#how many times has Eddie fought to come back to his son

[twentytwomillionkillerbees]

This show has shown me too much parental trauma for this dying mom to be giving a speech about fighting to come back to her son

[thetokentrans]

Bobby Nash is a Good Man

(I wrote a new fic! It's an alternate take on the scene between Eddie and Bobby in S5E18)

AO3

Eddie fought against the urge to fidget as he waited for Bobby to open the door. The last time he had shown up unannounced, they had really gotten into it. This time was different, but still could potentially end similarly. Eddie let out a sigh, putting his hands behind his back and channeling his military training, to give his brain something to focus on. His posture righted itself. He shifted his gaze to the floor for a moment before the door opened and Eddie snapped his attention to the face of the man behind it.

"Eddie!" Bobby said, voice surprised but warm, though also slightly guarded.

"Bobby." He smiled and raised his hands in the air in a sign of surrender. "Promise I don't have any transfer requests in my hand."

Bobby chuckles and responds, "Alright, then you can come in." He moves to the side to let the other man into the house.

"Can't stay long, I need to pick up Christopher." He says as he walks into the living room of the Grant-Nash home. He paused, turning to look at his Captain - rather, former captain - before continuing.

"But um, I wanted to say… Jonah wasn't your fault." Eddie stared Bobby down, trying to hold his eyeline, his brown eyes serious.

Bobby's face was grave and his voice had a bit of an edge to it when he responded, "Eddie."

"No, look. I spent the last few months trying to put away a lot of things from the past and move on." Eddie interrupted Bobby, wanting to say his whole piece before he lost his nerve. "What I've learned is, you can't carry someone else's weight. It'll take you under."

Bobby stared at him, a shine to his eyes. "I'm the Captain. My responsibility -"

"Is your team."

Bobby sighs, but Eddie continues, prepared to talk over his captain - former captain, Eddie mentally corrects himself yet again - if he tries to speak again.

"But he was on the 118 for what… a few weeks?" Eddie's gaze never wavers from Bobby's eyes as he speaks, determined to make the words sure the words stick. "You barely knew him. You think you missed something? All of those other cities, those other houses. Everybody missed something." His voice was soft but determined.

Bobby shook his head and gazed at Eddie with glassy, red-rimmed eyes. "This happened on my watch. He killed Claudette, and who knows how many others...."

"Because he thought he was a god. But he's not." He paused for a moment, before adding, "Neither are you. You're not all knowing and all seeing, Bobby. You're just a good man."

This last line makes Bobby break eye contact with Eddie, shaking his head as he looks away for a second.

"I'm not. I am not." His voice is strained as he says this, and the pain in it makes Eddie's heart hurt.

"You saved my life. And my son's."

And it's the truth. If Bobby hadn't hired him, he wouldn't have met the 118 - his chosen family. He wouldn't have met Carla, who have him the tools to improve his son's life. He wouldn't have met Buck, who would do nearly anything for Eddie and Chris. Who felt like home.

"So… whatever responsibility you take for Jonah, make sure you take some credit for me. You earned it."

Eddie looked at his watch and realized he was running late. He hadn't intended to leave Carla alone with Chris and his gaggle of friends for too long.

"I've gotta go." He walks past Bobby and starts up the stairs toward the door.

Of course the thoughts of the 118 brought him to thoughts of Buck - it never really took much for Eddie's thoughts to drift to his best friend. But he thinks about how far Buck has come even in just the short time Eddie has known him, and how much of that is thanks to Bobby having confidence in his abilities and giving him space to just be. Buck really is even more a testament to how good of a man Bobby is than Eddie, he realizes. Does Bobby know that?

"You also saved Buck, too, you know. I don't know if he'd ever admit it." He turns around as he speaks. "But…You've raised and cared for him more in the years he's been in the 118 than his parents ever did. You helped him break through his need to put on a façade, and really become himself. So take some credit for that too, Bobby. I think, really, if you look at the whole of the crew at the 118, they, we, outweigh the whole Jonah thing."

Eddie can't help the tears that start streaming down his cheeks, can't help how strained with emotions his has become. Part of it is the pain of realizing that one of the best men he's ever met can't admit that he's a good man. But the other part is just. Buck. And he doesn’t allow himself the space to think about that for too long.

"You provide this space for all of us to shine together, and separately, you know? To try to be better, constantly. That little family unit makes running into those scary situations a lot easier." He takes a deep breath before adding, "That's one of the things I miss most, really."

An image of Buck and himself in their turnout gear flashes in his head, Buck's hand on his shoulder and - though he can't see it, he's sure it's there - megawatt smile on display, pointed in Eddie's direction.

"If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have one of the most important people in my life, Bobby." This part was almost a whisper, meant to be more for himself than Bobby, but he can see the small, teary smile on Bobby's face in his peripheral vision.

Eddie shakes his head, wiping away the tears and clearing his throat before continuing. "So try to remember that, the next time you feel the need to count your sins. You saved me, in more ways than one, when you took me on. When you pushed Buck and I together." Eddie takes a deep sigh before turning back toward the door. "Now I really need to go."

Bobby had turned to face Eddie when he walked toward the door initially, but at some point when Eddie hadn't noticed, Bobby had also walked closer to where Eddie was perched at the top of stairs.

Bobby enveloped him in a tight, but brief hug, murmuring a "Thank you" before releasing him and slapping him on the shoulder.

"Alright, now get outta here." Bobby joked, his eyes still red rimmed but less glassy.

Eddie nodded once before letting himself out.

[this-witch-writes]

Show Don't Tell - Part 2

part 1, part 3

Eddie didn’t understand what had happened or how quickly it had happened. So they’d fought. He’d been upset, Steve had been upset, but they had argued before. They were both opinionated, stubborn, a little bitchy, it was what made them click in some ways. How could Steve just… leave? Eddie was supposed to be the one who ran away. He read the note dozens of times trying to find some secret clue to make it make sense.

No matter how many times he went over it though, Steve’s note just didn’t make sense. “I hope you find someone someday that you love as much I love you now” what the fuck? How was Steve still so convinced Eddie didn’t love him? Convinced enough to skip town? He was probably just visiting Robin. He was coming back, right? On the drive home Eddie told himself again and again that he was overreacting. Steve was upset, he skipped town to see Robin and when he got back Eddie could yell at him for a while and then they’d fix things. Even if he still wasn’t sure how. He’d figure that out when Steve got back.

Wayne knew something was wrong the second Eddie stepped foot in the trailer. Eddie didn’t have to say a word and his uncle was giving him that soft concerned look and pulling out two beers.

‘Anything I need to know, son?’ And wasn’t actually being understood such a relief?

He didn’t really want to rehash everything so he just handed Wayne the note and started in on his beer. Wayne’s eyebrows did a lot of work in his face and that he took a long drink too. ‘So you and Steve split?’ He asked cautiously. ‘I thought things were going okay?’

Eddie sat up. ‘What? No! Why?’

Wayne’s eyebrows did some more complicated movements. ‘On account of this Dear John note you just handed me, kid? Is there more to the story?’

‘We just fought, that’s all.’

‘I don’t want to tell you your business, Ed, but this seems like some fight.’

‘He’s been a bit insecure, I guess, since Robin went away to college and the kids are busy at school. I try to cheer him up and most of the time it works great.’

‘I know,’ Wayne smiled, just a little. ‘Boy always looks like you’re the first person to ever cook him a hot meal.’

Eddie winced. ‘I think I am, his folks…’ no more really needed to be said there. Wayne got it. ‘Then yesterday I ask if he’s okay and he actually asks if I even love him? Can you believe that?’

‘You?!’ It was gratifying that Wayne was as surprised as Eddie.

‘Right!?’

‘That seems a mite more than a bit insecure, Eds, you dote on Steve.’ Wayne frowned. ‘More going on with that boy than he lets on, I suppose. What did you say to that?’

A second wince. ‘Well I blew up a bit. It just hurt, you know? Feeling like nothing I did was good enough.’

‘I’m not saying you’re wrong,’ Wayne handed the note back and tapped a nail on the glass of his beer bottle. ‘But it seems like whatever has Steve so upset, is bigger than what you give him. You can’t buy nobody’s happiness, though I’m sure his daddy tried.’

‘Yeah…’ Eddie slumped against the side of the couch. ‘I know… but it wasn’t like that. I wasn’t just giving him some gas station bouquet and calling it romance, Wayne. I did everything I could to make him happy and…’ he sniffed. ‘I just feel like I don’t have anything left.’

‘If he comes back,’ Wayne waved down Eddie immediate argument that of course he was coming back and kept talking over him. ‘If he comes back and you decide that you want to fix it, you can have that conversation then. If you want him back.’

‘If!!’ Eddie nearly knocked his beer over with his flailing. ‘Of course I want him back. What are you talking about? It’s Steve!’

‘You deserve someone who tells you that your love is good enough, not someone who skips town. I feel for Steve, I do, but you’re my kid and I say you deserve better than that.’ He pointed to the note. ‘It’s not your fault if he didn’t believe you saying you loved him.’

That tripped Eddie up a little and once again words weren’t needed between him and his uncle. Wayne frowned deeper. ‘You did tell him, right Ed?’

‘Of course I did,’ Eddie huffed, trying to remember. ‘We just don’t say it all the time.’ His voice was losing confidence though. He could remember Steve saying it, back in November and a few times before Christmas. He remember kissing him and talking and being happy, but Eddie’s memories were sparkling and slippery with lovesickness. He brushed the doubt away. ‘It’s like you and me. We don’t need to say it like we have something to prove. Show don’t tell.’ Wayne didn’t seem convinced by that explanation, which annoyed Eddie a little. ‘We’re not telling each other we love each other every day, you think I don’t love you? You’ve always let me know in real ways not words.’

‘We don’t say it much, true,’ Wayne nodded. ‘But kid, you never needed me to.’

‘Right!’ Eddie gestured at him in vindication. ‘Exactly!’

Wayne didn’t look convinced again. ‘Did Steve need you to?’

‘He shouldn’t.’

‘That aint always how it works. Folks need different things, Ed. You gotta hear them when they ask.’

-

Other chapters: Part 1, part 3

[theclaravoyant]

AN ~ buddie + "a romantic kiss". inspired by the pride & prejudice quote / this @userdiaz edit <3

read on AO3 (~900wd)

-

I cannot fix upon the hour.

Buck frowns at the tattoo scribed in a loop around the victim's upper arm. The script is beautiful. The words feel familiar.

The victim smiles up from the gurney, like he knows that look in Buck's eyes. There are tears in his own and he'd had to be strapped down to stop him trying to climb out of here on broken legs the first few times. His fiancee is in the other ambulance with Hen and Chim, speeding ahead of them with sirens blaring, and Buck thinks he could hardly bear to be stuck these few feet apart if the person he loved that much was that far from him. Not like this. They'd known each other since high school, he's gathered so far. They'd left, moved, had other relationships, he'd even served overseas for a while and they'd only just come back. Put their lives together. Got his act together, he'd said, and proposed. She still hasn't woken up. Buck wonders if the man knows.

“Pride and Prejudice,” the man explains, and then he closes his eyes and recites it, like a prayer to keep her heart beating. “I cannot fix upon the hour, or the spot, or the look or the words which laid the foundation.”

“I was in the middle,” Eddie finishes the quote, “before I knew I had begun.”

There's something about the way Eddie's looking at him, in that moment, that lodges in Buck's chest. Something that explains, maybe, why that quote – that whole sentiment - from a piece of media he's never in his life come anywhere close to consuming makes his heart ache so much. Because it's true, isn't it? Because he's known it for a long time.

“Eddie,” he says, as they're both sitting, exhausted and hopeful, with their elbows on their knees facing each other in the back of the empty ambulance. The fiancees have gone through the hospital doors. It's out of their hands now.

“Buck,” Eddie says back. And he lifts his head from prayer position, and he has that look in his eyes again, and his face is mere inches from Buck. Now that he thinks about it, Buck swears he's seen that face before. More times than he can count. Fondness, he used to think of it, but as his eyes trace over every crease of Eddie, every slightest fraction of tension that screams only to someone who knows him so well, that there's something he's dying to say -

Buck's never been more jealous of a novelist. Of a Capital-R-Romantic, who was born to put words to exactly this sort of feeling. These many feelings. Who could explain far better than he can that he understands all of a sudden, that what he'd felt when they met wasn't just insecurity. What he'd felt when they'd nearly blown up together, when they'd run down the street holding up Christopher together, when he'd tasted Eddie's blood and when they'd sat in the hospital afterwards... When they'd sat on his porch and talked about love, when they'd fought, when Eddie'd left and he'd missed so desperately the familiar shape and voice beside him... When he'd held his shoulder as his son, his heart, walked away and when he'd hugged him so fiercely his feet lifted off the ground when he heard he was coming back...

He's not even sure what he's thinking anymore, he's just overwhelmed by feeling. By realisation.

Someone knocks on the ambulance doors, and there's another realisation that the ambulance has stopped, the engine has turned off.

(And one more: that Eddie hasn't looked away until this moment either.)

“Grub's up!” Bobby announces.

“I-”

“Yep.”

For a moment, they fumble, like they've both forgotten how seatbelts work and that neither of them are actually wearing one. They manage to stand without falling over or bashing into each other and it's a miracle. They step out onto the familiar floor of the 118, and it feels like anything but.

Are they really going to let this go? To walk away from what this could be?

Again?

Buck takes a deep breath.

“Eddie, wait.”

Buck reaches out and grabs his wrist, and he's not sure why. Why tonight. Why here. But he's never been more sure in his life of what to do when Eddie turns back to him, into the pressure. He's never been more sure that he doesn't need to put words to it right now. That Eddie, in all his uncertainty, isn't ready to be the one to start things but that – maybe for the first time in his life - he is. And that starting things is very much the wrong word.

He's already in the middle.

Buck's lips lock against Eddie's like there's no other place they'd rather be. Eddie kisses back, chasing his lips like in this moment it's them and not oxygen that he needs. Heat, electricity, rush through Buck's body; the floodgates drop and he's awash in the feelings. Eddie's hand finds his shoulder, then his neck, then his cheek, and when they finally pull apart and need to breathe he leans into it like an anchor.

Eddie is breathless, smiling, fond. And so much more than fond.

“Buck,” he sighs, “I love you too.”

[what-do-1000-swords-look-like]

The Ferris Wheel = The Buckley Diaz Family (6x11)

Edit: This post is long but there were so many connections, I couldn't resist putting them all into one posting.

If you think about it, in 6x11, 911 could have had the bear that Buck and Christopher won at the pier in his apartment instead:

Or even a bench or some sort of figuring of the pier. Plus, the bear could have represented the booth with stuffed animals that Buck throws Christopher into and then jumps into himself. But no, instead they chose the ferris wheel to represent that trauma for Buck and had Christopher yelling out for Buck once Buck looked more closely at the wheel:

The ferris wheel that this guy climbed. The ferris wheel that Buck and Christopher never came near.

From the same episode where we got:

Eddie thinking Christopher was lost during the tsunami, because Buck lost him (& Buck being the one to tell Eddie that).

The episode where we got this moment (1:23).

Where Eddie brings Christopher around again, even after what happened with the tsunami.

Where Eddie tells Buck how much he trusts him with Christopher.

And last but not least, where Eddie says this to Buck (because he and we know how Buck never stopped looking for Christopher):

Which of course later plays into:

"No one will ever fight for my son as hard as you."

And this is after:

And then fast forward to 6x11:

"You have to come back."

Scene "You never give up so don't start now."

Buck has been fighting for the Buckley-Diaz family all of this time. He fought for Christopher:

He fought for Eddie:

And now he's fighting for himself:

"There's nothing for you in that room. No one in there needs you." (only the Buckleys & Maddie in the room - we don't see Christopher, Eddie, or the 118, i.e. his found family vs his bio family)

"I'm not going back for them. I'm going back for me."

The show purposefully chose the ferris wheel to be the first callback to his past for him to see. It's in his apartment. He sees it with his mom who answers him with "No idea. It doesn't go with anything else I picked out. If you like it, I love it."

Which plays into that scene we saw with 6x10:

Buck: "It belongs to a friend of mine. An old roommate. And it's a boy."

Buck: "Well, actually, I helped him get pregnant." (curious turn of phrase there, Buck)

Margaret: "So you're the father?"

Buck: "No, I'm the donor. Connor is the father."

Margaret: "I think it's..."

Buck: "Here we go."

Margaret: "Great."

Buck: "Yeah?"

Margaret: "You're a miracle baby yourself, Buck. Why not share it?"

Buck: "Okay. Here, Dad, do you want to see?"

Philip: "Oh, absolutely."

Mr. Han: "Philip, you're going to allow this?"

Philip: "It's not really for me to allow."

Mr. Han: "A man cannot raise a child fathered by another man. It's unnatural."

Margaret: "I'm sorry, but how is any of this your business?"

Mrs. Han: "He did announce it to everyone."

Buck: "Well, that wasn't exactly my choice."

Mr. Han: "It was a bad choice."

Buck: "No, I meant the choice to--"

Buck's decision to be a sperm donor has now been announced twice without his planning on it/his consent. Twice now, he has been forced to discuss it without his being ready.

It's no coincidence that in the first scene, he's talking to Connor and Kameron ("the parents") when the 118 overhears. It's also no coincidence that Buck is talking to Albert (his "old roommate") when Margaret overhears.

6x07 - influenced by the bracelet curse (aka the Universe which is related to Eddie)

6x10 - during freak lightning storm (aka the Universe which is related to Eddie because no one else is on the ladder with Buck or affected physically by the event when the strike happens)

Which most likely means that the third time, it's not going to be someone overhearing, and it's not going to exclusively be about Buck's sperm donation but about him being a father not biologically (aka donor) but in someone's life:

Who he will be raising with someone akin to his "old roommate":

And that's why the ferris wheel (minus representing one of Buck's traumas).

It's all leading to the Buckley Diaz family which will look a hell of a lot like this family unit:

(notice the stuffed dog, the scratches on Karen's face; the same season Karen ended up in the hospital herself after a work accident; where Hen sees her collapse & performs compressions on her; where the show has Buck showcasing his worry for Karen in a very prominent way & Eddie there to speak up to reassure him)

It's coming.

Bonus:

After Buck hears Christopher's voice while looking at the ferris wheel, Philip calls over to him:

Evan is present because in the coma dream, Buck is not Buck. But it's interesting that they had Philip call out to him in this moment, to draw him away from the wheel (almost as if he keeps looking at it, he's going to miss the game). Buck then goes to sit down on the couch, in between his father and brother, watching the football game. A very clean, straight laced image that you might expect to see on a holiday like Thanksgiving or something like that.

But the reason Evan is important in this moment is because it also ties to back to this:

Where Eddie uses Buck's real name in order to get his attention so Buck will hear him when he says this line.

And this was in response to what Buck said earlier in the episode "I think it might've been better for him if I was the one who got shot" and Eddie's reaction:

So for Philip to call his name at that moment, it's done for a reason. Buck's coma dream and everyone in it was a result of Buck's subconscious. That means everything these characters said is all in Buck's head. So is it any wonder that when Buck sees the ferris wheel and hears Christopher yelling for him, as he tries to study it, that he gets called away to be distracted by something else?

It means Buck is not ready to look too closely yet at what's right in front of him. That a part of his subconscious is already aware that he's not ready to do that yet and for reasons.

And it even links further in that this happened:

Where Buck risks himself for the 118 so no one gets shot, in order to save someone, and climbs high. Eddie is not there because he's already been shot.

Where Buck goes up the ladder instead of Chimney to start evacuating the building, and gets struck by lightning. Eddie is knocked off of the ladder due to the lightning strike.

It's all connected.

[berenwrites]

Beyond the Battle - Chapter 34 - Stranger Things - Steddie

Beyond the Battle­: Action & Consequence

Extra note: My apologies this took so long - the end of July was a bit of a slog with everything I had to do not fanfic related and I was also dragged off for a very nice weekend with the in-laws, so had no writing time them. Hope this was worth the wait. And thank you to everyone who has commented - I will be replying soon. Love to all.

Click here for All Posted Chapters

Summary: Steve hits things with a bat or gets hit depending on who you ask. He definitely does not have anything to do with the psychic stuff. That is El’s domain. However, as Vecna is defeated, the rules change.

Pairing: steddie (Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson)

Other Relationships: Steve & Robin, Steve & Dustin, Eddie & Dustin

Rating: Teen

A/N: Multi-chapter story, updated regularly. Honestly not sure how many chapters it will have yet because it's still a bit hand wavy in the middle, but definitely more than 12. Thank you to my beta for find my mistakes and to all those who read/like/reblog.💖 Follow #st:beyond-the-battle for updates.

Also on AO3

Chapter 34. Stranger

“Joyce,” the man said with a small nod of his head, “and it now officially Viktor on my papers. I think your Dr Owens has a sense of humour.”

There was definitely a story there if Owens was involved, but the Russian accent put Steve completely on edge. The way Robin’s fingers wound into his, squeezing hard, told him all he needed to know about her reaction as well.

“Everyone,” Hopper said with a smile, “this is Dimitri, he helped me get out of the Russian prison. We fought a Demogorgon together.”

It was a ridiculous thought, but Steve knew just how that worked to bond people.

“Hello,” Dimitri greeted the room. “I was with Murray when your call came through. I have come to offer my assistance.”

“Did your wife and son make it into the country okay?” Joyce asked, going over to the pair.

“They did, thank you,” Dimitri said. “Anna would very much like to meet you. She was most impressed when I told her of your exploits. And Mikhail is already obsessed with your television. I would worry, but his English is already better than mine because of it.”

The way Joyce smiled at the man then, made Steve feel a little better, but he couldn’t help still being tense.

“I tried to explain that it’s all over and there is nothing to help with,” Hopper said, “but he doesn’t believe me.”

“American, I have seen your Dr Owens’ idea of a patrol,” Dimitri countered. “I have already walked the perimeter. I owe you my life. It will make me feel better to make sure yours is protected until at least sunrise.”

“You plan to patrol all night?” Joyce asked.

Dimitri gave a curt nod.

“Well, at least eat something before you do,” she added, dragging the man further into the house.

“I do not wish to intrude,” Dimitri started to say.

“Nonsense,” Joyce declared and left the man standing in front of everyone else as she hurried off to the kitchen.

“Hello,” Dimitri said awkwardly.

Hopper patted him on the back as he walked past and folded into one of the armchairs.

“Hello,” Steve’s mom said and held out her hand, “Sylvia Harrington.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Mrs Harrington,” Dimitri said, shaking her hand politely. “I understand this is your house.”

“It is,” his mom replied, “but friends are always welcome.”

There followed a short round of Wayne, Argyle, Jonathan and Eddie introducing themselves, while Robin and Steve remained warily silent. Steve realised he was going to have to speak before it got awkward when Robin suddenly filled the void. It took him a second to realise she had spoken Russian.

Dimitri looked surprised for a few moments, before inclining his head to her and responding in kind. Steve had no idea what the pair said to each other, but Robin’s grip on his hand loosened slightly. He knew Robin had taken learning Russian very seriously after Starcourt, her own way of being prepared in case anything like that happened again. She sometimes practiced on him when they were on shift together, even if he didn’t have the first idea what she was saying. Apparently, it helped her pronunciation, and he was always happy to act like a clueless sounding board.

Hence, he recognised the sounds, even a few of the words, but it was completely useless.

“You have a very good accent,” Dimitri said in English once more.

“Heard quite a few under Starcourt mall,” Robin replied.

“Where you ‘died’?” Dimitri asked, looking at Hopper.

Hopper nodded.

“Robin and Steve were two of the kids who broke your guys’ top-secret code,” Hopper said.

“Remarkable,” Dimitri said and seemed to mean it.

“The other two were ten and fourteen,” Steve felt the need to add.

“I am glad to be on your side now,” was the man’s quick answer.

Joyce returned soon after that with food for Dimitri and everyone fell into chatting, which turned into explaining a lot of what had happened that day and what had happened in Russia. No one mentioned powers, but everything else was covered. Steve stayed out of it, holding Robin’s hand, and letting the older adults do most of the talking. It was clear Hopper and Joyce trusted Dimitri, surviving Upside Down creatures as a group tended to do that to people.

Dimitri even produced a picture of his wife and son at one point, which helped to humanise him, even to Steve’s wary subconscious. However, it was going to take a while longer to be comfortable. He couldn’t say he wasn’t glad when Dimitri decided it was time to make good on his promise.

~*~

“I need to shower before I fall asleep again,” Steve finally decided as he found himself almost dropping off for the third time.

Joyce had vetoed Hopper joining Dimitri for the beginning of the Russian’s self-imposed patrol and they were all just sitting around talking about mostly nothing.

“Don’t think anyone’s very awake,” Eddie said looking around the room. “It’s been a long day.”

“Munson, I think that might be the understatement of the century,” Hopper said with a quiet laugh.

“Everyone sorted for sleeping arrangements?” Steve asked, falling into host mode even though his mom was right there.

“I’m bunking with you, Dingus,” Robin declared before anyone else could say anything. “As I told my mom when I let her know I wasn’t coming home tonight, no way I’m getting any sleep tonight unless I can make sure you’re alive.”

With any other group it might have been a joke, with them, not so much. When he glanced at Eddie, his boyfriend looked kind of anxious all of a sudden.

“So’s Eddie,” Steve decided because he could not be bothered with that argument. “Nightmares,” was all he added when he saw a couple of raised eyebrows.

Not one of them could object to that.

“I’m good with a couch,” Jonathan said.

“Me also,” Argyle agreed.

“Then I believe that just leaves Hopper, Joyce and myself, unallocated,” Steve’s mom said with a smile, “and we will divide ourselves between the two guest rooms upstairs.”

“I’ll get the spare blankets and pillows,” Steve said, climbing to his feet.

“Steven,” his mother said, making him freeze in his tracks.

He turned to find her giving him an exasperated look. She stood up and leaned forward, giving him a motherly kiss on the forehead.

“All you have to worry about is getting upstairs,” she told him in a fond tone. “I will make sure our guests are looked after. Now do not make me use your full name.”

It made him feel about four again, but it also gave him a warm feeling and a lump in his throat. He kept forgetting he didn’t have to be the responsible one right now.

“Okay, Mom,” he said, doing his very best to not sound as emotional as he felt.

“I’ll let Eddie make sure Steve doesn’t fall asleep and brain himself in the shower,” Robin said as they headed towards the stairs as a group.

“I have never …” Steve protested.

“Three days after Starcourt,” Robin said, giving him a pointed look.

“That was concussion,” he complained.

“Still counts, Dingus,” she told him, which launched them into a round of bickering, because he was not agreeing to that.

There was a big difference between falling asleep and having a minor episode because of major head trauma. He was in the bathroom with Eddie shoved in beside him while Robin was still telling him how wrong he was through the door when he realised he had lost the argument.

“Fine,” he said, opening the door and giving his best friend a look just to get his level of petulance across properly.

Robin just smiled at him until he closed the door again.

Eddie was standing there looking unsure of what to do.

“Want to shower together?” Steve asked, because he was too tired to worry about whether their relationship was at that stage yet or not. “But I have to warn you, I only have the energy for actually washing your back, not what ‘washing your back’ usually means.”

That got a smile out of Eddie.

“Your virtue is safe with me, My Liege,” Eddie replied with a flourish. “Come on, let’s get clean.”

Eddie naked was not a new sight. Eddie naked when he was allowed to touch was, and Steve really wished he wasn’t about to fall asleep at any moment. He would absolutely have liked to have had time to indulge in the touching department. As it was, they were in and out as quickly as possible, dressed in the night clothes Robin had clearly flung through the door when they weren’t looking, and crawling into bed while Robin cleaned her teeth.

Steve gave Eddie a quick kiss before all but passing out. He completely missed Robin actually coming to bed.

~*~

Steve woke up to find Robin snoring quietly in his ear, but the bed the other side of him empty. He immediately went on alert on finding Eddie missing. It took him a moment to notice the low light coming from the almost shut bathroom door, but he recognised it as the light from above the mirror. Moving carefully so as not to wake Robin, he slid out from under the covers and went to the door.

“Eds?” he said quietly, pushing the door open a little further.

He could see Eddie standing in front of the mirror, just staring as his own reflection. When Eddie didn’t acknowledge him, he stepped into the smaller room, pushing the door back to almost closed again behind him.

“Eddie,” he tried again.

“I’m a monster, Stevie,” Eddie said, still staring at himself in the mirror. “This is just a façade.”

Now Steve understood what was going on.

“Bullshit,” he replied without hesitation. “You’re no more a monster than me or El or Will.”

Eddie turned and looked at him then.

“You don’t grow fangs and claws,” Eddie replied. “You don’t drink blood.”

“No,” he agreed, “all my strange shit is well hidden. Your superpowers come with more obvious adaptations, but that doesn’t make you a monster.”

“I wanted to kill that colonel,” Eddie confessed, looking away again. “I almost ripped his throat out.”

“But you didn’t,” Steve told him.

“I could have,” Eddie said, “it would have been so easy.”

“And I could have stopped his heart with a thought,” he said simply.

“You would never…” Eddie said immediately.

“And neither would you,” he interrupted, moving up to Eddie’s side. “It’s not what we can do or what we look like that makes us,” he added, reaching out and placing his hand lightly on Eddie’s arm, “it’s what we actually do. We’ve dealt with monsters, one who looked the part, one who looked like an ordinary man. You defended me, you defended El and Will. That makes you a hero, not a monster.”

Eddie looked up at him through his dark lashes.

“How do you deal with all this shit?” Eddie asked, voice tiny and broken.

Steve moved in as he saw the first tear fall. He’d been amazed with how well Eddie had dealt with everything so far, but it seemed the previous day was the last straw. Wrapping his arms around the other man, he pulled him close, holding him tightly.

“I’ll let you into a secret,” he said gently while rubbing Eddie’s back, “I don’t always. I’ve fallen apart on Robin more than once. I just don’t like to do it in front of the kids in case they need someone they can fall apart on.”

“Self-sacrificing asshole,” Eddie mumbled between quiet hiccupping sobs.

“We all have our talents,” he replied, which got a tiny laugh from Eddie, even if Eddie was still crying into his shoulder.

He held on tight for a while, just rubbing gently at Eddie’s back, letting him get the breakdown out of his system. From his own experience he knew only too well that sometimes, that was the only thing to do.

“It’s all too much sometimes,” he eventually said, when Eddie’s breathing began to even out, “but you’ve always got all of us. You’re one of the party now and there are no take backs. And you’ll always have me too.”

Eddie finally lifted his head and Steve let him pull back a little.

“You know it’s really unfair that you’re still pretty after you’ve been crying,” he said, gently wiping his thumb across Eddie’s cheek. “I always look like I was stung by bees or something.”

The faintest smile flickered across Eddie’s face.

“We all have our talents,” Eddie parroted back at him.

“I suppose being pretty is a requirement for a future rockstar,” he said, returning Eddie’s smile.

Unfortunately, it did not land the way he had hoped as the smile slipped off Eddie’s face.

“What if one day I can’t control this thing inside me?” Eddie asked quietly.

“I don’t believe that will ever happen,” Steve replied, “but if it does, I’ll be there to help. To me I think you have a life-or-death survival mode.”

“Life-or-death?” Eddie asked, clearly not following.

“Yes,” he said. “I’m not saying you’ll never figure out how to control the vampire part of you, but it looks like so far, you’ve only grown fangs in life-or-death situations. You are a vampire, you need blood, so the other you comes to the surface when you need to feed. Then when someone was literally standing over me with a gun, your vampire side decided that shit was not going to stand, and you went superhero on the meathead.”

“Superhero?” Eddie said quietly as if he couldn’t believe the description.

“Eds, you leapt over the landing banister with the bad guy, landed on the couch, then threw him across the room. That was pretty superhero to me,” Steve replied. “Just as badass as everything El and Will did.”

“Don’t forget to add yourself in there, Big Boy,” Eddie replied, somewhat deflecting, but sounding more like himself at least.

“Then we all get to be superheroes together,” he said, even though he was still convinced the others were far more badass than he was.

Eddie looked down for a few moments.

“It could happen,” Eddie said eventually. “I could lose control.”

“And I could have picked a boyfriend who was a serial killer,” Steve countered, “but I’m pretty sure I didn’t.”

Eddie blinked at him for a moment.

“Boyfriend,” Eddie said, and Steve realised he’d finally said it out loud. “You want to make it official, then?”

He felt his cheeks heating up while he dealt with the mental whiplash of the sudden change of topic.

“Been thinking it for a while,” he admitted, “but if it’s too soon…”

Eddie put a finger on his lips.

“You sure you want a monster for a boyfriend?” Eddie asked.

Steve leaned in until their foreheads were touching.

“Still not a monster, unless you want to be monsters together,” he said, “but yes.”

Eddie smiled at him. It was still a small smile, but it was completely real.

“Monsters together sounds kind of metal,” Eddie said. “Might save that for an album title. And for the record, crying or not, I am not pretty, I am ruggedly handsome like a metal rock god should be.”

“Of course, how could I be so wrong, I will always bow to the metal for you,” Steve replied.

“Boyfriends with the king himself,” Eddie whispered, kissing him lightly on the lips. “Little ole me and the Steve Harrington. Who could have guessed?”

“Well not me before it was far too late to run in the other direction,” Steve said, smiling against Eddie’s mouth.

That startled a laugh out of Eddie.

“I think I should be offended,” he said.

“Think of it as a compliment,” Steve replied, “you eluded all my defences and caused my bisexual awakening.”

“Okay, I’ll take that,” Eddie said, leaning against him again and kind of sagging.

“Come on,” he said, “let’s get back to bed, you’re exhausted.”

“Hah,” Eddie said standing back, “says the man who pulled off not one but two miracles today.”

“Yeah, well I didn’t say I wasn’t tired as well,” he shot back, “but, as you’re so fond of pointing out, you know what I get like when I’m worried about someone else.”

“Hmmm,” Eddie said, “I do,” and kissed him again. “Come on then, before we end up sleeping on the bathroom floor.”

Eddie reached out and pulled the little chord on the light above the sink, plunging them into darkness. It took Steve’s eyes a few moments to adjust, but it was a clear night and the blinds on his windows were only half closed. He let Eddie lead him out of the bathroom and back to the bed, where he climbed in first, careful not to jostle Robin.

“Can I have a cuddle?” Eddie asked in a low whisper as soon as he climbed in as well.

“Always,” Steve replied, shifting so Eddie could snuggle back against his body as he wrapped one arm around his boyfriend’s waist.

“If you two start making out in the bed I am trying to sleep in, I will hit you both with pillows until you stop,” Robin muttered from behind Steve.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he replied quietly.

“Much,” Eddie added for good measure.

“Stupid boys,” Robin concluded, but Steve could tell she was already falling asleep again. He buried his nose in Eddie’s shoulder, smiling as he felt Eddie beginning to relax. No doubt there would be other moments for all of them as they recovered from the latest crisis on top of the previous one and the one before that, all so close together, but he hoped it really was finally over.

End of Chapter 34

Chapter 35

[jackluvsdaniel]

Because, Eddie

1,319 words | read on ao3

Ficlet inspired by this @incorrectbuddie post.

They’re lying in bed wrapped around each other, Eddie’s head resting on Buck’s chest. He shivered a little, growing chilled as the sweat cooled on their bodies, and Buck pulled him closer with a content sigh.  

They’ve only been officially dating for a few weeks, and this was Buck’s first time sleeping over in his bed.  Eddie had always loved cuddling, but he hadn’t realized just how much he missed having someone else in his bed. With Buck, he honestly just craves physical intimacy all the time. He doesn’t think he’s stopped touching Buck since he walked through the front door tonight. He wondered if Buck was indulging him, or if he enjoyed the physical contact as much as Eddie did.  

“Hey Buck, can I ask you something,” he said, turning his head to prop his chin on Buck’s chest.  

“Hmm...,” was the only response he got. Buck remained boneless under him, eyes closed and a sweet smile on his face.  

“Why do you love me?” And wow, he did not mean to say that. Heat rushed to his face and his heart started to pound.

Buck’s eyes flew open and locked with his, concern flitting across his face briefly as he searched Eddie’s face.  

“Eds, what...”  

“No, I just mean –”, he rolled away and dropped his head to the pillow with a huff.   

So, look, knew he had issues coming out of his marriage to Shannon. They fought most of the time whenever he was home on leave. She had plenty of complaints about the many ways he was letting her down, both as a husband and as a father.  When he finally came home for good, she took off and abandoned their son. Abandoned them both. He’d felt like a failure as a husband ever since. That belief was only reinforced during the brief time he and Chris had with her when she came back.  

In contrast, his relationship with Buck has always been easy. After that first shift, anyway. Even the problems they had during the lawsuit boiled down to Eddie being hurt and feeling like Buck abandoned him and Chris. Buck’s easy friendship and his instant connection with Chris had disarmed Eddie completely. Before he knew what was happening, Buck was a vital part of their lives. Falling in love with him was as easy as breathing. But if his fights with Shannon had taught him anything, it was that he didn’t excel at being a loving, supportive partner.  He knew it wasn't all on him, she had her faults too.  But he couldn’t allow his shortcomings to ruin things with Buck. If he knew what it was about him that already made Buck happy, maybe he could avoid making the same mistakes.  

“Hey, Eddie – I don’t know what’s happening in your head right now, but listen to me, okay?” He’d rolled to his side so they were touching all along their bodies again but he understood Eddie very well by now, so he tangled their fingers together and pulled their joined hands to his chest.  

“Eds, you’re the best man I know, and I adore the shit out of you. If you need reassurance from me, I’m happy to give it to you. I could create an entire PowerPoint with examples and photo evidence of all the reasons I love you.”  

Eddie chuckled, a little teary-eyed but trying to hide it. The thing is, he believed Buck. He knew Buck loved him and Christopher with his entire heart. He knew Buck would never leave them. He didn't know why he was feeling insecure about this tonight, but he blamed therapy for bringing out old feelings of inadequacy. Buck must read the emotions as they played over his face because he just started talking.  

“I love that you’re an amazing father. The best father I’ve ever met in my life. You help Chris be independent in every way possible because you know how important it is to him. Even if you sometimes wish he’d accept more help. You love him unconditionally, and you encourage him to try new things as often as possible. You spend actual quality time with him, you're never just phoning it in. You pay attention to his interests, even when they bore the hell out of you.”  

Eddie has lost the battle with his tears at this point, and a few slide slowly down his cheek. Buck didn't mention them, he just brushed them away tenderly and continued speaking.   

"When we met, you were so patient with me. I was insecure about my place in the firehouse and acting out. I knew I was being a brat, but you just took it, and kept working, being annoyingly competent. You never snapped back at me. It pissed me off at first, that patience and steadfastness, and I wasn’t sure I could trust it. But by the time we walked out of that ambulance, I knew. You were someone I could depend on, someone reliable. I haven’t had much of that in my life.”  

Buck’s eyes are full of tears too, now. His grip on Eddie’s hand is tight enough to hurt, but he says nothing.   

“I love that you’re such a supportive friend, Eddie. To me, yes, of course. Always. But you helped Chim when he was struggling with pursuing a relationship with Maddie. And when Maddie left, you were there for him again. You bonded with May and listened when she needed a friend to talk to. You and Linda still share tips and tricks and new recipes all the time, and you gossip like it’s going out of style. You’re stubborn and single-minded sometimes, and that doesn’t always lead to great decisions. But you own up to your mistakes and you work to make things right.”  

For a moment, Buck hesitated. Eddie thought maybe he was waiting for a response, but when he opened his mouth Buck just shook his head slightly as his tears broke free.   

“You absolutely hate therapy. You’d rather do just about anything else. But you go every week without fail because you want to get better, and you want to feel stronger. For Christopher, yes. But you’re learning to do it for yourself. You’re healing. It’s fucking beautiful to watch Eddie. The way you’re becoming comfortable with who you are and what you want...man, I am so fucking proud of you.”  

Well, now they’re both soggy messes and even though they’ve been touching this entire time, it feels like Buck is too far away. He used their joined hands and pulled Buck off balance, not letting go until he covered Eddie’s body with his own. Buck’s solid weight was a comfort, and Eddie relaxed into the mattress.  

“I love you, Evan,” he murmured. “You’re perfect for me, and for Chris. You know? You love with every fiber of your being, with no hesitation. I guess I don’t always feel like I’m returning that same energy. I don’t always feel like that man you described. But if that’s how you truly see me...maybe we’re just perfect for each other.”  

Buck dropped down to take his lips in a sweet kiss. He teased him with gentile nips and soft sweeps of his tongue until Eddie got impatient and deepened the kiss himself.  

“I love you, too. We are perfect for each other, Eddie. You and me, and Christopher too. The three of us, we’re nailing the whole family thing,” Buck said with a hastily covered yawn. He grabbed for the blankets and tucked them in as he settled next to Eddie.   

Eddie reached out a hand to lace their fingers together, not wanting to let go of Buck’s comfort completely even to sleep. He felt wrapped up in the warmth of Buck’s love. He knows his insecurities aren’t magically cured. With time, though, they’ll disappear entirely, and Buck will be with him for the journey.

[livingstonegordo]

Operation Idiots in Love

Bobby

"Okay, that's it." Hen sighed as she watched Buck run up the stairs and out the front door. "I can't take it anymore. We have gotta get them together."

"Get who together?" Bobby asked, sipping a ginger ale.

"Those two idiots who are so far up each other's asses they can't see how in love with each other they are!" she exclaimed, gesturing to where Buck disappeared too.

Chimney was nodding enthusiastically as he listened to Hen. "He's literally abandoning us because Eddie called and said he broke up with the teacher!" He threw his arms up in the air, dangerously sloshing his own drink.

"Maybe we shouldn't meddle in their personal lives, guys," Bobby admonished lightly. "If Buck and Eddie are going to actually take the leap they need to do it on their own."

"Bobby, this is a family, and family meddles in each other's personal lives." Athena gently smacked his arm for emphasis. "Not to mention they're both so oblivious it could take 20 more years before they get it together." There were laughs and murmurs of agreement from their group.

Bobby and Athena had planned a small baby shower for Maddie and Chimney, not wanting to host too many people during a pandemic, but wanting to celebrate with their chosen family. It was just them, Hen and Karen, Buck and Albert, and of course Chimney and Maddie. Eddie had been invited but had back to back appointments for Christopher and was supposed to have lunch with Ms. Flores. They'd gotten through presents, cake, and some games and were mostly just hanging around and chatting in groups when Eddie called Buck to report that, for whatever reason, he and Ana had decided to call it quits. Buck had been sprinting up the stairs before Eddie had even stopped to take a breath.

"Whose personal life are we meddling in?" Maddie asked as she made her way over to them, leaving Karen looking bewildered with a very enthusiastically gesturing Albert.

"Buck and Eddie's," Chimney said, leaning over to kiss Maddie on the cheek when she gracelessly plopped next to him on the couch. "We can't take it anymore. They obviously need a push, just to get the ball rolling."

"I wholly agree," Maddie said. "They're never gonna get there on their own." She was slowly rubbing a circle on her stomach.

"We'll need to plan it out carefully," Hen said. "Maybe we should schedule something where we can get together and brainstorm."

"I'll make a group chat now." Athena set her drink down on a coaster on the coffee table and pulled out her phone.

"We should come up with a code name," Maddie said. "We don't want them knowing we're talking about them."

Grinning, Chim said, "Operation Just Admit It Already."

Hen snickered. "Operation No Homo."

"Excuse me?" Karen said walking up.

"Operation We Can't Stand the Sexual Tension Any Longer." At that Maddie shook her head then lightly pushed Chim.

Hen quietly explained what they were up to to her wife (who looked more and more gleeful with every word) while they all got a text from Athena who had finished creating their group chat. Bobby looked at his phone, a little dismayed to be included in it, but he smiled when he saw the name of the group chat.

"That's perfect, Athena." Maddie smiled. "It's not exactly discreet but they're so oblivious they would never think it's about them."

"Bobby called them that the other night, I thought it was fitting."

"We should include Carla! She'll be so angry if we don't. She likes to gossip about them with Maddie!" Chimney said.

"We do not gossip about my brother. We simply vent about how dumb they are." Hen and Karen laughed while Chimney rolled his eyes.

Bobby sighed, sure all future down time was going to be spent on this.

Operation Idiots in Love.

---

Maddie

The next day Maddie had some time, so she called Carla to explain what they were up to and she asked immediately to be added to the group chat.

"I've been watching those two dance around each other for years. It is high time they get it together."

"Oh I know!" Maddie exclaimed. She was sitting at the table with a cup of tea, wishing it was a second cup of coffee. "I met Eddie and Chimney at the same time and I said to Buck that day ‘he's cute’ meaning Chim, but Buck immediately responded with ‘he gets that a lot, you should see his son’ cause, you know, Eddie is always on his mind. Even back then." She shook her head even though Carla wouldn't be able to see it.

"They've both been through so much, before they met and after. I just want to see my two boys happy."

"And Christopher will be okay with it, right?" Maddie, who was always on the verge of tears these days, fought to keep herself from crying.

"Honey, Christopher has told me at least 4 times that he wants his dad to marry Buck, so that Buck can be around all the time!"

"He has?" Maddie asked, losing the battle with her tear ducts.

"That boy loves our Buckaroo so much,” Carla said, and Maddie could hear the smile in her voice.

"Buck loves him so much, too," she said, sniffling. "Okay I will add you to the group chat. But I am warning you now you might want to keep it muted. Chim and Hen have been blowing it up all morning."

After hanging up with Carla, Maddie had a stern talk with her tears ducts -we cannot cry over everything for the rest of this pregnancy!- downed her tea and quickly got ready for work. She'd downgraded to only working part time as her pregnancy progressed. Since this was a geriatric pregnancy (God, did Maddie hate that word) she knew she and the baby were at a higher risk and wanted to make sure she wasn't over exerting herself- not to mention the fact that she cried a lot easier these days. And when you're a 911 operator crying is not beneficial to the people who really need her help. When she got to the call center she saw May and Linda already on the phones and Josh standing with another operator named Cheryl. She quickly made her way to the locker room to stow her bag, stopped for more tea from the break room and settled in at her desk. It was an hour later when she got some inspiration from a call. The caller was a young woman, Daisy, who was on a first date at a small vegan restaurant, and her date, Cara, had been hit by a car while crossing the street after lunch- nothing serious just a broken leg, though, from the sounds of the scene, the driver was under the influence. She dispatched a squad car and EMS to the scene and waited with Daisy who was on the verge of a panic attack. Maddie was able to keep her calm by giving her clear directions on how to help her date, and reminding her to breath. Daisy had the phone on speakerphone, laying on the pavement next to Cara’s head and when the paramedics arrived Daisy let out a sob. “They’re here! Maddie, the paramedics are here!”

“Good. I may be a little biased, but the 118 is the best firehouse in the city and they will take excellent care of Cara.”

“Playing favorites, Mads?” she heard Chimney say followed by the smack of his chewing gum. “Guess I can’t really blame you. Alright, Miss, can you tell me your name?”

“Cara,” she said weakly. Daisy must have picked up her phone and turned off speaker phone because Chimney’s voice became quieter as he continued to assess Cara’s injuries.

“They know you?” Daisy asked.

“They do.” Maddie smiled. “We’re family.”

When Daisy disconnected the call, Maddie quickly wrote down the name of the vegan restaurant knowing that her brother would love it.

---

Hen

In the week since they started this group chat Hen and Chimney had been tossing out plenty of outlandish and silly plots to get the boys together, but she knew none of them would actually work. Maddie was working on something involving a restaurant but so far nothing had happened. They needed something so rational and normal that Buck and Eddie wouldn’t even question it. They needed a new tactic so she opened up Operation Idiots In Love and sent off a message.

When did you first realize? >Hen

Chimney< When Buck completely lost it when Eddie was trapped underground

Chimney< dude was clawing at the mud with his bare hands WAILING

Karen< Christmas 2019 he organized that whole dinner so Christopher could spend Christmas with his dad!

Carla< Xmas 2019 for me as well

Athena< When Bobby called Eddie after he stole Chimney’s phone and was nearly arrested.

Karen< Does that mean Bobby knew before then?

Karen< The first time Hen mentioned it to me was when Buck arranged for Christopher to spend the day at the firehouse. Is that when you knew, babe?

Chimney< 🤮 babe

That was the day I called it. The way that Eddie looked at Buck that day nearly knocked me over >Hen

👊🏾👀⚠️>Hen

Maddie< I think I knew for sure after the tsunami. Buck called me, completely wrecked because he didn’t know how to tell Eddie they were there.

Chimney< 🪓💪😙

Chimney< What about you cap?

Bobby< The tsunami was when I couldn’t ignore it anymore.

Bobby< No one else saw them after they took that live round out of the guy’s leg in the back of the ambulance. My gut knew then.

Maddie< Wasn’t that Eddie’s first week at the 118????

Chimney< IT WAS!

Bobby< I don’t think they were in love then. But I knew they would end up here.

Bobby< Buck was actually flustered when Eddie complimented him.

“Flustered!” Karen exclaimed. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Buck flustered.” Hen gazed down at her wife who was laying across the couch with her head in Hen’s lap. Hen had been absentmindedly playing with Karen’s hair (which Karen loved) and had a few strands wrapped around her knuckles.

Chimney< You know that Eddie got under Buck’s skin that very first day

Chimney< If Buck hadnt been so wrapped up in Abby back then things would be so much easier now

Athena< I hate to say our Buck needed his heart broken, but the heartbreak from Abby certainly helped him get to where he is today.

Athena< We got front row seats to Buck maturing these past few years.

Buck 3.0 🙈🤣🙄 >Hen

Carla< He really has come so far ❤🙌🏼

Maddie, how is your plan coming along? 👀 >Hen

Maddie< So I'm thinking of asking him to meet me at this new trendy vegan restaurant, but I can’t think of a good reason for standing him up and suggesting he go with Eddie 🤔

Karen< He would jump at the chance to try a new vegan restaurant! 🌱🤤

Carla< Oh he would love that, not so sure about Eddie though 🥩

Maddie< Exactly

Chimney< Hes so pretentious

Maddie< Honestly, I figured Eddie would go because Buck asked. But even if he refused Buck would probably pick just another restaurant

Maddie< I just can’t think of a plausible excuse for bailing

Maddie< Buck is too good at telling when I am lying 🤥😔

Chimney< Tell him you’re having contractions! 🤰👶

He would just rush off to the hospital, Chim > Hen

Bobby< He would just want to be at Maddie’s side

Karen< No, he would just want to be there for Maddie

Chimney< Alright, alright, hes too good of a brother for that 🙏

Chimney< 🙄🙄

Hen looked at the time and sighed. “You okay with making dinner, while I do some homework?” she asked.

“Of course, babe,” Karen said, smiling up at her. “Just give me 5 more minutes on the couch with you.”

“Anything for you,” Hen said, leaning down to kiss her wife’s forehead.

---

Chimney

Maddie was at a doctor’s appointment and Chimney, upset at not being able to go and bored at home on his own, invited Buck and Albert to go on a short hike. It was a small trail that had only just opened up after the mudslide, and while Albert was a little disappointed it wasn’t a more difficult trail he at least understood that Buck and Chimney both were hesitant to embark on a long trail with Maddie so close to her due date. The trail was fairly empty so they had taken their masks off, though Chimney was a bit weirded out by how naked he felt without it while in public. With Albert running ahead and out of earshot, Chimney decided it was a good time to ask Buck about his love life.

And naturally- he was incredibly awkward about it.

“So, Buck 3.0?”

“Yeah?”

“Is he gonna dip his toe in the dating pool anytime soon?”

Buck let out a huff of breath, looking down at his feet. “Buck 3.0 is about letting go of the past, but honestly? I still don’t think that I’m really in the right headspace to be dating now. Therapy is helping, but it’s not an overnight process. It’s a lot of work letting go of nearly 30 years of low self esteem and abandonment issues.”

“You’ll get there,” Chim said, clapping Buck on the back. “You’re honestly one of the best people ever, Buck.” Buck looked over at him with a single raised eyebrow. “I will deny it if you tell anyone.” He pointed a finger a Buck for emphasis. “But you are my favorite brother.”

Buck’s face cracked into a brilliant smile and he put his hands over his heart. “Oh, Chim, do you mean it? Really and truly??”

Chimney laughed and gave Buck a shove. “I hope it echoes in your ears for the rest of your life because I’m never repeating it.”

“It’s okay. I’m Albert’s favorite brother too.”

“You are not!”

“And Albert has no problems telling me every time I wash his clothes.”

“You wash his clothes for him! Buck, never, ever give Albert anything he will never be able to take care of himself!”

“I don’t mind the laundry, so I don’t make a big deal about it. I do Eddie’s laundry sometimes too.”

“You do Eddie’s laundry?” Chimney asked, eyebrows raised high above his aviator sunglasses.

“Eddie hates doing laundry, and I mean hates. I’ve been over there while he was switching loads and he was grumbling under his breath the entire time. So sometimes if Eddie lets it pile up for too long I’ll do a couple loads while I’m there.”

“You do Eddie’s laundry?” Chim asked again, eyebrows still raised high. It was actually getting a little painful, so he let them relax and come back down. He couldn’t believe this. How domestic. He was definitely telling that to the group chat.

“Yeah, man, it’s not a big deal. Laundry helps my brain calm down. I focus on the clothes and not on all the negative shit running around up here.” He tapped his temple with his first finger, looking down at his feet again.

There was a couple jogging towards them so the conversation stalled while Chimney and Buck pulled out their masks and put them on.

They were quiet as the couple passed them, nodding in greeting and continuing on their way. When Chimney pulled his mask back off he asked, “So what happened with Eddie and the teacher?”

Buck looked over at him, eyebrows raised again as he tucked his mask into his pocket. “He didn’t really say,” Buck answered.

“He didn’t?” Chim asked. “Doesn’t he, like, tell you everything?”

“Usually. But you know Eddie. He processes things on his own time, and when he’s ready he talks about it. All he would say was that she is the one who ended it and that he wasn’t really that bothered because it was just casual and now he doesn’t have to talk to Christopher about him dating.”

“Christopher would be okay with him dating, though, right?”

“I think he would,” Buck answered. “He is legitimately the best kid I have ever met, and he wants his dad to be happy.” Buck looked at his feet here and Chimney noticed his cheeks were a little more red than before. “Chris told me once he wants his dad to date me.” He chuckled awkwardly and rubbed the back of his neck.

Chimney knew this already, because Maddie had told him what Carla said. He was very interested in how red Buck was turning though, another thing to report to the group chat. “Christopher wants you to date his dad?”

"If I date his dad then we can hang out all the time."

"You would love that." Chimney gave Buck a little shove. "Well all know Christopher is your favorite person in the entire world."

"He is," Buck agreed. He shoved Chimney back a little harder so that Chimney veered off the trail briefly. "He's better than you lot by miles."

They were quiet for a moment and Chimney debated whether or not he should ask. In the end his mouth won and he asked, "Would you?" Buck glanced over at Chimney but didn't say anything. "Date Eddie?" he clarified.

Buck turned an alarming shade of red and opened his mouth to respond when they heard Albert call to them.

"What are you two doing?" He was running towards them, sweaty and grinning. "I made it to the end of the trail and halfway back! Pick up your pace!!"

Buck grinned and took off running. Chimney took out his phone and started texting.

---

Athena

May was working, Bobby had run out to the store, and Harry was still staying with Michael so Athena found herself with a rare, quiet evening. She poured herself a glass of wine and headed to the table on the back patio. The Operation Idiots in Love chat she had started had been pretty active that day but Athena hadn’t had the chance to look through it until now. When she was all caught up with Chimney’s discussion with Buck and everyone’s reactions she sent off a “Sounds like they’re already dating…” and placed her phone face down on the table.

Over the years she had come to think of Buck as her step son of sorts and after seeing his heart break so many times, she just wanted him to finally be happy. Athena wasn’t one to believe that a person needed to be in a relationship in order to be happy, but the only time she had seen Buck looking genuinely content and happy was when he was around Eddie.

Plus she had been a cop for 30 years. She was an expert on picking up on the things left unsaid. She had no doubt that both of them wanted something more, but they were both too terrified of being rejected by the person they depend on the most.

Maddie’s plan was half cooked, at least, and Athena didn’t think that it would really work the way that they wanted it to - and not just because Eddie refused to eat vegan.

She was contemplating possible plans when Bobby returned. He dropped the groceries in the kitchen and came outside, hands falling on Athena’s shoulders and dropping a kiss to the top of her head.

“You’re radiating your Sergeant Grant energy,” he said as he pulled out the chair next to her. She just raised her patented Athena Eyebrow at him. “Lay it on me.” Bobby waved a hand between them. “What are you planning?”

“Nothing yet. Just thinking about what could work.”

“For Buck and Eddie?” “Mhmm.” Athena sipped her wine.

“You don’t think they need to get together in their own time? What if whatever ‘Operation’ we all come up with backfires and ruins their relationship?” The air quotes around ‘operation’ were very clear in his tone.

“I think that their relationship, as it is, is strong enough to withstand any sort of awkwardness that we may create if it backfires.” Bobby still looked skeptical. “Look, Buck and Eddie have both been burned in the past. And now they have essentially built their entire lives on top of each other. Co-dependant is how most people would think of it. They’re both terrified of losing each other so neither one of them will ever make the first move. They just need a little nudge. Something to get them both open their damn eyes and look at each other.”

“Okay,” Bobby said, nodding. “We need to keep Chimney and Hen reined in though. They seem to be a little too invested in this.”

“Agreed.”

“How about we have them over for dinner? Just the two of them and the two of us.”

“Mmm a double date?” Athena gave a second, totally different, patented Athena Eyebrow.

“That’s the goal isn’t it?” Bobby stood up pulling out his phone. “I’ll text them.”

“Have it be next Friday,” Athena called. “May will be working late that day.”

“Alright.” Bobby disappeared inside the house and Athena turned back to her wine. She picked up her own phone to text Hen and Michael about the three boys - Harry, Denny, and Christopher - having a much needed sleepover. Harry had been missing his friends since the pandemic started, and if it was just a small group Athena didn’t think they would have to worry too much.

Twenty minutes later Michael was added to Operation Idiots in Love and Athena was texting Eddie to see if Christopher could sleepover Michael’s next Friday.

[starboygrove]

Surviving Eddie Munson - Chapter 6

“Eddie, hey!”

He’s barely put his van in park when a familiar flash of red enters his peripheral vision. It’s Max, of course, and El is with her again as always; they’re basically joined at the hip at this point.

“What’s up, Mayfield?” He asks, turning the ignition off and stepping out of his van. He doesn’t want to assume, but has a feeling it has to do with the fact that Steve motherfucking Harrington’s car is parked outside of his trailer.

“Have you…heard from Steve today?” She asks, biting her lip and narrowing her eyes at him.

“No, but I have a feeling I’m about to, when I walk through that door. Wanna catch me up to speed?” He leans against his van, crossing his arms, wondering what sort of mess Harrington has gotten himself into to make him come here of all places. There are so many other people that he could have gone to first, so why is his car here?

“We don’t really know anything,” Max starts, and looks at El for support. The shorthaired girl nods enthusiastically, shrugging her shoulders. “All we saw was when he got here, he didn’t look so good.”

She gestures broadly to her face, grimacing at the memory. Eddie just sighs, curiosity piqued to hell and back.

“What time was that?”

“’Round eight, I think.”

He sighs deeper, burying his face in his hands. His uncle must have been so pissed to get woken up so early like that. As if summoned, his trailer door creaks open, and Uncle Wayne comes plodding down the stairs to greet him.

“Eddie, girls,” he nods respectively, but gives Eddie a pointed look.

“See you around, bye!” El squeaks out, quickly dragging Max away and back to her friend’s trailer. He can’t blame the kid; his uncle can be a little off putting at times.

“So. Steve Harrington,” His uncle starts, scratching at the back of his head.

“I’m sorry, he woke you up didn’t he? I’ve told him you work nights, but clearly he forgot about that.” Eddie apologizes, but his uncle just shakes his head solemnly.

“Don’t worry about that, son. Your friend, Steve, he’s in a bit of a bind right now. Long story short, I offered him the couch indefinitely. Seems he got into it with his old man, kicked out or somethin’ like that.”

That sounds…terrifyingly familiar. A horrible knot forms in his stomach, mind racing at all the possibilities, and implications. What could they have fought about so badly that it got Steve kicked out? The other man has alluded to how horrible of a father his dad can be at times, but it never seemed like it would go down this road.

“Thank you, that means a lot to me. I’m sure it does to him, too. I hope he didn’t give you a hard time or anything,” he chuckles weakly.

“Oh no, not at all. I expect it might be the other way around, to tell ya the truth. Had to get a little serious with him, but he’s an okay kid.” His uncle merely shrugs and walks back to the trailer, signaling the conversation is over.

Eddie follows him in and can’t help but wince at the sight of Steve on his couch. He’s passed out cold, a frozen bag of peas completely de-thawed on the coffee table, likely for the brutal black eye he’s sporting at the moment. He creeps over quietly to get a better look at his friend’s condition.

His lips are parted slightly, soft little puffs of air coming out with each exhale. His hair is dirty, sticking to his forehead and neck where he’s gotten a little sweaty during his sleep. He’s even still got his shoes on, feet hanging over the arm of the couch, legs too long to lie on it properly. To most people, Steve would look like a total disaster right now, but all Eddie can feel is a tender ache at the sight of him. He’s still so unfairly beautiful, despite it all.

Although it’s not his place to say, he does wish his uncle would have asked him how he felt about extending their home to Steve before just going and doing it. Maybe it’s selfish, but he just doesn’t know how he’s going to manage seeing so much of him now. Hanging out here and there, and especially under the influence of drugs and alcohol, made it easier for him to keep his feelings in check.

But with unbridled access to his friend, the object of his affections, he’s just not sure what it’s going to do to his psyche. Maybe they can do more group activities, use the kids or the ladies as some sort of Harrington deterrent. He’s definitely going to have to tell Robin about his crush now, she’ll know how to help him, as painful as that is going to be. He can hear her know, screaming that she saw it coming. Although, anyone with two eyes and half a brain could, he’s not exactly super subtle about it all the time.

Eddie sits at the dining room table in his modestly sized kitchen, trying his best to distract himself with writing song lyrics, waiting for Steve to wake up on his own. Time passes on and he bids his uncle goodnight when he leaves for work, and that’s when he feels like Steve has likely slept long enough. If he’s been here all day, he probably hasn’t eaten anything, and the sooner he does the better he’ll feel – speaking from personal experience. Sighing deeply at the task at hand, Eddie begins to attempt to wake Steve up from his beauty sleep.

[myriadofunchartedworlds]

I've been rambling so much about the finale today because I have so many thoughts about the growth of the stories of the different characters and/or relationships.

BATHENA 4.13 had them talking about how communication is still an issue for them and with it came the underlying hurt of "Do you not value me enough to include me in your decision making especially when it comes to life-changing choices?". But Athena literally walking through fire for Bobby - and also essentially going against protocol and risking the job she loves - is a loud declaration of how valued Bobby is in her life and how much more important he is.

HEN So Hen's story actually mostly "wraps up" in the previous episode, where we not only see that she has earned the respect of her study group but also her mom. Her struggle to prove herself despite being a "minority" in so many ways is shown here. Hen is a woman who defies odds. She's a well-respected member of the LAFD, despite being a queer woman of color in a boy's club. Now, she's an older medical student who was able to successfully diagnose and seek help for a patient (her mom) better than a real doctor did. She demonstrated an empathy this doctor failed to have and basically assuaged any doubts her mother had of Hen making the right choice by pursuing this career path. She also grew from her struggle of entrusting Nia to someone else, of allowing another person she perceived as failing Nia to love her. While there was closure when they discovered why Nia was separated from her birth mother, this new step of allowing Nia to be a part of their lives again while knowing that it is not in a parental capacity speaks even more of her ability to love deeply. I think with her, it's less growth and more of further proof of Hen's heart and love for people.

MADDIE Her admitting to Sue that something was wrong and then telling Chimney that she needs help is a huge thing. We saw how she was trying to appear fine and put together for him in the previous episode. We also know that she began this show as a "lone wolf" thinking that she couldn't drag others down into her problems with her. (Thanks Mr. and Mrs. Buckley + Doug for being awful examples of "love"). Buck had to convince her to stay and let him be her support system. Chimney had to work to be let in. Maddie is more often seen as the one supporting instead of being supported. So Maddie realizing it's okay to ask for help and also realizing she has people she can count on is the biggest sign of growth from Season 2 Maddie.

CHIMNEY We know Chimney sees Buck as a little brother, especially since he's Maddie's brother; but he also had no say in Buck joining the academy and then the 118. With Albert though, he definitely could have stopped his plans in the tracks especially since it would have felt remarkably similar to Kevin joining the academy and becoming a fellow firefighter. That he supported Albert's firefighting journey (and likely encouraged him every step of the way - we know he and Buck probably did a lot of drills with Albert, with Hen definitely helping with the written parts) feels like a beautiful full-circle journey. Now he gets to do what he loves with a brother again. Also, not to mention how he used to be jealous of Albert but now he lets the boy "follow in his footsteps"? As someone who struggled with constantly comparing herself to her siblings, this is huge. It's damning proof that he no longer sees his brother as the golden child he has to compete with but a person he gets to share the things he is passionate about with.

BUCK + EDDIE (But not in a Buddie way, hear me out. It's worth it). The will is such a game-changer and basically the loudest statement anyone could ever make, both with regards to Buck and Eddie. With Eddie, it is the biggest proof that he has finally found someone he could trust Christopher with (aka his whole world). Eddie's core struggle is similar to Maddie (and most of the 9-1-1 characters), which is being able to let someone else help him as he juggles his different roles. Eddie came into LA feeling like he was drowning, cutting himself of from his former support system because his parents wanted to permanently take Christopher in. That definitely made him more wary of asking for and accepting help. But lawsuit fiasco notwithstanding, there was suddenly a person who provided him with help without removing his autonomy and parental rights. This person introduced him to Carla, got "bring your son to work day" all cleared, built a skateboard for his son, and poured himself out to save Christopher during the tsunami. The will is him acknowledging that after Shannon, after his parents, he can finally relax a bit and not worry about Christopher or even himself. Did you see how unworried Eddie was when he saw Buck the first time he woke up? Did you notice how, after checking that Buck wasn't hurt, he didn't have to even worry about making sure that Buck would take care of Christopher while he was healing up? The guy knew his world was in good hands. Now compare that to the Eddie who was stunned after Bobby let him bring Chris to the station, to the Eddie who hesitated before telling Buck about his son, to the Eddie who debated about letting Shannon back in to Christopher's life again. What growth. With Buck, his central struggle has always been finding people who love him enough to stay. Buck 1.0 was him avoiding commitment because he thinks this is all he can get to temporarily fill the void. Firefighting and the firefam were another set of void-fillers (hence why he fought so hard to come back to the 118). Both the arc with Red and that really damning statement in the crossover (where he actually doubted that Hen would break rules to rescue him for a second) tell us that he's not completely secure about people staying for him. He wasn't enough for his parents, for Abby and Ali, for Maddie (for a while), for his firefam. That's why he thinks he's expendable. Eddie including him in the will takes on a different light when you think about all it's trying to say. It's not even just, "You have people counting on you now." or "You have a Christopher that's going to stay a you stay for him too.". It's also Eddie saying that, "Even if I might leave you physically, I am leaving the last part of me - my life/heart/world - Christopher to you.". Which is a less cheesy, less cringy and much more concrete way of saying "I'm still here in spirit.". Buck finally has two someones who will stay. (And now I think I've just made myself cry).

[backtothestart02]

Hazy - 10/? | westallen fanfiction

A/N: DRAMAAAAAAAA!!!! Enjoy! :P

Commissioned by @andie1223

...

Chapter 10 -

Barry stared at Iris as she continued to talk. It was hard to focus. Something about Iris and Eddie getting into a huge argument and Eddie blurting what he’d done. The rest was all a blur. It had happened this morning apparently, just before they went their separate ways for work. Iris was afraid to go home, didn’t know how she could even continue the marriage or if she should call the police, call her dad at the very least.

She was babbling now, shaking a little. Barry wanted to comfort her. He knew he needed to, that it had taken a lot of guts for her to come to him after their last conversation and confide in him all these things. He didn’t know exactly what had been said between the married couple, but he highly doubted Eddie anticipated his wife running to her the victim of his assaults right after. Or a few hours later, rather.

But all he could think was how his gut had been right and how he should have said something instead of…well, instead of doing what Iris had asked of him. He needed time to process, and he couldn’t do that with her standing right there in front of him, looking heartbreakingly beautiful and in desperate need of his comfort.

He couldn’t comfort her because he’d end up trying to kiss her, and he didn’t even know if she wanted out of her marriage yet, not really. She was emotional right now. What she said she wanted now could be very different by the time she’d cooled down some.

Despite all that though, she was still his beating heart. He wanted more than anything to be with her. If she said she wanted him now, he wouldn’t reject her. He couldn’t.

“Barry?” she asked, and he realized then that she was sincerely trying to get his attention.

He blinked and focused in on her.

“Have you been listening?”

He licked his lips and nodded.

“Yes, yes, of course.”

Her shoulders relaxed in relief.

“I just…um, I think I need time to process.”

He turned for the kitchen to get himself some water, and like a puppy, she followed him.

“Do you want some?” he asked, after figuring out where the cups were.

“Yeah, thanks.”

She lifted herself up onto the counter and sat there, her legs swinging gently.

“How are you feeling?” she asked, taking the glassful of water from him moments later.

He took a sip of his own glass.

“Me? Oh, I’m dandy,” he barked out, trying not to be sarcastic.

She winced.

“I meant…with your injuries.”

“Oh.”

He looked down at his arm in a sling.

“It looks worse than it is,” he said. “I took some meds before Linda left. They should last me a couple more hours before I have to take some again.”

“Don’t take too many,” she urged. “You don’t want to get addicted.”

“I know.”

She looked away.

“Sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s nice to see you caring about me…for once.”

Her heart fell, and he hated himself for the crestfallen look on her face. But he was still a little bitter.

“I wish you would have believed me, Iris.”

She swallowed. “I know.”

“I told you what he did that I could remember, and you really didn’t think…?”

“I guess I didn’t want to believe it.”

“He’s a jealous husband. Honestly, I might act the same in his place.”

She was horrified.

“No, you wouldn’t. Not ever. You’re not…violent. You’re quiet about your feelings. You don’t act out, not like this.”

“Mm…maybe I’m too quiet.”

She lifted her gaze to his curiously.

Then, without thinking, he grazed her face with his fingertips, and leaned in to kiss her. Iris managed to pull back just before his lips brushed hers.

“Linda!” she screeched.

He blinked.

“She told the doctor she was your girlfriend. And you went home with her. I mean…?”

“It’s a façade, Iris.” He tenderly stoked her cheek. “To make you and Scott jealous. Or…don’t you remember what I told you at the gala?”

She sighed and leaned her forehead against his.

“That feels like a lifetime ago.”

“What about Eddie?” he finally asked. “Are you leaving him?”

She managed to snort.

“That’s a little blunt, isn’t it?”

“I need to know, Iris,” he said softly. “Do I have a shot here?”

She swallowed. “I don’t know.”

His hand dropped from her face, and she reached for it with both hands, setting her glass on the counter.

“I do have feelings for you, Barry. Strong feelings. I’ve been in denial since my wedding, maybe before that. And Eddie beating you up? And lying about it? I’m scared to go home.”

“So, don’t. Stay with me.”

She choked up a laugh.

“At Linda’s place?”

“I’m only here because I was avoiding Joe and not telling him what I remembered about Eddie, because you asked me not to.”

She winced.

“I can go home now. You can stay with me. We can…figure this whole thing out. But only if you’re done with Eddie. Please tell me you’re done with him.”

Her eyes shut.

“How long does a wife stay faithful to her husband?” Her doe eyes met his. “Till death do she part? Or-”

“Has he ever hurt you?”

She looked taken aback, defensive.

“What, Eddie? Me? No way.”

Barry looked offended that she hadn’t even considered it. He waited grudgingly.

“But uh…he has threatened me,” she finally admitted.

His eyes widened.

“With violence?”

Reluctantly, she nodded.

“I told myself he didn’t really mean it. I mean, he never followed through on any of his threats…what he’d do if I went out of my way to see you, to make amends.”

“Oh, my God, Iris, I can’t believe…”

“I know, I know, I should’ve said something.” She bit her bottom lip. “But at the time I just-”

“No, no, it’s okay.” He stroked her hair to calm her. “God, you must’ve been terrified.”

She swallowed. “I tried not to be.”

“Bravest person that I know.”

He kissed her temple.

She sighed shakily, and his free hand fell to her bare arm, brushing it lightly, soothingly, comfortingly.

For several minutes they just stood there like that, embracing as much as they could. Barry soaked up as much as possible. He didn’t know what would come next, but he knew progress had been made and all his bitterness was gone.

Finally, Iris spoke up.

“I should go back to work. I mean, what if Eddie comes to check up on me and Linda tells him-?”

“She won’t tell him anything. She’s the only one I’ve confided in. And I told her I had a bad feeling about Eddie possibly hurting you.”

Her eyes went wide.

“You did?”

He nodded.

“But…he hasn’t hurt me.”

“Threats are no joke, Iris. Especially after what he did to me.”

She hesitated, nibbling on her bottom lip.

“I don’t know what to do, Barry. I’m scared.”

“Let’s call your dad. Tell him to come over. We’ll tell him together. It’ll be okay, Iris.”

She swallowed and reached for his hand, clasping it tightly.

“Okay.”

…

It didn’t take long to get a hold of Joe. He was on his lunch break, and he was happy to hear from Barry, though surprised to hear that his daughter was with him. As soon as Barry informed him it had to do with Eddie, and Joe remarked how Eddie had left for his own lunch break, he was quick to agree to go to Linda’s place – as soon as Barry gave him the address to go to.

Barry had intended on calling Linda after that, but Iris stopped him.

“What if he’s at CCPN looking for me and sees Linda on the phone and connects the dots?” Her bottom lip quivered.

She was terrified, so Barry set down his phone before searching out his fake girlfriend’s name in the contacts. He was confident Linda wouldn’t tell Eddie Iris’ whereabouts – or his own for that matter.

Still, when a knock came to Linda’s apartment door, Iris quietly gasped and actually hid behind Barry – an injured man.

“I’m sure it’s not-” he tried, but she was so sure.

“It’s me, Bear. Iris?”

Iris leaned her head on Barry’s shoulder, then released him a few moments later once she’d caught her breath.

She went up on her tip-toes at the door and looked through the peephole. Just her dad. She opened the door and let him in, then fell into his arms as soon as she had the chance.

“Are you- Are you two okay? What’s going on?” He looked back and forth between the two once Iris was brave enough to untangle herself.

Barry nodded to Iris, assuring he was there for her if she couldn’t get the words out.

She hesitated, but only for a moment.

“Eddie told me he did it,” she said.

Joe’s brows furrowed.

“Eddie told you he did what?”

“He beat up Barry, Dad. He’s the reason he was in the hospital.”

Joe’s hand went to cover his mouth.

“Oh, my God. You’re sure?”

“He admitted it to me. And…” She looked back at Barry. “Barry remembers some of it.”

Joe’s eyes bulged, and he moved past his daughter.

“Son, why didn’t you say something?”

“Because I asked him not to,” Iris said, ashamedly.

Joe spun around. “You what?”

“It sounded crazy! The Eddie I know would never never go through with anything like that. I couldn’t believe it when Barry told me he’d… I thought that maybe in his rage, maybe once…but enough to put him in the hospital? No way.”

“Tell him the rest, Iris,” Barry said softly.

Joe’s eyes bulged. “What, rest?”

Her bottom lip trembled. She fought to control it, and that seemed to calm Joe West down.

“He’s been threatening me, Dad. Vague threats, threats I didn’t take seriously…things like what he’d do to me if I tried to bridge a friendship between Barry again. Or…worse.”

“And has he ever followed through on any of these threats?” Joe growled, his fists clenching at his sides.

“No, never,” she insisted, coming to her dad’s side. “And I never believed he would. It was all talk. Or at least…that’s what I thought…before…Barry.”

She looked down, ashamedly.

“Joe, you have to arrest him,” Barry said darkly, alarming Iris, but she didn’t speak up to reject the idea. “Threats to his wife? Attacking me without cause? Iris never cheated. It’s all paranoia.”

Joe looked doubtful of that, but he didn’t press the matter in that particular moment.

“Okay, here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to take this information to Singh. I’ll record you both saying what happened from your own point of view, and then we’ll go from there.” He switched his gaze to Iris. “Baby girl, I don’t want you going home tonight. You come home with me, Cecile and I will protect you.”

He looked at Barry.

“And Barry, I don’t know what Eddie will do until we have guaranteed proof to arrest him.”

“Cameras!” Iris piped up. “There have to be cameras outside our loft.”

Joe nodded. “I’ll look into that.”

“Check CCPN too, Joe. I’m worried for Linda. I think Eddie know that she’s the only person whose been glued to me since the gala. I don’t want him to…” His gaze shifted to Iris’ before landing back on Joe. “Take her hostage.”

“Hostage,” Iris breathed, overwhelmed. “You think Eddie is capable of kidnapping?”

Barry hesitated, then said, “Right now, I think Eddie is capable of just about anything.”

Iris swallowed, then went into the living room where she sat down with her head in her hands.

Joe lowered his voice when he addressed Barry again.

“You alright here, son?”

Barry nodded. “Yeah, Linda has a good set-up for me here. As long as she’s okay, and you and Iris are okay, I think we’ll make it out of this.”

Joe nodded.

“But…”

“But?”

“I don’t know if we should let Iris go back to work. If Eddie left for lunch, he could’ve gone to CCPN looking for her, and when he didn’t find her-”

The sound of a key turning in the lock alerted all three of them, and they watched with horror as the doorknob turned and the door pushed open only for the new arrival to be even more surprised to see all of them.

“Oh. Hello, all of you. Please make yourself at home.”

The easy sarcasm was a relief cutting through the tension that surrounded the three of them beforehand.

“Linda!” Barry said, relieved. He walked around Joe to attempt a side hug on the welcome party. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Thanks, Barry.” She eyed him suspiciously. “Why aren’t you in bed, resting?”

“I, well, I…”

Iris rose from the couch.

“That’s on me, Linda. I’m sorry. I just…I had to tell him.”

“Tell him what…exactly?”

“Well, I-”

A squeaking sound interrupted them and the door opened again, followed by a tsking sound clicking from the mouth of their newest arrival. This one was very, very unwelcome.

The clicking sound coming from a gun in the arrival’s hand increased the tension in the room once more tenfold.

“Eddie.”

He walked in, closed the door behind him and locked it.

“You know, you really need to learn to lock the door after you’ve entered your home, Linda.”

His smile was sinister, as he eyed them all, his gun pointed at them as a group and wavering, so none of them were sure who his true target was, but they had an idea.

“Barry Allen,” he finally said. “Something tells me you know more than what you’re supposed to.”

“Babe,” Iris tried, “Please don’t do this.”

“And I know exactly who told you.”

The gun swerved, clicked again, and went off.

Though it didn’t hit its intended target.

Shuffling and resisting cries followed, but Iris West-Thawne was pulled out of that apartment, and the door was slammed behind her.

Barry was on the floor immediately, his hands frantic on the wounded party, even as it hurt him to bend down with his pain pills wearing off.

“Joe? Joe? Joe!”

[dog-day-morning]

YOU OWE THEM NOTHING

People can be self-righteous when it comes to what they think God is supposed to do if, and when they call on Him. God is not a genie in a bottle that you rub, and a jinn pops out granting you 3 or 300 wishes. The saying faith without works is dead can be applied here. Have you ever heard of or read the book Daniel Webster and the devil? This tall tale or folklore legend was about a man who made a deal with old Slew Foot, and when it was time to pay up he had 2nd thoughts. Satan never plays fair. He's forever putting us in positions where we find ourselves desperate for a quick solution to a temporary problem that only leads to a difficult end. The Latin term for buyer beware is caveat emptor, and Satan knows how to spell. The power of a wicken comes from their basic weapon of spelling or casting spells by word of mouth. Even the Bible tells us that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Tell that to a Nicolaitan. Those who make deals with the most unclean should expect to suffer in the end. Never trust the father of lies who deals in treachery, and deceit. I look back at my mother's life and wonder if God had ever intervened for her, and fought her battles that surely He and only He would be able to deliver her from, and He has. Life is hard, for many it’s a nightmare that’s ongoing. Satan comes to you when you're at your weakest or most vulnerable in the hopes of snaring your soul into eternal suffering. Jesus comes to deliver us from death, sin, and temptations that confuse us in our trek towards His truth. If you have any aspirations of entertaining people with your gifted voice or your talent for playing lead guitar, don’t sign a contract that promises you the world only to find out you owe them your sweet ass which a man of honor wouldn't consider let alone make you cosign your body for their horn dog appeasement.

Revelation 2:9

9 I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.

You're abundantly rich in spirit Yacob. Now’s the time to claim your position. These bastards have taken everything from you leaving your ancestors nothing but dust. If they could remove us off the face of the Earth they would. They're plotting to do so as you and I breathe, that's why the Father never sleeps. They are demon spawns who say they worship, and believe in God, but whose god, and what righteous god tells you to destroy a people with his blessing knowing what the children of Japheth have done to them historically? The spawns of Satan want your penuche, mouth, titties, and a-hole for their pleasure along with your talent that Justin Timberlake does not have. The new faces of R&B do not look like the people I grew up listening to or the race of people whose songs left an everlasting impression on my bleeding heart that helped me through my ill-fated, miserable existence. Robin Thicke, Christina Aguilera, K-Pop, the BackStreet Boys, and New Kids on the Block. Some of these groups are defunct, but they’re cranking out as many as they possibly can like Justin Bieber, and Demi Lovato. I just saw on YouTube where people were considering if Elvis Presley was Black, WTF?!! He was the biggest culture thief that Dr. Frankenstein, AKA Colonel Parker ever created. Man is cruel; Satan is a whole other type of bastard you shouldn’t entertain. I'm retarded. Some call me an idiot savant. YO MOMMA!!! People are blessed by the Father who has blessed many of us with gifts. There are many of you whom God has endowed with multiple talents that people would sell their soul in order to possess just one. If you're anointed by God to sing like Aretha Franklin may He lead you to sign with a label like Brother Carl Crawford's who won't make the same mistake he did with a very popular artist at this moment. More than likely you'll sign a contract entrusting your talent, blessing, and soul to the most unclean ones. Ain’t a reason in hell you should bow down or bend over for a leach like Mr. Friedman so he can butt bone your a-hole while enriching himself off your God given talents. God blesses those who seek him out, and those that don’t. I don’t know if Eddie Murphy went to Church, and sowed an offering every Sunday to God praying that the Father would make him the highest paid comedic actor in his prime. Richard Pryor was anointed in the womb to be the most blessed comedic talent, and influential comedian to ever walk this Earth bar none yet he and Mr. Murphy pursued their dreams in different ways with both of them becoming world renown. I'm inclined to ask, was it worth it?

Mark 8:36

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

The synagogue of Satan isn’t a trending pop culture manifestation that’s to be esteemed, cherished, or envied. These cults are trying to maintain a stranglehold on a world that’s not meant for them or their sort. People who play with Ouija boards or childhood games like Bloody Mary, and light as a feather are ushering dark spirits into their homes leaving their loved ones exposed to something sinister. Get the hell away from me and mine unless you're my sister, AKA Ms. Skunk Funk, who needs to get the crust burnt off her musty, dusty drawers. The whore of Don Juan has a death wish. Explain to me how running with the devil beats walking with God?

Isaiah 59:7

7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.

This Nation was built on our ancestor’s blood, sweat, and relentless faith. Believe me when I say there's strength in every tear. I pray to God that I don’t shed anymore of them. Their wealth is not. It's a stolen Promise that the Father shall reward His children with. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. The most glaring, and frustrating example that is also bitter and disheartening I can give you is our Promised Inheritance called Yisrael that the gentiles are squatting on. When a person or in this case a tribe or race of people believe in their own lies they've become reprobate; they're lost.

Revelation 3:9

9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

This is what all of Esau's children fear. It's why the bland, colored people of the world are flipping over the Earth's axis, and killing us without any probable cause. They are a lawless people who've displayed their lack of empathy, and humanity for anyone save their own breed, they behave like blood hounds. I've become content with this planet being void of water (Holy Spirit.) Black people suffer from a social disorder called the crab bucket mentality. We hate to see anyone rise up, and we’ll do whatever it takes to keep them down or discourage them. That person may possess something that can benefit the collective, who cares. He who possesses that blessing needs to haul tail ASAP before the winter comes knowing the Father will bless him, and a downtrodden people beyond their wildest dreams. This is why Yeshua, and His Father call us children. It's why I pray, and bemoan to the Father daily that He slays me, putting the fear of the Lord in the heathen and His Son Christ Jesus uses us for His purpose. God doesn't need us, we need Him. He's given us so much power, and authority. When you acquire it, use it for something other than satisfying your sinful, carnal, flesh minded desires. Men, don't behave like horn dogs, and women do not behave as Aholah, and Aholibah, 2 whores.

Numbers 32:24

24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which hath proceeded out of your mouth.

Out of thine own mouth you have power to tread over snakes and scorpions. You can exorcise demons and devils out of your present life braking generational curses which is what I' want for a family that's disowned me. To God be the glory. God is telling us to declare a thing, and claim it. What a mighty, just God we serve. Your tongue will become a weapon to use against the lawless ones who use theirs recklessly in their attempts to get us arrested or murdered by local, and federal authorities. You can call it giving them a taste of their own medicine, it isn't. You're reclaiming what they've taken, stolen, including those of us they've murdered.

Isaiah 54:17

17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Speak positive prayers out loud if you can. If you live with your family or have a roommate pray in the closet. You'll have favor with God that many people won't. They rebuked the Lord, and their anger did tear perpetually, and they kept their wrath forever. When they use their privilege, which is what we call it more often than they, comprehending they’re fully aware knowing they use it with a Demonic, driven hatred. They persecute Black men, women, and children for reasons that are not godly, and the Father does not condone. They, and all the Earth will have to answer for our individual sins against the Father in the end.

Luke 10:19

19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

We don’t worship the same god as they do. They're praying to a god to erase us off the face of the Earth. Why hasn't he?.

Exodus 1:12

12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.

Their birth rate is dropping steadily. For the first time in the history of the census they decreased in population globally while indigenous, and other races of people stayed steady or in our case increased. This is the reasoning behind these draconian abortion laws. They're trying to preserve themselves while God is eliminating the Earth of their bloody dominion. God is sending the wicked a message before the storm comes, but no one's listening. Their violence towards us is documented, and more often it's unprovoked. They continue with the guilty until proven worthy of their mercy dogmatic mantra which is racist BS. The Earth will be lulled back to sleep. When they're confident that their world isn't in danger of being challenged by anyone, especially us. That's when God will do things that will scare them right back to the caucasus mountains bringing destruction to those who've touched, bruised, and abused the Apple of His eye. Speak life into your angel spirit, don’t entertain the demon seed that's trying to kill you, and the rest of Earth's indigenous people. You have much authority, use it. Elohim. 9/23/2021

[fezwearingjellybananas]

imagine an ot3 in which each of the characters are completely convinced that the other two characters are dating (polyshipprompts)

I do in fact have a Barriscowest idea:

It's series one. We open the night Barry was taken to S.T.A.R. Labs. He's unconscious and no one knows what's going on and he keeps dying in Iris' arms and Cisco Ramon is an engineer, a genius but he doesn't know anything about medicine, he doesn't know how to help Barry but Iris seems like she needs a shoulder to cry on and he does know how to be that.

Cisco's a friendly person. But he doesn't have many friends. Iris is in S.T.A.R. Labs every day visiting Barry, she always asks Cisco how he is and what he's been doing and he never mentions friends. He looks up to Doctor Wells but that's his boss, he cares about Caitlin but she's mourning her financé and seems to be some distance between her and Cisco at the minute, Cisco is lonely. But he's been so nice, so Iris invites him out for coffee. It becomes a regular thing.

And then Barry wakes up. Things are weird. It's been nine months but that doesn't make sense in his head because it feels like no time at all and also he has superpowers. That's pretty cool. Also his best friend who he's been in love with his entire life is dating his new friend.

It's pretty obvious to Barry. Neither of them have actually said anything but they get coffee every week and have other plans and Iris always lights up when she sees Cisco and Caitlin tells him they started getting close while he was unconscious. She figured they were trying to keep it on the down-low, maybe Cisco was thinking about Ronnie and her, maybe now there's a part of it that's the two of them trying to spare Barry's feelings, he never told her but maybe they know, Caitlin worked it out very quickly. He's happy for them. He won't deny he's upset and a little jealous- he has been in love with Iris for years- but Cisco's nice. He likes Cisco. And he never told her and even if he had he was unconscious and no one knew if he would wake up, if Iris found someone who makes her happy then good, he's glad, he's determined to be glad.

Barry Allen is head over heels for Iris West. Cisco's known him a day and he can tell. And Iris never mentioned dating but the way she talked about Barry, there was more to it than him being her best friend, and the way she looks at him when he walks into a room, the two of them are clearly made for each other. Which is great! It's great. It's fantastic. He's just going to squash these feelings for Barry before they can get past a crush, Iris is his friend, he's not going to do anything to hurt his friend. Doctor Wells is right, it's more important he keeps his friend, and Barry needs him focused if they're going to help with this superhero thing.

Barry's dating Cisco. He's always at S.T.A.R. Labs, he's keeping secrets which he never does, and he's already really close to Cisco which never happens with Barry, him dating Cisco makes sense, she talked to Eddie about it and he agrees. But Barry seems happier than he has in years, Iris is just happy to see that. Whatever they're doing hasn't affected her friendship with Cisco, Barry's acting weird but that's because he's trying to keep it secret, he'll tell her when he's ready. Or maybe it was Cisco's idea, either way, neither of them could have realised she's been slowly developing feelings for Cisco, and if they're happy, she's happy.

Except:

Barry has dated people before but it never lasted. And Iris never liked them. She does like Cisco. Barry's relationship with Cisco seems to be lasting. She's having the same feelings about that as she did when Barry dated Becky Cooper. Which means it might not have been completely about Becky.

Barry woke up and turned out to be Cisco's dream guy. He's literally a superhero. But hanging out with Iris is so much fun, and she's so nice and she needed a friend and he wasn't going to put anything more than the offer of friendship on her shoulders but actually now Barry's awake and she's happier maybe a crush on Barry isn't the only thing he should be squashing.

Cisco's fun and made him a suit and loves hugs and they've already had multiple Star Trek marathons and Cisco quoted Spock to him and he's great and Barry absolutely should not fall in love with Iris' boyfriend but Barry might have fallen in love with Iris' boyfriend

And then:

Iris hears about what happened at Mercury Labs. She knows a few people want to pin it on the Flash, but Iris hears about a man in a yellow suit and she grew up with Barry, she knows exactly what he said he saw that night, it's why she started writing about the Flash. Only when Iris writes her article about another speedster in Central Mason Bridge pulls her aside and pulls out the big secret project he's been working on for months. So much evidence that the Man in Yellow is real. Evidence Harrison Wells is the Man in Yellow. And then Mason disappears.

Cisco hasn't been sleeping. Doctor Wells and Caitlin have both brought up what happened with Snart and Dante but that's not why Cisco can't sleep. Every time he closes his eyes he sees Doctor Wells standing in front of him, his hand vibrating, confessing to murder, claiming he sees Cisco as a son and then he kills him. And it makes no sense, but it feels so real. He needs to look at the trap again but he can't go down alone, but how can he explain this to Barry? What if he's wrong? What if he's not?

Barry's just generally having a bad time. The man who murdered his mother is back and wants Barry dead. The whole reason he was there was to kill Barry, it's all his fault, and then a few days later Joe maybe died, Caitlin said Cisco definitely did, and then he time travelled. Cisco being back is fantastic but they're not getting anywhere with the Man in Yellow.

Except:

Barry is a forensic scientist. He might not be a genius engineer or physicist or biochemist but he is very good at his job. He's been approaching this as the Flash, who is going to stop this man, and mostly as Barry, the boy who lost his mother and who wants his father back more than anything. What he needs is to take a step back and do what he's good at: find the evidence and put the pieces together to solve the puzzle. And he knows a detective who who knows metahumans exist and who might believe him.

Iris knows Wells is involved. Mason’s computer was wiped, this isn’t just him getting distracted chasing a lead, all his evidence about the Man in Yellow and Wells is gone, that is not a coincidence, especially since Iris knows he was ready to publish, he even told Eric he was almost done with something he was expecting would make the front page, Iris knows there is something going on. She also knows her dad knows more than he’s been telling her, and that probably means Barry and Cisco do too. But all the evidence is gone. Or maybe not, because Linda Park might be the sports reporter, but she had the desk next to Mason, he likes her (even if he refuses to admit it), and she knew him well enough she has a feeling she knows where Iris can find that evidence.

Cisco has to check the trap. He has to. His dreams are getting worse and worse, they’re happening when he’s awake now. The other day he fell asleep in the Cortex and when he left he could have sworn he saw Doctor Wells walk through a wall. He doesn’t know if he should talk to Barry about this, maybe he could talk to Joe, or Caitlin is worried about him. She wants him to talk to her. He has a very strong feeling she won’t be able to distract Doctor Wells long enough for Cisco to take a look and he can’t explain why, but he does know he can trust her.

Eddie Thawne became friends with Iris while Barry was in his coma. He’d considered asking her out, but she seemed to be getting closer to Cisco, and she’s Joe’s daughter so he figured it would get complicated, he’d wait for her if she wanted to. Which she didn’t, and won’t, because he’s talked to her and knows she has complicated feelings about Barry and Cisco, who are both dating each other. He’s just trying not to get involved. What he didn’t expect was Barry coming to ask him for help with everything that’s going on.

Caitlin Snow has been friends with Cisco for a long time, she could see how he felt about Iris, she’s now realising he feels the same way about Barry, and she’s really glad he told her what’s been bothering him, she just really wishes it was complicated realationship things and not how he’s been having nightmares about how their boss is the guy who murdered their friend’s mother. She might have an idea about his dreams though.

Linda Park did not date Barry. They tried one date, it didn’t work out, but they are friends, and she’s friends with Iris too. She might not have known her very long, but she seems nice, and Linda does like Mason, if Iris has an idea that might help find him, wherever he is, of course Linda’s going to help.

In Cisco’s dream, Doctor Wells calls himself Eobard Thawne and kills Cisco after confessing he killed Barry’s mother, that he was there to kill Barry. He’s from the future he says. Time travel. That also explains how future Barry’s blood ended up at the crime scene, Cisco found that. He needs to talk to Joe, Joe will know what to do.

The Reverse Flash was there that night to kill Barry. He vanished for fourteen years until Barry gained his superpowers and they fought, and he left Barry alive. Barry knows he very easily could have killed him, so they have a theory. Barry saw red and yellow lightning that night. He’s replayed the events in his head a thousand times, more, he knows he saw two colours of lightning, and he knows when he faced the Man in Yellow he only has red lightning. Someone else was there that night who saved Barry, the Reverse Flash needs him alive more than he wants him dead, and it has something to do with his powers. Eddie also knows Joe asked him to have a poke around Doctor Wells’ when Hartley Rathaway showed up. Joe might know something.

Mason has so much more evidence than Iris expected. Doctor Wells is a speedster, the one who calls himself the Reverse Flash who broke into Mercury Labs. The one whose description exactly matches the one Barry gave to Iris. And it doesn’t make sense because Doctor Wells didn’t even know Barry until he showed up at the hospital but also he showed up at the hospital claiming to be the only person who could help Barry and they were desperate so they accepted but no one else even came to S.T.A.R. Labs and maybe they should have questioned how he knew about Barry more. Iris needs to ask her dad more about him, and there’s someone else who might know something useful.

Joe West is a good detective. He tries to be a good dad. He knows he screws up sometimes, but Iris is his whole world, and everything he does is because he whole-heartedly believes it’s to keep her safe. Possibly this time he made a mistake telling Barry not to tell her anything, because Iris just showed up at his door with her friend Linda and pages of evidence that Harrison Wells is the Reverse Flash and made her mentor disappear.

They’re barely two pages in when Cisco and Caitlin knock, Cisco spouting something about dreams and Doctor Wells killing Nora and time travel being real.

Cisco hasn’t had time to even start explaining when Barry and Eddie burst in in a swirl of lightning with Barry saying they have some theories about the Man in Yellow.

It’s a long night. There are plans to make and apologies and explainations to be had, and at the end of it all when Caitlin’s offering Eddie a ride home since Barry ran him and Linda’s making sure there are several copies of this article and it is going to make it to Picture News, Iris pulls Barry and Cisco aside and brings up one more thing she learnt today:

“Henry seems to be under the impression Cisco and I are dating,” Iris says.

“You went to see my dad?” Barry asks.

“He thinks what?” Cisco asks.

Henry only knew what Barry had told him about Wells when Iris went to ask him. But if Wells is actually from the future and was there for Barry not Nora then that makes sense. Sort of. Eddie already brought up what Doctor McGee said about Tess Morgan’s death and they’re going to look into that some more. Henry also mentioned Barry thinks she’s dating Cisco which she definintely isn’t because Barry’s dating Cisco. Which Cisco denies because Barry and Iris are dating.

Either this is a really bad time for Barry to tell them he’s in love with the both of them or a really good time. This might explain why Linda has brought up polyamory a few times. To Barry and to Iris apparently.

(When Linda walks into Picture News the next day, Mason’s article on the front page with her and Iris’ names on the byline, there’s a bunch of flowers on her desk. There’s still a lot to do with this Reverse Flash but at least the miscommunication she’s been listening to has been sorted out)

[halo-jpeg]

Bearable | A Reddie Fanfiction

Read it from the beginning

Chapter 2

Richie's phone buzzed. Instantaneously, his phone was out of his pocket and into his hand, and he opted to check the message rather than watch the sidewalk ahead of him. A grin split his face and he caught the inside of his cheek between his teeth, biting down on that instead of letting out an excited little squeal. The text was from an unknown number and read,

Hi, it's Bill from the coffee shop. Can I get the party information?

With another three guests set to come, Richie was all the more anticipated. That brought the list of guests up to an even 40. With flying thumbs, Richie tapped back his answer consisting of his address and the time the party was starting before saving the number into his phone underneath the name 'Stuttering Bill'. The phone was slid back into the pocket of his jeans. A stiff breeze whisked past him, and he almost felt cold enough to shiver, pulling the edges of his arcade-floor print button-up closer together in an attempt to shield himself. The sky overhead was a pale grey, promising rain soon to come and snow, too, in no time at all. It was nearly November, and while the snow usually fell heaviest from December to January it was no rare occurrence for it to make an early appearance just for a week or two. Again, Richie's phone buzzed.

Thanks. Any snacks we should bring?

For a moment, Richie pondered. He had a perfect reply locked and loaded but didn't know if it was too soon for this kind of joke. What he wanted to say was 'only yourself, hot stuff' and maybe he'd throw in a 'and the short one too' but he quickly decided he didn't want these three random people to hate his guts too quickly on the off chance that they weren't okay with guy-on-guy flirtation like that. Instead of one of the many cruddy pickup lines he has ready to go he says,

No pressure, unless you want something for yourself.

As Richie puts his phone away yet again he found himself right where he wanted to be, the lovely little family-run grocery store known as 'Hanlon Grocer'. The people inside actually tolerated him and took the time out of their days to run 50 bags of Doritos through the checkout, when a few other places he'd been to for party snack stocking had actually turned him away- it also helped that the owners son was one of his best pals. He stepped through the door, running a quick hand through his slightly wind-swept hair. Almost immediately he was greeted by the young lady currently working the register, the younger cousin of Mike Hanlon herself, Jennifer Hanlon.

"Morning, Richie," She greeted with a casual wave, attention temporarily stolen from the book she had open in front of her, "Mike tells me you're having a party tonight. I'm guessing that's why you're here?"

"You're a cunning one, Jenny!" Richie leaned against the counter, his radiant smile making him look something close to insane, "I have about an entire aisle of soda to buy from you!" Jenny smiled back at him, plucking her bookmark from the counter and slipping it into place. She closed the book, sliding it aside, and Richie caught sight of the cover- The Prestige, by Christopher Priest. It was a new one that Mike had been reading a few weeks back.

"Well, Mike's somewhere here. If you flash him that million-dollar smile maybe you can get him to help you carry some things." Richie clapped his hands together, and took a step back.

"Thanks a billion, Jen- I'll see you shortly, I'm sure. Get those scanning hands ready, I'll have quite the haul," Richie took a few more steps backwards, still talking to Jenny as he made his way further into the store, "I really hope you don't mind me always making such a big fuss!"

"Pshh," Jenny waves a hand, "You're our top customer, Rich, I could never mind!" And, with that, Richie spun on his heel, leaving Jenny to return to her fine literature so he could go pack his arms full of snacks, too many to carry for one man alone. Lucky for him, just as he was about to disappear into an aisle in search of his friend, Mike stepped out into view from nearer the produce section, catching Richie's eye.

"Sure an begorahh, me ole' laddie Mr. O'Hanlon, sor!" Richie danced along the linoleum tiles, trying both to stomp and float at the same time, graceful and intimidating as his Irish Cop, "Doh ye mind lendin' me a hand 'er two?" At once Mike set aside the crate of cans he'd been carrying, meaning to restock some shelves- in Mike's mind, that could wait.

"Morning, Richie," He greeted as he stepped away from the crate, instead beckoning with his head for Richie to follow him towards the primary snacks isle, "Putting off shopping til last minute again? Do I have to tell you it might be a little more wise to get this done a week or so in advance in case you forget anything?" Mike glances over at Richie, his eyes alight with a teasing mischief as they turn left into isle 6.

"No, my good sir, you do not." Richie clasps his hands together as he speaks, leaning over just slightly to rake his gaze across the bottom shelf. One bag after the other, he scanned in search of just what he wanted and- aha, there it was, the barbecue chips, and, more precisely, the Lays barbecue chips.

"I called in for an extra order of those just for you," Mike gave Richie's shoulder a gentle push, which Richie returned with one of his own.

"Oh, you!" He was now the Southern Belle, a hand spread on his chest as he batted his eyelashes, "You really shouldn't have, Sir Michael, you are just too kind!" With that, the charade was abandoned and Richie dropped to his knees, none-too-graciously jamming his absurdly long arms onto either side of the rows of barbecue chips. As if they were his bride, he scooped them up, holding them with as much care as he would if this metaphor were true.

"Do you... want a basket?" Mike was snickering to himself, one hand lifted to hover over his toothy grin, the other planted on his hip. "Let me get you a basket." Richie was left alone for a second as Mike hurried away. Right, a basket- that... that could have been smart, Richie thinks to himself, but he isn't always too smart. Case in point, instead of recognizing that his arms were way too full and he couldn't carry anything else, he got distracted by the rows of chocolate bars and hobbled his way over there. A box of Atomic Fireballs sat in the midst of the candy, basically begging him to buy them. Against his better judgement, he tried to free up one hand enough to snag the candy.

-----

Eddie's gaze darted back and forth between two different cereal boxes- the classic Corn Flakes or the new Special K. One had less sugar, the other less calories, and he would be getting about the same amount of cereal for the same price but- All of a sudden, Eddie's careful thinking is interrupted by a crash, and he leaps nearly three feet in the air at the sound of it, letting out a horribly embarrassing sound like a quite shriek. Both cereal boxes went to the ground and he suddenly didn't care about them any more. A sound like that couldn't possibly mean anything good, could it? Someone might have been hurt and he has the equipment with him right now to help them on some minimal scale. Eddie hurried forwards, exiting his aisle and heading straight for the source of the noise in aisle six. As he sped around the corner, he came skidding to a halt for just a moment before pushing forwards once more and stopping at the side of someone covered in a mixture of chip bags, candies, and metal.

"Shit, are you okay? Anything hurt? Here, let me help-" A little metal rack in the center of the aisle had been pulled over onto the poor guy trapped underneath, one rung jabbed against his ribs in a manner that couldn't possibly be comfortable. Eddie fastened his hands around the rack as best he could, pulling it off and away as quickly as possible. As soon as it was pushed aside his full attention went back to whoever had been trapped underneath, and a gust of familiarity punched him right in the stomach. The only one Eddie had ever seen wearing those wretched thick-framed glasses had been the coffee guy from the night before. Eddie brushed away the pang of annoyance in his gut and helped brush bags of barbecue chips aside to pull the barista into a sitting position.

"Ah, thanks," The guy said with a chuckle, pushing his glasses up and reaching for one of the bags of chips. He frowned as he picked it up, suspecting it for damage and most likely discovering that at least half of it's contents were crushed, "My bad for the trouble, my long-ass limbs sometimes get the-" He paused, finally looking up at Eddie, and then his own eyes lit with recognition and he was grinning like a maniac. "Hey, I know you! New guy! Eds!" Eddie fought the urge to roll his eyes at the nickname, brushing right past him.

"Are you okay? Hurt at all? Do I need to call a doctor? When did you last get a tetanus shot? Are you bleeding anywhere?" Eddie was already moving to unzip his trusty fanny pack, knowing he had butterfly tape, disinfectant, bandages and all things alike just inside. "How are you feeling? Dizzy at all? You might have hit your head or something and-"

"Hey, calm down there buddy, you'll give yourself an aneurysm if you don't stop and take a breath!" The barista was chuckling again, hands held out in front of him in some attempt to calm Eddie's already-racing thoughts. Worst case scenarios sprung up left and right, the current most prominent possibility being that this goof could get some sort of instantaneous infection that would transform him into a zombie, "I'm just fine, actually. I've taken quite a few tumbles in my day and this is nothin'. If anything, I'd be more concerned for the chips!" He went to climb to his feet, and Eddie was almost reluctant to allow that. Maybe he'd throw out his back or tear a muscle or fall again- he shoved the thoughts away and instead just stood as well. "Thanks, Eds," The guy said with a big glowing grin and a shrug of his shoulders, one hand rising to scratch at the back of his neck, "If I'd known you were here to save the day I'd have fallen sooner! My knight in shining armor!"

"Don't-" Eddie began, biting his tongue and then finally snapping out, "Don't call me Eds! And for the love of God, don't go getting yourself hurt just for the hell of it. That's stupid. You could have broken something!" Crossing his arms over his chest, Eddie huffed out a breath, shaking his head out of disapproval. Eddie's damsel in distress opened his mouth to speak when a new voice sliced in and someone Eddie hadn't seen before hurried around the corner with concern etched into his every feature and a shopping basket slung over one arm.

"Richie, what- What happened? You okay?" He approached quickly, glancing briefly at Eddie before his full attention went to Mr. Damsel- or, otherwise, Richie. Richie shot two thumbs ups.

"I'm great, Mikey, my good pal Eddie came to help me up."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Mikey set down his basket and turned to Eddie instead, extending a hand and a friendly smile, "I'm Mike. I didn't mean to intrude if you two were talking, but Rich tends to get himself hurt more than the average human male. It's second nature now to fret over him." Richie let out a scoff, adopting a dramatic frown and upturning his nose.

"It's really hard to control my noodle arms, thank you very much! And, come on, did you really expect me not to go for the Fireballs? The heart wants what it wants, doesn't it?" Eddie let Mike's hand go and, feeling a little bit awkward now to be talking to these near-strangers, said,

"Well, it's nice to meet you. I, uh... I guess I'll be seeing you again later tonight at the party," Eddie tried to smile, "Don't go knocking over any more display shelves." Eddie was just about to turn and hurry away, just about to get out of the social interaction when none other than Bill appeared down the hall, a grocery basket hanging off his arm, obviously curious and with Stan at his side. Bill spotted Richie, Richie spotted Bill, and then the latter was approaching with his Big Bill smile.

"Oh, hey!" He greeted, nodding cheerfully in Mike's direction as well, "It's you again! I juh-just wanted to thank you fuh-for the invitation to your party." The best thing Eddie thinks Bill has ever done is draw the attention away from him. He has a tendency to do that- most eyes shift right for him when he enters the room, as if everyone sense that he is the leader. That's alright, in Eddie's opinion, because he could never be a leader and is much more content to be a follower hiding in the shadows. Now, both Richie, Mike and Bill are locked in conversation, much more friendly and natural than the one Eddie had been caught in moments earlier. Stan takes a few subtle steps towards his much shorter friend, leaning over a little to hiss out a whisper,

"They'll be talking for hours, I can already tell." Eddie found himself smiling and nodding right along. Stan was absolutely correct. The chemistry that was already brewing was that foretelling of three great friends. "Interested in coming with me to look at the bakery? I can smell it from here and I want to see what they have." Eddie only smiles wider. He nods his head without seconds thought, only trying for a second or two to catch Bill's gaze before just giving up and following Stan out of the hallway and towards the back of the building. Matching him step for step, the two picked up a much more comfortable, much more pleasant conversation that Eddie actually enjoyed having. "The curly haired one sure talks a lot. What are the chances that we're seeing him again today? How many grocery stores are there in Portland?"

"Apparently just the one. Some higher power must hate me to make me run into him again." Eddie rolled his eyes dramatically, and Stan let out a snicker, gently bumping his elbow into Eddie's and quirking a brow. In return, Eddie's own brows bent down into a questioning furrow. "What? Why are you looking at me like that? Do I have something on my face or something?" One hand lifted to wipe at his cheek but it came back clean. Stan just shook his head, a small smile ghosting his lips as they arrived at the bakery. "Oh sweet, sesame bagels!" His attention redirected, Eddie dismissed the odd look and moved to stand right in front of the glass, hovering over it and scanning it's contents but never putting his hands on it. That was icky, in his opinion- Stan was at his side moments later, scanning over the iced sweets just next to the bagels that had caught Eddie's eye.

"What do you want to bet Bill won't want us wasting our money on any of this?" Stan said with a grin, gaze still glued to a tantalizing slice of carrot cake.

"My soul. How much extra cash do we have to waste?" No one needed to speak another word. The two made a silent agreement- buy whatever the hell you want and defend your purchase with your life. Neither Stan nor Eddie would let Bill scold them for this. They deserved some sort of 'welcome to Portland' treat. In the end, they were both walking away with quite the haul- Eddie had secured a bag of six of those sesame bagels, and Stan had bought the carrot cake along with a loaf of banana bread. Just as Stan passed over the cash needed to pay for the treats, Bill stepped into view, hurrying in their direction with his grocery basket filled with whatever other food the three needed to last them a week.

"Wuh-what did you two get your hands on?" Bill doesn't waste a minute to start interrogating, though the smile on his face betrays his attempts at scolding the two. He doesn't even make them explain themselves, jumping to the next topic right after and beckoning with his head for the two to follow him towards the checkouts, "We should cuh-come here from now on. I like supporting luh-luh-local businesses. It's good for the economy or something, and Mike is n-nice." Eddie almost let out a groan- that was the last thing he wanted, because then he risked running into Richie again. It seemed he and Mike, one of the grocers, were good friends. Why else would he be worried for Richie's well being? Still, Eddie bit his tongue, instead answering with something less rude and more civil.

"We could, or we could go to a bigger store. They'd have more options- we'd probably get better deals, too." Clutching his bag of sesame bagels and hoping Bill would take the bait, he continued in his attempts to convince him, "Here, they've only got so many different things. If we went to the Superstore a ways away we could pick out healthier foods and stuff and probably save a ton of money."

"Eh," Stan answered rather than Bill, holding a hand out in the redheads direction to silently offer a turn carrying the basket, "I like it here. It's quiet, and it's all family run. There'll be less processed items available. You hate processed foods, Eddie, you should love it here- it's all organic." For some odd reason Eddie felt like Stan was maybe... plotting something? The curly-haired boy seemed awfully suspicious. Usually, he just went along with whatever else was decided, and rarely bothered to help in decision making. He never minded what Bill or Eddie chose because, as far as he was concerned, they were both logical and made great decisions. Alarm bells rang in Eddie's head and curiosity began to bubble within him. What was Stanley getting at?

"Luh-let's see how everything plays out. Maybe w-we'll end up going somewhere else next w-week, buh-but we don't ne-need to decide r-ruh-right now." The three arrived at the till.

"Good morning," The lady behind it looked about their age, with bright eyes and glowing sepia skin, her hair frizzy and light, like a cloud around her head. Her name tag read 'Jennifer'. "Chilly day today, isn't it?" Jennifer got right to work, not even glancing down at her hands as she scanned one item and then the next in rapid succession with memorized ease. Bill and her picked up a natural conversation, his great people skills showing through now more than ever. Bill brought up Mike, and the three found out that he was Jennifer's cousin- they also discovered that hers and Mike's grandparents owned the store and kept it running smoothly. Before they knew it, everything was bagged and ready to go. Stan, Bill and Eddie distributed the bags between them, said their goodbyes to the kind girl behind the counter, and made for the doors. The chill that had been in the air when Eddie had first arrived had eased, just a little. The sun peaked out timidly from behind thickening swaths of darkened clouds, and the taste of rain hung heavy on the breeze.

"We should get a cab. I swear to God, if it starts raining and I catch a cold I'm blaming it on you guys." Eddie grimaced as he looked up towards the sky, and the three set off back in the direction of home.

"What are we doing for the rest of the day?" Stan asked, staring up and around at all of the buildings lining the street, taking in every little detail Portland had to offer. Bill was doing just the same as he answered,

"I have nuh-nothing planned. I might take a n-nap or suh-humthing like that before the party." Eddie let out something akin to a scoff, though it sounded more surprised than hostile or anything negative like that.

"Don't you still have unpacking to do? You can't seriously be finished, can you?" Bill shrugged his shoulders, shuffling his grocery bags from one hand to the other. Eddie took that as a sign that Bill was, in fact, done with his unpacking. How, Eddie had no idea- shit, he's hardly finished half of his, and Stan couldn't possibly be done either with how much of a perfectionist he was. As if to prove Eddie wrong, Stan spoke next.

"I finished earlier this morning. You aren't done? How much do you have?" Eddie had brought his biggest suitcase from back home. After all, he had basically taken everything he owned with him; his entire closet, his whole medicine cabinet, more miscellaneous things like some toxin-free cleaning supplies- getting everything into a convenient spot (and needing to clean those convenient spots first) took time and effort and Eddie tended to get distracted. It made sense that he wasn't done yet, but he hadn't expected the other two to have finished so quickly. "That's alright, it's fine," Stan continued, cutting into Eddie's thoughts, "I can help you if you want me to?" Eddie was quick to deny that offer.

"Thanks, but I'm more than capable of putting my own shit away. You guys can do whatever- don't worry about me." Sooner or later, the three arrived back at home, and Bill offered to unload to groceries which left Eddie to get right to work. When they arrived back up in their apartment, Eddie dropped his grocery bags in the new, untouched kitchen and dismissed himself to head for his room. Straight down the hall from the kitchen sat Eddie's door, and behind that, his bedroom, perfectly neat and tidy. As he stepped inside, he took in the sight of it all again with a burst of pride- this was his room, and he finally had the privacy he had always craved. To the direct left of the door sat a small set of drawers with a sizable mirror mounted just above it. Facing those drawers was the king-sized bed fitted with sleek grey sheets and a whole seven pillows of different sizes. Underneath the bed was a rug, the floor a pale hardwood- two bedside tables sat on either side of the bed and a door to the closet was to his right. Finally, the piece de resistance were the large double-doors that led to his own private balcony- since Bill's room had an ensuite and Stan had a walk-in closet, he had scored the balcony and he was more than excited.

At last, Eddie stepped into his room, pushing the door near-shut behind him. The white, cold light filtering in through the glass panes of the balcony doors washed everything around him in a pale luminescence. Any minute now, he was certain, rain would start to fall, and he was glad to have made it home before getting caught in it. Eddie made for his suitcase, which was set at the foot of his bed. It was huge, silver, heavy-duty and still half-full despite a whole hour of unpacking. Pushing it onto it's side, Eddie pulled on the zipper and flipped open the top, not wasting a minute as he began to pick out the pharmaceuticals tucked within. Despite escaping his mother, he hadn't escaped old habits- paranoia still gnawed at his insides whenever he thought of sickness, his own weakened immune system- he pushed the thoughts away and began to arrange his assortment of emergency medications on top of the drawers. As he did so, he stared at his reflection in the mirror- the fear of sickness was, at once, forgotten. Instead, he found himself soaking in the feeling of his newfound independence. Eddie had finally left the nest for good.

[evanbuckley-heartofgold]

can you write 911 fic where buck is part of the grant-nash family (bonus points for eddie and chris)

This is inspired partially by @the-wardrobeintocamelot‘s wonderful fic You’re Standing Here Beside Me (go read it, seriously it’s so good).

Read on ao3

When Buck joined the 118, Bobby fought to not care about him. But the impulsive firefighter quickly wormed his way into Bobby’s heart, giving him many many heart attacks along the way. Against all his better judgement, Bobby began to think of Buck like his son. 

After losing his family, Bobby didn’t think he would ever experience that kind of love, he didn’t think he deserved it. But now, several years later, he is married and now has three wonderful kids and he doesn’t want it any other way.

Buck arrives for Saturday dinner about twenty minutes before they’re ready to eat. At the door he is bombarded with hugs from May, home from college, and Harry. After giving both of his siblings long hugs, Athena shoos her children away with a smile and steals Buck for her own hug. 

“Hi, ‘thena,” Buck says as she rubs his shoulder. 

“How are you holding up, Buckaroo?” Athena holds him at arms length to look him over. 

Buck shrugs, looking at his feet. Not even 24 hours ago the team had lost four people on a call. They were so close to saving them, but they couldn’t, they were too late. “I’ve been better, but being here helps.” Athena smiles and rubs his arm. 

“Buck!” Bobby calls from the kitchen. “Can I get some help please?”

Athena smirks, “That’s what you get for being the only one of my kids who can cook.” 

Buck laughs and kisses Athena’s cheek, pretending his heart doesn’t swell at Athena calling him her kid, before jogging into the kitchen. Bobby gives him a familial squeeze on the shoulder before lightly pushing him to get to work. Buck and Bobby work seamlessly, as they always do, finishing up the food. Fifteen minutes later all the food is laid out on the table and the family sits down to dig in. They pass all the dishes to the right until everyone’s plates are heaping full.

“So May,” Buck begins as he starts to cut his steak, “how’s that term paper coming?” 

May rolls her eyes, “Not you too,” she groans. “You’re as bad as Bobby,” the table breaks into soft chuckles. “I’ll get it done, okay?”

Buck laughs, “Sure you will.”

May smacks his shoulder good naturally, “I will.” Buck makes a face that says he obviously doesn’t believe her, Bobby grabs his stepdaughter’s hand before she hits him again. 

“How’s Eddie doing?” Bobby asks, changing the subject quickly.

Buck shrugs and scoops some potatoes into his mouth, “The best he can, I’m going to go see him later, maybe spend the night at his place.” Buck looks up from his plate to see everyone, including Harry, wearing the same knowing look. “What?” 

May opens her mouth to say something, but Athena cuts in before she can, “Nothing.”

Buck narrows his eyes at her, “What? Is there something wrong with me going over to Eddie’s?” 

Bobby shakes his head, “Of course not.” He gives his family a look, telling them to shut it. It’s clear Buck isn’t ready to acknowledge his feelings for Eddie. “Did you talk to Maddie this morning?” Bobby, ever the peacekeeper changes subjects. 

Buck frowns suspiciously, “Yeah, she said that Chim’s doing okay and they’re just going to spend the weekend quietly.”

The conversation continues, changing to Harry’s school, May’s life in college, and to the plans for the rest of the weekend. 

“I think Eddie and I are taking Chris to the aquarium tomorrow. He’s been obsessed with fish recently, learning all the different species and stuff,” Buck smiles. He looks around the table, “You’re all giving me that look again, what’s going on?” 

May and Bobby exchange a look before May, feed up with her brother’s pining, says, “You’re in love with Eddie.”

Buck chokes on the water, causing Bobby to thump him on the back, “I’m what?”

Harry rolls his eyes, “Come on, Buck, it’s not really a secret.”

Buck’s eyes nearly pop out of his head, “You too, Harry? Where could you guys possibly have gotten that from?” 

Athena reaches out and squeezes Buck’s hand, “You’re practically helping him raise his child, you spend all your time together-”

“You pout when he calls in sick-” Bobby adds. 

“You literally give him heart eyes whenever you see him and your face lights up whenever you talk about him-” May supplies.

“And you look at each other like Mom and Bobby do,” Harry finishes. Athena and Bobby smile at each other. 

Buck is frozen dumbly. Could he really be in love with Eddie? The more he thinks about it the more things fall into place, his jealousy when Eddie was dating Ana, his heart stopping when the hole collapsed. It all makes sense. 

“Oh my god I’m in love with Eddie,” Buck repeats in a trance. He looks at Bobby and Athena pleadingly, “What should I do? Does he like me back? Would it ruin our friendship if I said anything? I probably shouldn’t say anything, right? I-”

“Buck,” Bobby puts a calming hand on Buck’s arms. “Take a deep breath.” Buck does. “Now, if you really love him, I say go for it.”

“Really?” Buck looks at the others to confirm. 

“Eddie loves you,” May says with a warm smiles. “And if he for some reason says he doesn’t, well then he’s still going to be your friend and if he doesn’t want to be your friend anymore, you have four people here who will gladly kick his ass for you.” 

“Listen to your sister,” Athena nods. “Now, finish your meal and then you can run to Eddie and proclaim your love for him.” 

Buck blushes intensely, ducking his head. He tries to focus on the rest of the conversation, but he’s distracted by this thoughts and planning what he’s going to say to Eddie. Eventually, while they’re still eating, Athena sighs, “You can go, Buck.”

“Thank you!” Buck exclaims. He jumps to his feet and bolts towards the door. 

“Go get your man!” Athena hollers after him. 

“Text me the details!” May shouts. 

[nighting-gale17]

Ok sorry to rant here a little but it’s really pissing me off that I keep seeing so many posts about how “omg buck was in so many more memories than Shannon” and how that shows how in love with buck he is.I love buddie as much as anyone but all the episode showed me was that Eddie was really shitty to Shannon and a shitty father until he was forced into being one and the line “I don’t need a provider I need a partner” is so telling and it bothers me that it’s never acknowledged or apologized for

alright so i’ve thought a lot about this (and rewatched every ep shannon was in) anon and imma be honest

Eddie and Shannon both fucked up

Eddie shouldn’t have run away from his responsibilities as a husband and a father, but Shannon shouldn’t have run away from her responsibilities as a mother or a wife, either. I think it’s obvious (to me, at least) that Shannon and Eddie really weren’t good for each other. In Eddie begins, we saw how often they fought- whether they were legitimate reasons or not. I mean, they couldn’t even bask in the happiness of their newborn son without subtle digs to each other about Eddie leaving again.

And when Eddie came back, it was obvious he was trying to be there for Christopher, but there were still these walls up between him and Shannon. Who knows, maybe if Shannon’s mother hadn’t gotten sick, and Eddie got some fucking therapy, and they communicated like actual adults, things would’ve been better, or maybe they would’ve ended up getting a divorce. Who knows. It seemed like every conversation they had devolved into some kind of fight, which isn’t healthy.

So yeah, Eddie shouldn’t have run away and reenlisted, especially not without talking to Shannon about it first (communication boys and girls), but Shannon shouldn’t have just up and suddenly left and then not come back (since it seemed like Eddie assumed she was going to, and then she just never did). they both messed shit up and, honestly, seemed to bring out the worst in each other.

When Shannon came back in season 2, I’d never seen Eddie get angry or raise his voice until Shannon came along. Then, it seemed like every time they talked to each other they were either yelling at each other or having sex (again, not healthy kiddos).

Look, I could go on and on with more stuff I saw when I went back and watched the episodes, but, back to your line, I think it was acknowledged. Eddie speaks louder in actions rather than words, and his actions-I mean, literally everything he has done since he moved to LA has been for Christopher. And he admitted to Buck in Merry Ex-Mas that he had run away from Shannon and Christopher-basically admitting to being a shitty father and partner, but I feel his actions since then have more than made up for his past mistakes.

So, I guess, to me, the episode more showed just what a shitty situation Shannon and Eddie were stuck in. The more I watched it, the more I was convinced that neither of them are bad people- it was just bad circumstances and poor choices that they both, inevitably, made up for.

bonus: eddie has been more of a partner to buck than he ever was to shannon, indicating he is learning from his mistakes. and in Merry Ex-Mas he tells Shannon, “I forgive you, I just don’t think I can trust you.” or something, compared to, ya know, buck asking for forgiveness, and eddie telling him he already had it and “there’s no one in the world I trust with my son more than you”

so, tl;dr eddie and shannon had a shitty relationship in shitty circumstances but eddie is learning from his mistakes and doing better with buck, even if he doesn’t realize it