#Then Maddie was almost definitely a child solider.

[inkperch]

...Im not gonna lie though, that calm little 'I did appreciate your warmth' after revealing herself like- not even prompted? Cait didn't even have time to be particularly shocked or betrayed before Maddie said that. Has made me more intrigued by both Maddie as a character and Maddie/Cait than anything else in the show-

[himbodiaz]

hi i saw your hockey au and i can't stop thinkg about it! it sound soo cool you said you werent against writting some scenes maybe can i suggest the one when buck learns about his brother? and when they finally get their act together i would lovee to read about those two

okay, but the way i was just thinking about this au today. i don't know how this happened, but here's almost a thousand words of the immediate aftermath of buck finding out about daniel. and for a little added context, buck and eddie have been dating for at least six months at this point, and the team has known for at least two.

The Hole Inside My Heart (Is Stupid Deep)

960 words. Hockey AU. Buck finds out about Daniel. Title from Stupid Deep by Jon Bellion. Warning for use of Daniel as a chirp immediately under the cut.

Chim went deep in the o-zone, so Buck stayed back at the blue line to cover for him, but Ericsson knocked Buck’s teammate off the puck and threw a saucer pass up to Campbell, who’s now rushing, trying to get between Buck and the boards. He starts skating backwards, keeping Campbell on the outside as he angles and pinches in, lining up to hip check him. But where Buck is strong and solid, Campbell is quick and slippery, just barely getting around him as Buck slams into the boards.

“Bet your dead brother hits harder than that, Buckley!” someone yells from the other team’s bench. He has a half second to be confused before he’s speeding to get in position to neutralize the two-on-one before it can fully form. For the rest of the game, Buck doesn’t think about it, too caught up in the pass-shoot-hit-skate of the sport to really think about it at all.

It’s not until after the team has celebrated the win, after Buck has gone out and done his skate for first star, after he’s finished his post-game presser, after he’s changed out of his gear, and is standing in the shower, that he remembers.

Bet your dead brother hits harder than that, Buckley!

It makes no sense, because Buck only has a sister, he’s only ever had a sister—he wants to say that whoever was yelling at him was mistaken, but they definitely said Buckley. And now that he’s started thinking about it, he can’t stop thinking about it. Surely, surely Maddie would have said something, right? Even his parents, however little they really cared about him, would have told him. Who doesn’t tell their son, their brother, about his dead sibling?

Still, Buck can’t shake it, needs to prove to himself that he doesn’t have a dead brother. So, once he’s out of the shower and changed into clothes, he sits down at his stall and pulls out his phone. He doesn’t have a name, but Buck is nothing if not excellent at using Google, courtesy of his countless research binges. First, he uses Maddie’s name and obituary as the key words, but the only thing that comes up is Doug’s, and Buck can’t close out of that tab fast enough. He tries his father’s name, and still nothing comes up, and he’s feeling a little calmer, a little surer. Then, he uses his mother’s name, and it’s on the third page of search results that he sees it.

At the top is an old photo, below it two dates, showing birth and death, the latter dated just a year after Buck’s birth. The boy in the photo, Daniel, can’t be more than eight years old, and Buck aches, because seeing a child so close to Christopher’s age makes something twist up inside him. The obituary is short, showing just how much life this child didn’t get to live, but it’s not until he gets to the last line that Buck suddenly feels his heart break.

Survived by his parents Phillip and Margaret Buckley, sister Maddie Buckley, and brother Evan Buckley.

The words your brother in reference to himself sounded so foreign to him on the ice, and yet, here is the proof, plain as day. He keeps reading those lines, so many times that they’re now forever burned into his mind; a brother, Buck has—had—a brother, and he didn’t know. All these years, and no one ever bothered to tell him. Bile rises in his throat, and he feels like he’s going to be sick, but he can’t move, can’t stop staring at the phone screen that’s since gone black.

“Hey B—” he hears someone say, but it sounds distant, like more than just the length of the dressing room separates him from the voice. “Buck?” the voice asks, sounding concerned and unsure, like Buck is a wounded animal, ready to bolt.

He blinks a couple of times, eyes still glued to his phone, then looks up. Eddie is standing there, looking a little tired, brows pinched in concern, mouth open like he wants to say something but isn’t sure what. And Buck tries to answer, tries to explain why he looks like this, why he’s been frozen, staring at a black phone screen for so long, but he can’t form words, he can’t explain that he had a brother, and no one told him.

Instead, he unlocks his phone, and holds it out to Eddie. His boyfriend comes closer now, looking less unsure and more concerned, taking the phone from his hand. Eddie’s brows pinch impossibly tighter together, and he worries his bottom lip with his teeth. When he’s finished reading, he slides Buck’s phone into his pocket, keeping it safe until Buck wants to face the secret-that’s-no-longer-a-secret that’s waiting for him.

Eddie looks like he wants to reach out to Buck, to pull him close like he did last year after Buck finally broke down when the doctor had said his leg needed another month of rehab before he could start skating. But instead, he softly says, “I thought Maddie was your only sibling.”

“Yeah,” Buck says bitterly, voice wet with built up tears, “I thought so, too.”

“Oh, baby,” Eddie says, and now he doesn’t hold back, doesn’t hesitate. He steps between where Buck’s legs are spread, wrapping himself around whatever parts of Buck he can reach, one arm across his shoulders, the opposite hand in his hair. “What do you need me to do?” he asks.

Buck’s face is pressed into Eddie’s stomach, arms circling his thighs, and Buck breathes in, shakily inhaling Eddie’s scent. It doesn’t make things better, but it makes him feel a little less untethered. “Just don’t go. Please.”

“Never.”

[221bsunsettowers]

Buck/Eddie: I Can’t Get Enough of This Kind of Love (Part 2 of the Good News on My TV Screen Buddie AU series)

In just a few days, Buck has been in his second helicopter crash, been rescued by his boyfriend and their friends, witnessed people almost dying at a bug eating competition and the largest charley horse possibly ever, seen a woman with a high heel through her face at a child's beauty pageant, and had his beloved Eddie tell him he loves him for the very first time while tripping on laced brownies.

So there's that.

In which news reporter Buck is an integral part of the events from the episode 2x06 "Dosed".

(Amazing fanart poster by the amazing @jemmalynette! )

(Thank you so much to everyone who left love and kudos and comments for the first story in this series! In my head, the first story was a one and done that I had a lot of fun writing, and then all the requests to make this a series inspired me to do exactly that!

If you haven’t read the first story in the series, I would recommend doing that first, so you get the background of news reporter Buck and firefighter Eddie, and how they first meet and get together. You can read the first story here )

I Can’t Get Enough of This Kind of Love (can be read on Ao3 here)

Carefully placing the box labeled Dishes on the kitchen counter, Eddie immediately went back outside, bending down to grab the next box. "You really want me to like you, don't you?" Maddie's voice came from behind, and Eddie spun around, meeting her stare with a hopeful smile.

"Honestly, Maddie, I really like your brother, so yes please," Eddie answered promptly, and Maddie's gaze softened. She stepped forward, and patted Eddie on the shoulder as she walked past him and into her new home.

"Excellent answer!" Maddie called back, and Eddie felt arms wrap around him from behind. He leaned back into his boyfriend's embrace, smiling as Buck planted a kiss behind his ear.

  "Evan!" Maddie yelled out the window, "you can make googly eyes at your boyfriend later, he wants me to like him and my furniture isn't going to move itself!" She smirked as Buck blushed and walked over to the couch, bending his knees and grabbing one end as Eddie dutifully grabbed the other.

"Googly eyes, maybe when you stop making googly eyes at Chim," Buck muttered under his breath, and Eddie laughed as they moved in tandem up the stairs.

"I'll tease Chim relentlessly at work if that helps," Eddie promised with a wink, and Buck grinned mischievously, nodding his head.

"We've got a helicopter crash, a news station was doing a traffic report," Bobby explained as the fire truck screeched to a stop and everyone quickly hopped out. Eddie noticed the rest of his team shooting worried glances at him, but he waved them off with a grateful smile.

"Buck never does the traffic reports," Eddie assured them, as Bobby called them into a quick huddle. "He told me he paid those dues a few news stations ago."

"Um, Eddie?" Chimney said hesitantly, facing the helicopter and extending a finger to point at the back window. Turning, Eddie met Buck's gaze, could see from even this distance how he was working hard to keep his breathing even and his body still.

"Fuck," Eddie breathed out, feeling his heart stutter in time with the still-spinning rotors.

"Eddie, you going to be okay on this one?" Bobby asked softly, laying a comforting hand on Eddie's shoulder.

"Buck needs me, Cap, I'm on it," Eddie promised, forcing his focus onto the job at hand. "We need to watch for dynamic rollover, when we start getting them out the weight of the copter could shift."

"Okay, Chimney, you're going to pull Buck out first, make sure you're keeping an eye on the balance," Bobby ordered as they moved towards the helicopter.

 "Eddie, can you shut down the helicopter?" Eddie opened his mouth, about to argue that he should be the one to get Buck out, but then he sighed, nodding, knowing he needed to trust his captain to get Buck out of there quickly and safely.

  Still, Eddie couldn't keep his eyes off Buck, lunging forward as the helicopter rocked, but then Chimney had Buck back on solid ground, and Eddie was next to the pilot, stabilizing the balance and shutting off the engine. The second he had the pilot out and in Hen's capable hands, Eddie spun around and grabbed Buck in his own grasp, pulling him into his arms.

Eddie gripped onto the back of Buck's shirt, tugging his body as closely as possible. Buck nestled his face into the crook of Eddie's shoulder, and Eddie swayed them gently from side to side, pressing his lips against Buck's temple. "You're safe, sweetheart," Eddie murmured into Buck's skin. "I've got you."

He could feel Buck nodding and pulled back just enough to see Buck's face, running a gentle finger over a small cut on his boyfriend's cheek. "Let me check you out," Eddie insisted, leading Buck over to a bench and kneeling in front of him.

"You can check me out any time," Buck bantered back with a mischevious smile, and Eddie laughed, shaking his head as he squeezed Buck's hand.

"Sounds like he's just fine!" Chimney called out with a smile, patting Buck's shoulder as he made his way over to where the pilot was sitting.

"No comments about how you're hotter than just fine, or how much you like me kneeling in front of you," Eddie commanded, pointing a finger at Buck, who shrugged and grinned,  Eddie smiling back in relief. "You scared the shit out of me," Eddie whispered, leaning in to cup Buck's face in his hands, laying a soft kiss on his lips. "Let me make sure you're okay, please?"

"Yeah," Buck whispered back, resting his forehead against Eddie's, "yeah, of course." Pulling out his penlight, Eddie shined the beam into Buck's eyes.

 Nodding in satisfaction, he took Buck through the rest of concussion protocol, checked for any other injuries, and cleaned out the small cut and bandaged it. Next to him, Chimney and Hen were finishing checking the pilot, assuring Buck he was completely fine.

"What were you doing on traffic anyway?" Eddie asked, sliding up to sit next to Buck, wrapping an arm around his shoulders as Buck leaned into Eddie's side.

"Oliver called in sick last minute, so I offered to sub in," Buck answered, sighing in relief as Eddie moved a hand to the back of Buck's neck, rubbing at the tense muscles. "I definitely didn't expect to be in my second helicopter crash." As Eddie's hand suddenly stilled at Buck's words, Buck bit his bottom lip, meeting Eddie's wide-eyed gaze. "If it helps, I clearly survived that one too?" he offered up hesitantly, and he heard poorly-concealed laughter coming from the rest of the team's general direction.

  "Can't say I didn't know what I was getting myself into," Eddie sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head, before leaning in to kiss Buck softly. "Let's try to keep helicopter crashes off the agenda, yeah?"

"No subbing in for traffic again or chartering a romantic copter ride for the two of us, got it," Buck recited with a smirk, and Eddie rolled his eyes, nudging Buck in the side before hopping off the bench.

  "Any chance I could get you to come back with me to the fire station so I can keep an eye on you?" Eddie asked hopefully.

"I would love that, but I have to get back to work," Buck said ruefully, gesturing at the news van that was already pulling up.

  Eddie sighed, leaning forward to rest his forehead against Buck's. "Text and call me when you can, please? Just let me know you're doing okay?"

"Of course," Buck promised, sneaking another quick kiss in before heading towards the van. Grabbing the door handle, he turned around. "Be safe out there, babe! And thanks guys!"

Eddie had gotten a myriad of selfies from Buck in the hours after the helicopter rescue. One at his desk, captioned I promise I'm watching out for papercuts. Another getting ready to go in front of the camera, Taking proper electrocution prevention steps. The pictures continued rolling in, Eddie laughing fondly at each one, saving them to his photos because he couldn't resist. Any picture of his boyfriend was one he wanted to have, even when said boyfriend was being a glorious little shit.

His phone trilled out "Breaking News!" again and Eddie quickly clicked on the new picture, a smile spreading across his face as the photo revealed Buck standing in front of the fire station, captioned Practicing fire safety. Shoving his phone in his pocket, Eddie hurried down the stairs, skipping the bottom step in his haste.

"Surprise!" Buck called out with a grin, hurrying forward to meet Eddie, throwing his arms around his boyfriend's neck before leaning in for a kiss. Eddie's arms looped around Buck's waist as he held him close, both men smiling broadly.

"This is a great surprise," Eddie proclaimed, brushing a curl of hair away from Buck's eye. "Did a story fall through?"

"Actually, a new story came up," Buck grinned, grabbing Eddie's hand and interlacing their fingers. "C'mon, let's go upstairs, I want to talk to everybody about it."

"Hey Buck!" Chimney met the two at the top of the stairs, grabbing Buck's hand and pulling him in for a quick hug. "Since we have a chance now, what kind of wine does your sister like best? I'm going over to help her move more of her stuff after work."

"Red, and make sure you bring some popcorn too," Buck answered with a wink, patting Chimney on the shoulder. "Maddie could eat popcorn all day every day and be very happy about it."

"Thanks!" Chimney called back as Buck made his way around the kitchen, greeting everyone else before moving to the coffee maker. Placing a filled mug in front of Eddie, Buck sat down holding his own mug (the one Eddie had brought from home for Buck to use whenever he visited the fire station). Leg brushing against Eddie's, Buck took a sip of coffee.

"Before I say anything else, I just want to make sure you guys know you can absolutely say no to this," Buck began, meeting the eyes of everyone else around the table. "You don't have to give me a reason, and I won't take any offense, I promise." Turning to Eddie, Buck interlaced their fingers. "Including you babe, okay?"

  Waiting until everyone had nodded, Buck continued. "My boss knows I'm dating someone from the 118, and after that helicopter rescue this morning, he came to me and told me he wants a story done on a day in the life of the LAFD heroes of the 118. I told him I have to be the one to do it, because I don't want anyone else twisting up the story in any way, and that you guys have to be okay with it or it isn't happening."

There was silence for a minute, and then Bobby spoke. "You know, normally I would absolutely say no to this," he said with a sigh, leaning back in his chair, "because a reporter could get in the way, could create their own narrative that has nothing to do with the truth, or could even use someone's pain or cause harm themselves. But Buck, you also know I trust you. I believe that you will do this truthfully and put the safety of others above the story."

"I will, absolutely Bobby," Buck vowed, blushing at Bobby's words. "I would never spin anything to make you guys look bad, and I would never put anyone in danger or show them suffering, I promise."

"Of course you wouldn't," Eddie said proudly, slinging an arm around Buck's shoulders and pulling him in close. Buck beamed up at him, leaning into his side.

"We all trust you, Buck," Hen said, and Chimney nodded, and Buck smiled bashfully, glancing down at where his and Eddie's fingers were now intertwined on Eddie's thigh.

"So it's okay to start tomorrow?" Buck asked hesitantly, and Bobby let out a gentle laugh, nodding.

"Absolutely, Buck, we'll see you then," Bobby responded, just as the alarm sounded, and the rest of the team leapt to their feet.

  "I especially like the part where you'll be at work with me all day," Eddie grinned, leaning in for a quick kiss, which Buck eagerly returned.

"Me too," Buck grinned back, squeezing Eddie's hand before letting go. "Stay safe, sweetheart."

The next day saw Buck arriving hand in hand with Eddie, each balancing a carryout tray of coffees in their free hand. "You know we already love you two, right?" Hen teased, plucking the coffee with her name on it from the tray and taking a grateful sip. "But please feel free to keep the caffeine coming."

"I'm ready for my close up!" Chimney announced, dramatically leaping into the room, arms flourished. He grinned as everyone laughed, before taking his coffee as well.

"Since you're so ready, Chim, why don't you come for your interview first?" Buck gestured downstairs, eyes twinkling mischeviously as Chimney followed him. "We can start with you telling the story about how you got  your nickname..."

By the time the round of interviews was over, Buck was near tears. He would swear he heard his cameraman sniffing as well. Every story the 118 had told him had broken his heart and lifted him up, all at the same time, and when his friends and boyfriend shared what were the best things about being a part of the 118, Buck was honored all over again that they had welcomed him into their family.

A sudden alarm jolted Buck out of his emotions and back into the present, and he quickly followed the team as they raced towards the fire truck and flung themselves in, settling into their seats.  "You mean I can't just ride on your lap?" Buck pouted teasingly, as he ran to the driver's side of the news station van.

"You've taken a ride on my lap plenty of times, Buck," Eddie murmured into Buck's ear, "and I'm sure we can arrange another ride when we get home tonight." Smirking, he planted a quick kiss on Buck's lips before joining the others in the truck.

"You gorgeous bastard!" Buck yelled at Eddie's retreating back, Eddie's snort of laughter making Buck smile as he buckled his seatbelt and started the car.

"Whoa!" Buck's jaw dropped as he took in the crowd, and particularly the monitor lizard, in front of them. "Did you know monitor lizards have long forked tongues just like snakes?"

"Ah, a fan!" the woman nearest the lizard exclaimed, clapping her hands as Chimney darted out of the way. "His name is Claude, and the winner gets to take him home. Do you want to give it a try?"

"I'm okay over here, thanks," Buck responded quickly, as he took in the rest of the scene before him, namely the man struggling to breathe. As the 118 made their way over to the man, Buck made sure he and his cameraman stayed out of the way.

Chimney and Hen both flinched as they knelt down beside the man. Buck had the cameraman swing the camera away as soon as he realized the patient was in clear medical distress, instead having him film the other competitive eaters at the table, which unexpectedly included the woman with live cockroaches crawling back up out of her mouth.

  As the man began breathing again (and consequently began throwing up live crickets), the camerman got footage of the saved patient and the 118 loading him into the ambulance. "Did you know Joey Chestnut once ate seventy four hotdogs in ten minutes?" Buck piped up eagerly, and Eddie grinned, giving Buck a quick peck on the lips as he hurried towards the truck.

"You are so smart, babe," Eddie said proudly, Buck beaming as he slid back into the driver's seat of the van.

  "Even live bugs erupting out of people's mouths can't turn you two off from kissing, huh?" Chimney called out as he started up the ambulance. Eddie shook his head, offering Chim a proud grin and a wink as he drove off.

After rescuing a body builder from the largest charley horse anyone there had ever seen, the fire truck and news van pulled back into the station, Buck hopping out to join the 118 as they headed towards the kitchen.

"You did good, kid," Bobby said with a smile, squeezing Buck's shoulder as he passed. "You put the people above the story." Buck ducked his head, blushing, as he did a pleased little hop on his way towards Eddie.

"He's right, babe," Eddie grinned, tugging Buck into his side, planting a kiss to the top of his head. "Just like the day we met."

"Thanks, baby," Buck said with a bashful grin, turning his head to steal another kiss from his boyfriend, before squeezing his hand and pulling away. "I've got to get in a call to Taylor and give her an update before the next call."

"I'll be waiting on the couch," Eddie promised, and Buck winked at him before striding away, already pulling his phone out as he headed towards the bench right outside the station.

"Want a brownie?" Hen asked Eddie as she walked over, holding out the last brownie on the plate.

"Thanks, I'm starving," Eddie answered, grabbing the brownie and taking a bite. "Are there more treats on the table for Buck? He's just calling in to his boss."

"There are plenty of delicious snacks left," Hen promised as she settled into a chair. "Just not any more of these between you, me and Bobby."

"As  long as there's sugar," Eddie laughed, looking fondly over towards Buck, who had now hopped up onto the bench and was skipping back and forth across it as he talked into his phone.

The next call brought them all to another unexpected venue, this time a child beauty pageant. "Is that..." Buck asked, trailing off as he stared at the reason the 118 had been called.

  "A woman with a high heel stuck in her face?" Chimney responded, shaking his head as they made their way towards her. "Yes, yes it is."

  The little girls were all swarming around Buck, who had crouched down immediately and was now occupied giving out smiles and high fives to the giggling children. So it took him a bit to notice that Eddie and Hen were definitely not acting like themselves. Eddie was staring down at the kids surrounding Buck with a look of shock and some terror too, his eyes wide and his body frozen.

"Eds, you okay there?" Buck asked, carefully rising to his feet and laying a hand on Eddie's arm.

"Are we giants, Evan?" Eddie asked, dragging out every syllable, before getting distracted for a minute trying and failing to see his own tongue. "Or are these the tiniest ladies ever?"

"Um, they're definitely kids, babe," Buck responded, eyes squinted in confusion even as he couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Your hair is glowing," Eddie breathed out in awe, holding his hands out over Buck's curls. "It's making my heart warm." Buck blushed, reaching for Eddie, who just kept making grabby hands at Buck's head. Buck quickly gestured to his cameraman to stop filming, before turning to Chimney.

"Hen's doing it too," Chim answered, just as confused, as he finished up with the injured woman and watched her be taken out on a gurney. Both men turned to see Hen poking a balloon, giggling with delight each time it bounced back at her.

  "They are definitely tripping," Athena said matter-of-factly, coming up from behind them, having finished putting the high heel attacker in handcuffs. Hen hurried up, beaming as she took in Athena's face before delightedly informing her she smelled like love. Athena calmly nodded her thanks before radioing in for RA backup.

"The brownies," Chim said suddenly, turning to Athena. As Athena pressed him for more information, Buck heard Eddie start loudly crying, and ran to his boyfriend's side.

"I don't like this," Eddie blubbered as a police officer gingerly handcuffed him.

"Hey, hey sweetheart, it's going to be okay, I promise," Buck promised, cupping Eddie's face in his hands reassuringly, Eddie leaning into the touch. "Just breathe, I've got you."

Eddie sucking in air and puffing out huge dramatic breaths was definitely a sight Buck was tucking away for later, to tease his boyfriend with when it wouldn't make Eddie start crying more. Athena shook her head and sighed, exchanging a fondly exasperated look with Buck before explaining to Eddie and Hen what had happened.

"We don't want you to hurt yourselves or anyone else," Athena finished, as Hen was beginning to reach for her for another sniff and a hug.

"Yeah, yeah I like that idea," Eddie choked out. As Athena helped guide them towards the door, the backup RAs rushing in, Eddie tugged back towards Buck.

  "I've got you, let's get you somewhere you feel safe," Buck said gently, squeezing Eddie's arm in reassurance.

"I love you, beautiful Buck," Eddie whispered into Buck's ear, before planting a sloppy kiss on Buck's cheek and letting himelf be led away, a stunned Buck following silently behind him.

Stumbling out of the bunkroom a few hours later, Eddie blinked at the bright lights, sighing gratefully as Buck pressed a large glass of water into his hands. After Eddie downed the entire glass without stopping, Buck refilled it and joined Eddie on the couch.

  "Are you feeling okay now?" Buck asked softly, as Eddie placed the now-empty second glass on the table and leaned his head onto Buck's shoulder.

"Just got a headache, dry mouth, and an overwhelming sense of humilation," Eddie huffed out, burying his face in Buck's shirt. "I can't even imagine what came out of my mouth."

"You don't remember, huh?" Buck sighed softly, and Eddie quickly lifted his head to look at him.

"Buck, please don't tell me I said something horrible to you," Eddie said quickly, grabbing at Buck's hands. "I was out of my mind, I had no idea what I was saying."

"That's what I was afraid of," Buck mumbled, staring at the floor. Eddie tugged at his hands until Buck looked at him again, and Eddie's eyes grew wise as he took in the pained look on Buck's face. Reluctantly, Buck pulled away before responding. "Eddie, you told me you love me."

"Shit, that's what I was afraid of," Eddie sighed, scrubbing his hands over his face. The whimper that slipped past Buck's lips, the sharp intake of shaky breath, and the footsteps quickly retreating had Eddie snapping his head back up, yelling "Buck!" as he saw his boyfriend's back moving further and further away.

Sprinting, Eddie reached out and grabbed Buck's hand, planting his feet and refusing to budge an inch as Buck tugged half-heartedly. "Eddie, please," Buck whispered, fixing his gaze on the floor. "I can't watch you walk away, okay?"

"And you think, what, that I want to watch you walk away instead?" Eddie was fully aware how much of himself he was putting on display, but he kept going, fingers under Buck's chin to tilt his head up and meet his eyes. "I meant I didn't want the first time I said it to be while I was out of my mind on laced brownies surrounded by tiny beauty queens."

  "Wait, Eddie, what..." Trailing off, Buck's breath hitched, his wide watery eyes staring into Eddie's.

"Turn the camera on," Eddie said firmly, gesturing to where the cameraman had left his equipment while he went to grab food with the crew. Buck opened his mouth, but Eddie gently lay a finger across his lips, shaking his head. "Please trust me, and turn the camera on. Point it right at me."

Buck nodded, shaky, picking up the camera and resting it on his shoulder, turning so the lens faced Eddie, who was now sitting down on the couch. As soon as the light switched on, Eddie looked straight into it. "You once asked me what was the best thing about being a firefighter with the 118," Eddie said, voice strong even as he wiped the fresh tear on his cheek. "And I said it was the comradery, that that was what I missed from being in the military, and I had found it here, again, with this team."

Lacing his fingers together, Eddie rested his chin against his knuckles, keeping his gaze focused on Buck, who appeared frozen, all breath and words caught up in his throat, eyes glued on Eddie's face. "But that's not true. I do care deeply about the people here, the family I chose, but that's not the best thing about being a firefighter here."

"Then what is?" Buck whispered, hands gripped so tight around the camera his knuckles had turned white.

  "The best thing is that I met the love of my life," Eddie said, making sure his voice was loud and clear, that both the camera and Buck couldn't miss a single word. Eddie shrugged helplessly, letting out a watery laugh as he bit his bottom lip. "This gorgeous man refused to air someone else's pain to gain viewers, and suddenly I was watching the news way more than I ever had before, just to see his face and learn his name. Turned out his name is Evan Buckley. And he's the bravest, smartest, kindest man I've ever known. And I am so, so in love with him."

Buck sniffled loudly, and Eddie knew his own voice and face were full of the degree of emotion he only ever really showed around his son...and now around Buck. There wasn't any point in fighting it, especially not if it ever made Buck doubt how much he was loved.

"So Buck, you can use this video in the story, you can keep it for yourself if you ever need a reminder of how very loved you are, you can do whatever you want with it. I know I don't always say how I feel, and I'm sorr-" His words cut off on a surprised huff as Buck suddenly put down the camera and ran to the couch, bouncing onto the cushions and tackling Eddie onto his back, immediately wrapping his arms around him.

"I love you too, Eds, so much," Buck sniffled, wiping at his eyes, "and if this is you keeping your emotions hidden, I don't think I would survive having you turn them on full force." Eddie laughed, grinning up at Buck full force, before reaching up and pulling him down into a slow, tender kiss, one that Buck eagerly reciprocated.

When the special on the 118 aired, Eddie and Buck watched it snuggled up on the couch with Christopher, all three in their pajamas and surrounded by empty pizza boxes and popcorn bowls. Christopher giggled and clapped his hands every time he saw his dad, and patted Buck's cheek with a grin every time he heard one of Buck's voiceovers play over the images on the screen.

The special concluded with a montage of the 118, all explaining why they joined the station and what it meant to them. Eddie heard his sound bites about the military and comradery interspersed with the others, before the camera focused in on him again. "The best thing is that I met the love of my life," Eddie heard himself say, the image on screen changing to a video clip of Eddie hard at work on the scene of a car crash, the very first day and the very same place he and Buck had met.

"The best thing is that I met the love of my life too," Buck's voiceover rang out over the footage, before the video faded out to a wideshot of the fire station. "And he is a hero, surrounded by heroes. The 118 never hesitate, never put their safety over the well being of others. They spend long days and nights in harrowing conditions, helping people through horrific experiences, and these brave men and women never ask for anything but to know where the next emergency is. We all owe the dedicated members of the 118 far more than we may ever know. So next time you pass by a fire station, think about saying thank you, even though they will never ask you to."

Eddie couldn't stop smiling, pressing kiss to Buck's temple, who grinned up at him from where he was nestled into Eddie's side.

The video shifted to one of Buck, hanging off the fire truck by one hand, grinning mischeviously. "Just please, please don't bring brownies. Try a nice gift card instead. Trust me on this. This is Evan Buckley, signing off, thank you for watching."

Eddie's laughter rang out over the closing credits.

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@dancer-me @buddie-buddie​ @perfectlynervousbeard​ @i-had-bucky​

[wonderlustlucas]

jack pot ; part 2 - hwang hyunjin

⇢ prompt You know it’s bad when you’re high as a kite and he’s still on your mind. ⇢ pairing hwang hyunjin x female reader, bang chan x female reader ⇢ word count 7.5k ⇢ genre fluff, angst (not heavy, just in a slow burn kind of way), smut ⇢ warnings (18+) drug & alcohol use, explicit sexual content (fingering & thigh riding) ⇢ summary College is a matter of working hard and playing hard. It’s an opportunity to start fresh, to grow as an individual and to blossom with those you befriend. People come and people go, leaving their mark on your life and showing you all the parts of becoming an adult. Some, however, do more than leave their mark. Some take just as much as they give. Things become complicated once they take the entirety of your love because you outright offered it to them.—college!au ; stoner!au ; friends to lovers!au ⇢ a/n don’t kill me </3

⇠ part 1

three.

Student Mentor Program dinners aren’t the same without Maddie.

While she’s off in like, Panama, or something, studying treefrogs and whatnot for the semester, you get to spend almost two hours every other Wednesday night at the same restaurant, with the same people, eating the same food. You don’t even know half the kids who signed up this year, and with Maddie away and Seungmin deciding to just not show up anymore, you are beginning to think maybe you’re not cut out for the whole teamwork-planning-collaboration thing. Free Italian food is nice, but even the chicken parm is mediocre. How do you fuck up chicken parmigiana?

This is the last time you will ever bother making yourself look so formal, you tell yourself when you stop halfway up the stairs to take your heels off. Maybe it will be the last time you even bother going to the meeting, especially when fucking Dan likes to plop his ass down next to you and talk your ear off about his Mom’s dating life back at home.

When you enter your apartment, the silence is startling. Jisung is usually sprawled out on the sofa when you get home on Wednesday’s. Maybe he’s still hanging out on campus; he’s recently become a goblin for the new pho bar they built in the alumni cafeteria.

Throwing your shoes haphazardly toward the closet, you make a beeline to the kitchen, mouth watering for the pink lemonade Jisung has been so keen on making since the day you moved in. After drinking nothing but water for the past two hours, you have never been so grateful for his newfound addiction, grabbing a glass and filling it, chugging that, filling it again, and then taking steady sips. Speaking of Jisung, you jump when you hear a burst of laughter from his room. And he definitely isn’t alone.

Slowly making your way over, you hesitate before knocking on the door. “Jisung, I’m home.”

“YN!” Someone shouts. You’re not certain who.

“Come in! How was it?” This time, it’s definitely Jisung, and you suck in a deep breath before cautiously cracking open his door considering you have no idea who or what is with him.

“It was,” you stall, brows furrowing in confusion when you find him, Hyunjin, and Jeongin all huddled around his laptop, “terrible. What the hell are you guys doing?”

“Nothing,” Jisung snickers, lowering the hood of the laptop, “why was it terrible?” You pretend you don’t see Hyunjin looking terribly cute with his head tilted as he regards you.

“Food sucks. I miss Maddie and Seungmin. I don’t like people,” you grumble. Then, with a hand on your belly, “Did you get dinner?”

“My leftover wings are in the fridge. You can have them,” Jeongin offers with a smile. “Did I ever tell you you’re my favorite? I love you, thank you,” you gasp, excited at the prospect of actual good chicken. Before racing back to the kitchen, you make sure to blow him a kiss.

You don’t know why Jeongin hangs out with these nerds you call friends. As an incoming freshman, he first met Hyunjin at some soccer club recruitment event, and before you knew it, he was part of the group. You can’t understand why, considering they treat him like their slave (especially Seungmin); always asking him to do this, do that. But Jeongin is too much of an angel to argue. He’ll give a snarky reply, but then do whatever his friends ask him to. So, you try to shower him with genuine affection whenever he’s around since the others show it in peculiar ways.

You have just opened the styrofoam container when Jisung’s door opens and closes. And of course, none other than Hwang Hyunjin makes his way into the kitchen.

Hyunjin and his girlfriend broke up in August, a few days before classes started. Better yet, she broke up with him. And you have yet to know why. Since then, though, you have substantially grown closer. Against your better judgment, of course. You were hurt, yes, but summer gave you time to forget all that happened; at home, spending time with your family and friends from town, you didn’t have to worry about Hyunjin and your feelings. Changbin, maybe, but he’s studying abroad, too, and the whole friends-with-benefits thing was fun while it lasted. It’s all behind you now, and with November approaching at an alarmingly fast rate, part of you is convinced that what happened that night was just an impulsive show of hormones and weed. It’s better this way—you have your feelings better under control, and even if being around Hyunjin every day makes your heart hurt at times, you wouldn’t trade your friendship and his constant need to be close for the world.

“If you’re here to steal some wings, go away,” you grumble at him, glaring as he steps closer. He frowns. “Just one?”

“No!” You snap, smacking his hand when he reaches for one. “You try wasting two hours at one of those meetings and you would understand.”

“Maybe I will,” Hyunjin challenges, crossing his arms over his chest. Huffing loudly, you move further down the counter and finish a wing clean off the bone. “Don’t,” you deadpan, waving it at him, “I’d rather have smegma than do this anymore.” Hyunjin wrinkles his nose in disgust. “That’s – ew, YN. You’re gross.”

“Then leave me alone,” you counter, eying him scornfully, “go back to your group masturbation.”

Hyunjin lunges for the wings, but you are quick to grab them, stumbling past him and retreating back toward the refrigerator. “Stop!” You yelp when he comes after you again; this time, you duck under his arm and back against the sink. “You already had dinner!”

In one last effort, Hyunjin manages to trap you against the counter. “You’re so mean,” he whines, arms caging you in, “Jeongin wouldn’t share, either.” You desperately want to brush the ruffled strands of brown hair out of his eyes, but lucky for you, your hands are preoccupied hiding the container behind you. The fact that he even had to go and bleach his hair and dye it a light shade of brown is just another factor leading to your insanity.

“Well,” you scoff, freeing one hand to jab a finger into his chest, “it was his dinner. Maybe he didn’t want to share.” Hyunjin pouts at this, lower lip jutting out much to your dismay. His puppy eyes alone are enough to break your resolve. “Fine,” you huff, bringing the container from behind you, “just because you’re wasting my time and I want to take this dress off.”

“Why?” He asks, visibly brightening once you let him take a drumstick. “You look gorgeous,” he mumbles like it doesn’t leave you week in the knees, clean hand tugging at the skirt of the yellow sundress you wear. “Thanks,” you hum, trying to ignore his use of the hefty G word and the sincerity in his eyes, you focus on your food, “but it’s uncomfy and I’m ready for bed.”

“You’re not going to hang with us?”

“Well, if you guys were doing something fun and totally not suspicious, maybe. But my brain is fried, so no. I need sleep,” you say, licking residue hot honey sauce from your fingers, “tell Jeongin he can come snuggle.”

Hyunjin gasps, beginning to panic when you turn on your heels. “What?” He screeches, shoving the leftovers back into the fridge and following after you as you head toward your room. “Why Jeongin and not me?”

“Because Jeongin is my favorite,” you tease, pressing your back into the door because you refuse to let him be in there with you, “and naturally, next is Jisung. So you’re shit out of luck.”

Hyunjin deflates in front of you. Like, actually, full on like a balloon; shoulders sagging, chin jutting, soft eyes clouding with disappointment. “I’m kidding, Jinnie,” you giggle, leaning up to wrap your arms around his neck, “you’re all special to me.” This seems to make him feel better, brown irises flickering golden and arms wrapping around your waist. “Promise?” He whispers into your hair, swaying your body with his to a silent song. Pressing your cheek to his chest, your heart seems to give a single, solid thump as you try to etch this moment into your mind forever. Maybe in another universe, you would have this dress on for something else, and the two of you are slow dancing not in the corridor of you and Jisung’s apartment, and the heavy weight on your chest was from a different overwhelming emotion.

Yeah. You definitely have your feelings under control.

“I promise.”

Jisung straight up pulls an AirPod out of your ear like a monster.

“I hate you so fucking much,” you hiss, trying to keep your voice quiet so as to not disturb the fellow bus passengers. You go to take the earbud back but he only holds it up over his head like a child. “Jisung.”

“You owe Jeongin an apology,” he replies, gesturing to the younger boy beside him who looks up from his phone with eyes widened in shock.

“I literally have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Jisung, you don’t—”

“Shush,” Jisung interrupts Jeongin’s rushed protest, “I don’t know what you and Hyunjin did last night, but he was real weird around Jeongin for the rest of the night.”

“Again, I don’t know what you are—”

“Do you like him still?”

“YN likes Hyunjin?”

You suck in a sharp breath, unsure of who to address first; a very flabbergasted Jeongin or a very annoyed Jisung. “Please,” you snap, snatching the AirPod from his grip now that he isn’t paying attention to it, “just announce it to the whole fucking bus, why don’t you.”

“I didn’t know you liked Hyunjin…” Jeongin mutters, clearly puzzled by the revelation. “That’s because it’s a secret,” you look to Jisung with a pointed glare, “but some people don’t know how to keep their mouths shut.”

“Oh, come on YN,” Jisung scoffs, “I thought we were over this. I thought you were over this. When are you going to stop?” Nibbling on the inside of your cheek, you momentarily look away to gather your thoughts. If only it were that easy. A snap of your fingers and you miraculously would not be hopelessly in love with Hyunjin.

“I’m not,” you sigh, “I’m not going to get over him, at least anytime soon. It’s… it’s complicated. You wouldn’t understand it. Your head is too far up your ass and sometimes Minho’s ass to know what it feels like.”

Jisung frowns at this, crossing his arms over his chest because he knows you’re right. “Is this like,” Jeongin waves his hand between you, “something that’s been going on for a while?” Jisung barks out a laugh at this, and even you can’t help but crack a smile. “Yes,” Jisung chuckles, “YN has been all heart eyes for him since they met.”

“Have you told him?” Jeongin asks. Totally serious. Eyes sparkling hopefully.

“I – well, no. Not with words.”

“Hyunjin and YN had a little wink wonk night last year,” Jisung whispers like it’s some sort of secret you don’t know, jabbing Jeongin in the side with his elbow. “Yeah, and then he met what’s-her-face and forgot about it, apparently,” you grumble, slouching in your seat. “YN! How many times do I have to tell you that you left in the morning before he woke up? He was upset! You left him!”

“Then he should have talked to me about it!” You bark, shriveling in your seat when a sea of heads spin in your direction. “Instead, he went to cry to his boba bitch and get his dick sucked or something while I had to clean up Maddie’s vomit for two days.”

“YN,” Jisung deadpans, looking at you with an unamused expression. “I’m done talking about this,” you sigh, looking away once more. When you go to put your earbud back in, it’s Jeongin who stops you this time.

“YN, you two are really close. This whole time I thought it was Hyunjin who liked you. You seriously need to talk to him. Whatever happened last year was awhile ago and I’m sure it’s all just a big misunderstanding. We’re around you guys every day, and we can all see that there’s definitely something going on between you.”

“But what if he doesn’t feel the same? What if it just fucks everything up all over again? I can’t live with that kind of rejection,” you whimper, wincing when your voice cracks. Jisung takes it as his cue to wrap his arm around your shoulders and pull you close. Reaching for your hand, Jeongin squeezes your knuckles. “You won’t know unless you try, right?”

“I guess,” you mumble, cheek pressed to Jisung’s shoulder, “why can’t he just make the move?”

“Well, I don’t know, YN. Maybe because you were off fucking Changbin every day?” Jisung teases, comforting arm turning into a chokehold when you go to move away. “We were not fucking every day.”

“It sure felt like it,” he snickers, finally releasing his grip when you punch him in the gut, “Binnie got a big dick or something? Were you crazy for Changbin’s chode?” You scoff, mirroring Jeongin’s own mortified expression. “I – he does not – never mind, I’m not talking about Changbin’s dick,” laughing to hide your embarrassment, you send a thanks to the heavens when the bus slows down at the first campus stop, “this conversation ends now.”

Following them out to the sidewalk, it isn’t until silence settles over you do you realize just how lucky you are to have such supportive friends, even if Jisung is a little shit about it. “Hey,” you pipe up just before you have to head in a separate direction, “thanks for listening. I appreciate you guys.”

“Does that mean you’re going to talk to him?” Jisung gasps, excited. Adjusting the straps of your bag on your shoulders and rocking on your heels, you can only offer them a shrug. “If it comes up, maybe. But it probably won’t, so I’ll just have to deal with you guys being shitty wing-men for now.”

“Hey!” They both shout in protest, but you’ve already spun around, laughing to yourself.

Jeongin’s right; things are different than how they were in May, but you are not ready to dig your own grave again. Besides, now that you’re living with Jisung, you get to spend way more time with not only Hyunjin, but all your friends. And even if you fall asleep making up cute scenarios with Hyunjin every night, you aren’t about to make things awkward all over again. So if you must suffer in the meantime, suffer you will.

four.

“What’s the point of smoking at a party if it’s just going to turn you into a slug?” Maddie whispers next to you, vaguely gesturing to Lia passed out on the recliner. Even you aren’t sure how she does it. No matter how high you may be, something about a good party only seems to heighten the experience; maybe it’s the music that now rattles your brain, maybe it’s your reputation, or maybe it’s just the combination of weed, alcohol, and friends.

“Lia can’t handle what she smokes,” you laugh, taking a sip of beer. Christ, it’s fucking nasty, but you’re not about to start with the heavy liqueur when you are only two hours in. You still have a long night ahead of you. “Weed just has a different effect on her.”

Maddie hums in agreement, whipping her head to look behind you at the sea of people when “A Thousand Years” starts playing and everyone cheers. “Jesus, what did you do without me?”

You laugh, turning to watch the crowd as well. Your university may not be big on Greek life, but the upperclassmen who rent houses as a group really know how to throw a good party. After time, though, they start to lose their appeal. They definitely can be fun, but it all depends on who you are friends with, who else is there, and what you make of it on your own. Personally, you’re not a ‘let’s dance!’ kind of gal (it’s kind of hard to dance to crazy rap songs from Meek Mill and Kendrick Lamar, anyway), preferring to chill, drinking and maybe smoking with your own friends, and that’s about it.

“I told you, I became a master at beer pong,” you grin, waggling your eyebrows at her, “we should play later.”

“Is that why everyone was saying hi to you when we came in?” Maddie gasps, connecting the dots. “Damn, girl. Ms. Popular now, aren’t you?”

“No!” You try to object, but then someone is leaning over to hug you from behind. And of course it has to be Jeon Jeongguk, of all people. So much for proving that you aren’t as ‘popular’ as she’s made you out to be.

“YN! What’s up?” The older boy shouts way too loud in your ear, chin resting on your shoulder. He winks at Maddie and she has to look away just to hide the way her cheeks bloom pink. “I’m good!” You yell back, leaning your head affectionately against his. “Are there any good drinks tonight?”

“Yes! Do you want me to get you one?” He offers, standing up but leaving a hand dangerously close to your neck. “No, thank you” you smile, tilting your head back to look at him, “I’ll check it out in a bit. Go find your friends, you look lost.” Realizing he is, in fact, lost, Jeongguk only flicks your nose before disappearing in the sea of increasingly loud students.

“Was that—”

“Yes.”

“Isn’t he—”

“Yes.”

“Christ, who are you? What did you do to YN?” Maddie fake-cries, burying her head in her palms. “Chin up, princess, your tiara is falling,” you attempt to joke but only earn an unamused glare in return. “Alright, I think it’s time for one of those drinks Mr. Jeon was talking about,” Maddie decides, standing up and tugging the hem of her skirt down. “Unless you still want to ‘vibe?’” She mimics your previous words with air-quotes.

Laughing, you chug what’s left in your cup and stand with her. “No,” you beam, “I need to find Felix and make sure he’s not dead, anyway.”

Following Maddie around the crowd ‘dancing’ in between where you were and the kitchen, you are delighted to find not only Ryujin and Chaeryeong standing around the island, but the rest of your friends, too. “You may want to check in on your roommate,” you say to Ryujin, wrapping your arms around her and resting your chin in the crook of her neck, “she’s knocked the fuck out.”

“Aw, man,” she sighs, definitely not the most sober one around either, “I told her not to smoke if she was going to drink.”

“YN, I just think it’s funny how Maddie comes and gives me a hug, yet I don’t think you’ve even said hello,” Seungmin barks at you from his stance against the sink, eyes bloodshot and frown deep. “Dude,” you laugh, making your way over to him and opening your arms wide to give him a dramatic bear hug, “please forgive me, my friend.” Swaying side to side just for the extra measure, you then pull back to cup his face in your hands. “How are you?”

“Good,” Seungmin beams, “take a sip out of Hyunjin’s cup. It’s so good.”

You step back to look at the older boy who’s too busy playing rock-paper-scissors with Felix and Jisung. “Why?”

“Trust me.”

Shrugging, you step around a shrieking Felix to snatch Hyunjin’s cup right from his hand. “Hey—”

He stops once he realizes it’s you. “Seungmin told me to,” you confess, handing it back once you’ve taken a sip. Shit, that is good. “What is that?”

“Want me to make you one?” He offers, ignoring the initial question. You nod, unable to give him a verbal answer because Felix is already yanking your hand to get your attention. “Are you high?” He asks, spinning you in a circle until you end up in the corner of the kitchen. “Yeah, a little,” you hum, watching curiously as he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a chocolate bar. Leaning closer to hide it, he whispers, “Don’t have it tonight, but this is the best edible I’ve ever had. I was actually seeing different dimensions earlier.”

Laughing, you take what’s left and turn it over to inspect. Looks like chocolate. Smells like chocolate. “Alright,” grinning excitedly, you shove it into your wristlet, “thank you.” With a wide grin, he then spins on his heel to join Jeongin shouting at Jisung about something you don’t quite catch.

Smiling to Maddie across the room as Minho chats her up, you look beside you and realize with much joy you are right next to the chip bowls. Bingo. Fueled by munchies, you hop up onto the counter and dig your hand into the potato chips, listening in on Chaeryeong and Seungmin discuss what law schools they are looking into. Kudos to them for having their shit together.

“One beverage for m’lady,” Hyunjin appears next to you, proudly holding a red cup out to you. Laughing, you happily take it and take a careful sip. Definitely not as strong as his, but he can probably tell you already have a buzz. “Thank you,” you smile, finally eyeing him to see what attire he chose for the night. As discreetly and not-sexually-attracted as you can, of course.

Black button-up with a cute peach pattern tucked into black jeans and black Vans, he looks nothing short of incredible. It’s so easy for him, though; he could wear a trash bag and still look good and that really makes you angry. With soft brown hair messily parted to the side, he actually has you salivating. He’s crazy.

You definitely are not as slick with your checking-out as you thought you were, and he easily catches on. He’s tipsy, but not that tipsy. Hands coming to grip your thighs, Hyunjin pries them open just enough so he can slot in between, keeping his hands where they are. Suddenly you wish you didn’t wear jeans tonight.

“So,” he hums like he hasn’t just sent your blood pressure skyrocketing, “what did you do today?”

“I – well,” you stammer, brain actually rendered to mush as he rubs up and down your thighs, sometimes drawing way to close to the inside, sometimes brushing up to the curve of your hip. Drunk Hyunjin is always touchy, drunk Hyunjin is always touchy, you try to convince yourself. “Uh, I went shopping with Maddie and then we, um, we got milkshakes.”

“Yeah?” Hyunjin hums, completely invested in your short recall. He’s dangerous. Like, actually a danger to your life; no man should ever be equally cute as he is hot as he is sweet. Jail! “What flavor did you get?”

“Cookies and cream,” you whisper, beginning to panic now that he most certainly is leaning in closer and your brain is screaming to wrap your arms around him, “Maddie got strawberry and I got Jisung a, uh—”

“Is YN here?” Someone shouts in the middle of your sentence. Hyunjin frowns, mere inches from your face and moves his arm to slide possessively around your waist. “She’s right here,” he answers for you, turning and finding with much surprise Bang Chan twisting back around. Dear Lord. You grab your drink and guzzle half of it just to get some feeling back.

“You.” Chan beans, full dimples. He points directly at you.

“Me?”

“You.” “That would be me.”

Chan laughs heartily at this, stepping closer and Hyunjin’s fingers twitch against your side. “I need you,” Chan admits. You practically choke. “Yugyeom and Woojin think they’re the best beer pong players and I laughed in their face, so now I’ve been challenged to play vodka pong and I know with you, we can win.”

Geez, how dramatic. You wrinkle your nose at the whole vodka part, but you promised Maddie a game, so what better game to play than with the one and only Bang Chan.

“Sure,” you agree much to Hyunjin’s disappointment, “since you made it sound like such an honor. I’d be happy to.”

Grinning ear to ear, Chan waits for you to hop off the counter. “You gonna come?” You ask Hyunjin, finding his hand and giving it a squeeze. “Yeah,” he hums, seemingly annoyed and it makes you wince, “just need to get another drink and I’ll try to get everyone to come with.”

“Okay,” you smile, hoping to get one in return. And you do—except it lacks every aspect of a whole-hearted Hyunjin smile and an annoying thought bubble pops up to say that he’s jealous. Christ, if that’s the case… You can’t help but smile at the thought before releasing his hand and approaching Chan.

“I don’t think we’ve ever formally met,” he chuckles softly, hand on your back as he leads you toward the back door. “I don’t think so either,” you laugh, grateful that the mix of marijuana and alcohol in your body has left the anxiety that comes with talking to cute boys on the low, “only through Jisung and Changbin. And beer pong, I guess.”

“Definitely,” Chan laughs, nodding to Yugyeom and Woojin at the far end of the yard, “I think they were shocked when I said I was going to get you.”

“Oh, doubtful, are they?” Clinging closer to Chan, your brows raise as you near the senior and unfairly tall junior. “All bark and no bite.”

“What was that, YLN?” Yugyeom yaps, rounding up on you as if you would ever actually feel intimidated by him. “You wouldn’t switch up on your Olympics partner like that, would you?”

“Actually,” clicking your tongue, you poke him in the middle of his chest, “my Olympics partner is the whole reason we lost in the final four. So yes, I am switching up on you, unless you beat us.” Behind you, Woojin whistles, offering Chan an impressed nod. “And for you, I’ll pay double for my next order.”

“Deal,” Woojin beams, giving your hand a solid shake when you make your way over, “you win, next order is my treat.”

“Damn,” Chan frowns playfully when you return to his side, this time at your end of the table, “I guess nothing is in it for me besides my ego.” Laying your hand on his arm and giving it a comforting pat, you can’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry,” you reassure, “we’ll figure something out when the time comes.” What you mean by that, you’re not sure.

Maddie goes absolutely berserk when you and Chan both make your shots and get balls back. Felix, on the other hand, seems torn. While Woojin is his friend and weed plug, he realizes that you winning means not having to spend money for a good while. Which also means a disgruntled Woojin. When you miss your shot, you turn back to your friends who have crowded around the table, returning a thumbs-up to Jisung and Seungmin before frantically searching for Hyunjin.

You realize you are way more intoxicated than you thought when a troublesome idea pops in your head. It’s a close game, after all; two cups on your side and two on theirs. And right now, you don’t care about winning when the only thing you’re after is but a few feet away. When he manages a soft smile, just a shy quirk of his lips that has your heart doing somersaults, you really, truly think you may just confess. It’s now or never. The alcohol in your veins tells your heart and your head that you will just march right on over and kiss him, kiss him hard and kiss him long enough for him to know how you feel, and fuck, if he doesn’t understand you’ll tell him. Tell him how long you have wanted to do that and how badly you wish to do it again. How much he means to you and how you truly—

“Yes! Woojin, yes!” Yugyeom shrieks, loud enough to break you from your trance. Vodka pong. Winning. Bang Chan. He must have missed, as well as Yugyeom. But now Woojin made a cup and its one to two.

“Shit,” Chan sighs next to you, hand slipping away from your hip. It’s found its way there awhile now, you realize. “You got this,” you tell him, wincing as he downs the shot, “I’ll close my eyes. No pressure.” Covering your eyes with your hand for extra measure, it feels like an eternity goes by before something happens. And then, “Yes! Shit, YN, we got this!” Ah, shit. Now the pressure is on you. Of course, Mr. Perfect made the shot.

“Aw, man,” you huff, giving him a pained smile and rolling the cheap pong ball between your fingers. Your mind is a little fuzzy to focus on the singular cup and that alone, and your muscle coordination is certainly not at its best shape. But you think you have a good shot. You think. Sucking in a deep breath, you let the ball fly and bite your lip hard as it arches over the table, nearing the cup, hits the rim, bounces back up vertically, and… plops back into the cup.

“YN, you crazy son of a bitch!” Chan hollers, and you are momentarily blinded by joy as he wraps his arms around you and squeezes you in a tight hug, spinning in a circle and ever so gently lifting you from the ground. “You did it!”

“I – bruh,” steadying yourself against him once he sets you back down, you glance between his bright smile and a sulking Woojin as he drinks from the last cup, “we won!” Laughing, you squeeze him into a second hug because fuck yeah, winning feels nice.

“Man, good game,” Woojin sighs, making his way over to you, “I think you two are the crowned champions.”

“You had us sweating though,” Chan confesses, wiping said sweaty hands on his thighs, “that was really fun.”

“Stressful, but fun,” you agree, offering Woojin a sympathetic smile. “You don’t have to give me free weed, by the way. It was just fun setting the stakes high.”

“No! A deal is a deal,” he beams, “just text me whenever, yeah?”

“Alright,” you laugh, “whatever you say.” Finding Felix in the crowd, you grin proudly at him. Free weed for all! “You’re going to use this against me forever, aren’t you?” Yugyeom pouts, appearing in front of you. “Well,” you pause, pursing your lips at him, “as long as you don’t give me a reason to, no, I won’t. You were my pong partner at some point, right?”

“Hell yeah!” Satisfied with this, Yugyeom pats your head before wandering off, probably to go drink all his worries away.

“Well,” beside you, Chan reappears with two bottles of water, “that was pretty amazing.”

“Truly,” with an appreciative smile, you take one and down half of it, “did you hear what Woojin said? ‘Crowned champions!’ We’re a great team. Truly unstoppable.”

Chuckling, he nods in agreement, leaning against the table next to you. “You’re stuck with me now, though. Anytime I’m playing, you’re playing too. That’s just how it is now.” Laughing, you nod and hum in agreement, glancing at him briefly. “You know your paparazzi aren’t going to be happy about that.”

“My what?” Chan sputters and you quickly take another sip of water to hide your smirk.

“You know,” gesturing vaguely to the boys and girls gathered in the yard you’ve noticed send envious glares your way, “your fans. I’m sure someone out there is a gold star beer pong player waiting to play with you.” Chan scoffs, pressing closer and you would be lying if you said your heart rate didn’t pick up. “But I don’t want to play with anyone else.”

“Woah,” scrambling to get your cool, you turn to him and are shocked to find just how closer he has gotten, “how many girls have you used that line on?”

“None,” Chan admits, chuckling and you desperately want to press your finger in his dimple, “but I figured since we still have to figure out my prize for winning, I would try my luck.”

“Oh,” you hum, understanding. You turn to face him fully, heat working its way up and down your body as he reciprocates the movement, stepping closer and anchoring his hand to your hip. “Did you have anything in mind?”

“A few things,” Chan whispers, other hand coming to hold your jaw, tilting your head to meet his eyes. This is when you come to your senses.

Not even ten minutes ago were you convinced you were going to confess to Hyunjin, and here you are now, with not Hyunjin. You cannot help but pull back, frantically searching for the taller boy. Beside Yugyeom, Hyunjin is definitely one of the easier people to find. Could just be your Hyunjin tunnel vision, though. But as you look all around, to the left and to the right, behind Chan and behind yourself, you cannot find him. He’s not here to remind you where your heart truly belongs.

But yet again—why would he? Why should he stick around and watch as you are mere centimeters and seconds away from kissing someone else? Perhaps a part of you thought he would fight for you. Perhaps you were wrong for ever thinking that was a possibility.

And here you are, leaving someone waiting who has succeeded in making you forget about Hyunjin for the time being. Leaving someone waiting who is hot, and not in the sex appeal, six-pack all muscles type of hot. (Well, maybe a little of that, because you have been to enough swim meets to know what Bang Chan looks like underneath all his clothes.) But hot not just physically—he’s the whole package. Sweet, humble, and nothing like most of the guys who look the way he does.

“YN?” Chan asks, brows furrowed and concern clear in his voice at your prolonged hesitance. “Sorry,” shaking your head and making a final decision, you wrap your arms around his neck and lean in closer, “I was just thinking of where else we could go.”

Chan surprises you with the force he uses to kiss you, tongue skillfully wrapping around yours and hands hurrying to press you closer. Whimpering against his mouth, you slowly but surely lose yourself in the feeling, clawing at the fabric of his shirt and aching to have him closer. It isn’t until he has you bumping against the edge of the table you were just playing pong at do you realize where you are, certainly drawing attention in the middle of the yard with Chan’s hips rolling into yours and your hands tugging at his hair.

“Chan,” you shakily pull away, taking a necessary breath and cupping his face in your palms. This close, you realize just how beautiful he is. This close, you pray this could be the start of something new. “Somewhere else?”

Chan swallows heavily, Adam’s apple bobbing as he brushes blonde hair away from his forehead. “Yes,” soft smile greatly juxtaposing to the lust that leaves his eyes heavy-lidded, he takes your hand in his and leads you back inside, “not out here.”

Wordlessly following after him, you keep close, holding onto his hand for dear life as the desire pooling in your abdomen grows the farther he takes you into the house and finally up the stairs. “Sorry,” he mutters, maneuvering around the few people waiting to get into the bathroom, “seniors typically get the best rooms.” Opening one of the last doors further down the left corridor, Chan finally releases your hand once you have entered a very tiny, very cramped bedroom.

“I mean,” you pause, scanning the room with just a full-sized bed, black desk littered with music equipment, and dresser just barely squeezed next to a small closet. “At least you have your own room.” Humming in agreement, Chan regards his room too, wincing at his unmade bed and wires tangled in a heaping mess over his desk and onto the floor. “I wasn’t expecting to have someone over, everything’s a mess, I’m—”

“Hey,” you reach for his arm, stopping him from fixing the comforter that hangs halfway off the bed, “stop worrying. This is fine, you’re fine.” Smiling softly, Chan allows you to pull him back, stopping before you and caging you between himself and the door. “Are you sure?” He whispers, tilting your head up with a finger under your chin. “Yes,” unable to fight your smile at just how sweet he is, you finally lean up and press a quick kiss to his reddened lips. “Now please, do something.”

Chan does not hesitate, hurriedly returning to your previous business; this time, not holding back. His hands skirt down your body, one curling to cup your neck as the other slides down your spine before giving your ass a good squeeze. “Shit,” you hiss, head thudding against his door when he journeys down your neck, plump lips pressing random kisses against the soft skin before sucking a dark mark above your collarbone. When his fingers fumble against the buttons of your jeans, you offer him a hand, hurriedly popping the four open and sighing happily when he gently touches your clothed core.

“Are you sure?” Chan checks one last time, forehead pressing into yours and you nearly scream. Half because what a gentleman he is but half because every nerve is begging to be sated. “Yes,” your voice comes out more as a croak, quickly kicking your shoes off by the soles and tugging your jeans down to your knees to give him extra room.

Chan wastes no time, fingers quickly disappearing beneath the waistband of your underwear and drawing a teasing line up your slit. “Chan,” you groan, squeezing his arms at the subtle touch, “please.” Chuckling at your expense, he softly circles your clit with his thumb, reveling in the way you tremble and whimper before him.

“I’ve never been so turned on playing beer pong,” Chan admits, middle finger moving to prod against your entrance, “I kept missing my shots ‘cause all I could focus on was you.”

“Fuck,” you sigh blissfully, rolling to meet the gentle sway of his finger as it reaches deep within you, “you’re going to make be blush.” Chuckling, Chan quickly adds a second finger and makes sure to grind his palm against your clit until you are a whimpering mess. “I’m so glad we won. This would not be as enjoyable if we were doing this to make up for losing.”

“For sure,” nodding frantically, a high-pitched whine escapes your lips when he moves his fingers in a come-hither motion, brushing deliciously at that sacred bundle of nerves, “this is better than winning.” Sensing your impending orgasm with the way your walls begin to flutter around him, Chan suddenly pulls his fingers from your heat and takes the overwhelming pleasure with him.

“What are you doing?” You gasp, breathless and confused as he plops down on his bed, leaning against the wall and quickly tugging you to join him. “Want you to come on my thigh,” he grins, totally not fitting for your given circumstances, but the thought is tantalizing enough to convince you. Fully stepping from your jeans and shakily sitting over one thigh, you glance back up to him and feel a fresh wave of arousal simply from how godly he looks; cheeks flushed and eyes dark. Pressing down, it isn’t until his hands find your hips and guide a subtle back-and-forth movement do you find just how amazing it feels.

“Oh, god,” you cry, eyes squeezing shut as you rock desperately over his thigh, relishing in the way the fabric of his jeans rubs against your clothed core and directly to your clit. In the midst of such a frenzy, you make out the shape of his cock tented painfully within his pants and release your grip on his shoulder to pop open the button and slide the zipper down. “Shit, YN,” Chan sighs shakily, finally receiving the same treatment as your hand tugs the waistband of his boxers down just enough to wrap your hand around him.

“God, sorry, I’m gonna come,” biting onto your lip, you try to keep the momentum stroking his cock but with one final rut against his thigh, the pressure against your clit causes the knot within you to snap. High on the intensity of your climax, it takes a few seconds for you to come back to reality, mind swimming and limbs shaking with the aftershocks of such ecstasy.

Looking up to meet his eyes, you realize your hand has gone limp by his thigh and offer a shy smile. “Sorry,” wincing, you lean forward and press a grateful kiss to his lips, “that was like, insanely amazing.”

“I’m glad,” Chan purrs, cradling your jaw and finding himself content with just kissing you for now. Until your hand finds his still very much hard cock and brushes against the tip.

“Wait,” he stops you no matter how hard it hurts him to do so, breathing shakily as he reaches for your wrist. “I hope this isn’t going to make things complicated for you.”

“What?” You laugh in disbelief, pulling back with brows raised in confusion. “What are you talking about?” Chan frowns, helping you settle comfortably on his lap like his dick isn’t standing tall and proud between you. “You were looking for someone earlier,” he says, eyes soft with sympathy, “I hope you being here with me doesn’t mess things up.”

You scoff, truly amazed at his words. Here we go again. “I – no, it doesn’t. Well, things are already complicated. Actually,” the haze of alcohol and post-orgasm bliss suddenly clearing from your mind, you move to stand up, “never mind. This was a mistake. I should go.”

“Wait,” Chan stops you, hand softly reaching yours and tugging you back. Just the sadness in his expression alone is enough to soften your resolve. “I know we’re not best friends or anything, but you just came on my thigh. You can tell me what’s wrong. I think I deserve to know.” Well… he has a point. Swallowing past the lump in your throat, you contemplate turning away and leaving. But even if it’s not his business, he has given you something special tonight. Maybe telling someone like him will help.

“You’re right,” you sigh, quietly returning to sit beside him, “I was looking for someone. I was hoping he would be there to remind me who I’m really after, but he wasn’t. And then I realized I was wasting time. And now I’m here with you.”

Chan’s hand finds yours, thumb swiping softly against your skin. “Why didn’t you go find them?”

“Well – I… it’s not like we’re dating. It’s just a stupid crush, and I was hoping maybe he somehow feels the same, and when he saw me with you, he would get jealous… I’m sorry, this makes it look like I used you,” frantic, you struggle to find the right words, “I promise I’m not. I like you, you made me forget everything and I—”

“Hey, stop,” Chan interrupts, cupping your face so you look him in the eyes, “I didn’t think that at all. I really like you and thought maybe something could happen between us, and even after I realized you were looking for someone else, I was selfish and wanted you for myself.”

“No! Stop, please,” laughing to hide your disbelief, you squeeze his hand to assure him. “I was hopeful because you made me forget about him. But I don’t think I ever will fully forget.”

“You need to tell him, then,” Chan says, “or else you’ll never be able to move on.”

“It’s not that easy. Confessing just how much you like someone is a big deal,” you point out.

“No, it’s not,” he argues, brows furrowed, “you just told me you like me. Just do that again but to the one you really feel that way for.” Sulking, you look away, focusing on his desk’s clutter. “I guess you’re right,” sighing, you rest your head against his shoulder and squeeze your eyes shut, “but for right now, I’m with you. And you still didn’t get a prize for winning.”

Bellowing out a laugh, Chan snuggly wraps his arms around you. “Well, if I can help take your mind off things without ruining any relationships, I’d be happy to do so.” Smiling against your hair, his palm lays flat against your bare thigh and gives it a firm squeeze, bringing your attention to his slowly softening dick.

“That sounds like a great plan,” you agree, littering kisses over his neck before resituating yourself over his lap, “I’ll figure the rest out tomorrow.”

⇢ part 3

[wild-springflower]

Old Enough to Know I'll End Up Dying (Not Young Enough to Forget Again)

A story inspired by a prompt from @bemybuddie who wanted Eddie getting hurt in the street fighting and being unconscious and then dreaming of a perfect life with Buck, and when he wakes up he tries to get to that place from the dream, because it was wonderful. Be warned, it’s gonna be long. Part 1 of 4.

For the first few moments it’s total euphoria, and he can see why people do this for a living. The sweat, the pull of muscles, the constant need to be on alert; it was exhilarating. And then something solid collided with his left temple and his world went black.

He came back to awareness with a bright light shining in his eyes and at least a dozen worried looking people standing over him, the closest aside from the man checking him over, was Lena. It took a moment for him to realize their lips were moving, and a moment longer after that to actual hear what they were saying.

“-ddie, you good?”

“Ugh, what hit me?”

“That would be my fist.” The man he’d been fighting at least looked apologetic, knowing it had been Eddie’s first fight and having promised to take it easy on him.

“Well, ow.” Eddie chuckled, moving to push himself off the ground.

“Woah now, you were just knocked out,” Lena rolled her eyes, pushing against Eddie’s chest lightly, “can you just sit for a second and let our doctor look you over?”

“What’s the verdict doc, am I gonna live?”

The doctor rolled his eyes but seemed pleased as he put his penlight away. “Looks like just a mild concussion. Get some rest tonight, take something for the headache and maybe put some ice on that.”

Eddie turned to Lena and smiled in a way that clearly asked, ‘happy?’

She huffed out a laugh, shaking her head, but extended a hand and helped haul Eddie off the ground. “Let’s call it a night huh?”

“So how bad was that for my first fight?”

“Honestly, you’d be surprised how many people get knocked out their first time. Plus, you lasted longer than most, so you got that going for you.”

Eddie laughed, “I suppose we should call it a night.”

“You good to drive home?”

There was something else there, beneath the surface, and Eddie could tell it wasn’t just a question as to his safety. It was more of an invitation, to do something else with the rest of their evening. And he was tempted, god he was tempted, but he had to get back home, where Christopher was waiting with Buck. 

Thinking of his friend made his stomach do all sorts of weird and uncomfortable flips, but he brushed it off as best he could. “I’m good to go, I’ve gotta get home to my kid.”

Lena nodded, not at all offended. “Another time. Have a good night Diaz.” 

“You too la bombera.” He smiled as he climbed into his car, his head was still pounding but everything else? Everything else felt amazing.

There were still lights on when Eddie pulled into his driveway, careful to leave enough room for Buck to back out. He climbed the steps quickly, keys jingling as he unlocked the door. He could hear voices coming from further inside, and he followed them to Christopher’s room, the sight making his heart warm.

Chris was laying under his covers, smiling and giggling as Buck knelt on the ground in front of him, acting out some sort of story involving a stuffed t-rex, a G.I Joe, the blue power ranger, and the lego Spiderman hanging suspended from a lego tower.

“Oh no!” Buck shouted softly, making an exaggerated chomping noise as the t-rex swooped down and apparently ate the G.I Joe. 

“That’s not what happens!” Christopher cried, smiling.

“It isn’t?”

“No!”

“Well then what does happen?”

Christopher paused for a moment, grabbing something under the sheets, “He gets saved by Wolverine!”

Buck looked around in confusion, scratching at his head, “I don’t see Wolverine.”

“He’s right here!” Christopher shouted, pulling his Wolverine action figure out from under his blanket.

“Woah!” Buck cried, “And it’s a sneak attack from Wolverine, oh no what is the t-rex gonna do!”

Christopher double over laughing and if Eddie’s heart hadn’t already been full it certainly was then. “Now what’s going on in here?” He asked in a playfully stern tone.

“Daddy!” Christopher looked up and his smile grew impossibly larger.

“Hey buddy!” Eddie ran into the room and bent down, pulling Chris into a tight hug, “How was your day?”

Christopher’s head fell back, and he thought for a moment, “Good, Buck and I saved the world!”

“Oh, did you now?”

Buck chuckled, standing and sticking his hands in his pocket as he watched the two of them interact. “More like the backyard.”

“It was being attacked by pirates.”

Eddie pulled back, holding Chris at arms’ length, “I thought you liked pirates.”

“I do, the good ones!” He laughed.

“Oh of course, what was I thinking? Alright, time for bed huh?”

Chris sighed, looking down at where their story had been abruptly paused. “Okay. Buck? Can we finish the story tomorrow?”

“Absolutely buddy!” Buck said, not even having to ask Eddie if it would be okay, already knowing the man worked again the next day.

Chris pulled away from his dad and held out his arms expectantly, waiting for Buck to hug him goodnight as per usual. Buck, never one to disappoint, bent down and wrapped his arms gently around Christopher’s small frame. “Goodnight buddy.”

“Goodnight kid.” Chris whispered, stifling a yawn.

“Night Chris, I love you.” Eddie bent over, kissing his sons’ forehead before following Buck towards the door.

“Love you daddy.”

Pausing at the door Eddie smiled as he looked at the bed, waiting for Christopher to situate himself comfortably before flipping the light off and pulling the door mostly closed behind him. 

Buck turned to him, smile on his face and something funny to say no doubt when his entire demeanor changed, “Woah Eddie, what happened are you okay?”

Eddie stopped in confusion before recognition dawned, he was probably bruised from the fight. He hadn’t even had a chance to look at it, he really hoped it wasn’t too bad. “Oh yeah, fine just um, little mishap at work.”

“Okay.” Buck was staring at him, watching him closely, almost like he didn’t believe Eddie but didn’t want to call him out either. “Well, I can be over again tomorrow, around noon, right?”

Eddie blinked in surprise, butterflies fluttering in his stomach at the fact that Buck knew his schedule. He shoved them down quickly however and nodded instead. Except that motion made the world spin a little, so he quickly stopped. “Yeah, noon is great.”

Buck was staring at him again, worry clearly shining in his eyes. “You sure you’re okay?”

“Positive, wouldn’t be home if I weren’t. Now you should get some sleep, I assume you’ll have your hands full again tomorrow.”

“Yeah that kid is never short on energy.”

“I know it’s obscene.” Eddie responded immediately, and the two of them laughed, the sound tapering off awkwardly. And Eddie had to wonder when there started to be tension between them; or maybe he was the only one feeling it.

Buck sniffed, smiling softly and looking up at Eddie through his eyelashes.

The sight was so beautiful Eddie’s heart almost leapt right out of his chest; and wouldn’t that have been embarrassing. He must have gotten hit harder than he realized, normally he was able to control those types of thoughts, knowing nothing would ever- could ever- come of it. He cleared his throat, “Well, it’s been a long day I should,” he gestured vaguely over his shoulder.

“Right.” Buck nodded, “Have a good night Eddie.”

“Yeah you too.” Eddie practically whispered, watching and, definitely not admiring the view, as Buck let himself out. Once the coast was clear he let himself collapse against the counter with a sigh, head hanging, and eyes closed.

“You should just tell him already.”

The sudden voice nearly gave Eddie a heart attack and he turned around to see Christopher standing in the doorway of the kitchen. “What are you doing out of bed?” He demanded good-naturedly.

Chris shrugged innocently, “I was thirsty.”

“Course you were, get some water and then get your butt in bed you little stinker.”

“I’m going.” Christopher said, smiling up at him in a way that bode of far too much knowledge. “But you should tell him.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“That you like Bu-”

“Bed!” Eddie said loudly, hating how much his ears were burning. 

Christopher just giggled, walking off slowly to his room, cup of water balanced in one hand. 

Eddie sighed heavily, if he hadn’t needed Tylenol before he certainly did now. He did not need to think about the implications of his son giving him advice on his love life.

 Buck groaned as his head flopped to land against his steering wheel. He knew his crush on Eddie was getting out of hand, he just didn’t know what to do. Maddie would say that he should just tell him already, “nothing can happen if you do nothing.”. But it wasn’t like that was even remotely an option. Eddie definitely wasn’t interested, and he really couldn’t do anything to mess up what they already had. Because even if he couldn’t be with Eddie in the way he really wanted, he knew he needed Eddie in his life in some capacity. And confessing unrequited love was a sure-fire way to get him full scale ejected from Eddie’s life.

He waited for the light in the living room to flip off before starting his car and pulling out of the driveway. He was just thankful that when he got home, he was able to fall asleep relatively quickly, even if it was on the couch with his tv providing a wonderful distracting background noise to his otherwise loud thoughts.

 The next day started off as normal as they all did, no dark rain clouds or impending sense of doom. Just a quick flash of a smile goodbye and a shout of “love you” out the door before Buck was left alone in the house with Christopher.

“Well bud, what do you feel like doing today?”

Christopher thought on it for a moment, before his face lit up, “Ice cream!”

Buck chuckled with a shake of his head; he was glad he wasn’t the kid’s dad because he couldn’t say no to anything that child wanted. “Ice cream it is.”

Christopher was sitting in front of the tv, enjoying the ice cream they’d gotten to go, while Buck was cleaning up from lunch in the kitchen. His phone started ringing, vibrating from its place on the countertop, and he quickly dried his hands and went to grab it. He glanced up at Chris quickly, smiling when the kid shouted something about going the other way at the tv, before answering. “Hey Bobby, what’s-”

Bobby cut him off quickly, his words making Buck’s heart come to a jarring halt. “Buck listen, Eddie collapsed at work today, he’s in the hospital right now getting looked at but we don’t know what the problem is.”

Buck felt like there wasn’t air to breathe, “What?” he croaked. 

“Yeah, I just wanted to let you know and, I don’t know if you want to bring Christopher or-”

“No!” Buck said quickly, nervously checking to make sure Chris’ attention was still drawn to the tv before stepping into the laundry room. “No, I-I don’t, he doesn’t need to be there yet. Um, let’s just, find out what’s wrong first. He’s had so much happen recently, he doesn’t need to get freaked out if it’s nothing.”

“Okay,” Bobby agreed readily, and that made Buck’s heart swell in gratitude. “Are you coming?”

“Uh, I can uh, I can give Carla a call, see if she’s available. I’ll text you when I find out. Just, please keep me updated?”

“Of course.”

“‘Kay thanks, talk to you soon.” Buck sighed heavily, noticing for the first time how badly his hands were shaking. “Oh shit.” He breathed.

Christopher was sitting exactly where Buck had left him, smiling and laughing, not a worry in the world. Buck hated himself for what he was about to do but he couldn’t just not tell Chris his dad was hurt.

“Hey kiddo,” Buck swallowed, he put the tv on mute and steeled himself for what was probably going to be one of the hardest conversations of his life.

Chris picked up on the shift in tone immediately, “What’s wrong Buck?”

“Look um, buddy, your daddy he’s, well he’s a little hurt. And um, our friends had to take him to the hospital.”

“We go see him?” Chris asked immediately.

“Um, I’m going to see if Carla can come over and watch you for a bit, while I go to the hospital.”

“But I wanna see daddy.”

“I know you do. I promise you can see him, just-just not right this second okay?”

Chris paused, his voice small and quivering, “Is daddy going to the same place as mommy?”

Buck’s heart shattered and he had to physically hold back a sob, because the truth was, he didn’t even know. Bobby hadn’t been specific, but he’d sounded rattled. “No, no buddy of course not. Your daddy, well I don’t know if you know this, but your daddy is one strong guy.”

“Like you?” Christopher asked, tone lifting a little.

“Nah, even stronger.” Buck whispered, blinking back tears.

“Who?”

Buck smiled, the action painful, “You.”

 Buck was at the hospital a little over thirty minutes later rushing in and finding the team sitting in the waiting room. “Hey, what’s going on any news?”

Bobby was on his feet in a second, hands gently gripping Buck’s shoulders, “Hey buddy, calm down, we don’t have any news yet. Just breathe okay?”

Buck nodded, doing his best to keep his panic at bay. “What happened?”

“He just collapsed, no warning or anything.” Hen supplied, an untouched cup of coffee sitting on the table next to her. 

“I mean, did it have to do with how he got hurt yesterday?”

Bobby crossed his arms over his chest, “How did he get hurt yesterday?”

Buck blinked, “What do you mean, he told me he got hurt at work.” Buck swallowed, “He did get hurt at work, right?” He asked, but his teams silence was already answer enough. Eddie had lied.

The realization smacked Buck like a train. He couldn’t think of a reason that Eddie would lie to him, it didn’t make sense.

“It wasn’t that bad.”

The soft murmur had Buck’s attention zeroing in on a woman he hadn’t noticed before, sitting in the corner chair in the same firefighter uniform as the rest of his team.

“What wasn’t that bad?” Bobby asked.

The woman sighed, “He got smacked in the head pretty good last night but-”

“What?” Buck interrupted, “What was he doing?”

“I took him to a small street fighting ring I’m in.”

Buck blinked; certain he’d heard wrong. “You made him do what?”

“Hey, I didn’t make him do anything, he wanted to.” The woman shot back defensively. 

“Wh- who even are you, why are you here?”

“Lena Bosko, and I’m here cause I’m worried about my teammate.”

Buck was getting pretty sick of having curveballs thrown at him, and he could only turn to Bobby in hurt confusion at the new knowledge.

Bobby sighed, “It’s only a temporary thing, her team is a little displaced right now cause of the tsunami and you’re not ready to come back to work yet Buck.”

Lena paused, looking him up and down, “So you’re the infamous Buck.”

“What of it?” Buck said sharply, not liking the way she was glowering at him.

She shrugged nonchalantly, “Nothing, just not how I was picturing the guy who lost Eddie’s kid in the tsunami to look.”

Buck saw red, “What did you just say?” He snarled.

“Woah, okay how about we calm down.” Chim said, stepping in front of Buck as he took a threatening step forward.

“Bosko, that is enough, I want you to go cool off.”

“But Cap-”

“I will text you with an update when we have one for now take a walk.” Bobby’s voice left no room for question.

Lena scoffed, glaring daggers at Buck as she stalked out of the room, the eyes of the remaining 118 following her as she went.

Only once she was out of sight around the corner did Chimney release Buck’s shoulder from his hold. “Sorry Buckaroo.” He whispered.

Buck wasn’t quite sure what he was apologizing for, but he appreciated it all the same.

“Hey Buck, I’m gonna talk to her okay? She doesn’t get to speak to you that way.”

Buck nodded, “It’s okay Bobby.” He followed Chim’s guiding hands into a chair and leaned into Hen’s offered arm.

She rubbed her hand across his back, “He’s gonna be okay Buck.”

Buck smiled up at her weakly; he really wanted to believe her, but he just couldn’t shake the fact that she didn’t actually know.

It was another hour at least before the doctor came out, he told the team all sorts of information that Buck simply wasn’t able to process, he knew they’d tell him the important bits later. All he really got was that Eddie was alive but unconscious, and they would be able to see him.

The room wasn’t anything special, once you’d been in enough hospital rooms, they all looked the same. But Buck hadn’t been quite prepared for how quiet it would be. Aside from the machines, and there were too many of them doing things he didn’t even know and that on its own was enough to terrify him, Eddie was silent. And so still. Buck had to wonder if this was what it had been like for the others when he’d been in the hospital.

Hen gripped his right hand in her own, Chim slipping his fingers through his other, and Bobby placed a warm hand against his shoulder. The flood of support was overwhelming, and he found himself biting back tears. 

He stared at Eddie for a moment longer, taking it all in: the closed eyes, bandage around his head, chest rising and falling steadily with the beeping of machines. “You’re an idiot.” He whispered, as the first tear of what would probably be many slipped down his face.

Ch 2

[rkwxnb]

shout out to rookies!

This is going to be short. At least now that I’m typing this I hope it would be since I’m a few seconds from knocking out. On top of that, I know I’m going to forget really important people for the same reason of why I hope this would be short... also because as always, I am doing this last minute. ( peace!! ) 

Rookies as the great Miss Grande once said. “One taught me love. One taught me patience. And One taught me pain.” I hope you all feel me when I say that’s all on you, RK! --- “Thank you, -- my stay tune for my next muse.” 

Now that cringe moment is over with. I wanna do a roll-call at my special people! For those who stuck with me during the times, I was in rookies and while I was out doing god-knows-what.

RKCAP: This asswhole muse of mine who got into scandals and ruined one friendship after another, found his family ( by bond and friendship ) though this rp. Even until now I have to say he is the strongest muse in my whole rp-history. Having played him over at least two-years, before dropping his booty from wanting to become an idol, and evidently out of rookies. Outcast by his own family, with the help of the bro/anti-squad ( @aronrk - strawberry bruh! @rkkangjoon - lover joon! @rkgray - co-parenting daddy bruh + @rkxminhee - little minx min @rkwendy calm and collected sis @borark my get out of jail free card ) Not to mention, his little shit brother @rkohsehun NODDLEBOY! you’re all fam and I don’t have to tell you how many times I wish I can bring this boy back because of you lot! 

Special shout-out to his ladies Jieun- ( @yujurk ) and Elly ( @hyunark ) them girls are his solid. Soulmates and Lovers. They are the core reason that he is still sane. One can say, they are his everything. 

Yo seriously, Maddy you are by far one of the coolest people I’ve met. You’re insanely solid, my utmost respect to you. Shinobi-- the one-third of IwaBoKuro, see we’re even an ot3 in real life! You’re extremely dedicated to your muses, much like how you are with your friendships, never change bruhski! Saaaammmiiiieee!!! You are by far one of the kindest people I have ever come across, thank you for being you! Clara... gurl wait till Toshi’s turn uwu  Em, you’ve made me such a happy puppy by coming back to rookies! I wish you and baby girl the best in life!

To my first child, Stef, sana okay ka na babybear! I’ve known you since why before rookies and in fact, I remember suggesting you play Sehun when Minsoo’s fc was still Chanyeol’s so we can have exo bruhs! Pero despite all that, I’m seriously proud of how much you’ve grown, you are one of my precious people. Though we don’t speak that much any more, alam I’m always here for you!

To my child, Nana, fix yourself before you wreck yourself! I miss you lots crazy and I hope we get to talk soon. I really wanna hear what's happening with life and how you’re surviving uni. What’s more is we both know that Hyo-Min is actually the IT soulmates, and the whole of Rookies know it. ( if you’re a new mun and you’re reading this... It’s true, believe me uwu ) I hope we have muses with that much of a strong connection again! Love you my mad child! 

To my co-parenting mom, Jen, girl what you doing with your life?! We’ve had our ups and down, despite all that bullshit we’re at it again. To a degree, it’ll never be the same but I do wish if anything, our friendship will grow stronger instead. Your muses played as my muses lover, twin and admirer, but in real life, you once told me that you believe people have seven soulmates, though you’re a little shit that believes Yoongi is one of them. You did mention I maybe have taken a spot to, so no take-backs asshole. You’re stuck with me now. Peace!

RKTOSHI: This boy was Minho- then Dean... Then Yuto, heck back to Minho, then finally his sorry ass became Jisoo. He is one of the most complex and interesting muses I have ever played. The shit show he was a part of had been insane, from being a part of the Yakuza to being shot and finally a part of Nova ( like this hoe-man actually got signed! ) Aside from Soyeon ( sit your ass down Jen I already called you out ) he was a part of the Mensa-Squad with his @rkxkjd daddy-D ( KATIE LEE SIGN MY D ) and his @rkjohnny forever-hubby ( that now has his very own princess ). To the only women that kept him on a leash @rkyooa the one that got away and @dahyexrkarchive proxy grandma. Thanks to him joining the mgas he met his adoptive ma @rkjei! 

Yurim!! DADDY-DAE! You’re one of the most amazing people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting, especially in real life. I utterly respect you from moving away from home and following your dreams. You’re an a-class writer; I wish you the all the best for your endeavors! 

Claraaaa ‘te~ The leader of rkpinoy squad-- seriously, even Johnny boy if from the Philippines. You’ve kept me sane and has been the voice of reason to many, including myself and my shit show muse. We once had an almost ship with Toshi and Wendy, but somehow I’m glad it didn’t work out because DANG LOOK AT YOU AND HUGO! Sana happy ka sa work and I’m always looking forward to your sports commentary be it figure staking, basketball, volleyball and cheerleading, Lab you sis! 

Bun, the 2nd-third of IwaBoKuro--!! Man, I love the fact that we embody our muses even outside the roleplay. Still completely in touch irrespective of the fact that you’re no longer in this rp. You still the best! Much like Dahye kicks Toshi’s ass ( literally and figuratively ) you do the same with me, except more in the game-mode xP Whenever you wanna come back, I’ll be sure to have another mess of a muse to latch on to yours like a leech. 

Nic, you angel. Even though we’ve only just gotten closer this year, I swear to God I am truly blessed for having you in my life. You’re one of my persons. You’re exceptionally strong and amazingly kind and considerate. I am sorry for all the bullshit you had to go through here and I’m hella proud you didn’t let those get you down and give up on your muses! 

Roe, my true soulmate. Holy shit. I reckon its more than five years since we’ve known each other. You’re muse almost married mine. Heck, we have plans to platonically get married ( because we gonna cheat the system ). I absolutely cannot imagine my life without you. You are my ultimate person. As you rightly said in your post, my ride and die. The strongest and fiercest of people, both in the real world and rp. You take no shit from anybody and would fight for what you believe is right, especially stand up to those who are getting bullied. Without being anymore sappy, I do love you with all of me and I am always gonna be here for you. Just because you are amazing and worth it all. 

RKNAEUN + RKAVERY: My two latest muses ( actually the ones currently in rookies ) I never imagine there would be a time where I would have only female muses in rookies. Considering my strongest muses here were the boys. But keeping you both and actually maintaining your arc ( plus organizing your points properly ) is something I’m actually proud of myself of. Since Avery is still relatively new ( her strongest bonds have yet to fully form, but one of them is definitely Hoby! ) I’mma focus on Naeun’s friendships! From the chaebol-childhood friends to fam @rkchaeyoung her idol unnie to @rksunwoo best oppa sunwoo. her dancing queen leader @rkhyojeong and her best friend 4eva @rkleeflix . I want to thank all of you for being her inspiration! 

Special shoutout to Amy we too old for optimism but I shit you know if I know anyone who’s going to make it through all this, it’ll be you! You are the most real person that I know. Oddly enough we got closer when I came back in rookies then my first time around here. You’ve been there for me in the toughest times, even though I know you were going through you’re own worries. I’m eternally grateful for that. With everything said and done, I hope I can return even slightest bit of happiness and comfort you’ve given me, because I know I can’t match all the times you’ve had to deal with me.Thank you loads for everything, me hearts you!

Thank you rkmods/admins. Without you, I would not have met all these precious people. Thank you for tirelessly listening to all of us whine about how unfair everything is and still remain here. Thank you for giving us your time and efforts to keep our escape from the real world alive. Most importantly, thank you for being the backbone of all this glorious foundation. You all is amazing. Happy RKFIFTH and I hope many more to come! 

Yours,  ( Lyn | @rkavery + @rkxsnn ) 

P.S. I lied this wasn’t short at all. [ sorry for the grammatic/spelling errors... lets be real if this post didn’t have those, then you can all speculate that I didn’t actually write it. 

[skiachtro]

there’s something  off  about what he’s been tracking.  this morning he had this feeling, this shift in atmosphere.  something’s going to happen today,  is what he was thinking. the whole day went by. nothing. it turned dark, and the faint sound of leaves crackling and feet shuffling don’t go unnoticed. so he grabs his weapons, puts on his coat, and heads out to the space surrounding camp. the last thing they need is a break in ; the last time there was one of those, luke got captured. he doesn’t want that for him. for  any  of them. head dipped low, feet quiet in their step, he easily blends in, seamlessly moving from one cover to the next. this sound.. it’s taking him farther... farther... farther...  FWING.  a dagger damn near misses his head, and he finds himself back up against a tree, breath heavy.  christ.  ❝ -- all right! ❞  he calls out, quietly-- slowly  beginning to unsheathe his knife close to his stomach. ❝ ain’t no need to fight! what do you want? food? shelter? ❞

                                               silence.  stillness.

the world  stops, and after what seems like  minutes, he hears a light  thud  as something hits the ground. eyebrows furrow, and he’s not immediately moving. he isn’t sure he wants to  fall  for it.  sniffle. whimper. sniffle.  now that--  that sounds like... --  a little girl?? slowly,  cautiously, he begins to peek from behind the tree, knife held close to his chest, ready to strike. his eyes, instead, find a small figure in the dim moonlight. he squints, like that’s going to help the issue, and lets his guard down, stepping away from the tree.  ❝ hey.. you all right there? do-- ❞ he’s advancing rather anxiously, continuously glancing around himself. this would be perfect bait -- but how could he leave something so precious to fend for herself?  ❝ -- do you got parents? ❞  voice soft, he puts his knife over he leg when he crouches down, gently reaches for the hair that’s covering her face, tucking it behind her ear. ❝ ah, that’s better! you’re bein’ modest, ❞  he teases. she’s cute, small... reminds him of his daughter. the age this girl is happens to the around the same age when maddison and nadine [ his wife ] left. coincidence, right? small world.  ❝ you lost, darlin’?  ❞ she doesn’t respond, remains curled up, and he starts to wonder if there’s  more  to this. he isn’t stupid, he knows almost every trick ; all those years of training didn’t go unnoticed. she won’t answer, won’t really respond to his touch, either. he’s  just about  to turn around, feeling another kind of  shift, when he feels a blade press to the curve of his shoulder where it meets his neck. ah, shit.  she’s fine. she’s just deaf, idiot.  a soft yet  firm, solid voice sounds from behind him, and it makes his heart skip a beat. it’s so  familiar, but nowadays any kid could sound like maddie if he had the blessing of hearing one.

   over time, he eventually sets his knife down on the ground, hands up on either side of his head in surrender. he doesn’t like that his back is to her. he puts his hands on the back of his head now.  (  he’ll comply as long as he has to, until he sees an opening. )   ❝ all right, all right. you win. ❞  i know.  confident, bubbly  -- it’s almost a cruelty to say it, but this kid seems well adapted.  definitely  able to take care of herself. the little girl in front of him pops up at the sight of the girl standing behind him, breaks out a smile, reaches out with excited grabby-hands to take the granola bars her sister ( ? )  is giving to her. granola bars that were in  abe’s bag. that’s fine. they need it more than he does, no hard feelings.  you got a place?  he chuckles,  ❝ you think if i did that they’d be welcomin’ you with open arms while you’re bringin’ me in as a  hostage  in my own camp? ❞  who says i’d bring you with me when i finally want to go in? i could just kill you now. can’t be that far away from here, i could find it.  ❝ i said  if  i had a camp-- ❞  don’t bullshit me, asshole!  oh.  okay. he understands the need to compensate, if you could even call it that. a young child, female nonetheless, that is in this cruel world alone? the girl in front of her was so small, and he imagines the one behind him is as well. -- they were so  little  when this all started. ❝ all right, look.. i’ll help you out. i  will  bring you back to my camp.. and i’ll keep you behind me. let them know you’re with me. ❞  what makes you think i believe that?  ❝ if you’re as desperate as you seem, you don’t have much of a choice, darlin’. ❞  her eyebrows furrow, looking to her little sister, face twisted, lips puckered ; she’s  thinking. max shrugs in front of her, maddie scoffs.  fine. but if you try anythin’ funny--  ❝ i  won’t. don’t you think i could have taken the two of you on by now? ❞  well.. now that she  thinks  about it... this is a six-foot-two inch man, and they’re, at most, four-foot-seven.  or that’s what you want us to think.   ❝ honest to god, you can tie me up if you want to. ❞  she looks at him in disbelief.  okay, now you’re reaching.  ❝ look.. i had a little girl like her, ❞  expression is downright  pitiful  as he turns on his knee, wanting to see the girl behind him. and when he finally  does:   ❝ maddison? ❞  this strong, fierce girl, ready to  kill  him  (  is still a strong, fierce girl, but  )  --  she  crumbles. 

                                             --  daddy?  DADDY!  

her sword is dropped and she  rushes  forward, wrapping her little arms around his neck, ultimately tackling him to the floor. at first he doesn’t respond, he’s too busy chuckling. and then that chuckling turns into  laughing, and that laughing turns into  hysterical laughter.  he reaches his hand up, puts it over his eye as though to shield himself from sun  (  even though there is none  ), he just can’t  believe  it.  ❝ m--madison-- ❞ he’s laughing, he’s  CRYING, he’s sitting up  immediately  to grab her face, look her over. his flesh, his  blood. his  everything.  ❝ oh my god-- oh my god, you’re here-- you’re okay! you’re okay!! oh my god-- ❞  arms wind around her tight, pull her against his chest in a tight, warm hug. ❝ oh, baby girl-- oh, god, how did you get here? where’s your mama at?? ❞  both girls look sad at that, and he furrows his brows at that. looks from max back to maddie, tilts his head.  ❝ maddie, what happened? ❞  it takes her a moment, but she keeps it together, soldiers on.  at the beginning.. some of your friends came and got us. the higher up guys? anyway, um.. they took us to this facility. everything was okay for a while, but eventually it started to get overrun. the virus was spreading, and they had this emergency protocol?  ❝ what protocol? what was the name? ❞  i don’t know, i don’t remember.  ❝ okay-- it’s okay, it’s okay. it’s already happened, nothin’ we can do to change it. keep goin’, baby. ❞  i’m sorry, daddy.  ❝ no, baby, you’re doin’ perfect. i promise. ❞  she nods.  there were a lot of explosions... we barely got out, but mama got stuck..  his head falls back, looking up at the stars for a moment,  ❝ god damnit, nadine.. ❞  he misses her. he didn’t want her to go when she had to, and neither did she, but it was the safest thing for maddie at the time. and for nadine, her mother, abe’s  wife.  (  ex-wife.  )  he pushes tears away ; right now it’s easy to move on because he has his baby back, he has --  wait..  

  confused expression takes over, and he looks back forward to find maddie’s eyes.  ❝ you said--  we.. barely got out. you mean you and-- ❞  he nods towards max,  ❝ -- her? ❞  maddie nods. ❝ well wh---ere did you find her? ❞  didn’t find ‘er, daddy. she was mama’s.  ❝ she was-- ❞  okay, this is a lot. he’s clearly gotten flush, falling back onto his bottom on the ground, and he puts his head between his knees.  -- mama always said she was yours..  the wind is knocked out of him, and he can’t do much to cover it up. terror, shock -- it’s written all over his face, and he can’t find any kind of stability. 

                    ❝ abel! ❞  a harsh whisper, one hoping to grab  attention.

abe twists his head around to find a dark silhouette as it begins to approach, and the closer it gets the more obvious it is to him  who  it is:  willow.  she’s a saving grace.  what are you doing here?  ❝ i could ask you the same thing! who-- ❞  the eldest girl chimes in, i’m maddie!  now not only is  abel  shocked, so is willow. because she’s taken the time to get to know everyone, she’s taken the time to figure out his past and the name of his daughter, and--  ❝ ... maddie?.. you’re-- ❞  i’m his little girl.  ❝ oh, jesus christ-- ❞  she’s sorry for the language, but she thinks the situation deserves it.  ❝ and who’s-- ❞  her finger points to the younger girl, and this is where  abe  chimes in:  she’s my daughter, too.  willow looks to the man on the ground ; how can someone look so shattered but so  whole  at the same time?  a smile is offered to maddie as she steps in closer, crouches down to be face to face with abel.  ❝ hey, ❞  she speaks soft, just so he can hear. ❝ i can’t  imagine  what you’re going through, but you know we can’t be out here. ❞   i know.  ❝ hey-- i  know  you know. ❞  he needs to know that. he needs to know she isn’t doubting him-- because she  isn’t.  he’s smart, strategic, tactical. he nods slowly at what she says, appreciating the reassuring smile she passes on.  ❝ but you also know what we’re bringing them home to. ❞  i know.. but i’m not ever leaving them again.  ❝ and i wouldn’t ask you to-- ❞  but it’s dangerous with him, too, i know. but there’s all of us, and he’s barely around. i really think you should talk to rose, too.  ❝ why the hell would i do that? ❞  because she knows a  lot. and a lot of what she knows are his secrets.  ❝ no,  i  know his secrets. ❞  this isn’t time to be jealous. he isn’t someone to fight over. he isn’t worth the effort. you know he’s out of control, and you know that anything can happen with him. they are in danger, even at home.  ❝ i will take care of it-- ❞  willow,  ❝ --  abe.. i  will. i swear on my  life. this is my responsibility, he’s my responsibility. this is my job, and i promise you.. i won’t let anything happen to them. ❞  she means that, she  believes  that, but sometimes it just isn’t enough. scarecrow is unpredictable.  i will kill him myself if i have to.  chewing on her bottom lip, she looks anywhere but him ; she knows he would, and he stands a better chance than most of them. he’s a good fighter, an even  better  sniper.  ❝ i know. but that’s a last resort. ❞  a compromise. he gives a quick nod, a silent contract bound. 

  she’s gotten him focused on something else, eased his panic attack. he’s starting to breathe normally again, calm down, and willow turns to look at the two girls.  ❝ hi, there.. -- i’m willow. ❞  maddie speaks up,  i like your tattoos.  willows hands go up to her own neck, running her fingers down her chest in a gesture of faux shock, gasping,  ❝ these ol’ things? please! ❞  the two girls chuckle, and the woman’s voice goes more serious.  ❝ -- but  thank you,  sweetie. ❞   i don’t think daddy would ever let me get one..  ❝ not unless we run into kat von D, honey. ❞  she wouldn’t trust anyone else... except for her old artist. a glance back to abe, reassuring pat on his leg, and she stands. she’ll take over for him, help guide him.  ❝ all right, girls. let’s get you back home. short road trip, anyone?! ❞  maddie nods her head excitedly, and once max sees her sister do that, she joins in  (  despite not knowing what the  fuck  is going on  ).  ❝ this way, m’ladies. ❞ it’s going to be a long  night.

[metroidspeedrun]

Solid questions, all of them unless you don't want to

1. First thing you wash in the shower? My left arm

2. Are you more of a coffee or alcohol drinker? Alcohol, but atm I’m neither 

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Oh most definitely 

4. Do you plan outfits? Nope

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Not bad, I think I’m j kind of liking boring myself to sleep

6. Whats the closest thing to you thats red? Our house phone

7. What would you do if you opened your door and saw a dead body? Close the door and wait for my dad to get home

8. Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I had a son and I almost crushed him to death on accident

9. Three of your current feelings? 

1) Boredom

2) Happiness

3) Confusion

10. What are you craving right now? Another popsicle

11. Turn ons? N/A

12. Turn offs? N/A

13. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? Please let me have some

14. When was the last time you cried? Why? Last week I think or whenever I cut my hair, to be honest, I was feeling literally everything 

15. If you could be a superhero, who would you want to be? Wonder Woman or Question (John Constantine’s Question)

16. Did the one person who hurt you most in your life apologize? No and he will never apologize and I don’t want him to

17. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? I have 0 patience, damn right I bite it

18. Favorite movie ever? Ever? Howl’s Moving Castle 

19. Do you like yourself? Haha no

20. Have you ever met a celebrity?Arnold Schwarzenegger 

21. Could you handle being in the military? No that’s awful

22. What are you listening to right now? Don’t Mess With My Man by Nivea

23. How many countries have you visited? Just the one I was born and raised in, other than that 0

24. Are your parents strict? Yuppppp

25. Would you go sky diving? Nope

26. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? Nope

27. Whats on your mind right now? Whether or not I should finish my pizza

28. Is there anything you want to say to someone? I want my baby brother to make me a sandwich

29. Have you ever been in a castle? No but I wish

30. Do you rent movies often? Never

31. Whats your zodiac sign? Leo sun

32. When was the last time you had sex? Never ever

33. Name five facts about yourself.

1) I can stand on my toes

2) I am scared of androids 

3) I’m more scared of car accidents than I am of getting hit by a car walking

4) I didn’t know what a lesbian was until I was 11

5) I can ballroom dance

34. Ever had a near death experience? If so, what happened? Yup, so apparently you can overdose on aspirin, and that’s why we read the directions on everything 

35. Do you believe in karma or predestiny? Karma yeah, predestiny nah

36. Brown or white eggs? Brown eggs cost more so white eggs

37. Do you own something from Hot Topic? I have like 2 pins 

38. Ever been on a train? Not a real one :(((((

39. Ever been in love? Yup 

40. If you were paid 1 million dollars to spend the night in a supposed haunted house, would you do it? FUCK YEAH

41. If you could trade places with any person living or dead, who would you trade places with? My friend Lacey bc she is wild 

42. If you could shorten your life expectancy by 10 years to becopme more attractive, would you do it? Probably tbh

43. Whom do you admire and why? I don’t really “admire” anyone atm 

44. What was your favorite bedtime story as a child? I didn’t really do the whole bedtime story thing until I was in high school but The Grateful Swan was my fav

45. You’re walking down the street, you come across a burning building. A woman says her baby is trapped inside, what would you do? Ig I’m gonna have to chuck a baby to their mom

46. If you could choose the future profession of your son or daughter, would you? No, that takes all the fun out of raising them

47. What was your best experience on drugs or alcohol? When I got high at my friend’s house, after smoking at the park by my house with a friend, then I went to the park and magically appeared at home in time to go to sleep

48. What was your worst experience on drugs or alcohol? Alcohol was definitely when I got super drunk on Maddie’s birthday and tried to kiss her, drugs would have to be the first time I ever got high and I was at school the whole day 

50. As your walking down the street you find a suitcase full of money sitting next to a parked car, would you take it? YES I WOULD

51. If you found that a close friend has AIDS, would you still hang out with them? Of course

52. In front of you are 10 pistols, 5 of which are loaded. If you survive you’d receive 100 million dollars. Would you be willing to place 1 to your head and pull the trigger? Nah I think that violates my terms and conditions

53. How old were you when you lost your virginity? N/A

54. Do you believe in ghosts, werewolves or vampires? Nope

55. If you could live forever, would you want to? No way

56. Which fictional movie character most resembles who you are? Um, Arren from Tales From Earthsea

57. If you could go back in time, which time period would you visit? 1986

58. If they were to televise a live execution, would you watch it? No that’s sick

59. If you could be the president of the USA, would you be willing to do it? Fuck no lol I hate this country

60. If you could choose the sex of your unborn child, would you want to?Nah I’m good

61. Would you rather live longer or be wealthy? Be wealthy