Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 124

Scene: Hotel Ballroom

The night was winding down, but for Buck and Eddie, it felt like the evening had just begun. The DJ, sensing the mood shift, seamlessly transitioned from the energetic beats to a slow, romantic waltz. The melody filled the ballroom, soft and tender, wrapping around the room like a warm embrace. The guests began to quiet down, watching as couples took to the dance floor, moving in sync to the rhythm.

Hen (nudging Karen playfully): “Look at them. It’s like a scene out of a movie.”

Karen (smiling): “They deserve this moment.”

Buck turned toward Eddie, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement and a hint of nervousness. Eddie caught his gaze, and with a small smirk, raised an eyebrow.

Eddie (teasing softly): “Think you can handle a waltz, Mr. Buckley-Diaz?”

Buck let out a soft laugh, his grin widening as he stepped closer, offering his hand.

Buck (in a low, affectionate tone): “With you? I’d dance through anything. But I'm not Mr. Buckley-Diaz, yet.”

Eddie’s smile softened, and with a gentle nod, he took Buck’s hand, their fingers intertwining effortlessly. As they made their way to the center of the ballroom, the lights dimmed just enough to make the room feel intimate, as though the entire world outside had faded away. Around them, other couples swayed—Hen and Karen, Chimney and Maddie, Bobby and Athena—but Buck and Eddie were in their own universe, where no one else existed.

As the soft waltz played, Eddie slid his hand around Buck’s waist, pulling him close until their bodies were pressed together. Buck’s hand rested on Eddie’s shoulder, his touch light but steady. They moved together, effortlessly swaying to the music. Every step was in sync, every turn perfectly timed. But more than the dance, it was the unspoken connection between them that made the moment magical.

Buck (whispering, his breath warm against Eddie’s neck): “I can’t believe we’re almost married.”

Eddie (gazing down at Buck, his voice filled with quiet awe): “I can’t believe how lucky I am. To be with you. To be loved by you.”

Buck’s heart fluttered at Eddie’s words, a rush of warmth spreading through his chest. He rested his forehead against Eddie’s, their movements slowing, becoming more intimate as the music continued to play.

Buck (teasing, but his voice thick with emotion): “You know, Eddie, you’re turning into quite the romantic.”

Eddie chuckled softly, his breath ghosting over Buck’s skin as he pressed a kiss to his temple.

Eddie (in a low, tender voice): “Only for you, cariño. Only for you.”

Buck’s heart skipped a beat at the Spanish nickname. There was something about the way Eddie said it that made him feel cherished, adored in a way that no one else ever had. Buck loves hearing Eddie speak Spanish. His fingers tightened around Eddie’s hand as they swayed, lost in the music and each other.

Buck (his voice barely a whisper): “I love you, Eddie. More than I ever thought I could love anyone.”

Eddie’s hand gently cupped Buck’s cheek, his thumb brushing softly over his skin. The look in his eyes was one of pure love, unwavering and deep.

Eddie (his voice steady, full of emotion): “I love you too, Buck. More than anything. You’ve changed my life. You... you’re everything to me.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. They just stood there, holding each other close, letting the weight of their words settle between them. The world seemed to slow down, the music fading into the background as Buck leaned in, capturing Eddie’s lips in a soft, lingering kiss. It wasn’t rushed or hurried. It was slow, deliberate, filled with all the love they felt for one another.

When they pulled apart, Buck’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but his smile was brighter than ever.

Buck (softly, his voice shaky with emotion): “I still can’t believe you picked me, Eddie. Out of everyone... you chose me.”

Eddie’s grip on Buck’s hand tightened as he leaned in, his lips brushing over Buck’s ear, his voice a tender whisper.

Eddie (with absolute certainty): “How could I not? You’re my home, Buck. My heart. My best friend. The best partner I've ever had at work. The best coparent. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.”

Buck’s breath caught, overwhelmed by the sheer depth of Eddie’s love. He buried his face in Eddie’s neck, inhaling the familiar scent of him, the warmth and comfort of his presence. He never wanted to let go.

Buck (muffled, but full of affection): “You’re such a sap, Diaz.”

Eddie (laughing softly): “Maybe. But only because of you, my love.”

Buck pulled back just enough to look into Eddie’s eyes, his lips curving into a soft smile.

Buck (whispering): “God, I love you.”

Eddie (his voice a low rumble): “I love you too. Forever, Buck.”

They kissed again, this one deeper, more passionate, a promise of everything they had and everything they were about to become together. Around them, their friends continued to dance, but for Buck and Eddie, it was as if they were the only two people in the world. The music, the lights, the laughter—it all faded into the background as they moved together in perfect harmony.

As the song drew to a close, Eddie lifted Buck’s chin gently, their eyes locking.

Eddie (his voice soft, full of emotion): “Te amo, mi amor. Always.”

Buck’s heart swelled at the words, and he leaned in, brushing his lips softly against Eddie’s.

Buck (whispering against his lips): “I love you too, Baby. Forever and always.”

The next song began to play, but neither of them moved. They stood there, holding each other close, their foreheads pressed together, lost in the moment. Their friends clapped and cheered, but all that mattered was the way Eddie’s arms felt around Buck, the way their hearts beat in time with each other.

Eddie (with a mischievous smile): “Ready for another dance, Buckaroo?”

Buck (laughing, his heart full to bursting): “With you? Always, Babe.”

And so they danced. Not just through the rest of the night, but through their love story, through their shared life, through every moment that had led them to this. And as they spun and swayed together, it became clear to everyone watching that this was just the beginning of something beautiful—an unbreakable bond between two souls who had finally found their forever.