Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 33

Scene: Hospital Room, Later in the Morning

The morning light filtered softly through the blinds, casting a gentle glow over the sterile hospital room. Buck lay still in the bed, his bandaged arms resting on pillows at his sides, an oxygen mask secured over his face. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors and the faint hum of hospital activity outside provided a quiet backdrop to the scene.

Eddie was slumped in the chair beside Buck's bed, his hand resting lightly on Buck's uninjured shoulder. Despite his exhaustion, he had stayed vigilant throughout the night, ready to provide comfort and reassurance whenever Buck stirred in pain or distress. Now, with the medication easing Buck's suffering, Eddie had finally succumbed to sleep, his head leaning back against the chair, eyes closed in a fitful rest.

The door to the room creaked open quietly, and Bobby stepped inside, his expression a mix of concern and relief. He had waited as long as he could, knowing Eddie needed rest, but his worry for Buck and Eddie had driven him to check on them personally. As he entered, the slight noise caused Eddie to stir. His eyes fluttered open, immediately scanning Buck's face for any signs of discomfort before turning to see Bobby.

Eddie sat up straighter, rubbing his eyes and stifling a yawn. Bobby approached, his footsteps soft on the tiled floor.

Bobby: "I'm sorry to disturb you, Eddie. I wanted to check on Buck. How's he doing?"

Eddie blinked, trying to fully wake up and process the question. He looked back at Buck, his eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and relief.

Eddie: "He... he had a rough night. The pain was really bad, and he got sick from the head injury. But the nurse gave him something for the pain and nausea, and he's been sleeping better since then."

Bobby nodded, his eyes fixed on Buck's still form. He could see the toll the ordeal had taken on both Buck and Eddie. He pulled a chair closer and sat down, his expression gentle and supportive.

Bobby: "You've been here all night. How are you holding up?"

Eddie took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He looked down at his hands, his fingers trembling slightly.

Eddie: "I'm okay, Bobby. Just... seeing him like this, it's hard. He's in so much pain, and there's nothing I can do to take it away."

Bobby placed a comforting hand on Eddie's shoulder, squeezing gently.

Bobby: "You're doing exactly what he needs, Eddie. You're here for him. That means everything."

Tears welled up in Eddie's eyes, and he tried to blink them away, but a few slipped down his cheeks. He wiped them hastily, frustration evident in his movements.

Eddie: "I keep thinking... if I had been there, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Maybe I could have done something to prevent it."

Bobby's expression softened further, understanding the weight of guilt Eddie was carrying.

Bobby: "Eddie, this wasn't your fault. Buck knew the risks when he went into that burning house. He made a choice to save that little girl, and you know he wouldn't have done it any other way. You can't blame yourself for something beyond your control."

Eddie let out a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping as the tension slowly began to release. He looked at Buck, seeing the faint rise and fall of his chest, the very slight twitch of his bandaged fingers, and the peaceful expression that sleep had finally brought.

Eddie: "I know you're right. It's just... it's hard not to think about what could have been. Seeing him in so much pain, it's killing me, Bobby."

Bobby moved his chair closer, leaning in to make sure Eddie felt his support.

Bobby: "We all love Buck, and seeing him like this is hard for everyone. But he's strong, and he has you. He has all of us. We'll get through this together, just like we always do."

Eddie nodded, taking in Bobby's words. The tears continued to fall, but they were a mix of relief, exhaustion and the overwhelming emotions he had been holding back.

Eddie: "Thank you, Bobby. I just... I just want him to be okay."

Bobby: "He will be. It's going to take time, but Buck's a fighter. And with you by his side, he has all the strength he needs."

Eddie looked at Bobby, the gratitude in his eyes clear. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, knowing that he needed to be strong for Buck.

Eddie: "I just wish I could take his pain away. I hate seeing him suffer."

Bobby gave Eddie a reassuring smile, his hand still resting on his shoulder.

Bobby: "You're doing everything you can, Eddie. Just being here, holding his hand, talking to him - it's more than enough. Buck knows you're here for him, and that makes all the difference."

Eddie glanced back at Buck, watching his peaceful expression in sleep. He felt a renewed sense of determination, knowing that he would do whatever it took to help Buck through this.

Eddie: "I won't leave him, Bobby. I'll be here, no matter what."

Bobby nodded, his own eyes misting with emotion.

Bobby: "I know you will, Eddie. And we're all here for both of you. I don't want you to come to work, you won't be focused, take all the time you need."

They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet hum of the hospital room enveloping them. Eddie felt a sense of calm wash over him, the weight of Bobby's words settling into his heart. He knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but with the support of his friends and the strength he drew from his love for Buck, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Eddie: "Thank you, Bobby. For everything."

Bobby: "Always, Eddie. We're family. We stick together."

Eddie gave Bobby a small, grateful smile, then turned his attention back to Buck, his hand gently squeezing Buck's shoulder.

Eddie: "You hear that, Buck? We're all here for you. And we're not going anywhere."

Buck stirred slightly, a faint groan escaping his lips. Eddie leaned in closer, his voice soft and soothing.

Eddie: "It's okay, Buck. You're safe. Just rest."

Bobby watched the exchange, his heart swelling with pride for the love and dedication Eddie showed. He knew that with Eddie by his side, Buck had the best chance of recovery. And he knew that their bond, their love, was stronger than any pain or obstacle that might come their way.