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It was a late Thursday night, light from the TV screen illuminated Eddie’s living room where some Christmassy Hallmark movie whose name Eddie had long forgotten was playing. It was Buck’s idea after having a rough week at work. While Eddie definitely preferred action movies or even dramas, he was weak when Buck’s wishes were concerned. Seeing Buck’s smile, his eyes brighter than they had been all week, was worth watching a clueless couple discover their feelings with way too many Christmas songs involved.
“Watching these movies makes me realize how much I miss having someone to spend Christmas with. Maybe I should also do one of these grand gestures.” It was Buck who broke their silence. Eddie snorted a laugh and turned to look at Buck.
“Oh, yeah? What would your idea be of a grand gesture? Please don’t say using a billboard. We’ve seen how that can end.”
Buck smirked back at Eddie at the mention of the Billboard Incident.
“Please, I have more class than that Eddie.” Buck crossed his arms and stared off in the distance, thinking.
“I think it would mostly depend on the person I’m wooing. If they like grand public gestures or private ones, I guess. Speaking of, what kind of grand gestures would you like? No, no, wait– let me guess. You like the small, private gestures. Someone making your favorite food for you, or them taking you stargazing. Things like that. Am I right?”
Eddie smiled at Buck’s observation. Of course he was right. Buck knew him better than anyone. Better than he knew himself on some occasions.
“You know you are. It’s just… I don’t need anything big. Just to know they love me is enough for me. I bet you like the grand gestures though.”
“Actually, I have to agree with you. Like you said, just knowing someone loves me and surprises me with those little things is more than enough for me nowadays.”
Eddie’s eyes widened. Turns out he didn’t know Buck as well as he hoped he did. He did his best to hide his surprise but Buck seemed to have caught on anyway.
“What? I like the small gestures, I’ve always liked the small gestures. Like… Like this, watching a movie together I know you don’t even like. That’s a sweet gesture.”
It didn’t escape Eddie’s notice that Buck pointed out a gesture involving Eddie. He hoped this meant something.
Taking a chance Eddie replied, looking Buck in the eyes as he did. “I liked how you took Christopher out to the park the other day, when I was feeling overwhelmed. That meant a lot to me.”
“You know I love spending time with him, and if it eases your burden I’m all for it.”
They returned to watching the movie in silence. After a couple of minutes, of which Eddie was mostly distracted by their previous conversation, he had made a decision. He stood up and rummaged through one of his cabinets. He could feel Buck’s eyes following him across the room as he put the little tea lights on the table in front of the couch and lit them. It gave the room a more romantic atmosphere.
“Eddie. Are you… trying to make more small gestures?”
“I don’t know, is it working?”
Buck smiled at him and moved in closer on the couch. They were side by side now, their legs touching and their ankles intertwined. The movie is nearing the end now. The couple on screen finally realized their feelings for each other and were making heart eyes at each other, the kiss imminent.
Eddie turned his head back to Buck. “I hope I’m not reading this wrong.” He whispered towards the side of Buck’s head. Buck turned his head towards him and smiled gently.
Eddie lifted his hand to Buck’s cheek and slowly closed the distance between them. Their lips met softly. Eddie smiled into the kiss before pulling back and looking into Buck’s eyes.
“You’re worth every gesture Buck, big or small.”