#people can speculate about cheating buck

[bidisasterevankinard]

Tommy becomes regular and when show ends with bucktommy canon we have one of the last episodes as Tommy Begins where he was looking for family and love and had hard way to admit he's queer and then episode ends with him proposing to Buck

You see my vision, right?

[buckera]

everyone can ship whatever and however they want, it's all fiction and just simply not real. so if someone wants to speculate and write fic about buddie getting together while Buck and Tommy are dating, fine.

that being said, I really wish people would stop expecting canon to go there. do you genuienly think that Oliver Stark — and even Tim Minear — would be down for a cheating arc at this stage of the show?

the same Oliver Stark, who is so deadset on doing an authentic job at giving positive and accurate representation for the queer comminity and bisexuals as a whole? do you really think that man would want another cheating arc for his character after he came out as bisexual? that he'd really wanna further the harmful stereotype that bi people cannot stay faithful?

more than that, do you really think that after all the work they put into Buck's realisation/coming out arc, they'll just throw Eddie in there with a drunken kiss and call it a day?

if that'd be the case, I'd be incredibly, incredibly disappointed in how easily they discarded their own work and principles about doing right by the community and all the years of groundwork they laid down for buddie as a whole.

luckily, no chance in hell that would actually happen, it just boggles my mind that people would want it to.

[james-spooky]

Eddie Diaz and the Phenomenon of Queer Representation

A post to organise my thoughts ahead of the rest of the season and to really get this off my chest! (Spoilers for 9-1-1) (It’s long and I will inevitably have more thoughts about things I failed to mention)

Within queer representation in media, there’s a certain expectation that audiences have been conditioned to accept, including the omission of any representation at all. This has led to many non-canon ships being popularised in fandoms in an attempt to obtain agency surrounding queer media. One of these such head canons is Eddie Diaz from 9-1-1 who is largely speculated to be gay. This is sort of an essay and sort of me rambling on.

Picking up in Season 8, Episode 1, Eddie’s been trying for three months so keep his shit together and try to stay in contact with his son in the wake of the whole emotionally-cheating-with-the-doppelgänger-of-your-deceased-wife situation. I think the birthday zoom was really the beginning of his breakdown. To keep all of this inside him it way too much for someone to handle. He is going to break at some point with the stress. Not only that but as others have pointed out, Helena and Ramon are not actively participating in the reconnection of their son and their grandchild. This ties into their long-term goal which has been present across multiple seasons to be Christopher’s sole caregivers, without any acknowledgment of Eddie. To me it looks like he’s been trying to put on a brave face for his kid and sort of suppress everything (as he always does) to try and be a better father. But you can’t be that person if you’re not taking care of yourself; not necessarily “putting yourself first”, not in a selfish way but genuinely having self-love and a certain assuredness, something which Eddie doesn’t appear to have pinned down. I can definitely see him being introspective this season and forced to deal with quite literally everything that’s ever happened to him and to actually process that and who he really is. Ergo, realising his sexuality.

Tim said that the episode six thing was one of his favourite moments in the show, is actively excited for us to see it, is the episode where the “reason for the moustache” is “explicitly stated”; genuinely what else could this be other than gay Eddie. I cannot think of a reason personally. Other than “religion” which I don’t is a path they’d go down; I cannot come up with another reason for why they’re being so vague about it.

This is exactly the same thought process I went through pre-s7. I wrote down all my thoughts and analysis on those articles and Buck’s arc, coming to the conclusion that there could be no other outcome other than Buck being bisexual. Before s7 there were lots of articles about Buck and they all had that same sort of strange wording surrounding his storylines that season. E.G: “a season of self-discovery for Buck”, describing him getting off that “hamster wheel” of failed relationships. Whether or not you believe that he has achieved that is beside the point; the point is that, the vague quality to them which alluded his storyline going in a particular direction is happening yet again. Ryan has the exact same thing happening now, if not more with the majority of the season’s promo being his moustache. This is pattern recognition if I’ve ever seen it. Truly, due to the sheer amount of promo and interviews there have been, in my mind I don’t see another reason for why this would be, other than Eddie having a large and pivotal storyline this season.

It’s not just “about buddie”. When people pin down a character’s sexuality to purely the ship they’re in, it annoys me because it’s genuinely about the storyline and Eddies character arc. Yes, these headcanons have stemmed from the ship and obviously if they were to go down this route, the ship would most likely be a by-product of this discovery, but it’s not the priority. It may be an end goal, but what about the journey? It’s more than ship wars or trying to one up each other. For me personally, it would be so beneficial to his character to go in this direction. Not even just for his character but for the show and representation in general. What other show on a major network would have a character who’s been on the show for multiple seasons, had relationships with women, a wife, a child, religious traumas, PTSD, grief, catholic guilt and then having a gay awakening in their eighth season? None. How many have had strong platonic male relationships? A lot. Honestly, I don’t interact with those people who whittle down Eddie having a queer realisation or the possibility of Buddie being canon as “erasing platonic male friendships”. I simply don’t buy into that and my reaction towards those people who use that argument is just “Point me towards a show where (the written above happens)” and you can’t. Because it hasn’t happened. Not only that but queer ships in mainstream shows are notorious for “queer-baiting” and not “going canon”. I could name numerous shows where this has happened all to the dismay of a large percentage of the audience. In my experience in fandoms with popular queer ships, (majority mainstream shows with non-explicitly queer characters) I cannot think of a single time where they have been confirmed in canon. To me, this would be a huge step in the right direction for queer media as a whole. Of course, we cannot deny the massive impact that Buck being canonically bisexual last season has had and I commend ABC, the writers and Tim for bringing that to our screens. It was so heartfelt and truly amazing to watch. However, in terms of fandom and popular ships, it’s a little different. I’m in no way disregarding bi Buck, but rather exploring the impact that having a popular queer ship becoming canon would have on other media and the audience in general.

As queer audiences, we are so often let down with the directions that tv shows and film take in regard to their queer-coded characters. It’s become normalised to expect disappointment over seeing a popular pairing actually become “canon” within the text itself.

I’m aware that queer-baiting is definitely different than simply having queer-coded characters, however the two often come hand in hand. There is a misconception, in my opinion that “going woke is going broke”. I think that yes, having queer elements or characters in media definitely effect the reception and reaction, especially online from the general audience. This has happened time and time again and because the negative reaction is so loud, it drowns out any of the positive ones, forcing media companies to pull back in fear of losing money or audience. They want to be seen as “impartial” as a large percentage of audiences are bigoted but by removing any conversation surrounding queer representation in media, it immediately becomes biased and panders towards the people who shout the loudest. Queer people know all too well that on social media, it can be hard to avoid the rampant bigoted views that are shared so violently towards marginalised communities. Companies are so fearful of the backlash towards queer characters, that they won’t even have them at all, regardless of whether it would be classified as “good” or “positive” representation.

In my experience with fandoms with popular queer ships, when the show is still airing there’s this sense of hope that we cling to that it might “turn out different this time” and the character or characters might actually end up canonically queer or together. And every time, it ends the same. And even if they are confirmed queer, the “bury your gays” trope swoops in before it can truly be explored. As a collective, we tend to self-deprecate in order to deal with it but it’s actually quite a damaging thing. It reinforces the idea that queer characters and storylines are not of merit or valued in mainstream media. This turns into a vicious cycle of queer-coded characters staying queer-coded and never becoming canon as that’s how far the media company producing the show is willing to go. They are not willing to take it a step further and explicitly show queer characters having agency and a place in media as this will result in backlash. Additionally, even when we are given queer characters, a lot of the time there is a lack of depth or exploration of their queerness, almost as if it doesn’t exist. For example, Loki’s genderfluidity and bisexuality is canon and confirmed but a large amount of people who were invested in this, were disappointed to see it not having any effect on his storylines at all due to Marvel as a distribution company whose audience, or rather, targeted audience is largely cisgender, straight men. Therefore, queer audiences typically already have an expectation going into a show with a queer ship; it will most likely never happen. I’ve seen first-hand people who actively don’t partake in these shows in order to avoid being disappointed and it hurts me to think that queer people have obtained this way of thinking in regard to media. That we know it’s not going to happen so we either avoid it or watch it with the miniscule hope that something will happen. And even if it does, the show will most likely get cancelled after the first season in the name of “watch hours”, (despite how dedicated or prevalent the fandom may be, dead boy detectives, IANOWT, first kill etc.) once again solidifying the belief that queer characters or stories are not worth the time, money or value that heterosexual ones are. This causes queer media to have a lack of funding and marketing, essentially dooming them to crash and burn. It’s like building a house made of paper and then blaming the weather on its destruction.

So no, I don’t believe that “going woke is going broke” as I have personally indulged in many shows and films due to the sheer prospect that there might be a queer character or couple. Too many times, I’ve binged several seasons of a show (in an alarmingly short amount of time I may add) purely because there is a popular ship/one of the characters might be queer – emphasis on might. It is due to the fear of these media companies that queer shows and film are immediately disadvantaged straight out the gate. However, I do see there has been a change. Obviously, there are many popular queer shows that have been given chances such as Heartstopper and Interview With The Vampire. To me, this clearly shows that queer storylines and characters, showing diversity and marginalised communities does bring audiences and value (as we ourselves know) and it’s purely the skewed bigotry which overtakes the reception and influences the production of media.

Additionally, when bi Buck went canon, the sheer disbelief of queer audiences that it happened at all, to me showed the standards that we’re used to. We’re so used to not having that, that when it does happen, we’re actively surprised by it. Obviously, 9-1-1 in particular has showcased many queer characters before and continues to do so, however this was different as Buck was a previously established character for six seasons and so to have a sexuality arc for someone later in life was definitely a huge moment for bisexual representation in television.

For Eddie, if Tim is doing this storyline, he is right in the approach he’s taken. I’ve talked before about how they weren’t sure whether it was going to be Buck or Eddie having this queer storyline in Season 7… To me that’s basically confirmation of queer Eddie, right? Well, not necessarily “confirmation” but the fact that he was even considered at all for this storyline solidifies his queer-coding to me and that we aren’t all “delusional” for recognising it. I’ve said before but it makes so much sense for Buck to essentially “go first” by having him realise he’s bi and come out in S7 because it was a very different way of doing it, as you would have with Eddie. Buck is very sure of himself as a person and for him it’s something that was always there, but he never realised it and he’s quick to accept it! There’s no tortured Buck struggling with his sexuality (unless of course you count the basketball scene) it’s relatively smooth in the sense that he’s not having a breakdown over it; it’s just his relationship that’s rocky and provides those hurdles. This was refreshing to see as it can often be an expectation that the queer character in the show is negatively affected by their queerness. However, with Eddie, it wouldn’t make sense for him to have that arc in season 7 itself. Partly because it had 10 episodes which would not do it enough justice, and because Eddie already had a lot to unpack. For instance, his whole season 7 storyline was surrounding his deceased wife which was just the start of his journey. Even many seasons later, he is still grappling with the effects of his grief on him and Christopher. Everything is much deeply rooted in him, as is everything in his backstory.

His whole begins episode and all of the backstory we see of him, is him trying to be someone he’s not/who he thinks he should be. He was trying to be a big brother turned parent for his sisters when his parents wouldn’t. He’s trying to be a good father at nineteen, he’s trying to conform to the hegemonic standard of masculinity by marrying Shannon (pressured by the church as she got pregnant young) he enlists because he’s trying to provide for his family even though he doesn’t realise that it’s actually hurting them instead, he’s trying to keep custody of Chris from his parents who only see Chris as a “do-over” for Eddie. Eddie trying his best and get a job to provide for his son. Him doing anything his can for Chris. Shannon coming back, dating her again for Chris - despite the fact that Shannon wanted a divorce (and then died). Eddie dating Chris’ teacher who he loves but Eddie doesn’t. Again, for Chris. He’s always doing things for other people. His parents, Chris, his partners, but never for himself. We’ve seen him spiral before into his fighting arc; that was something he did for himself in a sense, but it was only because he didn’t know how to properly regulate all the pain and grief he was feeling! He’s a single father trying so hard to be the very best he can for everyone around him, to live up to “what it means to be a man” pushing down any emotionally vulnerability until he inevitably snaps. The church, his catholic guilt! This affects him in numerous ways - religious wiring quite literally effects the ways you think about everything and internalise the things that happen to you. Kim was something he did for himself, but it still tied to everything else and his grief. Because of all this, no wonder you wouldn’t be able to fit his gay awakening into a 10-episode season… Eddie requires more time and thought behind what he’s going to have to face and process by himself. For the first time, he is truly alone with his thoughts and is faced with who he is. Outside of his parents, outside of Chris, Shannon, the army, the church, the 118, he is discovering who he truly is, not what anyone else or any institution expects him to be. And this is why, it’s gonna take a lot out of him and is a much different storyline to the one that Buck went through.

Everyone’s sexuality realisation/coming out is different and I really can’t imagine Eddie going through the arc that Buck went through so I think it was a good decision to go with Buck for Season 7. Eddie has so much more to deconstruct and process in order to accept or even just realise his attraction to men, however that plays into his relationship with Buck. And even more so, his lack of attraction to women.

Honourable mention of “I’m broken. I’m broken and I can’t fix it,” being said in his conversation with Kim which is a heavily queer coded statement, as this is a concept that is frequent in the queer community of thinking you’re broken due to your identity. I’d genuinely be surprised if this is not the direction they’re going as there’s so many moments like this with Eddie across the seasons (cough dating feeling like a performance cough) especially this one, which just stand out and heavily resonate with queer audiences. I’d say if they don’t, it’s a huge missed opportunity and character assassination to be honest. I care so deeply about Eddie and he’s such a complex character, it annoyingly makes me mad when people undermine him or pin him down to one thing as if multiple things can’t be true at the same time. I know he’s a fictional character and in reality, it’s not that deep but when people undermine his queer-coding or deny it, it feels like denying a whole group of people’s experiences akin to his.

So, the “emotional reason” behind the moustache in my mind, would definitely link to the idea that Eddie has clung possibly extra hard to his perceived idea of what masculinity is to him/what it’s expected to be. Yes, the style of moustache is engrained in queer culture, but I think that it’s more so an accessory which he’s using to overcompensate for his queerness, (consciously or not). I’m relating this to one of my favourite queer films, Maurice, as in that movie facial hair, specifically moustaches play a significant role in displaying the characters attitudes towards their queerness without explicitly saying them. Maurice and Clive both go through phases of having a moustache, with Maurice first when he is in a period of reluctance towards his sexuality. He’s the more accepting of the two, so it doesn’t last long. However, as Maurice moves out of this phase and begs Clive to stay with him and be together, Clive transitions into that position and denies Maurice’s claims that they could be happy somewhere together. He clings to the traditional ideals of marriage and heterosexuality, as is the norm in 1910’s England, trying to bring an end to the whole affair. Later, when Clive announces he’s engaged to be wed to a woman, he has a moustache and continues to have this moustache for the rest of the film, showing how he’s never going to accept himself for who he is, and is using this to conceal his emotions. The moustache here, represents hiding your true self and repressing your desires, acting as a “mask”. This to me, is very reminiscent of how Eddie appears with his moustache, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they ended up with the same metaphorical reasoning.

In the first episode (the only episode that’s currently out), we saw that Gerrard approves of his moustache, himself being the typical masculine archetype that Eddie may believe himself to be or believes that he should be. Not that Eddie wants to be like Gerrard; of course not, he’s a bigot. It’s that portrayal of masculinity which ties into how he was brought up, and the ideals of the catholic church surrounding gender roles and sexuality. I thought this direct comparison was interesting between them as Eddie is definitely doing this for approval if not from others, but from himself that “this is who he is” when in reality it’s not. In my interpretation, the fact that they’ve specifically mentioned episode six as when he shaves off the moustache and has this physical manifestation of his inner demons, screams to me a queer arc for Eddie. I think there is so much potential for his character and storyline, not just for the ship he’s involved in but for himself and everyone who sees themselves in Eddie.

In conclusion, I really hope they go down this route and if they don’t, once again, it will be a huge, missed opportunity and I wouldn’t be certain where they’d go with his character if not there. This was just a chance for me to get my thoughts out, ahead of the upcoming episodes and I really hope we get to see a positive outcome for his character, whatever route they take.

[buddiebeginz]

I keep seeing posts about how us Buddie fans are just being delusional. How we need to stop reading so much into what’s being said during interviews and oh also how it’s offensive to the current ship.

First of all let’s be clear here Buck is NOT in a relationship with Tommy. I feel like this is something you Buck/Tommy shippers are failing to grasp because I constantly see posts about how Buck shouldn’t cheat on Tommy. They have kissed once and been on 2ish dates they are not a couple yet. Being exclusive requires a conversation or at least some acknowledgment by the characters and we haven’t had that yet. They still barely know each other.

Second we have always theorized about Buddie when the characters were with other love interests. We did when Buck was with Taylor. We did when Eddie was with Ana. Is it somehow different now because Tommy is a guy? Is it different now because Buck and Tommy aren't straight? Or is it just because Buck is dating the guy you want him to be with now? I don't know there's just something very strange about how some of you are responding to Buddie/Buddie shippers with all of this.

What's even crazier to me is that so many of you who are all about Buck/Tommy now used to be Buddie shippers or still say you'll be happy if Buddie happens down the line. Yet you're still attacking Buddie and our meta and speculation because it threatens the current ship you want at the moment.

No one is saying that every one of our theories and speculation is 100% correct but we have always speculated on the show and the interviews this isn't something new people are doing. I feel like the response some you have is that we're somehow seeing/hearing only what we want to and or twisting the words of the actors/etc to fit some kind narrative we have about Buddie.

It's not like we're seeing interviews where Oliver, Lou, Tim, etc are saying Buck and Tommy are going to be together 4eva and then immediately twisting that to mean oh they must be lying Buddie is so obviously happening tomorrow. We're inferring what we think might happen based on spoilers and what the actors (and Tim) have said combined with what we hope might happen. We know not everything we think will happen will. We had a ton of theories on 7x04 and 7x05 (many of which turned out to not be true) and despite what some of you think we didn't all collectively lose our shit because they didn't come true.

You can dislike Buddie and us all you want and can disagree with us or our theories all you want but these posts talking about how we're just seeing what we want and setting ourselves up for disappointment come across as hypocritical (considering most of you used to be Buddie shippers) and patronizing. We don't need or want you to save us from our fandom experience. If we're disappointed by the storyline that's our business but right now we're having fun with where things in the show are and are going.

---

I also really don't like how some of you are trashing Buddie to prop up Buck/Tommy. Basically saying that because Buck and Eddie's feelings haven't been verbally confirmed on screen (like in an I'm in love with you kind of way) that we're making it into something it's not and it's not fair to Buck/Tommy because they are canon.

Buddie isn't in a romantic relationship at the moment but they have loved and supported one another and always been been more than friends since basically the beginning. Even Oliver just confirmed that Buck was attracted to Eddie from the first scene. And no attraction alone doesn't equal love but if you can look at the six seasons of history shared by these two characters and only see two bros being the bestest friends you really need to take some media literacy.

I feel like some of you don't understand that not every part of a fictional story is spelled out super literally nor should it be. We know how deep Buck and Eddie's love goes because we can infer that based on their scenes. On all the ways they are there for one another, on how they treat each other, on how their relationship differs from the other friendships on the show. On all the things they say and don't say to one another. A big reason we want to see them in a canon romantic relationship is because of how clear the show has already made it that these two men love each other.

As for Tommy even though I'm not a multishipper I get Tommy's significance in the storyline. I'm also more thankful than I can put into words that Oliver and the show have decided to do Buck's bi awakening storyline epecially considering I'm bi myself. Buck being bi and his journey is incredibly important all on it's own but Buddie being canon is equally as important not because we need to see these guys together but because of what they represent. We have never had a slow burn same sex love story like this and the way it would change media forever if Buddie were to be canon cannot be understated.

[allwormdiet]

Agitation 3.1

Got waylaid by work and brain weather, but we're back to it. Let's see how Taylor's life is going

Her routine has come up before, but it bears saying that I think Taylor's actual superpower might just be that she's a morning person who can hold herself to accomplish daily goals, like goddamn girl

The constant, casual cruelty that makes up so much of Taylor's history is equal parts saddening and infuriating. I'm sure we'll get an explanation for why the bullies do this to her, I think I've said as much in previous posts, but also as mentioned in previous posts I find it aggravating to endure.

...I don't know if this is quite the right place in my reading to speculate on it, but I'm not sure if Taylor even has a shot at university at this point, even setting aside the cape thing. The bullies are all in her year, which means they'd never be separated from her by graduation. Their constant sabotage and harassment would mean her grades are low, so even if she gets into a college with whatever GPA she can bodge together (and no extracurriculars to pad her application out), she's probably not going to earn any scholarships and money's already pretty tight for the Heberts. That means student loans, and probably shit rates considering the world they're in.

Maybe this is my bitter ass reflecting on how the greatest benefits I got out of going to college were completely incidental to the courses I took or the degree I earned, but... Taylor, I know college meant a lot to your mom, I just don't think that path is nearly as open to you as it used to be. I think it's fine to just learn a trade, and I think it's fine if the trade is armed robbery.

So you're telling me Taylor's self-image used to be worse? Jeeesus

I like that Brian knows how to blend into an environment as the situation calls for it. That speaks to a pretty keen observational ability, and also is maybe tied to his need to act more grown-up than he is. And now I'm sad again.

"I want" is cute, embarrassment is for suckers (I say, easily embarrassed)

I don't even like coffee, but a fifteen dollar coffee had better be the best coffee you've ever had, oh my god

And honestly that must have been weird for every member of the team, just suddenly having money not be a problem anymore. Taylor's holding out for now, although I suspect it won't be that way forever, and everyone else either wants or needs it bad enough for their own ends that I don't think they're gonna think about it too hard (except for Lisa, who has the full context and whose power is thinking too hard)

Taylor please don't undersell your injuries to your teammates, I don't like you doing it with your dad but I understand it. Here though? Come onnnnn

Yeah there we go

Violence is an easy language to understand. Cruel, obviously, and painful, but if Rachel is already struggling with other people's words and feelings (five bucks says she's autistic tbh) then getting the shit kicked out of her is probably a better sell on the new recruit than any pretty speech

...Ideally they move past that pretty quick so words can be used again

Also poor Rachel, for real. Ten years in the system and then whatever it was that triggered her powers, which is obviously never good. No wonder she came out the other end more willing to trust dogs than people.

Ugh, my heart

Is she showing off for the guy she's crushing on? That's adorable

Curious that the limits of her power seem to be based on complexity of the brain. I assume there has to be a brain at all or else she could just shoot germs at people, although that'd also be a little bit inefficient as a power unless she started getting into disease warfare and holy shit this would be a very different story if Taylor could give people smallpox

Gotta be a weird day for the crab though

Couple things here

Brian you're not even eighteen yet as far as I know, what the hell

Of course Lisa cheated, she's built to cheat, at that point I'm not sure it even counts as cheating

Knowing what I know about Alec, somehow I doubt he was ever in school to drop out in the first place

...on the flipside I'm a little surprised that Rachel never went during her time in the system, you'd figure that'd be a condition of her fostering but either the guardians didn't give a shit or she fought her way out of ever actually attending

Also, I know it's a matter of course that she'd have a key to the base, but it's sweet all the same

It's nice of Brian to make this offer, although I'm willing to bet it's because he's the only Undersider who would get up before 6 AM. It's also a pretty smart call to keep her up to date this way

Also very funny that Taylor is like "Oh I like Lisa just fine but she scares the shit out of me"

...Also also, for real, Lisa has to already know what's going on with Taylor right? There's no way Taylor's good enough at lying to bury that one.

Girl I'm dreading it and I'm just reading about it

This is just. So goddamn sad. And maddening, to boot.

Gee Taylor you sure to seem to spend a fair amount of time thinking about the comparative attractiveness of other women

Agonizing, though, for real. Wildbow has knocked every school scene out of the park and I hate it.

I wonder if Taylor's gonna even bother coming back to school at this point. First day she left mid lunch, second day she left right after lunch started, here she's splitting before first period. As much as she clings to this side of her life... I don't know if it's any healthier than full-time villainy.

Go blow off steam with your new friends Taylor

Current Thoughts

I actually don't have any real expectations for this arc going into it. Obviously Arc 1 is the start of... I mean kind of everything, and Arc 2 is made up of the immediate aftermath from those events. This one? I dunno. I was a little worried I'd have to deal with another chapter of Winslow, but it looks like Taylor decided she was sick of that shit

I like Brian, but I think mostly I'm worried for him? This is a lot of effort so far made to seem mature and normal, and I don't know if that's possible for a teenager who goes out to be a supervillain. It's admirable in a sense, but I'm worried about how fragile it leaves him.

I don't love that Rachel seems satisfied by an exchange of violence but that's more bc I don't want these kids beating the shit out of each other, not any kind of "this is bad actually" sense.

Other than that I'm mostly just curious what the rest of this arc looks like. Thank fuck it's not more high school.

Oh, yeah, I'm gonna try and read more at work today, I might take my screenshots then and see if they drive me up a wall, but even if so I'll just retake them when I get home. Fingers crossed work is slow enough for it.

[bucknerdycore]

Speculation spoilers 7x10

Tw: mentions of alcohol and cheating

So there are so many ideas about what could happen in the 7x10. This is a speculation of what could happen if Buck's apartment did catch fire while he was with Chris with the help of @ezvlli and @hisbucky)

Order:

Marisol and Eddie have a talk after what happened with Kim. They broke up and the camera focus on Chris listening to the talk from his bedroom.

Eddie leaves Chris in Buck's apartment because Chris asked so and goes to a bar where he orders a drink.

Eddie calling buck from the bar; sobbing about how bobby is alright now and everything is supposed to be fine but his two favourite people in the world still aren’t talking to him and buck says “call me back tomorrow. let’s talk, okay?” and Eddie starts drinking more. Shot in Buck's apartment which the camera goes down and you can see a stove or something similar burning and (by this I mean someone else is repeating bobby’s mistake)(@hisbucky idea)

Eddie is drunk so he doesn't notice the messages and calls that Buck is sending him. The camera focus on the phone.

The camera would focus on the glasses on the coffee table. We can barely see the fire. Then, the camera pan and we see the fire (@ezvlli idea)

Chris shouts "Buck!" and there are the credits.

[deadnatura11]

Stay with me now:

- the next few episodes are Bobby & Eddie-centric

- we know Amir is connected to Bobby through the apartment fire in Minnesota through him being IN the building at the time of the fire

- we can *speculate* Amir lost his wife from the 7x08 post-episode trailer

- Amir has not forgiven Bobby for the fire he caused, for scarring him, for costing him his wife (he is still STUCK and has not PROCESSED his GRIEF)

- Eddie is cheating on Marisol with a woman, Kim, who looks like his dead wife Shannon

- Eddie, famously, has not processed his grief over losing Shannon and is STUCK as well and cannot self-actualize (ie be the person he's truly meant to be) he's in arrested development

- Bobby, too, is STUCK (despite moving away from killing himself, despite the true blame being on the faulty wiring of the space heater, and despite opening himself up to friends and finding love and family again) because the Minnesota fire plot line has yet to be fully resolved

I think the spec that there's a fire in the finale, a major fire, is not far off. Everyone wants Buck's loft to burn down. Well, what if -

Amir comes close to killing Bobby with the knife (if that's even him in the promo) but never gets the chance. He escapes despite a very moving convincing monologue from Bobby about moving on about how he lost his family in the fire, too, and even OFFERING Bobby the chance to kill him to make up for his sins. Amir is not swayed from his decision to get revenge/"retribution" for Bobby's past sins.

So.

Sooo.

Soooooooooo.

Amir decides to recreate the Minnesota apartment fire. Where? In Buck's building, in Buck's loft. With Buck still inside. So, in Amir's mind, Bobby can feel the pain of knowing he's responsible for more people's deaths anew because "death is too good".

And of course the 118 respond to the call. Of COURSE.

And as they're evacuating people inside they realize Buck's not there and, who rushes inside? Eddie and Bobby.

And they're stopped by Amir who holds them all at gunpoint because he refuses to let them save him and save Buck.

Cue another monologue from Bobby, this time more meaningful because he has put in the work to actually believe the words he says, maybe by speaking to his brother, ESPECIALLY from talking with his wife. And his talk about letting go of the past and moving on, trying to be a better person for yourself and those who you leave behind is what matters, things like that not only affects Amir but Eddie, too.

This time it works and Amir let's Eddie carry Buck out of his loft.

That leaves Bobby and Amir. Amir tells him to leave but Bobby says he won't do that. His job is to rescue people.

And Bobby helps Amir out of the burning building. He's arrested, sure, but he can begin the healing process.

As can another person, Eddie. Who is by Buck's side the entire way to the hospital and, after Buck is treated, offers him the couch at his place for the time being. If he hasn't broken up with Marisol and/or Shannon, he does so because he recognizes he is in no place to date because he doesn't know a) who he is or b) what he wants.

And Bobby? I think this helps him finally close the book on his trauma from Minnesota.

[hamletshoeratio]

They actually did it. The sons of bitches actually did it. We got canon bi Buck!!!! I'm actually in tears. Do you know how rare it is to get representation like this? So often in media, it's the one type of queer love story or the one coming out story. We rarely get to see characters discover their sexuality in later life because the media we do get on coming out typically only portrays characters experiencing that as a teenager, despite the fact that it's not everyone's journey. B99's Rosa Diaz is the only character I could think of that canonically embraced her sexuality as an adult. Greys' Callie Torres too i think. After years of speculation, Buck has too, and we get to see him on this journey. Buck is now in or is entering his 30s, and is on a new journey of self-discovery as he embraces a part of himself he hadn't known about before. Fans get to rejoice because we were right; we always saw him. I've seen some people complain that buddie still isn't canon, and can I just ask; do they hate storytelling? Judging from Oliver's comments, if they do make it canon, they want to do it right, they want to tell a good love story that happens to be queer. Not to mention, Eddie is still with marisol; if Buck and Eddie had kissed in this episode, they'd be cheating, which would perpetuate outdated and harmful stereotypes about bi people. We have never properly gotten a will they won't they slow burn canon queer love story. It's why Destiel is called the last great American queer bait, it is the closest we've really come to getting one which is... yeah. Still hate their ending. I do think buddie will happen, but I also want it to happen in a satisfying way that will reward the fans. I trust abc far more than I trusted fox to do so, more than that I trust Oliver who has basically been in the trenches for years because he agreed with us.

[tommykinrd]

Serious question, no hate or anything but why are so many people convinced that Ryan and Oliver would love for buddie to happen? Because everything they said sounds quite like the opposite, especially from Ryan. He said the same thing since 2019, he wants to portray this vulnerable, close, platonic friendship/bromance without it turning romantic. He also said he doesn’t even see or play Eddie as gay. And Oliver also said he doesn’t even know if he would actually want it to happen. Which means he doesn’t even think about it actually happening. Sure they love the (non toxic) fans and their love for the characters but I really don’t think they’re dying for buddie to happen. They always say they’re open to it if that’s what Tim decides and if it doesn’t come off as fanservice. But they know exactly it could never be anything but fanservice if it happens. And even if they absolutely wouldn’t want it to happen, they couldn’t say it or else they get called homophobic. So what is it that makes people believe they want Buddie to be canon?

Okay so I'm gonna answer assuming this was sent in good faith, but I really don't like the putting of words in people's mouths and also this extremism re: :they never said that", "this will never happen", etc.

I can only speak for myself, not for anyone else in fandom and definitely not for Ryan or Oliver since I don't know these people personally and I can only assume that you don't either. And as much as we joke about them being unhinged and out of PR jail and whatever, we have to remember these people are professionals who have been in the industry a long time and know how to interact with journalists and press because it's their job. They're never going to outright confirm or deny anything, they can only speak to what material they're given in the moment. As of right now, buddie is a vulnerable, close, platonic friendship. Neither of them have any reason to suggest otherwise. Also please remember that they are actors, they don't write for the show, yes they can offer input into the storylines but they cannot definitively change the trajectory of the show. Sorry anon, but Ryan and Oliver saying that they don't know the future of buddie does not mean they "don't even think about it happening". You don't know what they think, I don't know what they think, so let's stop with these extreme assumptions.

Also "they're not dying for buddie to happen"? I never said that they were. I said that from everything I've seen, I can tell that Ryan and Oliver know their characters and love their characters better than anyone in this fandom ever could. And understanding and loving Eddie means knowing the full depth of how much he loves Buck, whether that be platonic or romantic or some secret third thing. Same goes for Buck. I think if it goes the romantic route, Ryan and Oliver would have a blast getting to explore and portray another aspect to the buddie dynamic. If it doesn't go there, I think they would still knock it out of the park with how they portray a very important relationship in these characters lives, and I think they would still have a blast with it, like they've been doing this whole time. But again, I don't know them and I could be wrong, I'm just going off of the bare minimum info I have.

As for "they know it could never be anything but fanservice", did they tell you that? I've seen time and time again how this show surpasses expectations, I for one did not want an Eddie cheating with Shannon's doppleganger arc when it was speculation, but the show surprised me with how much I liked the way they did it. Same goes for buddie, if you think it can only ever be fanservice, just give them a chance to maybe surprise you. Ryan and Oliver are gonna get shit on no matter what they say in interviews. If they talk about buddie too much and hint about it being romantic, they're going to get accused of queerbaiting. If they don't talk about buddie at all or keep emphasizing that buddie is platonic, they're going to be called homophobic. It's a lose lose situation.

And another thing? Interviews are not word of god. This fandom (and any fandom) needs to stop placing so much weight on them. They're a fun behind the scenes look into the conversations and decisions surrounding different scenes and storylines, but that's it. Personally, I don't care what Ryan or Oliver might feel about buddie. It's fun seeing them be supportive of it, sure, but they could outright say that it was never going to happen and I wouldn't care, because they're not the writers or showrunners, what they say in an interview has no impact on the show. A lot of people weren't there or have forgotten when Tim made comments about how much he loved Taylor Kelly and wanted to pursue more journalist storylines, or when he said Eddie would have no PTSD after the shooting. So even if Tim confirmed or denied buddie in an interview? It means nothing bc it didn't occur in the show. We'll all find out whether Ryan and Oliver wanted buddie to happen or not if/when it does happen, or when the show ends. Until then just stay along for the ride or hop off if you're not having a good time.

[canonicallyobserving911]

“I’m still in love with you but... I needed to learn how to love myself too!”

Fanonwriter2023 on AO3

Where CANON and FANON collide!

Season 7 FANON Speculation

Buddie Multi-Chapter Fanfic - Hiatus Reading

Chapter 4 is now available on AO3.

“I’m still in love with you but... I needed to learn how to love myself too!”

Currently 4 chapters completed: 82.3K words Rated: Mature

One chapter will be posted at a time.

___________ Here are two snippets from chapter 4 because Eddie’s in El Paso and Buck’s in L.A. ___________

Eddie’s offered a job with the EPFD

A few minutes later, Captain Franklin walks around their ladder truck and says, “Eddie Diaz, I’m so glad you decided to take me up on my offer”.

“No, no I’m just here as a courtesy.  You asked if I would come by and I’m here.”  Eddie replies as he keeps shaking his head no.

His response doesn’t seem to affect Captain Franklin because he’s still smiling. “Walk with me and I’ll give you a tour of the firehouse.

Fifteen minutes later, Eddie’s standing in Captain Franklin’s office and he’s not even sure why but he feels like he should at least hear what the captain has to say.

“Have a seat.”  Captain Franklin motions for him to sit in one of the chairs located in front of his desk.

“What do you think about this station?  It’s brand new… it’s only been opened for a couple of months.”

“It’s nice and it reminds me of the 118 because the floorplans are practically identical.”

Captain Franklin nods then says, “I was serious yesterday when I said there’s a spot for you here.  It’s yours if you want it.”

“But I haven’t even applied and it’s mine, just like that?”

“Just like that.  I saw all I needed to see yesterday.  You’re a hard worker and anyone who can handle a situation the way you did yesterday is more than qualified.  I’ve been doing this job for almost 20 years which means I’ll be retiring soon and I want to leave this firehouse in the hands of someone capable.”

__________

Buck argues with Taylor

“I—I uh, apologized for cheating on you and you said we were starting over so don’t blame that bullshit on me because you forgave me remember?”

“Yeah, I remember but I decided while I was sitting in my car with no place to go that you needed to be taught a lesson.”

“A lesson… what the actual fuck, Taylor?  You’re not in a position to teach anyone anything with your unethical ass.  You rushed the Jonah story, you made both the 118 and the LAFD look bad and now the public doesn’t trust us.”

A merciless laugh escapes her.  “Oh, spare me Buckley, please.  Can someone queue the violins for this act Evan Buckley is portraying?”

He huffs because this is ridiculous.  “It’s the truth but you don’t care about that do you? And since you brought up something that happened five years ago, why didn’t you mention how Bobby told you the public has to be able to trust us?  But you only remember the parts you deem worthy, right?  This is bullshit and you’re full of it.”

“Cry me a damn river.  That’s the story of your life, isn’t it?  It’s always about poor Buck the man who always thinks everyone’s out to get him.  The man who thinks no one likes him or better yet the man who believes everyone leaves him.”  She smiles brightly after those words leave her lips.

Buck pulls back because that hurt.  He told her those things about his insecurities in confidence but now she’s throwing them in his face.

“Well… at least people like me!  And I have friends but you steamroll everyone you meet.  It’s no wonder you didn’t have anywhere to go when you walked out on me.  Where are your friends, Taylor?  Oh, that’s right you don’t have any with your mean ass.  So back the hell up off me.”

___________

Fic Summary: Months after Buck and Eddie were hit by the same lightning strike; they’re still struggling with the aftermath of it.  But before they make their love confessions, they’ll spend time getting to know themselves as individuals first. Eddie learns to enjoy the simple things in life as he participates in activities on his own and with new friends while Buck learns the rest of the 31-year-old deep dark family secret about his conception and birth. Their journey to forever is still a work in progress but once they finally admit they’re in love with each other, everything that follows their love confessions will be cataclysmic.

__________

Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1 - Eddie makes a new friend while Buck receives devastating news regarding the sperm donation he made for Connor and Kameron.

Chapter 2 - Buck does a lot of research to learn more about the abnormalities found in his red blood cells and Eddie starts a new therapy journey that’s all about him and not the traumas he’s experienced.

Chapter 3 - After more than a month, Buck and Eddie finally spend time together outside of work but it doesn’t end well and they part with a lot of uncertainty regarding their places in each other’s lives.

Chapter 4 - Eddie has a few realizations about his life which causes him to consider moving back to El Paso, TX while Buck continues to be reminded of his past which causes him to take an impromptu road trip across America.

__________

Read chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4 are available on AO3.

Continue reading on AO3

[vaamiel]

Okay wait one more post on 911 before I actually get some work done today:

Thinking about Ryan's interviews and the stills we've seen of people on set, I wonder if, at the end of the season, it's not Christopher who 'leaves', but Eddie. Talking about being more alone/without a support network, the vibe to me is not just emotional distance, but physical distance.

Like, that's crazy right? But if he's legitimately priming for a mental breakdown of colossal proportion (which he's GOTTA be at this point), and combined with whatever secret abuela is keeping AND Eddie's parents showing up, I wonder if they'll convince him to go back to Texas for a while to receive mental health treatment/do something with abuela.

BUT THEN what if Chris is pissed at his dad for cheating or the Shannon look-alike thing or something, so he stays with Buck? I mean he's his legal guardian if something happens (LIKE A MENTAL BREAKDOWN) and you KNOW Buck and Chris aren't going to be very impressed with Eddie once all this shit comes out...

So Eddie is really, actually alone, gets to have a reset and can come back and heal/make amends with his family a couple episodes in to season 8???

Obviously we have no real info about the final episodes/S8 so all this is WILD speculation, but I think it would be neat and a cool parallel! Like closing a loop!

[outrunningthedark]

"If Tim is “no longer involved” with OG, there’s less of a chance his influence can fuck things up for the fandom."

Me, to whoever unironically believing that: Kristen Reidel and Buck's cheating/sperm donor drama hello? Anyone?

She's picked as the co-showrunner because Tim likes her brand of drama the most. Why haven't people realized that? Is being a "911 writers' stan" cloud the judgment so much?

I don't think it's about "stanning" a show runner as much as it is wanting or trying to promote the belief that their choices have a purpose that matches the fandom's, especially when a lot of the activity in this space comes from people who write fics and paragraphs worth of analysis and speculation. If Tim was still dividing his time between both shows or there was no spinoff, you wouldn't see the "good riddance" reaction going around since s4 of LS started. They'd *have* to put their faith in him because there would be no backup plan. This is evident in the "defense" of the two story lines you mentioned. Buck cheating was (from a fandom POV) supposed to spell the downfall of BT. It did not. It was also supposed to be an indication of Buck's "regression" and inevitable breakdown. It was neither of those things. Mainly because Eddie's breakdown followed immediately after and Buck had to be on his best behavior to care for Chris/offer Eddie emotional support. Now that the arc is closed, nobody brings it up because it added nothing to his story. BT broke up because TayKay's work got in the way, giving people the excuse to harp on about terrible they were together or she was as a person. (We were never supposed to like her for him or them together. Maaaaybe if the fandom wasn't celebrating her #charactergrowth in s4 and pushing the idea that she would stay on as a platonic friend, the trajectory of the relationship could have gone differently, but alas. They were duped.)

With the sperm donor arc, the initial thought process (my preferred outcome, obv) was that Buck wouldn't actually go through with it because he'd realize he isn't built for not being a constant presence in his bio kid's life. And for the bloggers who think they know everything, it doesn't make sense if canon!Buddie isn't the outcome. (A lot less likely now that the spotlight is on another couple. Can't have social media talking about Buddie and Buddie only.) Making a rash decision, but then having the universe "scream" via failed donor attempts or having Buck speak to someone from his family about the mistake he'd be making and then he realizes he shouldn't do it, would have been a good story, absolutely. Stop doing things for other people, Buck! Do them for you! Because you understand your worth now! But here we are months later and: - His attempt at helping make a baby was successful, and proven successful in the 6A finale, meaning we're nowhere near the end. - The show runner was already talking about the impending birth in her s5 post-mortem interviews. Unless it turns out that Connor was able to impregnate his wife (still rooting for this no matter how unlikely, especially when the reaction could have changed what was meant to happen down the line) there's gonna be a kid, and it will be biologically Buck's. IMO, the people who will still "applaud" the story line if it turns out Buck has a kid out there somewhere are the ones who want to see him with his "own family" because Chris isn't actually his. (Apparently "the family we chose" doesn't apply when there's an option for Big Man, Tiny Baby? Okay.) But to everyone else? RED FLAG. Kristen would not create a fictional child just to never bring it up again. It's easy drama. Also, the audience is going to know that Buck has someone else with his DNA. They are going to be thought of as "his kid", not Christopher, until canon says otherwise. It's a way to appease a certain part of the base in the event that Buddie goes canon because at least he got to have one of his own, right? And honestly, it works in the opposite scenario - Buddie remaining friends throughout - because TPTB have no way of knowing how long OG will run for or how long OS will stick around. If Buck gets a LI that's not Eddie, there may not be time for a pregnancy plot.

[timeclonemike]

Economics and Logistics

Coin of the Realm: The nation of Veck (and by extension the Barony of Barry) uses a currency colloquially referred to as a Buck, a silver disk roughly the diameter of the average thumbnail. The official name is the Royal Mark, but the nickname "buck" won out because one side prominently features a stag, that animal being a focal point in the royal family's coat of arms. The Hafton Princes also mint silver coinage with their own heraldic emblems, and that might have helped the "buck" terminology gain traction, to make it clear what nation's currency will be accepted at any given business. (The coins are similar in size and shape, and have been similarly devalued with other metals over time, so in practice they are used interchangeably throughout the archipelago.)

You Can Take That To The Bank: Carrying around a large bag of silver has numerous logistical problems when it comes to making large purchases, so of course there are various means by which different individuals and organizations get around it. Banks offer written checks (or cheques, as the empire on the mainland spells them for some reason) against the recorded balances of account holders, businesses establish records of credit and debit, and there are plenty of traders and merchants who speculate on physical goods that might fetch a better price than what they paid for them. All of this creates paper trails of one sort or another, which the Hero can use to try to figure out the Villains' plans - but the Villains can also do the same to keep track of the Hero and their Party. Buying cash is not that anonymous when every trader remembers the three dangerous looking people carrying fistfuls of silver. (Dexter points this out early on in his Mission Planning tutorial and also lampshades how hard it is for an individual to launder money compared to a larger organization.)

Can't Make Bricks Without Clay: In order to oppose the machinations of at least two aspiring dictators, the Hero and whoever they recruit will need more than just a sense of righteous indignation and catchy theme song. Party members will need food, medicine, equipment maintenance and upgrades, ammunition for various types of weapons, crafting components, and all manner of unusual context specific items needed for one quest or another. All of this runs into questions of money. Establishing and upgrading safehouses often requires an outlay of funds if the safehouse is not acquired through some sort of quest or mission, and any damage will need to be repaired as well. All of this means that saving the world can be a costly proposition, and some of the missions and side-quests the Hero will need to undertake will be purely for financial gain and stability; Party members without food, medical care, or a safe place to sleep can't fight as effectively, recover from injuries, or use their full range of skills.

New Money Versus Old Money: As part of their attempts to leverage control over occupied territory, both Silas Van Der Horne and Ben Waters start mandating the use of their own currency instruments and financial networks in any territory they manage to occupy. This means the only businesses in occupied territory that will still take bucks will be Pawn Shops, which do not have the same range of inventory. Complicating things further, traders from across the sea or the mainland will sometimes try to spend the money of their homeland rather than finding somebody who can do a currency exchange, and a few of those traders are either hamstrung by port regulations or paranoid about being cheated and will ONLY accept payment for their goods or services in the forms they recognize. (At least one quest requires Imperial Crowns from the Siderial Empire.)

[appleciderp]

As some of you guys may know, I'm obsessed with Soap having a journal. I recently just bought a collectors edition MW3 just for the Journal (It legit only cost me like 20 bucks + shipping because the box was damaged)

Here are some little tidbits I didn't see when I looked up the journal in the past! Under the cut, since I'm gonna ramble a lot.

It's a small notebook of ~14cmx9cm (~5.5"x3.5" for you Americans). I expected it to be a proper Moleskine-sized, not pocket. But I guess it makes more sense.

I've said it in the footnotes of my fic, but Soap has at least 4 pens he constantly uses. Black, Red, Blue, and Green. He also has a yellow pen, an orangy-brown pen, and a pencil that crops up occasionally. I also think there are 2 blues; a lighter and a darker. Boy's carrying around multiple pens. You can see for yourself on the PDFs, but I feel it's not talked about enough.

After the "They're smooth, Price has taste" there's a cardboard Cigar Band. It's a "Villa Carla" brand, which upon a quick google search, is fake. He either wanted to know the brand (which he could have quickly written down the name instead) or he likes keeping items like that as memories.

After the final plans, there are about 7 pages blank before the last quote (which is speculated to be written by Price) The first page immediately after the plan is ripped out. At first, I thought it was the previous owner (I just bought it second-hand, the journal is a bit crumpled; but I like it, it's a bit more realistic) but the ripped page is slightly thicker and slightly different in texture. Plus, why rip out a page?

I didn't want to put my speculations on it, but I fucking will. Soap wrote his "If I Die" letter. We know it's somebody else who wrote the last quote in the book, so why else would the "last page" that Soap wrote be ripped out if it wasn't something to give to somebody else. Because what would be the odds that Soap ripped out a random page and it ended up right after he wrote his last entry.

Much like Moleskin notebooks, there's a pouch in the back, this part made me happy. There are 5 items:

Russian newspaper clipping, two different areas are highlighted. One underlined in red pen with "Man of the People" written on it.

Another diagram of a fight, this time with a Range/Elevation Chart overlayed and some "Quick Dope Cheats"

A fake "Hotel Lustig" matchbook. Filled with images of matches and a textured strip on the back.

Finally two team photos, one for each MW game that came before.

So it's OBVIOUS he carries this journal around with him, but he keeps lil memento's in it as well.

The love and attention to detail make it one of the prettiest Collectors Edition items I've ever owned.

[megantrancyfanfics]

You never cared| Eddie Munson x reader Angst

Warning: Angst= not happy ending/sad, chrissy x Eddie, gender neutral reader, fluff ending with Steve

*I do not ship chrissy and Eddie this is just for the sake of the fanfic, don’t come at me. Thanks*

Enjoy🖤

~~~~~~~~~~

“Has anyone seen Eddie?” Dustin asked while you, Mike, and Gareth clean up the club room.

“Drug deal.” Gareth stated, throwing a can into the garbage bag.

“Oh? With who?” You chimed in sitting in eddie’s chair.

“Eddie is going to kill you if he finds out you sat in his “throne”.” Mike said with a laugh.

“He’s going to kill us when he finds out we’re making this place look less of a dump after the party the other day. Besides, I’ve sat in “worse” things since I’ve been with him.” You laughed which made the others shake their head.

“Ew. Anyway, with the most popular girl in school.” Gareth mockingly said as he pranced around, making everyone laugh.

“He’s with Chrissy again?! This is like the 3rd time this week!”

You sat there quietly. You couldn’t help but to get a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach.

“If they keep sneaking off the way that they are, rumors are going to start spreading that there’s something going on between the freak and Miss popular.” Mike said, making Dustin look at him, and then look at your zoned out figure.

“But..everyone knows y/n and Eddie are dating.” Dustin said looking at Mike, who shrugged

“That’s not gonna stop people from making rumors. Hell, I’m shocked Jason hasn’t been after Eddie yet. I’m sure people are starting to notice.”

“Y/n, has Eddie said anything about these meet ups after there finished?” You looked at Dustin and shook your head.

“No. Also, the money isn’t adding up with the prices and inventory that’s gone.”

“Well, everyone knows flattery can get you places.” Gareth mockingly said while already mimicking eddies movements.

“Yeah, but that flattery is only a percentage off. Last time I checked, we only had 20 bucks.”

“How much was left?” Mike asked sitting down on the ground.

“A little less than a quarter. We had around an ounce and a half before the day started. 20 bucks isn’t enough for all of that being gone.”

“Sounds like someone is getting freebies.” A voice said coming into the club room which made everyone look.

“Maybe he’s getting a little something something in return.” The voice said again with a laugh.

“Sup freak.” Gareth said tossing the trash bag towards the man. “Do us a favor and take this out before eds gets back from his day job.”

“Guys.” You muttered getting off the chair. “Do you guys mind if I go take a walk? I’ll take the trash out while I’m at it..”

“Sure, do what you need to.” Mike said watching you walk over slowly, grabbing the bag, your face emotionless.

“Y/n, are you ok?” Dustin asked softly as you opened the door. You looked back, and gave them a quick smile.

“Yeah, I’m fine! Don’t worry about me I’ll be back soon don’t start anything without me!”

“We can’t start anything until Munson shows up.” Gareth spoke.

“Do you all really think she’s ok?” Dustin asked slumping up against the wall.

“Probably not. How would you feel if someone is saying that their significant other is getting a little something something while sneaking off with miss cutie popular?” Mike said with a sigh.

“I’d feel awful. Especially if I already had speculations after seeing the income..it would make me feel like others know something I don’t. I should go for a walk too.” Dustin said heading for the door.

“Hey, Dustin!” Mike said standing up and looking at the man. “Don’t interfere with anything that happens. But if the worst happens, be there to comfort her, and bring her back.”

“Yeah. If Eddie does something stupid, we’ll rip him a new one.” Freak chimed in. With that, Dustin left, leaving an awkward silence between the 3 boys that was left.

“So..do you all honestly think Eddie would cheat on y/n?” Gareth mumbled, making the others shrug their shoulders.

“There’s a chance, but he’d be so dumb if he did.” Mike said looking at the ground.

~~~~~~~~~

It didn’t take long for you to find them inside the woods. Once they were in the line of sight, you hid behind a few trees far away from them.

“So, Cunningham, what do you want today?”

“I don’t know..” she said softly making Eddie sigh.

“Did you like the amount I gave you 2 days ago? Do you want more do you want less?”

‘Everyone was overreacting..even me this is just a normal deal.’ You thought until you heard the next conversation.

“Do you have anything..stronger?”

“Other than the stuff I gave you at my house the other day, no. Not right now.”

Your heart broke. ‘He brought her home? Is that why last Friday when the club decided to play out in the woods we couldn’t find Eddie and the cheer squad couldn’t find Chrissy? They were..together?’ You mentally slapped yourself. ‘Stop it y/n! Eddie wouldn’t cheat on you! Of course he doesn’t carry the heavier stuff with him! It’s understandable she was over I’m sure absolutely nothing happened other than a deal.’

“Listen. I don’t mean to mettle in your life but, if you’re this unhappy with Jason, why don’t you break up with him?”

“It’s not that simple Eddie he has a reputation to keep up..plus this year he’s trying to get scholarships me breaking up with him will make him more stressed out-”

“Chrissy!” He yells slamming his hands against the picnic table edge, his face and body only centimeters from hers. “It’s senior year. We’re only a few months away from graduation, you really think that douche bag is stressed out? To me he’s having the time of his life being on top of his fucked up world. He knows he already is getting scholarships, wouldn’t surprise me if he didn’t already have some and just isn’t telling you. He’s hanging out with his little posse, bullying freaks like me, and the cherry on top…is that he has a girl. A girl who is prioritizing him over herself. A girl that’s slowly killing herself by taking drugs, instead of just breaking up with his ass.”

The girl was silent, looking into his eyes as he continued.

“Is this really the life you wanted, Chrissy? Do you remember our first drug deal? You were so nervous. I could tell you didn’t want to get caught up in drugs, but you didn’t know of any other way to relax. But here I am: giving you another opportunity to not only feel relaxed, but to feel free. Dump his ass after the game. You’ll feel relaxed and free. After you do that, and you want somewhere to hangout, come to the club room. Well welcome you-”

He pauses, stepping away from Chrissy, and doing his famous extending of his arms he does while playing dnd with everyone before continuing. “You with open arms.”

She girl giggled and walked close to Eddie as he put his arms down, and stood there awkwardly as she stood in front of him. Her eyes never leaving his.

“Eddie. What if I just want to be in your arms?”

Eddie didn’t say a word. He didn’t move, it was like he was in a trance.

“Can I..kiss you?” She asked. Eddie didnt say a word, he only leaned down, until their lips met. Your heart shattered.

“Are you fucking serious?” A quiet voice spoke from behind you. You jumped and turned around.

“Dustin?? What the fuck are you doing here?!” You whisper yelled.

“I wanted to make sure you’re ok but then I got sucked into the drama. I never would have thought Eddie would do that. Fuck him. How are you feeling y/n?”

“I’m upset, I want to cry, I’m angry, I want to punch him, I want to kill both of them”

“I get that. I’m sorry y/n”

“I’m going to confront them-”

“No don’t. Wait until Friday.” Dustin said with a smirk.

“What are you planning?”

“You’ll see.”

“You scare me when you smirk like that.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For 2 days, you acted like nothing happened. For all Eddie knows: you were never in the woods that day, and you never saw him and Chrissy kiss. He never acted out of the ordinary either, which was scary.

It was game day, the club met up in the club room, and started playing. Mike was the one that made you all win that day. As everyone was celebrating, there was soft knocking at the door. You looked at the time, almost 9, the game should be over. Eddie quickly jumped out of his chair and went to the door.

“I did it.” A female voice rang through the room before Chrissy came into eyesight.

“Did you? Congratulations you’re a free girl.” He said as they hugged before he quickly pulled back.

You fought the urge to hide your disgusted face as your stomach filled with anger and disgust.

Dustin cleared his throat, catching everyone’s attention before he spoke.

“I want everyone to get their asses over here.” He emphasized on everyone. Eddie and Chrissy made their ways over to where everyone else was already standing. He looked everyone in the eyes as he grabbed the dice. “If I roll a natural 20…” he pauses for dramatic effect.

“Dustin, what are you-” Dustin put up his hand as a way to silence you before he spoke again.

“If I roll a natural 20, Eddie has to confess to kissing Chrissy 2 days ago in the woods.” He said staring at Eddie as he started to shake the dice in his hand.

You looked at Eddie who had nothing but fear in his eyes. He let out a nervous laugh as he walked behind Dustin.

“Y/n, I don’t know what he’s talking about I’d never do that, he’s just a silly kid.” Eddie said, emphasizing on silly kid as he placed his hands on dustin’s shoulders, and not so gently shaking him as Dustin rolled the dice.

Dustin was praying to everything he knew that he rolled a 20. He wanted to embarrass Eddie in front of everyone in hellfire, and make them all learn the truth about hurting one of his closest friends.

“Did you really cheat on y/n?” Mike said rather harshly which made Eddie let out another nervous laugh.

“I would never. This is all so ridiculous I-”

You let out a soft gasp, which made everyone except Dustin look at you before looking at the dice.

Dustin had rolled a natural 20. The whole room went silent. All eyes were on Eddie.

Dustin let out a soft confident chuckle before turning and walking towards you. Throwing his arm over your shoulder as the two of you looked at Eddie.

“We were in the woods watching you and saw everything go down.” Dustin said as he watched Eddie shake his head no.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t know what you two thought you saw, but nothing happened.”

“Dude dustin’s confessing that they watched you kiss Chrissy. Why even try to deny it now? You’re only digging yourself closer to hell.” Gareth spoke, his arms crossed on top of his chest.

“You’re a fucking bastard.” Mike said walking towards you, shortly after the others followed. They all started pushing you towards the door so they could all escape the now hellhole they used to call a getaway. You broke free from everyone’s grasp, and looked at Eddie who looked heartbroken, and remorseful.

“Oh don’t even look like a puppy that just got kicked. You know. You and that said puppy have a lot in common. You wouldn’t have gotten dumped, if you didn’t kiss her, and that puppy wouldn’t have gotten kicked for pissing in the house when it’s potty trained.”

“Y/n..I-”

“Shut up. I don’t want to hear it from you. How could you? After everything we’ve been through together. I was there for you before anyone else. Before hellfire, before Dustin or anyone else, it was me. I was the one that was by Eddie the freak munson’s side. Eddie I loved and cared for you so much I was willing to end my life for you if anything happened and we were in the upside down. Not anymore. I thought what we had was real and special to both of us. Yet you go and cheat on me with someone who doesn’t care if you’re here now and gone tomorrow? You cheat on me with someone who only likes you because you gave her good attention while her boyfriend treated her like shit? You cheat on me with someone you gave and did a dab with a few times? Eddie she will leave you for the next guy that flashes her a smile, gives her a cute wave, and cracks her a good joke. Yet, I didn’t know a dab connection was stronger than a relationship one.”

“Y/n I’m sorry I don’t like Chrissy, I was just caught up in the moment please y/n believe me I’m sorry. I love you and I care about you-”

“You never cared. I bet I wasn’t even a thought in your mind. Not before you kissed her, and I know damn well I wasn’t a thought in your mind afterwards. If you did you wouldn’t have kissed her. You would have pushed her away and told her about me. I bet you never even brought me up when you were around her. Goodbye, Eddie.”

“Y/n please..don’t go please!!”

Everyone ignored his pleas, and left. Mike and Dustin had their arms around your shoulders as all of you walked.

“You sounded really badass back there.” Mike said, trying to lighten up the mood.

“Even when your voice was cracking.” Dustin said which made you elbow him with a small smile on your face.

“Man, I just went through something painful, and your making fun of me?” You said with a giggle.

“You know I only do it because I love you. Platonically.” You roll your eyes and a few moments of silence goes by before you start talking again.

“So, where are we going exactly?”

“Family video.”

“The one Steve works at?”

“Hell yeah, he hooks us up with free movies.” Mike says with a laugh. “And because you just got your little heart broken, we’ll let you pick the movie tonight.”

“Aww, thank you guys.”

~~~~~~~

By the time you all got there, it was around 10:15. The little bell rang, telling the workers that customers have came in.

“Welcome to family video, we close in 20 minutes just to let you know.” Steve said with his back turned as he sorted through the returned videos that came from the drop box from the day.”

“Can it, harrington.” Dustin said, mockingly saying Steve’s last name which made Steve turn around with a smile on his face.

“Well well well if it isn’t Henderson. Shouldn’t you be at your little club thingy you do? Oh my god it’s y/n! Hey I haven’t seen you in forever, what’s up?”

You went to open your mouth, but Mike cut you off before you could say anything.

“Y/n just got their heart broke, so we’re here to let them pick out a move before we head to their place to watch it. We wanna be there for moral support.”

“Really? Sounds like you’re just trying to get a free movie and watch it.” Steve says with a laugh before looking at you. “So what movie would you like?” He says softly that makes you smile.

“Umm, how about Friday the 13th: Jason Lives”

“Oh shit for real?” He lets out a laugh, that makes everyone look at him confused.

“I really thought you’d say Valhalla, or the mouse detective or something childish like that. Give me a second and I’ll close up this hellhole, and go with you guys to wa- I-I mean help you all with moral support. I’m sorry that you’re going through a breakup y/n even though I don’t remember who you were with.”

“Eddie”

Steve laughed. “Are you serious? You’re heartbroken over Eddie? There’s way bigger fish in the sea I assure you. Now, everyone out besides y/n since they want the movie.”

Everyone did as they were told, and Steve watched before starting to stack all the DVD’s on the shelf.

“I really am sorry about the breakup. I know I didn’t sound like that earlier but I am. I’m sure I know more about a breakup than anyone in this town.” He says with a soft scoff/laugh. “There’s going to be good days and bad days, ya know? But you have a great friend group that’ll be there for you for those bad days. Eddie doesn’t know what he left.”

“Well, Eddie didn’t leave me..he kissed Chrissy.”

Steve stopped dead in his tracks and looked at you.

“Are you fucking serious?! He cheated on you with Chrissy Cunningham?! How does he even know her?!”

“It’s best not to tell how he knows her. I hate what’s happened but I don’t want to ruin her future.”

He nodded, then grabbed the new Jason movie from the “new release” section, handing it to you, then walked back to the front desk.

“So, how about we both forget about our breakups, and tomorrow we go get ice cream together?”

You turn to look at him, a small smirk on your face.

“Steve Harrington, are you asking me out on a date?”

He shrugged, with a smile on his face as he threw on his coat. “Depends on your answer.”

“You know, I had a feeling you had a crush on me. Especially after that big bonfire we all had together not too long ago and I kept seeing you stare at me.”

“Maybe I do have a crush, maybe I don’t. But I don’t want to rush into things, since we both recently got dumped. But a date here and there, and a little flirting never hurt anyone.”

“I’d love to go get ice cream tomorrow steve.”

“Perfect. Let’s get out of this hellhole while we still can. I’ve already been here for 9 hours I don’t wanna make it 10.” He says with a laugh grabbing the keys, before the two of you left and met up with the rest of the gang.

End

[notmrskennedy]

Noticed

Spencer Reid x GN!Reader

A/N - Howdy! Here’s another little something from my drafts. It’s a draft and a half again so be gentle with it. Also, I’m touch averse and I would be so happy to find someone I wasn’t upset with touching. But c’est la vie! I hope y’all enjoy!

Summary - The touch averse agent starts getting touchy....

W/C - 2.5k

Warnings - none I think, but lmk if there is something

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

If Morgan was being honest with himself, he thought you were dying. Or maybe ill. Or so feverish you’d abandoned every single principle you had. Because he’d been there that first day of yours, waltzing up from the coffee machine to see you nervously trailing behind Hotch. It was painful to watch, he remembers, so terribly nervous you’d envy the kid on one of his bad days.

He had smiled at you and stirred his coffee and remained optimistic that someone so obviously terrified would be a decent field agent. (You’d been decent and then some, especially in an interrogation room). There’d been one non-committal wave—distinctly reminiscent of a certain genius—and the first full sentence of, “I’m sorry, but I just don’t do the touching thing. Handshakes included.”

Every little touch plagues you. You’re six inches away at all times, lest someone accidentally bump into you or get the wrong idea that you might be willing to brush shoulders. There’s no friendly pats. No high fives. Certainly no hugs. Garcia is furious in her attempt to loosen you up—to no avail—but Morgan knows better than to push. Something makes you hate skin to skin contact and he’s not looking to share trauma stories with you. Not yet.

So this, Morgan thinks as he wanders into the bullpen while stirring his coffee, is a sign that you’ve lost your mind.

He watches as you carefully extend one palm to one Dr. Spencer Reid. Perched on the edge of his desk, you’re a regular fixture, just another cute figurine to add to the collection. It’s the end to some wild discussion he could hear in the kitchenette, full of flailing limbs and butchered sentences. Everyone always thought it was cute, if you stripped away how irritating it could be.

This is the point where you two are caught up in whatever moment you’re having, so much so that you extend an upturned palm between the two of you. Reid threads his hands through his hair, stunned at your peace offering. Or maybe an offering of something more than friendship. Morgan assumes its something more; not only because you have the softest grin he’s ever seen, but because your fingers are practically begging the kid to hold your hand.

Reid’s careful in how he asks his question—Morgan doesn’t know what it is, but he can just tell. The wide eyes. The scared contemplation. The are you sure parting the kid’s lips.

Grinning and blushing, you just wiggle your fingers. Murmur something that Morgan isn’t allowed to hear. Something only for Spencer. There’s surprise before he grips onto your hand, wriggling all ten combined fingers together. You giggle as you spin him around in his desk chair and get tangled up.

Dropped jaw and grinning, Morgan can’t believe you, so touch averse you, are willing engaging in such risky behaviour. There’s a weird few moments when he wants to remind both of you to wear protection in such endeavours.

And as he’s wondering if hands need condoms, the two of you let go and move on like nothing’s happened. You go back to punctuating your points with your flailing hands. Spencer goes back to distracting from his blush with paperwork.

Morgan goes to get more coffee, trying to stop imaging that you two were his kids, growing up without his consent. And maybe also the hand condoms.

#

It’s shortly after JJ’s wedding—about midnight as the cleaning crew are picking up the straggling drunks—both Hotch and Rossi notice. They’re leaned up against the bar, each smoking a cigar, watching a slightly tipsy you teach an awkwardly sober Spencer Reid how to swing dance.

It’s no secret that you and Reid get on like a house on fire, two nerds that couldn’t shut up about whatever weird ass shit was on your brains. Rossi never made much move to care. Hotch was too stressed to think about what the pair of you did off company time. Everyone, them included, imagined that what time you did spend together was three feet apart. In museums. Wherever. No one questioned what kind of weird nerd shit you did, especially stuff that they couldn’t really be bothered to care about.

Now, they’re forced to carefully consider the implications of how touchy you’re getting. With Reid.

He’s even more gangly and uncoordinated than normal, as Hotch and Rossi watch on, getting thrown around like a rag doll. It’s kind of adorable, Rossi thinks and shares a well meaning look with Hotch. The two of you would be cute and he’s hoping that you do get together. Rossi always knows about these things, even if Hotch is positive that you two are just friends. And as two professional gentlemen do, they made a bet.

Twenty bucks.

Your laugh—one that no one gets tired of hearing—echoes around Rossi’s whole yard, even into his house. Reid’s voice is about two octaves too high as you spin him around on his wobbly feet. You go from three feet apart to chest to chest and back again. Rossi remembers high school dances vaguely and Hotch absently thinks about Hayley’s old infatuation with Grease.

Rossi takes another long drag from his cigar, grateful for the indisputable proof that you two are shacking up. There is no way that two people so touch averse could be touching this much without prior exposure. The yard is a ruckus of both of your laughters, year after year of awkwardness falling off you both in sheets. They’re no denying you two shut in nerds are finally having some fun.

It’s warming both Hotch and Rossi’s hearts.

And their bet.

#

Penelope notices next. Who knew that such a simple interaction could leave her speechless? Stammering and stuttering over not even a full minute of insanity.

She didn’t know how she’d gotten sick, or what she’d come down with, but the only thing that was keeping her in her work chair was you. And the endless buckets of soup that you kept pouring down her throat. Without a case—thank god—for the last couple days, all that you’ve done is sit in the bat cave, keeping her and her soup warm.

It’s as you are finishing some corny ass joke that she thinks how sweet you are. How loving. Penelope’s love language has always been touch—she’s given too many hugs to count—but it’s taken her a minute to figure out yours. And as she stares into the chicken soup in her hands, she realises that it’s everything you do for her. Your love is literally palpable.

It’s in the bright keychains you bring back. Or the crazy pens. Or the way you always drive her home after drinking.

As she’s opening her mouth to tell you, tell you just how much she appreciates everything, when Reid pops his head in, whole body following. He’s got too much of a grin this early. But when he’s far enough into the room, he spreads his fingers out over your shoulder and squeezes. Says something about a case and you follow behind him with a wave of your hand at Penelope. Like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Like Penelope hasn’t been the one furiously trying to break you out of your shell. The predetermined first to get a hug in the office.

You’re still up and still waving and by the time she’s got her wits about her, she’s asking, “You let Reid touch you?”

The empty room and the closing door don’t answer.

#

JJ is nearly the last to find out. Well, your little touching relationship with Spencer has been the only topic of gossip between anyone for the last six weeks. They can’t believe they hadn’t picked up on the little bits of affection passed between the two of you.

Hand touches. Shoulder squeezes. Quick brushes. The mystical hug Morgan claims he once saw.

For the rest of the world, you and Spencer were nothing but friendly. Maybe even best friendly. To the team of highly trained profilers who had been friends with the pair of you for a combined 15 years, this was marriage material. This was you and Spencer screaming the pair of you had eloped.

You two crazy kids had to be together, but the team was left to sussing it out for themselves. Neither of you two would ever say anything, never give anything up. But surely, the three of them—using Penelope would be cheating of course—could figure out when you two had started up. Because you had to have. There was no way all of this was just friendly.

And it isn’t. That much is clear when JJ gets a phone call from you while she’s looking a crime scene over for what feels like the gazillionth time. Some un-sub with the usual cocktail of daddy issues, anger issues, and a healthy dose of narcissism.

It’s rare you call anyone without good reason. You aren’t the type to just chat—everyone has speculated you got enough of that from Spencer. And once JJ says hello, you start bawling.

You’re sobbing and JJ has no idea what to do.

“Y/n, y/n,” she tries, hoping you’ll calm down enough to breathe properly. “You have to tell me what’s wrong.”

“It’s—it’s Spencer,” you hiccup. JJ can hear you sniffling into your sleeves. Can hear the blinkers go as you change lanes. “He’s not answering—not answering his phone. And he said he’d—that he’d call, but he hasn’t. And JJ something’s wrong.”

By the way your breath hitches and your sobs crackle into the phone, JJ knows exactly how bad it has to be. Spencer, however, is supposed to be following up a lead with Emily. Some paint huffer in his mom’s garage—nothing more than a routine witness report. She almost can’t believe something would go wrong.

“What happened? Where are you?”

“JJ,” you sniffle before the flood gates open again, “I can just feel it. Something’s wrong.”

JJ’s mind scrambles. As much as you played it off, you had a sixth sense. Every time, every countable time, someone got hurt, you knew before it happened. You had a gut for these things and JJ didn’t want to think about how bad this was going to be. How bloody. So she scrambles for her car and doesn’t wait for the other detectives to figure it out.

JJ’s halfway to the witness’s house when you make it there yourself. You’re still on the phone, doing a horrible attempt at trying to keep each other calm. You’ve traded the sobs for hiccups, thankfully. JJ can hear you climbing the porch stairs. She’s taking corners at 65 miles an hour.

Nothing seems fast enough when JJ hears the phone clatter to the floor and the shout of “oh my god, Spencer!”

Nothing is fast enough when you’re sobbing out, “You can’t die on me like this.”

Nothing is fast enough when JJ quietly but distinctly hears, “I love you too much for you to fucking die, Spencer Reid.”

#

Spencer Reid always thinks he’s the last to find out. He’s blunt and oblivious and thinks too much to just see what’s in front of his face. He was so sure they had all seen how in love he was, just how desperately he was clinging to the hope they wouldn’t notice. If they didn’t notice, you wouldn’t. Not while wearing the same sort of blinders he wore.

But once everything had come out? He was positive everyone else had known. That he’d come into work one morning and there would be a cake engraved with the words, “Congrats on Shacking Up!”

It never happened. No cake. No lights. No surprises. No one seemed to know or notice or anything. Spencer and you went on like nothing had changed—it really hadn’t anyway. He liked to laugh when you told him the two of you had been practically dating since the first time he’d offered to take you to a Korean film festival.

Two years later and he’s become very aware of you. And also the ache. All of the very dull and consistent ache in his body. Another scar to add to the collection, he bitterly thinks, out of anaesthesia enough to know that he’s in a hospital. That he’s been hurt. That someone’s holding his hand.

It’s calloused and soft and just perfectly latched onto his. A hand he’d waited to hold for too long. One that he’d be holding for the rest of his life.

Attached to the hand is you, sleeping haphazardly between his bed and a plastic chair. Your fingers are tangled in his, head rested on the crook of your arm and the bed. There’s too much of you curled up in a chair. It’s one of his favourite bits about you, just how dedicated you could be. How you were always there when he woke up and always would be.

He smiles and chuckles despite the pain in his ribs. You wake with a start, one startled gasp followed by a shuddery exhale as you realise again where you are. That nothing’s changed. That everything’s changed.

Through lidded eyes, he watches your eyes light up, matching you grin for grin. He watches the anger flash across your face for not even a second, and he knows exactly how bad you want to murder him for scaring you so bad.

Instead, you press frantic kisses to the back of his knuckles, message fully received. You missed him. You’d been terrified. You’d cried so hard, he can still feel the salt on your lips.

“Spencer,” you breathe, giving his hand one more kiss for good measure and pressing his knuckles to your cheek. “God, I’m so glad you’re alive.”

“I’m alive, y/n, I promise,” he whispers back. Hoarse and adorably okay. It’s one thing to expect to get shot going after un-subs. It’s another to get attacked by a PCP addled grandmother.

He wiggles a finger against your cheek. Even though he can’t see your red rimmed eyes or the dark tear tracts on your cheeks, he can feel the tear that pools on his finger. But before he can reassure you one more time, you shush him and tell him to get some sleep and that you’ll both worry about this later. Maybe over jell-o.

He grins.

#

The team, visiting the next morning, doesn’t have the heart to wake up either of you. Reid looks happy for the first time in—years—with you carefully curled into his side. Sure, there’s a scratchy hospital gown and some pesky lines overriding everything, but it’s cute. No denying that. Thank god you two knuckleheads are finally being open about it. Even if you’re sleeping.

Emily smiles to herself as she readjusts her sling. Morgan and JJ are trading exclamations of shock, while Hotch passes Rossi twenty dollars. You readjust and Reid’s arm moves to rest across your cheek. JJ isn’t subtle when she takes a photo, sniggering.

Emily is even less subtle when she snorts. “I guess I can finally let the cat out of the bag.”

Everyone perks up; she swears she sees Reid open an eye.

“Nearly six months ago, y/n drunkenly confessed to dating Reid. She’s a real wild card on tequila, let me tell you.”

“You knew?” Morgan screeches, “and you didn’t say anything?”

Emily shrugs, winces with her busted up shoulder. “Does it matter? Didn’t we all know?”