#appreciate what you have davey lovers

[sheawritesstuff]

Every Name David Called Angel Before He Called Them Angel For the First Time

[In order of appearance]

Dumbass, Little Snot, Comedian, Perv, Little Shit, Snot, Smartass, Trouble Maker, Unapologetic Flirt, Trouble, Tease, Menace, Idiot, Mess, Little Pervert, Moron, Buzzkill, Pervert, Fucker, Baby, Creep, Fuck, Genius, Mate, Trainwreck, Nuclear Power Plant

[marnz]

2023 book post

I read 63 books this year (i do count short stories & novellas) and there were epic highs (everyone read the school for good mothers) and epic lows (y'all read this shit? for real?).

here are my top ten, in no particular order, followed by thoughts on the rest. it's so long lol okay let's get into it

top ten.

the school for good mothers by jessamine chan - a perfect commentary on the prison industrial complex and how poor, single, and mothers of color are treated set in a chilling near future. loved it. i read this book in june and think about it daily.

edinburgh by alexander chee - this book is a modern classic for good reason. gay tragedy lovers this book is for YOU. the prose is so beautiful, so dream like, that i couldn't stop reading. i read this book in one sitting, very nearly a year ago, and i was completely devastated by it.

in the woods by tana french - love this for: unreliable narrator who sucks but is compelling; prose about the woods and the 1980s mystery; cassie; a police procedure that starts off by being like 'crucially you must understand that the police lie.' i have a weakness for atmospheric books and this has that in spades.

homegoing by yaa gyasi - this book is SO good and the prose and character voices are excellent. it's extremely epic but somehow only 300 pages?!? each character only gets 1 chapter but gyasi does SO much with each chapter 😭 i read this in one day because i could not stop reading. i also read gyasi's other book, transcendent kingdom, which was also very good.

some desperate glory by emily tesh - this book is a mindfuck and is one of the few times i've seen [spoiler] done well. there are a lot of things this book talks about--imperialism; artificial intelligence; fascism; white supremacy and how it intersects with gender; queerness; eugenics. i posted about it early when i had only read like 49% and i was soooo wrong to do so. read this and just trust me.

x by davey davis - okay are you ready for this? X is queer/trans bdsm neo noir mystery set in a dystopian near future. it is dark, it is consuming, it is surprising, it is a book i turn over obsessively whenever i can't sleep. i need to reread and i only read it a few months ago.

baru cormorant series/the masquerade by seth dickinson - this is 3 books but let's count it as one book. much has been said about baru as a cringefail autistic marxist lesbian icon (affectionate) but what i really appreciate about these books, other than how fucking gay they are, is the specificity of the world building. i have a theory that modern readers are in search of detail (and cruelly denied by much of publishing rn). seth dickinson loves details. seth dickinson is going to take semi familiar narratives and tell them in a brand new way using details; math; hyper specific words. god i love it

poverty by america by matthew desmond - relatively short book, read it in a day. i also read desmond's first book, evicted, and it is also SO good but what's sexy about this book is that modern american society and esp. politicians frequently likes to be like 'oh no, poverty is so tragic but it can't be solved' and desmond is like 'watch me.' for people who enjoy reading andrea long chu take downs reviews and want concrete solutions for how to build a better world.

station eleven by emily st. john mandel - many people told me this was the best book they've ever read and i was like 'whatever. i'll get to it when i get to it.' DO NOT BE ME!! read this!! i wouldn't say this is a happy book but it was a beautiful book. i loved it. i cried for about 90 minutes afterwards. for art lovers, weird theatre kids, people unafraid of plague books, non linear timeline lovers, people who have been divorced.

piranesi by susanna clarke - okay i read this on my flight to frankfurt earlier this year and it totally bowled me over with how lovely it was and how emotional i got. just a beautiful, delicate, haunting, eerie book. for fans of mysteries, people who love oceans, gothic houses, people who earnestly believed magic was real as kids and hope it's real today, people who love academic drama they aren't involved in.

okay damn honorable mentions: in the dream house by carmen maria machado (SO good, maybe deserves my rec more than piranesi), normal people by sally rooney (mainly because it did make me insane), under the banner of heaven by jon krakauer (thorough, horrifying), honey & spice by bolu babalola (SO fun), sula by toni morrison (stunning!!), severance by ling ma (millennial alienation during a plague, amirite?), trust exercise by susan choi (who knows what really happened? you'll understand).

okay now the worst books i read this year, aka books i did not vibe with:

broken harbor & the trespasser by tana french; did not enjoy broken harbor due to the themes and did not enjoy the trespasser due to how cringefail the ending was. you can't depict ongoing harassment a woman of color is experiencing in her workplace, make her decide to leave after two years of this harassment, and then back track it in the last chapter? please. this is a problem tana french runs into a lot, but that is a different post

the witch elm by tana french; parts of this book were absolutely delicious. but a lot of it felt very tedious and in need of a stern editor. so many books these days need more thorough editing and the result is that a potentially amazing book is just like, okay. i understand the power fantasy that this book is designed to be, but i'm not the right audience for it (disabled). also, generally i need a character to root for.

amateur by thomas page mcbee; SO sorry thomas. i didn't vibe with this book mainly because i don't think i'm the target audience for it. i'm not cis and i'm not straight?? i also am not interested in narratives about trans men wanting to prove their masculinity by taking up a violent sport. i think this tension is addressed in the book but it wasn't addressed to my satisfaction. violence is often all the world gives to men as a source of power and thus serves as a solace for everything patriarchy takes from them, so i suppose i understand wanting to be able to get a piece of that...logically that makes sense. but also. why.

the late americans by brandon taylor; the thing is, i fucking love real life by brandon taylor and i enjoy brandon's criticism and read his substack (although i disagree with almost every aesthetic opinion he has). so possibly my expectations were too high, but i read this and i guess i was just...wanted to know what the point is. gay people suffering in the midwest? as a genre, it slaps. as a book, i feel frustrated. it felt loose, pointless, in great need of editing. brandon talks about this book by talking about the importance of moral fiction, and this book lacks moral urgency for many of its stories. i've read a lot of moral fiction and this isn't it? anyway I read this in July and looking back all I remember is Seamus' journey and the way brandon dragged workshopping.

the angel of the crows by katherine addison; look. if you're going to write sherlock wingfic, put it on ao3. if you're going to file off the serial numbers, please work harder so i can't tell what it originally was. and absolutely nix the author's note saying it was sherlock fanfic, because that makes me very unhappy! personally!

99% mine by sally thorne; classic second book syndrome. except the third one is also not very good. too bad!

touched out by amanda montei; okay obligatory disclaimer that i'm not a mother or parent but rather an adult who loves my friends' kids! this book really frustrated me and i think i would have enjoyed it considerably more if it was all cultural criticism instead of a memoir (other than the dworkin parts????). a memoir is an art form, a set narrative, but criticizing it feels weird because i am criticizing the author's life decisions as presented to me, in a flattened context, in a controlled narrative. if the memoir parts were instead part of a fictional book i would not hold back lol. this book is marketed as the most important work of feminist scholarship in the last 30 years and...it ain't. i also felt the focus was incredibly narrow. while montei does attempt to cite a broad range of theorists i just kept finding myself wondering, what about people from other cultures? what about disabled mothers? what about queer mothers or parents? what about this? WHERE'S YOUR RESEARCH? WHERE ARE YOUR INTERVIEWS? there is a specific kind of feminism where white women act like their specific experience is the pinnacle of all suffering and tbh it isn't. this book reminded me of that very strongly. like, if you're telling me you won't have an epidural because it was invented by a man then you are not a useful person to engage with, thanks.

books that would have been amazing if not for that one part

he who drowned the world by shelley parker chan - man i have mixed thoughts on this book. look away my beloved swbts mutuals. okay the epic highs (ouyang & zhu!! ma!!) were set off by baoxiang lmao. i'm mainly interested in queer masculinity and femininity and a femme straight guy is like. well, good for him, but i don't really care? bring me back to my loveds zhu and ouyang. but my main gripe...tbh i think baoxiang is a hugely unreliable narrator that protests about a lot of things too much. being straight for one thing; not having a thing for esen is another. AND MORE COULD HAVE BEEN DONE WITH THIS? like i honestly wish the implied incest thing, which was brought up at least twice, was more present. taking a step back, if you're like well i'm straight and i don't have a thing for my dead brother i helped kill but i absolutely will be seducing the spitting image of him while i fuck my way to the top of the throne? that should make me insane. possibly it would have in a book that didn't already have ouyang. who can tell. so i wish SPC had leaned into that a lot more, i wish baoxiang hadn't felt like such a plot instrument, i wish there was more Ma, i wish spoilery completely unbelievable storyline was better, etc.

in memorial by alice winn - damn, this book. it was so good but it fell apart at the end. i respect winn's decision to not have it be perfectly easy after living through the untold horrors of the trenches of wwi but the idea of two brits running away to brazil to live out a life of colonial bliss because being gay wasn't explicitly illegal in brazil at a time is like. what? i guess. anyway, it was good, i just have some notes.

romantic comedy by curtis sittenfeld - here's the thing, i love curtis sittenfeld and i knew going in that this is a book by the author that wrote rodham but man, this is a book by the author that wrote rodham. this is the most Online book i've ever read (derogatory) and it's very specific in its liberal i'm an Online author on twitter type of deal. the point of the book is that Not Tina Fey falls for Male Taylor Swift on Not Saturday Night Live and it was good, it was fun, i wasn't expecting [spoiler] ummm but it worked. i had a good time.

this is very long, sorry.

[pigeonwit]

for the fic ask game: 7 & 18 (praying i remembered the numbers right)

& since no 19 says to tell you about my favorite one of your fics im gonna take that chance to talk about run boy run again 🤷 i jumped on the rbr train a bit after chap 1 was posted and davey in that fic literally consumes my thoughts 😀 whoops. (i could write essays about this fic) chap 4 is gonna be like a national holiday to me you dont even know

also shoutout to vice vermin virtue bc i held off reading it due to an aversion to wing fics & i was so delighted by it when i finally did?? 10/10 as always

sneep :( im gonna cry. you're genuinely such a sweet person and you're always so kind and i just aaAHHHH cause like. you're just NICE for NO REASON and i love it i love it so much. full disclosure i am having a Time at work and i can feel myself going back down to Cynicism Town which i hate, but seeing you take time out of your day to just leave a comment or some nice tags or anything at all it's just UGH it makes me feel Better. people can just be nice!! for NO reason at all!! and you are one of those people and i appreciate that so much!! ok time for the asks

7. What’s a troupe you love to write?

any variation of dislike to lovers. whether its just a general sort of mistrust of each other at first that then grows into a deep and profound understanding of the other (eg livesies javid), a onesided 'i have responsibilities i need to do and i don't really trust you but you seem to REALLY want to stick around me for some reason and oh dear oh no it's working' thing (eg uksies javid) or a full on hatred of each other that forces the characters to confront their own biases, their own fears, their own personal reasons for wanting SO BADLY not to like the other person, only to realize that person understands them so much (eg arcade au or pianist au)... i giggle and kick my feet over that so much.

18. Recommend someone else fic! (And tag them if they have a tumblr!)

i dont like tagging people outright in case it bothers them but 'Long I Stood' by @/stillusesapencil on AO3 :) all while i was reading this fic i kept thinking 'oh okay so this isn't going to end with like everything working out. they're definitely gonna break up but like learn from each other and stuff, it's gonna be that kind of bittersweet thing' - which would've been fine! there is absolutely value in endings like that, i have plenty of fics like that that i love. but i was so so happy to see that that wasn't the case at all for this fic because it MAKES SENSE. there are plenty of fics that do the whole 'life just doesn't work out that way but you can still appreciate what you had when you had it!' ending - which again, i still like if it's done in a satisfactory way! - but the whole point of the fic is that 'actually, your life CAN work out that way. you DESERVE to have the life you want. you are ALLOWED to want that life, and you do not need to expect punishment for persuing it'. i don't cry much over fictional things but i did legit cry a little over this ending. it's just so hopeful and so kind. 'life can be good. you do not need to suffer or sacrifice in order to deserve good things. you CAN have what you want, you just need to be willing to make it work.' it makes me feel a lot better whenever im going to Cynical Town - honestly the more i think about it is a VERY sneepcoded fic. i know pretty much everyone's read it - it's pretty popular - but i just love it so very much so i'm recommending it anyways.

the ask game is here if anyone else wants to throw something out there!

[engie-ivy]

Receiving a love confession from Sirius Black is probably the dream of almost every student at Hogwarts. Remus just whishes Sirius would move on, but you should be careful what you wish for...

Don't worry, it's a short, fluffy Wolfstar get-together. Lily knows about Remus’ Furry Little Problem in this.

How do you feel about Sirius Black?

“I swear to Merlin, if Gina Simmons looks at me like that one more time, I’m gonna give her something to be mad about,” Lily grumbles, her eyes flaming with anger.

Gina Simmons, who had been glaring in their direction, quickly turns her head as Remus looks over his shoulder. She whispers something to Beth Walker and Davey Martens, who both glare at Lily and Remus as well.

Remus sighs. “Is it always like this?”

Lily’s expression softens. “It gets less,” she says. “But there’s this persistent group that just can’t get over it. This morning, I heard Rosemary Rowle call me ‘an entitled bitch who thinks she’s too good for James Potter’. Rosemary Rowle! The girl who can’t finish a sentence without mentioning her ‘daddy, who has such an important job at the Ministry’ calling me entitled!” The angry expression is back and she clenches her quill so hard Remus worries she’s gonna break the thing.

Remus frowns. “I overheard Randall Thorne ask Jules Flemming whether he reckoned I thought I could do better, and during Potions Kirsten Pembroke threw a vial of Armadillo bile over me!”

Lily winces. “I’m sorry. I should’ve warned you to stay away from Kirsten Pembroke if she has throwable substances within reach.”

“I just don’t understand what their problem is,” Remus mutters.

Lily smiles ruefully. “You’re now officially part of the club of people who have committed the atrocious crime of rejecting the school’s most popular and beloved students, Potter and Black. With you joining, our member count is now a total of two.”

“But that’s the thing! I rejected him,” Remus says. “Nothing’s changed. They can go on writing Mrs or Mr Black on their notebooks for all I care.”

“Oh Remus,” Lily sighs wistfully. “To be so naive. I’ve rejected Potter about fifteen times now, and they still won’t forgive me for him apparently choosing me over them. Of course, in my case it doesn’t help that Potter still refers to himself as the future Mr Evans,” Lily adds with a grimace.

“It just doesn’t make sense,” Remus says, shaking his head. “They should be thankful I don’t return his feelings!”

“Well, first of all, you saying no to Black doesn’t chance the fact that he’s head over heels in love with you. Not immediately, at least. So he’s still just as unavailable to them. And more importantly, in their eyes you were given the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon a man or woman: a full-blown love confession by Sirius Black.” Lily rolls her eyes while speaking. “And the fact that you didn’t even appreciate it, just makes it worse.”

“I never asked for-”

“I know, Remus, I know. I’m just explaining how they see it. You and I are the horrible people who had the audacity to break their heartthrobs Potter and Black’s hearts.”

Remus groans. “I whish Sirius would see how ridiculous it is for him to be in love with someone like me.”

“Remus,” Lily says in a dangerous tone.

Remus ignores her. “I whish he’d just move on. I whish he’d date someone else, so they’ll have no reason to pester me anymore!”

Remus is writing his essay. Frantically. Or rather, furiously. Pressing hard on his quill while scribbling in angry, fast strokes, a pile of broken quills already forming next to his parchment.

“Did that essay murder your family?” Lily asks, as she sits down in front of Remus. “I honestly thought you’d be in a good mood.”

Remus looks up at her, a sulky expression on his face. “So you’ve heard?”

“Heard?” Lily asks. “I’ve orchestrated the whole thing!”

Remus gives her a confused look, so Lily elaborates.

“After our last conversation, I went up to Black and I just told him ‘oi, the whole school knows about your unrequited love for Remus, and some twats are giving him a really hard time about it, so if you could just take someone on a date to Hogsmeade this Saturday so they’ll stop pestering Remus, that’ll be great’. And he agreed!”

Remus just blinks at her.

Lily frowns. “That’s what you wanted, right?”

“Yes!” Remus says a little too quickly. “I just... don’t get why he’d ask Alyssa MacMillan. She’s rather dull, don’t you think?”

Lily shrugs. “She’s nice enough, but more importantly, she thinks Black is fit and would love to go out with him, but she’s got no real feelings for him and isn’t looking for a relationship, so she won’t mind just drawing people’s attention away from you, or draw his attention away from you, for that matter.”

“Right,” Remus says. “Guess I just didn’t think she’s his type, is all.”

“Who knows,” Lily smiles mischievously. “It could become some kind of Fake Dating, Friends to Lovers scenario, and they might fall in love for real! Then your problem is solved for good.”

Remus looks at her like she just told him puppies have gone extinct.

“Merlin, Remus. What is it? Is this some kind of ‘I don’t want him, but I don’t want anybody else to have him either’ thing? Because that’s really shitty!”

“No,” Remus says defensively. “No, that’s not it. I just think Sirius can do better than Alyssa MacMillan, but if that’s what he likes, than good for him.”

“Oh, for Godric’s sake, you’re jealous!”

“No, I’m not! Or at least, I don’t think I am. Am I?”

Lily folds her arms over her chest and stares at Remus intently. “Remus Lupin, do you have feelings for Sirius Black?”

“I... I don’t know,” Remus looks quite miserable. “I mean, I’ve never thought about it.”

“Never thought about it?” Lily exclaims. “How do you mean, never thought about it? Do you remember that evening when Black took you out on a moonlit walk by the Great Lake, and poured his heart out to you, saying how he’s been crazy in love with you since the beginning of fifth year, and asked if you wanted to go on a date with him, to which you answered no? That would’ve been the moment to think about it!”

“It’s just...” Remus anxiously runs a hand through his hair. “With my condition, romantic relationships simply are not an option. I always saw romance as one part of being a teenager I didn’t have to concern myself with. I guess I just started to automatically ignore all thoughts and feelings related to romantic relationships. When Sirius made that confession, I was shocked, and the only thing I could think was ‘no, he can’t, he shouldn’t. I don’t do romance. I have to put an end to this immediately’. I never considered my own feelings. I mean, why would I?”

“Well, that’s a load of crap,” Lily scolds.

Remus opens his mouth to protest, but Lily cuts off whatever he was going to say.

“Not that you thought all of that, I believe you did, but that you can’t have romantic relationships with your condition is nonsense.”

“It’s never been done,” Remus argues.

“If no one ever did anything that’s never been done, we’d still be living in caves,” Lily firmly replies.

Remus fiddles with the hem of his sweater. “You really think it’s possible?”

“I don’t think it’s possible, I know it’s possible. So now we have established that, how do you feel about Sirius Black?”

“I’ve never thought-”

“Well, think about it now!”

“I don’t know,” Remus says, staring at the table. “Of course I think he’s attractive, but that doesn’t mean anything except that I have eyes. I mean, who doesn’t think he’s attractive? With that hair and those eyes... And I have even more reason, sharing a dorm with him. I see him when he comes out of the shower wearing just a towel, sweet mother of Merlin...”

Lily waits patiently for Remus to finish daydreaming.

Remus shakes himself out of his daze. “And of course I like him as a person. I wouldn’t have been friends with him all these years if I didn’t like him as a person. And what’s not to like? He’s clever, funny and brave, but he also has this really sweet side, you know? A side he doesn’t show much, and I guess it makes me feel special that he does show it around me. He always makes me feel special. It’s kind of weird, actually. He makes me feel special, but at the same time he makes me feel like I can just be myself, and that’s enough. I feel comfortable around him, and I suppose I do prefer his company above anyone else’s. Even on those moments when I normally don’t want to see anyone, he’s the only one I prefer being with over being alone. And when he’s not around I often find myself thinking about him. Now that I think about, I think about him almost all the time...”

Remus trails of and looks at Lily with wide eyes. Lily just nods.

“Oh Merlin,” Remus groans, hiding his face in his hands.

“Remus, Remus, Remus,” Lily sighs. “You’re so lucky to have me as a friend. Here’s what you’re going to do...”

“Padfoot?”

Sirius whirls around, and grins at Remus. Remus can tell he’s trying to act like everything’s normal between them, but he can also tell that his grin is somewhat forced and there’s a hint of pain in his eyes.

“Wotcher, Moony.”

“I wanted to talk to you,” Remus says.

The grin fades from Sirius’ face, and he runs a hand through his hair. “Ah, yeah, Evans told me about those people that’ve been bothering you. I’m really sorry, Moony. If I had known...”

“It’s not your fault,” Remus says.

“I know you feel uncomfortable about my feelings for you.” There’s a sadness in Sirius’ voice. “I won’t mention it again. I never meant to make you uncomfortable. If I could change it, I would, but being in love with you has become such a big part of me, and it’s not something I can just stop. Turns out, you’re a very hard person to not be in love with.”

“I don’t want you to not be in love with me!” Remus says.

Sirius frowns. “You like having me hopelessly pine after you that much?” He looks slightly hurt.

“No,” Remus says quickly. “No, I just think I might have been... too hasty in rejecting you?”

“Moony,” Sirius sighs. “You have every right to reject me. You don’t have to try and force yourself into feeling something you don’t, just because you pity me, or some stupid twats think they can judge you.”

“I rejected you because I didn’t think you should be with...” Remus gestures vaguely at himself. “Well, with someone like me. It only occurred to me recently, very recently, that I never even considered whether I have feelings for you.”

“And do you...”

“I do.”

“Oh.”

“Oh indeed.”

Sirius lets out a nervous chuckle. “So do you want to-”

“No!”

Sirius blinks in confusion. Remus quickly tries to clarify.

“I mean, no, you already asked me last time, this time I want to ask you.”

Sirius mutters something under his breath about a bloody emotional roller-coaster. Remus continues.

“I already talked to Alyssa MacMillan, and she told me to ‘go get my man’, so since you’re now free this Saturday, would you like to go to Hogsmeade with me, as in a date?”

Sirius’ face lights up in a smile so beautiful it makes Remus a little dizzy. “I’d absolutely love to!”

[betterthebest]

Here We Go Again | An MJF Fanfic Part 4

Status: *Not requested*

Description: Bella was a teen wrestler working in the Indy circuit until an injury cost her her short career. She and MJF were friends turned lovers, turned strangers and friends again. What happens when she joins AEW to lead a faction with her ex? Will their history jeopardize their rekindled friendship?

A/N: This is an alternate universe (no covid :p) where MJF didn’t earn a spot in the inner circle. Hope you all enjoy my original story!

See also: (Part 1) (Part 2)

“Is it possible for me to kiss you?” James’ voice was shaking. We parked up in front of Britt’s after our date. We had a great time at a bar in downtown Jacksonville. I liked talking to him. He’s very down to earth and mature. I’ve dated guys his age before and they weren’t mature when they were supposed to be. We got along great and the three hours we spent together felt like no time at all. We listened to music and talked about life and what we wanted out of it. The talks were never shallow which I appreciated. I looked at him with a smile. “It’s possible.” He smiled back and leaned in. I leaned over the consol. He placed his hand on my cheek and pulled me in softly. In one swift motion his lips connected with mine. It was slow and sweet. He was a good kisser but I couldn’t help but compare him to Max. They were both soft and tender. It was different though, there was love behind my kisses with Max, even last week. I had to figure what I wanted from him. Am I able to move on? Maybe it’s not with James, but maybe it’s not with anyone.  We pulled away, smiling. “Sweet,” he said.  I giggled, “you’re good.” He laughed, “thank you, so are you.” We talked a little bit more before saying goodnight. He waited for Britt to open the door for me before pulling off. Britt hugged me when I walked in. “What the...?” “How was it?” She grinned.  “It was fun.” “And did he kiss you?” She grinned.  “Were you watching?” Britt closed her lips together, looking around the room. “Nooo?” I shook my head, laughing. “He did.” “Was it good?” “He was good.” I put on my best smile. Britt of course didn’t buy into my giddiness. “What happened? Did he say something douchy? I’ll kill him. You think you know a guy,” she shook her head.  “No, Britt. He’s great. It’s just...Max slipped into my mind.” I sat on the couch in defeat. “He wasn’t on my mind before that kiss.” Britt sat next to me. “Oh Bell, what are you going to do about Max?” “I don’t know. All I know is this was a bad idea.” “No, stop it’s not. You’re just confused.” “How can I get over it?” I dropped my head to my hands. Britt rubbed my back to comfort me. “I don’t know babes, I don’t know.” I heard footsteps behind us. I sat up and looked back at Austin. “What’s going on?” He placed his hands on his hips. “She’s having a moment,” Britt said with a sigh. Austin nodded his head. “Are you okay kiddo?” “Max,” was all I could say.  “My name isn’t Max, but...” “It’s about Max you dip,” Britt rolled her eyes. “I know that babe, I’m trying to make her smile.” “Well you failed,” Britt said, causing me to chuckle. She looked at me, “I won.” “Britt won,” I said softly. Austin shook his head, “seriously. What happened?” Austin walked in front of us.  “How do I get over this comparing guys to Max?” “Get under him,” he shrugged.  “Tried that. Made things worse.” Austin looked at me then at Britt with wide eyes. “I um shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t want to know.” “She’s not a child anymore babe.” “But she’s like my sister.” He turned his attention back to me. “You need guy advice, don’t you?” “Duh, Jenkins.” I said and Britt laughed. “Seriously, what should I do?” I sat, laying my head on the couch backing. “Talk to him about it. you two will be working close together for a while. The tension might be great for tv, but you need peace of mind.” “I had a feeling you’d say to talk to him,” I sighed.  He chuckled, “you have to be an adult about it.” He’s completely right. As much as I hated it, Austin is usually right when I get advice from him. Austin left for bed while Britt and I talked about my night. I needed to get Max off my mind, at least for the night. I was going to see him in the morning. I’ll have to rip the band-aid off and that’s just what I was going to do.

The next day Britt drove me to the airport. I made my way through TSA and met up with Max. He was sitting at a coffee shop, phone in hand. An announcement came over the speakers saying flights to New York will be delayed. I approached him and sat in the chair across from him. He looked  up at his phone and smiled at me. “Hey, you.” “Hey, how’s it going?” “Eh, pissed that our flight will be another hour.” He looked at the board next to us with all the flights and times they will leave and arrive somewhere. “Well that sucks.” We made small talk. I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him just yet. We talked about next week. I didn’t want to bring down the conversation by telling him what’s on my mind. It started to irritate me to the point where I just had to tell him. “Max? Can I... I need to tell you something.” “Yeah what’s up? You look nervous.” He placed his hand on mine and gave it a quick squeeze. My palms were sweating and my mouth went dry. I needed that to be the other way around. I just came out and spewed word vomit at him. “James asked me out so we went out and he kissed me. When he did kiss me I thought about you and now I’m a mess because I’m thinking about you.” I took a deep breath. Max had a blank expression on his face. We sat in an awkward silence for a couple of minutes. “So you went out with James?” I nodded. “And you kissed him?” I nodded again. “And you thought of me?” “Max I just told you.” “Do you still love me? And don’t say you’ll always love me, you know what I mean.”  “I don’t know Max and that’s the problem.” “How did you feel about me when we fucked?” His tone got more aggressive. I didn’t answer. He pulled his chair closer to mine. “How did you feel about me when we fucked?” He whispered in the same tone. His face was only inches from mine. “Look at me.”  “It felt amazing. I missed you and being in your arms,” I said softly. Our eyes connected. He reached out and cupped my cheek with his hand. “Then be mine again,” he ran his thumb across my cheek bone.  “Max I-I don’t know.” He dropped his hand and stood up. “Well when you know, come talk to me.” He took his luggage and walked away. I watched as we walked towards the gate. My head started pounding and my heart sunk. We can’t even be friends. I didn’t want to ruin things, but here we are. He doesn’t even want to be my friend and that’s what hurts the most. I got a text from James asking how I was. I lied to avoid conversation. He told me to have a safe flight and we left it at that.  Max and I sat in different rows. He didn’t even look at me I felt like a huge pile of crap. My throat tightened, I couldn’t help but let tears flow. All of a sudden a memory came back from when we were 16. 

                                              .     .     .    .     .     .  

I took the train from school to the training facility. It was only a half hour ride. Davey picked me up from the station and had another kid in the passenger’s seat. He looked about my age, dark hair and dark deep set eyes. He had an air of confidence about him, almost to the point of cockiness. He looked kind of small so maybe he was trying put on a façade. He would look at me every once in a while through the rearview mirror. It wasn’t anything creepy, more of trying to figure me out. Even though I had my school uniform on I still looked like I was fixing to fight someone. I always put on my own hard exterior even though deep down I’m a sweet person. I kept my head down to keep from an awkward stare. He talked to Davey about how excited he was to start training. I found out that Max was being trained by the main trainer at the school. Davey just started as a trainer last year when I began here. When I was 13 I went to a wrestling school just for fun. It was something I ended up really enjoying. I wasn’t serious about it though until I realized I could actually be successful. At 13 I did both dance and wrestling, but I chose the latter not only because it was more enjoyable, but it became my dream turned reality. Focusing on wrestling was the best decision I made.  Once we got to the school I went to the restroom and got dressed in my sweatpants. I tied my hair up and made my way to the main room. All the trainers would get together and set up matches for all the students. There were three people assigned to a trainer with five trainers in total. The females would go against each other and the males will. Sometimes we’ll have intergender matches if we begged for it. All the trainers introduced a new member to their team. The boy from the car’s name was Maxwell Friedman. He clearly looked like the youngest, but he carried himself as if he was older than he actually is. I on the other hand always seemed younger in the way I presented myself. I don’t have the best posture and radiated timid young girl vibes. He scanned everyone and rested his gaze on me. I looked away quickly. Boys never really looked in my direction before, at least I didn’t notice them looking at me. Going to an all girls Catholic school didn’t help the cause. We all gathered around the ring and had matches one by one. I was the fourth match and went up against a girl named Fiona. She was a few inches taller than me and had slightly bigger arms. I could lift half my body weight, but I didn’t do that enough to see major results. I didn’t want big arms, I just wanted to be strong. Davey coached me while her trainer coached her. There was no winners or losers in these matches. It was more to build up our endurance and skill. We all got 10 minutes for each match. After my match it was time for a dinner break. We all sat around to eat and talk. I ended up sitting next to Max. We started to talk since everyone else was scarce. He started talking first. “So, how old are you?” “16,” I nodded. The corners of his lips turned into a smile. “So am I. What month were you born?” “September, you?” “I’m older. March,” he said proudly. I let out a chuckle. He continued talking, “you’re a good wrestler.” I smiled. It was the highest compliment for me. “Thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing your skill.” “I have plenty,” he smirked. I rolled my eyes and laughed. “You’ll see.” And that I did. He wrestled the next time we had class. On Tuesday’s and on Friday’s is a training class with our individual trainers. One Saturday a month the whole school would put on a show for friends and family. When the next Tuesday rolled around I became brave and started a conversation with Max. We decided to ask our trainers if we could have a match together. They agreed and let us do it. We were coached through and found out that we had a lot of chemistry in the ring. Every move I made was natural and didn’t have much thought behind it. 

[offspring-of-calliope]

Watching 1992sies in German, so you don't have to - Part 2/2

(Disclaimer: this commentary is made for entertainment purposes. I actually really appreciate the work that went into translating and dubbing films to make them more accessible to non-english or non-language-of-the-movie speakers)

Part 1/2

"A pair of new shoes with colourful laces"

"Being able to wash yourself with real soap" instead of "A porcelain tub with boilin' water"

Could you please stop doing whatever it is you're doing there? @ Spot's dub

And here goes Blink singing about the mayor's daughter, completely ruining my Blush moment in Carrying the Banner

I am once again asking myself what's going on with Boots' voice when he sings

"The dogs will be shitting on it tomorrow" for "Tomorrow they may wrap fishes in it"

Kloppmann's dub is really good

Why do y'all sound like adults? (We reached the rooftop scene now)

Wow, Jack and Sarah have even less chemistry in the German version (even though the only thing changing is the way they're talking)

They translated the line "So you're afraid there's a wolf at the door" to "(When your little one doesn't love you anymore), When you then think that there's nobody else anymore" [really rough translation here], and this kinda destroys the deeper meaning of the line

(Unrelated to any dub but did Snitch just magically teleport himself during Medda's singing?)

For the line "Push me" that Davey says to Jack, they used "Gib mir einen Stoß" and maybe that's my Javid heart there but this wording sounds a little suggestive

"I object, Your Honour." - "And for what reason?" - "The reason's just Brooklyn." - again, it's sad that the grounds-joke couldn't be used in German

All of a sudden they've gone from calling the Refuge "Heim" to calling it "Besserungsanstalt" and I'm wondering if this should emphasize a change of perception of the Refuge or if they just needed a fancy long word to fill up the sentence space

Pulitzer's "Sit down" sounds so calm that his strong "Do you know what I was doing when I was your age?" makes it seem like he's yelling at Jack for no reason

I only forgive them for taking the deeper emotion out of the Jack/David confrontation (they're basically just yelling at each other) because I quite like Jack's singing

I totally forgot that Spot threatens to murder Jack when he scabs so I had to switch the language back to English for a moment to make sure that the German version wasn't just overdramatizing things

Finally, there are emotions again in a Javid scene (honestly, it sounds like a fight between two lovers)

Also not dub-related but I think it's funny that Jack tells Sarah not to speak too loud so that Weasel won't hear them but then proceeds to print a paper and sing (that's not quiet, sir, even if you start out with whisper-singing)

Why does Once and for All sound so tinny?

You can't even hear them singing over how loud the talking audio is

Side-note: They translated "Once and for all" which would normally mean "Ein für alle mal" to "Jetzt oder nie"/"Now or never" (and I suppose this is because of rhythmical reasons)

And the last thing I wanted to point out since I think it's kinda funny: They translated Walking Mouth to "Wandelndes Sprachrohr". If you translate this back to English, it basically says "Strolling Megaphone" (You're welcome.)

[5-jorjas-in-the-fence]

Ahhh I loved your suggestions on the favourite Disney movie headcanons and now I wanna ask what you headcanon the newsies (musical) favourite Taylor Swift album/song would be

Ahhh I’m glad you liked them!

Omg omg omg ok ok so I’ve thought about this a lot and legit spent way to much time thinking about it. (PSA It’s modern times cause- Taylor Swift existing lmao)

Albert claims All Too Well. “The lyrics are perfection- SHUT UP NO! THE RAGE! THE EMOTION! THE HURT!! *screams into a pillow and lowkey almost cries cause he’s just so into it*” He will literally defend it with his life.

Race likes 1989 a lot, he likes something he can groove to. His favourite is probably Out Of The Woods and when that bridge comes on Elmer kinda hides because once Race got super into it and threw a chair across the room... it hit Elmer. He’s been scarred. Race also once performed the 1989 tour version on the table and used a hot dog as a microphone... hair flips and everything. 13/10 performance.

Katherine adores Dear John. Once she was singing it and since she’s a good actor she started crying as she sang. She was in the car with Jack and he started freaking out asking if he did something wrong. She told him to shush because that long note at the bridge was comming on. As soon as that part finished and the song was over she was back to normal, siting calmly and smiling. Was Jack scared? Absolutely. Did he learn that Kath just likes depressing songs? Also yes. Since Evermore came out she’s streamed Champaign Problems so much it’ll probably be her top song of 2021. Once again, Jack is scared.

Jack likes Cowboy Like Me. He isn’t too much into Taylor Swift, but when everyone didn’t shut up about Evermore he took a liking to Cowboy Like Me purely for the title. But in terms of his favourite that he does love, he loves ‘that one about burning?’ Aka, Picture To Burn.

Spot likes Coney Island. Not just for obvious reasons (well Coney Island) but he thinks it slaps and sings it with Race all the time. He thinks it’s satisfying “how’s they all kinda overlap? Like ya know when they’s kinda... OH YA KNOW!”

Les likes ME! He sang it around the house and drove Davey insane. After watching the music video he wanted a cat but Davey is allergic and refuses.

Davey likes all the super lyrical songs. He wrote many essays on them in class, especially since there’s a lot of metaphors. He takes a liking to Lover because he actually has taste and thinks it’s got some of the best pieces, especially Cornelia Street and It’s Nice To Have A Friend. Folklore though- oh he loves folklore. Les made a Daisy crown for him and they froliced around the living room together humming and singing.

Specs likes New Years Day. Sometimes he hums it softly to himself when he concentrates which everyone thinks is adorable.

Crutchie also appreciates Lover, he doesn’t like sad songs too much... they make him sad (wow shocking). Cruel Summer he will screech the Bridge, I Forgot That You Existed he enjoys. But his all time favourite is You Belong With Me “ya can’t beat the classics!”

Elmer thinks Super Star is fun. He also likes the whole Speak Now album. It’s just “spicy” and has a lot of ‘layers’.

Finch thinks Fifteen is a bop. He’s not sure why but he just resignates with it.

This is kinda all I got? I hope this answered the questions lmao, if you have anything to add please do!! Honestly I’ll probably think of more at 4am rip

[chaoticgremlinwholikescheese]

CHAPTER 6 (hadestown au)

A train comes up the railroad tracks. “That was not six months!” Alex shouts. “She's gonna ride that train 'til the end of the line, 'cause the King of the Mine is coming to call. Did you ever wonder what it's like on the underside?” Medda says loudly. “On the other side of his wall. Follow that dollar for a long way down. Far away from the poorhouse door. You either get to hell or to Hadestown, ain’t no difference anymore! Way down Hadestown, way down under the ground.”

“Hound dog howl and the whistle blow, train come a-rollin, clickety-clack. Everybody tryin' to get a ticket to go, but those who go they don’t come back.” Medda’s voice floats through the air, taunting Alex.“Winter's nigh and summer's o'er. Hear that high, lonesome sound of my husband coming for to bring me home to Hadestown.” Alex says darkly.

“Down there, it's a bunch of stiffs. Brother, I'll be bored to death. Gonna have to import some stuff just to entertain myself. Give me morphine in a tin. Give me a crate of the fruit of the vine. Takes a lot of medicine to make it through the wintertime.”

Now the fates sing. Their voices are haunting. Only those who have godly blood running through their veins can hear it. The voices of the fates stick in your head. A faint echo you can never get rid of. “Every little penny in the wishing well. Every little nickel on the drum. All them shiny little heads and tails. Where do you think they come from? They come from way down Hadestown, way down under the ground.”

“Everybody hungry. Everybody tired. Everybody slaves by the sweat of his brow. The wage is nothing and the work is hard. It's a graveyard in Hadestown. Mr. Jack is a mean old boss.” Medda hums. “With a silver whistle and a golden scale,” Alex adds. “And he weighs the cost and your soul for sale.” Medda has no fear of Jack, as she is an immortal god. Others would not speak so freely. “On the Road to Hell, there was a railroad car. And the car door opened and a man stepped out. Everybody looked and everybody saw. It was the same man they'd been singin' about.” Medda goes silent.

“You're early!” Alex yells. “I missed you.” Alex shakes her head, an exhausted sigh leaving her lips. But she boards the train, leaving the world to return to winter. “With Alex gone, the cold came on.” Medda watched as the sun fell from the sky and snow started to rain down. “He came too soon! It's not supposed to be like this.” Davey runs a hand through his hair in anger. “Well. 'Til someone brings the world back into tune, this is how it is.” 

Davey stands up and walks off with his guitar in hand. “Hey, where are you going?” Cora calls. “I have to finish the song.” 

“Finish it quick. The wind is changing. There's a storm coming on. We need food! We need firewood. Did you hear me? Davey?” He couldn’t hear her. He was surrounded by his song. All other noise was nonexistent. 

While the two lovers froze above, Alex was baking below. “In the coldest time of year, why is it so hot down here? Hotter than a crucible. It ain't right and it ain't natural.” workers pounded at the stones around them. Sweat rolled of their bodies, the only water in sight. “Lover, you were gone so long. Lover, I was lonesome. So I built a foundry in the ground beneath your feet. Here, I fashioned things of steel. Oil drums and automobiles. Then I kept that furnace fed

with the fossils of the dead. Lover, when you feel that fire, think of it as my desire, think of it as my desire for you!” 

Back on the surface, the storm had hit. Fierce snow and wind, the kind that rends flesh from bone. Sharp as a wolf’s teeth. Cora was out searching for food and wood. Her coat the only thing keeping her warm. “Looking high and looking low, for the food and firewood I know we need to find and I am keeping one eye on the sky and tryin' to trust that the song he's working on is gonna shelter us from the wind.” her voice is lost in the wind.

While her cheeks turned blue, Alex’s turned red. “In the darkest time of year, why is it so bright down here? Brighter than a carnival. It ain't right and it ain't natural.” Lights shown down on her. Blinding and buzzing. “Lover, you were gone so long. Lover, I was lonesome. So I laid a power grid in the ground on which you stood, and wasn't it electrifying when I made the neon shine? Silver screen, cathode ray. Brighter than the light of day. Lover, when you see that glare

think of it as my despair. Think of it as my despair for you!” Hades sang.

“Every year, it's getting worse. Hadestown, hell on Earth! Did you think I'd be impressed

With this neon necropolis? Lover, what have you become? Coal cars and oil drums. Warehouse walls and factory floors. I don't know you anymore. And in the meantime up above the harvest dies and people starve. Oceans rise and overflow. It ain't right and it ain't natural!” 

“Lover, everything I do, I do it for the love of you. If you don't even want my love, I'll give it to someone who does. Someone grateful for her fate. Someone who appreciates the comforts of a gilded cage and doesn't try to fly away the moment Mother Nature calls. Someone who could love these walls that hold her close and keep her safe and think of them as my embrace.”

As these lovers quarreled, the lovers above them were about to be torn apart. Davey worked on his song. Cora called out for him. He didn’t hear.

[dreamonhunters]

dyin’ ain’t so bad, not if you both go together

tw // major character death, graphic depictions of violence, guns, blood, references to drugs

yet another birthday present!! happy birthday to @aw-jus-let-em-try ! rizz i love you so damn much and i’m so grateful to call you my friend!! ♡ i do hope you enjoy immortal javid as much as i think you will 🥺

read it here on ao3!

Jack Kelly died when he was twelve years old.

And again, when he was thirteen.

There’s a tombstone that says he died when he was fourteen, again at sixteen, eighteen, nineteen, and the one on his twenty-first birthday that he doesn’t talk about because alcohol poisoning isn’t a very cool way to go.

Different names, of course. He’s many things, but stupid isn’t one of them.

There’s more. Jack remembers each and every last one of them, vivid technicolour in his mind. Some of them are lost to time now, forgotten and unrecorded. Never been one to keep his legal documents in order.

He’s twenty-two now, and the tally on his chest — emblazoned on the soft flesh over his heart, dark against tan skin — says he’s died twenty-seven times.

He’s lived more lives than years.

Fingertips graze over those dark lines. A blessing and a curse. Jack Kelly is unbreakable, because his life isn’t so fragile. You fear nothing and nobody when you can’t be destroyed, when the light behind your eyes can never be extinguished.

He hears shifting beside him, and his eyes flicker over to the bed. Expensive sheets cover a man’s sleeping form, curled on his side, one arm resting beneath his head. Softly illuminated by the rising sun, filtering through the cracks in the blinds.

David is beautiful when he sleeps.

Jack lets out a soft sigh, allowing the fabric of his shirt to drop back down. Turns to watch his lover sleep, a small smile tugging the corners of his mouth upwards. He’s a lucky, lucky man, truly. People like David Jacobs don’t fall for Jack Kelly. But neither of them should exist, because they both died a long time ago, and so Jack doesn’t look at the improbability of it anymore.

“Mornin’, sunshine,” he murmurs. Davey mumbles something unintelligible, rolling over onto his back. “C’mon, we got work to do.”

“What time is it?” Davey asks, voice still thick with sleep. Blinks blearily up at the ceiling, letting his eyes adjust to the change in light.

“Half seven,” Jack answers, without glancing at the clock on the wall. Doesn’t need to, because he wouldn’t get up any earlier than that without six alarms and a strong cup of coffee. “Think Finch an’ Albert are up. Heard ‘em bickering.”

“Unsurprising.”

He laughs, turning to lean against the wall. Davey rolls back onto his side, and that little smile lights up Jack’s world. Reminds him why he fell in love with this man all over again.

“You’re so fuckin’ gorgeous,” Jack murmurs.

He laughs, shaking his head. “No need to flatter me, Jackie. I’m getting up.”

“Not flatterin’. Admiring.”

Davey pushes himself upright, stretching his arms. Arches his back until Jack hears that satisfying crack, the type you get from a good stretch. “You’re sweet.”

“Don’t you know it, sugar,” he murmurs, moving across the room to press a soft kiss to Davey’s lips. “C’mon. Up an’ at ‘em. We got a deal to close.”

Davey’s laughter fills Jack’s ears as he waltzes out of the room, rolling his shoulders back. Shoots a tired-looking Racetrack his trademark grin as he passes. Albert and Finch are still bickering in the kitchen, although they both look a little more animated now. Romeo’s head rests on the table, a glass of orange juice long forgotten beside him.

“Mornin’, lads,” Jack greets. Uncharacteristically cheerful for this time of morning, but he chooses to ignore that minor detail.

“Mornin’, boss,” Albert drawls, mimicking Jack’s tone in the most obnoxious manner possible. “Didn’t think you were gonna make it.”

“I ain’t that lazy, Al,” Jack deflects. “Gimme a break.”

“You want coffee?” Finch offers, placing his own mug back on the counter.

“You already know I do.”

“I don’t think Jack can function without his coffee,” Davey’s voice chimes in, and Jack turns to see his lover standing in the doorway. Leaning against the frame, small smirk tugging at his lips. Cocky. A quiet challenge, just between the two of them. The top of his shirt hangs open, unbuttoned. Unusual for Davey, but more than appreciated.

“Good mornin’ to you too, David,” he drawls playfully, turning back to smile at his boys. “What’s got you lot up so early?”

Finch groans, sliding a cup of coffee across to Jack. “Ask me after.”

“Someone’s cheerful,” Albert comments, earning himself a sharp jab to the ribs.

“Racer had another stupid idea,” Louis mumbles, somehow managing to avoid eye contact with anyone as he enters the room. As he always does. “And you know he isn’t gonna just give up on it.”

Jack simply laughs, sits himself down beside Romeo. “Rise an’ shine, Juliet,” he teases, nudging the boy’s shoulder. He stirs, grumbling something under his breath. Still doesn’t lift his head.

“We’ll be out most of the day,” Davey adds coolly, retrieving the milk. “Got a deal to close.”

“Anything important?” Finch asks, head inclined slightly towards Davey as he rejoins Albert at the table.

Jack shakes his head, jaw cracking as he yawns. “Nah. These guys ain’t regulars. That’s why I want more money off ‘em.”

“And you think tha’s gonna work?” Albert questions.

“You know me,” Jack smirks. “I don’t take no for an answer.”

“And we don’t have long,” Davey reminds.

“That we don’t,” he agrees, draining his cup. “Laters, boys. Don’t burn the house down.”

“So keep Race away from the toaster? Got it,” Albert teases, earning himself a dark glare from the blond.

He follows Davey out of the kitchen, and maybe he’s lagging behind just a little to admire his lover. Not that he’d admit to that.

Davey and Jack have always made a good pair. Maybe has a little something to do with the fact they slept together on their second meeting, but Jack likes to gloss over that fact. It’s not the most romantic story, but it suits them, he thinks. Jack was never one to beat around the bush.

“You sure we shouldn’t bring Racer along?” Davey asks, voice betraying just the slightest hint of anxiety. They’re in the garage now, with Jack making a beeline towards his preferred vehicle. “He’s the talker.”

“Nah. I got this, Dave, don’t worry ‘bout it. You know I got a way with words, an’ you’re not exactly quiet.”

He doesn’t have an answer for that. Doesn’t really require an answer, really, because Jack’s right, and they both know it. They’re equally as competent, and sometimes it’s nice to have something for just the two of them.

They don’t talk while they drive. Jack doesn’t have anything to say, and Davey doesn’t like to be disturbed when he’s at the wheel. A quiet hour to prepare themselves, mentally and physically.

Jack fiddles with his glock. Flicks the safety on and off, that soft clicking a small distraction for his mind. Davey would complain if he weren’t so focused. Occasionally, he’ll hum quietly to himself, break the silence for a few fleeting moments, and it’s nice. Pleasant. Comfortable.

Davey pulls up a few blocks away, rests his arms on the steering wheel. Jack knows that expression. Steeling himself.

“You ready?” Jack asks softly, leaning over to press a light kiss to Davey’s cheekbone.

“Mm,” he answers, not meeting Jack’s eyes. He needs these moments. It’s a little harder for Davey to create that mental separation.

They stay there for a short while longer, listening to the other’s breathing. Jack waits for Davey to unbuckle his seatbelt and pop his door open, taking another deep breath as he steps out. And he follows his lover’s lead, tucking the glock into his waistband. Insurance, more than anything.

Davey’s by his side in an instant, the back of his hand brushing against Jack’s. He resists the urge to intertwine their fingers, just for those few fleeting moments, because he doesn’t quite need that physical reassurance anymore.

You can’t hurt Jack Kelly, and you can’t hurt David Jacobs, because every time they come right back. Death has no permanence. Blink, and they’re awake, side by side, gasping for that first breath all over again. A blessing and a curse.

Jack’s fingertips trace the tally on the inside of his lover’s wrist, a feather light touch. Davey isn’t so laidback, however. He explains his fears quietly, when it's just the two of them in a darkened room, bodies pressed against each other. Every death marks one closer to the end for him. A fear that one day this little performance will come to a horrifying close, and suddenly the fragility of life will become all too real. There has to be a limit to their immortality, he insists, even if Jack disagrees. Just how far can they push it?

His head turns, steely blue eyes meeting deep brown. “Be safe, Jackie,” Davey murmurs, eyes filled with a concern most people wouldn’t quite understand. When you don’t quite fear death, your biggest fear is loneliness, Jack realises.

“Don’t gotta tell me twice.”

A modern office building towers above them, morning sunlight reflecting off the large glass front.

“Little bit more than I expected,” Davey murmurs, and Jack shrugs. Punches a code into a small keypad, buttons glowing blue beneath his fingertips. Not a single smudge on those glass double doors.

“Hey, they’re payin’ us good money. I just want a little more, y’know?”

“As always,” Davey sighs, with that faux irritance that Jack knows and loves.

A voice crackles over the little intercom, a female voice. “Who’s here?”

“Jack Kelly and David Jacobs, here to see Mr. Pulitzer?” Jack asks, that usual drawl disappearing from his voice. He means business.

There’s a soft click. The doors slide open, and the pair step into a modern lounge area. “Floor twenty-seven,” Jack murmurs, shoes clicking against the polished marble floor. Nobody else around, no other sounds.

Davey doesn’t speak, follows Jack into the elevator silently, leans against the cool metal railing as they ascend. His brow pinches together with a silent anxiety. Gets like this every time. The doors slide open.

“Kelly. Jacobs. Good to see you again,” a smooth voice greets. Pulitzer is a tall man, greasy hair that’s greying at the roots and bright blue eyes that crease up a little when he smiles.

“You too,” Jack smiles, lips pulled into a tight grin. False, a little too strained around the edges, but only Davey would pick up on that. “This ain’t gonna take long.”

“I’m sure it won’t,” Pulitzer mutters, turning on his heel. Leads them towards a door, right down the far end of the hallway. Too polished and perfect. Their footsteps echo as they walk. Holds it open for them. Davey shoots him a small smile as Jack sits down.

“So,” Jack drawls, leaning forward. Long arms cross on the edge of Pulitzer’s desk, one hand coming to rest under his chin. “I got bad news. We’re gonna have to up rates, ‘cause suppliers are screwin’ me over.”

“Is that so?” he asks, leaning back in his seat. Davey’s fingers hover over his own gun, just a little anxiety settling in his gut. “Who supplies you, may I ask?”

“Smaller cartel across town. The Delanceys.”

“Interesting.”

Pulitzer drums his fingertips on the desk rhythmically. A dim sound, and somehow it echoes in Jack’s brain. He shifts uncomfortably in his seat, hyperaware of the way his clothes feel against his skin, the weight of the gun on his hip, the gentle sound of Davey’s breathing somewhere close behind.

“How so?”

There’s tension in Jack’s shoulders. Something in Pulitzer’s expression just doesn’t sit quite right with him.

“I just so happen to know a certain Morris Delancey. And I just so happen to know he hasn’t changed his prices in four years.”

Shit.

There’s a predatory grin on Pulitzer’s face, toothy and shark-like. Jack doesn’t like it one bit. Can’t think of a way to talk himself out of this one, and Davey isn’t forthcoming. He’s a deer trapped in the headlights, waiting for Pulitzer to finish him off.

His brain doesn’t quite register the gun, or the shot that fires off, or the smell of smoke that fills the room. Dimly, he registers the sound of a body hitting the ground, and he already knows it’s Davey. Doesn’t have time to react, because his vision is hazy as a second bullet pierces his own skull.

There’s a sudden moment of peace. The darkness envelopes him, like an old friend, a comforting embrace. Fleeting.

And then there’s agonising pain, splitting his skull straight down the middle. Because recovering from death isn’t a painless process, of course not. There has to be some kind of drawback to immortality. Every single time, your body has to rebuild what is broken from the inside out, bring itself back from the end, and that’s no easy feat.

Maybe that’s why Davey’s so afraid it’ll all be over one day. That there’s a limit, and one day his body will give out, unable to muster the strength to rebuild itself once again.

Jack isn’t so sure.

When his eyes reopen, he feels concrete beneath his fingertips. Gunpowder on his tongue, blood stuck between his teeth. Coppery. Licks his lips, sore and cracked. Darkened sky, the few stars you can see despite the city lights glinting overhead. Distantly, he can hear cars, somewhere far below. A rooftop.

How fitting.

He’s alive, all over again, and he lays there for a few quiet moments. Feels the way his chest rises and falls with each breath, how he can move each finger independently. The ground is scratchy against his skin.

Davey’s there, and he sits up a little too fast. Chest heaving, eyes wild. Some things never change.

“Hey, calm down,” Jack murmurs, slowly easing himself up. “You’re fine. We’re fine. It’s good.”

“This time,” Davey whispers, voice cracking just a little on the second syllable. “This time, Jackie.”

“An’ that’s what matters, ain’t it? This time? I don’t give a damn about next time, ‘cause it ain’t happened yet.”

Davey shakes his head, still trembling. “I don’t know how we live like this.”

“‘Cause if there is a limit, we ain’t gonna find it by standin’ still,” he answers. “C’mon. You’re gettin’ yourself all worked up over nothin’. We’re alive, Dave. Who gives a shit about this ‘limit’?”

“I do.”

Jack sighs, moves his hand to rest on top of Davey’s. Familiar touch. Smooth skin beneath calloused palms, worn rough from years of firefights and underhanded tactics.

“Let it go, Davey. We’re okay.”

“This time.”

“Sure, this time. An’ all the times before.”

Davey’s still shaking. Slowly, carefully, Jack pulls him a little closer. Intertwines their fingers. Matching gold bands gleam in the streetlights.

“You still got me, ain’t ya? And I ain’t goin’ nowhere without you,” Jack reassures. There’s a smile on his face. A different look, softer behind the eyes. Silent promise, just between the two of them. “I love you, David.”

“I love you too,” he replies. Breathy. Eyes still wide with shock, heart still racing. It’ll take a while for him to calm down, back to that trademark neutrality Davey’s better known for.

Jack lays back down. The concrete isn’t comfortable, but he doesn’t really feel like walking back. They could be miles away, for all he knows. Dark eyes fix on the stars, lips twisting upwards. Innate comfort. A ghost of a smile.

“Sleep here tonight, Dave. They ain’t gonna miss us.”

He silently shifts closer, rests his head on Jack’s chest, lets his lover hold him close. There’s no words. Doesn’t need to be, because they understand each other perfectly without the need for words. Davey drifts off first, exhausted from the whole ordeal. And Jack feels him breathe, feels his heartbeat, feels the warmth of his skin. Calm.

He’s alive, and real, and in a strange way it feels like he’s never been alive at all.

Jack has died twenty-eight times. Davey’s on fourteen.

One more strike over his heart.

[lucarioisinthevoid]

Maybe Molten Freddy, Nightmare Bonnie, Old Man Consequences and Nightmare Balloon Boy for the challenge?

“Challenge? What challenge?” Henry scoffed. “The only problem I see in this line-up is the Balloon Demon and even then- the others are hardly a factor, I will be able to focus on him.” Brazen words from the Pink Man, let’s see how well he actually fares.

The night started like always, albeit with the difference of Nightmare Balloon Boy waltzing right in, giving him a toothy grin. “MY MY LOOK AT WHO WE HAVE HERE. WHAT AN ODDLY SHAPED TOOTHPICK YOU ARE.” “There is value to oddity, novelty has its place in the universe… but your disgusting mug does not. How MADE you?” “THE ONE AND ONLY! MADE BY DAVEY, TO IMPRESS HIS LOVER!” At that Henry made a noise of disgust. “Dave has no loved ones. He has objects of obsession that he strips of all choice. I suppose he is lucky that this time around he picked someone who was used to being merely a tool for those around him.” “SOMEONE SOUNDS BITTER!” “Oh, you wish.” The creature laughed while Henry pulled up the screen in order to start gathering the tokens he would need to calm the nightmarish bunny. At least that one he made himself. God, he would kill himself for good measure if this stupid bloated oversized garden gnome caused his death. But he was focusing and unless the terrible Dee Dee would pop up and ruin his night, this should be just fine. The bear was too manic, unable to control the laughter bubbling up inside of him whenever he saw the helpless human being stuck to his chair in the office- thus it was a joke to force him to stay outside. Leaving two problems, the nightmare and the old man. It was fine, it was fine. Scanning each and every screen on the cameras, he began gathering the money he would need for that plushy. Twenty tokens was basically nothing in theory, but it was hard to earn those by simply picking them up in random rooms. Clicking around, he could basically feel the gnome stare at him, drooling- But… he didn’t attack. That was worth the test. “For someone who claims to be so eager about using me as a toothpick, you seem rather hesitant.” Pulling down the screen, he looked the creature into the eye, before flashing him, causing him to step back once more. “You have to wait for me to mess up, if you like it or not.” “THE WORLD IS QUITE UNFAIR, AIN’T IT?” “The old man can take over my screen, whenever he pleases, the bear can arrive at the door whenever he sees fit- but you have to wait for me to pull the screen down, see you and then pull it back up. You have to give me a chance.” With that the Pink Guy pulled the screen back up, absent-mindedly pushing down the button on the door again as he heard laughter. “Hua-ahhahahahhaa- H-HENRYYYYYYY- h-hey! Y-you PARTY POOPER!” The sound of teeth grinding against teeth were audible, as the present Nightmare struggled to hide his frustration. “YOU REALLY SHOULD STOP YOUR TAUNTING, MORSEL.” “Or what? Or you kill me? Because as far as I am concerned, you are planning on doing that either way. I think I will continue doing what makes me feel the most comfortable with you inside MY office.” “IF YOU BODY IS AS TOUGH AS YOUR EGO, I’LL HAVE TO CHEW ON YOU FOR DAYS! THAT WILL BE FUNNY!” Pulling down the screen, Henry flashed the standing machine once more. “If you manage to catch me, that is. For now though it seems unlikely… it seems that whoever made this place likes me more than you.” “NO!” “No? Are you sure? Because he seems to be giving me all the benefits in this place and you none of them.” And that was when he went for his final bluff. “… after all, he is merely watching and not even joining you and the other in attacking me.” “THAT- THAT IS BECAUSE-“ “So he IS here.” That was all the conformation he had needed. The being was here, it was paying close attention, and it chose not to do harm. … it was frustrating. While it gave him a certain level of power over everything, something he could appreciate, yet it made him feel terribly humiliated. Yes, he was entertainment, that far was obvious by the creatures breaking the bound of the universe to provide messages from beyond… but it was even more egregious that this time it was someone from his own timeline. ‘The one you shouldn’t have killed’. What a title. Telling him a lot and yet nothing at all. Despite wanting to, Henry never had much contact to those he had been killing- a sad happenstance, truly, but nothing he could change about it now. Nobody he had paid attention to. No adult, no child. Yet there was a being so upset at having been murdered, that it- No, not upset. The anger was… There was violence, but anger? The plastic nightmare had kept his mouth shut so far, obviously aware that he talked too much. Henry’s attention slightly shifted over, to- the same topic, really. But different. “… this place is quite peculiar. You belong here, that is for sure. You follow the rules, of this… game. But the old man? The suit? I cannot fathom where they came from. What they are.” Finally, he could afford the plush. Not that Nightmare Bonnie even had shown itself. A little blue bunny took place on the table in front of him, being at least more sightly than Nightmare Balloon Boy. “Finally, a likeable companion in this office.” The machine on the other side gave off a hoarse laughter- kept quiet though, stubbornly. Henry glanced at the clock, then checked the vents, locking out the Funtime Machine one more time. Red light covered his face as the little fishing game flashed up, gone within a moment again. No more problems were in his way. Not in this night. Before he knew it, his fingers were tapping on the table again, as his thoughts running wild. Questions, questions, questions. For now he would have to pull information out of the cracks and corners of this thrown together pocket dimension. Test out the limits. And for that he would have to face them all out at once. Beating these machines was slowly becoming his second nature. It was only a matter of time.

[transcrowing]

Oh No, Here It Is

aka the Roadtrip Fic.

Tw?? swearing, mentions of something sex related, and overwhelming stupidity

Word count: 655

Smalls wanted to spontaneously combust. It was three am, and they’d been driving for seven hours already. Somehow, Sniper had convinced her to go raid Area 51 with them, promising that Katherine would be there. Obviously, the raid was the brainchild of Race and Albert. Jack and Crutchie had gone of their own accord, and everyone had tagged along. Spot drove another group of newsies, so the unlucky group cramped into Mrs Jacobs’ van was Davey, Jack, Kath, Sniper, Race, Crutchie, Albert, and Smalls. Well, she thought, at least I’m not stuck in the back with all our crap. That was Sniper, who was reading some classic with earbuds in.

Smalls’ phone had died an hour ago and Jack was hogging the car charger, so she was stuck in a sing-a-long to shitty pop on the radio with Race and Albert. Finally, Davey pulled over to a Seven-Eleven.

“Ten minutes, I’m not waiting for anyone.” he warned, unlocking the doors. Jack pulled Davey out of the van as well, saying something about “Albert’s gonna do dumb shit” as Race helped Crutchie out of the van, holding his hand daintily like a prince or something. Smalls dug out some cash from her wallet, as Albert made a beeline for the snacks and Sniper stocked up on Mountain Dew and tictacs.

Since everyone was done shopping relatively quickly and it was three am, they just hung out in the seven eleven for a bit. Smalls heard a weird honking noise from around the corner, and heard Race laughing. Well, that’s never a good combo of sounds, Smalls thought. She rounded the corner to paper towels laid across the floor and Albert hunched over a pile of something. Upon further inspection, it was...

A fucking pile of hot cheetos. Of course it was. Race sounded like the goose in the corner, laughing his ass off. Eventually, this caught Davey’s attention, who went onto a tangent of “I told you so,” but even after that it got a few chuckles out of him.

“3 AM Davey is scary.” Crutchie pointed out on the way back to Davey’s van, as Smalls helped carry the five bottles of Mountain Dew that Sniper had bought “for science.” Smalls piled into the van with her cheerios, trying not to giggle at Race and Crutchie being super oblivious as they climbed into the van together.

Five AM

“Aand there are approximately 725 species of venomous snakes worldwide...” Davey droned on. Jack had taken over driving about a half hour ago, which meant the car was subject to “interesting” snake facts with Davey. Smalls sighed. Sniper and Kath were asleep, and Smalls totally wasn’t dramatically sighing at Katherine what do you mean?

Finally, Race said what everyone was thinking. “Tell us something interesting, Brains!” he exclaimed, burying his head in his hands for dramatic effect. The van went silent, and it was almost eerie.

Albert snorted. “Sorry, Davey, but seriously.” he said. The car was still quiet, and it was nearly uneasy.

“Look, Dave, we didn’t mean it-“ Smalls began, but Davey cut her off.

“Anacondas mate by having orgies with twelve males and one female.”

The entire van went apeshit. Race and Albert had a stroke collectively, wheezing to death while Davey grinned smugly. “W-why do you know that huh?” Race managed to choke out, which only made everyone laugh harder. Kath had woken up and was also laughing. Jack was probably literally dying behind the wheel.

“Jack, we’re gonna*wheeze* hit the fence!” Crutchie managed to say, leaning against a now flustered Race. Smalls instantly jumped over the seat, channeling her inner Mario Kart champ title.

“Smalls what the fUcK?!” Jack yelled, still choking on air from laughing. Smalls pulled into a gas station, nearly hitting a PT Cruiser(who still drove those?) with the van.

Everyone took a deep breath. Davey spoke first.

“I vote we find a hotel for the night.”

———————————————————————

Sorry it’s long I’m on mobile so I can’t do the break thing lmao

Also;; am I supposed to have a taglist? Idk if you wanna be one of the first to know when another monstrosity worms its way out of the mass of hamburger meat I call my brain dm me. Imma just tag peeps who I think might be interested

@your-lover-crutchie

@thtvscoboi

@romeo-appreciation-squad

@laziestloserr

[crushedbyhyperbole]

Beyond Broken - Chapter Two

Have you read chapter one?

Warnings:  There’s mild homophobia from a secondary character, and implied repercussions by that same character.  Really he’s just old and set in his ways.

For more chapters see my Thor Odinson Mobile Masterlist

The Lonely Man

On Saturday Jess ran the emergency dental clinic until two o’clock when Sadie came in to replace her. She made it to David’s a little after three, taking a detour along the costal road by Ocean Beach Park.  The previous night had really stuck in her head, like the spark of connection with another equally tortured soul.  It was absurd and she knew it, but she found herself driving passes around the block anyway, searching.  It was a futile venture.

William Sr. was full of smiles when he answered the door.

“There she is!”  He beamed brightly.  “My favourite girl.”  His hug was firm and sincere.

“Ahh, Bill,” Jess chuckled, “not so loud or Daisy will get jealous.”

He winked at her with a cheeky grin and waved a hand at her as if to say ‘nonsense’.

“How’re you keeping? I hear you’re still looking after my David.  He really loves your company, you know.  You keep him sane, and me, if truth be told.  He’d be in the house every night moping around getting under my feet if he didn’t meet you almost every evening.  And you know I appreciate you helping out with the dog an all.”  Bill didn’t wait for a reply but pottered eagerly into the kitchen.  “Coffee, tea?”

“Coffee, please.”  She’d need it after the horrific night sleep she got the night before.  “I’m doing ok, thanks for asking.  David an I really keep each other sane.  He keeps me occupied so I don’t think about things too much.”

Bill’s eyes darkened as if a shadow had passes over his face momentarily.  Jess knew it was still hard for him.  It was hard for them all.

“He tells me you’re still enjoying your Sunday night meet.”

Bill only smiled by way of a reply.

“Sugar?  Or are you still sweet enough?”

“Sweet enough.”  She winked.

Daisy came running in at that moment and jumped up at her legs, laddering her tights and smearing mud up her shins.  Luckily the knee-length pencil skirt she wore was spared the muddy make-over.

“Oh you stupid dog, leave the girl alone!”  Bill bent, strained to pick her up.  “Davey boy, come get this dog back in the utility room, she’s getting mud all over the place.”

“No harm done.  I can live without the tights.”

“Hi!” David enthused, breathless, wearing a toothy gurn and wide eyes in place of a smile.  He grabbed Daisy and took her back to get her cleaned. “We’ve just been down to the old stream.”  He called from the other room.  “All the rain has turned it into a river and a lot of the land has flooded.”

“Surprised they haven’t concreted that over to make a car park yet.”  Bill scoffed, handing her a steaming cup.

“Thanks.”  She sipped and sat with William Sr. as he resumed his afternoon TV session.

Watching the news was unbearable.  People were still talking about Disintegration Day.  This new D-Day had surpassed the world war II D-Day by quite a significant factor.  Each city in America, and around the world probably, was erecting monuments, naming all those lost in what they were now calling The Infinity War.  She didn’t pretend to know what that meant but it didn’t change the harsh reality of the outcome.  We had lost but not without trying, apparently.  The scale of this attack was far greater than that on New York and The Avengers had been powerless to stop it.

Jess knew very little about who and what The Avengers were, besides work talk and her talks with David. There had been public out-cry, people slating the group for their failure, calling for them to be brought to justice for bringing this war here to earth.  What had become clear in the following weeks was that this Infinity War had been universal.  Half of all life in the whole universe had been wiped out. How can a small group of people such as they fight a war that large on so many fronts?  It was impossible.

Just leave them alone.  Jess thought each time she heard the criticism.  They’re people too.  They’ve lost loved ones just the same as us.

���You ready to go?” David smiled down at her.  How long had he been there?

“Yeah, sorry.”  She shook herself free of the stupor that had gripped her, taking a long swig of her cooled coffee.  “You sure you’re not up for a late lunch, Bill?”

David shot her a daggered look.

“Nuh-uh.”  He grunted without taking his eyes off the TV.  “I’m not one for these trendy wine bars and fancy restaurants.  You go enjoy yourselves.”

She chuckled, if only he knew how few trendy wine bars and fancy restaurants there were left.

“Why did you insist on inviting him?”  David pouted from the passenger seat.  His feminine side was really showing through more and more lately.  Silas was the likely catalyst for this development.

“He’s got feelings.  And inviting him at least shows we care. Besides, he never accepts.”

She pulled away down the cluttered street.

All but the big towns and cities were becoming more and more run down as time went on.  There were fewer sanitation workers now, hell, there were fewer of every kind of worker, but the same number of streets.  The Stark Foundation’s Disaster Relief Initiative had been put into place two  months ago, where the homeless and unemployed were all suddenly employed and homed thanks to vacancies and empty homes created by D-Day.  It was taking a while, but humanity was gradually getting itself back on its feet.  Things would never be the same but that didn’t mean it had to be all bad.

Jess’s dinner plans with David were mostly a ruse, just as the dog walking was, and virtually everything else in David’s life.  They grabbed something quick in an uptown bar before David shot off to meet his lover.

“I don’t know why you don’t tell Bill that you’re gay.”  She’d said to him once, a few months back.

“Because he’ll disown me and it’ll probably kill him.”  He’d replied, swiping through grinder on his phone.

“Has he said as much?”

“Yeah.”  David had stopped scrolling and turned his phone to her to reveal a sultry looking man with dark chest hair and a shaved head. “What do you think?”

“Too cliché.”  She’d sipped her cocktail and rolled her eyes. “What were his exact words?”

“To quote…”  David had dropped his phone into his pocket and stared at her with an irritated glare.  “’When are you going to get a girlfriend, huh?  Double-you-Jay started dating Jess before he was your age.  I swear, boy, you better not turn out to be one of them fairies or I’ll skin you alive and disown you.’  He also added ‘you’ll send me and your mother to an early grave, damned boy.’”

Jess had accepted that, yes, maybe William Sr. was a bit of a homophobe.  It had been a long time since she’d heard the old man refer to his eldest son as double-you-jay (W.J. for William Junior).  Bill got over that phase when she and Will got engaged. Maybe he didn’t think of him as a man until he was on his way towards marriage.

So that put Jess squarely in the realms of helping David lie to his father and covering up for him while he went and got laid.  It did make her wonder what kind of relationship it was, and would it last if the people in it could only see each other a few hours a day in clandestine meetings of sordid debauchery?  And they were debauched, David had told her as much.

Whatever works for them.  He’s happy.  Let it go.

At 7pm she found herself back on the boardwalk at Ocean Beach Park instead of back at the practice catching up on paperwork.  Heels and a skirt that limited your leg movements were not things one should wear for negotiating uneven terrain; she stumbled a few times on her way down to the waterfront.  The clouds weren’t all that dense yet, some of them looked more white than grey, which was a change.

She leaned against the railing by marker twelve, it really was a beautiful spot. The regal trees and grassy expanse of the park at her back, dissected by well worn footpaths and clusters of flowering shrubs, clean pale sands stretching along in front of the silvery-wood deck of the boardwalk, and beyond, the deep Prussian blue expanse of the Atlantic mantled by tempestuous skies, all perfectly framed by minimum human clutter.

“No dog today?”  A deep voice scared her into an undignified squeak.

Clutching her chest, gasping, she whipped around to face the man.  

“I apologise, if I scared you.”  The lonely man held his hands up in mock surrender.

“No, it’s ok.  Well, I mean, you did, but it’s ok.”  She panted a little, leaning forward to catch her breath again.

There was more light than when she’d previously seen him.  His hood was down revealing dark-blonde hair that was short at the sides and longer on top, a neatly trimmed beard and the most perfect teeth she’d seen in quite a while.  His smile faded quickly as he searched her face with concern, one crystal clear, almost iridescent, blue eye and one hazel eye scanning her reaction.

Heterochromia.  That was rare.

“Once again, I apologise.” He lowered his gaze and began to turn away.  “I shall leave you be.”

“No!”  She lurched forward with her hand outstretched to stop him. “This is kind of your spot anyway, I’m just squatting here.”  She rolled her hand in a beckoning motion.  “Please.  Stay.”

“Very kind of you.”

His accent was strange, English maybe but she wasn’t quite sure.  He leaned on the railing at just over arm’s length from her, respecting the unspoken boundaries that strangers should about personal space.

They stood a while, looking out across the water.  It was comfortable, she didn’t feel awkward until she suddenly remembered his question.

“No dog.”  She said, nodding embarrassingly, giggling a little at how stupid she sounded.

The lonely man dipped his head forward, a smile playing on his lips.

“She’s an energetic one. I trust your gentleman friend is doing his duty this evening otherwise you will have a rampant puppy to contend with tonight.”  He rumbled a short chortle at his internal imagery.

“He has.”   David was family, not a ‘gentleman friend’.

She continued to look out across the water, feeling the chill of the metal railings bite into her forearms through her white chiffon blouse.  It had been a mild day up until now, but with the light fading and the wind beginning to pick up she wished she’d brought her jacket from the car. Her sweater vest only did so much and, honestly, she hadn’t intended to stay so long.

“It doesn’t look as though it’ll storm so hard tonight, the air feels a bit lighter.”  She glanced to her right to see him nodding.  “Will you miss the rain?”

He looked at her then, with a pained look, mouth and brows set into a solemn expression.

“There are other things than rain to cleanse the spirit.”  His tone was almost sagely.  He offered her a thin-lipped smile.

“I suppose you’re right.” Jess had almost forgotten the cold by then.  Her mind was quiet.

They stood in the failing light until ten o’clock rolled around.  The lonely man was the first to break their mutual silence.

“I suppose I should let you go.”  He rumbled quietly.  “Shouldn’t keep you here any longer with my captivating presence.”  He flashed her a brilliant smile and she couldn’t tell if he was being sarcastic or not.

“I’m not exactly handcuffed to the railings here.”  She laughed. A light feeling she thought she’d lost bubbled up delicately in her chest.  For the first time in ten months she felt like she might be able to find herself again, if only she could let herself feel something other than agonising loss.  “But I should go.  I’m the designated driver.”  She raised her eyebrows and sighed.

“I hope your gentleman friend doesn’t keep you waiting again this evening.”  The lonely man called after her.

“Me too.  It was nice to meet you.”  She waved from the start of the trail that would take her to her car.

“Likewise.”

[bluephoenixdruidicprincess]

My 2019 Blog Review

Today's the last day of 2019, so I thought it would be fun to dig through my archive and reflect on my blog activity over the past year. I am doing this on my phone but once I have access to a computer again, I'll put this all under a cut. I just can't do it on my phone.

Jan 2019

- Tumblr's background color changed and apparently I'm the only one who liked the change.

- Kingdom Hearts 3 release -- of course, this was a huge thing in my blog at the time. Afterall, I'd only been waiting 15 years for this game. And while I definitely had problems with the game, it also had some very memorable moments that I loved...like Sora punching Davey Jones (I never ever want to forget that moment).

- I began my adventure of learning Japanese. I'm doing pretty good so far.

- The Mummy (Brendon Fraser) appreciation. Occamshipper apparently doesn't like these movies but I love them. I met some great people because I told occamshipper that whereas they didn't like The Mummy Returns, it is in fact one of my favorite all time movies.

- Lots of rambling about my love for Lucy Heartfilia and the Nalu ship from Fairy Tail.

Feb 2019

- BoA Appreciation. I love K-Pop and BoA is one of my all time favs.

- The Vic Micnogna scandal. Honestly, I don't really care about what's going on with the trial, what bothers me is the stain that was left on Funimation because of it. The voice actors really alienated the fanbase in this scandal and I didn't like that.

- Power Rangers appreciation. I love Power Rangers and unironically, too. My favorite power ranger is Adam from Mighty Morphin.

- Within Temptation's new Resist Album dropped and I loved it. I love these epic stories they tell with their albums and the vibes they give.

- I watched the Mythica franchise and my appreciation affair for Zombie Girl began.

- Ronon/Keller appreciation. I loved this pairing so much and I'm super sad the show never did more with them.

- Legacies Reviews. Apparently people find me funny? I have a sense of humor that people enjoy?

Mar 2019

- Emily Bett Rickards revealed she would not be on Arrow for its final season. I was really depressed a out that and I got a lot of hate from comic book fans for daring to say that I like the character of Felicity Smoak.

- Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles appreciation. One of my favorite anime/manga of all time.

- I was a victim of credit card fraud because of Creation Entertainment and then they tried to deny they were at fault despite hundreds of their customers reporting credit card fraud all at the same time. They eventually retracted their statement but because of this, I will probably never go to a Creation convention again. They're way overpriced and I certainly will not entrust my important info to them again.

Apr 2019

- Shadowhunters final season started airing and they went from irritating to just plain boring. Seriously, the season's biggest crime isn't how misogynist and racist it was, it was that it was completely nonsensical and boring for me.

- The release of Taylor Swift's and Brendon Urie's collab of ME! and I seem to be the only one that seems to legitimately love that song (even the "spelling is fun" part, RIP you beautiful lyric, alas, you were too good and pure to last in this hateful unfunny world of judgemental culture).

- The X Family appreciation. This is one of my favorite Taiwanese dramas and definitely my favorite series in the KO franchise.

- I broke up with the main SPN meta community (otherwise known as the Positive Police). We just didn't see eye-to-eye. I didn't appreciate them lording over the fandom telling people what they should and should not ship, telling people what they should and should not like...and they didn't appreciate me saying so. Lots of blocking went on and I'm still eternally sorry for the people that got blocked by these big fish because they simply liked my posts.

May 2019

- Game of Thrones crappy ending. What is there to really say about it? It was terrible and misogynist AF.

- Ezra appreciation from the Natural Oneders TFS at the Table D&D campaign. Ezra Lockwood was my favorite character and I'm not okay with how he was written out of the campaign.

- I was quite angry about Dean destroying Chuck's guitar like Dean was a 5-year-old child angry that he didn't get his way (seriously, Dean needs to be sent to time-out).

Jun 2019

- Quicksilver and Dadneto meta commentary from FOX 's X-Men franchise. So much lost potential there, unfortunately (thanks, Dark Phoenix).

- Orca appreciation. They're beautiful, majestic creatures and I love them, they might be my spirit animal.

- Someone unfollowed me because I wasn't giving enough attention to real-world problems. Essentially, I wasn't woke enough I guess. But I'm sorry, if I want to feel all righteous and justicey, I'll watch the news. Social justice and politics are not primary focuses of this blog.

- Godzilla King of Monsters was fantastic.

- Chuck TV Series appreciation. I love this show and I miss it dearly.

Jul 2019

- Veronica Mars Season 4 discourse. Essentially I hate what happened to Logan and what it means for Veronica's character moving forward.

- Played Love Island The Game and had way more fun than I probably rightfully should've had.

Aug 2019

- Re-watched Sailor Moon and then watched Sailor Moon Crystal. Both shows are so much fun. Plus, I love Sailor Jupiter. I love Jupiter's personality and her power aesthetic is badass to match her personality.

- Taylor Swift's Lover album dropped. I might be in the minority but it actually ranks pretty low on my list of Taylor Swift albums.

- Skillet's Victorious album dropped a d ot was a huge disappointment for me.

- I found watermelon to be my new favorite post-workout snack.

Sep 2019

- I watched The Untamed and I absolutely adore this show. I started watching more chinese dramas because of this show. And whereas I haven't found something I enjoyed quite as much from the chinese drama list, I've still greatly enjoyed a lit of the shows...but they still have nothing on The Untamed. The Untamed is just so good.

- Lover Fest was announced. And it was real shady the dealings that were going on with this. It actually kind of made me wary of actually wanting to see Taylor live.

Oct 2019

- I began the Korean drama, Extra-Ordinary You. I haven't finished it yet, but I plan to. I wanted to wait until the entire series was done airing. It does really interesting things with tropes and I greatly enjoy this show and can't wait to to return to it.

- Sherlolly appreciation. Rediscovered my love for the Sherlock/Molly ship from Sherlock.

-Leverage appreciation. Absolutely fantastic show. Highly recommend it.

Nov 2019

-Psych tv series appreciation. Another one of my favorite shows of all time.

- I wrote a Dean Winchester endgame meta. It was fun.

Dec 2019

- Kamen Rider Den-O appreciation. My favorite from the Kamen Rider franchise. I've been re-watching it and it's so much fun. Sato Takeru is amazing in it and the fact that this one of his first acting jobs and he's able to pull off doing so many different characters is seriously amazing.

- SPN finally brought us an angel/vessel dynamic in the form of Adam and Michael and it was amazing.

- The Jumanji re-make appreciation. I love it and The Next Level is just as good as its predecessor and I'm anxiously awaiting the next film in the franchise.

- My thoughts on why I'm single. Mainly because I'm lazy and I just don't feel like doing through all of the work involved in dating.

There you have it. That's 2019 for me. It had its ups and its downs but blog wise, I think I had a pretty good year.

[johnjackielaurens]

Jack Kelly x Davey Jacobs Jack is very book smart with history cause he got into art history and then he began to read about European and American history. Whenever Davey is being a bit too braggy about knowing so many things jack whips out some history favs to throw him off his rhythm

Historical Facts

Pairing: David Jacobs x Jack Kelly

Words: 689 (very short)

Warnings: None!!

Time Era: Modern Era

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Author’s Note: Greetings Tumblr! I’ve enjoyed writing this drabble of a writing piece! Finals have been getting hectic, therefore, this request has been sitting in my inbox for five days!! Hope you enjoy!

How To Get In My Tags List?: Privately Message Me

Jack Kelly, in under any circumstances, never returned attention in a history lesson while he attended high school a few years ago. He’d regularly occupied a seat in the back of the classroom and doodle in his (used to be) beloved sketchbook of his edgy teenage years. The instructor would apprise the students attending the lesson strictly regarding world history and American history. David Jacobs, Jack’s present winsome boyfriend, would benevolently tutor Jack for the forthcoming history exams the couple would take. Davey genuinely worries about Jack regards to his academic grades, particularly his history grade. Attending these exasperate (to, Jack, at least) involves lots of grousing, complaining, and threats. These tutoring sessions with, Davey, did a pleasing role in benefitting Jack academically, which Jack is immensely thankful for his intelligent boyfriend.

                 These former high school events lead up to the present, Jack Kelly, attending the much tolerable university of his decision. He remained seated in the lecture hall, eventually delivering his undivided attention to the professor. The professor was presenting a (to utmost people’s views) tedious presentation concerning art history. Students attending the lesson took careless notes or drowsed off. Jack was giving close attention to the provided source, taking attentive notes while he was slightly engrossed. Jack had been confounding after acknowledging his unusual behavior in the session. Was Jack Kelly invested in history lessons?  He would agree it was perhaps, quite entertaining.

                Several days after the exceptional occurrence of Jack’s behavior, he would privately read his boyfriend’s history textbooks while Davey was at work or class. His boyfriend’s books issued on European and American history. Jack did not complain at any of the themes of the text the source produced. He aspired to discover and study further for his leisure and aimed for motivation to his artworks. He, of course, kept his fondness for history untold to everyone around him, even his darling lover. Just the intrigue of muttering history quotations was amusing to him.

               Candidly, Jack avoided suppressing secrets from his winsome boyfriend, Davey, but Jack didn’t consider the fit of resembling to be “book smart,” He was, honestly, utterly drawn to the historical stories and events. It was unusual for his accustomary subject likings. The added point, Jack adored Davey’s facial appearance gladdening up as he explained particular preferences of historical events. It would destroy the purpose of Jack’s intentions if he apprised Davey of his taciturn appreciation for history. In conclusion, these are the reasons why Jack settled against discussing with, Davey, about subjects correlating to history.

                 On one subtle evening, the golden day-star sank lower in the evening sky while Jack rested on the sofa in the shared dorm of the couple. He had lately purchased a paperback novel based on the European Renaissance of the fifteenth century. While Jack relaxed onto the sofa, he began reading the paperback and listened to an instrumental resonance of a piano tune with his earbuds. Jack Kelly was soonly engrossed, by the paperback novel.

               "What are you reading, Jackie?“ a familiar voice asked while taking Jack’s earbud of his left ear, engaged in the unusual activity Jack was conducting.

                "Nothing, at all!” Jack screeched while observing a heavy feeling in the nucleus of his stomach while scrambling to cover the paperback novel’s cover surface.

                 Davey shrugged the reaction of Jack off, wanting to value his boyfriend’s privacy. He would admit, it was a shockable approach he had done. Davey suggested Jack about their dinner and resumed their evening.

—————————–Several Days Later—————————–

                  Davey instantly stopped bragging about knowing various things as he had occurred to be cut off by Jack following in discussing, The Protestant Reformation of European history. Jack proceeded to chat further about the subject for several minutes while Davey listened in shock. Jack grinned, proudly as he lectures, knowing specifically of his intentions to drive his boyfriend of rhythm. The facial expression of Davey’s face was too humorous for Jack to finish soon, so he continued to chat. Jack spoke about his views and knowledge regarding the event.

                   "Jack, what the Hell?“ Davey announced in dismay and shock about the behavior he’d witnessed.

[quietmillennial]

Predictability

Fluffy Jaspidwen under the cut.

“I’m useless,” she whispered as the door closed behind her.

Jasper and David looked up from the television, startled by the defeated statement that fell from Gwen’s lips.

“What happened, Gwen?” asked David gently.

Gwen scoffed, “The same fucking thing that always happens. Why did I think it would be any different?”

Her voice tightened, and the mood shifted among all three young adults in the room.

“Hon, I’m sorry you had a rough day.” David stood up and took her hand. “You’re not useless, and you’re going to get where you’re going one day.”

“You’re still young!” piped Jasper. “You have worked too hard and too long. You’ve come so far, and we’re behind you every step of the way, I promise.”

Gwen almost smiled. “ I know,” she said softly, “It’s just a little hard sometimes. Everything seems to swallow me up all at once, and it’s really hard to rationalize anything. I just see people fufill their dreams everyday, and I feel so far away still.”

She sniffled and David pulled her into a hug. Gwen had been doing so well with her depression, but with everything else, David and Jasper knew there were good and bad days.

Jasper stood up and guided David in the direction of their bedroom, passed the soft snores of Max, his door slightly ajar. David smiled fondly and pulled it closed. As the trio entered the room, Jasper cursed and walked back out to fetch their blanket from the couch.

As he returned, he saw Gwen cuddle herself against David, accepting his petting and cooing. Jasper chuckled at the sight of his interview ready wife cuddled in their bed. He gripped her ponytail playfully as he sat on the bed, saying quietly, “You should probably change.”

She snickered and smirked half-heartedly, but nonetheless rose with a whine, “Help me.”

David jumped up and Jasper laughed challengingly. Knocking Gwen over, he popped the button on her dress pants, and slowly unzipped the zipper. “Get her top half, please, Davey.”

David hummed in affirmation, taking the hem of Gwen’s top in his hand and waiting. With a soft, but positive response from Gwen, he pulled it over her head as Jasper successfully pulled the jeans away from her long legs. Gwen sighed as David’s fingers fumbled momentarily with the front clasp of her bra, releasing her small, but perky chest. She smiles contently as she feels a familiar fabric all on top of her. She slips on the miscellaneous t-shirt from Jasper that leaves her swimming. She pulls out her large earrings and releases her hair from the elastic that held it tight.

She lays down on her side, facing David and shivering pleasurably as Jasper’s large arm lays itself against her side. David kisses her head and reaches his free arm to touch Jasper on his shoulder.

These were the times that Gwen appreciated. David and Jasper would stay quiet. They would let Gwen and all of her emotions just exist for a while. They would watch for dangerous signs, but encroached on her unless necessary. She and her demons could have their bouts while in a safe place. That was what Gwen had fallen in love with. Their understanding of her, and her understanding of them. The symphony of different needs and personalities that played off and built on each other.

Gwen was used to chaos and anarchy. She found predicability soothing. Soon, as she realized she breathing of her lovers had slowed into sleep, she joined them there.

[stagestageau]

Camp Camp Actor AU

So me and my friends decided to make a Camp Camp Actor AU! 

To make it easier for the kids, the characters keep their actors first name. Therefore David is played by David, Gwen plays Gwen, etc.

Max is David’s adopted son. Max was neglected as a baby and taken in by David's parents as a foster kid. Once he turned 18, David adopted Max because his parents couldn’t but he didn’t want to lose the then 4 year-old Max. Despite that he is a very good Dad to Max and makes sure he’s comfortable at all times. Just. David is a good Dad okay.

Talking about David’s family, he and Daniel are actually twins. He prefers to be called Danny though. He helped David take care of Max a lot in the beginning of their acting career, taking turns on who takes care of him depending on who had auditions/filming.

Sometimes he and Max go on adventures while he’s babysitting and David’s like No Max cannot go rockclimbing Daniel he’s tOO SMALL DANIEL!

Daniel is actually an atheist.

He keeps making fun of his role for drinking his own poison. He thinks that’s one of the dumbest ways you could possibly die.

‘Davey’ is Davids little brother. He’s the only one in Camp Camp who’s rolename isn’t his real name. His actual name is James, but the other kids usually call him Jimmy.

They have a sister that is starring in a Western produced by the same studio.

Daniel never not has a gift for his nephew. He kept lurking around the set before and after his episode a lot because 1. he didn’t have any other obligations at the moment and 2. he loves seeing his brother and nephew play their roles, be it in a show or an advertisement.

Due to Max history, scenes that reference the neglect of Character!Max are very hard on both Max and David. They had to retake the scenes from Parent’s Day a lot because David kept starting to cry. Everyone actually went for Pizza after that, not only to celebrate finishing filming for the season 2 finale, but also to cheer up David and Max.

Mr. Honeynuts is actually Max teddy bear from baby times that went through a lot as he grew up. He usually sits on the shelf nowadays in a self made cardboard chair with a blanket and pillow enjoying his 'retirement' to make sure he doesn’t break apart. When the script called for a beat up teddy they had him join their actor family.

Gwen and Jen(nifer) are sisters and while they’re a year apart in age they look a lot like each other. Jennifer is the older one of them.

Offstage Max is a real sweetheart and actually acts like a ten year-old. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t like pranks though. He and Daniel love playing pranks on David together.

Daniel always had a thing for pranking his brother. As a kid David never left out a chance to prank his brother back but now tries to set a good example for Max, so when he pranks Daniel back nowadays he makes sure it’s not too bad and tries to avoid Max being around.

In the beginning Max always messed up his lines and said Dad instead of David.

Nikki and Neil are actually siblings.

Cameron always brings cakes and other baked goods for everyone and is overall a really sweet guy. He bakes everything himself and is overall a great cook.

Dolph (short for Rudolph) asks if his character could be changed everyday because he hates it but his mom is sick and they need the money so he can’t do much.

After the season 2 finale everyone got together and threatened to leave the show if Dolph’s character wasn’t changed to something less....bad. It worked and his character was changed for season 3. The first episode switches between David taking the campers on a hike and Gwen explaining to dolph who he acts like and then helping him change his outfit and hairstyle. After the episode all that is left of season 1/2 Dolph is the accent and the love for art. His role name is changed to Rudi.

The Quartermaster just showed up one day. In "Quartermaster Appreciation Day", the script had David give the Quartermaster a raise and the episode was supposed to focus on the campers trying to find a present. Instead, the Quartersister walked in. Everyone's like 'David who the fuck is THAT'. Poor guy has no idea though. But because they were close to deadline they were supposed to just stay in character if something happened.

Cameraman: gesture to keep going. David:...."your very own qUARTER..SISTER"

Neil is autistic.

Germy Fartz is actually a really popular child actor who agreed to this role for the hell of it. All the kids were like wow its so cool to meet u who're you playing. And Germys like "i'm fart guy"

Cue immense giggles from all children.

Bonquisha usually plays the heroine in an action series and is pretty much a 'guest star' in ep7. She came back cause fans kept asking if Character!David was single and how the date with Character!Bonquisha went. So they made Bonjour Bonquisha. Since no one recognised her in the show it’s widely believed in the fandom that the action series whos lead Bonquisha plays either doesn’t exist in the Camp Camp universe or has another actress in her role.

Jacob played her love interest in her last movie and his appearance as her new lover is a nod to that.

Space Kid was supposed to only wear a NASA cap and jacket, but when auditions started and Neil Armstrong Jr. showed up in a self made space suit it was changed to fit him more. He wanted to get this role because he had the fascination for space basically layed in the crib and always loved both space and acting.

The other kids all call him Nebby (from Nebula) off set to avoid confusion between the two Neils. He loves this nickname.

When Max first started to get involved in acting and such David really wanted to support him but he was worried about the whole acting world and how it'll affect him. Especially because Max was neglected- he wants attention because of it. What if acting gives him the wrong attention? David is Worried but still supportive

So David gets him an acting coach and Max tries for commercials and David's talking with Max's therapist and coach on the sideline just checking in and being a good father.

Then Max tries for this role and David is Worried because its kinda close to home a bit with the "bad parents jokes" but Max really wants to do it and he does great! He gets a callback! McDonalds for dinner!

When the casting director went on break during auditions for Max' role he thought about how for the role of the male counselor they needed a man that looked like god himself would go to him for comfort. Cue him running into David calming down a young boy that had lost his parents in the chaos of auditions.

In the original pitch of the show, Max’s role was called Tony.

Aaaaand that’s the basics!