#lonestarbabe

[happilylovingchaos]

Sorry again about my past rant, @lonestar-s5countdown… this is early but I had a lot to look for on AO3.

And oh boy. This is my only reaction to how deep the grief/ mourning tag is:

Judd:

3 am by Annide: Judd and TK spend a sleepless moment bonding over the things that keep them up at night, with the former thinking on the old 126 members.

Grace and Judd One-shots by ExpectSpellingErrors: Exactly what it says in the title. Go one at a time, though— there’s 751+ stories as of Aug. 3 this year!

Sometimes by Multifandom_damnation: Judd and TK aren’t that different in their respective trauma-scarred self-esteems. They just need to clear up their clouding pride and pain to understand that.

Nothing lasts forever by lydiamxrtin: Judd takes TK horse-riding, vís-a-vis 1x02.

Southern comfort by Araloth: Judd shows the new 126 what barbacoa is, resulting in a Southern dinner.

Hands over pulse points by isnt_that_wizard: An AU where Judd and Grace allow Tarlos to stay with them after they lose the townhouse.

Grace:

Of grief and grace by @AliceSchuyler: Grace loses her father earlier in this story, before he gets to meet her baby.

Ladder 126, please respond by trashpup: Explores further the devastation that followed Grace on the other side of the fertilizer factory.

911 Dispatcher’s week by SneetchesToo: Grace showing in canon and fanon why she’s the steady voice on the other end we know and love. Some comedic shenanigans ensue.

Wake me up by @AliceSchuyler: An Avicii songfic that follows Grace’s perspective and flashing moments of meeting Judd during the car accident on the bridge.

I could hold on forever by DoubleL27: It’s Judd’s turn to be there for Grace when she starts having bad dreams of her own.

Like a wrecking ball by machtaholic: Taking place sometime during 1x09, Grace visits TK to give him a self-care day.

This love we carry by fiddlersgreen: After he learns his lesson in 3x13, Carlos and Grace discuss their shared experiences of seeing their life partners in the worst pain possible: that of unimaginable loss.

Deep Dive for Grief: Will be split into different sections depending on the canon-compliant/ AU types.

Canon Codas:

Grand gestures by @lonestarbabe and Pigeonsplotinsecrecy: TK processes his breakup with Alex badly, leading into the drug overdose we see in the pilot.

@heytheredeann wrote 4 works, and all took place in Texas, all in Judd and Grace’s POV, all after the fertilizer factory explosion. I kinda can’t believe it isn’t already a series.

Those were the days by benjaminrussell: Judd has a bittersweet dream. Takes place before the Strands arrive in Austin.

In a world like this (I’ve got you) by @lire-casander: A 5+1 coda that sums up his POV of the events of season 1, and early season 2.

Teach me what I need to know (to be strong enough to let go) by hollyhobbit101: After 2x13, Tommy continues to mourn for Charles, but she’s got Grace to help her through.

No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear by lydiamxrtin: So far unfinished, but it explores how deep TK’s grief for Gwyn goes and how profoundly it changes everything in his life— not just how it’s broken, but how it can be put back together. Even if there’s a mother-sized hole left.

Let me by @heartstringsduet: A realistically sweet look at how TK and Carlos’ intimacy weathers the loss of Gwyn.

Both your smiles were twice as wide as ours by daisieflowers: A low-key one-shot of Alex’s reminiscence, some hints of grief, and remaining ambivalence toward his ex-boyfriend. It’s a little melancholic, but there’s catharsis in learning how one’s faring from the end before moving forward.

Tales of love and loss by micaurel: The 126 celebrates Dio de Los Muertos to grieve, commemorate and celebrate the lives of people they’ve known and loved.

Lou 2: Lou-o-ween! by @dragonbinx: As a Halloween get-together featuring Tommy’s girls and an escaped Lou 2 goes a bit awry (like it does), Tommy and Carlos reminisce on their own celebrations with the two people they loved.

Light the shadows on your face by @lire-casander: Not quite grief-focused, but it does feature Michelle saying goodbye (for now).

Tribute by ThirteenRedVampireBites: A 1x10 coda that follows up on the International Space Station loss. I think the fandom probably doesn’t know how badly needed this resolution was, especially for Grace and the astronauts’ families.

Grieving for Owen AU:

The last goodbye by buckdiaz: TK goes into hard denial when he learns why Owen hasn’t reported into work.

Long way to get by meditatinghoneybadger: Owen’s sudden death on the job causes TK to relapse in his grief. The rest explores how he and Carlos try to get through both his rehabilitation and the process of forgiving each other.

Taken by @whumpkeys: Another version of 1x04 when Owen doesn’t make it out of the crumbling house.

Grieving for TK AU:

Quédate by hollyhobbit101: A truly bad-future for Tarlos. I cried at this just as much as I did for Gwyn’s canonical death.

I got a feeling that it’s time to let go by @marjansmarwani: TK gets really close to death (like he kinda does), and the last one is still sad (spoiler alert) but there’s a different reason now for Owen to grieve.

Shut your eyes and fall apart by @marjansmarwani: TK dies for real, and the 126 comes together to grieve together.

Grieving for Tim Codas:

Who cares if one more light goes out in a sky of a million stars (it flickers, flickers) by gapsinthedays: Nancy copes with Tim’s death, horribly.

Reaching, there is nothing left by tiniestmite: A harrowing POV of Tim experiencing his own death.

Grief is a lantern by Pigeonsplotinsecrecy: A follow-up to the mourning montage in 2x02.

Not one or the other by @maxbegone: While honoring a friendship tradition, Nancy processes the traumatic events from the previous months in season 3. There’s a mention of TK’s NDE but it is also half-Tim-centric since he’s the first work friend (as far as canon is concerned) that Nancy had.

Every second chance (that changed its mind on me) by @lire-casander: It’s a nightmare, and the pain from it will still make itself known sometimes. But throughout this interpretation of how Nancy moves forward in season 2, it’s possible to wake up.

[fandomswonderland]

thanks for the tag, @reyestrandd

Tag nine (9) people you want to get to know better

Last song you listened to: She Used to Be Mine by Jessie Mueller

Currently watching: 911 and rewatching 911: Lonestar

Current fic you're reading: Pace Yourself For Me by @thebumblecee

Next on my watchlist: How to Get Away With Murder (Ik im late, dont judge me.)

current obsession: Healthy lifestyle

No pressure tagging: @reyescarlos @thebumblecee @strandbuckley @lonestarbabe @reyeslonestar @911women @lonestarlgbt @detectivecarlosreyes @dailypaulstrickland

[marjansmarwani]

would’ve loved you for a lifetime

Tarlos || 7.6k || ao3

Prompt: Characters are secretly married and one of them is hurt at work 

-----

The story of how TK and Carlos came together, and how they almost missed out on their future before it even got a chance to start.

For the wonderful @acejuddryder on her birthday! I hope you enjoy this AC and that you have a day as good as you deserve 💕

I came across this prompt a while ago and @bellakitse encouraged me to write it and I am so glad she did! I have been wanting to do a non-linear narrative for a while, and this worked perfectly for that. Shoutouts to both @officereyes and @firefighterstrand for helping me with bits and editing for me, you’re champs 🥰

--------

Judd watched as TK went about repacking the first aid kit with a smile on his face, humming to himself. This had been going on for the majority of their 24-hour shift now and in hour 23, Judd’s patience was finally up. 

“Okay kid, what gives? You’ve been grinning like the butcher’s dog all shift.” 

TK glanced up from his work, startled, “I have not.” 

“Yeah, you have dude,” Marjan informed him as she tossed him more supplies, “want to fill us in?” 

“It’s not just today either,” Paul noted, coming around from the other side of the engine, “you’ve been suspiciously chipper for a few days now.” 

“Can’t a guy just be happy without getting the third degree? Jeez.” 

“There’s happy, and then there’s this.” 

“You too Mateo, really? I thought you had my back, man.” 

“Don’t guilt-trip the probie,” Paul admonished, throwing his polishing rag at TK for emphasis, “just tell us what’s up.” 

TK was saved the trouble of dodging the question by the sound of his phone ringing in his pocket. 

“Saved by the bell,” he declared as he fished it out of his pocket and stepped to the back of the rig for some semblance of privacy. 

“Don’t count on it lasting,” Judd called after him, “we’re getting right back into this as soon as you are done.” 

The others returned to their tasks, eager to finish with the end of their shift in sight. Their focus was soon broken by the sound of a gasp and a clattering sound from where TK stood. They all looked over to see TK, standing on the other side of the engine bay, expression stricken and body trembling. 

“TK?” Paul asked hesitantly but got no response. Not even an indication that their teammate had heard him. They crossed over as a group but Judd got there first and reached down to grab the abandoned phone. The call was still going. He watched as Marjan approached TK, comforting hands reaching for his and Paul reminded him to breathe in his even, calming voice as he lifted the abandoned phone to his ear.

“Hello?” 

“Mr. Strand?” 

“No, this is his friend. He seems to be...a little out of sorts right now.” 

The voice on the other end sighed, “that’s understandable. Would you please just inform him that his husband should be heading into surgery shortly and that he should check in upon his arrival so that the doctor can give him an update?” 

Husband? Judd was so stuck on that word he almost missed the rest of the sentence. He managed to unfreeze his brain long enough to answer, “Of course, I’ll make sure he gets there. What hospital?” 

“St. David’s.” 

“Thank you.” 

Judd hung up the phone and stared at it for a moment. He felt the eyes of the team on him but he took a steadying breath before he looked up. When he did he ignored the curious gazes of the others and looked directly at TK, “they said I should tell you that your husband should be heading into surgery shortly, and that you should check-in when you get there so a doctor can update you.” 

TK nodded, but said nothing else. No explanation, no objection that they were wrong; that he didn’t have a husband. 

Because as far as Judd had known as of a few minutes ago, he didn’t. 

“I need to go,” TK finally said and his voice was so pained it almost hurt to hear, “I need to get there.” 

“I hate to break it to you man,” Paul said gently, “but you are in no shape to drive right now.” 

“I’ll take him.” 

The words were out of his mouth before he had even fully processed them. But when the eyes of the team fell to him, he repeated them: “I’ll take him. Clear it with Cap?” 

The others nodded and he hoped they had picked up on what was left unsaid: tell Owen that he apparently has a son-in-law he doesn’t know about; tell the Captain that TK is a wreck but that Judd had him. 

“There’s only a bit of shift left, we should be able to hold down the fort. Go, and keep us updated.” 

Judd nodded at Paul and the others before reaching out a hand to put on TK’s shoulder, “C’mon kid, let’s go.” 

His voice and guiding hand were gentle, and TK barely nodded before allowing himself to be led out of the station and to Judd’s truck. He climbed into the passenger seat silently and didn’t utter a word for the whole drive. All Judd could do was shoot him concerned glances and try to push back all the unanswered questions in his mind. Now was not the time for answers —his one and only concern was making sure TK was okay. The rest could come later. 

----------

They started on a Tuesday. 

As things went it wasn’t a particularly notable day for a beginning, but there wasn’t much notable about their start. 

They were two people colliding; contrasting desires meeting in the in between, in the common ground. They wanted different ends but the means suited them both just fine. It was hot and heavy; it was rough and quick. It was needy and physical and everything they wanted (if only for a moment). 

Then eventually, it was more. 

Not at first —it wasn’t more for a long time. For months it was just blowing off steam, just mind blowing sex. There were a few dates of varying success, but they continued their dance around each other and the feelings they both had. Then TK got shot and they both watched their potential future teetering on the edge, ready to topple over with the weight of uncertainty. Eventually TK woke up to the chaos of adjusting to life again and a solar storm, and in the quiet that followed the chaos they found themselves in each other. 

From there it was simple: after the start they had it couldn’t be anything but. In all that time they had gotten to know each without really meaning to and now they found themselves fitting together like a pair of gloves; fine on their own, but infinitely better together. They slipped into rhythms like they did embraces, and they were happy. 

They dedicated time to getting to know what they were without an audience and without really realizing it, they had become a secret. A badly kept one, but a secret none-the-less. They existed in the peripherals, their life together a separate entity from their lives as seen by the rest of the world. 

From the outskirts they became TK and Carlos and as time went on, there was less and less space between their bodies, their names, and their hearts. 

And with each passing Tuesday, they grew closer. 

---------

Judd kept stealing glances at TK. 

They were in the waiting room of the hospital, and TK had spent every moment since they sat down anxiously bouncing his leg while he fiddled with the necklace he always wore. 

“Hey, it’s gonna be okay.” 

“You don’t know that Judd.”

His voice was strained and quiet, so unlike the TK Judd was used to. He followed his gaze to the door the nurse had informed them the doctor would be coming through to give TK an update. That was nearly 10 minutes ago and TK’s eyes hadn’t left the door once. 

Judd had so many questions but wasn’t sure how to broach the topic. How do you ask your friend about a spouse you didn’t know they had when they are full of fear of losing them? 

He was saved the trouble of trying when TK spoke beside him, “I know what you’re thinking, just go ahead and ask.” 

His voice was resigned and Judd felt bad for even thinking about the question, but he did need to know. 

“You have a husband. Is it...someone we know?” 

TK pulled his glance away from the door long enough to glance at Judd. After a moment, he nodded: “Carlos.” 

“How long?” 

“Not long.” 

“Are you…” he began, but trailed off. He wasn’t sure what to ask. He had been leaning towards “happy,” but that seemed wrong in this context.  He didn’t know what the right thing to say was;  he had no idea how to approach this situation. He wished Grace was here. She was so much better at this kind of stuff.

They were quiet again until TK spoke, “I love him Judd.” 

The admission was made quietly, TK’s voice low and sad. Judd turned to look at him and TK met his eyes as he continued, “I need him in my life. I don’t know what I’d do without him. I can’t lose him, Judd.” 

Judd swallowed as he studied TK’s expression. It was full of a familiar fear; one that he had felt anytime he thought about the mere idea of losing Grace. He reached out a hand and gave TK’s shoulder a comforting squeeze. He knew better to promise that it would be alright — they had no way of knowing that. Instead he settled on a truth he knew. 

“You’ll get through this,” he told TK firmly, “and you won’t be alone.” 

--------

Time passed and they began to learn the mysteries of each other past the physical. Before TK knew just the spot to kiss to make Carlos moan each and every time, now he could tell you the name of his childhood dog and that when he was 5, he had wanted to be an astronaut. 

Carlos still knew all the ways to make TK melt under his touch but now he also knew how TK had pushed himself in the fire academy so he could feel worthy of the legacy of being the legendary Owen Strand’s son. Their secrets emerged from the shadows into open hearts, more and more revealing themselves with each passing day.

Stolen hours became endless evenings and frantic hookups became languid movie nights. Time passed and they began to feel at home with each other. Soon it became normal for TK to show up at Carlos’s home at the end of his shift as it slowly became more of a home to him. But, then again, the person who lived there was starting to feel an awful lot like home too. 

Their connection was generally known; they weren’t trying to sneak around. But while seeing them dancing at the bar or grabbing lunch at a food truck became more and more commonplace, the depth of their relationship was still a secret from most —including them, for a time. Michelle likely knew, Paul surely suspected; but the fact that they were falling more and more in love each passing day was a surprise to even them. 

It was TK who said it first; in a casual moment without a second thought. Carlos nearly tripped over his own feet when he heard it, but it had been like a dam breaking and soon it became commonplace, almost like breathing for them both. 

Time went on and their love grew. Time went on and they grew together —learning each other's edges and finding out where they fit. They were a puzzle, slowly coming together until the right piece was found. From there, it was a quick solve before the final picture revealed itself. 

And what a picture it was, Carlos thought to himself as he lay in his bed, watching TK sleeping soundly beside him. There were times he had to stop himself from reaching out to touch him, to make sure he was real. Sleep didn’t come easily to the other man and once it was found it was easily lost, so Carlos refrained, allowing his gaze to do the work for him. After everything he could scarcely believe they were here, after everything he couldn’t believe that they had found each other.  

These were his favorite nights, he decided. The ones where he got to fall asleep to the sight of TK beside him, the nights he was lulled to sleep by the sound of his breathing. He knew he wanted more nights like this — really, he wanted every night to be like this. 

But it was too soon for that, so for now he would savor the nights they had.

[continue reading on ao3]

[detectivereyes]

12, 17, 23? 🥰

-Elise 🌸

thanks love 💗

12. Were there moments that left you heartbroken? ↳ try, the whole episode?? 😅 i mean there were so many.. i think when judd was in his friend’s mom’s house and he just kind of stumbles into the table with all the photos of cal on there, and like his face as he figures it out is just ugh like you can tell he’s confused at first but as soon as he puts the pieces together.. my heart broke. and then cut to him driving to the spot where he died??? @ lone star why are you like this?? another very small moment that got me was when judd called the prayer hotline and found out that grace didn’t volunteer there anymore.. like i mean it was only heartbreak for a second, but just imagining what judd must have felt like in that moment, thinking he would never hear grace’s voice again fuckkk. i also really teared up when grace was telling him to go, but judd was just like “not without you” - man would rather die with grace than live without her and how am i not supposed to cry at that. okay i could keep going but i think three is enough lmao.

17. Favorite character dynamics? ↳ besides the obvious judd and grace, i really loved seeing judd and tommy! well actually, all the relationships between judd, grace, tommy, and charles. that bro moment between judd and charles in the kitchen?? ahhh and when tommy announced she was pregnant and judd just pushes himself away from the table and can’t contain his happiness as he gives her a hug!!! what a great group and i hope we can continue to see more of the friendships within these two couples!!

23. Your episode rating? ↳ i think i have to give it a 10/10... the writing was phenomenal, the story was engaging, it highlighted judd and grace so well, and we still got to see the rest of the characters but didn’t place too much focus where it didn’t belong (..) well done tonya kong and wolfe coleman!

post episode ask game 👀

[lonestarpost]

Episode Recap: S03E01 “The Big Chill”

A detailed recap of “The Big Chill.” There are obviously many spoilers within this recap.

The first episode of season three, “The Big Chill,” begins in May. Owen attends a disciplinary hearing regarding the consequences for hitting Billy Tyson after Billy shuttered the 126 “over a personal grudge.” Billy insists that the budget is responsible for the closure of the firehouse. Owen asks to audit the books so the 126 can stay open, but he reports to the team that he is suspended and must permanently remain in their temporary posts. The 126 is doomed for demolition. The team is optimistic, and Owen says that they won’t give up “until Hell freezes over.” Cut to January, snow covering the ground.

A couple, Carol and Joe, drive in the snow, and they swerve off course. They are okay, and it becomes clear that they are rescuing turtles. While looking for the turtle, they see a boy under the ice. His eyes open under the ice.

The paramedics are now working for a private company called Paragon for Jaque, who is obsessed with the bottom line and is dissatisfied with Tommy’s avoidance of drugs during the call. Jaque wants her to upsell controlled substances because the company’s goal is “Providing Elite Care and Quality Comfort” (or making money…).

Nancy proposes the 126 have a hang and reveals that Carlos is going, and we learn that Carlos and T.K. have broken up. Nancy doesn’t want to take sides. Tommy comes back with snickerdoodles from a client, and Nancy desperately wants to get out of the “capitalist cesspool.”

Judd has been up all night getting ready for the baby’s nursery and painting the walls. He is bothered by the upcoming destruction of the 126. Marjan tries to call Judd about the demolition, but he won’t answer. Marjan, meanwhile, has established that she has frequently been protesting the destruction of the 126. On this day, she handcuffs herself to the firehouse and live streams using her Fire Foxx Instagram. Snow begins to fall, so they cannot go through with the demolition.

Carlos rolls up and arrests Marjan just like he arrested Michelle in season 1. Marjan has done several things to sabotage the demolition, and Carlos tells her about “accepting the reality of the situation, brutal as it is,” and about how she should know when to move on. Marjan calls it giving up. She also asks Carlos if he’s talking about the 126 or T.K. with a knowing tone.

Owen has gone to the Hill Country with Buttercup, and he meets a woman named Sadie who lives in a cabin nearby. He’s trying to figure himself out. Sadie warns about the snow coming.

Some guys are being foolish. One is recording while the other is being pulled on skies on the back of a car. Of course, they end up in an accident, and the skiing guy’s head (Brody) goes through some ice. The paramedics arrive. They can’t remove the ice completely, but they have to cut it. The captain of the 129 puts his best man on the job and has Mateo cut the ice. As they’re parting, there’s a moment between Nancy and Mateo, a long stare after saying, “Good to see you.”

Marjan is bailed out of jail by Billy Tyson, who shows her an apology that Owen could have signed to get reinstated. Billy also asks Marjan to ask Judd to call him.

The paramedics are driving to the best trauma center in Texas, but Brody’s carotid perforated. They pulled over and made a shield out of snow to pack the wound. They stabilize Brody.

Grace is at the call center, very pregnant, and she takes a call about a break-in at Pike’s Furniture Store, and Carlos takes the call. Inside, there’s a veteran who uses a wheelchair (Major Garrett) and his friend (Sargent Vincent Thompson), who has gone inside the store for shelter from the cold.

Marjan comes into work and is angry that Judd didn’t take her call. She tells Judd and Paul that the 126 is still standing. She refuses to give up. She shows them why Owen couldn’t be reinstated and is upset that he couldn’t get over his pride and sign the required apology. Judd is still angry at Billy. Neither Judd nor Paul are that upset that Owen did not sign the apology, but Marjan is. She storms off and says she’s “taking a snow day.”

Carlos takes the veteran to a shelter at a church, and he leaves them with a young volunteer, Lindsey Roberts.

Judd and Grace talk. Grace is concerned about Marjan driving up to see Owen in the bad weather. They talk about Owen hitting Billy. Judd inquires about “his girls.” Judd is concerned that Grace is drinking chamomile tea because she drinks it when she’s sick; she says the call center is just out of Earl Gray. Grace and Judd’s call breaks up.

Marjan gets to Owen’s cabin and greets Owen and Buttercup. She confronts Owen about him giving up as he makes twig espresso. She’s upset when he doesn’t seem to care about what’s happening with the 126 even though she thinks the snow is a sign from the universe. Owen’s decided he doesn’t want to fight. He’s “tired of playing the hero.” He tells Marjan he’s given into reality. Marjan storms out of the cabin.

Major Garrett was a prisoner of war, so the closed space upsets him, but it is not safe outside. Just as Carlos is talking to the veteran about how he is lucky to have a roof over his head, the rood starts to cave in. Carlos makes sure Major Garrett gets out.

The paramedics are cleaning up after the nearly decapitated dude, and Nancy starts to inquire about what happened with Carlos and T.K. T.K. won’t say what happened. She loves them together, and “the mystery is killing” her. T.K. avoids the issue.

The firefighters get to the collapsed gym of Providence Pasture Church, which is on fire. They’ve accounted for all the twenty-five people in there, but there’s nowhere to take them, but they end up taking them to the furniture store. The paramedics arrive at the store for triage, and Carlos and T.K. are forced to interact awkwardly. As he’s talking, Carlos realizes that the volunteer, Lindsey, is not accounted for because she was the one keeping track of who was there, and she didn’t include herself.

The building has become iced over from the water used to stop the fire. Judd compares it to Frozen because he’s been watching it because he has a daughter on the way. They realize the girl is missing and know that going in could cause a secondary collapse. The team starts to plan to make entry, and they speak to Lindsey’s parents, who plea for the 122 firefighters (Judd, Paul, Marjan is absent) and the 129 (Mateo) to save the girl. Carlos takes the parents to his car for warmth.

They look for Lindsey and ask for her to bang on something if she can hear them. They hear banding, but the building starts to fall more as the team nears, the situation increasingly precarious, and the chances of saving the girl are looking increasingly bleak.

Owen is walking buttercup, who starts to run off. Buttercup finds a man on the ground, barely responsive.

Marjan is driving in the snow, and she loses control of the car and drives off the road.

End of episode.

[padfootprongslet]

911 + 911 Lonestar Unpopular Opinions

Give an unpopular opinion and I’ll rank them accordingly with my thoughts: Strong Disagree | Slightly Disagree | Disagree | Neutral | Agree | Slightly Agree | Strongly Agree

[lire-casander]

I would have missed this if you hadn’t tagged me, honey! Thank you very much @lonestarbabe for the rec, I feel so so grateful! I mostly write angst, and it’s always good to see someone appreciating it.

Thanks @aewriting for tagging me! And for your kind words! Your stories always brighten my days even if I don’t get to tell you every time.

You all should go read those stories. I’ve read everything that’s posted under the 911 Lone Star tag on Ao3 (or almost everything) and I can tell you: they’re all amazing!

What are your favourite Lone Star fanfics?

Okay… so I’m bad at bookmarking, but I’m going to do my best to compile some of my faves. Most of them are probably a bit dark, but there’s some more lighthearted stuff too. I’ve honestly probably wiped some good ones from my memory because they hurt too much… hahah.

Keep reading

[riggerbison]

3x05 vs 3x18 for @lonestarbabe & @pragmatic-optimist

[lonestardaily]

Here at Lone Star Daily, our mission is not only to provide you with content but also to help our fellow creators get exposure. We are happy to announce that now, this will also include our writing friends. Each week we will provide you with a decent (not comprehensive) list of the fanfics that have been posted for the week. The week will run from Friday - Thursday, as that way it does give us an opportunity to put the list together. There’s no requirement to tag us as we will check the tags #911 lone star fic and #911lsfic while also combing through ao3. We currently are only going to post new fics, not updates. You can check out this week’s fics below the cut.

Please feel free to give this post a boost to give our writers a chance to receive some love for the work they do for the fandom as well.

(if your fic is not tagged with a tumblr, it’s because we couldn’t find one - feel free to send us a message and we’ll be happy to add one)

TARLOS FICS

Blanket Hog by @lonestarbabe

↳  (TK x Carlos | Domestic Fluff | T | 1753)

T.K.'s got a tendency to be very cold ever since he got hypothermia. Good thing he's got a hot boyfriend to keep him warm.

A Mother’s Love is Unconditional by @sapphire11

↳ (Andrea x TK, TK x Carlos | Hurt/Comfort | G | 1498)

Andrea Reyes pays TK a visit with the intention of having a little "talk" with him. (Set during 3x04)

Down to Clown by @chaotictarlos

↳  (TK x Carlos | Missing Scene | E | 1651)

TK makes it up to Carlos for bringing home a lizard.

Spilt Cocoa by @alidravana

↳  (TK x Carlos | Emotional Hurt/Comfort | T | 1640)

TK ate the last of the marshmallows that Carlos was saving for his hot chocolate.  Which normally wouldn't have been a big deal, but after a long shift, misplaced marshmallows was Carlos' breaking point.

Marshmallow Thieves by @isastrxnd

↳  (TK x Carlos | Future Family Fic | G | 751)

A future fic where Tk and Carlos spend time with their daughter on a snowy day.

Strand’s Home for Wandering Strays by @mooshkat

↳  (TK x Carlos, Judd x Grace | Domestic Fluff | G | 4344)

Lou was just the beginning of TK bringing home the strays that he rescues.     

I Need You Here Tonight (And Always) by falloutmars

↳  (TK x Carlos | Spec fic | T | 6686)

Season 3 finale speculation fic. Carlos is trapped.

One Jump Ahead by  Deathskidhufflepuff

↳  (TK x Carlos | Kid Fic | G | 1630)

TK meets a kid he never would have thought twice about before.

Pretty Face (Pretty Boyfriend, Too) by @iboatedhere

↳  (TK x Carlos | POV Outsider | T | 7047)

5 moments of jealousy + 1 moment of envy.

The Warmth We Make by @sapphire11

↳  (TK x Carlos | Domestic Fluff | T | 1599)

A nice cup of hot chocolate is just what TK knows Carlos needs to unwind after a hard day at work. Too bad TK forgot he ate the last of the marshmallows and "hot chocolate without marshmallows is a travesty." as his boyfriend has reminded him every time they have it.

Do Not Say it Crawled! by @velvet-ink

↳  (TK x Carlos | Coda | T | 1015)

Carlos has trouble going to bed knowing that Lou is roaming free.            

Something to Cling To by TheWeatherOutside

↳  (TK x Carlos | Emotional Hurt/Comfort | T | 3119)

When the call came in about a police car that had been involved in a crash, TK didn't think anything of it. Not until he saw the broken body of his boyfriend.  

breathe by ilikeyougreenie

↳  (TK x Carlos | Hurt/Comfort | T | 4858)

5 times tk told carlos to breathe, + 1 time carlos told tk to

miscommunication at first sight by novakskline

↳  (TK x Carlos | Coffee Shop AU  | G | 6632)

"Carlos Reyes that was pitiful, you didn't even get his name!" Grace said amusedly, shaking her head at her best friend.

"It would've been weird to ask for his name, he was just ordering a drink! He only knows mine because of the name badge." Carlos defended, crossing his arms across his chest.

"What happened to the smooth and confident Carlos that is always charming the customers?" Grace asked with a raised eyebrow.

"He saw a hot guy sweating in workout clothes." Carlos groaned and picked his hot chocolate back up.

Marshmellow Mayhem by @noxsoulmate

↳  (TK x Carlos | Roomate AU/E2L | E | 6307)

Living with a roommate isn’t always easy. Especially not when their name is TK Strand and it seems their goal is to annoy you to death. The theft of his last marshmallows is the final straw for Carlos – and might just turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to him.

126 FICS

Lunch with Lou by @doublel27

↳  (TK x 126, TK x Lou | Missing Scene | G | 1457)

TK brings Lou into the firehouse after he's been cleared and the rest of the 126 has comments.

the other side of a cloudless day by @marwani-strickland

↳  (TK x Carlos, Judd x Grace, Mateo x Nancy, Paul x Marjan, Tommy x Owen | Spec Fic | T | 5852)

a bright, cloudless morning and a building collapse.

CHARACTER FICS / OTHER PAIRINGS

As it Was by @moviegeek03

↳  (Owen, Owen x Robert, Owen x TK | Hurt/Comfort | G | 4752)

Owen has always been good at separating things. Before and afters. All separate. Even his brother. Well, brothers. That was why Owen hadn’t talked about Robert yet. Why TK didn’t know everything. Yet. He planned to tell him. He did. When the time was right. He had no way of knowing a ceiling would come down on him and TK on a call, forcing all the things in his life to suddenly come together. In every way. No longer separate.

Some Risks are Worth It by @ramblingdisaster73

↳  (Nancy x Mateo, Nancy x TK, Mateo x Paul x Marjan | Spec Fic | T | 4416)

Nancy goes to TK & Carlos while Mateo goes to Marjan and Paul for help, but they are both keeping secrets from their friends. Too bad their friends are lovingly nosy, and how long do secrets really last at the 126?

Namesake by megas217

↳  (Owen x TK | Coda | T | 729)

Owen tells TK about his younger brother who TK’s named after.

Who’s the Best Cupcake Decorator? by @breannacasey

↳  (Grace x Tommy | Friendship Fic  | G | 899)

As Tommy and Grace prepare for the twins' birthday party, their competitive side decides to come out.

Coffee Date by @marwani-strickland

↳  (Nancy x Mateo | Coda | T | 1337)

nancy and mateo go out for coffee - post 3x14

you and me, hibiscus tea by @marwani-strickland

↳  (Paul x Marjan | Coda | T | 1695)

after a rough shift, marjan and paul go over to his house for tea. - post 3x14

Austin Alone by @boasamishipper & @lilalbatross

↳  (Owen x Billy | AU FWB2L | E | 4548)

After the reopening of the 126, Billy and Owen give being friends with benefits a try. Inconvenient feelings ensue. / Season 3 AU, Owen-centric.

[reyeslonestar]

I posted 2,190 times in 2022

389 posts created (18%)

1,801 posts reblogged (82%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@reyesstrand

@marjansmarwani

@jddryder

@morganaspendragonss

@lonestarbabe

I tagged 2,089 of my posts in 2022

Only 5% of my posts had no tags

#gifs - 1,040 posts

#tk strand - 856 posts

#carlos reyes - 844 posts

#tk x carlos - 641 posts

#911 lone star spoilers - 424 posts

#edit - 279 posts

#parallels - 234 posts

#judd ryder - 185 posts

#grace ryder - 168 posts

#marjan marwani - 155 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#but these shows are generally aimed at new audiences - like if i wasnt on tumblr i wouldnt know about jake but id still think there was so

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

the thing that gets me about the ep is tk’s justification when gwyn says he needs help - his defence that he’s never missed a shift, or been late, or done anything to compromise his job. that even when he was addicted to heroin, he had enough strength to get himself to every shift, to stay lucid enough to be on time. how much did that job mean to him, did being in Owen’s firehouse mean to him, that he fought to ensure he never ever let himself fuck that up, against the pull of fucking heroin? like. fucking hell that is intense.

192 notes - Posted March 1, 2022

#4

TK & Carlos, 911 Lone Star 2.12

268 notes - Posted January 20, 2022

#3

Welcome Home, TK

Carlos Reyes & TK Strand, 911 Lone Star 3.04

340 notes - Posted February 4, 2022

#2

TK & Carlos, 911 Lone Star 2.12

376 notes - Posted January 17, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

she’s everything

Layla El-Faouly, Moon Night Episode 4

695 notes - Posted April 22, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[reyesstrand]

i can’t wrap my head around the fact that another year has passed, but here we are, i guess!! this is very cliche, i know, but i just want to express my sincere love for all of you wonderful people who have truly been bright lights in a pretty chaotic year—whether our interactions have been big or small i truly cherish you all and what you bring to my dash <3 to the lone star house: you all offer such a welcoming and safe and warm space that i am honoured to be a part of. to my friends i spend hours chatting with on here, thank you for being you <3 also i’m so sorry if i forget anyone, but know i love you all

i wish you all the best in 2022!!! happy new year!!

@911dawnstar @911buttercup @aanathemaa @actuallysara @alkaysani @alwaysablossom @bellakitse @breannacasey @buckleys-diaz @carlosreyess @crockettmarcel @delitefullychaotic @djdangerlove @graceryders @howtosingit @iboatedhere @immortalbuckley @jamieetartt @jddryder @jorginhosfrello @kiras-sunshine @lire-casander @lonestarbabe @marjansmarwani @meloingly @meilisjessie @morganaspendragonss @moviegeek03 @pragmaticoptimist34 @rafael-silva @reyeslonestar @safeashousespdf @sanderdriesen @simplykelc @spiders-mans @strandnreyes @strandtk @sunshinestrand @terramous @tkstrandreyes @trkstrnd @wndasmaximoffs

[happilylovingchaos]

Music and Fic Monday for @lonestar-s5countdown

Sorry I’m late-ish! I’ll give a combination of recommendations for music and fanfics today (which is almost over where I am). And wow, there’s a lot involving TK (I’m getting concerned about how much he and Carlos get whumped, I don’t really care if it’s just me 😰).

([Re-])Surfacing Dive for Beginnings and Ends:

Beyond a lot of the stories written by @carlos-in-glasses, @paperstorm and @lemonlyman-dotcom that I think are also beautiful character studies of the Lone Star characters may not get explored enough (and in some cases even exploring parts of the characters that get most focus in-show), I wanted to give a few shout-outs to other, older one-shots/ full-length stories.

Lonely eyes, you don’t have to be alone tonight by @wwasted: A coda that takes place in between the bar scene and the end of 1x03. It’s very cute w/o dragging out too much of either man’s angst, which I liked.

The elephant in the juice bar by @taralaurel: Where Tarlos begins for real after 1x10, and TK tries and fails to keep a metaphor steady as he decides to take a chance.

Getting better by @lonestarbabe, Pigeonsplotinsecrecy: This fic really plays with the meaning of the words “begin” and “end”, especially with a mental health recovery arc and especially with TK. It’s not for everyone, but it describes how relatable, tedious, solitary and multicolored the process can be.

Rosa mundi by fiddlersgreen: A one-shot where TK, Owen, and Carlos make it to New York without incident and properly mourn for Gwyn… and it’s quite a spiritual experience.

You were the greatest thing by hoodieweather: TK is mournful after the events of season 2 as he goes to visit Gwyn and Jonah, but re-learns something important about life. Takes place in the breakup era. Before the ice storm? Actually def before the ice storm.

First aid by @heartstringsduet: I like to call this the gritty version of “Tarlos Begins”, only both characters have more fragile coping methods of surviving life in New York City. When those methods gradually fall apart and threaten to completely implode their lives, they have to face their respective truths and learn how to live— both with the people around them, the real versions of each other, and with themselves.

Not really bridal style by paperyowl: Tarlos begins again immediately post-3x04— with some relationship negotiating required. The author really nailed Tarlos’ voices for their first fic in the 9-1-1: LS fandom!

Haunted by the ghost of you by @strandnreyes: A sad and hopeful combination of 3x04 and 3x08, where Tarlos begins again with an unexpected end.

I’m not mean enough to fully recommend hurt no comfort Tarlos fics, or hurt no comfort fics in general (and I’m still less than a year into using Tumblr anyway), so for a definitive “end” fic in that category, I may direct you to MissPudim’s works where the issues with the whole Iris arc is addressed and Tarlos handles it Extremely Badly. Or this fic called Gone where… it’s… okay, hell. They still handle it bad, it’s still kind of an end and it’s a bittersweet end, albeit in an AU. And another one by bythebry, Ain’t got no tears left to cry.

Where all this love comes from by @carlos-in-glasses: I think I’m not the first one to recommend this story but I think it counts as a general “begins” for both TK and Carlos (mainly for Carlos, though). And I’m listening to Postmodern Jukebox while trying to re-recommend it… if you’re curious, I put one of their cover songs on the bottom of this post. Needless to say, I loved this fic!

TK (Begins):

Jewish for Himself by 7ate9: I felt a sense of completion to read a fic that goes into TK’s POV about how the religion Gwyn wanted to raise him under is, in a word, complicated (as hell). Yes, just as much as his career and gay identity. For that, I’m thankful to the author! (And not just because so many opportunities for TK’s Jewish rep was wasted…)

TK begins by writedontfight: Exactly what the title says, with a plausible and saddeningly real scar of loss in TK’s life.

Numb and Thirty days by come2gusu: TK begins again, and good GOD I’M SAD ABOUT 3x08 AGAIN nooOOOOOooO….

Carlos (Begins):

Duality of a day by @marjansmarwani: I loved this exploration of how double-edged the wedding day would feel for Carlos— the beginning of a new chapter in his life with TK, and the punch-to-the-face end of Gabriel’s own life (spoiler alert).

to build a home by @freneticfloetry: This story was the first “Carlos Begins” story I’d read. I thought I wouldn’t like the canon divergence that happens at the end, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Dancing, happy, seen by @endlesstwanted: Carlos’ POV as he falls in love at first sight with TK.

Silver lining’s gold and shining by @paperstorm: “Carlos begins”, with a little help from Iris. For me, it also parallels “Chimney Begins”.

I fell for you like a child (oh but the fire went wild) by ellay_gee: Told in a 5+1 format about Carlos’ experiences with love. It was so cute!

Tender eyes that shine by @alrightbuckaroo: Much like “to build a home”, this fic exuded “Carlos begins” energy with more focus on how the Reyes’ “identity” shaped Carlos, and him focusing on unlearning the emotional repression that comes with that ideal.

Music Recs for @tellmegoodbye:

If the Lone Star music team uses this cover of AC/DC my country-music side would be tickled. Just thought that a down-South version of a rock song would be a cool bookend to the pop collab “Old Town Road.”

Postmodern Jukebox is one of my favorite cover bands, and they’ve made a lot of songs I’ve heard of really appealing for me— retro takes on pop songs! This one cover of Oasis’ songs brought to mind another procedural spinoff, NCIS: New Orleans, for the jazz funeral feel added to apparently hotly-debated interpretations of the lyrics (I only just looked on Reddit, so…). But considering what’s happening, hearing the song in the context of Lone Star breaks and warms my heart.

[tkstrandsource]

hi, slightly stange ask but also an oportunity to gush about friends and mutuals... Do you have any 911/911ls blog recs? 🙈 I found your blog and let me tell you, it's an absolute blessing, heaven skjgsfkg but I need more content, I need my dash to overflow with content lol

Hey! So here are just a few blogs we recommend

@veryprecisehans @bucktaylors @carlosreyes @sunshinestrand @evanbuckleys @strandtk @strandnreyes @stations911 @rafael-silva @rafaelsilva @ronenrubinsteinsource @ronenrubinstein @eddiediazdaily @eddiediaz @madneyfiles @madsbuckley @graceryders @tylerposey @stevenrogered @hennwilson @buttercupstrand @starlightbuck @reyesstrand @911dawnstar @jddryder @lonestarbabe @lonestardaily @911verse @911ladies @911desis @maxbegone @straands @typicaltk @everybodybutbuddie @judsonryder @judsonryders @roseapothecary @perfectsilence22

[sunshineacd]

Let's spread some love: tag your favorite people/bloggers and let them know how appreciated they are 💗

Anon, thank you for this, spreading love to my favourite people is my favourite thing to do! ☀️

| @jamieetartt | @firefighterreyes | @marjansmarwani | @buckleys-diaz | @rafael-silva | @reyesstrand | @morganaspendragonss | @pinkpaeonias | @pragmaticoptimist34 | @eg515 | @eddiesdiaz | @terramous | @breannacasey | @actuallysara | @sneetchestoo | @noppakaos | @iggyfromes | @carlosreyess | @moviegeek03 | @trkstrnd | @howtosingit | @bellakitse | @evanbuckleys | @reyeslonestar | @firefighterbuckleydiaz | @iboatedhere | @ronenrubinstein | @herodiaz | @lonestarbabe | @jaameskirk | @ediediaz | @lire-casander | @strandtk | @911buttercup | @rafaelsilva | @ironmanbobby | @grayson-dick | @mtnofgrace |

I feel like I’m forgetting someone but! I have nothing but good things to say about each one of these people, they make my dash so bright and fun and the experience here would be nothing without them. They are all such blessings and I’m glad that I get to either be friends with them or just simply be in their presence. Thank you for being so wonderful and you are so appreciated. 💛💛

[lonestarpost]

Reaching, There is Nothing Left - @officereyes - Review

“Reaching, There is Nothing Left,” is one of the most unique works inspired by this week’s episode, 2100°. It is tragic and bittersweet, but it is well worth the read. Recurringly, fics have focused on the perspectives of characters like T.K. and Carlos, and each of these works have their own merit, but this work’s commitment to showing Tim’s point of view on the day of his death is fresh and imaginative. It is a nice character study on Tim and some of the thoughts that he was having throughout that day, and it becomes increasingly heartbreaking as it continues. It is less than one thousand words, so it is a read that you can get through quickly but the emotions that it evokes will last long after the final word has been read.

The fic uses lines that Tim used throughout the episode to solidify the mental processes that he was going through across the span of the day. It starts with a promise that no one is going to die on that day, and the initial line, straight from Tim’s mouth, sets a foreboding tone that follows the reader as Tim acknowledges his error and tries to manage the emotions that he is feeling about the situation. The words loop in his head, and you can tell that Tim is struggling against his own thoughts and the changes that have shifted the way his team works.

The story tells us more about Tim; it shows that he is passionate and that he likes being out in the field to save people and give them new chances at life. He likes to make them feel safe, which is why he decided to comfort the little boy with promises that he knew he couldn’t keep. He struggles with the line that Tommy throws at him about trying to make himself feel better, and he can’t help the bitterness he feels. He knows that Michelle was never the most complimentary, but Tommy Vega feels hostile to him. He listens to her because she is his boss. He knows that she’s competent so he trusts her to her job, but getting along with her isn’t so easy.

He misses the system that the team used to have. They knew what their roles were, and they didn’t have to work so hard to understand each other and to figure out what to do next. They could just sense how to work together because they had been doing it so long. Tim is having a hard time moving forward and that only complicates his job and his relationship with Tommy who still feels like an intruder of sorts who doesn’t understand how they normally do things.

It’s great how the author incorporates the hurt and sorrow that Tim feels because of Michelle leaving because he seemed to be the most bitter about his decision, and it makes sense that his bitterness is because the change of leadership has been especially hard for him to adapt to. Logically, he knows that Michelle was doing what she needed to do for himself. Nevertheless, there’s still that part of him that can’t help think, “What about us?” They had a good thing going for them, and now, Tim feels like he’s got to start over to try to figure out how to do his job well. He’s out of his element, and even if they don’t acknowledge it, that’s the same feeling that Tommy has. There are many parallels between them. These parallels cause them to clash, and it causes much of their friction because while they could get along, they don’t know each other that well yet.

The final stretch of this work is the most painful and the most profound because it deals with the idea of going home. It details how Tim had plans to go back and see his family. It talks about his yearning to go home and seeing his childhood room again. Texas was never supposed to be his home, but somehow, he ended up there, and before he knows it, the ability to go back home has been taken from him. The last line is a heavy blow and the story ends with the startling but wonderful words, “He was ready to go home,” as tome takes his final breath.

This story has so many strong insights into what Tim must have been feeling on his last day, and it does a wonderful job of humanizing him and showing his perspective, which is so much more complex than the show could show. Viewers didn’t get to learn much about Tim during the show, so it is a breath of fresh air that this fic tries to fill in some of the gaps and focus on Tim’s mentality and perspective of the tragic events.

[futures-tense]

So today marks 1 year since this blog happened and honestly I can't imagine a better group of people to obsess over these shows with. You all have been so amazing. The support that I've received on my fics has been overwhelming and the friendships I've made here have meant more to me than anything.

So in honor of my little 1 year anniversary, why don't we have some fun, hm?

✨Send me a ship+one sentence and I'll add onto it

💜Give me a title for one of my fics and I'll tell you about the behind the scenes from it

💐l'll tell you about my favorite creation of yours

👀make me choose between literally anything

🙃talk to me about literally anything

Or you can send me a prompt from here or here and I'll write a fic just for you

I do, of course, want to give a shout out to some people who have been truly incredibly since I joined this fandom so we'll do that under the cut

@a-l-ias @marjansmarwani @paranoidbean @prettyboyandthekid @ravens-words @a-beautiful-struggle-of-life @aliceschuyler @reyeslonestar @tailoredshirt @whatohitsonfirewelp @lire-casander @lesbianlonestar @graceryders @lonestarbabe @halsteadmarchs @911mybeloved