I don’t think Buck ever truly understood what Tommy needed from him.

He didn’t need a grand gesture — Just a confident sign. A crack in the door. A flicker of warmth. Some signal that says: you’re allowed to try.

And when he gets that? He moves.

— Buck says he wanted Tommy’s attention → Tommy kisses him. — Buck says maybe he’s ready for something → Tommy says yes. Shows up to the party. Shows up to the wedding. — Buck and Tommy hook up → Tommy makes breakfast, unpacks the coffee machine, buys champagne like maybe this means something. — Buck says thank you → Tommy says, “And for you.”

He doesn’t storm in. He doesn’t force his way into anyone’s life. He just reads the room, and when he sees the smallest opening — he acts. Quietly, decisively, fully, with care.

But Buck never understood that. And that’s the real tragedy.

Buck’s emotional. He feels everything. But he doesn’t act on it without certainty. He spirals. He waits to be invited.

Tommy? He came out late. He lived through silence. He was in the Army. Under Gerrard. Engaged to a woman once. He knows how to live with restraint — and still, somehow, he shows up.

Especially for someone like Tommy, who spent years in places where silence was survival — he’s not going to beg. But he will take the risk, if you leave the door cracked.

And S8 Buck? Never did. Not enough.

During the breakup, Tommy said something real:

“I know how this ends. I’m your first, not your last.”

He put his fear on the table. Buck did try — he even said, “they can be the same thing”

But even that wasn’t something Tommy could hold onto. It was a maybe, not a confident yes.

And when Tommy reached for something solid? Buck didn’t say, “You’re wrong.” He didn’t say, “I want this.” He didn’t say, “Stay.” So Tommy left.

Later, at the bar, Tommy brought it up — said he thought about reaching out. He drove past Buck’s place. He typed the message.(bubbling) (But Buck never opened the door. So Tommy never hit send.)

Buck shut it down with : “No way.” No opening. No invitation. Just more confusion.

Then Buck invited him. And Tommy took that as hope. He didn’t just stay the night — he unpacked the coffee machine. He brought food. He probably bought champagne. He thought it meant something.

But when Buck lashed out:

“You know, I don't have to want to sleep with everyone I have feelings for. And I don't have to have feelings for everyone I sleep with.”

Tommy read the room again. Said, “Got it.” And left.

Not because he didn’t care. But because he’d learned to stop reaching where he’s not wanted.

And the part that breaks me?

Buck knew. He told Maddie the morning after: “I was cruel.” Said, “I should call him.” But he never did.

And this is where our headcanon comes in — because based on everything we’ve seen from Tommy:

If Buck had called. Even just a text. Even unsure, even messy. Tommy would’ve taken the chance. He’s always taken the chance.

So yeah. Maybe Buck felt rejected and abandoned. Maybe he thought Tommy gave up too fast.

But from Tommy’s side?

He’d kissed first. Said yes first. Shown up every time. He’d taken risks, again and again — every time Buck gave him a sliver of permission.

And Buck never realized how easy it would’ve been to meet him halfway.

He just needed one more sign.

And he would’ve come back. Like he always did.