Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 20

Scene: Eddie's House, Afternoon, Two weeks later

Buck sat at the kitchen table, fiddling with his phone as Eddie prepared lunch. The air between them was heavy with unspoken tension. Buck had been anxious all morning, knowing that tonight he would tell his parents about his relationship with Eddie. He had decided to do it during a family dinner at Maddie’s house, thinking it would be easier with his sister's support. Eddie, sensing Buck’s unease, decided to address it head-on.

Eddie glanced over from the stove where he was stirring a pot of pasta. He wiped his hands on a towel and walked over to the table, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from Buck.

Eddie: "You okay, Buck?"

Buck looked up, his blue eyes clouded with worry. He put his phone down and sighed deeply, rubbing his temples as if trying to alleviate some of the stress.

Buck: "I don’t know, Eddie. I’m just really scared. My parents… they’re not exactly open-minded about these things."

Eddie reached out and took Buck’s hand in his, squeezing it gently. He could feel the tension in Buck's grip and the slight tremor in his fingers.

Eddie: "I know it's tough, but no matter what happens, you have me, Chris, and everyone at the 118. You’re not alone in this."

Buck looked down at their joined hands, drawing some comfort from the simple contact. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.

Buck: "Thanks, Eddie. It helps knowing you’ll be here when I get back."

Eddie moved his chair closer, wrapping an arm around Buck’s shoulders. The warmth of Eddie's touch seemed to chase away some of the chill in Buck's heart.

Eddie: "I’ll always be here for you, Buck. Just remember that."

Buck leaned into Eddie, resting his head on Eddie’s shoulder. They sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound the bubbling of the pot on the stove. Buck could feel Eddie’s steady heartbeat, a calming rhythm against his own racing pulse.

Buck: "What if they don’t accept us? What if they say things that I can't forgive?"

Eddie rubbed Buck’s back soothingly, his voice soft but firm.

Eddie: "Then we’ll deal with it together. But you need to be honest with them and with yourself. You deserve to be happy, Buck, and to live your truth. If they can’t see that, it’s their loss, not yours."

Buck nodded, feeling a bit more resolute. Eddie's unwavering support gave him the strength he needed to face what was coming. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but having Eddie by his side made it feel possible.

Buck: "You’re right. I need to do this. For us."

Eddie kissed the top of Buck’s head, a gesture of reassurance and love.

Eddie: "Exactly. And no matter what happens, we’ll get through it together."

Buck smiled faintly, the fear still there but now mixed with a sense of determination. He straightened up and gave Eddie a more confident look.

Buck: "Okay. I’ll go and talk to them. But promise me you’ll be here when I get back?"

Eddie’s eyes softened, filled with love and support.

Eddie: "I promise. I’m not going anywhere."

They stayed like that for a few more moments, drawing strength from each other before Eddie had to get back to the stove to finish lunch. Buck felt a bit more at ease, knowing that whatever happened that evening, he had a safe place to return to.

Scene: Maddie’s House, Evening

Maddie had prepared a lovely dinner, the table set with care. She sensed Buck’s nerves and tried to keep the atmosphere light, chatting with their parents about everyday things. Buck’s mom, Margaret, and dad, Phillip, were oblivious to the storm brewing within Buck.

They sat down to eat, and Buck found it hard to swallow, his anxiety almost palpable. Finally, after the main course, he took a deep breath and decided it was now or never.

Buck: "Mom, Dad, there’s something I need to tell you."

Margaret and Phillip turned their attention to Buck, curious expressions on their faces.

Margaret: "What is it, honey?"

Buck glanced at Maddie, who gave him an encouraging nod. He took another deep breath, his hands shaking slightly.

Buck: "I’m in a relationship."

Margaret: "That's awesome Evan, who's the lucky girl?"

Buck: "It's Eddie"

There was a moment of stunned silence. Margaret's face twisted in confusion while Phillip’s expression hardened.

Phillip: "Eddie? As in, your firefighter friend Eddie?"

Buck: "Yes, Dad. We’re together. I love him."

Margaret’s eyes narrowed, a coldness creeping into her gaze.

Margaret: "I don’t understand. How can you… be with a man? That’s not right."

Buck’s heart sank. He had expected resistance, but hearing it was still painful.

Buck: "It’s not about right or wrong, Mom. It’s about love. Eddie makes me happy."

Phillip: "This is unacceptable, Evan. We didn’t raise you to live this kind of lifestyle."

Buck felt tears pricking at the corners of his eyes, but he tried to stay calm.

Buck: "Dad, this is who I am. I’m still your son."

Margaret: "No, you’re not. Not like this. You’re living in sin."

Maddie, seeing her brother’s distress, intervened.

Maddie: "Mom, Dad, you can’t talk to him like that. Buck deserves to be happy, just like anyone else."

Phillip: "Stay out of this, Maddie. This is between us and Evan."

The tension in the room was unbearable. Buck couldn’t hold back his tears any longer.

Buck: "I thought… I thought you would at least try to understand. But I see I was wrong."

Without another word, Buck stood up and left the table, the sound of his sobs echoing in the hallway. He grabbed his coat and rushed out of Maddie’s house, the cold night air hitting his tear-streaked face as he made his way to his car. He could hear Maddie calling after him, but he couldn’t stop. He needed to get away, to escape the suffocating weight of his parents' rejection.

As he drove home, his mind raced with the painful memories of the dinner. Every harsh word replayed in his head, each one cutting deeper than the last. By the time he pulled into Eddie’s driveway, his vision was blurred with tears.