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- Maddie
“Okay,” Buck said. “So Tommy says he’ll meet up with me again on Saturday. Not necessarily a date this time, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
“Are you sure you are?” Maddie asked.
Buck nodded. “Yes. Absolutely. I’m going to make sure to talk to him this time. Properly. I’ve written down what I want to say.”
“You have to write down what you want to say?” Maddie asked.
“Obviously,” Buck said. “It’s like I see him and all rational thought leaves my brain. All I can think about is the future and I keep forgetting to say a few important details.”
“Like what?” Maddie asked.
“Like how much I missed him. He said it to me and I just realized I didn’t say it back. I just took that in happily and he probably thought it meant nothing to me. And then I basically confirmed that when he brought up Eddie.”
“And you’re really sure about Eddie,” Maddie said.
Buck glared. “Absolutely. I have no feelings for Eddie. Never have. Never will. It’s Tommy who I’m in love with.”
Maddie’s mouth dropped open slightly. “Oh, Buck. Are you really sure about that?”
“Yeah, I am,” Buck said, grinning happily. “I love him so much. I was kind of waiting for him to say something first, but I think I have to be the one to say it.”
“If you’re sure,” Maddie said softly.
“Why do you doubt me, Maddie?” Buck asked.
“I’ve just seen you hurt before. I’ve seen you hurt by him before,” Maddie said.
“He didn’t mean it,” Buck said. “He was just scared. And I need to prove to him how much I care about him, so he won’t doubt me again. Maybe I need a big gesture. But not too big. Maybe flowers? I can do flowers.”
“Just be careful,” Maddie said.
Buck rolled his eyes. “I’ve already messed it up twice. At this point, anything I do will be better than nothing.”
“And you really want to try again?” Maddie asked.
“Maddie, what’s going on here?” Buck asked. “You’re supposed to be my sister. You’re supposed to support me.”
Maddie sighed. “I’m sorry. I want to support you. What can I do?”
Buck shrugged. Then he chuckled. “Do you think it would be weird if people still call me Buck when I change my name?”
“You’re going to change your name?” Maddie asked.
“Maybe,” Buck said.
“What? Why now? I thought you were doing better with Mom and Dad,” Maddie said.
“What? Yeah, I mean I guess. I just meant in the future,” Buck said.
“In the future?” Maddie asked.
“Yeah. When I get married,” Buck said.
Maddie’s jaw dropped slightly. “To?”
“Tommy,” Buck said, smiling. “Who else?”
“To Tommy,” Maddie said.
Buck narrowed his eyes. “Okay, come on Maddie. What’s all this hesitation? It can’t just be because we broke up once. You and Chimney broke up a bunch of times before you got to where you are now.”
“That’s true,” Maddie said softly. “It’s just you’re my baby brother. I want to protect you.”
“I know. But you have to trust me to know what I want. And I want Tommy," Buck said.
Maddie sighed. “And if he leaves you again?”
“He won’t,” Buck said.
“And how do you know?” Maddie asked.
“I won’t let him,” Buck said.
“Buck…”
“I’m really not liking this conversation, Maddie.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just after everything…” Maddie started.
“What is it? What’s wrong with us being together, huh? Because you keep telling me to move on. To not call him. To look for someone else. To try being alone. Why? Do you hate him?” Buck asked.
“I don’t hate him,” Maddie said. “He just hurt you.”
“Yeah? Well, that’s what happens when you have a fight. Like you and Chimney haven’t hurt each other before?”
“That’s different,” Maddie said.
“Why is it different?” Buck asked.
“Because we’re married.”
“Yeah, and someday, I want to marry Tommy,” Buck said.
Maddie stared.
“Is it because he’s a guy?” Buck asked.
“What?” Maddie asked. “Of course not. You know I love Josh and Hen and Karen.”
Buck pursed his lips. “Is it because it’s me? Your brother? Dating a guy?”
“Buck,” Maddie said softly. “I mean, like I told you before, I didn’t expect it.”
“And now you don’t like it?”
“I have no problems with you dating a guy,” Maddie said.
“Just Tommy then,” Buck said.
“Buck,” Maddie said.
Buck nodded, pushing away from the counter. “I think I’ve been overstaying my welcome. I have my place set up now… I think I’m going to go home.”
Buck started heading out of the room.
“Buck,” Maddie said softly, getting up after him. “I didn’t realize how deep your feelings went. That you were thinking about marrying Tommy.”
“I’ve always been thinking about that with him. I was thinking about it when he broke up with me. And ever since. But you guys… you guys just kept telling me to move on.”
“I’m sorry,” Maddie said. “I didn’t mean to make you feel that way.”
“And then you kept bringing up Eddie like he was in any way something to consider?” Buck asked.
“I’m sorry. I can see that now. That was wrong. But you brought that up first,” Maddie said.
“I guess I did. Because I was so confused where it came from,” Buck said.
“I really am sorry, Buck.”
“I know. But… you’re supposed to be my sister. And all this doubt... it hurts. Especially when you said I should be alone. That’s the last thing I want, Maddie. I’ve been alone for so long. And now I’ve found the person I want to be with.”
“You’re right,” Maddie said. “Can I make it up to you?”
Buck sighed. “Yeah. I guess. I’ll… I’ll let you know how Saturday goes.”
“Okay,” Maddie said softly. “I look forward to hearing about it. I do want to know. And maybe… maybe after we can all meet for lunch. So I can get to know Tommy better.”
Buck nodded, smiling slightly at that. “I’d like that.”
Maddie smiled back.
And then Buck let himself out.
- Hen
Buck grinned at his phone, texting back furiously. He was sitting on the couch in the loft of the fire station, and Tommy had just sent him updates on a helicopter rescue.
Get this. Of a squirrel.
Why did they send a helicopter to save a squirrel?
Well, rich people of course. Rich people who somehow owned a squirrel. A squirrel that had run away. Out the window of a penthouse apartment.
“Hey there Buckaroo,” Hen said, taking a seat beside Buck.
“Hey,” Buck said, before he giggled, messaging again.
“What’s got you in such high spirits?” Hen asked.
Buck grinned. “Oh, just Tommy rescuing a squirrel from a high rise.”
“What?” Hen asked, chuckling.
“Yeah, absolutely hilarious. I have pictures. Do you want to see?” Buck asked.
Hen grinned, leaning in to see. “That is highly amusing. And definitely a waste of taxpayer dollars.”
“I know, right?” Buck said, chuckling still.
“So you and Tommy again, huh?” Hen asked.
“Yeah,” Buck said, smile getting kind of dopey.
“How did that happen?” Hen asked.
“Well, I went out to this bar with Ravi, and Tommy was there, and Ravi kind of forced us to talk and so we talked which led to other things at night and…”
“I don’t need all the details, Buck,” Hen said. “I’ve known the guy too long.”
Buck chuckled. “And then we had another little fight but we made up and now we’re together again.”
“I’m glad for you,” Hen said softly.
“Yeah?” Buck asked, finally looking up at her fully.
“I am,” she said slowly.
Buck felt his smile sink. “But?” he asked.
“Why do you assume there’s a but?” Hen asked.
“Because it looks like there is one,” Buck said.
Hen sighed. “I just want to make sure you’re sure. He did a number on you last time.”
“Yeah,” Buck said, but he waved a hand, looking back at his phone. “We’re both working through it. Trying to work on our communication. But we’re definitely better together than apart.”
They were quiet for a moment and Buck looked up again.
“Hen. Just say what you want to say,” Buck said.
Hen paused. “You aren’t just getting back together with him for lack of other options, right?”
Buck blinked. “Hen. What do you mean?”
“I mean…” she paused.
Buck frowned. “Because if anything, shouldn’t I have a ton of options? If I’ve recently opened up my dating pool to men and women?”
“That’s not what I…” she said.
“And coming from you?” Buck asked.
“I’m sorry. That’s really not what I meant,” Hen said.
“Why does no one think this is serious? Even if Tommy and I weren’t an option, I wouldn’t want to get back in the dating pool. Tommy is it for me,” Buck said.
“He is?” Hen asked.
“Yeah. Definitely,” Buck said. “This is very serious.”
Hen smiled at him. “Okay. I’m glad you found him, then.”
“Me too. Can I ask… why did you help Eddie play keep away with my phone?” Buck asked.
“Because you were driving yourself crazy,” Hen said. “If you weren’t going to call or message him, you needed to stay away from your phone.”
“So if I was going to call or message him…?” Buck trailed off.
“Like you said before, you need to work on communication.”
“Yeah, guess so,” Buck said.
Hen winked at him.
Then Buck frowned. “I have a question for you, actually.”
“Okay, shoot,” Hen said.
“Do you think I have a crush on Eddie?”
“What?” Hen asked, laughing. “I thought you just said Tommy is the one for you.”
“I did. And he is,” Buck said. “Just answer the question.”
Hen chuckled again. “No. You don’t have a crush on Eddie.”
“Thank you,” Buck said, shaking his head.
“I mean maybe in the beginning…” Hen said.
Buck shot her a look.
“But come on,” Hen said. “I think we all had a crush on Eddie in the beginning. He walked in here all macho like.”
“Hen? Even you?” Buck asked.
Hen chuckled. “Felt almost like there was music playing as he entered. But don’t worry. We all got over that real fast. Including you. Especially you.”
“Thank you,” Buck said again.
“Who said you had a crush on Eddie?” Hen asked.
Buck sighed. “I mean, that was what me and Tommy fought about. What we broke up about, apparently. Even though I didn’t know it. He was scared I’d leave him for someone else. And then that night when we reconnected, he mentioned he was glad the competition was gone. And when I asked… boom, he mentioned Eddie. And then Maddie kind of agreed which was weird. I have no feelings for Eddie like that. None.”
“I know,” Hen said. “Though, I could see why Tommy would think that. You do tend to rush to Eddie’s aid whenever he needs something.”
“Yeah, well, not anymore. And then I kind of stuck my foot in my mouth and said something stupid and Tommy went running again. Thankfully, he answered my call and let me explain," Buck said.
“He is a pretty patient guy,” Hen said.
“Not really at times,” Buck said. Then he chuckled. “You know, Hen?”
“Hmm?” Hen said.
“Maybe as much as I wanted to make this the same for me… liking both men and women… I think it’s actually very different,” Buck said.
“How so?” Hen asked.
“When I was dating a woman… let’s say Taylor just because she was the longest. Besides Abby who I’m not talking about right now,” Buck said.
“Sure,” Hen said.
“She would prod all the time. Do you like me? Do you love me? What do you feel about me,” Buck said. “And I would just be able to answer her. And if the answer was no, it would be done. But with Tommy…”
“He didn’t prod?” Hen asked.
Buck shook his head. “I think we were both waiting for the other to say something. And I guess I realized I had to say something if I wanted him to know. So I finally did. And I told him I love him.”
Hen smiled softly. “Good for you.”
“Yeah,” Buck said, smiling back again.
“You know, maybe we should have had this discussion before,” Hen said.
“Hmm?” Buck asked.
“I mean, you know you can come to me about anything, right? But this? I could have tried to help you with this a bit,” Hen said.
“How? I’m the only one on our team who likes guys,” Buck said.
Hen laughed. “That you are.”
Buck smiled softly, glancing back at his phone.
“You know,” Hen said after a while. “Maybe I don’t see it as serious as you say it is, because I haven’t seen you two together enough.”
Buck paused. “What? I mean, you’ve seen us together, though.”
“A little. In public. At the beginning,” Hen said.
“No, you must have…” Buck said, thinking.
“At the bachelor party. And Chim’s wedding. The medal ceremony. That was really it. You two just hung out together a lot. And were pretty reserved in public. I mean, beyond showing up in the hospital with soot all over your faces.”
“Huh,” Buck said softly. They didn’t really hang out with Hen. They did hang out with Eddie. But that was mostly because Buck felt bad that they were both ignoring Eddie to spend time with each other. When they were both Eddie’s friends.
“And I’ve known him for so long. Maybe I’m having trouble reconciling the guy I knew in the past with the guy you know,” Hen said.
“I guess so,” Buck said. “He said he was pretty different before.”
“That he was,” Hen said. “You know what? We should all have dinner together. You and Tommy should come over to our place. Karen and I will host.”
“I’d like that,” Buck said softly.
“Good,” Hen said. “Then you can truly show me how serious you are about each other. And we can get to know you both together.”
Buck grinned. “Okay. Sounds like a plan. And I will tell you this, Hen. One day, you’ll have to come up with a new nickname for me.”
“And why is that?” she asked, smiling.
“Can’t call me Buckaroo if my last name is Kinard.”
And with that Buck got up, walking away. He glanced back briefly to see Hen’s jaw drop.
He’d get through to them all someday.
- Eddie
Buck’s phone rang.
“Are you going to answer that?” Tommy asked, in between pressing kisses to Buck’s neck, slowly moving downward.
“Not now,” Buck said. “Definitely not now.”
Tommy grinned. “No? Something more important to focus on?”
“Oh yeah,” Buck said. “They’ll call back.”
The phone stopped ringing.
Tommy chuckled, pressing a few more kisses down Buck’s neck until he reached his chest.
Buck sucked in a deep breath.
His phone started ringing again.
Buck glanced to the side, frowning at it.
“Evan?” Tommy asked.
“It’s probably nothing,” Buck said.
“Are you sure?” Tommy asked.
Buck nodded.
The phone stopped ringing. And then started up immediately after.
Buck sighed, reaching over for it. He frowned.
“Who is it?” Tommy asked, sitting up slowly.
“Eddie,” Buck said.
Tommy frowned.
Buck stared at Tommy. “Why has Eddie called me three times in a row?”
“Probably because you’ve been avoiding talking to him,” Tommy said.
“I needed some space. You want me to talk to him? Now?” Buck asked.
“Just answer it. It’ll bother you if you don’t,” Tommy said.
“Only because you told me to,” Buck said. “Because remember. You are the one I have feelings for. You are the one I love.”
Tommy grinned widely at him. “I love you, too.”
And then the phone rang again.
“Oh my god, fine,” Buck said, picking up. “Hello? Eddie?”
“Finally! What the hell, Buck?” Eddie exclaimed.
“Is everything okay? Are you hurt?” Buck asked.
Tommy frowned, staring at them.
“What? I'm fine,” Eddie said.
Buck rolled his eyes, mouthing “he’s fine.”
Tommy nodded, sitting up fully.
“Why did you call then?” Buck asked.
“Wow. What a greeting,” Eddie said. “You know I’ve been in Texas now almost a month and you’ve called me maybe once? After the big deal you made about me leaving, I thought you’d be calling everyday.”
“Well sorry to disappoint,” Buck said, frowning.
It was quiet on the line for a second. Then Eddie spoke. “Okay, did I do something wrong?”
Buck deflated, backtracking. “Sorry. Thought I was being too much for you. Tried to give you some space.”
“Hey,” Tommy said, frowning at him and Buck couldn’t meet his eyes.
“Yeah, well,” Eddie said. “Space has been had. Tell me what’s going on back at the 118?”
“Nothing, same as usual,” Buck said.
“Nothing. You have nothing to update me on?” Eddie asked.
Tommy tilted his head curiously and Buck motioned to be quiet as he put the phone on speaker.
Tommy nodded.
“Nothing that concerns you,” Buck said.
Tommy raised an eyebrow and mouthed, “Evan.”
“Okay fine. I did something. What is it? Tell me so we can move past it,” Eddie said.
“Why did you stop speaking to Tommy?” Buck asked.
It was quiet on the line.
“Because he broke up with you,” Eddie said.
“Yeah,” Buck said. “But you were his friend too. Zero contact isn’t nice.”
“What, so you wanted me to be friends with your ex?” Eddie asked.
“I didn’t want him to be abandoned,” Buck said.
“Like he did to you?” Eddie asked.
Tommy shifted uncomfortably on the bed and Buck reached out a hand for him. Tommy let him and Buck gave his hand a squeeze.
“Okay, firstly, we broke up. Breakups happen. You don’t dump friends because of it. Secondly, we’re back together now,” Buck said.
“Are you?” Eddie asked.
“Yes,” Buck said.
“Is that a good idea?” Eddie asked.
Tommy winced.
“Okay, full disclosure,” Buck said. “Tommy’s here right now.”
It was quiet. Then a soft, “Tommy?” from Eddie.
“Hey Diaz,” Tommy said softly.
Buck stared at Tommy. He couldn’t help but remember when he first met Eddie. Asking if anyone called him Diaz. And Eddie’s response. Not if they wanted him to respond.
Tommy really had a thing with names. And distancing himself from people with them.
“Ah well,” Eddie said. “Sorry?”
“It’s fine,” Tommy said.
“It’s not,” Buck said. “And yes, Eddie, this proves that we are back together.”
“Right. Well, good for you. Now, can we get back to why I called?” Eddie asked.
Buck’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
“Christopher’s still keeping me at a distance. I was wondering if you’d talk to him?” Eddie asked.
Buck scoffed. “No,” he said.
“What?” Eddie asked.
“Figure it out with your son, Eddie,” Buck said. “Plus, I haven’t spoken to Christopher since he left. You know he didn’t want to speak to me either.”
“But if you try…” Eddie said.
“No, Eddie,” Buck said softly.
“Is this Tommy’s influence?” Eddie asked. “You know, I told you not to call him…”
“So you did tell him that,” Tommy said softly.
Buck’s gaze shot to Tommy. “Hey…”
“Eddie, can I ask you a question?” Tommy asked.
“Okay,” Eddie said.
“Can we go back to when you first found out Evan and I were dating?” Tommy asked.
There was a moment of silence on the line. “Okay?” Eddie asked. “What do you want to know?”
“Did it change anything?” Tommy asked.
“No,” Eddie said. “Buck’s my best friend. I don’t care who he dates. Honestly, you were better than his girlfriends. I can admit I wasn’t a fan of them. But then you broke his heart and for what?”
Tommy stared at the phone and Buck raised an eyebrow.
“Shit, I really am a mess, Evan,” Tommy said.
“Hey,” Buck said. “You’re not a mess. We’re working through everything. But now you know I will never leave you. Because I love you.”
“I love you, too,” Tommy said.
“Uh guys, did you just forget I’m here or…?” Eddie asked
Buck snorted.
“Honestly, I didn’t realize you felt that strongly about each other. But I am glad for you two.” Eddie said. “Even if I felt like I was intruding on a personal moment.”
“You seemed to always join us for personal moments,” Tommy said.
Buck blinked. “Huh. He was around a lot, wasn’t he?”
Tommy nodded.
“Don’t really have other friends,” Eddie said.
“Well, maybe it’s time you make some,” Buck said slowly, glancing at Tommy. “In Texas.”
Eddie was quiet. “Yeah, I guess so. Look, you’re obviously busy. Can we talk again later?”
“Yeah,” Buck said. “For sure we can. But I need you to know that Tommy is my priority now. Not you… not Chris. And I’m sorry about that but…”
“Don’t apologize,” Eddie said. He sighed. “Maybe I should. I feel like I’ve been a dick to you.”
“You have,” Buck said.
“And to you, Tommy,” Eddie said. “So I’m sorry. To you both.”
Buck smiled. “Apology accepted.”
“Yeah,” Tommy said. “Thanks, Eddie.”
“Now, I’ll uh… let you two get back to whatever it was you were doing before. I’m not sure I want to know,” Eddie said.
“Probably not,” Buck said.
“Bye guys,” Eddie said.
“Bye,” Buck said.
“Bye,” Tommy said.
Eddie hung up.
Buck glanced at Tommy and raised an eyebrow.
“I get it. Nothing between you two,” Tommy said.
“And between us?” Buck asked.
“Mmm, well I could be between something…”
Buck chuckled, eyes darkening. “Yeah?
“For sure,” Tommy said.
And then Buck tossed his phone and Tommy continued where he left off.
- Chimney
“So are you sure there aren’t more instructions? You haven’t lost a page?” Buck asked.
“I’m sure,” Chimney said. “How hard can it really be to build a crib? Did they change how they work since the last time?”
“I think maybe we have it upside down,” Tommy said.
“This is ridiculous. I’m sure we still have Jee’s crib somewhere. There's no way we really lost it,” Chimney said.
Buck chuckled. “Don’t worry. We’ll get the crib set up.”
“I dunno,” Chimney said. “We have three firefighters here. How many more do we need to build a crib?”
“At least one more. Obviously,” Tommy said.
Buck giggled, leaning into him.
Tommy winked at him, grinning.
“Har har, we get it. You two are cute. Just don’t mess it up again,” Chimney said.
“Hey,” Buck said, frowning.
Chimney held his hands up. “I am just saying. Maddie is very pregnant now. If you do anything to upset her, both of us will not be happy. And we can’t have Buck crashing here anymore. We need the peace and quiet for as long as we can have it. Because when the baby is here…”
“Well, Howie. I have no plans on messing this up ever again. I am now very confident that Evan and I will last,” Tommy said.
“Yeah?” Buck asked. “How confident?”
“Extremely,” Tommy said, staring at Buck’s lips.
Buck grinned, leaning in close and pressing a quick peck to Tommy’s lips.
“Okay, not in front of me,” Chimney said. He stared at them both.
“What?” Buck asked.
“I dunno. You look happy. Both of you,” Chimney said.
“We are happy,” Buck said.
“Definitely,” Tommy said.
“Huh,” Chimney said.
“What?” Buck asked.
“Just never really thought…” Chimney started, trailing off.
Buck groaned. “You doubt us too?”
“I don’t doubt you it’s just what happened before and, Buck, think about the past and how your previous relationships went and…” Chimney rattled.
“This is different,” Buck said. “This is real. This is love.”
Tommy grinned back at Buck. “Mm. And there may be something very special in the works for our new anniversary coming up.”
Buck grinned, lighting up. “Yeah? And don’t worry, I definitely got you something this time.”
“Did you?” Tommy asked. “Because I did too.”
“Okay, you both are extremely into each other. Did we miss this?” Chimney asked.
“Yup,” Buck said, still staring at Tommy.
Tommy grinned, staring back.
“Gross. Can’t believe we told you to move on,” Chimney said. He got up. “I’m going to see if there actually is a page missing.”
Buck barely even noticed Chimney leaving. “Do you think this could be us someday?” he asked.
“Sitting on the ground unable to build a crib?” Tommy asked. “I think that’s us today.”
“You know what I mean,” Buck said.
Tommy grinned. “Mm, yeah. For sure.”
Buck smiled wider.
Chimney walked back over, sorting through the papers. “Just a bunch of take-out menus. Ads. Mail. Huh…”
“What?” Buck asked.
“I think this is the placeholder for the baby’s daycare,” Chimney said.
“You need that already?” Buck asked.
“Oh, for sure,” Chimney said. “You basically have to sign up before the baby’s even born. If this is actually the placeholder, we are so lucky. It usually takes years.”
Buck swivelled his head to Tommy. “Should we sign up?”
Tommy stared. “For a daycare?”
Buck shrugged. “I mean if it usually takes a few years…”
“Sure, why not,” Tommy said. “It’s just a placeholder, after all.”
Buck grinned.
Chimney stared between the two of them. “Kids? You two are going to have kids?”
Buck grinned. “Looks like it.”
“Huh,” Chimney said.
“Good thing we’ll know everything we need to know beforehand. Especially about building cribs,” Tommy said.
“Good thing,” Buck said.
Chimney stared between them. “You two are not helping at all. You know what? Go home. Let me build this myself. I think it will take less time.”
“Sure,” Buck said, staring at Tommy. “Looks like we have some plans to figure out for the future.”
Tommy grinned. “Looks like.”
Chimney rolled his eyes. “Just go.”
Buck giggled, before he grabbed Tommy’s hand, pulling him out the door.
- Bobby
Bobby stood up at the front of the table in the firehouse. “Saturday, starting at 6. Don’t be late. Barbeque to celebrate our new home. Athena is looking forward to seeing you all there.”
“We will definitely be there, Cap,” Chimney said.
“For sure,” Hen said.
“I’m in,” Ravi agreed.
“Me too,” Buck said. “And just checking, it’s all of us, right?”
Bobby nodded. “Yes. Everyone. And bring your families of course.”
Buck grinned.
The day of the barbecue arrived and Buck smiled as they made their way to Bobby and Athena’s new backyard.
He had Tommy’s hand tight in his and they were swinging their hands slowly between them as they walked.
“Hey Buck! You made it,” Bobby said, walking over to greet them. “And Tommy too, welcome!”
“Thanks for having us, Captain Nash,” Tommy said.
Bobby shook his head. “It’s Bobby, okay? As long as you don’t hurt Buck again.”
“Don’t plan on it,” Tommy said.
“Good,” Bobby said.
“Bobby,” Buck said.
“Hey, just needed to be sure,” Bobby said.
“He won’t,” Buck said. “Tommy and I are definitely on the same page now.”
“And what page is that?” Bobby asked.
“I feel like we’re being interrogated,” Tommy said.
“No,” Bobby said. “For that, I’d have to bring Athena into the conversation.”
Buck chuckled. “Tommy and I are very happy, Bobby.”
“Well, good. Because if you weren’t…” Bobby said, staring at them both. “Baking was a good outlet, Buck, but I’m not sure it helped you get over him in any way.”
“Oh, I know," Buck said. “Definitely not over him. Never going to be over him. Never wanted to be.”
Tommy chuckled. “To be fair, I wasn’t over you, either.”
“You just thought I was in love with Eddie,” Buck said.
“I didn’t, I just thought maybe and…” Tommy started.
“And we’ve been over this,” Buck said.
“We have,” Tommy said.
“And we know…” Buck prompted.
“That you love me and I love you,” Tommy said.
“Exactly,” Buck said. “And?”
Bobby raised an eyebrow.
Tommy blushed. “Evan,” he said, nodding toward Bobby.
“No, I think it’s time we stop hiding our affections so much, Tommy. I mean, in private, we are all over each other. But we aren’t in public. And I think that is causing people to not see what we have together,” Buck said.
“Huh,” Tommy said. “Maybe. So what, you want us to make out right here?”
Bobby cleared his throat. “I would advise against that. But you don’t have to hide yourselves away either. We accept you both and if you want to show a bit more affection in public, that is fully welcome.”
“I appreciate that, Bobby,” Buck said, turning to Tommy.
Tommy chuckled. “Fine,” he said, leaning over and pressing a soft kiss to Buck’s cheek.
Buck grinned before he turned and placed a kiss on Tommy’s lips instead.
“Okay,” Bobby said, chuckling. “Go mingle. Enjoy the barbecue. Food will be ready soon.”
Buck grinned, pulling Tommy away with him. He glanced back at Bobby and saw a soft smile on his face.
Buck spent the rest of the night curled up as close to Tommy as he physically could. And he could feel everyone’s eyes on them as they fed each other food and couldn’t drop the smiles from their faces.
Maybe people were starting to see it. See them.
+1 Ravi/Everyone
Buck walked into the firehouse. Actually, sauntered would be the better word. He sauntered in and grinned, slamming some papers on the table.
“What’s all this?” Bobby asked.
“Just some papers I need to file. Thought I’d give them to you now,” Buck said with a huge grin.
“What kind of papers?” Chimney asked.
“Legal documents,” Buck said, grinning.
Everyone stiffened and Buck paused before his eyes widened. “I’m not suing anyone.”
“Oh, thank god,” Hen said.
Buck rolled his eyes, letting his left hand move through his hair before he used it to move the envelopes around.
“Buck!” Ravi called out.
“Hey Ravi,” Buck said.
“How’d the rest of the weekend go?” Ravi asked.
Buck grinned. “Fantastic. Thank you for asking.”
“What did you do this weekend?” Hen asked.
“Well,” Buck said with a grin, watching as Bobby started opening the documents.
And then Bobby choked on his coffee.
“Cap, you okay there?” Chimney asked.
Bobby looked up at Buck, mouth dropped open.
Buck flashed his left hand again. Bobby’s eyes were drawn to it. And then so were Chimney and Hen’s.
“Is that a ring?” Hen asked.
“Guess who got married?” Buck asked, laughing.
“When did that happen?” Chimney asked. “To Tommy?”
“Of course, to Tommy,” Buck said.
“Wait,” Hen said slowly, turning to Ravi. “You knew.”
“Yeah, of course I knew. I was there,” Ravi said.
Hen, Chimney, and Bobby all stared at him.
“What?” Ravi asked.
“Why were you at his wedding and we weren’t?” Chimney asked.
“Maybe because he didn’t doubt our relationship the entire time we were together?” Buck asked. “Maybe because he didn’t avoid talking to me about the breakup? Or tell me not to talk to Tommy?”
“He wasn’t even around then,” Chimney muttered.
“Maybe because Ravi was the catalyst for us getting back together in the beginning?” Buck said.
“I mean I just saw you both in the bar and made sure you talked. It was obvious they wanted to talk to each other,” Ravi said.
“It was?” Chimney asked.
“Yeah. Very obvious. I mean, you could all see how much Buck was pining for him, right? No one pines that hard unless it’s serious. Plus, they’re adorable together. Even now that they’re married. They still look at each other like they’re the only one in the room,” Ravi said.
Everyone stared at Ravi until he shifted a little.
“You guys really didn’t notice how much they love each other?” Ravi asked.
The rest looked sheepish. And it was quiet for a moment and then they heard a voice call out. “Buck? Howie?”
“Maddie?” Chimney asked.
“I asked her to come. So you could all find out together. Just got a little eager and told you all first,” Buck said.
“Hey,” Chimney said, getting up to greet her. “How are you? How are the kids?”
“Good,” she said. “With my parents. Because Buck said I had to come here right now. What’s the emergency?”
Chimney turned to stare back at Buck.
“I got married,” Buck said.
Maddie stared. “What?”
“You changed your name,” Bobby said softly, going through the forms.
They all turned to him.
“What?” Maddie asked.
“Yup,” Buck said. “It’s Evan Kinard now.”
“Wow,” Hen said.
“Wait, what? Buck, you got married?” Maddie asked.
Buck grinned. “Tommy and I got married.”
“And… you didn’t invite us?” Maddie asked.
“Maddie. You never seemed to support this relationship fully. I mean I get you were worried at the beginning after he dumped me, but it’s been months since then. We are so happy. We live together now. We’re married now. He’s it for me.”
It was quiet again. And then more footsteps.
Tommy poked his head in. “Hey,” he said.
Everyone turned to look at him and Tommy chuckled.
“Couldn’t wait?” Tommy asked.
Buck shrugged. “Oops,” Buck said.
Tommy grinned. “Hello, husband.”
“Hi husband,” Buck said.
They stared at each other, eyes wild with need before Buck pressed a quick but slightly dirty kiss to Tommy’s lips. When Tommy pulled away, he could barely look away.
“Okay,” Hen said slowly. “Buck really hasn’t been like this about anyone else. Maybe we all judged them both way too harshly in the beginning. But I am so happy for you both. And sorry that you felt you couldn’t include us.”
“I mean,” Buck said. “It was less about including you and more about… well…”
“That we wanted to get married and just decided to do it,” Tommy said.
Ravi nodded. “And that they needed a witness and once again, I was somehow out at the same place as them.”
“And you never doubted us,” Buck said.
“I really never saw you much to begin with,” Ravi said.
“Still counts,” Buck said.
“Well, congratulations,” Bobby said. “I guess we shall have to get you new turnouts, huh? Or maybe we can just find Tommy’s old ones.”
Buck laughed. “Hey, whatever works. That would be kind of hot anyway.”
“Evan,” Tommy chuckled.
Hen and Chimney gave them both hugs, and then so did Bobby. Ravi gave them both a wink and wandered off.
“Does Eddie know?” Bobby asked.
Buck nodded. “We messaged him.”
“Good,” Bobby said, giving them one more hug, before wandering off as well.
And then Buck turned to Maddie.
“I’m so sorry, Buck,” she said softly.
“Maddie,” Buck said softly.
“I’ve… not been fair to the two of you. I can pretend it was me looking out for you, but maybe I just truly didn’t believe you had it in you to settle down. And I’m sorry about that,” Maddie said.
Buck sighed, taking strength from Tommy who was standing beside him and rubbing his back.
“Maddie,” Buck said. “I think it hurt the most because…because you and Chimney broke up before. You fought, and broke up, and got together. You went through a lot. And yet, you didn’t give up. No one told you to give up. But you all told me to give up, like I didn’t know what I wanted.”
“I know,” Maddie said. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have told you to give up and move on. It was just hard seeing my baby brother in pain. And maybe I held a grudge. But I am so happy you two are happy. Please let me have the opportunity to make it up to the two of you.”
Buck glanced at Tommy and he smiled at him. “Of course, Maddie,” Buck said. “That’s all I wanted to hear.”
They moved in, hugging. And then Maddie pulled Tommy into a hug.
“Welcome to the family, officially. I’m sad I missed the wedding but…” she said.
“We just went to the courthouse,” Buck said. “We’re planning on having a party, though.”
“Well, I will help plan or do whatever you’d like me do to show how much I do support you,” Maddie said.
“Thank you,” Buck said.
She gave them both one more hug, then wandered off.
Buck turned to Tommy. “So, husband?”
“Yeah, husband?” Tommy asked.
“Ready to spend the rest of our lives together?” Buck asked.
“I definitely am,” Tommy said.
And then they leaned in, in the middle of the firehouse, and the kiss that followed was definitely not work appropriate.
“Okay, we get it, we get it! You two are in love! Now take it out of here!” Chimney yelled.
Buck laughed before he grabbed Tommy’s hand. And then they went home, finally where they wanted to be.