Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 120

Scene : A Tailor Shop

A few days later, it was Eddie’s turn for suit shopping. He and Chimney headed to a local tailor shop, a small, family-owned place tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The shop had a timeless feel to it, with dark wooden shelves lined with bolts of fabric, vintage sewing machines, and neatly pressed suits hanging in rows. The air was warm, filled with the scent of freshly pressed wool and leather polish, and Eddie felt a sense of comfort stepping inside, knowing this was the place that would help him find the suit for one of the biggest days of his life.

Chimney (grinning, clapping Eddie on the back): “Alright, Eddie, let’s get you suited up. We’re going all out for this one, right?”

Eddie chuckled, rolling his eyes as they walked in. Unlike Buck, Eddie had a much clearer idea of what he wanted—something classic and understated, but sharp. He wasn’t one for flashy outfits, but he did want to look good. He imagined something simple, well-tailored, and timeless, but he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the occasion. It wasn’t just any suit; this was *the* suit.

The tailor, Mr. Garcia, greeted them with a warm smile as they approached the counter. He was an older man, with silver hair and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on the edge of his nose. He had an air of calm professionalism, the kind that only came from decades of experience.

Mr. Garcia (smiling warmly): “Ah, Chimney! It’s good to see you again. And you must be Eddie. I’ve heard great things about you from this one.” (He nodded towards Chimney.)

Eddie (playfully): “Only the good things, I hope.”

Mr. Garcia chuckled, waving them toward a fitting area where a large mirror and a small pedestal stood waiting. Eddie took a deep breath, appreciating the quiet professionalism of the shop. It felt like the right place to find something meaningful, something that matched the seriousness of the day.

Mr. Garcia (nodding toward Eddie): “Alright, son. Step up here, and let’s take some measurements. I can already tell you’ve got a good frame for a classic cut.”

Eddie stepped onto the pedestal as Mr. Garcia began measuring his shoulders, chest, and arms with quick, practiced movements. The older man worked in silence for a moment before pausing to study Eddie’s posture, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.

Mr. Garcia (professionally): “I’d recommend something in a deep navy blue—timeless and flattering. A crisp white shirt to bring out the contrast, and maybe a subtle tie. What do you think?”

Eddie nodded, trusting Mr. Garcia’s judgment. He liked the sound of it—nothing too extravagant, but elegant enough for the occasion. While he was used to uniforms and tactical gear, this was different. This was for Buck.

Chimney (grinning, unable to resist chiming in): “Go for something that’ll knock Buck’s socks off, man. It’s your wedding day! You want him to be speechless when he sees you.”

Eddie smirked, shaking his head at Chimney’s typical enthusiasm.

Eddie: “I don’t think I need to knock his socks off. I just want to look good standing next to him.”

Chimney raised an eyebrow, his grin widening.

Chimney (teasing): “Trust me, Eddie, you do that every day. But on your wedding day? You gotta bring your A-game.”

Eddie laughed softly, but there was truth in Chimney’s words. This was a day that would mark the beginning of a new chapter for him and Buck, and he wanted everything to feel just right. As Mr. Garcia returned with several fabric swatches and a few suits draped over his arm, Eddie’s focus shifted to the task at hand. Chimney hovered nearby, offering a running commentary on each option, his playful attitude keeping things light.

Chimney (holding up a particularly flashy pinstriped suit): “What about this one? Very Tony Stark, no?”

Eddie (snorting): “Yeah, no thanks. I’m trying to get married, not audition for a Marvel movie. I'm not trying to be Captain America.”

Chimney (laughing): Buck hasn't introduced you to Marvel movies enough yet, I see, Captain America is Steve Rogers, Tony Stark is Iron Man."

Eddie: "We didn't really have the time to go through all the movies."

Chimney shrugged, tossing the suit back onto the rack with a grin.

After a few rounds of trying on different suits, Eddie stepped out of the fitting room wearing a perfectly tailored navy blue suit, paired with a crisp white shirt and a pale blue tie. As he stood in front of the mirror, he adjusted the lapels of the jacket, and something clicked into place. It was simple, refined, and it fit like a glove—exactly what he’d been looking for.

Chimney, standing off to the side with his arms crossed, whistled low.

Chimney (grinning): “Now *that’s* what I’m talking about. Buck’s not gonna know what hit him.”

Eddie smiled as he turned to face the mirror fully, taking in his reflection. The suit was understated, but it made him feel confident. Strong. He could picture himself standing next to Buck on their wedding day, the two of them side by side, ready to take on whatever came next. The image felt so real, it almost made him emotional.

Eddie (softly, more to himself than anyone else): “Yeah... I think this is it.”

Chimney clapped him on the back, his grin as wide as ever.

Chimney: “It’s perfect, Eddie. You’re gonna look like a million bucks. Hell, you two are gonna break the internet when people see you together.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, but his smile didn’t fade. He handed the jacket back to Mr. Garcia, who nodded in approval.

Mr. Garcia (professionally): “I’ll make a few final adjustments, but you’ve got a good eye. This suit will serve you well.”

As they walked out of the tailor shop, suit carefully packaged and hanging from Eddie’s hand, Chimney turned to him with a serious expression, which was rare for him.

Chimney (genuinely): “Eddie, I just wanna say... I’m really proud of you. You and Buck—what you guys have is special. It’s not every day you see something like that. I’m glad I get to be a part of it.”

Eddie felt a wave of warmth at Chimney’s words. He wasn’t one to get overly sentimental, but in this moment, he appreciated Chimney’s sincerity. It reminded him how lucky he was, not just to have Buck, but to have friends like Chimney, who supported him every step of the way.

Eddie (softly): “Thanks, Chim. That means a lot. I’m lucky to have you guys, too.”

Chimney shrugged, a playful grin returning to his face.

Chimney (joking): “Don’t get too mushy on me now, Diaz. Save it for the wedding vows.”

Eddie laughed as they made their way to the car, feeling a sense of satisfaction and excitement settle in. With each step of the wedding planning, it was becoming more real. In just a few short weeks, he’d be standing at the altar with Buck, ready to start their lives together. And in that moment, with his suit in hand and Chimney by his side, everything felt exactly as it should.

The days leading up to the wedding were filled with anticipation and joy, as each new detail fell into place. From the venue to the suits, the witnesses to the officiant, everything was exactly as Buck and Eddie had imagined. The only thing left was to walk down the aisle and say "I do."