Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 12

Scene: Hospital, Discharge Day

Finally, the day comes when Eddie is ready to leave the hospital. The anticipation and relief hang thick in the air as Buck arrives early, carrying a bag with some comfortable clothes for Eddie. Buck is determined to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Buck: "You ready to go home?"

Eddie, sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed in the clothes Buck brought, nods. His eyes reflect a mixture of exhaustion and relief, along with a glint of determination.

Eddie: "More than ready. I can't stand hospital food anymore."

Buck helps Eddie to his feet, providing steady support as Eddie navigates the physical challenges of recovery. Eddie's movements are slow and deliberate, a stark reminder of the toll his injuries have taken. Buck stays close, his arm around Eddie's back, offering both physical and emotional support.

They slowly make their way through the hospital corridors, the sounds of beeping machines and soft conversations fading into the background. Nurses and doctors who had become familiar faces over the past weeks offer smiles and well wishes as Eddie passes by.

Nurse: "Take care, Eddie. You've been a great patient."

Eddie: "Thanks. I appreciate everything you all have done."

Buck leads Eddie to the exit where the car is parked. He opens the passenger door and helps Eddie ease into the seat, careful to avoid causing any discomfort. Eddie winces slightly but gives Buck a reassuring nod once he's settled.

Buck: "All set?"

Eddie: "Yeah. Let's get out of here."

The drive home is quiet, the gravity of the past few weeks hanging in the air. Buck focuses on the road, occasionally glancing over at Eddie, whose eyes are closed, his breathing deep and steady. It's a peaceful silence, punctuated only by the hum of the car engine.

As they drive through the familiar streets, Buck's thoughts drift to all that has happened. The moments of fear, the long hours at the hospital, and the unspoken bond that has grown even stronger between them. He glances over at Eddie, who opens his eyes and meets his gaze.

Eddie: "Thanks for everything, Buck. I don't know what I would have done without you. I don't know what I would have done with Christopher."

Buck: "You don't have to thank me, Eddie. We're family. We take care of each other, remember? And Christopher is a lovely boy, he wasn't hard to deal with."

Eddie smiles, the simple but profound truth of Buck's words resonating deeply. They pull into Eddie's driveway, and Buck gets out to help Eddie out of the car.

Buck: "Okay, let's take it slow."

With Buck's steady support, Eddie makes his way up the front steps and into the house. The familiarity of home brings a sense of comfort and relief.

Eddie: "It's good to be back."

Buck: "Good to have you back."

Inside, Christopher is waiting eagerly. He runs up to his dad, careful to avoid jostling him too much. The joy in his eyes is palpable.

Christopher: "Dad! You're home!"

Eddie kneels down to hug Christopher tightly, wincing slightly but refusing to let go.

Eddie: "I'm home, buddy."

Buck watches the reunion with a warm smile, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. This is where they all belong-together, supporting each other through thick and thin.

As Eddie settles onto the couch, Buck heads to the kitchen to prepare something for them to eat. He moves around with practiced ease, the familiarity of Eddie's home second nature to him now. He fixes some soup and sandwiches, bringing them over to the living room where Eddie and Christopher are talking quietly.

Buck: "Here we go. Figured you might be hungry."

Eddie: "Thanks, Buck. It smells better than hospital food."

They eat together, the atmosphere relaxed and filled with a sense of normalcy. Christopher chats about school and his friends, and for a moment, it feels like everything is just as it should be.

After lunch, Buck helps Eddie upstairs to rest. Christopher stays close, watching as Buck supports his dad with a gentle touch.

Christopher: "Dad, do you need anything?"

Eddie: "Just having you here is enough, mijo."

Once Eddie is settled in bed, Buck turns to Christopher.

Buck: "How about we let your dad get some rest? We can watch a movie or something."

Christopher nods, but before they leave, he hugs his dad again.

Christopher: "I love you, Dad."

Eddie: "I love you too, buddy."

Buck and Christopher head downstairs, leaving Eddie to rest. They spend the afternoon watching a movie, the sound of Christopher's laughter filling the house.

Later, Buck checks on Eddie again, finding him asleep. He stands in the doorway for a moment, watching him sleep peacefully, the tension of the past weeks finally easing away.

As evening falls, Buck prepares dinner and makes sure everything is in place for the night. He helps Eddie downstairs again, supporting him carefully.

Buck: "Feeling okay?"

Eddie: "Yeah. Just a bit sore. But it's good to be home. My bed is much more comfortable than the hospital one."

They share dinner together, the three of them, talking and laughing. The bond between them stronger than ever.

Eddie: "I don't know what I would have done without you, Buck."

Buck: "You'll never have to find out."

They finish dinner, and Buck helps Eddie back upstairs, settling him in bed.

Buck: "Get some rest. I'll be here if you need anything."

Eddie reaches out, grabbing Buck's hand.

Eddie: "Thank you, Buck. For everything."

Buck squeezes Eddie's hand, his voice filled with emotion.

Buck: "Always, Eddie."

Eddie: "Don't feel like you have to stay, I can handle this on my own."

Buck: "I want to be here, for you, and for Christopher."

Eddie falls asleep holding Buck's hand, a sense of peace finally settling over him. Buck stays by his side, watching over him, knowing that they'll face whatever comes next together. Once Buck is sure that Eddie's asleep. He goes to sleep on the couch.