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Apr. 30th, 2010 02:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
turpsAt this risk of no one commenting, I saw this going around and thought it could knock my brain back into writing gear.
Okay, the meme is the Timestamp Meme, only I'm not going to do ficlets--just answers for what's going on at any time in the timeline before or after any fic. Actually, I might as well call it the "Fic Open Season" meme: any question about any fic I've written is game.
Feel free to ask away and I'll tell you things.
Okay, the meme is the Timestamp Meme, only I'm not going to do ficlets--just answers for what's going on at any time in the timeline before or after any fic. Actually, I might as well call it the "Fic Open Season" meme: any question about any fic I've written is game.
Feel free to ask away and I'll tell you things.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
The Trails that I Follow
Date: 2010-04-30 02:06 pm (UTC)Re: The Trails that I Follow
Date: 2010-04-30 03:24 pm (UTC)Bob doesn't go back to Brian's place. What he plans to do is go back to his own apartment and spend a few days on the couch watching TV and eating junk food -- the good kind of junk food, not the slightly squashed burgers and flattened chips the others have been smuggling in.
Bob, because he's Bob insists that he's discharged earlier than the hospital would like. He doesn't sign himself out, he's not that stupid, but he does fudge the fact that he'll be going home alone. Fact is, by that point he's tired of people. He loves them but there's always someone there wanting to check that he's okay and watching to make sure he doesn't collapse again -- Bob hates that look in their eyes, it hurts more than the actual physical hurts, the knowledge that he caused his friends so much pain and worry.
So he plans his discharge carefully, waiting until Mikey and Frank are visiting -- Frank's still in his casts and someone always goes with him when he heads off to the bathroom or for a coffee, Frank's like Bob in that way, saying he's fine when he's not at all -- and as soon as they leave for a few minutes to get magazine Bob said he needed Bob calls for the nurse and says he's ready to go. Of course he's already signed his discharge papers and the staff think he's leaving with Mikey and Frank but what happens is Bob's wheeled out and then sincerely thanks the nurse pushing him before getting into the waiting cab.
Sitting in the back he slumps back, aching all over still but feeling lighter than he has for a while, knowing that no one is watching and soon he'll be home.
Of course that feeling doesn't last for long. When he actually gets to his place it takes forever to get inside, and he's gritting his teeth by the time the rental agent -- because Bob's key is on the fucking island somewhere -- lets him inside.
It takes all his patience not to slam the door in her face and make small talk until she finally leaves and Bob gets to sprawl on his own couch. Except, sprawling hurts, and getting up for a drink exhausts him and reaching for the remote makes things pull and by the time he's been home a few hours he's cold, hungry and feeling sick.
Which of course is when Brian arrives. He's pissed and starts to lay in to Bob about fucking idiots who think they're healed when they're not and how Bob's obviously left his brain on the island because running away, fucking seriously? And Bob would argue back but Brian's covered him with a soft blanket and giving him his meds and a cold drink and Bob's too tired to actually work up any kind of annoyance, especially when Brian finally sits on the sofa too, pulls a little bit of the blanket over himself and sits so close they're touching as he says, fucking idiot.
After that Brian doesn't really leave. He's not living there officially and gives Bob his space by working on his laptop in the other room for part of the day. But a lot of time they spend watching TV together and eating the food Brian cooks until weeks pass and Bob really is feeling better and Brian says, all off hand, I guess I should go home.
And Bob shrugs and says equally off hand, you don't have to and then Bob hesitates and then smiles as he adds, I'd like you to stay.
So Brian does.
Re: The Trails that I Follow
Date: 2010-04-30 04:07 pm (UTC)Of course he does, he's Brian. Thank you so much for this!
♥_____________♥
no subject
Date: 2010-04-30 02:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-30 02:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-05-04 12:46 pm (UTC)When Mikey ran away from home he hadn't really thought where he was going. He was so tired and things were getting worse with Gerard. Enough that sometimes Mikey didn't even like him any more. He never stopped loving him, Mikey would have to die before he'd ever stop loving his brother, but like was a different matter.
It's why one night he just stood and walked away, knowing he couldn't take another moment. It wasn't something planned, just Mikey stood and left. That Gerard was there and didn't even notice was just another painful memory.
At first Mikey was going to stay with friends, but somehow once he started walking he couldn't stop. The further away from home he got the lighter he felt, like he could breathe for the first time in a while.
It was a few days later he found the fair. He'd heard of them and some of his friends had attended the shows, but Mikey had never visited himself. Now, hungry and tired the sudden appearance of the tents and music seems like magic, and he finds himself walking through the gates.
He wanders a while, stomach grumbling as he passes the food tents and it isn't long before someone approaches, asking if he was looking for work.
Later Mikey thinks how different his life would be if he'd said no to Olaf that day. But he didn't, and hours after walking through the gates Mikey's belly is full, he'd had water to drink and is holding a set of clothes as he's told to get dressed and tidy himself up. The realisation he's in over his head making him feel sick as he'd led through the pens.
He doesn't really remember much about his first night of work. The smell of straw, the painful burn of his fresh brand, someone crying in the adjoining stall. But there was nothing too bad, Mikey didn't exactly enjoy being fucked so often but he was no stranger to meaningless sex as a means of distraction.
What he does remember clearly is the first time he met Pete. It was late, after the fair had shut for the night, and Mikey was following the others toward food.
The first time he sees Pete he's laughing loudly, telling some story about a wolf costume and grease. Pete's the brightest, loudest person there, but the longer Mikey looks the more he sees the way Pete winces as he moves, the way he keeps one hand close to his chest.
Then Pete sees Mikey and his grin gets even wider before he rushes forward, grabs Mikey in a hug and says, 'Hi my new best friend.'
Which is weird, but also true. Within days Pete and Mikey spend every moment they can together. Mikey learns how to dress Pete's wounds and brings him food and water when all Pete wants to do is curl up and stare at the night sky.
Then Mikey's told he's moving to red. Pete's horrifed and does everything he can to protest. He pleads and promises Olaf he'll work twice as hard, take on any extra work. But Olaf refuses, says Horace has made up his mind because Mikey looks young and thin and easily broken.
So Mikey moves to red and quickly learns that no matter how many horrific things he endures there's always worse in the future.
It's Pete that gives him drugs the first time. Easing the pills between Mikey's mouth and pouring in water as Mikey shivers and whimpers, each breath feeling like he's being stabbed anew.
After, Pete holds Mikey all night, strokes his hair and keeps repeating 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry'
When the drugs finally kick in, the pain easing as Mikey floats from reality, he manages a faint 'I'm not' because despite everything he has Pete. That's something he'll never regret.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-30 02:37 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-30 04:54 pm (UTC)And from Boxes too, I want to know a little form JC's past,a background of sorts...
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Date: 2010-04-30 06:38 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-30 06:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-04-30 11:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-05-01 12:14 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-05-01 02:15 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-05-01 06:21 pm (UTC)This got long
Date: 2010-05-04 10:06 am (UTC)Okay, so Ray.
Only a few people picked up on it but at the end of Grey Crimson Skies I hinted that Ray and Brian started the beginnings of a relationship. Then it wasn't anything serious, more them hanging out while their friends got on with their own lives.
At that point Ray was juggling his studies and business, and also being a steady shoulder for the others. Which is something that comes easily for him, even though if he's honest, he doesn't really fully understand the whole serious depression thing. He's read up about it. It was one of the first things he did when he became friends with Gerard and he'll always be there when he's needed. It's just Ray's never felt that bad or looked into that pit.
He worries about that sometimes. That he's not helping as much as he can, but when he admitted that to Brian once Brian pretty much called him a moron and that 'fuck, Ray. You've given them part of you, your business. You helped change their lives so stop being a dick.'
Which did help, even if Ray had to protest the dick label.
So, Ray goes on with his night classes. Business at first, but as he becomes more established he branches out to things that interest him. English lit, computer programming, even cooking once. Things that to an outsider don't make that much sense but to Ray it's enriching his mind, the same way he enriches his plants so they grow steady and strong.
At the same time he keeps expanding his firm. Slowly at first, keeping a tight unit with Bob working full time and Frank when he can. Then one day Ray mentions to Bob that he's thinking about taking on someone new and Bob's all 'fine, we can advertise' but Ray shakes his head and says that he's thinking of offering work to those in need. The people who've ended on rock bottom and need a new start. Which is idealistic he knows, but it worked for Bob and sure, Brian's no gardener but having a job gave him the support to look for the role he really wanted.
Bob gives his support for the idea. Brian gives all the reasons it could fail. All the while drawing up contacts and contracts to make things work.
Ray puts his plan into operation and over the years they have successes. Men and women who come to them worn down and learn the value of hard work and friendship. And the failures too,like the girl who stole Ray's van and wrote it off. Ray never gives up, just straightens his shoulders and goes on.
In time he's so successful that he offers Bob a full partnership and they split up. Each with their own team. That's a happy and also sad day, but Ray can't help smiling when he sees how proud Bob is as he shows Gerard his own personal van. His name on the side.
So Ray's content. He's helping people, has a group of good friends, and also Brian. Someone who's been a constant for years, until finally, Ray says that he's thinking of buying a new place, one with an actual big garden and would Brian want to move in, and Brian says, "About fucking time' Then, uncaring that Ray's damp and covered in soil, kisses him hard and says 'yes'
Brian meanwhile gets promoted in his job. Soon he's looking after the baby bands who want to take on the world. He loves his job even though it means long hours and being constantly on call. He enjoys wrangling the bands and listening to shitty music in the hope of finding a hidden gem. It helps he's got a secret weapon in Mikey who seems to know and has listened to every band on the scene.
It's not easy. Being around all the alcohol is a constant temptation and once he got so mad he ended up punching a wall. Ray and Bob took him to the ER that night, sitting on either side as Brian stewed over letting his anger get the best of him. When he was finally patched up they loaded him in the van, Ray fastened his seatbelt and Bob casually announced they'd attend a meeting the next day.
It's the only slip Brian ever had.
Re: This got long
Date: 2010-05-04 10:15 am (UTC)Bob finds Frank in the garden that night, tearing out weeds -- and some flowers -- in the moonlight. Frank's feet are bare and wearing ratty sleep clothes, his hair falling into his face as he crushes petals in his fists and throws the plants behind him.
Bob doesn't ask if he's okay. Just sits and waits until finally Frank stops and says 'he should have told me. I thought we had no secrets'
And they don't, not really. Just Mikey's been so used to taking care of Gee that he's terrified when his own mind works against him, so scared that he can't form the words to explain.
Things are tense for a few weeks, then one day Frank finds a note under the unicorn. It's a long note, pages worth of how Mikey's so afraid, of himself, of Gerard leaving, of Frank realising he's not worth it. By the time he's finished reading Frank's chest is tight and he runs into the house and finds Mikey sitting at the kitchen table. Gerard just hurrying upstairs. Frank grabs Mikey in a hug, says he loves him and he's going nowhere. Ever.
And he doesn't. Over time they become less sickly sweet, but they always remain MikeyandFrank. Frank waits up for Mikey at night and Mikey will always get up to see Frank off to work or school. His eyes closed and stumbling until Frank feeds him coffee and pop tarts. They grow together and between them start arriving home with animals. Dogs that charge around the house and cats that make Gerard sneeze. Each year they dance together in the garden, just once, their own personal 'I love you'
Bob eventually moves in with Gerard. It takes a while because Bob wants Gerard to learn to live on his own first. It's tempting to move in sooner, Bob sleeps there often anyway, but he knows that would be doing Gerard a disservice and that he needs to stand on his own two feet.
It's why Bob stops automatically doing any cleaning, or making meals, just standing to the side as Gerard takes on those responsibilities until he runs the house effortlessly. Not that it's always neat and hygienic, this is Gerard, but it never gets to the levels it did before and Bob doesn't care if the counters are a little sticky, not when he comes back from work and finds Gerard humming along to the radio as he waters his plant or emerge covered with paint from the room he made into a studio.
Gerard eventually makes a living selling his art. He never makes a fortune but there's enough for a comfortable living. To celebrate that he takes Bob out on a date for the second anniversary of that disastrous coffee shop date. Not that this one goes much better. Gerard wants it to be special but they both feel uncomfortable in the up-scale restaurant and when they finish their meal they're both still hungry.
They end up going through the drive thru at McDonalds, eating burgers in the back of Bob's van. The back doors open they sit together, food on their laps, plants behind their backs, and Bob knows he's never been happier.
Long comment is long. I enjoyed revisiting this verse :)
Re: This got long
Date: 2010-05-05 04:14 am (UTC)Ok, so I'm sat at my local McDonald's so I can pay some bills online, right, because my internet still isn't working at home, and I'm like, 'oh, I should probably check my email too whilst I'm here and haven't finished my chai', and then I do and OMIGOD RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY. HELPING THE DOWNTRODDEN. GETTING HIS VAN STOLEN AND STILL SOLDIERING ON. RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY.
(I love your Ray. Can you tell?)
And Brian, man, he was so patient! Just waiting for Ray to get a clue. And Gerard and Bob and Frank and Mikey and ::hearts:: this is all so lovely and perfect.
I'm gonna have a giant smile on my face all day. It will sustain me though dinner with the Grandparents and Parents.
RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY.
(Also, was working on the Gee&Ten fic, and realized I totally stole Gee and Mikey's backyard dragon birdbath from the Tint's verse. I may be stealing your Ray characterization as well. Mmmkay?)
Re: This got long
Date: 2010-05-05 12:15 pm (UTC)Despite the subject matter the Tints verse is so comfortable for me. Probably because I spent so long thinking about them all, so actually talking about their happy ending was a great thing.
Ray is the foundation of the whole verse really. On first glance it could be Bob, but it's Ray for sure. Always there to help in any way he can. He deserves happiness and success.
I love that you're using the backyard dragon birthday! And Ray too, of course :D
Hope the dinner wasn't too bad.
no subject
Date: 2010-05-02 12:19 pm (UTC)