Buddie: Partners in Fire

Chapter 145

Scene: The Diaz-Buckley Home – One Evening 

The living room was quiet now, the echoes of Christopher’s laughter still lingering in the air after their movie night. They had all curled up together on the couch to watch Spider-Man, Christopher nestled comfortably between his two dads. Buck and Eddie had taken turns answering his endless questions about Peter Parker’s powers and debating which Spider-Man movie was the best. 

But now, Christopher was fighting to keep his eyes open, his head bobbing against Eddie’s shoulder as the credits rolled. 

Eddie (softly, glancing down at him): "Looks like someone didn’t make it to the end of a superhero movie this time."

Buck (grinning): "First time for everything. Come on, let’s get him to bed."

Buck stood and gently scooped Christopher into his arms, the boy mumbling something unintelligible as his head lolled against Buck’s chest. Eddie followed them, turning off the lights as they went. 

Scene: Christopher’s Bedroom 

Christopher stirred slightly as Buck laid him down in his bed, his curls mussed from the couch. Eddie pulled the blankets up to his chin, tucking him in snugly. 

Christopher (sleepily, his eyes half-open): "Goodnight, Dads."

Buck (leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead): "Goodnight, buddy. Sweet dreams."

Eddie (brushing a hand through Christopher’s curls): "We love you, mijo. So much."

Christopher’s lips curved into a soft smile as his eyes drifted shut. 

Christopher (murmuring): "Love you too." 

Eddie reached over and turned on the small nightlight shaped like a rocket, the soft glow casting a comforting warmth over the room. They left the door slightly ajar as they stepped out, pausing for a moment in the hallway. 

Scene: Buck and Eddie’s Bedroom 

The quiet of their own room felt like a balm after the long day. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting faint silver streaks across the walls. Eddie sank onto the edge of the bed, his hands running over his face before looking up at Buck. 

Eddie (reaching for Buck’s hand): "We did it. We’re really a family now. Can you believe it?"

Buck sat down beside him, their fingers intertwining naturally. 

Buck (with a soft smile): "It’s everything I ever wanted, Eddie. I mean, I’ve always felt like we were a family, but now… it’s real. Legal. Official. We're married and I'l Christopher's Dad."

Eddie leaned his head against Buck’s shoulder, their hands still clasped. 

Eddie (quietly): "When I think about everything we’ve been through—my accident, yours, your lightning strike, Abuela's death—I don’t know how we got here sometimes. But I know we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be."

Buck (pressing a kiss to the top of Eddie’s head): "You’re the reason, Eddie. You and Chris. You showed me what family really means."

They sat there for a moment, the weight of their journey settling into the silence around them. 

Eddie (pulling back slightly to look at Buck): "You’re a natural at this, you know. Christopher’s lucky to have you." 

Buck (chuckling, his eyes glistening): "I’m the lucky one. He’s taught me so much about what it means to love unconditionally. And you… you’ve given me everything, Eddie. Even your son."