Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 45

Scene: Hospital Room, Morning

The morning light filtered gently through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the hospital room. Buck was awake, propped up on his bed with pillows supporting his back. Eddie was seated on the edge of the bed, facing Buck with a tray of breakfast food balanced on his lap.

Eddie: "Alright, Buck. Let’s see what culinary delight they’ve brought you today."

Buck chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Buck: "I’m sure it’s another five-star meal."

Eddie smiled and picked up a piece of toast, carefully bringing it to Buck’s mouth. Buck took a bite, chewing slowly, savoring the simple act of eating with Eddie by his side.

Eddie: "How’s that?"

Buck: "Not bad. Better than some of the stuff I’ve had here."

Eddie: "Well, we’ll work on getting you out of here so you can have some real food soon."

Buck: "I’m looking forward to it."

Eddie continued feeding Buck, their conversation flowing easily, a testament to their deep connection.

Eddie: "So, Chris was telling me he wants to make a birdhouse for our place too. He’s pretty proud of the one he made with Carla."

Buck’s eyes lit up at the mention of Christopher.

Buck: "That sounds like a great idea. Maybe we can make it a family project once I’m out of here."

Eddie: "Absolutely. We’ll make the best birdhouse on the block."

Buck laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth. Eddie’s heart swelled at the sight of Buck’s joy, knowing that he played a part in making him happy.

Eddie: "You know, seeing you like this… it makes me so happy, Buck."

Buck: "I feel the same way, Eddie. Even in this hospital bed, as long as you’re here, I feel like I can get through anything."

Eddie: "We’ll get through it together. Always."

Buck’s eyes shone with love and gratitude. He reached out and took Eddie’s hand, squeezing it gently.

Buck: "I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so grateful."

Eddie: "We’re in this together, Buck. We always have been."

As they shared this intimate moment, neither of them noticed Margaret and Philip Buckley standing just outside the window in the hallway, watching the scene unfold. Margaret’s expression softened as she observed the genuine happiness on Buck’s face, a happiness she hadn’t seen in a long time.

Margaret: "Look at him, Philip. He’s… he’s happy."

Philip’s face was set in a frown, unwilling to accept what he was seeing.

Philip: "He’s vulnerable. He’s been through a lot. This isn’t the time to make judgments."

Margaret: "No, Philip. Look at them. This man makes Evan happy. Can’t you see that?"

Philip turned away, his stubbornness preventing him from acknowledging the truth.

Philip: "We should be in there with him. We’re his parents."

Meanwhile, inside the room, Eddie was helping Buck with a spoonful of yogurt, making a silly face to coax a laugh out of him. Buck chuckled, nearly choking on the yogurt as he tried to compose himself.