January recs

Happy Valentine’s Day!

After some feedback, I’ve decided to start limiting these to 5-10 fics, especially since I’m back at work full time now. This month, I present five 9-1-1 fics, one BNHA fic, and one CQL/The Untamed fic!

Just a Concerned Citizen by @domoz​ (BNHA, Midoriya/Shinsou)

Midoriya Izuku is a normal, quirkless, college drop-out. He's not a vigilante. Everything he does is perfectly above board and totally legal -- He's double checked.

It would be nice if everyone else could see it that way, though.

(Izuku becomes an informant, sort of. Trouble follows.)

Fantastic casefile that does a heartbreaking job with Izuku's quirklessness and depression, while respecting his intelligence and unstoppable heart. I also loved this author's other quirkless!Izuku AU, The UA LARPing Club (in which Izuku, Shinsou, and other GenEd students use a LARPing club as cover for their Sports Festival training) but this one has a CASEFILE and good adult hero worldbuilding and I have a weakness for those things.

Buck's Lack of Baby Steps by knittersrevolt (9-1-1, Buck/Eddie)

For Buck realizing he's Bisexual in his 30s sucks. Realizing he's bi and hopelessly attracted to his straight single dad best friend? Reeaally sucks.

Buck has some self reflection to do and some hard realizations to face. He's also trying to get better at taking care of himself. He's not great at it.

A little rough in spots but with an effervescently charming ADHD Buck POV, occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, and great use of his therapy sessions with Dr. Copeland.

tell the whole wide world and this room by @hattalove​ (9-1-1, Buck/Eddie)

"I talk a lot. It’s probably not fun to sit through for something you’ll just instantly forget."

Eddie tilts his head. “Who’s forgetting?”

In which we learn about fermented milk products, discover that dolphins are sex fiends, and realize that sometimes, it really is all about knowing and being known.

I'm still slowly working my way through hattalove's backlog, but she's so good at capturing this sense of tender romantic domesticity between the boys, with pitch-perfect characterization. This one won my heart a little more than the others I've read, with its focus on Buck's trivia spirals, but honorable mention to i don't swim and you're not in love (the surpassing rare jealousy fic that worked for me) and your summer sun forever (food feels!).

a little less war torn by @renecdote​ (9-1-1, pre-slash Buck/Eddie)

“I gotta be honest,” Eddie says quietly, “you’re not really reassuring me here, Buck.”
Buck bites his lip hard. He can’t tell the truth. He can’t. Christopher is here, and Eddie will probably leave, and then he’ll be alone again, again, again. Tears blur his eyes and he blinks quickly, trying to hold them at bay.
“Hey.” Hand on Buck’s shoulder now, squeezing just a little too tight. “I’m serious—do I need to take you to a hospital right now?”

Set right after 5x06 ends. In which Buck is all kinds of not okay but Eddie helps.

Gorgeous piece of hurt/comfort, with a lot of things unsaid but felt very strongly.

you're my whole house by hammersmiths / @henswilsons​ (9-1-1, Buck/Eddie)

Eddie shrugs. “Christopher mentioned to Daniel that Buck and I are partners. I mean, sure, it’s a little weird that she invited him over as well, but—”
“Partners,” Hen interrupts, “like work partners?”
Eddie and Buck glance at each other. “Uh, yeah?” Eddie says. “What other type of partner?”
Hen stares at them for a moment, before she bursts out laughing. “You dumbasses. She thinks you’re together.”

or, Eddie joins the PTA.

This is one of those fics where I was a little dubious and then it completely turned me around on the concept. Of COURSE Eddie gets suckered into the PTA via advocating for accessibility. Of course he makes a nemesis. Of course he and Buck are super married and everyone else on the planet are facepalming about their obliviousness. <3

Full Hearts by @not-really-a-guest​ (9-1-1, Buck/Eddie)

“Every year LAFD and LAPD have a flag football game.” Bobby explains. “The past few years we’ve been either on shift or coming right off of it, but this year the A shift is free. Firefighters from every house sign up, and it’s a nice Saturday afternoon.”

In which Maddie reveals a hidden talent of Buck’s and Eddie decides he will spend the rest of his life cheering his boyfriend on.

Takes that throwaway mention of Buck playing football in high school and (hah) runs with it. Fun, immensely cute and a little feels-y, especially about family.

inevitably, indubitably by friedkiki (The Untamed, Wangxian)

For as long as he can remember, Lan Wangji has been cursed to die at the hands of someone who loves him. Enter Wei Wuxian, rogue sorcerer, who a desperate Lan Xichen has hired to save his brother.

Charming and sweet fairytale/royalty AU, good curse mystery. I always like it when someone nails that specific mix of competence and chaotic-mischief for Wei Wuxian, and this story does.