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Tommy grinned happily as he looked at his ring, the ring Evan had chosen for him, the very ring that symbolized their union and the strength of their relationship. When their relationship began, Tommy had no idea what he was getting into; he didn’t think Evan knew either, but what they built, through all of their ups and downs, was unbreakable.
“Hey, Tommy, what do you think about me taking your name when we get married?” Evan asked nonchalant over breakfast one morning, their homemade pastries fresh out of the oven cooling on their plates as he looked at Tommy dreamily.
“You want to take my name? What brought this on, Evan?” Tommy asked, knowing how important the Buckley name was to his fiancé. Hell, it helped to form his nickname, the identity he chose, the one he made his own parents use, the one every member of the 118 used with few exceptions. In fact, Tommy realized that he and Maddie are the only exceptions to this rule.
“Well, I want to take your name because you’re important to me. Your courage when you kissed me that evening, your willingness to take so many second chances on me for us both, your constant love - all of that is what makes you…well you. You were different from every relationship I had before you, and not even our brief break could change how I felt about you and how desperately I needed you. So I want to carry a part of you with me as a reminder that we are one in love for life.” Evan’s rambling was second to none. He looked in Tommy’s eyes with that same wonder and admiration that he always had when he looked his way. Tommy had no idea how he’d won the lottery of love, but he’d grown accustomed to having Evan’s constant affection.
“You’re absolutely sure you want that? I wouldn’t mind taking your name instead, you know…” Tommy rebutted, knowing that he had to be absolutely sure that Evan had thought this through before he accepted Evan’s generous offer.
“You mean you would take my name? Why?” Evan looked at Tommy, puzzled, seemingly unable to figure out anything behind Tommy’s logic.
“Well, my family has never been great to me; hell, I don’t even think you can call us a family. The Kinard name has always been something I was born with, but that’s the only reason I carry it with me,” Tommy said honestly, unable to hold anything back from Evan any longer. It was finally time to tell Evan how life-changing this relationship has been for him.
“Then you came into my life, and with you came the family I’ve always dreamed of having. You and your parents may have a strained relationship, but you’re working on it. They’ve been welcoming to me, and you’ve told me how they’ve been trying to repair things with you. They’re not perfect, but they’re better than my family,” Evan listened intently as Tommy rambled. Tommy could not stop there, it was the most he’d ever talked, but there was so much to say, so much that needed to be said.
“And that’s not all. The 118 has had an enormous impact on both our lives. Howie and Hen have kept me grounded for years. They helped me to change, to become the man that I am today, the man that I finally feel can be loved.” Tommy’s voice started to shake as Evan’s hand quickly grasped Tommy’s, providing the support he needed. “And when I left, you took my place, got to watch that place grow from a place of work into a family. You got to know Hen, Karen, Denny, Mara, Eddie, Christopher, Bobby, Athena, and Howie. Hell, Howie even married your sister. The 118 has become your family, you always liken Bobby to a father figure and put his opinion before your own dad’s. Through you, I’ve gained the family I’ve always wanted, and taking your name would symbolize being welcomed into this family of yours.”
Evan looked at Tommy, eyes both full of emotion and pride.
“You rambled. I can’t believe you outrambled me .” Evan smiled affectionately.
“I got that from being with you, babe.” Tommy’s voice still shook a little, but his tone slowly leveled as Evan’s affection comforted him.
“So I think you have a strong case to become Thomas Buckley, and I feel like my case for becoming Evan Kinard is strong too, but…” Evan’s smile vanished as he went into deep thought for a minute.
“We’re at an impasse in your head, aren’t we…” Tommy observed as he held Evan’s hand. They sat in silence, both men trying to think of a solution until they casually returned one another’s gaze, clear that they both had an idea.
“What if we hyphenated?” They both said at the same time to one another before laughing.
“The Kinard name is important to you, so you should have it.” Tommy acknowledged, lovingly.
“And the Buckley name is important to you. You should take it.” Evan looked at his ring and smiled.
“So we take each other’s names. We take with us the best parts of each other, those things we’ve sought all our lives.” Tommy petted Evan’s back, rubbing it in circles as he held Evan.
“Buckley-Kinard has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” Evan looked up at Tommy, meeting his gaze.
“Why your name first, babe?” Tommy asked inquisitively.
“Because your case was stronger. I thought it over, and you definitely won that debate.” Evan kissed Tommy’s lips, confidence overflowing and happiness glowing. “Plus, you’re right. I’m taking the best part of you, and you’re taking the best part of me, and I cannot wait to marry you.”