Work Text:
Tommy didn't regret his move to harbour station six months ago, already the freedom to be himself had changed him in ways he'd never imagined. But he did regret leaving behind the coffee shop a block over from the 118 that had been his favourite place to unwind before or after a shift.
The coffee was good, the staff all knew his order - and the order of everyone else at the 118 - and it was just busy enough to be interesting without being so busy that it made him anxious about sitting too long.
He'd been working his way through all the coffee shops near harbour - thank you google maps - and so far none of them had been even half as good. Although the place his Captain had suggested had the best cannoli he'd had in LA, it was way too busy, he'd gone three times before giving up on ever getting a seat.
The latest place, EDM Coffee Company, was two blocks east, so he'd left his truck in the lot and walked over after his latest twenty-four hour shift.
From the outside it looked… pretty much like any of the 5000 other slightly hipster coffee shops in LA. And on the inside… pretty much the same. Some combination of slightly industrial with bare bulbs, wood and iron fixtures and big, comfortable looking chairs and sofas mixed in with the more traditional tables and chairs.
There was a menu hanging above the counter that had a basic list of coffee options alongside a few more interesting ones and a bunch of fancy teas. And a large glass case full of an impressive variety of cakes, pastries and other carb loaded goodies he'd love eating and hate himself for while working it off. There was also a sign offering a variety of freshly made sandwiches, with a variety of bread choices as well as a long list of options for toppings.
"Hi, what can I get you?"
Tommy looked up and damn… maybe this place could become a new favourite.
Tommy didn't consider himself to be a shallow person, but the man behind the counter was beautiful. Maybe mid-twenties, bright blue eyes and the sweetest smile. And a strangely… adorable little splash of pink over one eye.
"Large Americano," he said, glad he didn't sound like he'd been objectifying the man in his head seconds ago. "And uh… what would you recommend?" He waved at the pastry cases.
"Any allergies, or anything you really hate?" The man - Buck, according to the name tag, although Tommy didn't think it suited him - asked.
"No allergies," Tommy said. "And nothing I'm aware of that I really hate."
"Wide open field. Okay. You seem like a guy who likes the classics. Cherry cobbler. Or Apple pie, if you have time to sit. Blueberry or banana oat muffin, if you need to take it to go."
Tommy considered. He had been planning on taking it to go. The visit today was just to see if the coffee was good. But he wasn't in any hurry. "I'll sit. Cherry cobbler," he decided.
"Great choice. Cream or ice cream?"
"Cream," he said. It was way too early in the day for ice cream.
After he paid - reasonable price too, he thought - Buck told him to go and sit down and he'd bring his order over.
*** *** ***
Evan Buckley loved working in the coffee shop he'd set up with his brother and sister. While Daniel and Maddie both had their own jobs and were basically just silent partners, EDM Coffee Company was Buck's pride and joy. It wasn't what he'd imagined doing with his life, he'd come to LA four years before intending to join the LAFD, but when a car accident had resulted in a crush injury that nearly cost him his leg, that dream had gone out the window.
A coffee shop being his new dream had surprised both his siblings, but since they loved the hell out of him, they encouraged him and supported him just as he'd known they would and a year ago, EDM had been born. Evan, Daniel and Maddie.
He loved being able to bring people little moments of joy, through his food and coffee. And he'd assembled a great team, who helped make the early mornings and late nights worth it.
Plus, he loved meeting new people. And every now and then, if he gets to enjoy meeting gorgeous new people, even better.
And the man who had walked in this morning was definitely gorgeous.
Buck prided himself his looks, Maddie called him vain, but hey he worked hard to look this good, so why shouldn't he be proud of it? But this guy… damn. Probably about the same height as Buck, but definitely broader in the chest and shoulders. And as he turned to go find a seat, a very nice ass in those jeans he was wearing.
Buck chuckled to himself and told himself to behave. Admiring the view was one thing, perving on his customers was something else.
"Large Americano and one slice of cherry cobbler, with cream," he said, setting them both down on the low table the newest customer had chosen to sit at, near the back of the shop.
"Thanks. Are those just for decoration?" He nodded towards the six bookshelves that lined half the wall.
"No, you are free to read anything you'd like. I try to keep a pretty broad selection, but some of my regulars request particular genres they favour so you might find more of some than others," Buck said.
"You do requests?"
"Well, not for specific books," Buck shrugged. "But I like to read a wide variety anyway and my regular customers do pretty much help keep me open. It's all second hand. I don't get anything new and sometimes customers donate things as well."
The man smiled and mercy, he had a gorgeous smile. "Well, if this coffee is half as good as it smells, I might just have to become a regular myself, the free library is a great incentive too."
"If it's not how you like it, let me know and I'm happy to remake it. Got to keep my regulars happy," Buck said.
The man laughed and it was every bit as lovely as his smile, deep and rich. "Thank you, Buck? No offence but you don't really look like a Buck."
"Buck is just a nickname. My name is Evan Buckley, but I worked SAR in Aspen for a year and there were two other Evan's in my crew, so I started going by Buck and it stuck," Buck explained.
"Evan. I'm Tommy. Tommy Kinard."
Buck normally corrected people who weren't Daniel or Maddie - or his parents on the rare occasions they remembered their children existed - but something about this man, Tommy, saying his name… he liked it.
"Nice to meet you, Tommy," he said. "Let me know if you need anything else."
*** *** ***
Tommy resisted the urge to return to the coffee shop the next day. He wasn't working and driving forty minutes for coffee was ridiculous. But if he left for work a little early on the following day, well that wasn't unreasonable. He was disappointed to see that Evan wasn't the one behind the counter, but a young woman with skin that was weirdly pale for anyone living in LA and a little lesbian flag badge beside the name tag that read 'Lisa'.
"Hi, what can I get you?" Lisa asked, polite, but lacking the sunny smile he'd received from Evan a couple of days before. Honestly, he kinda respected that. Who wanted to have to be that cheerful this early in the morning?
"Large Americano," he requested. "And do you have any banana oat muffins? Someone recommended them to me the other day."
"We should do, in about five minutes if you don't mind waiting? Can I get a name for the order?"
"Tommy. And sure, I can wait," he agreed, because he didn't need to be at work for another forty-five minutes anyway - he'd been hoping to spend a few of those admiring the pretty barista from the other day - but the cobbler had been fantastic, even if he could never allow himself to eat it regularly without regretting all his life choices, and he wanted to try something else. Plus at least a muffin was sort of an acceptable breakfast food.
He paid for both, then grabbed his coffee when it appeared at the end of the counter, nodding towards the tables. "Okay if you call me when the muffins are out?"
"I'll bring it over," Lisa said.
Tommy pulled his phone out as he waited. He wasn't a big social media guy, but he was on a few groups, mostly on cars, but he'd just bought a new house in need of a lot of work and he wanted to do as much as he could himself, so he'd joined a bunch of groups on home renovations.
"Hi again, Tommy," Evan greeted, setting a plate in front of him with a muffin. "Lisa said you wanted to try one of the banana oat?"
"Well, cobbler for breakfast isn't really a health-conscious choice," Tommy said. "Not sure muffins are, but I was promised they were delicious."
"I'm not sure I technically said that, but they are actually, in my opinion, delicious," Evan joked. "I have to get back too it, but if you decide to come back again and you want to feel like you're being a bit healthier you should ask about the vegan options."
Tommy knew he pulled a face, but Evan just laughed as he walked away.
On the way out, Lisa stopped him and handed him a brown paper bag and a smirk. "Boss said this was on the house. Raspberry Vanilla Cupcake. Vegan."
Tommy chuckled. "Thanks."
He kept it until later in his shift before breaking into it and damn, he was sold. If he hadn't been told it was vegan he'd never have guessed. A snarky little note inside the bag listed the calories, fat, sugar and carb content compared to a 'regular' cupcake and a phone number.
He quickly added it to his contacts and sent a message.
Evan - 3
Tommy – 0
*** *** ***
Buck grinned down at his phone as the message came through and saved the number to his contacts, hoping he'd have some excuse to use it again. Or could make one up.
"What's got that look on your face?" Danny asked.
"That's his I met someone look," Maddie said. "Evan has a crush."
"I do not have a crush," Buck complained. "I have an… appreciation of an individual, that could turn out to be the love of my life."
His siblings laughed at him. "So, what's their name? How did you meet? Are you going to ask them out?" Maddie asked.
"Do you want to let him answer one question before you ask three more?" Danny snarked.
"Rude!" Maddie protested but laughed. "Sorry. You were saying, Evan?"
"I wasn't actually, but since I know I won't get any peace…"
"You got that right," Danny muttered.
"His name is Tommy. He came into the coffee shop. And I haven't… I'm not sure. He's a customer, you know. I… think he could be receptive, but I don't want to make him uncomfortable," Buck said.
"How did he get your number?" Maddie asked.
Buck explained the conversation that morning and the note he'd added to the bag.
"Damn kid, you've got game," Danny said. "Also, he is 100% interested."
"Agreed. He could have ignored the number. Or just tossed the cupcake and never even seen the letter, but he tried it, even though he made a face about it being vegan?" Maddie said. "He's interested."
"He might just have been hungry," Buck said.
"Evan," Maddie sighed. "You're handsome, funny, smart, a business owner. You're a catch."
"A catch with game, seriously little brother, that was inspired," Danny added.
Buck laughed, ducking his head to look at the message again. "Yeah maybe. Do you think I should reply? It doesn't really require it but…"
"No, no, you need to reply," Maddie said. "Okay let me think…"
*** *** ***
Tommy should be ashamed of himself. He'd been texting back and forth with Evan for the last three days every time they had any downtime and he knew he was being ridiculous really, like teenage girl levels of ridiculous, but he'd never had a chance to be this open about a guy before.
There had been a bit of ribbing about 'Tommy's new girl' the first day, which had slightly dampened his good mood, but once Sanchez had clocked that it was a guy he was talking to, and the ribbing had continued unabated he let himself really enjoy it.
Evan was sweet and funny and seemed to have a wide range of interests. They'd found out they both liked some of the same authors, although Evan's knowledge of films was woefully inadequate. They both enjoyed bodybuilding and hiking and discussed a few spots they'd both hiked and wanted to hike.
Tommy was so tempted to ask about maybe taking a hike together, but… it had been a long time since he'd felt so comfortable with someone so quickly and he was a little worried he'd ruin a good thing if Evan was just being friendly.
Just because he had a big ol' crush on Evan, didn't mean the other man was interested in him that way. And he liked Evan. He didn't want to make him uncomfortable.
"Dude, you're pathetic," Collins said. "You've been mooning over your phone for days. Just ask the guy out. You strike out, at least you'll know."
"I hate to agree with Mike, but…" Sarah Parish, one of their medics said.
"You love me," Collins blew her a kiss.
"Like a hole in the head," Parish tossed back with a cheerful grin. "But… seriously Tommy, just shoot your shot. You've been texting like non-stop for days. He is clearly into you. And if he isn't, what's the worst that could happen?"
"Maybe…" Tommy murmured. "I'm going to stop in tomorrow morning after shift, none of you will be joining me!"
"Spoilsport," Sanchez called from the kitchen where he'd been brewing a fresh pot of coffee.
"Like I need you jackals sat wolf whistling or jeering in the peanut gallery," Tommy snarked.
Honestly, he liked his workmates. He wouldn't say they were friends yet, but he could see a time when he'd consider them such. But they were all complete assholes who took pride in trolling each other.
"We'll save the wolf whistling for after your first date," Collins promised with a smirk.
"Remind me not to tell any of you when that is," Tommy said. If there even was one.
*** *** ***
Buck was resolutely not disappointed when Tommy didn't show up in the store for four days after the cupcake.
They'd been texting as often as possible between Buck's odd hours and Tommy's long shifts as a firefighter pilot over at harbour station, which both explained how fit he was and gave Buck totally inappropriate thoughts about him in uniform.
Buck however was eager to see the other man in person again and maybe work up the courage to ask him out.
He was pretty sure that Tommy was interested. You didn't message someone that often if you weren't right? And there were definitely a few comments that could have been considered flirty, if it wasn't just wishful thinking on his part.
Then he looked up while making a cappuccino for one of his other regulars and there was Tommy, looking unreasonably good.
Buck finished serving Greta, before turning what he hoped was a winning smile on the firefighter pilot.
"Hey," he greeted.
"Hi Evan," Tommy said.
Buck did not swoon over the smile that was turned back on him, but it was a near thing. "What can I get you this morning?"
"Large americano and whatever you'd recommend, maybe something a little sweet and savoury? You're three for three so far," Tommy said.
"I have just the thing," Buck said. "Why don't you grab a seat. I'll bring it over."
He ducked into the back quickly, while Tommy went to sit down. "Lisa? Can you take over out front for a bit?" He asked. "I want to take a quick break."
Lisa shrugged. "Sure."
Buck gave her a quick thumbs up and went back out to make Tommy's coffee and made himself one.
"Ooh," Lisa whistled, low when she spotted Tommy. "The hot pilot came back."
"Shut up," Buck said, hoping he wasn't red in the face as he put their coffees and scones on a tray. "Call me if you need."
Lisa waved him off. "I'm pretty sure you'll notice if we're suddenly flooded. Well, if you can look away from…"
"Or drown under the flood, that's fine too," Buck said.
Lisa laughed.
*** *** ***
"I was hoping you wouldn't mind if I joined you? I'm due a break," Buck said.
Tommy beamed. "No, I wouldn't mind. What have we got here?"
"Pistachio scones with lemon glaze," Buck said. "My great grandmother on my dad's side was English. I never met her of course, but she left a recipe book behind for my grandma, who passed it down to my dad. He had it stuck in the back of a cupboard, don't think he even knew it was there. I may have stolen it. He probably hasn't missed it. But some of the recipes are amazing."
"You and your old man don't get along?"
Buck laughed. "You know, we'd have to communicate to not get along. My folks… well it's a long story. We weren't close. My brother and sister are a different story. We're really close. They live in LA. Actually, they're partners in the business. I'd never have been able to start it without their help. Daniel and Maddie aren't just my siblings but my best friends."
"Huh," Tommy said. "EDM. Evan, Daniel, Maddie."
"Yeah," Buck chuckled. "Not very inventive. But it sounds sort of cool, right? Anyway, none of us really talk to our folks. Maddie held out the longest with them, but even she doesn't bother now. She won't ignore them if they call, but she stopped reaching out or expecting anything."
"It's difficult, letting go of your parents, even when you know they aren't great parents," Tommy acknowledged. "It took me a long time to admit that having my parents in my life was doing more harm than good."
Buck lifted his cup and tipped it towards him. "To screwed up relationships with our parents."
Tommy laughed softly but met him in a toast. "But you got a recipe book out of it at least, these look amazing."
"The original recipe called for almonds, but she'd added a lot of notes over the years and one of the suggestions for these were to use pistachios, I've made them both ways and they are both good, but the pistachio gives it more of the sweet and savoury mix," Buck said. "I don't use Jelly, but I can get you some if you want. It masks the flavour of the scone though, because we only have strawberry, raspberry or grape."
"No," Tommy assured, following Buck's lead in cutting his scone in half and just spreading a thin layer of butter over it before taking a bite.
The sweetness barely had time to fully settle on his tastebuds before the earthy taste of the pistachios was cutting it, then the zing of the lemon joined in and Tommy sighed.
"Is something wrong?" Buck asked.
"Not one damn thing. It's amazing. And it's totally unfair, I'm going to have to keep doing an extra hour in the gym every day, so I can keep up with my new addiction to everything you bake," Tommy said.
Buck laughed. "Oh, well you already know I spend a lot of time in the gym as well. I like to think it's worth it."
"It is," Tommy agreed, letting his eyes roam a little more freely than he had so far.
Buck noticed - well, he was supposed to - and his cheeks turned pink. Tommy decided that was a good sign.
"So, I'm going to be really forward," Tommy said. "But honestly my whole crew are basically threatening to come down here and do it for me if I don't, so… would you like to get a drink sometime? Or dinner?"
Buck grinned, head ducking. "You beat me to it."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah," Buck said. "I uh wasn't sure if… I mean I thought you were flirting too but… I didn't wanna, I mean you're a customer and if you weren't interested, I didn't want to scare you away."
"I don't know, you might have to try pretty hard to scare me away," Tommy said.
"Good to know," Buck said, with a delightfully bashful smile.
"I'm off for the next 72. Then I have two 12-hour shifts on Friday and Saturday 8-8," Tommy said. "I know this keeps you pretty busy in the mornings, but would you be free tomorrow night?”
"Tomorrow night works. I tend to work the morning shift because I do most of the baking. Although I have a part timer that comes in weekends and can cover weekdays on occasion. I don't work weekends anymore unless we have someone out or a special event. Once we got a good clientele going, Maddie and Dan insisted I hire on more help, so I didn't burn out," Buck said. "Lisa you've met she's my only other full time staff member, Sadie and Patrick do evenings and weekends. Harry is my baker on weekends. And a couple of college kids who pick up a Saturday or Sunday depending on their course load."
"I don't think I've ever seen anyone but you or Lisa?" Tommy said, trying to remember.
"You usually come in mornings, which is my shift," Buck shrugged.
"Well, I'll have to keep that up then," Tommy said.
Buck grinned. "It'll allow me to keep impressing you."
"I'm plenty impressed already, Evan. But don't let that stop you."
*** *** ***
"Buck, he's been flirting with you for weeks, not sure you need to work that hard to impress him," Maddie said.
Buck pulled his tongue out at his sister because he was an adult. "I just really like him, Maddie. Honestly, I haven't hit it off with anyone like this since, maybe ever. Abby was probably the closest and that was… different."
Abby had been his first attempt at a real relationship and in hindsight, she didn't want a boyfriend, she wanted a distraction.
He'd gone on a few dates since and only Ali had lasted past one date. But she'd been unhappy with his unavailability as the coffee shop had only been open a few months then and he'd been working all the hours, trying to make sure it was a success.
"You're smitten," Maddie teased.
"I'm not going to deny it," Buck said. "Now are you going to help me pick out a damn shirt or just mock me?"
Maddie grinned. "I can do both. Go for the black one with the pin stripe. And the grey jeans. Those look like they are painted on."
"They feel like it too," Buck grumbled, even as he reached for them. They did make his ass look amazing.
"So where are you going?" Maddie asked as he ducked into the bathroom to change, the door open enough that they could still talk.
"I don't know, he said he'd pick me up at 8 and to dress casually, but not too casually," Buck said.
"Ooh can I stay and spy?" Maddie asked.
"Absolutely not!" Buck told her. "I'm nervous enough without your whole 'big sister' bit."
"You spoil all my fun," Maddie complained.
"If it's at my expense, yes," Buck agreed. "I love you, but I'd like to make it at least past my front door before facing total humiliation."
Maddie laughed. "Fine. But if he makes it past a third date, Dan and I will expect introductions."
"If we make it past a third date, I'm going to suggest changing our identities and moving to Alaska and pretending I have no siblings."
*** *** ***
Tommy wasn't nervous as he approached the address Buck had given him a couple of blocks over from the cafe and by extension, harbour station.
He was pretty sure he'd worked out all the nervousness with the three hours he'd spent in his garage that afternoon, it was amazing what a couple of hours pounding a heavy bag could do. He wished he had the room for a full set up - and a regular sparring partner - but the car lift was more practical than a ring he'd never be able to use. The punching bag gave him a way to both work out and de-stress and with the treadmill, although he preferred to run outside it wasn't always practical, and his weights it was a pretty respectable set up, if he did say so himself.
He wondered if he could show it off to Buck. The other man did say he enjoyed working out and it was clearly to Tommy that all those muscles were not just a vanity project. There was a difference in being fit and being gym fit. Evan was clearly fit. He'd enjoy watching Buck work up a sweat.
The building he pulled up outside was four stories and looked well maintained despite being one of the older buildings on the block. Buck had said he was on the third floor and while there was a lift, Tommy opted to take the stairs and kill a few more minutes - he wasn't ridiculously early, but it was not quite quarter to eight yet and he didn't want to interrupt if Buck was busy or still getting ready.
He probably needn't have worried as Buck's door was open before he'd finished knocking, the other man had to have been standing right behind it and that caused what felt like a whole kaleidoscope of butterflies in his stomach. Buck had been so eager for his arrival that he'd literally been waiting by the door.
"Hi," Buck greeted, a little shyly.
"Hi Evan," Tommy greeted in return, certain he sounded suddenly more breathless than the ease pace of his walk up the stairs could account for, holding out the bunch of flowers he'd picked up on a whim on his way over.
"Oh, they're beautiful," Buck beamed. "Hold on, let me just stick these in some water and we can go. I don't suppose you're going to tell me where we are going yet?"
"It's really bothering you isn't it," Tommy teased as he followed Evan into his apartment. "This place is nice."
"Yeah. It's not bad. I looked at a whole bunch of places when I was looking to move, I'd been staying with Maddie while the cafe got on its feet to save money. I was seeing this girl at the time who liked this big loft in one of those newer builds downtown and the kitchen was pretty tempting but otherwise it felt kinda… impersonal. Like even with my stuff in it, it would still be too empty," Buck said.
"This place is pretty homey," Tommy agreed.
"Mostly that's Maddie's doing. She turned up a week after I moved in with a bunch of blankets, throw pillows, candles… She said it was a home, not a show house and it should look like it," Buck said. "But before settling in LA, I always travelled pretty light, so I just wasn't used to having stuff. I've gotten better. The curtains were all me."
"Well… they're nice curtains," Tommy said. "Although, that doesn't look like a traditional vase…"
Buck ducked his head and blushed a little, as he carefully arranged the flowers in the jug he'd pulled from the cupboard. "Well, I've never needed one before. No one ever got me flowers."
"Well, I guess I'll have to keep that in mind," Tommy said. "All good to go?"
Buck fussed with the flowers a little more, ducking his head to smell them again before nodding. "All good."
*** *** ***
The little Italian restaurant Tommy had brought him too was fantastic. All dark woods, red and white linens on the tables and they'd been greeted like old friends by an American-Italian man, who exchanged rapid fire Italian with Tommy on the way to their table.
"My grandmother was from Tuscany, not far from Pisa. She taught me to speak the language when I was younger. I don't get to practise much, but Tony forgives how rusty I am," Tommy said as they were left with menus, water and breadsticks.
"If that's rusty, I don't think you should practise anymore. If you get any sexier, I might have to swoon like one of those women in old movies," Buck said.
Tommy laughed. “Ti prendo se cadi.”
"What did you just say?" Buck asked.
"Wouldn't you like to know," Tommy teased.
"Oh, such romance," the host - Tony - said, with a beaming grin as he approached the table. "What young Thomas here said, is that he would catch you if you fell."
"Tony!" Tommy glared at the other man. "You'll ruin all my mystery."
"It's no mystery that you are a hopeless romantic, Tommy Kinard. This man, when my daughter got married, he flew her and her husband to their honeymoon, so they could save money to spend on the trip itself," Tony told Buck.
"I should have gone to olive garden," Tommy grumbled.
Tony slapped his shoulder. "Blaspheme!"
Buck laughed. "Don't worry Tommy, I like hopeless romantics."
Tommy pulled a face that was not unlike a pout, but it curved into a helpless grin when Buck reached across and took his hand. "I'm kind of a hopeless romantic myself."
"Well, that's good to know," he said. "Do you mind if I order for both of us? Any allergies? Or absolute hates?"
Buck shook his head because he didn't mind. " I’m allergic to naproxen, but no food allergies. And no absolute hates except anchovies. Those are the devils work."
Tommy snorted. "I don't think I'd go that far, but I'm not a fan either."
Buck listened as Tommy slipped back into his apparently rusty Italian to order their food and decided that he was absolutely going to have to kiss him about it when they weren't separated by a table and being looked at like a pair of particularly cute puppies by a middle-aged Italian man.
"So do I get to know what you ordered?" He asked once Tony had left them to it.
"Panzanella to start, which is a sort of bread salad. Bistecca alla fiorentina, which is a florentine steak for the main course and if we feel like dessert, I thought we could split some Torta Pistocchi. I asked him to hold some for us, but if we're too full he won't mind," Tommy explained.
"Bread salad?" Buck wasn't sure how he felt about bread salad. He'd avoided bread in restaurants since he'd once nearly choked to death on a first date. Which in hindsight, should have been a clue for how that whole thing would work out.
"I know, it sounds strange but trust me, it's good, no anchovies in sight," Tommy joked.
"Yeah, I just… almost choked to death on bread once on a first date and that's not an experience I'd like to repeat," Buck admitted.
"Well, the good news is, I'm a first responder," Tommy said. "But I can ask Tony to change it if…"
"No, I trust you. But I've already got one trache scar, so if you have to do it again, do you think you could line them up…"
Tommy laughed and turned his hand over to tangle their fingers together, since Buck's hand still rested on his own. "I told you, Evan. I'll catch you if you fall...” then smirked. “That includes falling over from choking on bread."
*** *** ***
Tommy was on cloud nine as they eventually left the restaurant hours later. He couldn't remember the last time he'd gone out for a meal with someone - or any other date - where they'd basically closed the place down. Tony allowing them to loiter well past the point of politeness as other guests departed and then sending them off with a box filled with pastries.
Buck had immediately claimed them. "I'm a baker, Tommy, I'm always on the lookout for new ideas for the cafe," but had agreed they could possibly share them over breakfast, if Tommy came by early enough the following morning.
It could have been an opening for Tommy to try and invite himself to stay over, but he didn't and Buck didn't suggest it. Tommy told himself he'd have been strong enough to say no if Buck had, because he wanted this to be more than just a quick fling and jumping into bed together on the first date was not how that happened.
Still, he insisted on walking Buck all the way back to his door and he wasn't disappointed at all when the other man drew him close and caught his lips in a spine-tingling kiss.
Tommy couldn't help the moan that stuttered past his lips as his hands gripped Buck's shoulders.
"I can't wait to see what sounds you make when it's more than just a kiss," Buck said, as he released Tommy from the kiss.
"You are going to be hell on my intentions," Tommy said.
"I hope so," Buck teased, pressing another softer kiss to his lips. "You're going to be hell on mine. You have no idea how much I want to invite you in."
"You have no idea how much I want to say yes. But also… I really like you, Evan. I don't want you to think I'm only interested in sex. Or some short term fling," Tommy said.
Buck smiled. "Okay, that's… not any less hell on my intentions."
Tommy laughed.
"Go on, get out of here before I forget to be a gentleman," Buck nudged him back, but swayed in easily when Tommy leaned forward for another quick kiss.
"I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Bright and early," Buck agreed. "I took the morning off, Harry said he could cover. So I don't need to be at the café until after lunch. Maybe after breakfast, if you don't have plans, we could do something else?"
"Well, I was going to do some laundry, but I suppose I don't need clean underwear that badly," Tommy teased.
"Going commando is sexy," Buck teased.
Tommy reluctantly pulled completely away from Buck, forcing himself to release the other man.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said. "Good night, Evan. Sweet dreams."
Buck smiled. "Oh, I think they will be."
*** *** ***
Buck woke early even though he’d set his alarm later than normal. His body clock was just so use to getting up early, that he rarely managed to sleep past six even on days he didn’t work.
Since he was awake anyway, he showered and then decided he’d use the time to experiment a little in the kitchen. He did all his experimenting at home, not wanting to risk something for the shop that wasn’t good enough.
Since he had the Italian pastries for breakfast, he decided to stick with that cultural theme and ten minutes later, he was beating together sugar and butter an array of ingredients laid out in front of him, with one of his many notebooks open beside him, with a recipe he’d been toying with the idea off for a while.
It was just after six-thirty, as he was pushing the tray of neatly sliced biscotti – that did smell really good, if he said so himself - into the oven when the knock at his door came.
“Hey,” he greeted, smiling happily, at Tommy. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” Tommy smiled back at him, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek as he crossed the threshold. “Something smells good.”
“Double Chocolate Biscotti with Cherries,” Buck said, leading Tommy into the kitchen. “They should be ready before you leave. You can be my guinea pig.”
“So much more time in the gym,” Tommy said, shaking his head.
Buck laughed. “I’m sure we can find other ways to work off some of those extra calories.”
“We’d have to never leave the bedroom,” Tommy said.
Buck looked thoughtful. “It’s a sacrifice I’d be willing to make...”
Tommy shook his head, pushing him up against his own kitchen counter and kissed him, tongue sweeping into Buck’s mouth, moaning softly. “You taste like chocolate,” he murmured, still so close Buck could feel his lips moving against his cheek.
“Hmm,” Buck agreed, pulling Tommy back into another kiss, taking control this time, delving into Tommy’s mouth with his tongue, learning the shape of it, the minty taste he assumed was his toothpaste.
“Evan,” Tommy gasped softly, pushing away from the counter.
“Yeah,” Buck mumbled. “Yeah ok. Coffee should be ready. Let me get the pastries and I need to check the biscotti.”
He busied himself quickly, so he didn’t do something like push Tommy back up against the counter and drop to his knees right there. They’d both agreed they wanted this to be more than sex. More than a fling. But god, Tommy was gorgeous, and Buck was only human.
“So, what were you thinking about for after breakfast?” Tommy asked, sliding into a seat at the counter as Buck worked.
“I really hadn’t planned anything. I need to be at the café for one. Maybe we could take a hike?” Buck suggested. “I’ve been meaning to check out the ones up at Will Rogers State Park. Inspiration Loop is only supposed to take about an hour.”
“It’s a nice easy hike,” Tommy said. “I’ve not been in a while though.”
“My sister refuses to go on hikes, until I’ve checked them out first. She’s... not an outdoorsy person at all,” Buck said. “Danny and I always check anything like that out before we drag her with us because if it’s more than mildly strenuous, she’ll make us give her a piggyback.”
“Why bother dragging her with you, if she hates it?”
“Danny and I both love it. So, she sucks it up so we can spend time together away from our various jobs and stuff. We have to put up with going to get pedicures and the ballet in return,” Buck told him. “The ballet I can live with, the pedicures are a step too far. Last time, she talked me into getting coloured nail polish. I might be queer, but my toenails are purple, Tommy. That is not okay!”
Tommy laughed and looked down at Buck’s feet, which were mercifully covered by socks.
“No,” Buck said firmly.
“I’ll see them eventually,” Tommy countered. “Socks in bed is not sexy, Evan.”
Buck groaned. “Okay, well, we’ve just established we’re not having sex until my toenails have been returned to their natural colour.”
Tommy smirked. “Whatever you say.”
*** *** ***
Tommy sat watching Buck at the counter, serving a young couple with a toddler and making facing at the giggling little girl, even as he made her parents coffee.
After their hike - which was really more of a slow walk, as they talked and teased each other - they stopped back at Evan's to wash up. Tommy was glad of his habit of always having a go bag in his car, never knowing when he'd end up needing it. Then he followed the other man to work, because he just didn't want the day to end.
He knew what he should do was go home, do some laundry, mow his lawn, do grown up things, instead of sitting around watching Buck work, like some moonstruck teenager.
"Kinard!"
Tommy turned at the sound of his name, surprised to see Sal Deluca walking towards him. They'd talked only a few times since Bobby had transferred him out of the 118. Sal too furious to hear that he'd been wrong and Tommy too relieved not to have to see the disgust on Sal's face when he found out Tommy was gay, to reach out.
"Sal, hey," Tommy said, standing up when Sal reached out a hand to shake, before pulling him into a hug that shocked Tommy so much he took a minute to respond.
"It's been a minute, man. How you doing?" Sal asked.
"Yeah, good. You?" He asked. He could see Buck watching them curiously and tried to push down the worry about what would happen if Buck came over.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm good," Sal said. "Uh I've actually been meaning to call you."
"I get it, busy life," Tommy said.
"Yeah," Sal said. "Hey are you hanging around a bit? Can I sit with you?"
Tommy wanted to say no, he was about to leave, but he had a full cup of coffee in front of him and it would be painfully obvious it was a brush off.
"Sure, I'm not in any rush," Tommy said instead.
"You all good here?" Sal waved at the table.
"All good. Thanks," Tommy said.
As Sal headed to the counter, he saw Buck look over at him again, the question evident in his eyes. Tommy shook his head carefully, ignoring the disappointment in Buck's face as he nodded subtly.
Fuck. Why couldn't Tommy just... he'd been so proud of finally opening himself up. It had taken a lot of fucking work. And a not inconsiderable amount of therapy. But the moment he was faced with his past, he just... tucked tail.
"You must be a regular huh? The guy gave me a free muffin. Said any friend of Tommy's was a friend of his," Sal said, as he slid into the seat across from Tommy.
"Yeah, I'm working out of Harbour now. This is the best coffee shop in the area," Tommy said.
"You got a place at Harbour? Man, that's fantastic!" Sal said, smiling genuinely.
"Yeah, Captain Nash put in the word for me," Tommy said.
Sal's face did something... complicated for a minute, before settling into a sort of wry smile.
"You were right. About him bein' right," he said. "I was outta line."
"It was a difficult time. The revolving door of Captains was... stressful," Tommy said diplomatically.
"Sure as fuck was," Sal agreed. "Doesn't mean I wasn't being a dick. Not just to Nash either. I was a dick to you."
"What else was new," Tommy tried for joking.
Sal snorted. "Yeah. Look I'm no one's poster boy for... any sort of emotional shit. But I'm sorry. I really am, Tommy. You were my friend and I... you deserved better from me. About a lotta stuff."
Tommy felt his throat tighten. He'd never expected to hear Sal apologise for anything. Sal just wasn't the sort. He took a few too many of Gerard's worst habits to heart over the years.
"I appreciate that," Tommy said finally.
"It's the least I owe you, man," Sal said. "And look I... I'm sorry I was never a safe space for you."
Tommy knew he must have looked like a deer in headlights. "Wha... what?"
"Come on, man. You were my best friend. You think I didn't know?" Sal asked. "Every woman I was saw you with, you couldn't have looked less fucking interested if you tried. Even when you proposed to that red head, you looked fucking sick about it.”
"I..." Tommy was frozen.
"Hey, I don't care. I mean, I care that I let myself follow along with Gerard's particular brand of asshole behaviour. But not that you're..." Sal hesitated, looking at Tommy like he wasn't sure if it was ok to say it.
Tommy felt sick, as he twisted trembling hands together. "Gay. I'm gay."
Sal actually smiled, reaching out and slapping his arm. "I'm proud of you, brother."
"Really?" Tommy asked.
Sal's smile dimmed. "I guess I deserve that. But yes, for what it's worth, I'm really fucking proud of you."
Tommy blinked away tears, as he reached for his coffee, hands still shaking slightly. "Thank you."
He couldn't say how much that meant. Sal had been his best friend. Even when they hadn't always been very good for each other. Tommy trying to hide who he was. Sal trying to live up to Gerard's mantle. But maybe they'd both grown.
"Hey, there is someone I'd like you to meet," Tommy said, waving Buck over.
*** *** ***
Buck approached the table cautiously, when Tommy waved him over.
He had seen how freaked out Tommy was over the man's appearance. Quashed down his disappointment when Tommy had subtly indicated that he should stay away. Watched as Tommy's face worked through a dozen different emotions and had to force himself to stay behind the counter, cleaning the same spot for three solid minutes.
"Anything I can get you guys?" He asked.
"No. I just wanted to make introductions," Tommy said, smiling reassuringly. "Sal Deluca, this is Evan Buckley, my boyfriend. Evan, Sal is an old friend of mine from before I moved to Harbour."
Buck reached out a hand gamely to shake Sal's hand, if Tommy was willing to introduce him as his boyfriend - he felt a little giddy with that, even though they'd only been on two dates - obviously everything was okay.
"Hey, call me Buck. It's nice to meet you."
"Sal," the man shook his hand. "How'd you manage to tie this one down then, eh?"
“Eat that muffin and you’ll find the answer,” Tommy said, slipping an arm around Buck’s waist. “He reeled me in with baked goods.”
“I didn’t actually bake that muffin, Harry did.” Buck laughed. “Someone kept me away from work this morning.”
“Oh really....” Sal smirked at Tommy. “You sly dog.”
“We had breakfast. Got pastries last night from Tony,” Tommy said. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”
Buck laughed, before the tinkling bell over the door turned his attention back to work. “I better get back to it,” he said, kissing Tommy on the cheek. “Hang around and I’ll bring you some of the double chocolate and cherry biscotti. I brought some in with me.”
Tommy smiled and nodded as he let Buck go, the two men sitting down again as Buck slipped behind the counter. “Hey sorry for the delay, what can I get you?” Buck asked the middle-aged woman who’d come in.
*** *** ***
“He’s a looker,” Sal said, as he and Tommy sat back down.
“Yeah. I’m definitely punching above my weight,” Tommy said.
“You’re not awful looking,” Sal said. “If you’re into that whole chiselled jaw, movie star good looks thing.”
“I... think that was a compliment?” Tommy laughed.
“Your boy is definitely prettier though,” Sal said.
“Don’t make me put you down like a dog, Salvatore,” Tommy teased. It was nice, to be teasing him again. Nice that he could joke with Sal about his... boyfriend - he really should make sure Buck was ok with that and not just going along with it to save Tommy the embarrassment, it had just felt natural, even if they had only been on two dates – and that he didn’t have to panic about it.
Sal laughed. “Naw. If I were gonna turn, I’d have to find a nice Italian boy. My Nonna would be fine about me bringing home a guy, but a non-Italian boy? I’d be in trouble. She might make an exception for you, she said you had nice manners.”
“Next to you, a pig has nice manners,” Tommy said.
“I got nice manners in front of my Nonna. She’d come after me with a rolling pin if I didn’t,” Sal said.
“Might knock some sense into you,” Tommy smirked.
“Oh, you’re those sorts of friends,” Buck said approaching with a plate in hand. “Don’t make me put you down like a dog either though, Salvatore. I don’t share.”
Tommy laughed as Sal spluttered.
“Also, fair warning, Maddie just texted she’s on her way down her to ‘get all the gossip’ on our date, so I won’t be offended if you want to run,” Buck said as he set the plate down, four biscotti sat neatly.
“I’ll risk it, unless you want me to duck out?” Tommy said. “I want to see what this gossip is too.”
“Same,” Sal said. “Mostly I want to see Tommy here squirm.”
“I don’t squirm,” Tommy said.
“I’m going to prove that wrong one of these days,” Buck said, a little smirk that made Tommy wish they weren’t in public. “And no, you don’t have to duck out. Just remember I warned you. Let me know what you think of the biscotti Sal.”
“They’re amazing,” Tommy said.
“You are bias,” Buck laughed. “Call me if you need anything else.”
“Look at you getting all starry-eyed,” Sal said.
Tommy shrugged. “I can’t even deny it.” He was smitten and he wasn’t even embarrassed about it. He’d never allowed himself to be so open, the few men he’d dated – which was probably too generous a term, but it would do for lack of a better one – before, the relationships were always hidden in shadows. Terrified someone would find out.
“It’s kinda nice to see it,” Sal said.
“I’m going to think your getting soft,” Tommy told him.
Sal shrugged. “Gina left me. Said she was fed up living with someone who was always so angry.”
“Fuck, Sal. I’m sorry,” Tommy said, regretting his teasing.
“Honestly, she wasn’t wrong. Made me take a long hard look at myself,” Sal said. “I’m ok. We’re ok. Friends, ya know. For Gia.”
“Still, I’m sorry,” Tommy said genuinely.
“Thanks, man,” Sal said.
“How is Gia?” Tommy asked. “I can’t believe I didn’t ask.”
“She’s amazing,” Sal beamed, pulling out his phone. “She just turned five you know. We had a party with the family.”
“Christ, really? Wasn’t she just born like a week ago?” he asked, as Sal dropped his phone on the table between them, with a picture of a grinning little girl with a party hat on her head and a butterfly painted on her cheek. “She’s got her mom’s looks, I see. Just as well. Wouldn’t want your ugly mug.”
Sal laughed. “Ain’t that the truth.”
Tommy scrolled through the images, seeing the little girl he hadn’t seen in over a year, since Sal had been booted from the 118. “I can’t believe how much she’s grown.”
“We’ll have to meet up when I’ve got her,” Sal said. “She’d love to see Uncle Tommy again.”
“I’d love to see her too,” Tommy said. “Even if it does mean putting up with you again.”
*** *** ***
Buck was making Maddie’s drink, watching Tommy and Sal, the mood between them dipping for a few minutes before they were laughing again, Sal showing Tommy something on his phone.
The bell above the door tinkled and he turned towards it, unsurprised to see his sister, but slightly surprised to see she wasn’t alone. With a sigh, he grabbed another cup.
“You didn’t tell me you were both coming,” he said accusingly. He was 100% positive they hadn’t both been coming, until he’d admitted that Tommy was there.
Maddie shrugged. “Oops?”
Buck shook his head. “Don’t be... yourselves.”
“I’m a delight,” Maddie said. “Dan, are you a delight?”
“Delightful,” Daniel agreed.
“I hate you both,” Buck complained.
“We love you too,” Daniel said, looking around without any attempt to be subtle. “So, which one is he?”
Buck considered claiming he’d done a runner. But knowing his siblings, they’d go around and ask every man there if they were dating their brother. There were only a handful of customers in at this time of day, the lunch rush dying off not long after Buck had come in and too early for the afterwork rush. It was why he was on his own. Letting Lisa leave a little early and Sadie wasn’t due in for another twenty minutes or so, but he didn’t actually want to have to explain to any of them that his siblings should really be in white padded cells.
“He’s having coffee with an old friend, please behave,” Buck begged, even as he nodded to the two men.
“Oh, he’s hot,” Maddie said. “So’s his friend.”
“Which one is Tommy?” Daniel asked.
“The one with the cleft and the jaw that looks like it could cut glass,” Maddie said. “He was very excited by the cleft.”
Buck couldn’t even deny that. “He’s hot like fire,” he said, sliding two coffees across to his siblings. “I tried that chocolate and cherry biscotti recipe this morning. I brought some in. Want to be one of my guinea pigs?”
“Ooh, yes,” Maddie agreed quickly.
Daniel nodded. “Sure. I’m game.”
Buck ducked into the back to grab the container, just bringing it with him. He’d brought them for his staff, who were always one of his first ports of call to test out new things, along with Maddie and Daniel. Maddie had a desperately sweet tooth like himself. Daniel preferred more savoury things as a rule, but he’d always give an honest opinion, no matter what Buck gave him.
“I’ll introduce you to Tommy,” he said, knowing he wasn’t going to get out of it. “Once Sadie gets in. Until then can you try and pretend you are normal customers and not stare at my... at Tommy like escaped mental patients.”
“No promises,” Daniel said, taking the container. “But we’ll be real friendly escaped mental patients.”
*** *** ***
Tommy saw the two people he recognised from the pictures in Buck’s apartment, but as they went and sat on a sofa on the other side of the café, he kept his attention focused on Sal.
It was genuinely good catching up with him, most of the conversation remaining light after the revelations about Gina. He could see how much Sal had changed though. Mellowed. He still had that bitingly sharp sense of humour, but it wasn’t cruel anymore. It didn’t feel like he might go for the jugular at any moment.
Even after Gerard was gone and they’d all gotten a little lighter, Sal was still... a simmering pot ready to blow. But now, it was like yeah, he was still Sal, but he was a softer, happier version of himself.
Tommy wondered if maybe they’d both needed to escape the 118 to really change. To really let go of the barriers they’d put up, to survive Gerard.
“Those are Evan’s brother and sister,” Tommy eventually nodded to the pair.
“Damn, that whole family are supermodels,” Sal said, whistling lowly.
“I know, right?” Tommy laughed softly.
“Makes me actually wish I could stick around to see you squirm, Kinard,” Sal said. “But I do actually have a life.”
“Liar,” Tommy said.
Sal flipped him off. “I’ll text you, yeah?”
“Not if I text you first,” Tommy told him. “Give Gia a bit hug from me.”
“You got it,” Sal said.
He swung past the counter on his way to the door and whatever he said, made Buck laugh, throwing his head back. Tommy gave Buck a questioning look, as soon as Sal was out the door, but he just shook his head, mouthing ‘I’ll tell you later.’
Tommy shrugged, grabbing his phone when he felt it vibrate in his pocket.
Sal: He’s a keeper man, don’t fuck it up (also, got you first.)
Tommy shook his head, before sending an eyeroll emoji.
He looked up to see a young woman, with a name tag already pinned to her sweater and knew it was one of Buck’s employees, even before the other man greeted her with a grin, as she rounded the counter.
A few minutes later, Buck was headed over to his table and he guessed it was time to face the music.
“Last chance to run,” Buck warned him. “I won’t think less of you. I might join you actually.”
“And leave Sadie alone with the evening rush?” Tommy raised an eyebrow. He already knew Buck well enough to know that was not going to happen.
“Ugh. Fine. But you can still run,” he said.
“Gonna meet them sooner or later,” Tommy said. “I kind of plan on sticking around.”
Buck grinned and reached out a hand for Tommy to grab as he stood up. “Well, okay then.”
Tommy gamely followed Buck across to the couches where Maddie and Daniel looked ready to pounce.
“You know that idea you mentioned about moving to Alaska...” he said as the approached the pair, who both burst into peals of laughter.
“I don’t know why he said that. Buck would hate Alaska,” Maddie said. “He can’t stand the cold.”
“Unfortunately true,” Buck said. “Maddie, Daniel, this is Tommy. Tommy, these are my siblings. I’m sure I’m adopted.”
“You only wish you weren’t related to our parents,” Daniel said dryly. “It’s great to meet you, Tommy. Buck hasn’t told us anything about you, so we’re going to have to grill you ourselves.”
“Still sure you wanna stick around?” Buck murmured as they sat down opposite his siblings.
Tommy wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “I’m sure. And if we decide against it, I hear Mexico is warm.”