Stronger Together

Part 5

Buck paused mid-step, a sharp gasp escaping his lips as another contraction tore through him. It was stronger than the last, the pain cutting through his body like a wave of fire. His hand tightened on Eddie’s arm, knuckles white as he bent forward slightly, instinctively swaying his hips in small circles to ease the pressure. The movement didn’t stop the pain, but it helped, giving him something to focus on as the contraction hit its peak.

Eddie was right beside him, his arm firmly wrapped around Buck’s waist, providing both physical and emotional support. He could feel the tremors in Buck’s body, the way his muscles tensed as he fought to ride out the contraction. Eddie’s heart clenched in sympathy, but he kept his face calm, his voice low and soothing as he murmured, “You’re doing great, Buck. Just breathe through it. I’m right here.”

Buck let out a low moan, his breath coming in short, sharp pants. The pain was overwhelming, but Eddie’s presence anchored him, kept him from slipping into the panic that threatened to bubble up inside him. He focused on Eddie’s steady voice, on the warmth of his arm around him, and on the subtle swaying of his hips as he tried to alleviate some of the pressure in his lower back.

Time seemed to stretch and warp as Buck stood there, eyes squeezed shut, teeth clenched. Every second felt like an eternity, the contraction unrelenting as it gripped his body in a vise. He could hear Eddie’s soft voice in the background, could feel the steady rhythm of Eddie’s hand rubbing small circles on his lower back, but the pain was so intense that it drowned out everything else.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the contraction began to ease, leaving Buck breathless and trembling. His legs felt weak, and he leaned heavily against Eddie, resting his forehead against Eddie’s shoulder as he tried to catch his breath. His chest heaved with the effort, each inhale shaky and shallow.

“You okay?” Eddie asked softly, his hand still rubbing Buck’s back in slow, soothing circles. He could feel how exhausted Buck already was, and they hadn’t even made it out of the house yet.

Buck nodded weakly, though he didn’t lift his head from Eddie’s shoulder. “Yeah,” he panted, his voice hoarse from the strain. “I’m… I’m okay. Just… give me a second.”

Eddie didn’t rush him. He held Buck close, his heart aching with empathy as he watched his partner try to pull himself together. He knew Buck was strong—one of the strongest people he knew—but seeing him in this much pain made Eddie feel helpless. He wanted to do more, to take some of the pain away, but all he could do was be there, offering whatever comfort he could.

After a few moments, Buck slowly lifted his head, his eyes meeting Eddie’s. They were glassy with unshed tears, but there was determination in them as well. “Let’s keep going,” he said quietly, his voice still shaky. “We need to get to the truck.”

Eddie nodded, giving Buck a reassuring smile. “Alright. But take your time. We’re not in a rush.”

Buck nodded, and with Eddie’s help, they started moving again, though this time their pace was slower, more deliberate. Buck still had one arm wrapped around Eddie’s shoulder, his other hand resting protectively on his belly as they made their way toward the front door. Every step was careful, measured, as if Buck was trying to anticipate when the next contraction would hit.

They made it to the hallway, the dim light casting long shadows on the walls. Buck was breathing heavily, his face pinched with discomfort as he shuffled forward. His back ached with every step, the weight of his pregnancy pulling on his muscles in a way that made each movement feel like a Herculean effort. Eddie kept a steady hand on his waist, ready to support him if his legs gave out.

As they neared the door, Buck felt the beginnings of another contraction, the telltale tightening in his abdomen that signaled the next wave of pain. He let out a small whimper, his steps faltering as he braced himself. “Eddie,” he gasped, his grip on Eddie’s arm tightening. “It’s… it’s happening again.”

Eddie immediately stopped, turning to face Buck as he braced himself for the next contraction. “I’ve got you,” he said softly, his voice calm and steady. “Just lean on me.”

Buck did just that, his body sagging against Eddie’s as the contraction slammed into him. His breath hitched, and he instinctively began to sway his hips again, the movement small but rhythmic as he tried to manage the pain. He let out a low moan, his head dropping to rest on Eddie’s shoulder as the contraction grew stronger, his entire body trembling with the effort to keep it together.

Eddie held him close, his hand rubbing soothing circles on Buck’s lower back, offering silent comfort. He hated seeing Buck in pain, hated how helpless he felt in this moment, but all he could do was be there, grounding Buck as best he could. “You’re doing amazing,” he whispered, his lips close to Buck’s ear. “Just keep breathing. You’re almost through it.”

Buck’s breath came in short, sharp bursts, his chest rising and falling rapidly as he tried to breathe through the pain. The contraction seemed to last forever, each second stretching out as the pressure in his abdomen intensified. He gripped Eddie’s arm tightly, his fingers digging into the fabric of Eddie’s shirt as he let out another moan, this one louder, more desperate.

Eddie’s heart clenched at the sound, but he didn’t let it show. He kept his voice calm, soothing, even though his own chest ached with worry. “That’s it, Buck,” he murmured. “Just let it out. I’m right here.”

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the contraction began to ease. Buck sagged against Eddie, his entire body trembling with exhaustion as the pain receded. His breath came in ragged gasps, his chest heaving with the effort. “God,” he muttered, his voice thick with exhaustion. “That one… that one was bad.”

Eddie nodded, his hand never leaving Buck’s back. “I know,” he said softly. “But you got through it. You’re doing great.”

Buck let out a shaky breath, nodding slightly. “We need to… get to the truck,” he said, though his voice lacked the strength it had before. He was clearly exhausted, the pain wearing him down, but he was determined to keep going.

Eddie glanced toward the front door, just a few feet away. “We’re almost there,” he said, giving Buck a small, reassuring smile. “Let’s get you to the truck, and then we can get you to the hospital.”

Buck nodded, leaning heavily on Eddie as they took the final few steps toward the door. Eddie opened it with one hand, carefully guiding Buck outside. The cool night air hit them, a stark contrast to the warmth of the house, but Buck barely seemed to notice. His focus was entirely on making it to the truck.

Eddie led him slowly down the front steps, keeping a firm grip on Buck’s waist as they made their way toward the driveway. The truck was parked just a few feet away, but to Buck, it felt like a mile. His legs felt like lead, every step sending a fresh wave of pain through his back and hips.

When they finally reached the truck, Buck let out a small sigh of relief, leaning heavily against the side of the vehicle as he caught his breath. Eddie quickly opened the passenger door, turning back to help Buck ease himself into the seat. Buck winced as he shifted his weight, his hand instinctively going to his belly as another small ripple of pain coursed through him.

Eddie crouched down beside him, gently brushing a strand of hair away from Buck’s sweaty forehead. “You ready?” he asked softly, his voice filled with concern.

Buck nodded, though his expression was tight with pain. “Let’s go,” he said, his voice low but determined.

Eddie gave him a small smile, pressing a quick kiss to Buck’s temple before standing up and closing the door. He hurried around to the driver’s side, his heart pounding in his chest as he climbed in and started the engine. They were on their way to the hospital now, and Eddie could only hope that they’d make it there in time.