Work Text:
They were right - judging from how the sky looks, we're going to be in for some rainy weather. - Buck admits quietly, keeping his gaze focused on the vegetables he's chopping right now. He's trying Bobby's secret recipe called "an easy way to impress a loved one", the name alone caught Buck's attention enough to beg Bobby to share it with him. It's nothing fancy, just savory pancakes stuffed with feta cheese, spinach, ricotta and onion in tomato sauce. Nevertheless, Buck believes it's enough to follow one of his main principles: the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
- Hm... - Tommy mutters softly, turning another page in a book. He's reading "Botany for Gardeners, Fourth Edition: An Introduction to the Science of Plants" by Brian Capon which doesn't surprise Buck in the slightest as one of his greatest discoveries throughout their lasting relationship is that Tommy is pretty much into gardening and, to quote Tommy's words precisely, "that's where he aims to put his energy once he's retired".
The comfortable silence that's surrounding them at the moment is being accompanied by the sound of raindrops falling on the pavement. Buck tries to decide what's more soothing - combination of the two or the fact that Tommy makes him feel settled enough to enjoy each other's presence in peace. Sometimes Buck can't believe he gets to be so lucky. He hopes Tommy feels the same way he does...
- Not that I'm not interested in the book I'm reading right now but I can hear your thoughts loud, not necessarily clear.
Buck smiles to himself. Tommy's words, as always, effectively slow down his train of thoughts. Even though they've been together for almost a year now, Buck is still moved by the fact that Tommy knows him so well. Pays attention to his body language and understands it like no one else. Listens to what he has to say because he wants to, not because he has to. Understands his defence mechanisms. Helps him discover more and more of who he really is. Shows up whenever Buck needs it.
Buck makes his way towards the sofa Tommy is currently occupying and sits at the opposite end of it. His hands scan the textures of the material surrounding him even though he's done it many times before. He tries hard to delay whatever he wants, no, needs to share with Tommy right now.
You've got it, Buck.
- I don't want it to sound too dramatic but I never thought I'd encounter the definition of the word "domestic" firsthand.
Tommy does exactly what Buck expects him to do - puts a bookmark between the pages of the book and carefully places it on the table. Tommy's fully focused on Buck now, his soft but worried look searching for something Buck can't just give away now.
- Is it a positive or a negative statement?
- Well, I'm just finding out what it feels like. I must admit that I enjoy it...a lot, just like I enjoy all the things I get to experience with you. Can't believe you've agreed to date a man in his 30s who's starting to discover the life he should've lived a long time ago.
Tommy shakes his head in disbelief as his eyes turn a shade darker with each passing second. Buck notices that the man in front of him is gathering his thoughts to safely and confidently convey everything he has to say. He grabs Buck by his thighs and rearranges their positions to the point where Buck is straddling him.
- And stop, here it is, the heart of the matter that's been eating you alive. Evan, maybe I'm not the vulnerable and the vocal part of our relationship, however, I just want you to know that your contribution to my life as significant as mine is to yours. You may not believe it but I have never been familiar with such intimate moments like we're sharing right now. I have never opened up to anyone else as much as I did to you. You're effortlessly making thousands of small gestures that say "I love you". And by the way... I don't navigate your journey in any way, I just put my hand in the small of your back just so I can give you the warmth whenever you feel like it's getting a bit too cold.
Buck studies Tommy's face closely, taking in everything he's just heard. He smiles a smile reserved only for Tommy. The old Buck would deny these words of affirmation but the new Buck tries his best to accept them and store them in a place in his heart called "for the love of God, you are more than enough".
- Thank you. I love you...
- I love you too, babe.