#firehouse holiday exchange

[swearphil]

hello hello hello!! this is your pocket firehouse holiday exchange buddy here with a few questions! 🎄🎄🎄

what colors do you lean toward/love most?

what quote do you love/really speaks to you? it can be a song or otherwise.

what’s your holiday drink of choice?

hello!!! I'm so happy to hear from you!

pinks and purples are typically my favorite! (also I wrote that and immediately thought of the Taylor Swift lyric "purple pink skies." I guess she's always there at a subconscious level)

the quotes one is tough! it's one of those questions that when someone asks, you've suddenly forgotten every possible answer. I'm in the midst of writing papers for classes so my first quote to offer you is the entire poem "Perhaps the World Ends Here" by Joy Harjo. I think it's beautiful, and I'm writing a paper about food and place for class and I'm tempted to work the poem in somehow.

thinking about song lyrics, some of my favorites that come to mind are

the entire bridge of "You're Own Your Own, Kid" by Taylor Swift

"Outside they're push and shoving/ You're in the kitchen humming" from Sweet Nothing by Taylor Swift

Honestly any Taylor Swift song is fair game

"Oh, it's like I'm looking down from the ceiling above/Never in the moment, never giving enough" from Why Am I Like This? by Orla Gartland

and finally, I love hot chocolate! I'm realizing I haven't had any yet and I need to remedy that immediately

[diazsdimples]

hi james <3 make em swoon prompt: hugging them from behind for bucktommy

Hi Nolan!!! As you wish 🫡

Something Buck was really learning to love about having a firefighter boyfriend was how well he fit in at the station with the 118.

Granted, it helped that Tommy knew Hen, Bobby and Chimney from way back when he was a probie himself, and can provide banter with Eddie that even rivals Buck's level of teasing, but it still takes Buck by surprise at just how perfectly he nestled into their little family.

The first time Tommy came over to surprise Buck, he'd been leaning against the outside wall of the station when the engine had pulled in after responding to a 2 alarm fire. He'd had his arms crossed over his chest, with that indulgent "god you're adorable, Evan" smile on his face as Buck had dropped down from the passenger seat and strode over to him, burying his face in Tommy's shoulder.

Times after that included Bobby secretly inviting him over for lunch with the station on the 4th of July after Buck had lamented about spending their first holiday apart, Tommy showing up with breakfast after a long, arduous night shift, and Tommy hiding in a storage closet late in the evening during one of Buck's 24 hour shifts, grabbing Buck as he walked past and pulling him in for a mind-blowing fuck while the rest of the station slept.

And Buck - well Buck was pretty sure he hadn't been happier in all his life. Whenever he saw Tommy playing pool with Hen, or sparring with Eddie, or battling Chimney on the XBOX, his heart would flutter, like it had become a butterfly and grown wings, and ready to beat out of his chest. It just felt so... perfect.

It had been a couple of days since he and Tommy had seen one another, and Buck was missing him. They'd exchanged texts and facetimed a couple of times but it wasn't the same as having Tommy's arms around him, or feeling Tommy press soft kisses against his neck. He missed that physical contact.

"You seem a little down today, man," Eddie muses as he and Buck chop vegetables in the kitchen. Bobby had ordered 3 finely diced carrots and some chopped celery sticks to make part of tonight's dinner, and had put Eddie in charge, with Buck's supervision.

Buck looks up from where he's been systematically shredding the end of a celery stick with surprise. "Really? I-I'm fine, I swear."

Eddie raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. Not that Buck's entirely surprised; his best friend could scope out a change in Buck's mood before it even happens. He'd be stupid to think he could hide anything from Eddie.

"Uh, sure you are. Nothing to do with the fact that you're missing a certain 6'2 muscular pilot, hmm?"

Buck blushes, the red heat creeping up his cheeks, and he quickly drops his eyes back to the celery in front of him, trying desperately not to meet Eddie's eyes.

"That obvious, huh?"

Eddie laughs, a sound that Buck had heard so rarely over the last year and now can't seem to go a day without hearing, and pats Buck on the shoulder. "Just a little bit, yeah. I mean, you've been moping around the station the last few days, and everytime your phone buzzes, you practically pounce on it to see if it's him."

Buck's blush deepens, and he shoves the half-shredded celery stick back onto the chopping board, dropping his head into his hands. "I miss him," he says, his voice small.

Eddie softens a little, and reaches up to grasp Buck's shoulder, giving it a little squeeze.

"Yeah, I'll bet," he says sympathetically. He puts the carrot back on the chopping board with a sigh. "Hey I left something downstairs, mind if you keep doing this? I'll be right back."

Buck rolls his eyes, familiar with Eddie's get-out-of-cooking tactics.

"Yeah, whatever. I'll finish it for us."

Eddie gives him a big grin and claps his shoulder again.

"Lifesaver. Be right back!"

And with that, he's crossing the loft and taking the stairs two at a time, footsteps echoing through the firehouse. Buck shakes his head and chuckles to himself. He's pretty sure Eddie would rather step on a thousand Legos than ever help prepare dinner.

With a small shake of his head, Buck continues to chop the celery and carrots, throwing them into a small bowl together. He's been doing it for a few minutes when he hears footsteps behind him. Assuming it's Eddie, Buck doesn't turn around, and continues to chop.

"You find what you were looking for?"

"Oh, I think I did."

A deep, gravelly voice fills Buck's ears as a pair of thick, strong arms circles his waist, and Buck's heart leaps instantly as he recognises the smell of Tommy's cologne.

"Tommy? What are you doing here?!" Buck exclaims, putting down the knife and lacing his fingers with Tommy's. Tommy rests his head on Buck's shoulder, pressing small kisses into the skin just above Buck's uniform shirt.

"Thought I'd stop by and surprise you, baby. I missed you. Eddie helped me organise it."

Buck grins widely and turns in Tommy's arms, leaning forward and pressing their lips together in a deep, searing kiss. His arms wrap around Tommy's neck and he tugs him closer, revelling in the feel of Tommy's hands resting against the small of his back, holding him steady.

After a moment, they break apart, and Buck leans their foreheads together, a wide, beaming smile on his face.

"God, I've missed you," he murmurs. "This is the best surprise."

Tommy smiles back at him, rubbing their noses together.

"Yeah, I missed you too, Ev. It's good to see you."

He gives Buck one last peck on the lips, and then releases him, turning his attention to the celery and carrots Buck had been chopping. He picks one up between his thumb and forefinger, scruitinising it with mock-intensity.

"So, what you making?"

Tagging bucktommy friends

@theotherbuckley @bidisasterevankinard @watchyourbuck @neverevan @hippolotamus

@wikiangela @slightlyobsessedwitheverything @jesuisici33 @emilybahu @detectivehorror

@disasterstans @ioncedreamedaflower @bandluvr97 (mutuals pls lmk if you want to be tagged in Bucktommy stuff, I haven't quite scoped out who's okay with them and who isn't)

[teekstrand]

— SALMA DEERA 

-+-

Thank you @paranoidbean for organizing the 911 Holiday Gift Exchange this year, and I present my gift to @kimmyfinkle​ ! This was a last minute change of plans, but there will be a fic coming for you in the near future as well. 🤗 I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! 

[ID under the cut 

Three square gifs with the quote “The centre of every poem is this: I have loved you. I have had to deal with that.” spread across them. 

gif 1: a scene of Buck and Eddie hugging excitedly while their friends and family watch behind them. The text reads, “the centre of every poem is this:” 

gif 2: Buck against a blue background. He looks up slowly, looking vulnerable. The text reads, “I have loved you.” 

gif 3: Eddie standing at the front of the open bay of the 118′s firehouse. He is speaking to Buck, whose figure can just be seen on the side of the screen. The text reads, “I have had to deal with that.” 

end ID.] 

[realityjoey]

CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE 118 (RILEY ANDERSON MC x EVAN BUCKLEY)

The lights of Los Angeles glowed under the crisp December sky, casting a warm glow over Station 118. The crew had reluctantly accepted that they’d be on shift during Christmas Eve this year, but rather than let the holiday spirit slip away, Bobby suggested they bring the festivities to the firehouse. Everyone jumped on board, determined to make the most of their time together.

Riley had been a little secretive all week, and on Christmas Eve, she finally revealed her surprise. As the crew gathered in the common room—decorated with tinsel, strings of lights, and a slightly lopsided tree that Hen insisted looked “charmingly rustic”—Riley arrived with several trays in hand, each stacked high with traditional British holiday treats. She set them down on the dining table with a wide grin, and the scent of spices, sugar, and freshly baked dough filled the air.

“I thought I’d bring a bit of home here,” she announced, her thick accent causing Buck to smirk in that teasing way he always did. “It’s Christmas, after all.”

Chimney and Hen were the first to dive in, lifting the lids to discover mince pies, Christmas pudding, and a few packages of what Riley called “proper British biscuits.”

“Okay, I have no idea what half of these are,” Eddie admitted with a laugh, inspecting a mince pie with a skeptical expression.

“It’s mincemeat,” Riley explained, then quickly clarified, “Not actual meat—just dried fruit, spices, all that good stuff. Trust me, it’s better than it sounds.”

Buck, standing by her side with an arm casually wrapped around her waist, grinned. “You’re in for a treat, Diaz. Riley doesn’t mess around when it comes to this stuff.”

Riley playfully elbowed him, but there was a warmth in her eyes as she saw her friends enjoying the little pieces of her heritage. Bobby even managed to snag the recipe for the Christmas pudding, already planning to try it out at home with Athena.

As the night wore on, the firehouse was filled with the sound of laughter, music playing softly from the speakers, and the crinkle of wrapping paper as they exchanged small gifts. Eddie gifted Hen a new set of tools for her car, Chimney got Eddie a framed photo of the team, and Hen surprised Bobby with a homemade ornament of the 118 logo. Riley handed out small, personalized gifts—tiny tokens that showed how much she had come to know and appreciate each of them over the past year. When it was Buck’s turn, she handed him a wrapped box that contained a new leather jacket, one he’d been eyeing but never bought for himself.

He grinned at her, something private passing between them as he muttered, “You spoil me, Anderson.”

“And you love it,” she replied with a wink.

But Buck had one more surprise up his sleeve. He disappeared for a few minutes, leaving Riley and the rest of the team to speculate about his sudden absence. When he returned, he was dressed head to toe in a plush Santa suit, complete with a hat and a fake white beard. The team broke out into laughter as he struck a pose, flexing his arms in the oversized red jacket.

“You look ridiculous,” Riley snorted, barely containing her laughter as Buck swaggered around the room, his movements exaggerated for effect.

“That’s the point, love,” Buck said, adjusting his beard. “I figured we might meet some kids on calls tonight, and I thought, ‘What’s Christmas Eve without Santa?’”

Bobby shook his head, but there was a smile playing on his lips. “That’s actually a pretty good idea, Buck. Just make sure you don’t scare the kids off.”

“Oh, they’ll love me,” Buck replied confidently, shooting a wink Riley’s way. “Everyone loves Santa, right?”

The night passed with the usual calls—some minor injuries, a small fire to put out, and one apartment where a child got stuck trying to climb down a homemade chimney. Buck stayed in costume for each call, his Santa antics bringing smiles and laughter, even from the most weary of parents.

Back at the station, Riley watched him interact with the kids they encountered, her heart swelling with affection. Even in his silly costume, he exuded warmth and care, kneeling down to chat with the kids and making sure they got a candy cane from his makeshift sack. It reminded her of just how much he cared, not just about her but about everyone he met.

As the night wound down, they gathered around the Christmas tree in the firehouse, the lights twinkling softly. Riley reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out a sprig of mistletoe, her eyes glinting with mischief. She dangled it above Buck’s head, catching him mid-sentence.

“You’re supposed to be Santa, but you’re not getting out of this,” she said with a smirk.

Buck’s grin widened, and he gently pulled her closer, his hands settling at her waist as their laughter faded. He leaned in, brushing his lips against hers, the kiss soft at first, then deepening as they forgot, for a moment, where they were. Riley felt herself relax into his arms, a sense of peace washing over her in the warmth of their embrace.

But their private moment didn’t stay private for long. A cough broke through the silence, and they jumped apart to find Chimney standing nearby, arms crossed and a smirk plastered across his face.

“Well, well, look what we have here,” he said with a dramatic roll of his eyes. “Guess Santa’s getting a little extra holiday cheer this year, huh?”

Riley flushed bright red, quickly shoving the mistletoe back into her pocket. Buck, unbothered, just threw an arm around her shoulders and smirked back at Chimney. “What can I say? Mistletoe rules.”

Chimney laughed, shaking his head as he called out to the others. “Hey, guys, Buck and Riley are breaking mistletoe protocol over here!”

Within seconds, Hen and Eddie had joined them, teasing comments flying about as they ribbed Riley and Buck. But even as Riley hid her face in Buck’s shoulder, she couldn’t stop the smile spreading across her lips. Buck pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his hand squeezing hers in reassurance.

Despite the teasing, there was a warmth in the air, a feeling of togetherness that made the firehouse feel more like a home than ever. The 118 had become Riley’s family in ways she hadn’t imagined when she first moved to America, and now, with Buck at her side and their friends around them, she realized this was one of the best Christmases she’d ever had.

As the clock inched closer to midnight, the crew of the 118 gathered around the long dining table in the firehouse, each holding a warm drink—hot cocoa, coffee, or, for Chimney, a cup of spiced cider he’d managed to sneak in. The tree lights twinkled softly, casting a warm glow that made the space feel cozy and intimate, despite the cool breeze blowing outside. They had all settled into an easy camaraderie that made the firehouse feel like a second home.

Bobby, always the one to start things off, leaned back in his chair with a nostalgic smile. “You know, when I first started as a firefighter, I didn’t really know what to expect. My first Christmas shift, we got called to this house where a turkey fryer went up in flames. Whole family standing in the front yard, looking like they just lost Christmas dinner, and I remember thinking—‘This is it, this is what I signed up for.’ We managed to save the rest of their meal, though. I think they were more grateful for the mashed potatoes than anything else.”

Hen laughed, shaking her head. “Oh, I’ve seen plenty of those turkey fryer disasters. It’s almost a holiday tradition for some families.” She sipped her cocoa, the steam rising in little curls. “But my favorite Christmas shift was the year we got snow here in L.A. Remember that, Bobby? It wasn’t much, just a dusting, but people lost their minds. We had to rescue this guy who tried to sled down his driveway on a pool float and ended up in his neighbor’s tree. He insisted he was fine, but he was dangling upside down like a Christmas ornament.”

The room erupted into laughter, Riley clutching her sides as she pictured the scene. She hadn’t been with the 118 back then, but she could imagine it all too well. The stories flowed easily after that, each one punctuated by the team’s laughter.

Chimney, ever the storyteller, took the opportunity to share one of his classic tales. “Okay, okay, my turn. So, there was this one Christmas Eve—back when I was still a rookie. We got called out to this house because a guy got stuck in a chimney trying to surprise his kids. I kid you not, he thought it would be a great idea to dress up as Santa and climb down the chimney—except he got wedged in there like a cork in a bottle. And the best part? He sang carols until we got him out. ‘Jingle Bells’ all the way.”

Even Buck, who had heard this story more times than he could count, burst out laughing again. Riley leaned into his side, a warm feeling in her chest as she listened to her friends’ stories. She took in their smiles, the crinkles at the corners of their eyes, the way they lit up when reminiscing about old times.

Eddie jumped in next. “You know, before I moved out here, we spent every Christmas Eve at my grandma’s house. She’d cook enough tamales to feed the entire neighborhood, and by the end of the night, everyone would be stuffed and arguing over who made the best ones that year. My abuela, she had this saying—‘If you can still walk, you haven’t eaten enough.’ So, naturally, I’d be rolled out of there every time.”

Riley chuckled, picturing Eddie surrounded by family and tamales. She realized how much she enjoyed these glimpses into their lives, the little pieces of who they were beyond the job. When the conversation turned her way, she felt a flutter of nerves, but Buck’s hand found hers under the table, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“What about you, Riley?” Hen asked, curiosity in her eyes. “What were Christmases like back in England?”

Riley thought for a moment, the warmth of the firehouse wrapping around her as she recalled her childhood. “Well, it was always a bit chaotic, as you’d imagine with eight siblings. They’d wake me up at the crack of dawn and drag me out of bed to open presents. I would finally wake up and be in the kitchen, cooking a roast, and somehow the whole house would smell like sage and onions and gravy. It was… crowded and noisy, but that’s what made it special.”

She smiled, the memories bittersweet but comforting. “I would always play the same Christmas album—some old classics—and my sister Kyra would try to drown it out with whatever pop song was popular that year. It was our little tradition, even though it drove everyone else mad.”

The crew laughed softly, imagining a younger Riley singing her heart out trying to preserve the holiday spirit for her siblings who may struggle during this holiday.

Hen nudged Riley’s arm playfully. “And I bet you made them all those mince pies, too, huh?”

“Oh, you better believe it,” Riley replied with a chuckle. “I got the recipe from an old book, and I’ve been making them since I was about thirteen. Of course, they didn’t always turn out as pretty as these—my first batch was more like mince soup.”

Buck wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. “Well, you’ve definitely perfected them now. I might be a little biased, but these are the best I’ve ever had.”

Riley rolled her eyes playfully, but there was a warmth in her chest that hadn’t been there in a long time. This was different from her Christmases back home. It felt good.

As the stories continued, the team fell into an easy rhythm, the banter flowing naturally. They shared tales of disastrous holiday dinners, childhood mischief, and the strange calls they’d responded to over the years. There were stories that made them laugh until they had tears in their eyes, like the time Bobby accidentally set fire to his own Christmas ham during a family dinner, or when Hen got stuck playing Santa for her son’s preschool and barely fit into the costume.

At some point, Chimney took it upon himself to reenact a dramatic rescue from his rookie years, complete with exaggerated sound effects and wild gestures. He climbed onto a chair to demonstrate how he had scaled a tree to save a stranded cat, only to slip and nearly take out the Christmas tree in the process. The room filled with laughter, and even Bobby had to turn away to hide his grin.

Riley leaned into Buck’s shoulder, her sides aching from laughter. She glanced around the room, feeling a sense of belonging she hadn’t quite expected when she’d moved to America. This crew, this family, had welcomed her into their lives with open arms, and now, sitting here with them on Christmas Eve, she felt like she had found a place where she truly belonged.

Buck turned his head slightly, catching her gaze, his blue eyes twinkling under the Christmas lights. He brushed a lock of hair from her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. “You alright?” he asked softly, just for her to hear.

She nodded, her smile softening. “Yeah. More than alright.”

And as the clock struck midnight, signaling the arrival of Christmas, they raised their cups in a toast—Buck still in his ridiculous Santa costume, Chimney still reenacting his rookie year escapades, and Riley surrounded by the warmth of friends who had become like family. It wasn’t the kind of Christmas she’d grown up with, but it was perfect in its own way.

“Here’s to family, near and far,” Bobby said, his voice steady and sincere, and the team echoed his words, lifting their glasses higher.

“To family,” Riley murmured, her voice blending with Buck’s, their hands still clasped beneath the table. And as she looked around at the smiling faces, she knew this was a Christmas Eve she’d never forget.

As midnight came and went, the festive atmosphere in the firehouse only grew more vibrant. After finishing their stories, Chimney decided that the perfect way to keep the holiday cheer going was to dig through the stash of Christmas CDs he’d brought with him. He plugged one into the old stereo system in the corner, and soon, the familiar upbeat notes of classic holiday tunes filled the room.

Buck groaned as Jingle Bell Rock started playing, rolling his eyes playfully at Chimney. “Really, Chim? Couldn’t pick anything cooler?”

Chimney grinned, pointing his finger at Buck like a cheesy TV host. “Oh, come on, Buckaroo! It’s a classic. Get with the spirit!”

Before Buck could protest further, Riley grabbed his hand, pulling him into the open space in front of the Christmas tree. She shot him a challenging smile, one eyebrow raised. “You’re dressed like Santa, Buck. You have no room to judge anyone’s music choices right now.”

Buck let out a dramatic sigh, but he couldn’t resist her enthusiasm. He swung her around, the plush Santa jacket flaring as they moved. Riley laughed, the sound light and joyful, and it wasn’t long before Eddie and Hen joined in, swaying along to the music.

Chimney took it upon himself to pour everyone a round of eggnog, the non-alcoholic kind Bobby had made to keep things within department regulations, though he’d slyly mentioned he might have “fortified” his own cup. He handed out the mugs, making a show of raising his own as if he were toasting a grand celebration.

“To Christmas at the 118!” Chimney shouted over the music, and the others echoed him, clinking their mugs together before taking long, appreciative sips. The creamy drink, with its hint of nutmeg and cinnamon, warmed them from the inside out.

Riley twirled away from Buck and grabbed Hen’s hands, pulling her into a goofy little dance. Hen, always one to let loose in the right company, joined in, the two of them spinning around each other with exaggerated flourishes. Bobby, shaking his head with a smile, eventually gave in too, tapping his feet to the beat and even sharing a little two-step with Eddie.

For a while, the firehouse felt like a holiday party, complete with laughter, eggnog, and the slightly off-key singing of Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree. Buck, still in his Santa suit, kept the energy high, even grabbing the firehouse mop to use as a makeshift microphone as he sang along. He winked at Riley mid-verse, who playfully shoved him, but she couldn’t hide the wide smile on her face.

Hen and Chimney, always up for some friendly competition, challenged each other to a dance-off in the middle of the room. They took turns trying to outdo one another, Hen with her fluid, rhythmic movements and Chimney with his wild, over-the-top spins and shimmies. The rest of the team played along, acting as the judges, though they all kept changing their votes just to keep the fun going.

Eventually, a slower song came on, one of those old crooning classics that filled the air with a nostalgic warmth. The energy in the room softened as everyone paired off for a more relaxed sway. Hen and Bobby shared a dance, both of them laughing at how out of rhythm they were, while Chimney twirled an unwilling Eddie around, much to Eddie’s amused protests.

Riley found herself in Buck’s arms again, his Santa hat now crooked and askew. He pulled her close, his hand warm against her back as they rocked gently to the music. She rested her head against his shoulder, her laughter fading into a contented sigh.

“Not a bad way to spend Christmas Eve,” Buck murmured into her hair, his voice just loud enough for her to hear over the music.

She looked up at him, her eyes shining. “Yeah. It’s pretty perfect, actually.”

For a moment, they stood together, the world outside the firehouse fading away. The lights of the Christmas tree cast a soft glow over them, and the warmth of the firehouse and their friends made it feel like they were wrapped up in a little bubble of holiday cheer.

It was Chimney, of course, who broke the moment. He appeared beside them with an exaggerated wink, holding up a fresh sprig of mistletoe above their heads. “Just in case you two need an official excuse,” he quipped, grinning from ear to ear.

Buck didn’t need more prompting. He dipped Riley dramatically, his Santa hat falling to the ground as he leaned down to kiss her, earning a round of cheers and whistles from the rest of the team. Riley let out a laugh against his lips, her arms wrapped around his neck as she kissed him back.

When Buck pulled her back up, Riley’s cheeks were flushed, but she couldn’t stop smiling. The room was filled with warmth—both from the eggnog and from the sense of family that had settled over them all.

As the last notes of the song faded into another upbeat tune, the team kept dancing, lost in the joy of the moment. There were no calls, no emergencies, just the sound of laughter, the twinkle of Christmas lights, and the comfort of knowing they were all together for the holiday.

By the time the night drew to a close, they were breathless with laughter, some of them sprawled out on the couches, others leaning against the walls with mugs of eggnog still in hand. Riley found herself curled up beside Buck, his arm draped over her shoulders, his Santa suit now crumpled and askew.

Bobby, Hen, Eddie, and Chimney sat nearby, chatting about plans for Christmas Day once they were off shift, about traditions they’d shared with family, and new ones they’d made with each other. And as Riley looked around the room, she realized that for all the challenges and all the unexpected turns in her life, she wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.

It wasn’t the Christmas Eve she’d grown up with, but as she glanced up at Buck, who looked back at her with that familiar, adoring smile, she knew it was exactly where she was meant to be.

As the first light of Christmas morning began to edge over the Los Angeles skyline, the 118’s shift finally came to an end. The firehouse that had been buzzing with laughter, music, and holiday cheer just hours earlier now quieted as the team gathered their things, exchanged a few sleepy hugs, and headed out to their respective homes.

Riley and Buck lingered a bit longer, savoring the warmth that still lingered in the firehouse. They both felt a pang of nostalgia, already missing the shared laughter and the comforting presence of their friends. But as they stepped outside into the cool morning air, the thought of heading home together made the transition a little easier.

Buck threw his duffel bag into the back of his truck and then turned to Riley with a playful grin. “Ready to head home, love?”

Riley nodded, smiling up at him. “Lead the way, Santa.”

He let out a laugh, then pulled off the last remnants of his Santa costume—the red hat he’d been wearing all night—handing it to her with a wink. “Why don’t you hold onto this, as a reminder of my impressive holiday spirit?”

She rolled her eyes, but she tucked the hat into her own bag, knowing she’d treasure it later. They climbed into Buck’s truck, the warmth of the heater quickly enveloping them as they pulled out of the firehouse parking lot.

As they drove through the early morning streets of Los Angeles, Buck flicked on the radio, and the opening notes of Driving Home for Christmas by Chris Rea filled the cab. Riley laughed softly, leaning back in her seat as the familiar melody washed over them. Buck glanced at her, a smirk playing on his lips.

“You know, I thought you’d like this one,” he said, keeping one hand on the wheel and the other reaching over to take hers.

Riley squeezed his hand, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the heater. “You’re getting pretty good at picking British classics, Buckley.”

They shared a smile, and for a moment, the world outside the truck seemed to fall away. The early morning streets were quiet, the city still waking up, and the two of them were wrapped up in their own little bubble, the music playing softly in the background.

Riley looked out the window, watching the city lights blur past, and then turned back to Buck, catching the way his face softened in the glow of the dashboard lights. She marveled at how far they’d come—both of them, together. It hadn’t been that long ago that she’d moved across the ocean, uncertain of what her new life would hold. But now, she had a place she called home, a job she loved, and a family she’d found in the 118. And, of course, she had Buck, who had become so much more than just a partner on the job.

Buck seemed to be thinking along the same lines, because he glanced over at her and gave her hand another squeeze. “I was just thinking… we’re pretty damn lucky, aren’t we?”

Riley tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, we are. A year ago, I never thought I’d be here—celebrating Christmas with a bunch of Americans and driving home with you.”

Buck let out a quiet chuckle. “Well, I’m glad you did. I’m glad we… figured things out.”

“Me too,” she whispered, her voice barely louder than the music.

They fell into a comfortable silence, listening to the lyrics of the song. The words about coming home, about the feeling of returning to where you belong, resonated with both of them in a way that felt almost too perfect. Buck’s thumb rubbed gently over the back of her hand as he focused on the road, and Riley rested her head against the seat, letting herself get lost in the moment.

Eventually, they turned onto the quieter streets of their neighborhood, the houses decorated with lights that twinkled in the pre-dawn light. Buck parked the truck in their driveway, the engine rumbling softly before he turned it off. For a moment, neither of them moved, the silence settling around them like a warm blanket.

Buck turned to her, his expression soft and open, the way it always was when they had these quiet moments together. “You know, I wouldn’t trade any of this for the world. Even the tough parts. It’s all worth it, as long as I’ve got you.”

Riley’s eyes shimmered as she reached up to cup his cheek, brushing a thumb over the stubble there. “You’re getting sappy on me, Buckley.”

He leaned into her touch, smiling against her palm. “It’s Christmas. I’m allowed.”

She laughed, a gentle sound, then leaned in to press a soft kiss to his lips. It was a simple gesture, but it held all the things she sometimes struggled to put into words. When they pulled back, she rested her forehead against his, feeling the warmth of his breath mingling with hers.

“Come on,” she said softly. “Let’s go inside and have a real Christmas breakfast. I think I still have some of those biscuits left.”

Buck’s face lit up, and he kissed her again, quick and playful this time. “Deal.”

They climbed out of the truck, the cold morning air nipping at their faces as they hurried up the front steps of their home. Buck fumbled with the keys, still grinning like a kid on Christmas morning, and Riley laughed at his excitement.

As they stepped inside, the warmth of their home enveloped them, the scent of pine from the small Christmas tree they’d put up together filling the air. Riley kicked off her boots and headed straight for the kitchen, Buck close behind her. They moved easily around each other, sharing a few quiet laughs as they made coffee and heated up the last of the holiday treats Riley had brought to the firehouse.

When they finally sat down at their little kitchen table, with mugs of steaming coffee and plates of biscuits, Buck reached across the table to take her hand again. They sat there, the early morning light streaming in through the window, casting everything in a soft glow.

As the song replayed softly in Riley’s head, she looked at Buck, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the coffee or the heater. They were home—truly home. And as they shared quiet conversation and breakfast, surrounded by the peaceful stillness of Christmas morning, they both knew that this was a moment they’d carry with them for a long, long time.

No matter what the future held, they had each other. And that was the best Christmas gift of all.

[flickerthenflare]

The Holiday

After realizing his family members have all made plans for Christmas without him, Carlos makes a snap decision to exchange apartments for a week with a stranger in New York City who has unfinished business at a firehouse in Austin, Texas. Loosely inspired by The Holiday and written for the @911holidayficfest.

Special thanks to @heydumbass-dumbasser for the beautiful cover and postcard graphics, @sightoftheshore for trying valiantly to catch all my typos, and @intensewhatever for the sensitivity read for the Hanukkah festivities!

Pairing: tarlos (TK Strand/Carlos Reyes)

Rating: teen (warnings for discussions of faith, religious trauma, homophobia, cancer recovery, addiction, fear of overdosing, withdrawal, needles, and a panic attack)

Read on AO3 here!

[felicitysmoaksx]

“ we’re family. we don’t turn our backs on each other. ” + rheese

Day 18 of the Advent Writing Challenge!

She had been dropping off gifts at the firehouse, when Claire called because both her and Kelly had to work this Christmas so after her shift on the holiday, so all Sarah had to do was drive over from the hospital in Kelly’s car. Her brother was insisting she use it for the day. But Claire had wanted to see if Sarah wanted to go last minute Christmas shopping with her and since her and Connor were trying to give this whole soulmates thing a chance, Sarah said yes in an effort to get to know the other woman. 

“What’s wrong with her car?” Kelly wondered as Claire pulled up to the apron. Sarah heard the banging coming from the vehicle too, but she hadn’t seen Connor’s sister since that dinner a few months back. So she shrugged at her brother’s question. 

“Hi,” Claire smiled at Sarah. 

“What’s wrong with your car?” Kelly asked in that snappish way that had a way of putting people off before Sarah could so much as return the greeting. Giving Claire a tight smile, the curly haired brunette pinched her brother’s arm before making introductions. 

“Hi Claire. Sorry, about him. This is Kelly by the way. My older brother who doesn’t know how to at least say hello before being rude to another person.” 

“I’m asking because I don’t want you be in an accident or to break down in the middle of downtown traffic.” Kelly rolled his eyes at his sister. 

“Oh,” Claire glanced down at her vehicle as she shrugged. “I’m not sure? The check engine light has been on since Wednesday? But every auto mechanic I call is booked and can’t take another car.” 

“Can you pop the hood?” Kelly asked Claire as he went to get the set of tools from the squad truck, before calling for Andy.

“He’s a car guy.” Sarah explained to her soulmate’s sister. Then pointing out the blue vintage mustang, “Rebuilt and restored that car and the engine inside of it.” 

“So what are you doing for Christmas?” Sarah posed the question as Kelly and Andy worked, “I asked Connor but he wasn’t sure about your plans.”  

“Oh, well since he has to work that day, I figure we’ll just have some take-out and exchange gifts because Dad will be in New York.” 

“You could come to the firehouse,” Kelly called from where he was buried in the engine. Sarah nodded, “He’s right. I have to work Christmas too. But so do they. So we all celebrate up here. With their families and everything. We’ll have Christmas dinner and usually we have leftovers every year we do this, so they’ll be more than enough to go around.” 

“Okay. So I think this might be more out of my expertise than I originally thought. But I have a friend, he’s an auto-mechanic with his own shop. I’ll call him. Have your car towed and he’ll do the work at cost. In the meantime, you and Sarah can take my car so you can still shop.” 

“Oh you don’t have-” Claire started to tell Kelly. But her brother just pointed a wrench at the other woman. “Your brother is her soulmate is he not?” 

“Well yeah, but I don’t see-”

“So that makes us family and since we’re family, we don’t turn our backs on each other. And that means not letting my little sister and sister-in-law ride around in a potentially dangerous car.” 

“He’s a good brother most of the time,” Sarah said when Claire glanced at her, “Even when he’s being overprotective.”  

[ana-swritings]

Merry December 2022 - Day 9

Day 9 of Merry December

Prompt: Holidays

Fandom: Chicago Fire

Pairing: Matthew Casey x OFC (Jade)

Words: 1191

T.W.: N/A

Summary: Holidays with the family.

Matt had been looking for the perfect gift for Jade for a month and he only had two weeks left to find it. To say he was getting desperate was an understatement. He had already bought a few gifts for their friends, all that was left was hers and, by God, was it hard. He had a pretty good idea of what he wanted, the hard part was finding it.

He and his team had just finished another call when, on their way back to the firetruck, he looked at an antique store’s window and he froze. That it was. The perfect gift.  Telling Herrman that he would be right back, Matt walked in and asked the old lady behind the counter if it was for sale. When she said it was, he didn’t even care about the price. He told her he would take it. He had finally found Jade’s gift.

Matt is in the firehouse’s kitchen getting himself a mid-afternoon snack, remembering that moment, when Jade walked in, her jacket under her arm.

- “Hey babe. Going somewhere?”

- “Yep, I’m going into town with Chief Boden. He’s having trouble finding a gift for Donna and I’m gonna go with him to see if we can find something.” – Matt could tell she was excited by the way she talked fast and the quick kiss on the cheek she gave him.

Jade had decided the crew at firehouse 51 was her family, becoming this sort of motherly figure to them. Which was kind of hilarious, considering she was a few years younger than some of the guys there. But that’s who she was, always taking care of the people she loved.

Christmas Eve had finally arrived and they were all caught in the joy of the holidays. When he and Jade had started dating, she basically demanded that they celebrate all the holidays, to put in her words, “It will give us a sense of normalcy.”, something that his work sometimes didn’t allow for. At first he had fought her on it, but, damn, can the woman be stubborn. Eventually, he gave in and agreed.

And now there they were, three days before Christmas Eve. Sitting around the table in the firehouse, two roasted hams in the middle of the table and all sorts of side dishes spread around the table surrounding it. He could, also, smell the intoxicating smell of home baked pie coming from the kitchen. Jade had been in the kitchen all day, preparing dinner, making sure everything was perfect for their Christmas together. And that right there, just made him love her even more.

Toasts were made, dinner was eaten and they were now relaxing in the couches and around the tables. Terrance, Chief Boden’s son, kept asking Jade about all the different traditions that people would do to celebrate Christmas and Jade, God bless her, would answer to all of them, sometimes repeating herself but never losing her patience.

Pulling her close to him on the couch, Matt kissed the top of her head. She looked up and leaned towards him, giving him a sweet kiss in return, her hand over his chest. Breaking the kiss, they just stared at each other, loving looks on both their faces.

They were both brought back to reality by a questioning Terrance.

- “When can we open the gifts, Jade?”

- “Maybe we could exchange them now?” – Jade answered him, a smile on her lips, before turning towards Boden and Donna to see if they were okay with the idea. Both of them had no problem exchanging gifts early, after all they always made their own traditions.

They exchanged gifts, allowing the kids to open theirs first so they’d be distracted while the adults opened theirs. As every year, they had done a secret santa type of thing for the adults. Looking around, Matt saw how happy everyone was and when his eyes landed on Jade and he saw the huge smile on her lips while watching little Terrance play with his firetruck, he knew he would love her forever.

Matt had saved the best for last. Giving the small box to Jade, he couldn’t wait to see her reaction. Jade opened the box and her eyes went wide. Inside was an antique gold locket. She had mentioned how she had always wanted one and Matt had been desperately looking for one. When she opened it, she smiled. In there, was a picture of the two of them, taken not that long ago. She kissed him tenderly and thanked him, saying that she loved it. He took it from her and put it around her neck. It fitted perfectly.

After giving her secret santa gift to Mouch, she turned to Matt to give him a special present. One she had made especially for him. Jade handed a medium size box to Matt and waited. Matt pulled the top of the box and, after removing the loose paper that was on top, he just froze. Looking very slowly back at Jade, she could see he had tears in his eyes when he asked her if she was serious. When she nodded her head in confirmation that she wasn’t joking, tears in her eyes as well, he picked her up and kissed her passionately.

Severide looked confused at his best friend, being seated right next to them on the couch. Looking over at Stella, expecting to see the same look on her face, he was surprised to see that Stella had a sweet and kind smile on her face. Asking Matt what was going on, all that Matt did was point to the box Jade had just given him. Grabbing the box off of the couch, Severide looked stunned and excited all in one. Inside was a tiny baby onesie that said, in bold letters, “My dad’s a firefighter”. Severide looked back at Jade, who in return asked him if he was ready to be an uncle. He couldn’t help the huge smile on his face, pulling her into a tight hug.

Suddenly, Boden spoke.

- “The day we went to buy Donna’s gift, I realized I needed to buy you one, as well. I also already knew that you were expecting, thanks to someone who let it slip, so I asked Donna for help and she recommended this.”

Boden handed over the last gift of the night. Jade’s gift. Jade had told him not to worry about getting her a gift, since she already knew she was his secret santa, but he still felt the need to buy her something. Boden saw Jade opening the small box and the way her eyes wrinkled when she laughed at what was inside. Donna had recommended a onesie that looked exactly as their uniform. Everyone laughed and commented how adorable it was.

Jade took a look around. Matt had the biggest smile, already making plans with Severide and Boden for when the baby comes. Her eyes locked with Boden and all she could do was mouth a “Thank you”, before more tears of happiness spilled from her eyes. This Christmas would definitely be one for the books.

----------------------------------------------------------

Hope you enjoyed it. :)

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[stillm0nster]

10 / 31 december writing challenge - holiday edition! ft. @sacriifice 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄: christmas party, charity, dancing together.

it  was  his  captain's  idea  to  have  a  little  charity  event  about  christmas  and  knowing  elijah,  he  was  immediately  on  board  with  it.  helping  those  in  need  was  always  their  priority  as  fire  fighters  but  this  time  it  was  a  little  more  ...  domestic.  everyone  gathered  at  the  firehouse  where  they  cooked  a  lot  of  delicious  food  and  then  delivered  to  those  in  need.  once  that  was  done,  upbeat  music  filled  the  space  and  elijah  was  quick  to  pull  his  girlfriend  on  her  feet  and  get  her  to  dance  with  him.

it  was  fun,  like  when  they  were  teenagers,  so  carefree  and  happy.  he  was  thankful  they  could  be  like  that  again,  after  the  things  they've  both  been  through.  it  felt  like  there  was  nobody  else  there,  just  the  two  of  them  doing  their  silly  dance--  until  one  of  his  coworkers  decided  to  kidnap  him  for  a  moment.  they  were  taking  a  group  photo  and  elijah  had  to  be  there  among  his  coworkers.

"  hey.  missed  me?  "  he  said  while  giving  mia  a  back  hug,  a  soft  kiss  pressed  to  her  cheek  before  he  began  swaying  their  bodies  to  the  rhythm  of  the  song  playing.  "  a  whole  lot!  "  mia  said  with  a  smile,  enjoying  the  serenity  of  it  all.  she  had  fought  her  inner  demons  for  too  long  so  feeling  content  with  the  person  she  loved  right  by  her  side  was  grand!

before  they  knew  it,  the  pair  was  slow  dancing,  too  much  into  their  own  world  to  realize  they  were  the  center  of  attention  while  sweet  nothings  were  exchanged.  if  santa  was  real  and  he  could  grant  wishes,  elijah's  wish  was  to  spend  the  rest  of  his  life  with  mia  by  his  side.

[theobrowningfd]

"It truly is," Theo agreed with a chuckle, though he had never caused a kitchen fire, he had seen the results of them from work. "That and gotta make sure they're in working order too," he added though he knew that Jason knew that already as did his kids. It was something he had made sure they learned and understood at a young age since one can never be too careful. Being able to talk shop with Jason was just an added bonus, never did he ever think they'd work together in some capacity but here they were, both working at the firehouse. Jason on a volunteer basis, and Theo as an officer, working full time. "Oh absolutely, nothing wrong with learning from each other. No matter your age." He agreed, telling his kids, how it's always good to learn from one another.

As Jason and the kids spoke back and forth, Theo noticed a subtle shift in his brother. He noticed how much more comfortable he looked and sounded, which made Theo smile to himself. As he had headed to kitchen, he was still able to hear the conversation going on, which he was happy that Jason was comfortable enough to do so. As he stood in the doorway and noticed Jason glance at him, he gave a gentle smile and a small reassuring nod. "Same, though I am totally thankful for online shopping. So much easier to get things online and early enough so there's no rush and no scrambling. Though I do think the holiday market always has some good hidden gems to buy too." He shrugged, and nodded. He had always enjoyed going to the holiday market ever since he got married, because he was always able to find some cute gifts for Winnie, whether for the holidays in general or to give her throughout the year. As Winnie finished cooking, she called everyone into the dining room to come eat some food. The kids headed in, and Theo hung back to check in with his brother. "Just wanted to check in. Make sure everything is good and that you're okay." He wanted to make sure Jason was comfortable and that he wasn't going through anything; especially since he knew some of his struggles after returning from the military. Ever since Jason came back into town, Theo made it a point to check in with his brother as much as he could. "Also if you're not too busy, on Christmas, we'd love it if you could join us for dinner and to exchange gifts. No pressure though and I'd totally understand if you already had plans." He rested his hand on Jason's should and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"It's a blessing," he laughed, nodding his head. Thankfully, Jason had never had to put out any fires that he caused himself, save for camp fires that needed to be put out, anyway, but he knew that there was a first time for everything. He just hoped that wouldn't be any time soon, and definitely not in his camper. "We also know enough to have smoke detectors in the house, which is a good added bonus," he knew that it was easily something people overlooked, but he would be willing to bet money that he could point out where Theo had them in his own house, even. The life of a firefighter. Something his brother knew much, much more than he did. "That's what bothers are for, right?" he asked with a small, sincere smile. They weren't just there to teach their little sisters, but each other, too. Even in their big age.

Jason found himself relaxing into the conversation with the kids as they talked about the holidays, noticing his brother's absence, but not speaking on it. They talked about presents in past years, what cookies they liked to eat, what they enjoyed doing over their holiday break, when they didn't have to worry about school and homework and everything that went with those days. They were polite, kind kids, easy to talk to, and he felt a certain amount of pride. Both Cordelia and Theodore had made families for themselves that were happy and thriving, full of love, and he was glad for them. And glad to know that they were his family, too. He glanced up when Theodore entered the room again, letting out a laugh as he gestured to his wife. "I'm not against waiting to do all of my present shopping until the market, although that's pretty last minute," he winced playfully, shaking his head. "Me too, though. My first Merrock Christmas in a very, very long time."

[weresilver]

Chapters: 1/2 Fandom: 9-1-1 (TV) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Evan "Buck" Buckley/Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV) Characters: Evan "Buck" Buckley, Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV), Firehouse 118 Crew (9-1-1 TV), Maddie Buckley, Christopher Diaz (9-1-1 TV) Additional Tags: U.S. Navy SEAL Evan "Buck" Buckley, Army Eddie Diaz (9-1-1 TV), Hurt/Comfort, Developing Relationship, (from friendship to romance over the years) Summary: Something that the 118 didn't realize was that Buck and Eddie knew each other before they met at the station. This is the story of their evolving relationship since they met, told through their pain and comfort found in each other.

Wow, this post got fancy.

Hey, folks!! This is my entry for the 911 Holiday Gift Exchange 2021, run by the lovely @paranoidbean 😘

This is part one of my gift for @klairewritesthings!! Part one because honestly? I kind of ran wild with the prompt 🤣

This is a little over 14.6k words in this first chapter.

I hope you enjoy this first bit, Klaire!!

[readinginthereadyroom]

let’s talk about 9-1-1 buddie headcanons:

- eddie gets rid of his truck. christopher is getting older and wants more independence so he gets something with better clearance. and I’ve decided that something is a dodge durango. eddie is actually really into it. can’t stop talking about the fold down seats and towing capabilities. buck teases him and calls it his soccer mom van. then immediately starts researching CP-friendly soccer leagues for chris.

- buck strikes me as a podcast kinda guy. I feel like a lot of his random facts probably start with information learned via podcast and then researched separately on google or wikipedia. 

- luddite eddie my beloved. but not like luddite luddite. eddie’s a millennial so I see him as okay with all the 20th century technology he grew up with and just not all the newfangled smart home/internet gaming stuff. 

- abuela gives eddie an old turntable and a box of records and he falls in love with it. likes to play spanish love songs while cleaning on the weekends.

- eddie breaks up with ana. he does it quietly and cordially a couple weeks after the sniper incident.

- buck and taylor date for a little while but never really take off. and it’s super important that it’s buck who makes the decision to break up. they both have very busy lives and different priorities. and taylor acknowledges she probably shouldn’t have kissed him in the first place. she just hated to see buck so broken and wanted to comfort him. they decide they are better as friends.

- bosko and eddie friendship rights! eddie actually apologizes to her and they become gym buddies. lena stops going to the junkyard fights and finds an MMA gym that she’ll take eddie to. during the pandemic they somehow find themselves doing socially distanced tai-chi in the park. they keep it up once the gyms reopen.

- side note: lena does in fact get a cat. he’s a huge floofy maine coon named sarge who absolutely adores eddie. rubs his head all over him and immediately worms his way into his lap when eddie visits. he hisses at buck tho and lena finds it endlessly hilarious.

- demisexual eddie! I like the idea of lena no-nonsense asking eddie if he’s ace one day and eddie just having an internal panic attack but not being able to figure out why. karen gently brings it up few months later and he’s just deny deny deny. then he overhears david telling michael that he gives off ace vibes and that’s the last straw. so eddie pulls a full buck and starts researching just to prove everyone wrong. except it’s like a lightbulb clicks on and yeah. maybe there’s something to this.

- eddie and karen have a book club every other week. usually novellas or a short story collection. queer theory and literary fiction. the occasional poetry book. at some point they invite david to join them. they also have a not-so-secret romance novel exchange because they are big saps.

- eddie is also a sucker for a really good cup of black coffee. has a favorite hole-in-the-wall cafe where he buys beans in bulk. buck calls it his diesel fuel drink and grimaces at the taste. he prefers simple oatmilk latte from the place near the station. and yet buck always seems to know what days eddie will be running late and rushing to work and has a cup from said hole-in-the-wall coffee waiting. despite it not being on buck’s route. 

- christopher loves buck’s loft. buck keeps a stash of toys and coloring books in his coffee table trunk for when he visits. chris sees the stairs as a fun challenge and will often ask to go up and sit on buck’s bed to watch the city. or sit on the patio while buck bbq’s dinner for the three of them. he thinks it’s the coolest house ever.

- buck actually rides his bike. it’s not just for show. especially after the pandemic hit. he likes to go out in the mornings. drives to a nearby trail on his days off and enjoys the scenery while the sun comes up. sometimes eddie and chris meet him there after his ride and they have a breakfast picnic.

- the diaz-buckley-han’s share one netflix account. it’s technically buck’s in that he pays for it, but when maddie moved to LA he set her up with her own profile. then logged into his account at eddie’s one day and never logged out. renamed the profile buck & eddie after he setup a kid’s profile specifically for chris. then after learning about maddie and chim’s not-dating buff-fridays, buck put both their names on her profile as a prank. and then it just stayed that way. jee-yun even has a profile despite being a literal infant that doesn’t watch tv. maddie cried when she saw it.

- buck takes the legal guardianship thing very seriously. he’s already really involved in essentially co-parenting chris but he starts getting really nervous about asking invasive questions about chris’ medical history. so eddie sits him down with chris and the three of them talk about it. eddie very specifically asks chris if he’s okay with sharing that kind of info with buck. because even tho christopher’s a kid eddie always wants him to have a say in his own health decisions. then he has a more in-depth convo with just buck about insurance and bills and doctor’s visits. makes sure buck has access to all of it. 

- chris played secret matchmaker. went to his old friend santa claus and asked if buck would stay forever. santa came thru, as always.

- also carla knows. buck starts spending more nights at the diaz house and one morning she lets herself in and sees buck coming out of eddie’s room in just a pair of sweatpants. she gives him a coy eyebrow raise and buck blushes. then she just laughs, pats his cheek affectionately, and says your secret’s safe with me buckaroo. when a bleary-eyed eddie wanders out a half hour later she pushes a cup of coffee into his hands, waits a few moments, looks eddie dead in the eyes, and points at buck. I see you took my advice. eddie chokes on his coffee.

- speaking of carla she is family. she and her husband are regular guests at the 118 get-togethers, holidays at the firehouse, and family meals. she occasionally takes on other clients, but she’s mostly exclusive to the diazes these days. esp as christopher gets older and wants more independence. she’s been around since he was 7 and he’s comfortable with her. she stays his home heath care aide until she retires. then she personally vets a new one. because not just anyone will do for her boy. they throw her a huge retirement party.

- gonna jump into the future because christopher absolutely names his daughter carla shannon buckley-diaz. there isn’t a dry eye in the house.

- and I don’t actually see chris calling buck pops or anything. he’s just his buck. tho I can see eddie asking christopher if he wants to hyphenate his last name when buck officially adopts him. buck’s his hero so chris is 100% onboard. 

- buck and eddie don’t have more kids. eddie never wanted more and buck is surrounded by the ever-expanding horde of firefam kids. they love their little trio.

- also eddie is hilariously terrible with other kids. he just. doesn’t know how to talk to them. he’s literally the best father ever with christopher, but any other kid and he’s all awkward hello small human. it’s also the reason the team sends buck to handle kid rescues. he knows how to speak to kids and they light up around his sunshine energy. but then there are certain kids who just glom onto eddie. usually the quiet ones. they find something about his calm dad presence very soothing so they just cling to him until buck can coax them around. 

- I do not see the buckley-diazes getting a pet. buck and eddie work long shifts and it’s not fair to put that kind of extra responsibility on carla when her job is to care for chris. however, as chris gets older he does get a mobility service dog to help with counterbalance. she’s a golden retriever named stella and she’s a very good girl. 

- buck proposes by accident. they’re at the park with christopher and marriage just sorta comes up during one of his infodumps. eddie is eating his sandwich, nodding along, and just casually says of course I want to marry you. buck stops talking. christopher giggles. eddie panics. but when he looks at buck he’s all puppy-eyed and hopeful. you do? eddie nods. chris chimes in with a stage whispered ask properly buck and say yes dad. so they do.

[justoneofthoseghosts]

Brettsey + Yahoo Me

Christmas Eve this year happens to be on shift.

Everyone tries to make do, pitching in to keep the holiday spirit alive in the firehouse while simultaneously hoping there wouldn’t be too many calls coming in.

Just before shift starts, Matt spots Gallo hanging up mistletoe in various places in the house. He shakes his head but takes note of the one near the bunk room, thinking the knowledge might come in handy later tonight.

When he walks into the the common room, he sees Violet adding some Christmas ornaments to the tables. Mouch and Stella are decorating a small tree, bickering about the amount of tinsel on one side versus the other. Sylvie and Ritter are in the kitchen, discussing something and looking at a sheet of paper in front of them. As he grabs a cup of coffee, he can hear Sylvie telling Ritter they should definitely roast the brussel sprouts. He smiles remembering how Sylvie told him she decided to cook dinner for the house to give Gallo a shift off. She managed to rope in Ritter as her sous chef.

He approaches, peering over her shoulder, “anything I can do to help?”

Smiles glances at him and smiles, “yeah, you can help Ritter and I decide how to glaze the ham - apricot, pineapple or peach?”

Matt thinks about it for a moment before replying, “apricot.”

Ritter nods approvingly and grabs a jar of apricot jam from the counter, opening it and dumping the contents into a sauce pan.

“Good choice, Captain,” Sylvie says as she starts to peel potatoes.

Matt continues to watch Sylvie and Ritter work in the kitchen until a call for Engine comes through. Ritter looks apologetically at Sylvie who waves him off, smiling reassuringly at the younger firefighter.

Matt unintentionally takes over for Ritter. He starts on the glaze for the ham, getting instructions from Sylvie. They move around the kitchen seamlessly. It’s kind of how they would do it at Sylvie’s apartment or at his. It’s easy and comfortable and not for the first time, Matt thinks how perfect it would be if Sylvie were to move in with him. Six months of dating might be too soon but it’s felt a lot longer than that to him, what with all the pining.

When Engine gets back, Matt is slowly brushing the ham with the warm apricot glaze. Ritter offers to continue but Matt just smiles and says he has it covered. Sylvie asks Ritter to start cutting up the brussel sprouts and the three of them continue with dinner preparations with the other members of 51 helping out from time to time.

The day goes by quickly, with Ambo getting a few calls in between, and by the time 7 PM rolls by, Matt is pulling out the perfectly cooked ham from the over while Capp and Tony set the table. Stella, Sylvie and Violet are busy cooing over Brian Cruz who's in a red sweater and a Santa hat being carried around by proud papa Cruz.

Chef Boden arrives just as everyone is settling down and Matt gets up and offers him the seat at the head of the table. He finds himself another spot next to Sylvie and she loops her arm through his, grinning. Kelly opens bottles of chilled sparkling apple cider and Herrmann passes around small plastic wine glasses.

After dinner, Violet and Ritter brief them on the mechanics of this year’s gift exchange. Instead of the usual Secret Santa, they try something called a White Elephant and it ends up being a whole lot of fun. Mouch and Herrmann argue over a vinyl album. Capp ends up with a knitting kit and everyone laughs. Gallo gets stuck with candle labelled burning rubber and Matt sees Violet cackle loudly, smirking at Gallo who’s sputtering indignantly. The night progresses on and thankfully, no calls come in. Close to midnight, one by one, they leave the common room and head for the bunk room, ready to fall asleep and possibly dream of sugar plums.

He glances at Sylvie next to him. She’s busy unwrapping a piece of peppermint candy. It’s the candy she’s been eating since last week, the one she says is part of the quintessential Christmas experience. Every time they kiss, he can taste it on her tongue. He smiles watching her pop it into her mouth and it makes him want to do it now, this thing he’s been wanting to do since he figured it out.

“You want to go outside and watch the snow?” He asks.

“In this cold?” Sylvie quips.

“Come on, it’ll be romantic,” Matt persuades.

Sylvie giggles but relents, “okay, I’ll make the hot chocolate so we don't freeze to death.”

They grab their coats, beanies, gloves and the mugs of hot chocolate that Sylvie added peppermint sticks and marshmallows to. As they reach the app floor, Matt remembers that night in May when Sylvie told him for the first time that she was in love with him. He puts his arm around her, realizing the clock has struck midnight.

“Merry Christmas, Sylvie.”

Sylvie grins as she takes something out of her coat pocket. It’s a sprig of mistletoe. Matt laughs as she gets on her tiptoes and hangs it over his head.

“Merry Christmas, Matt.”

They share soft, sweet kiss. Sylvie beams at him when they part, taking a sip of her hot chocolate and Matt knows it’s the right time. Here, with the Chicago skyline behind them, seems like as good a time as any other.

“Hey, I wanted to give you your Christmas present,” he says, slightly nervous.

He produces a small purple box from his pocket and hands it to her, looking on expectantly. Sylvie asks Matt to hold her mug and slowly opens it. She tilts her head to the side examining the contents. She lifts up the shiny object and her face breaks out into the bright, beautiful smile Matt loves so much.

“Captain Casey, are you asking me to move in with you?” she inquires.

“That I definitely am,” Matt confirms, “what do you say?”

“I’d love to,” Sylvie whispers. turning the key around her fingers before tucking it into her coat pocket.

“And I love you,” he says earnestly.

He’ll definitely remember this Christmas, their first one together and a great start to a new life they’re building together.

[blindlesbian]

A christmas buddie fic

This fic is for @fyeahbuddie​ for the 911 gift exchange. @officerrxyes​ Buck was in Eddie's kitchen baking festive cookies with Chris on Christmas Eve. He thought it would be the perfect way to wind down, but it ended up being harder than he imagined. Eddie accidentally added way more. Instead of twenty cookies, they were now baking forty. All three had spent the day out, hanging with friends and family. Unlike last year the 118 wasn't scheduled to work for the holiday, which everyone was thankful for. "How much longer is dad gonna be," Chris asked. Eddie was out buying more frosting because they'd run out. Chris was eager to finish decorating his cookies, and so was Buck. 

"Soon, don't worry." By the time the last batch of cookies finished baking, Eddie had arrived. "Hey guys, I got the stuff!" Chris squealed, "hurry, dad, I wanna decorate my snowman!"  After about an hour of eating and decorating, Chris was put to bed a little past his bedtime. Buck was still in the kitchen, washing dishes because they didn't clean up while they worked. "Buck, thanks for doing this tonight," Eddie said, leaning against the door frame. "Yeah, of course, no problem. You know I love hanging out with Chris." Eddie walked over to the sink, "let me help you out." Buck sat down at the kitchen table with a tired sigh after they finished, "next time, let's not bake cookies from scratch. It's more stressful than rescuing people from burning buildings ." He joked, and Eddie chuckled. He loved making Eddie laugh. "Do you want a drink?" Eddie asked, pulling out a bottle of wine from the cabinet. "Yes, please," Buck said. Eddie handed him a full glass, and they walked over to the couch. "I'm glad we have these two days off. Last year was a bit of a bummer," Buck stated. "You did an amazing job with the surprise Christmas dinner last year. It was super sweet." Eddie said. Buck blushed, "it was nothing." They were lying on their backs on Eddie's living room floor, Buck's head resting on Eddie's chest. Neither of them dared to move; they wanted to stay like this, however long it would last. Moments like this started happening more often, where they would hold each other or touch on another as if they were together. They kept talking and drinking and time flew by. By now, they were drunk and having conversations about their childhood Christmases. "I remember when I was a senior in high school, my parents forgot about Christmas for like, the third year in a row. They were too busy trying to sell the house," Buck said. "They were always too busy for Maddie and me. But always had time to go to some stupid work event."  Eddie ran his fingers through Buck's hair. He stayed quiet, trying to figure out the most comforting to say.Buck sighed, "I'm sorry; I'm treating you like a therapist." "No, you're not," Eddie said. "Yes, I am. You don't even care," Buck stated. Eddie held Buck's chin, gently turning his face so he could look at him. "No, don't say that. I care about what you have to say." There was a moment of silence, and they just stared into each other's eyes. "I want to make you feel safe and heard." Eddie realized he was still holding Buck's face, nearly caressing it. Eddie wanted to kiss him so badly, but they were drunk, and he had no idea how Buck felt. "Eddie," was all Buck could mutter. His heart raced, he hopped Eddie couldn't feel it. Buck was just drunk enough to lean in, just a little. He hoped Eddie got the hint, but his hand let go. "It's already late. Maybe we should get some sleep; we've got a busy day tomorrow." Eddie suggested. Buck's heart sank. "Yeah, you're right," Buck sighed and slowly sat up. Words couldn't explain how stupid he felt; he couldn't believe he thought Eddie would feel the same way. "Goodnight," Eddie said, quickly exiting the living room, leaving Buck with the stupid wine bottle and glasses. ---Eddie woke up the next morning feeling like an idiot. How could he just leave like that, Eddie wondered? Last night's memories were hitting him like a wave, the conversations, how close they were, how drunk they were, Buck's head on his chest. He let his mind wander, thinking about all the things he and Buck will never have together. His alarm went off, disrupting Eddie's thoughts. It was only six-thirty, and Chris wasn't going to be awake for another hour and a half. And Buck was still here, but he didn't want to face him. He didn't want to ruin the perfect memory of last night with reality. Eddie tested the waters with a "u up" text and immediately cringed. "Yea, wanna make breakfast together?" was what Buck sent back. Eddie grinned at the reader like a child. He skipped out of bed and quickly brushed his teeth. "Hey, Merry Christmas," Buck said. His beaming smile made Eddie's heart skip a beat. "Merry Christmas," Eddie said. He looked at the kitchen counter; it was already a mess." Why does my kitchen look like this," Eddie asked. "Because I was looking for bacon," Buck said. Eddie rubbed his temple, "I don't have any bacon." "Oh," Buck giggled, and Eddie couldn't help but laugh too. "Let's just make pancakes," Buck suggested. After putting everything back into the fridge, they began working. Buck knew he was the better cook between the two, and things would've gone a lot faster he did it himself, but he loved doing things with Eddie. "How come mine keeps ending up like that," Eddie asked. They were both standing over separate burners, cooking the pancake mix. "Because you're holding it wrong, lean the pan a bit," Buck instructed. "Like this," Eddie asked. He was still holding it wrong. Buck hesitated for a moment before walking behind Eddie and snaking his hand over Eddie's. "Like that," Eddie asked. "Yeah, like that, Buck assured.  Buck's chest was pressed against Eddie's back. It was just like the night; they didn't mention how close they were to each other; they just enjoyed it. They were on their last pancake. "Good job," was all that Buck could say. He didn't want to make it weird, but this whole situation was strange. He wanted to be with his best friend, who had a kid and was married a few years ago. Buck let go of his hand and walked back over to his burner.  —- It was New Year’s Eve, and Eddie was replaying those two days in his head over and over again, trying to figure what he did wrong. Buck had been distant for a week, only a few conversations at work. “See you guys tonight,” Bobby said as they exited the firehouse. “Captain Maddie and I can only be there for an hour. We don’t wanna be away from the baby for too long,” Chimney informed. “Yeah, Mia is the same way. So I’ll also be leaving early, Hen stated. “No worries, guys,” Bobby said. “But you two will be there all night right,” Bobby asked. “Yeah, you bet, Cap,” Buck said. “Yeah, Chris and I be there all night.  He’s going through a don’t tell me when to go to sleep phase,” Eddie said. They all chuckled, said their goodbyes, and entered their cars. —-Eddie arrived with Chris on time, and the party was already in full swing. Their coworkers, family, and friends were there. “Hey Eddie, hi Chris,” Athena greeted them at the door Harry by her side. “Do you wanna play video games in my room with Denny and me,” Harry asked. Chris turned to look at Eddie, “go ahead. Be safe.” Eddie said, and the boys went off. “What’s been going on between you and Buck,” Athena asked. “Nothing’s wrong, we’re fine,” Eddie lied. Athena raised her eyebrow, “you two are usually joined at the hip, but you came here alone.” “Wow, those detective skills are top-notch,” Eddie joked, but she didn’t laugh. “Buck has been on the phone with Bobby every day, asking him for advice about you. It’s interfering with my life, so please just apologize so I can sleep peacefully,” Athena said. “But that’s the thing. There wasn’t a fight; he just stopped talking to me. I don’t know why,” Eddie explains. “You don’t know why you’re best friend is upset,” Athena asked. Eddie thought about last week for the hundredth time. Did Buck have a problem with how close they were? Did he make him uncomfortable? “Maybe I do know why,” Eddie said. —- "Hey, there you are," Buck heard Eddie say. Eddie had been searching for Buck almost all night. He was sitting on a swing bench in the backyard of Athena and Bobby's house. Eddie stood a few feet away from him as if he was terrified to go near him. "Yeah, here I am," Buck muttered. There was so much Buck wanted to say but said nothing at all. "Can I sit next to you," Eddie asked. Buck nodded, and Eddie walked over and sat down. "Did I do something wrong," Eddie asked, breaking the silence. A look of confusion swiped Buck's face. "No, of course not," Buck said. "Then why are you telling Bobby that we're fighting," Eddie asked, a little annoyed. "I never told him we were fighting; I told him that I messed up our friendship," Buck said. Now Eddie was beyond annoyed, "why would you say that. How could you have ruined our friendship?" There was a long pause. Eddie was sick of the silence."Because... I have feelings for you," Buck confessed, "and we can't be friends if I like you. It's just too weird." He couldn't even look at Eddie while he said this. "Evan, look at me," Eddie begged softly, "please." Buck scanned Eddie's face trying to figure out what he would say next. Eddie's eyes were watery, but Buck couldn't tell if it was because of the cold wind or if he was upset. Eddie held Buck's face, and Buck nearly melted. "I have a feeling for you too," Eddie stated, his voice a little shaky. And just like that, Buck was crashing his lips onto Eddie's. Everything they've ever wanted to say to one another was spoken at that moment. Eddie's hand found their way to Buck's hair, and Buck was holding on to Eddie's waist for dear life. They heard the New Year’s countdown starting, and Eddie pulled away. “Maybe we should join everyone,” Eddie suggested. Buck groaned, “fine.” They shared one last kiss and walked back into the party. A new year, a fresh start to their relationship.

[apexhe]

CHARACTER  INTERVIEW    !          repost,    don’t reblog.

NAME  :          jacob  christian  fitzgerald. NICKNAME  :          jake,   j-dog,   fitz,   moron,   literally anything  tbh. AGE  :          seventeen   /   eighteen. SPECIES  :          human.

PERSONAL    !

MORALITY  :          lawful   /   neutral   /   chaotic   /   good   /   neutral   /   evil   /   true. RELIGION  :          baptized  and  confirmed  catholic;    raised  loosely  protestant  with  catholic  influences;   attended  a  nondenominational  church  only  on  holidays  with  his  parents  and  a  catholic  church  on  saturdays  with  his  caretaker;   currently  agnostic  with  atheist  leanings;   a  firm  disbeliever  of  ghosts,   spirits,   superstitions,   etc. SINS  :       greed   /   gluttony  /   sloth   /   lust   /   pride   /   envy   /   wrath. VIRTUES  :          chastity   /   charity   /   diligence   /   humility   /   kindness   /   patience   /   justice. PRIMARY GOALS IN LIFE  :          survive  lmao   ——-   also  pass  math. KNOWN LANGUAGES  :          english,   spanish,   very  limited  italian. SECRETS  :          a  whole  ass  blackmail  scheme  involving  illegal  access  to  the  webcams   /   security  cameras  of  most  of  the  town,   the  footage  of  which  is  used  to  extort  people  in  exchange  for  not  posting  the  video;   jake  has  a  knack  for  being  deceptive,   but  he’s  generally  very  blunt  and  only  cares  for  secrets  if  they  serve  him  ft.  he  has  a  complete  disregard  for  the  consequences  of  his  actions,   so  half  the  time  he  doesn’t  care  enough  to  keep  things  secret. SAVVIES  :          woodworking,   deception,   perception,   linguistics,   athletics.

PHYSICAL    !

BUILD  :          scrawny   /   bony   /   slender   /   fit   /   athletic   /   curvy   /   herculean   /   pudgy   /   average. HEIGHT  :        6′4″. SCARS   /   BIRTHMARKS  :          a  three  inch  vertical  scar  along  his  left  pectoral;   no  birthmarks. ABILITIES   /   POWERS  :           none. RESTRICTIONS  :          human  ones.

FAVOURITES    !

FOOD  :          most  spicy   /   savory  things  ft.  a  massive  sweet  tooth;   has  a  preference  for  fast  food  that  he  really  only  gives  into  it  when  he’s  drunk,   high,   or  otherwise  under  the  influence   ——   particularly  enjoys  wafflehouse,   chick-fil-a,   and  firehouse  subs;   other  than  that  he  gladly  sticks  to  daya’s  homecooked  meals,   especially  favoring  any  dish  with  pork  in  it,   and  maintains  a  healthy  diet  in  order  to  stay  in  shape  for  football   /   basketball. DRINK  :          blue   /   red  gatorade,   orange  juice,   lemonade,   iced  coffee  with  a  splash  of  creamer. PIZZA TOPPING  :          eats  pizza  toppings  indiscriminately   (   like..,,..,..,,you’ll  never  catch  him  turning  down  a  slice,   regardless  of  what’s  on  it   )   ;  favors  pepperoni  and  jalapeños,   but  he  picks  the  jalapeños  off  because  he  dislikes  their  texture   /   prefers  the  essence  of  them. COLOUR  :          forest  green. MUSIC GENRE  :          leans  towards  rap   /   pop   ——   typical  party  music;   gets  into  edm  after  his  first  music  festival;   has  different  spotify  playlists  for  different  moods   (   chill,   lit,   sex   )  that  have  fairly  sizable  followings. BOOK GENRE  :          mysteries;   he  likes  attempting  to  figure  them  out,   and  he  usually  manages  to. MOVIE GENRE  :           mysteries,   psychological  thrillers,   comedies;   because  of  his  aforementioned  knack  for  guessing  endings,   he  can  be  irritating  to  watch  with. SEASON  :          winter;   he  loves  the  vibe  of  the  holidays  and  prefers  the  cold  weather  ft.  it  him  birthday. CURSE WORD  :         fuck   /   shit. SCENT ( S )  :          dove  men,   tide  detergent,   ralph  lauren’s  polo  red  cologne,   wintergreen  gum,   sandalwood,   bonfire,   freshly  cut  grass.

FUN STUFF    !

BOTTOM OR TOP  :          switch   ------   preference  for  top  in  casual / hook - up  settings,   preference  for  bottom  in  serious  relationships. SINGS IN THE SHOWER  :          unfortunately. LIKES BAD PUNS  :         prefers  sharp  quips,   but  can  appreciate  a  bad  pun.

TAGGED BY  :          stole  this  from  an  old  blog  of  mine TAGGING  :          anyone  who  also  wants  to  put  off  drafts : ~  )

[jq37]

May we have a recap, please? :)

**spoilers for panic at the art show and home for the holidays**

OK people. I actually don’t have a ton of commentary on these two so I’m gonna try and keep it (relatively) short and sweet [Edit from Future Me: Failed Step 1].

Also, iirc, this is the week Dropout starts streaming new Fantasy High eps on Wednesdays which is very dope and I am very excited for. I probably won’t do full on recaps like I do for normal eps because, lbr, I don’t strictly have the time to be recapping these eps at all and it’s pure stubbornness that keeps me from making wiser time management decisions. But, rest assured, if I have an Opinion, you will hear it whether you want to or not. 

Anyway, on with the show. 

Last recap, I mentioned that this ep was giving me Aelwen house party vibes and now it reminds me of that ep in another way: Everyone rolled like TRASH almost the entire ep. It was so frustrating! They barely got any hits in until like halfway through the ep.

(Aw man, I just realized I’m gonna have to remember which spelling of Aelwen is correct again now that FH is coming back.)

I love how Murph is immediately like, “I need to make sure my wife doesn’t die during this fight avenging her fictional husband.”

Isabella also has Aelwen’s trick of poofing around the battlefield which is annoying as hell (ha) for the group.

Siobhan hilariously casts fear on Priya just to be spiteful. I thought she was doing it to help the evac process but no. It was a purely spiteful action. Bless. 

When Kug turns into an ape he, of course, turns into *the* NY ape, King Kong. 

“I roll a nat 20 on an epic shit.”

When Brennan was describing Kingston’s spectral New Yorker Guardians I was already thinking about that one part of Spiderman 2 (the OG Toby Mac version) and then he straight up said, “You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us,” and I lost it.

“Deny the stairs the pleasure of my feet.” Emily is a poet.

I want to know what makes a pigeon spicy more than anything. 

The fact that Brennan killed Ox AGAIN and then immediately looked into the camera and let the audience know the dog was fine because he clearly Oracle stared into the future between eps and saw the entire internet sharpening their pitchforks  was so funny. 

About midway through the ep, Pete tries and fails to send Isabella back to hell and Isabella starts monologing about her plans and connection with Robert Moses (she stole the list from Santa and is/was gonna marry Moses apparently). I wonder if Brennan was like, “These players are for sure gonna murder her without getting any useful info out of her unless she goes full Bond Villain right now.”

And, proving my point, Emily immediately does 56 points of damage, royally f-ing Isabella up. 

This is a really civilian heavy fight which feels weird in a way the FH fights never did. Like, these aren’t even civilians who live in an adventuring town in a fantasy world. These are just normal ass civilians in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

Pete fails a wild magic roll after failing to teleport into the building and then gets a choice of getting really strong (which prob would have let him bust down the door) or to teleport in (which is what he does and exactly what he wanted). Very clutch when the dice rolls play into the story like that.

Kingston lightning bolts Isabella’s hair off which is just malicious but also totally called for.

On her next turn, Sophie gets hurt on purpose to get low enough to activate her ring, lets her hair burn for long enough to shorten it to a cute bob, insults Isabella, then knocks her tf out. 

I love that Emily took one of her teeth (a seemingly crazy move) and when called out by Lou was like, “It’s a link to Robert Moses” (a completely reasonable answer). That’s the Axford one-two punch.  

I didn’t mention it before but, Willie the golem is here, first immobile but then brought back by Misty. Post fight, he says he was somehow brought here by one of the evil factions of the city and says they’ll talk about it later. Also, Misty makes out with him (DON’T KINKSHAME HER).

With a high insight roll, Kingston is able to deduce that the group was ambushed (though not by Priya) and that their victory was a really important one for the fate of the city. 

(Sidenote: The amount that Pete is Over Priya in this ep is so funny.)

Back at Wally’s (which is where Kug is now staying) Wally has gotten Kug a dog bed to sleep in and fancy charcuterie cheese because he and Ricky are the only pure-hearted people in NYC. 

At the same time, Pete and Kingston have a very sweet heart to heart and then settle down at Kingston’s place to chill and listen to jazz. Idk how else we expected this to resolve, considering this is a Brennan Lee Mulligan DM’d show where the sacred pillars are Teamwork, Friendship, Communication, and Making up an NPC on the Fly Because One of Your PC’s Decided to do an Insane Thing. 

Next up is the Christmas ep and Brennan, Emily, and Zac are in sweaters for the occasion. 

Well,actually it’s the 21st and Emily immediately clocks that that’s the solstice. 

Are cookies the good carb?/Absolutely not. But have fun with your life. (I love Ricky’s soft jock energy.)

“I run deliveries,” Pete says to Kingston’s parents, not technically lying but also not being completely truthful. Misty would be proud. 

Going over to Misty, it seems pretty clear at this point (and it’s confirmed in the promo for next ep) that Misty’s fairy business is some kind of de-aging/reincarnation for herself. I wonder how many of these she’s done so far. She said she’s been around for, what? 200, 300 years? Assuming she’s been doing then reincarnations at about 65-70 years old and she reincarnates to around 25? Maybe 6 times? Idk. Just spitballing. 

Saucer of milk to keep the faeries from stealing her (non-existing) children. Faerie lore is wild y'all. 

Did you take another level of warlock?/Yeah bitch.

The fact that since Sophie has joined a monastery, she’s only taken Warlock levels and no Monk levels is very funny from a story perspective. It’s like, she finally comes to this sacred place to be trained to her full potential and she’s just spending what should be her sparring time playing with her cat in exchange for spells. Wild. 

Emily’s cat-like, self-satisfied grin when Brennan is like, “So you just jerry-rigged yourself clairvoyance powers, huh?” is so good. 

And she did it on the fly because Emily Axford is winning D&D. There are no points but she’s winning.

So, uh, Emily does, two things, very in character right after the other:

Thing number one: She send her unseen servant to spy on her family. Her dad seems hardline, “F, Dale. Whatever. Family first. She needs to get over it.” On the other side of the spectrum is her mom who is very upset about the whole affair with her siblings falling in the middle. 

The second thing she does, very casually I might add, is have her unseen servant BURN DOWN HER HOUSE SO SHE CAN COMMIT INSURANCE FRAUD.

EMILY

Everyone loses their minds and rightfully so. What a wild-ass swing that no one could have seen coming. I love it. 

“I look in my backpack which is now my home[…]" 

I almost forgot that Ricky was a fire fighter who would not abide that nonsense until Brennan decided to cut to him. 

Ricky just dolphin swims across the Hudson in 2.5 mins to go put out the fire that Sophie set. Amazing. 

Ally mocking Emily/Sophie: Truthfully, I don’t know what happened.

"I love John McClane, because he loves his wife.” WALLY

Wally: Oh we’re gonna tell a lie on Christmas.

“This is what winning looks like.”

I would really like to know what trace stuff what on the drugs Pete got from 7 but Ally rolled too low to figure it out.

“I disassociate fully." 

Well it took him a long ass time but glad to have Pete on the selling drugs to kids is bad train. Choo-choo, dude. 

7 saying you can hack in real life in reference to his AK-47 has the same energy as Hardison using the word hack in literally any semi-weird episode of Leverage. 

SOCIAL MEDIA IS VOLUNTARY PANOPTICON

So Kug goes with Wally to David’s house disguised as a dog and, despite that, blurts out that he’s his dad immediately. Well, he tries to. The Umbral Arcana stops him, unfortunately. 

"I lick my son’s face.” KUUUUG. 

Sophie showing up with a raw goose and hellish rebuking it is so metal and it’s a shame no one got to appreciate it. 

Me when Sophie’s Mom changes into black top in solidarity for Sophie’s mourning: F EVERY OTHER NON-SOPHIE BICICLETA. I RESPECT YOU. 

Kingston is hustling very hard to get his man Pete a job which is a very Kingston move. That’s how guys like that show affection. 

Didn’t mention it before but Kingston’s parents and Mom specifically adopting Pete is very cute. 

Sidenote: Idk what 7 was talking about Pete trying to stay low profile. He wears a cowboy hat (now a ZEBRA STRIPED one, courtesy of Kingston). I think the subtlety train has sailed my guy. 

Esther shows up at the firehouse, carrying presents for her mom and grandma and looking for Ricky. The says that she’s kinda dealing with something and it feels good to be around him (beat) magically speaking. Sure. I’m gonna keep my Hercules soundtrack on hand just in case anyway. 

I think Ricky is the only person who, with no pretense, could give his crush a sexy calendar featuring him.

Anyway, turns out Esther’s mom and grandma are the furies of Tompkins Square and she’s fated to join them or something. 

Esther causally: I defy you, I defy the prophecy.

The fury thing would explain why Esther’s mom would have cursed Kug. They are famously magical punishers.  

Ricky is a magically certified Good Boy but we been knew.

Zac’s restraint to respect Esther’s personal boundaries in lieu of getting a lore drop to stay true to Ricky’s character is amazing. Mad props.

So we slide over to Misty’s Christmas party which Stephen Sondhein is attending and him having a character card kinda killed me. 

There’s a post on tumblr somewhere about playing faerie  incapability for impoliteness against a vampires need to be invited in and that’s what I thought about when Moses and his vamp friends showed up at Misty’s house.

Robert tries to talk Misty into striking a deal with him for protection from Titania. She’s very much not having it.  

“You know Robert, I love a comedy and I love a farce. I’d like to remind you of who it is that started this and it’s not me and it’s not my friends but I can assure you Robert Moses that we will be the ones to end it if you do not. Do you understand me?” Damn. That’s a mic drop from Misty. 

[As I’m editing this, I’m realizing I somehow lost a BIG chunk of text. I’m not gonna write it all up again but the Cliffnotes are as follows:

Between the Solstice and Christmas, the gang goes Grand Central Station to see the clockwork gnomes that live there because trouble is apparently afoot. Some size changing nonsense happens and Pete shoots a dog (with mini bullets, the dog is fine). Lou is enchanted even though Kingston is not (a common theme with him). Ally and Emily are on the same nonsense wavelength (as usual). 

There are dope magical dragon trains under Grand Central Station that go to the shadow realm which is a place I’d like to know about. Kingston has never seen these trains before even though you’d really think he would have.  

Murph says Gnome Rights which is wild if you know what Naddpod is like. 

Anyway, the high priestess of the gnomes passed out the other day and they figure out it was due to pixie magic which is suspicious. They also know they pixies have access to a “time stone” which leads me to believe that it’s Brennan and not Aguefort who thinks that Chronomancy is the most powerful magic of all. 

Sophie and Jackson go to Dale’s grave on Christmas. Jackson explains that the Order of the Concrete Fist is basically a literal school of hard knocks. A counterbalance to all the reach for the stars dreaminess that comes with NYC.

Dale was their chosen one who was supposed to stop the monastery from falling when some unspecified badness crossed over to this side, but when he went to the place where he was supposed to get guidance, there was no one there (clearly tying in to what Dale said to Sophie last time they talked. I wonder what she needs to get to the top of? Empire State maybe?).

Watching Murph watching Emily, his real life spouse, play at grief for her fictional husband and do some truly insane things is so funny because you can clearly see him thinking, “I am married to this woman,” which, in fairness, is probably the main thing he’s thinking when he’s playing D&D with Emily.

I’m probably missing something but that’s all I remember. Back to post-Christmas!]

So it’s opening night at Misty’s show and, somehow, Ricky’s first show ever. 

I love that Don Confetti is there because of Siobhan’s offhanded comment for a handful of eps ago about him being a supporter of the arts.

Anyway, everything is going great until the second act when Titania busts in through the mirror which is *not* is storage as Misty requested but on stage. It’s a theater fight, y'all! And not the West Side Story kind although if that doesn’t come up I will be very surprised. 

“Let’s kill Titania!” –Misty in the promo

Just going straight to 11, huh Misty?

See y'all then!

[easilydistractedbyfanfic]

what are some murven holiday themed headcanons you have?

Hey, Nonnie! Thanks for the ask! Hope you’re having a good holiday season so far! Hmmm... Murven holiday headcanons....Okay, I came up with these while I emptied the dishwasher, and it was lots of fun to think about my faves and how they’d spend their holiday together! 

Imagining them in a modern AU, I think it’s a given that Murphy would be interested in experimenting with the myriad food & baking recipes, though he might try to pretend that it wasn’t that important to him. But Raven knows how much he likes doing it and it’s no accident that holiday baking competition shows often end up on the tv when she picks the channel in the evenings when they’re home. I could imagine them sharing an apartment together in their mid to late 20′s, and while there’s a tasteful, mature wreath on the front door, their balcony is ablaze with colorful lights and maybe even a gaudy blow-up Grinch figure that lights up too and is a mix between menacing and endearing. Neither one of them has a religious background, but they like getting a tree and finding ornaments to hang on it. Murphy’s favorite is one that Raven gave him of a tiny Santa Claus wearing an apron that says “Kiss The Cook”, a tray of cookies in his gloved hand. And Raven looks forward to Murphy adding to her collection of blown glass planet ornaments each year, since he started it the Christmas they first moved in together. 

I think Raven might like to do some of the holiday traditions that she longed for as a kid but her mother never had the time or money for, so now she lets herself get excited for them. Driving around to see the biggest holiday light displays, roping their friends into getting their pictures taken with the mall Santa, nagging Murphy to enter the local gingerbread contest with her because she wants to (but secretly she lets him plan the whole thing and ends up as mostly the assistant when he gets really into it, just as she suspected). 

It’s not hard to picture them each remembering the more difficult holidays of their own childhood, so they both make a point of giving back - donating warm socks and gloves, adding extra groceries during their own shopping trips to give to local food pantries, and picking up some gifts for the toy drive the firehouse runs each year. 

I could see them starting a tradition for themselves that they get to open ONE present from each other after they come home from the annual party at Monty & Harper’s on Christmas Eve, but they don’t tell anyone about it because it’s nice to have something that’s just theirs. Murphy always sneaks out of bed early on Christmas morning to make lattes and put the stuffed french toast dish into the oven, and they’re lazy all day just hanging out in their pajamas and eating far too many cookies. Maybe their friends rotate dinner on Christmas night, so eventually they rush to get dressed and grab the gifts they chose for whoever’s name they pulled. They leave the Christmas tree lights on to welcome them when they come home, and by unspoken agreement, they’re always some of the first people to leave after everyone eats and exchanges presents. Because as nice as it is to spend time with their friends, the best part about the holidays is the time they get alone. 

Now look what you’ve done - I want more Murven Christmas fics to read! ;p