Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 26

Scene: Firehouse, Morning

It was a bright, sunny morning, and the team was gathered in the kitchen, enjoying breakfast and exchanging lighthearted banter. Buck was laughing at one of Chimney’s jokes, feeling a rare moment of ease. Eddie watched him with a fond smile, relieved to see Buck’s spirits lifted, even if just for a moment.

Their brief respite was interrupted by the sound of the station’s front door opening. Buck glanced up, and his heart stopped. Standing in the doorway were his parents. The color drained from Buck’s face as a wave of cold terror washed over him.

The moment Buck spotted his parents entering the firehouse, his breath caught in his throat. The bustling station, which had always been a sanctuary, suddenly seemed to close in around him. His vision narrowed to pinpricks as the room tilted slightly, the walls pressing in. He felt a crushing weight on his chest, like an invisible hand squeezing the life out of him, making it impossible to draw a full breath. The signs of a panic attack set in with terrifying speed: his hands began to tremble uncontrollably, his heart pounded violently in his chest, and a suffocating sense of dread engulfed him.

Eddie, always attuned to Buck’s moods, noticed the change instantly. The laughter and light-heartedness that usually radiated from Buck vanished, replaced by sheer panic. Eddie’s protective instincts kicked in, and he moved to Buck’s side, his voice calm and steady, trying to anchor Buck in the present moment.

Eddie: "Buck, look at me. Focus on my voice."

But Buck couldn't respond. His breaths came in short, shallow gasps, his eyes wide with fear and darting around the room as if searching for an escape. The sight of his parents was too much for him to handle. Memories of their harsh words and cold dismissal flooded his mind, overwhelming him. He could still hear their voices echoing in his head, telling him he was a disappointment, that he was living a lie.

Phillip and Margaret stepped further into the firehouse, their presence a looming shadow. They seemed oblivious to the turmoil they were causing their son, or perhaps they simply didn’t care. Bobby, sensing the escalating tension and recognizing the signs of Buck's distress, quickly intervened.

Bobby: "Eddie, get Buck out of here. I'll handle this."

Eddie nodded, his focus solely on Buck. He gently took Buck’s trembling hands, feeling the cold sweat slick on his palms, and guided him toward a quieter corner of the firehouse, away from the prying eyes of his parents and the rest of the crew.

Eddie: "Buck, you need to breathe for me. In and out, slow and deep. Just focus on me."

Despite Eddie's calm instructions, Buck’s breaths remained rapid and shallow. His face had gone pale, and sweat poured down his temples, dripping onto his shirt. Eddie placed a firm but gentle hand on Buck’s chest, feeling the frantic beat of his heart beneath his fingertips. It was beating so fast it felt like it might burst through his ribs. Eddie knew Buck needed to be removed from the situation immediately.

Eddie: "Come on, Buck. We’re going to a quieter place."

With gentle but firm pressure, Eddie guided Buck to a small, unused office in the back of the firehouse. He closed the door behind them, creating a physical barrier between Buck and the overwhelming presence of his parents.

Eddie: "It’s okay, Buck. You’re safe here."

Buck’s eyes darted around the room, unable to focus. He collapsed into a chair, his entire body trembling violently. He clutched at his chest, his fingers digging into his shirt as he struggled to breathe, tears streaming down his face, mixing with the sweat.

Buck: "I... I can't... Eddie, I can't...Help me... P... Please..."

Eddie knelt in front of Buck, taking his face in his hands, forcing Buck to look at him. Eddie’s eyes were full of concern but also determination. He needed to ground Buck, to pull him out of the spiraling terror that had taken hold.

Eddie: "Yes, you can. You're having a panic attack, Buck. I've got you. Just keep breathing with me."

Eddie demonstrated slow, deep breaths, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly, coaxing Buck to follow his lead. It was an agonizingly slow process. Buck's breaths were ragged and uneven, each inhale seeming to catch in his throat. His entire body felt like it was on fire, his skin too tight, his chest aching with the effort to breathe. But gradually, Buck’s breathing began to align with Eddie’s, though it remained shallow and erratic.

Eddie: "That's it, Buck. You're doing great. Just keep focusing on me. You're safe. I've got you."

Eddie continued to hold Buck’s face, his thumbs gently stroking Buck’s cheeks, wiping away the tears. Buck’s eyes, wide with panic, started to regain some focus, locking onto Eddie’s. The tremors in his hands began to subside, though his chest still heaved with the effort of drawing breath.

Eddie: "I'm right here. We're going to get through this."

Buck’s panic attack had been so severe that his body was still on edge, the adrenaline coursing through his veins making it hard to fully calm down. Eddie didn't let go of him, maintaining physical contact to reassure Buck that he wasn’t alone.

As Buck's breathing slowly steadied, the reality of what had just happened began to sink in. He had lost control in front of his colleagues and, worse, in front of his parents. Shame and frustration mingled with the remnants of panic, making his throat tighten once more.

Eddie: "Buck, it's okay. You're okay. It’s over now. Just breathe."

Buck nodded weakly, but his mind was still a storm of emotions. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against Eddie’s shoulder, seeking comfort and stability. Eddie wrapped his arms around Buck, holding him close, his presence a solid anchor in the turbulent sea of Buck’s mind.

Outside the room, Bobby confronted Phillip and Margaret, his expression hard. He knew that Buck’s parents were the cause of the panic attacks, and he wasn't going to let them continue to hurt Buck.

Bobby: "You need to leave. Now."

Phillip: "We just want to talk to our son."

Bobby: "He's not in a state to talk to you right now. You’ve done enough damage. For his sake, I’m asking you to leave."

Margaret: "We’re his parents. We have a right to be here."

Bobby: "You lost that right when you made him feel unsafe. I'm the Captain of the station and I'm asking you to leave, or I’ll have you escorted out."

Phillip opened his mouth to argue, but Bobby’s stern expression made it clear that there was no room for negotiation. Realizing they were outmatched, Phillip and Margaret reluctantly turned and left the firehouse. Bobby watched them go, his heart heavy with the knowledge of the pain they had caused Buck.

Back in the office, Eddie continued to hold Buck, who was still trembling slightly.

Eddie: "It's over, Buck. They’re gone. It’s just us now. Just you and me. We can stay here as long as you need to."

Buck pulled back slightly, looking into Eddie’s eyes. The panic had receded, but the pain and fear were still there, lurking beneath the surface.

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

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