Archive of Our Own ^beta

Magali figured something pretty quickly while working as a barista. People are weird and their drink says a lot about them and they have met a lot of people over the years. Who knew that a job she took while paying for college ended up being a career.

Magali loved her job and loved some clients. They could talk a lot about George, that sweet old man that started to go here with his wife and would only drink black coffee with nothing else because that’s what he always took. Moira, his wife, was more adventurous and would often and would often get seduced by the drink of the week. Magali could also tell that Moira secretly wanted Georges to join her in her coffee journey but didn’t want to bother him and was also fine with sitting down and talking with her husband. Those two would sit for hours and talk and talk and talk, without any interruption. Magali could also swear she would sometimes look at them and see two teenagers in love. The best thing is that Moira and Georges were great tippers and would never be shy with refills.

“We have been in love since we were 15!” Said once Georges. “I saw her in math class one day and knew that I would end my days with her. I love her and want to show her that every day!”

Magali remembers the time Georges came to her and asked for their drink of the week, a beautiful hot choco with 3 ounces of espresso, some whipped cream and dazzle with a few sprinkles on the top. Georges was not convinced but one look from his wife made him take the drink. Moira was delighted and ultimately, Georges loved the drink and even ordered another one that day.

Magali was always waiting for her favorite couple to come. They would come so often and would sometimes bring company, friends, family. Magali felt so close, they were kind of another set of grandparents, a good set, better than the originals.

Magali wished she could one day have the same kind of love Georges and Moira had. The kind of love that lasts forever, the kind of love that lasts beyond the grave.

Magali noticed that those two didn’t come for a bit and instantly knew what happened. She almost wanted to track them and to see if she could be of comfort. But it also would have been creepy if they showed up one day unannounced, at the end of the day Georges and Moira were only clients. Magali knew she was right when Georges came alone one day. He wasn’t his usual cheerful self and looked like an old man burdened with grief and not the boyish teenager he usually was when his wife was still around. That time, the drink was on the house and Magali refused any tip that Georges would give them.

“Sorry for your loss. She was a good person. You are too.”

Georges shed a tear and Magali instantly hugged him, a hug so different that all the previous ones.

Magali had clients she loved and also had clients that she hated. Keyleigh was one of them. It wasn’t her true name but it was the name Magali called her. She reeked of money and bad manners. Never tipped, always rude. Always with her Starbucks order that Magali refused to do. If she wanted a Starbucks she could get her chauffeur to drive her there. Keyleigh always came and always complained.

Nanana my drink is too cold. Nanana my drink is so hot. Nanana where is my sugar? Nanana… Bitch.

Magali wasn’t a violent person, but if they could, they would fight her with a chair WWE style. Death match, and Magali would win. Keyleigh would also say that Magali or any other barista was not doing the drink right. How did she know something? Did she have a license in coffee? No. Keyleigh was just of those looking down at customer service people and would feel superior to them. If it wasn’t for daddy’s money, she would be the one on the other side of the counter.

Magali saw a bunch of different clients. The ones that were only passing by and would never come back. The quiet ones that would always ask the same thing. The nice ones that were making the place livelier as soon as they entered. The one that would make it gloomier. And the weird ones.

Magali remembers the first time she saw that guy. Tall, big, broken. Magali saw a bunch of broken people in her time and they all had the same look in their eyes. And that man sported it better than anyone. He seemed broken but also alone.

If there was one thing that Magali swore they would do in their job as a barista, is that when the person seems to be a good person, she would try to make their day better. That can go with asking about their day, making sure they are being taken care of, sometimes sneaking a pastry that hasn’t been claimed yet and needs to go.

That man was mysterious, and Magali loved mysteries. She always loved watching cops shows and trying to figure out who did it before the investigator. One thing that Magali loved doing was giving people names, ask Keyleigh. And that man was named “Fernando.”

That man would come almost every day, would order the same thing every time and would sit at the same table. It was not rare for regulars to be discreet and it was not rare for Magali to leave them alone. She wasn’t paid to chitchat, just to serve coffee, but some people needed someone to be there for them, an ear willing to listen and it didn’t bother Magali to be that ear, especially if they tipped well. She just needed to find a way to ask some questions.

Magali started a plan. The guy would come one day, order his simple black coffee with a dash of milk and three sugars, he would finish it and stay at his table for a bit, and for have him staying, Magali would come to his table, armed with her coffee pot and her question and they would chitchat.

“It might work but maybe you should give the guy some slack.” Advised Luke, one of her co-workers.
“I know, but maybe it’s the start of a good friendship.” Answered Magali
“You’re sure your girlfriend will not grow jealous?”
“She won’t. Also, that guy might be attractive but he is not my type.”

Magali grabbed the coffee pot and the plan was in motion.

“Do you need a refill?” Asked Magali
“Sure. I can pay later right?” Asked back the mysterious man
“You can, or I could put it on your tab.”
“You guys keep tabs here?”
Drop the plan. The guy asked the one question or just a question, that Magali didn’t think of before. It was time for honesty. “Not really. But, one thing that I like is customers' names, especially the regulars. You don’t have to give me yours, don't worry, I will keep calling you the fake name I have in my head.”
“You gave me a fake name?”
“I have too much time on my hand. Wanna hear it?”
“At this point? Why not?” Laughed the mysterious man.
“I called you Fernando.”
“Fernando? Why?”
“I don’t know. You look like a Fernando.” Laughed Magali
“Well, I’m sad to pop your bubble but my name is not Fernando.”
“Shit. Can I try to guess it? If I don’t find it, I will offer you the coffee.”
“Why not.”

And Magali spent the next five minutes giving the guy the weirdest names, Pedro, Marco, Larry, Manny. The guy laughed at her attempts but decided to help her in her misery.

“Tommy. My name is Tommy.”
“Nice to meet you Tommy, I am Magali and you just won yourself a free coffee. Want a refill or something else?”
“Nice to meet you Magali and I would gladly take a refill.”

Tommy became less and less a mystery. He still had his secrets but he would actually come and share some things. He told Magali he was a firefighter, that his captain was an ass, that he was trying to have his flying license because he wanted to work at Harbor “the place where firefighters that fly helicopters work at,” that he broke up with his fiancée because he realized he didn’t love her like she should be loved, which was sad and a bit a douchey. But even if it wasn’t the good approach, maybe breaking up was actually the right idea.

Magali did figure out the actual reason why Tommy broke up with his fiancée when they went outside with her girlfriend and saw Tommy making out with some guy in West Hollywood.

“That explains a lot more than your theories honey.” Said Clara, Magali’s girlfriend
“I almost feel sad for the guy.” Said Magali a bit sad “I mean he used to talk well about his fiancée for the few times he talked about her.”
“He didn’t talk about her?”
“He didn’t talk about much. I only know he’s a firefighter with a shitty boss. He didn’t talk that much about his personal life. He mostly keeps to himself; he only goes to order and would answer when I ask him how his day went.”
“So, you did the same than with Keyleigh? Imagined him a life?” Joked Clara
“Nah. I like my mysterious guy. He’s tall and broody and a body that some people would swoon over. There are enough stories about guys like him.”
“I would almost be jealous.” Said Clara with sarcasm in her voice.

Days passed and the atmosphere at the café remained good. It was still during that time when Moira and Georges would often brighten Magali’s day and that Keyleigh would never fail to make her presence known.

One day, Tommy came and he looked sadder than usual. They already started to prepare for closing, since they didn’t have a busy day, and Tommy came all sad. He didn’t even order, made a beeline for his table, and waited a bit. He knew that they didn’t come to them to order and that customers needed to order at the counter. But the guy seemed like he really needed something stronger than a coffee, and he knew they also didn’t serve any alcoholic beverage. But also, he was a firefighter so he probably could grab a drink with other firefighters.

“You think too loud, go ask the guy.” Complained Luke
“What should I do?” Asked Magali while trying not to panic. “Go to his table and be like ‘hey Tommy, you seem sad. By the way, you need to order at the counter. And with a smile.’”
“It’s a great start. Or you could offer him a coffee. The guy always tips well. We can at least pay him back for his generosity.”
“You always have great ideas Luke thank you.”
“I am not cheap, you also know that.”

Magali pretended to not listen to him and busy themselves with making Tommy’s order. Thank god the guy was basic, quick and it was easy to do. Luke was nice but also could rapidly become a little shit, especially when there were some scones next that would probably end up in the trash.

Armed with a croissant and a coffee, Magali marched towards Tommy’s gloomy corner.

“You look like someone that needs more than a coffee but we only serve coffee here without the Irish part.” Said Magali
Tommy looked at them with sad eyes. “Work has been hard and I wanted to be alone.”
“Okay. Here, it’s on the house.” Said Magali, leaving her gifts on the table.
“Thank you.”
“It’s normal. Don’t worry, tomorrow will be another day.”

Upon her years working at that café, Magali noticed different kinds of regulars. Tommy was among the quiet ones. They came, ordered and will probably leave as silently as they arrived. And they were the opposite kind. Those who were loud but in a cute way. That guy was part of that bunch.

Frat boy vibes, had an air of new in town. Mysterious, alone either because he knew no one or because he needed a break. A new mystery, the kind Magali always loved to solve.

“There we go, Magali has another target.” Joked Luke.
“I’m just curious.” Said Magali back. “The guy comes almost every day and he’s almost bouncing with energy. He has an air of self-sufficientness but also seems to be lonely. He always orders the same thing and keeps eyeing one of the stools. He wants to sit at the counter but doesn’t. We might not be a bar, but if we put stool here it’s because they are meant to be used.”

Magali kept eyeing the guy, and would almost make a chart to determine at what hour he would come every day. She wanted to know more. But every time, Magali would either be busy with another customer or doing another task. She was determined to talk with the guy. It probably will calm him and soothe Magali’s interrogation.

After many unsuccessful attempts and Magali almost giving up, they finally were able to talk to the bouncy guy. Magali was ecstatic. Today was the day. Today was finally the day. Bouncy guy and Magali asked for a name, pen in her hand and mischievous smile painted on her face.

“You’re the kind of place that needs a name now?” Asked the bouncy guy.
“Okay no. But I noticed you. You started coming here quite a bit, which is completely okay, we love regulars.” Said Magali, a bit embarrassed. “Look. When I don’t know a regular’s name, I just give them one on my own. You don’t need to share your name with me.”
“And since I’m a regular, you gave me a fake name?”
“Yup. Wanna know one?”
“Mark. I call you Mark.”
“Why Mark?”
“I don’t know. Am I close?”
“Not even close. I’m Buck. Nice to meet you. And should I give you a name or you’re going to give me yours?”
“Kinda curious as to why you can come up.”
“Kylie.”
“Please no.”
“Danielle?”
“Closer. Ish.”
“Laura?”
“You’re getting colder, Buck.”
“Alright I give up.”
“I’m Magali. Nice to meet you Buck.”
“Nice to meet you Magali.”

Even though Buck seemed like the kind of person to overshare, he held himself back, as if he was scared to be seen as annoying. He was nice with baristas, wouldn’t be a nuisance to other customers and would tip well. He clearly was an amazing customer in Magali’s professional eyes.

Magali always enjoyed when her regulars would come, she knew they would have another gossip and they loved sharing and Magali loved sharing. Not many customers would share and even if Tommy wasn’t the kind of person to overshare, he hovered around the counter even after being served.

“You need to talk.” Noted Magali
“I’m being transferred to harbor.” Shared Tommy
“Congratulations!”

Tommy sat down and talked. He talked briefly about his time in the army, how he left and became a firefighter soon after. How he did everything he could to please his captain and even became the mere thing he always hated. How he tried to work on himself to be better and how he knew he couldn’t stay there even though they changed captains a few times. How he needed stability and hoped he could find that in his new job. He had an air of melancholy while talking about the past but an air of eagerness and freedom while talking about the future. Magali put her hand on Tommy’s shoulder.

“I wish nothing but good things to you.”

Tommy smiled at her, a silent Thank you whispered into the café.

Magali loved their girlfriend. But there was a thing she never understood. Why did her girlfriend have such an obsession with the news? Sometimes, they would be in the minute of their show and Clara’s phone would ring prompting Clara to instantly put the news. It was one of the few things that Magali would feign to find annoying even though she found it cute.

It was on a night like that that she saw a very familiar face on TV. A roller coaster got stuck in a loop and firefighters were called to the scene to help the passengers stuck. Unfortunately, they couldn’t save a person. The journalists were interviewing one of the firefighters on scene, the one that tried to save the person and she instantly recognized him instantly.

“Buck?!” Said Magali out loud
“You know the guy?” Asked Clara
“Yeah, he’s one of my customers. Fairly new. I told you about him. He’s the bouncy guy.”

It took a few days before Buck came back to the café. He sat at the counter, morals as low as the ground. Magali offered him a gentle smile and a free order of coffee and a scone.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. You cannot save everyone, Buck.”
“I know but I need to try at least it is my job!” Answered Buck, a bit annoyed
“What makes you think you didn’t try?” Asked Magali, not expecting an answer

Buck gave a shy smile as an answer and stayed the rest of his time at the counter. Magali was half expecting Tommy to show up so that he could talk to Buck and offer him some guidance as he was more seasoned on the job. Maybe Buck could learn from someone like Tommy.

The next Tommy came to the café, several days later, Magali had half a thought to bring it to him but they restrained themselves. Buck didn’t seem to want to talk about it and Magali would only air his dirty laundry to someone else. Tommy came, talked about his new job and that he forgot how much he loved flying.

“…And I finally am free,” Claimed Tommy. “And then I was out with some colleagues and they noticed that a girl was strongly eying me and I said not my type. But then, one of them asked me what kind of girls were my type. I didn’t even think of lying and instantly told them that I was gay and that girls weren’t my type. And it felt so fucking liberating. Like, I’m gay and not scared to say it.”
“Feels good doesn’t it?” Answered Magali. “I remember how it was the first time I came out to someone and it was liberating. It takes longer than people think for the shame to go away.”
“It does. I still feel the shame every now and then but I’m glad my colleagues were nice about it. They even tried to set me up with each guy they saw just to tease me.”
“Ah banters between coworkers, that’s the best.” Said Magali, a smile on her face. “Being out and proud takes a lot. And there are days when you still feel the shame. It probably will never go away, you just need to learn how to live with it.”
“It’s not easy.”
“Nothing in life is, I fear.”

To celebrate his coming-out, Magali offered him a croissant that Tommy gladly took before sitting down at his usual table. Magali watched him, pride in her eyes. He might be older than her but she still felt proud for someone in their community. Parade takes time and it’s okay.

You could know a lot about someone based on the company they would bring. Magali knew that Moira and Georges were family oriented people since they brought theirs often. Keyleigh was a loner and didn’t seem to like people’s company. Buck was not shy and would sometimes bring people, like his sister who came back multiple times. Buck always seemed different when he was with his sister. He seemed lighter, warmer, a bit more childish. As if the weight of the job had yet to fall on his shoulder. But one look at Maddie, Buck’s sister, and Magali noticed that she would always walk as if she was carrying the world on her little back. Tommy was lonely, always on his own, and didn't like to mingle with others. He would sometimes update Magali on what he would call his pathetic dating life but mostly kept to himself.

Magali noticed one difference between Buck and Tommy. They were the two firefighters, that Magali knew of, that would often come here. After bad days, Tommy would prefer to stop here for a few minutes before taking his order to go. Unlike Buck who would sit alone and breathe, let the world exist without needing him. Magali would sometimes offer him a pastry to bring a smile to his face.. “Complimentary for first responders. Especially those who had a hard day at work.” Buck would always welcome the pastry with a smile on his face and a silent “thank you.” Thank God Buck was also a good tipper because he wouldn’t have any special treatment if he wasn’t. Magali might be nice but she was also not a force to reckon with. Ask Keyleigh.

Buck was big and seemed to get bigger every time he set foot in the café. But he was also human. Magali remembered the first time he came in wearing a cast on his leg.

“You fell from the ladder while pretending to be James Bond?” Asked Magali, trying to lighten up the mood.
“Nope.” Answered Buck, dragging the p sound. “The fire engine fell on my leg.”

And that set up Magali’s brain. Despite not being with Clara anymore, Magali kept watching the news. Don't ask her why, she wouldn’t be able to find an answer. And one night she saw the story, “fire engine fell on a firefighter because of a bomb.” Survivor from an engine on his leg and a bomb, Buck might be a superhero, or super unlucky.

Magali offered Buck his order with a pastry in bonus. He needed it. Buck smiled but Magali knew it. It wasn’t the same sunshiny smile he used to do; it was a sadder one. A Thank you in disguise.

If there was one thing Magali loved doing at her job it was eyeing her customers. Gaging if they need something or not, whether it is a free chocolate or just a little bit of conversation. She loved treating them well.

Every time Tommy would walk in, Magali would notice something different about him. Whether it was his clothes, his hair, his walk, his demeanor. He seemed changed, more like himself.

“I have a date!” Said Tommy happily one day by way of greeting. “My first date with a guy, I am so excited!”
“I am so excited for you! Tell me more about the guy!” Told Magali excited

So, Tommy started talking about how he met the guy on a call and how the guy was flirting with him even though they were evacuating his sister and bringing her to the hospital. But Tommy was flattered and the sister ended up being okay and the guy was so hot.

Magali red flag alert immediately rang. Tommy needed to get the fuck away. Magali tried to advise him to leave but Tommy thought it was a sign that everything will be good. Magali knew it wouldn’t. Who flirt with the firefighters when one of their close ones are in danger?

As expected, Tommy came back a few days later telling Magali that they were right.

“See the right thing.” Said Magali. “At least you had your first date with a guy. The firsts are never the last.”
“You’re right. Again.” Said Tommy. “Maybe love isn’t for me.”
“Or one day you will find someone and it will feel like everything makes sense at last.”

Magali often wondered how close firefighters were together. Afterall, it wasn’t usual for Buck or Tommy to bring someone.

“I fucked up.” Said Buck out of the blue one day.

Buck laid it all out. His leg, how much it hurt, him wanting to go back to work, him doing everything for that, he ended up passing the test before throwing up blood at his captain’s house, his captain benching him, Buck feeling replaced by some Bosko chick, rude. But then Buck told what might have been the weirdest thing and yet the most understandable one.

“You sued the company to have your job back?” Asked Magali
“Yes! I didn’t know what to do!” Answered Buck
“Maybe talk and wait. I mean, these firefighters you work with, aren’t they your friends?”
“I mean I think they are but I don’t know. I’m not even allowed to talk to them.”
“Bullshit. If they were really your friend, you should be able to talk to them about everything. Maybe they were waiting for you to do the first step. I mean, what happened to you was hard and maybe they wanted to give you space.”
“You’re probably right.”
“Oh, I know I am.”

Buck came back a couple of weeks later, looking more hurt than he previously did. What did he do again?

“What happened today?” Asked Magali
“I’m back at work.” Answered Buck gloomy. “But everybody hates me.”
“I mean, you did sued your job, you thought they would welcome you with welcome arms?”
“I don’t know! I mean maybe.”

Magali looked at the firefighter and felt some pity for the guy. He might have been big and close to age to her, but in that instance, Buck looked more like a kid whose friend left him alone for recess.

“Hey, they are your friends right?” Asked Magali
“Yes. I mean I think.”
“If they were truly your friends, they would not be mad for long. You just need to give them time and to talk to them.”

Magali wanted to stay with Buck, offering him an ear to listen to. The guy really needed a friend. Unfortunately for her, her favorite client Keyleigh arrived at the same instant and Magali knew that she would need the most annoying drink ever, receiving eye rolls and remarks as tips.

It was after a particular boring week, Keyleigh came every day, which was odd coming from her she must really love the coffee or berating people, Georges and Moira didn’t show up once, Magali would later found out that Moira and that would explain why they didn’t came for a couple of months. But Magali found joy in an odd person, Buck.

The next day, Tommy arrived at the café to take his usual afterwork order. Magali had half a thought to ask his professional opinion about Buck. If what was happening to Buck as usual or if what he was doing was right. Tommy might have an insight, at least a better one than a barista. But they restrained themselves. Afterall Buck told all of that in confession. You wouldn’t want his dirty laundry to be aired out in public.

A few days later, Buck came back, a giant smile on his face. It finally looked like he had a great day.

“You seem really happy today. Must have been a great day at work!” Noted Magali
“It was. I talked with my best friend, my captain and they are not mad at me, at least not anymore. You were right, I just needed to talk to them.”
“I’m glad for you”

Magali loved her customer, how they would form a bond overtime. They loved how Georges let himself be around her, how Buck would stay at the counter and talk for hours and hours. Tell them everything that happened at work, the weird call he had, how his friends are doing, sharing the news of his sister’s pregnancy. If Magali needed to put a label between their relationship with Buck, she would say that they are baristas best-friends, or something like that.

Magali also loved catching up with Tommy, being on the sideline of the love life of a newly out man in his late thirties. It was amazing seeing how different their coming-out process was, how everything changed depending on the person. How nice and refreshing it also could be. Tommy kind of gave Magali hope that maybe they weren’t done with love.

Covid was an unwelcome break in their friendship. Magali couldn’t wait for the café to open once again and was afraid of losing customers. After all, they were just one small café in the big city of Los Angeles.

The day of the reopening came, Magali put on their apron as she did time and time again, went into the process of opening, more scared than on her first day. The people that would come in the following weeks will decide the café’s fate. If no one shows up, they might need to close down and Magali would need to find something else.

Fortunately, people came and among them were some regulars. Georges came a few times with family, happier to not be alone anymore. Keyleigh came and didn’t forget her attitude at the door.

Tommy also came back and shared how he didn’t want to feel alone and that he was lucky to spend time in quarantine with someone and how he thought that guy could be the last one, the good one. But unfortunately, Tommy caught the guy in bed with someone else and the fairy tale died down forever.

‘I think.” Started Tommy tired. “Maybe love is not for me. Maybe love is not for everyone. I mean it wasn’t for my dad and maybe I do take after him. I need to make myself a reason. I will never find love and that is okay. I need to work on myself and maybe I won't end up alone since I would have friends but maybe I won’t have a special someone with whom I could end my life next to.”
“Don’t say that.” Said Magali trying to be supportive. “It’s not because one guy is not the right one that maybe you won’t find the right one. Maybe you just need to give time some time and have it adapt to your situation. You still are discovering yourself, trust me. Those things take a hell of time.”
“How do you know that?”
“I lived through it Tommy, and probably will continue until the day I die. You will too, trust me.”

One person that hadn’t shown up yet was Buck. Magali was kind of hurt. They felt like they had a relationship and now Covid has yet ruined another relationship. Magali felt like Buck was cheating on them and since the guy seemed to live on coffee, he probably found someone else. Magali felt hurt. His sister would show up but Magali didn’t ask, they didn’t feel like they should.

One day, while Magali was busy catching up with Georges, who started to sit at the counter probably to not look at the table he used to sit with his late wife, about how his grandkid got accepted to college, a tall firefighter showed up cheerful one day.

“You forgot about us, Stranger?” Joked Magali
“Nope. A lot happened.”

Buck caught Magali about everything. How he was now living with his sister’s boyfriend’s brother and how he was being super careful during Covid because he didn't want to get sick or be the reason someone is sick, especially his pregnant sister.

Time was passing for everyone ang Magali still loved their job as much as the first day, if not more. She felt like a cheerleader on the bleachers, cheering for her customers, witnessing their achievements, celebrating their wins, and comforting them for their loss. She was happy when Georges told that another of his grandkids welcomed their first child. She was there when Keyleigh came less bitchy than usual because she failed a job interview. Congratulating Maddie, Buck’s sister, on her pregnancy, seeing her beautiful baby girl Jee-Yun. She was there for Tommy when he would try to jump back into the dating pool until leaving because things never went his way. She was there for Buck through his crazy fucking life, like when he broke up with her girlfriend because she chose to run the story on the crazy serial killer that kidnapped one of his coworkers and his brother-in-law. Fuck what was happening to the 118? Magali was almost happy about Tommy’s helicopter tales.

Speaking of Tommy’s helicopter tales, he once arrived and told the story about how he risked his carrier to save his former captain, the only good one from the 118 and his wife. How he had to land on the belly of a ship and how he had to team up with his former station. Magali couldn’t believe their ears, until she remembered that Tommy used to be at the 118. Yup, he might have met Buck.

Magali also noticed that Tommy would talk a lot about a certain Evan and how he almost seemed familiar but Magali didn’t know how.

“But hey, he’s probably straight. All good ones are.”

Tommy came back a few days later to talk more about Evan. How he hurt his best-friend while playing basketball and how Tommy came to his place because he thought that it was his place for spending all his time with said best-friend, even though he could also have multiple friends. Tommy also talked about the fact that he jumped on the occasion and that he kissed the guy, which was pretty ballsy, but it was a good thing since he got a date with the guy. He came back later on to say that the date didn’t go well. The best-friend showed up at the date and Evan, who wasn’t out, made up a lie and Tommy preferred to cut it short to not have his heartbroken once more.

“The worst thing is that I think I fell hard for the guy!” Complained Tommy “But maybe it wasn’t meant to be.”
“Maybe. Or maybe you should give him time.” Advised Magali. “I mean, and I tell you that with all the love I have for you, you are not that apt to talk about queer experiences. I mean, you came out late and it wasn’t smooth for you. Yes you know things but maybe you should give the guy some slack and if he calls you back to meet again, say yes. You have the tendency of dropping the towel anytime things get risky.”
“You’re right.”

The day after, Buck came out bouncing like a kid on Christmas morning who was walking to the tree just to open his gift. He came up to the counter and ordered two drinks. Maybe someone from his station was coming to meet him later. But it was less likely due to how bouncy Buck looked, maybe something more important was happening.

“So, what’s happening with you today? You seem very excited!” Said Magali
“I have a date!” Answered Buck.

Buck then spilled the all thing. Meeting Tommy, the save, wanting Tommy’s attention, the basketball game, Tommy coming to his place, the kiss, the date, the aftermath. Upon hearing this, Magali recognizes that this story is very familiar. Tommy told her the opposite point of view. Magali almost told Buck that she knew Tommy but before she could say anything, Buck ordered and Magali knew that it wasn’t Tommy’s order but she said nothing and laid back to watch the show. Afterall, maybe Tommy will find a new favorite drink.

Buck sat down at a table and minutes after Tommy showed up and made a beeline to the counter.

“Evan is here.” Said Magali
“He went to introduce himself?” Asked Tommy surprised
“Nope. Guess what, he is one of my longtime customers. But I guess we were not that close because I knew him as Buck.”

Tommy’s red started to take a reddish tint. Magali pointed to where Buck was waiting for him and stayed back. They watched as the date seemed to be good, there were some touches and the two men sat down for quite a long time. The sun was starting to go out when they left the café, Magali giving them a wink on their walk back.

It seemed that things were going great between the two of them. They would both come to the café and update Magali, telling them about how it was between them.

“I mean his hands are so big but also not just his hands. Like he is big, big!” Said Buck once
“I see. Please spare me the details and get to the point, don’t wanna throw up my lunch.” Joked Magali
“Also, it’s the first time I’m dating a guy and I always was the big guy. But like with Tommy, it’s different. Like I get to be the big and the little spoon. Like I don’t have to be one all the time. It’s so refreshing!”

“He’s so nice. And so cute. Like he researches everything.” Said Tommy during one of his solo visits. “But he cares so much about people. He’s so cute. You should see him with his niece, god what a delight.”
“You think he’s the good one?” Asked Magali, a smile on their face.
“It won’t last. I’m just his first. The novelty will die down.”
“What if it does die down and then the actual relationship starts and he’s the one.”
“He might be the one for me, but I don’t think I’m the one for him.”

Magali loved watching them. It made them remember the time when Moira was still alive and Magali could see them as teenagers just hanging out and loving each other. Magali could see those two big men just breathing and acting like teenagers in love. They had the kind of love Magali was yearning for.

If Tommy, no one will like me Tommy found love, maybe it was time for Magali to find love themselves. After a few attempts, and feeling jealous of the golden couple being all lovey with each other, Magali finally found someone that might be their one.

She was so impatient to share that with the two firefighters but they stopped coming. It seemed that now they had each other they didn’t need anyone. Or, something bad happened.

Weeks passed and Magali’s relationship with Anna solidified and became stronger. They were dating and Magali yearned to gloat in front of everyone about how cool her girlfriend was. Plans were stopped when a gloomy Buck entered the café. Magali knew it, Tommy fucked up and now Buck was sad.

Buck ordered and sat at the counter. He talked about how things were great and how he was starting to fall in love with Tommy but that when he asked Tommy to move in with him, after only six months of dating, Tommy said no and broke up.

“Look, I get that Tommy’s reaction was kind of an ass. I mean the guy tells you that he wants to be with you but that you will break his heart so he needs to let you go.” Said Magali. “But come on! Six months! That’s not enough for guys like you. What are you? Me and my new girlfriend?”
“You have a new girlfriend?” Asked Buck
“Yup, and she might move in. Only because she wants to leave and hates her roommate but anyway. My point is that these things take time. Relationships take time. You don’t need to rush because then you would hit a perfectly avoidable wall.”
“You’re right. But then, I don’t know if I’m supposed to reach him. I mean he bubbled me a few times and my place is a mess because I can’t keep from thinking about him and wanting to call him and hug him. It infuriates me!”
“Wait for him to do the first step and then you see from there.”
“You’re going to talk about him?”
“Want me to mingle?”
“Do what you want. I’m not sure he’ll listen. Like I at least want to talk with him and settle some things.”

Buck came back a few times and always asked if Tommy came but he was a no-show. Buck started to grow a bit sadder each time. He even brought some pastries that he made to the staff who gladly took them home since they couldn’t sell them without violating a bunch of health regulations.

But alas, one faithful day, Tommy showed up. Unlucky for him, Magali was manning the ship..

“He came, didn't he?” Asked Tommy
“Yes and you fucked up.” Answered Magali
“Wait! Calm down! I don't think it would have lasted! I’m just his first.”
“But he might be your last. Look, you have been broken up for a bit. But maybe you should call him, even if it’s to offer him some closure. He at least deserves that.”
“You’re right.”
“I know I am. Come on. Send him a text without bubbling.”
Tommy got confused but Magali told him to not pay attention. He then typed a text, a few times, before pressing send. “Well, I guess you will see him shortly, I told him that when he can and if he wants. We could meet here and just talk.”
“Wise choice. I’ll be there to calm things down if things get hot.”

Magali couldn’t wait for that day. Neither of them came all week and her day off was approaching faster and faster. Come on, were they planning to do it on her day off?

Tommy showed up on the day after he day off. Magali had asked around to see if Buck and Tommy talked but no one could give a concrete answer. Tommy made a beeline for the counter and ordered for two, his and Buck’s order.

“So, I guess he’s coming.” Said Magali
“He is.” Answered Tommy. “What if things go bad? What if…”
“What if things go well and he is truly the one. What if you get back together and live happily ever after. Don’t be pessimistic about everything. Life is good and I’m sure that that thing between the two of you is good.”
“You’re right.”
“Aren’t I always? Also, you need to invite me to the wedding or I’ll kill you both.”
“Noted.”

Tommy grabbed the two drinks and sat down at the same table Buck did the first time they met at the café. They sat down multiple times since and Magali loved that. It was almost like this table was theirs.

Buck showed up a bit after and Magali pointed him to the table. Tommy stood up to greet him before the two men sat down. Things seemed to go well even though they were sometimes talking loudly. Things heated and then calmed down. Perching from her counter, Magali could see that Tommy was holding Buck’s hand and squeezing it. They could also look all the love in Tommy’s eyes and would know that these two will be well in the end.

When they left the café, they left it hand in hand and winked at Magali. All is well that ends well.

The two men would show up together on little coffee dates and Moira could feel the same as when she used to watch Moira and Georges, talking for hours on end at the beginning of their career. They could watch the two men love each other without a fear in the world. Be an ear to them and bring them comfort when needed.

Magali would look at Buck and Tommy and know that in the end, even if it is scary, love is worth it only if you fight for it.