Work Text:
Buck had expected the breakup to hurt, but he hadn’t expected how much he would miss Tommy.
They had talked—really talked—about why it happened. Tommy had admitted, with that quiet sincerity Buck loved, that he left because he was afraid of getting hurt. And Buck had apologized for taking things too fast, for not considering Tommy’s feelings enough in the moment. The feelings had never left either of them, and Tommy, after a long pause, had asked if they could stay friends.
Buck had felt his heart clench at the word. Friends. But then Tommy had kept talking, voice hesitant, worried. He wasn’t over Buck. He wanted this to work, but he needed time. He needed to start over slow.
And Buck? Buck had agreed, because that was all he needed to hear. That Tommy wanted this too, that he was fighting for them even if they weren’t back together yet. He promised to be patient, to let Tommy set the pace this time, as long as Tommy promised to talk if something was wrong.
Now, a month later, they were... something. Something hovering between what they used to be and what they could be. They texted and met up often, though usually with Eddie as a buffer more than alone. They fell into a rhythm that was easy but cautious. There was teasing, the occasional flirtation, but neither of them pushed it further, never crossing the invisible line they had drawn. They were taking it slow, waiting for the other to be ready.
Buck was ready. He wanted to take the next step. But he had promised not to pressure Tommy and he didn't want to scare him away if he made a move. So he went with the flow, even if every moment spent with Tommy made it harder not to just jump in his arms and kiss him.
So when Valentine’s Day crept closer, Buck had resigned himself to spending it alone. Sitting in the firehouse on the eve of the holiday, he sighed heavily, tossing a wadded-up napkin onto the table in frustration.
“Alright, what’s got you in a mood?” Hen asked, eyeing him with knowing amusement. She had just been on the phone with Karen, updating her about her day, when she noticed Buck looking unusually irritated.
“No mood,” Buck mumbled. “Just... no valentine.”
Hen raised an eyebrow. “And why not?” she asked, because as far as she knew, Buck and Tommy were ‘talking,’ and from the stories she’d heard, it was going well. Buck sighed. “Because I don’t know if Tommy’s ready, and I don’t want to push him.”
Hen nodded slowly, understanding his concern before raising an eyebrow. “What if he’s waiting for you to make the next move?”
Buck stared at her for a while, not really knowing how to react to her suggestion. “I… I don’t know, Hen. We agreed to take it slow, and I’m letting him set the pace.” he huffed.
Hen gave him a sympathetic look as she stepped closer, patting his shoulder in silent reassurance, as if telling him that everything was going to be okay.
“Thanks,” Buck said, exhaling deeply. “I just... really thought I wasn’t going to spend Valentine’s alone this year,” he muttered, his face falling into a frown as the reality of that statement settled in.
Then, Hen’s expression suddenly shifted to something unreadable. Her gaze flickered behind him as she straightened her back. “Uh, Buck?” she said, catching his attention. “I think you might want to turn around.”
Buck frowned. “Huh?”
He turned—and froze.
There, standing just a few feet away, was Tommy, hands behind his back, smiling nervously. “Hey.” he said softly.
Buck blinked, caught completely off guard. He didn't expect to see Tommy here. Not when he never came to see him at work since they broke up. Also, he was pretty sure Tommy had a shift today, did he remember it wrong?
Buck scrambled to his feet and approached the older, suddenly feeling anxious. “Hey, Tommy. W-what are you doing here?”
Tommy seemed more nervous than usual, which was new to Buck since he always carried himself with an air of confidence wherever he went. “I’m on my lunch break and wanted to stop by.” Tommy explained, stepping closer. “And I have a question to ask you. It’s urgent.”
Buck tensed immediately. His mind started racing through different scenarios. Was Tommy here to put an end to whatever they were building? Was he tired of Buck? Was he… breaking up with him again?
“What is it? Are you okay?” Buck asked, his voice laced with worry. The last thing he wanted was for them to stop talking because either of them refused to communicate their fears.
Which was ironic, considering Buck hadn’t voiced his own insecurities to Tommy either.
“Oh yeah, I’m good,” Tommy reassured him, then glanced around, suddenly aware of the curious eyes watching them. Then, taking a deep breath, he brought his hands forward, revealing a bouquet of flowers. Tucked in between the petals was a small card that read: Will you be my Valentine?
Buck’s heart almost stopped.
“I was just wondering,” Tommy said, his voice quieter now but steady, “If you’d like to be my valentine?”
Buck’s mouth opened, then closed. He stared at the flowers, then at Tommy, feeling his brain short-circuit. The moment he saw the bouquet, the noise around him filtered out, leaving only the sound of his own heartbeat thundering in his ears that he barely heard what Tommy asked.
“Oh my god, Tommy,” Buck finally managed, reaching out to accept the flowers, still dazed. “This is beautiful. Thank you! Wait—” He blinked, looking up. “What did you say?”
Tommy chuckled, a little shy, which Buck found so damn adorable. It's not often he gets to see Tommy shy like this. “I asked if you’d like to be my valentine.”
Buck felt warmth rush through him, his whole body practically buzzing with energy. He couldn’t believe it. Couldn’t believe this was happening. Not when he ranted about not having a valentine to Hen a moment ago. “O-of course, I’d love to.”
“Great!” Tommy’s smile widened, and Buck could tell that whatever nerves he’d had earlier were melting away. And God, Buck felt so fond because it meant Tommy probably felt the same way he did right now.
“I have to get back to work, but I’ll text you the details, yeah?” Tommy asked, earning a nod from Buck. He smiled his adorable scrunchy smile and Buck almost couldn't keep his hands to himself. “See you tomorrow, Evan.”
“Tomorrow,” Buck barely managed a nod before Tommy turned to leave. He glanced back a few times, smiling wide, while Buck’s heart raced as he watched him go. When he turned back, Hen, Eddie, Chimney, and Bobby were all watching him, sharing a knowing look with matching grins on their faces.
Hen smirked. “Well, looks like you’re not spending Valentine’s alone after all.”
Buck ducked his head, unable to keep the shy, giddy smile off his face.
And for the first time in a long while, he let himself hope.
*****
The next evening, Tommy arrived at Buck’s loft building, leaning casually against his truck as he waited. The air was crisp, and the soft hum of the city surrounded them. When Buck left the building, he felt a flutter in his chest at the sight of Tommy standing there, dressed in a black button down with a blazer over it and hands tucked in the pockets, looking up with that gentle expression Buck had come to miss so much.
“Hey,” Tommy greeted, his voice warm, his eyes scanning Buck with full admiration. The younger was wearing something similar, but in dark blue—a color Tommy had once said was his color. “You look great.”
Buck felt his face heat up, but he smiled. It wasn’t the first time Tommy had complimented him since the breakup, but this time, it felt... different. Like there was something meaningful behind it. “Thanks. You too.”
“Anyways, I got you something.” Tommy reached behind him and pulled out something that made Buck’s breath hitch. It was a larger bouquet than the one from yesterday, with chocolates nestled between the flowers.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Evan.” Tommy said, his voice quieter now, almost tentative.
Buck took the bouquet with a soft chuckle, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering wildly. “This is gorgeous, Tommy. Thank you.” He smiled, then extended his own hand toward Tommy.
“I got you something too, I made them myself.” Buck grinned sheepishly, handing Tommy a heart-shaped box of chocolates. After the older asked him to be his Valentine, he spent all day making chocolates to give to him. And although it wasn't perfect, he surely made them with love. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Tommy thanked him, mumbling about how Buck didn’t have to get him anything, but the younger was quick to protest. Tommy just laughed before opening the passenger door for him. They settled into the truck, the scent of the flowers filling the space between them.
“You ready to go?” Tommy asked, glancing over at him. And Buck, still distracted by the flowers in his hands, nodded. “Yeah.”
Tommy’s lips quirked into an affectionate smile before he leaned closer, his arm reaching over to Buck’s side. The younger felt Tommy’s hand brush over his arm which made him look up, and for a moment, their faces were inches apart, the flowers being the only thing between them. Buck’s breath caught in his throat.
Tommy seemed to realize the position they were in a beat later, but he didn’t move away. His gaze flickered between Buck’s eyes and lips, and Buck could feel the warmth of his breath against his skin. Was Tommy about to—
Then the seatbelt clicked into place, and Buck exhaled sharply, feeling both ridiculous and giddy at the same time. He had been so distracted by the flowers that he’d forgotten to buckle up, and now he had nearly made a fool of himself. Tommy smirked slightly, clearly aware of the moment, but neither of them said anything.
The atmosphere was thick with something none of them could describe, the weight of their history pressing in on them, but not in a bad way. It was exhilarating, this dance of familiarity mixed with newness. Even though they had been together before, this tentative stage, this slow rebuild, felt like the rush of having a crush all over again.
Dinner was at an upscale restaurant, one they picked together. Not Miceli’s. They had sworn off yhat place after both their first disastrous date and their six-month anniversary gone wrong. They weren’t about to tempt fate.
But tonight? Tonight was different. The evening passed in easy conversation, light teasing, and moments where their hands almost touched across the table. The tension between them was warm, electric, and filled with the sense of something new yet familiar.
When they returned to Buck’s loft building, they lingered in Tommy’s truck beside the parking lot, neither wanting the night to end just yet.
Buck wanted to invite Tommy in, maybe talk some more. But the voices in his head told him he might be taking things too fast again, that he was being impulsive, that he might scare Tommy away.
But after today, after everything, he wanted to be with Tommy. For real this time. He wanted to jump into his arms, to shower him with kisses, to wrap around him and never let go.
So he did it. He asked him.
“Do you want to come in?”
Tommy looked at him, not in surprise but Buck could’ve sworn it was… expectant, hopeful even. The older then glanced around before sighing dramatically. “I’d have to find a parking spot first.”
Buck’s face fell. “Oh—”
Tommy grinned. “I’m kidding. I saw one earlier. I’d love to come in.”
Buck huffed a laugh, shaking his head. Joking about the parking spot surely brought back memories of the night they broke up, but instead of hurting, it reassured him. They could joke about it now. They were secure in what had happened—and what they were building again.
The loft hadn’t changed much since Tommy was last here, but it still felt different. The last time he had stood in this space, it had been under far more painful circumstances. Now, standing here again, it felt like stepping back into something he thought he had lost forever.
Buck handed Tommy a drink, and they settled onto the couch, their conversation flowing as easily as ever. But then, Buck hesitated, tracing the rim of his glass with his finger before finally speaking.
“You know, I’ve been waiting for a day like this.”
Tommy tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
Buck swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. He wanted to say how much he missed being with Tommy, how even pretending for just a day felt like home. But then, doubt crept in. What if Tommy had only done all this because he felt guilty about the breakup? What if he didn’t really want anything more? What if he wanted to just stay as friends?
“A day when we can be… us again,” Buck admitted. He took a steadying breath. “I know you might’ve just asked me to be your Valentine because you didn’t want to spend it alone, but…I really enjoyed today.”
Buck could feel Tommy tensing and shifting in his seat, his lips frowned slightly. “That’s not why I asked you to be my Valentine.”
Buck blinked, caught off guard. “It’s not?”
Tommy set his glass down and turned to face Buck fully. “Evan, I know it probably felt like I was putting our relationship on hold and trust me, that was never my intention. I wanted us to be ready before we take the next step, and I thought giving us time was the right thing to do and I don't want to pressure you to do anything you don't want.” He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “But this past month, being nothing more than just ‘friends’ with you has been… hell. Every second we spent together, I had to fight the urge not to hold you like I used to. And the more I waited, the harder it got. I realized that just being friends with you? It’s impossible for me. Because I don’t want us to be just friends, Evan... I beat myself up everyday for ever suggesting it,” he laughed bitterly at the last part.
Buck stared at him, his heart pounding. “Tommy…”
Tommy exhaled sharply, gathering his thoughts before meeting Buck’s eyes again. “So, yeah. I asked you to be my valentine because I can’t ignore how I feel about you anymore. I don’t want to keep waiting. I don't want to keep you waiting. I want to be with you—really be with you again.”
Buck felt his throat tightening with emotion. For so long, he had convinced himself that he was too much, that no matter what he did, he would push away the people he loved. He never imagined that someone—Tommy—would want the same thing he did. That Tommy would fight for them as much as he would.
“I-I didn’t know you felt that way,” his voice was shaky, breathless. “I thought you weren’t ready, and I was willing to wait, but…” He let out a disbelieving laugh, shaking his head. “Every day without you was harder than the last. I’m so glad we’re on the same page.”
Tommy chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “And here I thought I was being impulsive,” his smile softened. “But you’re right. I should’ve made the first move a while ago.”
Buck’s expression turned tender. “Don’t be silly. I’d wait for you forever if I had to, I love you.”
The words slipped out before he could stop them. His eyes widened, his breath hitching. He covered his mouth instinctively, looking away, panic creeping in. He hadn’t meant to say it. What if it was too soon? What if he scared him away? What if—
“I love you too.”
Buck’s head snapped back toward Tommy, disbelief flashing across his face. “Y-you do?” his voice was barely above a whisper, as if he was afraid to wake up from a dream.
Tommy nodded, his gaze steady. “I do,” he murmured, reaching out to take Buck’s hand. “I had loved you since before we even separated, and I regretted not saying it then.”
A surge of joy crashed over Buck like a tidal wave. He wasn’t alone in his regret. He had spent so many nights wishing he had said those three words before it was too late, only to realize now that it never really was.
Before he could think, he was launching himself at Tommy, arms wrapping tight around him, face buried in his shoulder. He never wanted to let go again. Tommy chuckled against him, arms coming up to hold him just as tightly.
When they pulled away, Tommy’s gaze searched his, lingering. Then he leaned in, and the kiss that followed was everything. Months of longing, of second chances, of love rediscovered. It was deep, passionate, and filled with silent promises neither of them needed to say aloud.
If someone had asked Buck a few weeks ago if he thought he’d get Tommy back, he would have laughed at the absurdity. But now, straddling Tommy’s lap, kissing him like it was his last night on earth, he is starting to believe in love again.
Tommy pulled back just as things started to get heated, lips kiss-bruised, breath uneven. “Should we take this to the bedroom?”
Buck grinned knowingly, already feeling himself being lifted by the strong hands by his thighs. “You know it.”
As their hands found each other and their lips moved in perfect sync, Buck knew—this was it. No more waiting, no more hesitations. They were right where they were meant to be.