insane-control-room

[insane-control-room]

love makes us fools :)

@halfusek :3

[insane-control-room]

Snowed In Sillies

Wally comes in to clean, and ends up stuck in the studio with Joey. They have a good time. A very good time.

Rated: G+ Warnings: recreational drug (marijuana) use Words: 2,500 Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/69064291 (you must have an ao3 account to read my works)

There are two opinions on Winter.

Winter can be fun, says one. The other screams that it is cold, boring, wet, dark, and lifeless.

Wally and Joey were in these two opposing camps. Wally would enjoy running outside during his breaks and engaging in snowball fights with the theater next door or random passerbys, though his favorite opponents were the children going home from school. Unlike the other adult players, they tended to kick his butt; even when he got Shawn or other members of the studio to help him. What could he say? Children could be vicious little buggers.

Meanwhile, Joey held a very, very different opinion. As soon as winter rolled around, the man would refuse to leave the studio, glaring at the snow falling with a hot gaze so intense one could only wonder why it did not combust into flame. It baffled Wally why he detested the weather so intensely, especially considering that the entire studio was aware of his impressive ice skating prowess. He supposed that it was related to how his mood would generally dip during colder times; not that Wally understood that either. Anyone who enjoyed hot weather was absolutely crazy.

Now, being that the studio was empty on Saturday, and folks came in to work on Monday, Wally enjoyed a special schedule where he worked on the weekend and took off the first day of the work week. Wally found that it was much less hectic, and as long as Joey was okay with it, then he would continue on his modified work hours. Not only did it mean that he got time and space to himself to clean on Saturday; as an added perk, he did not have to deal with the insanity that Monday typically turned out to be.

It also meant that Wally was inevitably one of the few that knew that Joey lived in the apartment above the studio. When he first found out, he was a vague mix of confused, horrified, and impressed, but accepted it as one of Joey's eccentricities. While in the beginning it was somewhat awkward and stilted when he came in on Saturday and found Joey doodling in the animation department, it soon became quite comfortable. Joey liked having someone to talk to and Wally was glad for the company as well (it was definitely nice that there would be someone there to let him in if he forgot his keys).

One winter morning was like that – Wally had looked all over his apartment and could not find the ring that held his keys. So he knocked on the door to the studio and waited a few minutes, before a dark hand shot out from the quickly opened door and yanked him into the building, the door shut just as fast behind him.

Wally grinned.

"You really don't like the cold, do ya Mr. Drew?" he teased his boss, shucking his jacket in the hall and hanging it up. "You can barely stand it!"

"I'd rather not feel my b-bones from the inside, thank you very much," Joey dryly replied, though he smiled. Wally laughed a bit, shoving him lightly. "What! Wally, it can be s-so cold!"

"It can also be a great time, especially with someone ya like," Wally winked at him. Joey rolled his eyes. "Or dislike. Depending on what you get up to."

"Yeah, whatever you s-say," Joey giggled. Wally liked seeing him smile. Joey always seemed to be so stressed, even more so in the winter, so it was great to see him lighten up. "Did y-you lose your keys again?"

"Might have," Wally admitted. "I probably dropped them somewhere in the studio, though."

"Ah, well, I made sure to have you another s-spare set made," Joey nodded, smiling with a playfully admonishing glint in his eye. "It's hanging in your closet."

"Thanks, Joey," Wally felt a touch of relief. "Sorry that I keep misplacin' 'em. Just loosing track of stuff left and right if I get a bit too distracted."

"It's completely fine, Wally," Joey assured him. "I'll have another set made s-soon."

Wally was about to state his appreciation once more when the lights suddenly cut out. The two stared at each other in stunned silence for a long moment, then the crackle and hum of Joey's backup generator kicked on. The majority of the studio, however, remained enshrouded in darkness – the generator's range only extended to the first floor and Joey's apartment.

"Well," Joey remarked, a queasy smile on his face. "I s-suppose I can't reasonably ask you to clean more than the main floor, and it isn't that much of a mess…."

"Eh, I'll take care of it," Wally shrugged. "I'm already here. You go take a look at what's goin' on and why the lights got snipped."

"Will do," Joey nodded, heading to the stairs to go up to his apartment, probably to scout down the main line. Wally got to work, humming a tune (probably one that Sammy made) while he cleaned up the few papers and pencil shavings in the dim light of the backup. He jumped, however, when- "Oh, hell!"

Dropping his broom, Wally quickly bolted up the stairs to check on Joey, adrenaline sparking at Joey's horrified tone. When he got up the stairs, though, he only saw Joey standing with dismay next to a pile of snow. The sight made him laugh, amused.

"Ah, ya got a splash from the white little devils?" he asked. Joey slowly looked up at him and then towards the window. Wally's smile froze on his face as he followed the other's gaze. "What… the heck?"

"It appears that we are… effectively s-snowed in." Joey flatly remarked. Wally shook his head as he continued to gawk at the window, which was clearly covered in snow – on the second floor. "Explains the power outage…."

"Yeah, it sure does," Wally dumbly agreed. He went over to Joey's kitchen to grab a towel, wrapping up whatever snow he could grab and shook it off in the sink, then put the towel onto the puddle the snow had left. Joey in the meantime had sealed off the window, and closed the curtains in an effort to dispel the cold that was certainly wafting in. "So… I don't think I'll be able to go home tonight."

"You probably w-won't be able to, no," Joey concurred. He frowned, then sighed. "I think I'm going to go cut the genny t-to the lower floors f-for now. No need to waste fuel there. Make yourself comfortable."

"Ah, okay," Wally nodded, understanding. "Do you want me to pull out some activities? We can play a game or somethin' if you want."

"I'd appreciate that," Joey paused in his doorway, smiling softly. "You know where my games are kept. Just-"

"Yeah, yeah, I know, don't touch the chessboard," Wally laughed quietly. "Don't worry. I was thinking we could play some cards. You go handle that power, Mr. Drew."

Joey nodded, and Wally went over to the shelf that stored Joey's games, plucking off a deck that he knew Joey had painted himself. He always admired the man's artistic ability, even if it was less cartoony than his typical creations. Joey swiftly returned, and Wally happily showed him his choice.

"Poker," he announced, and cut Joey's thinly humored question off before he asked it. "No, not your weird version. The regular one."

"Fine," Joey chuckled, sitting down by the coffee table. Wally liked how he looked in a chair that actually was his size. "Deal, then."

They played a few matches, with Wally winning the majority. They were just about to begin another round, but then Wally's stomach growled. Joey glanced up at him with surprise and then looked to the clock.

"Oh, it's lunchtime already?" he noted, standing. "I'll warm up some squash soup. I have some batter for churros in the m-making that we can finish up together."

"That would be fun," Wally grinned, thinking of a different sort of churro he had in his pocket. Not that he would give that away just yet. "I'd love to help."

They settled in the kitchen, chatting as the soup warmed. Wally found it to be surprisingly tasty for a dish that was essentially a heated puree, and said as much – mildly offending Johan. Wally laughed at his expression, then immediately drained his bowl, proffering it forward for another portion. Joey acquiesced with a humorously heavy sigh and a roll of his ruby red eyes. They ate together until Wally finished his second bowl, Joey's interestingly minute appetite fulfilled with just the one. Then again, the bowls were rather large; accounting for Johan's massive size. With a lazily spoken agreement, the two made their way to the kitchen to cook, Wally teasingly insisting on being the one to take the bowls and set them in the dishwasher. After all, he had come in to work; and he was planning on getting his paycheck! It made Joey roll his eyes and smile – so a successful move.

When Joey took out the prepared batter, Wally sat down by the table and took out his blunt.

Joey, at first, seemed to disregard the roll, glancing up at Wally and then returning to the task at hand. However, a moment later he froze in realization, head suddenly jerking up from the pan he was preparing and swiveling around to face the janitor.

"Absolutely not!" he ordered, pointing a spoon at Wally as though it were a knife. "Do not light that up in m-my apartment! I have enough accusations as it is! The last thing I need is my studio s-stinking like skunk!"

"Aw, come on, Joey, it'll clear up by the time we can get out!" Wally whined, though with a cheeky grin on his face. Joey looked at him with a completely straight face, unimpressed by Wally's logic and with murder written in his eyes. Wally's smile turned schoolboy sheepish, raising his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay, I won't smoke it."

"Good," Joey nodded with satisfaction, turning back to his cooking. Wally rolled the roll between his fingers for a moment, thinking. He came up to Joey's counter, pulled out a cutting board and a knife, and, after shaking out the contents of the not-cigarette, chopped them up even more finely than they already were. While Joey was not paying attention, already working on a few sticks, he stole up behind him and tipped the tray into the remaining batter. For the second time in three minutes, Joey froze, looking at Wally's handiwork with a sort of unsurprised dismay. Wally, extremely proud of himself, said; "You gotta loosen up, Drew. Snacking on these bad boys has got to be a dream."

Joey slowly shook his head, but there was amusement evident in his eye. Wally nudged him, reaching up to take the spoon out of his hand to mix in the soft drug. Johan threw up his hands and let him, deciding that at this point the battle was not worth fighting. He showed Wally how to make the sticks turn out perfectly, and soon enough the cleaner was doing quite a good job with it. Joey excused himself to the restroom, Wally confident that he can handle the task.

He nearly jumped when a few minutes later, a whisper came to his ear.

"For the record, Wally," Joey's low tones made a shiver crawl up his back. "The only reason I'm allowing for this is because I f-fucking hate winter. If you breathe a word of this to anyone, looking f-for a new job would be the least of your problems."

"I'm assuming that to mean I'd be better off lookin' for a casket," Wally gulped. Johan's hum was answer enough. "Uh, message received."

"Glad to hear it," Joey genially replied, and returned to taking over the cooking. Wally's gaze flicked up his lanky form, uncertain if he were flustered, nervous, or amused. Probably a mix of all three. Soon, the batter emptied from the bowl, the sweet cinnamon scent wafting through the air, with a slightly acrid undertone. Luckily, it was minimal, just enough to detect rather than overpowering in any form. Joey heated a chocolate honey dip while Wally took out the last of the churros, and the two met at the coffee table. While Joey hesitated, Wally did not wait for a moment, grabbing, dipping, and devouring one with delight. "I take it that it's good?"

"They're amazing," Wally beamed at him, waving his second in Joey's face. "Have one!"

Joey carefully picked one up, Wally watching with anticipation as Joey nibbled off an end. After the precursory bite, he blinked and then took a larger one. Soon, he was sucking the sugar off his fingers and reaching for a second. Wally, on his fourth churro, laughed, patting Joey's arm.

"There you go!" he encouraged. Joey flipped him off while he ate, only earning another ear to ear grin. Smugly, Wally pointed out, "That's a sign that it's working."

Joey this time only stared – and burst out into fits of giggles. Wally grinned; it was definitely starting to kick in. The plate quickly emptied, the two men laughing so hard at nothing that they were nearly in tears. Somehow, they ended up in the art department, Joey wearing a nightgown with a belt of flowers in his hair, sitting on a stack of desks. Wally, haphazardly wielding his mop like a sword or spear while Joey shrieked in peals of laughter.

"I'll save you, my princess!" the janitor announced, failing to sound remotely serious, earning another round of guffaws. "The evil demon will be vanquished!"

"The knight would do better with a helmet upon his h-head, no?" Joey teased, flushed with joy and teetering with the effects of eating excellent quality product. "Gotta k-keep it from being lopped off, hm?"

"That is an excellent idea, your highness!" Wally enthusiastically agreed, making Joey giggle again with pleased amusement. Wally thought that he liked that sound quite a bit, and would probably do a great deal to hear it many more times. Wally looked around the room and alighted upon the wastebasket, not bothering to empty it before dumping it on his head. Suddenly, a clattering of metal caught their attention, and they both looked to Wally's feet. "Oh. Found my keys!"

"Oh, Wally," Joey laughed softly, making the other positively beam. Wally scooped up his keys and jiggled them about, making Johan laugh all over again. "Your mystic charm, more like!"

"You think so?" Wally asked, lighting up. Joey never minced words. Joey thought he was charming. Of course he did, Wally reasoned with himself. But the affirmation made him glow nonetheless. "Well, all the more reason for this Prince Charming to rescue the damsel!"

Wally bolted up the stack of desks, sending half tumbling down, including himself and Joey. The two landed in a heap, staring at one another.

Then burst into laughter.

[insane-control-room]

Absolute (2/2)

Part 1: Perfect Part 2: Mistake

Too bad perfection doesn't exist.

Rated: T Warnings: Arguing, domestic dispute Words: 1,500 Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/68974966/chapters/178855871 (you must have an ao3 account to read my works)

Henry ducked under the next plate that Joey threw at him, but was less lucky with the following saucer that cracked against his shoulder.

"Hold on, hold on-" Henry hurriedly attempted to placate, getting a splash of water to the face. Anger sparking, he grabbed the other's wrist to keep him from throwing anything else at him. "Joey! Behave yourself!"

"Behave myself?" Joey hysterically snapped back, tears spilling down his face. "Let's not g-get overzealous here, Henry! How could you!? How could you s-say that!?"

"Oh, lookie here, what do we have?" Henry rolled his eyes. "As if you ever expected me to be a perfect gentleman! If you didn't want to be hurt, then you should never have said yes to me, baby!"

"I never expected p-perfect, that's right," Johan growled, "But I expected that you'd want me, not-"

"Not what?" Henry cut him off, swiveling him to sit on the counter, pinning his wrists to the cool marbleline surface. "Not to reach out and chase your tail, honeybunny?"

Henry pressed his body against Joey's legs to keep him from kicking him.

"What a surprise, the notorious roué likes to play around," Henry sharply scoffed, rolling his eyes, leaning up to snarl in Joey's face, almost grinning. "So what, I made one mistake. It's not like I slept with someone or hurt you!"

"You did hurt me!" Johan struggled in vain, far weaker than the smaller, but more muscular man. With a growl, Henry let go of one wrist, reaching up to the back of Joey's head, and yanked him down to Henry's level. To his satisfaction, Johan kissed back with just as much passion as he. Eventually, Johan pushed him back, reeling away with a gasp, glaring at him. "You're a- a-"

"A prick? Yeah. You love me, though." Henry stated with a thin smirk, attempting to pull him in for another kiss. This time Joey did resist him, raising his hand to push Henry's face away, though he did not exert much force. "Hey- not the face, doll."

"Ah, next time I'll p-push your throat," Joey hissed. "You are a prick."

"I am, but I didn't mean to hurt you, Joey, it was an honest mistake," Henry insisted. He caught Joey's wrist again, pulling it to his mouth to kiss his palm, taking his time. He smelled of roses and tasted of honey. Joey's shiver was a positive indication. His voice a low murmur, the way Joey really liked to hear it, he said; "I'll admit, what I said was wrong. I wanted to work you up. I was mad and pent up."

"S-so you called me a-"

"Ah-ta-ta!" Henry injected, tugging on Joey's wrists. "Let me finish. I thought a fight would calm me down. I am not a smart man, Joey. I thought, hey, either he's gonna throw me out or he'd walk, and then I'd be a free bird."

"Oh, so, get the hell out of my apartment," was Joey's trenchant, dark reply. Henry shook his head, and Joey pushed against his grip, failing once more. Joey could not help but give an irked growl. "What do you mean, 'no'? You want out? S-so get out!"

"Baby, it hit me really really hard," Henry murmured, leaning against him, kissing up his arm. Despite his better judgment, Joey made the mistake of unwittingly letting him closer, drawn in by the other's magnetism. "But please please don't push me away. I don't want out. I want you."

"To make another m-mistake?" Joey acerbically asked, melting as Henry's lips found his neck. "Ssshit… H-Henry…."

"What should I do, honey?" Henry questioned quietly, another delightful shiver running down Joey's back. "Do you want me to run away?"

"No, no," Joey breathlessly answered, shocked how scared the question made him feel. It was like Henry had put a spell on him, but Joey knew all too well that it was merely his own overpoweringly strong emotions. "Darling, please don't go away."

"Maybe you should get away from me," Henry murmured, brow furrowing as he took in his sweet lover's body language. "Before you make the mistake of trusting me again…."

"I don't c-care," Joey said, still feeling the icy dregs of the thought of Henry leaving him. Desperately, he leaned in, capturing Henry's mouth. His mind screamed that he was just making another mistake, that Henry was exactly what he said he was – a playboy without a care. Regardless, Johan decided to go against that wisdom, and fell for him all over again. Henry was kissing back with a soft lean, not the fiery anger of earlier. Joey felt tears sparking once more, forcing him to draw away. "Henry, please…."

"Oh, Joey…" the stout man breathed, expression repentant and finally comprehending. "I'm sorry. Really. I shouldn't have said that to you. You're not my mistake, and never were. I love you. I just, uh, wanted to wind my yarn, not wind your cotton."

"Maybe you can m-make it up to me?" Johan asked with a soft yearning gaze. Henry smiled and pressed in for another kiss, this time even slower, calmer, and desirous rather than charged. "Mm… you're too good at that…."

"At what? This?" Henry questioned, tilting up for another one. Johan moaned quietly and nodded against Henry's mouth. Henry smiled. "Good… at least that stupid motor is good at one thing."

"I can name a few o-other things that golden mouth can do," Joey stated, flashing a smile. Henry's heart constricted at the sight; and picked up the pace at his words. His hands left Joey's wrists to circle his waist, pulling him closer while Joey's hands tangled in his hair. "Mm… Henry…."

"That's my name, baby," Henry purred, pressing closer. "I love hearing you say it. Can I take you to our room?"

"Y-yes, yes please," Johan murmured, excitement building in his chest, finally beginning to beat out the anxiety that had swelled. "What do you have in mind…?"

"A few other things my mouth can do," Henry replied succinctly, squeezing Joey's waist. Johan flushed, excitement growing exponentially. Henry pulled him off the counter and whisked him to their room, immediately pouncing onto him as soon as he was on the bed. "I'll treat you right. I'll do better. I'm sorry, Joey. You're not a mistake, not mine. I never should have said you were. You're so… so special."

"Oh, Henry," Joey sighed, tinged with bittersweet emotion. "I love you."

"I love you too. I won't screw up. I'll take you out tomorrow." Henry promised. He slowly stripped Joey, kissing every inch of skin that was revealed. "You're perfect. Absolutely perfect. Not a single mistake here."

Soon, Joey was a moaning mess – not one to seek out such intimacy, it always surprised him with how wonderful Henry could make it feel. His hands tangled in the other's hair, murmuring love and pleas for more. Henry perfectly obeyed, skillfully working Joey down. It only was a matter of time before Johan collapsed onto the stars, drifting to earth in a blissful haze.

Henry's broad hand pet his side. Joey blearily opened his eyes, opening his arms for Henry to come up to him. Henry eagerly pressed in, pulling along the blanket as he peppered kisses all over the other man. Content, cuddling close, Johan felt calm with Henry's solid presence beside him. It was warm, peaceful.

But in the back of his mind, somewhere forgotten and forlorn, Joey wondered if he was the one making another mistake.

[insane-control-room]

Absolute (1/2)

Part 1: Perfect Part 2: Mistake

When Henry asked Joey out, it could not have been more... perfect.

Rated: T Warnings: None Words: 2,500 Ao3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/68974966/chapters/178707486 (you must have an ao3 account to read my works)

The day that Henry asked Joey out could not have been more… perfect. The air was crisp and clear, warm and with a light cooling breeze. At first, Joey had thought that Henry only wanted to work outside, but it became quickly apparent that the older man was treating the occasion as a date – after all, he told Joey to dress in his best with a wink and a smile. With a rather deep flustered blush, Joey agreed.

"After work, then?" Henry remarked, smoothly changing from the 'lunch' they were going to take to a dinner. Joey gawked at him for a moment, even more dithered by the shift. Unable to say a word, he merely nodded, earning a smirk from Henry. His voice shifted to a purr that made Joey's heart skip a beat. "Sounds good, doll. See you then."

"R-right," Johan stammered, trying to ignore the flush that was most definitely coating his entire face. "See… see you then."

The two parted to go about their days, completing tasks and getting studio work done. It was notable that Henry was in a good mood, and Joey in a sort of hazy, happy distracted state. Already the gossip mongers of the studio were smiling with bemusement – neither man was subtle in the slightest. As the hours ticked by, Joey kept glancing up at the clock, and ten minutes to five, unable to resist much longer, he turned off the lights in his office, locked it behind himself, and darted up to his apartment to change.

Joey had some nice attire, typically going unworn, as he tended to wear extremely boring suits to most occasions that would have warranted utilizing them. Dandyism was not always the most applicable style when it came to a meeting with boring white men. He pulled out one of the more subtle but elegant dress suits, smiling at the embroidered accents. Yes, this one would be perfect for the evening. Quickly changing, he stopped by the mirror and smiled at his reflection. Albeit a bit awkward, he looked nice. Two quick strokes added the eyeliner Job had gifted him, a pretty blue color accenting his eyes.

Good.

Joey quickly went down the stairs, hoping to catch Henry by surprise – and so he did. He felt a smile bloom on his face upon seeing Henry's shoulder, the artist talking to Sammy, and Sammy's expression of shock caught Henry off guard, making him turn around. The blond's mouth clicked open without a thought, eyes widening. Joey gave a shy wave, and Henry shook his head to snap himself out of the daze that Joey put him in.

"Whoa, hi Joey," he said, walking towards him while giving an appreciative look over. "Damn, you're looking mighty fine… this all for little ol' me?"

"Well, Henry, um, yes," Joey replied, blushing again, brushing back some hair. He could not keep that stupid queasy grin off of his face. "I never really g-get to wear it… I thought this would b-be a nice reason to dress up."

"You're sweet," Henry crooned, reaching a hand up to touch Joey's cheek. "Let me finish up real quick with Lawrence here, and I'll meet you outside. Sit pretty for me, okay?"

"Go on your date, Stein," Sammy rolled his eyes, shoving him without force. "God forbid I'm the reason why you can't feast your eyes for an extra moment."

"Gee, thanks," Henry sarcastically commented, but then smiled at Joey. "Well, there goes my work extending meeting. Let's go, then."

Henry was a perfect gentleman as he opened up the door to the studio for Joey, and then as he opened the door to his car, helping Joey in with a kiss to his hand. Joey, feeling heat in his cheeks once more, laughed with delight. Henry looked at him with a craving gaze as he sat himself, flustering the tall man.

"What are you in the mood of, Joey?" he asked in a low tone, sending electric sparks down Joey's spine and up to his brain. "I know what I want…."

"You do?" Johan stupidly asked, causing Henry to chuckle softly. He lasciviously looked over Johan with intent in his eyes that snapped him back into commission. "Well, um, I… I do eat fish sometimes if y-you'd like to go to one of the shore side eateries…."

"Works with me," Henry grinned, a hand slipping to Joey's thigh after he started the car, a quick stop on the way to the transmission. It took Joey a moment to restart his brain once again, remembering to breathe as they pulled away from the studio. When was the last time he had left? Surely he had picked up groceries this week; or had Wally done it for him? The car parking pulled Joey out of his mind, and he looked to see that they were by Manhattan Beach. The near hour drive had felt like nothing more than a blink, in a comfortable silence with Henry like with no one else. He looked to him with a soft smile, thanking him. Henry waved off the gratitude, but he looked extremely pleased by it despite that. "Heard good reviews about a few places here. I'll take you somewhere just as fancy as you're dressed, hm?"

"Oh, thank you, Henry," Johan could not stop smiling, shoulders raising with the pleasure of having the other's attention and focus on him. "I appreciate all of th-this… really."

"I know you do, Joey," Henry murmured, putting his hand once more on the other's leg as he parked the car. Their eyes met, and Joey felt an extraordinary urge to kiss him rise up; seeing the thought mirrored in Henry's earth-like eyes. However, the two managed to break free of each other's magnetism, Henry slipping out of the car to go open Joey's door for him. "Here we are."

"Thank you," Joey softly said, unable to keep expressing his appreciation. Henry only smiled, pulling him out of the car. Joey noticed the restaurant, mouth opening and brows raising. "Oh my, Henry, this is…."

"Come on, no need to gawk," Henry laughed, gently pushing the other towards the extremely high class and nearly impossible to reserve locale. "Our table's waiting for us. Let's go."

"You had this in mind all day, didn't you?" Joey asked teasingly. Henry hummed, and replied with a slight smirk, "More like a few weeks. Maybe a month."

"Henry."

"That's my name, doll," Henry purred, opening the door and extending a hand for the other to accept or decline. Joey, of course, took it. Henry gave a light pulse with a smile as they came up to the front of house. "Don't wear it out. Hello, sir. Reservation for Dr. Henry Stein."

"Table for two, yes-" the maître d' began, then saw Joey and froze. However, the man was a true professional and quickly recovered, stepping out from behind his podium. "Ah, my apologies, sirs. I was taken aback by your stunning date! Allow me to take you to your table myself to make up for this lapse."

"He is a beaut, isn't he?" Henry laughed, possessively tightening his hold on Joey's hand as they were led to their table and handed off their menus. It was a dimly lit, curtained off corner, with a comfortable bench seat facing a broad fanlight window towards the ocean. The sunset behind them illuminated the waves like ruddy obsidian and strawberry cream, much like the blushes swathed over the faces of the men looking to the water. Joey breathlessly observed the heaving, breathing mass, awestruck heart fluttering rapidly. It calmed, slowly, as Henry carefully put his hand on top of the other's. He gave Joey a heart stopping smile. "Hey."

"Hi…" Joey whispered, shoulders raising once more with his blush. "Thank-"

"Ah-ta-ta!" Henry cut him off by pressing his hand to the others mouth. It was warm and smelled like sandalwood. "No more thank yous, until I have you happily deflowered in my bed. Then you can thank me."

Henry felt, with satisfaction, Joey's face heat significantly, watching his ruby eyes going wide. With a pleased nod, he released the dark man – much darker than he had been mere moments prior to the touch.

"Good boy," he purred, patting his cheek. Their waiter came up just then, asking what they wanted to order. Henry had already been prepared, and sleekly input his request, his hand distractingly circling Joey's knee. "I'd like oysters, prepared at the chef's discretion, and I'd like to recommend grilled rainbow trout with a salad side for my sweetheart. Joey, does that sound good?"

"Yes, it d-does," Joey replied, touched by Henry's thoughtfulness. He did enjoy a well made trout. "M-may I please have some extra lemon on the side?"

"We have a lemon garlic sauce, if that would be to your taste," the waiter offered. Johan nodded, intrigued and curious. "Excellent. The best choice wine to pair with your meal would be a Sauvignon Blanc. Would you like a bottle?"

"Absolutely," Henry beamed. "Thanks very much."

Their waiter took their menus and left, allowing Henry to scoot closer to Joey. The lanky Chicano let him in spite of the lack of propriety, overwhelmed by the sheer touch of the other's man hand at the base of his spine.

"I hope it's alright that I ordered for you," the curly haired blond murmured, stroking up Joey's back in a slow motion. Fighting a shiver, Joey responded, "I thought it was s-sweet of you. Very, ah, thoughtful and kind…."

"Joey," Henry laughed quietly, relishing the man's name on his tongue. "Aren't you something… so, so very special."

Joey looked at Henry. Henry looked back at him. Joey tilted his head towards the other, and Henry copied the motion. They drifted together slowly, Henry's hand raising to cup Joey's jawline as Johan's hand settled on Henry's shoulder. The candlelight was a fitting descriptor for that kiss – gentle, warm, flickering, illuminating. They pulled apart after a long minute, Joey breathless and Henry coated in red. He pulled the thin man closer once more, fingers curling through his hair and thumbing his cheek. Joey held on, as though the moment were a dream that he did not want to wake from.

After ten minutes or so of indulging in each other's presence, they had enough presence of mind to disentangle from one another, knowing that their meal was coming shortly. Not sixty seconds later the waiter arrived with two neat trays, their enticing complementary aromas assisting in masking why the two were so salivary. Henry entertained Joey with stories and ideas as they ate, the wine bottle slowly draining between them, flowing with their talk and contentedness. Eventually, Henry made some flirtatious comments, they kissed several more times, and Joey softly whispered love into the other's ear, gaining many more kisses in return.

Soon, their plates were cleared, the bottle was empty and they skipped on dessert in favor of something sweeter. Unlit cigarette dangling between Johan's fingers, he waited by the car like Henry requested while the other paid their bill. His breath was taken away as Henry came out of the restaurant, the very last rays of light striking him and illuminating him in a heavenly glow. Henry's smirk turned into a stunned smile as he saw Joey once more, looking at him with such overwhelming love.

He quickly trotted over to him, and took his hand. Joey, with a touch of confusion, allowed himself to be led away from the car. He found soon that he had been taken to a secluded, concealed space on the beach. Henry picked him up only to set him gently on the sand, gripping his wrists and pressing in for sweet kisses. He soon, with a hand sliding down Joey's side, requested to take up their affair a notch, and Joey accepted with surprised desire — though, come to think of it, there was nothing to be surprised about.

The sand was still warm on Joey's opisthenars, heated even more with his rising temperature. Minuscule grains sifted through his hair, supported his shifting spine, all while Henry bore down on him with quiet enjoyment. Joey hesitated when Henry tugged on his clothes, but found himself agreeing after a few more deliciously deep kisses. He did, however, draw the line at his pants, pushing Henry's hands away from his belt.

"Not tonight, please…" he whispered, and Henry paused, but then nodded to Joey's relief. "Thank you, Henry."

"No problem, Joey," Henry smiled, touching his face once more, stabilizing himself with a hand on Joey's waist. "Only letting you thank me because we're not doing what I planned."

"You're crude," Joey tossed a small handful of sand at Henry, giggling at the stunned face the other made as they coated his coat. Then, he shrieked as Henry lunged at him, swiftly cut off. A quiet noise of surrender escaped him, reverberating onto Henry's lips, responded to with a pleased hum from the stout man. They calmed, and Joey let Henry pick him up, sand shimmering down his body like stardust falling from the sky. Henry carried Joey to his car, settling him in the passenger seat once more, pressing in for another extended kiss, Joey's arms slinking over his shoulders. Eventually they broke apart, breathing each other's air. Johan's hand stroked down the side of Henry's handsome, smirking face. He breathed, "I love you."

Henry blinked, surprised once again by Joey. He smiled, pressing in for another kiss.

"I love you, too. How was the night?"

"It was… it was a-absolutely perfect," Johan murmured, smiling. "Thank you, Henry. Will this happen a-again?"

"Well, you did say 'not tonight'," Henry replied with a wink. Then, he drew away while Joey's heart fluttered in his chest. He got into the car, starting it up. "When works for you?"

"I'm not s-sure," Joey confessed, blushing. "Can we go out tomorrow? And the day after?"

Henry laughed.

"Seems like you want a boyfriend."

"I- um-"

"Do you?"

"… yes."

Henry chuckled, kissing him before starting the drive.

"Then I'm all yours, doll."

—

Several months later, a near exact repeat of their night occurred; although their conversations were different, gazes more charged, touches lingering longer. They spent less time at dinner, declined the beach, and returned to Henry's home instead. Joey's pretty outfit was set on a chair, a bed replacing the sand; and a queasy, lovesick smile met a flirtatious, victorious grin.

Henry was slow, patient, gentle. Joey fumbled a bit, but Henry only smiled. Joey waited with baited breath for each of Henry's touches. A lowly asked question. With anticipation, agreement.

Joey suddenly understood what it meant to feel fireworks.

With a soft, content groan, Joey's eyes fluttered open. He felt a broad hand petting down his side, a warm body pressed behind his. He turned over, seeing a pleased Henry who pressed in for another kiss.

"How was that, Jo?"

Johan smiled.

"Perfect. I love you."

"Love you, too."

[insane-control-room]

jaded - part 9, 3/3

a story with startistdoodles​ <3

masterpost

previous- next (coming eventually)

WARNINGS: implied starvation, drugging, manipulation, blood, violence

demonth - identity

:) thanks for reading

[insane-control-room]

just put your name on the line and everything will be fine

[insane-control-room]

[insane-control-room]

just a fun little piece today

[insane-control-room]

i would love to add one thing - the AI user states theyre a 'reader, not a writer'

well honey, no one is born with a pen in their hand <3

every writer was a reader first, and very likely still is. no one learns how to write their name before they can read it, or before they can say it.

i, frankly, am not very good at writing. i am of a story teller, but i type very slowly and have atrocious spelling. im a story teller with an image in my brain; but i cant understand color theory or perspective.

but i want to tell my stories.

so i write and draw anyways.

Hey. I think I hate you.

[insane-control-room]

Homesick

Henry and Joey finish an animation.

Rated: G Warnings: none AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/68694951 (note: you must be signed in to read my fics on Ao3) Length: 500

Typically, when someone thinks of homesickness, the immediate thought would be of an aching nostalgia and longing for comfort and a familiar touch or voice. The dictionary defines homesickness as 'sad or depressed from a longing for home or family while away from them for a long time', which quite lends to the feelings one may associate with the term.

However, when one is a cartoon, this term takes on an interesting dual meaning. Such is the case with the episode that Joey and Henry were currently giggling over; much to the bemusement of the rest of the studio. They decided to give Bendy an allergy to houses – touching or entering one would make the toon burst into a fit of sneezes. As the episode would continue, it would become apparent to an audience that the little darling devil just had a cold, and coincidence led him and his friends to the misinterpretation. Eventually, Bendy would go to a doctor, who would give him cold medicine and a blanket.

They finished the episode rather quickly, and Henry urged Joey to celebrate with him by cracking open a beer or two on the roof. Jo, the darling, declined the barley based drink and instead opted for a small bottle of bubbly. It made Henry snicker, even as the two tapped together the rims of their respective drinks.

They watched the sun start to set in a comfortable silence, relishing in the warm glow of the evening.

Henry glanced at Joey- hesitating to ask the younger man a question. Johan looked back with a tilted head, curious and innocuous. Henry decided against asking after looking back at him for too long, as he did not want to ruin the atmosphere with a potentially dicey inquiry. Instead, he smiled at him, raised his bottle, and drank a little more. Joey smiled, and mirrored the motion. Henry tugged him back, chuckling a little as he pulled Joey closer to his side. They began talking about plans and dreams, Joey slowly starting to drift off. Henry hardly minded, however, especially since Linda was sleeping downstairs in Joey's apartment, the night was warm and pleasant, and Joey's heartbeat was a soothing rhythm.

While Henry did still wonder about Joey's past, whether he had a family or a home, he acknowledged that he did not need to know it all. After all, the other had found fulfillment and family in his work and employees… though the thought still nagged at Henry.

Did he have a home? Someone to call after a long day, a place of origin that he sometimes would remember? Surely he did not spawn out of nowhere, up and deciding to start an animation studio. These thoughts and questions swirled in Henry's mind, prompting him to hold the other just a touch closer.

Well, home or not, Henry knew deep down what Joey considered his home. Or rather, who he considered to be 'home'.

After all, Henry felt like Joey was his home, too.

[insane-control-room]

[insane-control-room]

who's laughing now?

[insane-control-room]

Blinkers

If you keep moving forward you don't have to look back.

Rated: G Warnings: problem avoidance AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/68528421 (note: you must be signed in to read my fics on Ao3) Length: 500

Henry knew that it was not exactly fair to assess the situation as a 'positive' or 'negative' one – rather, it was solely neutral. He could make some choices in this upside down world, but hardly any that consistently made a difference or mattered.

He was rather tired of it all, as well, but could hardly imagine what he could do to change a single aspect of his situation, except from doing nothing at all, sitting corpselike and still inside of a little miracle station and refusing to go anywhere. But boredom itched within himself and he always rose from his coffin to stumble about the murky halls whether he wanted to or not.

Henry knew that he was no hero; hell, he was probably barely the protagonist of whatever story he was in. Certainly not this one. As many times as he went through his personal purgatory he found himself wondering why he ended up here before remembering the answer to that question and promptly ignoring it. There was no need to dredge up the past. There was no need to think about his hands wrapping around a thin throat; or a knife plunging into warm skin; or a head slamming against a wall; or any of the many deaths of Joey Drew.

In fact, thinking about it, stumbling around these halls, relatively unharmed, was a mercy on his body and soul. He could simply turn off his mind and ignore all of the pain, despite his weary shattered bones. There was no need to worry about his actions, or their consequences, instead in a soothing complacency that he was already past the point of redemption.

Was that actually true? Absolutely not. Did it make it easier to remain firm in convictions that he did not want to go back? Absolute yes. Was it the correct choice? Well, if he allowed himself to believe that he deserved it, yes; but if he looked outside of the boundaries that he forced upon himself, he probably would have become a little unsatisfied.

Henry knew why Joey gave him the mercy of not having a reflection - he could feel his shattered fractured body, could make out the gray, gaunt tones of his decayed skin from beyond the mental block in place. Joey always was kinder than he. He allowed Henry to keep going through the same thing, trying to tell him the same message, and let Henry purposefully miss the meaning.

Looping around gave him a reason to not look back, as he could always keep moving forward. He never had to stop and realize that the only thing he was running from was his own shadow. He was able to keep going, consequence free.

As long as Henry pretended that this was his punishment, he could keep looping forward.

As soon as he would realize that it was actually a cry for help, he would have to stop, and reach the end.

That was a scary thought.

So Henry kept looping back.

[insane-control-room]

"There's an underlying rage that comes out sometimes. And it's 'What are you getting all mad about? Nobody did anything to you.' But they wiped out my family. I would have liked to have known some of these people."

-Billy Joel, talking about his family history with the Holocaust.

[insane-control-room]

Intersex Jews, I love you

Intersex Jews who use the traditional sexes to label themselves, I love you

I love you ay’lonit intersex Jews

I love you saris intersex Jews

I love you androgynos intersex Jews

I love you tumtum intersex Jews

intersex Jews who use modern terms to label themselves, I love you

I love you transmasc intersex Jews

I love you transfem intersex Jews

I love you transnull intersex Jews

I love you multigender intersex Jews

I!! Love!! You!! Intersex!! Jews!!

[insane-control-room]

[insane-control-room]

© plutoxoxi via x/twitter