#and then i can head canon him ending up with Tommy anyways

[v88sy]

I dunno, I kind of feel like they're leaning towards Buck's "endgame" just being his family, especially if the remaining time is as short as I think.

It's very clear no one will be able to play his love interest without being harassed and bullied online. It's also very clear they just don't give a shit about side characters unless they've been there since the beginning, and then, only barely. Or unless it's Brad for some God unknown reason.

The way he's spiraling hard now and the way they chose to have him talk about Tommy like he's an addiction, I wouldn't be surprised if it leads to him realizing that all he needs is his found family and Maddie and Jee.

And you know what? If not Tommy, than I think that's the best outcome and it fits the theme of the show.

[littlespoonevan]

Hi Ciara ☺️ I’ve been following you for years and years, pretty sure it was you that got me into skam back in the day and 911 more recently. So thanks for that 😄 Are you taking fic prompts by any chance? Because I saw a prompt in the wild that I would LOVE to see your take on (no pressure ofc!). The prompt is simple: either buck or Eddie brings up the topic of them getting together, like “have you ever thought of us being together?” And they have a frank, honest discussion about it. I love a good miscommunication and/or pining moment but I so rarely see this instead and I think it fits so well. I read another fic with this prompt and loved it, it’s called at the kitchen table by iphigenias. But that one was set during bucktaylor so I’d also love to see a similar premise but set post bucktommy! Anyway sorry for the very long ask luv u

ahh omg first of all, you sent this to me so long ago and i'm so sorry i'm only getting to it now!!! the good news is, 8b made this specific prompt very easy to imagine in a canon setting asdkjfh. also i looooove the idea of situations where the characters know how they feel and they're not quite ready to take the leap but just knowing is enough to make them feel all ✨✨✨ inside so that is what this is lol

this is set in some nebulous time post-8x15 when eddie is home and everything is fine and peaceful ❤️ i really hope it lives up to what you wanted :')

-

Buck passes Eddie another beer before climbing over his legs where they’re propped up on the coffee table to reach his own seat in the other corner of the couch.

“Thanks, man,” Eddie says and Buck hums in acknowledgment, slouching deeper into the couch cushion and picking up the remote to unpause the TV.

It’s a quiet Friday after an even quieter week and Buck is grateful for it. Especially after the turmoil of this past month. But Bobby’s safe and Eddie and Chris are home and Eddie hasn’t brought up kicking Buck out of his house yet so he intends to savour this night for all its worth.

“Hey, you never told me what happened with Tommy in the end.”

Eddie doesn’t even look at him when he says it, voice nonchalant and eyes trained on the movie they’re watching, but Buck still chokes on his beer.

“Um, what?”

Eddie casts him a sidelong glance. “Things seemed pretty awkward at that call yesterday.”

Ah. The call. The one that required air support. And of course, there was no one else at Harbour they could’ve possibly sent. Because the universe hates Buck.

Their greeting had been politely stilted until Eddie had appeared at Buck’s side and touched the spot between his shoulder blades to let him know they were ready to leave and then Tommy had made the same face he’d made in Eddie’s kitchen two months ago. Buck had almost swallowed his own tongue in an attempt not to snap back – not least of all because Eddie still doesn’t know what Tommy had said.

He knows they slept together. Knows Buck hasn’t called Tommy since. But that’s it.

“Oh it’s just-” Buck waves a hand, taking another pull of his beer to buy some time. “We had a…disagreement last time we spoke.”

Now, Eddie pauses the TV, feet dropping off the coffee table so he can turn more towards Buck. “When he stayed over.”

Buck cringes. Eddie has never really shared his opinion on Buck taking Tommy back here but it has to be weird, right? They were in Eddie’s room. At least it wasn’t his bed.

“Yeah. He just said something and it’s…” He shakes his head, not bothering to finish the sentence and hoping Eddie will let it drop.

He doesn’t, obviously.

“What’d he say?”

For a moment, Buck weighs his options. The odds of Eddie letting this go if he keeps being evasive are slim. But likewise, he can’t think of a good enough lie to satisfy Eddie’s curiosity. Dropping his head against the back of the couch and staring at the ceiling, he finally says, “He said something about you. And it pissed me off.”

“About me?”

He can hear the confusion in Eddie’s voice but he doesn’t dare raise his head to see what his face is doing.

“He um, implied that- that you were competition. For him. And that he was more willing to get back together now that you were gone.”

Eddie doesn’t answer right away and the silence stretches so long Buck has no choice but to look at him. He doesn’t look angry, at least. If anything, he looks like he’s working through a particularly difficult puzzle in his head.

Eventually, he asks, “When you say ‘implied’…?”

Buck clears his throat. “Uh, I believe his exact words were, ‘Now that the competition’s out of the way.’”

Eddie opens his mouth only to close it again a beat later and Buck finally lets the anxiety gnawing at his insides consume him.

“I told him it was stupid, obviously. And that it made no sense because you were straight. And-”

“Did he think I had feelings for you or that you had feelings for me?” Eddie interrupts.

Buck frowns. In the aftermath, he’d only ever really thought about what Tommy was insinuating about him, not Eddie. “Um, the second one? Or- b-both, I guess? But it doesn’t matter, I told him-”

“It’s okay, Buck. You don’t have to convince me of anything.” Eddie’s voice is gentle when he cuts in, too much of a soft place to land that Buck can’t help the way the frustration deflates out of him.

“I know, sorry. Just- he and I haven’t really spoken since then, so…”

The room quiets around them again but Eddie doesn’t press play on the movie. Buck plays with the label on his bottle and tries desperately to ignore the weird tension in the air until-

“Have you ever thought about it?”

Buck snaps his head up, finding Eddie watching him with an inscrutable expression. “Thought about what?”

“Us. Being together.”

For a second, Buck has the horrible, churning feeling that he’s somehow been caught out – that Eddie has unravelled the thread he’s kept so tightly wound in his head with just three simple words – but then he scrambles. “Wh- But- I mean, you’re straight and-”

“What if I wasn’t?”

The words pull Buck up short and his brain short-circuits long enough that all he can manage is a dumbfounded, “What.”

“What if I wasn’t?” Eddie repeats, voice still so, so soft. “If that’s your only argument against it-”

“Is this you coming out to me?” Buck cuts in and Eddie lets out a quiet laugh.

“No. Not really. Just- take that out of the equation. Have you thought about it before?”

“Have you?” Buck asks but it sure as hell sounds like Eddie has and-

“Sometimes.”

“Sometimes,” he echoes, throat constricting. “Whe- when is sometimes?”

Eddie shrugs and Buck feels slightly hysterical at how calm he’s being about all of this. Why is he being so calm about all of this?

“A few years ago when I was having a hard time. Back when I was working at dispatch.”

Buck remembers it. Remembers Christopher on the phone telling him he could hear yelling from Eddie’s room. Remembers breaking Eddie’s door down and that one sickening, horrifying moment where he thought Eddie was dead.

“You were taking Chris to school and making us dinner and helping me clean the house and sitting with me after therapy and we weren’t together but sometimes it felt like we were.”

For the first time since the conversation started, Eddie looks away, glancing down at the beer still in his hand. And even though it feels like his vision is swimming, Buck still sees the ghost of a smile on Eddie’s face before he continues.

“I loved you so much for it, y’know, because I really don’t think I would’ve made it through those months without you. And- I don’t know. Sometimes it felt…comforting, I guess. To think that you were my partner outside of work too.”

The words, “I am,” rise up inside his throat so fast Buck nearly bites clean through the inside of his cheek to stop them from tripping out of him. And it’s just-

He doesn’t know what to say.

He doesn’t know how to process what Eddie’s admitting to. Is he even admitting to anything? He’s admitting he took comfort in Buck’s presence, sure, but that’s not him saying he’s in love with Buck and- and it’s different. Because Buck likes men. So for him to entertain it would…would really fucking hurt, actually. And Buck is so tired of being hurt-

“So, back to my earlier question. Have you ever thought about it?”

Eddie is looking at him with wide, patient eyes. And it’s a look so full of understanding and fondness Buck can feel his throat constricting again and…

“Tommy and Maddie kind of made me think about it.”

Eddie raises his eyebrows. “Maddie’s involved now?”

“I told her what Tommy said.”

“And what did she think?”

Buck lets out a reluctant huff and looks anywhere but Eddie’s face. “That it wouldn’t be so crazy.”

Eddie hums but doesn’t say anymore.

“So I guess I thought about why they would think that,” Buck continues, squeezing the bottle in his hand so tightly he’s afraid it actually might shatter. “And I- I get it. I think.”

It’s the understatement of the century. Because maybe he’s never let himself delve too deep into the thought but it’s only because he knows what he’d find if he did. And he can’t allow that. Can’t do anything that would risk him losing Eddie permanently. He’s too important. Buck is happy with the pieces of him that he’s allowed to have. He doesn’t need all of him, he can survive on this alone.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” he breathes, finally meeting Eddie’s gaze and swallowing the lump in his throat. “We’re important to each other.”

For the first time since the conversation started, Eddie’s calm composure falls away and his face splits into a devastating smile. “Yeah, we are.”

He imagines it, then. His fingers catching in Eddie’s collar, reeling him in for a kiss. He almost thinks Eddie would kiss him back. He doesn’t actually do it because everything feels a little bit too precarious right now but-

But.

“So we’ve both thought about it,” Eddie says, voice betraying nothing even if he’s still smiling.

“Guess so,” Buck croaks in reply.

Eddie’s flicker all over his face and Buck doesn’t know what he finds there but his expression softens and he says, “We don’t have to think about it right now.”

The words come out quietly, a tentative reprieve that has all the air rushing out of Buck’s lungs.

Because this feels like the precipice of something and Buck isn’t sure if he’s ready to take the leap yet but maybe he doesn’t have to. Because maybe Eddie will wait and maybe Buck won’t look for another place to rent and he can take Chris to school again and make them all dinner and it can feel like they’re…

Partners.

He wants it so much it scares the shit out of him. He’s never even let himself imagine Eddie might want it too.

For now, he lets himself sit with the idea of maybe.

Maybe he loves Eddie. Maybe Eddie loves him back.

Maybe there was never any competition to begin with.

“Okay,” he whispers, trying for a smile that matches Eddie’s own.

Eddie ducks his head in response, the faintest pink colouring his cheeks as he picks up the remote and presses play on the movie Buck has no intention of watching anymore.

Their eyes meet once more before skittering away and Buck breathes out a laugh.

Partners. Maybe.

-

[xoxoavenger]

The Attack

pairing: Tommy Shelby x Fem!Reader

summary: Tommy's known for going out of his way to get to Y/N. What happens when they're both attacked and he's not permitted to see her?

word count: 1311

warnings: canon tyical violence (this is based off a specific episode but it's also been in my drafts as an idea for over two years)

12 Days of Christmas main masterlist

"Can we please just go?" Y/N begged. Her glass of whiskey was long finished, and she knew Tommy couldn't do anything more in the office. After his fight with Polly, she knew he would want to leave anyway. So he nodded, helped her into her coat, and off they went into the rain.

"Just gotta get to the garage," Tommy said over the rain, holding her hand tightly. They made it in no time, walking quickly to the car. She was holding an umbrella over herself, but Tommy was soaked; he always asked her not to hold her own umbrella over him, because then she would get wet and he didn't want that. As they approached the car and Y/N took down her umbrella, a man jumped out, gun in his hand pointed at Tommy's face.

Tommy put his hands up and backed away as the man pressed closer, and Y/N took out her own gun hidden her coat, pointing it at the man and dropping the umbrella. She wasn't shaking; this wasn't the first time she's had to hold a gun against a man. She was married to Tommy Shelby after all. Before she could even fire a warning shot, she was hit over the head from behind, sending her to the ground. She tried to get up as she saw Tommy getting beat up by six men, the sound of bones cracking sickening to her.

"Tommy!" She called out, trying to stand. The pain in her head was excruciating, her vision blurring and turning dark around the edges. Before she could get her gun back up, she was kicked in the head and knocked out, and Tommy was thankful for it because as soon as they had taken him down he was covered in blood. His only thoughts as he practically went limp with pain was of Y/N - he hoped they didn't kick her head in enough to kill her.

~

When Tommy woke up, he felt like he couldn't feel his body. It was all pain, like all his nerve endings had been set on fire. When he tried to open his eyes, he knew they were swollen. His mind went instantly to Y/N - where was she? Was she alive? Or was she dead? Even through his pain, he was able to open his eyes and move to stand except-

He couldn't stand. And not just because of the pain.

"What the fuck," He muttered, looking at the handcuffs that were tying him to the bed. He was just coming to, but he couldn't think of a reason why he would be handcuffed. It's not as if he was going to be arrested. He didn't do anything this time, and even if he did, he wouldn't be arrested; he knew all the officers.

"She's okay." Polly was in the corner, reading a book. Tommy snapped his neck to see her. He was in a hospital room, a small empty one with a small bed and the chair Polly was on. She didn't seem too concerned, which confused him.

"Get me the fuck out of here." He yanked on the chains again. He needed to go see Y/N, to go find her and make sure she was okay and then take care of the fuckers who did this.

"So you can go try and kill people?" She was still looking at the book. His brain was fuzzy, so he didn't know how to get out of this. He wasn't even sure why he was handcuffed.

"I need to go check on her." He said, but the two of them both knew that he was going straight to kill the men that attacked her as soon as he made sure she was okay. "Why was I arrested?"

"You can't go yet." Is all Polly says, nose still in her book. This is when he realized that he wasn't arrested - Polly had kept him here on purpose.

"Let me go." He seethed, anger filling him. How dare she keep him here when his wife was hurt, when he had business to attend to.

"No." The fact that she still hadn't looked at him made him angry.

"Poll," He starts, taking deep breaths to not lose his temper. It's not working very well. "You need to let me out."

"I actually need to keep you in." She fires back. "I am not going to clean up the mess when you try to kill everyone in sight." She turns the page of her book and it makes Tommy lose his mind.

"Why are you keeping her from me?" He yells, pulling against the handcuffs so hard it causes the skin on his wrists to break. He barely feels the pain; he can't even feel his face anymore.

"I'm not keeping her from you." She finally looks up at him, face serious enough to scare the shit out of Tommy. He lets her speak, heart racing fast enough to scare some of his anger away. "I'm keeping you away from her. She still hasn't woke up yet. You can't stomp in there while the physicians are hard at work trying to get her up." She tells him, and suddenly, he has too many emotions. He's guilty, because she wouldn't be in this position if he hadn't put her there. He's angry at Polly for not letting him see her. He's scared that she won't wake back up, that the last time he saw her alive was the image of her head being kicked in.

It's all too much. He can't fit these emotions in his body. His chest is suddenly too tight, his head fuzzy. He needs to get the fuck out of this room.

He doesn't break out of the cuffs, no, that would be far too difficult. Instead, He breaks the wooden bedpost right off the frame, splinters flying, and then the post was falling from between his hands. He was still cuffed, but he had full range of motion now. He turned to Polly, who was staring wide eyed at him.

"Tell me where she is right now."

~

When Y/N opened her eyes, she wished she could go back to sleep. Her head was killing her, and her entire body was sore. She blinked a couple times, trying to make out the unfamiliar room she was in. She had just figured out that she was at the hospital when she heard shouting in the hallway.

"Mr. Shelby, I understand, but it's really much better if you just wait to,"

"Get the fuck out of my way or I will shank you with a piece of this wall that I will pull out with my bare hands." The sound of her husband's deep voice startled her. He sounded so angry, like he was going actually going to kill this man that didn't do anything wrong.

"Mr. Shelby,"

"Tommy?" Y/N croaked out as she sat up, and Tommy was instantly in the room, his bruised face making her startle. "What happened to you face?"

"You're okay!" He disregarded what she said and came up to her, cupping her face and kissing her immediately. She smiled slightly, putting a hand on his own and moving it down to his wrist.

"What the fuck?" Y/N muttered as she pulled away, looking at the metal she had felt on his wrists. He looked as if he had forgotten all about them, wanting to go back to kissing. "What did you do?" She asked, trying to push him away slightly.

"I didn't do anything. My fucking aunt," He sighed, kissing Y/N once more. She didn't understand, but she figured if it had to do with Polly she would find out soon enough. She was just thankful Tommy was okay, that he was here with her.

"I love you." She whispers, and he just nods as he goes in for another kiss. 

//

tags: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187  @one-sweet-gubler @theoraekenslover @jbrownta

[darknight3904]

Every Breath You Take

Chapter Three- Strangers

Tommy Miller x Fem!Reader, Slowburn!Joel Miller x Fem!Reader

Summary: Living at the end of the world is never easy, and a simple trip for basic essentials can mean life or death.

Warnings for this part: Canon typical violence, language, gore, and horror. Period products make another appearance. Reader and Tommy being the apocalypse's cutest couple. Check the Series Masterlist for expanded warnings.

Previous Part / Series Masterlist / The Last of Us Masterlist

Word Count: 3.4k

March 2004, Somewhere in the Southeastern half of the US

The bright blue letters on the sign seemed like a juxtaposition to you. The entire parking lot was trashed, overturned cars, dead bodies, and old trash littered the ground as you stared up at the shiny blue letters on the building. 

“Remind me what we need,” Tommy says from the driver's seat 

“Well, basically everything.” You hum, staring at the list in your lap, “You and I are grabbing toiletries and clothes, Joel is on food and camping shit. Oh, we also need oil for the truck.” 

The three of you sit in the truck, unmoving and silent. No one wanted to be the first to leave the safety of the vehicle, entering a fucking Walmart might be the death of you afterall. 

As usual, Joel is the one to lead; he pushes his door open, mumbling about staying quiet and being quick. 

The brothers pry the doors open, and you click your flashlight on. The inside of the store is like every other place, trashed. Overturned carts sit on their sides, contents of whatever people were trying to buy spilling onto the dirty floor. 

As for life forms, infected or not, the store seems relatively empty. A few dead infected lay every few aisles as you stick behind Tommy, Joel turning off to go find what's left of the canned goods and cereal aisles. 

“It’s empty.” You observe as you carefully step around an overturned display of baby diapers. 

“Yeah,” Tommy leers, “Don’t like it, stay alert.” 

Tommy keeps watch as you grab a cart and begin filling it, you clear the toothpaste shelf; there wasn’t much left anyway, maybe twenty tubes at best, before turning and reaching for a big bag of handheld flossers. The next aisle over is nearly picked clean, you sigh and begin grabbing what bottles of shampoo and body wash aren't already crushed and spilling out onto the concrete floor. 

“Not that one.” Tommy directs 

You glance down at what you hold, a men’s three-in-one body wash from Dove, sitting in your hands. It advertises an extra deep clean through the use of charcoal and clay. You look up at Tommy wordlessly, questioning why he’s turning down a full bottle of soap.

“It makes my ass itch.” He whispers 

A snort escapes your lips, and you slap a hand over your mouth, doing nothing to hide your amusement. 

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, one day it’ll happen to you.” Tommy sighs, grabbing the body wash and putting it back on the shelf.

“What? My ass itching or finding a body wash I hate?” You tease 

“Just…grab that bar soap and get moving, we still need your shit and then we gotta find Joel.” Tommy shakes his head 

You push the cart into the feminine hygiene section, to your delight, whoever came through here last left some products behind. Three boxes of tampons and even a big pack of the huge overnight pads are now in your possession.

“What the fuck is this?” Tommy asks suddenly 

You spin around to see him holding a cardboard box labeled DivaCup in his hands. You lean over his shoulders, equally confused. Turning the box over, you skim the instructions and diagram. 

“Oh, I saw a commercial for this once.” You say, “It's an alternative to tampons, it's this silicone cup that you fold up and y’know…” 

Tommy looks over at you, “You mean…you shove this up there?” 

“Yeah, put it in the cart, I might need it one day.” You say you’ve never used one, but if you ran out of everything else, it might be your only option.

The cup falls into the car with a small thunk as Tommy shakes his head, “Glad I wasn’t born a girl.” 

“Yeah, well, Mr. My Ass Itches, you’re only here cuz of girls and their periods.” 

“I know, I know, just glad I don’t gotta-” 

The sound of something big falling over has both of you shutting your mouths. Tommy’s gun raises slowly, and the joking demeanor he had just moments ago gone. He motions for you to stay quiet and then waves his hand to follow him. 

The cart squeaks as you slowly push it, your hands gripping the handles so tight your knuckles are white with fear. Another thud sounds and you nearly jump out of your skin when something turns the corner, nearly colliding with you and Tommy. 

A young man, maybe your age is staring at both of you. He’s covered in dirt and his clothes are torn. 

“Please don’t shoot. I just…I saw you guys push the doors open and followed you in…I just needed some supplies, didn’t mean to get in your way I just got scared.” 

Your eyes flick to the man's bare feet which are bleeding, most likely from the glass that was shattered from the cars in the parking lot. Tommy’s gun slowly lowers as he takes in the stranger before you. 

“Stay away from us, you can have whatever shit you want.” Tommy says slowly 

The guy nods before fixing his gaze on the gun, “I-Is the store clear? I don’t have any weapons and infected are-” 

“What the fuck is this?” 

Joel. 

You turn around to face the bright light of Joel’s flashlight, it wasn’t working a few days ago, he must’ve found some batteries. Batteries meant that the radio you found a week ago will work, you might be able to get some news of what the fucks going on. The sound of Joel’s revolver clicking into place has you snapping out of your haze.

“W-Wait!” The guy stammers, his arms raised 

“Joel, he’s harmless.” You vouch for him, “He doesn’t even have a pair of shoes.” 

“Can’t be too sure, might be part of a larger group gunning to kill us.” Joel says 

“I’m not, I just need supplies.” The guy pleads

“Yeah if that's true why didn’t you just come in here yourself. I heard you, you said you followed us in.” 

“I couldn’t get the doors open. I’ve been waiting days for someone to come buy and pull them open for me!” 

“Could’ve broken the glass on the doors.” Joel points out 

“And let the infected follow me in? I'm not that stupid.” 

Joel scoffs and you glance at Tommy, hoping he’d help your case. The loud bang of something outside has all of you turning towards the exit. 

“What was that?” You ask, it sounded similar to a gunshot or small explosion 

“S’ a car, backfiring.” Tommy says 

You follow Joel and Tommy who are already sprinting back to the parking lot. Three other people sit in the truck Joel had taken back in Austin, you had been lucky to find the keys sitting in the ignition and before you knew it you were sitting in the back while Tommy and Joel bickered about what direction to go. Now, you watched as a woman and a man were arguing, cables from the dashboard in their hands. 

“Shut the fuck up, Perry, I know what I’m doing! We need the car going so when Isaac gets back we can-” 

You watch as Joel yanks the woman by the back of her shirt out of the driver's seat. She lands on her ass in the dirt as Joel shouts at Perry and the other guy to get out. 

You turn to the stranger whom you now know as Isaac, 

“You were setting us up.” You accuse 

“No! I don’t even know them!” He lies 

You fumble with the hunting knife Tommy had given to you weeks ago, holding it out infront of you as to stare at Isaac, “Don’t fucking move.” 

A gunshot rings out, followed by loud wailing. The woman kneels over Perry, or what was Perry, since Joel has blown his brains across the Walmart parking lot. 

“You fucking-” The third man who was sititing in the backseat when you ran out lunges at Joel but is stopped when Tommy fires a bullet into his upper thigh, reducing him to a sniveling pile of blood and tears. 

Joel lets two more shots fly, and the man and woman fall to the ground. Your eyes widen as you turn to watch the pool of blood form around them. You had seen Joel kill before, or well heard it at least, Tommy was careful to keep you away from Joel whenever you had all encountered other people on the open road, always telling you to turn away or go sit in the truck. 

A heavy weight from behind rests on your shoulders as Isaac grabs you, one arm secured around your neck, the other hand rips the knife from your hand, pressing it to the soft skin of your throat. 

“Hey!” Isaac shouts 

A choking sound fills your ears as you register that it comes out of your mouth. You stumble as Isaac drags you backward, fear filling your system when a prick of pain follows after he presses the knife down harder. 

“Let her go,” Tommy says, his gun up and focused on Isaac, behind him, Joel stands his own gun raised 

“Give me the keys to the truck, and I'll let her go.” Isaac bargains 

“You can let her go, and I won’t put a bullet between your eyes,” Joel says 

“The keys.” Isaac shouts, “Or I cut her pretty throat open.” 

Isaac shifts, pushing you slightly away from him, his scratchy voice whispering something only you can hear as he pulls you back a few more paces. 

“How much are you worth to them? You must be something else if they’re both pointing their guns at me, tell me do you fuck them both at once, or it is it trading situation? You can tell me all about it tonight after I-” 

Warm, wet metallic splatters across your face as Isaac falls to the ground. Your ears ring as you try to wipe the red out of your vision. Tommy rushes up to you, his hands cradling your face as you blearily try to focus on what he’s saying. 

“You alright? I didn’t graze ya or anything?” 

You shake your head and fall into his warm arms, a small whimper escaping you as he hugs you. He runs a hand through your hair as he says something about you being safe again. 

Joel and Tommy work to load the truck up, you lie in the backseat, wrapped in Tommy’s flannel as the brothers toss what you had found in Walmart into the bed of the truck. 

“Is she alright?” Joel asks quietly 

“She’ll be fine, just shaken up, I think.” Tommy says back 

A beat of silence followed by the sound of one of them tossing another something into the bags you kept in the truck bed. 

“We can’t trust strangers. You see that now, right?” Joel points out 

“I know…It’s just…they’re people too. Probably used to work some 9-5 and went drinking on the weekends…” Tommy sighs 

You can practically hear the malice in Joel’s voice when he speaks again, “Yeah, well, not anymore.”

Joel miraculously finds a farmhouse a few hours later. He’d been driving aimlessly, just trying to get away from the main roads, when the sign for “Twin Maple Farm” came up. The farmhouse has seen better days. Someone had already come through and looted it and one of the doors has a sign pinned on it that said don’t open in simple cursive. You had pushed it open anyway and nearly puke at the sight. A half-decomposed man sits upright in bed. He was probably only dead a month or so, his skin bloated and half ripped open by god only knows what. The window by the bed is half open, bringing fresh air in but the scent still has you gagging as you slam the door shut. 

Don’t open was the understatement of the century. 

“What's wrong?” Tommy asks when you reappear to help them unload some of the bags in the truck. 

“There's a body upstairs, half rotted away.” You explain quietly 

That night, in the glow of a lantern, Tommy sits with you at the kitchen table, a couple of baby wipes sit in his hands as he tries to rid your face and hair of Isaac’s blood. 

“Tomorrow, we can see if the shower works. I checked it out, the shower head is rusty, but I think Joel and I can get it going.” 

The idea of a shower, even a cold one, nearly has you crying. You brush the tears out of your waterline as Tommy chuckles. 

“I know, I wanna get clean too.” 

“Yeah, you totally stink.” You mumble 

He laughs harder and runs a thumb across your cheek, “Yknow who stinks more though?” 

“Joel.” The two of you deadpan in unison.

Joel listens to the laughter and hushed whispers that flood down the hall to the living room. Here he was busting his ass, dragging a mattress down the steps and his brother was telling jokes to his girlfriend for fun. Typical Tommy, even at the end of the world he was chatting the pretty girl up instead of doing anything useful. 

Joel sits down on the mattress he’d dragged down the steps, it was a small full size, if the fool upstairs hadn’t blown his brains out, they’d have access to a queen size as well, but no, he was upstairs, rotting away on a perfectly good mattress that Joel could’ve slept on. 

Joel stares at the bags of food and other necessities they’d been able to take from Walmart. All in all, it was a pretty good haul. At least 50 cans of assorted soups and a good twenty bags of pasta, Joel had even managed to snag a few boxes of Pop-Tarts and even a family-size box of Fruit Loops.  He sighs and looks over what toiletries you and Tommy had found, from the looks of it you and his brother had done even better than he had. Many boxes of toothpaste and six bottles of assorted body wash stared at him as he combed through the duffle. One box said DivaCup; Joel had no idea what that was, but hey, if you needed it, it wasn’t his business. 

Thumping footsteps have him glancing up, you and Tommy reappear, hand in hand, as the two of you plop down on the couch across from him. 

“Not bad, huh?” Tommy asks 

“Yeah, would’ve been nice to have some meds though, you two didn’t see any Advil or Tylenol?” Joel asks 

“The pharmacy section was picked clean.” You shake your head 

Figures. Of course, the end of the world happened, and the drugs were the first thing that people swiped off the shelves. 

“I’m sleepin’ first tonight, one of you can take the first watch,” Joel says, eager to be the first one to lie on this mattress, no matter how small it is. 

Joel continues to count the canned goods and other supplies while you and Tommy disappear into the kitchen again, this time to warm up a few cans of chicken noodle soup. 

He doesn’t know what you and his brother have become. Sometimes he catches the two of you making out in the dead of night when you both should be sleeping. Other times he watches Tommy pick a few wildflowers before presenting them to you as a sad pass for a bouquet. In some people’s minds it might be endearing, a budding romance while the world has literally come crashing down. Instead, it has him filled with a feeling that he can only describe as bitterness. Bitterness for the world and the hand it's dealt him. Why should his brother get to be so happy with some girl while Joel sits, haunted by his daughter every time he closes his damn eyes.

 It’s not fucking fair. 

Tommy watches as you dump the cans of soup into a pot, the gas stove already going after he got it going with a match. God, you look pretty like this, barely illuminated by a shitty camping lantern and the blue flame of the stove. Tommy feels his heart squeeze as you give him a small smile. He didn’t think he’d ever really get a chance with you, always presumed you’d written him off as a weirdo and that you’d eventually move off to college and shack up with some Chad in a pastel polo shirt who worked in finance. Guess the apocalypse has its perks. 

“Is there something on my face?” You ask, “You’re staring.” 

“What? Oh, no.” He says, “Just admiring.” 

You scoff and go back to stirring the soup, “Admiring what?” 

“The pretty girl in front of me.” Tommy grins, flashing a smile that usually got him what he wanted. 

He can practically hear your eye roll as you pull a few bowls from the cupboard. He shifts, taking a few small steps to rest his head on your shoulder, his hands circling your waist, gently squeezing the soft flesh there. 

“I think I was wrong, Joel might not be the smelliest one here.” He teases, his nose crinkling as he sniffs you

You shove him off you a laugh escaping your lips, “You’re a dick.” 

The three of you wolf down your bowls of soup. The past week had been rough; you’d been running on nothing but granola bars and stale potato chips. Now, your stomach felt like it might burst as you lounged on the porch with Tommy. He had insisted that he could keep watch alone, but you didn’t think you could sleep anyway, so here you were sitting beside him on a porch swing, your legs kicked up, resting in his lap.

Your thoughts swirl as you stare up at the night sky. You think about what happened today, how Joel had killed those people, how Isaac’s scratchy voice still rang in your head even now. You pick at your fingers, trying to not imagine what would’ve happened if he had gotten the truck and stolen you away from Tommy and Joel. 

“You alright?” Tommy asks 

“M’fine.” You mumble shallowly 

“Now I know we’re kinda a new thing, but I can tell when a girl is lyin’. What’s going on?” He asks again 

You sigh and stare at him, trying to hide the shake in your voice as you speak, “I’m safe here, right? With you and Joel?” 

Tommy straightens up at this, his hand coming to rest on your knee, “Course you are…Do you not feel safe with us?’ 

“No, I do…it’s just, earlier today that guy said some stuff that's been stuck in my head.” You shudder, “It’s just making me think about how I guess some guys are probably using the end of the world to y’know…” 

Tommy nods, he gets it, and you breathe a sigh of relief that he understands you. 

“Don’t know what he said, you don’t gotta tell me if you don’t wanna, but if you ever feel unsafe with me or Joel, you can tell us, but I promise we wouldn’t ever hurt a woman like that, and we definitely wouldn't do that to you.”

You nod, shifting to tuck yourself into his side, sighing when his warm body touches yours. Sometimes you just crave the heat of another person. 

“Joel scares me…He didn’t before, but some of the stuff today, it just freaks me out.” You admit, hoping Tommy won’t be mad, after all, he killed a man today as well, Joel had just looked scarier to you. Besides, Tommy didn’t exactly have a choice when Isaac was standing with you like that, right?

Tommy is silent for a moment, the only sounds being the squeaking of the porch swing as it rocks back and forth. His thumb draws circles on your shoulder as his arm rests over you. 

“He scares me sometimes, too. Sometimes I look at him and I don’t even recognize him, it’s like he’s some…hollow shell. I know why he’s like that, it’s just…I dunno…” 

“Strange.” You finish for him 

“Yeah, something like that…It’s just, he worries me, always quiet and sulking off in a corner. Fuck I mean of course he’s like that, everything with Sarah…it makes sense, I just, M’worried for his mental health y’know?” 

You snuggle closer to Tommy, like the fabric of his shirt will be enough to protect you from the horrors of the outside world, pressing a soft kiss to the tip of his shoulder, sighing as you speak, 

“I know.” 

Next Part

I can't find Tommy's official age anywhere. We know Joel is 36 on outbreak day, so in this fic I've written Tommy to be about 29/30 on outbreak day, reader is about 20 and a half at this point.

I came to a realization that not everyone might know what the southeastern half of the US is. Here is a diagram for those who don’t know. I picture the trio in the Kentucky/Virginia area (The states that are the lighter red towards the top of the map)

Comment to be added to the tag list. This tag list is not chapter by chapter; I carry the tags over to each part.

Tags:

@freythecrazyfae @rae-gar-targaryen @keseqna @eniepascal

[raspberrybesitos]

mistletoe kisses | joel miller x f!reader

Main masterlist

Rating: M - 18+ MDNI

Word count: ~2.6k

Summary: You decorate the Christmas tree with some help from Joel and Ellie.

Warnings: established relationship, post-outbreak, Jackson era, canon divergent bc nothing bad ever happens to them ever 😁, sickening fluff, pet names (honey, darlin’, baby, babydoll, etc), allusions to smut, no mention of hair type/skin color/body type, NO USE OF Y/N.

A/N: surprise!!! i know i said this would be up on the 22nd, but i’ve got something else that will be up on saturday 🤭 and i just couldn’t stop thinking about giving this man a happy ending, including healing and starting new traditions with his family 😔 i wish joel was real 💔 anyway, i hope y’all enjoy! not beta’d, all mistakes are my own. 🏃‍♀️

Divider by @/saradika

Grumbling, he treks behind you, snow crunching beneath his work boots as he cautiously lugs the saw in his hands.

You’re rambling about finding the perfect tree in front of him, Ellie asking a million questions about the tradition.

He hadn’t expected, intended, to find a partner in Jackson. That is until he saw you, lugging a heavy crate of harvested crops across the town, your wagon having been broken. Tommy had told him about you, how you were single.

“She’s sweet as pie, brother. She might be good for you. Real pretty too.” Joel recalls the conversation he had with Tommy before he stormed off to the barn.

His Southern hospitality lay dormant until he saw you struggling. The urge to help creeped up on him. His typical quite observant demeanor tossed out the window as he approached you.

“Need some help?” He asks.

You wipe your brow, huffing before laying your eyes on the broad, handsomely rugged man in front of you - it’s Tommy’s brother. His name escaping you briefly.

You beam. “Oh. Sure. Thank you…” you trail off, slightly off guard by his kind gesture. His large gloved hand extends out towards you.

“Joel,” he finishes your sentence. “Thank you, Joel,” your hand shaking his, giving him your name. It rolls off his tongue with a certain sweetness, sending a flurry of butterflies to swirl in your belly. You knew of him, but knew he was also not a man of many words. You had yet to make acquaintances with him and who you assume is his daughter.

“You’re Tommy’s brother right?” You curiously ask, attempting to make small talk as Joel grunts while picking up the crate.

“Yes ma’am.”

Smiling at his Southern drawl, you run to help him carry one side of the heavy crate, feeling bad letting him do all the work.

“Uh uh, what do you think you’re doin’?” He asks, brow raised as you both stop in your tracks. “Helping you,” you state. He chuckles, shaking his head as he begins to walk.

“I asked if you needed help, darlin’. ‘Sides, what kinda man would I be letting a pretty girl like you carry all this shit by herself? My momma would have me by the head, ‘s for damn sure.”

You open your mouth to detest the notion that women need any assistance from men, but he stops you before you can.

“‘N I know ya don’t need any help from any man. You women are tough as shit, met a lota you over the years. Jus’ wanna help, ‘s all.” He kindly explains. You don’t understand why he wants to help, why he’s approached you specifically.

You’re aware that he’s typically very reserved, not leaving his house if he doesn’t have to. You’ve heard things about his past, and Tommy having confided in you at times, but the world has gone to shit. Who are you to judge? Everyone’s done some horrible stuff to stay alive.

He’s also painfully handsome. Opting to not object to his help and company, you sigh.

“Well, at least let me take some of the vegetables,” you protest, grabbing bunches of carrots. He chuckles quietly.

“Sure thing, darlin’,” he mutters. The nickname catching you both by surprise as a sort of tension falls over you two.

Flashing him a grateful toothy grin, you gather the vegetables in your arms. He gives you a small smirk in return.

“So how are you liking Jackson? I don’t see you ‘round much,” you ask as you begin the trek to the dining hall.

“‘S good. Big change, learnin’ the ropes of patrol. Makin’ sure Ellie’s settlin’ in,” he states. “And Ellie’s…”

“My family,” he says firmly. You nod, internally assuming she’s not his biological daughter.

“Well, I hope you both settle in nicely.” He feels his heart soften at your kindness.

He thought you’d have shied away from him, that you’d have listened to what people are saying about him around town.

But you didn’t. You took to him kindly, warmly.

He’ll be damned if he told Tommy he was right about you, He’d never hear the end of it… but shit, was he right. You were so kind and open-minded, and so beautiful.

The both of you making small talk as you trek to the dining hall, Joel lugging the crate into the kitchen for prep as you follow behind. He places the crate on the floor with a grunt. You drop the carrots in the box afterwards.

Rising to his feet, he sighs as he wipes his hands on his jeans, you copying his actions.

“Thank you again, Joel. I really appreciate it,” you tell him again. “Ain’t no problem, darlin’.”

Silence fills the air, save for the clanging and clattering of utensils in the kitchen.

“Would you… would you like to have a drink sometime? As a, uh, form of repayment for helping me today,” you timidly ask. A small smile breaks out onto Joel’s face.

“You ain’t gotta repay me, darlin’. But I’d love to grab a drink with ya,” he says.

Smiling from ear to ear, you nod happily. “It’s a date,” you say, before slapping a hand over your mouth as your eyes go wide. “I-I’m sorry. It’s not a date, it doesn't have to be. I mean, u-unless you want-,” you nervously ramble before Joel cuts you off.

“‘S a date,” he rasps. A soft smile on both your faces. The rest is history.

He wouldn’t trade that moment for the world, as he’s got you by his side now. He just didn’t expect that drink to lead him to trudging through the woods in the freezing early morning to cut down a tree.

He’d much rather be sleeping right now on his day off, but he can never say no to his girls.

Making your way through the woods, you and Ellie wind through the path while Joel stands and watches. There aren’t many trees, but just enough to scour from.

Not seeing any you like, you continue to walk down the path. “What about this one?” Ellie asks, standing next to a fir no taller than Joel.

Your eyes light up, a sparkly smile illuminating your face.

“It’s perfect. Great find, Ellie!” You yelp, high fiving the girl who’s equally excited.

“Hey, Joel!” Ellie shouts through her hands, her cheeks rosy and nose frosted. He clambers through the trees, saw in hand with his signature scowl. “Find one?”

“Mhmm,” Ellie says while beaming, you nodding in agreement. Joel sighs as he begins to saw down the tree. The trunk’s not very thick, the branches skinny, but still full enough to mimick the times before.

It falls to the snow covered ground, you and Ellie taking a few steps back. Joel stomps over to it, hoisting it up over his shoulder.

“Thank you, honey,” you whisper against his ear before placing a kiss on his patchy beard. His body flushing hot red from heat despite the cold air.

“Sure thing, baby,” he says bashfully, smiling a smile only reserved for you. Lacing his fingers with yours, you walk hand-in-hand back to the house with Ellie rambling ahead of you, vibrating with excitement.

“Joel, could you move it a little to the left?” You ask, hands clasped together over your lips. Joel grunts, red in the face as he shoves the fir to the left.

“A little more, please?”

Another grunt.

“A liiiitttllleee more.”

With a sigh, he shoves it once more.

“Perfect!” You clap. Joel rises to his full height, groaning as his bones crack and ache. You stride to him, leaning in for a kiss.

He could never stay annoyed at you.

“Thank you, honey,” you mutter with a dopey grin. Joel mirrors your expression, wrapping his hands around your waist and pressing his lips against yours. A saccharine kiss, your fingers curling in his grays.

His heart flutters as you sigh into him, your contentment radiating through your chest and into his soul.

When the fuck did his heart ever flutter?

“You guys gonna do that all fucking day or what?!” Ellie shouts, cutting ribbon and twine for the decorations.

You both startle at the sound of her voice, jumping in Joel’s arms. Joel glares at Ellie as laughter bubbles over your lips.

“Sorry, Ellie,” you call out. “Seriously, thank you, honey,” you tell Joel with a pat on his broad chest.

“No problem, darlin’,” he says softly with a swift kiss to your forehead before releasing you from his grasp. Joel strides into the kitchen to heat up some milk, with you rushing over to Ellie who sits at the dining table with an array of supplies.

You’re so good with Ellie, so patient with her while gently explaining how to string the dried oranges on the twine. She gets the hang of it pretty easily, holding it up and beaming with pride. Your giddiness mirroring hers, praising her as you waltz into the kitchen with Joel.

Placing a chaste kiss to his cheek, you flit around him as you pop some kernels in a hot pan. Transforming them into popcorn to make more garlands, and working in comfortable silence alongside each other.

You dump the popcorn into a bowl, you place a tender kiss on his shoulder before returning to Ellie.

Joel feels warm, and it’s not from the heat of the stove.

He preps mugs of hot chocolate for all of you, the chocolate powder stale but still good - the novelty of the gesture still there and just as sweet.

Padding into the living room, the sight of you two making decorations at the table and placing them on the tree tugs at Joel’s heart strings. Remembering how he’d help Sarah decorate their tree every year. Swallowing his grief, he allows himself to enjoy this moment while remembering his daughter.

That’s something you’re teaching him - not to take moments, things, people for granted.

Despite the pain, he knows he’ll confide in you later tonight about it when you’re alone. He sets the mugs on the table, making you pop your head up to flash him a dazzling smile.

“Thank you, honey.”

“‘Course, baby,” he says with a wink. Your smile grows wider, Ellie looking up and rolling her eyes. She playfully gags, Joel smacking his lips as his smile morphs into a scowl.

“Knock it off, kid,” he scolds.

“You knock it off, old man. We’re working here, and you keep distracting my partner,” she retorts. He scoffs, rolling his eyes. You can’t help, but laugh at their banter.

“Sorry, Ellie. I promise I’m listening,” your laughter dissolving into giggles. Joel rolls his eyes before getting a fire going in the fireplace.

Standing back and taking in the scene playing out in front of him. Hot chocolate, a tree, decorations being strung upon it - how is this possible? What did he do to deserve this?

He shakes the thought from his head, not questioning the good thing – the very good thing – in front of him. Instead, he enjoys watching his girls flit around the tree.

Ellie excitedly attempts to place the makeshift star on the tree that she crafted out of some stray branches and extra paper she had in her sketch pad.

She can’t reach, being significantly shorter than the tree. Huffing in defeat, she shoots you a look - both of you thinking the same thing. She whips around, paper star in hand.

“Joel, wanna do the honors?” She asks, holding out the star. Joel swallows thickly, never having thought he’d be doing this again.

“Sure,” he softly says, taking the star from Ellie and setting it atop the tree. The three of you stand back, admiring your hard work in silence, as you tightly wrap your arms around Joel’s middle. He holds you tighter.

“Looks good,” he mumbles. You nod, soft smile on your face.

“Hell yeah, it does!” Ellie giddily yells before cutting off her next thought. “No way, is that hot chocolate?!” She shouts, rushing to the table to grab a mug.

“Yeah, careful kid, it’s still hot,” Joel warns, still wound up in your arms. Ellie blows caution to the wind as she gulps it down.

“Ellie, slow down! You’re gonna get a stomachache,” you scold lightly. “It’s hot chocolate! When the hell am I ever gonna come across this again?!”

“I’ll find some more, jus’ slow down! Gonna be all fuckin’ hopped up on sugar,” Joel begrudgingly says. Rolling her eyes, she glances at the clock. Her eyes bug out of her head.

“Shit! I told Cat I’d meet her at 6!” She shouts before gulping down the rest of her hot chocolate, slamming the mug on the table.

“Be back later!” She says, slinging her backpack over her shoulder.

“Be back by 9!” Joel shouts. “Mhmm,” her tone dismissive. “I mean it, Ellie,” he warns.

“Sure thing, old man!” She says before reaching for the doorknob. “Ellie, 9 o’clock, okay?” You chime in, asking.

She turns around, taking in the both of you. “Okay,” she says with another roll of her eyes and an exasperated sigh before heading out the door. It slams shut, making you and Joel wince.

Joel rolls his eyes. “Girl don’t listen,” rubbing his face as he grumbles.

“She’s just excited, can you blame her? Besides, she’s safe here, Joel,” you say, comfortingly rubbing your hands up and down his broad flannel-covered chest.

“I know. Just still getting used to all this,” he rasps. The two of you still stand in the doorway, wrapped up in one another before a grin breaks out on your face.

“Oh, could you help me with one more thing?” You beam at him. His brow quirks up in confusion. “‘Course, baby. What do ya need?”

You unravel yourself from his embrace, padding into the kitchen. He hears you clambering, his curiosity peaking. You return with something behind your back, smiling wider now.

Whipping the sprig of mistletoe from behind your back, you hold it above your head. His features softening.

Joel immediately recognizes what you’re holding, beaming at your antics.

“Could you help me hang this up please?” You ask, drawing out the last syllable, batting your lashes at him with a sly smirk.

“Y’know, if ya wanted a kiss, all ya gotta do is ask, babydoll,” he rasps as he takes it from you, not missing the chance to place a teasing kiss on your cheek. Waves of heat run through you from head to toe.

Joel hangs the mistletoe with ease on a nail that’s been conveniently placed above the kitchen entryway, right where you’re both standing.

You must’ve put it up there when he was on patrol a few days ago.

The red ribbon you tied around the plant stands out against the dark framing, the fire crackles in the background and illuminates the house.

“Well would ya look at that,” his voice low and husky as he locks his gaze with yours. A goofy grin on your face. “Huh. Guess you gotta kiss me now.”

“Don’t need mistletoe for that, babydoll,” he whispers. The two of you connect your lips with each other’s. Sighing into him, you finally have a moment alone with him today. You card your fingers through his hair, a satisfied groan escapes him.

You pull away breathlessly, both yours and Joel’s eyes heavy and glazed over.

“Ya know… Ellie won’t be back til 9. We’ve got some time left,” you teasingly whisper in his ear while he places a kiss to your neck.

“Lead the way, darlin,” he rasps, the two of you rushing upstairs.

just felt like writing some tooth rotting fluff for my Joely, i love him sm 😔

i hope y’all enjoyed! 🫶🏼 thank you for reading 🩷

tag list: @gracieheartspedro @sapphic-gardn @undrthelights @javierpena-inatacvest @nostalxgic @party-hearses @mandoisapunk @tinygarbage @bastardmandennis @janaispunk @persephone-girl @harriedandharassed @its-nebuleuse

[queenshelby]

ONE SHOT: HIS LITTLE GIRL

PART TwO OF THE DARK & SEXY SERIES

NOTE: This is a series of one shots and mini series for Cillian Murphy & Tommy Shelby in which he acts totally off-canon. Most of these shots are very dark in nature and you should read their individual warnings. All of these shots are requests from readers. Co-written with @darkshelbyfiction! ALL CHARACTERS ARE OVER 18. MINORS DNI.

PAIRING: CILLIAN MURPHY X VIRGIN READER

WARNING: DUB-CON, LOSS OF VIRGINITY, FORCED BREEDING (SOMEWHAT), DDLG-STYLE STORY, HUGE AGE GAP

It was Friday Evening, a few weeks after your 18th birthday and, as usual, you were out with friends when you ended up in some trouble. 

You were sitting at the bar, nursing a drink when a group of guys started harassing you. They kept commenting on how pretty you looked and wouldn't leave you alone.

You knew you couldn't handle them, so you did what you always do when you needed help and your father was away for work. You called your father's friend, Cillian who had been dealing with your misbehavior and troublesome nature for quite some time after your parents had divorced. 

He was an attractive man, in his mid-forties, with slightly greying hair and piercing blue eyes; he possessed a dominating and intimidating aura that seemed to command respect and when you saw him enter the bar, you were relieved. 

"Cillian! Thank God you're here! I was being harassed by these creeps," you said, your voice cracking slightly as you tried to maintain composure while still trembling from fear as he walked in. 

His eyes scanned the crowd, locking onto the group of men huddled together near the bar entrance.

"Y/N, let's get out of here," he said firmly, taking your hand and leading you away from the commotion. You felt a surge of relief, grateful that he had arrived just in time.

As you walked through the crowded bar, you could feel the stares of the other patrons on the back of your neck. You glanced sideways at Cillian, admiring his confident posture and the way he held his head high, as if daring anyone to challenge him. The mere thought of having someone take care of you sent a warm feeling coursing through your veins.

"What the fuck are you doing in a place like this anyway?" Cillian asked as he led you outside into the cool night air. "I mean, it's not like you've ever been much for restraint, but really now, Y/N?"

You didn't respond right away, instead opting to focus on breathing in the fresh breeze wafting over the cityscape. But then, you offered a sheepish smile and replied, "Well, I decided to try something new, and here we are."

Cillian snorted in response before offering to take you to his place since it was late and there wasn't any sense in letting you walk home alone, let alone allow you to stay in the empty house by yourself. 

"Okay, but can you not tell dad about this?" you asked hesitantly, looking up at Cillian.

"Sure, I will promise to keep quiet if you promise me to behave yourself the next time you go out and do not go to shady places like these," he replied gruffly, flashing a lopsided grin at you. His car was parked a few blocks away and the walk was a welcome change from the crowded bar. You chatted idly as you made your way to the vehicle, the tension from earlier beginning to dissipate.

Once inside the car, Cillian drove smoothly toward his apartment, and you couldn't help but admire the strength emanating from him despite his calm demeanor.

When you arrived at Cillian's place, he unlocked the door quietly, leading you upstairs to his living room with a protective hand on your lower back. You could feel his gaze lingering on you as he fumbled around in the dim light trying to find the switch for the lights.

Finally, the room lit up, revealing the tasteful decor and cozy furniture and, since he had only just moved into this new apartment, you took some time to assess your surroundings.

This place was a stark contrast to your father's modest abode - it was bigger, brighter, and filled with modern art pieces that hung on the walls. There was even a balcony overlooking the city, which would make for an amazing spot to watch the sunrise on lazy mornings. You realized that this was the first time you actually saw Cillian's home and it made you feel a bit awkward. However, you soon found your bearings and started making small talk with him as you waited for him to gather some blankets and pillows for you to sleep on the couch.

"Now tell me, how is school going for you?" Cillian asked casually, knowing that you were just about to sit your final exams, breaking the silence between you both as he took a seat next to you on the couch and handed you a glass of water. 

"Oh, same old stuff, you know, studying, taking tests," you replied nonchalantly, shrugging off the question.

"And that boyfriend of yours? How is he doing?" he continued, a hint of worry creeping into his tone after he had met this young man a few weeks ago. 

"We broke up last week," you admitted, feeling a pang of sadness. "It turned out that he was cheating on me all along."

Cillian placed a comforting hand on your shoulder, squeezing lightly.

"It's just. I never...I mean, I should have seen it coming," you mused aloud, swirling the ice around in your glass of water. 

"Listen Y/N, you are a good girl. There will be others, others who are much more deserving of you," Cillian murmured softly, his thumb caressing your cheek gently, sending shivers down your spine. "But until then, don't rush things; it isn't healthy. Take some time for yourself, figure out what you want in life, and go for it."

"I guess you're right, Cillian," you sighed wistfully, staring blankly at the floor in front of you.

"I know I am right. I am always right," he mused, running a finger along your arm. You flinched at first, startled by the unexpected touch, but gradually relaxed under his gentle guidance. "Like I said, you are a smart girl, Y/N, so don't waste your youth on boys who don't deserve you," he went on to say before leaning closer.

You could smell the faint scent of soap and shampoo on his skin, a mixture of spice and cleanliness that made you feel strangely comfortable.

His fingers grazed your arm gently, sending a lightning bolt of excitement racing through your body. You wanted to pull away and yet, something strange compelled you to stay put. 

"Thanks, Cillian," you managed to squeak out, your heart pounding loudly enough to drown out everything else.

"You are welcome," he responded smoothly, reaching over to brush a stray lock of hair behind your ear. His fingers lingered against your cheek, and his scent enveloped you, leaving traces of warmth in your wake.

A soft sigh escaped your lips as you allowed yourself to lean into him, resting your head on his shoulder while his fingers traced undefined patterns over your skin.

His fingers eventually followed a trail from your neck down to your breasts, and as they reached your chest, he paused.

"You are beautiful, you know that right?" he whispered into your ear, his breath tickling your neck.

"I guess, yes," you muttered, your heart hammering wildly beneath your ribs as Cillian's fingers moved downward.

"Good," Cillian said and you could feel the heat rising within you, intensifying every sensation and emotion. His touch was almost too much to bear, yet it was also irresistible. You swallowed hard, unable to look away, captivated by the sensations coursing through your body.

"Let me ask you, Y/N, has your boyfriend ever touched you up here?" asked Cillian, his fingers tracing circles over your clothed breasts and your eyes widened, and you gulped nervously. "Yes, sometimes he has," you mumbled, biting your lip to suppress a moan.

"How about down there? Has he touched your special place?" Cillian's fingers danced provocatively, inching closer to your groin.

Your heart raced, palms sweating, as you shook your head in disbelief. You'd never imagined this kind of situation with Cillian, but his presence was intoxicating, overwhelming your senses.

"No, no one has," you finally mustered.

"Really?" Cillian's tone grew huskier, his fingers now brushing against your inner thigh. 

"I bet you're wet though, aren't you?" he asked you, smirking wickedly.

"No, I don't think so," you whimpered, but your voice lacked conviction as his fingers slid upwards, dangerously close to your panties.

"Come on, Y/N, admit it. I know you are aroused right now," Cillian coaxed, his voice low and seductive. "I have seen how you have been looking at me for years and now that you are old enough...," he then went on to say before trailing off and your face burned hot with embarrassment, but Cillian's fingers were relentless, dancing dangerously close to your panties.

"Cillian, we shouldn't," you protested weakly, but your heart raced and your breath quickened, betraying any attempt at resistance.

"Why not? Don't you want to be a good girl for me?" Cillian purred, his fingers teasing the edge of your panties.

"I do, but..." you trailed off, struggling to form coherent sentences.

"But what?" he prodded, his fingers slipping underneath the waistband of your panties. "Are you afraid of getting caught? Or maybe you think that you are still too young to have sex?" Cillian teased, his fingers expertly navigating through your underwear, his movements slow and deliberate. 

"No, but I am nervous," you admitted, your voice barely audible. The anticipation building within you was overwhelming, and you desperately wanted to feel his breath on your skin.

"Nervous about what?" Cillian taunted, his fingertips pressing lightly against your clitoris beneath your underwear.

"I am nervous about having sex. I am worried that it will hurt when you put your, you know....in there..." you murmured, causing Cillian to chuckle. 

"That's the thing, Y/N. The first time might be a little uncomfortable, but once you're used to it, it feels incredible. And trust me, I'll be gentle if you let me be your first," he assured you, his fingers now running over your wet slit, beneath your panties.

"I promise," he added, dipping one finger inside. You gasped softly, unprepared for the sudden intrusion.

"That feels weird," you gasped, gritting your teeth and clutching onto his arm for support.

"Because it's new," Cillian reassured you, his finger withdrawing briefly before sliding back in. "Try to relax, and breathe with me."

You nodded, closing your eyes and focusing on his voice, his rhythmic breathing. Slowly, you began to loosen up, allowing your muscles to unwind.

With each gentle thrust, you could feel his finger exploring deeper, discovering hidden depths within you.

You moaned softly, your hips undulating involuntarily, your breath becoming ragged.

Suddenly, he withdrew his finger, leaving you panting and wanting more.

"You are very wet now, Y/N," he murmured, his voice deepening even further as he pulled your panties down and slipped a digit back inside your folds. "And your pussy is so swollen, so ready for me. Please let me have sex with you," he begged you and your eyes shot open wide, and you gasped at the realization of what was about to happen if you said "yes"... You could feel your pulse throbbing in your veins, and your cheeks burning bright red.

"Come on Y/N. Let me put my cock inside that this little hole of yours. I promise it won't hurt for long," Cillian said, his voice dripping with lust. You glanced around nervously, aware that your heart was pounding uncontrollably and your breathing was heavy.

"You want to be my good girl, don't you?" Cillian whispered softly, his fingertip circling your nipple, creating a jolt of pleasure through your entire body. 

"Okay, but you need to wear a condom," you interjected, swallowing nervously.

"Of course," Cillian reassured you before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small foil packet.

You watched intently as he undid his pants, pulled them down and then carefully removed the condom, rolling it onto his erect cock with practiced ease. Your heart hammered in your chest and your own juices pooled between your thighs at the sight of his engorged member.

"So beautiful. Now spread your legs for me, baby," Cillian instructed, his voice thick with desire. You did as you were told, your hands shaking with anticipation. Cillian knelt between your spread legs, his erection hovering just inches from your wet, eager pussy.

"Just like this, huh?" he asked, rubbing the tip of his cock against your soaked opening. You whimpered, unable to contain your nervousness. 

His cock looked huge in comparison to your small opening and the idea of having it inside you frightened you, but also excited you beyond belief.

"Relax, alright?" Cillian murmured softly, placing a supportive hand on your hip. "You might bleed a little, but it's completely normal. Trust me, it's nothing to worry about." His voice carried a soothing quality, and your heart rate gradually slowed down.

"Now, lift off the couch a little so that I can watch my cock go in," Cillian declared assertively, the intensity in his voice raising goosebumps across your arms.

You gulped, shifting uncomfortably on the couch.

"Do you want me to lie back?" you ventured, feeling exposed yet curious after you adjusted your position.

"No, I want you to stay exactly where you are," Cillian insisted, his hand gripping your knee firmly.

"Okay," you murmured and Cillian sensed your apprehension and gave you a sly glance.

"Relax, Y/N. We are going to do this right," he assured you, his eyes locked on you. "It is going to be fun, okay? Just trust me."

You gave a weak nod, your heartbeat echoing in your ears, and a thin film of perspiration formed on your forehead. Cillian leaned in, his breath hot on your skin as he whispered, "Ready?"

"Yeah," you managed to croak back, your voice hoarse from anxiety.

You shifted restlessly on the couch, your heart pounding in your chest like a jackhammer. Cillian's firm grip on your knee grounded you, and gradually, you began to settle into the moment.

"Don't worry, I'll go slow," Cillian whispered, his voice rich and husky as he pressed the head of his cock against your wet entrance. You inhaled, steadying yourself, bracing for the pain.

"Breathe with me, Y/N," Cillian coaxed, his breath hot on your skin. "Take a deep breath and push out your pelvis."

You complied, your eyes squeezed shut as you focused on relaxing your muscles. Cillian eased forward, and with a slight pop, his cock breached your tight barrier.

"Ow!" you cried out, instinctively tightening against the intrusion.

"It's okay, Y/N," Cillian murmured encouragingly, stroking your upper thigh. "Just relax and remember to breathe."

You took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as you forced yourself to relax. Cillian maintained a steady pressure, guiding his cock deeper into your slick, tight channel. Your heart hammered against your ribcage, threatening to burst free at any moment.

"Almost there," Cillian whispered, his voice sounding far away.

You grunted softly, feeling the stretch and burn intensify.

Cillian continued to guide his cock deeper, his pace steady and measured. The discomfort was overwhelming, but you focused on taking measured breaths, reminding yourself that this was part of the process.

"Alright, Y/N, we're halfway there," Cillian murmured, his voice low and soothing. "You're doing great."

"Is it supposed to hurt like this?" you whimpered, squirming uncomfortably.

"It is supposed to hurt a little," Cillian answered honestly before adding, "but it won't last forever. Just breathe and stay still for me. You will get used to the feeling soon," he reassured you and you took several deep breaths, willing yourself to relax. There was some blood on the cushion beneath you, but you pushed the image aside and focused on the task at hand. 

Eventually, you felt him bottom out inside you, his cock filling you up completely with a sensation you hadn't experienced before.

Your heart pounded furiously, and your breathing became ragged.

"You're so damn tight, it feels so fucking good," Cillian groaned, his voice strained and husky and, despite his efforts, his cock twitched inside you, growing harder.

"Please," you managed to whisper, unsure whether you were agreeing to continue or begging him to stop. You could feel your insides quivering, an unfamiliar sensation spreading throughout your body. It was pleasurable at last and this, mixed with the pain, confused you. 

Cillian's grip on your knee tightened slightly, steadying himself as he prepared to begin moving. He took a deep breath, holding it for a moment before releasing it slowly.

"Okay, Y/N, I'm going to start moving now," he warned, his voice husky and low. "Just relax and tell me if it hurts too much."

You managed a weak nod, squeezing your eyes shut and bracing yourself for the inevitable pain. Cillian began to move, his cock sliding back and forth inside you with agonizing slowness.

Each stroke sent waves of pleasure-pain coursing through your body, making you moan softly. You could feel his warm breath on your neck, and your heart pounded relentlessly in your chest. he growled in your ear, his voice low and gravelly.

"Oh, sweetheart, you're wound tighter than a spring. I can feel you clenching around me, fighting the urge to come undone."

You squirmed uneasily, your heart pounding like a war drum in your chest. "Cillian, please," you whimpered, your voice cracking like a gunshot. "Please, I can't," you moaned but he silenced you with a kiss, his tongue plunging into your mouth, tasting of salt and sin. His cock pulsed inside you, relentless as an iron fist.

It seemed to fill you up more fully with each passing second, and the exquisite torment it inflicted upon your tender flesh drove you to distraction.

"Feel it, Y/N?" Cillian whispered, his voice husky and low. "My cock is stretching you to your limits and it feels so good. You are so tight and so warm," he groaned and you could only nod in agreement, your breaths ragged and desperate. Cillian's cock surged inside you, thrusting deeper and harder with each passing moment.

Each movement sent delicious spasms through your body, making you moan helplessly. You could feel yourself unraveling around him, losing control of your inhibitions.

"Oh, God, Cillian," you whimpered, your voice cracking with desperation. "You feel so good inside me."

Cillian's eyes gleamed with triumph, his cock swelling larger and thicker. An insatiable hunger ignited within you, driving you to claw at his shoulders and squeeze his ass tightly.

"That's a good girl," Cillian rasped, his cock pulsing intensely within you. "Taking my cock like a champ."

You could feel the walls of your pussy clenching around his invading shaft, contracting rhythmically like a vise. Each contraction brought another wave of ecstasy, as you surrendered yourself to the blissful agony consuming you.

"Oh, fuck," Cillian groaned, his cock flexing powerfully within you. "So goddamn tight," he gasped before pulling out of you abruptly. "How about you turn around for me now and get on to your hands and knees," he ordered.

You hesitated for a moment, your heart pounding against your chest like a madman. But somehow, you trusted him. After all, he was Cillian Murphy—the man you've fantasized about for what felt like a lifetime. With a trembling hand, you slowly rotated your body until you were facing the opposite direction. You bent over, your hands supporting your weight on the couch cushions.

"Perfect," he praised. "Stay like that."

You heard him shuffling around behind you but did not pay much attention to what he was doing as, unbeknownst to you, he pulled the condom off his shaft and discarded it on the floor, wanting to fuck you bare. 

He then grabbed your hips roughly and pulled you back against him. His bare shaft entered you, feeling warmer and smoother than before. 

It slid effortlessly into your welcoming pussy, the sensation of his flesh against yours setting fire to your nerves.

"Something feels different," you gasped, confused, but Cillian silenced you. 

"Shh," Cillian hushed you, his warm breath fanning your ear. "Everything's fine," he said before he thrust into you again, his cock sliding deeply within you with a hungry growl. The sensation of his naked cock penetrating you felt amazing for him and you, but you still did not know why it felt different then before and put it down to the change in positioning.

For Cillian, this act was raw, primal, and absolutely thrilling. The thought of having his cum inside you thrilled him even more, claiming you as his. 

"God, Y/N," he gasped, his breath hot on your neck.

"Your pussy feels so fucking good," he groaned and you bit your lip, trying to stifle a moan.

"Cillian," you whimpered, your voice hoarse with desire, still unaware that he was now fucking you raw. His bare cock was inside you now just as he was getting ready to cum and you knew nothing about it. 

"I am close baby. So fucking close," Cillian muttered while slamming into you. Each thrust filled you with an intoxicating mix of pleasure and pain that left you breathless.

"Oh, God, Cillian," you moaned, your voice cracking with desperation.

You could feel the walls of your pussy clenching around his invading shaft, contracting rhythmically like a vice and, soon enough, you could not take it anymore and came undone. 

You orgasmed, spasming around his cock, milking him and forcing you both to shout out in euphoria.

You felt your inner walls tighten around him, and Cillian's cock swelled, spurting hot cum deep inside you. His seed mixing with your wetness, marking you as his.

"Fuck," he groaned, his seed bursting forth, painting your insides white. You gasped in shock, your body tensing up as his semen spilled into you.

You felt the warm sticky substance trickling down your inner thighs but did not think anything of it, ignoring it in post-orgasmic bliss. 

Then, after a few more thrusts, Cillian pulled out of you and collapsed beside you on the couch and, immediately, you sat up, your gaze landing on the spot where both of you had been lying.

You didn't notice it initially, but now, you couldn't help but stare at that spot while Cillian reached for a box of tissues and, without words, handing you a wad of paper towels.

"What for?" you asked, puzzled as and he gestured to your pussy, leaking his cum. 

You stared at your own pussy before registering what had taken place. He had ejaculated inside you. The thought made you blush profusely but you didn't say anything. 

You clean up the mess with the tissue, wiping up the remnants of his release  before tossing it in the trashcan.

"Your pussy looks so good, leaking my cum," Cillian says, admiring your visibly flushed face and damp hair.

"Why did you do that?" you ask, knowing full well that he intentionally removed the condom. 

"I wanted to claim you," Cillian replies, his voice deep and resonant. "I needed to show you that you belong to me; that we are meant to be together," he told you while caressing your cheek gently with his thumb. "And now you are mine," he added confidently before forcefully kissing you again, his lips crushing yours hungrily till your body weakened under his passion.

[sugdendingle]

Since I'm still seeing posts where people are saying Buck wanted Tommy's attention in 7x04 I thought I would do a break down of the episode. Cause the entire thing was about how Buck wanted Eddie's attention full stop and I'm baffled that some of you missed that it wasn't exactly subtle:

This is going to be a long post with gifs so I'll put it under the cut

First there was the mansion call. (I know some might say this scene is different because it was meant to be a part of episode 7x05. Doesn't matter they changed the order so it's canon for this ep and so Buck's behavior in it is relevant).

Buck trying to get Eddie's attention with the random facts he knows and also because he knows no one listens and appreciates that stuff about him like Eddie:

Buck glued to Eddie's side the whole call.

Buck also not showing any interest in the ladies from the Bachelor while he's standing with Eddie.

---

Then you have the scene at the hanger:

Here's the thing I do believe Buck has an attraction to Tommy and is interested in him but the main draw Buck has to Tommy is because of the multiple similarities Tommy has to Eddie. The show was practically putting a neon sign above Eddie and Tommy multiple times saying that Tommy is a mirror of Eddie.

I'd also like to point out that maybe it was just me but Tommy didn't seem all that interested in Buck throughout this scene or really any scene until the last one. Now yeah he could have been being cautious because he didn't know if Buck was into guys but I honestly got the vibe he was into Eddie. I can't help but wonder if he was trying to get with Eddie and then maybe in Vegas Eddie told him he was straight (not that he is) or maybe Eddie just told him he has a beard girlfriend. No one can convince me otherwise that Tommy doesn't think there's something between Eddie and Buck. I 100% believe all Eddie did was talk about Buck when they hung out and Buck did the same thing right up until Tommy kissed him. That whole "my attention" line was very telling. Tommy you're gonna get your heart broken but I get it dude Buck is hot.

So anyway Buck goes for a tour and unsurprisingly he brings up Eddie before Eddie ever shows up. And while yeah it's him responding to Tommy saying he was in the army it just feels like a partner moment. Like yeah no way my boyfriend was in the army. Buck talking about Eddie is as second nature as someone talking about their spouse. They're such an integrated part of their life that they don't even realize how much they talk about each other. It'll be interesting to see if Buck does the same thing when he's on his date with Tommy too.

Then Eddie shows up and if you watch Buck the whole scene once Eddie arrives he's almost exclusively watching Eddie.

(watching Eddie walk away)

Here's the difference btw in one of the few times he looks at tommy (when Tommy speaks) after Eddie show up 👇

Then at the end you have Buck make this face:

Which I think isn't so much about feeling left out as it is seeing how happy Eddie is and knowing he's not the one making him happy. Although I don't think Buck is consciously processing all of that right now but I definitely think that was a big part of it.

I think in this whole scene what's going on in Buck's head is this: 1. surprise that Eddie is there because he didn't expect him 2. Why didn't Eddie tell me he was hanging out with Tommy (I usually know everything going on with Eddie). 3. Trying to understand what he's feeling when he sees Eddie and Tommy together. 4. Feeling confused about everything. 5. Jealous that Eddie is going off with someone who isn't him but not really understanding that's what it is.

I get some people might watch that scene and say well Buck was essentially asking Tommy out on a date and then Eddie showed up an took off with him so he must be jealous that Eddie is getting to spend time with Tommy. Buck obviously has an attraction to Tommy but the person he really wants and wants to spend time with is Eddie this is further highlighted by the next scene we see them in when Buck keeps getting more and more upset over hearing about how Eddie is doing things he enjoys with someone who isn't Buck. But also in how Buck acted while at the at the hanger. He wasn't focused on Tommy. I mean have you ever been crushing on someone when they're in the room it's like no one else is. The person who Buck couldn't take his eyes off of was Eddie.

-------

Next we have the sewer rescue scene with Ravi. (We really need more Ravi and Buddie scenes btw I love them together) We have Buddie working together as per usual. Highlighting like in the Bachelor scene how well they work together which they always do.

You have Buck telling the story from the pilot about when he saved that baby in the wall and Eddie smiling fondly like a typical spouse who has heard that story a million times.

While they're working Buck is spending the whole call trying to find out what Eddie was up to when he went to Vegas.

Buck is asking a million questions which implies that Eddie hasn't told him yet about the trip. This goes back to the helicopter scene where Buck didn't know Eddie was spending time with Tommy and is really starting to feel left out. Again this isn't really about Tommy or Buck feeling like he's missing out on spending time with Tommy it's Buck feeling like he's missing out on Eddie's life.

Buck calls out the similarities between Eddie and Tommy

Although he's still clueless that this is what is primarily causing him to be drawn to Tommy. More than anything this was for the audience to again say in case you didn't catch it by now Tommy is like Eddie. They want to keep reminding us of this before the kiss so we know Buck is going to date someone who is like his best friend.

Also want to point out that while Buck is talking about Tommy to Eddie the camera shakes at points so we feel Buck's nerves. He's nervous to hear what Eddie has to say about Tommy.

Also the whole conversation about "naked men pummeling each other" and Eddie saying that he was wrestling with Tommy. Like I'm sorry but not one ounce of that convo felt heterosexual.

I've seen someone say that Buck's jealousy must have been about Tommy because Buck isn't even interested in the things Eddie and Tommy were doing together like Muay Thai and basketball etc but you can hear/see Buck getting more and more hurt as he and Eddie talk because Eddie is sharing parts of himself with someone else.

I feel like there's multiple reasons why Eddie and Buck haven't been spending as much time together. I mean yeah Eddie made a new friend but for the longest time it's been BuckandEddie like peas in a pod in work and outside. But I think the end of season six played a role in some of that changing

At the end of last season they were both dating someone else and they had both gone through some major trauma with Buck literally dying for 3+ minutes. We know that seriously affected Buck but the show didn't touch on how I know it must have affected Eddie. If you watch the scene (from 7x01) where Buck talks to Chris and we see Eddie's reaction in the hall when Chris talks about how everyone leaves. I can't help but think Buck's brush with death made Eddie think of Shannon and how scared he is to lose another person he loves or worse put Chris through that.

Not to mention what Buck said in the cemetery how he felt like Natalia this woman he had known for less than a minute saw him better than anyone. I feel like all of that combined made Eddie distance himself a little even if he wasn't doing it totally consciously.

There's also the fact that I think Buck has kind of taken Eddie for granted a little. We find out later in the ep that Eddie had asked Buck to play basketball with him many times but he'd always turned him down. I also got the impression in this ep that Eddie has all these hobbies that he was sharing with Tommy when he would have rather been doing them with Buck (he was so excited when Buck showed up on the basketball court).

And I'm not saying Buck doesn't love Eddie or hasn't tried hard to be there for Eddie and Chris over the years but it's something that happens in relationships sometimes. You think the person is always going to be there and you get distracted with life stuff.

This combined with things Oliver has been saying in interviews about how Buck is going to have to put in work for his next relationship. How Buck has always gotten whatever person he wanted mostly and I can't help but wonder if that's going to play a role in how Buddie is developed. Is Buck going to have to prove to Eddie how much he means to him?

This part of the scene if no other really lets you know it's about Eddie and not Tommy. We can see how Buck is looking at Eddie when he says I do I really do and we feel all these intense emotions from him more than would make sense for the brief amount of time he's known Tommy. He's clearly thinking of when he met Eddie.

These are really just the baby steps of Buck recognizing how deeply he feels for Eddie. Because right here he's thinking that he thought their connection and place in each other's lives was special and unique to every one else they knew but then he hears Eddie talk like that and thinks maybe he was the only one who felt that way. Maybe he's easily replaced in Eddie's life.

----

So Buck goes to talk about his feelings on everything with Maddie. Tbh I wasn't thrilled with how they did the Buck and Maddie scenes in this ep. Though I do think we're going to get more of a heart to heart with the two of them in future eps when Buck officially comes out. I just feel like Buck needed someone to really listen to him and Maddie was a little dismissive both times he talked to her. I also really want someone to try to ask Buck about his feelings for Eddie.

It's kind of crazy to me how no one in the 118 has ever really brought up the fact of how close Buck and Eddie are. Maddie has said the whole "boy crush" thing and that elf mistook them for being married but what I mean is you know the 118 sees how they are. Look at when Eddie was shot. It was assumed automatically that Buck was going to be the one to talk to Chris because they knew how close Buck and Eddie are and how they're essentially raising Chris together. This is how people talk about someone's spouse not just their friend.

Back to the convo with Maddie

Buck is complaining to Maddie about Eddie and Tommy. His feelings in that scene don't come across like he's unaware of some attraction he has to Tommy or like he's trying to hide feelings for him. He comes across as hurt, and frustrated, and confused that this new person has moved in on his place in Eddie and Chris' life.

Again I'm not saying Buck doesn't have an attraction to Tommy but I do think Tommy is a distraction more than anything. I think Buck is focusing on him rather than looking at the entire situation. Instead of asking himself why does it matter if your friend has a new friend? Why does it matter if Eddie spends time with new people? Why does it matter if Eddie shares parts of himself with someone else parts he might not be sharing with you?

----

Then of course there's the gym scene at the firehouse. I've seen people say Buck thought Eddie was on the phone with Tommy. And maybe he did. But you expect me to believe he was upset and jealous over Tommy and because Eddie was getting to talk to him and his way of dealing with that was to try and get Eddie's attention through lifting weights and pointing his dick at him. o_o

Literally sitting up in the middle of lifting weights so he can see if Eddie is looking over at him.

Nothing about this scene is telling the audience that Buck is thinking about Tommy. It's saying he wants Eddie's attention.

This scene is actually very similar to what happened at the hanger

Buck saw Eddie looking incredibly happy and he wasn't the one making him happy. Eddie also wasn't sharing what's been going on in his life with Buck. Buck felt shut out and ignored from the one person who he's been the closet with for years. Even when they've had girlfriends it's clear Buck and Eddie have been close and connected in ways they never were with anyone else. Buck is scared he's losing that.

If the show wanted us to believe that the scene was about Buck and Tommy and Buck's growing attraction to Tommy there are so many different things they could have done to highlight that. Have Tommy ask Eddie about Buck (if that even was who Eddie was talking to) and have Eddie tell Buck he was talking to Tommy maybe direct a question from Tommy to Buck. They also at the least could have said that's who Eddie was talking to and they didn't even do that. They could have had Buck ask Eddie hey is that Tommy? But they didn't because the scene wasn't really about Tommy it's about Buck's feelings for Eddie that he still hasn't fully come to terms with yet.

Buck buys a basketball literally has it sent to the firehouse so Eddie can see him with it and hopefully ask him to go play basketball with him. Because remember he's feeling left out of Eddie's life. It's not like he asked Tommy to play basketball or asks Eddie if he can go with him to the court in hopes of seeing Tommy. No he wants Eddie to invite him. He wants to know Eddie wants him there.

Watch how Buck acts even when he's opening the basketball. He's trying to do it quickly and even while he's doing that he's looking over to Eddie to try and get his attention.

Also someone on twitter pointed out that in season 3 it was shown in Buck's loft that he already had a ball. My head canon is that he still has that ball and the lunatic that he is he just bought a whole new one and had it sent to the firehouse so eddie would see him with it. 🤦‍♀️

---

Next is the infamous basketball court scene where I knew the minute I heard "basketball beard" and playing with the boys and other Top Gun references that canon bi Buck was a go.

Similar to the hanger scene Buck's attention is almost exclusively on Eddie through the whole scene.

Oh I'd also like to point out that both times that Eddie was with Tommy in this ep he was wearing sunglasses particularly when the two of them were side by side. I feel like it's the shows way of saying that Buck is not seeing Eddie right now and he's not connecting with his true feelings for Eddie.

I know Oliver is good at basketball but I couldn't help but laugh when they included that shot of him spinning the ball. Like we're meant to believe Buck doesn't play how did he learn to do that 🤦‍♀️

If the basketball scene had really been about Buck wanting Tommy's attention or being jealous that Eddie was getting Tommy's attention Buck wouldn't have been spending the entire time trying to get Eddie's attention. He also would have been competing with Eddie for Tommy's attention and he wasn't he was trying to get Eddie to notice him because he felt like all Eddie was doing was focusing on Tommy.

You can watch Buck get progressively more upset through the game as he feels like Eddie is competing against him and partnering with someone else when for so long that's been his role on and off the court. It's been Buddie against the world.

Also there's a moment when Buck runs into Tommy but the show never plays it as some kind of moment between the two. I mean they had more of a moment on the boat after the cruise ship when Buck patted Tommy's shoulder. But like according to some this is supposed to be the episode Buck is all into Tommy but that's just not present most of the episode.

Buck immediately knows he's fucked up after Eddie is hurt. I've seen people say why wasn't he running to help him but I've been in a similar situation like that where you're so stunned that you did something to cause someone you cared about to be hurt you can't even move.

Then as soon as Buck wants to try and help Tommy swoops in and says he'll take Eddie to the hospital. Taking care of Eddie has been Buck's job for a long long time. Think about how he saved Eddie during the shooting and took care of him and Chris. Also he took care of them during Eddie's mental health crisis. Buck is feeling like Eddie doesn't need him anymore.

Here's another thing I want to bring up about the basketball scene. Like I keep saying people have said that a lot of Buck's motivations in this ep were about Tommy. I'm sorry but you don't have those kind of strong emotions over someone you just met. Even if his emotions were that he had a crush on Tommy and felt like Eddie was taking all Tommy's time away. If Buck behaved that way from a simple crush on a guy he barely knew I would think he'd lost his mind. No he reacted the way he did because all of these feelings (that he's just now scratching the surface of dealing with) are connected to Eddie someone who means everything to him.

Remember too that Oliver said in his interviews that Buck doesn't even know why he's jealous or who or what it's about. Which is why I think even by the end of the episode when Buck thinks he's figured some things out there's still a lot he's missing.

----

The second Maddie scene

I definitely agree with what others have said that unfortunately Maddie's words here only served to further confuse Buck. What he was feeling was not just being left out and excluded from this friend but mostly jealous over a man he loves being all excited to spend so much time with someone else. Buck was jealous and scared of someone taking his place in Eddie's life and doesn't really know how to process that.

Oh and for people who say he wasn't jealous over Eddie he literally says he was to Maddie.

Buck admits he was trying to get Eddie's attention which like I said in the basketball scene you can see because Eddie is all Buck is focused on.

----------

Then of course we have the end scene with Buck and Tommy.

First we get the opening shot where Buck answers the door. And before he even answers we the audience are made to think it's going to be Eddie and made to think Buck also thinks it's going to be Eddie. Because all of the tension that's been between them in the ep hasn't been resolved and Buck hasn't talked about how he's been feeling to Eddie at all. So we're left waiting for that resolution.

Instead however when Buck opens the door it's Tommy

One thing I didn't mention earlier was that the show has made it a point to have Tommy only call Buck Evan. I've seen a number of theories people have for why this is, personally I think it's a reminder to the audience that Tommy for all his similarities isn't Eddie. Like they give us all these signs that say look Eddie and Tommy are so much the same but everytime you hear Tommy say Evan so casually like that you remember they're different.

Eddie who knows the real Buck only ever calls him that and it's only on the rare serious occasion does he use Buck's real name. Maddie is similar. It's like when Ana called Eddie Edmundo. These people have an idea of who Buck and Eddie are but they they don't know all the little intricate pieces that's something Buck and Eddie only have with one another.

So Buck is smiling and laughing (somewhat out of embarrassment for how he behaved on the basketball court) but watch his body language at even the mention of someone replacing him in Eddie's life:

I find it extremely foreshadowing of what's to come with Buddie that the show chose to have Tommy and Buck spend most of the time before their first kiss even right down to the seconds before it talking about Eddie and even talked about him afterwards. I mean if you didn't want your audience shipping a ship or giving them hope it was going to happen would you do that?

Buck not only talks about Eddie before the kiss he talks about how great he is and brings up memories of their past. Almost like someone talking about an ex they're still in love with. Like you're trying to move on but you can't help what your heart wants.

Like I said above I fully believe that when Tommy said "my attention" he knew that Buck is all about Eddie. Buck's response being "I guess" is even more telling because it shows his confusion. I definitely think that when Buck and Tommy break up (or however far they get in their dating) that we'll get some kind of confirmation that Tommy always knew Buck and Eddie were in love.

I think a lot of the stuff Buck talks about in this scene is him trying in the moment to make sense of the confusing way he's been feeling. I do think he's attracted to and likes Tommy but there is also a whole host of other feelings he has that really were the main motivating factors into why he acted the way he did in this episode.

The last time Buck was with someone and there was an I love you it was with Taylor and it was like Buck just went along in that relationship because he felt like he was supposed to. Buck and Eddie are similar in that way. They have this amazing love and bond with one another but there's a reason besides the fact that they're both guys that they keep avoiding really confronting their feelings. They're scared. They're scared to loose what they have. They're scared to change it. They're scared of fucking it up like they believe they have their past relationships. Scared of so many things. So they just kind of side step it at every turn.

The show mentioning Eddie right before the scene ends is one of the biggest indicators that this is all leading to Buddie.

If the episode was really just a misdirect where Buck was really into Tommy all along they wouldn't have made the last scene so Eddie heavy and especially not the last bit of dialogue about Eddie. The last few lines are what you're leaving the audience with until the next episode and the words they left us with are about Eddie (and Buck) so we're meant to focus on them.

If you read all this thank you ❤️. This post took me forever (which would be why it's getting posted a full week after the ep >_< ) please reblog if you like it. Can't wait for the ep tonight.

[azaharinflames]

I didn’t start my day planning on being mean, but a certain portion of this fandom decided that they couldn’t keep Lou’s name out of their mouths so now I have thoughts.

We have RG brought on as a main, but frankly Eddie as a character has never gone anywhere. I was never much of an RG fan even before the unsavory things he said, but from what I have read, he hasn’t seemed to have brought much to the role beyond what was in the script. And yes, I get that he’s not a writer or the show runner, but Tim has shown himself to be amenable to good suggestions from the actors (which is why JLH ended up with Chim instead of Eddie, a decision from which his character never recovered).

Then you have the string of unsuccessful (potential) love interests who were all recurring. Similarly, I get that as a recurring you have even less agency than as a main and that’s even worse if you are a woman. All the same, the actors who played Ana, Taylor, Marisol, Lucy, and  death doula whose name alludes me but I’m too lazy to look up, brought NOTHING to the role outside of what was on the page. Granted, these characters were all written in way that made them doomed to fail, but if any one of them had brought something to the table to endear them to the GA and make the narrative work, they would have lasted/had the potential to be endgame level love interests. But it was early in the show’s run you say. Big deal. There are plenty of examples in television where a character was brought in for a handful of episodes early on and they either were kept (or else brought back) as a significant cast member.

And then there’s Lou. Looking back at the season 7 interviews, there is a clear gap between how Tim originally envisioned Tommy compared to Lou’s head canon. Tim saw a happy go lucky starter relationship guy with a hot and heavy make out session in 7x4. Tommy saw a protective guy with layers and past trauma who would deliver a tender 7x4 first kiss. Tim may get some things wrong, but he’s not such an egomaniac that he would go with the worse idea just because it was his. We will never know, but I don’t think Tim committed to making Tommy a significant/possible endgame LI until late season 7 or even while writing 8a. If Lou had done what RG or any of the actors who played Buck/Eddie’s past LI had done, i.e., read the script as is and contributed NOTHING, then Tommy would have been long gone. All this is to say that complaining about Lou having thoughts about his non-main character is tantamount to complaining that the man showed up and did his damned job to the best of his ability. The fact that he has clearly done so much work despite being really good looking in an industry that strongly favors attractiveness gives him extra points my book. Instead of hating on him, maybe they should be asking themselves why their guy didn’t do the same. 

I think you make an excellent point, Nonnie, and I love the way you put it.

At the end of the day, a big reason why we all love Tommy (and Bucktommy) as much as we do has to do with Lou (and with Oliver as well, when talking about the couple). Because Lou took the time and care to create Tommy and make him a bigger and deeper character than what the script said. Because he took so much care and advocated for what he thought made more sense for the character (i.e. their first kiss). It makes us love the character, and love him after seeing how much he cares, and ultimately it reflects very positively on the show.

I do think RG has given his input here and there (it was per his insistence that Marisol came back in S8), but it does feel like he rarely digs deeper into what he's given. At the very least, that's the impression I get (so anyone can disagree with it, that's fine!). I've never particularly connected with Eddie, and I am personally frustrated with the missed potential he has. If he stays, I honestly wish for the writers to figure out what the hell they want to do with him long term.

Anyway. I get your frustration, Nonnie. Bobs have been utterly insufferable since the interview, and the accusations I've seen coming from them? Ngl, there aren't words in the English language to describe what I think about them.

[typicalopposite]

I still fully head canon that Tommy has some top secret voice of an Angel and he breaks it out to serenade Buck with “their song” at their reception leading into their first dance

(Eddie and Ravi sighing because they both have dates and if they are lucky said dates manage to turn into something more serious now they will be expected to at least match such sentiment…)

I digress…

BUT! Now I got this little head bug— not quite a head canon but it is bugging me relentlessly and if I don’t share I might lose my mind— that maybe Buck has some hidden vocals he didn’t even know about until he is at a bar he’s never been to on karaoke night and spots a song on the list he has been screaming singing in his car because it reminds him of someone he would much rather not being thinking of to sadder toned love songs…

What’s new… he is still not happy with the current state of … anything. And that goes for pretty much every aspect of his life. But what can he do? It seems he is doomed to internalize his thoughts and feelings lest he is making it about himself and being a nuisance… and everyone else’s lives seems to be brightening up in some ways so he keeps quiet.

He can’t keep quiet about this it seems— or he is drunker than he feels… because the next thing he knows he is holding a mic… Fuck it. Not like anyone who could connect the dots to the lyrics is here anyway.

***

However… In the back of the bar, Tommy is thinking he has got to be psychic because yet again he happens upon the same bar Evan is at…

But as he listens to Evan belt out Dive by Ed Sheeran… entranced by how good— no AMAZING— he is.. how he is hitting the notes in a way that’s tugging at Tommy’s heart and has the whole bar captivated and swaying along… reeling at the way every lyric feels like it’s a sign from the universe and meant for him to hear Evan say (sing)… he’s kind of glad he came here after all.

Of course by the end of the song he has migrated from the back of the bar to right in front of the stage and Evan is teary eyed, staring down at him… and there is suddenly some unspoken agreement that they need to finally talk— really talk— that can be heard from a mile away.

Which, of course, they do.

Idk something along those lines… you know?

[clownyboiclownyboi]

hello and welcome, we’ve got more head canons (at this point I think this is just gonna be the main schtick of this blog) today we’re doing uhhhhhh how they wake up from nightmares I guess??

(I am running out of ideas, for the love of all things good please send me asks so I can keep this series going, by brain can come up with the individual headcanons but not the entire prompt itself T-T)

Phil fights to wake up. He jolts up in bed and claws at the darkness, throwing himself to the ground and tearing through blankets just to breathe, to fight, to survive-

Techno is the first thing he sees, an all too familiar crease in his brow and strong but careful hands gripping at Phil’s shoulders, pinning him down without restraining him more. He lets Phil move first, lets him decide when he wants to crawl back into the taller’s arms and be squeezed close until his broken pieces are strung back together. Once he does, once he crawls out of the tangle of blankets (or tries to), Techno bundles him up in his arms, still on the floor, but the cold air can’t touch Phil with how Techno’s cradling him, snuffling into his hair and murmuring soft, gentle encouragements. They fall asleep on the floor, and Techno wakes up with a crick in his back so bad he has to borrow Phil’s cane for the day, but he doesn’t complain, and he never will, not at the risk of losing the privilege of seeing Phil so vulnerable.

Techno curls up, the tips of his fingers trembling but giving no more sign of vulnerability. Even in his sleep, he can’t show it, can’t risk it. The past has been too harsh, hands too tight and rough. He twitches, flinches, bites down on whines and mumbles. He wakes up weeping, wet eyes blinking in the darkness.

Phil is already up, having become attuned to the little signs his partner gives. He doesn't say anything for a moment, letting Techno collect himself and decide whether or not he wants to reach out for comfort tonight. If he doesn't, if he feels too raw and hurt to trust another's arms at the moment, they roll over to go back to sleep, even though they both know Techno won't, and Phil makes sure to make him take a nap the next day. If he does reach out, Phil presses close into his chest, rests his head on the larger man and listening to his heartbeat. He murmurs soft, meaningless words, recounting tales from their many immortal years that have nothing to do with the bloodshed they're known for. He runs his talons through sweat-damp pink hair, dragging them across the scalp. He tells stories until the early break of dawn, and they sleep in for hours before starting their day just a bit better than the night.

Tommy thrashes, screams, does anything to be noticed. People leave when he's annoying, but at least they see him, and maybe someone will see him when he screams in his sleep, when he scratches at his arms and claws at his hair and please just help him, don't leave him again, Wilbur, Tubbo, Dream, please don't leave.

He jolts awake to arms hugging him tight, crushing him to someone's chest. It takes a minute for him to recognize it's Ranboo, and it takes a few more for him to notice a hissing sound, because Ranboo sleeps without a shirt on and he ran to help Tommy from across the mansion and Tommy's crying, oh god he's hurting the one person who gives enough of a damn to comfort him. He tries to push away, but Ranboo is surprisingly strong when he's determined. His thin tail winds around Tommy's waist, the fluffy end gently trapping against his stomach in worry as Ranboo mumbles soft reassurances, too soft for Tommy to deserve them, and yet he lets himself indulge anyway. He lets the taller boy rock them on the bed, shift them so Ranboo's leaning on the headboard and Tommy's lying on top of his thin chest, lets Ranboo thread sharp nails through his curls, lets himself be soothed by the staticky purr under his ear and lets himself slip into an exhausted sleep.

only three today but I thought the length of them justified it, hope you enjoyed :]

[bleue-flora]

Idk of this is something you have already talked about

But what would u think a c!sapnap and c!dream confrontation would go?

If we are talking an alternative to the finale, I talked about that here [<>] [<>]… as far as like just another confrontation between the end and Sapnap getting the Death Book, it’s really hard to say to be honest. Because I like to try my best to be as canon accurate in my fics as I can, for Musical Chairs: Ch 7, I’ve thought about it a lot. And the thing is despite people’s often more wholesome portrayals of Sapnap, I don’t think that’s really accurate. The conversation after jailbreak [post] where it doesn’t matter what Dream says he can’t seem to get through, I think is very telling. I mean you can just hear the hope bleed out of Dream’s voice, replaced with theatric villainy. To hear your “brother” had been tortured the next thing to leave your lips is ‘who’ and ‘why’ and ‘what.’

Dream: “He was trying to get the revival book and so he was torturing me." SAPNAP: “The revival book?…What revival book?” DREAM: “It’s a long story.” SAPNAP: “Do you have it on you now?”

So, if you read my chapter you’ll get a pretty good idea of what I kinda expect that confrontation to go. I think apathy and bitterness. I think Sapnap would show up and they would fight and it wouldn’t matter how Dream limped, or the scars on his skin, or Dream’s hands shaking, or anything Dream said. I think they would fight and if Sapnap won he’d kill Dream and then he’d be dead too as per the deal he made with DreamXD. Or Dream wins and he knows he should kill Sapnap, get rid of the threat looming over his head, but he just can’t bring it in himself to do it. So he lets Sapnap go and Sapnap remains absolutely confused. In an almost similar manner of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert from Les Misérables, when Jean lets him go and Javert struggles to understand it. He was so set on this idea that people cannot change and yet, here is the proof before him. So he had done horrible things in his life all in the name of justice, but turns out he was wrong and he couldn’t live with that… it’s not a perfect comparison but it does have similar themes and such.

Anyways, despite the Dream Team being canonical, I think it’s important to remember that Sapnap has betrayed Dream quite a lot even back in the beginning so needless to say I don’t think it’d be a very friendly confrontation in the slightest. I honestly wonder if he’d even regret killing Dream, maybe if George knocked some sense into him… I don’t know. But I mean we do also get some dubiously canon fight in the stream with Dream defending Aimsley [vid] that I wrote a fic about, so there’s something at least…

Honestly, I think perhaps like Tommy, there would have to have been supernatural powers involved for any reconciliation or understanding to happen. The fact of the matter is that cc!Sapnap and c!Sapnap are just very different in their relationship with Dream, in the same way as Awesamdude, so while the fandom wants to say Sapnap cares and they could make up and all this, I’m just not sure that’s reflected in the lore we get. I had hoped that was true but then jailbreak happened and the Death Book and it squashed my hope as it did Dream’s…

I just don’t think someone who visits a prison obviously inhumane to other characters like Techno and Ponk, and leaves it going - Dream you’re never going to leave and you better not break out. Someone who’s take away after seeing their friend refusing to speak and throwing their clocks (only entertainment) into lava is that Dream is “even more fucked up” because of prison [post] and therefore shouldn’t leave. Someone who stays silent as their best friend is about to lose their last canon life [clip]. Someone who hears their friend was tortured and doesn’t bat an eye but doubles down on a mission to kill him for escaping said torture, doesn’t seem like someone capable of reconciling with Dream or making amends or reaching understanding unless there’s some kind of divine intervention.

Like Sapnap says he cares and that he believes the prison will make Dream better, but at the same time he was willing to let him die. The only reason Dream is still alive is because of a book. They did not think he could get better that’s why they were willing to let him die (or perhaps you could make the argument that they were too afraid of him to let him live, but does that really make it better…) and they can all have this moral high ground of the prison being for Dream’s own good but it’s bullshit. If Sapnap truly cared he would’ve visited more than once especially after seeing his friend in such a “fucked up” state. I mean how else is he supposed to know he got better.

Let’s not act like Sapnap is some moral figure of the dsmp, who is against Dream on behalf of the rest of the server, because Sapnap is happy to fight in wars and pillage and murder. No, Sapnap’s own reasoning for thinking he’s evil and deserving of prison is because Berkerson (which Dream had in his possession anyways) was placed in an item frame on the wall [clip]. Which is a poor excuse anyways because Sapnap fought against him in Doomsday before that, just like he did in the disc saga back in the day. Make no mistake, Sapnap is the one who first betrayed Dream [post] and oh how fast he turns on his “brother.” How fragile his loyalty was to turn his back again and again and then act as if Dream betrayed him and he is the one in the right.

I think the fandom needs to face the reality that c!Sapnap unlike cc!Sapnap is not Dream’s loyal friend, and he does not care about Dream being tortured nor dying or at least his delusion is clouding his care which doesn’t make it better. And I’m not saying he’d torture Dream or something, I think he does care in some capacity but I also think he’s stuck in the mourning of the Dream he lost that he can’t help or face the Dream of the present. He can’t face the reality that Dream has changed both for the better and the worst because he just misses the old Dream. (Which is tragic when you think about it… because isn’t that what Dream wanted too…)

And I know people are going to disagree with me here because we love the Dream Team just like we love pathetic submissive tortured Dream [post], but just because those are fun to write and think about, doesn’t necessarily make them canon. I think sometimes we get clouded by their real world friendship and their relationship in the past, which isn’t present post prison. It hasn’t been present for a long time. I mean Sapnap finds a book of death and immediately tries to kill Dream with it, even before he made the deal for it to kill him too. And even after learning about Dream being in the prison he doesn’t seem that concerned which like, even Tommy and Tubbo were disturbed by that fact…

Anyways, honestly it’s hard for me to say, cuz his logic just doesn’t make sense to me…

[lissa612]

Can someone point me to where in 9-1-1 canon it is shown that Buck thinks of “Evan” as a separate identity or a version of himself he escaped?

Because we’ve got Buck 1.0 that’s been clearly mentioned in the past as a persona he’s outgrown, but I can’t remember him ever saying anything like “That was Evan…This is Buck.” He started going by Buck because it was convenient. He liked it and perhaps considered it a fresh start along with the career he found to finally be his calling, so he kept the nickname…But even the reasoning there is speculation because I can’t recall him ever saying anything more than “Everyone calls me Buck now. I kinda like it.” But there were still people who would call him Evan. His girlfriend, his sister, his best friend when he wanted to make sure he was hearing him, and his therapist (who honestly should be the most mindful of his comfort with mode of address) just off the top of my head. The only time he seems upset when called Evan was when his parents did it after he apparently asked him to call him Buck…That seems to be more about them ignoring his wishes than any sort of visceral rejection of the name itself.

I keep seeing chatter about how it’s disrespectful of Tommy to be calling him Evan. But I can’t find anything in actual canon to back that up. You can head canon that Tommy ignored Buck when he introduced himself like “I’m Evan Buckley - Call me Buck” but that never happened. You can just as easily head canon that Buck blushed and told Tommy that he likes how he says “Evan” when Tommy catches that everyone else calls him Buck and tries to correct himself. I’d argue that one of those head canons fits better with actual canon, but there are arguments for both…Neither is absolutely wrong.

So you can totally head canon that Tommy is someone who ignored Buck’s wishes to be called Buck. But then you also have to head canon that Buck, despite all the progress he has made through the years, is someone who would actively pursue someone who has shown they ignore his wishes - Something we have seen in canon to be a boundary for him. Which is fine if you want to do that…Head canons allow for all kinds of freedom in interpretation. But it’s not canonical fact.

Buck has historically disassociated with parts of his past self with his software upgrades from Buck 1.0, but when was the last time he did that? Buck 3.0 was back in season 4. He’s grown and changed a lot since then without needing to proclaim himself to be Buck 4.0. But beyond that, he’s never proclaimed there to have been an early beta version of the software called “Evan”. Really the only thing we know was upgraded between Buck 1.0 and Buck 2.0 was how Buck handled sex and relationships. Was “Evan” the base code in Buck 1.0? If so, has the code changed so much to have erased that? (Again, there’s nothing explicit in canon, so we can head canon that all day).

Bobby noted at the end of the season how much growth he has seen in Buck. I don’t think anyone who has watched the show could argue against the truth of that statement.

That is canon.

But you can ponder on it and come up with head canon…Perhaps what we are seeing is a more self-actualized version of Buck who doesn’t need to think of any progress he’s made in terms of upgrades because the therapy has finally made him realize he is all of those versions of himself and they are all him - He is the result of everything he has experienced and everything he has done and every decision he has made, and who he is will keep constantly evolving with every new experience and decision.

Regardless, Evan Buckley is Buck. And he is Mr Buckley. And he’s Firefighter Buckley. And he’s Buckley. And he’s Evan.

Unless he’s told someone to NOT refer to him as one of those names and they do anyway, they aren’t showing any disrespect by referring to him in any of those ways. We have examples in canon of that happening. We also have examples of viewers seemingly deciding it happened without canonical basis.

That’s a head canon. Have fun with it but remember to not force it onto others.

[morganski-19]

General Thought 9-1-1 8x11, Spoilers below

I feel high, what the hell is happening?????

Anyway, I love that episode. Standing ovation for Aisha Hinds because that episode was directed beautifully.

I really liked Bobby's plot, and I found this story to be a nice change of pace from the normal storylines we get from Bobby. I was wondering if there was going to be any resentment between brothers, but I'm glad that there wasn't, and it was pointed toward the mom.

And while I do have problems with how they do very quick and unnecessary parent redemptions, I think this fits with Bobby weirdly. He's in a different stage of life than the rest of the characters, and has always been forgiving in his path of healing. Even in the episode when he was fighting, he said that he was trying to find a way to forgive his mom. And forgiveness can be multifaceted, sometimes it's more about forgiving yourself than it is the other person. And I think with the knowledge that his mom is dying and not even trying to fight it, he wants to relieve that tension solely for himself here.

The Buck story line, well, we know where that leads. I couldn't stop giggling after that episode ended, I was shaking from excitement.

So firstly, BuckTommy double bones!!!

Then there's all the other shit that happened that made my head spin that I will need a full post to fully break down.

But here's the gist of it all, Tommy acknowledged that Eddie was always competition for him, and basically admitted that it was the reason he broke up with Buck. Buck said "I don't sleep with everyone I have feelings for, and I don't have feelings for everyone I sleep with," which is a statement that has so many layers to it, but he practically admitted that he does have feelings for Eddie. Even if he doesn't realize it.

Maddie clocked him on his shit, but very gently. Buck denied it only because Eddie was straight. And then we also got the friends-to-lovers trope of denying that you're in love with your best friend even when it's obvious and on top of that, it's the gay pining version of thinking the other person is straight.

Anyway, Buddie canon is imminent.

[averagewriter-inthedark]

Roped Into Hell 🪢 | Simon Kalivoda Imagine P.2

My Masterlists | Part 1

Characters & Pairings: Simon Kalivoda & Shadyside!Killer!reader (Not romantic), sister!OC

Content Warnings: angst, bittersweet ending, profanity, mentions of canon violence, blood, death (undead people killing each other), canon divergence (simon & kate live!) | female!reader (she/her) | wc: 6.4k

Requested 📨 yes/no

Premise: As Simon and the gang battle another problem against Sarah Fier and her henchmen of undead killers, they discover there's more to the story and maybe the curse of Shadyside is not all that it seems. Can they stop the person responsible before more blood is spilled? Or will Simon and his friends meet their end and become another statistic in Killer Capitol U.S.A?

Note: I apologize if there are any spelling or grammar errors, I proof read and do checks but I always tend to miss a few and it's so annoying. Anyways, hope you enjoy this conclusion to my little fear street story!

If Simon had a nickel for every time he got roped like a rodeo bull in a single night by an undead killer and lived to tell it, he’d have two nickels. Which is not a lot, but the fact it happened twice? 

Honestly the fact he survived the entire night was a miracle in itself. After the school disaster and becoming bait while Deena killed Sam to save her, Simon wanted nothing more than to go to bed and sleep forever. He narrowly avoided being slashed by Ruby Lane and axed by the Nightwing psycho only to get his legs caught by Y/n’s rope, ass dragged along aisle nine and nearly die from asphyxiation when Sam’s heart finally stopped. 

Thank God too because Josh was about to meet his end by the ax and Kate was seconds from getting her head shoved into the bread slicer. 

But it seems like luck was not on their side. Because just when they thought they were out of the woodwork, another shitshow got thrown at them. 

Simon had been asleep, for twelve hours at least, when he was rudely shaken awake by Kate. “Simon, wake the fuck up!!” she ripped the covers from his body, “We have another problem!!” His eyes were barely opened and voice hoarse, delirious from the deep slumber he wanted nothing more than to return to.

“How can we have another problem!?” He moaned, dragging himself to the closet to put on a random shirt and pants. “And how the fuck did you get in?”

“Your sister,” she replied, throwing him a hoodie. “Kate and Josh are in the car. We’ll explain on the way.” Simon just stared at her agape.

“On the way to where?!” 

C. Berman’s house, that’s where. Because their buddy Sam happened to be possessed and now hell bent on killing them. How and why did she come to be possessed? No clue. But they needed to find a way to save her before she went on a murderous rampage. 

More shocking news came at the residence of C. Berman. The lone survivor of the Camp Nightwing massacre who saw Sarah Fier and somehow lived to tell. Who they discovered at the end of her recounting the horrific night, that she was in fact Christine ‘Ziggy’ Berman, and her sister Cindy was amongst the victims Tommy Slater slaughtered. 

Talk about a plot twist. 

So, while Josh and Deena went to retrieve the witch’s lost hand from the hanging tree, which now resided in the Shadyside Mall, and unite it with the remains they unearthed out in the woods, Kate and Simon stayed with Ziggy to guard Sam. To say they were on edge was an understatement. Ziggy obviously hated having a possessed henchman of Sarah Fier in her house and if the two were not careful, the woman may take matters into her own hands. 

“Don’t you find it a bit odd?” Simon eyed Ziggy from the living room, speaking low so only Kate heard him.

“Find what odd? I can think of a few things, Simon, you need to be more specific.”

Huffing, he turned to her, “Ryan went on his possessed murder spree on Thursday, right?” He received a nod. “Okay, so look at the math. Camp Nightwing happened sixteen years ago. Then twelve years before that, Ruby killed all her friends. There was again twelve years between Ruby and Harry Rooker, and over twelve between Harry and Y/n.” 

Kate narrowed her brows, understanding what he was saying, “There was a time gap between each possession.” 

“Exactly. But Sam all of sudden gets possessed days after Ryan,” Simon bit his bottom lip, rubbing his jaw as he tried to piece it together. “Ziggy saw Sarah Fier, was brought back to life after being killed, and nothing happened to her.” His gaze drifted to Ziggy briefly, then turned back to Kate, “Why Sam?” 

Their answer would come when Deena returned with a chilling revelation. Having united body and hand once and for all, Deena bled on the bones and was mentally sent back in time to 1666. The year Sarah Feir died and cursed Shadyside.

Only she didn’t curse Shadyside. 

No, the truth was darker. Heartbreaking. Sarah Fier did not give her soul to Satan. She was not some crazed witch desperate for power. She did not possess innocent Shadysiders to kill on her behalf. 

She was framed. The only person in history to uncover the truth. The only person who knew Solomon Goode, ancestor of Union County Sheriff Nick Goode, made a deal with the Devil for power and his bloodline has kept the bargain for 300 years. 

Until now. 

“I knew it!” Simon felt like pulling his hair out. “I fucking new something shady was going on! And that pig Goode---we should’ve never trusted him! Didn’t I call it, Kate?!”

“What the hell is he talking about?” Deena turned to her friend, who sighed tiredly and rubbed her fingers against her temples. 

“Simon thought it was weird that in the past decades went before another Shadysider got possessed but somehow Sam did days after Ryan.”

Josh snapped his fingers, pointing at Simon as he nodded frantically with the same shocked expression, “Yeah, yeah, you’re right. He must’ve realized Sam had been the one to see the vision and thought if he gave her name up, she’d take us all out.”

“Bastard,” Simon seethed in anger. “Well jokes on him because now we know the truth!”

“Yeah,” Deena swallowed thickly, feeling the fear rise as butterflies swarmed her stomach that she probably could throw up if she tried. “That means they’re coming after me---fuck, we won’t have much time. It won’t stop until he’s dead.” She glanced at Ziggy, who’d fallen to her knees at some point when Deena was explaining what she saw. “We need to kill Nick Goode.” 

Ziggy looked like she could cry, “But I called him…I thought….I thought he could help.” 

Now Simon really wanted to pull his hair out, “Fuck! We have to go. Now!” 

“What do--What do you want us to do?” Kate tripped over the carpet to get her bag. 

“I’ll handle Sam--you guys go to the car.” They all separated, Deena heading to the room where Josh guarded Sam while Simon and Kate rushed to the stolen police car. Popping the trunk open so they could put Sam, now unconscious thanks to a deadly head kick by Ziggy, in there while they developed their next move. 

On the way to the Mall they picked up Martin Franklin, the custodial worker who had been at the station when they were making their statements that morning. With his knowledge of the mall, they were able to form a plan on how to trap Goode and--hopefully--use the victims of his family’s deal against him. Putting an end to the curse for good.

Satan wanted Deena’s blood, they were gonna give it to him. 

Simon was in the middle of tying the ropes to the gates of the bookstore when Ziggy approached, “those knots need to be tighter.” 

He flushed red, “Oh, my bad.”

Kneeling down, she gently took the rope from his hands, fixing the knot until it was tight and secure. Her gaze flickered up to him at times, noticing the way he stared at the object. Unsettled. Frightened. Then her eyes landed on the bruises on his neck, frowning as she realized why he could have such a reaction to a rope. Her own stomach pooled with anxiety. “The same thing happened to me, you know.” 

Simon blinked, pulling himself from his thoughts, unaware he was staring at the rope. “What?”

“You’re not the only one who’s been roped by the rodeo queen, kid.” His eyes widened with shock, jaw dropping slightly.

“You--you were?”

“Yup,” she popped the ‘p’, gesturing to the tree right smack in the middle of the mall. “Right there too. Granted the scenery was very different in ‘78, but the same location nonetheless.” Ziggy cleared her throat, feeling a full body shiver as she recalled the memory. “When Cindy and I were digging for the body, Y/n wrangled me by the neck. Took me right off my feet and dragged me a good bit before Cindy managed to free me.” A pained smile appeared. “I know how you feel.”  

Simon looked at her sympathetically, “You..you didn’t say--.”

“It’s not really something I like to think about. Of all the things that happened that night, it’s one I try to block. Being roped like an animal by an undead rodeo prodigy was not on my bucket list.”

“Yeah,” Simon brought his knees up, leaning his arms on top as she finished up with the rope. “Is it bad to say that I feel sorry for them? The people who were chosen. Y/n…Ruby…Tommy?” Ziggy stiffened at Tommy’s name, but recovered, placing the rope down as she leaned back to rest on her calves.  

“No, it’s not bad,” she told him earnestly, offering a small smile. “It just shows you are a compassionate person, Simon. I used to feel sorry for Nurse Lane, for how the town treated her and her daughter.” Her smile dropped, thinking of the older woman who she hadn’t spoken to in years. “She insisted something else was responsible for what happened to Ruby, but no one believed her. And now knowing what we know now,” determination filled her eyes, “I want justice for them. For all of them. Because like Tommy…like Y/n,” she shuddered and Simon did too, “they didn’t have a choice. Their lives were stolen, and we owe to them to free them just as much as we need to free Shadyside. Until we do, they’ll never truly rest.” 

By the time the plan was finally put to action, Simon was rethinking his entire life. He’d already witnessed two sheriffs’ killed by the Milkman, the others were arriving, and he was shaking so hard he prayed he wouldn’t blackout and fuck up everything. 

Taking his place at the entrance to the hair salon, Simon gripped the rope until his knuckles turned white. He was panting, practically heaving, head snapping back and forth to scan the area for movement. He could see Ziggy and Josh from where he was. Kate was blocked from his vision by the damn tree, as was Martin. And he barely caught sight of Deena rolling across the counter where Sam was tied up.

As the thought came to his mind that maybe there’d be a chance it’d only be the Milkman, the sound of someone whistling, ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ filled his ears, causing his blood to run cold and chest to tighten. “Oh God.” Faint, soft, growing louder with each second and a moment later Y/n appeared from around the corner. Twirling her rope, and hat perched slightly down to cover her face. 

Just like at the school she was following the blood trail. Boots clicking along the tile, tassels swaying with each step. Simon gulped, feeling the sweat bead on his forehead. He held his breath as she passed by him, as though he was invisible. Waiting until she got further into the salon, Simon said a prayer and yanked the rope until the gate closed. Trapping Y/n, who now noticed she was being tricked and rushed forward to escape, but Simon was faster. Pulling the rope to the hook where he wrapped it until secure and raced back to the meeting point. 

“How many is that?” Deena asked once everyone was back. 

“I got one, Martin got the Milkman,” Josh told her. 

“I got Skull Mask,” said Kate.

“Rodeo Queen makes four,” Simon held up four fingers.

“Five. We have five,” Ziggy appeared from behind Deena, coming to their little circle and dropping to her knees. “Nightwing.” 

Deena’s breath hitched, “No Ruby?”

Josh mentally cursed, “I don’t know. We need to keep an eye on--.”

“Y-Y-Y-Yo!” Martin screeched, effectively cutting the boy off. His eyes were full of fear as he faced them. “Why’d it get so quiet?” 

They all leaned over the counter, observing the group of killers who, yeah, were very quiet. Even Y/n’s whistling stopped. All of them standing at the gates like robots. Or video game characters waiting for the player to make the next move. 

There was only one explanation for it. Ziggy being the first to realize with a chilling gasp of air, “It’s him.” 

Deena gave her a look full of sympathy, “You don’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I do,” Ziggy said with determination. This was more than putting an end to the curse. This was about avenging Cindy. Avenging Alice. And Tommy. And the countless others killed at Camp Nightwing. Her sister died trying to protect her, now she was going to ensure it wasn’t in vain.

They all watched silently as Ziggy pulled herself over the counter, taking her place in front of the hanging tree. Deena inhaled, “Mount up,” then she went over the counter. Followed by the others one at a time. Simon raced to the salon, hiding in the space between the two stores just as the bells rang indicating someone stepped inside the mall. 

A second later he saw Nick Goode enter the food court, approaching Ziggy in the middle and he kneeled down to begin undoing the ties on the hook. Readying himself.

He barely heard Ziggy say, “Tag, you’re it,” before she pulled the string next to her, yanking the bucket of Deena’s blood and splashed it over his head. Immediately she bolted away, and Simon took that as the cue to open the gate. 

The metal clanked, ascending off the ground to break the barrier between Y/n and the food court. Simon saw her flinch back at the noise but then began to walk forward at a slow pace. Exiting the salon, Simon tried not to trip on his feet as he raced to Kate and Josh but nearly lost his footing when Ziggy’s screams echoed in his ears. He turned to see Nick holding her in a chokehold with his gun pointed at the Milkman. 

“Ah!” His hold on Ziggy dropped as Skull Mask thrusted a knife into his back. Ziggy unfortunately didn’t get far before she was caught by the Milkman. “Your blood is on her! It’s on Ziggy!” 

“What do we do?!” Simon yelled in a panic, gaze falling on Goode fighting against Skull Mask while Ziggy thrashed in Milkman’s arms. The others were slowly descending on them and needed to act fast. Deena ran forward, grabbing the knife Ziggy dropped and ran the blade across her palm. Instantly Skull Mask and Milkman’s attention drew up, allowing Nick and Ziggy to push them off. 

Nick pushed through the doors leading to storage, disappearing from their sight. “Go! Go!” Josh screamed to his sister. “We got him!” Deena dashed off towards Nick, running like her life depending on it--because it kind of did and because the killers were now chasing her. Thankfully before Skull Mask got her Martin knocked him off his feet with a chair. Buying her time as got to the doors, stopping abruptly by pressing her back against the wall. 

The rest of the group gathered inside the clothing store. “Oh God, oh God, oh God!!” Josh’s stomach flipped as the Grifter and Y/n moved toward them. “No, no, no!” 

“It’s my shirt, it’s covered in her blood!” Ziggy threw the piece of clothing out, then helped Josh and Martin pull the gate down. Creating a barrier between them and the others.

“Go!” Josh screamed to his sister. “We’ll handle them.” She didn’t hesitate, pushing through the doors to resume the chase. The food court fell silent then, with the exception of the heaved breaths they were taking as the adrenaline continued to pump their veins. 

“Ok, we need a Plan B,” Martin called out as they lined up beside each other against the gate. “Like now.”

That’s when they noticed Tommy Slater, aka Nightwing, stomping his way toward the exit Deena went through. “No…” Josh countered, “we just need more Plan A.” 

Opening the gate, the group raced in different directions toward the water guns they had discarded when the attacks first began. Simon grabbed his then hurried to Y/n who happened to be the closest, spraying her chest with the neon-colored blood mix and causing the white color of her outfit to turn green. The action made her stumble, head tilting down as though to inspect her shirt and Simon saw the way her brows lifted. Confused by what happened. 

Not waiting to see what she’d do, Simon ran past and into the store. Kneeling beside Kate who matched his unease. 

“I got that creepy perv motherfucker right in the bullseye,” Martin’s gaze locked on the Milkman, his target who was now strutting in their direction. “This is gonna work, right?” 

Oh, it worked.

Not a second the Grifter had the Milkman in the air and tossed him down like some ragdoll. Then Nightwing let out a battle cry, swinging his ax into the large man’s leg, causing him to fall to his knees and allow him to drive the ax into his neck. Skull Mask went after Milkman, and Simon watched in both horror and fascination as Y/n wrang her rope around Nightwings' neck and yanked him to his knees. Strangling him as she stood behind until Skull Mask snatched her hair to drive the knife into her back. She let out a cry, fighting his hold until she broke free and then attempted to wrap the rope around his neck. Working him to his knees as she pulled as hard as she could. 

“Holy shit,” Simon couldn’t believe it worked. The sight was gruesome, unsettling, but ultimately their best case scenario to buy Deena time. 

Unfortunately….they forgot Sam was still there. Who broke free from her binds and was now high tailing it after Deena. “Guys,” Josh was the first to notice, “We lost Sam.” 

“That can’t be good,” Simon mumbled under his breath, attention going back to the showdown in the middle of the food court. Y/n had somehow managed to climb on top of the Grifter and was basically severing off the final bit of his head with how hard she was strangling him when she was violently pulled off by Nightwing. The Grifter’s head came loose, and Y/n fell to her back with a loud grunt, which turned into ear piercing screams as the ax drove into her chest until she ultimately stilled. 

Simon threw up in his mouth, hand coming up to stop it from spilling as he moved away from the group and proceeded to release the bile on the floor. Despite the harm she caused him and the fact she was technically dead, seeing Y/n get hacked like she was a piece of wood was an image that would be burned into Simon’s mind forever. He’ll likely have nightmares for months. Cause what the actual fuck. 

Eventually Tommy was struck down and they all became a pile of black blood and guts in the middle of the floor. But that was only temporary.

“Right now they’re dead, but that’s not gonna last.” Josh said as he pulled open the gate. Already the body parts were migrating back to the killers. It could be minutes before they were up and ready for round two. “We don’t have a lot of time. We have to get ready to fight.”

“Wait!” Ziggy pulled him back when she heard a sound, the five of them glancing to their left to see a shadow approaching. 

“What the hell is that?” 

Billy Baxter. The child killer who beat his family with a baseball bat, thumping said bat, appeared. Coming up to the gumball machines where he proceeded to bang the bat on the metal, the loud sound echoing. As though he was taunting the group. 

And just when they thought his sudden entrance was a surprise, there was singing coming from the opposite direction. “You always hurt the one you love. The one you shouldn’t hurt all.”

Simon’s blood ran cold, “Ruby.” 

That made seven. Seven killers, five of which were currently in the process of ‘waking up’. And who the hell knows if Deena already found Nick and hasn’t been attacked yet by Sam. Time was ticking and it didn’t look to be in their favor.

“Ok. Ok, you know what?” Martin rushed to grab a water gun. Pumping it, “At least we still have magic blood.” But when he went to shoot, nothing but air was released. He pumped again but was to no avail. “I’m tapped.”

“Me too,” Ziggy breathed, and Ruby’s singing grew louder. Simon tried his, but he too was out of blood.

“No, no, no! We can find other weapons!” Josh insisted. “We can use the delivery hallway, outflank them. We--.”

“Or…” Martin cut in, “we can wait in out.” 

Josh shook his head. “What? No, no!, No, we’re--we’re too close!” Looking at Kate and Simon, he saw their hesitation and frowned. “Too many people have died, and I’m not letting them take my sister too!” He pleaded, his fear growing more and more with Ruby’s singing drawing closer and the body parts connecting to their respective owners. “We have to protect her! Please!”

When neither Martin nor Ziggy made efforts to move, Josh peered at Kate and Simon, who gave him a nod and followed him out. They weren’t sure what to do, but Josh took Tommy’s ax and started toward Ruby. 

“Up, up, down, down,” Josh mumbled to himself, flipping the ax as the nerves exploded in every cell. “Left, right,” he got closer, and closer, Kate and Simon a few inches back to assist in the attack. “B, A, start!” The ax came swinging down on Ruby’s back, propelling her into the wall and unleashing a gush of black blood. Josh swung again with a roar, the ax sticking into the drywall and he screamed as pain erupted in his stomach from the slash of Ruby’s switchblade. 

“Josh!!!” Kate tackled Ruby as he fell, making the blade fall from her grasp and the two rolled onto the floor. Simon kicked it away, joining the fight as Ruby got on top of Kate and tried to choke her. He took her by the hair, throwing her off followed by a harsh kick to the stomach. But Ruby dodged his next attack and sent Simon to the floor with a punch to his jaw. 

The next minute happened so fast. Josh’s arm got broken, Kate’s thigh slashed, and Simon was seconds from being stabbed in the throat when a bullet shot through Ruby’s head. Her body slumping forward as blood splattered across the poor boy’s face. “Not again,” he groaned and winced from the pain in his jaw. 

“That’s one,” Ziggy lowered the gun she snagged from one of the dead officers. She and Martin rushed over to the three. Josh whimpered as they helped him up, his shattered arm cradled by his other. A wave of comfort filled his chest though when Kate limped over, placing her hand not applying pressure on her thigh on his shoulder. 

“This isn’t good, oh God,” Simon cracked, the Grifter sitting up as his head slowly attached itself. “Fucking hell.” The ginormous man stood to his full height, and Simon feared he was going to shit his pants any moment now. The others were coming too, his gaze falling on Y/n’s twitching body, shivering at the way her body contorted like a performer in the circus until she too stood upright.   

From the side Ziggy kept her attention on Billy Baxter. His bat echoing each time he banged it on the tile, the ceramic mask he wore an eerie sight for it made him look like a porcelain doll. Ziggy unloaded the clip, sending one, two, bullets into his head and shoulder before it clicked. “I’m…that’s it!” 

Obviously that pissed him off. Because now he was moving with determination, banging the bat a bit rougher. 

Nightwing rose, followed by Milkman and Skull Mask. Ruby started twitching. “Oh God!” Y/n began whistling. Billy’s bat kept banging with each step. 

Seven Shadyside killers versus five Shadyside survivors. 

“Come on!” Martin screamed as they closed in on them. 

Simon trembled, eyes flickering between each killer until they fell on Y/n. She was walking fast, rope swinging as she geared up to toss it. And just when she was about to let it loose, she disappeared in an explosion of swarming flies. 

As did all of them. 

Simon gasped, flooded with relief as he stared at the spot Y/n once stood. Heart pounding that his ribs hurt, but he couldn’t help but smile as he watched the remaining flies disperse until the area was clear. 

“She did it,” Josh released the air he’d been holding. Leaning onto Kate who was practically crying. “She fucking did it.” 

Martin fell to his knees, Ziggy dropped the empty gun, and Simon hunched over with his hands on his knees. Part of him felt like throwing up again, but his stomach was pretty much empty and he was in no mood to start dry heaving. 

“Remind me to tell Deena she can use my employee discount for the rest of her life.” 

“I don’t know if this is a good idea, Simon,” Kate frowned as nervous butterflies filled her stomach, clutching the binder containing all the newspaper clippings and stuff they gathered for this very moment. “Are we really sure about this?” She turned to Josh who gave her a shrug, he too was unsure. 

“Ziggy said she was going to Nurse Lane to give her closure, we should do the same for Y/n’s family,” Simon told her, holding a plate of freshly baked cookies they made that morning. Which they hoped would make Y/n’s sister give them the time to explain their visit. “I mean, c’mon. If you spent fifty years believing your sister didn’t just suddenly snap despite what everyone else said, wouldn’t you want the person who cracked the truth to tell you? I would.”

Kate sighed, “Yes, I guess you’re right. Still it feels odd--like we’re blindsiding her by coming to her house instead of calling in advance.”

“To be fair,” Josh interjected, “if we called there’d be a high chance she’d never answer. Or hang up before we got the chance to explain.”

“Exactly, Rain Man,” Simon clapped him on the back with a smile. They walked up the driveway to the porch, opening the screen door of the enclosure and huddled inside while Simon rang the doorbell. When no one answered, he knocked a few times and waited, then rang the bell again. 

Finally the door swung open revealing an older woman, walking cane in hand and squinting at the trio with raised suspicion, “Can I help you?”

“Hello!” Simon greeted with a small smile, “Forgive us for the unexpected visit, are you Ms. Donna L/n?” 

The woman nodded slowly, “L/n is my maiden name, yes.”

Josh spoke from behind Simon, “Your sister was Y/n L/n, right?” Now Donna appeared sullen, frowning as her lips curled down. 

“I’m sorry, whatever this is I can’t--.” Simon jeered forward when she started closing the door.

“We have proof your sister didn’t go crazy!” Donna’s eyes widened. “Well, that she didn’t just snap--it was something--someone--else who made her.” At her hesitant reaction, Simon relaxed his shoulders and pleaded to her, “Please. A couple weeks ago we went through hell--it’s a miracle we’re even standing here right now. The same thing that happened to you at the rodeo fifty years ago,” he saw Donna’s eyes glisten, face visible with pain, “happened to us. And we know why--please just give us ten minutes of your time and we will explain everything.”

Donna was silent, tension building as they waited for an answer. Instead of giving one, the frail woman simply stepped to the side, opening the door further to allow the teens in. Simon thanked her, as did Josh and Kate, entering the home before following Donna to the living area. She left them alone for a few minutes, returning with a tray of milk and hot tea. 

Simon placed the cookies beside them, “Thank you,” he said while taking a glass of milk, Kate accepting a teacup. Glancing around, Simon took in the living space of the home. He wondered if this was the house Y/n grew up in and Donna took over after their parents died. Judging by the glass bookshelf containing trophies, ribbons, and plaques of the girl's accomplishments, it looked like it hadn’t been touched in decades. Simon shuddered upon seeing the sepia portrait of Y/n in the same white outfit hanging over the bookshelf.

Donna sat on the leather recliner opposite the couch the teens sat on. “You said you have proof. That my sister…” she swallowed, frail hand coming up to adjust her glasses, “Why does it feel like whatever you’re about to tell me has something to do with the recent misfortunes of Sheriff Goode?”

Simon didn’t sugar coat it. “Because they do.” He motioned to Kate, who placed her teacup on the table and extended the binder in her lap to Donna. The woman took it, brows pinching as she opened it and began flipping through the pages. They teens had taped the newspaper clippings of all the Shadyside killers next to articles about the Goode family. Ryan Torres beside Nick becoming Sheriff and Will elected Mayor. Then their father became chief of police next to the article of Ruby Lane. 

“What….” Donna mumbled, face paling when she reached the clipping of her sister. Y/n’s face staring back at her. The beautiful girl and loving sister Donna remembered, not the horrifying, crazed, jealous rodeo queen determined to keep her title the media painted her to be. Donna’s face tightened, scowling at the article next to Y/n’s in which it detailed Joseph Goode’s sister, the daughter of Michael Goode, winning the rodeo and $10,000 scholarship to Ohio State University. 

What Y/n should have won. 

The pieces started falling together for Donna as the teens revealed the deal Solomon Goode made with the Devil in 1666. His framing of Sarah Fier for witchcraft, and the centuries worth of sacrifices the Goode’s have made in exchange for power, wealth, and legacy. That Y/n had been selected by Michael Goode as a sacrifice in 1941 and her killing her friends and competition at the rodeo was not actually her. But Satan possessing her body. What broke Donna’s heart further was learning Y/n was resurrected in 1978 and two weeks prior to hunt down Christine Bergman, Samantha Fraser, and Deena Johnson for bleeding on Sarah Fier’s bones. Even in death, her sister was a slave to Satan. 

“So,” Donna sniffed, wiping away the fallen tears, “Michael Goode sold my sister’s soul to the Devil, so his daughter could take her title and the money that would’ve allowed Y/n to follow her dreams. You know, I always thought there was something going on in that family. They were too…righteous,” she waved a finger. “And what concerned me was how Goode's daughter never showed interest in the rodeo prior to ‘41. She used to tease Y/n and was envious of the attention my sister got. It wasn’t until Ohio State offered the scholarship that suddenly Sunnyvale’s princess wanted to be a cowgirl.”

Simon, Josh, and Kate looked on with sadness. Blinking away tears threatening to fall. Well Kate did have some drop, her cheer uniform slightly wet from wiping them away. 

She stopped crying, but her eyes remained glossy, a sad smile on her lips as she trailed a finger over her Y/n’s picture. “She was so talented--so extraordinary. People all over Union went to the rodeo to see her rope. It’d take her seconds to catch the calf when they dropped the gates. She was the best.”

Simon fiddled with the rings on his fingers, sadness consuming him as he observed the elderly woman, still haunted by the actions of her sister. He attempted to shed some light on the situation, “I wish I could say I didn’t know,” his face flushed, “but yeah, I definitely understand how she got all those titles.” 

Kate nudged him with her elbow, scolding, “Simon.” 

Donna simply chuckled, waving a hand, “It’s alright. I’m sorry you had to experience that--I cannot imagine what you and your friends went through and I’m happy you all are okay.” Donna closed the binder, handing it back to Kate, “However, it does bring me some solace that Y/n is now free from that bastard. I just wish our parents were here to know the truth.” A distant look appeared on Donna, “They suffered the most after that night. Momma was never the same, and Daddy had to quit his job--couldn’t bring himself to face the town.”

They ended up staying at Donna’s later than expected, listening to the woman recall memories of her sister growing up. What the County Rodeo was like before they got rid of it, the depths of Y/n’s talent and potential had she not died. Her plans of going to Ohio State to study agriculture and hoped to one day own a ranch. She wanted to help her family, provide for them, get her parents out of debt and ensure Donna had a stable future. 

They learned Y/n loved bees and her favorite flower was marigolds. She loved Bing Crosby and saw The Wizard of Oz in cinemas several times when it first released. Y/n enjoyed school, was popular amongst her peers and besides the rodeo she volunteered at the local animal hospital. 

By the end of the visit, the teens felt like they knew Y/n the way she should’ve been known. As a bright, young girl with dreams of getting out of Shadyside. Just like they all dreamed of. 

Donna thanked them all with a hug goodbye, expressing her gratitude for their bravery and by giving her closure, “I cannot thank you enough for what you did.” Tears threatened to fall but she held them back, clasping Simon's hands in hers to give him a slip of paper with her landline number on it. “I am forever in your debt--whenever you all need something and I can help, please don’t hesitate to call.” 

An unlikely friendship formed between the teens and Donna. Not long after they found themselves coming over for Sunday dinner every once in a while or dropping by on holidays to keep her company. They brought flowers on her birthday and watched The Wizard of Oz with her on Y/n’s. Simon used his employee discount on her whenever she came into the store. Donna bought them gifts when they graduated. 

And every couple of months Simon and Kate took it upon themselves to clean Y/n’s grave now that Donna was unable to. Cutting away overgrown branches and scrubbing away paint whenever some punk ass kid decided to vandalize it. 

‘Here lies Y/n M/n L/n

1924-1941

Sister, Daughter, Rodeo Queen

Now in a place somewhere over the rainbow.’

The last sentence was recently added by a collective effort of the group pitching in money to help Donna.

“This shit pisses me off man,” Simon grumbled as he brushed aggressively across the stone where the red spray paint read, ‘Rope in Hell, demon,’ in large writing over Y/n’s name. “I mean have some respect--didn’t they see the news?!” He was referencing the latest news story in which the truth of the Goode family and Sarah Fier was released to the public on an online forum.

Everyone say, ‘thank you, Josh.” 

Kate looked at him sadly, “Not everyone is quick to believe that, Simon. We weren’t exactly on board with it in the beginning, remember?” She turned to drop the branches and moss into a bucket. “It’s going to take time. Sunnyvale worshiped the Goode’s--literally. But thankfully here it seems like people are slowly coming around.” 

And they were. Slowly but surely the residents of Shadyside had a new outlook on their town and the darkness that once loomed over. Their reputation as Killer Capitol U.S.A now with reason. The horrors of their peers were not brought on by a sudden snap, their souls were traded at the cost of others. 

Ruby Lane. Tommy Slater. Ryan Torres. Y/n L/n.

Kids turned to killers, but the people who knew and loved them always believed it wasn’t a snap in judgement. And now there was proof. Their names and reputation cleared. 

Simon sighed, wiping the sweat from his forehead and dipping the brush back into the cleaner. “It’s unfair.” He scrubbed until all the paint was gone, then proceeded to polish the stone while Kate planted more daisies since the last ones they left were stolen. 

“I know. But what more can we do?” She smoothed the soil. The two continued to work in silence. Stopping periodically for water breaks and to have a quick snack. Simon went as far as to take a toothbrush and clean out the engraved lettering. 

When they were finally done, the two removed their gloves and placed them in the bag containing all their tools. “We did good,” Simon patted Kate on the back. “Did Ziggy say she was going to do Ruby’s after she cleaned Tommy’s?” 

“Yeah she did,” Kate pulled her backpack on her shoulders, “I checked before we got started. They’re both clean with fresh flowers--and Ryan’s parents already cleaned his the other day.” 

“Nice,” Simon chewed on a granola bar, crumbs coating his lips. “Our work here is done,” he hauled his own backup up, “until next time.” Gazing one last time at the headstone, Simon felt a smile curl on his lips, “Hey, look,” he pointed to the daisies, “A bee.” 

A lone bee landed on one of the daisies, then traveled to the headstone where it settled on the spot right above Y/n’s name. 

Kate’s brows lifted, face shifting to that of awestruck, “Didn’t Donna say Y/n had a liking for bees?” She thought back to their first visit. “That she had a stuffed bumblebee as a kid and once said she’d want to be reincarnated as one?” 

Simon understood what she was implying, his heart skipping as a sudden warmth filled his chest. Watching the bee in pure wonder as it remained in its spot on Y/n’s grave, almost like it was giving them a sign. “Yeah…she did.” 

[bibewilderedandbuck]

So u know how in schitts creek patrick sees david has no plans for his bday and so he asks david to dinner?? And patrick wants it to be a date but then David BRINGS STEVIE. Who then convinces her queer best friend that the guy they thought was straight really wanted to date him??? AND THEN SHE WAS RIGHT

Its just giving bucktommy parallels and i can’t stop thinking about it

So anyway:

post the hurricane, maybe during the harbor tour, Tommy mentions hes turning 40 but he’s got no family left and his crew let him off for the day (which unfortunately means they DON’T have the day off- they have a surprise party planned later but he doesn’t know that yet).

And buck blinks at him like????? You’re spending your FORTIETH BIRTHDAY ALONE????

And Tommy laughs cause it’s not a big deal (even if he secretly wishes it was a big deal).

And buck does Not take no for answer. He WILL be cooking him a cake and a special made dinner “whats your favorite food? Name it? As long as it can bake in a pan and feeds a football team, I can probably put something together. Or i’ll take you out! Yes i’ll take u out, name the place.”

And maybe Buck presents him with a gift that is part of the capsized boat they rescued bobthena from. And its framed and its got a cute note thats like “the day we met and the mouth static that changed all of our lives”

Only TOMMY DOESN’T think it’s a date (yikes) so he invited Lucy (double yikes). And she ends up telling him that actually Buck is a romantic DUNCE and DOES want to date tommy but is bad at realizing how secretly bi he is (even tho she suspected it from the beginning (she did not)).

And the story only really diverges from canon there bc tommy comes to buck’s place to talk about Eddie and the Failed Date(TM). And kisses buck about it and then actually SAYS the word “date” when he asks buck out this time and its great and lovely and maybe the second date sucks

but tommy has that framed piece of metal from an up turned ship and he decides to accept Buck’s coffee date proposal.

And the rest is living in my head rent free :)

[mazzystar24]

There is this one storyline somewhere that I think either I watched somewhere, read somewhere, or just dreamt or thought abt but it’s stuck in my head lately and it’s soooo perfect for buddie, that I must share because I can’t write fanfics but I can tell you guys the ideas my silly little brain comes up with:

Three words

Buck car crash

Bonus points if Chris is in the backseat (we are sick and twisted for the fact that ik yall will agree)

Okay but to the actual idea

So Buck’s car crashes but in the end all of them are fine and obviously the jeep has a lot of sentimental value so when he sees the ruins of it it hits him hard and the mechanic or whoever is like cos it’s an old car and had some problems and the damage is so bad it’s better easier and cheaper for you to just get a new one

Now this part is specifically from the storyline with ambiguous origins not just cos of my hatred toward a certain Thomas but in that story the girl’s (?) bf is like a secret subtle asshole in the dismissive way like he kinda just says like oh the crash could’ve been worse, you should be thankful, it’s just a car, you can buy a new one that’s the same make, all that jazz - so imma honestly say that that reaction tracks for tommy ngl

Okay as I’m writing this I’m realising that storyline may 88% be from a dream so maybe we DO know the origins of it (yes I dream in stories sometimes)

Anyways so buck is like it wouldn’t be the same it wouldn’t have this sentimental thing or this idk sharpie writing or this nail polish stain or this blah blah blah

but ultimately he’s like you know what? okay yeah you’re right and says goodbye to the jeep

And the best friend- Eddie- knows or is there for all this and goes behind Buck’s back and buys the damaged car from the place (I’m just a girl 🎀 is it called a junkyard or do they take it to like a mechanic lot or what?) and fixes up the car in secret and keeps as much of the original pieces as possible and keeps the pieces he can’t salvage to turn into some sort of keepsake like idk cutting parts of the metal and turning it into some sort of trinket (realistic car restoration? Not round here partner not round here🤠)

Bonus points for emotional moment when he has to fix the interior of the car and sees the blood remnants from the crash

Skip forward to a big celebration like Christmas or a birthday or something (birthday is my preference for this plot but Christmas does canonically make buddie gayer so 🤷🏽‍♀️) and the actual boyfriend got a good but generic present like idk a nice sweater (idk what you get boyfriends?) and ofc the bestie has the secret restored car

BUT

The bestie SWAPS WITH THE BOYFRIEND

Big sentimental reaction toward having the car back, thanks exchanged, Eddie looking on yada yada

After the party or maybe just a quiet moment at the party Eddie is chilling outside or whatever and then buck approaches and is like *meaningful look* “thank you” and Eddie is like tryna play it off and be like ah yes ik how much you love sweaters *mental facepalm* and then buck is like🤨 unimpressed cut the bullshit face and he’s like no Thank you™️ (in bold and italics and tm to communicate to you guys the tone) and eddie drops the act and is just like “fuck how did you know?” and then buck is like “I’ve never mentioned half those minor details or their sentimental value to him before” and then Eddie once again tries to play it off and be like “well I helped but it was him” and then cue unimpressed cut the bs look no2 and Eddie gives up and is like you’re welcome (do I need to tell you guys why I’m putting this in bold and italics or can you envision the cow eyes that go with this line?)

*soft smiles from both*

Then the scene literally ends with them sat next to eachother on a bench or wherever they are and chatting abt none sense or maybe over the semantics of actually fixing the car while they do the little head leaning on the shoulder thing