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They’ve been looking at houses around the area for the last five hours and Tommy’s pretty sure he’s going to explode if he has to look at one more place that “doesn’t meet all of your requirements, but is within your price range,” according to their agent.
Evan had assured him that he was very specific when he picked out their realtor. Even though Tommy had said they could do this without one, Evan had insisted. And Tommy could never say no to him.
So here they were, having just finished with house number twenty-two — nope, sorry, number twenty-three and Tommy wanted to scream or run or rip his hair out. He knows that he can’t slap the shit out of Lionel, but, god, does he want to so bad.
Whenever Tommy’d point out one of the nicer homes that did include their must-haves, Lionel would stick his nose up, make a noise in his throat, and say something along the lines of “well you’re too poor for that” and move them along to the next broken-down, piece of shit he had managed to dig up.
“Why don’t we call it a day, huh?” Lionel says to Evan. “Doesn’t look like your, uh, partner, is doing too well there.” Evan turns around to look at him and it takes everything in Tommy not to tackle Lionel to the ground.
“Yeah, good idea.” Evan waves bye for the both of them and then they’re in his truck, away from prying eyes.
Evan places a hand on his arm. “You okay, babe?”
Tommy takes a deep breath in before speaking, not wanting it to come out as a scream. “Honestly? No.”
“What’s wrong?”
He sighs. This wasn’t how their day was supposed to go. They were supposed to be looking for a spacious three bedroom, two and half bath, with a large backyard and two car garage; something with room to grow into. They were supposed to be having a great time. Getting ready for their long future together was supposed to be fun. And he was decidedly not having fun.
“It’s just…” he falters. What was wrong?
Evan hums, seeming to understand everything that Tommy never even said. “Why don’t we head home and stop by that little taco place on the way, hmm? The one with your favorite horchata?”
Tommy's at a loss for words, overwhelmed with how well Evan seems to know and understand him. So, he leans over the center console instead, placing a hand on Evan’s cheek and pulling him in close. The kiss he places against his boyfriend’s lips is slow and sweet and gentle; Tommy wants to stay here forever. Just forget about everything else.
When he pulls back, Evan’s eyes are still closed, lips still pursed. Tommy can’t help but give him several more chaste kisses. He would keep going, but the faint noise of a stomach growling reminds him of what's needed. He moves back and slides the key into the ignition, starting up his truck.
“You know me so well,” he says, mind swimming with bitter and self-resentment. He needs to kick this before he really does ruin their entire day.
“What can I say? I’m well-versed.” Evan plugs his phone into the aux and cues up his current podcast. But Tommy doesn’t really want to listen to people drone on about information he has no need for. Unless it's Evan, of course.
“Can I put something on?” Evan’s face isn’t exactly shocked per se, but it’s very close. His eyes are wide and his mouth is slightly agape. He blinks a couple of times before speaking. “Really?!” Okay, so maybe shocked was the right word for it. “You never want to put anything on.”
“Let’s just say I’m in need of a real pick-me-up.” Evan gives him a enthusiastic nod and removes his phone from the cable. Tommy gives his own phone a moment to connect to the bluetooth, taking the opportunity to pull up the playlist he doesn’t let anyone else know he listens to.
When his phone is finally connected, he hits shuffle, locks his phone, and lets the music take him away. He doesn’t look over at Evan, fearing what he might say in response. Instead he puts the car in drive and makes his way towards the main road.
The familiar strum of guitars, beat of drums, and southern twangs fill the truck as they merge onto the highway.
“So,” Evan starts, “county music, huh? Not sure I ever would’ve pegged you as that kinda guy.” It isn't filled with any mirth, simply an observation.
“I’m full of surprises.” He throws a quick wink Evan’s way, doing his best to not take his eyes off the road.
Once they’ve finally merged and are about halfway to the taco stand, a familiar tune starts. One that he knows very well.
Girl, I know I don’t know you
But your pretty little eyes so blue
Are pullin’ me in
Evan takes it upon himself to roll the windows down. Honestly, Tommy’s not sure why he didn’t think of it himself. It’s a cool 74-degree day, and the sun it just starting to set, so the breeze is the right side of cool.
“I like this one. Who’s it by?” He yells over the wind whipping through the cab.
“Luke Bryan.” Tommy yells back. For the first time all day he feels light and stress-free; like this is what they were supposed to be doing the whole time. No Lionel, no houses. Just each other, alone, and away from…everything.
“Never heard of him.” Evan’s got his hands up in the air, his hips moving in his seat, feet tapping along. He’s slightly off beat, but he’s gorgeous all the same. Completely free without a care in the world; this is Tommy’s favorite way to see him.
If he had known that this was all it took to see Evan like this he would've put on his playlist sooner. Would've shown Evan this side of him earlier. But he's still learning. Learning how to let the walls drop. Learning how to let someone love him for who he really is. Learning how to let Evan see every part of him. It's frightening. But also rewarding. Especially with moments like these.
I’m slowly loosin’ hold
Of everything I’ve got
You’re lookin’ so damn hot
“I’ll teach you.” Tommy murmurs to himself as he watches Evan, knowing that he looks like a complete sap right now. “I’ll teach you!” He says it louder so that Evan hears him this time. Wants him to know that he's willing to let Evan see him for real.
“I’ll hold you to that! Can’t believe you like a whole genre of music and I didn’t even know about it!” He lets out a laugh, continuing to dance to the song. He’s absolutely breathtaking. Tommy's so in love with him.
This is it for him. There will never be anyone else. He swallows that thought and turns back to the road, deciding to dance along too — even if he’s not nearly as good as Evan. He wants this forever. He wants this with Evan forever.
I don’t want this night to end
No, I don’t want this night to end