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#maddie buckley fanfiction
salemsvlog · 14 days
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Maddie, joking about Buck liking guys for almost 5 seasons: for the kicks an giggles
Maddie, after Buck comes out to her:
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mvltisstuff · 10 months
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hi hi
idk if you’re accepting requests but if you are pls could i request an evan buckley where he has a gf/wife and a baby but the 118 doesn’t know, and maybe one day reader/kid is injured and they either turn up at the fire house or the 118 is called to the scene and buck has to come clean about his secret wife/gf and kid?
thank you bestie, i love your writing <3
lover - e.b
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summary: request
evan buckley x reader
gif from @eddiemunsens
a/n: what tswift album do u guys think the 118 are 🤭 also what happens to yn is inspired by an episode of s19 that i love sm it’s so funny :))
buck knew the second y/n got pregnant that he wasn’t leaving. two years of dating is a short time to have a child, but they loved each other more than anyone. they knew they could give a child a good life, so they went with it.
all three of them moved to la, so buck could work with the LAFD and y/n could get to a higher position at work. their life there was immaculate. their little family was thriving, so buck put a ring on her finger. he didn’t even hesitate to buy the biggest one he saw, because he loved y/n the second he met her, and he emotionally couldn’t wait anymore. the words husband and wife rang in his ears, making him drop a dumbfounded grin.
no one at work knew, he didn’t really know what they thought of him. his team knew he was too fine to not have anyone, so they figured he was just with some girls here and there. the last thing they expected was a child and a fiancé along with it. it never came up in conversation, but buck still didn’t bother. he didn’t want to face any judgement from people that he didn’t already get from his family. the constant scrutiny about his age and his girl was exhausting.
now, neither of them would’ve changed it for the world. buck can’t imagine himself happier or in a life without them. it hurts him to even consider what would happen if y/n and his little boy weren’t there. he always gazed at them playing, sometimes just wanting to observe their brilliance.
buck knew he would have to explain to his team that he’s married, and that doesn’t mean he’s ashamed. he wants the world to know, but he doesn’t want y/n to be hurt by opinions from other people. he didn’t realize how soon he would have to until the alarm rang and until dispatch came through with the address. it was their house. the house where buck and y/n raised their son and the one where either could be hurt. every single scenario waved over buck, making him panic more by the second.
“you good, kid?” bobby asks, taking note of his bouncing knee.
“uh.. yeah! yeah, i’m fine,” he lies. buck hasn’t been with them for more than a year, so they just pass it along, not knowing any better. buck climbs out of the truck, grabbing a few tools before sprinting toward the house. now, the teams more alarmed. what is it about this house is making him act like a maniac?
“y/n?” buck calls out, running around trying to find her.
“kitchen!” she yells out, sounded distressed which only makes buck move even quicker. when he walks in, he immediately notices her leaning over the sink, her hand in the disposal. bobby and the rest of his crew walk in behind him, the four of them standing in the kitchen staring at her. “well?”
“oh-“ bobby moves, starting to gather some more tools out of his bag.
“what the hell happened?”
“i dropped my ring down, and i was trying to make him lunch,” she nods to the baby, sitting on the floor happily, clearly having no idea what’s happening. “i don’t even know why i tried to grab it, like some idiot!”
“hey,” buck says, walking over to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. “you’ll be fine, y/s/n is fine, yeah?” she looks up at him and nods, brushing her hair with her free hand.
“should we know the kids name too?” chim asks, giving buck a completely bamboozled expression. y/n passes buck the same face as hen walks over to check her hand. buck can’t get around it this time, and he wants them to know for once.
“um, guys,” he starts. “this is my fiancé, y/n and my son.”
“your what?” hen shouts, peeking her head out from behind y/n’s shoulder. she gives hen an awkward smile and buck stands there stiffly, worried about their reaction. everyone looks around at each other in shock that buck has his own family, and they didn’t even know.
“why didn’t you tell us?” bobby wonders.
“because i didn’t know how you’d react! i’ve heard it all from my parents, i didn’t need any more.”
“buck, we would’ve welcomed you no matter what your home life is. we’d love to get to know you and your family despite how it might’ve happened,” hen tells him, kindly. buck is confronted with immediate love, something he’s not to familiar with other than when his shifts end and he’s in y/n’s arms again. he’s surprised to say the least. he expected at lease some judgement, but there was nothing of the sort in the room.
“i’m thrilled you’re all having a nice moment here,” y/n interrupts. “but can we maybe get my hand out of my sink?”
buck and bobby pull the cabinets open and start drilling at the pipes underneath. buck secures the ring in his fingers before beaming up at y/n, showing her that he found it. “i got it!” he replies excitedly. “thank god, i don’t know if i have insurance for this thing. cost me my left leg,” he whispers to bobby. once they fully disconnect the system, hen slowly drags her bloody hand out and wraps it up. she hisses at the contact of the gauze and antiseptics. chimney starts to clean up the rest of the supplies, as hen treats the wound.
“so,” chimney begins. “when’s the wedding?”
“time and place, chim,” hen tells him. “time and place. but, yeah, are we invited?”
“yes,” buck says, obviously. “you’re invited.” he moves over to scoop his baby off the ground, carrying him over to his friends. they all speak to him in their little baby voices, and y/n watches with a shining smile on her face. buck knows he did the right thing, but he wishes he didn’t wait as long. now, he is certain that he has two solid families.
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diazevan · 20 days
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it's a leap of faith
Buck needs to talk to somebody after kissing Tommy. So, naturally, he ends up on his sister's doorstep in the early hours of the morning. Read on AO3
“Hey, I’m sorry..." Buck feels like he’s completed a marathon, or maybe even two. All he's done is sit in his apartment, mulling over the events of the evening, before realizing he needed to speak to somebody. 
So, he got into his car and drove to the person he can always count on.
Maddie stares at him, slowly blinking. “Buck, it’s the middle of the night.”
“Sorry.” His heart thumps in his ears, and if he doesn’t sit down soon, he may crumple into a heap. “I just—I just, um–”
“Hey.” Worry fills Maddie’s face. She reaches out, pressing a hand to his arm. “It’s okay. Come inside.”
Buck takes careful steps toward the dinner table, because if Jee-Yun hears a floorboard creak, she’ll be up. 
He thanks the stars that Chimney is working. While he hopes to tell everybody about his revelation, he intends on taking it slow. 
Maddie takes a glass from her cupboard and fills it with water, which she places in front of him. He takes a sip, ignoring how much his hands tremble as he does.
He can sense Maddie’s concerned gaze, looking for answers and worrying about worst case scenarios, as both of them tend to do.
“Buck, look at me.” She takes his hand, and mimics a deep breath, for him to follow. “Breathe.”
“I’m okay,” he pants, taking time to calm himself. “I promise, I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine.” Maddie’s eyes are frantically searching for an answer, and he can see the panic growing in them.
“I spoke to Eddie,” he calms his tone, hoping to show her that he is okay.
“Yeah?”
“He forgives me. And I owe him a few favors,” Buck says, with  a smile.
“Rightfully so.”
“I, ur…” Buck laughs, bowing his head. Then, he stops, taking a second to compose himself. 
This is the moment. The leap of faith he knows that queer people take every single day, and this one is his.
He isn’t sure what he wants or needs to say. There’s no manual for this, and researching ‘how to come out’ only guides him so far. “Do you ever feel like you’re not complete?” he finally asks.
Maddie frowns. “Not complete?”
“Like there’s parts of who you are, that you haven’t discovered yet, and when you do, everything kinda, comes into focus,” he stammers.
“Sure.” Maddie nods. “I think that’s life, right? We’re always changing.”
“I guess.” 
“Evan?” She speaks gently, as if she’s calling out to him, despite being sat side-by-side. “Whatever it is, you can tell me.”
“I just, kinda don’t know how to explain it.” Buck sits up in his chair, clutching his hands together. 
“I’ll understand.”
There’s no right or wrong way to do this, but Buck feels like he’s about to take center stage and perform a song he doesn’t know.
“Tommy kissed me,” Buck blurts.
Surprise crosses Maddie’s face, and her jaw slacks slightly. “Tommy kissed you?” Her expression morphs with realization, and she smiles. “And how did that make you feel?”
“I, um, I kissed him back,” Buck splutters, his hands flailing about in front of him. “I wanted to, and I…” He suddenly becomes aware that his cheeks are wet with tears.
He’s not entirely sure why he’s crying. He’s certainly not upset. If anything, he’s joyous.
“It felt like, um that—” he cries.
“Everything came into focus?” Maddie finishes.
“Yeah, yeah.” He runs his hands over his cheeks. “It really did.”
Maddie jumps to her feet and pulls him into her arms. Since he’s sitting down, she has a height advantage, and as he wraps his hands around her back, he feels like a little kid again.
The same one who always ran to his big sister.
“Thank you for telling me,” she whispers in his ear as she clings to him. She steps back to press a kiss against his birthmark. “I’m proud—oh, and I.” Tears are filling her eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Buck spots the clock on the wall behind Maddie, and inwardly cringes. “I’m sorry I woke you.”
“It’s fine.” She waves a dismissive hand as she sits down. “You can always wake me up when you need me.”
"Thank you." He relaxes, and then says, “I thought I’d be–”
“You’d be what?”
“Confused, but I’m not, it all makes sense.” He leans his head in his hand. “There are all these moments I’ve looked back at, and I know now, what they meant.” He lifts his shoulder in a half-shrug. “I just, I never knew that this was a discovery I could made–”
“What, at your old age?” She teases. “Not everybody knows exactly who they’re going to be by 18.” Her smile somehow grows wider. “I’m so happy for you. You look–” she cuts herself off, tilting her head like she’s had an epiphany of her own.
“What?”
“You don’t look like you’re holding the weight of the world on your back anymore.”
Buck lets out another breath, and like every one since Tommy kissed him, it is filled with relief.
Because he’s finally free.
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slowly getting sober from the taste of your skin
buck x eddie || rated: t || wc: 11.2k
Eddie didn’t do this.
He didn’t go to bars and get drunk and spill his heart to the bartender. He didn’t stare at his phone like a loser and swipe through pictures of him and godforsaken crush.
Except tonight, he did.
Or, the one where Eddie gets drunk and pines. Includes Maddie & Eddie friendship, lots of miscommunication, and a happy fluffy ending.
read on ao3
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lives-in-midgard · 23 days
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Dating Evan Buckley would include:
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Pairing: Evan Buckley x reader
A/N: Hey everyone! This is my first time writing for Evan Buckley from 911. I hope you like this!
If you want to be on the taglist comment here.
Divider made by @firefly-graphics
Main Masterlist
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If you work at the 118, Buck and you would have the same work shift.
If you slept in his apartment, you’ll drive together and if you’re staying in your apartment, he’ll pick you up.
When you’re at the station, Buck smiles at you, hugs you all the time and Buck can always make you laugh with some silly jokes.
You would always sit next to each other in the fire truck.
Buck would be very protective over you and make sure you’re okay.
If you are not working at the 118, Evan tries to spend as much time with you as possible.
You’re really worried about him because you know how reckless he can be at work, but Buck promised you he would take care of himself and always come home safe.
Lots of cuddling.
Evan loves to hug you and put his arm around you. It brings him comfort when you’re close to him.
He takes you on a lot of dates.
To a restaurant, to the beach, to a bar or just a relaxing day at home.
Buck loves telling you stories from work, and you enjoy listening to him.
After a while he opens up to you more and tells you about his past.
You’re there for Buck and tell him that you would never leave him.
Buck would call you pet names like babe or honey.
Cooking with Buck and he will teach you some new recipes he knows from Bobby.
Joining Buck and Christopher when they spend time together, like going to the zoo.
Being good friends with everyone in the 118.
You love spending time with Maddie.
It makes Buck so happy to see how much you enjoy spending time with his sister and his friends.
Buck is so lucky to have found you.
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sam-buck · 22 days
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if buddie happens please do not complain about how the way they get together isn't exactly what you wanted. unless there is something seriously wrong or problematic, just leave it be, at least they get together.
if buddie doesn't happen don't go and harass the actors and crew members of the show. 9-1-1 just got renewed for s8 so i wouldn't be surprised if they drug it out another season. and, as much as i want it canon, we have fanfiction.
if you don't ship buddie don't go and harass fans of the ship or actors and crew members.
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midnightstar-90 · 1 year
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Nightmares
Eddie Diaz x GN! Reader
Taglist | Request | Wattpad
Main Masterlist | 9-1-1 Masterlist
Summary: Nightmares have never been a good thing, especially for Eddie.
Warnings: Mentions of Death
A/N: I wrote this before the most recent episode (Shh! No spoilers), so… But if I knew I would have wrote it in. Maybe in a rewrite.
Words: 1.2k words
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It was about 11 o’clock at night when I was awakened by my phone. I didn’t know who could be calling me at this hour, especially when everyone knows I have a deposition for a very big case tomorrow. I leaned over, grabbing my phone off the nightstand.
This must be important. I didn’t even think to look at who called before answering. “Hello,” I spoke into the phone, my voice still groggy from just waking up.
“Y/N? It’s dad,” I heard Christopher say through the phone. I quickly sat up after hearing his words.
“What’s wrong with your dad, Chris?” I asked in a slight panic.
“There are crashing sounds coming from his room, and-“ Christopher was cut off by a loud scream coming from somewhere in the background. “-and he keeps yelling like that. He locked his door, and I can’t get in.”
I moved out of my bed and quickly changed into some clothes. I was putting on my pants, with my phone sitting between my shoulder and ear, as I started to speak again. “Okay, Chris. I want you to go to your room and stay there. I’ll be there soon,” I said calmly.
“Okay,” I heard Chris say back, through the phone. And with that, the phone went silent, for a second before I heard a door close. I now knew Christopher was in his room, safe from whatever his father had going on. “Please hurry, Y/N.”
I grabbed my keys and left the house. “I know. I am,” I spoke, getting in my car. “I’m on my way.”I heard a slight “okay” before Chris hung up the phone.
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10 minutes was all it took for me to make it to the Diaz house. I quickly turned off the car and ran to the front door. Using my key, I opened their door and made my way in.
As I walked through the house, I walked past Christopher’s room, finding Christopher with his head sticking out. “Go back in your room, Chris. Let me calm your dad down, and I’ll be back to put you back to bed.” I placed a kiss on his forehead and made my way to Eddie’s door.
Before I could knock, a scream was heard from the inside, along with a loud crash. I placed my fist against the door and knocked. “Eddie?” I asked in a motherly voice. It was silent.
I tried the door, but it was locked, so I knocked again. “Eddie, open the door.” Once again it was silent. That was, until the sound of a lock unlocking was heard. I took a second before going to open the door again.
When the door opened, allowing me in, I walked into the room, and the sound of someone sobbing was heard. I maneuvered my way through the room before finding Eddie sitting against his dresser with his chest to his knees and his face rested in his arms. I walked over to Eddie, sitting down next to him.
“I’m sorry,” Eddie said through his tears.
I slowly rubbed his back to comfort him. “What happened?” I asked.
Eddie was quiet for a second before he began speaking. “You all we’re dead,” he said softly, choking on his sobs.
“Who?”
“My friends, family… you,” he mumbled. He looked up at me with tears running down his face. I suddenly felt myself begin to tear up as I listened to Eddie speak. “The most important people in my life, gone. And this isn’t the first time.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, looking at Eddie, curious by what he meant.
“I mean that before I would have dreams of losing someone, but now my dream was of everyone. We were all having dinner together when the building collapsed… I was the only one to make it out.” He paused.
I patted his back again, allowing him to let it all out. I looked at Eddie with a sad smile as he stared down at the floor. “Everyone else was gone, and there was nothing I could do,” he said a little louder.
I waited a second before saying, “Well, that was all a dream. I’m here. Chris’ in the other room. And all of your friends will be there when you get back to work. You’re not losing us.”
“Well, what if I do? What if I lose you like I lost my friends in combat?”
Now I knew what this was about. He wasn’t just having dreams about us, but about them too. The people who he fought with. The ones who had his back when he was in war. I didn’t know much about Eddie’s war life, but I knew that he found family within those people like he did me and the 118. So, I could understand why this is so hard for him.
“You won’t loose us. We will always be with you, whether it’s physically or here,” I said, pointing to Eddie’s chest, where his heart was. He sniffled, and his sobs began to slow.
“Come on. Let’s get off the floor and into the bed,” I said, helping Eddie up. We slowly moved towards the bed.
As Eddie laid down on his pillow, I began to notice something shimmering, in my peripheral vision, under the glow of his lamp. I turn and see a photo frame on the floor with broken glass surrounding it. I walked over to the broken frame, bent down, and picked it up. It was a photo of Eddie, Chris, and I at the park. The photo had a white scratch through the middle, maybe from when it fell, and the glass broke. But that didn’t stop the smile that went across my face.
“Y/N?” I heard from behind me. I turned back to Eddie. He was looking up at me with pleading brown eyes. It was almost like looking at a sad puppy. “Don’t leave,” he said. I once again gave him a sad smile before setting the photo down on the dresser and getting in the bed with him.
We laid in his bed together. I held him with his back to my chest. My arm laid across Eddie’s side and our legs were intertwined with each other’s.
A knock at the door made Eddie and I turn to find Chris standing in the door frame. “Dad, are you okay?” He asked, earning a smile from Eddie. He groans, shifting under my hold. “Yeah, Buddy. I’m okay, now.” I smile as I watch the small interaction between the two. “Can I sleep with you guys, tonight?” Chris asked. With a chuckle Eddie and I responded with an “Of course, bub.” and “Yeah. Sure you can.”
Christopher was ecstatic. He tried his best to speed walk over to the bed, and when he finally made it towards us, he got in, curling up under Eddie. I turned around so that I could lean over to turn off the light and got comfortable once more, holding Eddie in my arms. The thought of us all together made me smile. And hopefully, this makes Eddie realize that we do love him, and that we would never leave his side.
“I love you, dad,” Christopher said, sleepily.
“I love you too, bud.”
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Taglist: @mrspeacem1nusone @girlnred @okiegirl24 @babypink224221 @iamasimpingh0e @Virginia @alexxavicry @kaitieskidmore1 @vanessaw05 @bellarkeselection @avada-kedavra-bitch-187 @icemansgirl1999 @esposadomd @buckysmainhxe @sunwardsss @ineed-myspace-blog
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Strawberries and Cream
I will be so real I made this title up while watching strawberry shortcake *Hyena laughing gif*
Pairing: Eddie Diaz x reader
Word count: 4.6k YEAH THATS RIGHT I ACTUALLY CHECKED THIS TIME
🔪remember to reblog🔪
Notes: You know the strawberry shortcake from the early 2000s? That’s MY GIRL. P.s I’m in the middle of writing this rn 1:47am 4/19/24 and imma be so real this fic is full on Christopher erasure I’m SORRY
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Chapter 1: First Appearances
Eddie had never been a “bumbling idiot” when it came to women, or okay at least he hadn’t been in a long time. 
“Hi there! Can you help me?” 
And there goes that record.
It’s like you walked in on a cloud of sugared lavender and cotton candy and strawberries and anything else sweet he could think of. He whirled around, nearly knocking into you
“Oh shit- god no shit- no I shouldn’t say shit-“ He grabs your arms to steady you, and it’s like he’s holding an angel. You’re… soft? Yeah soft is the word he’s looking for. He’s taking way too long to talk like a normal person and he knows it. But god if that short pink dress isn’t doing things to him…. 
“What um- What can I help you with?” Eddie leans against the fire truck, crossing his arms over his chest, coming back down to earth. What a smooth recovery. 
“Well- I’m looking for Evan Buckley. He goes by Buck?” She looks up at him, her hands clasped behind her back sweetly.
Oh. 
Oh, she wanted Buck. 
Eddie deflates just the tiniest bit, okay a lot but he can’t let her know that “Oh yeah sure, I think he’s upstairs, come on” 
He leads the way, his hand flowing over the cool railing, trying to ground himself a little. Was it wrong he was hoping Buck fumbled this one? He wanted his best friend to find happiness- to know what that felt like…but like he could just wish that a teeny bit right?
“Hey, Buck? Someone’s here to see you” He says as he stands at the top of the stairs. You pop out from behind him, throwing your hands in the air. 
“Surprise!!!” You yell, doing a little spin 
“It’s me!!!”
Buck's mouth drops wide open, his fork falling from his hand as he gets up from the table so excitedly he knocks his chair back.
“Y/N?!? What are you doing here?!” He runs over, picking you up and spinning you around, you squeal, holding onto him tightly.
“Buck!! Put me down!! You’re gonna drop me!” You’re laughing, your head tilted back as he squeezes you to his chest
“Not, I’m never putting you down again” He buries his face in your neck, hugging you as tight as he can before he sets you on the floor. He holds your arms, shaking you like a ragdoll.
“It’s been years Y/N, does Maddie know you’re here???” 
You push away from him a bit, steadying yourself and putting your hand on your forehead.
“Can you rein it in for like five seconds” you giggle, looking up at him “I thought it was finally time to come see you! And no Maddie doesn’t know I’m here yet, I wanted to surprise you two! 
“Well, do you have a place to stay? Because you’re staying with me you can have the bed I’ll take the couch! We can have Maddie over too! Oh god I’m so glad-“
Bobby finally clears his throat, looking up from the salad in front of him. 
“Uh…Buck? You wanna maybe introduce your friend before you kill her with whiplash”
“Or from crushing her sternum,” Hen says, pouring a cup of coffee
“Oh shit, yeah! This is Y/N, my cousin!” He puts his hands on her shoulders pridefully, pushing her towards them. 
Eddie perks up at that, turning around and leaning against the counter… cousin? He stirs his coffee slowly
Bobby gets up and shakes her hand, patting her on the shoulder 
“It’s nice to meet you! Family of Bucks is a member of ours. Welcome to the 118”
They fawn over her, really that’s the only word Eddie can come up with. Chim compliments her “adorable” dress, Hen tells her she’s working those shoes, showing off that black girl magic. She’s a bit overwhelmed by the attention, giggling through her nerves as she talks to them. A wide smile on her face. 
Buck takes her hand eventually, yanking her over to Eddie 
“This is my best friend,” He says proudly, patting Eddie on the back. “Eddie Diaz!” 
Eddie melts when she looks up at him with those sweet eyes, he smirks, looking away for a second and biting his lip. It's subtle but Buck catches it, narrowing his eyes. 
“Yeah, we’ve met,” he says, looking back at you and shaking your hand “It’s nice to properly meet you Y/N” 
“It’s nice to meet you too, Eddie,” You say, a smile on your face, you bite your lip and Buck sees that too. He looks down at you, and then back up at Eddie.. and then right back down to you. His head goes up and down like a paddle ball and he whips out his phone, distractedly pushing you at Eddie.
“Ed do me a favor and keep her entertained for a minute. I need to call Maddie real quick I uh- I remembered something” 
“Don’t you dare tell her I’m here! I want to surprise her” you warn him and Buck struggles, his hands gesturing wildly. 
“Oh. Uhhh I’m sorry. I already texted her!” Chim interjects, shrugging awkwardly and you frown a little but shrug back “Oh okay! That’s fine” 
Buck shoots Chimney a thumbs up for covering for him and immediately calls Maddie, running down the stairs for privacy.
“So um…where are you from?” Eddie asks, crossing his arms over his chest. Admittedly he does it to make his chest look better, and God does it. Hen snickers but ignores him doing that and Chim makes faces behind your back at Eddie.
“Oh, I’ve been in Minnesota for a while! It’s nice there, pretty quiet. I’m maybe looking for a place around here now though… but don’t tell Buck or Maddie I don’t wanna get their hopes up.
“Buck would probably just make you move in with him,” Bobby comments over his salad.
“Hey! We have plenty of space” Chim adds “if you’re looking for something temporary. I'm sure Maddie wouldn’t even mind permanent if we were able to discuss it”
“Eddie has a spare room. If you were here temporarily at least, that would probably be your best bet at this point” Hen chimes in, looking at him. His cheeks heat up and he chokes a little on his coffee 
“I- I mean. I-“ he doesn’t even know what to say to that because god yes would he want that. Is that premature? That’s premature. Like so premature wanting to live with you……Anyway, a dog maybe? he knows exactly what old clothes he’d get rid of too to make space in his closet for you. Definitely a dog, gonna name him- 
“Okay, okay slow down you guys” You laugh lightly, interrupting his internal life planning. 
“I’m not moving in with anyone yet. It’s just a thought… and there’s no way in hell I’d feel comfortable imposing on Eddie like that. Family is one thing. A literal stranger? Yeah, I don’t know.” 
“It’s not an imposition!” Eddie is way too quick with that answer. He clears his throat 
“I- it wouldn’t be. That is if you need a place to crash. Besides I’m at work all day you know! It’s not like my place gets too much use…” 
“See! Problem solved!” Hen says happily and you roll your eyes at her, scrunching your nose and making a little face at her
“Oh ha-ha, very funny. I’m not moving in with Eddie” 
“You’re moving in with Eddie?!” Buck’s mouth is dropped wide open as he stands at the top of the stairs. 
“What?! No!” You tell him, your hands up in defense “I’m not moving in with anyone.”
“Good,” Buck says as he picks up his chair from earlier. “Because if you’re moving in with anyone it’s gonna be me.” 
“Told you” Bobby rolls his eyes. 
After he finishes his pad, Thai, Buck eagerly shows you around the firehouse, dragging you and Eddie around like a kid in a candy shop. He just has so much he wants to show you, and he wants Eddie there “for backup” in case he misses anything. He proudly shows off his locker and you giggle, he’s incredibly cute sometimes. He shows off Eddie’s locker too, to which Eddie rolls his eyes and shuts the door, giving him a shove. 
“Trust me when I say I saved the best for last.”He climbs up into the truck, reaching out for you. “Eddie help her?” He requests, taking your hands in his. Eddie shrugs, putting his hands firmly on your hips as you step up into the truck, he gives you a little lift and push and you’re in. Buck winks at you and you roll your eyes as Eddie climbs in behind the two of you. 
“Isn’t this cool?!” He practically yells “Cool” and you’re looking around like a little owl, your eyes wide, head swiveling. It’s a lot to take in but it’s cool, he’s right.
“Uh, yeah!!!” You agree, touching everything in sight. Eddie sits on one of the seats and watches you walk around a bit, looking at everything and running your fingers over it. Buck makes you sit down in one of the seats and buckles you in. 
“You look awesome!” He chuckles as he takes pictures of you for Maddie. He unbuckles his belt and gets up, looking around outside the door. Eddie gets on one knee, helping to unbuckle you. He looks up at you as you pull your arms out from the straps 
“Thanks” Your voice is a little breathless, god his smile is gorgeous and he smells so damn good. 
“Yeah no problem” He grins, standing up out of your way. 
“Hey Y/N, you wanna pretend to drive?” Buck asks excitedly, rubbing his hands together as he turns back around.
“Oh my god, can I??? Please!!” You squeak and Eddie chuckles, shaking his head at the two of you…he can see your similarities. Buck makes Eddie get out first and smirks as Eddie grabs your hips again, it’s a little harder getting out and you stumble into his arms, squeaking. 
“Hey, Don’t worry I got you” He chuckles, holding you against his chest, you look up at him as he smiles down at you. 
“T-thanks uhh again, I guess' ' you mumble, your cheeks feeling like they’re practically on fire. Buck sits on the floor of the truck, swinging his feet as he just gleefully watches the interaction. Eddie sets you down properly, taking a second before he lets you go. 
“Guess he’s gonna make you help me into the front seat too huh?” You ask a bit shyly 
“I’m lazy as hell so yes” Buck pipes up from behind you and Eddie rolls his eyes. 
“It’s fine. I don’t mind it anyway, just gives me an excuse to get closer to you” He practically purrs and even though he’s joking (he’s not) you melt on the spot, your mouth falling open quickly and snapping shut just as fast. He cracks up as he helps you up into the driver's seat. His hands feel so hot on your hips, they sear into your sides and you wish he’d keep them there. Eddie shuts the door and goes around to the other side, climbing inside. 
“Alright children, go crazy” he teases you and Buck as he watches, he has to swat your hand away from so many buttons that Buck is trying to make you push. Eventually, you’re both just doing it to drive him crazy. 
“Honk the horn, honk the horn!!” Buck chants from the backseat and you look over at Eddie, he shakes his head snickering as he nods
“Alright alright, God. Go ahead, Bobby will know Buck made ya do it” 
You put both hands on the large horn and push down, the loud honking noise echoes through the entire station and Buck bursts out laughing. You fall back in the seat, kicking your legs laughing excitedly and it takes everything in Eddie not to just lean over and kiss you. You look so happy and gleeful as you all hear Bobby already yelling at Buck
“Scatter!!!” Buck yells and jumps from the truck, running away. 
“No! No, that's not fair!” You yell after him, as Eddie jumps from the front seat too. You scramble over to the other chair and Eddie is already waiting with his arms out to you. It stalls you for a second, your heart beating out of your chest as you climb down into his arms. 
“Safe and sound,” he says as he shuts the door and pulls you with him over to a little corner to hide. You can see everything from there, you’re pressed against Eddie as you both watch Bobby coming down the stairs. Buck is hiding in front of the engine, he runs around the opposite side and you’re giggling. Eddie is snorting as he covers your mouth
“Shhhh you’re gonna get us caught” he whispers and god does Eddie not want to be caught. He didn’t mean for this to happen, for your body to be pressed into his, one hand on your back pressing you into him and the other over your mouth. It’s intimate, and soon your giggles die out and you look up at him, his hand still over your mouth. You both stare into each other’s eyes…is it getting hot in here??? Did someone open the bay doors?? 
He slowly removes his hand and you blink at him 
“Sorry” he apologizes softly, he’s just glad there’s no way you can feel the way his heart is beating out of his chest.
“It’s cool,” you say back just as quietly, feeling the same way. You bite your lip, your hands feeling the hard muscles under his tight shirt. Kinda makes you wonder if all his clothes fit him this nicely. 
You’re about to say something when alarms start blaring. You jump, holding onto the front of his shirt and he pulls you in for a second 
“Shit- Shit I gotta go,” he says, reluctantly letting you go. “Hopefully I’ll see you again sometime soon” He tilts your chin up, like he wants to kiss you but decides against it… he did just meet you. Instead, he kisses your forehead before running off to get his stuff on. 
The truck is gone for about 10 minutes before you get a text from Buck, telling you Maddie is coming to pick you up and take you back to his place and that he’ll see you for dinner. He sends a little heart emoji at the end of the message and you smirk. Buck was ridiculous, sincere, but ridiculous. 
The truck rolls back into the station a couple of hours later, It’s time to clean up and head out, their shifts are almost over finally. They work together, putting things back in their places and giving the truck a little wipe-down in a few places. Finally, Bobby dismisses them as the next shift starts coming in.
Eddie walks into the changing room, exhausted and ready to crash at home. He grabs his clothes and tosses them down, grabbing his shirt and yanking it tiredly over his head. 
“So are you ... into her?” Buck asks as he walks in, getting his stuff together and standing next to Eddie to change and chat. He pulls his blue shirt over his head and looks at Eddie as he reaches for his pants
“Into who?” Eddie raises an eyebrow, pulling up his pants. He knows exactly who he’s talking about but he’s not confirming that. 
“ “Into who” Yeah okay” Buck scoffs “Are you into Y/N?” 
“Buck I just met her this afternoon. How could I be into her.” He lies through his teeth…and Buck sees right through him. 
“Okay sure, anyway. Since you wanna play coy I’m not inviting you to dinner anymore”
“Wait, you were inviting me to dinner?” He stops buttoning his pants and looks over at Buck who’s pulling on his jeans
“Yeah I was… but since someone isn’t into someone… I’m not bothering” he buttons his pants and claps him on the back “See ya tomorrow bestie!” He goes to leave, a smirk on his face and Eddie stops him, grabbing his arm. 
“I’m not….I’m not saying I’m into her. But- like-“ he sighs
“I’m hungry” 
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Buck walks into the studio, kicking off his shoes and hanging up his coat. Maddie is sitting at the table, eating a bowl of grapes and you’re standing at the stove, stirring the pot. 
“I’m telling you Mads, he is literally so cu-“ 
Maddie cuts you off, clearing her throat “Hey Buck! Hey… Eddie?” 
Buck pushes Eddie ahead of him and over to the counter, he walks past him to the fridge and grabs a couple of drinks 
“Look who’s staying for dinner,” He says in a singsong voice, tossing Eddie a bottle of water, Eddie rolls his eyes and leans against the small counter next to the stove, he gives you a wink as he opens the bottle 
“Hope you don’t mind? He just invited me at the last minute” He shrugs, sipping the water. He looks over at Maddie, who is staring at Buck intensely. They’re definitely having a sibling conversation. 
“No, not at all! I made more than enough!! I’m glad you could join us.” You give him a little hip bump, feeling your cheeks flush and he bumps you back. He looks up to see Maddie and Buck staring at the two of you, Buck eagerly wiggles, trying to hide his excitement, you turn around and he instantly stops, making Eddie laugh. 
Dinner is good- like really good, Eddie hasn’t eaten Mexican food like that in a while, sure he could go to Catrina’s but it’s just different when it’s from home. Buck had nearly shoved Eddie into the chair next to you, as he plopped down next to Maddie
“Oh don’t mind me! Just wanna sit by my wonderful, loving, perfect, sister” he explained and Maddie facepalmed, Buck couldn’t be more obvious…but at the same time, you couldn’t be more oblivious…Buck was acting weird but he’s Buck he’s always weird.
“So I guess it’s safe to say you’ve got a little Latin flair in you hm?” Eddie asks as he takes a bite from his carnitas, even the tortillas are freshly made. You’d brought them with you from home for Maddie and Buck.
“Yup,” you smile proudly as he moans and rolls his eyes back “I’m half Mexican. And uh, I take it the food is good?” 
“I’m so sorry for the absolute slut I’m about to become while eating this, yes it’s delicious” he nods his head while he’s eating and you break down laughing. Buck and Maddie are looking at each other with that certain sparkle in their eyes again while you’re shoving Eddie and he’s stealing a bite of your rice. 
It’s kind of natural the way you hang all over Eddie over dinner and the way he holds onto you, maybe it’s the Hispanic in you both, very touchy. Or maybe it’s just that he’s fun to be around. Eddie learns a good deal about you, most of it incredibly embarrassing as Buck can’t help himself but tell all of your embarrassing moments as kids together. Eddie gets him back for you, telling the story about how he quite literally peed himself on a date once and you and Maddie are both scream laughing as Buck starts throwing leftover lettuce at Eddie screaming at him to shut up.
“I’m sorry you got into a lettuce war” You giggle as you walk out to Eddie’s car together, nudging each other occasionally. He’s got his hands in his pockets 
“Yeah that’s Buck for you”
Buck had made you walk Eddie out to his car, claimed he absolutely had no choice but to start the dishes or he’d forget, and said Maddie had to use the bathroom and it wasn’t safe for pregnant women to hold it for so long. You’re pretty sure he made that last part up but you just shrug it off, slipping on your slides and following Eddie outside. 
You stop in front of his car and you lean against it a little, dragging your finger down the hood. He clears his throat and you look up at him, he’s blushing as he runs his fingers through his hair nervously. 
“Do you…wanna like to hang out? While you’re in town?” 
“Yeah sure why not! You’re Buck’s best friend I’m sure he’d love to “
“No no- just. Like just us. Just me and you?” He interrupts you, as he gets in his car.
“Oh,” You feel your cheeks flush. “Like…- like a date?” 
“No! No not. Okay- okay that sounds bad I said it way too fast-“ He’s stumbling over his words “Jus- just like being cool hanging out I wouldn’t…I wouldn’t ask you on a date…yet. Like we just met you know so I mean I don’t want to take things too fast for you!!” 
His head falls heavily back against the headrest groaning at his awkwardness, and you’re smirking, your arms crossed over your chest. He looks over at you, his voice low as he takes a deep breath.
“Would you like to go to the zoo with me this weekend? As friends. I’d like to get to know you better.” 
You smile at him, leaning into the car window and kissing him on the cheek.  
“I would love to go to the zoo with you this weekend, as friends” 
Eddie rolls his eyes, that blush on his cheeks deepening as he starts the car, looking at you. “Friends don’t kiss friends” He dares to say that as if he hadn’t kissed your forehead that afternoon. 
“I promise you, friends kiss friends on the cheek. Trust me” You tell him a matter of factly, assuring him as you step back, giving him a little wave.
“Guess I gotta get on that trend huh?” 
He smirks as he drives off. Is he speeding? Yes. But does it look cool as hell, also yes. He’s so giddy all the way home. Not only does he have a Tupperware full of some of the best food he’s eaten in a long time that you’d shoved in his hands and refused to take no for an answer when he tried to tell you he couldn’t possibly take it. But you’d also said yes to the date… okay a “friend” date but you still said yes!!
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The next morning he’s got a little more pep in his step, he gets through his workout faster than usual and he’s even early to work.
“You’re in a good mood” Hen comments, as she drinks her coffee, he shrugs as he finishes tucking his shirt into his pants
“I guess I am …yeah” He smiles, fixing his hair. He is in a good mood…he can’t stop thinking about you. He’d even dreamed about you… it was impossible not to think about you. It’s like he could smell your perfume as he was just standing there, whatever you wore was everything to him, he could practically bathe in it. 
“Why are you standing with your hands in your hair like that?” You giggle as you walk up next to him. 
Oh, so he could smell your perfume.
“I was just distracted..” He says awkwardly, turning towards you.
“What are you doing here?”
“I brought brownies! Me and Maddie are hanging out today so she brought me up here ...didn't realize I’d run into you” you say, your hands behind your back as you look around the firehouse. 
“Didn’t think I’d get to see you either…” he says, mimicking your stance
He leans down, kissing you on the cheek. His lips are soft and plump and it makes you blush, his hand ghosts over your hip before he pulls you a little closer to him. 
“So, I was thinking we could go to lunch after the zoo? If you wanted” 
He’s so close now, looking down at you. He’s tall…and he still smells so good, like he always does. You could bottle that and just bathe in it.
“Lunch?” your voice is a bit dreamy as you feel his hand on your hip. He’d been touching you yesterday too and today felt just as good. You can practically feel his body against yours like it was the other day when you were hiding. 
“Yeah, figured we could go to the zoo early…maybe spend the day together. If you’re okay with that” His voice is smooth, sort of deep. Like he’s purposely trying to overwhelm your senses. 
“Y…yeah okay. Yeah, that sounds nice” you agree easily because he is overwhelming you. And you can’t help the way your lips part softly like you just need to know what his feels like. He’s got a smirk on his face as his eyes flick down to your lips, he runs his tongue over his own before he chuckles lightly.
“Alright…it’s a date. But you know, not” His voice is playful as he wiggles his eyebrows at you and you roll your eyes, finally pushing at his chest, shoving him away from you.
“Yeah, yeah whatever I’ll see you this weekend.” You can finally breathe again. 
He watches you walk away, practically thirsting over that sway in your hips and the way those shorts you’re wearing hug your body so deliciously. 
“Shoulda taken her to the beach…” he mumbles to himself.
“Can you not eye fuck my cousin in front of me please, I truly don’t think that’s too hard of a request.” Buck groans as he shoves a brownie in Eddie’s mouth. 
“And she’s good at baking?!” Eddie moans around his bite, accepting the brownie from Bucks's hand 
Buck rolls his eyes “Of course she’s good at baking. She’s good at everything”
“Eddie you better get to talking to her before I do” Hen threatens him jokingly “These are damn good”
“I know okay, I know” Eddie sighs “I’m not going to jump at her though, that’s like….desperate right? I don’t want to come off as desperate…even if I think she’s pretty. Like really pretty- stupid pretty”
“Hey, guys? You think she’s pretty?” Chim asks as he comes over to help Hen restock the engine. 
“Not sure. Maybe we should ask Eddie” Hen nods as she walks away with him. 
Eddie rolls his eyes, flicking them both off as he leans against the wall, rubbing his hands over his face. Buck chuckles at him, putting his hand on his arm.
“She's not gonna think you’re desperate Eddie… Y/N isn’t like that. And I think she’s into you too. Just be yourself, man, You’re a good guy Eddie, and a total catch. I love Y/N with all of my heart but if she can’t see that? She’s a total loser. And you know two sides of the same coin if you can’t see she’s the greatest woman in the entire world you’re the loser” He snickers as he elbows Eddie in the ribs. Eddie chuckles and sighs nudging Buck back. 
“Thank you for restoring my confidence…I needed that. You’re the greatest friend in the world man, honestly”
Bobby makes a gagging sound as he walks by “And you’re the greatest crew in the world” He says in a high-pitched voice, fluttering his eyelashes. 
“Hey! We’re having a moment” Buck says, throwing his napkin at Bobby. 
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Part Two
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dangerpronebuddie · 2 months
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Buck gives Eddie a ring camera - they have separate shifts, Chims trying to teach Eddie how to use it - connects to Bucks house where they hear and see him talking to his friends about a plan to get over Eddie an it starts that night (maybe bucks gonna fuck someone else or maybe he’s just got a date idk) que Eddie freaking out
Im never gonna write it so you’ll have to deal with this idea stuck in your head just like mine
Nonnie, how dare you (affectionate) 😁
I saw this at 8am. By 10am, I had the thing written. I don't know what possessed me. Hope this is something like what you had in mind! 🥰😘
Ta da! 🎉
Lost Control And Rang Your Bell 3k
"I can't lose him, Maddie." "Who says you will?" she asks. "I know him. I know what he'd do," Buck says. "He'd let me down easy, because he's just that good. He'd say we can still be friends, but it'll be awkward and weird, and I can't do that to him." "You don't even know how he feels," Maddie says. "You're taking his chance to tell you away from him." Jealousy curls around Eddie's chest like a climbing vine. Buck hasn't mentioned any new crushes. For a brief moment, Eddie thinks maybe he means Tommy, but they aren't friends, not really. Haven't stayed in touch since the ship. Unless Eddie just didn't know. "I have to," Buck says, his voice breaking. "Maybe we shouldn't be listening to this," Chim whispers, like they could actually hear him. Maddie speaks before Eddie has the chance to say anything. Chim, just as nosy, doesn't leave the app. (Or, Buck buys Eddie a Ring doorbell and Eddie overhears something he really shouldn't have).
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tabbytabbytabby · 20 days
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Now I've Found Who I Am
Word Count: 1,024 words
Rating: Teen and Up
Fandom: 9-1-1
Relationship: Evan "Buck" Buckley & Maddie Buckley, Evan "Buck" Buckley/Tommy Kinard
Tags: Season/Series 07, Post-Episode: s07e04 Buck Bothered and Bewildered (9-1-1 TV), First Kiss, Coming Out, Bisexual Evan "Buck" Buckley, Sibling Bonding, Supportive Maddie Buckley, Developing Relationship
Summary: After Tommy leaves, Buck knows he needs to talk to someone about just happened. So, he goes to the one person he knows he can always count on: Maddie.
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daniwib · 3 months
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I have this head canon that Buck and Maddie use nicknames or shortened names for the people they love but Eddie doesn’t. So in all of my fic I always have Buck calling Christopher ‘Chris’, and Eddie calling him Christopher.
Probably no one else has ever noticed I do that but that’s ok. I know I do, and it makes me happy.
(elaboration in comments)
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smilingbuckley · 3 months
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My protective Eddie vs the Buckley parents is NOT open for Maddie slander. In no universe would Maddie choose their parents over Buck. He's not just her baby brother but she raised that kid. So keep your Maddie bashing to yourself
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mvltisstuff · 6 months
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hi!! could you possibly do a one-shot where buck and reader are flirting during the dosed episode? like they get high and are handcuffed and are just giggling and flirting and then accidental confession or something and then the next day they’re just like “i’m pretty sure we’re dating now..” thank you so so much!! this idea just made me giggle so <33
you get me so high - e.b
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summary: request
evan buckley x reader
gif does not belong to me
a/n: i adore this idea, thank you for sharing <3 i worked on this very sporadically, and i’m not the biggest fan of it but i hope you enjoy!
whoever brought those brownies in was an angel to y/n. yeah, a felony for sure, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t secretly enjoy it.
even though the whole station had been haunted by taylor and her team the entire day, all of the worries of the job seemed to vanish. buck wasn’t sure why, but he just saw everything different than he has before. nature called for him and he was more than excited to be at his job.
he just wanted to laugh at everything, each little girl in front of him was the most adorable thing he’s ever seen. he watched y/n from across the room, sitting on the floor and playing with a girl in a massive dress shaped like a pastry.
“where did you get this dress?” she asks, running her fingers down the satin on the side.
“my mommy bought it for me!”
“can she buy one for me?” y/n asks, turning her head to see the grown firefighter skipping over.
“y/n!” he shoots out quickly, jogging over to lean next to her on the ground.
“hi buck! will you buy me a dress like this?”
“only if you buy me one,” he smiles. “maybe we should put bobby in one.” he starts completely laughing at the thought of bobby in a pretty pink dress, with a sash and a tiara.
“what is going on- buck!” chim shouts. “can someone help us over here?”
“how are we not helping?” buck asks, leading y/n to just shrug. they glance over at eddie in the corner, looking at all the pageant girls like they have 5 heads. he almost looks fearful of them, swaying in his spot.
the next few minutes were a blur, and suddenly they were all handcuffed together against a wall. hen, eddie, buck, and y/n were all connected by their hands, being watched by athena like they misbehaved at school.
“ooh, you made him cry!” buck teases, looking at the tears streaming down eddie’s face. y/n just looks closer to athena’s face.
“you’re a hot cop, thena,” y/n speaks airily, just smiling cheekily at the officer in front of her.
“you guys are high as hell and you’re on duty.”
“what?” hen exclaims. “i didn’t smoke anything-“
“well you ate something! someone brought marijuana brownies into the station, so you’re all off work.”
the team just looks around in shock, not fully caring until y/n and buck start giggling once more. “just- just sit down against this wall, and do not move.” athena demands, walking away to deal with the other emergency in the main room.
y/n and buck sat fine against the wall, comparing hands and very lightly slapping each other on the sides. a few spouts of silence would happen for a few minutes while the group of stoners just watched the world pass in front of them.
“buck,” y/n whispers.
“what?” he asks.
“you’re really cute, like i just figured i’d let you know.”
“thanks, you’re a cutie, too,” she giggles at his words, throwing her head back against the wall as he just glances at her. normal, sober buck would’ve had a racing heart and nerves fluttering all over his body because she told him he was cute. he knows he’s not bad looking, but hearing it from her is when he truly believes it. now, he just figured why not? yolo, anyway.
“no, you’re like cute cute. like hot oiled up firefighter cute.”
“that means so much, y/n,” he says, the sly remark almost making his heart clench.
“i want you under my christmas tree.”
“well, i want you in an easter egg for me.”
“well, i want you-“
“can you just shut up?” eddie asks, still distressed about being handcuffed and drugged. “we get it, you’re into each other. and what happens when you’re not high?”
“i don’t remember talking to you,” buck teases, giving eddie a side eye but keeping his head directed towards the pretty girl next to him.
“alright,” athena comes back into sight. “let’s get you all home, maybe sleep off some of this.”
the next morning, y/n remembered every little thing she said to buck, and he remembered every little thing he said to her. they hoped maybe it was like alcohol, making them forget what they may or may not have said, but nope. it was clear as day. it didn’t feel as awkward, though. it felt easier. like a weight was off their shoulders after being weighed down for so long.
when they both arrived at work, the look from the other just told them everything they had to know. buck meant everything he said, and so did she. her eyes lightly wandered over his, and he didn’t even make her say anything. they both knew that those cookies made a great thing burst open.
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windshield91 · 5 days
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I'm glad Buck got that arc. It'd have made sense with him or Eddie. And I hope if Eddie and Buddie were to be explored, it'll be way later mid next season or so.
Out of all the 7 characters, Buck's arcs were always short and dependent on others. He was in despair need of independent good arc.
His sister Maddie had more development than him. I feel like she had her own ''begin'' before him. Her stories were various with depth and more emotional.
His arcs with Eddie & Chris showed a new side of Buck and developed both characters, but ultimately, it served Eddie's process not him.
His romance plots were always the same. Save a woman, date for a while, and then they on different pages and breakup.
His Career, why his passion and commitment to being firefighter never translated to any kind of recognition? An Award. I wish one day he would fill the interim position.
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salemsvlog · 26 days
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This is the face of an older sister who knew since the begging that his little brother had a crush on his coworker and openly told him about it just to be ignored and spend years seen them building a family without admitting their feelings:
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This is Maddie’s vindication week and I’m here for it.
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cauldronoflove · 20 days
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'Deed I Do
Relationships: Evan "Buck" Buckley & Maddie Buckley
Rating: G
Word Count: 2.3k
Episode: immediately post-7x04, mentioned Buck/Tommy to that extent
ao3
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Buck jogs up the front walk like there's a brush fire at his back, flame licking the soles of his sneakers and curling the stitches in the hunched shoulders of his hoodie. It's a tactical retreat; disengage, scout the land, regroup, head back in.
He hasn't let himself think since he grabbed his keys off the kitchen counter and started driving, and he doesn't want to ruin a good plan, so he just jiggles the bell until he hears movement on the other side of the door and rocks back on his heels once he does.
Maddie's voice, rounded in question, drops in and out, a quick uptick from Chim, all bowled over by a bright burst of Jee's chatter that hedges on-the-cusp of entirely understandable these days.
She's gotten so big. Not just height--even though he feels a little woozy with every quarter inch Maddie and Chim report--but personality, too. She knows so many words now, can pronounce most of them, is so inquisitive and funny without even realizing it. She's sort of his favorite person, just--watching her grow up is his favorite thing, the way she's indiscriminate about trying new foods but is adamant about her favorite books, the half-sprouted grin when she does something for herself, the way she bounces from interest to interest because she's got the Buckley combo attention span and need to experience as much as possible.
Jee's on Chim's hip when he opens the door so the moon of her face peeks out first, shifting from inquisition to squealing delight so fast his head spins. Reaching for him, she calls his name and makes little grabby hands that do a good job of summarizing the ferocious ache in his chest. It's not even a question of if he'll catch, the way she all but dives from Chim's grip, and Buck catches her underneath her armpits with a whuff of air at the unexpected weight. She throws her arms around his neck and squeezes as hard as she can.
Chim swings the door open a little wider and makes a gesture offering the foyer, his eyes darting up and down in quick reconnaissance. "You okay?" he asks, arching an eyebrow.
Buck doesn't think it's worth the pain to act like he doesn't know what it means. Chim and Hen have leveled him with that same look so often he started calling it the fess up, Buck look like two weeks into joining up with the 118. Bobby has it too, but it's less maniacal, more tender. Eddie's is sort of amused, the kind of look he shoots Chris's way when he makes an exasperated observation.
Buck shifts Jee further up his hip, tries to find the quietest part of his brain that'll register the solid weight of her, her foot shoved in the pocket of his hoodie, her tiny fingers tracing his birthmark, her unbroken stream of babble. "Uh, yeah, yeah. I was just--" He clears his throat, spitting some of her gravity-defying hair out of the way. "Is Maddie here?"
Chim's cheek puckers thoughtfully--I know, I know, Buck stops himself from saying, not trusting it won't all come out here and now--but he chucks his thumb over his shoulder at the kitchen. "Popcorn duty," he mouths, glancing to make sure Jee's still distracted. "You," he says pointedly, raising his voice to be heard over the buffer of their totally not haunted hallway. "Should go make sure she doesn't need any help." Both eyebrows go up then. "Right?"
"Right, yeah, right." He clears his throat again--he hasn't been able to get rid of the feeling of a stone pressing against his windpipe since. Right. "Uh, hey. Thanks, Chim."
"Any time, incumbent brother-in-law of mine," he says with a close-lipped smile. "Buckley Whisperer numero uno. Which I don't even have to be guess it's about time this little pumpkin rolled back to the patch, huh? You with me, Jee?"
She sighs heftily and pats Buck fondly on the cheek. In just the minute they've stood here her little eyes have begun to droop. "Love you, Bub," she mumbles, ducking to size up the drop to the floor.
He inhales shakily. "Yeah, I love you, too, Jee. Always, okay?" The second part is tangled in her hair where he presses a kiss to the crown of her head, lingering there as long as he thinks it'll take for Chim's concerned look to pass.
She allows him to settle her back on her feet and guide her hand into Chim's, casting one final glance up at him with a sleepy smile.
"C'mon, kid, let's blow this popsicle stand," Chim says, nudging her gently toward the hall that winds back toward the bedrooms. "Which is just a figure of speech, not just because of all the splinters, but because when you think about it it's a totally moronic business plan--"
Buck sighs a great gust in the entryway, sagging against the catch-all table. Adrenaline still strays just underneath the surface, longer stretches each time it rolls out until it stutters again.
"Buck?" he hears from just out of sight.
"Yeah, it's me." He trudges out of his shoes before heading into the kitchen. Rich with the scent of sweet butter and salt and edged in char because Maddie has always burned popcorn, microwave or stovetop. But Chim like it thay way, apparently. Someone for everyone, he'd joked once, grinning at her.
"Hey, what are you doing here?" she smiles, the corners of her eyes crinkling up, the hand not dropping M&Ms with hollow plinks into the big metal mixing bowl full of popcorn flapping around at him for a hug.
"I, uh..." he starts as her arm settles around his middle, but the feeling in his throat cascades and he chokes on it. This, this euphoria and wonder and guilt.
Her hand flattens between his shoulderblades, he doesn't even think she realizes she's doing it, splinting him. The gentle application of pressure to relieve the strain and alleviate some of the pain.
She used to do it when he was a kid, like really, really little and his hay fever would be off the charts. She'd soothe him back into regular breathing, hand on his back, a stream of platitudes that never felt empty when she made them. She knew the Wizard of Oz by heart and would recite it because the voice she did for the Cowardly Lion always made him laugh.
It's been twenty years since she's done it, probably, but he sways into it with relief, trying to ignore the ticking down inside his head about second nature and sense memory, about shit that gets buried all the way down and how eventually it all comes back up.
He sneaks a blue M&M, gritty with salt crystals, out of the bowl, and rolls it around in his mouth until the shell's gone and the rest of his mouth must look as bruised as the inside of his cheek is from biting it on the drive over.
"Do you remember the, like that summer when Nana broke her hip and, and Mom and Dad didn't want to take me with them to Harrisburg so you came home for two weeks?"
Sixty bucks of pizza money stuck to the fridge. 'You're thirteen now, Evan, you're not a baby, you don't need a babysitter.'
He watches her carefully out of the corner of his eye for any sign he's stepped too far back, brought up something she doesn't want in this house. Aside from the way just the corner of her mouth dips, she doesn't lose her stride.
"Yeah," she finally says on the inhale. She shakes her head slightly. "I haven't thought about that in years, what made you think of that?"
He snags two more candies, yellow and red, and slides them between his molars for balance as he retreats from her touch. Propping his elbows up on the counter, he fingers at an unspooling thread at the cuff of his sleeve, careful not to look at her so he won't lose his nerve. It feels like it's going to rip out of him, crack his jaw like the Jaws of Life and come tumbling out in hot, twisted metal indiscernible from human remains.
"What you said at the call center. About the Sarahs?" He's hedging, he knows that, but if he doesn't keep a foot on the break he's afraid he won't be able to stop the skid. "It just snagged something, I guess. You know that's the summer I had my first kiss? I don't, did I ever tell you that? It was, uh, it was really bad."
He can laugh about it now. Does, just a little. But the forgiveness can only cover so much and his muth dries with the short-sheeted breadth of it. "Lori Bowers bet me I couldn't climb to the top of the Vernon's big oak tree, and I got up okay, but my foot kind of...slipped, on the last branch on the way down. I was fine! I just had the wind knocked out of me. It hurt like hell, but Lori came over and told me how cool she thought it was that I'd done it, and that she didn't actually have the shiny Charizard she'd bet me, and then she kissed me and ran off. But she, uh, she had these braces--" He bares his teeth, gesturing with the L bracket of his thumb and index finger. "--and it was a weird angle and she cut my lip. So I was, I was on the ground, still, and my lip was bleeding, and my head hurt, and I was just like--wow, you know? Like that's it. And I was totally convinced kissing sucked until I took Bridget Thomspon to junior prom."
"Buck..." she says, in that gentle way of hers that makes him feel like he's six and sixteen and twenty all over again. The voice that makes him think of antiseptic and Superman Band-Aids and Stouffer's lasagna.
"Which is funny, right, because I-I'm that guy. Or I was thay guy. I've been that guy. Who just--like whoever. I mean, I wanted to, but it took time, to be good at it, but it got good and--" The words keep coming, rucking up around his shoulders, cramping the back of his neck, pressing against his chin like the pad of a thumb that's calloused and disproportionately gentle.
"Buck," she repeats, reaching out for his shoulder. "What's going on?"
"I sort of, I kissed somebody. Um, like, a few hours ago, I guess. And it was good, on the first try. It was really, I didn't even...."
Shit, he thinks, heat crawling up his throat. Attraction and embarassment and a grating twinge like bone on bone.
He can feel her frown, but her hand still hangs between them. He's spinning out so quickly and she's still reaching out for him.
"Okay, I don't think I'm following. You said you and Natalia broke up a while ago, right? So what's the problem?"
"Yeah, no, of course. It's fine. Like, I'm not, it's not a cheating thing or anything. Free and clear. But there's, I think it might be...more complicated than that."
"Okay," she rolls out, a diffusing half-smile twitching at her mouth. "Buck, you have to give me something. Unless you want to play 20 questions? I might be a little rusty. Is it someone from a scene?"
"It was Tommy," he blurts, and it's too loud to his own ears, fighting to be heard over the blood pulsing in his head and the thrill shooting up his chest like acid.
"Tommy?"
He'd chucked his hoodie on over the shirt he'd been wearing when it happened and it's like he can still feel the imprint of heat that had pushed between them. He taps the side of his fist against his chest, digging the fabric of his shirt against his skin in an unconscious repetition. "Yeah," he murmurs, ducking his head in a sudden rush of bashfulness.
"Kinard?"
"Don't know any others."
"But I thought that you--" He can actually hear her teeth click when she jerks to a halt and it sends his shoulders cringing up to his ears.
"Maddie?" he prods quietly, not wanting to but catching her eye so he can try to disassemble whatever she's thinking and offer it back to her better, neater. "I-I, uh, it doesn't, I don't even know, you know, what it. What it meant."
"Evan," and her hand settles firmly against his elbow. Whatever she was going to say slips away, her care too insistent. "I'm not upset. It's just...Tommy?" A laugh shocks out of her and her eyebrows draw together as she tries to force it back in. "I thought he was your arch-nemesis," she gets out from behind her hand, but that's all before she dissolves into a hiccupping laughter against his shoulder that unspools at least half the threads gone tight in him.
He goes boneless, practically, sinking onto his forearms, silent laughter shaking his shoulders, a helpless grin rooted firmly in place. "Uh, yeah, me too, but I guess--" His nose crinkles. "Maybe not?"
"Maybe?" she repeats, knuckling at the tears slipping from the corners of her eyes.
"Definitely not. Or at least--I mean, we apologized, to each other, and then we, and then, uh, he sorta...asked me out. On a date. So...probably not, right?"
"Mm, it depends, I think," she jokes, pressing their shoulders together. She has to tip her head back even at this angle, but her eyes are smiling, and there's a familiar tilt to her tone. "Did you say yes?"
"Yeah," he says and he can't keep the stupid grin off his face. "Uh, yeah, I did."
"Then probably not," she agrees.
He chuckles to himself, bumping his shoulder off hers. Asking, yeah? with a shake of his head.
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