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Buck plopped himself down at the table in the station. He sighed, letting his head hit the table.
No one said anything.
Buck pouted. He raised his head.
Eddie was pointingly avoiding his gaze, Chimney was staring at his phone, Bobby was in the kitchen and Hen… Hen was staring at him.
Buck let out a big sigh.
“Okay, what is it, Buck?” Hen asked.
“I feel like I’m in a rut,” Buck said.
Eddie snorted from down the table.
Buck sent him a glare.
“Dare I ask, what kind of a rut?” Hen asked.
“I dunno. Like, things are good. I like my job. It’s fulfilling. I enjoy it. But, outside of work? I dunno,” Buck said.
“What exactly is bothering you?” Hen asked.
“Yeah, must be exhausting being young and attractive,” Chimney said with a laugh.
Buck frowned. “Maybe it is that,” Buck said.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Chimney mumbled.
“No, no! I mean, like it’s nice to go out. Meet people. But it always ends after that. You know, one night, doesn’t go further,” Buck said.
“So, you want something more serious?” Hen asked.
“Maybe,” Buck said.
“Well, maybe you should stop making us go to all those bars we usually go to,” Eddie said.
“Hey, you like the bars,” Buck said.
“Not really. Plus, I don’t like to spend that many nights away from Chris,” Eddie said.
Buck opened his mouth to continue but Eddie interrupted.
“Plus, I’m not looking for a woman at this time. And I’ve had enough nights where you’ve left me to fend for myself. Find someone else to go with,” Eddie said.
Buck pouted. “Rude.”
Bobby walked over from the kitchen, setting some food down in front of them all. “Maybe you just need a new perspective. Do something different. Something you haven’t done before.”
“Like what?” Buck asked.
Bobby shrugged. “Learn a new skill. Find a new hobby. You can meet someone doing that instead of at a bar.”
“Nah,” Buck said.
Bobby shook his head.
“Okay forget that. Forget meeting someone right now. I just want to get out and do something tonight. Anything. Anyone in?” Buck asked.
“Nope. I’m with Chris tonight. I promised him,” Eddie said.
Buck glanced at Chimney.
“No. Maddie and I are going out for dinner.”
Buck looked at Bobby.
“Athena and I have plans.”
Buck pouted.
“Sexy plans?” Hen asked, wiggling her eyebrows.
Bobby shot her a look.
“Hen?” Buck asked.
“Karen and I are going out.”
“Oh, come on,” Buck said. “I know I’m the only one who has no one, but can’t any of you share a night with me? I am desperate to do something tonight.”
“You want to crash my date with your sister?” Chimney asked.
Buck frowned. “No.”
“Or mine and Athena’s?” Bobby asked.
“No,” Buck mumbled.
Buck glanced at Eddie.
“No, Buck. Next time,” Eddie said.
Buck pouted. He glanced at Hen.
“Why are you so adamant about tonight, anyway?” Hen asked.
“I dunno. Just a feeling. Like something good could happen if I do something different. I just need one good night. And it will help me reset,” Buck said.
Buck glanced towards Bobby as Bobby opened his mouth, looking resigned. Like he was ready to cancel all of his plans.
But Hen spoke first.
“Well, Karen and I are going out. But it is pretty casual. Meeting a friend or two,” Hen said.
“So, it’s not crashing?” Buck asked, lighting up.
Hen chuckled. “I guess not. But I’m not sure it’s exactly your scene.”
“Perfect!” Buck said.
“What?” Hen asked.
“If it’s not my scene, then I should definitely go,” Buck said.
Bobby chuckled, smiling at them. He shook his head lightly.
“Buck. It really isn’t your scene,” Hen said.
“Why? I can make it my scene,” Buck said.
“It’s a gay bar,” Hen said.
“Oh,” Buck said.
Eddie chuckled in the background.
“I mean, am I not allowed in?” Buck asked.
“You’d be allowed in,” Hen said.
“Then…”
“I just don’t want you to feel uncomfortable,” Hen said.
“Well, it might be the reset I need. I mean there won’t be women there for me to sleep with, right? It would just be a normal night out? No pressure, just friends?” Buck asked.
Hen smiled. “Yeah, I guess it would be. But I wouldn’t say there will be no women, Buck. Just probably more men flirting with you instead.”
Buck shrugged. “I mean, that’s fine. I can just say no, right? They’d accept that, right?”
Hen nodded. “Oh, for sure. The place we go is really calm. Everyone is respectable there. In fact, you might be left alone completely.”
Buck nodded. “So…?”
Hen sighed. “Let me message Karen, but I don’t see why not.”
“Yes!” Buck exclaimed.
“I don’t see why you are so excited to go to a gay bar,” Eddie said. “You literally just said you don’t want to go to a bar.”
“I said I don’t want to do what I always do. Like go to our usual bars. This is a gay bar. It’s something new! Different! A change. A night out that’s just about friendship,” Buck said. “Right?”
“Right,” Hen said.
Bobby shrugged. “Sounds like a nice night. I hope you enjoy, Buck. Take a relaxing night for the team.”
“I will,” Buck said.
Chimney laughed. “Take pictures, Hen. I want to see his uncomfortable face when men flirt with him.”
Buck pouted again. “Hey!”
“Chim, I’m not taking pictures. Buck, you are more than welcome. Karen says the others are single as well, so you won’t be alone,” Hen said.
“Awesome,” Buck said. “This is going to be a great night.”
And that’s where the conversation ended, as the alarm sounded and everyone rushed off to the engine.
Buck hoped he was dressed okay. He didn’t know if there was a different dress code for a gay bar or not, but he just went with his usual attire he’d wear when he went out with Eddie.
And he still had a good feeling about tonight.
Maybe it would be nice to meet new people. Just talk. Keep it at that.
Buck made his way inside and just like Hen said, it really was a casual place. No loud music, just a bunch of tables and booths with people milling around. Eating. Drinking. More of a restaurant than a bar, actually.
Buck glanced around for a moment, feeling a little out of place. But then he saw Hen wave at him from across the room and he smiled, going to join them.
He made his way to the table and there was Hen and Karen. And a couple other people he’d never met.
“Hey Buck!” Hen exclaimed. “You made it!”
“Yeah, uh, thanks for letting me crash again,” Buck said.
“Of course,” Hen said. “We’ll see if you regret it by the time the night’s over.”
Buck chuckled. “I think I’ll be fine.”
“Hey Buck,” Karen said.
“Hi Karen,” Buck said.
Hen nodded to the others. “This is Michelle and George.”
“Hey,” Buck said, and the others responded in kind.
“Nice to meet you, Buck,” George said, with a wink.
Buck chuckled for a moment. “Oh uh… I’m straight. I’m just…”
George laughed. “I’m teasing you. Hen said.”
“Oh, right,” Buck said.
“Take a seat, Buck,” Hen said.
Buck nodded, sitting down quickly. “So uh… this is a nice place?”
He saw them all exchange looks and he bit his lip.
“Relax,” Hen said, leaning over. “We’re just out for some food and drinks. Casual conversation.” Then she sat back. “George works at the 108. And Michelle is one of Karen’s coworkers.”
“Oh nice. How’s the 108? I heard it’s a quieter station,” Buck said.
George sent him a look. “Really?”
Buck played back the conversation in his head. “We’re not on shift I can’t curse it.”
“You can always curse it,” George said.
Buck shook his head, chuckling. “Sorry.”
“So, tell us, Buck? What brought you out tonight?” Michelle asked.
“I just needed to get out, do something different. I dunno. Hen and Karen were very great to let me tag along,” Buck said.
“We are. Great,” Karen said. “Very great.”
Everyone laughed.
Soon they all ordered another round of drinks, Buck sipping at his.
“You know, I used to be a bartender and so many guys would be uncomfortable ordering anything fruit flavoured. I mean, these are some of the best drinks we made,” Buck said.
“Oh, it’s the heteronormativity of it,” George said. “Some men are way too afraid of being perceived as gay.”
“I mean, what’s wrong with that? There’s nothing wrong with that,” Buck mumbled.
George raised an eyebrow, shooting a look at the others and Hen spoke up.
“Nothing wrong with that, Buck,” Hen said.
Buck nodded, staring into his drink. He really was having a nice time. No pressure to hook up with anyone. No one coming on to him… super nice.
A night out with friends. Nice.
The night carried on and soon George had to leave. He had an early shift the next day.
Michelle left soon after, having to get home.
So then it was just Buck and Hen and Karen.
And they were still having a nice time. Buck hoped they weren’t just staying to appease him, though he had a feeling the night would be over soon. Either way, he was determined to make it last.
He chuckled, remembering something about the other day that he figured he could tell them but then Hen gasped.
“Holy shit,” Hen said.
“What?” Karen asked.
“Is that…” Hen started, staring across the bar.
Buck and Karen turned and looked in the direction she was looking.
“Don’t you both look at the same time!” Hen exclaimed.
Buck saw a man standing at the bar, sipping at a drink, who then turned around and stopped. Staring at them.
Oh. He was… he was seriously impressive. Made Buck almost feel small. There was something almost magnetizing about him.
They all continued staring for a moment before the man lifted a hand in an awkward wave, smiling sheepishly.
“Oh my god, it is him,” Hen said.
“Is who?” Karen asked.
“That’s Tommy,” Hen said.
“Who’s Tommy?” Buck asked.
“He used to work at the 118 with us. Before you, Buck. Holy shit. This is the last place I’d ever think to see him,” Hen said.
And then they all watched as Tommy started walking over to them, blush high on his face.
Buck kind of wanted to see if he could feel the blush through his skin.
“Hi Hen,” Tommy said.
“Hi Tommy,” Hen said, eyes trailing his face. “Wow… this is a… surprise.”
“Yeah, it is,” Tommy said.
“I mean, I never thought this would be the place we’d run into each other again,” Hen said.
Tommy chuckled. “Yeah. I was pretty much in the closet last we spoke.”
Hen blinked, sputtering.
Karen nudged her.
“Sorry,” Hen said. “I mean… honestly, I have to say I’m a bit shocked?”
Tommy nodded. “I guess I hid well. Sorry I never said anything, to you, especially. I…”
Hen waved her hand. “I get it.”
It was quiet for a moment before Karen spoke up. “Do you want to join us, Tommy?”
“Oh, I don’t want to intrude,” Tommy said.
Buck kind of wanted to pull him down to sit beside him.
Really because he just wanted to make new friends. Tonight was about friends. Only. And Tommy looked like he’d be a good friend.
“Not intruding,” Hen said. “It would be great to catch up. You must have met my wife Karen before, right?”
Tommy nodded, taking a seat. “Must have, I’m sure. Though, it has been years.”
“Well, nice to make your reacquaintance,” Karen said.
“You too,” Tommy said.
“And this is Buck,” Hen said.
Buck blinked. Oh. Him. Right.
“Buck?” Tommy asked. “Someone named you Buck?”
“Evan! Evan Buckley. Buck comes from that. It’s Evan,” Buck said.
“Okay, Evan,” Tommy said.
Buck caught Hen’s eyes and avoided them immediately after.
He heard her mumble, “Okay then, Evan.”
Buck blushed.
“Like I was saying,” Hen said. “Tommy used to work at the 118 with us. Where are you at again now?”
“Harbor,” Tommy said.
“Like the helicopters?” Buck asked, wide-eyed.
Tommy chuckled. “Yes. The helicopters.”
“That’s so cool,” Buck said.
Karen exchanged a look with Hen.
“I mean, I guess so. It is a fair bit different from being on the ground team. Though, I still am called to that on occasion,” Tommy said.
“Cool,” Buck mumbled.
Hen chuckled. “Buck works with us at the 118 now.”
“Yeah?” Tommy asked.
“Yeah,” Buck said.
“Must have taken over my old spot?” Tommy asked.
“Or Sal’s,” Hen said. “There’s another, Eddie. He probably took your spot.”
“Huh,” Tommy said.
“I mean I hope I’m filling your spot well. I mean, doing well. I mean…” Buck sputtered.
Tommy laughed. “Relax, Evan. I’m sure you’re doing a great job. Hen wouldn’t hang out with someone who wasn’t.”
“Damn right,” Hen said.
“So, are you crashing their date night?” Tommy asked with a smirk.
“Um...” Buck said. “There were others, but they left…”
“But yes, he is now,” Karen said.
“What?” Buck asked. “You said I wasn’t. You said…”
“Relax, Buck. You’re not,” Hen said. Then she turned to Tommy. “He wanted to go out tonight and we were going out with friends. And like he said, our friends had to bail. Early shifts, you know.”
“Ah,” Tommy said.
“I was having a great time,” Buck mumbled.
“Ah, so my presence has ruined that,” Tommy said.
“No,” Buck rushed out. “Not at all. In fact, maybe it’s made the night better?”
Tommy chuckled. “Oh really,” he said, angling his body more toward Buck.
“What’s going on here?” Karen asked softly.
Hen shrugged, leaning in.
“Yeah, really,” Buck said, swallowing. He suddenly didn’t know what else to say.
“So tell me about yourself, Evan,” Tommy said.
“Um, well, what do you want to know? I mean, I’m a firefighter at the 118… which you know now and uh…” Buck said.
Tommy grinned. “You surely have the build for it.”
Buck nodded. “Yeah, yeah. I mean… you too I mean…”
“No, seriously, what’s happening?” Karen said.
“I’m not exactly sure,” Hen responded.
Tommy shot them a look, before his focus slid back to Buck.
“I appreciate that. I do work hard on my figure,” Tommy said.
“Um uh… yeah. Yeah, me too,” Buck said.
Buck watched as Tommy let his eyes flow down Buck’s body and back up. Buck swallowed once more.
To the side, Hen whispered to Karen. “Do you think we should warn Tommy that Buck’s straight?”
Karen whispered back. “I think we should let Buck know that Buck’s straight first. He doesn’t seem to remember that right now.”
Hen chuckled.
“What are you drinking?” Tommy asked. “I could buy you another?”
Buck blushed once more. “Oh uh… I know it’s not the manliest drinks but...”
“Looks delicious. I mean, I’m much more of a craft beer type of guy,” Tommy said.
“Oh yeah?” Buck asked.
“Yes,” Tommy said. “There’s this place not far from here, has excellent beers. I should… take you there some time.”
“Oh, that would… that would be nice,” Buck said.
“Sounds like a plan,” Tommy said. “What else do you like to do in your spare time?”
“Oh uh…” Buck said. “Bobby’s been teaching me how to cook…”
“Bobby always had the best cooking,” Tommy said. “Something I miss about leaving the 118.”
“Yeah, uh, I could make something for you some time,” Buck said.
“I’d love that,” Tommy said.
Buck nodded, staring into Tommy’s eyes. That were focused on him completely.
“It’s like we aren’t even here,” Hen said.
Karen snorted. “Then maybe we take our leave?”
“You think?” Hen asked. “We can’t abandon Buck.”
“You trust Tommy, right?” Karen asked.
Hen nodded.
“They look comfortable,” Karen said.
“Okay,” Hen said.
They both stood up.
Buck and Tommy finally looked at them.
“Hey, so it’s getting kind of late. We’re going to head out,” Hen said.
“Oh,” Buck said, face falling slightly.
“It was nice seeing you, Tommy. We’ll have to actually catch up some other time,” Hen said.
“Right, sorry,” Tommy said, “I guess Evan and I got a bit caught up there.”
“Don’t worry about it. We’ll meet up again soon?” Hen asked.
“Definitely,” Tommy said.
“You need a ride home, Buck?” Hen asked.
“Oh, uh, I’m… I’m fine. I think. I might stay a little longer?” Buck asked, looking at Tommy.
Tommy smiled back. “We can get an Uber,” Tommy said.
Karen hid a chuckle. “You two behave.”
“What? I always do,” Tommy said.
She glanced at Buck.
“On my best behaviour,” Buck said.
Hen eyed them both for a moment before she said, “You two are both good people. I think you could be good friends. Make good decisions, okay? Don’t stay out too much later.”
“Okay, Mom,” Buck said.
Tommy chuckled. “Nice to see you, Hen. Karen.”
“You too, Tommy,” Hen said.
Karen gave a wave.
Then they were off.
And Buck watched as Tommy swivelled back to face him.
“Now, where were we?” Tommy asked.
Buck grinned.
Buck had never had such a quick connection with someone. He’d been talking to Tommy all of a half hour and he had never felt this way before. He’d told him things he’d never told anyone before.
“Yeah, I mean… finding out about Daniel really was a shock,” Buck said.
“Family can be tough,” Tommy said. “I mean, my dad was a real… rule follower. Pretty strict.”
“Sounds like a bully,” Buck said.
“Basically,” Tommy said. “But I mean, hey. We both made it through our childhoods. Made it here. Maybe it made us stronger.”
“Yeah,” Buck said, “Maybe.”
“Though, this is a bit heavy for our first meeting,” Tommy said.
“Oh, then what else do you have in mind to discuss?” Buck asked, grinning.
“You ever been up in a helicopter?”
Buck chuckled. “No. I mean, helping load patients sometimes but… no. Not flying. Maybe someday.”
“It’s fantastic,” Tommy said. “Something about being in the sky, seeing it all from above. It makes the world seem small. Like… everything is so important but also not at the same time. Helps you put a lot of things into perspective.”
“That sounds incredible. I’d love to go flying if it feels like that,” Buck said.
“Hmm, I’ll take you, then,” Tommy said.
Buck grinned. “Yeah? So that’s what… a few days worth of plans now?”
“Hmm?” Tommy asked.
“Well, beer, me cooking for you, going up in the helicopter…” Buck said.
Tommy chuckled. “Sounds like it. Guess we’ll have to see where our schedules match.”
“They kind of match right now,” Buck said.
Tommy grinned at him. “Sure do,” Tommy said.
And there was that look again. Buck felt warm all over.
They were quiet for a moment then Tommy smirked. “Want to get out of here?”
Buck paused. “Yeah?” he asked.
That was funny. That was definitely a line Buck would use on the women he met.
“Absolutely,” Tommy said. “We can go somewhere quieter. Continue our discussion?”
Buck grinned, relaxing. “Oh. Yeah. Absolutely.”
Tommy grinned back. “Great. I’ll call us an Uber.”
And then he did it again. A full down up of Buck’s body.
Buck watched Tommy type away on his phone, only blearily aware of what was happening.
His mouth felt dry and he licked his lips.
Tommy glanced back up at him with a grin. “Our ride awaits, Evan.”
Buck felt himself blush at that. He still couldn’t believe he was letting Tommy call him Evan.
Buck got up, and Tommy offered his hand. Buck paused for a moment before taking it, letting Tommy lead him out of the bar and to the car.
They got into the back seat and the car started driving. Tommy kept glancing at him with a smile.
And it was only then that Buck realized he didn’t know where he was going.
“I didn’t give you my address,” Buck mumbled.
“We’re going to mine,” Tommy mumbled back.
“Okay,” Buck said.
The drive didn’t take that long but was filled with looks between the two of them that Buck was starting to realize meant a lot more than what he’d thought before.
And his thoughts were confirmed as they exited the car.
Tommy once again offered his hand and Buck took it, letting Tommy lead him to a modest size home.
Tommy unlocked the door and as soon as it was closed behind them, Buck felt himself pressed up against it with lips attached to his.
He felt himself gasp into it and Tommy pull away slightly.
Holy shit. Holy fucking shit.
Oh.
Right.
Yeah.
That’s…
“Evan?” Tommy asked.
“Oh fuck, yes,” Buck said.
Tommy chuckled. “Oh, good. I wasn’t sure for a moment. You’ve been kind of sending mixed messages all night.”
“I…” Buck said. “No more mixed messages. Yeah. Yes. Let’s do this.”
Tommy laughed and Buck lunged back at him, drawing their mouths together again.
He should have known. He should have known this was where the night was heading.
All the comments. The looks. The lines that Buck would throw out himself most nights.
And yet… yet his brain didn’t put it together because Tommy’s a guy.
A guy who Buck was currently making out with desperately. Like he’d never made out with anyone before.
A guy who was hard against his hip.
Buck moaned, leaning back slightly.
“Eager,” Tommy said.
“I was so right,” Buck mumbled.
“Right about what?” Tommy asked.
“About going out tonight. I had a feeling…”
“A feeling?”
“That it was going to be amazing,” Buck said.
Tommy smiled at him, pulling their lips back together with one more bruising kiss.
“Come on,” Tommy said, and Buck could do nothing but follow as Tommy pulled him into the bedroom, shutting the door behind them.
Buck woke up, stretching slightly. He let his eyes blink open and looked around.
Now, this wasn’t the first time he’d found himself in someone else’s bed. Definitely not the first. But he did tend to leave before the morning and not wake up there.
It took a moment before it rushed back to Buck.
Tommy.
Oh.
He… he had sex with a man.
And it was… it was wonderful.
And Tommy was... not here?
Well, that didn’t seem right. He wouldn’t have just left his own house.
Buck made his way out of the bedroom, wandering until he heard sounds and found the kitchen.
He paused for a moment, watching as a sleepy-eyed bed-headed Tommy made breakfast.
He was making him breakfast.
Buck chuckled and realized he was a little too loud as Tommy swung around.
“Hey,” Tommy said softly. “I was going to bring you breakfast in bed.”
Buck chuckled again, shaking his head. “Breakfast in bed? Wow… you certainly are a charmer.”
Tommy chuckled. “I try.”
Buck walked further into the room.
“How’d you sleep?” Tommy asked.
“So well,” Buck said. “It might have been the most relaxing night of my life.”
“Yeah? Well, I’m glad,” Tommy said.
“Me too,” Buck said.
Tommy hummed and went back to cooking breakfast and Buck could do nothing but stare.
He had sex with this man. Last night.
The thought had never even entered his mind as an option and yet…
That wasn’t why he went to the gay bar. He went for something new and well, he definitely found something new.
He hadn’t expected this at all. He thought he was just an ally. He was just an ally.
Maybe he wasn’t just an ally.
Holy shit.
He felt like everything was rearranging itself in his mind.
He was into men. Was he really, though? What if it was just the alcohol. No, he needed to know.
“Hey,” Buck said softly.
Tommy turned to him again.
And Buck leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Tommy’s lips.
Buck could feel Tommy’s lips quirk up in amusement in the kiss and then Buck pulled back slowly.
Oh. Yeah. It wasn’t just the alcohol. Definitely not.
“What was that for?” Tommy asked.
“Just wanted to,” Buck said.
Tommy chuckled. “Breakfast’s almost ready. Take a seat.”
“Okay,” Buck said.
He slowly sat down and watched as Tommy plated the food and set it in front of him.
He’d never felt this cared for in his life. He almost felt like crying.
“How is it?” Tommy asked, after a moment.
Buck looked up. “Oh, great. It’s really great.”
“Well, I’m sure it doesn’t match Bobby’s cooking but…”
“No. It’s so great,” Buck said.
“I’m glad,” Tommy said.
Buck wrung his hands together.
“Everything okay?” Tommy asked.
“Yup,” Buck said.
“Evan?”
God. Tommy saying his name like that made Buck want to just tell him everything. How he went to the bar just for a change and now he was into men.
He opened his mouth and instead what came out was, “I wasn’t supposed to go home with anyone last night.”
Tommy raised an eyebrow.
Buck winced. “I mean…”
“And why weren’t you?” Tommy asked.
Buck shrugged. “I… I just wanted a peaceful night out with friends. Hen invited me along and… I don’t know. I wasn’t even looking and…”
Tommy smiled. “Maybe that’s the best way,” Tommy said.
“What?” Buck asked.
“To find someone. When you aren’t looking for it,” Tommy said.
Oh. Oh holy shit. The sincerity in Tommy’s eyes had Buck wavering at saying more.
“You know,” Tommy continued. “I’m not usually one to do this either. Go home with someone right away.”
“Yeah?” Buck asked.
“No. But… I felt something between us. You feel it, right?”
Buck nodded.
“So,” Tommy said. “I trusted my gut. And Hen’s gut. She said you were a good person and I trust her opinion. Plus, you’re also a firefighter at the 118 so I feel like that can help with judging your character.”
Buck chuckled. “I mean, Hen said you’re a good person too.”
“She did,” Tommy said.
“And you’re right. Maybe the firefighter thing is a good thing,” Buck said. “More understanding about schedules… danger…”
“About what the job entails, sure,” Tommy said.
“So…” Buck said, trailing off.
This would be the moment. To Tell Tommy the next part. That he had gone home with him, but he really hadn’t expected it because he’d never gone home with a man.
But instead he glanced at Tommy and saw Tommy watching him with a smile.
“What?” Buck asked, softly.
“You’re cute,” Tommy said.
Buck blushed. “Shut it.”
“No, you are. Evan. This doesn’t have to go any further than this if you don’t want it to,” Tommy said.
“I kind of really want it to,” Buck said.
“Good,” Tommy said. “Because I do too.”
“Oh,” Buck said.
Tommy chuckled.
They went back to eating.
“So,” Tommy said after a moment, breaking the silence.
Buck glanced up.
“What’s your schedule like?”
“Hmm?” Buck asked.
“You know. To schedule our helicopter date. Or beer tasting. Or have you cook for me?” Tommy said with a smirk.
“Oh uh…” Buck said.
Okay he had to do it. Tell Tommy now. This was the moment. Tell him last night was his first night with a man. And that he hadn’t even considered it before.
But he was totally into it now.
He had to let Tommy know, right? It was the right thing to do? Would Buck want to know if it was the other way around?
But then again… did it matter?
It would be awesome to go on a date with Tommy. He really wanted to. And what if he told Tommy that he was the first man he’d been with and he freaked out?
They met in a gay bar. Why would Tommy assume Buck was straight?
Why did Buck assume himself that he was straight?
“Well,” Buck said, pulling up his phone to check his schedule. “Fuck.”
“What is it?” Tommy asked.
“I didn’t realize how late it was. I have a shift today,” Buck said, eyes widening.
“Ah. That might be my fault. I turned off the alarm to let you sleep in,” Tommy said.
Buck looked at him.
“You looked so peaceful,” Tommy said softly. “And I promise I was going to wake you as soon as food was ready.”
Buck couldn’t help but grin back. “Okay, I believe you,” he said, just as softly. “But I should probably leave now or I won’t make it in time.”
“You’re right. It’s a bit of a drive from here,” Tommy agreed, sighing.
“Yeah,” Buck said, glancing back at Tommy. He really looked sad about that fact.
“Well, I guess I can give you a drive to the station?” Tommy offered.
“I have to run home and get some stuff,” Buck said.
“So… next availability?” Tommy asked.
Buck glanced up at him. He felt the blush return.
He felt twelve. Like he was twelve years old with his first crush.
“I’m off Saturday,” Buck said.
“Lucky,” Tommy said. “Me too. Dinner?”
“Okay,” Buck said.
“Perfect. I’ll message you. Give me your phone,” Tommy said.
Buck grinned and handed his phone over. Tommy typed his number in then set the phone down on the table.
“I look forward to it, Evan,” Tommy said.
“Oh, me too,” Buck said.
A few moments later they were cleaning up and Buck was dressed again. And then they were driving, this time in Tommy’s car, continuously glancing at each other as they drove.
And then before he knew it, they were standing at the doorway to Buck’s place.
“I really had a great time,” Buck said.
“Me too,” Tommy said.
“I guess I’ll see you Saturday?” Buck asked.
“I’ll see you Saturday,” Tommy said.
Buck went to turn around and gasped as Tommy quickly pulled him close again, pressing one more kiss to his mouth before letting him go.
“Something to remember me by,” Tommy said.
“I honestly don’t think I could forget,” Buck said.
“I think I have to leave now before I force myself in and ask to stay,” Tommy said.
“I’d really like that, but I don’t think work would,” Buck said.
Tommy chuckled. “Say hi to Hen for me. And Chimney.”
“Yeah, okay,” Buck said.
“See you on Saturday,” Tommy said.
“Saturday,” Buck said.
Tommy winked at him and finally walked away, leaving Buck standing in his doorway.
Holy shit indeed.
And… oh fuck. He didn’t say anything to Tommy.
That’s fine, though, right? He’d figure it out. And maybe it wasn’t that big a deal.
It shouldn’t have to be, right?
There was nothing wrong with it, so nothing had to change.
He was good.
And god, he couldn’t wait for Saturday.
Buck rushed into the station, barely a minute late. Honestly, he had made good time for what he had.
“Cutting it a little close there, Buck,” Bobby said, as Buck joined them all in the kitchen.
“Yeah, sorry about that. Slept in longer than expected,” Buck said.
“So it was a good night last night?” Bobby asked.
Buck paused, turning to him. “What?”
“Your night out with Hen?” Bobby asked.
“Oh. Yeah. It was… just what I needed,” Buck said with a grin.
Should he tell Bobby about Tommy? He kind of wanted to.
“What you needed, huh?” Eddie asked. “Well good. I had a quiet night in with Chris. And maybe you can go out with Hen for the next while.”
Buck shrugged. “Glad you had a good night.”
“Maddie and I had an excellent date,” Chimney said.
“Yeah, don’t want to hear about that,” Buck said.
“Well, my date with Athena was great too, thanks for asking,” Bobby said.
Buck chuckled.
Hen sidled up, cup of coffee in hand. “So the rest of your night was good?” she asked, winking at him.
Buck paused. “Uh. Yeah. Yeah, it was... great. So great uh…”
“Good. Thought you two would get along,” Hen said.
“Who?” Chimney asked.
“Uh…” Buck said before he blushed slightly. “Hey, actually, Hen... can I ask you something?”
“Sure?” Hen said.
“Um... not in front of everyone else I just…” Buck said.
Hen took a few steps away and Buck followed.
Hen grinned at him. “Did he keep flirting with you?”
“Um… yeah, so about that…” Buck started.
“He did, didn’t he,” Hen said, laughing.
“Yeah uh… I may have gone home with him?” Buck said.
“You crashed at Tommy’s?” Hen asked, still laughing. “Oh Buck. I mean he’s a good guy, but you didn’t have to take advantage of his kindness. How drunk were you?”
“I mean, not that drunk, honestly. And I didn’t really crash there like that I mean…” Buck rambled.
Hen chuckled, taking a sip of her coffee.
Buck looked around. “We had sex, Hen.”
Hen sputtered, spitting out her coffee. “You what?” she asked, loudly. “Woah hold on, firstly, way too much information, Buck, and secondly what?”
“Yeah, I mean, I didn’t expect it either and…”
And then he heard his name.
“Evan?”
Buck paled.
“Oh,” Buck said.
“He’s here? Why is he here?” Hen asked.
Buck shrugged. “I don’t know! I literally left his house an hour ago!”
They both leaned over the railing to look.
Tommy was standing there, waving at them from below.
Hen furiously whispered to Buck. “Do not lead that man on. When I said he was a good guy I meant it and you said you didn’t want to just have sex with someone!”
“I didn’t mean to! I didn’t expect it either but I kind of really liked it and we have a date on Saturday and…” Buck rambled quietly.
“Buck!” Hen exclaimed. “Do not use him for sex!”
“I’m not! I…”
And then Tommy walked up the stairs.
“Tommy!” Chimney exclaimed. “Hey man! Wow, it’s been a while!”
“Yeah, great to see you,” Tommy said, pulling Chimney into a hug.
Hen furiously started wiping at the coffee she spit out and Buck stared, frozen in place.
“Tommy! What brings you to the station?” Bobby asked, walking up and giving him a hug as well.
“I was just returning Evan’s phone,” Tommy said, with a chuckle. Then he turned to Buck. “You forgot this on the table this morning.”
Buck stared, blinking. He blushed. “Uh… thank you,” he said, taking the phone quickly and shoving it into his pocket.
Everyone was quiet for a moment, staring at each other. And then Eddie spoke up.
“Hey, I’m Eddie,” Eddie said. “You apparently all know each other.”
“Used to work here,” Tommy said.
“How do you know Buck? Oh sorry. Evan,” Chimney said.
Buck blushed further and Tommy for his part did hesitate.
“He... told me to call him Evan,” Tommy said glancing over at Buck.
Buck shrugged, staring.
“Are you okay?” Tommy asked.
Buck nodded quickly. “Yup. Just fine, peachy.”
Hen was staring at both of them eyes wide as she kept looking back and forth.
“You okay, Hen?” Tommy asked.
“Yup. Perfectly okay,” Hen said.
“No, seriously, how do you know Buck?” Chimney asked.
“I mean, we really just met. But what a meeting,” Tommy said with a grin.
“Huh?” Chimney said.
“Is he flirting?” Eddie asked.
“Barking up the wrong tree for that one,” Chimney laughed.
“Yeah, Buck’s straight,” Eddie said.
“Wait, Tommy’s not straight?” Chimney asked.
Tommy chuckled awkwardly, glancing between the two, then he glanced at Buck and the smile slid off his face.
“Evan… are you not…” Tommy started. And then he paused.
“They met last night,” Hen said quickly. “We saw Tommy at the bar… catching up with old friends, right?”
“Right,” Tommy said, still glancing at Buck.
Buck who felt frozen. All he had to do was say something. But now everyone was staring at him. Asking what was going on.
And Buck didn’t know what to say.
What was he hesitating on? That he slept with a man? Why did it matter? Everyone accepted Hen. All he had to do was say it.
“Tommy and Buck stayed later. Buck must have left his phone there. It’s really nice of you to return it,” Hen said.
Tommy’s face sort of shuttered and he nodded. “Yeah, didn’t want you to be without it, so I brought it this morning.”
“Wait,” Chimney said. “Didn’t you say Buck left his phone on the table this morning?”
“Did I?” Tommy said, chuckling. “I misspoke. Last night at the bar. I mean, you could say it was technically morning by that time.”
“No,” Eddie said, “Buck’s being too quiet. Something’s going on.”
“I…” Buck said.
Tommy glanced at the others then walked closer. “Evan? Are you okay?”
“I… fine,” Buck said.
Then Tommy lowered his voice. “Do they not know?”
Buck blinked. “About?”
Tommy gestured at Buck.
“About you? It was last night. I got here like ten minutes ago. Actually, how did you get here so fast?” Buck asked.
Everyone frowned around them.
“Evan,” Tommy said softly. “It’s okay. I didn’t realize…”
“Didn’t realize what?” Buck asked.
Tommy pulled him off to the side. “I didn’t realize you weren’t out.”
“Out…” Buck said softly. “Oh. Oh no. That’s not… I mean…”
“I’m so sorry,” Tommy said. “I never would have come if I knew.”
“No. No no no no,” Buck said, seeing the panic in Tommy’s eyes as he pulled back slightly.
“It’s okay, Evan. I know what it’s like. I can leave now,” Tommy said.
“I’m bisexual!” Buck yelled.
Absolute silence in the firehouse.
“What?” Eddie asked.
“Huh,” Chimney said.
“Okay,” Bobby said.
Hen slapped a hand on her face.
“You didn’t have to do that,” Tommy said, but his face had softened.
“I know. But… you looked about ready to run, and I didn’t want you to run because I really want to have our date on Saturday and…” Buck rambled.
“Date?” Eddie asked.
“Huh,” Chimney said again.
“Evan,” Tommy said.
“Okay. I should have told you last night. But I got caught up in the moment and it was maybe the best night of my life?” Buck said.
Tommy’s eyes widened but he also blushed.
“I mean it, Tommy. And I know this is probably too much and I’m too much as usual. I mean, why would you want to actually give me a chance after all that? And I promise I wasn’t trying to hide you or myself or anything it’s just that I really really just didn’t know until last night.”
“Know… what exactly?” Tommy asked.
“That guys were an option?” Buck asked.
Tommy stared. He glanced at the others.
They all shrugged.
“Did I just force you to come out?” Tommy asked.
“I mean… maybe. But I didn’t have much time to think on it since I only just figured it out? So it’s okay?” Buck offered.
“Oh,” Tommy said.
“So I get it. If you don’t want to go on that date. I mean who would want to go with someone who just figured out they’re attracted to men. The dating scene’s hard enough and this really is a lot to put on you but I know this is real and I still feel a connection to you and I’d really like to go on that date but I understand if not I mean that’s why I went out last night just to make friends. I’m so horrible at keeping up relationships because I’m too needy or too much or…”
And Tommy kissed him.
And Buck shut up.
There were wolf whistles all around.
And then Bobby spoke. “Okay, settle down. Buck? Tommy? Maybe we’ll give you some privacy. But make it quick. You’re at work.”
“Thanks, Cap,” Buck said, blushing.
“I’m sorry,” Tommy said. “I shouldn’t have done that while you’re working. But you were talking and I needed you to stop so…”
Buck chuckled. “Pretty effective.”
“Mhm,” Tommy said.
“So?” Buck asked.
“I would also still love to go on a date with you,” Tommy said.
“And it’s not… too much?” Buck asked.
“Evan. Someone has to be the first guy you’re with at some point. But… I do wish you would have told me last night. I could have… well… done things differently or…”
“Tommy. It was perfect. I mean it. I mean I’ve experimented in the bedroom before and…”
“Okay,” Tommy said, with a chuckle.
“So we’re good?” Buck asked.
“We’re good. And I look forward to Saturday.”
“Me too,” Buck said.
“And I am sorry for basically outing you to your coworkers,” Tommy said.
Buck shrugged. “I had told Hen already two seconds before you arrived and I probably would have told the others soon,” Buck said. “I guess I should tell my sister before Chimney tells her though.”
“Why would Chimney tell your sister?” Tommy asked.
“Oh. They’re dating. Probably going to get married at some point,” Buck said.
“Ah,” Tommy said.
Buck smiled at him. “Hey. Thank you for not running for the hills after one night. I know this is crazy…”
Tommy shrugged. “I might be okay with crazy. I mean… I did use to work here. I know what it’s like.”
Buck chuckled.
“We’re good, Evan,” Tommy said.
“Yeah?” Buck asked.
“Yes,” Tommy said.
“Good,” Buck said.
“I guess I should go,” Tommy said.
“Probably,” Buck said.
“I have my own shift to get to in about an hour,” Tommy said.
“Then you better be off,” Buck said.
Tommy smiled. “Take care, Evan. I’ll message you.”
“Take care,” Buck said.
They wandered back to the others and Tommy gave them all a wink and a salute before he headed down the stairs and out of the building.
The others all crowded around Buck again.
“So much for just a night out with friends, huh?” Eddie asked.
Buck shrugged. “I wanted a change. And I had a good feeling,” Buck said.
“He’s a good guy,” Bobby said. “I think you could be good for each other.”
Buck softened. “Thanks, Cap.”
“Tommy Kinard… really didn’t think he was gay, though,” Chimney said.
Hen shrugged. “Surprised us all,” she said. Then she turned to Buck. “You’re good?”
Buck nodded. “I’m good. Very good. So good.”
Hen chuckled. “Okay. Just spare us the details, okay?”
“What?” Buck asked, finally getting some of his groove back. “You don’t want to hear about our evening?”
“Oh, absolutely not,” Hen said.
“Really? Not even a little bit of it?” Buck asked.
“Nope, nuh uh,” Hen said, walking away.
“Chimney?” Buck asked.
“No. That’s my old coworker and friend. No thanks,” Chimney said, walking away.
“Eddie?” Buck asked.
“Absolutely not, Buck. But if you’re happy… I’m happy for you,” Eddie said.
“Yeah?” Buck asked softly.
“Yeah,” Eddie said. “Come here.”
And Eddie pulled him into a hug. And then he wandered off as well.
Bobby approached, pulling Buck into his own hug. “I’m proud of you, kid.”
“Yeah?” Buck asked.
“Yes,” Bobby said. “Tommy’s a good choice. Unexpected but… I can see it. I wish you two all the best.”
“Thanks,” Buck said.
And Bobby wandered off as well.
In that moment, Buck’s phone chimed with a message. He opened it, grinning.
‘What are your thoughts on Italian?’ Tommy messaged.
Buck grinned, quickly typing back. ‘You better not be texting and driving.’
‘Still in the lot.’
Buck walked to the side of the firehouse, so he could see the window. And sure enough, there Tommy still was.
‘Get to work, Tommy,’ Buck messaged.
‘See you soon,’ Tommy said.
‘See you soon,’ Buck replied.
And he really couldn’t wait.