Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 55

Scene: Buck and Eddie’s Bedroom, Night

Despite starting therapy, Buck’s nightmares persisted. The nights were long and filled with restless sleep, the nightmares haunting him like shadows. Eddie was patient, always there to comfort him, but it was clear that Buck was struggling.

It was one of those nights when Eddie had a night shift at the station. Buck was in bed, the room dark and quiet, but sleep wouldn’t come. He kept picturing the fire, the twisted metal, and the feeling of helplessness. The anxiety gnawed at him, making his chest feel tight.

In the fire station, Eddie was on break, sitting in the quiet common room. His phone buzzed with a message from Buck.

Buck (text message): “Didn't want to bother you but can’t sleep. It’s happening again. Can't breathe.”

Eddie’s heart sank. He knew he couldn’t leave the station, but he couldn’t bear the thought of Buck going through this alone. An idea came to him, and he quickly called Buck.

Eddie: “Hey, I’m here Buck. Just breathe please. I’ve got an idea. How about we FaceTime? You can leave it on while you sleep. I’ll keep an eye on you all night.”

Buck hesitated, his voice shaky.

Buck: “I don’t want to bother you. You need to work.”

Eddie: “Don’t worry about that. I’ll turn off my camera and microphone once you fall asleep, that way if I got a call, the sound and the changes of light won't wake you up. You won’t even know I’m there, but I’ll be able to see if anything happens to you and if you have a nightmare, I'll be there. And hey, take the shirt I wore today, it's on the chair near our bed. It’ll be like I’m right there next to you.”

Buck felt a small smile tug at his lips, the idea giving him a sense of comfort.

Buck: “Okay… I’d like that.”

Buck went to get Eddie's t-shirt. They set up the FaceTime call, Eddie’s face appearing on the screen. He was in his bunk at the station, the familiar background of the firehouse in view. Buck placed his phone on the nightstand, and lied down on Eddie's side of the bed Eddie’s presence a soothing balm.

Eddie: “Try to get some rest, Buck. I’ll be right here.”

Buck: “Thanks, Eddie. I’ll try.”

Buck held Eddie’s shirt close to him. The familiar scent of Eddie’s cologne was comforting, grounding him in the present. He closed his eyes, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt a sense of peace.

Eddie watched as Buck’s breathing slowly evened out, his body relaxing into sleep. Once he was sure Buck was asleep, Eddie turned off his camera and microphone, but he kept the call active, his eyes still on the screen. He knew Buck might wake up at any moment, and he wanted to be ready.

Scene: Fire Station, Early Morning

The night passed without incident, and Eddie was relieved. He had been half-awake, checking on Buck every now and then, but it seemed like the FaceTime idea was working. As dawn approached, Eddie ended the call, sending Buck a quick text.

Eddie (text message): “Morning. You slept through the night. Proud of you. See you after work.”

A few minutes later, Buck replied, his message making Eddie smile.

Buck (text message): “I actually feel rested. Thank you for being there, Eddie. I love you.”

Scene: Therapist’s Office, A Few Days Later, Afternoon