Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 65

Scene: The Lake, Sunset

By the time they reached the lake, the sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink, the light shimmering across the still water. Eddie parked the car in a quiet spot, and they stepped out, the cool evening air brushing against their skin. The landscape around them felt almost magical in its stillness—the soft rustle of leaves, the faint chirping of crickets, and the distant sound of water lapping against the shore.

Eddie led Buck down to a grassy bank near the edge of the lake, where the earth felt soft beneath their feet. They found a spot close to the water, the surface reflecting the brilliant colors of the sky like a mirror. They sat down together, the quiet intimacy between them settling in like a warm blanket.

For a long moment, neither spoke. Eddie’s gaze was fixed on the horizon, his eyes distant as memories from another time stirred within him. Buck watched him, sensing there was something Eddie was working up to say. Eventually, Eddie broke the silence, his voice low and soft, almost as if he were speaking more to himself than to Buck.

Eddie: “This is where I found out I was going to be a dad.”

Buck blinked, surprised by the sudden confession. He hadn’t expected such a personal revelation. His hand instinctively moved toward Eddie, seeking to offer comfort before he even knew what to say.

Buck: “Really?”

Eddie nodded, his eyes still on the water, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips. His voice softened even more, laced with nostalgia.

Eddie: “Shannon and I came here one night, almost nine years ago. We sat right here, just like this, watching the sunset. She was quiet for a while, and then she just... told me. I remember looking out at the lake, not knowing what to say. I was terrified, Buck, because we were so young. But at the same time… I was so excited. It was the best thing I’d ever heard, knowing I was going to be a dad.”

Buck’s heart swelled with emotion as he listened to Eddie speak, the vulnerability in his words touching something deep inside him. Without hesitation, he reached over and took Eddie’s hand in his, their fingers intertwining easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world. The warmth of Eddie’s skin grounded him, reminding Buck that, no matter what memories lingered here, they were carving new ones together.

Buck: “You’ve been an amazing dad, Eddie. Chris is lucky to have you.”*

Eddie’s eyes finally shifted from the horizon to Buck, the soft smile still playing on his lips. He squeezed Buck’s hand in return, his touch gentle but filled with unspoken gratitude.

Eddie: “I’ve had a lot of help. And now we've got you, Chris and I. We're so lucky.”

Buck didn’t respond with words. Instead, he shifted slightly, opening his arms and inviting Eddie to lean into him. Eddie moved closer without hesitation, resting his head against Buck’s shoulder, the weight of the day melting away as the warmth of Buck’s embrace enveloped him. Buck pressed a tender kiss to the top of Eddie’s head, the feeling of Eddie’s steady presence calming the lingering tension in his own chest.

For a long while, they sat there in comfortable silence, watching as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, the colors in the sky fading into deeper shades of purple and blue. Every now and then, Eddie would turn his head slightly, pressing a soft kiss to Buck’s lips, each one feeling more intimate than the last, their connection deepening with every touch.

As the sky darkened and the first stars began to twinkle overhead, Buck could feel Eddie’s body slowly relaxing against him. The steady rise and fall of his breathing grew more pronounced, his movements slower, as if the peaceful surroundings were lulling him into a state of calm he hadn’t felt in days. Buck lied down slightly, adjusting so Eddie could get more comfortable against him.