Scarlett, 30, she/her
Wordsarefleeting on ao3
Previously: blaineisnotavegetable
Mostly buddie but sprinkles of lots of stuff
P.S. My ask box is always open.
[ID: Animated rendered art of multiple pinned butterflies in a frame. Their wings shiver slightly, and spectral white butterflies flap their wings along the edges of the frame. Shadow cuts over one corner of the frame, making two of the three butterflies glow brightly in the darkness. End ID]
The Odyssey but retold as a low-stakes modern adventure of one guy out with his girlfriend leaving the bar with his buddies to do just one (1) simple thing real quick, it'll take like 15 minutes tops, he'll be right back, but then some bullshit happens and the trip keeps getting more complicated as more bullshit keeps happening while he just tries to get back to the bar because he promised his girlfriend that he'd get back and he knows that she's still there because she told him she'd wait there.
And by the time he finally gets back it's almost 3 am and the bar is about to close while she's sitting there stone cold sober, surrounded by 5 drunk guys unsuccessfully trying to convince her to give up on waiting for him and go home with one of them instead. And the guy shows up to proceed to beat the shit out of them before explaining himself to her like hey sorry bullshit kept happening, my phone fell into a storm drain and my wallet got stolen when I was trying to find someone who'd borrow me a phone so I could call and
His girlfriend had been fending off the 5 drunk guys for most of the evening by explaining that even if she was going to ditch her boyfriend, she can't possibly leave without finishing her beer, which she is keeping perpetually full via careful sleight of hand where she's just pouring it back and forth into and out of the pitcher.
However the drunk guys are also drinking, and eventually she can't afford to buy another pitcher for the table so she can't keep up the ever-full beer glass trick. At this point she has to resort to setting up the pool trick shot that she's never seen anyone but her boyfriend pull off, and says she'll leave with whoever manages the shot first.
That buys her another hour or so and then, finally, her boyfriend makes it back. He looks like shit, hair down and just a mess, he's wearing an entirely different jacket that he got from an alley, and barely recognizable—especially to 5 guys who've been drunk for hours now. He lurks for a minute, finds out what's going on, and proceeds to pull off the trick shot first try. Throws the jacket off, fixes his hair with a hair tie his girlfriend lends him, finally looks like himself again, and THEN beats the shit out of them with the pool cue.
There is something special about following a story as it unfolds in real time. This week's recs celebrate works in progress, cliffhangers, ongoing slow burns, and the authors keeping us all waiting for the next chapter.
(click here for previous lists!)
33 fic recs under the cut:
1. 9-1-1 What's Your Emergency? by Duckkey (69k, Teen)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings
Amputee! Buck works as a 9-1-1 dispatcher but still finds family with the 118
Reccer says: This fic was so funny and I loved the buck and Bobby relationship in it
2. love, at the worst by greyspilot (@eddiesstabwound) (19.8k, Explicit)
Warnings: None
When Eddie came back to L.A. from Texas, Buck knew he would have to move out of Eddie's house, eventually. That had always been the plan; it was always going to be temporary, but Eddie didn't ask, so Buck didn't offer.
One night, after a particularly long shift when they were both half-dead on their feet, they collapsed onto the bed together. All they did that night was sleep, but it continued every night after.
Reccer says: Wishbone fic!! Take all the feels of wishbone and make them buddie and it hurts so good
3. To think of cinnamon by Illgetmerope (40k, Mature)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings
Eddie never went to the 118 because the other station made him an offer he just couldn't turn down. Buck didn't recover well enough to make it back to being a firefighter. They still find each other, it's just over lattes instead of a grenade.
Reccer says: This is insanely cute and they are both so so dumb and I'm patiently waiting for them to realize they're basically dating already
4. like a feather of flames on me by Val_in_a_trenchcoat (63k, Explicit)
Warnings: none
Eddie's a college professor. Buck goes to said college after the engine crushed his leg and he had to quit his dream job at the 118.
Buck starts working for a phone sex hotline. Eddie calls said hotline. Romance, misunderstandings, and humor ensues.
Reccer says: Buck going on cute (silent) study dates with a hot professor while also having phone sex with a stranger and not knowing it's the same person. Also love chronic pain and adhd buck
5. Family Recipe by perlaret (@perlaret) (27k, Explicit)
Warnings: none
From the author: Pepa starts matchmaking Buck, directly in front of Eddie's salad (no, literally). When Eddie told her he wanted Buck to feel like part of the family, this isn't really what he meant.
Reccer says: A great look at Eddie as he processes coming home from Texas and his feelings for Buck, all through the lens of shared meals. Food is a Metaphor for Love!
i LOVE tia pepa. my queen! i love it EVEN MORE when she has had enough of their combined estupideces, lol, and gets involved. also the conversations between buck and eddie feel so grounded. also i have a huge soft spot for roomie era buddie and this captures all the warmth of south bedford street.
6. truth will out by meriwethersays (@meriwetherwrites) (3.9k, Mature)
Warnings: references to hate crimes, references to minor character suicide attempt
Buck processing his way through the aftermath of being kidnapped and gradually finding his way toward Eddie
Reccer says: I liked it!
7. stay here where it's warm by mostardent (@laracrofted) (34.8k, Explicit)
Warnings: none
i'm stealing from the fic summary lol but it's the perfect description > Buck, Eddie, and the Elephant in the Room go to Montana.
Reccer says: i have a huge love of fics that take place during that moment where buck has moved out after the diazes move back from el paso and this fic really captures that potential awkwardness between buck and eddie post el paso reaallly well. if you love emotional saw traps than subscribe to this one!!!
8. canine teeth in the side of my neck by oceanofchaos (@islandoforder) (39k, General)
Warnings: none
i've cheated a little - this is a series not a fic but the author has confirmed there will be more installments. the first fic follows buck after he leaves Hershey and becomes a werewolf during his travels. if you're a fan of dog!buck then please check this out!!
Reccer says: i love the author's characterization of buck. what we know about him from canon is just beautifully amplified by his lonely first few years as a werewolf. the metaphors and descriptions of his full moons are lovely and made me ache for buck. it's so good and i've been patiently and excitedly waiting for the next fic in this series.
9. I want to build a house with you, tell me it's a whole life too by Lacerta26 (@gloomydiaz) (5k, Explicit)
Warnings: none
stealing again from the author's notes > Buck and Theo have to move in with Eddie and Chris after a small fire at Buck’s place. The proximity of cohabitation and domesticity means a shift in Buck and Eddie’s relationship - but are they on the same page about what that means?
Reccer says: i have fallen in love with Theo and this fic is serving Theo related shenanigans so well. with added buddie room-mates 2.0 lol. didn't think i could love buddie domesticity even more until Theo was introduced and i'm so excited for the emotional upheaval that's coming buck's way in this. there's also something so fun about a buck that is already aware of his eddie feelings but it so adamant about ignoring them. like if he stays still the feelings won't notice him. also everything by this author is fantastic so it's gonna be a SO GOOD i just know it.
10. my love as deep; for both are infinite by tiredwrites (108.3k, Mature)
Warnings: Blood and Violence, Death, Trauma, Implied/Referenced Torture
A mafia fic where Eddie ends up rescuing a long-kidnapped Buck and takes an obsessive liking to him.
Reccer says: The world building is outstanding and if you're looking for a fic with visceral, gratuitous emotions and physical action, it's right here!
11. Dead Ducks Don't Fly by excalipurr, pinkpeachtea (48k, Explicit)
Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence
After two brutal murders in the quiet town of Misty Pines, sworn enemies Detective Buckley and Detective Díaz are sent to help. The only thing, though? They have to pretend to be married.
Reccer says: If you love murder mysteries and slow burns and fake marriage and buddie being oblivious idiots, this fic is for you! I'm really loving it so far!
This fic has become my recent obsession. They update weekly in time with the fic so we (the readers) get a chance to follow along & solve the mystery. I was absolutely in love with pinkpeachtea’s F1 AU & was so excited when they started this fic. I wait for it update & makes my Monday so much brighter!
12. this is a song about drowning by unreckless (@stickpuck) (65k, Explicit)
Warnings: none
Two weeks of building up to a fight in the kitchen after Bobby’s funeral.
Reccer says: One of the tags is "emotional edging" and it really, really is. The characterization and voices are also spot on
13. revenant by hyruling (@dungeonsex2026) (4.2k, Mature)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings; temporary character death
In March 2026, Eddie loses Buck to what authorities label a tragic car accident. One year later he returns to Los Nietos, haunted by Buck's ghost and desperate for closure, and the universe offers a second chance for them both. (mother’s boy AU)
Reccer says: it’s only one chapter in and im already so hooked. they really looked at 9x13 and went “what if i made it WORSE” and i love that
The descriptions in this fic are so utterly gorgeous. They drew me in when it was still an unposted WIP, and so I was there with bells on for chapter one. The writing is lovely, and it's an intriguing plot with tons of little details that I am so sat to explore.
SOOOO GOOD. this is so well written and i am on the edge of my seat to find out what happens next. already great exploration of grief and trauma with only 2 chapters, and i know we got a long journey ahead of us. please tune in!!
14. changing seasons by Rehearsal_Dweller (@agentsnickers) (9.7k, General)
Warnings: none
AU series (1/10 fics posted so far) with a different first meeting for buddie in every season!
Reccer says: really cool concept from one of my favorite fic authors and just very fun cause buddie will always be insane about each other <3
15. slouching towards bethlehem to be born by jeeyuns (@asystolle) (36.8k, Mature)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings
While in recovery after being shot, Eddie starts having visions and dreams about a person he doesn't know, and items he doesn't remember show up in his house. Who is this Buck, and why is Eddie seeing Buck's memories in his dreams?
Reccer says: The magical realism is enchanting, and you're buzzing with questions of what happened to Buck and why nobody can seem to remember him! It's a treat to be inside Eddie's head in this fic!
16. bring you (both) home by grnchickenpoxb (@grnchickenpox) (21.9k, Explicit)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings; Blood and Violence
Christopher gets kidnapped........by Buck.
Reccer says: I liked it!
17. What Magic Is For by EiraLloyd (25k, Teen)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings; temporary character death
An incomplete series, rather than a fic, this is a The Magicians AU in which Buck is a hedge witch, and Eddie gets cursed.
Reccer says: It's a clever weaving together of the world of 911 with the magic system of The Magicians, and it's genius to make infamous sceptic Eddie Diaz cursed as the central conflict of the plot
18. The more it hurts the less it shows by ufohnoparty (@soupfic) (11.7k, Explicit)
Warnings: grief/mourning, religion, homophobia (internalized, language)
An AU of Eddie’s time in Texas.
Reccer says: a really beautiful exploration of eddie and his relationship to religion, his parents, Chris, Buck and Texas. it’s funny, heartfelt, sad but still warm.
19. The long-suffering existence of Christopher Diaz by paleredheadinascifi (19.8k, Teen)
Warnings: none
Another incomplete series! A somewhat Chris centric story about Buck and Eddie getting together, and the renegotiation of relationships that this leads to, as well as the domestic dramas.
Reccer says: This series is sweet and charming throughout, but has moments of deep pathos re: the difficulty of change, and especially how Chris might handle it.
20. Best Case Scenario by lesbianrobin (@danielwaldorf) (4.4k, Teen)
Warnings: none
Buck and Eddie start a podcast - a multimedia epistolary fic
Reccer says: This is such a clever and interesting way to play with form and storytelling!
21. i touch myself, i dream by excalipurr (39.2k, Explicit)
Warnings: none
Eddie accidentally takes Buck's LAFD t-shirt to El Paso.
Reccer says: There's something about Eddie slowly figuring out where he stands through his own possessiveness and jealousy while he's in El Paso and Buck's in LA that will truly always hit
22. invisible string (tying me to you) by CairaMarie (@cairamarie) (26.8k, Teen)
Warnings: none
Buck and Eddie meet in 2015 at Sophia's wedding, hook up, and then lose each other for three years only to find their way back to each other.
Reccer says: love love love a different meeting fic! plus it's so fun to see more of the Diaz family
23. light, growing by kylaurien (@kylaurien) (4k, General)
Warnings: none
Eddie would be better at this, but Buck can be good. He reminds himself over and over that for whatever reason, Christopher is trusting him so much that he's lying about where he is.
Christopher takes a shaky breath, eyes closed and fingernails worrying the couch cushion.
"I think I'm a girl."
Reccer says: trans chris!!!! buddie loving her!!!!
24. The Devil In The Details by EiraLloyd (7.4k, Teen)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings
Actors Evan Buckley and Eddie Diaz meet on the set of Hen Wilson's new slasher movie The Devil In The Details and grow close over the course of filming.
Reccer says: Super fun and cute AU with lots of juicy potential!👀😍 Some social media & chatfic elements also very nicely mixed in there!
25. for all the haunts and homes of men by euadnes (@kananjarus) (189.6k, Mature)
Warnings: Graphic Depictions of Violence; Implied/Referenced Character Death
Station Eleven AU. Buck ends up taking care of Christopher, a child he doesn't know and was only going to help back to his school, when it seems like the end of the world arrives as millions of people succumb to a virus. We follow them both through the initial panic and confusion, and seven years later when they've found a place safe enough to stay.
Reccer says: I love Station Eleven, and I absolutely adore this fic! The horrors and sorrow of surviving a catastrophe and then having to fight for your life to keep surviving it is written in such a beautiful way! As the narrative threads keep pulling you start vibrating with excitement as you start seeing the puzzle pieces slowly fit together!
26. Retrograde by CypressSunn (@cypresssunns) (89.2k, Mature)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings; Medical trauma
A man is recovering in a long-term ICU unit with no memory of who he is, until he happens to run into Abby Clark, newly returned to LA, who recognizes Buck. But to the rest of the 118 he's been missing presumed dead for a year.
Reccer says: It's fascinating to follow a Buck who doesn't know the 118 and in fact is suspicious towards them, because during his amnesia year he's learned not to trust people who seem like they want to help him. The 118, and especially Eddie's, relief at Buck being alive and wanting him to get his memories back contrasts against Buck's reluctance, and what actually happened to Buck is still a mystery!
27. The life that got away by tenisperfection (@tenisperfection) (13.4k, Mature)
Warnings: none
Buck wakes up in an unfamiliar house, with an unfamiliar man watching him. Last night, a comet was passing close to Earth, and the unforeseen cosmic events some scientists speculated on seem to have come true, because Buck is sure he doesn't know Eddie, but Eddie and his son know another version of him.
Reccer says: I love the sci-fi vibes of waking up in a parallel universe, and Buck getting to see how different his life could be with Eddie in it.
28. Glass by ProsperDemeter (@prosperdemeter2) (86.5k, General)
Warnings: none
Daniel Buckley lived & completely changed the direction of Evan Buckley’s life, which leads to an event that prevents him from becoming a firefighter. However, that doesn’t stop him from becoming involved in a certain firehouse’s family & falling for their newest firefighter.
Reccer says: I love this fic with every fiber of my being! I reread it every few months while waiting for updates. This fic is constantly on my mind. It’s one of the only AU fics that I find still really keeps the characters written as they are in the series. I think I’ve left at least 5 comments on the fic now & would leave more kudos if possible! I cannot recommend this fic enough!
29. invisible string (tying me to you) by CairaMarie (@cairamarie) (26.8k, Teen)
Warnings: none
Buck and Eddie meet in 2015 at Sophia's wedding, hook up, and then lose each other for three years only to find their way back to each other.
Reccer says: love love love a different meeting fic! plus it's so fun to see more of the Diaz family
30. Right Where You Left Me by hyacinthusbloom (162.9k, Explicit)
Warnings: Rape/Non-Con
A fic where Buck never reported Dr. Wells, and the butterfly effects from that.
Reccer says: a true masterpiece! the full and sweeping ways in which not talking about Wells changes everything is so clever and well written
31. To Make With These Hands by ChasetheWindTouchtheSky (17.3k, General)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings
5 Times Buck Cooks for Someone + 1 Time Someone Cooks for Him, or: The Food Fic (affectionate).
Reccer says: I will always love cooking as a love language, and this fic really digs into that
32. You're Not a Good Shot But I'm Worse by wanttobeatree (@frightfullytreeish) (4.2k, Teen)
Warnings: none
After Tommy and Buck break up, Eddie offers to be a wingman for Buck at gay bars, while Buck's exploring the bi guy side of himself.
Absolutely nothing can go wrong and in no way will there be emotional complications to this plan.
Reccer says: this fic really got their dynamics so well, both buddie and the 118 as a whole, so excitedly and patiently waiting to see where it goes
33. 9-1-1 Boyfriend Verse by Astroash94 (2.9k, Not Rated)
Warnings: Author Chose Not to Use Archive Warnings
a series, not a fic, about buddie through the eyes of reddit - specifically through the lens of Eddie's girlfriend, concerned that her boyfriend has a boyfriend
Reccer says: love a reddit fic, and this series is so funny
idk if you take requests but would you do a sequel to “its okay, we’re the best of friends” ?
i don't not take requests if i like the prompt! as with everything idk i think it depends man. but i must admit, this gripped me. i never even considered a continuation/sequel so no forethought was put into the date or outfit while writing best of friends. i hope you like this anyway, even if it's not exactly what you wanted to see <3
take the moment and taste it
G | 2.2k | Eddie and Buck's first date. (Sequel to it’s okay, we’re the best of friends) | ao3
Eddie hasn't knocked on Buck's front door in years. He hasn't needed to; not when there's a spare key to Buck's place sitting on his keychain, right next to his own house key. (Buck has one of those too, and the thought makes Eddie's stomach flutter.)
So he doesn't quite know why tonight, as he reaches Buck's front door, he raises a hand—fist closed around a set of keys that includes one to said door—and knocks.
It's habit, he reasons. The polite thing to do when on a first date.
Except that Eddie knows it isn't that at all, and there's no point lying to himself.
Eddie knocks on Buck's front door, for the first time in years, because needs a few more seconds before facing Buck. Because he's nervous. That feeling is…new.
Realizing he was stupidly in love with his best friend was not a shock to Eddie. It's not the first time his heart has led him to that conclusion, but he hopes that it is the last. No, he knows it'll be the last, that Buck will be his last. The fact that Buck is a man hadn't phased Eddie much at all. In fact, he thinks they should award him another silver star for how well he handled that part despite his Catholic upbringing and general penchant for repression, thank you very much.
That was only a few days ago now, but Eddie doesn't think he can be blamed for his enthusiasm at taking Buck on a date. Partially because he feels bad for how much time he's wasted being oblivious (which, Buck has assured him, is not Eddie's fault. And he knows it isn't, realistically, but the guilt is there, taking up precious real estate in his chest regardless.) and partially because Eddie really, really wants to kiss him. Which he won't do until they go on a proper date.
Eddie's been in this position before, and nothing will ever make up for the mistakes he made with Shannon, but he can learn from them. He can be better for Buck, will do it right this time.
A few minutes pass; more than long enough for Eddie to gather his nerves. So much time that they circle back around full-force when Buck still hasn't opened the door.
His fingers tighten around the keys still in his hands and for a moment, Eddie considers doing away with propriety and just using them. It'd be far from the first time—he has a key for a reason!—and he doubts Buck would mind but…maybe he would mind.
Maybe he's got cold feet, too afraid of ruining the friendship they've built to open the door. Or maybe he's changed his mind completely! Maybe he's realized that he isn't in love with Eddie, that the thought was planted in his head without his permission and he was just caught up in the moment.
No. Eddie knows Buck wouldn't do that to him. Even if that was the case, if he'd changed his mind, Buck would respect Eddie enough to tell him.
So he doesn't use the keys. He knocks again. It only takes a few seconds before the door is swinging open, and Buck is there.
He looks good. Well, Buck always looks good, everyone knows it, but right now it's a thought that almost knocks Eddie off his feet.
The shirt he's wearing is blue. It matches his eyes and hugs his biceps so tight Eddie wonders if it's the right size. (Ultimately, he doesn't really care when it looks like that on him.) His pants are black and pinstriped, and the belt around his waist highlights the curve of his hips. Eddie wants to grab them.
By the end of the night, Eddie will be kissing him. Will be doing it every single day for the rest of his life, if he's lucky.
"Hi," Eddie breathes, eyes still raking over Buck's body. It's probably rude to stare this much but Eddie doesn't care about that either. He's pretty sure he's allowed to do that openly now, and it's not like Buck isn't staring back. His own brown button-up and dark blue jeans aren't anything new for him, but Buck seems to enjoy it so Eddie will let him look.
"Hi," Buck replies, lips curving into a smile.
"You look…" Eddie starts, trailing off as he flicks through a mental Rolodex of compliments for the right one. Gorgeous, astonishing, so fucking hot, like the rest of my life. None of them feel like the right thing to say.
"Oh God," Buck's smile falters. "Bad? I wasn't sure about the top but Maddie said it was good, and I don't know where we're going so I wasn't sure what to wear. I can change! Do we have time for me to change? Would you mind waiting?"
"No, Buck, no. You look good," Eddie lets his gaze flit to Buck's bicep one more time. It's the size of his head. "Like, really good."
"Oh," Buck exhales, and he smiles again. "Wanna come in? Or do we need to head out?"
"We've got some time," Eddie says, and Buck steps aside, opening the door further to let him in.
"Beer? How long do we have?"
Buck's shaking hands are clenching and unclenching at his sides, and he's bouncing on the balls of his feet like a prey animal ready to bolt.
They aren't due at their reservation for another hour yet, and Eddie's glad he had the forethought to book well ahead so they didn't have to rush. Okay, maybe Adriana had the forethought and made the suggestion, but Eddie would take the credit if asked.
"We should leave in about thirty, but maybe we could split one?" he offers, because he wants to ease Buck's nerves (his own too, if he's honest) but he doesn't want to get carried away. It'd be so easy for one beer to turn to two, to turn to staying in, to making out like teenagers on Buck's couch. None of it sounds bad to Eddie by any means. It all sounds quite perfect, actually. But it's the same thing they always do, except for the making out. Eddie really wants the making out, knows he'll fold under the slightest pressure from Buck.
Buck agrees and gestures for Eddie to sit (which he does, easily. Folding under no pressure at all), and Eddie watches as Buck wanders into the kitchen. His ass really does look fantastic in those pants.
Buck returns with a beer in hand, cap off, and holds it out for Eddie to take the first sip. He does that, too. Wraps his hand around the body of the bottle, lets his fingers brush against Buck's, but he doesn't let go. They grip the bottle together, their gazes locked on each other as they raise it to Eddie's lips and he sips, swallows. A soft grunt punches out of Buck.
Eddie doesn't let go when Buck drinks either. It sends a shiver up his spine, makes him feel like he's back in school. Giddy over sharing a drink, an indirect kiss.
"You never told me if I'm dressed okay," Buck says, letting setting the bottle and their joined hands on the couch between them.
"I already said you look good," Eddie mumbles, face heating. There's really no reason to be embarrassed—this is Buck—but it's still new. Complimenting Buck has never been a hardship, but there's never been so much intention behind it before either.
"But I still don't know where we're going, I could be underdressed. I could be overdressed!" Buck nudges Eddie's knee with his own, a familiar movement only made foreign by the way the touch lingers. Their hands are still touching, Buck's fingers gingerly tracing circles around Eddie's knuckles. "You gonna tell me?"
Eddie hums like he's considering it, but really he's trying to buy himself some time. Find a little bit of composure, collect himself, because he's pretty sure if he opens his mouth to say anything all that's going to come out is a moan.
"Come on Eddie, please," Buck tries again, and Eddie can't keep from rolling his eyes at Buck's begging. Eddie has never denied Buck anything (except maybe that first kiss, but even that was less a denial and more of a delay), and he's not going to start now.
"I'm taking you to dinner, Buck. Somewhere nice. That, uh, French place."
Eddie expects Buck to smile—to beam, wide and bright in that way that makes Eddie feel like there's champagne fizzing beneath his skin—but his face contorts in what can only be described as incredulity. He doesn't know if that's a good thing or not.
"Eddie, that's too much!"
Eddie doesn't think he's ever disagreed with Buck so fundamentally. He doesn't think anything is too much for Buck. He deserves the world and more, so much more than Eddie could ever give him. But Eddie can give him this.
"You've been talking about it for ages."
Talking about is a bit of an understatement, if you ask Eddie. Some Instagram chef Buck follows posted about it, a glowing review of their Coq au Vin, so of course Buck wanted to try it too, if only so he could replicate it at home. He'd been talking about it for months now, but never made a booking. Said he couldn't commit to the cost now that he had Theo, and it wasn't worth sending him to Maddie's for a night just so Buck could try some fancy chicken. But they both had a child-free night for their date anyway, and Eddie was the one who insisted on taking him out so Eddie would be the one insisting on paying. He could splurge a little, for Buck.
"Still, that's a lot of money, and we have two kids to think about now, don't forget."
He takes the beer, Buck's hand slipping from the bottle and quickly settling back on Eddie's thigh. Eddie gulps down a mouthful to distract from the way his heart is hammering like drum. They have two kids to think about. The two of them, together. It makes Eddie dizzy with joy, thinking about their ready-made family and the eternity they're going to spend together. And they haven't even been on a first date yet!
"You know I'd never forget Theo," Eddie mumbles. "I just wanted to do something special for you, that's all."
That part had, admittedly, been Sophia's idea. Eddie had been content with taking Buck to one of their usual spots, or ordering takeout and driving out of the city to eat under the starts, maybe make out in the back of Buck's truck. But Sophia had convinced Eddie he needed to go bigger. This is the most important first date of Eddie's entire life; he needed a grand gesture, something they've never done before. Something to draw a line firmly between friends and more.
"Everything I do with you is special," Buck says, gripping Eddie's thigh a little harder to get his attention, make sure Eddie is hearing what Buck is saying. "I know you wanted this all to be perfect, and you feel like you need to do it, like, properly but…Eddie, you don't need to win me over or impress me. I'm already yours. This is it for me, and I know you feel the same, so I don't know why we're wasting all this time on formalities when we both know we're going to—"
Eddie doesn't mean to interrupt Buck, nor does he intend for their first kiss to go down this way, but how could he not? When Buck is sitting there talking about them like they're inevitable, like they've been together for years. How can he not kiss the man he loves when he's sitting there saying how much he loves Eddie back?
Kissing Buck is another foreign but familiar feeling. Eddie knows what Buck's body feels like beneath his hands, has used them to restart Buck's heart before, but he's never felt the plush slide of his lips or the scrape of his stubble against Eddie's cheek. His tongue is warm and gentle as it swipes at Eddie's lower lip, presses forward to explore Eddie's mouth like he's committing it to memory.
Eddie's got one hand still holding the beer and the other on Buck's neck while Buck is gripping both of his thighs like he's afraid Eddie will float away if he lets go. Eddie feels like he might.
The kiss is clumsy and rushed, a little over-eager. It's absolutely perfect.
"We could still stay in," Buck suggests between kisses. "Order pizza. I have more beer."
It's too late to cancel the reservation, but Eddie doesn't mind eating the fee if it means he gets to do this all night.
"You do have that hot tub," Eddie replies. "Could be fun."
"I knew I liked you for a reason," Buck teases.
Eddie pulls back to set the bottle down and look Buck in the face when he says, "You love me, actually."
Buck's grin makes Eddie's heart squeeze. There's that smile he wanted—his best friend's smile. Eddie thinks he might be the luckiest man on earth right now.
tagged by @rhodeys, @sunflowerbuckleys, and @poledancingghostson love you all 😘 mwah. As I'm going to (finally) be posting the second chapter of catholic guilt fic tomorrow, have a snippet of that!
"So," Eddie agrees, his stomach churning, making it feel like he can't get the beer down at all because there's no room in there besides the butterflies.
"It's okay that you haven't shared in group," Scott sips his Heineken, giving what Eddie thinks is supposed to be a comforting smile. "It took me a few weeks before I did. I was, uh, scared that people would be…you know, weird about the whole gay thing."
Eddie nods, sipping his own beer—a Yuengling since they mainly only had domestics on tap.
"Were they?" Eddie swallows, palms sweating where he's got them resting on his jeans.
Scott hiccups a laugh. "I'm still here, aren't I?"
"Fair," Eddie agrees. "But you could be a masochist for all I know."
And he wants to smack himself in the face for his foot-in-mouth disease, about how he can't seem to stop himself from a fucking innuendo. Or whatever that was.
"Well, I'm not," Scott smirks with a finger pointing at Eddie from where he's holding his pint.
They lapse into a silence that is typical of two people who don't know each other and are certainly not sure how much of their freak flag to fly in front of the other.
"Did you know?" Eddie asks, suddenly, not sure what compelled him other than the fact that it's a secret that is bursting at all his seams and desperate to be taken out of its jar, examined, poked, and prodded.
His head is buzzing, and it's not from the beer.
"Know what?" Scott tilts his head, reminding Eddie just a little of Buck.
God, he's so down bad.
"That I'm gay, too," Eddie supplies, eyes on Orange Bowl going on behind Scott's head. "Like, could you smell it on me or something?"
Scott looks bewildered, blinking rapidly at Eddie. "Not even a little bit. You said you lost your wife. I didn't suspect at all. Just…you were new and, I don't know, I just wanted to extend a welcome." He stops, takes a sip of his beer again. "You're gay?"
"Think so," Eddie admits, scrunching his face. It's somehow easy to admit to a stranger, to someone he doesn't think will tell anyone in his life.
"What made you realize?" Scott asks, voice low and compassionate. Maybe they could be friends, even if his eyes are still shifting around the bar to make sure no one is watching them.
Eddie snorts to himself, shrugging. "Fell in love with my best friend," he admits.
Scott softens, reaching a hand out for Eddie's on the table. Eddie wants to recoil, but he doesn't move, even as his eyes flick around the bar to check and see if anyone is paying attention to them. No one seems to be, but he still gets that uneasiness in his stomach. El Paso isn't small, but it isn't exactly big either.
"That's the quintessential gay experience, Eddie," Scott tells him.
"It is?" Eddie didn't know that.
tagging: @keeperofdragons @eddiesstabwound (yes i know you already got tagged and already did it and can't share your exchange fic but i'm tagging you anyway) @lesbucks @bucklesdiaz @circledwithaheart @grnchickenpox @graceful-ashes @cathcer1984 @sourwolfdiaz (you can share the fic we're working on if you want!) @bugbugly @redrosydiaz @twocutlines @queerstark @minalover @bedsidebuddie @agentsnickers @eventuallyyouwouldtoo @burntoobright @tsunamikaela and ANYONE ELSE WHO SEES THIS PLEASE TAG ME I WANNA READ YOUR FICS 💖💖💖
let's see if I can get this out on my shitty data before this plane starts moving 😬 tagged by the loveliest @rhodeys and @sunflowerbuckleys 💛💛💛 i'm in sort of a hate everything i write mode atm but here's. something I wrote on my phone at a bar last night while listening to lost boys and lost boys (acoustic) on repeat
He goes to bed alone, but he never falls asleep that way. It's like clockwork, Buck's shadow in the doorway. Buck's fingers on his waist. Buck's lips against his skin.
And it's always a rough, biting thing. Buck's face against the pillow, Eddie's hands pulling at his hair. They rarely kiss, and when they do, it's all teeth and tongue and heat.
And it's not what he's imagined–when he lets himself imagine. It's not warm lips and eye contact and muttered praises and soft mornings. But it's what they have. It's all they have.
And when they come down–panting and sweaty and covered in bruising evidence of each other–Buck will wrap his arms around him. And he'll meet his eyes and hold them there–often for the first time all day. And he'll lay his head against Eddie's chest and he'll watch as his breathing steadies–as his face relaxes–peace finally settling into his tired muscles.
And when Eddie wakes up in the morning, the bed is always empty.
The pleasure and the pain– it's a package deal. It always has been.
tagging @bucklesdiaz @lesbucks @burntoobright @damnit-buck @diazboys @soupfic sorry if you've already been tagged!! plane is moving ahhhhh
i was tagged by my beloveds @tweetsongs and @eddiesstabwound and i've got some werewolf buck to share! i really hope i can finish this tonight
A bite mark.
Eddie's breath hitched. He understood. He could cling still to the rational, to denial. He could bury his face in the sand and forget what he'd seen, what he'd felt.
But Buck was asking him not to.
Hesitance stole over him, standing there with his hand on Buck's hip. Something between them was about to shatter, and Eddie feared the pieces would not fit back together.
"Say something?" Buck asked, voice impossibly small.
Eddie worked his jaw. Swallowed. At length, he said, "Last night was a full moon."
"It was."
"You …" Scared me. Licked my blood. Carried me in your arms like a toy. Killed someone, I think. "Saved me."
"Is — is that okay?"
tagging @lesbucks @soupfic @poledancingghostson @zinnydark @circledwithaheart @bucksgreyhairs and @bucklesdiaz
tagged by @eddiesstabwound mwah my beloved <33 here's a bit more of the 118 kids in peril fic that i've been fiddling with!
And Denny is his best friend, in the 118. It’s different from Kasey, who’s his school best friend, or Artemis, who’s his discord best friend. Denny is-- Denny gets it. Denny is the one who he can always look at from across the room when the adults are being ridiculous. Who knows what it’s like to hear a knock on the door in the middle of the night. It’s an impossible thing to explain, to anyone outside of their little bubble. It’s an impossible thing to understand, until you’re standing at your parents’ bedside and wondering if you’re going to become an orphan.
If Denny dies, then--
No. Denny won’t die. Denny can’t die.
(There are no promises, Chris knows. There is no corner of the world that can offer perfect safety, not without a dad or a Buck. But Buck and dad aren’t here. Buck and dad are looking for them. And Chris, who has watched dad practice for his academy exams and looked over Buck as he pulled dozens of people from raging waters, well--
Right now, Chris is the closest thing to a dad or a Buck that anyone’s got.)
tagging @circledwithaheart @sunflowerbuckleys @mihidecet @glorious-spoon and whoever else has anything they're working on!
ellievsbear
origamiaround
2087
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