fuck buddies

10

Eddie sat in Frank's office, feeling the familiar tension knotting in his stomach. The walls were covered with calming artwork—serene landscapes and abstract pieces meant to soothe the mind. Despite their intended purpose, they did little to ease Eddie's anxiety.

The soft hum of the air conditioner filled the silence, a constant background noise that somehow amplified his unease. He bounced his leg restlessly, a subconscious attempt to release some of the nervous energy coursing through him. Frank sat across from him, his expression patient and attentive, waiting for Eddie to say something.

"So, Eddie, how are things going?" Frank asked, his voice gentle but probing.

Eddie sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Good... all good. Work is busy, as always. Christopher is doing well in school. Hen, Chim, Bobby—they're all great."

Frank nodded, his eyes never leaving Eddie's face.

"And how are you?"

Eddie hesitated, his thoughts immediately drifting to Buck. But he didn't mention him. Instead, he focused on everything else.

"I'm fine," he said sharply, almost a bit rude.

"You've mentioned everyone except Buck.
How is he?"

Eddie shifted uncomfortably in his seat, the question hitting closer to home than he expected. "He's fine. Buck's always fine."

Frank raised an eyebrow, sensing the avoidance in Eddie's response. "You usually talk a lot about Buck, along with Christopher. Actually, it's the only thing you talk about. Why haven't you mentioned him today?"

Eddie's leg bounced faster, his irritation growing. "I don't know. I just... there's nothing to talk about, alright?"

Frank remained calm, his eyes never leaving Eddie's. "Okay. We can talk about whatever you want."

Eddie clenched his fists, his leg now bouncing uncontrollably. He didn't say anything, and they sat in silence for another 5 minutes.

"I don't need to talk about Buck. It's not about him." Eddie finally mumbled, barely above a whisper.

"Isn't it?" Frank pressed gently.

Eddie's jaw tightened. "Why do you keep pushing this? I said I'm fine."

Frank kept his tone patient. "Eddie, you're here because you want to work through things, and I'm here to help you do that."

Eddie felt his anger rising, the pressure building inside him. "I don't need to work through anything. Buck is fine, I'm fine, everything is fine."

"Okay."

Eddie sighed, extremely frustrated. "Just okay? What does that even mean?"

"It means I'm here to listen, and I'm here to help. So, If you don't want to talk about it, then we won't talk about it." Frank gave a small smile.

Eddie's leg continued to bounce, his body language screaming his discomfort. "I told you, everything is fine. Buck is fine. Why can't you just accept that?"

Frank nodded, taking in Eddie's words. "I hear you, Eddie. But can I ask you something?"

He sighed, frustrated but resigned. "What?"

"Why do you feel the need to convince me, or maybe even yourself, that everything is fine?" Frank's question hung in the air, challenging him to confront the truth he was avoiding.

Eddie stared at Frank, his mind racing. He didn't want to admit it, didn't want to face the feelings he had been burying. "Because..." he began, his voice trailing off. He looked down at his hands, which were clenched into fists on his lap.