Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 21

Scene: Eddie’s House, Later That Night

Eddie was sitting on the couch, flipping through channels absentmindedly, his mind on Buck. The TV’s soft glow filled the room, but Eddie’s thoughts were far away, tangled in worry about how Buck's dinner with his parents was going. He sighed, glancing at the clock for what felt like the hundredth time. When he finally heard the front door open, he sprang to his feet, his heart pounding.

Buck stepped inside, his face red and puffy from crying. The sight of him, so visibly broken, made Eddie’s chest tighten with empathy and love. Without a word, Eddie immediately closed the distance between them and pulled Buck into his arms, holding him tightly. Buck clung to him, his body shaking with sobs that seemed to come from the deepest part of his soul.

Eddie: "Hey, hey, it’s okay. I’m here."

He whispered soothing words into Buck’s ear, his hand rubbing gentle circles on Buck’s back. Eddie could feel the intensity of Buck’s pain, each sob reverberating through his own body. He tightened his embrace, trying to offer as much comfort as he could, letting Buck know he was not alone.

Buck: "Eddie…"

Buck's voice was choked with emotion, his tears soaking into Eddie’s shirt. He had cried all the way home, the harsh words of his parents replaying in his mind. Being in Eddie’s arms now was both a relief and a release, allowing him to let go of the anguish he had been holding inside.

Eddie: "Shh, it’s okay. Let it out. I’ve got you."

Buck cried for what felt like an eternity, the pain and disappointment pouring out of him. Eddie held him, not asking any questions, just being there. His hand moved to cradle the back of Buck’s head, fingers threading through his hair in a soothing gesture. He kissed Buck’s temple, murmuring words of love and reassurance.

Finally, Buck’s sobs subsided, and he leaned against Eddie, exhausted. His breath came in shuddering gasps as he tried to regain some semblance of composure. Eddie gently led him to the couch, where they sat down, Buck still in Eddie’s arms. He pulled Buck closer, resting his chin on top of Buck’s head.

Eddie: "Do you want to talk about it?"

He asked softly, his voice filled with concern and patience. He wasn’t going to push, but he wanted Buck to know he was ready to listen whenever he was ready to speak.

Buck took a deep, shuddering breath, trying to find the words.

Buck: "They didn’t take it well. They… they said awful things. They don’t understand, Eddie. They don’t want to. They don't love me. I hate them."

Eddie’s heart ached for Buck. He stroked his hair, trying to soothe him, his touch tender and comforting.

Eddie: "I’m so sorry, Buck. But you have us. You have Bobby, Athena, Hen, Chimney, and Maddie. And even Christopher. We all love and support you."

Buck nodded, tears still streaming down his face. The warmth of Eddie’s embrace was the only thing keeping him grounded at that moment.

Buck: "I know. But it hurts so much. I wanted their acceptance so badly. They're my parents after all."

Eddie tightened his hold on Buck, feeling the weight of his pain.

Eddie: "I know you did. And it’s okay to be hurt. But we’re going to get through this together. You’re not alone in this, Buck. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere."

Buck buried his face in Eddie’s chest, drawing strength from his unwavering presence. Eddie’s words were like a balm to his wounded heart, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness.

Eddie continued to hold Buck, his hands moving in gentle, soothing patterns across Buck’s back and arms. The intimacy of the moment, the sheer closeness of their bodies, spoke volumes about the depth of their connection. Eddie’s love for Buck was palpable, a steady, unwavering force that anchored Buck in his moment of despair.

Eddie: "You don’t have to face this alone. We’re a team, remember? Whatever happens, we’ll face it together."

Buck looked up at Eddie, his eyes red and swollen from crying. He saw the sincerity and love in Eddie’s gaze, and it gave him the strength to keep going.

Buck: "Thank you, Eddie. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Eddie leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Buck’s forehead, his lips lingering for a moment.

Eddie: "You’ll never have to find out. I’m here for you, always."

They sat like that for a long time, wrapped in each other’s arms, the silence between them filled with unspoken words of love and support. The pain of Buck’s parents' rejection still weighed heavily on him, but Eddie’s presence made it bearable.

Eddie shifted slightly, his hand cupping Buck’s cheek, wiping away the remnants of his tears with his thumb.

Eddie: "Do you want to do something to take your mind off it? We could watch a movie, or just talk."

Buck shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper.

Buck: "I just want to stay like this for a while. Just… hold me."

Eddie’s heart swelled with love for Buck. He kissed him softly, his lips brushing against Buck’s in a gentle, reassuring caress.

Eddie: "As long as you need, Buck. I’m not going anywhere."

They stayed on the couch, holding each other close, finding solace in their shared warmth and the quiet intimacy of the moment. The outside world faded away, leaving only the two of them, their love a beacon of light in the darkness.