The pain was becoming unbearable. Buck had been trying his best to push through, to focus on the conversation swirling around him, but his body was making it impossible to pretend anymore. Every shift in his seat sent another sharp, stabbing sensation through his lower back, radiating into his hips and down his legs. It felt like his muscles were on fire, and the dull ache had transformed into something far more punishing. His breath hitched, and his hand instinctively moved to his belly, gently rubbing it in a futile attempt to ease the discomfort.
Eddie was still beside him, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles on Buck's back. The small gesture, though comforting, did little to distract him from the pressure building inside. Buck's heart raced as the pain intensified, and his vision blurred slightly as he fought the urge to cry out. He needed to get out of there. He needed to go home.
But how could he say that without making a scene?
He turned his head slightly, catching Eddie's gaze. Their eyes met, and in that moment, Buck let the mask drop. His blue eyes, usually so vibrant, were filled with pain and a silent plea for help. He didn't need to say a word — the way his face tightened, the way his lips quivered, the way he clutched his stomach protectively said it all. He was in trouble, and he needed Eddie to get him out of there.
Eddie didn't hesitate. He'd always been attuned to Buck, able to read his partner's moods and signals better than anyone else. One look at Buck's pained expression, and he knew they needed to leave, and fast.
"Hey, Chim, can you grab me another drink?" Eddie asked casually, his tone as light as ever. His voice was calm, betraying none of the urgency he felt bubbling beneath the surface.
Chimney, completely oblivious to what was happening between Buck and Eddie, shrugged and got up to head toward the fridge. Eddie used the momentary distraction to lean in closer to Buck, his hand sliding from Buck's back to his arm in a steady, comforting grip.
"We're going," Eddie whispered, his voice firm but gentle.
Buck swallowed, relief washing over him at Eddie's words. He nodded ever so slightly, grateful that Eddie was handling this without making a big deal out of it. The last thing Buck wanted was to become the center of attention or have the whole team fussing over him. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate their care, but right now, all he wanted was to be home, in his own bed, where he could breathe through the pain without feeling self-conscious.
Eddie stood up slowly, stretching as though he was just feeling stiff from sitting for too long. "I think I'm gonna head out," he announced, again keeping his tone casual. He yawned, adding to the illusion that everything was fine. "It's been a long day, and Buck's pretty tired too. We'll catch you guys later."
Buck kept his eyes down, letting Eddie take the lead. He forced a small smile when Hen glanced his way, trying to keep the pain off his face. He could tell Eddie was working hard to make this exit as smooth and unnoticeable as possible, and for that, he was incredibly grateful. If it had been up to him, he might've tried to tough it out longer, but Eddie was always the voice of reason, always there to keep him from pushing himself too hard.
"Already?" Chimney asked, returning from the fridge with a bottle of water. "Man, you two are getting old. Can't even hang out past 9 PM anymore."
"Shut up, Chim," Eddie teased, flashing him a grin. "Some of us like sleep."
"Yeah, yeah, go get your beauty rest," Chimney waved them off with a good-natured smirk. "You need it more than anyone."
Eddie chuckled, his hand now gently gripping Buck's elbow as he helped him stand. Buck tried to move as smoothly as possible, but as soon as he was on his feet, another wave of pain shot through him, nearly knocking the breath out of his lungs. His knees wobbled slightly, but Eddie was right there, his hand steady and supportive. He didn't make a big deal out of it, didn't draw attention. He just stayed close, offering silent strength.
"Goodnight, guys," Buck murmured, his voice quiet but steady enough. He gave a small wave to the team, who were too busy laughing at something else Chimney had said to notice much.
Eddie guided Buck toward the door, his arm around Buck's waist now, a protective gesture that went unnoticed by everyone except Buck. The cool night air hit them as soon as they stepped outside, and Buck felt a sense of relief wash over him. He took a deep breath, feeling some of the tension ease just being away from the noise and the lights of the station.
"Okay," Eddie said softly once they were outside, his voice soothing. "Let's get you home."
Buck nodded, leaning slightly into Eddie as they walked toward the truck. Each step was slow, deliberate, as Buck fought to keep his body from betraying him in front of Eddie. The sharp pain in his back had spread to his abdomen now, tightening his muscles and making it hard to walk without grimacing.
Eddie unlocked the truck and helped Buck ease into the passenger seat, buckling him in before sliding into the driver's side. The silence between them was comfortable, Eddie's steady presence providing an anchor for Buck as he closed his eyes, trying to ride out the pain.
They didn't speak much on the drive, but Eddie kept glancing over at Buck, his hand reaching out to rest on Buck's thigh, offering comfort without words. The drive home was mercifully quick, and by the time they pulled into the driveway, Buck's body was screaming for relief.
Eddie parked and jumped out quickly, coming around to help Buck out of the truck. "Almost there," he murmured, wrapping an arm around Buck's waist as they made their way inside.
Once they were through the door, Buck let out a shaky breath, the tension melting away now that they were home. Eddie guided him to the couch, helping him sit down gently before disappearing for a moment and returning with a glass of water and a few pillows to prop him up.
"Here," Eddie said, placing the water on the table and carefully positioning the pillows behind Buck's back. "Let's get you comfortable."
Buck sank into the cushions, grateful for Eddie's care. "Thanks," he whispered, his voice tired but full of affection.
Eddie sat beside him, brushing a strand of hair from Buck's forehead. "You don't have to thank me," he said softly, pressing a kiss to Buck's temple. "Just rest. I've got you."
