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"Do you love him?"
Josh suddenly asked out of the blue. To say Buck was shocked was an understatement. He honestly never thought of that yet, seeming as he is very much comfortable in his relationship with Tommy at the moment, up until the Abby thing. Even he was surprised how the thought never crossed his mind through their six-month long relationship.
"Uh, d-do I l-?" he stammers, not really wanting to go down that path just yet. Josh waves his hand and shook his head, trying to brush the big question off Buck's shoulder. "Yeah okay forget that word, we don't need to go that far." he said, stopping to think of a simpler question Buck might be able to answer.
"Um, do you care for him?" Buck stares at him in disbelief, totally forgetting the fact that Josh knows barely to nothing about their relationship. Of course he cares for Tommy, and he likes to think the other feels the same about him too.
"Yeah, of course."
Intrigued, Josh shot him with another question. "You're romantically inclined towards this person?" Buck started feeling a rush of heat going up his neck, his heart beating a little bit faster than he anticipated when he heard the question. He was hoping not to be interrogated today, but he needed help and he knows Maddie has the answers he needed. He also didn't expect that Josh would be the one taking over while his sister watched them with intent, sipping on her cup of coffee.
"Uh that- I think that much is obvious." The heat in his neck rising up even more, moving towards his ears. Admitting he is romantically inclined towards Tommy to another person was not on his bingo card this year but here he is, hoping nobody noticed his ears starting to get red. How can he not be attracted to the man who made him feel so special, who treats him like a prince, who takes care of him every chance he gets, who showers him with loves and kisses when he needs it? Buck doesn't even think he's just romantically inclined towards Tommy, he was sure what he feels goes beyond that.
"Do you think about him when he's not around?"
"Are his concerns, your concerns?"
"Um, is his happiness is at least as important to you as yours?"
Before he could even answer the next question, Josh shoots him three questions back-to-back, forcing Buck to answer all three questions in one breath. Not that he has anything to complain because of course his answer was going to be yes for each of them. "Yeah.." he replied.
When does he not think about Tommy? Hell, he even thinks about him when he was right beside him, cuddling him in bed. He thinks about him when they're on a call, even if it's just getting a cat off a tree, all because he knows Tommy is a cat person and every sight of a cat would remind him of his boyfriend. Buck feels like there was not even a single moment that he wasn't thinking about his boyfriend.
And Tommy's concerns being his concerns? Absolutely. Buck vividly remembered the time Tommy had been venting to him about the wiring issues in his truck. The faulty electrical system had thrown him for a loop right before his 72-hour shift, forcing him to send the truck to a friend who worked as a mechanic. Tommy didn’t have the time to fix it himself, though it clearly bothered him. It all worked out—his truck was ready just as his shift ended—but Tommy still grumbled about not being able to fix it on his own and inconveniencing his friend. Buck has no clue about cars or wiring, but it didn’t matter. Tommy cared about that truck, and because of that, Buck cared too.
And Tommy's happiness? It was as important to Buck as his own—if not more. Buck had spent a lot of time in therapy learning to prioritize his own happiness, and he was doing well. But then Tommy came into his life, and everything changed. Happiness wasn’t something Buck had to consciously work for anymore; it came naturally when Tommy was around. A few months into their relationship, Buck began to realize that making Tommy happy had become his top priority. It wasn’t something he consciously decided—it was just the way things were. If Tommy was happy, Buck was happy, and that was enough for him. In fact, Buck had set it as his long-term goal: to keep Tommy smiling, not just today but for years to come.
"And could you see a future there?" Josh asked and waited for an answer this time, hinting it was the final question in this interrogation session they're having. Buck was silent for a bit, caught off guard by what he heard.
He was wondering if Josh could read his mind, knowing exactly what to ask and make him think about his relationship with his boyfriend. Josh bit his lower lip slightly, anticipating the other's answer. Buck broke eye contact as he couldn't help the obvious blush that dusted over his cheeks at the thought of having a future with Tommy.
He had a dream about it once. About their future. Living in a house with white picket fence, two adorable children, a rescue cat named Rocky that they adopted from a shelter, all while having rings that symbolized their love and marriage. It was the dream he wished he never woke up from because of how happy they were.
Buck feels his heart swells as he thought about the possibilty of that dream coming true. There was no doubt he could vision their future together, and who knows how long he had been looking for someone he can connect with so much to the point of seeing a life together for the rest of their lives.
"Uh... I- I could.." he stuttered, finally answering Josh's question. He didn't even realize he was smiling so much when he said that until he noticed Maddie smiling fondly at him in the corner of his eyes.
"Then you have to stop judging him, because you don't know what you're talking about." Josh responded. Buck listened to what Josh has said about how people like him and Tommy has struggled with their identity, doing things that they might not be proud of just to protect themselves. That they have scars from the battles they fought before he came along. It broke his heart knowing that Tommy was broken, and maybe still is, after having to come out to Abby after two years of being engaged. He didn't mean to hurt her. He was scared and hid his true self behind a mask for who knows how long.
The talk with Josh made Buck realize something he hasn't before. Why he was so comfortable being with Tommy despite this being his first relationship with a guy. Why he feels safe whenever the other is around him. Why he doesn't need to be conscious of who he is as a person when he's with Tommy. It's all because Tommy made him feel accepted, the way he wished to be accepted when he was first out. He didn't want Buck to go through what he went through, he is protecting Buck.
Buck is starting to see what it feels like to be cared for so much, and how that affects him as a person. He knows what he wants now. He wants what he always craved for in a relationship. He wants to feel the continuous connection and passion with a special someone. He wants to be with this person for the rest of his life. He wants Tommy. To be with him. To be living together with him. To hold him. To kiss him. To love him.
Buck felt an unfamiliar tugging in his heart. He thinks he might be in love.
Buck went to open the door as he heard the knock, knowing exactly who was on the other side. Tommy planned a movie date for them that night and Buck was excited, mostly because he was planning to tell his boyfriend something he had thought about for the last couple of days. Buck was nervous, but he was sure about his feelings.
He opened the door and there he was, standing in front of the door, looking amazing despite wearing just a simple black shirt.
"Hey." He beamed as he saw Buck and leaned for a quick peck on the lips, laying his hands gently on the other's hips.
"Hey." Buck replied as he smiled into the short but sweet kiss. He can't help the blush creeping up his face every single time their lips touch, like it was some kind of spell.
"You're not gonna believe this, I got a spot right out front, I think we should Uber to the movies so we don't lose it." Tommy exclaimed the moment he let go of the other's hips, taking the warmth of his touch away from Buck for a while.
Buck smiled at him fondly, Tommy was planning to stay over the night since this was one of those dates they plan after not seeing each other for three days due to Tommy working long hours and Buck taking extra shifts. They both would like to spend as much time together before they have to go back to work again so they always stay over either at Buck's loft or Tommy's house, and this time it was the former.
"Uh, sure. C-can we talk first?" Without wasting any more time, Buck goes straight to business. He was getting fidgety and didn't want to wait until after the movie to talk to Tommy. The other was slightly caught off guard, but tried to brush off the uneasy feeling after hearing the question comes out of Buck.
Tommy knows that if he wants to talk, it's usually something serious, but it could also be Buck spiraling and wanting to get something out of his system, in which Tommy didn't mind. In fact, he finds it quite charming and adorable that his boyfriend tends to ramble a lot about random things.
"Yeah, of course. We got time. What's up?" Tommy responded, looking Buck up and down because he just realized how cute he looked that night for their date.
Sure, he's just wearing a green t-shirt and a pair of jeans but when does Buck not look good in Tommy's eyes?
If there's one thing that keeps him up at night, he'd probably say thinking about how lucky he is to have a such a hot but also cute boyfriend he can shower with love and kisses at any time. The thought made a smug smile grew on Tommy's face as he looked at the other, admiring him in close proximity.
Seeing that look in Tommy's eyes suddenly made Buck weak that he couldn't help closing their distance as he slides his hands on Tommy's broad chest and up his shoulders.
"You know, if you keep looking at me like that, I don't think talking is the only thing we're gonna end up doing." Buck stated, earning an intrigued look from Tommy. He likes teasing him like this sometimes because his reactions always seems like he was caught off guard and Buck actually finds it adorable.
"And you know I don't mind, Evan. I told you we got time." Tommy replied as he started to slowly pull Buck closer by his hips, smiling as he leaned in for a short kiss on the lips.
Buck chuckled into the kiss and pulled away. "Well, that will have to wait."
He let go of his hold on Tommy and walked to the other side of the island where he had placed a bluetooth speaker. He went on his phone and pressed play on a song familiar to them both and when he turned to face Tommy, he saw him smiling back at him.
It wasn't just any smile, it's that fond smile he does every time he stares at Buck lovingly. The smile that is so sincere it feels like you can see right through him.
"You still owe me that dance." He continued, making his way back to Tommy. The other didn't hold back and gently placed his hands around his boyfriend's waist as Buck had his on the older's shoulders.
They began dancing slowly, swaying to the music. "Well, there wasn't exactly a dance floor at the hospital," Tommy furrowed his eyebrows as he remembered that day. "-and I certainly was not in the right attire for a dance." He continued with a chuckle, which made Buck threw his head back as he laughed quietly, recalling the events happening on the wedding day.
"But you did made out with me in front of everyone so I have no complaints." Tommy snickered as he glances at Buck's lips, remembering that very specific incident that almost made his own heart bursts out of happiness. He could tell his boyfriend felt the same way by the way he bashfully smiled as he leaned closer and buried his face into Tommy's chest.
"You can't blame me when you came in looking like that, you know?" Buck mumbled under his breath, lifting his head a little to look into his boyfriend's eyes.
"Like what? A beast?" Tommy responded wittily which made Buck slap his chest playfully. "What? Your words, not mine." He added and the both of them laughed as they continued to hold each other close.
Buck stared into Tommy's eyes, basking this moment they have with each other as long as he can before he decides to talk again.
"A-Anyways, I've been thinking about what you've shared with me the other night at the restaurant." He started off, but got cut by Tommy's "My spumoni?" response, which made him chuckle.
He could tell that Tommy could sense he was nervous and was trying to make him loosen up a bit by making him laugh. "No, not your spumoni. But I have to say, that spumoni was really good. We should get it again next time."
The reply made Tommy do his scrunchy smile that Buck absolutely adores. One of these days he'd kiss every crinkle that comes out of that very smile and tell him how much he loves them.
"I was talking about your story, by the way. The one with Abby?" Buck continues, suddenly remembering they're on a bit of a time crunch if they want to get to the movies on time.
Tommy tilted his head in confusion, not really understanding where the conversation is going. He also subconsciously stopped dancing once he sensed that it's going to be a serious talk.
"Well, I don't know how you'll take this but... I knew Abby. As a matter of fact, I dated her," said Buck as he tries to engage Tommy's reactions to his revelation.
The other furrowed his eyebrows as he broke eye contact and stared at the ground, which could either means that he's even more confused now or he's freaked out. Buck feels bad for suddenly putting him on the spot, but he knew he had to tell him someday.
"The same Abby? The one that I was engaged to? 911 dispatcher Abby Clark?" Tommy asked as soon as he feels like he's back on track and Buck replied with "That's the one."
Tommy was caught off guard once again, not really knowing how to process the new information that was just revealed to him out of the blue.
All he could come up with as a response was a "Wow." as he slowly backs away, though not too far as he doesn't want the other to feel like he's weirded out by the new discovery, but just enough for him to take a breather.
"Y-Yeah, crazy right?" Buck asked, obviously getting even more nervous now after seeing Tommy's reaction. It wasn't his intent to scare Tommy but he had to tell him about Abby first before he can say what's been on his mind all week.
"Yeah... and a little awkward." Tommy chuckled at the end. Sure, it's crazy and insanely awkward for him and his boyfriend to share a common ex, especially since she's a woman, but this whole situation seems a little too coincidental for him that he kind of feels like he's in a rom-com movie all of a sudden.
Tommy's chuckle made Buck relax a bit, seeing it as him also seeing this revelation as something lighthearted and not some kind of deal breaker. Buck took the chance to close their distance once again, but this time he's the one holding onto Tommy's waist as he smiled fondly when their eyes meet.
"But do you know what's even crazier?" He asked.
Tommy found himself staring into Buck's eyes almost immediately when he came closer and couldn't help smiling back. He shook his head to answer Buck's question.
"The fact that this is further proof that we're meant to be together."
Tommy wasn't sure if he understood what Buck meant, but he was intrigued to know what got him to think that.
"Evan, that is so sweet. But do you mind elaborating on that, maybe? I've been so overwhelmed today I don't think I can process anything at the moment." He told him honestly because as much as he wants to kiss his boyfriend after what he said, he really just wanted to understand what thoughts goes on his little head sometimes.
Buck let out a small laugh before trying to explain himself, completely aware of how silly he's gonna sound when he says it out loud. "Have you ever heard of the invisible string theory?"
As expected, Tommy shook his head once again and Buck could feel the rush of heat growing towards his cheek, dusting it red.
"W-Well, I've done some research on them and I think it described us perfectly." He said shyly, getting yet another cute, crinkly smile from his boyfriend.
Tommy can't believe how he managed to get himself an Evan Buckley, an incredible, hot as hell, impulsive, but most importantly, adorable of a man.
"You really did a research on our relationship? God, you're adorable." Tommy leaned in, connecting their foreheads and rubbed his nose together with Buck's.
"Hey, I didn't do a research on us, just the theory that makes up our relationship!" Buck corrected, just to earn a 'That's the same thing' look from Tommy.
Buck scoffed at him playfully before heading to the dining table and grabbing something Tommy is starting to grow familiar with. After a few months into their relationship, Buck had started taking them out when he had some issues about their dates and how to align them with their shift schedules and the last time Tommy saw them was not even that long ago.
"The clipboard? Really, Evan?" The older asked as he saw the big smile Buck has on his face as he brought the clipboard over.
"Come on, I have our whole timeline sketched!" Buck exclaimed, grabbing onto Tommy's wrist with his free hand and dragging him to the kitchen island so they can sit and he can show him what he had scribbled down on his little clipboard.
Buck started with pointing out how he joined the 118 right after Tommy left, which technically means he replaced him. If he were to be honest, Buck is curious to know how it would be like if Tommy never left and they get to meet during his first year as a firefighter, working in the same house.
Would he think that Tommy is cool like how he did when Tommy was flying into a hurricane just to save Bobby and Athena? Would he be jealous if he sees Tommy spending time with other people like how he was jealous when Tommy hung out with Eddie on a regular basis? Would he realize that his feelings for Tommy went beyond friendship, like how he realized when they kissed in his loft? Would he fight for a second chance to be with Tommy like how he did when he messed up on their first date? Would they have been here, together, like this? And the list goes on and on.
Then he goes on to how both of their relationships with Abby was a pretty clear invisible string on its own. Who would've known that Buck would be so closely connected to Tommy the whole time he was with Abby without even knowing it? Buck even mentioned that Abby's mom mistook him for Tommy once when he didn't even knew him, so it was crazy to think that Buck and Tommy would actually end up crossing paths, let alone being in a relationship several years later. It feels like the universe was already trying to pull them together, and he had no idea.
Then Buck continued as he recalled how he found out about the existence of Tommy after Chimney reached out to him about the neigbourhood gas leak at Doheney Park. When he saw the air tanker up in the sky as he was climbing up the ladder truck, he never felt so relieved, like he knew he could trust whoever was flying that plane. He remembered thinking how grateful he was to whoever that was and that he'd love to meet them and thank them directly. When Chimney told them about the call and mentioned Tommy, Buck made a mental note about it, just in case they ever encountered each other. Which they did.
"And last but not least, did you know that we kissed in the same spot where I was brought back to life?" Buck asked, anticipating Tommy's reaction.
The other looked intrigued at first but then his expression morphed into confusion. Buck couldn't really tell what he was thinking but when he responded, Buck couldn't help but to laugh.
"Sorry, I'm a little lost... again." Tommy grumbled. "We kissed a lot, Evan. I think you'd have to be a bit more specific." He chuckled when he saw Buck laughing.
It's true though. They did kiss a lot, on multiple occasions. He just failed to pinpoint that Buck meant literally when he said he was brought back to life.
"When I got strucked by lightning, my heart stopped. They got my pulse back right in that emergency room entrance, the same one we kissed at during my sister's wedding."
Tommy smiled fondly as he listens to Buck's explanation, noting that the younger's cheeks flushed with a tint of red. He loves seeing Buck getting flustered at every bits of moments that they share together.
Tommy would describe that kiss as the best kiss he's ever had with anybody. The sudden rush of passionate desire for each other flowing through their bodies as their lips touch. The sharp jolt that sparked between them when their skin came in contact, like the sting of static electricity snapping through the air, but all they could think of is how each other tasted. The sheer thrill of having eyes on them as they kissed right there in the middle of the hospital but yet they had not a single care in the world because the moment was so electrifying yet so serene that it drowned out everything else happening around them.
Tommy almost got distracted as he stared at Buck's lips again, having the urge to recreate that moment. Until he realized something.
"And how do you know that, exactly?" He raised his eyebrow in question. Tommy thought about it himself after Buck's explanation but he couldn't figure out how he knows those two moments happened in the same place.
Buck laughed, shaking his head. He had never shared this with Tommy, so the confusion on his face was understandable.
“Sarah,” Buck explained, leaning forward slightly, “The receptionist at the hospital? She told me about it. She was there both times—once when my heart stopped and they shocked me back to life, and then during my sister's wedding, when you walked through the ER doors, and I… well, you know.”
Tommy raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a half-smile. “When you kissed me like a man possessed? Yeah, I remember.”
He also thinks it's funny but sweet that they mentioned that hospital kiss twice in one night, it is like it's a memory that keeps coming back for them to reminisce over and over again because of how much impact it had on both their lives.
Buck grinned, unabashed this time. “Exactly! And don’t you think that’s kind of incredible? I mean, what are the odds? The very spot where I got a second chance at life turned out to be where I've had my best kiss, and it was with you. If that’s not proof of the invisible string, I don’t know what is.”
Tommy crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful but still guarded. “It’s definitely... something,” he said, his tone teasing but gentle. “But Evan, you can’t just string together every coincidence in the universe and call it fate.”
“Why not?” Buck shot back, his enthusiasm unshaken. “It’s not just coincidences, Tommy—it’s a pattern. Every step, every moment, every decision... it all led me to you. From me joining the 118 after you left, to our connections to Abby, to that moment when I watch you fly that air tanker. Even the kiss at Maddie's wedding—it all connects." He paused, as he gently placed his hand on Tommy's thigh.
"I believe there’s something to this invisible string theory. I believe we were always supposed to find each other. Don’t you feel it?”
Tommy’s smile faltered slightly, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. He hesitated, then shook his head lightly, his tone light but with an edge of something deeper.
“You make it sound like I’m your grand finale or something,” he said with a soft laugh, though there was a vulnerability beneath his humor. “What if I’m just… the safe choice for now? You know, someone to hold onto until you figure out what—or who—you really want?”
Buck’s grin faded as he stared at him, caught off guard by the quiet ache in his voice. “Tommy, that’s not—”
“I’m serious,” he interrupted, his voice quieter now, though he tried to keep it steady. “You’re young, Evan. You’re passionate. You love big, and you dive in headfirst. And I…” He trailed off, his gaze dropping for a moment before he managed to look at him again. “I just don’t know if I can handle it if—when—you realize I’m not enough and walk away.”
For a moment, Buck just stared at him, completely silent. Then he let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. “Tommy, you’re incredible, you know that?”
Tommy blinked, caught off guard by his reaction. “I’m trying to be realistic, Evan,” he said, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
“And I’m trying to tell you that you’re wrong,” he replied, leaning in closer, his voice soft but insistent.
“This isn’t me settling. This isn’t me figuring things out. This is me knowing, Tommy. You’re not just some pit stop on my way to whatever’s next. You’re it. You’re the destination.”
Tommy’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out. His cheeks flushed faintly, and he looked away, his guard slipping just enough for Buck to see the flicker of hope he was trying to bury.
“I know you like to act like you’ve got it all together,” Buck continued, his tone turning gentler. “Like nothing fazes you, and you’ve got to keep this wall up. But you don’t have to do that with me. I’m not going anywhere, Tommy. Not now, not ever. And if you need me to say it a hundred times, I will.”
Tommy’s gaze slowly returned to look at Buck, a soft, almost shy smile tugging at his lips. “You’re really sure about this, huh?” he asked, his tone lighter now, teasing but with a hint of vulnerability that makes Buck's heart ache.
“I’m sure,” Buck said firmly. Then he grinned. “Besides, the string theory doesn’t lie.”
Tommy chuckled before he was stopped by Buck reaching for his hand, lacing their fingers together as he took a deep breath.
“I guess what I’m trying to say is... I love you,” Buck said, his voice steady and warm, his eyes fixed on Tommy's. “And I know that might scare you because it scares me too. But it’s the best kind of scary, you know? Because I’ve never been this sure about anyone in my life.”
Tommy’s breath hitched, his eyes widening slightly as if he wasn’t sure he’d heard him right.
“You… love me?” he asked softly, his voice catching on the words.
“Yeah,” Buck said with a nervous but genuine smile. “I do. I love you, Tommy. And not in some fleeting, maybe-it’ll-change kind of way. I love you like it’s the most natural thing I’ve ever done.” He let out a small laugh, rubbing the back of his neck.
“And actually… I was going to ask you to move in with me. But then I realized we’ve never really talked about our future, or how you feel about that.”
Tommy blinked, processing Buck's words, his expression unreadable. “Move in with you?” he echoed, his voice even but soft.
“Well, not now—not yet,” Buck added quickly, squeezing his hand. “I’m not trying to rush you. I know I’ve been the one setting the pace for us since the beginning, and you’ve always let me. But this… this has to be something we both want, when we’re ready. And I realized we haven’t even talked about what ready looks like for you.” He paused, his gaze softening.
“So why don’t we start with that? A conversation. About what we both want. About us.”
Tommy’s lips twitched into that fond smile again, his eyes shimmering with emotion he couldn’t hide. “You’re impossible, you know that?” he whispered, his voice tinged with a mixture of disbelief and affection.
“I-Is that a good thing?” Buck asked, his grin tentative.
“It’s a great thing,” Tommy said, finally letting himself smile fully. He reached forward, resting his hand lightly against Buck's soft cheek.
“You drive me completely out of my comfort zone, Evan. You make me feel things I thought I’d never feel again, and honestly, that terrifies me sometimes. But it also-” He hesitated, his voice softening.
“It also makes me want to believe in all the things I’ve been too scared to hope for.”
Buck’s smile grew, his heart thudding in his chest as Tommy continued.
“And for the record,” Tommy said, his voice trembling slightly but full of warmth, “I love you too. In that same big, scary, natural kind of way. So, yeah, let’s talk about our future. Together.”
Buck exhaled a breath he didn’t realized he was holding, his grin breaking into something so joyful and relieved that Tommy couldn’t help but laugh softly.
“Together,” he echoed, his tone almost reverent. Then he kissed Tommy—soft and sure, as if sealing their words into a promise.
When they pulled back, Buck rested his forehead against his boyfriend's, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Although,” he said, his tone teasing, “I just want to put it out there that I already have a closet space picked out for you. No pressure, though.”
Tommy let out a laugh, shaking his head as he pulled back just enough to look Buck in the eyes. “Evan, your closet couldn’t fit half my stuff,” he teased lightly, his tone warm.
“Hey, I’d make room!” Buck protested, grinning.
Tommy tilted his head, his expression soft but a little playful. “Or, and hear me out here… what if we moved into my house instead? There’s plenty of space, and I think little Jee-Yun would have more space to play in than she ever would in your loft.”
Buck blinked, clearly caught off guard, and then his face broke into the widest smile. “Your house?” he repeated, as if testing the idea.
“My house,” Tommy confirmed, his voice steady and affectionate. “It’s where I’m comfortable, and… I want you there with me. If—if you want that too.”
“If I want that?” Buck echoed, his tone incredulous. “Tommy, I’d move into your house yesterday if you let me.”
Tommy chuckled, his cheeks flushing slightly, and he rested his hand against Buck's chest. “Well, let’s not rush into it. We can take our time, figure out what works for both of us.”
Buck covered Tommy's hand with his, his thumb brushing over the other's knuckles. “Deal,” he said softly. “But for the record, I’m already picturing us there—together.”
“Good,” Tommy replied, his voice warm but teasing. “Because you’re going to need that sunroom for all the invisible string charts you’ll want to hang up.”
Buck laughed, his heart feeling so full. “You get me,” he said with a grin. Tommy leaned in, his lips brushing against Buck's cheek. “I do,” he murmured. “And I always will.”
They stayed like that for a beat, content in the warmth of their shared moment, until Buck broke the silence with a sheepish grin. “So… should we call the Uber? The movie’s not going to wait for us.”
Tommy smiled, tilting his head as if weighing the decision, before his expression softened into something fond. “You know what?” he said. “Why don’t we just stay in and watch a movie here instead? We can still make popcorn, right?”
Buck blinked, caught off guard for the umpteenth time that night, before his face split into a wide grin. “Popcorn? I’m pretty sure I can manage that. Though I do wish I have Maddie's popcorn maker right now.” He laughed at the thought of that.
"Plus, we can actually cuddle during the movie without getting kicked out of the theater," Tommy said, earning another wide grin from Buck. He lets the younger put some bagged popcorn in the microwave before grabbing his hand and pulling him toward the couch as their laughter filled the room.
As they settled in, tangled up in each other, it felt like the perfect beginning—not the start of their story, but the beginning of something deeper, something that would carry them through the rest of their lives.
And just like that, the invisible string between them tightened into something unbreakable.