Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 97

Scene: Bobby and Athena's House

Bobby and Athena greeted them at the door with their usual warmth, enveloping them in hugs that instantly made Buck and Eddie feel at ease. The scent of something delicious simmering in the kitchen wafted through the air, and the comfort of the home Bobby and Athena had built was evident in every detail. Christopher, ever the ball of energy, was quickly scooped away by Harry, the two boys darting off with excited giggles as they raced down the hallway to Harry’s room.

As the children’s laughter echoed from the distance, the adults made their way into the living room. The space was bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun, casting golden light over the room’s cozy furniture. Buck and Eddie settled onto the couch across from Bobby and Athena, who took their places in their respective armchairs.

Bobby leaned forward slightly, his eyes warm but filled with the concern and wisdom that came with years of leadership.

Bobby: “So, the doctor says you’re fit to come back to work?”

Buck sat up a little straighter, feeling the weight of the conversation. This was the moment he’d been building toward for months—the decision to step back into the life he had fought so hard to recover for.

Buck: “Yeah, physically, I’m in the clear. I’ve been working hard, and I feel ready, Bobby. I’ve thought a lot about it, and I need to get back to the job. I miss it—being with everyone, doing what we do. It’s part of who I am.”

There was a flicker of pride in Bobby’s eyes as he listened. But, ever the careful mentor, he paused, weighing Buck’s words.

Bobby: “I get it, Buck. Believe me, I do. But I want to make sure you’re not pushing yourself too fast. We’ve all been through a lot, especially you. Tomorrow, when you come in, we’ll have some paperwork to get you officially back on duty, but I also want you to take it slow. No jumping straight into anything dangerous. We’ll ease you back in.”

Buck nodded, feeling a mix of relief and gratitude. It felt good to know Bobby had his back, that his return wasn’t going to be rushed or overwhelming. It was exactly what Buck needed to hear.

Buck: “I promise, I’ll be careful. I’m not trying to prove anything. I just want to do my job again.”

Bobby gave him a warm smile, his eyes reflecting both his concern and belief in Buck. He then turned his attention toward Eddie, who had been quietly watching the exchange, his expression a mixture of support and quiet anxiety.

Bobby: “What about you, Eddie? Are you ready to come back? I know you’ve had some time off too.”

Eddie’s gaze shifted to Buck for a moment, a silent exchange passing between them—one filled with shared understanding and unspoken love. His answer wasn’t just about him; it was about them, about being partners both at home and in the field.

Eddie: “Yeah, I’m ready. Honestly, it didn’t feel right to come back until Buck was ready. But now, with him cleared, I feel like it’s the right time. We’ve always had each other’s backs, and that’s not changing.”

Bobby chuckled softly, the corners of his eyes crinkling with affection as he looked between the two of them. There was no denying the bond they shared—it was more than just friendship or even love. It was a partnership forged through battles fought together, both in their personal lives and in the field.

Bobby: “I figured as much. You two always seem to be on the same page.”

The serious talk about work slowly gave way to lighter conversation as Athena jumped in, her tone playful as she teased them.

Athena: “So, what are the chances that you both decide to come back to work at the exact same time? You two planning that or is it just fate?”

Buck chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Buck: “Honestly, it just kind of happened. But, yeah, I guess it works out that way.”

Eddie (grinning): “We’re just in sync.”

The banter flowed easily after that. Athena shared stories about recent cases, her eyes lighting up with that familiar spark of determination, while Bobby gave a few updates about what had been happening at the firehouse in their absence. Buck and Eddie soaked it all in, feeling like they were already slipping back into their roles. The firehouse wasn’t just a place of work—it was family, and sitting there with Bobby and Athena, that feeling was stronger than ever.

As the conversation drifted to family life, Athena brought up a recent milestone with Harry, laughing as she recounted how he’d mastered riding his bike without training wheels. Buck and Eddie chimed in with stories about Christopher’s latest adventures, the room filling with shared laughter and the comfort of close friends.

The afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting longer shadows across the floor. There was an unspoken ease in the air, a feeling that despite the challenges and the unknowns that lay ahead, they were all in this together. Buck’s heart felt lighter. He had been nervous about returning to work, but Bobby’s support and Eddie’s presence made him feel like he was making the right decision.

As the hour grew later, Buck glanced at Eddie, a silent question in his eyes. Eddie gave a small nod, understanding without words that it was time to head home. They both stood, thanking Bobby and Athena for the afternoon.

Buck (smiling): “Thanks for everything, Cap. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Bobby clapped a hand on Buck’s shoulder, his voice filled with warmth.

Bobby: “Looking forward to having you both back, Buck.”

With final goodbyes exchanged, Buck and Eddie called for Christopher, who came bounding down the hallway, still full of energy from his playtime with Harry. They left Bobby and Athena’s house feeling reassured, the weight of the upcoming day balanced by the certainty that they were ready to face whatever came next—together.