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The warm June evening wrapped around them like a comforting blanket, the golden glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the backyard. Tommy stood by the grill, a pair of tongs in his hand and a smug grin on his face as he flipped the burgers and checked the skewers.
“You’re awfully confident for someone who claims they don’t grill often,” Buck teased, leaning against the patio table, sipping a cold beer.
Tommy smirked, not looking up from his work. “Confidence, Evan, is half the battle. Besides, I’m trying to make this birthday one to remember.”
Buck shook his head, his grin softening. “It already is.”
The yard was decorated simply but meaningfully—strings of fairy lights crisscrossed above them, glowing faintly as dusk settled in. A homemade banner that read *Happy Birthday, Evan!* hung from the fence, its slightly crooked letters proof of Tommy’s last-minute attempt at arts and crafts.
When the food was ready, they sat together at the picnic table, the sound of crickets filling the air around them. Buck marveled at the spread Tommy had put together: burgers with all the fixings, grilled vegetables, and a small cake waiting on the counter inside.
“You didn’t have to go all out, you know,” Buck said as he reached for another skewer.
“I wanted to,” Tommy replied, his voice quiet but firm. “You do so much for everyone else, Evan. You deserve a day that’s just about you.”
They ate, laughed, and reminisced, the lightness of the evening settling around them like a second skin. When they were done, Tommy disappeared inside for a moment and returned with the cake, its candles flickering against the night sky.
“Make a wish,” Tommy said as he set the cake in front of Buck.
Buck closed his eyes, the warmth of the moment filling him. He didn’t need to think hard—everything he could have wished for was already here. When he blew out the candles, Tommy cheered quietly, clapping his hands before cutting them each a slice.
Later, as they sat on the porch steps, the remnants of their meal forgotten and fireflies dancing in the grass, Buck leaned his head against Tommy’s shoulder.
“This was perfect,” he murmured.
Tommy wrapped an arm around him, pulling him closer. “Happy birthday, Evan.”
Buck tilted his head to look at Tommy, a small, contented smile playing on his lips. “You really went all out, huh?”
Tommy chuckled softly. “Only the best for you.” He paused, his expression turning thoughtful. “I wanted you to feel how much you’re appreciated—not just by me, but by everyone who gets to have you in their life.”
Buck’s smile softened, his fingers brushing over Tommy’s where they rested on his shoulder. “You’re the one who makes me feel like I’m enough, Tommy. Just you.”
Tommy leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Buck’s temple, lingering there for a moment. “Good. Because you are.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the faint hum of cicadas and the occasional flicker of fireflies filling the space between them. The sky above was a tapestry of stars, twinkling faintly as the night deepened.
“You know,” Buck began, his voice low and filled with affection, “this might be my favorite birthday yet.”
Tommy smirked, nudging him playfully. “Just wait until next year. I’ll top it.”
Buck laughed, the sound warm and light. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re stuck with me,” Tommy quipped, squeezing Buck’s hand gently.
Buck glanced up at him, his heart swelling with gratitude. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Buck glanced up at him, his heart swelling with gratitude. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Tommy turned to look at him, his eyes softening, the faintest hint of a smile playing on his lips. He shifted, leaning in slowly, giving Buck plenty of time to close the space between them.
When their lips met, it was unhurried, full of warmth and tenderness. Buck melted into the kiss, his hand instinctively reaching up to cup Tommy’s jaw, feeling the gentle scruff beneath his fingers. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them under the starlit sky.
Tommy pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Buck’s gaze, his forehead resting against Buck’s. “I love you,” he murmured, his voice low but steady, carrying the weight of everything he felt.
Buck’s breath hitched, his chest tightening in the best way possible. “I love you too,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
They stayed like that for a moment, their foreheads touching, the quiet night wrapping around them like a cocoon. Finally, Tommy leaned back, brushing a thumb across Buck’s cheek before settling against him again, their fingers intertwined.
It was a simple moment, but for Buck, it was everything he’d ever wanted—and more.
As the stars twinkled above them, Buck realized that the greatest gifts weren’t wrapped or planned—they were moments like this, shared with the person he loved most.