Eddie mention it will be a few more minutes. He swears he sees Chimney wink at him for some reason.
“Well. It was great talking to you man, see ya around.” Buck smiles , he takes a sip of his beer and gets up.
“Wait!” Richards says a bit too loudly and blushes, “Would you like to go for a hike or learn the ropes— in climbing - sometime? I am free this weekend?”
Buck smiles , then sees Eddie and Ravi do a fist bump, “I am really busy this month,” He sees Richards’ face fall.
“But! I can give you my number and we can meet up next month? Before the holiday rush.” Buck smiles.
“Yeah,” They exchange information , “And my name is Caleb by the way, not just Richards.”
Buck laughs, “Will be seeing ya Caleb.”
As soon as they walk out Ravi and Eddie are on him. “Someones got a date,” Ravi sings,
“It is not really,” Buck rubs his neck.
“Oh come on , even I saw the awkward flirting he is definitely into you. Actually you should meet up with him sooner. Don’t leave him waiting,” Eddie encourages.
Buck raises an eyebrow, as Ravi nods rapidly, “Yeah get a great hike in before or after turkey day. Work off those added pounds , become one with nature and all that.”
Buck gives them a tired look, “I want to take it slow. Maybe actually build up to something in the new year.”
“Sure, sure but you can build that after you climb Clark Kent over there.” Ravi jokes, as Eddie joins in on the laughter.
“You guys are the worst.” Buck groans.
“You should have seen your face when you saw him shirtless. You were in a trance for like a full minute.” Ravi smiles.
“I can’t believe you talked yourself out of a ‘date’” Eddie shakes his head after making finger quotes.
“Why the emphasis?” Buck asks, annoyed.
Ravi and him share a look, “You think you are gonna not be all over him after seeing him sweaty and straining his muscles all day? You will probably get turned on by his fun facts about nature.” Eddie teases.
“Oh yea, you want to explore him all over,” Ravi draws out .
“This month sucks.” Buck pouts.
“You wish,” Ravi smirks “OOo,” Eddie gives him a high five.
There are some lighthearted moments as well. “Hey Buck! I think you will like this account. He is a baker who makes historic recipes.” Chimney calls him over, Buck groans “I swear to god it better not be those men violating food for tiktok.”
“What?” Hen asks, appalled.
“Ravi has sent me some weird shit this month.”
He does enjoy the videos for a bit laughing at his little quips.
Then Ravi comes over, “Oh yeah he is funny,” He pulls out his phone, “I come in peace,”
The next five minutes Chimney, Hen and Buck laugh at a compilation of all his sexual jokes.
Buck snorts at the clip of him with a baking pan saying “For this recipe you want the deep nine inch!” followed by a soft “don’t we all”.
They all lose it at the baker’s face after accidentally saying “I have never made my date cream before” mixing in heavy cream.
Speaking of cream: somehow they end up with a freezer full of ice cream in November after helping an ice cream grocery supplier that broke down on the highway causing a (thankfully not deadly) pile up.
Bobby offers to make them sundaes at the tail end of the shift but they begin snacking mid day.
They are pretty good sandwiches ,cones and pops. Of course , Buck can never know peace.
Buck hears a whirling sound and sees Ravi coating his bowl with a large amount of whipped cream. Innocent enough. That is until he gets some on his fingers and proceeds to lick them like a cat.
Ravi catches his eye then dramatically sucks the cream off. Buck grumbles . He looks over to see Eddie with half a chocolate covered frozen banana in his mouth. It is quite the sight.
“Buck, are you good? Your cone is breaking..” Chimney asks concerned.
Buck looks down to see he has crushed his ice cream cone. He grabs a napkin and throws it away.“Enjoying the ice cream?” Ravi asks then licks his spoon slowly .
He hears a pop and looks over to see Eddie taking the chocolate banana from his mouth and biting into it.
Buck turns away, washes his hands and leaves. He huffs over to the couch where Hen is and turns on the tv. “What got you so grumpy?”
“Nothing.”
The last two days of November Buck has a 48 hour. He thinks he has done spectacular considering all the relentless teasing he has received. He has had a great month actually, got some reading & podcasts in , reorganized his apartment 7 times, had a great holiday with the family , has a potential date lined up and is in great shape - so ha!!
The day is filled with calls about manageable fires, one or two minor accidents and a kid stuck in a tree.
He is ready to nap for the last 4 hours then for a date with his right hand & toys for the next three days.
Then the siren goes off and they are called to a fire at a hotel. They evacuate the first half of residents but the structure begins to waver near the end . He is with Ravi hurrying down the stairs to the next level with the latter helping a father and son when the building shakes.
Ravi goes ahead, Buck looks up above him and sees a railing shifting “Ravi! Watch out!”
He wraps himself over the kid and braces for impact. He can hear Buck screaming before he blacks out.
He wakes up in the hospital with a concussion, sprained shoulder and broken ankle. The team tells him how lucky he got. They were able to lift the railing off quickly. The team comes in and out before Buck declares he will help him recover. He convinces him to stay at Buck’s place because it is closer to his doctor and Ravi won’t be tempted to do maintenance work for his tenants. Ravi is like catnip for the old ladies looking for a “nice strong man” to help them with household tasks. Ravi concedes it will be better than staying with his family who get overbearing whenever he is hurt.
Buck is glad Ravi helped him find a place he saw on the market . It is a modest one bedroom apartment without the hassle of a loft.
Buck gets him set up in the bedroom and says he will reheat some food while he rests. “Did you make the casserole this year?”
“Of course. I will put it in the oven, along with the mac and cheese and stuffing.” Buck smiles.
He nods off and after a while Buck comes in and gives him the food. “Thanks man really. This is delicious.”
Buck helps to the couch and they idly watch some show . “Christmas commercials already?!” Ravi asks, annoyed.
“Yeah, I know you are out of it but it’s December 3rd.” Buck laughs.
“Oh.” Ravi looks down in thought.
“Hey! You made it all month congrats! The team did lose our bet though.” Ravi jokes.
“I knew there was a bet. No wonder you tried to sabotage me so hard.” Buck sighs.
“That wasn’t the only hard thing,” Ravi smirks. Buck blinks at him then laughs.
“Did you set a date with Caleb?”
“Almost we are double checking days off line up.” Buck smiles.
“Still can’t believe you accidentally scored your trivia frenemy.” Ravi smiles.
“What can I say? I have natural charm,” Buck shrugs.
“You are both competitive nerds, it was bound to happen.” Ravi teases.
It goes fairly well after a few missteps. They get along well and give each other space between Buck’s shifts, Ravi’s PT/appointments and either of them visiting family. They share a bed so Ravi does not injury himself and Buck doesn't hurt his leg; usually Buck is up before Ravi or comes in late from shifts anyway. Buck has to admit though, he is still a bit on edge. At one point Buck fluffs Ravi’s pillow on the couch when he sets him up for the day and Ravi smiles, thanking him. He jokingly ruffles Buck’s hair but his ring gets caught and his finger pulls at his hair a bit.
Buck whines involuntarily.
Ravi blinks and bursts out laughing. “Wow Buck, you really are like an eager dog.”
“Shut the hell up, or I won’t make any dinner.” He huffs.
Buck goes out to visit Maddie and has a great time with them. He opens the door “Maddie says Hi!” He pauses when he hears rustling and muffled noises.
Buck runs into the bedroom hoping Ravi is not hurt.
He enters to see Ravi with his basketball shorts partially off . He has his good leg hanging out.
“This damn boot! Can’t get my shitty shorts over it. I hate taking it on and off five times a day.” Buck laughs as he helps him take off the boot. His gaze lingers on his thighs and boxers.
“Buck?” Ravi questions before he helps him into another pair of shorts.
“I hate living like this,” Ravi sighs, “I hope I can get either my boot or sling off after my appointment tomorrow.
The next day Ravi is in a good mood and excited to tell Buck he got his sling off.
He hugs his sister goodbye and makes his way into the apartment looking for him. He hears some muffled noises in the hallway so he goes toward the bedroom.
He stops in his tracks when he sees Buck in bed with the door half open. He is naked, with one hand moving over his dick and the other reaching between his legs.
Ravi tries to quickly jog away but his boot scrapes in the floor. Buck looks up horrified, “Oh my god! I am so sorr—“ Buck covers himself up.
“Are you Ok… I thought you had an appointment…?”
“Yeah. Wrapped up early.. I am gonna go make some coffee…” Ravi says quickly.
“I will be out in a minute.” Buck rushes out with the sound of clothing being shuffled.
They make awkward eye contact in the kitchen, " Maybe I should go... or I understand if you don't want to stay here anymore. I am so sorry Rav.."
Buck moves to get some water but Ravi grabs his arm. “Buck, I think there is a solution to both our problems.”
“Problems?”
Ravi sighs, “Look , I am injured and pent up , I am now realizing you probably still haven’t gotten off , considering we share your bed. We can just let off some steam. As friends.”
Buck blinks, “What?”