Work Text:
The holiday lights strung along the palm trees lining the streets of Los Angeles twinkled like tiny stars, a cheerful contrast to the mild December air. Buck adjusted his grip on the garland he was wrapping around the banister of his loft. It wasn’t much, but it was his first year actually decorating for the holidays, and he was determined to make the space feel festive.
The knock on his door startled him. He wasn’t expecting anyone, not this late.
“Coming!” Buck called, shoving the last bit of garland into place before rushing down the steps and crossing the room. He swung the door open, and there stood Tommy, a little out of breath, a little unsure, and holding a brown paper bag that smelled faintly of peppermint and chocolate.
“Tommy?” Buck blinked, his grip tightening on the edge of the door. It had been weeks since they’d last spoken, weeks since Tommy actually bubbled him and dropped the bombshell that he wanted to talk, but with their schedules they hadn't had the chance, yet
“I know it’s late,” Tommy started, his voice steady but his eyes cautious. “And I know I’ve probably burned through whatever goodwill you had left for me, but I thought… I thought maybe you’d let me try to make things right? Maybe we could talk?”
Buck stared at him, the familiar twist of emotions bubbling to the surface. Anger, hurt, and that persistent spark of hope he wished he could snuff out. “You should come in,” he said finally, stepping aside.
Tommy entered hesitantly, taking in the modest holiday decorations with a faint smile. “You’ve been busy.”
“It’s something to do,” Buck replied, crossing his arms. He motioned toward the bag Tommy was holding. “What’s that?”
“Oh, right.” Tommy set it on the counter and pulled out two steaming cups and a small box. “Peppermint mochas and gingerbread cookies. I remembered you said you like them around this time of year.”
Buck’s chest tightened. It was such a small thing, but the thoughtfulness of it caught him off guard. “Thanks.”
They sat on opposite ends of the couch, the warm scent of peppermint filling the space between them. For a moment, neither spoke, the only sound the faint hum of holiday music drifting in from a neighbor’s unit.
“I was scared,” Tommy said suddenly, breaking the silence. He turned the cup in his hands, avoiding Buck’s gaze. “That’s why I left. You were… everything. And that scared me. I thought if I stayed, if I let myself fall all the way, you’d realize I wasn’t enough and leave first. So I ran.”
Buck’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t interrupt.
“I thought I was protecting myself,” Tommy continued, his voice quieter now. “But all I did was hurt you and me, and I’m so sorry for that. I know I don’t deserve another chance, but I want to try. If you’ll let me.”
Buck exhaled, his hands curling into fists on his lap. “Do you know what it’s like to feel like everyone leaves? My parents didn’t care, Maddie left with Doug, Bobby shut me out for a while, Eddie moved to Texas… and then you. You were supposed to be different.”
“I know,” Tommy whispered, finally looking at him. His eyes were bright, sincere. “And I want to be different. I’m here, Evan. I’m not running anymore.”
They sat in silence for a long moment, the weight of their words settling between them.
Buck finally leaned back, running a hand through his hair. “This isn’t something that gets fixed overnight.”
“I know.”
“But…” Buck’s voice softened. “If you’re really here, if you’re really staying, maybe we can figure it out. One step at a time.”
Tommy nodded, relief washing over his face. “I’m here. For as long as you’ll have me.”
Outside, the city buzzed with life, the holiday lights casting a warm glow over the streets. Inside, Buck and Tommy sat together, the faintest beginning of a smile tugging at Buck’s lips. Maybe, just maybe, this could be their new beginning.