#but steve will get him to love it again in no time dw folks

[reikunrei]

I didn't talk about this at all in my last doctor who post because there was so much else going on that I wanted to touch on, but after @mikesbasementbeets mentioned one of the closing lines of the episode in the tags, I kinda wanted to just talk about it a bit.

So, this is one of the rare episodes of dw where everyone lives at the end, including all of the victims who outright or technically died. Throughout basically the whole show, but especially the early seasons, and especially s1 with the 9th Doctor, there's an incredible emphasis on "we cannot interfere or else everything will fall apart." The episode right before these ("Father's Day") actually tackles this very idea, which I hope to explore sometime in another post. In short, the Doctor doesn't save people. Doing so often results in more harm than good (unless it wasn't meant to happen, but we don't have time to get into that here lol).

However, at the end of this episode, he does something completely different.

He says everybody lives. He sends out a mass of nanogenes, now reprogrammed, toward the gas mask soldiers surrounding the bomb site and they rewrite and "fix" their DNA, making them all normal humans again without the injuries of dead little Jamie. As I showed in the initial post, even Jamie winds up coming back to life, despite the fact that he was already dead when the nanogenes found his body and used him as a blueprint. Realistically, Jamie should still be dead because he wasn't technically "changed" by the nanogenes, simply brought back to life, which the Doctor earlier says is easy.

It's an extremely profound ending to a dw episode, and it's one that sticks with a lot of people.

Now bear with me because I'm sick with a cold as I write this so it might not be very coherent, but in conjunction with all of the other connections/similarities/parallels between these episodes and Stranger Things, this feels startlingly fitting for (at least part of) the conclusion to st.

Throughout all of st, we've seen time and again that knocking things down with violence doesn't really work. It's especially evident in st4 when Nancy, Steve, and Robin flambée Vecna, blast away a few chunks of flesh, and knock him out of the third story of a house. You'd think that would turn him into a pile of smoldering mulch, but it doesn't! Frankly, he gets up and walks away very quickly. We're shown and told time and again that killing outright does not work.

In these dw episodes, they could have tried killing any of the victims to keep them at bay (at one point the Doctor even pick-pockets Jack's sonic blaster so he won't use it on the victims). However, with the nanogenes present, they simply would have been "fixed" again and brought back to life. Much like Vecna, they would've just kept coming back.

And what winds up saving the day in dw? Love and understanding. When Nancy finally admits to Jamie that she's his mother, not his sister, and apologizes for everything that's happened and comes into contact with the nanogenes, it makes them fix their misunderstanding.

A lot of people talk about how Will said "we have to kill him" irt Vecna/One at the end of 4.09. However, again, we've seen that it literally does not work. And along with everything else surrounding the weirdness with identities in st, specifically with the distinctions between Henry/Edward, Vecna, and One (and Brenner) (check out the original post I linked at the top for links to other folk's posts about this), it's not far-fetched at all to assume that untangling the uncertainty left here will be what brings them closer to "saving the day," much closer than anymore fighting ever would.

We spend a lot of these dw episodes being scared of Jamie. Even Nancy is constantly visibly fearful of him and won't go near him, but in the end, she takes him into her arms despite the risk of her becoming infected. They don't brute force the nanogenes into understanding, they don't try to reprogram them, and they don't physically fight them off. They constantly run away, use words, or even sing them to sleep. There is very little violence in these dw episodes, and most of it comes from the victims themselves and is very tame.

Stranger Things, at its core, is about love, and that extends to the (supposed) villains. The way things have been presented thus far are very unreliable, but we have enough information from the show itself (aided by things like TFS and even bits of the VR game) to prove that there's something else going on, and maybe, just like with little Jamie, someone just needs a little bit of helpful truth.

As Joyce Maldonado once said, "Can love defeat fear?"

[mrprettywhenhecries]

i don’t think you notice (what you did to me) [b.h]

nine. | you give love a bad name

Billy Hargrove ✘ Win Lewis (ofc)

⇾ w.c. 4.9k words ⇾ warning(s). canon x oc pairing, f!oc, angst angst angst, domestic abuse, homophobic language, violence, break ups ⇾ a/n. this chapter has an unhappy ending, but it's not the end of the story, dw.

[ masterlist ] [ win lewis bio ]

Picking up her tube of mascara, Win leaned in closer to her vanity mirror to put the finishing touches on her makeup when the bright green corded phone at her elbow rang, making her jump.

“Jesus!” she hissed, reaching for the phone.  “Y’ello?” she answered, resting the receiver between her cheek and shoulder so she could finish her makeup while talking.

“Hey, baby.”  

Billy’s voice on the other end of the line, however, brought a grin to her face.

“What’s happening?  You about to head over?” she asked, giddier than usual for their date – it had been a while since they’d gone anywhere other than Lover’s Lake.

“Uh–” Billy hesitated, blowing an exasperated sigh.  “Not yet,” he answered, annoyance thick in his voice.  “Neil and Susan haven’t gotten back from their dumb shopping trip yet and I have to stay here with Max til they do,” he grumbled.

“Oh…” Win breathed, her grin slipping for a moment til an idea hit her.  “That’s okay, I’ll just get a ride there and we can hang out til they get back,” she suggested.

There was a beat of silence before Billy replied.  “You sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all,” Win assured him, twisting her mascara shut and grabbing the phone as she straightened.  “I’ll just call Holly for a lift.  I’ll see you soon, kay?”

“Alright, see ya soon, Princess,” Billy replied before hanging up, sounding a little less peeved than he had.

As soon as she heard the dial tone, Win punched in Holly’s number, hoping her friend wouldn’t be too busy to give her a ride.  She half thought about searching for the key to the garage and borrowing the Chevelle, but Holly picked up before she could give it any serious thought.

“Hampton residence, Holly speaking.”

“Hey Hols, it’s Win, think you could do me a solid and give me a ride to Billy’s?” she asked, curling the phone cord around her finger idly.

“Yeah sure.  There something wrong with his car?”

“Nah, he’s stuck at home with his stepsister til his folks get back from Terre Haute,” Win explained.  “I figured I’d go keep him company til they get back and we can leave for our date from there.”

“Yeah, course!  I’ll be there in ten.”

It wasn’t long before Holly arrived in her dad’s car, her little brothers in the back seat.  

“You brought the whole family along,” Win laughed, turning in her seat to wave to Josh and Sammy.

“Yeah, they wanted to go to Dairy Queen after I drop you off,” Holly sighed, making a face at them in the rear view mirror before grinning.

“Where’s Steve?  I’m surprised you’re not with him tonight,” Win pointed out and Holly’s grin slipped.

“I dunno, actually.  I haven’t been able to get a hold of him all day,” she admitted, chewing her lip nervously.

“Oh," Win breathed, frowning.  "Well, I’m sure he’s just busy with something and he’ll call you as soon as he can,” she assured her friend, hoping it was true and that he wasn’t trying to win back Nancy Wheeler or something dumb like that.

When they pulled up in front of the Hargrove residence, Win noticed Neil’s car in the drive and relief washed through her.  At least now Billy would be free to leave.

“Thanks again for the ride, Hol,” Win said as she climbed out, waving once more to her brothers before she turned toward the house and made her way up the walk.

When she knocked on the front door, it was Susan who answered, her eyes going wide at the sight of Win.

“Hey Susan, I’m supposed to meet Billy,” she said, her smile slipping as Billy’s step mom didn’t move aside to let her in, instead glancing nervously back into the house and flinching.

“I’m sorry, dear, i-it’s not exactly a good time… Why don’t you come back later?  O-or I could let Billy know you stopped by and he could call you?” she suggested, her voice trembling slightly.

Win stared past her into the house, only half hearing her as Billy and Neil’s voices echoed from within.

“Where is she?  Where’s Max?” Neil’s voice demanded.

“I don’t know.”  

“You don’t know?” Neil scoffed incredulously.

“Look, I’m sure she just, I dunno, went to the arcade or something.  I’m sure she’s fine.”  Billy huffed.

“You were supposed to watch her.” 

“I know, Dad.  I was.  It’s just that you guys were three hours late, and well, I have a date.  I’m sorry, okay?”

“So that’s why you’ve been staring at yourself in the mirror like some faggot, instead of watching your sister?” 

Win tensed at the turn the conversation had taken, chewing her lip as she strained her ears to listen, Susan still blocking her way, her own head tilted as if she were listening as well.

“I’ve been looking after her all week, Dad.  Okay?  Look, she wants to run off, then that’s her problem, all right?  She’s thirteen years old!  She shouldn’t need a full time babysitter,” Billy exclaimed, his music shutting off.  “And she’s not my sister!” he spat.

The sound of something heavy slamming against the wall was followed by Neil’s level voice.  “What did we talk about?” There was a beat and then the loud crack of a slap, and Win felt her body move without thinking, pushing past Susan to run to Billy’s room, her heart in her throat.

When she reached his open door, she saw Billy pinned to the wall, his father’s hand gripping his chin, holding him in place more so with his sharp gaze than his grip, and she froze.  Billy’s cheek stung bright red and his eyes swam with unshed tears.

“What. Did. We. Talk. About?” Neil repeated slowly.

Billy swallowed, his eyes not leaving his father’s.  For a moment Win thought he wasn’t going to respond.

“Respect and responsibility,” he answered levelly, his voice low, almost hoarse.

Win felt Susan join her, hovering next to her anxiously, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from Billy.

“That’s right,” Neil said.  “Now, apologize to Susan.”

“I’m sorry, Susan,” Billy ground out, staring straight ahead, a quiet defiance in his stare as if he were balancing on a razor’s edge.

“It’s okay, Neil, really–” Susan spluttered, her voice barely there, trembling pathetically.

“No, it’s not okay,” Neil snapped.  “Nothing about his behaviour is okay, and now he’s gunna make up for it.  He’s gunna call that whore he’s seeing and cancel their date.  Then he’s gunna go find his sister, like the good, kind, respecting brother that he is.  Isn’t that right, Billy?” Neil asked, expecting to be obeyed.

“A-actually, Neil, she’s a-already here…” Susan stuttered, but he ignored her, not even bothering to look back at his wife.  Billy however, finally shifted his red rimmed gaze, his glossy eyes meeting Win’s across the room.  As soon as he realized she was there, his jaw tensed, embarrassment radiating off him.

“ISN’T THAT RIGHT?” Neil yelled when Billy didn’t respond and his eyes snapped back to his father while Susan flinched.

“HEY!” Win cried, unable to hold back any longer.  Without thinking, she surged forward to grab Neil’s shoulder, hauling him back.  “Leave him alone!” 

Neil spun to face her, his expression livid, but Win didn’t back down, righteous fury running through her veins.

“Get. Out.” Neil ground out, his eyes flashing dangerously.  “This is none of your business!”

“You made it my business when you laid hands on my boyfriend,” she snapped, but Neil merely scoffed.

“My son, the pussy.  You need a girl to fight your battles for you?” he taunted, his voice dripping contempt.

At his words, Billy flinched, his mouth tightening as his eyes squeezed shut for a moment, as if he were fighting to keep it together.

“The only pussy I see here, is you,” Win replied coldly, and Neil’s head swiveled to her, silent rage painting his face.  

“A real man would never hit his wife or kids,” Win spat.  “Does it make you feel big when you scare them into submission?” she demanded, though she didn’t expect an answer, nor did she wait for one.

“Fear isn’t the same as respect, and no one here respects you, you fucking pig.”

For a moment, she thought she’d gone too far, her nerves close to snapping as she waited for all hell to break loose, but Neil merely stared her down, his hands balling into fists as his jaw clenched tighter, his muscles flexing.  Despite the fear that kept her heart in her throat, Win lifted her chin defiantly as she stepped between him and Billy.

“What’re you gunna do, Mr. Hargrove?  You gunna hit me too?” 

He held her glare for another minute before turning away, Susan scurrying back from the door to let him through.

“I said.  Get out,” he repeated, pausing in the doorway, his eyes fixing on Billy.  “And you.  Find your sister.”

Without another word, he strode away, not even waiting to see if he’d be obeyed or not and Susan quickly followed after him, her hands gripping her skirt hard enough to turn her knuckles white.

As soon as his dad left the room, Billy seemed to deflate.  The angry tears he’d been fighting back in his father’s presence finally spilled over, rolling down his cheeks as he shut his eyes, taking a shuddering breath before lashing out in frustration, slamming his hand against the wall.

“Billy… are you alright?” Win asked, taking a hesitant step toward him.

When he finally looked at her, his expression hardened, shame twisting his features at the reminder of her presence—the reminder of what she’d witnessed.  Hastily wiping his eyes, he sniffed, grabbing his car keys before his fingers circled her wrist, dragging her behind him toward the front door.

Once they stepped into the empty street he released her, turning on her, his pent up frustration finally finding its release, even if it was the wrong one.

“Why don’t you mind your own damn business!” Billy bellowed, throwing his arms up.  “I didn’t need your fuckin’ help!” he spat, his voice shaking with rage.

“Your dad’s a fuckin’ bully and someone had to stand up to him!��� Win yelled back, her heart still hammering in her chest while her veins buzzed with adrenaline, her own anger rushing back to the forefront.

“You sayin’ I ain’t man enough to stand up to him?” Billy hissed, his voice dangerously low.

“That’s not what I’m saying.”  Win shook her head, standing her ground.  She managed to keep her voice level in the face of his misplaced rage.  “You don’t deserve to be treated that way.  It’s not right!”

Instead of soothing him, however, Win’s words only seemed to fan his anger hotter.  “I don’t need your fucking pity!” he screamed, his voice hoarse with emotion, but Win didn’t flinch.  Instead, she took a step closer, her gaze fixed on Billy’s flushed face, his eyes red rimmed and swimming, fighting to hold back more tears of frustration.

“This isn’t pity,” she said, her voice trembling softly.  “Like it or not, asshole, I actually give a shit about you, so you better get used to it.”

Her words seemed to knock the wind out of him, his next retort dying on his tongue as he tried to process how that made him feel.  Win took advantage of his stunned state to step closer, wrapping her arms around him.

“You’re not weak.  I’ve never thought you were,” she whispered, pressing her face to his chest.

In that moment, the rest of his fight dissolved and Billy hesitantly pulled her closer, tucking her head under his chin.

Not trusting his voice, or maybe not finding the right words to say, he merely held her, letting the silence stretch.

“Come on, let’s go find Max,” he said, finally pulling away, rubbing the dampness from his cheeks as he slipped behind the Camaro’s wheel.

———

The first place Billy stopped in their search for Max was the arcade, but her telltale red hair was nowhere to be seen, and Keith confirmed that he hadn’t seen her there since earlier that day.  The next place Billy decided to check was Lucas Sinclair’s house, having seen him hanging around Max, despite his warnings for her to stay away.  His folks hadn’t seen her either, but pointed them in the direction of Mike Wheeler’s house, saying the kids usually ended up there to hang out.

Once more climbing back into the car to continue what was starting to feel like a wild goose chase, Win could sense Billy’s growing tension.

“Don’t worry, we’ll find her.”

Billy let out a heavy breath as he ran his hands over the steering wheel.  “She’s the one who ought to be worried when I find her,” he huffed, pulling back onto the dark road, heading for Maple Street.  “That brat ruined our night and got me in hot water.  She fucking owes me,” he growled.

Win didn’t know how to respond, so she held her tongue.  If she was being honest, she was a little resentful that Max had snuck out, causing problems for Billy, though she knew not all of it was the younger girl’s fault…

By the time they parked in front of the Wheeler’s, the sun had completely set, blanketing Hawkins in darkness, a thick cover of clouds rolling in to blot out the stars overhead.  

Win circled the car, falling into step with Billy as they made their way up the walk, his hand lightly touching the small of her back as he rang the doorbell.  Several seconds ticked by and no one answered the door.  The light from the tv inside was visible through the lacy curtains, so it was obvious someone was home.

Billy’s frown deepened and he impatiently rang the bell again, shoving his hand back in his jacket pocket against the cold while they waited.  When the door finally yanked open, Mrs. Wheeler stood there in a robe, her hair messily pinned up and an annoyed look on her face.  When her eyes fell on Billy however, her expression quickly changed, a hesitant smile curving her lips and Win’s brows furrowed when she noticed Billy’s gaze fall to the exposed swath of the older woman’s chest for a moment.

“I’m sorry, who are you?” Mrs. Wheeler asked, looking between the two of them, finally pulling her gaze from Billy.

“Billy, Billy Hargrove,” he answered, his voice lowering to a drawl as a grin stretched across his face, his usual self confident mask slipping into place.  “This is my girlfriend, Win,” he added, nodding toward her at his side.

“Oh, are you guys here to see Nancy?” Mrs. Wheeler asked, tilting her head.  “I don’t think she’s home–”

“No, no no no,” Billy cut in quickly, shaking his head.  “We’re actually looking for my little sister, Max.  Goes by Maxine.  She’s been missing all day,” he explained, his expression dripping faux concern.  “To be honest with you, I’m uh, I’m worried sick,” he continued and Win had to fight not to roll her eyes.  “I thought she was at Lucas’, but Mrs. Sinclair said your house is the uh, the designated hangout, so you know… here we are,” he said, spreading his arms.

“Oh.  Oh, I see,” Mrs. Wheeler murmured, glancing to Win and quickly away again before pulling her robe further closed against the chill.  “I’m afraid she’s not here.  None of the kids are at the moment,” she explained apologetically.

Billy’s expression tightened for a second, though Mrs. Wheeler didn’t seem to notice.  “Do you know where they might be?” he asked, fighting to keep his voice smooth and not let his facade crack.

“Uhm, if they’re not at the Sinclair’s, then I would try the Byers’,” Mrs. Wheeler suggested, stepping aside.  “Come inside, I’ll write down the address for you,” she offered.

Billy nodded, nudging Win ahead of him before stepping into the house, a cloying warmth engulfing them.  In the kitchen Mrs. Wheeler picked up a pen and grabbed a sticky note, leaning over the counter to scrawl the address while Billy pulled the lid off the nearby cookie jar, fishing a small vanilla sandwich cookie out and bringing it to his lips while he waited.

“The drive is kind of hard to see in the dark, so you really have to look if you don’t want to accidentally pass it,” she murmured, dropping the pen and lifting her head, her eyes once more seeming to caress Billy’s form and Win nearly snatched the note from her hand.

“Thanks, we’ll keep a look out,” she said tersely.

“You’re a real lifesaver, you know that?” Billy drawled, taking another bite of the cookie with a smirk.

Mrs. Wheeler had the audacity to blush, patting her hair nervously as she glanced away.  “When you see Mike, will you tell him to come home, please?” she asked and Win grabbed Billy’s arm, reminding him of her presence. “We will,” she grumbled, practically pulling Billy to the door with her.

As soon as they were back in the car, his grin fell away and Win rounded on him.

“What the fuck was that?”

“What was what?” Billy asked, starting the car, his hand sliding over the wheel as he pulled back onto the road.

“You were awfully friendly back there,” Win huffed, hating how jealous she sounded.

“Oh please, I was just buttering her up to get the information we needed,” Billy grunted, carefully not looking at her.

“Yeah sure, like I believe that for a second,” she muttered.  “I saw the way you looked at her, Billy.”

“What are you trying to say, Win?  Huh?”  Billy finally looked at her.  “You think I wanna fuck that cougar?” he spat, waiting for her to respond.  “One, I’m with you, so no.  And two, I’ve got bigger shit on my mind right now,” he snapped, leaving Win internally kicking herself.

“You’re right, I’m sorry,” she mumbled, watching the house numbers for the one they wanted.  

Silence fell, stretching for a long moment until she noticed the overgrown drive up ahead.  “It’s there,” she said, pointing, and Billy grunted, pulling off the road to stop in front of a dark run down looking house half hidden by trees.  Several dark shapes appeared in the front window before ducking back down again quickly.

“I think we found them,” Win said wryly, unbuckling her seatbelt.

“You stay here,” Billy muttered, kicking his door open, a dangerous glint to his eyes.  As he straightened, he pulled his Marlboros from his jacket pocket and pulled a cigarette from the pack with his lips, lighting it as he watched Steve Harrington step down from the porch, a dish towel draped over his shoulder as if he’d been inside doing chores.

“Am I dreaming, or is that you, Harrington?” Billy called, leaning against the Camaro.

“Yeah, it’s me, don’t cream your pants,” Steve sighed, as if Billy was the last person he wanted to see at the moment.

Billy held his gaze as he shrugged his leather jacket off, as if preparing for a fight.  “What are you doing here, amigo?” he asked, coating the word in as much scorn as he could.

“I could ask you the same thing.  Amigo,” Steve replied levelly, planting his hands on his hips.

“Looking for my step sister, a little birdie told me she was here,” Billy replied, his cigarette bobbing as he spoke.

“Huh, that’s weird, I don’t know her.”  

“Small, red head, a bit of a bitch?”

“Doesn’t ring a bell, sorry buddy.”  Steve shrugged.

Billy let out a derisive snort, shaking his head.  “You know, Harrington, this whole situation… it’s giving me the heebie jeebies.”

“Yeah, why’s that?” 

“Hmm, let’s see, my thirteen year old sister goes missing all day, and then I find her with you in a stranger’s house, and you lie to me about it,” Billy exclaimed, ticking off each point on his fingers.

“Man, were you dropped too much as a child, or what?” Steve scoffed, trying to brush the accusation off and redirect the conversation.  “Like, I said, she’s not here,” he insisted.

“Then who is that?” Billy asked, pointing to the window with his cigarette, where Max’s face flashed for a moment before disappearing  just as quickly.

Steve turned to follow Billy’s gesture and winced.  “Oh shit, listen–” he began, but Billy didn’t give him a chance to explain before rushing forward to knock him off his feet, sending him sprawling on his back.

“Shit,” Win breathed, kicking the door open and rounding the car as Billy leaned over Steve, a sneer on his face. 

“Thought I told you to plant your feet.”

“Billy–!” Win called, but he was already on his way inside, throwing the door open, murder in his eyes.

“Steve, are you okay?” Win asked breathlessly, helping him to his feet.

“Yeah, c’mon, before your boyfriend does something stupid,” Steve exclaimed, scrambling up; the two of them running into the house.  

Win barely noticed the mess of papers haphazardly plastering the walls and floors, covering nearly every surface and branching out down the hall like some dark system of roots.  Her stomach in her throat, she only had eyes for Billy who had Lucas pinned to the wall, his fists balled in the boy’s jacket as he leaned in to sneer in his face–the scene a near replica of what she’d witnessed earlier, the tables turned.

“Since Maxine won’t listen to me, maybe you will.  Stay away from her,” Billy growled, his voice dangerously low.  When Lucas didn’t respond, he screamed in his face; all the anger, all the frustration he’d swallowed down earlier was loosed now on a new target.  “Stay away from her!  DO YOU HEAR ME?”

“I said, GET OFF OF ME!” Lucas yelled back, his knee coming up between Billy’s legs hard enough to make him double over, loosening his grip on the boy’s jacket.

“You’re so dead, Sinclair!” Billy hissed, and Win gasped as Steve lunged past her, his fist connecting with Billy’s jaw while he was still distracted.

“No, you are!”

“Guys, stop it!” she cried, but Billy didn’t even seem to see her, his eyes wild as he turned back to Steve, a deranged laugh leaving his mouth.

“Looks like you got some fire in you after all, huh?” he exclaimed, throwing his arms wide.  “I’ve been waiting to meet this King Steve everybody’s been telling me about so much.”

Steve’s jaw flexed as his eyes darted from Billy to Win.  “Get out,” he said firmly, pushing Billy back by the tips of his fingers, clearly trying to deescalate the situation.  But Billy wasn’t having it.

Without warning Billy swung, his fist catching air as Steve ducked, hitting him back.

“Billy, stop!  Please!” Win cried from the edge of the kitchen with Max and the others, her heart still in her throat, fear holding her captive.

Pinned back against the sink, Billy reached out, grabbing a plate from the counter to smash over Steve’s head, leaving him dazed as he stumbled back.

“No one tells me what to do!” Billy growled, back on the offensive.

Before Win knew what was happening, Steve was on the ground and Billy was on top of him, aiming blow after blow to Steve’s face until Steve went limp, knocked out cold, and yet Billy didn’t stop, all his anger rushing out of him in a deluge with no signs of abating.

“BILLY!” Win screamed, finally finding her legs and rushing forward, trying to pull him away.  “Stop!  You’re gunna kill him!” she sobbed, but Billy didn’t want to listen, his elbow flying back in an attempt to shrug her off.

Pain bloomed behind Win’s eye and she stumbled back, holding her face, her trembling fingers coming away bloodied where her lip split.

In a flurry of movement, Max pushed past her, grabbing a syringe from the table.  “Wait!” Win gasped, grabbing the girl’s wrist as she pulled back to jab it in her brother’s neck.

Max’s head whipped around to gape at Win, the two staring each other down for a second before Max dropped the syringe, wrenching her arm out of Win’s grasp.  Instead, she grabbed a bat resting against the wall, several long nails jutting out from the end.

“BILLY!” she yelled before the bat whistled past his ear.

Surprised, he wrenched away from the bat, falling backwards as she swung again, his eyes going wide as she stood over him, holding the bat over her head.

“From here on out, you leave me and my friends alone!” she growled, her blue eyes flashing.  “Do you understand?”

Billy stared back at her defiantly.  “Screw you,” he ground out.

Without warning, Max brought the bat down between his legs, just missing his crotch, the nails biting into the wood floor beneath him.  “Say you understand it!  SAY IT!” she bellowed, bringing the bat up again threateningly.

Billy swallowed.  “...I understand,” muttered reluctantly, indignant resignation in his voice.

“Good,” Max breathed, her friends staring at her in shock.  “I’m taking these,” she said, crouching to grab the car keys from Billy’s pocket.  Surprisingly, he didn’t argue.  It wasn’t until the others carried Steve out to the Camaro and Max jumped behind the wheel that Billy pushed himself up, letting out a frustrated roar, and Win winced as he swiped his hand out, knocking the contents of the table to the floor.

It wasn’t til he took a deep breath that he turned around, almost having forgotten Win was there.  

“Are you alright?” she asked, hanging back, for the first time, she was wary of him, her face beginning to throb where he’d elbowed her.

“Am I alright?” Billy repeated incredulously, slowly stepping closer, the floorboards creaking under his weight.  “Let’s see, shall we?  My step sister just stole my car and left us here to go God-knows-where in the middle of the fucking night with a bunch of boys,” he exclaimed, his voice raising with each word.  “And guess who’s gunna take the fucking blame for it?  No guesses?” he asked, a dangerous tone to his voice.  “That’s right, me.”

Win felt ice drop into her stomach at the thought of what Neil would do to Billy if he showed up without Max in tow.

“We could call the cops,” she suggested, interrupted by Billy’s harsh laughter.

“Yeah, sure, the cops!” he snorted.  “I’m sure they’ll be a great help,” he taunted derisively, pacing around the room like a tiger in a cage.

“Billy–” Win murmured, but he turned back to her sharply, interrupting her.

“Nobody fucking asked you!”

“Billy, I’m only trying to help,” she muttered, wrapping an arm around herself with a frown.

“Yeah well, I didn’t ask for your FUCKING help!” he spat.  

For a long moment Win merely stared at him.  As much as she felt for him–her heart aching at the thought of the situation he was in at home–Steve’s bloodied face as Billy kept hitting him, the fear on Lucas’ face as Billy had him pinned against the wall, and even the predatory way he’d smiled at Mrs. Wheeler earlier kept replaying through her mind, twisting her stomach further.  And now this.  The way he’d turned on her when she was probably literally the only person in Hawkins who cared enough about him to try to help made something inside her snap.

“Alright, fine.  I’m done,” she whispered.

“What do you mean you’re done?” Billy asked, a frown pulling at his features.

“I mean I’m done, Billy.  I can’t do this anymore,” she said, shaking her head, her voice trembling.  “You just attacked a fucking kid!  You beat Steve to a pulp, and I know you didn’t mean to, but this—“ she paused, gesturing to her split lip and the purple bruise beginning to bloom across her cheekbone.  “You did this.”

Billy’s mouth fell open as he finally took in the state of her face, panic crossing his visage when he realized what he’d done, but Win didn’t let him speak, her own frustration spilling out like word vomit.

“I get it!  I get why you’re angry all the time.  Your dad is a fucking piece of work and you don’t deserve to be treated the way he treats you, but if this is how you channel it?  Lashing the fuck out like that?  I can’t do it!” she exclaimed.

Billy’s face darkened.  “So what, all that shit you said about how much you care so much about me, that was a fucking lie?” he demanded, his voice faltering.  “You gunna give up on me?  Walk out like my fucking mother?” he spat, gasping a shuddering breath and Win turned away so he wouldn’t see the way her eyes watered dangerously, her tears threatening to spill over.

“No, I fucking meant it.  Fuck, I care so much it hurts!” she cried, squeezing her eyes shut.  “But if you keep down this path, Billy, you know who you’re gunna end up like—?”

Billy’s silence was deafening, his blue eyes boring into her.  “Don’t you fucking say it.  Don’t you dare fucking say it,” he hissed, but Win set her jaw and spat it out.

“You’re gunna end up just like your father.”

She wasn’t ready for the look that crossed Billy’s face, the hurt in his eyes broke her heart in two before his rage returned, gripping her heart like a vice.

“FUCK YOU,” he roared, his finger jabbing at her like a viper.  “FUCK YOU, WIN.”

“Yeah,” she swallowed, a tear streaking down her cheek.  “Fuck me,” she whispered, her voice hard, fighting to keep it together though her lungs burned with the effort.

Billy gave her one last scathing look.  “We’re done,” he hissed, turning on his heel and stalking to the door.

“Yeah, we are…” she murmured, but he was already gone, her broken sobs following him into the night.

⇾ taglist. @super-unpredictable98 @b1tchygh0sts @heartbreak-sandwich @santacarlahorrorshow @vampyreddiemunson @wherethewitchersare @elliethesuperfruitlover

[psychdelia]

christmas used to be billy’s favorite holiday. he loved setting up the tree every year with his mom, matching big smiles on their faces as she carried him to set the star on top. he would help her cook and bake, dance around the kitchen with her. she always surprised him with more gifts than he anticipated, and he would give her a card with messy handwriting and glitter and a drawing of the two of them with i love you mommy scribbled on the bottom.

and then she left and christmas joy was replaced with pain. his father screaming and presenting him with fists instead of gifts. and then max and susan came along and she was their little angel. spoiled with gifts and love while he received nothing but hurt.

billy hates christmas now. hates the holidays in general, but christmas the most. spends all day sulking, curled up in bed and crying. neil gets on him about it, maybe smacks him around before leaving him even worse than how he started. he lost all hope that maybe she’ll come back as a christmas miracle, scoop him up and take him away from all the hurt.

his plan for the day was to stay in bed. avoid the world. but then neil came barging in, demanding billy get off his ass and take max to the byers’ for a christmas party. he was stupid to think that he could catch a break after being forced to ‘celebrate’ with them yesterday, which essentially meant being forced to help susan in the kitchen and watch max get showered in love and gifts while he received nothing.

so he got up. threw on a dark green sweater, tight jeans and boots, still not nearly warm enough for hawkins winter. he silently drove max to the house, only looking at her when she didn’t get out after a minute of being parked.

“what.” billy spoke flatly, his first word of the day.

“come and hang out with us.” max rushed out, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her sweater.

billy just sighed.

“i’m not really in the mood to hang out with a bunch of snotty little shits, so,” he shrugged. “maybe next year.”

“it’s not just us! nancy and jonathan are there. and mrs. byers and chief hopper! and,” a pause. “robin and steve.” she added on quietly.

“max i don’t really think-“ he was interrupted by a knock on his window. he turned to find a very happy and smiling mrs. byers eagerly waving at them.

“come inside!” she urged as billy rolled his window down.

billy just looked at max and gestured towards the house, ignoring her dramatic defeated groan before she got out.

“you too!” joyce grabbed billy’s shoulder, smile faltering at the way he flinched, her touch unexpected. “max told me you guys already celebrated yesterday. what’s another celebration?”

“i don’t think it’s a good idea mrs. byers.” he replied with a small smile, hoping to charm his way out of this situation.

she sighed. “honey, it’s your second and probably last christmas in hawkins before you go to school back home.” she responded to his shocked expression with a sad smile. “we all figured you’d be applying to schools there. and max might’ve slipped up. don’t be mad at her! she’s just scared to lose you, is all.”

billy frowned and looked down at his hands. he hadn’t even told her he was only applying to schools in california. just trying to graduate and get the hell out of indiana, go back home.

“come on, kiddo. your sister would appreciate it.” a pause. “i’ll spike your eggnog.”

billy sighed, taking a few seconds to contemplate before getting out of the car.

“oh you must be freezing.” joyce rolled her eyes as she tugged at his sweater. “you kids and your fashion. you’re gonna get yourself sick like this. hawkins isn’t california!”

billy snorted. “duh.” he mumbled as she dragged him inside.

billy should’ve expected the stares. the guarded, confused and slightly angry expressions at his presence. he felt small, being glared at by nearly everyone in the room. he wanted to turn around, walk right back out that door. almost did if it weren’t for joyce stopping him in his tracks and holding his arm.

“oh, stop that you brats.” joyce huffed. “it’s christmas. be nice! and if you can’t be nice… no more cookies.” she smirked as they all groaned in protest in unison.

billy didn’t really care about the kids. he apologized to lucas not too long after that night, even agreed to the stupid deal to drive him around town and rev his engine to receive his forgiveness in full. it took him longer to approach steve, though. didn’t have the balls to do it until a couple months before steve graduated. he found him alone in the library, studying to get his gpa high enough to be able to graduate and get his diploma.

“can i sit here?” billy gestured towards the empty chair across from steve, who was glaring at him.

“only if you don’t give me another concussion.”

billy gnawed on his bottom lip as he slid into the seat, staring at the table and avoiding eye contact like a goddamn child.

it took him a minute to finally look up and spit out those two words he’d been meaning to say since that night. but it wasn’t the apologizing he dreaded most, it was the explanation and conversation that followed. he expected steve would ask questions, and shit did he have a lot.

billy kept his answers short, general. didn’t spill too much about all the shit going on in his life and in his head. steve didn’t look satisfied with his answers, but he eventually stopped asking questions. gave billy a stiff nod with a,

“yeah. fine. i accept your apology, i guess. just don’t fuck with me or the kids anymore.”

and that was that. billy kept his distance from them altogether. he occasionally carted lucas and max around for their stupid little dates, teasing them here and there. but it was never malicious.

now he stood right in front of the door in joyce’s house, itching to get out. lucas, max and her friends el and will were the only ones not staring at him apprehensively. the curly haired one was whining, asking why he had to be there, throwing in a few words he was probably too young to be saying. boy wheeler was following suit, making grand gestures and calling him an asshole. nancy looked just as prissy as always, turning her nose up. jonathan avoided eye contact. steve wasn’t quite glaring, but he didn’t look too happy to see him either. just because they were on okay terms didn’t mean they were on great terms. his girl robin didn’t seem too thrilled either.

“i’m just gonna..” billy pointed towards the table filled with drinks and snacks. he walked away as the commotion continued behind him, helping himself to the bowl labeled adult eggnog. he grimaced after the first sip before pouring himself a little more.

it was hard to make himself comfortable. he sat stiff and tense on the edge of the couch, as far away from everyone as he could get. the burn of the rum didn’t do much to heal the hurt in his chest, the pain of abandonment and grief he felt this time every year. he tried to tune everyone out, ignoring the kids yelling as they played video and board games, hopper as he snuck the teenagers more eggnog and beer, joyce as she continued to force feed everyone her christmas appetizers.

he found himself staring at the tree, messily decorated to the brim and a little lopsided. his gaze shifted to the walls, family pictures of just the brothers, then joyce and the brothers, and some including hopper and el. he was unconsciously playing with the chain around his neck, chest getting tighter and tighter. he forced his eyes away from the pictures to find jonathan helping joyce cook and set up dinner in the kitchen, laughing and smiling.

that was his breaking point. he set down his empty cup and sped off to the bathroom, scrubbing at his wet eyes. he shut the door behind him, pacing back and forth, trying to breathe through the lump in his throat. he eventually gave up trying to fight the tears off, a christmas tradition for him at this point. he eventually sat down in and slumped back against the bathtub, closing the curtains and shielding him from the rest of the world. he tuned out the music and chatter from outside, instead hugging his knees to his chest and hiding his face in his hands as he cried.

he knew he shouldn’t have listened to joyce. he shouldn’t have gotten out of his car and stepped foot into this house. he should’ve just gone home and lay in bed all day, much less embarrassing than crying in a goddamn bathtub with people right outside.

but here he was, trying to make up for lost time and bonding and memories with max, to show her that he cares and loves her and isn’t going to abandon her like his mother. and yet he was alone, abandoned and abandoning max in just 5 months. his chest hurt as he cried harder, tears freely slipping down his cheeks and staining his stupid sweater. he was nearly wheezing for air, not getting enough in between his sobs.

he must’ve been too loud because he didn’t hear the door open and shut. didn’t even know he wasn’t alone until steve pulled back the curtain, stunned to find him curled up there and crying.

billy wanted to snarl at him, glare at him with a smartass comment about the bathroom being occupied, but all that came out when he opened his mouth was another choked sob.

“shit, man, you don’t look so good.” steve spoke the obvious. “hargrove, you gotta breathe. don’t want you turning blue on me.”

billy turned away, shielded his face with his arms for god knows what. maybe he was expecting a punch, to be told he was a little bitch for crying like this. but all he received were hesitant hands gently prying his wrists away from his face.

“hey.” steve murmured, now only inches away from him. billy didn’t realize he climbed into the tub with him, kneeling before him in the cramped space.

“fuck off.” billy breathed out, all bark no bite, trying to pull his arms away from steve’s grip. but steve didn’t let up.

“why? so you can suffocate yourself to death in mrs. byers’ bathroom?” steve mused, rubbing circles into billy’s wrists with his thumb. “not gonna happen.”

“i don’t need-“ he choked up, words cracking as more tears unleashed. “i don’t need a fucking babysitter.”

“i know.” steve let go of his wrists, sitting back against the opposite end of the small tub. billy almost whimpered at the loss. was so glad he could will himself against at least one thing.

“what about a friend?” steve took in the way billy’s eyes shifted towards him, expression guarded. “look, man, you’re graduating and leaving next summer,” how many people had max told? “and you’re obviously going through some shit so i don’t see why i can’t at least try to help you through this so we,” he sighed as he gestured between them. “so we can be friends and not on bad terms anymore because i’m tired of having enemies.” he rushed out, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “i know what it feels like to want to leave this shithole, trust me. robin already applied to schools in cali too and i was maybe thinking about going with her and if we end up in the same place then maybe we can all be friends and help each other out.” he rushed out again.

billy just stared at him, bottom lip quivering pathetically. here steve was, offering to be his friend and follow both him and robin all the way to california. he’d be stupid if he didn’t take the offer.

“what? you following your little girlfriend out to cali for her to dump you on your ass like the last one?” billy was never too bright in the friendship industry.

“what? no. robin’s not - we’re not like that. we’re just friends.” steve frowned. “i already applied to some community colleges out there. but this isn’t about that right now.” he waved his hand dismissively. “you gonna tell me what’s up with you now? a secret for a secret?”

billy opened his mouth to try and reject the offer, to tell steve to fuck off again, but another sob wracked his body. he let out a frustrated groan through his tears as he scrubbed uselessly at his eyes.

“fuckin’ hate christmas.” he choked out, grabbing onto the saint necklace. his mother’s. “it-“ a whimper. “it was my favorite. at least until my mom,” he shut his eyes tightly, tears spilling out of the corners. “she just. up and left. left me with no note or explanation and a piece of shit father.” he exhaled shakily. “he beat her. and when she left..” he trailed off, gesturing towards himself. “there were no more fucking homemade pies or trees or gifts. just him. always drunk and angry every christmas, blaming me for her. then max and susan came into the picture and they had their perfect little family. celebrated every year.” the without me went unspoken.

billy hadn’t realized steve was inching closer and closer to him until he looked up from the bathtub and found steve inches away from him again, eyes big and sad as they looked over him.

“what are you-“ billy didn’t get to finish his sentence before he was enveloped in a big hug, the guy squeezing him tightly.

“hugging you.” steve mumbled into his shoulder, forcing billy’s face into the crook of his neck. in no time he was crying yet again, right into steve’s fucking shoulder.

steve was good at hugs. good at comfort. the way he rubbed all along billy’s back, one arm secured around his waist made him feel safe in a way he hadn’t in probably a decade. he let himself go again, freely ugly crying into his expensive and soft christmas sweater, clinging onto the material with weak, shaky fists.

“i didn’t know.” steve finally spoke after a minute. “shit, man, no one knows anything about you. i figured your dad was a hard ass after we talked about the fight but not that bad.” he pulled back just an inch, catching billy’s eyes with his own. “does anyone else know?”

billy shook his head.

“why don’t you tell hopper?” steve frowned. “that’s not normal or okay.”

“no point.” billy shook his head. “i turned 18 in november. can’t do jack shit now but wait until i graduate.”

“then move out.” steve said it like it was easy. like he could afford it, like he had anywhere to go.

billy laughed but it was more sad than humored.

“and where would i go?”

“with me.” steve’s response was immediate, no hesitation. “my dad’s always gone on business trips and my mom’s italian.” he said it like it was self explanatory. billy’s confused expression prompted him to continue. “she can’t stand bad parents and she loves company. you’re another mouth to force feed, too. she makes great pasta.”

billy shook his head. “i can’t just move in with you. what if they say no or-or it doesn’t work.”

“they won’t say no.” steve assured. “come on.” he urged. “it’s just one more semester and then we’re off to the golden coast.” he smiled dumbly. “it’ll work. trust me.”

billy went silent. thought about it for a minute. what it could be like to get out of that house. live and be friends with steve. go back home with him later on.

billy slowly nodded. “okay.” he mumbled. “okay.” he repeated again, louder and solidified.

they’d make it work.

[apaintedmaypole]

Favorite Podcasts of 2017

At the close of the year, I got the brilliant idea to try and compile a list of my favorite podcast episodes from 2017. By this I do not necessarily mean a list of my favorite podcasts. More specifically, I mean the episodes I keep thinking about or returning to.

First, an important podcast alert. A really good podcast serial is about to disappear. Andrew Wheeler's Valentin and the Widow has been picked up by a print publisher. He's going to take down all the episodes at the end of January. If you haven't listened to this serial already, I really recommend going and downloading it now, while you still can. (The website will call each series "audiobooks.")

My 2017 Favs List!!! This will, inevitably, be a very NPR-centric list. And yet, here it is: 

Code Switch Generally, Code Switch gives me hope for the universe. Specifically, this series of episodes was amazing:

"Raising Kings: A Year of Love and Struggle at Ron Brown College Prep" - Gorgeous, nuanced, complicated, painful, frustrating, fascinating... These are just some of the adjectives I'd apply to this special series of episodes from Code Switch.

S-Town An eight part series from folks associated with This American Life. You've probably already heard of it, if you listen to podcasts. But, if you haven't, here are eight riveting episodes about the life of a complicated and fascinating man in rural Alabama.

Dirty John Another popular one this year. This is a fascinating 6-part series on an abusive con-man and the people sucked into his orbit.

This American Life Back in the late '90s and early '00s, I'd listen to TAL on NPR religiously. I'd tune in every Saturday afternoon and suck it up like a sponge. It's been on for so long now, and has new episodes so regularly, I'm actually a bit overwhelmed by it. I have a hard time keeping up. I also know the show's format well enough that I get a bit tired of it. (Gasp!) Still, when they're on their game, they're just brilliant. Here are my personal favorites from the past year. If you have recs for other 2017 episodes, I'd love to hear them. I just don't keep track of the show the way I used to and I know I've missed gems.

White Haze - A deep dive into Proud Boys and some of the groups/people circling around the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville.

"The Revolution Starts At Noon" - The (literal) start of the Trump Presidency. (The segment on the Deploraball is fascinating.)

Embedded Embedded's most recent season was dedicated to deep dives into the history of Trump and the people around him. All of it was fascinating. Here are my two favorite episodes:

"6 Lessons About Trump From Season 1 Of 'The Apprentice'"

"How Steve Bannon's Time In Hollywood Changed Him"

More Perfect

"Citizens United" - A deep dive into the role of Justice Kennedy in this case. Sex Appeal - RBG was awesome well before she was appointed to the supreme court.

Another Round It's hard to pick individual favorites. I just like listening to Heben and Tracy hang out, be funny, and say smart things.

"Is Cory Booker The Anne Hathaway Of Politics?" - The lengthiest interview with Cory Booker I've ever heard. Also, enjoyable.

Fresh Air

"What Is Driving The 'Unbanking Of America'?" - Fascinating and nuanced look at payday lending. Prob my favorite episode of Fresh Air this year.

"How The Systemic Segregation Of Schools Is Maintained By 'Individual Choices'" - Interview with journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones on parents' choices and the public school system.

"A 'Forgotten History' Of How The U.S. Government Segregated America" - Interview with Richard Rothstein on his book The Color of Law. Really important history.

"Author Says Hitler Was 'Blitzed' On Cocaine And Opiates During The War" - What the title said. Crazycakes and fascinating.

"'What Would You Do?' Author Wants To Stop Sensationalizing The Donner Party" - What the title said. Interesting deep dive into the history.

"Biden Talks Trump, Faith And Fate In Front Of A Live 'Fresh Air' Audience" - A needed antidote to Trump.

Here are the podcasts I listen to regularly:

More Perfect - Fascinating deep dives into the history of specific supreme court cases. I'm so obsessed with this podcast I gave them money.

The Bright Sessions - Serial storytelling, ongoing. Starts as individual therapy sessions with people with abilities. Gets more complicated. (Shout out to throughadoor for turning me on to this.)

Fresh Air - Fresh Air is a necessity in my life. I get a small 30-45 minute taste of so much good non-fiction research/reporting. I wish I had time to go and read all these books too, but at least this gets me a taste of them.

Another Round - I need Heben and Tracy in my life. They help keep me sane.

Embedded - Never not good.

Homecoming - Serial storytelling with an all-star cast. 12 episodes and counting.

Pop Culture Happy Hour - Aka, the NPR podcast for fangirls.

Code Switch - Another thing that I need in my life to stay sane.

New podcasts I'm trying in 2018:

The Daily - An expanded look into one NY Times story from the day's news.

On the Media - Okay, not new to me AT ALL. But I stopped listening a few years ago. Trying again.

Nancy - From WNYC. I need more queer in my podcasts.

Rookie - From Rookie magazine. I want to hear what those kids are up too. :) 

Thirst Aid Kit - I wasn't hooked by the first episode, but I do love Bim Adewunmi. And, if I keep listening, I know an episode dedicated to Chris Evans is coming.

Podcasts I stopped listening to or failed out of in 2017:

Call Your Girlfriend - I just can't anymore. Too much frustration and uncited/poorly researched information. Also, too much love of high priced products I can't afford and don't have any interest in.

2 Dope Queens - Love 'em, don’t love the show. I'm weird about comedy

WTF with Marc Maron - I'll go back if/when he interviews someone interesting. Just don't connect enough to stay subscribed.

Anything Crooked Media/Pod Save America related - Sorry. I know they're beloved by many, but this type of politics discussion does not work for me. (Keep in mind, I won't watch Rachel Maddow either.)

It's Been a Minute - I'm sorry Sam Sanders. You seem like a lovely guy, but the chemistry isn't there and we need to see other people.

Bullseye with Jesse Thorn - Jesse Thorn just... kinda annoys me? His closing thought of the day segment has a level of smug superiority to it that makes me want to throw things.

FiveThirtyEight Politics Podcast - Generally, this is the kind of analysis I'd prefer for a politics podcast, but I'm mixed on the folks that appear with Nate Silver. Also, I just couldn't deal with it leading up to or post election. Maybe I should try it again in 2018.

[Crossposted from DW.]

[nigeiadigitalmarketingcompany]

Links 7/27/19

Digital Elixir Links 7/27/19

Dear patient readers,

I hate the Twitter redesign with the burning passion of a thousand suns.

Great White Shark Fever Sweeps Cape Cod Bloomberg (David L). Wish they were worried about pitchforks instead.

Local man accomplishes stand-up paddleboard trip from Duluth to Arctic Ocean Duluth News Tribune (Chuck L)

Star Orbiting Massive Black Hole Lends Support To Einstein’s Theory Reuters

Our lives have been co-opted by the Convenience Industrial Complex TreeHugger (resilc)

Wind Is Outpacing Coal As a Power Source In Texas For the First Time CNN

The USDA Didn’t Publish Its Plan to Help Farmers Adapt to Climate Change. Here’s Where They Need It the Most. Mother Jones (resilc)

Compound in red wine may decrease depression and anxiety New Atlas (David L)

Japan Approves First Human-Animal Embryo Experiments Nature

What If Avoiding the Sun Is Bad for You? Medium (Glenn F). They didn’t control for exercise. Outdoorsy, athletic people are more active: walking, hiking, biking, sports. If there is any connection here, the causality is likely to be the other way: more energetic people are in the sun more. People who use tanning beds almost without exception have a body fetish. When I was very briefly using tanning beds, the salon was full of body builders and other fitness enthusiasts who were exercising to get a body beautiful. In general, people in more temperate parts of the US get more sun. Ditto Europe. If sun exposure were as powerful a factor as this article suggests, you’d see noteworthy variations by region of the US and by profession (like lower rates of heart disease and diabetes among fishermen and ranchers who are in the sun v. office workers).

‘What keeps me going? My patients,’ says France’s oldest doctor at 98 Guardian

China?

Some wonder whether the Chinese army might be deployed to restore order https://t.co/g21Z1LJ93Y

— The Economist (@TheEconomist) July 27, 2019

Trump Denounces Both China and WTO: President presses trade organization to change China’s ‘developing country’ status Wall Street Journal

China May Delay Trade Deal Until After 2020 Elections, Trump Says Bloomberg

Brexit

“Use imperial measurements” eg “The population of the UK is 20 Bengal famines” or “Britain’s cyclically-adjusted trade deficit is half an Opium War”. pic.twitter.com/nSGekyNRKe

— Alan Beattie (@alanbeattie) July 26, 2019

Boris Johnson plans to frighten Europe then charm it. Here’s why he’ll fail Guardian. A key bit at the end, which explains why Labour hasn’t called a general election. But remember how May’s supposedly “fatal blow to Labour” snap election turned out:

The polls will show him [Johnson] that with the progressive vote split, with Labour down to 20% and the Lib Dems at 20%,, he could win a landslide in the first past the post system with an electoral understanding – even an informal one – with Nigel Farage. And he will know that if he waits too long into next year for an election, the recession will have begun to bite.

But we have this again: Boris Johnson ‘absolutely’ rules out pre-Brexit election BBC

Boris Johnson love bombs the North of England (after being mobbed in the Midlands) with £2billion fund for deprived towns as he promises new generation of rail routes to cut journey times Daily Mail

Leo Varadkar’s stern warning over Boris’s no deal Brexit – ‘Undermining the union!’ Express

Fernandez-Villaverde on Spain’s Economic Success Econlib. Reslic: “Brexit winner.”

The consequences of Switzerland’s lost equivalence status Bruegel

New Cold War

Cyber attack hits email users probing Russian intelligence Financial Times (David L)

Syraqistan

Iran has freed nine Indian crew members of a Panama-flagged tanker it seized this month, the Indian foreign ministry said on Saturday, and it appealed for the release of three remaining crew members held from the same ship. https://t.co/b1JW2DI5aY by @sanjeevmiglani

— Reuters India (@ReutersIndia) July 27, 2019

Iran: The Case Against War New York Review of Books

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

The Encryption Debate Is Over – Dead At The Hands Of Facebook Forbes (David L)

Imperial Collapse Watch

The Crisis of Anglo-American Democracy Jeffrey Sachs, Project Syndicate

The Marine’s F-35 Has Afterburner Trouble National Interest (resilc)

Trump Transition

Supreme Court rules Trump can use military funds for border wall construction The Hill

US, Guatemala ink migration deal on Central American asylum-seekers DW

Guatemalan mother begs soldier to let her enter U.S Reuters (resilc)

The Democrats’ Immigration Problem Is Bigger than Trump New Yorker

Pay or Die The New York Times. Resilc: “Latin America is where our Middle East investment$ should really go. The real payback is there.”

Trump’s 3% Growth Feat in 2018 Undone by Annual Data Revisions Bloomberg

We Are All Executioners Now New Republic

Democrats dig in on probes post-Mueller The Hill

Medicare For All Isn’t That Popular — Even Among Democrats FiveThirtyEight (resilc)

2020

MSNBC’s Anti-Sanders Bias Makes It Forget How to Do Math FAIR (UserFriendly)

Bernie Does Impromptu Medicare For All Town Hall In The Street YouTube (JohnnyGL). Important.

Dems Are Repeating GOP’s 2016 Primary-Season Errors Rolling Stone (UserFriendly). A feature, not a bug. As readers have said, the Dems would rather lose to Trump than win with Sanders, and this ridiculous field is all about draining votes from Sanders.

Sanders, Biden and the Electability Scam Black Agenda Report (resilc)

Warren Fellowship Applicants: Campaign Program Was a ‘Great Scam’ Daily Beast

Pro-Trump Republican aiming to unseat Ilhan Omar charged with felony theft Guardian. Resilc: “‘Send me to DC where I can really steal.’”

Airbus A350 software bug forces airlines to turn planes off and on every 149 hours The Register (resilc)

Latest 737 Max Fault That Alarmed Test Pilots Rooted in Software Bloomberg. Muilenburg said on an earnings call that the latest problems (which we discussed at length in a post). The bland description in the Journal:

In late June, Boeing and the FAA disclosed still another flight-control problem on the MAX, involving failure of a microprocessor that meant test pilots couldn’t counteract a potential misfire of MCAS as quickly as required.

And in the Times:

Boeing has been developing a software update for the Max for eight months, [a Boeing spokesman] said. It is unclear whether the new flaw can be resolved by reprogramming the software or requires a hardware fix, which would be costlier and could take much longer.

The post described at length why Boeing may have hit the limit of how much it can ask the chips to do, and there’s no room on chips this old for further optimization. It would be very good news for Boeing if it really can craft a software fix, but if not, Muilenburg made this representation on an earnings call, which meant if it was misleading (and misleading is broadly defined in securities law), he was engaging in securities fraud. Stay tuned!

Banks Sued Over LIBOR Manipulation Rolling Stone (UserFriendly)

As electric vehicle production ramps up worldwide, a supply crunch for battery materials is looming CNBC. You heard this here a long time ago.

THEY SAID YOU COULD LEAVE ELECTRIC SCOOTERS ANYWHERE — THEN THE REPO MEN STRUCK BACK The Verge (DDG). My heroes!

IRS Sending Warning Letters to More Than 10,000 Cryptocurrency Holders Wall Street Journal

Class Warfare

When in reality the largest firm of welfare in America goes to the ones at the top. Wake up folks. Greed will be our downfall. pic.twitter.com/xo8NZdiaPw

— Richard N. Ojeda, II (@VoteOjeda2020) July 25, 2019

Why Corporations Want You to Shut Up and Meditate | The Nation

Legendary Job Killer Steve Mnuchin Complains About Amazon Killing Jobs Vice (resilc)

Privatization of public goods can cause population decline Nature (resilc)

Antidote du jour (furzy):

And a bonus (guurst):

#SundayMorning

The Majestic Dance Of The Manta Rays

#NatureIsBeautiful pic.twitter.com/Z18j6ybWtv

— PROTECT ALL WILDLIFE (@Protect_Wldlife) July 21, 2019

See yesterday’s Links and Antidote du Jour here.

Links 7/27/19

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