Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 86

Scene: Maddie’s House, Kitchen

The quiet morning stillness was broken by the soft sound of footsteps padding down the hallway. Maddie and Buck turned toward the doorway as Christopher appeared, his hair messy from sleep, rubbing his eyes as if he was trying to wake up fully. He still looked half-asleep, the remnants of a restful night hanging around him like a comforting cloud. But when his eyes landed on Buck sitting at the kitchen table, his sleepy expression transformed instantly.

Christopher (grinning, his voice thick with excitement): "Buck!"

Buck’s heart melted at the sight of Christopher’s unfiltered joy. There was something about the way Christopher’s face lit up—pure, unbridled happiness that Buck hadn’t realized he needed until that very moment. The way Christopher hobbled toward him, with determination despite his sleepy state, made Buck feel like the most important person in the world.

Without hesitation, Buck stood up, crouching down to meet Christopher halfway, scooping him up into his arms like he had done so many times before. He held the boy tightly, wrapping him in a hug that conveyed so much more than just a greeting. It was comfort, reassurance, and love all in one.

Buck (voice soft, filled with warmth): "Hey, buddy. How are you?"

Christopher grinned against Buck’s shoulder, his small arms clutching around Buck’s neck with the kind of innocent, unwavering affection that made Buck’s heart feel full.

Christopher (smiling, his voice muffled against Buck’s shirt): "I missed you."

There was a slight pause, then his voice, curious and hopeful, asked : "Where’s Dad?"

At the mention of Eddie, Buck felt a familiar pang of emotion in his chest. The worry, the lingering anxiety from the nightmare Eddie had suffered through the night before, still clung to him like a shadow he couldn’t quite shake. But he forced himself to smile, knowing that Christopher didn’t need to carry the same weight he and Eddie did. Not now.

Buck (softly, trying to keep his voice steady): "He’s at home, buddy. Still sleeping. We had a long day yesterday, so he’s resting."

He paused, giving Christopher a reassuring squeeze.

Buck: "But I came to get you so we can go home soon, okay?"

Christopher nodded, his head already resting against Buck’s shoulder, his small body feeling safe and comfortable in Buck’s embrace. Buck could feel the trust and warmth radiating from him, and it was moments like these—holding Christopher close—that reminded him why he kept pushing through the hard times. This was his family. This was home.

Maddie, who had been watching the interaction from across the kitchen with a tender smile, finally spoke, her voice gentle as she interrupted the moment.

Maddie (affectionate): "What do you want for breakfast, Chris? I can make you something if you’re hungry."

Christopher shook his head, still clinging to Buck as if letting go wasn’t an option. His grip tightened slightly, and his small voice, though clear, held an unmistakable longing.

Christopher: "I’m not hungry. I just wanna go home."

Buck chuckled softly, rubbing Christopher’s back in a comforting rhythm. There was something calming about the way Christopher melted into him, the way he trusted Buck implicitly. It was a bond that had grown over time—one that made Buck feel more like a father figure than just Eddie’s boyfriend.

Buck (smiling, his voice low and soothing): "Alright, buddy, but first we need to get you dressed and pack your things, okay? I’ll help you with that."

Christopher nodded, his sleepy eyes blinking up at Buck before he wiggled out of Buck’s arms, his feet hitting the floor softly. He gave Buck one last glance, almost as if seeking confirmation that Buck wouldn’t disappear, before he turned and headed back down the hallway toward Maddie’s guest room.

Once Christopher was out of sight, the silence of the house returned, and Buck let out a quiet breath, feeling a mixture of relief and exhaustion settle over him. His body was tired—he hadn’t slept at all—but more than that, his mind was weary from the emotional weight of everything that had happened in the past few days. He glanced at Maddie, who had been watching him with a knowing look in her eyes.

Buck (softly, genuine gratitude in his voice): "Thank you for keeping him last night. Eddie wasn’t... he wasn’t ready to take him home. And I..."

His words trailed off, the exhaustion creeping into his voice.

Maddie stood up from her chair, moving over to Buck’s side. She placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently, her eyes filled with the kind of understanding that only a sibling could offer. She had seen him through so many highs and lows over the years, and she could tell when he was carrying too much.

Maddie (reassuring, her voice steady): "You don’t have to thank me, Buck. Christopher is always welcome here. And so are you."

She paused, her eyes searching his face.

Maddie: "But you need to take care of yourself too. I can see how much you’re holding inside. It’s okay to lean on me, you know? You don’t have to be strong all the time."

Buck swallowed hard, his throat tightening at her words. He knew Maddie was right. He had been holding everything together, for Eddie, for Christopher, for everyone but himself. And now, standing here in Maddie’s kitchen, he felt the weight of it all pressing down on him.

Buck (quietly, his voice cracking slightly): "It’s just... hard, Maddie. I don’t want to let them down."

Maddie’s expression softened further, and she pulled him into a gentle hug, her hand rubbing soothingly across his back.

Maddie (whispering): "You’re not letting anyone down, Buck. You’re doing more than anyone could ask for. But don’t forget—you need to be okay too."

Buck closed his eyes for a moment, letting her words sink in. He hadn’t realized how much he needed to hear that until now. Slowly, he pulled back, giving her a small, appreciative smile.

Buck (sincerely): "Thanks, Maddie. I... I don’t know what I’d do without you."

Maddie smiled, brushing a stray piece of hair out of his face, her eyes filled with warmth.

Maddie (teasing slightly): "Well, lucky for you, you don’t have to find out."

They both chuckled softly, the moment lightening just a little. Buck leaned over and kissed Maddie’s cheek, grateful for her unwavering support, her constant presence in his life.

Buck (quiet but sincere): "I know. Thank you."