Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 81

Scene: On the way home

The plane landed around 6 p.m., and the descent had been smooth, but Buck could feel the heaviness settle over them as they stepped off, like an invisible weight they carried with them through the bustling airport. As they retrieved their suitcases from baggage claim, Eddie moved silently beside him, his exhaustion visible in the way his shoulders slumped, his eyes distant. Buck glanced at him now and then, concern tightening in his chest, but Eddie didn’t say a word. He just moved on autopilot, mechanically going through the motions as they made their way to the parking lot.

Buck’s Jeep was parked right where they’d left it, a small reminder of their life in LA, waiting for them to return. Buck loaded the suitcases into the back, trying to be quiet in the stillness of the night air. Eddie stood by the passenger door, leaning against it slightly, looking like all he wanted was to close his eyes and block out the world. Once everything was packed, they climbed in.

The drive home was silent, but not in an uncomfortable way. Eddie leaned his head against the window, watching the city lights blur past as they merged onto the freeway. Buck occasionally glanced over at him, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel, wishing there was something he could say to break through the fog of grief that surrounded Eddie. But every time he opened his mouth, the words seemed to die on his tongue. Maybe silence was better right now. Maybe Eddie just needed space.

By the time they pulled into the driveway of their home, the sun had fully set, and the air was cool, the warmth of the day long gone. Buck parked the Jeep and turned off the engine, the sudden quiet inside the car making the tension between them more palpable.

Buck (softly): "We’re home."

Eddie nodded, but he still didn’t speak. He grabbed his bag, got out of the car, and walked into the house with slow, deliberate steps. Buck followed close behind, locking the door behind them as they entered.

Eddie barely made it to the living room before collapsing onto the couch with a long, exhausted sigh. He kicked off his shoes and sank into the cushions, rubbing a hand over his face as if trying to wipe away the fatigue that clung to him.

Buck stood in the doorway, watching Eddie with a soft, concerned frown. He knew Eddie well enough to recognize when he was shutting down, pulling away, retreating into himself. And Buck hated it. He hated that Eddie felt like he had to carry this burden alone, that he was too tired or too broken to lean on him right now.

Buck (gently, trying to keep things light): "You hungry? I was thinking of ordering something. Maybe pizza?"

Eddie waved a hand in the air, not bothering to look up.

Eddie (mumbling): "Yeah, whatever you want."

Buck stood there for a moment longer, watching him with a quiet sigh before slipping into their bedroom. Once inside, he pulled out his phone and dialed the local pizza place, placing the order quickly, his mind only half-focused on the conversation with the restaurant.

As soon as he hung up, he scrolled through his contacts and found Maddie’s name. He hesitated for just a second before pressing the call button. The phone rang a few times before Maddie’s familiar, comforting voice came through the line.

Maddie: "Hey, you guys make it home okay?"

Buck (exhaling deeply): "Yeah, we just got back. The flight was smooth, but... Eddie’s... he’s really exhausted. Physically, mentally, everything. It’s been a rough few days for him."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and Buck could practically hear Maddie’s concern through the silence.

Maddie (gently): "I figured as much. It must’ve been really hard for him, especially after everything he’s already been through. How are you holding up, Buck?"

Buck closed his eyes for a moment, the weight of her question settling over him. He hadn’t really thought about how he was doing. Not properly, anyway. His focus had been on Eddie, on making sure he was okay, that he wasn’t drowning in his grief. But the truth was, Buck was tired too. Tired of watching the person he loved most in the world go through something so painful, and feeling like there was nothing he could do to make it better.

Buck (sighing, his voice quieter): "I’m... I’m okay, I guess. I mean, not as bad as him, but it’s been hard. Seeing him like this, it just—it sucks, Maddie. I’m trying to do what I can, but I don’t know if it’s enough."

There was another pause, and when Maddie spoke again, her voice was softer, more reassuring.

Maddie: "Buck, you’re doing great. You’re there for him, and that’s what he needs right now. You’ve always been good at taking care of the people you love. Don’t doubt yourself, okay?"

Buck nodded, even though Maddie couldn’t see him. Her words helped, but they didn’t completely erase the gnawing feeling of helplessness that had been sitting in his chest for days.

Maddie (continuing, her tone gentle but firm): "Do you need us to keep Christopher tonight? I can tell him you’re still away if that’ll give you and Eddie some time to decompress."

Buck let out a small, relieved breath. He hadn’t even realized how much he needed her to offer that.

Buck: "Yeah, that’d be great, actually. Eddie’s not up for it yet. He’s... he’s not ready to face that part of life just yet, you know? I’ll tell him you and Chimney have got Christopher for another night."

There was no hesitation in Maddie’s voice as she responded.

Maddie: *"Of course. We’ll keep him as long as you need. You just focus on Eddie and yourself, okay? And if you need anything, anything at all, you call me. You don’t have to do this alone."

Buck’s throat tightened at her words, a sudden wave of emotion crashing over him. He hadn’t realized just how much he needed to hear that he wasn’t alone in this, that someone else was looking out for him too. Maddie had always been his anchor, his constant, and in that moment, he felt the full weight of her support.

Buck (his voice thick with gratitude): "Thanks, Maddie. I... I really appreciate it. I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Maddie (softly): "You don’t have to know. You’ve got me, Buck. Always. I love you."

Buck: I love you Maddie.

They exchanged a few more words before hanging up, but even after the call ended, Buck stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in his hand. He felt the tightness in his chest loosen just a little, the weight of everything he’d been carrying lightened by the simple act of talking to his sister.

When Buck finally returned to the living room, he found Eddie fast asleep on the couch, curled up on his side as if trying to protect himself from the world. His face was relaxed, but there was a tension in his brow that even sleep couldn’t erase. Buck watched him for a moment, his heart aching at the sight.

Quietly, he grabbed a blanket from the hall closet and draped it over Eddie’s sleeping form, tucking it around him to keep him warm. As he did, he brushed a gentle hand through Eddie’s hair, lingering for a moment longer than necessary. He wished he could do more—take away Eddie’s pain, make everything okay again—but for now, this was all he could do.

Buck settled into the armchair across from the couch, his eyes never leaving Eddie. He knew they still had a long road ahead, but for now, they were home. And maybe that was enough.