Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 27

When Buck finally felt well enough to stand, Eddie was right there to help him up, gently guiding him as they made their way back to the common area.

Each step was a struggle for Buck, his legs feeling weak and unsteady beneath him. Eddie kept a supportive arm around his waist, offering both physical support and emotional reassurance. The firehouse, which had always been a place of comfort and camaraderie, now felt tinged with the remnants of his recent panic. As they emerged from the back office, the team watched them with concern, their eyes filled with empathy and unspoken solidarity.

Hen was the first to approach, her brow furrowed with worry.

Hen: "Hey Buck, how are you holding up?"

Buck attempted a small smile, but it came out more as a grimace. His face was still pale, his eyes red and puffy from crying.

Buck: "I'm getting there, Hen. Thanks."

Chimney stepped forward next, his usually jovial expression somber.

Chimney: "You scared us, Buckaroo. But we're here for you. Whatever you need."

Buck nodded, appreciating the sentiment. The room was filled with a heavy silence, everyone aware of the gravity of what had just happened. The support of his team was palpable, their concern a warm blanket in the aftermath of his panic attack.

Bobby approached them, his eyes filled with a mixture of worry and fatherly concern. He placed a hand on Buck’s shoulder, the gesture firm and reassuring.

Bobby: "How are you feeling, son?"

Buck managed a weak smile, though he still looked pale and shaken. The weight of the panic attack had left him drained, his body feeling like it had run a marathon.

Buck: "Better, thanks to Eddie and you."

Bobby nodded, his grip on Buck’s shoulder tightening slightly in a gesture of support.

Bobby: "Take the rest of the day off. Go home and rest. We'll cover for you here."

Buck looked to Eddie, who nodded in agreement. The idea of going home, away from the reminders of his parents and the panic they had induced, was immensely appealing.

Eddie: "Come on, Buck. Let's get you home. You're exhausted."

Eddie's voice was soft but firm, a gentle command that Buck was more than willing to follow. They made their way to the locker room, Eddie never letting go of Buck’s arm, ensuring he was steady on his feet. The team watched them leave, their expressions a mix of concern and support.

Scene: During The Drive Home

The drive home was silent but comfortable, the weight of the recent events hanging heavily in the air. Eddie glanced over at Buck periodically, his eyes filled with worry and love. Buck stared out the window, lost in thought, the passing scenery a blur.

When they arrived at Eddie’s house, Buck seemed to relax slightly. The familiar surroundings provided a sense of security, a stark contrast to the firehouse which now held memories of his panic. Eddie helped him inside, guiding him to the couch and sitting beside him.

Scene: At Home

Eddie: "Do you need anything? Water? Something to eat?"

Buck shook his head, his eyes still glassy with remnants of fear and exhaustion.

Buck: "Just... stay with me?"

Eddie nodded, sitting close to Buck and wrapping an arm around his shoulders. They sat in silence for a while, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the wall and the distant hum of traffic outside. Eddie's presence was a soothing balm, his closeness a reminder that Buck was not alone.

As the initial shock began to wear off, Buck’s mind wandered back to the firehouse, to the moment he saw his parents walk in. The memories were sharp and painful, their faces etched with disapproval and coldness. The panic attack had been one of the worst he had ever experienced, and the fear of it happening again was overwhelming.

Eddie seemed to sense Buck's spiraling thoughts and tightened his grip around Buck's shoulders.

Eddie: "You don't have to go through this alone, Buck. We're in this together."

Buck leaned into Eddie, drawing comfort from his strength.

Buck: "I just... I can't stop thinking about what happened. Seeing them... it was like being back in that moment all over again."

Eddie: "I know. But you're safe now. They can't hurt you here."

After a while, Eddie suggested they move to the bedroom, where Buck could lie down and rest. The exhaustion was evident in Buck's every movement, his body drained from the emotional and physical toll of the day. Eddie helped him to his feet and guided him to the bedroom, where Buck collapsed onto the bed with a heavy sigh.

Eddie: "Do you want to take a shower? It might help you feel better."

Buck shook his head, pulling the blankets around him.

Buck: "I just want to sleep. I'm tired. Can you stay with me?"

Eddie nodded, climbing into bed beside Buck and pulling him close. They lay there in silence, the room dark and quiet. Eddie’s presence was a constant comfort, his arms wrapped protectively around Buck.

As Buck began to drift off to sleep, Eddie reflected on the events of the day. The panic attack had been severe, and seeing Buck in such distress had been heart-wrenching. Eddie felt a surge of protectiveness, a fierce determination to shield Buck from any further pain.

Eddie whispered softly, more to himself than to Buck.

Eddie: "We'll get through this, Buck. One day at a time. I've got you."

Buck’s breathing began to even out as he finally succumbed to sleep, his body pressed close to Eddie's. Eddie stayed awake for a long time, watching over Buck, ensuring that he was safe and at peace. The road ahead would be challenging, but Eddie knew they could face it together. He would be Buck’s anchor, his unwavering support, through every nightmare and panic attack.

Scene: Morning After

When Buck woke the next morning, he felt the warmth and security of Eddie’s arms around him. The memories of the previous day were still fresh, but the panic had subsided. Eddie was already awake, watching him with gentle eyes.

Eddie: "Morning Babe. How are you feeling?"

Buck took a deep breath, feeling the steady rhythm of Eddie’s heartbeat against his back.

Buck: "Better. Thanks to you."

Eddie smiled, pressing a kiss to Buck's temple.

Eddie: "We’re in this together remember, Buck. Always."

Buck nodded, feeling a sense of hope despite the lingering fear. With Eddie by his side, he knew he could face anything. They would take it one day at a time, navigating the challenges together, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.