Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 61

Scene: LAX Airport, Early Evening

Buck and Eddie arrived at the bustling airport, their movements slower than usual, weighed down by the exhaustion and emotion of the day. Despite the quiet between them, they moved in sync—like they always had—navigating the crowds of people and the various checkpoints with unspoken understanding. Neither one of them spoke much, but the comfort of each other’s presence was enough.

As they reached the security checkpoint, Buck turned to Eddie, his eyes soft with concern.

Buck: “You doing okay?”

Eddie gave him a small nod, his face still lined with the grief that had settled deep in his bones. He gave a brief, tired smile.

Eddie: “I’m hanging in there.”

Buck nodded, his brow furrowed with worry. He didn’t push. Eddie’s words were heavy with truth. He was hanging on—but barely. And Buck was there, ready to catch him if he fell.

They stepped up to the TSA line, handing over their boarding passes and IDs to the agent. The mechanical sounds of the airport—suitcases rolling, intercom announcements, the distant hum of airplanes—buzzed around them. It was all background noise, a distant hum, as Buck and Eddie navigated the motions together.

They moved through security in silence, placing their belongings in the plastic bins, their movements automatic. As they reached the other side, Buck collected their things, handing Eddie his bag before slipping on his own shoes.

Buck: “Almost there.”

Eddie gave a tired nod, glancing around the crowded terminal.

Eddie: “Feels like we’ve already been through a marathon.”

Buck chuckled softly, though his eyes still carried the weight of Eddie’s pain.

Buck: “Yeah, tell me about it. But at least once we’re on the plane, we can just… breathe.”

They made their way toward the gate, walking side by side, their shoulders occasionally brushing. Eddie felt a strange sense of calm settle over him despite the whirlwind of emotions he’d been dealing with. Buck had that effect on him—just being there, steady and unwavering, made everything feel just a little more manageable.

When they finally reached their gate, Buck glanced at the departure board.

Buck: “We’ve got some time before boarding. Want to grab a coffee or something?”

Eddie shook his head, the thought of anything other than sleep making him feel even more tired.

Eddie: “I think I just want to sit. Maybe try to rest a bit before the flight.”

Buck nodded, understanding. He pointed to an empty set of seats by the window, where they could watch the planes coming and going.

Buck: “Let’s sit over there.”

They settled down, the cold airport chairs doing little to offer real comfort. Eddie leaned back, letting out a long breath as he stared out the window at the runway lights. Buck glanced over at him, the tension in Eddie’s shoulders evident, his jaw set tight.

Buck: “You sure you’re okay?”

Eddie sighed, tilting his head slightly toward Buck.

Eddie: “I don’t know. I feel like I’m in this weird in-between space. Like… I’m here, but my head’s somewhere else, you know?”

Buck nodded, his eyes understanding.

Buck: “Yeah, I get it. You’ve been through a lot today. Don’t push yourself too hard.”