Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 108

Scene: Rooftop, Station 118

The rooftop was serene, the city lights shimmering like stars scattered across a blanket of darkness. Buck stood at the edge, absorbing the beauty of Los Angeles beneath them, feeling a sense of peace that had eluded him for so long.

Eddie: “Look at this view, Buck. Isn't it incredible? All those lights, each one telling a story. They remind me of us—each moment we’ve shared, every challenge we’ve faced together. It's like a tapestry of memories.”

Buck (smiling softly): “Yeah, you weren't kidding, Eddie. It really is something special. But honestly, what I see out there pales in comparison to what I see when I look at you.”

Eddie turned his gaze to Buck, his heart racing. Memories flooded his mind: the day of Buck’s accident, the fear that gripped him when Buck lay unconscious in the hospital, and the relief that washed over him when he woke up. He remembered how Buck fought to recover, pushing through pain to get back to the job he loved, and how through it all, their bond had grown deeper.

Eddie (voice trembling but resolute): “There’s something I need to tell you, Buck. It’s been weighing on me for so long, and I can’t keep it inside anymore.”

Buck turned to face him fully, sensing the gravity of Eddie’s words.

Buck: “What is it? You know you can tell me anything.”

Eddie took a deep breath, his eyes welling with emotion.

Eddie: “You’ve been my best friend, my partner, and my lifeline for a while now. When you had that accident… God, I was terrified. I didn’t know if I would lose you. I remember standing by your hospital bed, feeling so helpless while you were suffering and wishing I could take away your pain. And then, when you woke up, it was like I could finally breathe again. You showed me what strength really is, Buck. You didn’t just fight for yourself; you fought for us. And that’s when I realized how deeply I loved you. Of course I knew well before, but being so close to losing you made me realize that I really can't live without you.”

He stepped closer, vulnerability etched on his face.

Eddie: “But it wasn’t just about your accident. It’s about everything we’ve been through together—the late-night talks, the laughter, the heartache. When I lost my Abuela, I felt shattered, and you were there, holding my hand through the darkness. You stepped in and helped me raise Christopher, becoming the other parent figure he needed and the partner I never knew I always wanted. You’ve brought light into my life when I thought all I had was darkness. You’ve made me believe in love again.”

Eddie took another deep breath, his heart pounding as he reached into his pocket, his fingers curling around the small, velvet box.

Eddie: “I don’t want to go another day without you by my side, Buck. I want to build a life with you—a future filled with love, laughter, and all the little moments that make life beautiful. You’ve always been my safe haven, my home. So I’m asking you this...”

He dropped to one knee, his heart racing as he looked up at Buck, who was visibly moved.

Eddie (voice thick with emotion): “Buck, will you stand by me through all of life’s challenges, joys, and everything in between? Will you be my partner for all the days to come? Evan Buckley… will you marry me?”

Buck’s breath caught in his throat, shock and joy mixing together. For a moment, he stood frozen, overwhelmed by the depth of Eddie’s feelings and the love that radiated from him.

In a rush of emotion, he pulled Eddie up to his feet, his hands shaking as he reached into his own pocket, revealing a ring he had carried for weeks, a symbol of his own hopes and dreams.