Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 23

Scene: Eddie’s House, Midnight

In the darkness of Eddie's bedroom, Buck slept fitfully. His body twisted and turned beneath the sheets, caught in the grips of a nightmare that replayed the painful evening spent with his parents.

Nightmare:

Buck found himself standing in the familiar dining room of Maddie's house. The air was thick with tension, mirroring the real-life dinner scenario earlier that evening. He looked around, searching for Eddie, but his boyfriend was nowhere to be found. Instead, his parents sat at the table, their faces contorted with disapproval and disdain.

Margaret: "How could you do this to us, Evan? How could you disgrace our family like this? You are a disgrace to the Buckley family"

Phillip: "You're a disappointment, a disgrace. This... relationship of yours is disgusting."

Buck's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to defend himself, but his words were lost in the harsh accusations hurled at him.

Margaret: "You're not our son anymore. We raised you better than this."

Phillip: "You're not welcome here anymore, Evan. Leave."

Buck's voice cracked as he pleaded for understanding, for acceptance, but his parents' faces remained cold and unyielding. Their rejection cut him to the core, leaving him feeling abandoned and alone.

---

In the bed, Buck thrashed violently, his body drenched in sweat despite the coolness of the room. His breathing grew erratic, shallow gasps escaping his lips as the nightmare tightened its grip on him.

Eddie stirred awake, immediately sensing something was wrong. He opened his eyes to see Buck's silhouette, trembling and sweating profusely. Without hesitation, Eddie reached out and gently shook Buck's shoulder.

Eddie: "Buck, wake up. You're having a nightmare."

Buck jolted awake with a gasp, his eyes wide and filled with fear. He blinked rapidly, trying to orient himself in the dimly lit room.

Buck: "Eddie... I..."

Eddie could see the terror etched on Buck's face, his whole body still shaking with residual fear from the nightmare. He sat up, pulling Buck close into a reassuring hug.

Eddie: "It's okay, Buck. You're safe. It was just a bad dream."

Buck buried his face in Eddie's chest, tears streaming down his cheeks. Eddie held him tightly, rubbing soothing circles on his back.

Eddie: "Shh, it's okay. I'm here."

Buck's breathing gradually slowed, but his body continued to tremble. Eddie gently pulled back to look at him, his concern evident in his eyes.

Eddie: "Hey, you're soaked. Let's get this shirt off, okay? You'll feel better."

Buck nodded weakly, his movements sluggish and disoriented. Eddie helped him out of his shirt, tossing it aside, and then wrapped him in a warm embrace once more.

Eddie: "There you go. Is that better?"

Buck nodded again, his voice barely a whisper.

Buck: "Thank you, Eddie. I'm sorry."

Eddie: "There's nothing to apologize for, Buck. You had a nightmare. It happens to everyone."

Buck leaned into Eddie's touch, seeking comfort in his warmth and strength. Eddie continued to hold him, his heart breaking for Buck and everything he was going through.