Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 74

Scene: Hotel Reception, Afternoon

The drive to the hotel was quiet, with the city lights passing by in a blur. Eddie stared out the window, lost in his thoughts, his fingers tapping absently against his knee. Buck occasionally glanced over, wanting to ask if Eddie was okay, but knowing that silence was probably what he needed right now. He'd chosen a hotel close to the airport, not too far from the family home, but far enough that it felt like they'd escaped. It had a pool, a spa, and a few other amenities that Buck hoped might help Eddie unwind. It wasn't luxurious, but it was quiet, peaceful-and that was what Eddie needed most right now.

When they arrived, the parking lot was nearly empty, save for a few scattered cars. Buck parked near the entrance, and they walked inside. The lobby was calm, with soft lighting, the quiet hum of music playing in the background, and the smell of fresh linen in the air. It felt like a different world compared to the heaviness of Eddie's parents' house.

As they approached the front desk, a woman greeted them with a warm smile, her demeanor soft and welcoming. It was a relief, a small pocket of comfort after the emotional weight of the day.

Receptionist: "Welcome. How can I help you today?"

Buck glanced over at Eddie, who gave a slight nod, still too tired to engage in conversation. Buck stepped forward, his voice low but steady.

Buck: "We'd like a room for the night. Something quiet, away from the main area if possible."

The receptionist tapped a few keys on her computer, her expression never wavering from its friendly professionalism. A moment later, she handed them a keycard with a kind smile.

Receptionist: "Here you go. Room 308, just down the hall. Enjoy your stay."

Buck gave her a grateful nod, taking the card and leading Eddie toward the elevator. The hotel was peaceful-no loud voices, no children running around, just the soft hum of the elevator as it carried them to the third floor. Neither of them spoke as they stepped out and made their way to their room.

Scene: Hotel Room, Late Afternoon

When Buck opened the door to Room 308, the quiet ambiance was immediately welcoming. The room was simple but cozy, with soft lighting and a large bed in the center. A window overlooked the pool below, its surface calm and reflecting the dim glow of the surrounding lights. Eddie set his bag down by the door and immediately collapsed onto the bed, sinking into the mattress with a long, exhausted sigh.

Buck watched him for a moment, his heart aching for how worn out Eddie looked. The past few days had been draining, emotionally and physically, and Eddie had been holding everything in, trying to stay strong. Now, away from the family, the funeral, the endless condolences, it was as if all the tension had finally caught up with him.

Buck sat down on the edge of the bed beside Eddie, reaching out to gently rest his hand on Eddie's back. He rubbed slow, soothing circles into the tight muscles there, feeling the tension beneath his fingertips.

Buck: "You doing okay?"

Eddie turned his head to look at Buck, offering a small, tired smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Eddie: "I'm better now. Thanks for getting us out of there."

Buck continued to rub Eddie's back, his touch soft but firm. He could feel the knots of tension, the stress that had built up over days of grief and emotional strain. He leaned down slightly, his voice gentle.

Buck: "You're all wound up. Let me give you a proper massage, help you relax a little."

Eddie hesitated for a moment, as if debating whether to let himself relax or not. But the exhaustion was too much, and he finally nodded.

Eddie: "Yeah... I'd like that."

Buck smiled softly, shifting to kneel on the bed behind Eddie. He placed his hands on Eddie's shoulders, his thumbs pressing gently into the tight muscles. At first, Eddie tensed, his body still holding onto the stress, but as Buck's hands began to work deeper into his shoulders, he started to melt into the touch.

Buck: "You've been carrying too much, Eddie."

Buck's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as his hands moved down to Eddie's lower back, kneading gently.

Buck: "You don't have to hold it all in. Let it go, even just for a little while."

Eddie let out a soft groan as Buck worked on a particularly tense spot between his shoulder blades. His head fell forward, his eyes closing as he surrendered to Buck's touch.

Eddie: "God, that feels good."

Buck chuckled quietly, his fingers continuing to massage Eddie's back with slow, rhythmic movements. He could feel Eddie's body gradually relaxing under his hands, the tension easing with each stroke.

Buck: "You deserve this, Eddie. You've been through so much. Let me take care of you for a bit."

Eddie's breath hitched slightly at the tenderness in Buck's voice. He hadn't realized just how much he needed this-not just the physical release of tension, but the emotional relief of letting someone else take care of him, even for just a moment. He'd been trying so hard to stay strong for everyone else, but here, with Buck, he didn't have to be strong. He could just... be.

Eddie: "I don't know what I'd do without you, Buck,"

Eddie murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Buck's hands stilled for a moment as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the back of Eddie's neck.

Buck: "You won't ever have to find out."

He resumed the massage, his hands moving to Eddie's arms, kneading the muscles there with gentle precision. Eddie's breathing slowed, his body fully relaxed now under Buck's care.

Eddie: "You're too good to me."

Buck smiled softly, shaking his head as his hands traveled back up to Eddie's shoulders, working out the last bits of tension.

Buck: "You deserve it, Eddie. After everything you've been through, you deserve to feel good, to relax."

Eddie let out a deep, contented sigh, his body sinking further into the mattress. He felt lighter, like some of the weight he'd been carrying had finally been lifted. When Buck finally finished, Eddie rolled over onto his back, looking up at Buck with a grateful smile.

Eddie: "Thanks, Buck. I really needed that."

Buck leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Eddie's lips.

Buck: "Anytime. You know that."

For a moment, they just stayed like that, Buck leaning over Eddie, their foreheads touching, breathing in each other's presence. It was peaceful, grounding.

Finally, Buck pulled back, a playful glint in his eyes.

Buck: "How about we hit the pool? It's quiet, and I think some water might do you good."

Eddie chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. The idea of a swim sounded perfect-a chance to feel weightless, if only for a little while.

Eddie: "Yeah, let's do it."

With that, they got up, ready to enjoy a rare moment of calm amidst the chaos of their world.