Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 32

Scene: Hospital Room, Early Morning

Eddie had dozed off in the chair next to Buck’s bed, his body slumped awkwardly but too exhausted to care. The steady beeping of the monitors provided a rhythm that lulled him into a restless sleep. It was early morning, the first light of dawn just beginning to filter through the blinds, casting a pale glow across the room.

Buck stirred, a low groan escaping his lips. The pain was a constant, gnawing presence, but now it felt sharper, more insistent. He tried to shift his position, but the slightest movement sent waves of agony through his burned arms. His head pounded, each throb making him feel like his skull was being squeezed in a vise.

Eddie jerked awake at the sound, immediately alert. He leaned forward, his eyes scanning Buck's face for any signs of distress.

Eddie: "Buck? Hey, I’m here. What do you need?"

Buck's eyes fluttered open, tears already pooling in them. His breath came in ragged gasps, each one a struggle. The pain was overwhelming, radiating from his arms and head, making it hard to focus on anything else. He tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat, a choked sob escaping instead.

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

The sight of Eddie’s worried face brought Buck some comfort, but it wasn’t enough to cut through the agony. He whimpered, tears streaming down his cheeks, unable to wipe them away with his bandaged hands. The frustration of being unable to move or speak clearly only added to his distress.

Buck: "Eddie... it hurts... so much..."

His voice was barely a whisper, strained and filled with pain. Eddie felt his heart break at the sound, wishing he could do more than just be there.

Eddie: "I know, Buck. I know. I’m going to call the nurse, okay? They can give you something for the pain."

Eddie pressed the call button frantically, his hands shaking. He kept his other hand on Buck's uninjured shoulder, trying to offer whatever comfort he could. The nurse arrived quickly, taking in the scene with practiced calm.

Nurse: "What’s happening?"

Eddie: "He’s in a lot of pain. Can you give him something stronger?"

The nurse nodded, moving efficiently to adjust Buck’s IV and administer a dose of pain medication. Buck’s breaths came in short, shallow gasps, his body trembling with the effort to endure the pain. The nurse offered him a sympathetic smile.

Nurse: "This should help in a few minutes, Buck. Just hang on, okay?"

Buck nodded weakly, but the relief was still minutes away, and the pain was relentless. His head throbbed with a dull, nauseating ache that made his stomach churn. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, his vision blurring at the edges.

Buck: "Eddie... I think... I’m gonna be sick..."

Eddie’s eyes widened in alarm. He grabbed the small basin from the bedside table, holding it ready. Buck retched, his body convulsing with the effort, but the pain in his arms made it even more excruciating. He vomited, the contents of his stomach emptying into the basin, his body trembling uncontrollably.

Eddie: "I’ve got you, Buck. It’s okay. Just let it out."

Tears mingled with sweat on Buck's face, his eyes squeezed shut as he tried to breathe through the pain and nausea. Eddie held the basin steady, his other hand gently rubbing Buck's shoulder.

Nurse: "I’ll get something for the nausea too. Hang in there, Mr. Buckley."

The nurse left the room briefly, returning with an anti-nausea medication that she quickly administered through Buck’s IV. Buck’s retching slowed, but his body continued to shudder with the aftershocks.

Eddie: "You’re doing great, Buck. Just breathe. You’re not alone."

Buck opened his eyes, the pain in them clear as day. He felt helpless, unable to use his hands to even wipe his mouth. Eddie noticed, gently dabbing Buck’s face with a damp cloth.

Buck: "I hate this, Eddie... I can’t do anything..."

Eddie’s heart ached for him. He leaned in closer, his voice soothing.

Eddie: "I know, Buck. But you’re going to get through this. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. We’ll get through this together."

Buck nodded weakly, the medication starting to take the edge off his pain. The nausea subsided, leaving him feeling drained and exhausted. Eddie watched him carefully, seeing the pain begin to dull in his eyes.

Eddie: "Try to rest now, okay? The medicine will help. I’m right here."

Buck’s eyelids grew heavy, the pain medication pulling him towards a much-needed sleep. He let his eyes close, feeling a bit more at peace with Eddie’s presence. Eddie stayed by his side, holding his shoulder, not able to hold his hand, as gently as he could without causing more pain.

Eddie: "I love you, Buck. We’re going to get through this."

Buck's breathing evened out, his body finally relaxing as sleep overtook him. Eddie watched him, the weight of the day heavy on his shoulders. He knew the road to recovery would be long and hard, but seeing Buck rest, even for a moment, gave him the strength to keep going.

He leaned back in his chair, his hand still holding Buck’s shoulder, and closed his eyes, offering a silent prayer for Buck’s continued strength and healing. The journey was far from over, but for now, they had each other, and that was enough.