I wonder since (hopefully only) for part of 8b Eddie is back in Texas we get some scenes of a younger Eddie and what it was like growing up in that household.
What type of feelings he may have had that he clearly had to push down. How did he get involved with Shannon? Was it to hide himself? Did he become the mask? Always having to be in control. Then not having a choice but to marry her. But in the end when she died and he found her doppelgänger. He was perhaps trying to let her go and find joy. And perhaps all of these memories will help with realizations. Perhaps across the country Buck is having some of his own.
And when Eddie rectifies his relationship with Chris, they can finally both return to Los Angeles; Eddie and Buck are now shy around one another. Both realizing how they feel but neither wanting to reveal their feelings. After all they will take the other whatever way they can.
But then some dude is interested in Eddie; then Eddie reveals he thinks he has been Gay most of his life, but ignored those feelings. Because his parents wouldn’t approve. Eddie realizes his parents don’t approve of much and he’s trying for joy. Buck is supportive of that but Buck surely doesn’t want to be the first guy for Eddie. He wants to be the last guy. So he encourages Eddie to go out with this person. And Buck keeps his feelings to himself.
Then Eddie overhears a conversation between Hen and Buck. Hen is encouraging Buck to reveal his feelings for Eddie. He can’t believe his luck that Buck would feel the same for him.
Plus Eddie doesn’t really want to date anyone else, but Buck. The person who has always been there for him no questions asked. The person who brought Carla into he and Eddie’s life. The person who is always there for Chris. The person he was so mad at for suing the 118 because he couldn’t see him. The person who clawed at the earth hoping to rescue him. The person who was acting like a fool in love, but oh he now realizes Buck’s feelings initially weren’t for Tommy. And Eddie doesn’t really believe in the theory of first guy and last guy. He’s really glad that Tommy does though.
Buck thinks Eddie and the random dude went out on the date and is sulking in his apartment. There is a knock on the door, when Buck answers it he is surprised to see Eddie standing there in a suit with flowers in his hand.
Buck ask Eddie shouldn’t you be on your date? Eddie is bashful and says “Buck I want you to be the first and last person I’m with.”
Buck’s mouth falls open in shock. He truly for once is in too much shock to know how to respond. He just points to himself? Eddie smiles shyly nods and hands the flowers over to Buck. Buck finally beams as this is the most romantic declaration of love he’s ever experienced. Buck drags Eddie closer to him as they walk in to Buck’s apartment and that’s how the scene ends.