Chapter Text
The atmosphere a few days later in the karaoke bar was electric, buzzing with energy as the 118 cheered each other on during their turns on stage. Drinks flowed, laughter echoed, and Jasmine had already sung two songs - one solo, and one with Hen and Maddie - earning her a solid spot in the team’s good graces.
Then Buck got a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Jasmine, I think it’s time for a duet.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What are we singing?”
A wicked grin spread across his face as he leaned over to scroll through the song list. “Trust me.”
The moment the opening guitar riff of I Love Rock 'n' Roll blasted through the speakers, Jasmine burst into laughter. “Seriously?”
“Come on, it’s a classic!” Buck waggled his eyebrows and extended a hand as the lyrics popped up on the screen. With a dramatic sigh, Jasmine took it, letting him twirl her onto the stage. The crowd cheered, and she couldn’t help but get caught up in the fun.
Eddie, seated in a booth with the others, took a sip of his beer, watching as Buck and Jasmine launched into the song.
I saw HER dancin’ there by the record machine...
Eddie’s brow furrowed as Buck shot him a quick, knowing glance before turning back to Jasmine with a cocky grin. Jasmine, catching on quickly, played along, flipping her hair and strutting across the stage.
Eddie’s grip on his beer tightened.
By the time they reached the chorus, Buck was in full performance mode. He grabbed Jasmine’s hand pulling her in close for a playful rockstar pose. Jasmine laughed, clearly having a blast.
So come and take your time and dance with me! Buck dramatically reached out a hand toward Jasmine, and she took it with a theatrical spin, landing back-to-back with him as they belted out the lyrics.
Eddie exhaled sharply, looking away as Chimney chuckled. “Damn, they’ve got chemistry.”
Eddie didn’t respond, but his jaw clenched ever so slightly.
Jasmine and Buck were feeding off the crowd’s energy now, playfully dancing and leaning into each other during the verses. When the final chorus hit, Buck dramatically dropped to his knees, strumming an air guitar like a rock god. Jasmine laughed so hard she nearly missed her cue, catching herself just in time to belt out the last line with him.
The moment the song ended the bar erupted in applause. Jasmine grinned and gave Buck a high-five before hopping off the stage.
Eddie turned back to his drink, but Buck, ever perceptive, slid onto the bench next to him, nudging his arm. “You good?”
“I’m fine.”
Buck smirked, taking a sip of his beer. “You sure about that? Because you’ve been scowling at me like I stole your lunch.”
Eddie scoffed. “I wasn’t scowling.”
“Dude, you were giving me a death-stare,” Buck said, amused. “And I was just singing.”
Eddie exhaled sharply, gripping his bottle a little tighter. “You were putting on a whole damn show.”
Buck’s smirk widened. “It’s karaoke, that’s kinda the point.”
Chimney, still chuckling, leaned over. “And let’s not forget the little lyric change. That was a nice touch.”
Eddie shot Chimney a glare as Buck grinned innocently. “Oh, did you catch that?”
“We all caught that,” Chimney said, barely containing his laughter.
Eddie didn’t answer, and Buck studied him for a moment before leaning in. “Listen, man. You know I’d never hit on someone you’re into, right.”
Eddie froze for half a second before scoffing. “I’m not—”
Buck held up his hands. “Relax, I’m not judging. Just stating facts. And maybe pointing out the obvious.”
“There’s nothing obvious to point out,” Eddie muttered, turning back to his drink.
Buck grinned, shaking his head as he patted Eddie’s shoulder. “Sure, man. Whatever helps you sleep at night.” He got up and walked off, leaving Eddie staring after him, jaw tight.
Chimney clinked his beer against Eddie’s. “You know he’s got a point.”
Eddie groaned, taking another sip, but didn’t argue.