stereopticons

[stereopticons]

moving apartments is the worst activity that exists

[stereopticons]

On This Day in Schitt's Creek: August 17

2019

cause you're a dream to me... [david/patrick, T, 1,255] by @startswithhope

Coda to “Housewarming” where David and Patrick talk some more about jealousy, and get each other worked up and make out a bit...

Definitely A Thing [david/patrick, E, 8,354] by @beaiola

Over the next half an hour, Patrick learns three things:1. Somewhere in this world there may be embarrassing photographic evidence of David Rose reluctantly participating in Little League.2. David is skilled at many, many things to do with his hands but catching a baseball is not one of them.3. Ronnie needs to lose this game or Patrick will never hear the end of it. David Rose puts on a baseball uniform and shows he's not one to be underestimated. Patrick has Feelings about it.

Hey.... Are you...? [gen, G, 472] by mrsmarycrawley

Everyone has to start somewhere, even the best of us. For newlywed Moira Rose, it happens on a rainy Sunday afternoon in a New York coffee shop.

i'll be the one to hold you [david/patrick, T, 1,422] by @thegrayness

David was expecting a delivery, was the thing. For Patrick. It was going to be perfect and David couldn’t believe he hadn't thought of it sooner. -- David has a surprise for Patrick, but things, of course, don't go to plan.

2020

... in this house [david/patrick, M, 844] by @blackandwhiteandrose

"David paused outside the door, just as he was about to slide his key in the lock. What was that noise? And why was it coming from his house?"

[art] More at One with Nature [david/patrick, G, fanart] by @schitthappens

Fanart for kindofspecificstore's fic, More at One with Nature

[Fanmix] So Proud of You [ted/alexis, G, fanmix] by A

This may come as a shock to you, Ted, but I can't move to the Galápagos.

A Familiar Face [david/patrick, T, 1,579] by @mars-writes-1999

David did not expect his day to be graced by two of Patrick's exes. Funny enough, neither did Patrick. Cute fluff and reassurance ensue. Takes place in between seasons 5 & 6. Spoilers for season 5 finale.

Always be my Baby [david/patrick, G, 561] by NoahRose27

David has a hard time with one final piece to decorate the new cottage.

Benches [david/patrick, G, 654] by NoahRose27

Patrick and David like their strolls together.

Cold Drink of Water [david/patrick, G, 571] by NoahRose27

David makes sure that they accessorize for the new pup appropriately.

Contraption in a Box [david/patrick, T, 421] by NoahRose27

David and Patrick receive a new housewarming gift. David doesn't understand what it is.

Crossing Frozen Territory [david/patrick, G, 17,721] by @kindofspecificstore

Patrick has dark, purplish circles under his eyes, and he certainly looks more pale than normal. It had started last week, when Rachel sent him the New York Times article about that family. A think piece on a certain soap star’s reaction to Sunrise Bay’s cancellation. Right after the Interflix business manager’s tax scandal. Rachel’s message was just an article link with a text underneath. All it read was, “guess he might be coming back.” Patrick didn’t have to read the article to know what she was getting at. (It's been two years since David left outdoor school, and hearts have been broken. Luckily, he's returned just in time for snowshoe trip.)

Hanging on a moment of truth [david/patrick, E, 5,434] by @januarium

There are three things Patrick has tried to tell David but not quite figured out how: 1) "I used to have a fiance." 2) "I'm not out to my parents." 3) "I blew you at a truck stop the day before we met." Not necessarily in order of importance. This story is about number 3.

Midnight Express [david/patrick, E, 4,533] by @deenerann

David sees Patrick in a bar and is very interested in getting to know him better

Not On My Watch [david/patrick, G, 774] by @delilah-mcmuffin

A discordant honk breaks the tranquility, and David sees his nigh unflappable husband turn suddenly...well, flappable.

Pancakes and Happiness [david/patrick, M, 949] by @frizzlenox

“I like this look on you, David Rose.” Patrick grinned, running his fingers through his friend’s hair. David stood between Patrick’s legs as he sat on Stevie’s bed. They were just out of the shower, having consummated their relationship the night before. Patrick and David reflect on their first night spent together.

Purple Wildflowers [david/patrick, G, 332] by NoahRose27

David finds some wildflowers that remind him of Patrick.

Rollin' on a River [david/patrick, G, 5,394] by @agoodpersonrose

After Christmas World moves in to the new vacant lot, David gets a job at the cafe- with one major twist. Fortunately for him, the new guy Patrick Brewer seems to like him even despite the skates.

This creaking in my bones isn't pain, it's applause [david/patrick, G, 5,879] by fairmanor

“David, can I ask you a question?” David looks at the amount of wine left in the last bottle on the table. “Oh, here we go.” **** On their tenth wedding anniversary, Patrick has an important question for David. It gets David thinking. OR A non-linear map of David’s road to happiness.

under your skin, over the moon [david/patrick, T, 3,589] by @my-nameless-bliss

If someone wants out, David wants them out fast. Get in, fuck themselves out, and that’s all she wrote. It’s dependable. It’s uncomplicated. It has a morbid sort of elegance. It’s the Edgar Allan Poe of dating strategies. A week is plenty of time for someone to realize they’re hurtling toward a David-shaped mistake. Everyone has a finite amount of David-Tolerance, and six days after their first date, David tries to find Patrick’s limit.

What. Is. That. Noise. [david/patrick, G, 1,500] by NoahRose27

David hears some noise one morning while in the Cottage alone. He fears he must move out.

Would We Call This Ironic? [david & stevie, G, 1,243] by @maxbegone

“There’s a box of sunscreen in the stockroom that needs to be set out on that far table,” David points to it, “Make sure you line them up correctly. The label should face out.” “Yeah, yeah. “Stevie heads toward the back with a wave of her hand. “Whatever I do, you’ll just wind up rearranging anyway.” “I wouldn’t have to if you would just do it right the first time!” David calls after her. -- Written for the dialogue prompt: “I’m only here to establish an alibi.”

2021

Bein' a Villain, for a While [david/patrick, T, 5,978] by @weathereyehorizon

Patrick wasn't at his best supportive button self during Love Letters. David and Stevie, though hilarious, weren't exactly at their best either. What if everyone had responded differently? Or 5 ways the robbery could have gone down differently, and 1 way that it didn't.

make me yours [art] [david/patrick, M, fanart] by @shimmies

Patrick's husband (husband!!) is dragging him through the back hallways of the town hall, shutting them in some sort of tiny office space. Everyone was drunk enough not to notice them missing, or at least drunk enough not to care. David poses against the wall, a thigh peeking out through a slit Patrick had no idea was in his skirt. And seriously, how is there so much length between his knee and his hip-- "Make me yours, honey." David smirks and pulls gently on his tie until they're toe to toe, and, well, Patrick's not one to say no to that.

Weeks Go By and You Don’t Ask Why [david/patrick, T, 2,578] by @walnuts-and-berries

David and Patrick have fallen into a wonderful rhythm, now that they’ve had the store open for a full year. They worked together Thursday to Sunday, Monday they have off together, Tuesday Patrick works alone, Wednesday David works alone. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Patrick had baseball practice until 7pm. Wednesday evenings, Ray was out at Poker Night until 9pm. Repeat. But now that Patrick had his own apartment, they had to find a new rhythm to fall into, and this time, they might not always be on the same page.

2022

[Podfic] Reservations [david/patrick, T, podfic] by marvelthesun

Patrick moves to New York to fulfill his dream of becoming a Restaurant Reviewer. A mutual friend has lined him up to stay with David Rose, who has a furnished spare room just laying idle. They become fast friends over their shared love of food, and David helps Patrick realize that there might be something to his reasons for leaving Canada.

candid shots [david/patrick, T, 5,247] by @thesleepyskipper

Every day when he takes the train to his gallery, David snaps a picture. One day, he notices that the same man is in every shot but when David tries to find him, he’s nowhere to be seen.

Freedom [david & moira, G, 1,000] by @a-noble-dragon

They change from ordinary everyday people into fantastic creations, that all who lay eyes on can only admire from afar. David wants that. He wants to be pretty and admired. He wants to be confident and beautiful, and be able to keep everyone at a distance. He wants to be David, but a David hidden from plain sight. It's 1991 and David is attending his first fashion show with his mom.

more than a candle [david/patrick, G, 1,682] by @seadeepy

After David comes back from a therapy session, he and Patrick end up in a conversation about the Star Wars franchise. David knows more about Star Wars than he usually likes to admit, and with Patrick he's able to talk about emotions he's kept hidden for years.

Reservations [david/patrick, T, 18,243] by obsessedwithdavrick

Patrick moves to New York to fulfill his dream of becoming a Restaurant Reviewer. A mutual friend has lined him up to stay with David Rose, who has a furnished spare room just laying idle. They become fast friends over their shared love of food, and David helps Patrick realise that there might be something to his reasons for leaving Canada. CW: do not read if hungry.

2024

You are my fire [david/patrick, M, 100] by @a-noble-dragon

They make love in front of the fire…

Stats:

No fanworks for 2017, 2018, or 2023 2019: 4 fics/11,803 words 2020: 19 fanworks (17 fics, 1 fanart, 1 fanmix)/51,461 words 2021: 3 fanworks (2 fics, 1 fanart)/8,611 words 2022: 5 fanworks (4 fics, 1 podfic)/26,213 words 2024: 1 fic/100 words Total: 32 fanworks (28 fics, 2 fanart, 1 podfic, 1 fanmix)/98,188 words

[stereopticons]

Schitt's Creek Photo of the Day 224 of ???

[stereopticons]

On This Day in Schitt's Creek: August 16

2018

you made a place in my heart [david/patrick, T, 4,444] by bytheseas

David is twenty-one years old when his family loses everything and he's forced to work in the grocery store in a town that he can't wait to get out of. He has a strict no dating policy that he is hell-bent on holding onto, no matter what. He just needs to keep his head down and do his job and not get attached. Unfortunately, there’s a smug boy behind the coffee counter who throws a wrench in his plans.

2019

A New Instrument [david/patrick, E, 5,769] by @kiranerys42

Patrick learns to play a new musical instrument, and David has some feelings about it. Then it happens again. And again.

Path to Paradise, Road to Ruin [david/patrick, M, 3,900] by @nilolay

A David/Patrick tale inspired by Greek mythology. Hear a tale of what it means to trust your heartOf an artist and his love, a work of artOf a singer and a man who was a songAnd the fears and frets that let it all go wrong

take me so breathless [david/patrick, E, 7,247] by @brewerspatrick

“The other groom forbade all Cabaret songs.” “The other groom is also a little bit of a buzzkill, so are we sure we want to listen to him?” "Tina Turner,” someone—Roland, David discovers, when he shoots a withering glare over his shoulder—yells from across the lawn. “Not Tina Turner,” Patrick says. “Yes Tina Turner!” Stevie exclaims. Or, the day of.

2020

[Podfic] Unscripted [david/patrick, G, podfic] by Amanita_Fierce

He hasn’t seen them, and now when they see him, they’ll be seeing a lot. And he doesn’t just mean the costume. They’ll be seeing the Emcee in all his chaotic queerness, which Patrick built painstakingly, brick by brick, one hip thrust, one lustful gaze, one body roll at a time. He was really counting on getting to tell them about the proposal before they saw all this. [Podfic of Unscripted, written by MoreHuman]

A dwindling mercurial high [sebastien/jake, E, 1,793] by @kiwiana-writes

The name is familiar, and unusual enough Jake really thinks he should recognise it. It takes a moment, his brain cycling hard to try and figure it out, before the memory of where he heard it before slams into him.

As Bright as the Sun [david/patrick, G, 252] by NoahRose27

Patrick and David have to get up early for their honeymoon trip. David is tired, but Patrick is excited.

Barefeet are Incorrect [david/patrick, G, 277] by NoahRose27

David allows barefeet, but only this once.

Blue Universe [david/patrick, T, 372] by NoahRose27

Little coincidences? Or reminders of Patrick?

Broken and Cherished [david/patrick, G, 227] by NoahRose27

David is decorating the cottage and find some pipes of Patrick's.

Cabin Life [david/patrick, G, 401] by NoahRose27

Patrick gets mopey with the weather.

Fairy Lights [david/patrick, G, 490] by NoahRose27

Patrick makes the yard more appealing for night time relaxation

Ground Rules [david/patrick, E, 2,238] by Kiss_From_A_Rose

Patrick goes to dinner with Ken, but this time there are ground rules...

helping out a friend [david/patrick/stevie, E, 3,216] by Kiss_From_A_Rose

Patrick questions his identity and Stevie offers to help. Mind the tags!! This is a Stevie/Patrick/David fic!! Please don't read if this isn't your jam!!

Knit Disposal [david/patrick, G, 287] by NoahRose27

Patrick has a special gift for David this Christmas.

Mixing It Up [david/patrick, G, 835] by NoahRose27

David gets tired of the muffins from the Cafe. Patrick helps mix it up.

Please, David? [david/patrick, G, 160] by NoahRose27

David doesn't want to send Patrick a selfie.

Reacquaintance [johnny/moira, E, 3,106] by Lavenderandsun

It’s been too long, way too long. And they both needed this so much.

Shark Bite Scars [david/patrick, G, 880] by @frizzlenox

“Patrick was skeptical of David’s story. His husband could be stubborn sometimes, this was beyond his normal stubbornness. He FaceTimed Alexis, suspecting that she’d been involved in whatever had caused the scar on David’s foot.”

Stevie and the Shark [david & stevie, E, 1,000] by @frizzlenox

David hated to see the two of them arguing, and wanted to make things better. Not sure how else to break the tension, he stripped, folding his clothes and placing them on the counter with a wink. “Both of you, bedroom, now.” An encounter with Patrick Shark leaves Stevie bloody. David finds a way to make things better.

Sweat Stains and Birds [david/patrick, G, 344] by NoahRose27

David is unpacking into the cottage when he realizes just how many hats Patrick actually owns.

The First Receipt and... [david/patrick, G, 127] by NoahRose27

The first receipt isn't the only thing Patrick saved that day.

The Whole Bullpen [david/patrick, G, 233] by NoahRose27

Alexis surprises Patrick, although she doesn't even realize she's doing it.

Through all the heartbreak, we'll make it feel like the first time [david/patrick, T, 1,083] by anonymous

At Stevie's, post ~connecting~.

2021

been a long day [david/patrick, T, 4,964] by @fishyspots

“Well,” David’s voice is louder now, like he’s focusing on this conversation and taking the phone off speaker, “I know you have that thing with Stevie at lunch. So I turned off your alarm—” Patrick makes an offended sound when he checks the clock for the first time because when the fuck did it become ten in the morning without his permission— “And I decided I’d take over this morning,” David finishes, a touch of apology working its way into his tone. Patrick can picture him now, expressive mouth twisting into his I’m-not-sorry-but-you’re-mad grimace. It only makes an appearance when David’s getting bullheaded about being right, and it’s infuriating that Patrick finds it as hot as he does since he usually sees it when irritated. Or, Patrick takes a day off. It goes...about as David expected.

Checkin' You Out [david/patrick, T, 6,541] by @mostlyinthemorning

Librarian Patrick is enchanted by a new patron but The Library has a mind of its own and when David fails to return his books on time, the punitive fines might drive David away for good.

David Something Rose [david/patrick, M, 2,656] by @midnightstreet

David learns something about himself, and learns something about himself.

PRIDE and (A Little Bit) Prejudice - On Ice? [david/patrick, M, 18,812] by BeneficialAddiction

Rose Gold, the up-and-coming New York based PR firm run by brother-sister tag-team David and Alexis Rose, specializes in making over both individuals and organizations from the inside out. Still new to the game, their services haven’t exactly become as sought-after as they were hoping in the big city. Their saving grace – both personal and professional – comes from the last place David ever thought he would find himself again - and he doesn't just mean Canada.

Sad, Small, Sweet, So Delicate [david/patrick, NR, 728] by @egoanesthesia

Patrick is having a Big Sad day and David loves and cares for him so much.

2022

Darling, you’re with me, always around me [david/patrick, M, 2,669] by lesbiantism

A David and Patrick 5+1 based on the 5 senses

Don't Look Down [david/patrick, G, 1,254] by @alienajackson

Patrick distracts David from his fear of heights while on a ferris wheel. That’s it.

Movie Nights [alexis/twyla, G, 402] by @sarahlevys

Alexis swallows, blinking rapidly, then turns her head to meet Twyla's gaze. "I'm just glad we're here." Twyla gives a quiet nod, green eyes still on Alexis'. Quietly, she adds, "What do you mean?" Alexis twists her mouth to one side, then the other. "All of it," she murmurs. In the twenty-first century, in an apartment with both of their names on the mortgage, together with wedding rings on their ring fingers. "Everything. You know what I mean?" "I think I do." Alexis and Twyla watch some WLW movies, and have a lot of feelings.

2023

Color Me Perfect [david/patrick, NR, 1,403] by @tyfinn

David considers going gray for Patrick.

Stats:

No fanworks for 2017 or 2024 2018: 1 fic/4,444 words 2019: 3 fics/16,916 words 2020: 20 fanworks (19 fics, 1 podfic)/17,366 words 2021: 5 fics/33,701 words 2022: 3 fics/4,325 words 2023: 1 fic/1,403 words Total: 33 fanworks (32 fics, 1 podfic)/78,125 words

[stereopticons]

I am a huge fan of retiring to my quarters

[stereopticons]

heartbreaking:

girl has sooooooo many ambitions and ideas for projects but can only get 1.5 basic tasks done per day

[stereopticons]

Audrey's 2k Follower Celebration ↳@bisexualmaddiehan asked ⏮️ + set

[stereopticons]

"For anyone who doesn't know what a Bacon number is, it is the degrees of separation a person is from the actor Kevin Bacon. Kevin Bacon's number is 0, Someone who has worked with him directly's number is 1. Someone who has worked with that person's number is 2, and so on. (Here is a link to the Wikapedia page on Bacon numbers for more details.)

If you don't know your Bacon number, you can check it on The Oracle of Bacon by putting in the name of the most famous person that you or someone you know have met"

(Submitted by @lucybianchi)

This poll was submitted to us and we simply posted it so people could vote and discuss their opinions on the matter. If you’d like for us to ask the internet a question for you, feel free to drop the poll of your choice in our inbox and we’ll post them anonymously (for more info, please check our pinned post).

[stereopticons]

give your characters exes.

give them a variety of exes. give them relationships that shaped who they are but did not last. give them people they tried very hard to love but it didn't work out. give them situationships that taught them things. give them something deep that was real but could not endure. things that hurt. things that ended amicably. people with whom hot passion cooled to warm affection and became undying friendship.

no more first and only. give me the context of what made them know the next or one after was final and right.

[stereopticons]

It's easier to accept that you're aromantic once you understand that what you want isn't romance per se and it's really the companionship that appeals to you. I never actually liked the thought of being in a relationship but I liked the thought of being important to someone

[stereopticons]

County roads

Full of holes

On the route

I need to go

Road construction

Lane obstruction

Let me go

County roads

[stereopticons]

Fan fic saved my life

TW: emotional abuse, coercion, control, intimidation, homelessness, psychological abuse, DV.

Today, I (through an attorney) served my abuser with a protection order. I entered the apartment I’ve been banned from for the last four years, took back what was rightfully mine, and left.

I’m free.

My life is mine again.

I never thought I would have to do something like this. Now that I have, I’ve come to realize that I’ve learned a lot of really hard life lessons from this fucked up experience. Here are a few of them:

What I’ve learned as a survivor of DV:

DV doesn’t just happen between family members or romantic partners. Your abuser can be a lifelong friend. Someone you have a shared history with. Someone who has helped you, supported you, loved you in the past.

Your abuser can be a disabled person.

Your abuser can have a chronic illness.

Your abuser can be financially dependent on you.

No abuser starts out that way. There’s a shift that happens over time, so gradually that it’s hard to know it’s happening until it’s too late.

My abuser gaslit the fuck out of me. She labeled me a monster, a villain, a sociopath, an abalist, because I didn’t empathize with her enough. No matter what I did, it was never enough for her. I was never enough.

And I believed her.

She convinced me that there was something deeply, inherently wrong with me. Something I must fix and change and grow from in order to be a good person again.

She convinced me she alone could fix those monstrous parts of me.

She convinced me that everyone else could see those parts too. That all my friends and family thought there was something deeply wrong with me. They just never said anything. Because I was an angry, violent person and they were all too scared to say anything. She reminded me, constantly, of all the ways which I was a failure.

Her relentless judgment and criticism changed me. It changed who I was and how I interacted with the world. I was scared of my own shadow. Scared of anyone in a position of authority. Terrified of ever doing anything wrong.

Trapped as I was in my circumstances, I became bitter and angry. Gone was the bright, happy person I’d been my entire life. It was wrong to be so happy, she said. No one is that happy all the time. It was time to grow the fuck up. Be an adult. And I agreed.

Caught up in my new mentality, I said things, did things, thought things that I will deeply regret for years to come. I was cold to people who didn’t deserve it. Rude for reasons I didn’t fully understand. I was trying to grow, just like she said. Trying to change. Convinced as I was that she was right. This is what it meant to be an adult. After all, no one is that happy all the time.

My newfound bitterness only proved her point. Of course I was a terrible person who never knew how to love people. Here’s the evidence! Obviously, what I thought was love had only ever been manipulation. She was right, after all. She was always right. I’d never truly loved anyone or anything.

I really was a monster.

It got to a point where I didn’t recognize myself in the mirror. I didn’t even want to look at my reflection. I didn’t want to face the broken shell of a person I’d become. I didn’t want to see what the rest of the world had always seen.

I stopped my spiritual practices. I didn’t want to face that uncomfortable truth that I was a failure. I was bad and wrong and terrible. So I hid the best parts of myself, to keep them away from the cruel person I really was.

I downplayed my queerness. I wore muted clothes and became a muted person. I fled from anything that might draw attention, anything that would warrant a comment. After all, she couldn’t attack something that no longer existed.

She made me question everything. Every single aspect of my life. She convinced me everything I’d ever known was a lie. I’d never actually done anything with a pure heart or good intentions. Everything I’ve ever done was a manipulation. A way to get everyone around me to do what I wanted them to. I was incapable of true, genuine love. What I felt was not love. It was a lie. Who I was, was nothing but a lie.

She told me I was a bad caregiver, and that I only ever made tough situations worse. She told me many times that I was emotionally unstable and should never be allowed to work with vulnerable populations. As someone who spent her life working with children and caring for others, this devastated me.

Despite all of this, she said she loved me. That she cared about me. She was simply telling me all of this for my own good, because it was her job to fix me. I had to stay with her, I had to continue to support her, until I could prove to her that I was mentally sound. Then and only then would she let me go. After all, she said, It wouldn’t be safe for her to let someone like me out in the world. It was her job to make sure I was healed first, so that I wouldn’t hurt anyone else the way I hurt her. That’s why I couldn’t leave her. I had to stay. I had to help her get better, since it was my fault she was ill in the first place. If I had been more emotionally stable, we wouldn’t have been in this situation and she wouldn’t have gotten hurt. So the only way out (for both of us) was for me to fundamentally change.

She constantly turned her abuse around on me. Whatever terrible things she said to me were justified. After all, she didn’t say anything worse to me than I once said to her. And since I obviously never cared about her, why should she care about me now? She was just matching my energy. Playing my game. I was actually the one controlling things here, and any misfortune was my fault, really. Any of my accomplishments were solely because of her, and all the work she put into making me a better person over the course of our decade + long friendship.

And I believed her. Always. Why wouldn't I? She helped me all those times before, right? Whenever I was at my lowest, she was the person I’d always turned to. She was always right back then, why should this time be any different? She was a good person. Kind. Brilliant. Not like anyone else is ever known. Surely that had to count for something.

Right?

Turns out, it’s not that simple. Just because someone helped you out before doesn’t mean they’re helping you out now.

If I could go back seven years, this is what I’d tell my 30-year-old self; fresh from a break-up. Lost. Scared. Vulnerable.

Write it down. Whatever she says, whatever she does, write it all down. You might not want to face it. You might not want to see how bad it really is, but write it down anyway.

A person who feels they have no control over their own life can find comfort in controlling yours.

No one ever anticipates finding themself in an abusive situation. There’s no planning for it or preparing for it. Even if you know the signs (and I knew all the signs), it can still happen to you.

If you don’t feel comfortable speaking up for yourself, if you can’t somehow say “no” to someone, it doesn’t mean you are a weak person, or that you’re doing anything wrong. It means you don’t feel safe around them.

Anything done “For your own good” rarely is.

You cannot be bullied into feeling empathy for someone. But that doesn’t mean you’re incapable of feeling empathy.

You are allowed to leave. You are not obligated to stay in a toxic situation, regardless of your past. And you are not a heartless monster for leaving someone, even if they are sick. There is nothing wrong with putting your health and safety above all else. That doesn’t make you selfish. That doesn’t make you a monster.

You’re allowed to be a full, entire person. You’re allowed to make mistakes. That doesn't mean you’re incompetent, or manipulative, or fucking ablist. It means you’re a person. A human being. And regardless of whatever mistakes you’ve made in the past, you don’t deserve to be treated this way.

We warn children about the dangers of keeping a secret. That doesn’t just apply to children. Do not keep her secrets. Do not keep her silence.

Isolation comes in many forms and each is toxic.

Do not isolate yourself. Talk to the people in your life. Let them in. Even if you think what you’re going through is not a big deal, even if you don’t wanna burden them. Even if you have trouble saying the words out loud. (Especially if you have trouble saying it out loud) Tell someone. Let your friends in. Let them help you.

You are not a burden.

Luckily for me, I have two incredible friends who helped me get out. Two people my abuser never knew about, because she told me to stay off of all social media. She told me fan fiction and fan spaces were bad for my mental health. It was childish for a grown woman to still be writing fan fic. Or acting in plays. Or listening to musicals. Or doing any of the many things that brought me so much joy, in my life before her.

Thank god I didn’t listen. At least, not for long.

Because two of my pocket friends that I met ON THIS VERY HELL SITE are the reason I’m free today.

@celeritas2997 and @statueinthestone . None of this would have happened without you two. I love you both so much.

Cee taught me what it looks like to support someone who is not ready to leave. When I finally worked up the nerve to tell her what was going on, she listened. She didn’t judge. Instead, she gave me the resources I needed to get out and encouraged me to seek help, without ever once shaming me for not being ready.

And it took me a very long time to be ready. But she never once demeaned me for it. She waited SO patiently, and listened whenever I shared new details of my abuse with her. She continued to suggest I get help, and when I chickened out again and again, she was still there. She never gave up on me. When I finally took her advice and reached out to the resources she suggested and started the process of leaving my abuser, she celebrated with me. She never once said “I told you so”.

Thank god I finally listened to her.

Jesi. Fuck. Jesi helped me in so many fucking ways, but none more so than this: she taught me that not everyone shows love the same way, and that’s okay. Just because the way I show love is different from what others expect or demand from me, it is in no way less valid. Thr way I love is valid. The way I love is enough.

I am enough.

Beyond the emotional lessons, this experience taught me a whole host of other things as well. For almost four years now, I’ve been homeless. I’ve been living in my car while my abuser lived in my apartment. I paid for her rent, food, medications, clothes, household items, streaming service subscriptions. (Streaming services I was forbidden to use, by the by. Because. You know. Mental health. I didn’t listen to this either. 😂)

And it was no big deal! It made sense, really, to do all this for her. After all, she was sick. And she was my best friend. She had already sacrificed so much for me. She was a good person who’d been dealt a shitty hand. She’d NEVER take advantage of me.

Right?

And anyway, I wasn’t really homeless. I CHOSE to live in my car. It was the right thing to do. That apartment was so tiny and she was so, so sick. And I’d always wanted to live a nomad lifestyle! I got bored living in apartments. That’s why I moved around so much in my life before her. Living in my car just made sense. It’s what I wanted.

Right?

Being homeless has taught me so much, not just about myself, but i e picked up a lot of car living life hacks. Here are a few of them:

You can work two jobs and still be homeless.

Like abuse, homelessness can look like many things. It’s not just that one stereotypical image that pops in your brain when you hear the word. To this day, my employers have no idea I’m homeless, and I’ve been working for them for two years.

Battery powered anything is a godsend.

Public restrooms are an absolute necessity for all of society. I will forever and always be grateful for them, especially for public park restrooms that are open all year round.

There are certain places where sleeping in a car is legal, and many places where it’s not. Familiarize yourself with your local laws. Be safe.

There are at least 20 different meals you can cobble together from the prepared food section at any grocery store with about $10 and a little creativity.

Quarantining with Covid sucks. Quarantining for 5 straight days in a car sucks absolute dickhole. (That said, doordash will deliver directly to your car and leave the bag on the hood, if you ask nicely)

Wet wipe showers are 100% a real thing and are a good solution in a pinch, but NOTHING beats a hot shower. Absolutely nothing. (I can’t wait to have a bathtub again.)

Stuffing 4-6 Hot Hand packets in the bottom of a thick sleeping bag will go a long way to keeping you warm on subzero nights.

For curtains: crack open a window, stick the edge of a sheet through, and close the window again. Repeat as necessary.

For sleeping, if possible: remove the headrest from the front passenger seat and lower it completely until it reaches the back seat for an impromptu L-shaped bed.

Try not to sleep in the same position every night. Your body will thank you later.

Always keep at least one window open a crack, even in the winter. Condensation leads to mold.

If you take a second job working nights, know that it is fucking impossible to sleep in a car on a hot fucking summer day when you can only open the window a fucking crack (for the sake of safety). You will wake up in the afternoon gross, smelly and drenched in sweat.

Gym memberships are an absolute must.

Beyond that, I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries, and that not only is it okay to say “no” it’s essential. I’ve learned you’re not selfish for wanting to leave a toxic situation. I’ve learned that freedom can be taken from you, but that you can take it back. And above all, I now know one thing with absolute certainty:

You cannot be broken.

You. Cannot. Be. Broken.

No matter what happens to you, no matter how they try, they will NEVER break you.

Abuse can lead you to forget, for a while, who you are, and you might need to lock up certain parts of yourself temporarily for the sake of your own survival.

But one day.

One day.

You will hit the point where you have had enough. And on that day you’ll find that she was always there. With you. The whole time. The person you truly are was with you all along. She never left. She’s simply been waiting for you to need her again.

And on that day, that glorious day when you truly wake up, your entire life will change. Even if you can’t leave yet, when you realize the full weight of what is happening to you, when you realize the truth, you let the hope back in. And every step you take toward your goal from there on out, every step toward your freedom, will be all the sweeter for it.

You will doubt yourself, of course. Even after you choose to leave, even as you prepare and plan, you will doubt yourself.

She’ll be so angry if I go. So hurt. Can I really do that to her? She’s sick. She needs me. She doesn’t have anyone else. Can I really hurt her? I’ve hurt her so much already.

What if it’s not actually as bad as I think? Maybe I’m just being dramatic. Maybe I should try harder. Be better. Maybe I can save us.

She’ll come after me if I leave. She said so. She’s going to make me pay for what I’ve done to her. What if she makes good on her threats? What if she makes my life hell?

What if she was right?

What if she was right?

Can I really do this?

It’s natural to second guess yourself, especially on the “good” days. The days after a big blow up. When it seems like she’s moved on and conversations between you are normal again. Or as normal as they’ll ever be. Especially in those moments, you’re going to doubt yourself. That’s okay.

Doubt yourself. Do it anyway.

And in those particularly low moments, reach out to the people who truly love you and try to believe their reassurances, even when that feels impossible. Seeking help from your friends is not manipulation. There’s nothing wrong with needing guidance or validation. Especially not now.

I’m free. I’m finally free and I feel elated and giddy…and also scared. She told me multiple times in no uncertain terms that she was going to spend the rest of her life getting back at me for all the pain I caused her (and that was before I left).

But I’m also, surprisingly, sad. I didn’t want to do this. I didn’t want to get to the point where I would have to press charges against my former best friend in order to escape her. I loved her. I never wanted to hurt her. This is her absolute worst nightmare and I take no pleasure in making that happen.

But I have no regrets. I am a fucking human being with a good heart, free will, and some semblance of self respect. I don’t deserve to be treated this way. I have the right to protect myself and she’s made it clear, this is the only way I can do that. It’s sad, yes, but it had to happen. And after all, she has been threatening to do the same thing to me for years!

For at least two years now, she’s been saying that if I didn’t start giving a shit about her, she was going to have me arrested for abuse of a disabled person. She was going to have me placed under a conservatorship, or admitted to a psychiatric facility due to my mental and emotional instability. She said she was going to tell everyone I once loved what a terrible person I am, spread my secrets far and wide, among so many other threats, all intended to keep me in line.

It was an effective strategy. For a while, at least.

Leaving is painful. And scary. And sad. And quite possibly the most difficult thing I've ever had to do.

But it was necessary. And it was worth it. Oh my god it was SO fucking worth it!! I’m free. And my freedom is worth fighting for.

There’s a lot I still don’t know. I’m going to need a lot of time and therapy to feel like myself again, but in spite of all this, as I look at the boxes of my belongings I managed to rescue from the apartment I haven’t been allowed to enter in four years, I feel like I won.

I won.

I got my life back.

As hard as this was, never have I felt more hope for the future as I do right now. There is so much I want to do! So much I CAN do now! I have incredible friends I want to make things for. I have a beautiful cat (Vayda) I need to meet one day.

I’m going to get that haircut I always wanted, but never got for fear of ridicule (too queer). I’m going to get another tattoo, I’m going to travel, and soon, I’m going to have my own place again. For the first time in almost a decade. A small apartment just for me. A sanctuary.

I’m going to have a real bed again. And a kitchen. I’m going to take bubble baths and bake cookies and keep a toothbrush in an actual toothbrush holder and clothes in a real dresser instead of in a plastic tub in the trunk of my car. I’m going to have an herb garden and hang a bird feeder outside my window.

Hopefully one day I’ll even get a cat myself. A pet I can pour all my love into because I have love to give. I have so much love to give and the freedom to truly give it now.

My life is bright and full of possibilities again and none of that, not one single shred of the happiness I feel now would have been possible without fan fiction.

Fan fic gave me a community, when I was forced into isolation.

Fan fic gave me refuge on the long days when I couldn’t escape her relentless criticism.

Fan fic kept me warm when my windows were crusted over with frost.

Fan fic gave me lovely comments from lovely readers that kept me going. Words that told me maybe I wasn’t so worthless after all.

Fan fic has been my home, my one remaining source of joy, my tiny act of rebellion.

I’ve spent a lot of time already reminding myself of what is true and what isn’t. There’s a lot there left to sift through. But the greatest truth of my life is, and I’m not being hyperbolic when I say this:

Fan fiction saved my life.

[stereopticons]

On This Day in Schitt's Creek: August 15

2018

prepare for takeoff [david/patrick, G, 3,045] by @oldfarmwitch

Patrick and David meet on a plane.

2019

A Long Time and Good Light [david/patrick, M, 5,007] by @basinke

David shows Patrick his bag of dicks.

I. O. U. [david/patrick, T, 5,839] by @delilah-mcmuffin

"Ohmygodpatrick!" Alexis let out in an exasperated squeal, her wrists bent and her hands flapping wildly in front of her in what Patrick always thought to himself as her T-Rex pose. "I can't fix everything for you! Ugh!" "Okay, okay. I'll think of something. I promise," Patrick vowed, resignedly. "You'd better," she said. "Because if he's not moving out, you cannot leave me stuck with him all moody and gross and pining for you," she grimaced. "That's just too... ew," she finished with a shudder. Warning: Spoilers for Season 5 Episode 3 - The Plant

In Sickness and in Health [david/patrick, G, 3,474] by @unfolded73

When Johnny is rushed to the hospital with more than just heartburn, Patrick has to try to hold David and the rest of the Roses together.

Out of Left Field [david/patrick, E, 5,057] by bigficenergy

“Are we gonna talk about it?” “Talk about what?” Patrick asks, more breath than voice. “What’s gotten into you lately.” Patrick huffs. “There’s a joke in there somewhere."

the kind of love that won't fly away [david/patrick, T, 832] by @thegrayness

“This one is for my husband who is right there,” David shouted unnecessarily into the microphone. -- Surprise. David gets drunk and does karaoke.

2020

[art] We're going to ease in... with a machine gun ballet. [gen, G, fanart] by @schitthappens

Cardstock cutout of Moira Rose.

Buns 'n' Roses [david/david st hubbins, M, 4,308] by SuiteJayne

Jocelyn drags David to a Spinal Tap concert in Elmdale, where he catches the eye of lead singer David St. Hubbins. Set in s2 of Schitt's Creek.

So, So, Good [david/alexis, E, 258, CW: MCD, incest, necrophilia] by orphan_account

david’s dream finally comes true

Without You, I'll Never Be Home [ted/alexis, G, 1,000] by @streetlampsunset

“Hi, baby,” Alexis said softly. It didn’t feel any different, but she knew now. There was a little person growing there, “I love you.” Tears welled in the corners of her eyes. Alexis pictured a tiny blonde child with Ted's laugh, her eyes, clumsy puns spilling from their gap toothed grin. Alexis and Ted find their way home.

Would you care to take a roll of the die [david/patrick, T, 655] by @kiwiana-writes

“I’m really glad I ran into you guys,” Jake continues with an easy smile. “Stevie told me you’re starting up a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and I was hoping you’d have room for one more.”

2021

At Last [david/patrick, G, 169] by @wi22iou

David & Patrick dance at a wedding. That’s the fic.

I Know a Few Things but I've Still Got a Lot to Learn [alexis/twyla, T, 1,049] by Perkalil

Twyla knows Alexis. She knows her running schedule; when she leaves Twyla’s house in the morning, what route she takes at what time of year, and when she’ll arrive at the Cafe for her morning smoothie before getting to her own work. She knows exactly how many blueberries it took to cover the taste of the greens in her Harvest Smoothies and she knows that Alexis can’t stand the taste of coconut. --- A look at Alexis through Twyla's eyes.

2022

Return [david/patrick, M, 2,127] by @treluna4

Inconvenient Boners Part 4: After a week spent thinking he lost David forever, Patrick is determined not to make that mistake again. He wants to remember everything about David. Every little detail. After the iconic lip sync, they sneak into the backroom to really… reconnect.

Stats:

No fanworks for 2017, 2023, or 2024 2018: 1 fic/3,045 words 2019: 5 fics/20,209 words 2020: 5 fanworks (4 fics, 1 fanart)/6,233 words 2021: 2 fics/1,218 words 2022: 1 fic/2,127 words Total: 14 fanworks (13 fics, 1 fanart)/32,832 words

[stereopticons]

The familiar locations of Schitt's Creek are quirky, charming and rightly beloved. But sometimes it's fun to imagine our faves elsewhere, so this week's theme is Around the World. Whether it's Alexis's pre-canon (mis)adventures, a soft and fluffy (or hot and steamy) post-canon honeymoon fic, or an AU that drops our characters in another location entirely: what are your favourite fics that take place (largely or completely) somewhere other than Schitt’s Creek?

Thanks for the tags, @jamilas-pen @queenmabcreates @a-noble-dragon @trickiwooao3

My immediate first thought was Incorrect by @lisamc-21. David is a famous interior designer with an HGTV show, Patrick is a famous baseball player. They meet on vacation in the Maldives (and have some very hot sex). But all vacations end eventually… It’s SO good. One of my all-time favorites!

Np tagging @hippolotamus @mostlyinthemorning @jettestar @rosedavid @carolrain @treluna4 @blackandwhiteandrose

[stereopticons]

Schitt's Creek Photo of the Day 222 of ???

[stereopticons]

If you’re looking for ways to help at-risk communities in the DC area during this crackdown please look into supporting some of the following orgs:

Remora House

Migrant Solidarity Mutual Aid

HIPS

CASA (Virginia)

[stereopticons]

complimented a cashier on her turtle pin this morning and she said "oh thanks, I am a little bit of a Turtle Person" with the carefully contained energy of Cookie Monster telling you he's mildly fond of chocolate chips

I hope she and the multiple tons of turtle merch she definitely has at home are having a wonderful day