Boxes Sequel Part 1
May. 21st, 2004 10:58 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsThis is the start of Boxes sequel, yeah not the prequel. That's kicking my ass and good. I'm thinking of setting up a filter for that with people that don't mind me angsting about it. I am writing it, no worries about that, but I'm also doing the sequel, hey no one said I was sane *g*
So this is part one of the sequel. Starting in Justin's POV. I wasn't sure who's POV to take, really Boxes was more Lance's story than anyone else's so I was going to use him . In the end I decided on Justin as it's a nice contrast between the oldest and youngest, innocent and jaded. This part is Lambs with a side of Joey, a non sexual side though *g* Lambs is something I haven't done much of so I'm a bit eep at the moment.
Anyway, enjoy with the usual warnings. I'm sure you all know them by now.
“Up a bit, no lower at the left. Wait! Stop! That’s perfect,” Justin says, and he grins as Lance turns and glares.
“You sure? I mean I wouldn’t want it to be a millimetre off centre or something.”
“No, it’s all good. It looks fantastic,” Justin automatically loops an arm round Lance’s waist when he steps back and they stand side by side, looking at the picture over the fire. It’s a vivid splash of colour on the otherwise bland cream wall, and just looking at it makes Justin think of cold nights, awed gasps and laughter. Even now, months later, he can remember the feel of Lance’s hand in his, stuffed in Justin’s coat pocket for warmth as they watched fireworks explode against the dark sky.
“They’ll come back, right?”
It’s a familiar question and Lance leans into Justin a little. “Sure, they said they would, and they never break a promise. Then when they do we’ll have everything ready for them.”
Justin nods, satisfied. He knows that JC and Chris will come back, but he likes to hear Lance say it, or Joey, that way he knows it’s real. Turning, he kisses Lance on the nose before moving to the pile of boxes in the middle of the room. The small apartment’s a mess but JC’s painting had to be hung first, that was something they both agreed on.
There’s still so much to sort out. Lance’s belongings from his family home are mixed with bags containing everything from new kitchen ware to bed sheets and there’s not a clear surface in the whole place. It’s going to take a lot of work to get everything organised but Justin doesn’t care, and as he watches Lance kneel to open a box he knows he feels the same way.
“Hey, it looks great,” Joey says as he stands in the doorway. He looks at the picture and smiles, but Justin can see the sadness hidden in his expression. It’s easy to recognise, Justin sees it every time he looks in the mirror, and knows he’ll see it until Chris and JC are home. Joey’s carrying bags from McDonald’s and drops his messenger bag as he carefully puts the food on top of a box. The badges attached to the bag clatter as they hit the floor and Justin moves to stand the bag up, examining the badges as he does so. They’re mostly brightly coloured, a collection of images and sayings that seem to increase on a daily basis, changing the ordinary black bag to something bright and unique, something exactly like Joey.
“I met your mom’s on the way here and they gave me the food. They said they’d be here in the morning and for you to enjoy your first night in your new place.”
“Typical, they stay in and slack off while we do all the work,” Justin jokes. Briefly looking at the couch which is covered in clothes and yet more boxes he decides the floor will do, and sits down cross-legged as Lance and Joey do the same. Joey starts to reach for the food, then stops, indicating Lance should do it.
“It’s your place, man. You do the honours.”
Lance looks pleased, and he looks from Joey to Justin before grabbing both bags. Carefully opening them he quickly hands out burgers, fries and soda then clears his throat a little. “I…erm, before we eat I want to say something.” Looking at the floor he nervously taps his fingers against the top of his cup then looks up again. “I just want to say, I guess I want to say thank you. A year ago I never thought I’d have my own place, as well as someone I love very much and some of the best friends a man could ever have.” Picking up his soda cup Lance holds it toward Justin and Joey, and they copy his action, bumping the cups together. “To best friends, and to Chris and JC wherever they are.”
They repeat the toast, then fall silent. Justin thinks of his absent friends, remembering both the worst and in some ways the best time of his life. He remembers feeling sick with hunger and being so cold that he couldn’t even shiver. He remembers Chris’ white face, bloody bandages and silently crying as he was crushed by guilt. Harsh words, pitying looks, dirty clothes, fear, shame, loneliness and aching for his mom’s touch. Lance and Joey seem to be remembering too, and Justin wants to close his eyes against their bleak expressions. Then Joey smiles a little and Justin remembers other things. Dancing in the street as Chris sang, Joey whistling as he sorted magazines and the way his fingers were always covered in ink. Lance’s body pressed against his at night and the gentle clink of cds in the wind. Justin can remember the good things, paintings, chalk, laughter and most of all a sense of love that surrounded them all. It’s something he’ll never forget, but at the same time for every positive thing there were multiple negatives, and Justin vows yet again he’ll never live on the streets again, or let any of his friends do so either.
“We going to eat or just admire this?” Joey asks, and Justin breaks out of his memories to throw a fry at him. Joey catches then eats it before starting on his own food, savouring every bite. It’s something they all do, an ingrained habit now after months of living on the edge of starvation. As he slowly chews his burger, grimacing at the gherkin but eating it anyway, Justin hopes that JC and Chris are eating too. He thinks they will be, they’re both survivors, but still he worries and will do until they’re home.
~*~*~*~
“Are you sure? There’s room.” Lance says again, but Joey shakes his head.
“Naw, I’m at work in the morning and it’s your first night in your own place. You don’t need me as a third wheel.” Picking up his bag, Joey hooks it on his shoulder and looks around. Justin follows his gaze and can’t help smiling. Boxes and bags still litter the room but it’s much more organised after hours of hard work. The couch is clear and covered with an old patchwork comforter. A small TV is in the corner, sitting on a packing crate table hidden by a Dukes of Hazard quilt cover and the flowery drapes are pulled closed as a lava lamp casts a red glow. The room looks comfortable and welcoming and Justin loves it already, classing it partially as his even though technically he lives with his mom across town.
“Thanks.”
“None needed,” Joey replies, and he gathers Lance close, squeezing hard. Breaking the hug he winks at Justin. “Enjoy yourselves,” then closes the door, muffling his laughter.
Justin laughs too, before pulling Lance toward him with one hand. “It’s just you and me now.” Lance smiles at the line but doesn’t resist being pulled closer until he’s standing with his head resting against Justin’s chest.
“Are you tired?” Justin hears the question, but also feels it against his chest, as he rubs circles on Lance’s back, sliding his fingers under soft fabric. Justin nods, he is tired, they’ve spent all day carrying things into the apartment, making multiple trips from the rented van up five flights of stairs and down again. Now his legs are aching and all he wants to do is lie in bed holding Lance.
“So am I. You want to call it a night?”
It’s only just after ten but Justin agrees. “Come on.” He turns off the lamp as Lance locks up, then they both go to the bedroom, cursing when they see the unmade bed.
“Fuck. I forgot about this,” Justin says. He remembers throwing the new bed linen in the room earlier and sees it lying on the bare mattress.
“It’s okay, we’ll do it tomorrow, we’ve slept on worse.” Lance looks almost asleep on his feet but Justin shakes his head.
“No. It’s our first night; we’ll never get another one. We need to sleep on a proper bed.” Gently pushing Lance toward the door, Justin picks up a bag containing the valance and starts to pull it open. “Go and sit down, I’ll do this.”
Lance looks like he’s going to protest, then seems to change his mind. “Okay, I’ll leave you to it.”
Justin doesn’t reply, just hums under his breath as he shakes out the pale yellow cover and smoothes it over the mattress. The pillows soon follow and he throws them to the top of the bed, one for Lance and two for him. It’s the quilt cover that causes problems and eventually Justin finds himself inside it, hanging onto two corners of the quilt as he tries to shake the cover over the top.
“Halloween’s not for months, plus you know yellow ghosts don’t have the same impact somehow.”
“Funny, Bass,” all he can see is yellow, so Justin shakes the cover harder until it eventually slides into place. With a triumphant smile, he throws the quilt on the bed then double takes when he sees what Lance is holding. “You’ve made hot chocolate.”
“With marshmallows that look like ice burgs.” Lance hands over the mug then sits down, blowing gently at his drink. “I know you like them.”
“Thanks,” it’s all he can say. Justin’s so happy that he feels like he’s going to burst, and he can’t stop smiling as he drinks.
Later, after they’ve rinsed the mugs and brushed their teeth side by side in the small bathroom Justin lies in bed and whispers a quiet prayer of thanks. He’s warm, clean and lying next to someone he loves and as he falls asleep spooned next to Lance he thinks things are almost perfect.
So this is part one of the sequel. Starting in Justin's POV. I wasn't sure who's POV to take, really Boxes was more Lance's story than anyone else's so I was going to use him . In the end I decided on Justin as it's a nice contrast between the oldest and youngest, innocent and jaded. This part is Lambs with a side of Joey, a non sexual side though *g* Lambs is something I haven't done much of so I'm a bit eep at the moment.
Anyway, enjoy with the usual warnings. I'm sure you all know them by now.
“Up a bit, no lower at the left. Wait! Stop! That’s perfect,” Justin says, and he grins as Lance turns and glares.
“You sure? I mean I wouldn’t want it to be a millimetre off centre or something.”
“No, it’s all good. It looks fantastic,” Justin automatically loops an arm round Lance’s waist when he steps back and they stand side by side, looking at the picture over the fire. It’s a vivid splash of colour on the otherwise bland cream wall, and just looking at it makes Justin think of cold nights, awed gasps and laughter. Even now, months later, he can remember the feel of Lance’s hand in his, stuffed in Justin’s coat pocket for warmth as they watched fireworks explode against the dark sky.
“They’ll come back, right?”
It’s a familiar question and Lance leans into Justin a little. “Sure, they said they would, and they never break a promise. Then when they do we’ll have everything ready for them.”
Justin nods, satisfied. He knows that JC and Chris will come back, but he likes to hear Lance say it, or Joey, that way he knows it’s real. Turning, he kisses Lance on the nose before moving to the pile of boxes in the middle of the room. The small apartment’s a mess but JC’s painting had to be hung first, that was something they both agreed on.
There’s still so much to sort out. Lance’s belongings from his family home are mixed with bags containing everything from new kitchen ware to bed sheets and there’s not a clear surface in the whole place. It’s going to take a lot of work to get everything organised but Justin doesn’t care, and as he watches Lance kneel to open a box he knows he feels the same way.
“Hey, it looks great,” Joey says as he stands in the doorway. He looks at the picture and smiles, but Justin can see the sadness hidden in his expression. It’s easy to recognise, Justin sees it every time he looks in the mirror, and knows he’ll see it until Chris and JC are home. Joey’s carrying bags from McDonald’s and drops his messenger bag as he carefully puts the food on top of a box. The badges attached to the bag clatter as they hit the floor and Justin moves to stand the bag up, examining the badges as he does so. They’re mostly brightly coloured, a collection of images and sayings that seem to increase on a daily basis, changing the ordinary black bag to something bright and unique, something exactly like Joey.
“I met your mom’s on the way here and they gave me the food. They said they’d be here in the morning and for you to enjoy your first night in your new place.”
“Typical, they stay in and slack off while we do all the work,” Justin jokes. Briefly looking at the couch which is covered in clothes and yet more boxes he decides the floor will do, and sits down cross-legged as Lance and Joey do the same. Joey starts to reach for the food, then stops, indicating Lance should do it.
“It’s your place, man. You do the honours.”
Lance looks pleased, and he looks from Joey to Justin before grabbing both bags. Carefully opening them he quickly hands out burgers, fries and soda then clears his throat a little. “I…erm, before we eat I want to say something.” Looking at the floor he nervously taps his fingers against the top of his cup then looks up again. “I just want to say, I guess I want to say thank you. A year ago I never thought I’d have my own place, as well as someone I love very much and some of the best friends a man could ever have.” Picking up his soda cup Lance holds it toward Justin and Joey, and they copy his action, bumping the cups together. “To best friends, and to Chris and JC wherever they are.”
They repeat the toast, then fall silent. Justin thinks of his absent friends, remembering both the worst and in some ways the best time of his life. He remembers feeling sick with hunger and being so cold that he couldn’t even shiver. He remembers Chris’ white face, bloody bandages and silently crying as he was crushed by guilt. Harsh words, pitying looks, dirty clothes, fear, shame, loneliness and aching for his mom’s touch. Lance and Joey seem to be remembering too, and Justin wants to close his eyes against their bleak expressions. Then Joey smiles a little and Justin remembers other things. Dancing in the street as Chris sang, Joey whistling as he sorted magazines and the way his fingers were always covered in ink. Lance’s body pressed against his at night and the gentle clink of cds in the wind. Justin can remember the good things, paintings, chalk, laughter and most of all a sense of love that surrounded them all. It’s something he’ll never forget, but at the same time for every positive thing there were multiple negatives, and Justin vows yet again he’ll never live on the streets again, or let any of his friends do so either.
“We going to eat or just admire this?” Joey asks, and Justin breaks out of his memories to throw a fry at him. Joey catches then eats it before starting on his own food, savouring every bite. It’s something they all do, an ingrained habit now after months of living on the edge of starvation. As he slowly chews his burger, grimacing at the gherkin but eating it anyway, Justin hopes that JC and Chris are eating too. He thinks they will be, they’re both survivors, but still he worries and will do until they’re home.
~*~*~*~
“Are you sure? There’s room.” Lance says again, but Joey shakes his head.
“Naw, I’m at work in the morning and it’s your first night in your own place. You don’t need me as a third wheel.” Picking up his bag, Joey hooks it on his shoulder and looks around. Justin follows his gaze and can’t help smiling. Boxes and bags still litter the room but it’s much more organised after hours of hard work. The couch is clear and covered with an old patchwork comforter. A small TV is in the corner, sitting on a packing crate table hidden by a Dukes of Hazard quilt cover and the flowery drapes are pulled closed as a lava lamp casts a red glow. The room looks comfortable and welcoming and Justin loves it already, classing it partially as his even though technically he lives with his mom across town.
“Thanks.”
“None needed,” Joey replies, and he gathers Lance close, squeezing hard. Breaking the hug he winks at Justin. “Enjoy yourselves,” then closes the door, muffling his laughter.
Justin laughs too, before pulling Lance toward him with one hand. “It’s just you and me now.” Lance smiles at the line but doesn’t resist being pulled closer until he’s standing with his head resting against Justin’s chest.
“Are you tired?” Justin hears the question, but also feels it against his chest, as he rubs circles on Lance’s back, sliding his fingers under soft fabric. Justin nods, he is tired, they’ve spent all day carrying things into the apartment, making multiple trips from the rented van up five flights of stairs and down again. Now his legs are aching and all he wants to do is lie in bed holding Lance.
“So am I. You want to call it a night?”
It’s only just after ten but Justin agrees. “Come on.” He turns off the lamp as Lance locks up, then they both go to the bedroom, cursing when they see the unmade bed.
“Fuck. I forgot about this,” Justin says. He remembers throwing the new bed linen in the room earlier and sees it lying on the bare mattress.
“It’s okay, we’ll do it tomorrow, we’ve slept on worse.” Lance looks almost asleep on his feet but Justin shakes his head.
“No. It’s our first night; we’ll never get another one. We need to sleep on a proper bed.” Gently pushing Lance toward the door, Justin picks up a bag containing the valance and starts to pull it open. “Go and sit down, I’ll do this.”
Lance looks like he’s going to protest, then seems to change his mind. “Okay, I’ll leave you to it.”
Justin doesn’t reply, just hums under his breath as he shakes out the pale yellow cover and smoothes it over the mattress. The pillows soon follow and he throws them to the top of the bed, one for Lance and two for him. It’s the quilt cover that causes problems and eventually Justin finds himself inside it, hanging onto two corners of the quilt as he tries to shake the cover over the top.
“Halloween’s not for months, plus you know yellow ghosts don’t have the same impact somehow.”
“Funny, Bass,” all he can see is yellow, so Justin shakes the cover harder until it eventually slides into place. With a triumphant smile, he throws the quilt on the bed then double takes when he sees what Lance is holding. “You’ve made hot chocolate.”
“With marshmallows that look like ice burgs.” Lance hands over the mug then sits down, blowing gently at his drink. “I know you like them.”
“Thanks,” it’s all he can say. Justin’s so happy that he feels like he’s going to burst, and he can’t stop smiling as he drinks.
Later, after they’ve rinsed the mugs and brushed their teeth side by side in the small bathroom Justin lies in bed and whispers a quiet prayer of thanks. He’s warm, clean and lying next to someone he loves and as he falls asleep spooned next to Lance he thinks things are almost perfect.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2004-05-21 03:17 pm (UTC)**snuggles you** love you
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Date: 2004-05-21 03:18 pm (UTC)I love them so much. Justin's still so young and Lance is so grateful and Joey's making it on his own and I'm just gonna sit over here and patiently wait for JC and Chris.
*patiently waits*
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Date: 2004-05-21 03:23 pm (UTC)You're awesome hanging in there as I chop and change.
Justin still is young and Lance is certainly grateful, but I think in this part I'm most proud of Joey, because he is making it.
You shouldn't have too long to wait this time ;)
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Date: 2004-05-21 03:28 pm (UTC)The prequel isn't that long, so really it doesn't add anything to the story yet except why Chris left home. I'm just stuck at the moment but was in a Boxes mood so moved to the sequel. I am writing both but I know the sequels going to be written faster, so you might be better off with that.
*snuggles you back* I love you too, and missed you!
no subject
Date: 2004-05-21 03:30 pm (UTC)nb - if I'm not on that prequel filter I'll be offended. I *heart* this story in all it's moods, and I have my cheerleaders outfit all ready - pompoms and everything.
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Date: 2004-05-21 03:49 pm (UTC)The mom's had a shock when their kids ran away, I imagine they'll do what they can to make them happy even if some people think what they're doing is wrong, especially in Justin's case. But the best kind of parent is the one that knows when to back away.
I'm so proud of Joey at the moment, which is insane as he's only a character, but he's a working man now *loves him*.
You sure are on the filter, you have #1 spot in fact. Like I was telling Becca I'm in a Boxes writing mood at the moment but the prequel was kicking my ass. So I thought a filter where people understand that I'm willing to discuss things and bounce ideas would be perfect. I suspect once Chris is older it'll be easier to write but at the moment it's just not.
YAY for pom poms though :)
Thank you!
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Date: 2004-05-21 04:29 pm (UTC)And Joey? Man - that was a serious crunch point where Boxes left him - huge change of environment, his support systems, his friends ... it's got to have been a tough adjustment and people do either go back to or find other dubious ways of coping.
You? Rock. Just sayin'
no subject
Date: 2004-05-21 04:41 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-21 04:42 pm (UTC)Oh, how I've missed my lambs.
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Date: 2004-05-21 05:05 pm (UTC)I'll probably read the prequel then the sequel... it's an ongoing thing anyway lol And I am as ever available for critiquing. Although my idea of criticism usually consists of 'OMG that was great!11! Write more!!1!' lol I suck ass as a beta *g*
**snuggles you**
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Date: 2004-05-21 05:09 pm (UTC)Thank you for sharing it.
no subject
Date: 2004-05-21 07:01 pm (UTC)A SEQUEL!!! (why does that spelling look wrong?)
I don't remember this being mentioned. Maybealternate the two? The bleakness of the prquel with the (hopefully) joy of the sequel?
Eeee!! Their first night in their first home!!
no subject
Date: 2004-05-21 07:39 pm (UTC)I've never known anyone to be writing both ends of a story at once, but have at it. Too cool! So cute that Justin and Lance are setting up their first apartment together. And Lance so thoughtful to make hot chocolate for his sweetie. :)
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Date: 2004-05-21 09:05 pm (UTC)I want Chris and JC to come back, too.
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Date: 2004-05-21 09:08 pm (UTC)I love this world, I really do. You've created it with such loving detail, and every time you write more, you enrich it further. I'm enjoying it so much, and I can't wait for more. :)
*hugs* Fab job, darling.
no subject
Date: 2004-05-22 01:56 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-22 02:21 am (UTC)JC and Chris will be in the picture soon, I can't wait for them either *g*
Your comments, as usual, rock :)
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Date: 2004-05-22 02:23 am (UTC)I was missing the lambs too, which is why I'm sort of working at both stories at once at the moment *g*
Thank you for the comment!
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Date: 2004-05-22 02:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-22 02:31 am (UTC)It's something I've been thinking about because I think they all have stories to tell still.
My intention was to do the prequel then the sequel but the first story is being a bitch to write and I also missed writing all the guys together. So I figured why not do both.
I probably will alternate, but keep the prequel on a filter for now. A filter anyone can be on as long as they don't mind me bouncing ideas off them *g*
Thanks for the comment :)
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Date: 2004-05-22 02:34 am (UTC)I'm glad you liked it, thank you!
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Date: 2004-05-22 02:35 am (UTC)They'll be back soon, I really want them together again, part of the reason I started this sequel *g*
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Date: 2004-05-22 02:37 am (UTC)You give such wonderful compliments.
*hugs you back* You're wonderful, thank you.
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Date: 2004-05-22 02:39 am (UTC)I'm probably confusing everyone doing both ends of the story at once, but I wanted my guys together again you know?
Thank you!
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Date: 2004-05-22 03:11 am (UTC)I'm all for that.
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Date: 2004-05-22 03:16 am (UTC)I'll be your very own rarity, the only non-sparkly friend who's crazy about a popslash story, and crazy about JC!
Also, I hope you didn't mail me yesterday, sis? Because I lost any mail that could have been sent then. I got everything back but not the last mails, ie the ones sent yesterday.
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Date: 2004-05-22 05:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-22 03:03 pm (UTC)and
EEEEEEEE!!!!
and BOXES!!!
and I =LOVE= this story *SO* Much!!!
*clamps himself down and positively vibrates in anticipation of his favorite Lobsters returning to the story...*
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Date: 2004-05-23 04:50 am (UTC)Also, yeah the lobsters are coming home!
I can hardly wait myself :D
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Date: 2004-05-23 03:14 pm (UTC)I'm sorry I took so long to get to read it. I'm still not back 100%.
*hugs you*
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Date: 2004-05-23 03:30 pm (UTC)More tomorrow I think. I'm glad you're hanging in there for the story.
*hugs you hard*
You take care, okay.
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Date: 2004-05-23 03:32 pm (UTC)*hugs*
More story! YAY!
Time for more pain meds and a rest again. blah.
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Date: 2004-05-23 03:40 pm (UTC)*hugs you hard*
Are you resting yet?
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Date: 2004-05-26 04:57 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-26 07:56 am (UTC)I'm enjoying writing them going up for once, not that it'll stay that way for all of them ;)
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Date: 2004-05-26 08:16 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2004-05-27 10:04 am (UTC)Thank you.
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Date: 2004-05-27 10:17 am (UTC)I think Joey got a short shift in the story. He's so interesting yet because he's the 'odd one out' again he gets less time, which sucks really. He's got such a huge strength of will to do what he does, especially because as you point out his support system was pulled from under him.
You? Rock. Just sayin'
*Blush* Thank you. I'm enjoying this and really the people who rock are the ones that comment all the time. That honestly amazes me.
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Date: 2004-05-27 10:20 am (UTC)I love how you read this yet are none sparkly, it's so cool!
Hmmm, I think the only thing I mailed was a short, what with teeth, black screens off death and utter exhaustion caused by teeth lately that's all I was up to :(