Bonus :

Buck is not a tactile person, at least not in the way we think.

I know in fanon and fanfics, many of us (especially me) love to imagine Buck as someone who constantly presses these small touches into the ones he loves. Except, he doesn't.

Don't misunderstand, Buck thrives on physical affection. Some of his happiest moments are when he receives that form of love. Except, when he gives it, it's almost always under a specific condition.

Buck waits for near-explicit consent.

Hear me out:

It's not as if he doesn't touch people, but it's very much a needed-as situation on the job and then rare occasions such as celebrations with the team. And again, it's never those small, mindless touches of someone who just wants to physically feel someone they care for.

Even in the scariest moments, he waits.

And we can infer he accepted her permission because we see Buck this terrified for a loved one the very next season. Except, he doesn't get any request for comfort or form of consent then.

They're both obviously in critical condition. Both need medical attention immediately. Yet, Buck takes the time to hug and comfort Maddie because she asked for it.

He clearly doesn't mind either option. He's overjoyed just to see them alive. And that's the point. For Buck, these interactions aren't about him. Which is why he doesn't actively pursue them. (Not saying he shouldn't. I, personally, think he should.)

This is a perspective I think many authors can take advantage of when writing fanfiction.

I am not saying to stop writing Buck as openly tactile. I'm saying write both. Write either. Write it all. I need more of this when I search my ship.

And in case you didn't know, EDDIE is the one more openly, physically affectionate between the two of them. 100%. But that's a separate post if you want it.

Also, Buck does not hold these standards when it comes to Chris. Also another post.

Bonus :

The only time I could actively remember Buck touching Eddie without consent (when he wasn't saving his life). Season 2x14 "Broken". This wasn't the first time Eddie had been in danger, but it was the first time he was in danger without Buck there. They were ready to run into the house after he didn't respond on the radio. Eddie came out after his "Spiderman" routine, saving a child in the process. Buck couldn't help himself.

(Just gonna mention how the physical distance between these two has only grown after every time Eddie's needed help... Hmm...)