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Buck smiled, laughing at something Hen said. It had been a while since they had all gone out together like this after work. Eddie smiled beside him, nudging him lightly and Buck nudged back.
Chimney sat across, starting to regale them with his side of the call today.
They all nursed a beer in front of them except for Bobby, who had his club soda. Even he was smiling, laughing around at them all.
“Oh, I haven’t laughed like that in a while,” Buck said. “Good one Chim.”
“It was a pretty remarkable save,” Bobby added, smiling.
“I mean, you’d think people would realize the dangers of heights, and balloons, and peacocks but…” Chimney said.
“Never do,” Hen said, still chuckling.
“Oh, you guys are a riot,” Eddie said. “I am going to think of this day whenever I need a pick me up.”
“You could have had a different pick me up today,” Chimney said, raising an eyebrow.
Buck snorted.
“Guys, lay off him,” Bobby said, though he was still smiling.
“Yeah, if Eddie didn’t want to go on a date with that girl he saved today, he didn’t have to,” Hen said.
“Mm,” Buck said. “Usually not great to date those you save on a call.”
“He knows from experience,” Hen said, smirking.
“Yeah, yeah, I know, make fun of Buck. But I told you… I’m…” Buck started.
“Dating someone now,” Everyone repeated at the same time.
“Yeah,” Buck said, rolling his eyes.
“You know, we’ll believe it when we see it,” Hen said.
“Yeah. When are you ever going to introduce us? Everyone else came by the station at least once,” Chimney said. “And, as your brother-in-law, I should know first. Does Maddie even know?”
“I… well, we were keeping it quiet for a bit, you know. I think this could really be it, you guys? So, I’m trying not to put too much pressure on the relationship,” Buck said.
Eddie stared at him. “Or, you’re making her up so we get off your case.”
“Hey!” Buck said. “What about your case! You are actually single.”
“I am happy being single right now. I am getting to know myself again,” Eddie said.
“Bullshit,” Hen mumbled.
“Hey, play nice,” Bobby said. “Eddie can be on his own if he wants to be.”
Eddie frowned.
“Don’t bring the mood down, Cap. You’re one of us right now. Not our captain, okay?” Chimney said.
“Okay,” Bobby said, holding his hands up. “I will try.”
“That’s all we ask,” Hen said. Then she grinned back at Eddie. “We could set you up? Those girls across the way have been staring at you all night.”
Eddie frowned. “I think they’re staring at Buck.”
Buck turned to look and sure enough there were a few girls staring their way. “Well, you should go for it, Eddie,” Buck said.
“What if I don’t want to go for it? What if I really am okay just as I am right now?” Eddie asked.
“Sure. Then you’re okay,” Buck said.
Eddie sent him a grin.
“Bet you could at least get them to kiss you,” Chimney said.
“What?” Eddie asked.
“You just look lonely. We want to help you out,” Chimney said.
“I’m fine,” Eddie said.
“You don’t want one little kiss?” Hen teased.
“Guys,” Eddie said.
Eddie glanced at Buck who shrugged. “Kisses are nice.”
“Oh, come on,” Eddie said.
“And Buck is probably missing out too. He needs a kiss too,” Chimney said.
Bobby just started laughing.
“Cap!” Buck exclaimed.
“Oh, I am part of the group tonight. Not your Cap like you asked,” Bobby said.
Buck pouted. “I have someone to kiss. And we’re talking about Eddie, not me.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” Chimney said. Then he lit up. “Actually… Eddie!”
“What?” Eddie asked.
“You two could kiss,” Chimney said, laughing.
“Who?” Eddie asked.
“You and Buck,” Chimney said.
“Yeah, no way,” Eddie said.
“Oh really? So quick to say no,” Buck said.
“What, you wanted to kiss me?” Eddie asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No. I just wanted to know why you said no so fast,” Buck said.
“Because you’re my best friend. Basically family. That’s gross,” Eddie said.
Buck pouted. “I’m gross?”
“That’s not…” Eddie said.
Bobby laughed harder.
“You are not helping us,” Buck said.
“What would it take for you to kiss him?” Hen asked Eddie.
“Wait? Why am I being roped into this now?” Buck asked.
Chimney laughed. “Because you looked so sad with how fast he said no. So what about it, Eddie? Ten bucks?”
Eddie stared. “You think I’m so cheap I’d do that for ten bucks?”
“Twenty?” Hen asked.
“This is absurd,” Buck said. “And I’m dating someone.”
“Uh huh,” Chimney said. “Thirty?”
Eddie shook his head. “You could not pay me to kiss Buck. I’m not doing it.”
Buck pouted further. “Not that I wanted you to but now I feel offended.”
“A hundred,” Bobby threw out.
They all stopped and stared.
“What?” Buck asked.
“Yeah, what?” Eddie repeated.
“If you kiss Buck, I’ll give you a hundred dollars,” Bobby said.
They all stared for a moment then Hen and Chimney started laughing.
Buck pouted further, sinking into his seat and Eddie started sputtering.
Hen giggled. “Cap, really. Wouldn’t you have to file some sort of department forms on that? Doesn’t that go against policy?”
“A friendly kiss?” Cap asked.
“Oh no,” Chimney said. “If they’re going to kiss I need it to mean something. Make it a good one. A proper kiss. And then if they do that, I’ll give the hundred bucks.”
“Yeah, I’m not doing that. Sorry. Like I said, you can’t pay me to do that,” Eddie said.
Buck crossed his arms. “Wow. I’m that repulsive to you.”
“I am so straight, Buck, it doesn’t matter if you were the hottest guy on Earth.”
Buck stared at him before he rolled his eyes.
“What, like you want to kiss me?” Eddie asked, chuckling.
“I mean, not particularly. But for a hundred bucks? If I was single?” Buck said.
They all groaned again.
“I am dating someone,” he said softly.
“Sure,” Chimney said, with a laugh.
Buck glared, about to say something more when they were interrupted.
“No way! The 118! Thought I left you guys behind years ago!”
They all turned to face the newcomers and Buck blinked, face going slack.
“Lucy Donato, what a blast from the past!” Chimney said. “And Tommy Kinard! No way! Haven’t seen you in forever.”
Buck watched as Tommy’s eyes strayed to his for a moment and then he looked away.
“Hey Howie, Hen. Captain Nash,” Tommy said, grinning at them, eyes sliding back to Buck again.
What were the chances.
“Tommy! Wow, it has been such a long time,” Hen said, smile tight. “And nice to see you too Lucy.”
“Lucy, Tommy,” Cap said.
“Care if we join you?” Lucy asked with a smile. “You all look like you’ve been having a good time.”
“Oh uh, yeah, the more the merrier,” Chimney said, still smiling. He glanced at the rest of them, frowning slightly.
Eddie was looking around confused. “Hey, I’m Eddie,” he introduced, reaching a hand out for Tommy to shake.
Tommy grinned, passing a glance at Buck again, then reaching over and shaking Eddie’s hand. “Eddie, huh? Nice to meet you.”
Buck felt his heart rate speed up.
“Not going to introduce yourself?” Tommy asked with a smirk.
Buck narrowed his eyes at him. “I dunno. Stranger danger and all that.”
Chimney kicked Buck under the table.
“Ow!” Buck exclaimed.
“He used to work at the 118. You actually replaced him. He’s cool,” Chimney said.
“Oh, he’s cool, is he?” Buck asked, fighting a grin now.
“I dunno about that,” Tommy said.
“Okay, ignore whatever weird thing is going on here,” Hen said carefully. “Tommy, this is Buck. He joined after you left. Buck, this is Tommy. Buck’s not great at meeting new people.”
“Hi Tommy,” Buck said.
“Hi Ev… Buck.”
Buck snorted.
“So what were you guys talking about before we interrupted?” Lucy asked.
Eddie rolled his eyes. “No, we are good to move on from that conversation.”
But Chimney grinned. “Oh, we were just saying how lonely Eddie was so we said he should get one of those girls to kiss him. Then he said no to that so we said Buck was probably pretty lonely too.”
“I am dating someone!” Buck exclaimed, glancing over at Tommy briefly, then looking away.
“Is that so?” Tommy asked, still smirking.
Buck just nodded, staring at him.
“He says he is, but we’ve never met her so, not true,” Chimney said. “Anyyyyway…”
“Chim, maybe leave it,” Hen said, glancing at Tommy again.
“Why? It’s fine. We were daring Eddie to kiss Buck. And he said he wouldn’t do it, even for $100.”
Tommy blinked, mouth dropping open slightly and he tilted his head. Buck blushed, avoiding his eyes.
And Lucy cackled. “Oh, good call, Eddie. I mean, I kissed Buck and it was not worth $100.”
Buck looked up quickly. “Hey! That was years ago, and we were both incredibly drunk. And you know what? Saying a kiss from me isn’t worth $100 is so rude. But also, I’m not for sale. And also, I really am dating someone. So back off. Okay?”
Tommy bit his lip across from Buck and Buck could see Hen eyeing Tommy again.
“Oh sure,” Lucy said. “You’re dating someone the same way Tommy is. Yet, I’ve never met them.”
“I told you,” Tommy said softly. “I will introduce you when we are both ready.”
“And when will that be, huh?” Lucy asked. “What’s wrong with them? Horribly disfigured?”
“Absolutely not,” Tommy said, staring at Buck. He tilted his head and then motioned to the others.
Buck’s eyes widened. He glanced at them then back at Tommy. A grin started to slide onto his face. He nodded.
Tommy smiled back.
Buck felt someone’s knees tap his under the table and he smiled.
“Okay, regardless,” Chimney said. “Apparently no one wants to kiss Buck.”
“You won’t?” Lucy asked.
“I’m his brother-in-law,” Chimney said.
“And you?” Lucy asked, going around the circle.
“Gay and married,” Hen said, shooting another look at Tommy.
“His captain. Also married,” Bobby said.
“Absolutely not interested, sorry,” Eddie said.
Buck looked down as his phone buzzed. He glanced at the message. ‘Okay to tell them?’
Buck took in a deep breath and messaged back. ‘Are you ready for that? I mean… I think I am. I’m ready to tell them.’
And the message he got back was, ‘I’m ready to tell them too.’
Buck grinned, looking back up. He went to open his mouth but Tommy beat him there.
“You said it would be $100 to kiss him?” Tommy asked casually.
Buck’s jaw dropped.
“You in?” Chimney asked, grinning.
“Look,” Hen started. “This isn’t something to play around with…”
“What do you say… Buck,” Tommy said.
Buck frowned. “Ew.”
“See? He doesn’t want to do it,” Eddie said.
“That’s not what…” Buck started.
“You don’t like Buck, huh,” Tommy said.
“Sounded weird,” Buck said.
“But a kiss? For $100?” Tommy asked.
“Am I that repulsive that you all need $100 on the table to kiss me?” Buck asked, before he glanced back at Tommy with a raised eyebrow.
“Just think. We could split it 50/50. Get a nice meal out of it,” Tommy said.
Buck paused. Then he started laughing.
“Yeah? You in?” Chimney asked.
“Better you than me, man,” Eddie said.
“You would really kiss him… for $100,” Hen said.
“Easy money,” Tommy said.
“Don’t do this as a joke or to hurt him or…” Hen started.
“Hen, it’s fine,” Buck said.
“I mean, I’m all in for the eye candy of the two of you kissing,” Lucy said.
“Well, this one’s on Chim,” Bobby said. “He’s pushing for this one.”
“And I’m sticking to it,” Chimney said.
“And you know, Cap, they work in different houses. No HR paperwork needed. Not like your offer,” Eddie said with a grin.
“Uh huh,” Bobby said.
Buck turned back to Tommy. “So you want to kiss me… for money?”
Tommy opened his mouth but the words seemed to die out.
“Why else would you want to?” Eddie asked.
Buck frowned.
“I said I’m in,” Tommy said.
“But you have to do it for real,” Chimney said. “No pecks or something like that. If we are paying you, it’s a real kiss.”
“Noted,” Tommy said, staring at Buck still. He reached a hand out and Buck grabbed onto it, letting Tommy pull him up.
“Buck, you don’t have to do this,” Hen said softly.
“I’m getting fifty bucks,” Buck said, grinning.
Hen sighed.
And then Buck turned to Tommy.
Tommy grinned at him. “A real kiss, huh?”
“Make it seem like you really want him!” Chimney said.
“Yeah, make it mean something!” Lucy exclaimed with a laugh.
Buck stared at Tommy.
Tommy stared back. They both started to grin.
“Oh, get in here,” Buck said.
And Tommy surged forward, hand behind Buck’s head pulling him closer.
Buck quickly wrapped his arms around Tommy’s body, barely leaving space between them.
And then there was hooting and hollering around them.
The kiss lasted a few moments like that before Buck wanted more, trying to pull Tommy even closer, despite the fact there was no way to do so. He let his tongue into Tommy’s mouth, moaning at the feeling.
“Okay, okay, we get it. You get the money,” Chimney said.
Tommy’s hand fisted into Buck’s hair, angling his head more.
“Uh… guys?” Eddie asked.
“Wow,” Lucy said. “Really selling it there.”
“Man, I’m sorry for doubting you,” Hen said softly.
And then Bobby cleared his throat.
Buck pulled away from Tommy slowly, looking back up at his face. Tommy was flushed and his lips were pink and Buck was sure he was no better.
“Holy shit,” Lucy said, laughing. “You really went for it. Well, pay up, you guys.”
Buck grinned, reaching a hand out for Tommy. And then he pulled him into the booth to sit beside him.
“You uh… remind me not to bet against you guys like that,” Chimney said.
Hen stared at them, eyes narrowed.
“Like I said,” Tommy said, collecting the money. “Easy money.”
“You can’t keep it, Tommy,” Buck said, nudging him.
“Why not?” Tommy asked.
“Because it’s not fair,” Buck said.
“We could go on a really nice date. Somewhere fancy,” Tommy said.
Buck tilted his head, considering.
“Now you two are going on a date?” Eddie asked, glancing at them.
“Well, not right now,” Tommy said. “We’re still here at the bar with all of you.”
Buck laughed. “Behave.”
“What... what is going on here?” Hen asked, looking between them.
Buck glanced at Tommy once more and he nodded. “Well, I told you I’m dating someone. Here he is.”
“Hi,” Tommy said.
The table went silent.
“You’re shitting me,” Chimney said.
“Nope,” Buck said. “Tommy and I have been dating uh… about four months now?”
“Yeah,” Tommy said. “Sounds about right.”
“What? Hold on. I was so sure you were going to come in here and say something about us trying to get two guys to kiss and…” Hen started.
“I apologize for that, Hen. And for the way I treated you back when I was at the 118. I was very much still in the closet. I am extremely gay. And Evan and I are dating,” Tommy said.
“Evan?” Eddie repeated.
Buck blushed. “He gets to call me that. No one else.”
“Shit,” Chimney said. “And you’re into guys, Buck?”
“Yeah,” Buck said. “Guys and girls. Doesn’t really matter to me, honestly.”
“Shit, Buck. I’m so sorry. You’ve definitely tried to say something to me before, haven’t you?” Hen asked.
Buck nodded. “It’s okay, though. I’m out to you now. Honestly, we were keeping it quiet for a few reasons. But this was way too good of an opportunity to pass up.”
Tommy grinned. “It really was. The look on all your faces…”
“If this is a joke…” Lucy said, eyes narrowing.
“It’s not. We are together,” Tommy said.
“Huh,” Bobby said.
Buck’s eyes slid over to him. “What?”
“I see it. You two. I think you two would be good together,” Bobby said.
“Yeah?” Buck asked.
Bobby nodded and smiled.
Buck smiled back, leaning into Tommy.
Tommy wrapped an arm around him.
“So then where did the two of you meet?” Chimney asked.
Buck chuckled. “At a bar, actually. Honestly, we met, found out we were both firefighters, started talking about the job. Next thing we knew…”
“I mean,” Tommy said. “I don’t normally go home with someone the first night but…”
Buck laughed. “And then we started talking more and realized how we could have almost met so many times in our life. Like… I took his spot at the 118. And we could have met at work multiple times. And, get this. We both dated the same person!”
“What? Who?” Hen asked.
“Abby,” Buck and Tommy said together.
“Abby. Wow,” Bobby said, looking away.
“Yeah!” Buck said. “Anyway, we got all of that out of the way right at the beginning…”
“Mmm,” Tommy said. “And then we surprisingly opened up about a lot of shit that has happened to us in the past.”
“And then we just settled into a relationship. And honestly, it couldn’t be going better.”
Tommy grinned. “It really couldn’t.”
“Then why didn’t you say anything?” Eddie asked.
“Honestly?” Buck said. “We were happy. And we knew how much our lives overlapped. And introducing you to each other… well, it would be something like this. You guys know Tommy from the past and uh…”
“I wasn’t the best version of myself then,” Tommy said. “I didn’t treat you guys nicely and that was on me. But I’m more open now. I’m more myself. So like I said, I’m sorry for the past and how I acted. It wasn’t right.”
“You’re forgiven, of course,” Chimney said.
“Yeah, you are. I’m sorry I didn’t see. I could have helped you,” Hen said.
“I wouldn’t have taken the help,” Tommy said.
“But now,” Buck said. “Now we are happy together.”
“Well good for you,” Lucy said. “And $100 richer.”
Tommy grinned. “Yup. Thanks, Howie.”
“Uh, no, excuse me. I am not paying you to kiss your boyfriend. You should give it back. Wait, is that what you are?” Chimney said.
Buck nodded. “Yup. Boyfriends.”
“Then, no. That was subterfuge. A lie. I’m not paying you for that. That feels weird,” Chimney said.
“Oh, more or less weird than paying someone to kiss your coworker?” Tommy asked.
Chimney froze. “Well, when you put it like that…”
Eddie was glaring at Tommy.
“What?” Buck asked, nudging him on the other side.
“I have to make sure he’s good for you,” Eddie said.
Buck grinned. “Well, thank you. But I know he is.”
“Tommy’s a good guy,” Lucy said. “And so is Buck. I guess. Huh, I hope you two last. Did not expect it but… you’re right, Captain Nash. I can see it.”
Tommy grinned at her.
The night continued on, everyone getting more comfortable talking with each other again. Buck leaned into Tommy more as the night went on, yawning.
“You tired?” Tommy murmured into Buck’s hair.
“Long shift. Good shift. But long,” Buck said.
“You ready to call it a night?” Tommy asked.
Buck grinned. “Yeah.”
“Okay,” Tommy said softly.
He nudged Buck until he moved, getting up.
“I think we’re going to head out,” Tommy said.
“Yeah?” Lucy said. “I should too. Shift tomorrow.”
Everyone started looking at their phones, agreeing.
Buck stood, wrapping an arm around Tommy. He couldn’t get enough of it now. Being a couple. In public.
“Oh. You’re leaving together, together,” Chimney said.
“Did you drive?” Buck asked.
“Took an Uber,” Tommy said.
“Okay, Uber it is. Your place?” Buck asked.
“Sure,” Tommy said.
“I… sorry for doubting you tonight,” Hen said softly. “Both of you.”
“All good,” Buck said. “We never gave you any idea not to.”
“Still,” she said.
Buck smiled, pulling her into a hug.
They started heading out, Eddie trailing after him.
“I feel like I missed out on something,” Eddie said after a moment.
Buck chuckled. “What? Kissing me? I thought you wouldn’t do that even for $100.”
“Yeah… well…” Eddie said.
Tommy shrugged. “Hey, if you want it, go ahead.”
Buck swivelled his head to face Tommy. “What?”
“What’s one kiss if you both want to do it for fun?” Tommy asked.
Eddie sputtered. “No, I just meant… man, I am so chronically single.”
Buck shrugged. “Lost your chance here.”
“Didn’t want a chance here,” Eddie said.
Tommy smiled. “It really was nice to meet you. I’ve heard so much from Evan.”
“Hopefully good things,” Eddie said.
“Sure. Sounds like we have a lot in common,” Tommy said.
“Yeah?” Eddie asked.
Buck nodded. “You two are going to be fast friends.”
“Cool,” Eddie said.
His ride came next and he was off.
And then it was just Buck and Tommy.
“So, we came out to the 118 tonight. And Lucy,” Tommy said.
“Yeah, we did.”
“How are you feeling about that?” Tommy asked.
“Honestly? Free,” Buck said.
“Yeah?” Tommy asked.
Buck nodded. “Yeah. Now we can just be ourselves. Not worry about what we say or do or… we can be us.”
“We can be us,” Tommy repeated, happily.
They were quiet a moment.
“Can’t believe they never believed you when you said you were dating someone,” Tommy said.
“Well, to be fair, I used to introduce all my former relationships to them at one point or another…” Buck started.
“And you just did again,” Tommy said.
Buck paused then chuckled. “I guess I did. But this one… this one is going to stick.”
“Going to stick, huh?” Tommy said. “Maybe soon. Once we get home?”
Buck chuckled. “You are ridiculous.”
“Yeah. Well, you’re the one who wants to be with me,” Tommy said.
“I really do. I really really do,” Buck said.
Tommy grinned at him, leaning in.
“What? You don’t need to be paid this time?” Buck mumbled against his lips.
“Oh no. I think I will do this for free for the rest of my life,” Tommy said.
Buck let out a happy sigh, fully capturing Tommy’s lips in his.
Yeah. He would do the same.