Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 8

Buck: "Eddie! Eddie, can you hear me?"

Eddie: (groaning) "Buck... I'm stuck."

Buck: "Hold on, Eddie, I'm gonna get you out of there!"

Buck rushes to Eddie's side, heart pounding with fear. He assesses the situation quickly, his mind racing through training and instincts honed by years of rescue missions. The debris is heavy, but Buck knows he has to act fast.

With every ounce of strength, Buck starts lifting pieces of rubble, straining against the weight. Sweat beads on his forehead as he digs deeper, fueled by adrenaline and the desperate need to save his friend.

Buck: "Almost there, Eddie. Just hold on."

Eddie grits his teeth, pain shooting through his body with each movement. He reaches out to assist Buck, trying to shift his position to make it easier for him.

Eddie: "I'm... okay, Buck. Keep going."

Buck's muscles ache with exertion, but he doesn't relent. He pushes himself harder, channeling all his energy into freeing Eddie. Finally, with a final, determined effort, Buck manages to lift the largest piece of debris off Eddie, creating enough space to pull him to safety.

Buck: "Eddie, stay with me. You're gonna be okay."

Eddie gasps for breath, relieved to be out from under the crushing weight. He grips Buck's arm tightly, gratitude and trust shining in his eyes.

Eddie: "You... you saved me, Buck."

Buck: "We're a team, Eddie. Always. You're gonna be okay"

They share a brief, reassuring smile amidst the chaos of the emergency room. Paramedics rush in to assist, whisking Eddie away on a stretcher for immediate medical attention. Buck follows closely behind, his mind reeling from the adrenaline rush and the near miss of losing Eddie.

The intensity of the moment lingers in Buck's mind as he waits anxiously in the hospital's crowded waiting room. His thoughts race, replaying the scene over and over. He can't shake the image of Eddie trapped under the rubble, his own voice echoing in his ears as he fought to free him.

Buck: (to himself) "Come on, Eddie. You've got to be okay."

Hen, Chimney, and Bobby are there too, their expressions a mix of concern and support. They've been through countless emergencies together, but this feels different. Eddie's more than a teammate—he's family.

Scene: Hospital, Waiting Room

Buck paces back and forth in the cramped waiting room, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. Anxiety gnaws at his insides, a relentless beast that refuses to be quieted. Hen, Chimney, and Bobby sit nearby, their own worry etched on their faces as they watch Buck's restless movements.

Hen: "Buck, sit down. You're gonna make yourself sick."

Buck pauses momentarily, his eyes darting to Hen, but he resumes pacing almost immediately.

Buck: (crying) "I can't just sit here! Eddie's in there, and I need to know he's okay."

His voice cracks with emotion, betraying the fear that grips his heart like a vice. Bobby rises from his seat and approaches Buck, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

Bobby: "We're all here for him, Buck. He's a tough guy. He'll pull through."

Buck nods, though his mind is elsewhere. He can't shake the image of Eddie pinned under the debris, helpless and in pain. The memory haunts him, flashes of desperation and determination mingling in his thoughts.