nova recs - oh brother, I see (you burn like me) by canadadry
mature || buddie, madney || 47,908
Summary:
Adriana doesn’t tell their parents that she’s going to LA. She doesn’t tell Eddie, either—or ask, for that matter.
She does ask Chris, and he thinks it’s a good idea—says as much, on the phone, and doesn’t say much else.
“Buck will probably be hovering,” is what Chris does volunteer.
It still surprises her when the man who opens the door is not Eddie. It’s—Captain America, is the thing that actually comes to mind—a man close to a foot taller than she is, if not more than that, with blond curls and broad shoulders, and he’s got a question in his very blue eyes that’s probably less friendly than the one he actually asks her.
“Uh,” he says. “Can I help you?”
~~~~~~~~
This fic….it's art actually? i cannot stress enough how beautifully it's written. It's told entirely through Adriana and Maddie's POV, so it really offers a distinct perspective on Buck and Eddie's relationship dynamic. The author writes banter really well, especially between Eddie and his sisters. Also, their use of metaphors were truly beautiful. I really enjoyed it, not too much angst, but definitely will put you in your feels!
Fandom: 911
Ship: Madney
Rating: T (with a hint of spice)
Word Count: 894
Summary: Chimney and Maddie looked at each other knowing what they had going on was officially over... for now. Chimney looked at the clock. 4:30 am. They had at least another hour, they thought. Though it wasn’t necessarily unheard for their children to be up before five, it hadn’t happened for a while.
Day 2: “Mmm, your kid before five in the morning” + parenthood
Can also be read here
Chimney knew he was under the watchful gaze of his wife as she was no longer pretending to still be asleep. He stood in their bathroom mirror, whipping the remnants of condensation from his shower off the mirror. Looking towards their bedroom, he found her stretched out across the bed, on top of the covers. The wave of her fingers and the mischievous glint in her eye- which, after 4 years of marriage, was starting to rival his own- told him all he needed to know. Which was simply, there was no need to finish his morning routine as he’d need another shower before his shift anyway.
Not that that was an unwelcome fact.
He hung the towel around his waist on his hook, leaving him in a pair of black boxer briefs, as he exited the bathroom. He glanced at the clock on the bed, reading 4:15 am. More than enough time before either of their shifts started or their hell-raisers woke up and chose violence.
“Good morning,” his fingers curled her chin and lift her face towards his, pressing her lips against hers. The kiss was meant to be chaste, but his wife had other plans. The kiss deepened allowing him to explore.
A whimper left his lips as she broke the kiss as quickly as she started it. She switched to lying on her back. Propping herself on her elbows, she signaled that she was ready to pick up where’d they’d left off. Climbing onto the bed, he left a trail of kisses, up her bare thighs, teasing her through her silk nightgown, paying special attention to her neck, before reaching her lips again.
Just as his hand was skimming its way up her thighs, Maddie decided to switch positions, so she was on top. She kissed him once more before sitting straight up, moving back a little so she was sitting directly on him. Maddie smirked at his groan as she rocked her hips to tease him. She leaned forward to run hands him shoulders and down his chest and abs, not nearly as toned as he were when their relationship started, but not full on “dad bod” yet. He placed his hands on her thighs, rubbing circles into the skin.
The anticipation heightened and he licked his lips as she was slowly exposing more skin, pulling her nightgown up further and further to take it off. His hands and mouth were about to start exploring when...
Knock. Knock. “Mommy. Daddy.” The small voice of their six year old completely halted the mood.
Maddie dropped her nightgown, but stayed where she was seated on top of him. “Yes baby?” She asked towards her daughter. She looked at the clock and back at Chimney.
They heard Jee-Yun twisting the knob of their locked door. “Can I come in?”
Chimney and Maddie looked at each other knowing what they had going on was officially over... for now. Chimney looked at the clock. 4:30 am. They had at least another hour, they thought. Though it wasn’t necessarily unheard for their children to be up before five, it hadn’t happened for a while.
With a defeated sigh, Chimney told their daughter, “yeah, just a second.”
Maddie moved off of him. As she reached for the robe she kept on the bed post, she sighed. “Mmm, your kid before five in the morning,” said at only a volume he could hear.
He got up to quickly pull on some pajama pants. “So before 5 am she’s my child?”
“Exactly right.”
As Maddie tied her robe, he walked over to the door. Opening it, he found their dinosaur pajama clad little girl looking up at him, “Daddy, I’m hungry,” was the first thing out of her mouth.
“Jee, baby, what are you doing up so early?” Realistically, he knew his daughter had a very limited concept of time, but he thought he’d ask anyway.
She shrugged her shoulders as walked past him and further into the room, “dunno, couldn’t sleep. Can I have pancakes?” She scrambled onto the bed and into her mother’s lap.
“Pancakes sound really good, Jee, but let’s wait a little while for your brother to wake up before we make them. So we can all enjoy them,” Maddie reasoned.
“Tae’s already awake,” she said matter-of-factly, “he came in my room earlier.
A look passed between Maddie and Chimney. They’d made adjustments to their children’s schedules the last time they were waking early like this. Looks like it was time for readjustments.
“Where’s your brother?”
“Here I am!” Their son’s little voice caught his attention. He turned around to see their 3 year old standing in the door. sighing, he picked the boy up, just deciding to go with how the day chose to start itself. Never a dull day in the Han household.
“We’re all awake now, so pancakes?” Jee-Yun asked.
“Pancakes.” Chimney agreed. “How ‘bout it, Tae, you hungry?” He received an enthusiastic nod in response as he put him down. Maddie put Jee-Yun down and she ran over to where her father was standing. “Coming mommy?”
“I’ll be down in a minute, I’m just gonna take a quick shower.”
“Okay guys, let’s go.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the children took off down the hall. “Jee-Yun and Joon-Tae, what have we told you about running?”
---
It’s a little rough around the edges. I rewrote it like 3 times, but hopefully it was still enjoyable.
♡ Beta Reader: Thank you so much Kayla, @theyarnmaidstale you are forever supportive an angel!! Also both you and Jess, @mistmarauder gave me motivation and I thank ya’ll for it <3 and Jules & Dani for sprinting w me through it!! :D yall are the best.
♡ Prommpt: Madney Week Day One: “May I have this dance?”
♡ Warnings: Mention of near death experience, slight alcohol drinking
♡ Summary: Chimney’s been dancing around his feelings for Maddie far too long, but what happens when he’s forced to face them?
♡ Note: I am so glad i was able to finish this fic for Madney Week 2021! Everyone make sure to check out all the amazing fics/content that have been posted for it :)
“I’m so screwed,” Chimney repeats to Buck for the third time that hour as leans his head against his open palm, “like completely royally screwed, Buckley.”
They’re currently sitting at one of their favorite after work places—Andy’s—a mix between a bar and a restaurant. It’s a decent place that a lot of first responders frequent after shift due to it being open twenty-four hours.
Buck chuckles, grabbing one of the fries from the plate positioned in between them and tossing it in his open mouth. “You sound like a broken record, my man.”
“Maybe I am one, but I have a right to be.” Chimney defends with indignation, a slight pout on his face.
“Do you? I mean seriously why not just ask Lauren if the two of you can do something else besides go to the LAFD Charity Ball together? Like the movies or a nice place to eat?” Buck questions, wagging another fry at Chimney.
Rolling his brown eyes, Chimney explains, “I can’t, she was so excited when I mentioned it and went on and on about going to it. I don’t want to disappoint her. She’s way out of my league, I’m lucky she even wants to go on a date with me in the first place.”
“Chim, don’t put yourself down like that,” Buck frowns. “You’re an amazing guy and a great catch.”
“You have to say that because you’re my friend, but I’m just being real here. She’s great, Buck. She could be the one—trust me she’s gorgeous and funny…”
Excitement lights up in Chimney’s eyes as he trails off, envisioning his meeting with Lauren, the woman he’s been texting back and forth with on ‘The One True’ match app for the past week.
Buck scoffs, clearly unimpressed. “Didn’t you say that about the last girl and the one before her … What were their names, Sadie and Jennifer?”
Chimney squints. He had hoped Buck wouldn’t remember their names.
“They could could have been the one too.”
“Except neither of them were. Sadie turned out to be a catfish and Jennifer stole your shoes after your first date, didn’t she?”
Damn! He remembered what happened too.
“Fine, yes that all happened, and both those situations sucked, but what am I supposed to do? Give up?” Chimney says in exasperation, “I won’t, I’m going to find the person I’m supposed to be with. It’s been such a long time since I was in a happy relationship.”
Buck gets that and knows how bad Chimney genuinely wants that, even if he thinks he’s looking in the wrong place. So, he nods in understanding and tries his best to be supportive.
“Well, alright then, why not just tell Lauren the truth, that you never learned how to dance? A lot of people don’t these days.” Buck offers, ” Maybe she would be open to teaching you, that could be a fun way to bond together.”
“Right, I could do that,” Chimney mutters, “Except I might’ve sorta said I’m a great dancer, went on about how I’m an amazing one actually.”
“Oh, Chimney...” Buck says, sympathy in his tone.
“Well, dancing is listed under her dream date on her profile, but I never thought it would really come up. It was just supposed to be a little white lie to impress her. Everyone embellishes a little at first, but it’s all my fault for mentioning the charity ball in the first place.” The brown-eyed firefighter admitted with a sigh, “I’ll just call her and cancel, probably ruin my only chance with her.”
Buck only shakes his head in at Chimney's dilemma, but then a thought slowly occurs to him. He mulls it over for a moment, a sly grinning spreading across his lips.
“I’ve got an idea.”
Chimney takes a swig of his beer and raises an eyebrow questioningly at Buck. “Please don’t say you’re going to try to teach me how to dance, because I’ve seen you dance.”
“Oh no, not me—Maddie.”
“What? No way, I would never ask her to do that.” Chimney disagrees immediately, “Not happening.”
However, Buck is already pulling his phone from his jean jacket pocket and scrolling through to find her contact. “Why not? It’s the perfect idea, Mads loves to dance and she loves to teach. Plus, she said she owes you for helping her move in, remember?”
Oh, Chimney remembers. How could he forget the first day he met Maddie, how beautiful she was, and how kind? She’d captured his attention instantly and hadn’t lost it since.
“Buck, please, this is a bad idea,” Chimney protests once more, only to quickly hush as Buck places a finger to his lips and taps the speaker button on his phone, the dial tone sounding off.
Maddie picks up on the third click, her smooth as a bell voice and answers, “Buck? Everything okay?”
“Yep, I’m all good, sis! Sorry to call so late, but I’m out at Andy’s with Chim.”
“Oh no worries, and hey Chimney. What are y’all up to?”
“Well, we’ve got a question for you. Remember how Mom and Dad forced you to take dancing lessons in high school?”
“I sure do. So I could dance at prom when barely anyone even danced,” Maddie laughed.
“Right, well you see Chimney here has to go on a date, and they’re going to that charity ball I mentioned to you, remember?”
“Yeah, you’re going with Eddie aren’t you?”
“Mhm! Athena and Bobby are going, too.”
“Alright, and what does that have to do with me?” Maddie wonders.
“Well, the problem is Chimney’s got a date and everything, but he doesn’t know how to dance and she’s expecting him to, and it’s their first date as well, so kinda a lot riding on it.”
“Uhh I see,” Maddie hums, a slight hesitation clear in her voice that Chimney can’t place. “Well, when is it?”
“This Saturday night.”
“Hmm, that’s so soon.”
Maddie goes silent for a moment, Buck smiling all the while and Chimney glowers at him from across the table, still embarrassed this is even happening.
After a moment she speaks up, “I think we can make it work, but we’ll have to do it like everyday, a few hours at least. He’ll have to be committed to learning fast.”
“No problem, he’ll be there. I’ll tell him to text you tomorrow morning for the deets, thanks so much Mads!”
“No problem y’all, get home safe and sound, the both of you.”
“Night!”
“Night.”
Buck hangs up the phone, looking so proud like he’s just figured out the last piece of a very confusing puzzle.
“We’re not friends anymore, you know that right?” Chimney says pointedly, taking a fry and flicking it at Buck.
“Oh, c’mon on Chim.” Buck laughs, “You get to learn how to dance in time for your date. Isn’t that what you wanted? It's perfect.”
“Right, perfect.” Chimney sighs, averting his eyes from Buck as he takes another swig.
It really isn’t. However, he really doesn’t feel like explaining why that is and the day's exhaustion is starting to catch up to him. So he thinks it’s a good idea to go ahead and get outta here.
“Anyways, we should get out of here for the night. I don’t work tomorrow, but it looks like I’ll have dance lessons to get to.”
“Hey! That’s the spirit,” Buck cheers as they both get up from the table, Buck tossing a few dollars of tip on the table.
They make their way out of the place within a few minutes, saying good night to other people they know.
Chimney offers to give Buck a ride once they get outside, since he drove them over, but Buck denies it since he’s taking an Uber over to Eddie’s place.
He’s thankful anyways since it gives him time to think over his situation in silence as he drives home, because damn does he have many thoughts.
So they say their goodbyes quickly, Buck reminding Chimney, “Don’t forget about tomorrow, I’m going to check in with Maddie about it!”
Chimney only rolls his eyes as he waves Buck off and walks over to his car, getting in and driving off.
He clicks the radio on, tuning it to an old jazz station as heads on home. The low hum of playing as his thoughts drift back to Maddie, his new dance teacher.
Despite what Buck thinks, this is far from perfect.
Why?
Because he likes Maddie—a lot. Chimney’s not sure when exactly he started developing feelings for the 911 dispatcher. Maybe it was after he helped her move in with Buck and Eddie and came back a few days later to watch a movie.
Maybe it has been all the times since they’ve hung out and had fun together. Either way, he’s been trying to avoid those feelings for many reasons: she's Buck’s older sister, and she’s recovering from a traumatizing relationship. Not to mention, working on rebuilding the life she almost lost to a horrible man and putting her all into being a 911 dispatcher.
The last thing she needs is him complicating her life by confessing his feelings. He’s sure she doesn’t want a relationship anyways, and he shouldn’t put her in the awkward position of rejecting him just because he wants her, or at least that’s what he tells himself.
He’s thought about this a lot on his own.
Since his near death experience, Chimney’s been determined to take life by the reins and live each day to the fullest. He’s known how precious life was since well before the incident, after all, he’d lost his mother at a young age and as a paramedic he saw how fragile it was on a daily basis
However, the whole situation that triggered something deep with himself, forced him to analyze every bit of his being.
And so when Chimney took a full evaluation of his life, he realized what was missing, especially now that Tatiana was gone, was a meaningful relationship with a partner who truly understood and loved him.
Not someone who had an idealized version of him or was only in it for their own selfish gain. Someone real who would be there for him at the end of the day, that was what he wanted and needed, and so he had to find it, even if that person might already be in his life.
Which is why he’s since thrown himself into the dating scene with vigor. Blind dates, set ups, dating apps, the whole nine yards. Whatever could possibly lead to him meeting the love of his life and help him ignore his feelings for Maddie.
Somehow he’s sure that spending the next four days learning to dance all alone in her apartment, holding each other close and moving together… Just the mere thought has his hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter as he turns onto the road that leads to his apartment.
He’s not sure he’ll be able to ignore them then — not sure if he’ll want to.
Chimney inhales a deep sigh as he walks up the steps leading to Maddie’s apartment, his palms a bit sweaty, despite the fact it’s cool and not at all hot out this afternoon. He can’t help it as he’s not sure what to expect from today.
Although still having his reservations about this whole thing, he’d texted Maddie this morning like Buck had said. He had made it clear she didn’t have to do this, but Maddie wasn’t having it.
“We’re friends Chim, I can’t have you stumbling out there on the dance floor. Don’t worry, we’ll whip you into shape.”
And that was that. From there they had made plans to meet up for a few hours later in the day, as luckily enough she had the night shift for the rest of the week and so did he, which meant there was no getting out of this.
He supposed it was okay. Maybe it would be just what he needed to get over Maddie anyways, just to get it through his head it would never happen.
Either way, this Saturday he’s taking Lauren out an amazing date, and that’s what he needs to focus on.
He knocks on her door a few times before stepping back, whistling a low tune as he waits for her to answer. In his right hand he had a small brown bag from Maddie’s favorite pastry place, Kay’s Bakery. If she’s going to teach him to dance for free, the least he can do is supply some food.
“Coming!” Maddie’s soft voice calls from behind her apartment door, right before pulling it open, a wide smile spreading across her face as she comes into Chimney's view.
“Hey Chim, you’re just on time, c’mon in,” she greets cheerily, shifting to the side to make way for him to walk through.
Chimney unconsciously gulps, standing still for a moment as he takes in her appearance. Her mahogany brown hair flows wavy and unencumbered today, framing her glowing bare face and sparkling umber eyes. She’s wearing a long-sleeved short pale yellow dress that shimmers down her frame with brown flats.
She looks like a dream standing in front of him. He wonders if she even notices how she takes his breath away. Probably not.
Shaking his head quickly to get rid of those thoughts, he walks past her, and returns her smile before saying, “Well, I tried to be on time for class, Miss Buckley.”
“Oh, is that so?” She chuckles as she closes the door behind him before following him into the living room.
“Yep, and I even stopped and you a little something,” Chimney announces proudly, holding up the bag and shaking it slightly, “Scones from Kay’s.”
Maddie beams instantly, “Oh, Chim, you shouldn’t have! Thank you so much, I had lunch a bit ago, but I can’t say no to their scones.”
“Right? I swear they’re the best in LA,” Chimney hums as he hands Maddie the bag.
“I agree, but don’t let my brother hear you say that. It’ll be a thirty minute debate at least—he prefers Annie’s Bakery downtown.” Maddie comments as she takes it and walks into the kitchen to grab a plate.
“Well, they are pretty good too actually, but I’ll remember that,” Chimney hums, a slight frown tugging at his lips as he realizes Maddie’s living room has been dramatically rearranged.
The couch and two chairs have been pushed to the far side of the wall, along with the coffee table. Now leaving a wide open space in the center of the room, with just the soft orange living room carpet.
“Are you redecorating, Maddie?” He calls out, turning around just as she walks back into the room, holding two small plates with one scone placed on each.
“Oh no, this is for your lessons, silly. I want us to have a good open area for you to learn.” She explains as she hands him the plate and then goes to sit on the couch.
Chimney trails behind her, taking a bite of the delicious blueberry scone before answering, “Ah, that makes sense. I thought we would use your backyard or something.”
“What? No way, I mean unless you want the neighbors watching you learn.” She laughs as Chimney sits down next to her.
“Oh god, that would be mortifying, I don’t want anyone seeing,” he cringes at the thought. “Buck already texted me this morning that he wants us to record the first lesson. I said no way.”
“Ah yeah, he said he’d pay me twenty dollars to do it,” Maddie admits nonchalantly before taking a bite of her scone and chewing.
“Twenty dollars? That’s pretty low,” Chimney balks, knowing he’ll be scolding a certain firefighter when he sees him at work tomorrow.
“If it helps, Hen offered forty.”
Chimney chuckles at that. That’s his best friend for you.
“It does help, thank you.”
They finish their scones in peace, Chimney stealing the occasional glance because damn, does she look beautiful.
“So,” Maddie says once they’ve both finished and she’s put their plates on the coffee table, “from the way Buck made it sound, I’m assuming you have absolutely no knowledge of dancing at all?”
Chimney grimaces, thinking before he answers, “Yeah, I mean I’ve watched, like, all the Step Ip movies, if that helps.”
Maddie held in a laugh, the corner of her eyes crinkling. “I can’t really say it does.”
Chimney hung his head in shame.
“No, no, don’t worry. I can help you learn for sure, and I promise it won’t involve any backflips or dance battles. Anyways, I’m going to put the music on, go ahead and take off your shoes though,” She says and stands up, moving over to the TV stand and grabbing the remote off it.
“What, why?” He asks curiously, watching as she scrolls through a few of the channel apps and already moving to do as she said.
“I find it’s easier to get started if barefoot,” she shrugs, turning back to face him as she steps out of her own flats and scoots them over to the side of the wall.
“Oh, I suppose that makes sense,” Chimney agrees as he finishes taking his sneakers off and puts them by the couch before standing up.
“Mhm, it helps you get more attuned! Now, I’ve made a playlist of a few songs we can learn that they’ll probably play at the charity ball, basic dances everyone should know.”
“Are we talking one step, two step basic?” He questions hopefully.
“Well, think a few more steps, but once you get in the swing of things that’s how it’ll feel. It’s all about that muscle memory,” She explains as she turns on a low beat classical song and moves back over to him.
Chimney shuffles a bit on his bare feet, shoulders squaring together and his hands suddenly feeling sweaty again. Damn these nerves.
Maddie hums thoughtfully, stopping in front of him and dipping her head a bit, “May I have this dance then, my good sir?
He can’t resist chuckling at that, finding her so adorable. “You may, madam.”
“Wonderful then, now first I thought we will try the box step, it’s very simple,” she says as she moves closer to him, Chimney freezing up as she reaches for his left hand and holds it firmly.
Then gently guides his right arm to wrap around her waist, and places hers at his shoulder. “Perfect, remember this positioning okay?” She questions, tilting her head slightly at him.
“O-Okay, left hands holding, right hand around the waist…” Chimney mutters under his breath, trying to stay focused despite their proximity.
“Exactly,” Maddie nods, looking him straight in the eye, “Now, start with your left foot.”
“Which one?” Chimney asks, fumbling a bit.
“Oh hush, you’ll be fine. Step towards me now and I’ll step back.”
They do so, Chimney managing to narrowly avoid stepping on her foot as she instructs him slowly. “Then bring your right foot forward, then over and slide the left over to meet it…”
Damn, why are there so many steps?
“Good, now the right foot goes back to the left, back and over again, and the right slides next to it…. And we’re done! You did alright!”
Chimney sighs, shaking his head at Maddie’s praise. She might be saying that, but he did terribly. How the heck did people coordinate themselves to do so many steps in such a short period of time?
“I don’t know if this is for me, Maddie. It’s pretty difficult and a lot to remember.”
“What? Of course it is. I mean Chim you’re a paramedic for gosh sakes, think about all urgent things you have to remember everyday for your job. You can totally do this.” She encourages, not a shred of doubt in her voice.
“Alright, but the second I step on your foot, we’re stopping.”
Maddie giggles, “We’ll see.”
Despite being off to a rocky start, the past few hours had actually been going well. Chimney had only stepped on Maddie’s toe once and he could make it through a whole dance with only forgetting a few steps.
He’s relaxed more as well, his hand now comfortably placed on Maddie’s lower back, his other still intertwined with hers as they move languidly around the room together.
“You’re doing so good, Chim. At first you were pretty tense, but I can tell you’ve loosened up,” Maddie compliments as the song comes to an end and she pulls away, looking up at him with pride in her eyes.
“Maybe, but that’s only because you’re such a good teacher.” He compliments immediately, ignoring the twinge of disappointment that pokes at him when she releases his hand.
“I’m alright, but you’re a natural. You’re picking it up way faster than I did. I’m impressed, seriously,” She assures him as she walks over to turn off the TV. “Honestly, I think we can stop for the day, tomorrow we can try something a bit more complicated.”
“Okay, I’ll accept that,” Chimney relents, “and sure that sounds good. Man, does dancing wear you out a bit though, I might nap when I get home,” he mutters, stretching out his arm.
“Mhm, it’s a bit of a workout really,” she agrees, turning it over and walking over to the couch, “now help me turn this back into my living and not a dance floor?”
Chimney chuckles at that, “Of course.”
The two of them get on both ends of her brown pleather couch, pushing it forward to its original spot with ease together. Maddie gives a hum of approval once it’s in a good spot and moves to readjust the white throw and beige pillows on it.
Whilst Chimney moves to readjust the chairs since they’re lighter, his gaze flickers to her as he does it.
He can’t help but think what a wonderful afternoon this has been with her, despite his reservations. It always surprises him how easy spending time with Maddie is. Akin to coming home after a long day and finally being able to relax.
“Thank you once again for taking the time to teach me, I appreciate it, you know,” he tells her as he finishes up the chairs and the two of them go over to the coffee table.
“No problem, I was happy to help,” she answers with a shrug, “Besides, first dates are important after all. I bet you’re so excited.”
Momentary surprise crosses Chimney’s face, in the haze of enjoying his time with Maddie, he had genuinely forgot all about Lauren and why they were actually doing this.
They place down the table back in his spot and he straightens before reaching back to scratch the back of his head.
“Right, yes, it’s going to be great,” he answers, forcing a smile on his face.
“I bet. Tell me all about it, what's her name?”
Maddie asks as she moves to sit down on the couch, patting the seat next to her for him.
“Oh,” Chimney mouths, not really wanting to talk about Lauren, but giving in anyways as he sits down by her. “Lauren.”
“Ah, is she a catch?”
Chimney shrugs. “She’s okay.”
“Okay?” Maddie says, raising a perfectly arched eyebrow, “Wow, you make her sound amazing.”
“Sorry sorry, yeah she is. She’s a chef, seems really passionate about it and we’ve been texting a lot.”
“Can I see a picture?”
“Ah yeah, one sec,” he pauses as he reaches into his back pocket and takes his phone out, opening the app and scrolling to her profile. “Here you go.”
He hands Maddie the phone, and she hums as she looks over the profile, her eyes widening slightly, “Wow, she’s absolutely beautiful!”
Chimney’s eyebrows knit together. That’s true, Lauren is beautiful, but right now he’s only looking at Maddie.
“Well that’s great Chim, I’m really happy for you. I hope things will go well between the two of you.” Maddie smiles as she hands the phone back over to him.
“Yeah, thanks I appreciate it.” He nods stiffly, stuffing it back in his pocket.
“Well now, I don’t know about you, but I’m kinda hungry. What do you say about staying for dinner? I could whip us up something pretty quick.” She offers cheerily, “Unless you have plans of course.”
All Chimney had planned for today was to clean his apartment and watch TV.
“That sounds great, let’s do it.”
“Alright, let’s see then, I could make us some spaghetti and meatballs or maybe sandwiches,” she stands up, trailing off and listing different possibilities as Chimney gets up too and follows her into the kitchen, a soft smile on his face.
The next few days pass by as he and Maddie spend their afternoons learning to dance together, sharing meals, and having a great time together. Chimney finds himself less and focused on the actual date, and more so just happy he’s getting to spend time with Maddie.
He’s impressed by how well she teaches and how good of a dancer she is herself, though she always denies it and insists he is.
The others have been commenting all week how good of a mood he seems to be in, Buck teasing that it’s because of Maddie, to which Chimney only rolls his eyes at. He won’t deny it, because it’s true, but he also won’t give them all the satisfaction.
By the time Friday rolls around, he’s feeling like he’s actually got the hang of things, and can handle tomorrow and he owes it all to Maddie.
So, rather than stop by Kay’s he decided to get them some take out from a nice Italian place downtown, because what better way to show your gratitude than some good food?
He’s currently unloading it in her kitchen, placing everything down onto the counter whilst Maddie pulls out plates and drinks from the cabinets.
“You really didn’t have to do this, you know,” Maddie says as she lays the dishes down and moves over to the fridge to pull out some lemonade. “It’s really so sweet.”
“Hey, it’s no problem, especially after you’ve been dealing with me all week,” Chimney shrugs. “It’s the least I can do.”
“Pfft, if anything you’ve been putting up with me. You’re already a better dancer, trust me.”
“If you say so. Hen and Buck are still betting I will fall on my ass Saturday.” Chimney sighs as he transfers their food from the containers to plates.
Maddie laughs at that, as she goes over to the counter and starts pouring their glasses, “Well, they’ll be in for a surprise then.”
“Yeah, I wish you could be there to see it, maybe we should have gone together,” Chimney says without thinking, freezing as the words come out of his mouth.
If Maddie finds it strange, she doesn’t comment, only gives a shrug and says, “Buck offered to take me, but it’s not really my type of thing anyways.”
“I see,” Chimney mutters, eager to change the subject, “anyways, I’ll go get us situated in the living room and queue up the movie.”
“Sounds good, I’ll bring the drinks and garlic bread in a moment.”
Chimney nods as he picks up the plates and carries them carefully over to the living room coffee table. After much debate, they had decided on watching a new action movie that he was pretty excited about it.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, he acknowledged this felt like a date, but he chose to ignore that. They’ve done this plenty of times anyways.
Just as he’s sitting down his phone starts ringing from his pocket, he slips it out, noticing it’s Lauren calling. They haven't spoken a ton the last few days actually besides small talk, so he’s a bit surprised to see her calling.
He picks up on the second ring, “Hey, Lauren.”
“Hi Howie, are you free?” Comes her quiet voice. She sounds a bit tense somehow.
“Uh,” his eyes flicker to the kitchen entryway, “Not really, but I can talk for a bit. Something up?”
“Well, the thing is… I’ve actually been speaking to someone else I met on the app and so I’ve decided I need to cancel our date tomorrow. I know it’s last minute, but I’m connecting with him. I’m sorry.”
“Oh uh…” Chimney mutters as disappointment blooms within him, “I see, well I totally understand. I mean when you know, you know?”
“Exactly. I’ve really enjoyed talking to you, and I was looking forward to it though, believe me.”
“I was too, but hey no hard feelings. I wish you the best, Lauren.”
“You too Howie. You’ll find the one, I know it.”
“Thanks Lauren... bye now.”
Chimney hangs up, unsure what to do now as he puts his phone away, flopping down on the couch and placing a hand on his forehead.
He’s not mad, and he’s genuinely happy for Lauren, but he can’t help the bitterness that he feels. Of course things with Lauren weren’t serious, and they didn’t know each other too well, but he wanted to see where it went.
Or did he?
It’s not like he’s paid much attention to their conversations the last few days, and really, all his thoughts have been on Maddie.
Maybe he’s just been selfish, wanting to have his cake and see it too. What would he have done anyways, if he had met Lauren and it went well between them? It’s not like that would have actually made his feelings for her go away — nor does he want them to.
When he truly thinks about it, he knows what he wants.
And as Maddie walks into the living room, a bright smile on her face as she carries their drinks, he knows he can’t have her, and that has a sharp pain running deep inside him.
There’s nothing on a sadder night than laying on your couch, stuffing your face whilst you watch reruns on Netflix and know your friends are all out having a great time. Yet, that’s what Chimney has been reduced to at the moment.
Well, his friends should still be getting ready actually. It’s currently seven and the event doesn’t start till around eight, not that it really matters to him.
After Lauren canceled and he left Maddie, he had decided against trying to find another date at all. He knew it wasn’t worth it, as he could no longer ignore how he felt about Maddie, nor did he think it was right to simply find a replacement to go with him. It would be pathetic and wrong.
Besides, he’s felt even worse about the fact he’s kind of avoiding Maddie now. He had been way too embarrassed to tell her in person that he no longer had a date for tomorrow, so he’d texted her about it last night.
The conversation had been brief.
[10:50 PM Chimney:] Hey, so something’s come up for Lauren and we won’t be going anymore.
[10:57 PM Maddie:] Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. Is everything okay between the two of you?
[11:03 PM Chimney:] Yeah, she just found someone else and I’m honestly okay with that.
[11:10 PM Maddie:] I see, well I hope you’re okay. Maybe you could find someone else to go with? There’s still time.
Chimney hadn’t replied after that, partly because he wasn’t sure what to say, and secondly because he wanted to say, “How about we go together, then?”
Which had led to him lazing about the entire day, and wishing he hadn’t scheduled off already just so he would have something to take his mind off everything. Buck had texted him and asked what happened as well, but he couldn’t be bothered to explain to him either.
So here he lays with a family sized bag of cheetos, watching a romcom. He’s still in his pajamas too because why bother with clothes at this point?
However he finds himself regretting that choice as his movie is interrupted by the sound of someone knocking at his door.
He gets up with a low groan, placing the cheeto bag on his coffee table and hurrying over to the kitchen sink to wash his hands as he shouts, “Coming!”
It’s probably Buck or Hen, here to find out why he’s not going and persuade him to go with them, but no way in heck is he being a third wheel tonight. He swings the door open expecting to see one of them, only to blink in surprise as he sees the person who's been on his mind all night: Maddie.
Not only is she standing in front of him, but she’s also dressed to the nines, wearing a long silky cream dress and matching heels. Her chocolate brown hair is straightened and pushed over her shoulders, showing off her long neck.
He can tell she’s wearing make up as well, and it perfectly highlights her beauty, his eye catching on the soft gloss on her pink lips.
She’s a glimmering vision, and he’s a mess with cheeto crust on his lips.
“Maddie—” he starts, only for her to immediately cut him off as she raises her hand up.
“Chimney, I know you weren’t expecting me to show up here tonight, and if you want me to leave after what I say, then I will, but please listen first, okay?” Her voice is adamant, and a little emotional.
Chimney gives a quick nod, knowing it was time to be silent now.
“Alright, so I don’t know what happened between you and Lauren, but I want to go with you tonight, and I think you want to go with me too. At least that’s what Buck thinks,” she sighs, her voice a bit shaky, “Either way, it feels as if the two of us have just been—no pun intended—dancing around each other, and I just can’t do it anymore. I like you, dammit.”
Her shoulders quiver a bit as she finishes, and Chimney can tell how hard it was for her to say that. Yet, she still did. If he really thinks about it, he’s not sure he’s ever met anyone as strong as Maddie. Everything she’s been through in her life, yet she’s the one here, right now, confessing her feelings to him whilst he’s been such a coward.
Honestly, he’s ashamed.
Shaking his head, he lets out a small chuckle at himself, which causes Maddie to gasp, “Are you laughing at me?”
Shit, and he’s about to ruin everything.
“No! Not at all, I would never. I just, I can’t believe this is happening. It’s everything I’ve been wanting, but have just been too scared to say or act on.” Chimney admits, taking a step toward her and hoping she understands.
“Everything you’ve been wanting, are you sure? You’re not just saying that because Lauren canceled?” Maddie asks, a bit of hesitation in her voice.
Chimney frowns, “Of course not Maddie. I… Listen, since the accident, I’ve been wanting to meet ‘the one’ or whatever because it was such a frightening experience, but the truth is I think I’ve already met her months ago. You, Maddie.”
Leaning forward, he takes his hands within hers, gauging her reaction to make sure she’s okay with it. She steps closer to him too, squeezing his hands gently back, “But then why haven’t you ever said anything?”
“I’ve given myself a million different excuses, honestly,” Chimney laughs bitterly, “but I think the real reason is I’ve been scared of you rejecting me.”
Maddie visibly and nods, her eyes smoldering with different emotions.
Understanding. Love. Happiness.
“And now that you know how I feel?”
“Well…” Chimney hums, gentle a smile spreading across his face, “Now I can say that I like you too, a lot. More than I know what to do with half the time.”
“You’re sweet, and I hope you know how happy I am to hear it,” Maddie giggles, the same joy that he knows is on his face, reflected on hers.
Utter euphoria swells within Chimney at this unexpected turn of events to what was going to be a dreary night. He knows they’ll have a lot more to talk about later, but right now they have somewhere to be.
“And secondly, do you want to come in while I get dressed, because I think we have a dance to get to, madam?”
The shining smile Maddie gives him will forever be etched into his memory as she says, “I would love nothing more, my good sir.”
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note: this blog is a work in progress. i'm still trying to figure out how exactly to organize everything. reach out if you have any suggestions!
Do you know of any other Madney fics (or fic rec lists)? Trying to sort through all the buck centered fics in their tag is IMPOSSIBLE 😭. I just love them so much and want to read more.
i'm really sorry but i really don't !!! they are criminally underwritten tbh?? and as much as i only usually read abt gay people i would actually LOVE to read more madney fics - do any of my followers have any recs of madney focused fics they can share in the replies??
“What do you want?” He asks, handing her the bottle. She’s been thinking about this for a while. Sometimes she thinks about it at the worst times like during conversations where people are asking her for advice or even during her quiz yesterday. She thought about the way Howie’s cock slid between her thighs, the way his come messed up her body, made her filthy, and the way his face lit up at the sight of it.
She has issues with men being possessive, but she likes the feeling of being owned this way because she believes she owns Howie in turn. He’s at her mercy always, and so she leans down to whisper in his ear, first flicking her tongue at his lobe and then saying, “will you do anything I ask of you?” His eager response has her throbbing, but she ignores herself. She’ll ask him to bury his face between her thighs later, but for now, she wants to see him come apart at the sight of her.
read the rest on ao3
taglist under the cut (kindly lemme know if you want to be added or removed)
