Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 98

Scene: Back at Buck and Eddie’s House

By the time they pulled into the driveway, the sky was a canvas of deep purples, fading pinks, and glowing amber, the last remnants of daylight retreating into night. The air was crisp, and as they stepped out of the car, Buck took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day beginning to settle in his chest. It had been a long day, full of important conversations and emotions that, while positive, had left him feeling a little drained.

Inside, the house was filled with warmth and the familiar comforts of home. Eddie moved into the kitchen, quickly preparing a simple dinner—grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. Buck joined him, grabbing bowls from the cabinet and savoring the domestic tranquility they shared in these quiet moments. As they ate at the table, Christopher animatedly recounted his day with Harry, his words tumbling over each other in his excitement.

Christopher: “And Harry has this really cool car set, Dad! We made the cars race so fast, and mine won! And tomorrow you’re both going to work together again, right?”

Buck chuckled, taking a bite of his sandwich, while Eddie ruffled Christopher’s hair affectionately.

Eddie: “Yeah, buddy. We’re both going back to work tomorrow.”

Christopher’s eyes lit up as he beamed at them, clearly thrilled with the idea. He had been asking for weeks when both of his dads would be back at the firehouse together, and now that it was finally happening, he couldn’t contain his joy.

After dinner, they followed the familiar bedtime routine—Christopher brushed his teeth, Buck helped him into his pajamas, and Eddie tucked him into bed. The little boy's excitement still bubbled beneath the surface, even as he fought to keep his eyes open.

Christopher (sleepily): “Goodnight, Dad. Goodnight, Buck. You’re gonna be so awesome tomorrow.”

Buck leaned down to kiss the top of Christopher’s head.

Buck (softly): “Thanks, buddy. Sweet dreams.”

Eddie followed, placing a gentle kiss on his son’s forehead.

Eddie: “Sleep tight, Chris.”

They watched as Christopher’s eyes fluttered shut, his breathing evening out as he drifted into sleep. The room was quiet now, the only sound the soft hum of the night filtering through the window. Buck and Eddie exchanged a glance, a silent acknowledgment of the peacefulness that had settled over their home.

With Christopher asleep, they quietly made their way to their bedroom. The apartment was bathed in the dim light of evening, and as Buck began to change into his comfortable sweats, he caught Eddie’s reflection in the mirror—his brow furrowed in thought, his movements slower than usual. Buck knew that look; Eddie was worried.

As Buck pulled back the covers, ready to slip into bed, Eddie stopped, standing by the edge of the mattress. His gaze met Buck’s, filled with unspoken concerns that neither of them had addressed since they’d returned from Bobby and Athena’s house.

Eddie (softly): “Tomorrow’s a big day.”

Buck nodded, sliding into bed beside him. He knew exactly what Eddie was thinking, because it had been on his mind too—tomorrow marked their official return to the firehouse, and with it came all the fears and memories of Buck’s accident, the near loss that still haunted both of them.

Buck: “Yeah, it is. But we’re ready, Babe.”

Eddie remained standing, his eyes dropping to the floor as he spoke, his voice low and hesitant, filled with the vulnerability he rarely allowed himself to show.

Eddie: “Just... be careful, okay? I don’t want to go through that again. I can’t.”

The raw emotion in Eddie’s voice tugged at Buck’s heart. Without hesitation, Buck wrapped his arms around Eddie, pulling him close into the warmth of their shared bed. He pressed a tender kiss to Eddie’s temple, his hand rubbing soothing circles on his back.

Buck (whispering): “I will. I promise. I’ll be vigilant. I’m coming home to you and Christopher, every single day. I won’t let anything happen to me.”

Eddie let out a shaky breath, allowing himself to melt into Buck’s embrace. The strength and warmth of Buck’s body against his brought him a sense of peace, though the lingering fear still clung to the edges of his thoughts. He buried his face in the crook of Buck’s neck, breathing in the familiar scent that always brought him comfort.

Eddie (murmuring): “I just... I can’t lose you, Buck. Not again.”

Buck’s arms tightened around him, his voice steady and sure as he made a vow that came from the deepest part of him.

Buck (softly): “You won’t. I’m not going anywhere.”

They lay like that for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms as the quiet of the night enveloped them. Buck could feel the tension slowly leaving Eddie’s body, the steady rise and fall of his chest syncing with Buck’s own breath. The unspoken fears between them began to dissipate, replaced by the quiet certainty of their bond.

Buck: “We’ve been through worse, Eddie. Tomorrow, we go back to the job, and we’ll do what we always do—have each other’s backs. We’ve got this.”

Eddie nodded, his head resting on Buck’s chest, the steady rhythm of Buck’s heartbeat a soothing reminder that he wasn’t alone in this. The weight of the day finally began to lift, and Eddie allowed himself to sink deeper into the comfort of Buck’s arms.

Eddie (sleepily): “Together.”

As they lay there, the world outside faded into the background. Tomorrow was uncertain, filled with the challenges of returning to work after months of recovery, but tonight, in the safety of their home, they were simply Buck and Eddie—two people who had survived so much together and who would continue to face whatever came next, side by side.

With a final whisper of reassurance, Buck closed his eyes, pulling Eddie closer.

Buck (softly, before drifting off): “We’ve got this, Eddie. Together, always.”

And with that promise, they both slipped into a peaceful sleep, holding each other close, ready to face the future—no matter what it held.