Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 34

Scene: Hospital Room, Afternoon

The afternoon sun streamed softly through the windows, casting a warm glow across the sterile hospital room. Buck lay still in his bed, the gentle beeping of monitors providing a constant reminder of his fragile state. Bandages covered his arms, his chest rose and fell rhythmically beneath the oxygen mask, and his body seemed so vulnerable against the crisp white sheets.

Eddie sat beside him, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep and the emotional turmoil of the past day. He had barely left Buck's side, watching over him with a mixture of fear and hope. He had seen Buck through countless challenges, but seeing him like this, so hurt and in so much pain, was a different kind of agony.

Suddenly, Buck's eyes fluttered open, his expression contorting in pain and confusion. His breathing quickened, and tears began to well up in his eyes. Eddie immediately leaned closer, his heart aching at the sight of Buck’s distress.

Eddie: "Buck, hey, it’s okay. I’m here. You’re safe."

Buck's voice was barely a whisper, choked with pain and fear.

Buck: "Eddie… it hurts… I need… I need you… please... hug me"

Eddie’s heart broke at the desperation in Buck’s voice. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his boyfriend in his arms and take all his pain and fear away, but the sight of Buck’s bandaged, burned arms made him hesitate. He was terrified of causing him more pain.

Eddie: "I’m here, Buck. I’m right here. I don’t want to hurt you."

Buck's tears flowed freely now, his body trembling with sobs.

Buck: "I don’t care about the pain. I need you. Please, Eddie. I need a hug. I’m so scared..."

Eddie felt tears sting his own eyes as he watched Buck struggle. He knew he had to find a way to give Buck the comfort he was begging for. Taking a deep breath, Eddie moved to Buck’s right side, the side where his injuries were slightly less severe. He gently reached out, careful not to touch the bandaged areas, and placed a hand on Buck’s shoulder.

Eddie: "Okay, Buck. I’m going to move your arm a little, so I can hug you. Just tell me if it hurts too much."

Buck nodded weakly, his eyes pleading for the connection he craved. Eddie carefully lifted Buck’s right arm, shifting the pillow that supported it. He winced at the sight of the raw, red burns, but pushed his fear aside, focusing on Buck’s need.

Eddie: "I’m going to be as gentle as I can, Buck. I promise."

Slowly, Eddie maneuvered himself closer, sliding his arms around Buck’s body in the gentlest embrace he could manage. He felt Buck tense at first, a soft gasp of pain escaping his lips, but then he relaxed, melting into Eddie’s touch.

Buck: "Eddie… thank you… I needed this… so much…"

Eddie held him carefully, feeling Buck's tears soaking into his shirt. He could feel the heat radiating from Buck's burns, the fragility of his injured body, and it made him hold on even tighter, determined to offer whatever comfort he could.

Eddie: "I’m right here, Buck. I’m not going anywhere. Just hold on to me."

Buck’s sobs grew louder, each cry a mixture of pain and relief. The simple act of holding Eddie seemed to ease some of his distress, grounding him in a way that the medications and reassurances couldn’t.

Buck: "I thought... I thought I was gonna die, Eddie. I thought I’d never see you or Christopher again."

Eddie tightened his hold, careful not to press too hard.