Submissions are now open for NDE week! Send in your favorite hurt/comfort, rescue gone wrong, hospital vigil, recovery arc, and emotionally devastating Buddie fics.
Submit your fic recs here! The form will be open until 11:59 pm EST on August 4th.
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!)
32 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. 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
30. 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
31. 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
32. 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
I managed to write like six whole sentences today AND got some WIP tags so what if I just like.... slowly posted this whole thing piecemeal whenever I manage to get some words out of my brain that I don't hate?
pouty frowny sleepy eddie diaz walking into his kitchen and then immediately just licking into his buck’s mouth as he steals that beautiful hot steamy cup of Their Shared Coffee from his best friend’s hand. best friend’s. that’s his best friend. and eddie just kissed him. it only takes him fifteen minutes to remember they’re not together and they’ve never kissed before. but now eddie’s in the shower and he’s just a man, so he might as well jerk off before he does anything about it
It's early, the sun barely tinging the sky pink when Eddie stumbles out of bed, shoving his feet into his slides, rubbing the grit from his eyes, the sound of his alarm still ringing in his ears. He is not a morning person, he has never been a morning person, vision dimmed and like his head is full of cotton wool for way longer than most people. Shift work and a kid has helped some but mostly he's forcing himself through his morning routine on autopilot, not fully awake until he's dressed, got through breakfast, in his truck and on his way.
He shuffles his way down the hall, walks softly past Chris's door; he doesn't have to be up for hours, no school today, Saturday, and no plans until the afternoon. The living room is tidy, Eddie notices that, Buck's blankets neatly folded at the end of the couch as usual, as he heads towards the kitchen, still barely cognizant of his own existence let alone anything around him.
Buck is leaning against the sink looking out into the garden. He's in his pajamas, less of a head start on getting ready than Eddie had assumed, his hair fluffy, curling up on one side and flattened to his head on the other, gingery stubble glinting on his cheeks. He's prepped lunch, something for Chris to eat when he wakes up most likely, and he turns when he hears Eddie come into the room.
'I made coffee,' he says, jerking his elbow in the direction of the Hildy but Eddie just steps closer, into Buck's space and the sleepy, familiar warmth of him.
'Thank god for you,' he says, his voice coming out rough, scratchy with disuse, as he snags Buck's mug, his free hand landing on Buck’s jaw, leaning in without further thought.
Buck's mouth is hot from the coffee, Eddie can taste it, dark and bitter the way Buck likes it, and he laps it up, stepping closer, tightening his grip. Buck makes a sound, caught in the back of his throat and his mouth opens wider on a gasp, letting Eddie in, the soft press of his tongue against Buck's teeth, sweeter and harder all at once.
One of Buck's hands jerks upwards, catching against Eddie's ribcage as if he isn't sure whether to pull him in or push him away. Eddie’s eyes flutter open, the sunlight painting their edges golden. He tilts his head, catching Buck's bottom lip between his teeth, soothing the sting with his tongue, rolling forward again as they find their rhythm, slower, shallower pecks into deeper, tonguing kisses. It's good and it's easy and Eddie loses time, loses breath, still half asleep and the taste of coffee entirely gone from Buck's mouth.
Almost as quick as it started, it stops. Eddie steps back, he's still holding Buck's coffee, hasn't even taken a sip. He prefers creamer and three sugars anyway and he needs to shower, setting the mug on the countertop and turning to head towards the bathroom. They can't be late for work.
Eddie turns on the shower and strips out of his clothes, stepping under the spray of the water, noting mildly that's he's half hard. He would be, Buck does that to him, pink and freshly kissed in their kitchen, pouted mouth bruised and slick with Eddie’s spit. Eddie touches his fingertips to his own bottom lip, the feeling of Buck's against him still beating there. The scrape of his stubble. Buck's lips on his. From when they were kissing, just now in the kitchen. His best friend Buck.
They don't do that. They've never done that. Except, it felt so right in the soft, early morning hush to step up to Buck and capture his mouth like that, to kiss him over a shared cup off coffee before he's even got his head on right.
Eddie looks down, fully hard now, and takes hold of his cock, insistent need blooming under his skin. He wants to do more than kissing with Buck, that's clear to him now. He wants to take him to bed and listen to every sound he can draw out of him, how sweetly yielding he knows Buck will be, how good he'd feel under Eddie, taking him. Eddie strokes himself faster and imagines fucking Buck hard, slow, quick, soft. His tongue feels too big for his mouth, his desire too big for his body with how much he wants it; more awake than he's ever been with this new knowledge.
They've been living in a strange sort of limbo ever since Eddie and Chris came back from El Paso, the raw edge of everything they've lived through enough to occasionally catch, sharper some days than others, but mostly it's been good. Mostly it's been as easy as kissing Buck in the kitchen just now.
Buck has been making noise about finding his own place because he can't keep sleeping on the sofa forever. Eddie doesn't want him to leave and yet he's still not found it in himself to ask him to stay. If he stayed he could share the bed with Eddie, share the couch when they watch TV with Chris, share the kitchen, share a whole life. That's what he wants. Buck by his side like always.
He squeezes his cock, close now, pumping his hand over his length, twisting his wrist and a thumb to the head. Buck kissed him back and if Buck did that he might want all those other things with Eddie too. He might get on his knees for Eddie, his back, he might let Eddie touch him all the ways he wants. He might let Eddie love him.
It rises quickly, then, pulsing hot, and he comes, stripping his cock hard and fast to the memory of Buck against him and the possibility of everything waiting for him just one room away. If Buck is still there, if he hasn't run out of the house in a panic as he's liable to do if Eddie doesn't keep a tight hold on him, grounded and secure.
Eddie gets out of the shower, no more than rinsed clean, and dries off quickly, shoving himself mostly damp back into his shorts and tank, hurrying back through the house, less than fifteen minutes after he left the kitchen. It's brighter now, the sun fully breaking over the line of houses past his back yard, and Buck is still standing where Eddie left him.
'You kissed me,' he says, dazed.
'I did,' Eddie nods.
'Why?'
Eddie shrugs, comes closer, 'seemed like the right thing to do. You want me to do it again?'
His heart is in his throat, he couldn't bear Buck turning him down, but he has to know if they can have this, now he's learned to want it.
'Yeah, Eddie,' says Buck, his eyes shining, bright and wet, 'I want you to kiss me all the time.'
Eddie crosses the room in two strides, catching hold of Buck with two hands, bringing them together again, as if they never stopped, and Buck melts into him, his hands on Eddie's waist. His touch isn’t tentative anymore, fisting in the fabric of Eddie’s top to pull him closer, lips parting on sigh, as Eddie licks into his mouth, desperate for another taste.
It's not mindless this time, both of them equally committed, and Eddie sweeps his thumb over Buck's jaw, to his chin, a hand to the frantic beating of his pulse. It makes Buck moan, everything spit and heat, reeling into each other. Eddie just came but he can feel it rising again, his arousal a dizzying, grasping thing and Buck is hard too, rocking against him, easy friction against Eddie's thigh on the brink of escalation.
They break apart at last, forehead to forehead, breathing hard. Eddie's hand is still clasped around Buck's throat, notched against his jaw, holding him steady as Buck sways into him. He drops his arm, palm to Buck's chest and the racing thrum of his heartbeat. Eddie just went through several epiphanies in the shower and he needs to be sure Buck is on the same page.
'This isn't just sex,' he says, meeting Buck's eyes, 'I don't just want that from you. I want it all, Buck. I love you.'
Buck smiles, beams, beautiful and freshly kissed and Eddie can't wait to do it again, do it a hundred times, do it until they've lost count.
'I—me too,' says Buck, breathless, 'I love you, too.'
Eddie leans in, kiss number three, and Buck meets him in the middle.