#and actually wants a character that can join 118 storylines

[bibuckleykinard]

9-1-1 interviews, lightly touching on bucktommy with the vaguest of language: tommy kinard, move out of the way please so I don't trip on you bucktommy tumblr, eyes enormous: you KICK tommy? you kick tommy away like the football? oh! oh! jail for minear! jail for minear for One Thousand Years!!!!

[lemotmo]

But we're the delusional ones 🙄. Dear God I have no words. The ask is loooong but I had to include it so you could see it.

Q. You all do understand how absurd it is to see Ryan with a mustache and go straight to assuming he's queer now, way to stereotype. I agree that the show is clearly going in a different direction with him this season but it's not the direction you all want. They have to remove him from the 118 because they need a spot Tommy can fill. Tommy is going to want to be where he can protect Buck, and Hen and Chimney if need be, from Gerard so either he will request a transfer to the 118 or Buck will ask him to request a transfer to the 118. That means they have to remove someone. Eddie is the easiest choice because he's so similar to Tommy. And before you even start all of the characteristics and background Eddie has, minus Christopher, belonged to Tommy first, he has technically been on the show longer. When they brought Ryan/Eddie in he was given all of those Tommy traits so Buck would kind of fall for him and when they brought Tommy back last season they had Buck point out his similarities to Eddie as a way to tell the audience that Tommy had those things first. That's why Buck chose Tommy and not Eddie. The video showed Ryan in a car, perhaps it's a patrol car. Removing him from the 118 is required to bring Tommy in, which the show is absolutely going to figure out a way to do. Having Eddie become a cop is a way to still keep the character but remove him from Buck and the 118 so Tommy can have his original spot back. Tommy fills that spot effortlessly because it belonged to him in the first place. Which has been their plan all along.

A. Okay I was one hundred percent going to ignore this ask because it's absurd on every level, but, BUT, anon, is that really how you all arrived at your 'string theory'. Is that how you all got there?! Because that absolutely breaks my brain. There is so much to unpack in this ask I don't even know where to begin so I'll just start at the top. Just so I'm clear, us seeing Ryan/Eddie in a mustache and, correctly, pointing out its part in queer culture (something Tim and Ryan Murphy would know plenty about) is absurd, but you all seeing him with a mustache in a car and saying he's becoming a cop makes perfect sense? Do I have that correct? Wow.

Okay Tommy isn't joining the 118. Buck isn't going to ask him to transfer to the 118 (your Buck erasure is showing btw). Buck, Hen and Chimney don't need him to protect them from anyone or anything. The show has no plans to bring Tommy into the mix in any capacity but temporary plot point. The show has no interest in or intention of separating Buck from Eddie for any lengthy period of time. Eddie is not becoming a cop. I'm going to take this time to say that I believe you know everything you said in your ask is nonsense, but I'm going to explain it to you anyway. The show did not give Eddie Tommy's backstory. The show did not add Eddie as a character 6 years ago to give him the characteristics and backstory of a background character who was never given a real backstory in the first place because background characters/plot points don't get actual backstories. Their entire purpose is to be an empty vessel character the show can use for any storyline they want. A plot point characters' personality and interests change to fit the plot they're being used for. In the case of Tommy, for the current plot he's involved in, the show needed him to have surface level similarities to Eddie, for Buck to specifically notice, so they gave them a couple of common interests, and a military background, all of which were never mentioned again after episode 4 because they were no longer relevant to the storyline. The show had Buck point out those similarities for the audience to know that Eddie was the point not Tommy. Then, because Tommy is just a plot point to move the Buck/Eddie storyline forward, the few scenes Tommy had the rest of the season were used only to highlight how different from Eddie Tommy really is, especially where Buck is concerned. There is no invisible string theory tying Tommy to anyone or anything. There is no Tommy grand plan. You all gave Eddie's entire character history to Tommy because you also know Eddie, and not Tommy is the point here. Tommy's entire purpose is for Buck to figure out his feelings regarding Eddie. So your man's entire reason for being is to give Eddie to Buck. Enjoy the show.

Thank you once again Nonny for dropping this into my inbox, although this one kind of made me want to hit my head repeatedly, because I could not believe what I was reading. 0_°

I don't even know what to say about this. Ali definitely said all that needed to be said here. I'm not even sure if this question was worth her time and effort to be honest.

I have so many questions though. Where do these bizarre theories come from? Why? How? WHAT!?!

I just, Eddie gets a moustache and suddenly he can't be a firefighter anymore, because once you have a moustache you need to be a police officer? Can he just transfer from being a firefighter to the police force? Wouldn't he need to go to school for that?

Tommy, who canonically was shown to be a bigot and a follower of Gerrard had all the qualities that Eddie stole later on in season 2? And the grand plan was to make Buck fall in love with Eddie, so that he could later meet Tommy in season 7 to fall in love with all of Eddie's character traits that were actually Tommy's first? Even though we knew nothing about Tommy until we got some more background information in season 7? Wouldn't that mean that they actually gave Tommy some character traits from Eddie to have Buck realise later on that Eddie is the (for a lack of a better word) improved version of Tommy?

Even by typing this up, I'm confusing myself.

I don't understand this behaviour and level of self-deception. I'm the first to admit that the Buddie fandom gets carried away with some theories once in a while. We've had a couple of really interesting ones as well. But most of those theories were still built on canon events in the show. By analysing scenes and episodes, there were patterns and by following those patterns you could draw conclusions. Sometimes we were right, but just as many times we were wrong.

But this is on a whole other level. None of this is rooted in canon. It's all make believe, coming from the headcanons of Lou (at first) and then his fans took over from him and spun all of their own headcanons around the ones he first created, until the Tommy in their heads was nothing like the real Tommy anymore. It's fascinating how all this came about.

Anyway, I'm just stopping it here and I'm going back to the real world now where Eddie still has his queer magical Buck-attracting moustache. I'm telling you, season 8 is our season. The magical moustache has spoken. :) LOL!

IMPORTANT! Please don't repost this ask and/or a link that leads straight to my Tumblr account on Twitter or any other social media. Thank you!

Heads up! For anyone who is giving me the shifty eyes for reposting Ali's updates instead of reblogging. Read this.

Remember, no hate in comments, reblogs or inboxes. Let's keep it civil and respectful. Thank you.

If you are interested in more of Ali’s posts, you can find all of her posts so far under the tag: anonymous blog I love.

[azaharinflames]

Hello very nice blog!

I don't want Eddie to leave, one of the reasons I love 911 is that it's managed to keep mostly the same cast after he joined (I know that Michael left, and other recurring characters have come and gone, but the core firefam haven't changed). Although the downside is clearly seeing how stale - and repeatable - all the storylines are becoming.

However if RG does leave, then my best case scenario would be bringing back both Ravi and Tommy. Ravi as a main to replace Eddie in the 118, Tommy to get back with Buck as a recurring. (I would love Tommy as a main but I can't imagine that ever happening, and if a partner were to become a main I think that should be Karen). I still think having a recurring character who is a firefighter pilot or just a presence from another firehouse opens up alot of potential.

I also can't help but think fandom would be a lot nicer place for anyone who isn't a bvddie shipper and just wanna enjoy the show (shit as it may be these days!!), if one of either RG or OS leave the show.

I'm sure this is all in my delulu land but I can hope!

Hi, Nonnie! Thank you so much, and thanks for your ask!

One thing that pulled me towards the show was how no one really died, to be honest. Like, Grey's became too much for me, too much loss, so 911 was a good change. But it's what you say - the downside is how stale and repeatable the SLs become. It's even more frustrating because they don't need to be repetitive, it's mostly because, for some reason, real change is unfathomable in this show. .

If Eddie leaves I can see him still being recurring, or even a guest star, I don't know. He would definitely still be mentioned. As for his substitute, I would love if they brought back Ravi, I feel like he's the most wasted character of the series, and it's a shame because he had so much potential, and I wanted to see so much more of him. Bringing back Tommy would also be a win for me.

Sorry to burst your bubble with this, but I don't think RG or OS leaving the show would stop the toxic side of the fandom. If anything, I do think they would lash out for a long while. They do it already (I've had to delete some asks, because I do refuse to give them any of my time to actually answer them), so imagine if one of them actually left. That side is like cockroaches - no matter what, they will always be there, happy to harass people for not thinking like they do.

At the end of the day, I truly don't know if RG is leaving, or if he simply was renegotiating his contract and wanted to put some pressure on the higher-ups - we won't know until the end of the season, at the earliest. But, regardless if he stays or leaves, I do think 911 needs to let themselves change, and to stop going in circles because it's getting boring and frustrating.

My inbox is always open for ranting, venting, and discussing. Unless you're gonna be hateful or condescending, in which case I won't bother to reply to you, so don't waste your time.

Thanks again for the ask, Nonnie, and take care! <3

[gwenyn28]

Debunking the „Invisible Strings“ Theory and more

Invisible strings – who hasn��t heard about that in any fandom? The true love. Faith. Soulmates. A forever kind of anything. This is what every fan wants for their favorite ship, right? Especially when it is two characters who have a built up. Share a story.

And if this theory turns into more, into the aforementioned “soulmatism” after these two characters got together, who wouldn’t be head over heels for it?

In my former post I explained some basic screenwriting rules, especially the “Show don’t tell” one. You can read it here if you want to.

Because there was and still is a big discourse in the fandom about the “They are made for each other and they are their endgame” I want to look at a few things concerning these theories and what happened on screen through the lens of the “Show don’t tell” rule.

Let’s start with the biggest part and what is mentioned in the post’s title.

The Invisible String Theory

To understand what I am talking about I will give you a short summary what this theory is about.

“Buck and Tommy are connected through invisible strings. Tommy left the 118 and Buck joined, taking his place metaphorically speaking and also literally speaking because he now sits at Tommy’s former seat at the 118’s dinner table. Later on, on a call where there was a big gas leak and a house was almost exploding (Eddie was inside with a kid, hiding in a bathtub) Chimney who was off duty at that time called Tommy to help. Tommy flew past that call to spill water all over the place and Buck looked up, watching his future boyfriend. There is also a connection through the episode “Buck actually” where Buck met Thomas and Mitchell, an older gay couple, who died together. Mitchell and Buck talked a bit about love and Mitchell said the famous phrase “You don’t find it, son, you make it.” Connecting this to Tommy due to the name of Mitchell’s love (Thomas) and because Tommy’s favorite movie is “Love actually” (said in one of the ‘Begins’ episodes).”

So, these are the main points for the theory. If I forgot any detail, I apologize. But it wouldn’t change that much about my interpretation if the summary had more details.

First of all: I could quite easily debunk and kind of nip this whole theory in the bud with one big point. Tommy coming back for season 7 was a last-minute decision. He was not the first choice so this thing between him and Buck being planned years ago? The seed being planted back then? Doesn’t fit.

Tommy (as a love interest for Buck) was kind of plan c (?) if I recall it correctly.

First idea was to bring back Lucy Donato. She can fly a helicopter (we saw that in the bridge rescue in season 6). Her not being available due to the actress’ new show was a last-minute thing. It can be seen on the form Hen submitted at Harbor. In the form the name of the requested pilot is “Lucy Donato” and not “Tommy Kinard”. That shows that the switch was not planned early and kind of made last-minute. If Lucy would have been brought back as an old new love interest for Buck, we will never know.

Second problem was that Natalia’s actress was also unavailable. Her character and Buck were in a relationship at the end of season 6 and this would have lasted into season 7. But instead, due to the lack of availability, they broke up over hiatus and she was never mentioned again. Therefore, Buck was without a big storyline and without a love interest. Because Tim, the showrunner, had it already in mind that Buck would and should realize some things about his sexuality (Buck has always been queer/bi-coded and Oliver has played and/or decided to play him like that) they decided now would be the right time. Buck’s story arc wouldn’t need that much time and so it could fit into the shortened season.

To get Buck to this realization that he could be attracted to men as well as women, there was a catalyst needed. Tim said in one of his interviews early on in season 7 that he didn’t want to invent a completely new character for that. Therefore he “recycled” an old one – Tommy. To give Buck an entry-level relationship that he can explore this new side of him a bit. But he also said that it wouldn’t be anything more than that. Even Lou, Tommy’s actor, stated the same in an interview he gave that Tommy was kind of the practice round for Buck.

And don’t mind that Lou mentioned in the same interview that Tommy was first brought back to be a love interest for Eddie but then they switched it to Buck, probably because to the reasons above.

To sum this part up:

Tommy being Buck’s soulmate and this being the plan in the long run doesn’t make sense when you look at the way of decision making.

But okay, benefit of the doubt. Let’s still look at the theory in detail.

Buck joining the 118 and sitting in Tommy’s seat

Mitchell’s husbands name

Episode title vs. “Love, actually”

I admit that these three things could be interpreted as something with a deeper meaning. But it could be also interpreted as nothing. Let’s dive into the screenwriting for a moment.

Like I said before it is quite essential to “Show don’t tell”. These three points might be big in the part of that ship’s fandom but the casual viewer doesn’t remember any of that. If it had been important and the show had wanted to lean into the theory they would have used some narrative devices. Like flashbacks. For example:

The moment Buck learns that Tommy’s name is Thomas we could see a short flashback to Mitchell and Thomas and the conversation Buck had with the former. Or another flashback where Tommy sits at the table and then fades and Buck sits down in the same spot. So that the general audience would make this connection. That they would have their “oh” moment, realizing that Tommy and Buck are really connected on a deeper level and made for each other. Or at least that there is something more to their relationship.

But we don’t see any of that. Just the hardcore fans remember the episode “Buck, actually” actually. Because for us these moments with Mitchell are so important and a valid part in a lot of fanfics on both sides. The casual viewer? They probably won’t even remember the episodes they watched three weeks ago. An episode that aired in 2018? Well… just no.

Buck looked up at the plane

For this point I will take off the screenwriter’s hat again because I can explain it without any screenwriting rules.

We know that Tommy is a helicopter pilot who works at Harbor. He also was a pilot in the army. I am sure that not many people know that but if you are a pilot doesn’t mean that you can fly anything that goes up into the air.

Imagine the same with a driver’s license. Just because you got your license for a normal car you are not automatically able to drive a truck, a tank, a motorbike, a bus etc. Most vehicles need special licenses so that you are able to drive them.

And the same goes for anything that flies. Tommy is able to fly a helicopter and he has a license for that. But being able to fly a plane? Okay, screenwriter’s hat on again because I noticed that I need this for the next few sentences. It is possible that a person has more than one license. And Tommy could be one of them, being able to fly a helicopter AND a plane. But again. We don’t know and nobody told us that he can. We know him as the helicopter pilot. Connecting him to the plane? To make this connection someone would have to mention it on the show that the audience can see “Oh, Tommy flew that plane and saved them all”. And screenwriter’s hat off.

Chimey said that he called Tommy for help and I totally believe he did that. Because Tommy is connected to people who can help with air support. So, it was Chimney’s obvious choice to ask him. But it makes more sense that Tommy asked someone else to fly that plane to help instead of flying it himself due to the aforementioned license thing.

And if we now think that it’s more likely that someone else flew that plane, the theory that Buck looked up to see his future boyfriend flying in to save him (and others) makes no sense anymore. (And yes, I ignore the point that kind of everyone was looking up because there was a damn fucking plane coming to the rescue and nobody says that the pilot is Bobby’s soulmate… or Hen’s… or any of the other people who were around back then.)

I think I properly explained why the “Invisible String Theory” might be a nice fandom created idea but it makes no sense in the long run, realistically speaking on a tv show level. Too many things don’t add up and make no sense storytelling wise.

Let’s hop on to other things in that context.

2. The whole “Evan” thing

Fans and the general audience alike know what kind of relationship Buck has with his given name. He never says he hates it. But he shows it more than once or it is shown that his chosen name holds a special place in his heart, and not his given name.

Buck talks with his parents as they visit him at the station. When his father calls him “Evan” Buck interrupts him and tells him that his name is Buck. People who know him call him “Buck”.

When Buck is down after the I think the warehouse fire Athena talks to him and cheers him up. She gives him a pep talk and ends it with “That’s what being Buck means to me.”

In the coma episode coma!Bobby and coma!Buck talk before Buck realizes that he should escape this coma dream. It is about his name as well. That he is Buck. And not Evan.

There are a few other examples, I just listed the three most obvious ones, I think.

In conclusion we can say that Buck prefers this chosen name over his given name for several reasons. He accepted being Buck and not just Evan.

Now Tommy comes in and calls Buck Evan all the time. We even know that Lou has been told to just call Buck Evan as Tommy and not Buck. Why could that be?

People are saying that Buck reclaims his name, being called Evan is him being more mature. Or even that it is something special because only Tommy is allowed to call him Evan. But are these really the reasons? I doubt it.

We know that Buck has a complicated relationship with his name as stated earlier (family issues etc.). Why would he all of a sudden want to reclaim this name, to show him being more grown up? After the lightning strike and the follow up coma we saw him already grown up. Grown into the name, being comfortable with being Buck. Because being Buck is enough. Why would he all of a sudden decide that now he wants to be called Evan again after the audience has already experienced his growth in season 6 where he feels good as Buck, not Evan? And even if he wanted to be called Evan now for reasons, why would he not tell everyone to switch the name?

From a screenwriter’s perspective it is quite simple. Tommy being the only one calling him Evan is important. But not in the way people think it is. Not because it shows a special connection or because of a deep bond. On the contrary. Remember the phrase Buck said to his father. “People who know me…” It is more of a “Tommy doesn’t know Buck” thing. With this simple action the general audience notices that something is off between Tommy and Buck. Because the audience knows Buck’s preference and some might even remember all the reasons why (most might remember that it has something to do with his family).

“Language” is a very effective narrative device. Using certain words or how characters talk to each other can deliver a message for the audience. Screenwriters use this device so that they don’t have to actively say something but the audience will still get it. In this case: Nobody has to say that Tommy ignores Buck’s chosen name and that something feels off about it, the audience sees that he does and that it is.

Now people might say “But Buck hasn’t stopped him” and yes, I agree. Buck has not stopped him with the whole “Evan” thing. It could be simply because he still has to get used to his first relationship with a man, exploring stuff etc. Or it could be deeper and be rooted in his abandonment issues, unconsciously scared that if he tells Tommy to change the name that Tommy will leave. And Buck failed another relationship.

There could have been some possibilities to explain this name thing. Like Buck telling Tommy explicitly that he wants to be called Evan. Or Tommy asks Buck about it because he notices that he’s the only one calling him Evan and Buck states that he is okay with it because he likes it when Tommy does (this could have given a nice little look into their relationship and could have been a sweet moment.)

But nothing like that happened. We just hear Tommy call Buck Evan every time he appears on screen. And this is intentional, the intention behind even backed up through the instruction for Lou not to say Buck.

“Show, don’t tell”. Tommy uses the “wrong” name for Buck while the audience knows what Buck prefers. So, it feels off for people who watch the show and we get to see a relationship where both parts aren’t really on the same level.

3. Buck’s big “coming out”

There are people who complain about the way it was shown on screen. They argue that Tommy could have told Buck how he looked. And they are mad at him for that. That it was a forced coming out and that it was a shitty move from Tommy etc.

I don’t agree with that. Because I wouldn’t look that deep into it. In the end this scene had just one purpose - a subtle coming out for Buck. We know that they were already running low on time that episode, cutting of scenes almost worth one complete episode. So, Buck coming out to everyone else besides Maddie and Eddie? Would have taken too much time. The “soot face” scene was more effective and delivered the message to Buck’s friends and the audience. That Buck is out now.

I want to focus more on another part of the hospital scenes. The one when Buck and Tommy kissed. (And no, I don’t want to talk about that it was kind of out of character for Buck to leave Maddie’s wedding to go see Tommy because that is something else to discuss at another time maybe.)

Hardcore fans were happy about this scene and yes, I get it. Tommy promised to be at the wedding and he was. And they kissed. Great. Your ship sailed at that moment. But the moment people went deeper in and romanticized it that Tommy came to see Buck even after he fought a fire, I have to put my foot in.

Let’s put off the shipper’s googles for a second.

Tommy being at the hospital was just for one purpose. That Buck could come out to his friends and that the audience knows that he is out now to everyone and doesn’t have to hide anymore. Nothing else.

Because if we look deeper into it, there are some questions. Tommy works at Harbor. They usually do the air support. Why would he arrive at the hospital with a fire engine in full turn out? If you are on-call duty you usually aren’t for a different job. Compare it to a doctor maybe. If you are on call as an eye doctor you wouldn’t be called in to do a brain surgery. Especially such an expert like Tommy, a pilot, wouldn’t be used for normal fire-fighting that could keep him occupied when an emergency occurs that needs a pilot.

Therefore, him coming in with a turnout full of soot, having just fought a fire, was solely for getting the soot on Buck’s face. Their kiss was to remind the audience that they were still seeing each other even after their failed date and the coffee-date to get out the invite for the wedding.

There was no deeper meaning behind it and the writers used that scene to deliver a subtle coming out without Buck telling everyone.

Interpreting it as “Tommy came to see Buck even if he worked so hard in these past hours” and “he didn’t even go home to clean up himself because he wanted to rush to Buck” is looking too deep into this. (And just to mention, even Buck cleaned up and switched clothes although his sister’s wedding had to be cancelled because the groom was missing and Maddie was going crazy about it. But Buck went and cleaned himself up.)

4. The Bachelor Party

Yes, I know. There is a big controversy about it, especially Tommy’s reaction. Let’s analyze this.

Tommy didn’t dress up even though Buck told him that the party was 80s themed. Instead of just saying that he didn’t have much time and couldn’t find a fitting outfit, he stated “They had Henley’s in the 80s” in a very condescending tone and made somehow fun of Buck and Eddie for their Miami Vice costumes. “What are you, the Wedding singers?” (reference to a movie where the two people who are meant for each other are with the wrong people but that is not the point here).

The point is that Tommy did not put any effort in it. The audience knows how Buck can get with these things. Remember Clipboard!Buck and him being Firemarshal. The audience even saw in the previous scenes how important this party was for Buck. He really wanted to throw it for Chimney and was totally into it.

Tommy reacting so poorly was a mood dampener and we could see that in Buck’s (and Eddie’s) reaction.

Now, people explained that he was on call and that this was why he didn’t dress up. Usually, if you are on call, even as a First Responder (or especially as one), you have to switch into a uniform to work. Doctors, nurses throw on their scrubs, police officers wear their uniform, firefighters theirs etc. He could have easily worn something different. Tommy did not know if he would be called in or not. But he decided against it, wore a Henley and made a joke about Buck (and Eddie) being dressed up.

How can you analyze this from a screenwriter’s point of view?

If they had wanted to establish the relationship between Buck and Tommy further, we would have been shown stuff that would let the audience have another “Oh, they are into each other” moment.

For example: Tommy could have worn something colorful or fun, just a shirt or something and they could have had a sweet little exchange about it. Or he could have explained to Buck in a normal way why he decided to go with the Henley. Or, and that is a major point, he could not have been on call in the first place and could have partied the whole night with Buck (and Eddie, or even without Eddie to give us more couple time). But he did neither of that.

It was an intentional choice to not dress him up and let him even act kind of condescending towards Buck concerning the outfit. It was also an intentional choice to make him leave. Him staying could have shown the two of them in a more relationship way, how they act around each other, how much fun they have together. But the writers refrained from this to a. show the disconnect between Tommy and Buck and b. not to dive deeper into their relationship and to show it to the general audience.

The bachelor party was the fifth scene we saw Buck and Tommy together – the first one at Harbor when they were interrupted by Eddie, the kiss in Buck’s kitchen, their failed date, the coffee date and now the bachelor party.

In none of these scenes the writer’s focus was to establish their relationship. For the audience it is still not really shown what kind of relationship these two have, especially not that it is such a lovely one like some fans claim it to be.

While I mentioned all their scenes until now, I want to go back to one and talk about this one as a last point.

5. Their first date

In episode 7x04 which is completely from Buck’s (unreliable) point of view we got the kissing scene when Tommy asked Buck out for a date. Ignore the “My attention? – I guess.” for a moment even though it probably is important. Remember, anything is intentional and not just because they had no clue what else to write. But this is not what I want to focus on here.

The whole episode was from Buck’s point of view and the audience learnt that Tommy is a lot like Eddie. They have so much in common – the military, Muay Thai, repairing cars etc. The audience learns that Buck seems to like Tommy who is similar to Eddie and that they kind of click.

Now we jump to the next episode and Buck’s and Tommy’s first date and the writer’s intentions switch. While thinking that Buck and Tommy would be a good fit after the last episode the audience now learns that there are differences between the two of them.

I don’t want to excuse Buck’s reaction, the “hot chicks” comment was misplaced. But thinking about it you could at least understand it. He is not out yet, just noticing his attraction to guys a few days prior and is now on a date with a man for the first time… and bumps into his best friend. It is just human that he panics and says something stupid. Still, it was needed that he apologized for that.

Tommy’s actions on the other hand were more than just a bit misplaced. His “closet” comment could have outed Buck in front of his best friend. Luckily, Eddie (and Marisol) was oblivious enough that the comment flew past their heads. Immediately after, Tommy ended the date and ordered himself an uber.

Again. Until then I could explain this by “he is mad at the comment Buck made, feeling like being shoved back into the closet” etc. I would agree. I wouldn’t be on that level myself because I think rudeness shouldn’t be countered with rudeness but okay. Everybody acts differently.

Now, to really end the date, the writers made another intentional choice. They could have shown that Tommy still cares about Buck, that Buck is important to him. They could have made him say something like that Buck isn’t ready and that he understands him but doesn’t want to go back into the closet. Something like that. He could have shown some empathy. He could have explained his want to end the date so that the viewer could relate and understand him.

But instead, the writers chose Tommy not to talk to Buck. Until the moment the uber stopped at the curb, Buck (and the audience) is still thinking that they are going to the movies. Then Tommy abruptly ends the date and drives away while Buck stands alone at the curb, staring at the leaving car. (Concerning his abandonment issues this is kind of heartbreaking.)

Every message, every action Tommy did after Buck’s comment could be explainable on its own. But sum everything up and it leaves the viewer with another off feeling – the closet comment, ending the date without saying so, leaving Buck on the curb.

Even later on when Buck met up with Tommy again at the coffee shop, Tommy did not apologize. I wouldn’t go that far and say that Tommy is gaslighting Buck. But he explains his actions with “You are not ready”. He probably doesn’t see that he did something wrong or that he could have handled the situation better.

The viewer starts to think about that relationship and that they maybe did not click that much like everyone thought at first. Nobody probably thinks that Tommy is a villain here. Just that he is probably the wrong fit for Buck.

There are a few more other scenes between Buck and Tommy and each one of them can be analyzed through the screenwriter’s lens. But probably there won’t be anything new that hasn’t been stated already. So, just a short summary of three scenes that are worth a comment.

During the medal ceremony when Buck is happy about the award (it is obviously his first) Tommy makes a comment – “Enjoy it while it lasts.” This shows another time that they are not on the same level and they don’t really match. Tommy just sees himself and cannot be happy for Buck. Therefore, he makes that slightly deprecative comment and Buck face falls.

While Bobby is in the hospital, being dead for 14 minutes and now in a coma afterwards, Buck is worried sick. Everyone knows that Bobby is his surrogate father. He wants to share this with Tommy who turns it into a joke, not really taking Buck seriously and listening to his concerns and fears. And Buck’s face falls again.

While Hen and Karen try to interrogate Tommy about his intentions with Buck (kind of a shovel talk), he deflects and makes jokes that are misplaced.

If you look at all of these things mentioned above - from the name calling, comments and certain scenes - from a writing perspective you can see that these were deliberate choices. There were enough moments to really establish the blooming relationship. To make Tommy likable.

First, he could have been on screen more so that the audience would see their relationship like we do with all the other couples. For example, like Athena and Bobby dancing together on the cruise ship. Did it add to the storyline per se? No. But it showed them being a couple and in love. There could have been small little scenes like that with Buck and Tommy. But the writers and the showrunner decided not to show any.

And remember. For the general audience things have to be shown that they will be able to relate to the characters and accept things into the narrative. So, if there are no e.g. domestic scenes between Buck and Tommy, nobody will believe they have a sweet little domestic relationship.

Second, the few scenes they had Tommy could have been written differently. Except in 7x04 where we saw the whole story through Buck’s eyes, he was always stiff and condescending, making misplaced comments and jokes. The writers could have given him lines where he e.g. supports Buck after he is worried about Bobby. Or an apology at the coffee date where they both decide to start over. There were many chances to make him a fit for Buck, to give him scenes and lines for the audience to relate to. So that we can see him as the fit for Buck people claim him to be.

But, the show did neither. There was just a limited number of scenes and the lines Tommy had were never really supportive or sweet towards Buck. All in all, the writers went full in with the “Show don’t tell”. They painted a certain picture of Tommy for the audience to understand that Tommy might not be a bad guy but just not a fit for Buck.

And in the end, this is what counts. What is shown on screen and the writer’s intentions with this.

Not what someone comes up with as a headcanon or what people assume happened off screen.

Disclaimer in the end: I just want to say that this post isn’t about the casual part of the fandom. The people who just watch the show, enjoy the ship and are happy about anything. As long as they are respectful and live the “ship and let ship” lifestyle, I am completely fine with it.

This post is more about the hardcore five people who try to shove down these theories and “canon” events as a given we have to believe and accept and “how dare you ship something else???”. People who act superior and think they can be dismissive and condescending and whenever you don’t agree with their point of views you are called names, slurs and a lot of different other things.

[matan4il]

Hey there 😊 I love your meta and saw you saying something along the lines of you not being sure that the "lesson" Eddie is learning by dating Ana will already be learned by the end of 4b. Do you think they are going to drag the EddieAna relationship into season 5? I'm pretty convinced that they won't, so while the lasting effects of it might make an appearance in season 5, Ana herself (hopefully) won't.

Thank you so much for this lovely compliment, Nonnie! That’s so sweet of you! And honestly, IDK how they’ve chosen to deal with s4 having been cut short (assuming it is indeed 14 eps instead of 18, but it seems semi-confirmed at this point). One option would be to rush storylines so the season ends where it was originally meant to, but then the story telling takes a hit, while another option is to cut some less important stuff and whatever you still can’t fit in this season, leave for the next one, with the down side being you have to rethink how you frame the season, what’s the cut off point and how will that influence the starting point and arcs of s5. My guess would be that originally Eddie and Ana weren’t meant to last beyond s4, but with the pandemic, who knows? If they decide to go for the latter, ‘coz it means a smaller drop in the quality of story telling, even if it means re-framing the seasons, then Ana might overstay her intended moment of goodbye. I’d really like Eddie and her to break up before this season ends, but they may not. Either way, so far even the global pandemic hasn’t given Ana’s character and her relationship with Eddie more substance or made the writers actually care and invest in them, so even if we do meet her again in s5, I tend to think she’ll only be there for a short time, to wrap things up. Hope this helps, Nonnie? Have a good day! xoxox

Hi!! I love love love your blog. All of your metas and replies are so insightful and I can’t wait for your metas to return with 4b 😌 I feel like fandom life has clouded my understanding of this topic so im sorry if this is a stupid question but I’m hoping you can help clarify! Did Eddie ever explicitly say or imply that he doesn’t want to be called Edmundo, specifically? Because I thought in that conservation with Buck after Eddie joined the 118, he was against being called Diaz. “Anyone ever call you Diaz?” “Not if they expect me to respond.” But some of the fandom kind of makes it seem like he is against being called Edmundo so I’m wondering if perhaps I just missed or forgot something from the show? Don’t get me wrong, I am fully against EddieAna and the way she says his name gives me the heebie jeebies. I want them to go down like a lead balloon, but I just want to make sure my negative feelings for her regarding this topic are actually because of canon and not fandom 😂 (regardless, I will still strongly dislike her and I am a firm believer in using the names people prefer to be called. He introduced himself as Eddie, so GIRL.....c’mon). Anyway, I’m rambling at this point. Thank you in advance for even considering to answer this ask, I hope you have a great day!!

Nonnie, this is too sweet! Thank you so much! And awwww, I can’t wait to be posting for you my weekly metas again, either. But hey, I’ll be writing and posting some meta as long as there are asks coming in, so I’m still here for you! *HUGS*

Oh, it’s always good to know what’s canon and what’s not, even if the interpretation is valid and you personally adopt it. So, in 201, Bobby teases Buck that Eddie likes to be called ‘Eight Pack’, but that’s probably just a tease. Later Buck asks Eddie if people ever call him ‘Diaz’ and he replies "Not if they want me to respond.” Yet we know from 304 that Lena did call him Diaz and he did respond. So it might have been that he wanted to prevent a situation where everyone comes to know him as Diaz, ‘coz he prefers Eddie, but he’s not actually that offended by Diaz. Buck insists in 201 that Eddie needs a nickname and Eddie just asks if Buck’s serious. In 312, Ana calls him ‘Mr. Diaz’ and he responds that it’s Eddie, then goes to explain it’s short for... and she completes “Edmundo.” In 406, when they meet again, he introduces himself as, “Eddie Diaz” and she replies with “Mr. Diaz, Edmundo.” In 408, she once again calls him Edmundo.

I would say, given all of this together, that he prefers being called Eddie, but he doesn’t actually throw a fit if he’s called something else. So is she being disrespectful in not addressing him that way? On the one hand, he never actively invited her to call him Edmundo. On the other, he also never expressed an objection to it. Personally, it feels like in 406 she’s trying to convey a sense of familiarity right away that I didn’t like, even if Eddie didn’t express his own objection, and by 408, I just thought about the fact that this is canonically the name of both their grandfathers. I... do not wanna call a person I’m dating by the name of my grandparent. So I personally don’t like it, but I think it’s a bit of an ambiguous thing and open to interpretation whether it’s full on disrespectful or not. I hope this helped? Have a great day! xoxox

Hey I just noticed that you post metas on the ao3 as well. i don't want you to get reported for it since meta is not allowed. hope you understand, just wanted to warn you!

Hi Nonnie, if this was sent with good intentions, then thank you for them! I appreciate kindness in whatever shape it takes. AO3 is for all forms of fanwork. Meta has been recognized as one of those and has been allowed on AO3 for several years now. I find it important to say to anyone seeing this post: even if you have good intentions, before you send an ask like this, please take an extra minute and check what the rules are. Let’s say I were an insecure newbie, taking this ask at its word without checking. I might have deleted all my meta from AO3 before finding out that it was actually allowed there. This would have meant a lot of time and work gone down the drain. And I might not have had the energy to start re-posting once I realized it was okay. Which would have been a shame, because there are AO3 readers who don’t have a Tumblr and are interested in meta! Not many that I’ve come across, but they exist and it would have been a pity for them to miss out on fan content they were interested in. Hope you have a good day! xoxox

[starlightbuck]

It took me far too long to decide, wow but I shall request #23 please!

23. Happening to sit next to each other on a park bench, reading the same book. 

you gotta read between the lines || read on AO3

“Here, take this.”

Eddie looks down at the book that May has thrust into his hands. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - he’s never heard of it. “What-”

“I overheard you telling Bobby that you want to read more so I figured I’d let you borrow one of my favorites.”

Eddie’s confusion gives way to understanding and is followed shortly thereafter by a burst of affection that he’s sure May would much rather he not put on display while surrounded by their family. And that’s what this, the 118, has become for him - a family. 

It’s something his parents swore up and down he’d never have after he told them about his decision to leave Texas. He might find better job opportunities, but he’d never find anything better than the family he was leaving behind. 

How wrong they were. 

“Thanks, May. I’m looking forward to reading it.” 

It’s a statement he means wholeheartedly. After a few months, Eddie has finally found a way to balance his work and home life, but he’s still lacking in any hobbies that he can call his own. Maybe that’s what reading can become for him - a moment of peace in his otherwise hectic day-to-day schedule.

May tilts her head to the side and stares at him for a moment before holding her hand out to him. “Give me your phone.”

He does as he’s told without asking, even if he doesn’t know what she’s planning to do. 

Her fingers move across his screen with a speed that Eddie finds a little intimidating. In no time at all, she hands him back his phone. “I put my number in so you can text me your thoughts on the book.”

Eddie shouldn’t make a big deal out of this exchange, but there’s a small part of him that wants to. He’s an adult, May’s a teenager, and she just willingly gave him her phone number.  And told him to text her. Does this make him cool now? 

He’ll consult Hen later to find out. 

“I can do that.”

Eddie starts the book while at work and regrets that decision immediately.

The first interruption comes from Bobby.

“Put that book down, Eddie. You’re helping me cook lunch.”

The next one is from Chim. 

“Hey, Eight-Pack! Help me clean the truck!” 

And then Hen.

“Eddie, please come and explain to Chim why I’m the superior video gamer.”

Then the alarm goes off and Eddie leaves the book behind in his locker. It remains untouched for the rest of his shift. 

Eddie (9:42pm): i’m not sure who i’d want to be paired up with if i was in this game

May (10:01pm): you JUST got to that part??

May (10:02pm): i’m disappointed

Eddie (10:07pm): i’ll try to read faster

May (10:15pm): good

“Daddy, what are you doing?” 

“Reading a book.” 

Chris takes a seat beside his dad on the sofa and leans heavily against Eddie’s arm. “I’m bored. Can we do something?”

“I thought you were having fun drawing,” Eddie answers, eyes still skimming the words on the page in front of him. He’s managed to make some leeway with the book and now that he’s gotten into it, it’s been harder for him to put it down. 

“I was but now I’m not. Please can we do something?”

“Chris.”

“I said please.”

Chris peers up at his dad from under golden eyelashes with a pout firmly in place. He’s only doing it to sway Eddie’s decision and not because he’s genuinely upset but that doesn’t stop the sight from tugging uncomfortably at Eddie’s chest. If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to hurt Eddie, it’s his son’s unhappiness. The reaction can easily be traced back to not being around when Chris was growing up. 

That guilt that will haunt him forever. 

It’s what pushes him to mark the page he’s on before closing the book. “What do you think about having a movie night?”

Chris’s eyes light up at the suggestion. It’s the best thing Eddie’s seen all day. 

“Really?”

“Of course. How about you pick out a couple of movies and I’ll order us some pizza?”

Chris nods enthusiastically and is about to get up from the sofa when he stops. Eddie is going to ask what’s wrong, but the words get lodged in his throat when his son crawls into Eddie’s lap. He wraps his arms around his dad’s neck and plants a loud kiss on his cheek. 

“I love you, daddy.”

The show of affection is almost second nature for Chris, but Eddie knows a time will come when that stops being the case. It’s as depressing a thought as it is unavoidable. Chris will get older and doing things like cuddling with Eddie and randomly saying ‘I love you’ will become nothing more than a rare occurrence.

Until then, he plans to cherish every single one of these moments and then lock them away for safekeeping. 

Eddie wraps his arms around Chris, holding him as close as he can and kisses his son’s forehead. “I love you too.”

Eddie (5:45pm): ANOTHER bomb? How many are there?

May (8:32pm): keep reading and you’ll find out 

With Christopher at Abuela’s and no shifts scheduled for the day, Eddie decides to take advantage of the cool Sunday weather and go to the park to get some reading done. By the time he gets there, the park is bustling with energy from children and adults alike. It takes Eddie almost ten minutes to find an empty bench but it’s worth it when he settles into his spot. It’s far enough away from the playground that the sound of yelling is nothing but background noise and close enough to a tree that protects him from the sun in case it decides to peek out from behind the clouds. 

He leans back in the seat, stretching his legs out in front of him and crossing them at the ankles. Then he takes the book out of the bag he brought it in, always cautious of how he carries it since it’s a loaner, and dives in. 

Eddie’s eyes follow the words with anticipation, drinking in every sentence as he reads them, not wanting to miss a single detail. He’s nearing the end and is desperate to see how the author is planning to wrap everything up. He has a couple of guesses, but the only way to determine if they’re correct is to finish the book. 

“Excuse me?”

Eddie flips to the next page. 

A throat clears and then, “uhm, hello?”

Eddie barely refrains from growling at the intrusion. The point of coming to the park to read was being able to do so  without any interruptions. 

He is nothing if not polite though, a trait that he attributes to his abuela. His parents might’ve taught him how to behave himself, but it was Abuela who taught him how to go out into the world and greet people with a smile.

“Yes?” Eddie says, grin locking in place when he looks up and finds a man with bright blue eyes staring back at him with a hopeful smile of his own. The sun is only just making a home for itself in the sky and the glow from its rays reflects off of the man’s hair and gives him an angelic glow. It’s almost too much for Eddie to handle.

Almost.

“I was just wondering if I could sit with you?” He gestures to the small part of the bench that’s empty. It’s possible that Eddie spread his things out when he first sat down so that no one would be tempted to join him. “I’ve done two laps around the park, but there are no other open seats.” 

Eddie might’ve preemptively tried to keep strangers from intruding in his space, but he figures he can make an exception for this guy. That decision has nothing to do with how attractive he finds him and everything to do with the manners he picked up from Abuela. It’s what she would do as well, he’s sure.

“Yeah, of course.” 

He grabs his jacket and backpack and slides over to the left end of the bench instead of staying in the middle. The man sits on the opposite end. 

“I really appreciate this, thanks.”

The words have the potential to sound insincere or sarcastic, but coming from this man’s lips, they’re anything but. 

“You’re welcome.”

Eddie wants to say more, find a way to continue a conversation with this beautiful stranger, but he doesn’t know how. He’s very out of practice when it comes to conversing with anyone outside of his family. It’s not something that he thinks about until it inconveniences him, and this is definitely one of those times. It also acts as a reminder that he should try his hand at putting himself out there again. It might be scary, but he owes himself that much.

Next time. 

Next time he’ll be ready to actually engage in a conversation with someone who piques his interest. 

Until then, he’ll cut his losses for today and jump back into his book. Maybe if he finds the courage to do so, Eddie can sneak a couple of sideways glances at the guy. That’s not creepy, right? 

“Are you reading The Westing Game?”

The question catches Eddie off guard as he fumbles to hold up the book. “Yeah, I am.”

“Me too,” the blond says as he turns towards Eddie and pulls out a worn copy of the book out of his back pocket.

Eddie’s eyes are temporarily drawn to a red bookmark sticking out at the end of the book, before settling on the cover itself. The cover is different from his, but the title is the same. 

Eddie has no clue what the odds are of this happening, but he’s more thankful than ever to May. Not only has the book been the perfect option for him to turn to occupy his free time, it’s also acting as a way for him to continue talking to this guy. 

“How do you feel about it so far?”

It’s the perfect conversation starter and Eddie latches onto it right away. 

“I’m really enjoying it,” he begins before diving into a more in-depth explanation of his thoughts. 

He talks about everything from the characters to the storylines that took him by surprise to the theories he has for how the book will end. It all comes rushing out of him in a way that words usually don’t and he’s proud of himself up until the guy sitting across from him laughs.

“Sorry,” he apologizes, using his free hand to cover a smile. “I’m not laughing at you, I promise.”

Seeing as though there’s no one else around, it really  feels like Eddie is being laughed at. It picks and prods at a deep-seated sense of inadequacy that he’d really rather not be experiencing on his day off. 

“Was I rambling?” 

“No, it’s not that. It’s just, I never said how far into the book I was.”

Mortification seeps into Eddie’s veins in an instant, coursing through his body and making him warm all over. “I saw your bookmark placement and assumed...”

“I just put it in a random spot of the book so I wouldn’t forget it.”

“Oh.” 

This is what Eddie gets for assuming, isn’t it? How does that saying go again? When you make an assumption, you make an ass out of you and me?

It’s safe to say that he has definitely made an ass out of himself.

“So, I just spoiled the entire book for you?” The guy doesn’t say anything, but he doesn’t have to. The answer is written all over his face. “Shit, I am  so sorry. You came here to enjoy your book and instead you got stuck next to an idiot who doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.” 

“Hey, no it’s okay. Really. I liked hearing what your thoughts on the book are. Gives me a better idea of what I have in store for me when I start reading it myself.” 

The smile on the blond’s face makes it seem as though he’s not annoyed but Eddie’s not convinced. Had someone done the same thing to him, he would be less than impressed. It’s why he starts packing up his things to go, making sure to put his book away first. The guy has reserved the right to enjoy some quiet time without Eddie there to disturb him anymore.

“I still can’t believe I did that.” Eddie stands up, slings his backpack over his shoulder and twists the fabric of his jacket in his hands. He’ll finish his book at home. “I’ll leave you to it.” 

He gives an awkward wave and sets off in the direction of the car, all the while internally chastising himself for the foolish mistake.  

“Wait!” 

Eddie is tempted to ignore the command, but his still deeply ingrained army training makes it hard to do so. He stops walking and the guy is there, standing in front of him, only seconds later. He’s holding his book in his hands and Eddie tries not to cringe.

“You don’t have to leave.” Eddie is about to argue otherwise when the stranger adds, “I know you feel bad about the book. But what if you make it up to me another way instead?”

“And how would I do that?”

“You can take me out for coffee.”

Eddie can’t keep his jaw from falling open. Out of everything he was expecting the guy to say, this was the last thing he had in mind. “Huh?”

“Take me out for coffee,” he repeats, scratching the back of his neck. “Only if you want to.”

“I do,” Eddie answers, perhaps a little too quickly. “I’m Eddie by the way.”

“Buck.” It’s an odd name, but it’s something Eddie intends to comment on. “Now c’mon, that bench is big enough for the both of us and I know you’re dying to finish your book.” 

Eddie (3:42pm): met a cute guy at the park and accidentally spoiled the book for him

Eddie (3:43pm): and then he asked me out for coffee 

Eddie (3:43pm): also, i finished the book

May (5:02pm): we’re going out for lunch this weekend and you’re telling me everything (your thoughts about the book and this cute guy) 

Eddie (6:00pm): you got it

Eddie is half-asleep on the sofa when the front door opens. He shifts at the sound, body too heavy to move into a sitting position. 

“Eddie?”

“Hm?” 

Feet move carefully across the hardwood floor and then there’s a body sliding into the space right in front of Eddie’s. It’s a tight squeeze, but Eddie wouldn’t want it any other way.

“You didn’t have to wait up for me,” Buck murmurs, wrapping his arms around Eddie’s waist and kissing his forehead. 

Eddie melts into his boyfriend’s arms the way that he always does. Even after two years together, the novelty of being held by Buck has yet to wear off.

“I wanted to.”

Eddie nuzzles against Buck’s neck, drawing a small laugh out of the younger man. 

“Someone’s extra cuddly today.”

There was a time when a comment like that would’ve been enough to shame Eddie into pulling away and apologizing. This, being open with how much he craves affection, is something he’s worked hard towards since him and Buck officially became a couple though. Now that he’s allowed himself to have it, there’s no way he’s ever turning back. “I missed you.”

Another laugh. “I was only gone for a few hours.”

“A few hours too long.”

Buck starts running his hand up and down the length of Eddie’s back and that plus the silence around them lulls Eddie right back onto the verge of sleep. 

“I have a confession to make.”

“Mhm?”

“I lied to you.”

The words are like a bucket of cold water, effectively waking Eddie up. He presses his back against the couch, earning himself an inch or two of space away from Buck. He tilts his head up, sees the guilt in Buck’s eyes, and feels his breath hitch.

“About what?” Eddie asks, hating how his voice cracks.

He trusts Buck implicitly and knows he’d never do anything to hurt Eddie, but that can’t stop fear from making a home in his heart. 

Buck has to be able to feel how tense Eddie is but he stills his hand, keeping it pressed against Eddie’s back. It’s the anchor that grounds him, the only thing keeping him from running away from whatever it is Buck has to say like Eddie so desperately wants to.

“Remember that first day we met?”

Of course Eddie does. How can he forget the day that changed the course of his life forevermore? “Yes.” 

“And how you thought you spoiled The Westing Game for me?”

“Yes.” 

Years later, Eddie can still remember how mortified he was on that day when he realized what he had done. They’ve told the story many times whenever people ask them how they first met, and the story usually ends with a lot of laughter and Eddie hiding his face in his hands. 

“It’s maybe possible that I withheld the truth just a little that day.”

“Withheld it how?” 

Buck’s hand curls into a fist at Eddie’s back, a surefire sign that he’s nervous.

“You didn’t actually spoil it for me.”

Eddie must still be a little sleepy, that’s why Buck’s words don’t make sense. “What do you mean?”

“That wasn’t my first time reading The Westing Game.”

The admission takes a minute to register but, once it does, Eddie is left reeling. “Do you-does that-you mean I didn’t spoil it for you?” 

“Technically no.” 

“Technically?”

“That was my first time reading it in a couple of years, so I had forgotten a lot of the details you mentioned, but I did remember the way it ended.”

Eddie blames the late hour for his lack of filter and for saying what he does next.

“I want a divorce.”

Buck reels back like he’s been slapped and maybe, in a way, he has been. There’s hurt written in the lines of his face, but also understanding. It’s almost as if he was expecting this reaction. He opens his mouth to respond, to say what, Eddie isn’t sure. Because realization dawns on Buck and he says, “we’re not married.”

“Yeah I know.”

Buck uses the arm that is still slung over Eddie’s waist to do away with the small space between them and tuck Eddie against his chest. “You scared me for a second there.”

“You scared me too.”

“I’m sorry I lied.”

Eddie rests his hand right over Buck’s heart, feeling his accelerated heartbeat thrumming under his fingers. He closes his eyes again and lets it lull him back to sleep. “It’s fine. You can be the one to tell our family that you were so desperate to date me that you lied so you could ask me out.”

“I hate you.”

Eddie tilts his head up just enough to kiss Buck’s neck. “Love you too.” 

Eddie (1:02am): buck’s been lying to me this whole time 

May (10:02am): did he finally tell you about the westing game?

Eddie (10:55am): you knew??

May (11:02am): yeah he told me a year and a half ago

May (11:03am): i think it makes your meet cute even cuter

Eddie (12:02pm): i cannot believe this. deceived by my boyfriend and my pseudo-niece on the same day.

May (12:15pm): don’t be so dramatic

May (12:19pm): you, me, chris and maddie still going ring shopping this weekend?

May (12:20pm): i better not have interrogated your boyfriend about his taste in jewelry for nothing

Eddie (2:03pm): yeah, we’re still on for this weekend. I’ll see you then.

[myemergence]

‘911′ Fanfic: Rewrite the Stars (2/?)

Characters: Eddie, Buck, Christopher and the rest of the 118

Chapter: 2/?

Chapter Word Count: 2k+

Author’s Note: Slowly beginning to feel the storyline and characters here. Used prompt # 49 from prompt-bank’s Drabble Challenge. I also don’t think it heeds  warning, but there is some swearing in this chapter (and likely every chapter if I’m the one writing it)

Buck quickly slammed the door to his jeep shut as he arrived at the firehouse for his shift. In the midst of his dream turned nightmare from the previous night, he began to wake up nearly 25 minutes after his alarm had initially sounded. He knew the importance of arriving to the firehouse on time. He lowered his eyes to glance at his watch, rounding the corner to enter the building. 8:06. 

“Oh, look who’s decided to join us.” Chim spoke as he spotted the younger firefighter entering the house.  

Buck fought back the desire to roll his eyes at Chimney. “Can we not do this right now?” Chim held his hands up in submission, letting it slide.

Hen made her way over to Chimney and Buck, slapping Buck lightly on the shoulder. “Hey, Cap wants to see you upstairs.” With a look of resignation, Buck gave a small nod of his head before making his way up the steps to the kitchen of the firehouse where Captain Bobby Nash could be found the majority of the time. 

“Morning Cap.”

“Buck.” Bobby studied Buck in silence for a short beat. “I could use some help getting breakfast ready this morning. Do you mind?”

A laugh escaped Buck’s lips before he was able to stop it. “You called me up here because you want me to help you cook? And then feed this meal to the rest of the firehouse that needs to be out there saving lives?” Bobby raised an eyebrow silently at Buck’s reaction, telling him that was exactly what he wanted. “Okay, what do you need me to do?”

“Can you carefully chop those veggies? The knife is right over there.” Bobby motioned. “We’re going to make some omelettes.” 

“Yeah, yeah I can do that.” Buck spoke after a brief pause, grabbing the knife and making his way over to the cutting board. He grabbed a green pepper to start with. Looking down he carefully cut the top of the pepper off. “Good news is if something does go awry, I know a good EMT or two.” Buck joked, expecting to at least get a small laugh out of the quip.  But the corner of Bobby’s mouth barely lifted , hinting at a smile.

“Is everything okay, Buck?”

Buck paused for a moment before responding to his Captain, carefully slicing the pepper. “Bobby, if this is about me being late this morning--” 

“That’s part of it.” Captain Nash admitted with a small nod of his head. “But there is more going on than oversleeping, isn’t there?”

Buck exhaled. “I’m not sure what you mean, Cap.” 

“Exactly what it sounded like..” Bobby told Buck, chopping red potatoes for a moment before stopping and setting the knife down atop the cutting board. “Is there anything that you need to talk about?”

“No, there’s nothing.”

“Then we have ourselves a problem.” The older man spoke, watching as Buck set down his knife as well, turning to his Captain with a furrowed brow.

“I-I don’t understand. How exactly is it a problem that I don’t have anything to talk about? That there isn’t anything going on that I need to discuss?”

“Since you returned to duty five weeks ago you have been late a total of 7 times.” Bobby began, “I know that coming back to the firehouse has been an adjustment. Maybe it’s been too much, too soon.”

“Bobby, no. It’s not that at all. I am ready to be back here, I I need  to be back here.” Buck pleaded with a desperate intensity to his tone.

“Then let’s talk.” He said simply. “Grab a seat.” Bobby motioned to the table, washing his hands before moving to the table and sitting down. He watched Buck follow suit before he sat across from him at the table. “The truth. What is going on?”

Buck exhaled heavily as he ran his hands over his face, trying to gather his thoughts before talking to his Captain. Maybe he could make something up to satisfy him. But, if he didn’t buy it he could be causing even more damage and that was the last thing that he needed.  It had taken Buck long enough to get cleared to return to the firehouse. Those months away while he was in recovery had been agonizing. “I’ve just-- I’ve been having a hard time sleeping.” There was a long pause as Buck waited for Bobby to say something. But he said nothing, just kept his eyes intent on Buck as he listened. “Since the tsunami.” He added, lowering his blue eyes to his eyes that rested uncomfortably in his lap. He had been doing such a good job keeping his emotions at bay, keeping everything in check over the last two months. And after last night of all nights, now he had to be dragging out his emotional baggage for Bobby.

“Have you seen anyone about this?”

“It’s not that serious, Bobby. I just haven’t been getting enough sleep. “ Buck promised. 

“It’s not that simple. This isn’t you just strolling in late to an office job. You not being able to make it here on time, it affects people other than just you. It affects every single person in this fire house. Especially the two times that we had to leave for a call down one because you weren’t here.”

Buck ran his hands through his hair roughly. “I know.” He carefully studied the table, running his thumb along the grain of the wood. “It’s just-- since the tsunami, I’ve--” He let out a barely discernible sigh. “I’ve been having these nightmares, okay?”

“You went through hell and back during the tsunami. It’s normal to struggle.” Bobby told him, “But this is more than struggling just a little bit, isn’t it?”  Buck nodded silently, his eyes still focused on the table as he felt his eyes welling with tears. He was not going to do this. He was not going to let him in, he was not going to cry in front of his Captain. But what if he didn’t let him in and Bobby took action because he wasn’t performing the way that he had been before his injury and before the tsunami? What if his entire career went up in flames over this?

“Every. Single. Night.” Buck spoke barely above a whisper, his voice breaking. “Every single night I have to relive the most terrifying moments of my life. Of losing Christopher. Of--of thinking, and believing that Christopher had died. For hours, not knowing what happened. After Eddie trusted me to take care of him.” 

Bobby looked at him then, taking the time to really see him. The kid had been carrying this guilt with him for months know, never taking the time to deal with those feelings so that he was able to move past them. “Buck, what happened that day was not your fault. It was a natural disaster. You saved countless lives, including Christopher.”

Buck shook his head silently, wiping a stray tear away. “Okay, I saved him. And then I lost him.”

Realizing that he wasn’t getting anywhere, Bobby drummed his fingers on the table top. “You’re going to start seeing someone about this. A therapist.”

“Bobby, I --”

“This isn’t up for discussion. You either start seeing someone and actually deal with what happened during the tsunami, or you will be on desk duty indefinitely.”

“Bobby! This is so unfair.” 

“You are going down a very dangerous path. I have been down that road, and let me tell you that the things that I went through trying to drown out the nightmares nearly killed me.” Bobby had spent years trying to bury those memories. He had tried using alcohol and drugs to make him forget. To keep the nightmares at bay. He would go on benders and wake up not even knowing where he was, or how he had gotten there in the first place.

“But I’m not you. And it’s not fair for you to punish me for your struggles.”

“You’re right, you’re not me. But I am your Captain, and either you start seeking help to get past this, or you’ll be on probation and moved to desk duty. I am not willing to risk and see what happens next, Buck.” Bobby paused briefly, letting his words sit with the young firefighter. “So what’s it gonna be?”

Buck met Bobby’s gaze for the first time in several  minutes, letting out a shaky breath. “You’re not really leaving me a choice here, Cap.”  Buck’s eyes lowered, as though he needed to prepare himself for the next words. “I’ll get help.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

“Maddie said I might find you here.” Eddie spoke as he approached Buck at the bar, taking in the sight of him. He sat alone at the bar with a beer in his hand, taking a long pull from it before setting it down on the bartop.

“Good to know that Maddie is sending status reports on my whereabouts to the team.” Buck turned his body ever so slightly, his striking blue eyes meeting Eddie’s with a hazy gaze.

“Don’t be an idiot.” Eddie spoke before turning to the bartender and ordering himself a water. He turned his attention back to Buck. “Abuela is hanging out with Christopher tonight. Which is a good thing, since you clearly need a designated driver to get you home tonight.”

“I d’ not need a designated driver to get home.” Buck rolled his eyes ever so slightly, a faint slur to his voice. “Safety first.” He stopped for a brief moment and then let out a mocking laugh. “What are you? FIVE?”

“Buck, don’t be a dumbass.”  Eddie’s eyebrow arched slightly. “Obviously you are the five year old in this scenario. I’m at least eight.” Buck let out an easy laugh, shaking his head as he brought the beer back up to his lips. “So… are you going to tell me what is so serious that you are at the bar, drinking alone?”

The younger man gave a slight shrug of his shoulder at the question. “Nothing is serious. Just didn’t want to sit at home by myself tonight.”

“So instead, you’re sitting at the bar, alone tonight?” Eddie challenged.

“I really don’t feel like going another round today.” He spoke flatly. “But I could go for another round.” Buck waved over the bartender, flashing a smile. “Can I get two shots of Jack?”

“Sure, I’ll add it to your tab, Buck.” The blond bartender lined up two shot glasses and filled them with whiskey before sending a pearly smile his way. It was not lost on Eddie that not only had Buck been there long enough to have a tab open, but the bartender was on a first name basis with him.

“So the bartender knows you by name.” 

Buck ignored Eddie’s statement and slid one of the shot glasses in front of him. “Have a shot with me, Eddie.”

“I am not having a shot with you. Let’s go.”

“You are such a buzzkill, man. But suit yourself, more for me.” Buck easily finished the first shot before setting it back down on the  top of the bar. 

“Come on, Evan.” Eddie’s hands balled ever so slightly into fists, crossing them tightly over his chest. Buck was being completely impossible. He glanced at the bartender and leaned in,  asking for Buck’s tab. He slid his card across the bar silently. The move went unnoticed as Buck lifted the second shot glass, moving it between his fingers.

“Aw c’mon man, are you sure you don’t want this?” Eddie didn’t need to say anything, because the frown that he was wearing did all of the speaking for him. Buck shrugged, quickly downing the shot. 

“Alright, that’s enough. Let’s go.” Eddie grabbed his best friend lightly by the elbow, trying to move him into an upright position.  Buck stumbled slightly but was able to move himself upright, with Eddie’s guidance. “That’s it.” Eddie assured him, sliding Buck’s arm over his shoulder to help support him as they made their way out to Eddie’s truck. It took Eddie a few moments to get Buck in the truck and safely buckled in. 

Not two minutes into the drive Eddie could hear Buck’s breathing slow down. As he reached the stop sign closest to his house, he glanced over at Buck, his brow furrowed with concern. It wasn’t that he’d never seen Buck drunk before, he had more times than he could count. They’d gone out countless nights and thrown some beers back, played darts, and talked about life working for the 118. But this was different. Buck hadn’t called him to meet for drinks. He had gone to the bar essentially as a welfare check, at Maddie’s request. She was worried about her little brother, and she knew from experience that he wouldn’t talk to her.

Eddie shifted the truck into park as they pulled into his driveway. “Whatever the hell is going on in that head of yours, it’s going to hurt like a bitch in the morning.”  

[aion-rsa]

Dracula vs. The Marvel Universe! 14 Times The Lord of The Undead Fought Superheroes!

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Hey, remember that time Dracula fought the Hulk? Or the X-Men? Or Spider-Man? No? Well, you're in luck, because we do!

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Dracula. The very name conjures images of sexuality, corruption, and decadence. From the original novel written by Bram Stoker in 1897 to the moment Bela Lugosi donned the famed opera cloak in 1931, the character of Dracula has been an iconic horror staple.

In fact, Dracula has been the subject of over 200 films, second only to the number of films starring Sherlock Holmes. But films, novels, and television aren't the only genres that have contained Dracula’s bloodlust. Comic books have been a compelling source for new Dracula material. Marvel Comics in particular have been a happy hunting ground for the Lord of the Vampires.

After the easing of Comic Code restrictions in the early seventies, Stan Lee and Marvel were eager to explore classic monsters in the pages of their books. When the code loosened its grip, Lee and company were able to resurrect the four color boogiemen that lay forgotten for so long. In 1972, writer Gerry Conway and artist Gene Colan introduced Tomb of Dracula and a legend was born. Now there was a version of Dracula that borrowed from Stoker and Lugosi stalking the same fictional universe as Spider-Man and the Avengers.

Soon, writer Marv Wolfman would take over the writing chores on Tomb of Dracula and create one of the greatest continuing horror sagas in comic book history. Within the pages of Tomb of Dracula, Wolfman introduced the vampiric detective Hannibal King, Lilith (Dracula’s Daughter), and most importantly, Blade, the Vampire Hunter, who later helped kick off the current superhero movie boom.

Amazon has all your Marvel Dracula needs

Dracula existed within the Marvel Universe, but other than rare occasions not many Marvel heroes appeared in Dracula’s book, giving the title a sense of isolation from the rest of the Marvel Universe. That is not to say that Dracula has not stalked the titles of the mainstream Marvel heroes. Oh no, dear reader, the Prince of Darkness has cast his shadow on many Marvel heroes, making him one of the greatest, if often overlooked villains in Marvel history. Here is a look at times Dracula, the greatest monster of them all, has stalked the Marvel Universe.

Dracula Meets Spider-Man

Giant Sized Spider-Man #1 (1974)

In this tale, Aunt May is suffering from a rare blood disease because she’s Aunt May. Spidey learns that the only man that has the cure is an eccentric doctor that refuses to travel by plane. Spider-Man learns from Reed Richards that the scientist is traveling by ship, so Spidey gets his webbed ass to the ship to find the doctor.

Also on board the ship are members of the Maggia who want the formula, and of course, Dracula himself who is also after it. Hilarity ensues as Dracula dispatches the crooks one by one, and throws the Maggia leader overboard.

read more: 13 Essential Horror Comics

The book is a send up of the classic death at sea sequence of Stoker’s Dracula, as Dracula feeds off the Maggia onboard. While never featuring a direct confrontation between hero and vampire, this issue served as a warning...Dracula is out there.

Buy it on Amazon

Allied with the Avengers (1973)

Avengers #118

Ironically, one of the first times Dracula was drawn into the events of the Marvel Universe, he did so to defend humanity! In the Avengers/Defenders war, often considered to be the first true crossover in comics history, the Dread Dormammu opened a dimensional gateway to Earth. The Avengers and Defenders were stuck in Dormammu’s dimension so could not defend the Earth from an incursion by the savage Mindless Ones, headless beings that thrive on destruction. A group of super-powered champions on Earth, not knowing where the Mindless Ones were pouring on from, took up arms to protect their home.

read more: The Weird History of Marvel Superheroes vs Monsters

One of these beings was none other than Dracula, who along with such heroes as Power Man, the Fantastic Four, and Ka-Zar, fought back against the Mindless Ones. But don’t think Dracula was acting magnanimously true believers; imagine if a horde of beasts was smashing your favorite eatery. That’s what Earth is to Dracula, a theme restaurant with an all you can eat buffet of jugulars.

Yes, Dracula fought the Mindless Ones, but in doing so he made sure his food supply remained strong and proved to Marvel readers just how badass he was by taking on the Mindless Ones...creatures capable of going toe to toe with the Hulk!

The Creation of Baron Blood (1976)

Invaders #7

One of Captain America’s most enduring foes was created by none other than Dracula. What’s more evil than a Nazi vampire? Pretty much nothing, which makes Baron Blood one of the most vile creatures in the Marvel Universe. In the dark days of World War II, John Farnsworth was an English aristocrat obsessed with vampire lore. When he travels to Transylvania, he encounters Dracula, who transforms Farnsworth into the living dead.

Dracula sends blood to England to punish the country for the actions of Dracula’s nemesis Jonathan Harker. As Baron Blood, Farnsworth fought the Invaders, Captain America, and even his own brother who adopted the heroic persona of the first Union Jack.  

read more: The Best Modern Horror Movies

Blood’s days of fighting for the Axis were cut short when the Sub-Mariner staked the bejesus out of him. Blood was resurrected in the modern day by a minion of Dracula and fought a legendary battle with his old foe, Captain America. Now, a Nazi vampire is pretty badass, but a Nazi vampire created by Dracula himself? That’s some legendary bloodsucker right there!

Available in - Invaders Classic: The Complete Collection Vol. 1

Dracula vs. Doctor Strange (1976)

Tomb of Dracula #44

The Lord of Darkness fed off Doctor Strange (he probably tasted like sage, cinnamon, and quickly forgotten dreams), in the pages of Tomb of Dracula #44. In Strange’s own book, Dracula locks the Sorcerer Supreme in a dungeon so he can watch the embraced Doctor arise as a vampire. That’s quite a sense of irony Marvel’s Dracula possesses, huh?

read more: Doctor Strange Comics Reading Order

Little did Dracula know that Strange astral projected out of his body before Dracula could finish the fateful bite. Strange uses his astral form to mess with Dracula who furiously arrives at the dungeon after days of being mocked and prodded by the wizard.

An awesome fight ensues between a vampiric Doctor Strange and Dracula which Strange wins by conjuring a blazing crucifix. The edge in the battle went to Strange who seemed to be one step ahead of Dracula, but let us not forget that during their first encounter Dracula easily dispatched Strange with one bite. Dracula’s mistake was letting Strange have time to plot, but the first struggle would foreshadow a climatic future encounter between the magician and vampire.

You can read it here.

Dracula vs. Howard the Duck? (1980)

Howard the Duck Magazine #5

Not all Dracula appearances in the Marvel Universe are legendary but that doesn’t make them any less cool. The following is a treatise on why comics are awesome.

While visiting Cleveland, Dracula spots Howard the Duck. Thinking Howard to be a midget in a duck suit, the Lord of the Undead bites Howard (did I just type that?) but is disgusted by the non-human blood flowing in Howard’s veins. However, Howard is transformed into Drakula (not Duckula or Quakula?) and preys on other ducks.

read more: Upcoming Horror Movies Heading Your Way

Howard is restored to his normal self and is actually able to stake Dracula before the vampire can feed off Howard’s girlfriend, Beverly Switzer.

Dracula Joins The Defenders (1981)

Defenders #95 

Ah, the Defenders. Long before they were edgy TV stars, they were the parking place for awesomely odd Bronze Age characters.

In one of the non-team’s most memorable storylines, the Defenders were being beleaguered by the Six Fingered Hand. With newer members Hellcat, Gargoyle, and Son of Satan in tow, the Defenders arrive back to Doctor Strange’s mansion only to be attacked by a possessed Dracula. It seems the Six Fingered Hand had gained control over all vampires.

Proving his awesomeness, the Son of Satan breaks the Hand’s control of Dracula, and agrees to help the Vampire Lord take back Transylvania from the Hand. The team with powerhouses like Strange and the Asgardian Valkyrie are just window dressing as the Son of Satan kicks the Hands' collective butts, destroys a metric ton of vampires by summoning sunlight, and saves Dracula’s undead bacon.

read more: 13 Essential Dracula Performances

This was the first time Marvel used Dracula as an anti-hero in a super-hero title, an honorable villain who was as comfortable in the role of defender of his people as he was bloodsucking fiend. It was a brief union, but among his many roles in the Marvel Universe, Dracula will always be recognized as a Defender.

Dracula vs. The X-Men (1982)

Uncanny X-Men #159

Monster mash-ups are a staple of the genre. While not traditional monsters at all, mutants meeting Dracula have the same cache as Dracula versus Frankenstein or the Wolfman, it’s just a match made, erm...not in heaven.

Structured like a classic horror film, Uncanny X-Men #159 sees Storm the victim in a very odd mugging. When someone overpowered the weather goddess and cut her throat, Storm suddenly finds herself wanting to die, inviting a stranger through her window at night, drawing back from Kitty Pryde’s Star of David, and shunning sunlight. You don’t have to be Bram Stoker to see where this is going and an epic confrontation between vampire and mutant takes place. The X-Men take out Dracula’s monstrous rat and canine minions, but fall before Dracula, all except Nightcrawler who has the faith to drive the vampire off with a makeshift cross.

When Storm arrives, Dracula finds that he cannot control the primal Storm, who stands tall and proud. In an awesome moment, Dracula tells Storm it was her inner strength that compelled him and after a standoff, Dracula retreats. This was Claremont at his finest, giving each X-Man a moment to shine and writing a classic and pretty damn scary Dracula in the process. The issue created an indelible bond between the X-Men and Dracula, one that stands till this day.

read more: Frankenstein - Comics' Greatest Monster

In the 1982 Uncanny X-Men Annual #6, the battle between the X-Men and Dracula continues as Kitty Pryde is possessed by Dracula’s daughter and one of his most enduring foes, Lilith. It was another compelling confrontation that deepens the threat Dracula had on mutantkind.

Dracula vs. Thor (1983)

Thor #332

Not satisfied with feeding off ducks, mutants, and wizards, Dracula sets his sights on embracing Lady Sif. In Thor #332, Dracula succeeds in feeding and turning Sif. In issue 333, Thor must face a Dracula empowered by god blood (comics = awesome), and an embraced Sif.

read more: The Best Horror Movies on Netflix

This story was significant in showing what a powerhouse Dracula was and established the idea that if Dracula fed off a non-human being, he would be fueled by their powerful blood. Thor managed to free Sif, but not before fans realized that Dracula was a threat to everyone, god, mutant, or human.

The Death of a Legend (1983)

Doctor Strange #59-62

In Doctor Strange #59-62, Strange and a group of companions including Dracula hunters Blade and the vampiric detective Hannibal King close all the plot threads left over from Tomb of Dracula and close the door on Marvel’s vampires for a quite a while. Aided by Avengers Captain Marvel (then Monica Rambeau) and the Scarlet Witch, Strange and company race to secure the Darkhold, a book which contains the Montessi Formula, a spell that will rid the Earth of Dracula and the curse of vampirism. Keep in mind that the Darkhold is an ancient magical book that created vampires in the first place.

read more: The Bleeding Heart of Dracula

These issues are the type of storytelling that made Stern a legend, taking elements from Dracula’s appearance in X-Men (the first mention of the Formula) and Thor (whom Dracula is reluctant in facing when he sees the other Avengers by Strange’s side). By the end of the story, Strange does recite the formula and Dracula is finally destroyed.

Like all good vampires, Dracula would eventually return, but the storyline has an epic sense of finality to it. After years of being plagued by Dracula, the Marvel heroes fight back destroying all vampires. For now…

Dracula vs. The Fantastic Four (2000-2001)

Before the Fantastic Four: The Storms

Dracula’s shadow is cast far and wide across the history of the Marvel Universe. Before they were legends, Sue Storm and Johnny Storm find a mysterious amulet. The young siblings are attacked by zombies seeking the amulet for its power, zombies controlled by none other than Dracula, who lays inert, staked and comatose, using his mind to control the zombies so they may deliver the amulet to the vampire.

read more: The Best Horror Movies on HBO

The Storms, before they were Fantastic, must stop the zombies from taking the amulet to Transylvania to resurrect their puppet master. Even immobile, Dracula proves to be one of the most evil and capable beings in the Marvel Universe.

X-Men: Apocalypse vs. Dracula (2006)

The cool thing about this series is that it gave added weight to the idea that Dracula has had an impact on the history of the Marvel universe and that his ties to the world of mutants did not begin the day he tried to embrace Storm. Dracula begins embracing members of Apocalypse’s cult which wakes the legendary mutant to defend his followers. The book ties the history of the Van Helsing family into the war between mutant despot and vampire lord.

You can read it here.

Dracula on the Moon (2009)

Captain Britain and MI:13 #10

The so-called end of vampires arc in Doctor Strange was a large scale storyline bringing in many mainstream Marvel mainstays, but it had nothing on the grand tapestry of cool that was the Dracula arc in the late, lamented Captain Britain and MI:13 title. So, Dracula gathers a sect of vampires on the moon to set up a front for his attack on Earth. Just typing that sentence was awesome. Dracula forms a non-aggression pact with Dr. Doom and only the magic of MI:13 led by Captain Britain and Pete Wisdom has a hope of stopping Dracula.

read more: The Best Horror Movies on Hulu

During the course of the arc, fans find out how brilliant Pete Wisdom is, that Dracula still holds a grudge against Muslims stemming back from his Vlad the Impaler days, that seeing Black Knight duel Dracula is pretty much better than anything else in the world, and that the legendary sword Excalibur wielded by a Muslim woman is more effective against Dracula than any crucifix.

Seriously, stop reading this and track down this storyline, we’ll wait.

Hulk vs. Dracula 

Part of the Fear Itself mega-event, this battle between two legendary monsters took a form fans did not expect. During the course of Fear Itself, the Hulk was transformed into Nul, the Breaker of Worlds. When Thor knocked Nul into the Carpathian Mountains, the Hulk became a threat to Dracula’s sovereignty. Once again taking up the mantle of reluctant defender, Dracula most take on Nul with a group of vampires, the Forgotten at his side. The event book was another step into the modern evolution of Dracula and was the first time he appeared alongside the Hulk.

An X feud renewed (2011)

X-Men: Curse of the Mutants

Dracula’s return to the X Universe also served as the introduction of the modern interpretation of the Lord of the Undead. Gone is his rocking ‘stache and suave opera cape, arriving is the white hair and Coppola-esque armor. The story is pretty cool, if needlessly complex at times, and introduces Dracula’s son, Xarus. Xarus goes to war with dear old dad with the X-Men and a group of Atlanteans caught in the middle. The whole thing ends with a fierce reminder, family or not, do not mess with Dracula.

It's available on Amazon.

The new look for Dracula would stay consistent across all Marvel media as it was this look that appeared in an episode of Avengers Assemble on Disney XD. The story arc also brings vampirism closer to the X-Men as never before as Jubilee, once the most innocent of the X-Men, is transformed into a vampire. What Claremont and company began in the early '80s continues today as Dracula’s influence on the X-Men looms like a constant shadow over the heroes!

read more: 31 Best Streaming Horror Movies

Read and download the Den of Geek NYCC 2019 Special Edition Magazine right here!

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Feature Marc Buxton

Oct 20, 2019

Dracula

Doctor Strange

Marvel

31 Days of Horror

from Books https://ift.tt/2pzZdMQ

[nadziejastar]

You seem dead certain that Ventus was supposed to be the alter ego of Roxas. But while it's possible (but unproven) that idea was considered at one point, the endings of BbS, Coded, and DDD featured them separately, so it's not like it's a new idea in KH3. The "Nobodies can grow hearts" retcon was absolutely conceived with the intention of bringing back the clones. Besides, it's not like the crowd who refused to accept that Roxas was Sora's alter ego would be content with the same thing with Ven

You seem dead certain that Ventus was supposed to be the alter ego of Roxas.

Well, that’s the most logical explanation and what all the evidence suggests. The story makes a million times more sense if Roxas and Ventus were meant to be the same. Besides, it’s not like I’m just pulling it out of thin air. A lot of what Nomura said pre-KH3 supports this idea.

But while it’s possible (but unproven) that idea was considered at one point, the endings of BbS, Coded, and DDD featured them separately, so it’s not like it’s a new idea in KH3.

I don’t see how that really proves anything. All those endings proved was that all of those characters needed to have their pain healed. They needed their individual storylines resolved, and they needed to be “revived”. The fandom extrapolated a LOT of things based off of those endings and came up with certain ideas that then sort of became unquestionable doctrine. However, that doesn’t mean Nomura always planned for those characters to be revived physically, and he even said as much.

— Though he’s a member of Organization XIII, Axel is shown in the end of KH Re:coded in the memories of “pain”…

Since healing the necessary “pain” of Axel’s is different than with other people, if he is revived he will take a form like Xehanort’s. In the end of the story, Naminé says, “Those whose memories are sleeping inside Sora need relief.” In the KH BbS secret cutscene “Blank Points”, certain characters call out to Sora, however in that scene Axel is the only one who appears and doesn’t say Sora’s name out loud.

This quote was from the Re:Coded Ultimania, so it was before KH3D came out. But Nomura referenced the Re:Coded ending and the BBS Blank Points ending that everyone uses as “proof” that Roxas and Ventus were meant to come back separately. Nomura singled out Axel and said healing his pain was different than with other people. It’s why Axel didn’t say Sora’s name out loud in Blank Points. Nomura said that if Axel were revived, he would take a form like Xehanort’s (who was revived physically). And that is exactly what happened in KH3D. Lea was revived physically, like Master Xehanort.

Nomura: I think although many people want Xion to come back once more, I’m afraid to say that it’s difficult.

Nomura also specified that in the Re:Coded ending, the idea was that those whose memories were sleeping inside of Sora needed relief. That implies that certain characters were going to be “revived” not physically, but through Sora bringing back the memories associated with them. So, Roxas would have his pain healed by Ventus regaining his memories. That counts as Roxas and Ventus both being revived. Kairi gaining Xion’s memories (and everyone else remembering her as well) heals her pain, and it counts as Xion being revived. And since the heart and memory are linked, that makes a lot of sense.

I mean, don’t you think it’s a little strange that immediately after Re:Coded’s ending, Mickey suddenly became very close to figuring out where Ven’s heart was? He saw that Roxas looked just like Ventus. And as soon as KH3 began, Sora already knew he needed to learn the power of waking to awaken “Roxas’s” heart inside of him, even though nobody mentioned Roxas being a potential Guardian of Light in KH3D. Funny enough, nobody mentions Ventus’s heart being inside of Sora until Vanitas brings it up in Monstropolis. It’s like everyone just forgot about him.

The “Nobodies can grow hearts” retcon was absolutely conceived with the intention of bringing back the clones.

I don’t see any evidence of that. I think the retcon proved that Nobodies like Axel could grow a heart. The whole idea that Nobodies could grow hearts was based on the idea that coming into contact with a strong heart can facilitate change in a Nobody. Axel started to change and grow a heart because he was around Roxas and Xion, who already had hearts.

Day 118: You Changed, Not Me

Author: Axel

Talking to Roxas and Xion always brings back memories of my human life, back when I was a kid. It’s a weird sensation. I ought to be able to share all this with Saïx, but I just don’t feel like it anymore. It’s strange, but I’m content with just missing what’s gone. I’m not the one who changed. You did.

Also, important memories are what nurture the new heart. That’s why Axel began to awaken a heart after returning from Castle Oblivion. The process was expedited by interacting so much with Roxas and Xion, who constantly reminded him of his childhood. Especially because Lea met Ventus when he was a kid. More than anything, it was Axel’s memories of Isa that caused him to awaken a heart, though. And it’s why Sora needed his most precious memories of Kairi back in order to wake up. Sora also needed Roxas to wake up because Roxas also held so many of Sora’s memories inside of him.

Unlike Axel, it was implied that Roxas already had a heart from the very beginning. Roxas NEVER acted like a normal Nobody. Axel always thought he acted extremely unusual. He questioned why he even needed a heart. Roxas, Xion (and Naminé) were special, even compared to the rest of the organization. They had full emotional capacity VERY early on, even though they had no memories of their past. Axel took months to get like that and it was only after going to Castle Oblivion and remembering a lot of things from his past. Roxas could wield a Keyblade right after he became self-aware, during the first week. If he wasn’t born with a heart, it wouldn’t have been possible for him to wield a Keyblade.

Q3: Is it possible that Roxas has a heart?

It is thought that it could be Ventus’s heart. In KHIIFM there were clues to him having a heart, and in Days we saw Roxas crying–proof that he could have a heart. As was said in Q1, he has taken a lot of himself from Ventus. But perhaps when Sora and Roxas were separated, Ventus’s heart stayed in Roxas?

But you don’t have to take my word for it. This is the smoking gun. I’ve seen fans twist themselves into a pretzel to explain this quote. KH3 obviously backpedaled on this idea, but Nomura specifically said that when Sora became a Heartless, Ventus’s heart stayed inside of Roxas. Roxas was born with Ventus’s heart. That’s why Roxas looked like Ventus. This wasn’t supposed to be some huge secret, either. It was supposed to be easily discernible for the average player after KH2FM+ and 358/2 Days. The fandom didn’t like the idea and never accepted it, but that doesn’t make it any less true. And this idea of Roxas having Ventus’s heart certainly makes a lot of sense.

Besides, it’s not like the crowd who refused to accept that Roxas was Sora’s alter ego would be content with the same thing with Ven.   

That, I agree with. Many fans would have been upset. And that’s exactly why the clones were brought back, despite how contrived and nonsensical it was. 

Nomura: The fan expectations and excitement towards Kingdom Hearts III was much more than I had expected. I actually did feel a little pressurized for the first time pretty much in my life.

Fanservice. Nomura caved in to the pressure. In my opinion, indulging everything the fans ask for often leads to a worse story, and that was the case with KH3. If the clones were always meant to be brought back physically, it sure doesn’t seem like it. The story and lore had to be absolutely butchered in order to bring them back. 

— Who are the thirteen researchers of darkness?

Thirteen seekers of darkness that share a consciousness and heart with Master Xehanort, serving as raw material for the X-Blade.

— What happens to the hearts of those who have had Master Xehanort’s heart planted within them?They’ll gradually be swallowed by it. As for Master Xehanort, he plans to control them completely. The planted parts of the heart are captured rather than disappear.

The best way Nomura could think of to bring them back was to have Vexen randomly join the organization as a “reserve member” (yeah, that makes total sense…) and to have Saïx randomly gain agency and free will so he could deliver Replicas during the final battle? WTF? In no way does that seem well planned or thought out. It blatantly contradicts what Nomura said happens to vessels, those with Xehanort’s heart planted within them. They were supposed to be “raw material”. Empty shells. Containers. They share a heart and consciousness with Xehanort, and his plan was to control them completely. They were PUPPETS of Xehanort. This conveniently didn’t happen. Gee, I wonder why. Nomura isn’t a perfect writer, but I don’t think he’s that incompetent.

[smartbella]

Play Journal #4

The argument between narratology and ludology perspectives of studying video games has lasted for years. It seems that the focus is on the role of narrative and simulation in video games. When scholars first paid attention to gaming studies, it was wise and reasonable to adopt theories from other contexts. In gaming studies, people compared video games with fiction, movies, TVs, and theatres with the center of storytelling including plots and characters (e.g. Jenkins, 2004; Grodal, 2013). With more understanding of this field and more talents joined, it was inevitable that people began to investigate the differences between video games from other media forms rather than similarities. The idea of ludology and simulation was introduced. Scholars who hold the ludology perspective claims that the ultimate goal of video games is “play” instead of just telling a story (e.g. Eskelinen, 2001; Frasca, 2013). Narratives, which are not necessary, are embedded in the simulation performing as one game feature. Narratives are pre-structured, while simulation allows players to build their own experience and even stories.

I agree with the essential position of simulation in video games, because it builds the rule which makes a game a game, and a game is live only when people begin playing it. Yet, I also think in some video games narrative could work as the main motivation, around which the game simulation was built. I’ll discuss two games I played in terms of the connection between narrative and simulation.

1. My Love: Queen’s Choice

This RPG romance simulation game gained phenomenon popularity in China in 2017-2018, especially among young females. The protagonist is a young lady, and the story begins with her task of being the CEO of her father’s entertainment company. This storyline refers to a business simulation game and lasts from the beginning to the end. However, this isn’t what made people crazy. Along with the business operation, the girl will meet four charming and handsome male characters with 4 totally different styles which basically cover all popular types of guys among young Chinese females. Players could choose with which characters they want to develop their romantic relationships. It seems that the story between the player and the charming princess in the game is the key, but the success is actually lying on the simulation. First, the magic of romance factors is that players’ freedom of choice. They can decide which characters they want to have more connections and the pace. Besides, simulation makes the story more vivid and realistic. Players can message those in-game avatars in the WeChat interface, and WeChat is the dominant social SMS media in China. Players could also receive phone calls, and famous voice actors were hired to record. All these factors make the narrative more appealing. In this game, stories make people crazy, but the story was presented by great simulation design.

2. Gris

Gris is a new platform game on Switch. The whole game has 4 chapters connected by the exploration of the protagonist, a girl who tried to figure out where she comes from and what happened to her. Unlike many other platform games, Gris doesn’t have time limits nor lives limit, and there aren’t monsters that players need to beat. Therefore, there’s basically no pressure on players. The simulation is delicately designed, from visual and audio effects to the barriers. For me, it wasn’t hard to make progress, but there were numerous times I was surprised by how smart and delicate the simulation was, and that makes it easy for me to get immersed in the game. Gris also has narratives. The whole game is about the exploration of a girl, but there aren’t any texts or messages in the game. Yet, the story was told completely by visual and audio features. At some key points between two chapters where are animations, but more importantly, the environment, the statues, the ruins, and the music, combine to create a sad and desolate story, though it has never been explicitly explained. In Gris, players enjoy the game simulation, but it is the narrative conveyed by the simulation that catches players’ emotions and makes the bonds that differentiate this game from other platform games.

There are so many game genres in the market. I would agree that simulations are the key to video games in general, because it refers to the core of “play”, especially in some sim games and competitive-oriented games, where the simulated projection of the reality is the essential attraction. However, when discussing narratives in video games, it is also important to realize that the effect of narrative on emotional engagement. Besides, I think it isn’t proper to criticize the role of narratives by emphasizing on the narrative structure. Not having a complete structure as fiction, movie, or drama has doesn’t mean there isn’t narrative in a video game. Experience, competition, exploration, construction, once an avatar in a game makes some actions, it could be considered as narrative.

References

Eskelinen, M. (2001). The gaming situation. Game studies, 1(1), 68.

Frasca, G. (2013). Simulation versus narrative: Introduction to ludology. In The video game theory reader (pp. 243-258). Routledge.

Grodal, T. (2013). Stories for eye, ear, and muscles: Video games, media, and embodied experiences. In The video game theory reader (pp. 151-178). Routledge.

Jenkins, H. (2004). Game design as narrative. Computer, 44(53), 118-130.

[loralillico2401-blog]

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Are you looking for the perfect birthday gift for your son? Well, there are a number of options you can go with. It really all depends on what you think your childs interest is. But one thing you can guarantee is that youll never go wrong with toys. Now, when it comes to the kind, you could buy car games, since children today are quite into technology. And if you are unaware of what popular racing games are out there, you should take a look at the following list. a. Forza Motorsport Series. This was developed by Turn 10 Studios and published by Microsoft for the Xbox. Forza 3 and 4 would be ideal to use for the Xbox 360 model. It is well-liked by car racing fanatics because of the array of customizable racing units they can make use of specifically 231 from a Honda Civic to Auid R8 and Le Mans. It also features realistic graphics, which makes the gaming experience exciting. Critics gave Forza a score of 92.96% for all its specifications. b.Test Drive Unlimited 2. This particular racing game sold about 300,000 copies on its first week of release and as of May 2011, has about 900,000 already in circulation. If this does not stand as testament to its amazing gaming qualities, then its storyline should interest you. With versions for both Playstation and Xbox, TDU2 comprises of 63 levels, which are divided into 4 categories competition, discovery, collection and networking with an additional 10 additional levels to explore if you get the TDU2 Casino Online DLC. Yes, you read it right. The best part of this game is that it allows your child to enjoy single-player competitions and open-world online interactions, making it a cohesive gaming event. c. Blur. An addition to the arcade car racing games genre, this particular program was developed by Bizarre Creations and distributed in North America and Europe. It is basically a career-driven game where a player has to take on the identity of a particular character, which has a pre-set of racing styles, match types and power set-ups, and finish a number of short challenges to get points. It makes use of a number of race car models, including Dogde Vipers, Ford Transits and Lotus Exiges, and can be set as a single-player, versus or race game. d. Need For Speed. Im sure youve heard of this game before. It is actually considered one of the most successful car games in the world, having survived competition since 1994. It was developed by Electronic Arts and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. It is actually on its generation of franchise to date, with Need for Speed: Most Wanted being the latest installation. With this game, your child can enjoy single-player adventures or race with the computer using a customized racing units as well as exotic and muscle cars. Most of the tracks are of American, European, African and Australian setting so your child is certainly going to enjoy the choices of scenery. Aside from these, there are other car racing games for different game consuls you can check out like Wheelman, Dirt 2, and Midnight Club. To make sure that you are making the right choice, do additional research and ask salesmen for feedback.

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The Carol's Daughter flagship store is on 125th Street, truly on a block filled up with the latest retail buzz: you'll pass an H&M.a MAC Cosmetics store, and then you'll scrutinize the car unmistakable flowery orange warning. Chris Harrison joins persistent guys in the living site. He comes like Paul Revere, with urgent and nationally important announcements: The boys will traveling to their first destination on the world journey. Atlantic City! Could possibly see the disappointment in some of their faces about the mundane regarding this location, glancing around like Did he mean to say Atlantis? Oh well, free trip, ? Police say that after Giron struck the pedestrians in regards to the street, he attempted to leave from police while still driving the van. He drove into the 118 Freeway from Sepulveda Blvd. You'd like he entered the freeway, he crashed into a motor vehicle and spun in the opposite direction. From here he's accused of driving the wrong way on 118 Freeway and exited it on the onramp. One thing that all emergency or first responder vehicles have in common is quite a few warning packages. We often hear an emergency vehicle before we see it, but there has to be flashing warning light somewhere on automobile. The main warning light on a police car games would probably be a light bar atop the rv. If you see a flashing warning light with your rear view mirror, just do well to block and many move diverse lane. One bit of emergency vehicle is speeding towards an incident or accident then they should clear space on the way. Des and Brad awkwardly speak while sitting right in front of sand castle. The conversation is awkward and unnatural, but I'm distracted by the majestic castle I'm confident what they talk on the subject of. Too bad really, noise pollution is so very bad anyone personally. Did you know how the rumbling noise of trucks at truck stops keeps the high blood pressure so elevated that the drivers over sleeping their cabs cannot begin a solid REM. [Harvard Study]. Only two episodes left and things will be escalating. In next week's episode, appears like Carroll lets loose his people. It looks like a massacre in order to be going down as Ryan tries to obtain to Claire before Carroll kills my wife.

Games Race Car Games

Are you looking for the perfect birthday gift for your son? Well, there are a number of options you can go with. It really all depends on what you think your childs interest is. But one thing you can guarantee is that youll never go wrong with toys. Now, when it comes to the kind, you could buy car games, since children today are quite into technology. And if you are unaware of what popular racing games are out there, you should take a look at the following list. a. Forza Motorsport Series. This was developed by Turn 10 Studios and published by Microsoft for the Xbox. Forza 3 and 4 would be ideal to use for the Xbox 360 model. It is well-liked by car racing fanatics because of the array of customizable racing units they can make use of specifically 231 from a Honda Civic to Auid R8 and Le Mans. It also features realistic graphics, which makes the gaming experience exciting. Critics gave Forza a score of 92.96% for all its specifications. b.Test Drive Unlimited 2. This particular racing game sold about 300,000 copies on its first week of release and as of May 2011, has about 900,000 already in circulation. If this does not stand as testament to its amazing gaming qualities, then its storyline should interest you. With versions for both Playstation and Xbox, TDU2 comprises of 63 levels, which are divided into 4 categories competition, discovery, collection and networking with an additional 10 additional levels to explore if you get the TDU2 Casino Online DLC. Yes, you read it right. The best part of this game is that it allows your child to enjoy single-player competitions and open-world online interactions, making it a cohesive gaming event. c. Blur. An addition to the arcade car racing games genre, this particular program was developed by Bizarre Creations and distributed in North America and Europe. It is basically a career-driven game where a player has to take on the identity of a particular character, which has a pre-set of racing styles, match types and power set-ups, and finish a number of short challenges to get points. It makes use of a number of race car models, including Dogde Vipers, Ford Transits and Lotus Exiges, and can be set as a single-player, versus or race game. d. Need For Speed. Im sure youve heard of this game before. It is actually considered one of the most successful car games in the world, having survived competition since 1994. It was developed by Electronic Arts and has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. It is actually on its generation of franchise to date, with Need for Speed: Most Wanted being the latest installation. With this game, your child can enjoy single-player adventures or race with the computer using a customized racing units as well as exotic and muscle cars. Most of the tracks are of American, European, African and Australian setting so your child is certainly going to enjoy the choices of scenery. Aside from these, there are other car racing games for different game consuls you can check out like Wheelman, Dirt 2, and Midnight Club. To make sure that you are making the right choice, do additional research and ask salesmen for feedback.

Games Race Car Games