Simon stayed up all night deciding what to do, after a week he still doesn't know if you really like him, and he needs to do something to figure it out. This guessing game was getting tiring. So Simon set his plan into motion while you were at work, he needed to find somewhere quiet and romantic. He spent the whole morning looking at maps that made no sense and running around town trying to find the right spot. And then when he finally found a spot, he had to walk all the way to the little diner you work at to join you for lunch. He showed up later than usual and left after eating, which was odd but you didn't ask him about it. He still had to go look at the jewelers in town, and beg Price to send him more money for a ring. 

When you got back home from work Simon was already there, a little nervous and sweaty but all he told you was that he was taking you out the next day, and you should wear something nice. You tried asking him more, he had just taken you on a date and if you went too often people might talk, but Simon insisted this was important. The whole night you tried asking him about it, asking him where he was today and what he had planned for tomorrow but he never once said anything. Even though you were confused, you were excited, going to bed thinking about what you're going to wear, what he has planned, even Simon noticed you blushing.

The next morning Simon got up earlier to go grab you breakfast, yes making you breakfast would've been more meaningful but Simon didn't trust himself alone in your kitchen, you still smiled brightly when he brought you breakfast, homemade or not. He watched with a smile while you excitedly picked your outfit and jewelry, occasionally asking which one Simon liked more, which was the perfect opportunity for him to subtly tell you not to wear any rings. When you were all ready you even did a spin for him, he just grabbed your hand and walked you to the car, unable to hide his smile.

First stop was the jeweler, when you looked at him confused he simply said “thought it was about time I get ya an actual ring, that way everyone knows it’s serious. But don't worry I have more planned for today luv” you were quiet before a big smile broke on your face and you said “so you're telling me I get to pick my wedding ring today” before Simon even finished nodding you were already excitedly getting out of the car. You two walked hand in hand into the stores, you immediately started looking at the displays while squeezing Simon's hand. Simon let you take your time, carefully looking over every ring, he stayed by your side complimenting every ring you even slightly liked. He knew the moment you found the one you wanted, you were in awe and just kept looking back at it, you even asked to try it on “that the one you want luv” you did really love it, it felt like you but it was just so much, you didn't want Simon to spend so much on a fake ring. As if Simon could hear your thought he waved a hand “don’t worry about it luv, jus’ get what you want” you looked at the ring one more time before smiling and nodding at Simon. 

When you two got back in the car Simon reassured you part of the cost would be covered by his military, which was a lie he knew they would consider it an unnecessary purchase but Simon was more than happy to spend his personal money on you, especially for something so important. He let you try it on once in the car, you smiled off handedly mentioning how you would want your nails painted when he proposes. Simon had expected that, which is why he already had an appointment scheduled in less than an hour. While you two waited he took you to a flower shop “you just got me flowers last week Simon” you tried to argue but he just shushed you “yes, but you deserve some that match the ring” you didn't argue with him. He helped you pick out the best flowers, and then he helped pick your nail color. He sat next to you the whole time just patiently waiting while listening to you talk. When you were done, you got back in the car all excited wondering what day he was going to propose, it would have to be soon if he was going through all this now, Simon just took a deep breath and squeezed your hand before driving to the final spot.

Part 18

thank you to my own mira and zoey for fixing me . idk how you knew this is what i needed but i love you both more than anything

Buck, first of all, doesn't want to go with Eddie- despite him always offering- but goes when Eddie’s attention is seemingly all on Tommy. Deeper meaning: He didn't know he wanted Eddie until someone else had a chance.

He bumps into Tommy first, quite by accident. Tommy doesn't even flinch. He is unbending and unwavering. Buck stumbles into another relationship, with Tommy, who doesn't yield to anything regarding Buck at all.

Then he faces Eddie, who literally says “you ain't getting past me,” before Buck makes it his mission to hit him. And, unlike his bump into Tommy, Buck shoving Eddie was deliberate. He planned it, you could see it in his face, and besides that a foul like that in the game isn't usually an accident anyway (from what I've been told. I'm no sports expert).

And, unlike Tommy, who didn't budge at all, Eddie completely toppled. He completely folded to Buck where Tommy stood firm. Kinda like how Tommy didn't follow Buck's request for the bachelor party theme and Eddie supported Buck? (And literally any other piece of either relationship, that's just the most obvious example).

(There's something to be said about Buck freezing when he realizes what he did though that I haven't figured out yet).

So the plan after Tommy is really interesting. Oliver said Buck would get a love interest he had to work for. (Something something you don't find it, you make it). Since the game already foreshadowed the beginning of BT, it's likely it foreshadowed the beginning of buddie too.

So. Buck will get his feelings realization first and actually pursue Eddie, rather than waiting for Eddie to make a move. Not only will this realization be “I have a crush on Eddie” it will be “I'm in love with Eddie” because of the “you ain't getting past me” line. Once Buck realizes it's Eddie, it's Eddie. That's it for him. It'll take work though, Buck has to grow past the hamster wheel, Eddie has to grieve Shannon, but once they realize what they want- who they want- that's it.

YOU THINK YOU'RE SPECIAL?

YOU'RE NOT YOU ВОЛК

YOU USELESS, WORTHLESS, ВОЛК