#but you have no idea what it's been like to not care about bucktommy the past few weeks on here

[dykeyangel]

the whole queer eddie being included in a queer characters posts reminds me of like when people were wishing the bucktommy date scene got cut instead of the eddie and buck in Bobby’s room and eddie praying …when there is that whole random ass scene with no real adherence to the plot or the characters with polly the neighbour right there as an option for them to cut..but no they wanna cut the scene with the mlm queer couple (that many mlm queer men in this fandom love) all because they hate tommy, can’t handle a daddy issues joke, and the fact that it’s not eddie with buck

yeah ultimately a lot of their cries for activism and queer rep are performative. they do not truly care about queer characters or queer representation and i think most people could smell that from a mile away. these people have always been way more concerned with their own ship than with anything else. they like to pretend that if you don't ship The Thing or if you don't hate bucktommy then you must not want eddie to be queer or even like his character and that's. a thought lol. but i think it's really interesting why they've come to that conclusion.

like for me, i love eddie enough that i don't have to change his character to make him something that i like. i love eddie enough to allow him to be his own character outside of my own interpretation of his queerness and outside of his relationship with buck. but at the same time i also love eddie enough to see myself in him and create theories about his identity. these two things co-exist: seeing the character for what the canon shows me he is AND seeing the character for what i'd like him to be. i think most people are able to find the balance and be pretty normal about it. i think these people are genuinely so far deep into whatever they want the story to be that they have to rewrite canon to fit that perception of the character and feel threatened when that gets pointed out.

which again, like i truly do not give a shit if you do cherry pick canon, just don't come for people who are like hey you know that's just your headcanon right? like don't act like your own interpretation is better than anyone else's. it's not, it's still just an interpretation. i do read eddie as queer while still acknowledging that within the canon universe, he is identified as a straight man by canon. which makes my reading of him just a headcanon (aka canon in your head but not anywhere else), no less valid and important but still not the story they may be trying to tell.

i've talked about this a little bit before but i think a lot of the issue here is the idea of playing nice and remembering that this is all pretend which i don't think they've really had to deal with before. a lot of these people have never been confronted with another big kid on the block. their ship has kind of held precedent for a really long time, along with their headcanons and their ideas of what these characters are. so now that buck actually is bisexual and is dating a man, who isn't eddie, suddenly their entire worldview of canon breaks down.

now there's canon gay representation. now you don't have a moral argument to justify your ship bc that thing you've been begging for, "canon bi buck/more canon queer characters" does exist. so now what are you arguing for? just a preferred ship? no that can't be, it must be more than, we must be fighting for something bigger.

but now you're forced to confront that it's all just headcanons and vibes and theories that have ran unchallenged for years and years. so now you have a group of people who do not know how to grapple with the reality they are being shown vs the reality they've created in their heads clashing against people who are fans of the same reality the show lives in and don't really care about the non-canon anymore. which, if that's your prerogative, if you prefer non-canon stuff, then go for it, that's what fandom is for, but the issue here is that they view this as genuinely a threat. they don't want any other interpretation. it doesn't just feel like a threat to their ship, it feels like a threat to the canon world they've created about these characters. they see other people coming in excited for something that isn't their thing, and now feel like we're taking something away from them. they don't want to see canon anymore, even if it's something they used to claim they want. they don't want queer rep, they want to be proven right.

[eddiediazismyhusband]

Hi! I just wanted to say that I like your attitude and resilience (I'm a weak man, and every toxic anti-buddie/anti-buddie-shippers/pro bucktommy idea just hits me straight in the heart).

I don't understand how people can suddenly start hating Buddie because of "crazy fans", but still be smitten by bucktommy despite of how crazy some of their fans are.

And I really hate that they have this ammunition (their ship still going, Eddie happening to be hetero) to bully us with (haven't Buddie shippers been through enough of hate these past six years? And who knows how much more of it we'll have to yet to go through...)

Ah, sorry for the rant😅

The long ass message anon from lenaboskow's asks xD

🏝️

awwwww, thank you anon 😭 <3

if i’m being honest, the public resilience comes from years of being bullied and ridiculed, so at this point hate (especially anonymous hate) just rolls off my back bc atp it’s just par for the course with these people.

i definitely understand the toxicity hitting you right in the feels though. i have mentioned before but i have really bad anxiety and depression, and there are times when if i haven’t taken my meds i will start to spiral over the smallest things (just ask @lenaboskow who has been present for a lot of this unmedicated spiraling)… so i definitely understand that some of the toxicity and hate can be hard. especially when the writers continued to give them ammunition after seeing what what was happening on twitter during the premiere period of season 7.

I’ve been a buddie shipper since s2. I have put up with seeing ridicule and disrespect from the fandom for shipping buddie for years (granted i only started getting actively involved in the fandom very recently, i still kept up with cast interviews, articles, etc. and could see plenty of it there) so i understand it can be hard seeing so many people that once were hardcore buddie shippers suddenly turning into violently hateful stan accounts for this new ship is jarring and disappointing… i have seen so many of my favorite fic writers turn into anti-buddie-eddie-bashing enthusiasts seemingly overnight and it’s hard to see.

that being said, i still have not lost hope. abc and tptb see what is happening— they see screeners being harassed for talking about buddie, they see buddie shippers getting doxxed and getting death threats, they see lou stirring the pot (though thankfully it seems something has been done about that)

these creators know that stoking this kind of fandom behavior is not okay- they know that it’s a bad idea to reward toxicity and hate. they have also been the ones actively laying the groundwork for buddie for six years. a lot of the writers actually care about buck AND eddie, rather than just buck (regardless of whatever is going on in kristen reidel’s cesspool of a creative mind), and we know that queer eddie has been discussed at length before to the point where the queer storyline of s7 was almost eddie’s. these writers see what we see, the actors see what we see, tim minear sees what we see.

i don’t know what they have in store for next season, but regardless of whether or not we get buddie canon, i am very optimistic that the pilot won’t be around much longer, especially after the drama and toxicity he has stirred up within the fandom, bc the last thing a network tv show wants is bad press, and that situation has the potential to boil over into something much worse if they didn’t put a stop to it immediately.

anyway, anon, never apologize for sending a long ask, i love to yap and i love being an outlet for people to vent if they need to <3 i believe in you, that you will be able to withstand this blip in the fandom; as someone who’s had to go through similar situations in other fandoms it will not matter a year from now once everyone has moved on. unfortunately we are caught upnin the novelty of it, but once it either peters out or becomes a sort of “new normal” (which i hope it is the former and not the latter) it will be so much easier to bear with.

i hope you have a lovely morning, afternoon, or evening, sweet anon 💕💕

[untherapized-eddie]

But I feel like feelings like yours about bucktommy (just not being into it) aren’t the same as what the people you’re talking about mean when they say people are being puritanical about sex. Because there’s a significant amount of buddie fans right now that act like Buck is practically debasing himself by not saving himself for Eddie. That’s what people are talking about, not people who just aren’t invested in the ship.

i mean i get you anon but unlike you in your ask acknowledging some people may just not be into it, in my experience on 911blr i see very little acknowledgement from most bucktommy shippers that there could be reasons not to vibe with the pairing that have nothing to do with wanting buddie. or with queerphobia or fetishizing or puritanism. those words get thrown around too much and eventually i snap.

[madlori]

If the only thing you can lord over buddie is that bucktommy is canon, then you really didn't care at all about the ship.

7 seasons of being a family unit, being there for each other, having each other's back but hey! Here comes another underdeveloped love interest, but since it's a man this time, you don't care about Buck being stuck in the same hamster wheel, again, because he's kissing a man and that's hot 🙄

Also for all your doom and gloom about buddie not happening, do remember that Tommy/Eddie was an idea in Tim's mind at first, so Eddie can be read as queer, even if it's not in canon yet.

I guess you don't place much value on them being a family unit and always there for each other, and having each other's back...all of which is still true and will continue to BE true. But it's only important to you as a prelude to them kissing, right? It has no value in and of itself. I love their relationship. I love what they are to each other. But YOU are making me not want to see it, because every time they turn to each other, lean on each other, support each other, we have to listen to you shrieking BUDDIE CANON CONFIRMED or whatever, because to a certain genre of shipper (not all buddie shippers, etc) any interaction or feeling they have with each other exists only in service to the ship.

I swear to god, I'm gonna banish the phrase "hamster wheel" from y'all's mouths until I get an actual definition as to what you think it means, because from where I sit, to you it just means "he's with someone who's not Eddie." To me, it means that Buck continually fell bass-ackwards into relationships that weren't right for him, looking for something he wasn't even sure what it was. And heyyyyy, he's currently in a relationship that he actively chose and fought for, having learned something new and important about himself, with someone who makes him giddy and excited in a way we have never seen him be, who the people around him can see gives him contentment. But none of that matters, because it's not Eddie, and that is by definition his only appropriate partner, so he must still be on that hamster wheel. Also if we're going by creator intent here, Tim's said he wrote this relationship specifically to reflect Buck being off of it.

As for underdeveloped love interest? I wrote an entire ass essay about how MUCH we know about Tommy, and it's reams compared to anything we've ever known about Buck's girlfriends OR Eddie's current girlfriend who does not even have a last name. Tommy has been introduced in a way that integrates him with the 118, with multiple interests, a character arc of his own from his first appearance, a set of motivations and emotional arcs that are NOT about Buck, and something to actually offer in a relationship besides existing. Anyone saying he's underdeveloped is determined to read him as such, especially for the limited amount of time we've had him.

And I never said Eddie couldn't be read as queer. He can EASILY be read as queer. I said he WOULDN'T be. Those are two different things. If Tommy and Eddie had gotten together (which I give no more narrative weight to than Maddie and Eddie getting together, which was also a gleam in the eye at one point) I'd equally be saying that Buck would never be queer.

It's hilarious to me that I'm being accused of liking a ship because it's hot (it is, and I do, and that's...fine? there's nothing bad about that?) as if people enjoy Buddie because of the amorphous purity of it all and not at ALL because it's hot (it is and you should say so).

If my thoughts about this are so upsetting to you, just block me, dude. I promise I won't take it personally.

Also, just...learn to enjoy a ship whether it's canon or not. I've done it, we've all done it. It's not that hard, especially THIS ship, which has so much good stuff to it regardless of whether there's romance or not. Those of us who like Buck with Tommy are not taking away from you enjoying Buddie, or anyone doing so. It's not like...the State of Buddie will lose congressional representation if the population falls below a certain level. The existence of another ship does not affect yours.

[hippolotamus]

thought i planned for everything (just didn’t count on you) | 1.6k | E (BuckTommy)

Earlier today I promised my wife @bidisasterevankinard an incentive for studying in exchange for making her think about too many WIP ideas. Since husband @diazsdimples is also going through it with schooling, this is for both of you 😘 ps: idk anything about what certs and licenses and stuff Tommy would need. Just roll with it and be nice, yeah? Also, this is unbeta’d so if you see any mistakes, no you don’t.

Tommy scrubs at his forehead, blowing out a frustrated breath. He’s looked at the material in front of him for months now, determined to ace his recertifications. And it had been going well. Really well, in fact. He had a study schedule mapped out, accounting for his shifts and time with friends. He even left a small margin for the unexpected. There was just one factor he hadn’t accounted for. Evan.

The past few years of dating haven’t exactly gone anywhere serious. Some casual dates, one that he thought could go the distance but only broke his heart. So the expectation of having that feeling again? Of having someone thoughtful and caring, who gives him butterflies and makes him want things? Pretty much zero.

But then a hurricane happened. Actual and metaphorical. It tore through his life, upending the idea that love – or anything close to it – just wasn’t in the cards for him. And when everything settled, there was Evan. Evan, who asks how his shift was, tells him when he gets back from a call, and turns a pretty shade of pink as he blushes and says ‘I missed you’.

Tommy doesn’t regret any of it, but he does wish the universe’s cosmic timing could’ve held off just a little longer. At least until the state of California tells him what he already knows and says he’s fit to pilot an aircraft.

A knock on the door gets his attention, but he seriously contemplates ignoring it. He didn’t order anything and he doesn’t have plans. Unfortunately, the first responder in him can’t help wondering if one of his elderly neighbors needs something.

Fine. He sets down the pen he’s been chewing on and reminds himself it’s been too long since he stood up and walked around anyway.

“Evan?” Tommy asks, surprised to see him standing there. He instinctively looks him up and down for obvious injuries or signs of distress, but finds nothing. Only his gorgeous boyfriend, smiling coyly. “I didn’t forget about a date, did I?”

“No, uh, nothing like that. Because you are supposed to be studying.” Evan raises one eyebrow like Tommy is in the wrong for answering his own door after somehow manifesting Evan’s presence.

“And yet here you are.”

“Here I am,” Evan says shyly. “I know I’ve been taking a lot of your time lately and wanted to help.”

For the first time, Tommy notices Evan’s got his hands behind his back and wonders what his definition of ‘help’ is. He’s dressed down, soft and adorable in a hoodie and joggers, so it’s unlikely to be a booty call. Though not completely out of the question. And not that Tommy would complain either.

“Did you bring flashcards or something?”

“As a matter of fact…” Evan steps over the threshold, past Tommy, like he owns the place. While shy, demure Evan is a favorite, confident Evan is by no means a turn off. Especially as he whirls around and proudly holds up a set of blue, yellow and pink index cards. “I did.”

“Evan-”

“A few nights, when I couldn’t sleep, I might have taken some notes of my own. And, like I said, thought I could make myself useful for my hot, pilot boyfriend.” He rocks up on his tiptoes, capturing Tommy’s lips for a chaste kiss before he meanders to the kitchen.

Tommy pushes the door closed, following Evan where he lays the cards down on the table, opposite the books and manuals Tommy has scattered. Evan walks to the cabinets and helps himself to a glass, filling it with water before returning. Next he makes himself comfortable in a chair, sitting slightly back with his legs spread apart.

“So, can I help?”

There’s a glimmer of mischief in the way Evan looks at him now that has his heart racing. Like helping is the last thing Evan plans to do.

Tommy gathers himself enough to sit down in his own seat and flashes Evan a confident smirk.

“Do your worst, kid.”

“I’ll start with an easy one. What is the atmospheric gas composition?”

“Twenty-one percent oxygen, seventy-eight percent nitrogen, one percent other,” Tommy rattles off.

“Well done.” Evan flicks the card down then casually leans over to untie one shoe and slip it off.

“What are you-”

Evan clicks his tongue, tutting in fake admonishment. “Can’t tell you all my secrets, baby. Next question. Each one hundred meter climb in elevation causes a temperature drop of what?”

“One degree Celsius.”

Evan simply grins and removes his other shoe, leaving him in socked feet. Tommy would be lying if he said his dick wasn’t taking interest now that he’s caught on to Evan’s game. It is thoroughly unhelpful.

“PAIP should be implemented how many minutes after an aircraft fails to give its position report or is overdue for arrival?”

“Fifteen. Got anything harder for me?”

Evan’s tongue darts out, licking along his lower lip. “Oh, you bet I do.”

Tommy takes a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure and think about… anything except bending Evan over the table. If only it was that simple.

They repeat the process, volleying questions and answers back and forth until Evan’s stripped down to his boxers, his cock obviously hard and leaking beneath the tented fabric. It’s distracting as hell and Tommy doesn’t know how he’s supposed to concentrate.

“Come on, old man,” Evan teases, palming himself lazily. “Lives are on the line here. You need to be able to think under tense conditions.”

“You’re such a brat.” Tommy’s jeans press uncomfortably on his own straining erection and he doesn’t bother to stop himself from mirroring Evan’s movements.

“Yeah, but I’m your brat.” Evan applies more pressure, letting out an obscene moan as he strokes himself. “Or I could be – ahh – if you get this – mmph – question right.”

“Fuck, Evan.” Tommy undoes his belt and zipper, creating the tiniest bit of relief.

“That’s the idea. Even – oh, fuck – wore the new plug I told you about.”

Christ, Evan’s gonna kill him before they get the chance to see this all play out. And that’s unacceptable.

“Don’t stop,” Tommy orders, stalking off to grab the lube stashed in the couch cushions. When he returns, Evan is still stroking himself exactly like he was instructed. “Good boy, Evan. Doing what I told you.”

Tommy grips his chin and crashes their mouths together in a filthy kiss, delighted as Evan makes the most beautiful whine.

“But, you – ah – didn’t answer me,” Evan protests when they separate.

“Myoglobin.” He leans close to Evan’s ear, nipping at the lobe. “Lesson’s over, kid. Face down over the table. Naked. Now.”

Evan nearly trips over himself, leaping up from his chair and shoving his boxers down. He drapes himself over the piles of papers and index cards, wiggling his ass like he’ll die if he has to go one more second without being fucked.

“Gotta say, I like your methods,” Tommy murmurs, starting to work the plug in and out, tracing his other hand along Evan’s bare skin. “But now I think it’s time for your reward. Don’t you, sweetheart?”

“Yeah, yes. Please.”

“So desperate, my Evan,” Tommy coos. “Thought you would be in control, getting me all worked up. And here you are, laid out so gorgeously for me, just begging for it.”

Tommy pulls the plug out completely, discarding it to the floor. Evan keens and clenches around nothing, just waiting to be full again.

“Don’t worry, baby. I got you.” Tommy shoves his jeans and boxers down to his thighs. He slicks himself up with the lube and smears a generous amount on his fingers, fucking them in and out of Evan’s hole. Just enough to ease the way.

“Tommy,” Evan pants, practically crying when he pulls out.

He lines himself up, gripping Evan’s hips and pushing in without additional warning. He doesn’t pause for adjustments before he sets a relentless pace. It’s unlikely either of them are going to last, but he’s not going for longevity here.

Evan curls his hands around the edges of the table, leveraging it to fuck himself back against Tommy’s cock. It’s stunning and breathtaking, the rhythm they’re creating. A symphony of moans, squelches and skin against skin.

Soon the familiar heat pools in his belly, bringing him closer to the edge.

“Ohfuuuuck,” Evan moans, purposely tightening around him.

Tommy digs his fingertips into Evan’s sides, the world around him being reduced to static and white noise as he comes, filling Evan up. He thinks he might shout Evan’s name, but he’s not really sure, nor does he really care as he slumps forward, draping himself across Evan’s glistening skin.

“Gimmeasec,” he mumbles. “I’ll take careayou.”

“No need,” Evan murmurs back. “All good.”

Tommy presses a lazy kiss to Evan’s spine, enjoying the resulting small shudder. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

He kisses another ridge, and another, before answering. “For taking notes. For caring. Wanting to help out. For being you.”

“It wasn’t too much?” Evan whispers, hesitantly.

“Never,” Tommy assures him, dropping gentle kisses over his neck and shoulders, mindful of the mess forming between them as he maneuvers to properly reach. “Never too much, baby.”

He bites back words that are too early to say, even if he definitely feels them. Has felt them building in his chest, creating a near endless chant. He wonders how long he’ll be able to smother them before they burst forth. Hopefully long enough. Enough for Evan to feel them, too. For Evan to want to stay.

“Clean up and nap?” Tommy asks instead.

“Sounds good. Earned it.”

Tommy huffs an amused sound against Evan’s skin before pressing one last kiss there. God, I hope so, kid.

[epicbuddieficrecs]

Weekly Recap | May 27th-June 2nd 2024

That finale sure was... something.... Can't wait for all the fix-it fics we're gonna get over the summer!!

Complete

the same damn thing that made my heart surrender by fleetinghearts/ @shitouttabuck (Crack, Getting Together | 1,5K | Teen): “Ever since that barbecue at Bobby and Athena’s last weekend I’ve been getting the weirdest targeted ads on my Insta,” he pouts, scrolling some more. On the screen is an ad for… a pale blue babydoll tee with the word BRAT screenprinted across the chest in curly pink letters. or, buck’s instagram algorithm is plaguing him with salacious clothing ads and eddie can’t be held responsible for playing Beefcake Barbie dress-up in his head about it

seeing you with him just don't feel right (you're giving me a heart attack) by bellabrady (Post-S7, Crack | 1,9K | Not Rated): Or: Buck and Eddie accidentally give their homophobic captain a heart attack.

stained by my mistakes by Tizniz/@tizniz (BTHB: Accidental Murder | 2K | General): Like an overslept mistake or killed a dude mistake? Under any other circumstances, Eddie would probably laugh at his best friend’s reply. But he’s not laughing. Not right now. He swallows the lump in his throat and stumbles over his reply. …the second option.

Everything you lose is a step you take by justhockey (Getting Together, Post-Lightning | 2K | General): For a while, when Buck would find himself about to float - about to slip into that space where he couldn’t believe he was still here, still breathing - he would need something to keep him steady. To keep both feet firmly planted on the ground. That’s how all of it started. Because it had been instinct, like it always has been with them, for Buck to reach for Eddie that very first time he felt like he was floating. And Eddie, like he always does, reached back. Through fire and trauma, under fire trucks, across blood-soaked asphalt - Buck and Eddie always reach for each other. It’s what they do. It’s who they are. They reach, and hold on, and they pull each other to safety.

that's the way love goes by heartbeatdiaz/ @loserdiaz (BuckTommy Break-up, Buddie Getting Together | 4K | Teen): Tommy thinks Buck and Eddie used to date and never really got over each other... he is very tired and confused. But it makes some feeling realizations come to light and a pair of idiots to see what they've been missing all along, so it's all good.

Sweet as Sugar by Tizniz/ @tizniz (BTHB: Chronic Illness | 8K | General): “There’s still something wrong with me.” “I don’t like that phrasing, but your labs did come back positive for something, yes.” Buck swallows, rubs his hands down his thighs, “Okay. What?” “Evan, you’re diabetic.”

What’s Your Order? by JJK/ @trenchcoatsandtimetravel (Post-S7E5, BuckTommy | 18K | Teen): 5 Times Buck Guessed Tommy’s Coffee Order + 1 Time He Didn’t Have To

🔥 a place we both know by not1_2write (A/B/O AU, Not A Firefighter!Buck | 42K | Mature): This whole thing is Bobby's fault. He's the one that suggested Eddie apply for the mate matching service, it was his idea to look for an Omega that would love and care for Christopher, to find a mate to be by Eddie's side. Eddie's gonna have to send him a fruit basket or something. It was the greatest idea Bobby's ever had and because of it they now they have Buck in their lives, in their pack and firmly nestled right in Eddie's heart.

WIP

🔥 stuck now so long, we just got the start wrong by Daffi_990_ao3/ @daffi-990 (Canon Divergent, Different First Meeting | 7/10 | 55K | Not Rated): Probational Firefighters Evan “Buck” Buckley and Eddie Diaz meet on a call which ends with them at odds with each other. As the months roll by, they keep running into each other on the job, much to Eddie’s dismay and Buck’s delight. Can they put aside their first opinions and misunderstandings and allow the seeds of friendship, and possibly something more, to take root?

🔥 like a bird stealing bread out from under your nose by Daisies_and_Briars/ @cal-daisies-and-briars (Post-S7, Fix-It | 2/7 | 6K | Mature): If you’d asked Eddie back in May what rock bottom looked like, it was his son leaving him. That felt like it; everything ruined so entirely that there was no way to ruin it further. There’s always more to lose.

🔥 Things We're All Too Young to Know by Daisies_and_Briar / @cal-daisies-and-briars (Canon S1-S6, Divergent Post-S6 | 128/? | 401K | Mature): This is a love story. Even if it doesn’t always look like it. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it. A look back on Eddie and Buck's lives up to now, and what led them to each other, interpreted from the current 9-1-1 canon.

🔥 Held Up a Lightning Rod (Wonder Why I'm Struck) by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/ @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels (Not A Firefighter Eddie, Sugar Baby Buck | 3/22 | 14K | Explicit): When Eddie Diaz stumbles his way into money, he finds himself one of the most eligible bachelors in Los Angeles - to his dismay. He needs a way to get people off his back without confessing his messy marital situation, and Shannon's still not answering his calls, so he caves to a friend's suggestion: hire someone to pretend to be his partner. Enter Evan "Buck" Buckley: sugar baby, fire fighter, and the man about to turn Eddie's world upside down.

Podfic

🔥 [Podfic] Your Fingerprints Smeared on My Heart (Lead Me Back to You) by MistMarauder/ @mistmarauder for letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/ @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels (Cowboy AU, Reincarnation, Soulmates | 10-15h | Explicit): In 1880, Evan Buckley of the arriviste set is sent out west to oversee his family's railroad and recover from a broken heart - and meets Eddie Diaz, cowboy. When fate tears them apart, they make a promise: find each other again. In 2018, Buck walks into his fire station in Los Angeles - and meets Eddie Diaz, new recruit.

[firehose118]

anyway i started writing a qpr buddie/bucktommy post-s7 fic that i may or may not finish but that's what sparked this meta. here's part of a scene from that fic with the same idea:

“Look, man…” Eddie trails off but Tommy waits as he gathers his thoughts. “I don’t know what this is. I don’t- I don’t think I’m into Buck. Not… the same way you are, anyway. But I really like this. I think I need this. I need him.” Tommy brings a hand up to cup Eddie’s face and shit, that feels nice too. “I know you do. I don’t mind, I promise. You’re not a burden. We’re not just putting up with you. We want you here, okay? We care about you. We both do.” He keeps Eddie in place as he presses a kiss to Eddie’s forehead. “You got that?” Eddie nods. “Thank you.” “Of course,” Tommy says, like this is the most normal situation in the world. Then his eyebrows furrow and he gets serious. “Eddie, real life doesn’t look the way we were brought up to believe it does. It’s not neat and clean and one-size-fits-all. It’s weird and messy, and every attempt to force ourselves to fit the mold we think we’re supposed to just makes us miserable. Trust me: I dated women until I was thirty, even though I knew pretty early on that I couldn’t be happy with them. I kept trying because that’s what I thought I was supposed to want; what I needed to do to be accepted. For so long I felt broken, and I kept hoping I could find a woman who would fix me. Eventually, I had to just be honest with myself.” The and so do you goes unspoken, but Eddie hears it anyway. Tommy doesn’t bullshit and he also doesn’t pull any punches. Eddie feels like he’s been hit in the throat and he can barely breathe.

“Do you think I’m gay?” Eddie asks in a small voice.

For a moment, Tommy just looks at him; sympathetic but not pitying. Steadying, somehow. The look of someone who has been where Eddie is now and knows exactly how difficult the journey forward is going to be.

“That’s not a question I can answer for you,” Tommy says as he strokes his thumb along Eddie’s cheekbone. “But I do think your attempts at unquestioned heterosexuality are making you miserable. I think you need to sit down with yourself, maybe with a therapist, and really think about your own truth. Do you like women? Do you like men? Do you like both? Or neither? When have you experienced genuine attraction? What does that feel like for you? What does a happy life look like to you? Strip away all the notions you have about what you’re supposed to do, what you’re supposed to feel. What do you want, really?”

Eddie doesn’t have an answer to a single one of those questions. Standing in his best friend’s boyfriend’s house, his best friend’s boyfriend—his friend—cupping his face, his body warm and loose from hours of cuddling with both of them, Eddie feels so unrecognizable to himself.

He likes this. It’s comfortable with Buck and Tommy; far more so than the intimacy he’d forced himself to have with his last two girlfriends. Never, ever in his adult life—not since he was fourteen years old and blushing at Shannon for the first time—has he ever considered finding intimacy in anyone other than a mother for his son.

But he likes this.

How well does Eddie know himself, really? Who is Eddie, outside of fatherhood? Who is Eddie, outside of the expectations he was raised with? The expectations he has clung to like a too-small piece of driftwood in the terrifying churning seas of life, because it’s been easier than letting the waves take him. Expectations he doesn’t want to let go of even now.

But he has to. He has to do something because his son is gone. His son left him voluntarily because of a mess that Eddie has no one to blame for but himself; a mess no one can clean up but himself. A mess that Eddie allowed to accumulate because he is in denial about something. He just doesn’t know what.

It would be so easy to lay it all at Shannon’s feet; to say he’s a wreck because Shannon wanted a divorce and died and he never allowed himself to truly accept the first as he grappled with the pain of the second. But if Eddie is honest, he knows there’s more going on than that.

He feels his eyes fill with tears as the driftwood floats away and the saltwater engulfs him.

“I don’t know,” Eddie admits. “I don’t know how to be happy.”

Tommy makes a small noise and folds Eddie into his chest; holds him while he cries. His arms are strong and big around Eddie—safe. It’s not the same way Buck makes him feel safe, not known and understood and loved to the core, but he feels safe nonetheless. Sturdy. Held.

“It’s okay,” Tommy assures him. “You don’t have to know right now. But you do need to stop forcing yourself to date people you don’t want to. You do need to think about what you want. And we’ll be here for you while you do. I wish I could tell you it’s not going to hurt, but it is. Lean on us for anything you need. Trust us to hold you up.”

Despite everything, Eddie does.

[karenandhenwillson]

I've seen so much discourse about Bucktommy and especially Tommy and it is so wild. I just want to write down some of my thoughts over all of it because that tends to help me to stop thinking about it.

"Oh, how can anyone just abandon Buddie for Bucktommy?"

Has anyone really abandoned Buddie, though? Or are they just for the moment very excited about a new and so very carefully portrait queer story line? Just because some people talk more (or for the moment only) about Bucktommy, doesn't mean they don't like Buddie anymore. They just have something shiny and most importantly canon to fawn over for the moment.

Also, I'd like to give that question back: Why aren't you all excited for a carefully and softly portrait new queer storyline about a character a huge part of the fandom—including the actor himself—hoped for years would get a queer story line?

And it's a pretty unique queer story. Of course, we had Michael figuring out his sexualtiy and growing comfortable in it right at the beginning of the series. But there are some huge differences between Michael's story and Buck's story.

For one, we ended up in the middle of that story. Michael had already done a huge part of the work of getting to know himself. He was ready to live as a gay man. And second, nothing of what we saw until season 3 was from Michael's point of view. It was all from Athena's point of view. 

So it was a "coming-out late in life" story line, sure. But it was a queer storyline from a straight perspective. And in some instances, from a very hurt perspective about it all (which are, of course, very valid emotions for Athena, May, and Harry, but it still gave the queer side of the story line a certain taint). And they did that beautifully, too, no doubt. I especially liked that the family didn't break over it, that they grew with that experience, and that Michael and Athena became great friends over the years.

But now we also have a "coming-out late in life" story line from the queer perspective! 9-1-1 is pretty much the only series I'm following right now, so I have no idea if we had something similar recently. But from all the talk I've seen, it's pretty damn unique, especially for a male bi character. So, of course a lot of people are super excited about it. Because it's honest and good representation that the writers and the actors are handling with a lot of care.

"Oh, if it were a female love interest, you'd all hate her again!"

First of all, go back read that paragraph about many people being excited about getting a queer story line again! I think that's about 40% of the answer for everyone wondering about it.

And then, of course, Tommy has now already more depth and character and background than we ever saw about Ali or Natalia. And despite some people claiming he didn't have any kind of redemption arc, he truly had a lot more of a redemption arc than Taylor ever got even if only glimpses of it were ever shown on screen. (Maybe I'll get into my thoughts about that in another post.) Not gonna talk about Abby, because I think most of the dislike for her came long after that relationship was over after she ghosted Buck (and after Eddie had shown up).

One huge difference between every love interest of Buck or Eddie we have seen in the past to Tommy is also, that Tommy gets along really well with Eddie. We've already seen a friendship develop there. That never happened with any of the women either Eddie or Buck dated before. We saw that one dinner Buck and Taylor had with Eddie and Chris, but it was very clear it was the first time, and that was over half a year into Buck and Taylor dating, probably more like nine months.

If you wear slash googles around Buck and Eddie or not, their deep friendship is undeniable. It's very much canon that they both have a hand in raising Chris. Any love interest coming in has to deal with that, and has to somehow fit into that friendship. Tommy is the very first love interest in canon we have ever been shown to have that potential at all.

I'm personally part of the fandom that thinks that Buck and Eddie have great potential in a romantic way, BUT that they are first and foremost soulmates, no matter if platonic or romantic. And at least the Bucktommy fics I've read so far have all acknowledge the friendship of buck and Eddie and Chris' role in Buck's life. With Tommy being very accepting and supportive of it. (Though, I admit I’m very careful in my selection process.)

"Oh, Bucktommy is only a steppingstone for Buddie anyway! Don't get so invested in it!"

Who are you tell anyone what they should get invested in? I also think, with the excitement right now, even if Bucktommy break up, the ship itself will live on in fandom.

And also, didn't any of you learn out of the cheating story line they settled Hen and Karen with?

There is barely any content for Henren*. And I've been looking! Most stories they are tagged in don't really focus on their relationship. And those who do focus on their relationship get barely any attention. And you know why that is? Because a lot of people can't or don't want to deal with the cheating. (I deal with it by trying to ignore it or seeking out content where it's fixed!) Do you all really want to have a second queer story line that centers around cheating?

And even if none of you care for Henren (which... I know many don't *shrugs sadly*), have you all already forgotten the real pain over Buck kissing Lucy and then not fessing up to Taylor about it right away? (Once again, I deal by either ignoring it or seeking out content that fixes that bullshit.)

I'm honestly pretty disgusted by all the speculation about 7x06 that has anything to do with Buck and Eddie cheating on Tommy and Marisol during the bachelor party. And even more so about all the fics one can find about that, or that use Tommy as a device for Buck and Eddie realizing they are in love. (Honestly, even filtering out the other relationship tag while looking for stories in one relationship tag doesn't prevent one from stumbling over those stories right now, no matter if one is currently looking for Buck/Tommy or Buck/Eddie stories. It's so fucking annoying. I've turned to only reading old Buddie fics for the moment.)

Aside from the whole cheating of it all, why do any of you think the next episode will focus on anyone else but Maddie and Chim?

"Bucktommy is so racist! But really, no surprise in this fandom!"

What's no surprise is that "racist" is once more used as a buzzword in this fandom. To the point that BiPOC fans of Bucktommy are being told they are racist for the ship they like. (Nothing new about that in this fandom either.) Honestly, half the arguments about why the ship is oh so racist either make my head hurt while I try to follow the many, many, many mental loops people are making to get there, or they just make me laugh outright.

Do some of you really believe it when you say "Buck got together with a White man instead of his Latino best friend, so of course that's racist!"??? I'm just... Are you okay? Do you maybe need something warm to drink, a snack, and a nice place somewhere in the sun far away from the internet to just enjoy nature for a little while?

As I said, I'll probably make another post about Tommy's redemption arc over the whole "He is an unrepentant racist and misogynist". That redemption arc exists and has been baked in since season 2 (even if some of people clearly lack the media literacy to see it). Though, other people already put together great meta posts about this. But maybe if there are enough of it, some people will for once acutally read and start to think instead of continuing to spew their hate.

*PS: If anyone has good Henren contant, especially fanfiction, feel free to drop me a DM. I'm always looking!

[tommysdaddykink]

y'know I've been thinking about buddie a lot since buck being bi became canon and as much as I love bucktommy I really wonder if/how they can make it endgame. my biggest concern right now is that buddie makes so much sense narratively that anything else would feel forced because for bucktommy (or buckanyoneelse) to be endgame it'll feel like eddie will never find love. I don't necessarily think that's true but it will feel like it. at least in that moment.

both these men have been in and out of relationships for the whole time we've known them and their north star has still always been them. they still always go right back to the other. and that can be done in a platonic way and they can have a platonic soulmates buddie alongside a romantic bucktommy but i dunno

even though I personally do headcanon eddie as arospec and love buddie as both a qpr and a romantic relationship I don't think abc is gonna do a qpr. and I don't think they'll do a poly relationship either and give us bucktommyeddie.

I'm just so worried about how they'll handle this because there's so many people who joined the fandom after 7x04 and have bucktommy as their endgame ship. and I cannot imagine the pain of having a canonical queer otp with a bi main character that you love and hold dear be ripped out of your hands just for another relationship that you may or may not care about. I can see how it would be devastating. I would be so upset if we got buddie only for them to break up and another relationship to take its place down the line.

and while i love buck and tommy together so much I still really only see buddie as endgame with how I perceive the story so far. if bucktommy or anyone else becomes endgame I won't be angry or anything but unless it's well done I'll probably question how they got there.

like it's possible. I'll never say never because they could completely surprise me and Eddie will have a compelling love interest or maybe they'll even go the qpr angle or poly relationship route.

I love multi shipping and I've never expected any ship I have to become canon so I'll survive and most likely be happy no matter what happens. I ultimately have always only wanted buck and eddie and now tommy to be happy.

but I can't stop thinking about whether or not the writers room will completely fumble this. I'm worrying so much I'll give myself a ulcer.

edit may 21: this post is so old lmao but it seems to keep getting some kinda engagement. and no one's seeing the tags I guess lol. I don't think any of this really anymore lol I'm kinda off the buddie canon hype train and have been since the May 2nd episode. also a lot of the interviews Ryan's given have really changed my mind. I want bucktommy endgame at this point and I kinda want arospec Eddie but that's not happening and since he's been called straight by Ryan I just want the man in therapy to get over Shannon and finally face all the guilt he's feeling about her. I can see why buddie canon is really important to people but it's clearly not the story the show wants to tell and I don't see a point in forcing it. I am mostly a fanon fan so it doesn't really bother me either way to lose the idea of canon buddie, since I didnt think canon was ever gonna happen until 7x04 and then 7x06 made it clear it wasn't gonna happen. the hospital kiss really sealed the deal that bucktommy is probably sticking around tbh

[lover-of-mine]

it's also not lost on me that the people acting like those who don't care about bucktommy want buck to never have been with another man, are now turning around and saying that eddie should be alone for the rest of his life if he doesn't end up with buck...just say you hate characters of color if they don't exist to serve as props for the pretty white boy and go lol

I mean, literally, people don't even want Eddie to have loved his wife because that would make it so he didn't always exist for Buck. If he's not a prop on Buck's story, he's nothing for some people and that's very telling. Buck needs to fuck all of LA but Eddie needs to be the sad widower forever. Just say you hate Eddie and only shipped buddie because it was the only option and go.

But, anon, darling, since I'm going controversial right now because I don't give a fuck anymore and I'm just tired, I'm gonna use this to say my most controversial Buck/Eddie thought ever. I think narratively, you can introduce a love interest for Eddie, man or woman, that would be a satisfying endgame relationship for him in a way you can't do with Buck. Obviously, it wouldn't be as satisfying as if he ends up with Buck, I think that buddie is the natural progression of the narrative for both Buck and Eddie. And I desperately want that payoff. That being said, considering the way that what stops Eddie from pursuing actual happiness in a romantic relationship is pretty much his status as a widower, the way he can't let go of what he thinks he could've had with Shannon if he had made different choices, and this idea of what he needs to provide in a relationship that goes against what he actually needs, to have him realize that and meet someone who helps him be happy that he is alive again could work. To suddenly give him that spark he keeps saying he wants and let him settle into it could work. It would have to be constructed carefully, but it can be constructed. Buck on the other hand, his endgame relationship needs a level of construction that would take an amount of work the show just doesn't have the time to build anymore. Unless the show is gonna have 20 seasons and give grey's anatomy a run for its money. Because considering the way Buck keeps letting himself be chased because he wants stability but he's too scared to actually do something about it and end up making the wrong choice, he needs a friends to lovers arc for it to be satisfying. Buck needs that initial level of partnership outside of the physical connection before he gets into a romantic relationship in my opinion. Even more considering Buck's relationship with sex, his own body, his sense of self worth, I think he needs someone who will see him fully before wanting to add romance into it and that's Eddie. They don't have the time to introduce someone who will take this spot in Buck's life and have it naturally progress into something romantic because that spot is already filled. Buck has been consistently shown as someone who jumps into the physical aspect of a relationship first, from groovyheels to Tommy, so I think that the only relationship that would feel truly satisfying for Buck to end up in, is one with someone who loved him without the physical first. And that's always gonna be Eddie. There's no way to add a second best friend for Buck at this point of the show. So someone else is never gonna live up to this need Buck has to be understood beyond what he can offer. To be loved anyway. For Buck it's always gonna be Eddie. But I think Eddie could learn to be loved by someone else if the show really wanted to keep them apart. I don't want it to happen, I want both of them together, I think it's the best ending for the story they are telling, but in a reality where buddie is not on the table, I think it makes more sense for Buck to end up alone than Eddie. It would be tragic. But it would make more sense than Buck with whoever and Eddie alone.

And also the people who want Eddie to be alone need to go. Along with the people who want Eddie to die so that bt can raise Chris. Along with the people who think Eddie is a prop on Buck's story. Along with the people who can't seem to see Eddie beyond what he can offer Buck. Along with everyone who can't seem to understand Eddie is also a main character. Anyone who doesn't see Eddie as his own character needs to go.

[inawickedlittletown]

You Can Find Me Where the Skies are Blue (BuckTommy fic) - 7/7

Summary:

Soulmates are rare. So rare that it's actually incredible that Buck has two soulmate couples in his life. Statistics tell him it's very unlikely for him to meet his soulmate. Of course, then he meets Tommy. Too bad it happens at the worst possible moment.

Canon compliant soulmate AU where Buck is still a mess and Tommy is still very understanding.

Words: 6,258

Rating: M (this applies to part of this chapter only...I've put *** around the section)

Ao3

Part One - Part Two - Part Three

Part Four - Part Five - Part Six

-

Part Seven

“So, tell me about your couch,” Tommy said. 

Evan set his cup of coffee down after a sip. “I told you about Ali,” Evan said. 

Tommy nodded. “Your ex…the one that picked out your apartment.” 

Evan nodded. 

“Did she also pick out your furniture and forget to get a couch?” Tommy asked, tilting his head to the side as a sign that he was mostly trying to be funny. 

Evan rolled his eyes. “She did help pick most of it out. I did need the help. It was my first real apartment and I had no idea what I was doing. She did pick out a very nice couch. It was very comfortable.” 

Tommy had more questions because there was so much that Evan wasn’t filling in and he didn’t know what to ask first. Instead, he let Evan continue. 

“I spent a lot of time on that couch after she broke up with me,” Evan said. “The reality of my job hit her pretty hard. And I hated my place…I thought about moving, but that would have been harder. Those stairs do not mix well with a cast.”

“A cast?” Tommy asked. 

He immediately hated the idea of Evan hurt. It came with the territory though. Tommy had had his own share of injuries over the years, more so when he was a firefighter than a pilot, but they still did happen. 

Buck nodded. “I, uh, I don’t know if you heard about it. I was crushed under a ladder truck. My leg took the brunt of it.”

Things clicked for Tommy quickly. He did remember that, watching it on the news because it was his old firehouse and he’d been so worried for Hen and Chim and Bobby. He hadn’t known it was Evan and oh…Evan had been injured and his girlfriend had left him. She left him to sit in the apartment she’d picked out, on the couch that she had bought because his bedroom was up the stairs and it wouldn’t have made any sense for Evan to stay up there. Tommy hated it. He hated what Evan had gone through and on top of that being left by the person that was supposed to be there taking care of him. 

“So you got rid of it?” Tommy asked. 

“No. It was very comfortable. I had it for a few years and then I asked Taylor to move in. That was a mistake. She, uh, she said she had a superior couch and I didn’t fight her on that. So we got rid of mine. When we broke up, she took it with her.” 

“This was your last girlfriend?” Tommy asked. 

Evan shook his head. “The one that came before. Taylor’s the one that wrote the book.” 

“And you didn’t replace it since?” Tommy asked.

Evan actually chuckled as he shook his head. “Not for a while. When I was struck by lightning, my parents were visiting. My mom got me a new couch. It wasn’t comfortable and it didn’t go with the apartment but it was a nice thought. So, I wasn’t upset when I had to deliver a baby on it.” 

Tommy was still trying to think about Evan’s parents and their involvement. They hadn’t really talked about them much, not that Tommy had discussed his own family history. He was so focused on that part of what Evan had said that it took him a moment to try to explain why there had been a pregnant woman in Evan’s apartment. He couldn’t find a reason. 

“You delivered a baby on your couch,” Tommy said. 

Evan nodded. His cheeks had gone pink and he looked like he was trying to talk himself into saying something. Tommy just watched and he saw when Evan steeled himself. 

“Hey,” Tommy said, “you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”

Evan smiled. “I want to. I, uh, I’m a sperm donor,” he said. “Well, not in general, but I did donate sperm for my friend Conor and his wife. Cameron was upset with Conor and she was at my place when her water broke. I delivered their baby right on the couch. Got rid of it soon after.” 

Tommy didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know how to form any words, instead he just stared at Evan. Suddenly, he understood why Evan had said it was a long story and maybe it even explained why he hadn’t yet gotten a replacement. He was also a little stuck on Evan being a sperm donor. There was a kid out there with his DNA, one that probably even looked a little like him and Evan had even helped the mother give birth. 

“How…how do you feel about that?” Tommy asked. 

Evan shrugged his shoulders. “You know, there was a moment when I was holding the baby where I felt so much longing for him and then I gave him to Cameron and she loved him so much. She and Conor will give him such a good life because they wanted him so much. I mean, I hadn’t spoken to Conor for years before he called so I know I was something of a long shot, but they called anyway. They wanted him so badly. I don’t regret it.”

Tommy could tell that he meant it. Evan really was just that wonderful. He was admirable and Tommy knew not many people could do what he’d done. 

“How long ago was that?” Tommy asked. 

“A few months back.”

“And you never replaced the couch,” Tommy said with a grin. 

“Ah, no. I did go look at a few with Natalia, but I didn’t find any that I liked.”

“There is so much to unwrap here,” Tommy said. “I don’t even know where to start.” 

Evan just smiled. “I know,” he said. “You know, Chris makes fun of me for not having a couch, granted it’s partly because we can’t have any sleepovers.”

“We’ll fix that, Evan,” Tommy said, smiling at him. “We’ll find you a new couch.”

“Now,” Evan said, “it’s time for you to tell me something. Anything.” 

Tommy grinned back. “Well,” he said, “is there anything you want to know specifically?” 

“Uh, how…how did you know you were gay?” Evan asked it and then hid his face behind his coffee. 

Tommy smiled easily. It was a little wild to him that Evan had only really come to terms with his own sexuality the night before. It hadn’t even been twenty four hours. Part of the way he was reacting was the soulmate thing, but Tommy had still tried to keep some distance between them when they got to the restaurant to not make it obvious just in case. In his experience, most people were accepting. They didn’t care about strangers when they had their own problems to deal with. But in a crowd of many, sometimes the one or two assholes were the loudest. The last thing Tommy wanted was to expose Evan to that, not that it wouldn’t happen eventually. 

“Looking back, I think I knew pretty early,” Tommy said. “I didn’t get all the excitement about girls and then sometimes I did notice a guy and that was different. I knew gay people existed, obviously, but I didn’t think that was me. I hated it. I didn’t have anyone to turn to and my parents are very religious. I pushed myself to date girls…some attempt at being normal. I deluded myself into thinking that everyone was faking the excitement about dating…it wasn’t until the first time I kissed a guy that I knew.”

“Wow,” Evan said. “It wasn’t easy, then.” 

“Not at all, Evan. I told myself lies for a long time. Sometimes to protect myself and other times because it was easier. You’re just coming to terms with who you’ve always been…I knew and I refused to acknowledge it for a long time.”

“Oh,” Evan said. “And your…your parents?” 

Tommy chuckled. “I haven’t spoken to them in years. Don’t need to. Don’t intend to.”

“They weren’t accepting,” Evan said. “I’m so sorry, Tommy.” 

“Don’t be. They’re religious in a bad way. It took me a long time to realize how much of what they said I internalized. How much it kept harming me. I’m better off without them.” 

Tommy drank a gulp of his coffee. He hadn’t expected heavy conversation on what was meant to be their first date, but at the same time it was good to get it out of the way. Evan was watching him, small smile playing on his lips, and it was a reminder that their pasts wouldn’t mar who they were now or what they could be for each other.

“You know,” Evan said, “you might just beat me on bad parents. Though, I have no idea how they will react to this. I guess we’ll find out at the wedding.”

“Wedding?” Tommy asked. 

Evan blushed. “Sorry,” he said. “I should have asked…will you be my date to my sister’s wedding?” 

Tommy nodded at once. With anyone else it would have felt too soon and too quick. 

“Of course, Evan. You won’t tell them before that?” Tommy asked. 

“No,” Even said decidedly. “They’re, uh, not horrible people or anything. They were awful parents, but they’ve been trying because of Jee and some other things. They did buy me that couch.” 

“The one you haven’t replaced,” Tommy said. 

Evan laughed. “Yeah. It’s, uh, it’s complicated with them. Maybe if we’re lucky, Maddie will tell them for us.”

“Does Maddie even know about me?” Tommy asked. 

Evan shook his head. “She knows I found my soulmate. I’ll tell her soon. Her, I’m not too worried about.” 

Tommy couldn’t tell if that meant that Evan was actually worried about his parents or not. It almost seemed like he barely wanted to interact with them at all and Tommy could easily understand that. 

They left when they finished their coffee, Tommy walking behind Evan and allowing his eyes to look at the way that Evan walked, how the jeans he was wearing hugged his ass just right. He really was too gorgeous for words and it was made so much better by who he was too. Tommy was in awe of him. 

“What’s the rest of your day look like?” Evan asked. 

“I do have a shift later, but clear otherwise.” 

“Eddie didn’t call to make plans,” Evan said. “No street fighting or flights to Vegas.” 

Tommy chuckled. “No, Evan.”

“It’s nice you guys get along, actually. My soulmate and my best friend.”

It hadn’t been a full day since they figured everything out. They had kissed for the first time the night before. Everything was insanely new and yet, somehow, it just felt so right. Especially when Evan grabbed his hand as if he did it all the time, or when he brought it up to his lips to press a kiss to Tommy’s knuckles that left his hand tingling. 

—

“I have something to tell you,” Buck said. He fiddled with the lid of his coffee cup and watched Maddie. 

His sister paused across the island from him. “Everything okay?” she asked, head tilted and a worry frown appearing on her forehead.

“It’s…well, actually everything is great,” Buck said.

She stared him down and Buck was aware, a little too aware, how well his sister knew him and how she could probably tell that he was ridiculously nervous and worried. He didn’t even know why, because it was Maddie and Maddie wouldn’t judge him or anything and yet that didn’t change how difficult it was. 

“What happened?” Maddie asked. 

Buck gulped. “Well, I told you I met my soulmate.” 

Maddie nodded and suddenly she was smiling. “Oh. Is this an update? I’ve been meaning to ask, but it’s been a bit crazy with the wedding and everything.” 

“Uh. Yeah. Yeah. It is. We figured everything out, Maddie. It’s really…it’s amazing.” 

“I’m so happy for you, Evan,” Maddie said. “When do I get to meet her? Tell me it’ll be before the wedding.” 

“About that,” Buck said, looking away from Maddie and taking a moment. 

“Buck?” 

Buck looked back up. “Yes, you can meet him before the wedding. It’s just that you might be a little…I don’t know, I was shocked so I can understand if you are too, but — oh, this is hard. It’s just that it isn’t what I expected and—”

Maddie lifted a hand, cutting him off. “You said him,” she said. “Your soulmate is a guy.” 

Buck inhaled a breath and he nodded quickly. “Yeah.” 

“Oh. Wow,” Maddie said and then found Buck’s gaze. “I don’t think I ever expected you could lean in that direction. It’s not — it’s not a bad thing. I just—”

“Didn’t expect it,” Buck said. “Yeah, me either. I’m bisexual, Maddie.”

Maddie smiled, then, and he could tell that she was just taking a moment to process. He didn’t blame her, it had taken him long enough to figure it out. That was especially so when considering how deluded he’d been for a little bit there. He’d been so convinced that it would be platonic and he was so glad to be wrong. 

“I’m proud of you, Evan,” Maddie said. Her voice was full of emotion. “What’s, uh, what’s his name?” Maddie asked. 

“It’s, uh, it’s Tommy,” Buck said. 

“Tommy,” Maddie repeated.

Buck could see that she was putting it together, so he waited. 

“The, uh, the pilot. The one that flew you guys out to the cruise ship. That’s when you met. Oh my god, that’s…wow.”

“I know,” Buck said. “He’s amazing, Maddie. Not just because he’s my soulmate but he’s just so confident and strong and did I mention how hot he is? I can’t stop thinking about him all the time. I had no clue it could be like this.”

One week since he’d kissed him and Buck hadn’t known a time when he was as excited about someone as he was about Tommy. Tommy still made him nervous, he made him blush and he made him giddy. 

“I can’t wait to meet him,” Maddie said. 

“He’s excited to meet you too,” Buck said. “Would have brought him over today except he had plans.”

“Where is he now?” 

“At a pick up basketball game with Eddie,” Buck said with a roll of his eyes. “Now I have two of them trying to get me to go.” 

Maddie grinned. “Do they know you don’t like basketball?” 

“Who doesn’t like basketball?” Chim asked, entering the kitchen and heading to the fridge. 

“Me,” Buck said. 

Chimney grinned at him when he closed the fridge door. “Oh, is Eddie still trying to get you to go with him? I thought he said he was going with Tommy.” 

“He did,” Buck said. 

“Tommy’s so cool,” Chim said. “You know, he flew Eddie to see a fight in Vegas two weeks ago. We should hang out with him more, Maddie. I can’t believe I didn’t invite him to the wedding.” 

“I’d really like to meet him,” Maddie said. “I’ve heard so much about him.”

Buck shared a look with Maddie. On the one hand, he knew it’d be a little funny for Chimney to find out about him and Tommy at the wedding, but on the other hand, Buck didn’t think he could keep it in for much longer. 

“About that,” he said. 

“What?” Chim asked. “What’s going on?” 

“You know how Maddie asked you to add a plus one for me.” 

Chimney coughed. “Yeah…very inconvenient Buck. It’s why we had RSVPs and you didn’t check the box. You have to check the plus one box, Buck. Don’t tell me you changed your mind. That is too late. I don’t care who you bring…you have to bring someone and Ravi doesn’t count, he has his own invitation. Just don’t invite the death doula. We don’t need that kind of energy at our wedding.”

Buck shared another look with Maddie. 

“Spit it out, Buck,” Chim said. 

He took a breath. Then, he just said it: “My plus one is Tommy,” 

He saw the confusion cross Chim’s face and he didn’t seem to get very far in trying to figure out why, before he turned to Buck. 

“I thought he’s been hanging out with Eddie, not you. And I only introduced you to Tommy the night we flew out into that hurricane. What’s…what’s going on?”

“Tommy is my soulmate,” Buck said. 

That brought Chimney up short. He opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, eyes wide as he stared at Buck and then his eyes went to Maddie as if he was trying to figure out if she was somehow in on the joke with Buck. 

“You’re pulling my leg,” he said. “How is that — wait, since when are you — wait, wait, I introduced the two of you! I did that!”

Buck laughed. “Yeah, Chim. I’m so glad you did.”

“So, does that mean you’re into guys now?” 

Buck gave a quick nod. “I didn’t know I was, but it’s this thing that’s been missing for me and now I know. I’m bi.” 

When he looked towards Maddie, he saw her actually wipe away a tear and it felt so good to know it was a happy tear and that he wasn’t making her cry for other reasons. 

“Now we really have to hang out with Tommy more,” Chim said. “Welcome him to the family.” 

“And we’re even,” Buck added. 

Chim just laughed. “Yeah, Buck, I guess we are. Although…you know I did save his life once. He’s paid up on that favor, but you haven’t.” 

Maddie reached over to hit Chim on the shoulder. 

—

“I take it,” Lucy said, “things are going well. I mean, going by your good mood lately.” 

Tommy rolled his eyes. 

“Come on, Kinard, spill it.” 

Tommy sighed. He’d told Lucy all about him and Evan finally getting the time to talk the last time he saw her. He didn’t tell her about how he’d messed up a bit, or how he’d had to cut a karaoke night short in order to get to Evan. Those were things she would never let go, but she knew that he and Evan were together. 

“It’s going really well,” Tommy said. “He’s great.”

“And he’s into you,” Lucy said. “I don’t want to say I told you so…but I was right.” 

Tommy just laughed. “In this single instance I’m glad you were right.” 

A call came in, just then. Brushfire that was growing and might become something even bigger. Tommy gave Lucy a nod and then he was off. The copter he would take out was the one that they’d been filling up with the retardant he’d need to drop and so it was quick work and he was in the air in less than ten minutes. 

The sky was blue, almost cloudless and Tommy loved it up there. He loved the freedom. He’d never quite managed to find that anywhere else. Even in the army, when he was flying into dangerous places and the chances were that they might get shot down, there had been something very liberating about lifting up into the air. He felt free with Evan. He felt like he was flying except his feet were on the ground. 

—

Bobby was the one to remind Buck that he and his soulmate had to register the bond. The registry was to keep track of how many soulmate pairs existed, it helped with research. It also created a familial bond on paper. It wasn’t exactly mandatory, but it was useful. Buck was also well aware that for the jobs that they had it took care of a big thing: making each other their emergency contact. 

He and Tommy had been together for three weeks. Buck had never before felt so settled and at ease. They hadn’t even done much more than kissing and hand holding. It was so chaste that Buck didn’t know if he could handle any more cold showers. He had never gone this slow in any relationship after his teen years. It was nice, though, even if the anticipation was just about killing him. 

“I take it you figured everything out,” Bobby said, looking up from where he was chopping veggies.

“Yeah,” Buck said with a grin. “It’s not platonic after all.”

Bobby smiled and if he was surprised, he didn’t show it. “Glad to hear it. You deserve this, Buck.”

“I’m, uh, I’m bisexual, Bobby,” Buck said. “And my soulmate, it’s…my soulmate is Tommy. I met him the night we flew out to rescue you and Athena.”

Bobby set down the knife and his gaze was suddenly fixed on Buck. In the next moment he’d rounded the island and Buck was pulled into a tight hug that lasted several seconds before Bobby let him go. 

“I am so proud of you, Buck. You’ve changed and grown so much since you first came in here. You know, you are a bit alike. I only worked with Tommy for a little while before he transferred. I don’t know him as well as I’d like, but I know he’s a good guy. Athena and I probably wouldn’t be here without him — or any of you, really. I’m happy for you both. You’ll have to bring him for dinner with Athena.”

“Uh, sure. Yeah. I’m sure he’ll love that. You know, he’s told me he missed your cooking.” 

Bobby chuckled as he walked back to his cutting board. “I know you’ve perfected some of my recipes.” 

“It’s not the same,” Buck said. 

“We’ll plan for a night soon. Don’t forget to register the bond.”

“I won’t.” 

“Won’t what?” Hen asked, taking the stool next to Buck’s. 

“Won’t forget to register my soulmate bond,” Buck said. 

“Oh, that,” Hen said. “There’s a lot of paperwork, but it’s easy. How, uh, how is it all going?” 

It was going amazingly, better than any relationship that Buck had ever had beforehand. Some of it, he knew, was their compatibility — the thing that made them soulmates and just fully made for each other. Then, there was everything else. 

“It was bumpy at first, but so far everything’s been great. He’s coming with me to the wedding. Probably the bachelor party too.” 

Hen shook her head at once. “Hasn’t Chim already told you he doesn’t want one?” 

“But it’s tradition,” Buck argued. “Bobby, tell her.” 

Bobby shook his head and went back to chopping. “I’m not getting involved in this.” 

Buck eyed both of them. “He is having a bachelor party.”

Hen just let out a sigh. “I’m not stopping you, Buck, but I’m also not getting involved in getting Chim to go to it when he doesn’t want it in the first place.” 

Buck rolled his eyes. Chim would get on board once Buck explained his plan. There was a karaoke lounge they could go to and it could even be themed somehow. Chim deserved a party and not just because he was getting married…it was because he’d introduced Buck to Tommy and changed Buck’s entire life around. This wasn’t his wedding gift to them, but it was a gift to Chim. 

—

“You finally wore him down,” Tommy said, not able to keep his amusement out of his voice. 

“He wanted the party, just didn’t know it,” Evan said. “Only issue now is it took so long to get him to agree, the only day available at the place is the day before the wedding. We’ll make it work.”

“And that might keep it from getting out of hand,” Tommy said. 

Evan nodded. “I promised Maddie he’d be in bed by one at the latest. It’s the only way she’s letting us do it that night.”

Tommy still wasn’t entirely clear on why Evan was pushing for a party that the groom didn’t even want, but he also liked how cute Evan was about the whole thing. He’d seen him making a list the other day and he didn’t know that sliders, drinks, and karaoke needed that much planning, but he was leaving Evan to it.  

Evan finished cleaning the counter. The oven was on with the lasagna Evan had made them inside. A salad sat on the counter. It was already starting to smell good and Tommy was excited to try Evan’s version of one of Bobby’s recipes. 

“How long until that’s ready?” 

“Forty-five minutes,” Evan said. 

“Good,” Tommy said, “I haven’t tried out your new couch yet.” 

“It’s a couch,” Evan said, but followed him out of the kitchen. 

“One where I haven’t kissed you yet,” Tommy said as he sat, sprawling himself on it because he could and because it was big enough for him to do so. 

The couch was dark gray and a bit bulky in a way that meant it was easy to spread out across it. The cushions were just the right amount of soft. Evan had picked it out after agonizing over a few different options and it had only been delivered earlier that day. Tommy thought he’d chosen well. 

“Come here,” Tommy said. 

“Where, you’re taking up the whole thing,” Evan said with an amused chuckle.

Tommy reached for him, grabbing his hand and pulling lightly. Evan toppled on him a little harder than Tommy had planned, but he didn’t mind. He wrapped an arm around Evan’s back to keep him there and Evan situated himself until one of his legs was between Tommy’s, their torsos pressed together.

“What do you think?” Evan asked. 

“About?” 

“Couch?” Evan asked. 

“I’ll tell you after,” Tommy said and drew him into a kiss, hand on Evan’s neck. 

Kissing Evan would never get old, not when Evan was so enthusiastic and into it and not when he knew just how to drive Tommy crazy. It had been a full month since their first kiss and since they figured everything out and Evan had been driving him insane since then. Tommy had known from the start things wouldn’t go too fast between them, but Tommy was starting to feel like a teenager with the way his body was reacting to Evan. 

Evan was new to being with a guy and Tommy knew first hand how it felt, so the last thing he wanted to do was pressure Evan into anything he wasn’t fully ready for. Not that Evan wasn’t eager. He kissed Tommy dirty, like he couldn’t wait to do more. A few times already they had both gotten more than a little carried away, biting love marks on each other’s necks and their hands wandering a bit south. 

 * * *

At the moment, Evan pulled away, reaching for Tommy’s shirt and dragging his hands over Tommy’s stomach and chest. The shirt, rucked up to his armpits, Evan bent down and he kissed Tommy’s stomach, teeth nipping lightly as he made his way up, pausing at the scar Tommy knew was there to brush light kisses over it and then after a slight moment of hesitation, his mouth was on Tommy’s nipple.

Tommy let out a sound that was half moan and half groan. Evan laughed and then he was back at Tommy’s lips, kissing him lightly. 

“Okay?” 

Tommy just kissed him again in answer. 

They were so pressed together that it wasn’t difficult to feel Evan, not when he moved so much and when his hands were all over Tommy’s chest. And then, Evan sat back and he reached for his shirt and drew it up his body until it was off and Tommy had no idea where it landed because his eyes had more important things to be consumed by. 

It wasn’t the first time he’d seen Evan shirtless, but this felt different. Purposeful. Evan was all hard panes and muscle. 

“Evan,” he said, breathless and wanting. 

“Tommy,” Evan said in return and the warm palms of his hands were on Tommy’s stomach, one finger catching on the trail of hair that went down into his pants towards his very hard and twitching dick. 

Tommy gasped and Evan’s fingers made their way up his chest, palms rubbing lightly on his nipples and taking Tommy’s breath away. His fingers even traced the scar he’d kissed earlier.Tommy reached for him, hands landing on Evan’s hips. His skin was warm and soft and perfect. All of him was perfect. 

“Shirt off,” Evan said.

Tommy had to sit up to make it happen, bringing him and Evan closer still and somehow Evan shifted his weight and he was straddling Tommy at the waist. When Tommy lay back again, Evan sat back and his ass was right there, right on Tommy’s very interested cock. Tommy groaned and Evan made a gasping but unsurprised noise as he leaned towards Tommy and their lips met again. 

Tommy’s hands climbed up Evan’s back, feeling his shoulder blades and then down his sides until they were on the top of Evan’s jeans. Evan groaned into the kiss and Tommy’s hand slid down, grasping Evan’s ass, groping at him and grinding up into him almost involuntarily. 

Evan moaned against his neck, his hot breath making Tommy shiver and then Evan moved and it didn’t matter that they were still wearing jeans and underwear, because even feeling him like that felt like enough. 

Evan kissed up his jaw and then his neck and down, giving each of his nipples attention that had Tommy throwing his head back. Evan, the little shit, just grinned into Tommy’s skin as he just kept kissing down and down and down. He only looked up once he’d made it to the top of Tommy’s jeans. 

“I want to see you,” Evan said, voice almost shy. His cheeks were pink, but his blue eyes shone. 

Tommy almost couldn’t find words. He could only nod and watch as Evan’s fingers fumbled with the button and then the zipper. Tommy helped him drag his jeans down some and he felt Evan pause. 

“Hey,” he said and Evan’s eyes were on him again. “At your pace, right? You don’t have to do anything.” 

“Right,” Evan said and he leaned over to kiss him again. “I want you so much, Tommy.” 

Tommy had no idea where the self-restraint came from when Evan finally fumbled with moving Tommy’s underwear out of the way until his cock was out, tip more than a little wet and oh so absolutely hard. 

“Oh,” Evan said and then his hand was there touching the skin around his dick…exploring. Teasing.  

Tommy groaned too loud when Evan’s hand finally wrapped around him, moving and grasping in the most delicious way, his thumb touching the head and then because Evan didn’t do anything by halves, Evan’s lips and his tongue and the way that he groaned at the taste before going back for more. His eyes met Tommy’s and they were glinting and awed and Tommy was never going to forget Evan looking at him like that. Not ever. 

He knew what it was like, the first time you touched a dick that wasn’t your own, how it felt to actually know in the practical sense. Evan touched him a little too gently at first, but he touched him reverently. He also, seemed to catch on quick and his grip got a little tighter as he moved his hand up and down and Tommy could hardly keep watching because it was too much and Evan was enthusiastic even in this because Tommy didn’t expect it when his lips were there again, kissing down his shaft and then licking up until his mouth took in the head and the heat of his mouth was too much in a way that Tommy had never experienced before because usually this wouldn’t be all that it took, but this was Evan and he was — oh, god—

“Evan,” Tommy said. “Evan, I’m—”

Evan’s head lifted up and Tommy grabbed for his discarded shirt, unloaded right into it.

“Oh,” Evan said, eyes wide and his mouth spread into a self satisfied grin. 

“I didn’t want to get it on the couch,” Tommy said as he dropped his shirt aside. 

They both broke out into laughter and Evan leaned into him a bit. He found Evan’s eyes back on his spent cock, and then they moved up to Tommy’s face, still smiling. He leaned forward, kissing him. It was gentler, a slower kiss that Evan pulled back from until Tommy reached up to touch him, to cradle his face and bring him back. Oh, he was falling for him and falling fast. The kiss turned harder and Tommy dropped his hands to Evan’s waist, grasping him until he could turn them and push Evan to his back on the couch.

“Wha—” Evan said. 

“Let me take care of you,” Tommy said and he kissed Evan again, kissed his jaw and then his lips again.  

“Don’t,” Evan said with a gasp that almost made Tommy sit up and let him go except that Evan held onto him. “Don’t stop.” 

Tommy reached between them one handed and Evan nodded as he kissed Evan’s neck, licking up a bead of salty sweat. He opened Evan’s jeans and Evan helped to bring them down alongside his underwear and Tommy groaned into Evan’s clavicle when his hand finally grasped him. Evan was big. He was girthy, he was beautiful and he just held him for a while, touched the wet head with his thumb. Evan was shaking, letting out the most gorgeous little whines. Tommy wanted to taste him, he wanted to feel Evan’s cock on his tongue and in his throat and—

“Can I—”

“Anything,” Evan said, breathless as he cut his question off. 

Tommy chuckled. He kissed down his chest, not lingering, though one day he would. He would kiss every inch of Evan. Then, he was there and Evan’s cock twitched under his gaze. Tommy looked back up at Evan who was looking at him, mouth slack and eyes dilated. He was too gorgeous. Too amazing. He was his. 

Tommy took it slowly, tongued the very tip and then ran his mouth down the underside, listening for Evan’s gasp and groan and how he whimpered. And then, he lowered his mouth over the tip and down. Breathing through his nose and getting all the musk and sweat and sex…the Evan of it all. He was never going to have enough of this.

Evan didn’t last long and Tommy let him cum in his mouth, and even then, what he couldn’t swallow dripped down his chin when Evan’s spent cock left his mouth. Evan looked at him almost lazily, blinking and smiling. He reached for him and Tommy moved so he was leaning over him and he was just a little surprised when Evan wiped his own cum from Tommy’s chin before he brought that finger to his own lips and then, because that wasn’t enough, he pulled Tommy into a short but sweet kiss.

 * * *

“That’s one way to break in a new couch,” Evan said, eventually. 

He felt Evan’s laughter more than heard it. Tommy pressed their foreheads together. He closed his eyes. He took in the moment. He had never felt happier, never felt as hopeful, never known with such surety that he’d found somewhere to belong; someone to belong to. 

—

Buck would have laid with Tommy on his new couch for a lot longer, but he could admit that with both of their pants not even all the way down their thighs and their dicks hanging out, things were only heading in the direction of not comfortable. Buck went up the stairs to the bathroom up there while Tommy took the one downstairs. He cleaned himself up, got into a clean pair of boxers and pants and shirt because he had no idea where in the living room his other shirt had ended up. 

“Hey, Evan, I’m gonna need to borrow a shirt,” Tommy called up.

“I’m not opposed to keeping you without,” Buck called back even as he searched his closet for something that might fit Tommy. 

He settled on one of his bigger LAFD t-shirts and even then when Tommy put it on, it was tight across his chest, highlighting his pectorals in a way that it was almost like he still wasn’t wearing anything. 

“I like you in my clothes,” Buck said.

His hand landed on Tommy’s chest, crawling up to his neck, breath catching as he remembered what had happened on his couch. How it had felt to have Tommy’s body above him and under him and his mouth and his touch. If there had been any question about Buck’s attraction to men, it had been obliterated the moment that he had Tommy’s dick in his hand and all he’d felt was longing and a deep want. Buck had always loved sex and sex with Tommy was everything. They’d barely even done much and yet it left him so warm and so wanted and so satisfied at the same time as hungry for more.

“How do you feel?” Tommy asked. 

“Amazing,” Buck answered and he pulled Tommy to him and into a kiss. 

Tommy’s arms were around Buck, pulling him in flush against him and they swayed on the spot as they kissed until they were both breathless, and even then they stayed in their embrace, neither ready to let go. 

“How about you?” Buck asked. 

“Me?” 

“How do you feel?” Buck asked. 

“Like I’ve found where I belong,” Tommy said. 

Buck hummed. “Yeah, I think we’ve both found that.”

[tommykinard6]

The hypocrisy of antis not wanting to straight up say they don't like this ship because it's just simply not Buddie, by making multiple declarations regarding BuckTommy "barely knowing each other, only been in a few scenes together, knows nothing about Tommy, seems out of nowhere... blah blah" but are absolutely appalled at the thought of them having more screentime together/general Tommy scenes, which we could witness their dynamic as a couple and have evidence "proving they have chemistry." They just don't want to see it because it's not their ship point blank. I see so much fabrication turned delusion to make their ship deemed superior (which just tells us they lack real confidence of anything happening 🤏🏾) But given an opportunity to ease their skepticism of Buck finally being happy, it's straight refusal at the idea. It's mind boggling. They really shouldn't have to go out of their way to lie and twist every scene and interview to hate on one guy (and TM let's be honest lol) to disprove one ship and hype up their. 🤡 behavior, they don't care about happiness and representation unless it's for their ship going canon.

Hey nonnie!

I agree, the hypocrisy and double standards have been WILD. I think you said it perfectly and I’ll jump on the last point because yes. I’m so tired of seeing people rejecting representation and what is actually a huge win for fandom and the LGBTQIA+ community because it’s “the wrong ship”.

Listen, it’s ok to monoship. Let’s be real. We’re all praising the glory of multishipping, but you’re not wrong if you only want to ship Buddie, or BuckTommy. That’s fine. You may still get some agenda pushers, but if you say, idk, “great to see Buck realize his identity! I’ll be staying in Buddie’s/BuckTommy’s side of the fandom because that’s just what I like, but have fun everyone!” Like that’s lovely.

Buddie fans, it’s ok if you only ship Buddie. But we can be two ships waving at each other as we pass by instead of crashing into each other. Let’s not have a fandom version of the cruise ship, eh? Goes for BuckTommy too!

[chevelleneech]

All the Twitter drama between BuckTommy and Buddies shippers today is exactly as I said it was. Over confident fans vs scared fans, only now it’s been fueled by a video in which a likable actor is being paid by both the network and fans to say he supports his character and the relationship his character is in.

I can’t even fault Lou, because he’s a working actor (I don’t know his income despite who his father is), so I don’t think he’s automatically in the wrong for being paid to tell his fans/shippers what they want to hear. The problem is BuckTommy shippers taking what is a specifically paid viewpoint and using it as ship war fuel. Oliver is pro Buddie and people use that to their advantage, but Oliver has been vocal about being okay with Buck and Eddie dating for years and he doesn’t get paid by fans to say so. At the same time though, there also never been another ship with his character and a man for him to discuss outside of Buddie.

Which is why I’m not understanding the pedestal BuckTommy fans have put Lou on, nor why they’re ignoring the fact that Oliver hasn’t exactly said he’s in favor of BuckTommy lasting the remainder of the series. He’s been very open ended about it, which is fine, and I don’t think he’d be disappointed if that is what happens. But he also did just post about Buddie, and his interviews lately have continued to be about him saying he’s open to Buddie if it happens, as opposed to him saying something to focus on BuckTommy or how he hopes they will flesh out that relationship for a while.

Which again, I would imagine he does think. I genuinely believe Oliver cares about Buck’s journey as a bisexual man and wants to see that play out in the best way possible, but it does currently seem like he’s more inclined to Buddie than BuckTommy. Which is not a good or bad thing for either side. It’s an objective observation.

So I guess my reason for writing this post, is just… why are BuckTommy fans putting more weight on how a guest star whose entire storyline will likely only ever focus on his sexuality and relationship with a man, than a lead actor who wants his character to explore his sexuality and is very vocal about being open to that exploration being with someone other than Tommy?

Because as soon as Buck and Tommy kissed, people began pushing Eddie and everything he means to Buck to the side. And now, the more we get to know Lou and the more he interacts with fans, the more those same shippers are pushing Oliver and everything he says and has said about Buddie, to the side. So it’s as if it’s not enough for BuckTommy to simply be canon. Because they are and at the end of the day, that trumps any other ship Buck could have in the future. Right now he’s with Tommy, period, but that’s not enough, I guess?

Y’all seem to want BuckTommy and confirmation that Buddie will never happen, but why? Buddie is a ship idea that has existed since season two. It is a ship that not only the fans like, but that the actors and show runner enjoy. It is a ship that if the opportunity presents itself, all the people who can make it happen, plan to make happen. That doesn’t mean it has to become canon, but paying an actor portraying a character of half the ship you prefer to say positive things about the ship, is not a gotcha.

Lou is being paid on and off screen to support Tommy, so why wouldn’t he do that? It is also good promo for the characters and the show, and there is no reason for him to not ship BuckTommy, seeing as their relationship is currently doing well. And I know fandom is going to fandom, but there is literally no reason for BuckTommys to be combative. The ship is canon, that’s a fact. Yes, it’s also a fact that Tommy was shitty in his past and that there is no solid foundation for him and Buck as a couple, but that can change come s8.

There is nothing but sunny skies in the BuckTommy forecast, so why are y’all searching for storm clouds? Buddie shippers are being insecure and crappy, but BuckTommy shippers aren’t innocent. Y’all are literally paying Lou to give you gas for the fire, then acting as if Buddie shippers are being rude for no reason. Let’s dial it back and remember this is a tv show, and Buck may not end up with neither Eddie nor Tommy.

[maddiebuckettebuckley]

casual (is it casual now?)

eddie/tommy angst | 1.1k words | read on ao3

summary: literally just the bucktommy kiss if it had been eddie instead, because lou said it was almost eddie and the show said eddie catholic guilt real and I said oh bet?

Eddie slides Tommy a beer across the table and cracks one open for himself. Despite still feeling the burn of the whiskey from the karaoke bar in his stomach, he takes a swig. “Man, I have to remember to invite Buck next week. You wouldn’t know it from looking at him, but he’s a big trivia buff.”

Tommy hums good-naturedly. “Maybe that way we’d actually break our ten-point record.” He grabs the beer and taps his fingers against the side without taking a drink. “Hey, what’s the deal with you two, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Eddie cocks his head slightly, not entirely understanding the question. “Me and Buck?”

“You talk about each other all the time, and your kid is obsessed with him. His name must have come up a dozen times the other day.”

Eddie shrugs. What is there to say about Buck? He’s Buck. He’s worked his way into every aspect of Eddie’s life, and somehow, unexpectedly, became Eddie’s favorite person in the world, after Chris. Not that he would ever tell him. His head’s big enough as it is.

“We’re like family, I guess. The whole 118 is more than a house. We’re all family.”

“Hah. I noticed.” Tommy’s voice is colored with something like bitterness. Not harsh, though. More… sad. Wistful, maybe. “Wasn’t like that when I was there.”

“Really? How so?” Without meaning to, Eddie inches closer.

Tommy lets out a puff of air and shakes his head slightly. “The whole… culture was different. Very macho. Regressive. Not that different from serving, honestly.”

That Eddie can understand. His team was close, but it was a completely different world than the 118. The jokes were sharper, aimed to hurt as often as not. The conversations shallower. Sometimes it almost felt like they didn’t want to get too close in case someone didn’t make it out. Maybe they had the right idea; he had almost died trying to get them all home. Not that he learns from his mistakes, since he knows from experience he’d stop at nothing to fight for any of his new family. It scares him if he lets it. How much he cares about all of them.

“I get it,” Eddie says, taking another swig of his beer. “You’d fit right in there now, though. The way you threw in with us in that storm.” He whistles. “Pretty fuckin’ cool.”

A small smile appears on Tommy’s face that Eddie finds difficult to read. Could be the whiskey. “You think so?”

“I know so.”

“You wouldn’t get sick of me, seeing me every day?” Tommy asks. He sets down his beer, still untouched, next to Eddie on the table, and Eddie suddenly becomes aware that he’s well within touching distance. He’d barely even have to reach out his hand.

“’Course not. Anyone would be an improvement over Buck.” Why did he say that? He doesn’t think that. But it makes Tommy laugh again. Which makes Eddie smile, even as his stomach turns from the casual cruelty of the joke.

“You’re pretty cool yourself, you know.” The calm intensity of Tommy’s eye contact is setting off alarm bells in the back of Eddie’s mind. He tries to ignore them, because something about it feels nice, like the gaze itself is casting a warm glow over him.

“Oh, am I?” Eddie replies, raising an eyebrow.

“In my book, at least. Whatever that counts for.” Impossibly, Tommy has gotten even closer, so that there’s almost no space between them at all. The alarm bells get louder, more intense, and Eddie can feel his heartbeat throughout his body.

“Definitely counts for something.” Eddie’s words come out quiet. He kind of can’t breathe.

But he doesn’t back away. He doesn’t break eye contact. Even when Tommy closes the distance completely, when his hand is under Eddie’s chin pulling it ever so slightly upwards so that their mouths meet.

Eddie’s swept away in it. The warmth, the strength of his hand, the hint of vanilla vodka still on his lips. It all makes him dizzy, twists up his head so he forgets, well, everything. Just for a moment. And he leans into the kiss until their bodies are pressed flush against each other and his hand finds its way into Tommy’s hair and—

“Shit.” Eddie pulls away abruptly, breathless. The man — the man — in front of him stares back. Kindly, questioning. And they’re the only two people in the room, but Eddie has never been more sure he’s being watched. Panic starts to migrate from the tips of his fingers wrapped in Tommy’s T-shirt and hair, all the way up into Eddie’s chest and settles there. He takes one step back, then another. The look on Tommy’s face as he does is unbearable, so he turns away, balling his hands into fists that will leave purple crescents in his palms. “I’m not… I have a girlfriend.”

“Oh.”

“It’s actually getting pretty serious. We’re moving in together soon.” Eddie winces at the lie. He hasn’t even asked her yet.

“Eddie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.” A gentle hand on his shoulder tells him that Tommy’s stepped closer. Instinctively, Eddie shrugs it off. And instantly feels sick.

Don’t be a fucking coward. Look him in the face, at least.

He turns to face Tommy, who looks — hurt. Worse, he looks like he’s trying not to look hurt. Eddie swallows, trying to keep down the panic as it crawls up his throat.

“Nah man, it’s on me. I shouldn’t have… I should’ve told you sooner.” Eddie scrubs a hand over his eyes. His skin itches like it’s covered with grime. His fingers twitch like they’re searching for rosary beads. “I think you should probably go. It’s getting late.”

Tommy nods, then opens his mouth as if he’s about to say something. Closes it again.

Eddie walks him to the door, trying to come up with any words that would make this less awful, but when he tries to think there’s only a dark static filling his head with noise.

With one foot outside, Tommy hesitates, lingering in the doorframe.

“Listen, Eddie. I really am sorry for the misunderstanding. But I hope you know that you can call me if you ever need to talk. I’ve been where—” He cuts himself off. Holds eye contact with Eddie for a moment. Sighs. “I’m still here for you, if you need anything.”

Eddie nods lamely. A part of him needs to delete Tommy’s number. A part of him wants to pull him back inside. He’s not even sure what for. “Thanks, Tommy.”

The door clicks shut with Tommy behind it and Eddie slides down the wood paneling to the floor, dropping his head between his knees as a heavy sob escapes his mouth.

[alchemistc]

Help, I'm so confused. How can it be, that shippers and antis have such a wildly different perception of the 911 daddy issue szene? I don’t watch the show, just saw some gifs of it, but the discours my dash provides from both sides is astonishing. Wtf is happening? (And for context: even if I'm not in the fandom, I have read Buddie and BuckTommy fics and like both ships.)

Honestly I'm incredibly new to this fandom so I can't really do a deep dive, but from experience in fandom dating back to like, the late nineties, I can tell you there is always, always a section of fandom that wraps themselves in fanon and ties their entire identity into making their own preferences canon.

I have zero problems with the idea of b*ddie. I think it definitely has its merits, and through a certain lens it makes sense. It's not what drew me in and so far there hasn't been a particular fic or take that calls to me, but that's a me thing and there's nothing wrong with having preferences.

What it comes down to is a purposeful misunderstanding of the context given - Buck is into sex, Tommy is clearly into sex, they are into each other and they are exploring that with healthy communication ahead of time by having a flirt about it. That's it. That's all that scene was. It showed us that Buck and Tommy meet each other where they're at and enjoy each other's company and wanna fuck nasty.

But as it ALWAYS goes in the minds of shippers/antis who have wrapped their identities in 'this HAS to be canon or there is something intrinsically wrong with the world and I'm going to make it everyone's problem's (which is NOT ALL SHIPPERS, MIND YOU, THESE GUYS ARE JUST THE LOUD ONES) - they aren't making a genuine connection with either the source material or the character arc. I could tell you twenty different ways off the top of my head that that particular scene could make for EXCELLENT b*ddie content but that's absolutely not the way the antis are coming at it - it's a personal insult to them that they didn't get their way so instead of feeding that into beautiful fanon they've made some bonkers banana wild exclamations about moral superiority.

This is not new. This is exactly how the (small but loud) subsect of shippers/antis has always operated. It's failed media literacy and making it personal when the reality is that this is currently the story the writers want to tell. Antis operate in an echo chamber. It's a bad faith argument (I hesitate to use that word because it's more like proselytizing) based on personal preference.

If bucktommy ends up being a flash in the pan, I will still have enjoyed the dynamic it brought. If Bucks storyline continues on a different trajectory that I don't particularly care for, I can either fade from fandom or dig in with canon divergence and be happy with that.

To answer your actual question though, which is how the two ends of the spectrum have such wildly different readings on the Daddy scene: everyone is looking at this through their own lens of experience/understanding, so of course, of course people who ship Buck and Tommy are delighted, and of course (some) b*ddie shippers don't enjoy it.

There's an element of maturity levels to it that I don't really feel like digging too deep into, as well, but lets be real: the infantalizing of Buck is a big part of the 'ick' we're seeing, the kinning/stanning going too far.

It's the taking it personal bit that's causing all the discourse. It'll fade, it always does, until there's another thing to clutch pearls about. It's just noise. It sucks, but at the end of the day this is a fictional TV show about first responders that is for the most part very Unserious™️ and these are all fictional characters that people from different walks of life are seeing themselves in.

And at the end of the day, there are creative outlets that allow you to change whatever the hell you want about canon if you aren't jiving with it - fanon exists for a reason.

I'll just be over here in my corner enjoying two grown ass men being so down bad for each other they're a little stupid about it.

[mazzystar24]

hi again! i’m the anon who sent you the ask about getting harassed in my inbox— i just wanted to say thank you for giving such a long and well thought out reply… it’s people like you in this fandom that really remind me there are good people out there who still care about preserving a mostly positive atmosphere, and i wish more people did the same.

i’ve been able to step back and breathe and calm down from it, and you’re right i have to just ignore the haters bc at the end of the day they’re hiding behind an anon ask (….well i am too but that’s because i don’t want to get more hate but i digress).

i just miss the days when the fandom were super friendly and positive towards each other and we all seemingly wanted the same things but then one day it just snapped and suddenly it’s an all out war… it’s hard to see blogs that i used to love following turning into something else that just perpetuates negativity… and like yeah i have my own feelings on bucktommy but i intentionally don’t tag it as such so as to not yuck someone else’s yum… but it feels like we aren’t getting that same treatment sometimes.

anyway, all this to say thank you for listening to my venting… again i apologize for dumping all of that on you but i was having a slight panic attack over an ask i got last night and needed to tell someone and you were right there hahaha!

i really appreciated reading your thoughts and kind words and suggestions on how to better manage what kind of asks i receive… i’ve also seen other blogs talking about their own ways of dealing with hate and have gotten a few ideas from them too!

i hope you have a fabulous day 🩵🩵🩵

Hi again anon!!

Aww you’re so welcome and I’m genuinely happy to help

I’m so glad you seem to be feeling better and I totally understand the frustration and the sadness of not getting to just enjoy your little serotonin boost via a comfort show or fandom, just because people are actively trying to be rude

I’m happy to listen and I’m glad you felt comfortable to send an ask like that to let out some of that stress and calm down a little bit

Hope the suggestions help!!

Thank you and I hope you have a fabulous day too🫡🫶🫶