Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 107

Scene: Common Room, Station 118

A few weeks had passed, and Buck was back to his old self. His confidence during interventions had returned, and everyone in the station could see the change. Eddie, in particular, couldn’t hide his pride. Buck had come a long way, and it made him fall even more in love with him.

They were all gathered in the common room after a long day, lounging on the couches. The usual chatter filled the air as they relaxed, unwinding from the stress of the day. Buck got up to go to the bathroom, and Hen took the opportunity to glance at Eddie, noticing the nervous energy radiating from him. His leg bounced slightly, and he kept fiddling with the hem of his shirt, a clear sign something was on his mind.

Hen (raising an eyebrow): “Okay, Eddie. What’s going on? You’ve been jittery all day. Spill.”

Eddie hesitated for a moment, running a hand through his hair, the weight of what he was about to share making him pause. But he trusted Hen—he needed to tell someone before he burst from the anticipation. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice.

Eddie (whispering): “I’m gonna propose to Buck... tonight... on the rooftop.”

Hen’s eyes widened, her face breaking into a huge smile. She looked like she was about to squeal but caught herself, glancing toward the bathroom door to make sure Buck wasn’t returning yet.

Hen (excitedly, but quietly): “Oh my God! Eddie, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!”*

Eddie chuckled nervously, glancing again toward the bathroom. His heart raced at the thought of what he was about to do, and Hen’s reaction only made it feel more real.

Eddie: “I just... I want it to be perfect, you know? I’ve been planning this for weeks. I’ve got the ring, the setup on the rooftop, but I’m still freaking out.”

Hen reached out, squeezing his arm in a reassuring grip.

Hen (reassuringly): “It will be perfect. Buck loves you, Eddie. He’s going to say yes, no question.”

Eddie smiled, her words calming his nerves slightly. But the weight of the moment still loomed large. Proposing to Buck felt like the biggest decision of his life, and he wanted to make sure everything went exactly right. Hen could see the mix of excitement and nerves on his face.

Hen: “Trust me, Eddie. The guy adores you. You could propose with a rubber band, and he’d still say yes.”

Eddie laughed softly, but the emotion in his eyes was clear. He knew Buck loved him, but there was always that lingering fear of messing things up. He wanted this to be the perfect memory for both of them.

A little while later, Eddie stands up to go to the gym. As soon as Eddie was out of sight, Hen discreetly got up from her seat and made her way to where Chimney and Bobby were sitting. Trying her best to contain her excitement, she quickly filled them in on Eddie’s plan.

Hen (whispering to Chimney and Bobby): “Eddie’s proposing tonight on the rooftop.”

Chimney’s eyes lit up, and a wide grin spread across his face.

Chimney (grinning): “No way! Finally!”

Bobby, who had been quietly observing the room, smiled warmly. His eyes softened at the news, clearly happy for both Eddie and Buck.

Bobby (smiling): “That’s great news. We’ll stay out of their way... well, mostly.”

Hen grinned mischievously and wiggled her phone in front of them.

Hen: “I’m filming it.”

Chimney laughed, clearly thrilled at the idea. Bobby shook his head but smiled, the fatherly side of him clearly wanting to witness this important moment in their family.

Chimney (teasing): “You know, Buck might actually kill you for that. But it’ll be worth it.”

Hen: “Hey, if I get murdered, at least I’ll go out with the best video ever.”

As they plotted quietly, Eddie, in the gym, took a deep breath, glancing around the room. The love and support from his friends gave him the strength he needed, and though his heart was still racing, he knew he was ready. This was it. Tonight, on that rooftop, he was going to ask Buck to spend the rest of their lives together. And he couldn’t wait.

Scene: Locker Room, Station 118 – After Shift

Later, after their shift ended, Buck and Eddie were in the locker room, the quiet sounds of lockers opening and closing filling the space. Eddie kept stealing glances at Buck, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to psych himself up for what he was about to do. His palms were sweaty, but he forced himself to keep calm, knowing that this moment had to be just right.

As he pulled on his jacket, Eddie cleared his throat, attempting to sound casual, though his nerves were evident.

Eddie (casually, but clearly nervous): “Hey, Buck… you wanna go up to the rooftop with me for a bit? There’s something I want to tell you.”

Buck glanced over, raising an eyebrow, intrigued by Eddie’s unusual request.

Buck (playfully suspicious): “The rooftop? What’s up there? You hiding something, Eddie?”

Eddie chuckled, his fingers twitching slightly as he zipped up his jacket. He shot Buck a half-smile, trying to keep his cool despite the butterflies swirling in his stomach.

Eddie (smiling, trying to stay cool): “You’ll see. Trust me, it’s worth it.”

Buck tilted his head, studying Eddie for a moment, sensing there was something more going on. But his curiosity got the better of him, and he shrugged.

Buck (grinning): “Alright, man. Lead the way.”

As they left the locker room, Eddie’s heart raced even faster. Every step toward the rooftop felt like one closer to a life-changing moment, and he couldn’t shake the nervous excitement coursing through him. Unbeknownst to Buck and Eddie, Hen, Chimney, and Bobby had been lurking in the hallway, quietly trailing behind them. Hen already had her phone out, recording from a safe distance, her grin wide as she caught every moment. Chimney stifled a laugh, nudging Bobby, who just shook his head fondly at the whole situation.

Hen (whispering to Chimney): “This is gonna be good. I’ve been waiting for this moment since Eddie arrived at the 118.”

Chimney (grinning): “You and me both. Buck’s got no idea.”

On the rooftop, the late afternoon sun bathed the city in a warm glow. The breeze was light, and the view stretched out over the skyline, creating a serene backdrop. Eddie led Buck to the edge of the rooftop, his nerves building with each step. Buck glanced around, still curious about what Eddie had in store, but as they stopped near the railing, he noticed the shift in Eddie’s demeanor.

There was something unspoken hanging in the air, and it made Buck’s heart beat just a little faster.

Buck (softly, sensing the tension): “Eddie, what’s this really about? You scare me.”

Eddie took a deep breath, his hands gripping the cold metal of the railing as he gathered his courage. He looked at Buck, his expression softening as he finally spoke, his voice laced with vulnerability.

Eddie (quietly, but with conviction): “Buck, there’s something I’ve been wanting to say for a while now… and I don’t want to keep it inside any longer.”

Buck’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching as he realized the seriousness of the moment.