Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 15

Scene: Eddie’s House, Saturday Evening

The evening of their first date arrives with a mixture of excitement and nervous anticipation. Buck arrives at Eddie’s house, his heart pounding as he approaches the front door. He’s dressed in dark jeans and a fitted shirt, casual yet thoughtful. He takes a deep breath before knocking, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach.

Eddie opens the door, a warm smile spreading across his face. He’s dressed in a soft, grey sweater and dark jeans, looking effortlessly handsome. Buck’s breath catches in his throat for a moment, and he has to remind himself to speak.

Buck: "Hey, Eddie. You look great."

Eddie: "Thanks, Buck. You clean up pretty nice yourself."

They share a small, nervous laugh, the reality of the situation settling in. It’s their first date, a new chapter in their relationship. Eddie turns to Christopher, who is sitting on the couch, watching them with a curious expression.

Eddie: "Christopher, Buck and I are going out for a little while. Carla will be here soon to hang out with you, okay?"

Christopher nods, his eyes twinkling with a mix of curiosity and excitement.

Christopher: "Okay, Dad. Have fun!"

Eddie ruffles his son’s hair before stepping outside with Buck, closing the door gently behind them. As they walk to Buck’s car, the cool evening air wraps around them, adding to the sense of anticipation.

Buck: "Ready for this?"

Eddie takes a deep breath, looking over at Buck with a smile that holds both excitement and reassurance.

Eddie: "Yeah, I am. Let’s see where this takes us."

They get into the car, the silence filled with unspoken words and shared hopes. Buck starts the engine and drives them to the small Italian restaurant Eddie has always wanted to try.

Scene: Italian Restaurant

The restaurant is quaint, with checkered tablecloths, candle-lit tables, and the aroma of garlic and fresh bread wafting through the air. Soft Italian music plays in the background, adding to the intimate ambiance. It's perfect for their first date, a place where they can focus on each other without distractions.

They are seated at a quiet corner table, away from the main hustle and bustle. The dim lighting casts a warm glow on their faces, highlighting the excitement and nerves they both feel.

Eddie: "This place is nice. I’ve wanted to come here for a while."

Buck: "I'm glad we’re doing this. It feels... right."

Their conversation flows easily, a blend of familiar banter and deeper topics. They talk about their lives, their dreams, and their fears. Eddie shares stories about Christopher, his dead ex-wife Shannon, and the challenges of being a single parent. He opens up about moving to LA to get away from his parents and Shannon's parents, and how the change has helped him and Christopher heal.

Eddie: "Moving here was tough, but it was the right decision for Christopher and me. We needed a fresh start."

Buck: "I can't imagine what you've been through, Eddie. You're so strong. Christopher is lucky to have you."

Buck talks about his sister Maddie, his niece Jee-Yun, and the journey that led him to the 118. He shares stories about his family, their struggles, and how firefighting gave him a sense of purpose and belonging.

Buck: "Joining the 118 changed my life. I found a family I never knew I needed. I've always been alone and thought I was fine with it, until I got to 118 and met you all."

As the evening progresses, the initial nerves give way to a comfortable intimacy. They laugh, reminisce, and share quiet moments of understanding. The waitstaff brings out their dishes, and they savor the delicious Italian cuisine, enjoying the rich flavors and the company.

Eddie: "You know, Buck, I’ve never felt this comfortable with anyone, not even Shannon. It’s like... you just get me."

Buck reaches across the table, his hand covering Eddie’s. The touch sends a warm shiver through both of them, a physical manifestation of the connection they feel.

Buck: "I feel the same way. You’re my best friend, Eddie. But I think we can be even more."

Their eyes lock, the connection between them undeniable. The world outside the restaurant fades away, leaving just the two of them in their own bubble of warmth and affection.

Eddie: "I've been thinking about us a lot, especially after the accident. I realized how much you mean to me, Buck. You're more than a friend. You're... everything."

Buck: "Eddie, I was terrified of losing you. When you were in that hospital bed, all I could think about was how much I need you in my life. I don't want to keep pretending that what we have is just friendship."

Eddie's grip on Buck's hand tightens, his eyes reflecting the depth of his feelings.

Eddie: "I don't either. I want to see where this can go. I want to be with you, Buck."

They sit in silence for a moment, the weight of their words sinking in. It's a pivotal moment, one that could change everything.

Buck: "So, this is our first date. How about we make it one of many?"

Eddie smiles, a look of relief and joy spreading across his face.

Eddie: "I’d like that. A lot."

The waiter arrives with dessert, a rich tiramisu that they share, feeding each other bites and laughing at the playful intimacy of it. The conversation shifts to lighter topics, their spirits lifted by the mutual acknowledgment of their feelings.

After dinner, they decide to take a walk. The night air is cool and refreshing, and they stroll through the nearby park, talking and laughing. The stars above them twinkle, mirroring the spark of their newfound relationship.

As they walk back to the car, there’s a comfortable silence between them, filled with the promise of what’s to come. When they reach Eddie’s house, they stand by the front door, neither wanting the evening to end.

Buck: "So, can we do this again? Another date?"

Eddie’s smile is warm and genuine.

Eddie: "I’d like that. I had a great evening with you."

Buck leans in, their foreheads touching as they share a moment of quiet intimacy. It’s not a kiss, but it’s a promise of more to come. They part with smiles, and Buck watches as Eddie goes inside, his heart feeling lighter and fuller than it has in a long time.

As Buck drives home, he can’t stop smiling, the evening replaying in his mind. It’s the start of something beautiful, and he can’t wait to see where it leads.