If you're still doing the 5 facts, 1 AU game, what about an AU where Buck and Tommy live in the same apartment complex and have a meetugly over the community garden?
1. One of the perks of the condo Tommy moved into after he left the 118 was the supposed community garden. Tommy says ‘supposed’ because after the first year it was clear that he was the only one who used it, and the rest of the residents were happy to let him take it over completely, especially because he shared his bumper crop of zucchini and carrots with them and left little vases of fresh flowers at the check in desk for anyone who wanted some to brighten up their places, they just had to return the vases to Tommy’s apartment when they were done. Tommy’s just gotten off a 48 (more like a 52 at this point), and he did his big shop at the garden center and he’s ready to go turn some flower beds before he hits the bed. Except. One of the flower beds — the one he had planned for his tulips and daffodils, THE BULBS HE HAD PLANTED IN THE FALL, has been completely torn up. He’s too tired to be angry at this point, but he knows he’ll be fuming in the morning. Afternoon. Whenever he wakes up from his eight hour nap. He plants the rest of the boxes like he’d planned, leaves his little hand written labels in front of each perfectly straight, perfectly spaced, line of plants. Shoots a text to Pamela, head of the welcoming committee, to find out who has newly moved in. He’ll get justice for his poor plants.
2. Buck is STOKED. He had completely forgotten about the garden the condo had, but now that his cast is off and he’s doing PT, the daily walk down to the garden and light lifting of a watering can sounds great. He takes the stairs down and the elevator up for a lower impact on his body. Maddie drives him to a little garden center where they recommend some easy to care for flowers and some fertilizer and a little gnome decoration that he thinks will be cute in the corner of one of the boxes. Maddie helps him carry the flats into the courtyard, but he’s adamant about planting them himself. There’s — something — in the planter. A lot of somethings. He figures he’s stumbled across a squirrel’s winter stash or something, and carefully plucks each of the … things out of the dirt. They’re too big to be acorns, and he’s not even sure they have those in California, he’s never paid attention, but he doesn’t want anything digging up his flowers, so best to get them out now.
3. Maddie calls Buck the next day and tells him he left his gnome in her car and Chimney’s going to bring it to the 118 so Bobby can bring it over when he takes Buck to PT the next day after he gets off shift. Buck feels bad he’s making more work for them, but Chim starts sending him gnome photos from the station and the fire engine and — it’s probably a reference Buck should know, but he thinks it’s funny all the same. When Bobby picks him up for PT, the gnome is strapped in with a seatbelt in the backseat.
Pamela has told Tommy about the new couple in 17D — only the guy was on the lease but Pamela was good with realtors and had found out the girlfriend travelled a lot for work. Tommy had been keeping an eye out for him, but so far hadn’t run into him. As mad as Tommy was, he didn’t really want to go knocking on the guy’s door to yell at him about flower bulbs.
Bobby makes sure Buck takes the gnome after PT, and Buck walks him straight to the courtyard so he won’t get forgotten again. The rest of the boxes had filled in since he’d claimed one, and he was glad he’d gotten it when he did because the labels on the others all seemed like the same handwriting and clearly someone was a space hog.
4. Tommy goes down to water his plants and there’s a gnome — a GNOME — in the other planter box. It’s mocking him. He pulls out his phone and texts Howie. ethically, is it bad to steal the gnome out of the planter box another resident stole from me? Howie just sends back a bunch of laughing emojis first then, thank god someone gets film references. if you have a polaroid you should totally do it. Tommy does in fact have an old polaroid camera and film. He tucks the gnome under his arm when he leaves. He pops back into the courtyard on his way to his next shift, leaving behind a photo of the gnome that says “this is for the bulbs.”
5. Someone STOLE Buck’s gnome. And left a photo of him with a cryptic message. Bulbs?? Buck hasn’t touched any light bulbs. What the fuck? Is one of his neighbours pranking him? Confusing him with someone else? Buck sends a photo of it to Chimney and is like, what movie reference am I not getting here? Chimney sends laughing emojis and then an apartment number and says “ask him” ???
Buck goes to the apartment and knocks on the door and this guy, who is huge by the way, opens the door. Normally Buck would be a little more hesitant but he’s fuelled by confusion and anger and he holds up the polaroid and he’s like “I didn’t take your light bulbs now give me back my gnome!”
The other man snorts and leans against the door frame. “Not light bulbs, my tulip bulbs. And my daffodils.”
Buck’s confused. “I have no idea what you’re talking about?”
“The flower box. You dug up my flowers.”
“Those weren’t squirrel caches?”
“They weren’t — no. I planted them last fall.”
“It’s a community garden.” Buck feels bad but not bad enough to give in.
“Yeah, and you’re the first person other than me who’s used it in three years.”
“Uh. I could buy you some new bulbs?” Okay, maybe Buck should have asked someone before he started digging.
“It’s too late to plant them for this year, but thanks.” The guy actually cracks a smile, so maybe he’s not about to beat Buck’s head in. “How did you know the photo was from me, by the way?”
“Oh. I guess we both know Chimney? He took photos of the gnome at the station and when I saw yours I texted him and asked him what movie reference I was missing.”
“You’re at the 118?”
“Yeah.” Buck brightens up. “Are you a firefighter too?”
“Mmmhmm.” He nods. “Tommy Kinard, 217. Used to work with Hen and Howie.”
“Evan Buckley,” Buck shakes the hand offered to him. “I am, uh, really sorry about the flower bulbs. I thought the garden would be a good way to get some extra rehab.”
Tommy invites him in to sit down and asks politely about the rehab, offering to help out if Maddie or the 118 isn’t available. He gives Buck back the gnome and Buck snaps a quick photo of him with it and sends it to Chimney.
“Have you really never seen Amelie?” Tommy asks curiously. “It’s a classic.”
They order pizza and Tommy gets them both a beer and Buck settles in for a weird and wonderful french movie on Tommy’s ridiculously comfortable couch.
+1 That fall, Buck buys Tommy more bulbs and helps him plant them. By spring, there’s only one apartment responsible for the community garden again, because Buck and Tommy have moved in together. Chimney tries to claim them as one of his matchmaking couples but they both deny he did anything more than send Buck an apartment number, and hey, if Buck hadn’t known yet that he was into guys, how could Chimney?
Being followed around and getting recognized was something Eddie hated.
Sure, he was used to it but it didn’t make him hate it any less. So when this random pretty boy started talking to him like he was a random stranger on the street, it took him by surprise. And he has to admit he reacted in a… Not so great way.
“Hey, man I-”
“Not right now.” He cut him off quickly and harshly. The guy flinched slightly, which did make Eddie feel the slightest bit guilty, but still didn’t want to talk to anyone right now. The guy frowned, “I was just going to ask if you knew the bus route I’m supposed to take to get downtown. You don’t have to be a douche about it.” The guy scoffed, turning to walk away. “Wait.” Eddie called, “Sorry, I just get a lot of people comin’ up to me… It gets annoying.” Pretty boy shrugged. “I mean. I get it, I guess. I have days where I don’t want anyone to talk to me either. Look, don’t worry about it. I’ll figure it out eventually.” Eddie sighed, the nonchalant way the guy was speaking to him, and the clueless look on his face, kind of hinted that this guy really had no Idea who he is. And yeah, that does sound pompous but… Oh well.
Eddie thrust his hand out towards the guy, pulling another small flinch out of him, “Sorry. Uh. Im…” He quickly contemplated telling the pretty boy his real name. “I uh. I’m Eddie. Sorry for being a dick.” The guy flashed him a smile, “No worries, Eddie. I’m Steve.” Grabbing his hand and shaking it. Eddie looked at the map Steve was holding, “You’re going down town right?” Watching Steve nod in response. “Alright, you’re going to want to take bus 4, and your stop is going to be 112. It’s a bit of a ride, though. It may be faster to get a taxi.” Eddie suggested. Steve shrugged again, “I can’t afford the fare unfortunately, so the bus it is.”
“Why don’t I drive you?” Steve looked surprised, Eddie did too, he had suggested it before he even thought about it. “Oh, uhm. You’d do that?” Steve looked apprehensive. Eddie shrugged, “Consider it me making up for being a douche earlier.” Steve giggled at that, and Eddie thought for a moment he had ascended into heaven. “My car is this way,” He gestured vaguely, grabbing Steve’s hand and leading him in the direction of his van.
—-
Eddie had never been embarrassed of the van before, but with this cute guy and his puffy hair, he got a little insecure. He had to admit, his van wasn’t the newest car, and it smelt a lot like weed. Like a lot. But Steve looked unfazed. The nonreaction extended to the interior of the van, even as it got ‘loud’ when they opened the doors. He watched as Steve hopped up and situated himself in the passenger seat. “Thanks for driving me!” He said, a bright smile on his face.
“No problem, Steve-o!”
“Oh. We’re already at the nickname stage? You move fast.” Steve teased, pushing at Eddie’s shoulder gently. Eddie almost crashed the van, was Steve flirting with him? This cannot be happening. He doesn't even know about Eddie’s band. “Ahaha… Yeah.” He pushed out awkwardly, cringing at his own response. Steve faltered at this, “Hey, sorry. I shouldn’t have said that… I mean, who even knows if you like guys? Shit. I can get out, it’s alright.” Steve rambled. “Hey, no. It’s okay. I do, I mean it’s fine. I thought it was cute. You just make me nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve met someone like you.” And that testimony made the smile creep back onto Steve’s face. “Well. I can’t say I’ve ever met anyone like you, Eddie.” He reached over and grabbed his hand.
“You like music, Steve?”
“I mean, who doesn't?”
Eddie popped a Corroded Coffin CD into the car CD player, “This is Corroded Coffin’s newest album. They’re good, a little different though.” Steve nodded along as the first song started playing. The drums were a bit heavier than what Steve typically listened to but it was good, the guitar played the melody instead of a vocalist, which was also something Steve wasn’t used to. “They’re good, but I have to ask why they don’t have a singer?” Eddie shrugged. “I’ve… Heard they were never able to find one. Why? You sing?” “A little,” Steve hummed. “Don’t get me wrong, I like the lead guitarist, but lyrics can really expand a song, y’know?” Eddie nodded. “I heard they’re holding auditions for a singer today.” Steve smiled. “Yeah, that’s actually where I’m headed to. I have to admit I should’ve listened to them a little more before the audition but… Oh well.” Eddie choked at that, which earned a concerned look from Steve. “You okay?” Eddie nodded, “Yeah, just choked on my spit,” he breathed.
The ride fell into a comfortable silence after that, sounds only coming from the radio and Eddie humming along with the band. They arrived at the venue, and before Steve got out of the car Eddie grabbed his hand. “Hey, you’re gonna do great. I hear the guitarist has a thing for guys like you.” Steve blushed, “Well I can only hope!” And with that he slid out of the van and walked through the venue doors.
—-
Auditions were dragging on for what seemed like forever, and Steev still hadn’t had his yet. Eddie felt like he was going to die from anticipation, and was about to call for a break when Steve poked his head into the audition room. “Hi, sorry. Were you guys ready for m- Eddie?”
“Surprise?”
“What’s going on, Eddie? You know this guy?” Gareth said.
Eddie shrugged, “Kind of. We drove here together. I was a douche, he was just trying to ask a question, so I gave him a ride.” Steve nodded in agreement with his summary. “Why didn’t you tell me? We even listened to your band on the way over!” Steve scolded. “I don’t know! I was just enjoying talking to someone who had no idea who I am!” Eddie groaned. Steve’s cheeks went red. “I can’t believe I admitted that I didn’t prepare for this to the guy who was holding the audition!” He slapped a hand over his face. “Well. I have no idea who you are. So! On with the audition! And, to make it fair. Eddie, go wait in the bathroom.” Gareth instructed, earning a pretty fierce side eye from Eddie. He got up begrudgingly, groaning and ultimately making a show of it.
Once he was gone, Gareth gestured to the open space, “Floors yours, kid.”
Steve sighed, deep breaths, he reminded himself.
“Hello, I’m Steve. Harrington. Uh, Steve Harrington. Yeah, I’m 23 years old, I’ve been singing for a while, dive bars here and there, y’know… I’m uh. I’m going to sing an original song. I have others though… If you wanna hear something else…” He rambled, word vomit spewing out due to his nerves.
He took a deep breath and let the song flow out of him, it was a blur as he sang, letting muscle memory take the reigns as he belted out. He opened his eyes as the song finished, breathing heavy, and he took a small bow. “Thanks for your time.” He began to walk out, following typical audition protocall. “Wait.” Gareth said. Steve turned, watching as Gareth and the other members, not including Eddie, of course, deliberated. “You were good. Sing this for me,” Gareth sang a short melody, which Steve repeated shortly after. He watched as the band nodded, small smiles forming on their faces.
“Eddie! Come meet the new vocalist!” Gareth called. Steve fell to his knees, “You’re joking.” “Nope.”
Eddie sauntered out, stopping short when he saw Steve still there. “Hey! You? Him? YEAH! Way to go Steve!” He cheered, running to hug him in celebration. They held each other for a moment before Eddie planted a quick kiss, again, acting before thinking. Steve paused, pulling away, before cracking a smile so big Eddie thought his face might split in half, and pulling Eddie back in for another smooch. The rest of the band behind them was clapping, congratulating Steve and moving to tell the other candidates that they’ve found their vocalist.
“I’m so glad you were a dick to me this morning.”
Eddie smiled, “Me too.”
--
Sorry for another one of these, it's been locked in my brain
Twenty-four is one year too young for a quarter-life crisis, but hey, Colin's always been an overachiever. He's got a degree in Sustainable Tourism, which his family says he's wasting as a barista, an annoying anxiety disorder, and no freaking idea what to do with his life. The only thing going his way is the cute coffee shop regular, a homo draconis named Dav (who, in his humanshape, is a total hottie.) Still, it'd be easier if Dav didn't have a habit of accidentally setting things on fire when he's startled. Like the café kitchen.
When Dav breaks draconic taboo and volunteers as a replacement bean-roaster to apologize for the inferno meet-ugly, sparks really fly. Everything's finally happening for Colin, until he learns that hooking up with Dav means that under dragon law, Colin is absorbed into Dav's hoard.
Possession may be nine-tenths of the law, but becoming his boyfriend's property does not make this whole identity crisis thing easier. Especially now that Colin must navigate politics, paparazzi, and legal questions about his personhood. Colin's still angling for his Happily Ever After, but the growing scrutiny on his relationship with Dav threatens their budding romance. And if he's not careful, Colin's fight for agency may just destroy symbiotic human/dragon relationships worldwide.
The first five chapters of the book will drop January 13th, 2024.
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Sure I found your Supercorp SuperStarWars and ... that was amazing but I only found two, please tell me that there's the meeting between Lena and Kara and that Alex showed up and that ... I do not know anything hahahah I'm in trouble here when you put together Star Wars and Supercorp ... I got really crazy for more. Ah, and thank you :)
Ahahah! I’ve filled the supercorp part of this already with my last update!
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