#I've never once had a hostile breakup

[raymurata]

Speaking of my husband and how weak I am for him... I just remembered this one time when we started seeing each other -- we weren't dating officially yet; a week after we kissed he moved out bc he'd transferred to a university 10 hours away, and we weren't sure we really wanted to do long distance, but we kept talking to each other daily. No commitment.

Less than a month after he moved away there was a big national holiday (carnaval) and he came back to see his parents but ended up packing his bags and coming on a trip to the beach with me and my friends. During that trip I took a candid picture of him that was just so, so incredibly beautiful... His smile was radiant, I was enamored with that picture (with him!). And then after two or three days at the beach I accidentally clicked a button and deleted all photos from my digital camera, including that one stunning picture of him.

And I remember being so so so damn sad about losing that photograph. I got grumpy for real. I guess because I kept (and still keep) photos of exes (either that I took with their consent or that they gave me to keep while we were still dating) and I really wanted to keep him forever recorded in that one picture that captured his beauty so well. I wanted that photo so that I could see his smile again whenever I wanted -- years from then, I guess I thought.

I didn't realize at the time I didn't need to keep the picture. It's been 13 years, and I still have the man. I can just make him smile every day.

[disgruntleddd]

AITA for wanting to cut ties with my ex?

I (22) have been friends with my ex-fiancé (21) since we were 14. We were best friends for years and they crushed on me for ages, until we finally started going out when I was ~18. We were each other's firsts and we got engaged when I was 20 and they were 19. We moved in together when I was 21 and they were 20.

Last November (six-ish months ago now, jeez, time flies) they broke up with me. They were sexually assaulted in a club and told me that the experience made them realize that they want to be more upfront with their boundaries and desires. They don't think we're compatible like that and wanted to date someone more similar to themselves while still being my best friend, like we were before.

For a while, I tried to make it work even though I was absolutely miserable being around them knowing that what we had was gone. They had an online friend, we'll call him D (24), who they'd grown close to over the course of the year or so we'd lived together. Well, they already had a visit planned months in advance for D to come out and stay in our apartment for two weeks. They told me that they were romantically interested in D, and wanted to see how things went in person. I didn't want to ask them to cancel such an expensive trip so short notice, so I sucked it up. At the time, I expressed that I wanted D to sleep on our fold-out couch (we have a two-bedroom, and they got their own bed after the breakup) but they told me that who they invite into their bed is none of my business.

Anyway, so, my ex lied to me. Turned out that they'd already been dating D for a couple of weeks before the visit took place. The walls are not thick so I heard them fucking more than once. My ex invited me out to drink with them and I ended up crying because it was really painful to watch them hang off of someone else and loudly make jokes about all the sex they were going to have later.

Fast forward a couple of months, and D gets kicked out of his apartment and needs somewhere to live. This is where shit hits the fan, and what prompted this post.

D has never liked me, although he tries very hard in a shallow way to make me like him. (I think it's an anxiety thing — he wants me to like him because then I feel less threatening, not because he actually cares about getting to know me, you know?) I overheard a phone conversation between Ex and D where he was ranting about how I have no friends because I'm such an unlikeable bitch, I'm never going to change or improve myself, he fucking hates me, I'm a narcissist, Ex needs to move out and cut ties with me because I'm so toxic, blah blah blah. D also has schizophrenia, multiple personalities due to severe childhood trauma, he age-regresses (constantly; his default mental age is ~17), and he's an alcoholic. All of this to say that he is a very paranoid and depressed person.

(Side note: I expressly told my ex that I didn't want him to stay in our apartment. They said that they understood and assured me it would only be for a few days while they found him a place. It's been ~3 weeks now, and he's still here.)

I was woken up one night a week ago by my ex and D having a very loud conversation about suicide. D was having a mental breakdown/panic attack and ex was actively having to keep him away from pills and knifes. I laid in my bedroom and listened to D describe a fantasy in which he takes a gun and blows his brains out in front of me — apparently because I am a huge source of depression and anxiety for him, on account of me not liking him.

I don't believe I've been mean to D. I simply don't care about him. I do my best to not acknowledge him/pretend he doesn't exist. My ex disagrees.

They claim I've been outwardly cruel to him and that my hostility is the reason for his near suicide-attempt. They called me all sorts of names and pinned the blame almost entirely on me.

That night of the panic attack, I also became anxious that D would try to do something to hurt me or my two cats. (He has a history of animal abuse/murder.) I went to the kitchen and grabbed a knife to sleep with because I was too tense to get back to sleep.

Well, D found out about the knife and apparently he is now terrified that I'm going to do something to him (and he could have only known about it if my ex told him, as he does not enter my room EVER), which my ex also blames on me.

My ex made the decision to break our lease and move out around a month ago. Rather than find a new roommate, I decided to get a small one bedroom apartment for myself. My ex seems upset about this. I told them blatantly that I don't want to see each other or even communicate once the move is completed, which I don't think they've grasped. They keep making remarks about trying to stay in contact or me visiting them at their new place.

I am a college student and I have a job. I have missed three of my morning classes this month already because my ex and D both like to stay up late at night and play games in the living room and/or drink together. They both talk very loudly and this can go on until 2 in the morning. It's nearly impossible for me to relax and sleep with their constant activity. I also do the dishes, feed the pets, clean up after them, sweep, take out the trash, throw away the beer cans they both leave everywhere, hell, I've even done their laundry.

The only thing my ex does is cook occasionally, which they seem to think is an effort towards our friendship, when they consistently prioritize D's dietary desires over mine, never help me with my groceries, and when they order food, never get anything for me. If there is enough food for three, then they will offer me some. That's about it.

They make no effort to spend time with me and actively avoid having difficult conversations while at the same time accusing me of moving out because I'm "running away from my problems." They want to be both my best friend and a good husband.

Oh, yeah. Ex and D are married as of last week, ish. No idea why. Not my problem.

But, the way I see it, it is functionally impossible for Ex to prioritize someone as high-maintenance as their new husband AND be my friend at the same time, considering all of the emotional conflicts going on in our fucked up little situation here.

(Side note: all of this is IGNORING the 3k my ex owes my parents, as they helped us both out when my ex lost their job last year. My ex told me that they're frustrated because it feels like my family is "ganging up" on them, and that they were under the impression my parents would just forgive the money and all of us could part ways on good terms. I have literally no idea where they got THAT impression.)

I feel ignored and underappreciated. I am also fairly confident that I'm being gaslit, as Ex constantly blames me for my feelings AND for D's feelings. I am posting this now because I legitimately cannot tell if I'm overreacting or not. Ex makes me doubt my thoughts and the validity of my actions. (RE: the knife incident, they chastised me for scaring D all because I was "paranoid," when I brought up the phone call I overheard, Ex told me that D was just drunk/angry and didn't really mean it, the last time I complained about them both being noisy (during sex) it was brushed off as me being bitter that I'm still single, etc)

I know that Ex is also stressed and dealing with a lot. Am I being too harsh? Am I overthinking this? Should I buckle down and try to make it work? I've been friends with them for ⅓ of my life — they've been with me through my worst and my best. So much of who I am is shaped by them. I don't want to give that up, but I also think that maybe I need to if I'm ever going to improve myself/my mental state.

I am legitimately looking forward to moving out on my own, being responsible only for myself, only cleaning up my own messes, focusing on work and school and potentially maybe even making some new friends. I don't want Ex in my life anymore, I just want to put the last year behind me, and I think they know that — they're just in denial. They want to have their cake and eat it, too.

[hypocriticaltypwriter]

what's Talaney-Anne's relationship/dynamic with the rest of the cast, other than Billy?? (Nancy, Steve, Max, Joyce, etc.)

OoooO! Gonna write put as much as I can and how much I read on the characters with how much of the series of watched so far! [NOTE: at this point I've only seen clips of later seasons and only watched Season 1 episodes 1-3 FULLY through, so Talaney and her relationships with characters might change once I've finished enough of the series!] This is a long one so WOOP

I'll just say with characters like Karen, Claudia, Sue, are on good terms with Talaney since she's been babysitting Mike, Lucas, and Dustin, when they were quite little and she was in junior high/late elementary. She does of course get a bit more familiar and closer to Joyce considering Talaney gets involved with the whole Upside-Down shenanigans- and fun fact! She never really babysat Will often when she was younger due to the Byers house being very hostile during Joyce and Lonnie's relationship. Who she babysits the most and sometimes still does is Dustin! Of course he isn't much of a fan.

Talaney knew Steve in Junior High vaguely- and it's what comes up when she talks to him after her bike had gotten a flat on her way back home from Cheer practice and Steve offered her a ride. They talk a bit and catch up as he takes her back home, and from then on its when their friendship starts to grow and she is added to the team!

That's when I feel Talaney would start becoming a bigger character in the series as season two starts - and also begin her love triangle with Billy and Steve. [Im thinking maybe Billy watches as she gets into Steve's car at school and the challenge is on..👀] They're relationship starts off pretty strong, both very protective and looking out for the kids and the danger they all get themselves into, and she's always helping him out with girls or advice, and it's vice versa as some confusing feelings start to bubble up in between their relationship. I'm thinking around late season three or four, the feelings between the two fizzle back into a strong friendship, knowing Talaney is still recovering from Billy's breakup/death and Steve still hung up on Nance, Talaney-Anne knew that the two of them together when they were still so vulnerable and still trying to pick up their broken pieces was a recipe for disaster, even if she truly did care for and love Steve.

Nancy and her relationship started of sort of awkward- they never hated each other for a while there, but I wouldn't say that they didn't dislike one another either. After confrontations and such at Tina's Halloween party, Nancy and Talaney sort of... Kept their distance, respected boundaries and stuff in the group, but of course, when you got to fight off a bunch of crazy alien dogs and tentacles, the universe sort of... Forces you to bond. There on much better terms, and the two can be a total kickass team blowing up demogorgan faces with shotguns.

The same goes for Johnothan! Again, knew him very vaguely due to Will, but Talaney also knows him cause she use to take some cookies and such that her grandmother made to the Byers and Johnathan would answer the door. They'd share some small awkward talk for a minute before she'd head back home. He also noticed how he'd come home to a few wrapped up slices of cake or tray of cookies on the doorstep after Will had gone missing, with that same signature pink bow wrapped up on top. He remembered there'd always be enough to split it evenly into three servings..

Robin and Talaney bond just how Talaney did with Steve- girl advice. Talaney was very subtle and did her best to sound as if she was dropping simple conversation or gossip, when she was really more giving some hints or offering a little something something for Robin to take note of. She was less secretive about the information and gossip when Robin will happily trade her for it with some free ice cream and scoops ahoy when Talaney comes by for her cravings. She'd die for the strawberry cheesecake and chocolate fudge flavors okay?

Hopper knows Talaney mostly for the expense of her brothers and there trouble. Smashing mailboxes, vandalism... Accidentally chasing their cow and goats into mainstreet.... Yea. But she's grown to know him well because of it! And since her older sister is a Forest Ranger, she's acquainted very well. He's a good older figure to look up to, given Talaney doesn't have her father around in her life. Talaney has to give up/quit babysitting due to some events later on planned for her in the seasons, and Hopper offers her a job as a receptionist for the department- knowing she needs the money and support.

And since this is getting pretty long already, I'm going to make a second post soon with Talaney and her relationship to the kids of the series! [Max, Dustin, El, Mike, Lucas, Will, Erica.]

[floralcyanide]

The Extra || Austin Butler x OC

Chapter Four

Pairing: Austin Butler x OC

Warnings: language, mention and description of alcohol, description of drinking, being drunk, passing out, austin being an asshole, hinting at innuendo

Word Count: 3011

>> yay for chapter four! we're about to hit a major plot point so buckle up buttercups. I know aus is being an absolute ass in the beginning of this, but we love to see character development, right? anyway, please enjoy this chapter! <3

Series Masterlist | Main Masterlist | Add yourself to the taglist HERE

I've decided to start writing again for the first time in a year. After what happened yesterday between Austin and me, I needed to get out some pent-up emotion about the entire situation. From before the breakup to during and after the breakup until today, there have been many different feelings towards Austin and our relationship. I don't hate him- I never did. But there's still anger and resentment towards him, and even hostility because I feel he's solely responsible for our seperation. However, there's also a deep sadness for what could've been and how easily things just ended. Our relationship went out like a quiet flame. There's a touch of relief, though, because I can be who I want and not worry about someone breathing down my neck and shoving possible roles in my face at any given time. But Austin did apologize, and deep down, I think he didn't truly mean his words. He was just upset and emotional, which sometimes makes us do and say stupid things. For example, me acting like I had no idea who Austin was upon seeing him for the first time in a year. I regret it now, just as Austin regrets what he said, but it has provided an opportunity for us to at least be friends again. And what's a better way to start over than not knowing who someone is?

I'm deep in thought with my fingers flying across the keyboard. I almost miss the buzzing of my phone next to me.

Get together at my place at 6. You in?

It's a text from Austin. I find it odd that he thought to invite me to a gathering, but he agreed to try to be friends again. As much as I want to not go, I find myself getting a little giddy to see my new friends again, and maybe Austin as well. 

Sure. Do I need to bring anything?

Nope. Everything is covered. Here's the address.

I lean back in my desk chair, letting out a deep breath. I guess I'll finish up what I'm writing and get ready. I have about two hours to do so. I planned on staying holed up in my apartment writing until I physically couldn't anymore. It's rare to get a craving to write like this, but it's also rare for everyone in the cast I'm friends with to hang out all at once. Everyone has been so busy lately. I reluctantly close my laptop and push myself up from the chair, trudging over to the closet. I decide it's best to wear something casual and comfortable, but nice too. It's pretty warm here in Australia, so I choose a cute sundress I have tucked away. It comes to my mid-thigh, so it shows enough but not too much. I'm not trying to impress anyone, but maybe make someone realize what they've been missing. I grab some simple sandals to go with the dress. I set my clothes aside and quickly shower, braiding my hair down my shoulder when I get out. I apply a little makeup and then get dressed. When I finish getting ready, I realize it's about time to leave. Grabbing my phone and a small bag, I head out the door and walk to Austin's condo, which is just a few blocks away by the beach.

When I arrive, Olivia and Luke are seated at the kitchen island while Dacre is fumbling with the record player in the corner of the living room. Tom has yet to arrive, but no one expects him to since he's so busy. 

"Roman!" Olivia smiles and gets up from her seat to greet me when she notices my appearance, "I'm glad you made it!"

She envelops me into a hug which I accept, hugging her back. Luke nods at me from his seat, his hand encircling a glass of what I suspect is whiskey. No doubt it came from a bottle of Austin's. He is currently making a glass of something at the counter, which I'm curious about. I let go of Olivia, and she makes her way back to her seat as I walk over to where Austin is standing in the kitchen.

"What are you concocting over here?" I ask, eyeballing the numerous bottles on the counter.

"Take a wild guess," Austin glances at me over his shoulder, mixing the liquor together.

He hands the glass to me, and I take a whiff of it. To my surprise, it's my drink of choice; a Long Island Iced Tea. When I'm not drinking vodka, that's my go-to.

"You remembered," I raise my eyebrows, taking a sip. Austin had a talent for mixing everything perfectly every time. 

"Of course I did," he whispers, winking at me before turning around to help Dacre find a vinyl to play.

"How many of these do you own?" Dacre asks exasperatedly from the living room.

I lean against the island, tasting my drink as Austin and Dacre banter back and forth. 

"I thought you were more of a vodka girl," Luke jokes, motioning to my drink. He must've recalled me drinking vodka at the bar the first time we met.

"Depends on how I'm feeling. But I prefer a little bit of everything," I say.

Luke hums in acknowledgment, "I like the dark stuff. Austin has good taste," he says, inspecting the glass in his hand.

"I have to agree," Dacre says as he approaches the three of us, his eyes meeting mine.

The two men must've decided on an Elvis vinyl because I can hear him softly singing in the living room.

"Did he make you a drink too?" I ask with a chuckle.

"No, not yet. I meant Austin had great taste in everything, really. Including music and women," Dacre says casually.

I looked at him, puzzled, before collecting myself before someone saw my face.

"He was telling me about someone he dated previously," Dacre leans on the opposite side of the counter, mirroring my position.

"Ooh, who was the lucky lady, Austin?" Olivia wiggles her eyebrows.

"Ah, no one," Austin shrugs, "It's been over for a while. But I'd agree with Dacre and say my taste is pretty good, though," he smirks, glancing over at me briefly.

I down the rest of my drink in one go, much to everyone's surprise.

"That was a really good drink, Austin. Make me another one please?" I say, my eyes boring into his.

"Sure thing, sweetheart," Austin says, taking the glass from my hand and walking to the counter.

Dacre holds in a laugh while Luke silently takes a sip of his drink, almost as if he picked up on something he probably shouldn't mention. Meanwhile, Olivia looks at me like I killed a man.

"Are you okay, Roman?" she chuckles, "That was quite a bit to drink."

"Yep," I say, popping the 'p,' "Just wanting to feel good is all."

I turn around and take a few steps toward where Austin is at the counter, mixing my drink.

"Does Dacre know?" I ask quietly, looking around to ensure no one is watching our conversation. Luckily, no one is paying attention except Dacre, who is looking directly at me.

"Yes," Austin says, "But only because you told him," he purses his lips.

"I only told him because he somehow knew already," I eye him suspiciously.

Austin only makes eye contact with me for a moment before sighing, "Okay, fine, I've told him about you. He must've put the pieces together. I wasn't expecting him to make a comment."

I rub my temple, "Dammit. Thankfully Dacre isn't the type to run his mouth like that, or at least I hope so," I look over to see him chatting with Luke about something, "I feel like he would've told someone by now if he were."

Austin doesn't say anything and hands me my drink, looking me directly in the eye.

"What?" I ask, furrowing my eyebrows.

"I just wish you had told the truth," he says. 

I sigh, taking my drink and walking back to the island where the others are. Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. Austin strides over to the door and reveals Tom with a nice bottle of bourbon in his hands.

"Hey," Austin says, and the two of them embrace momentarily, "We thought you weren't gonna make it!"

"I got done with filming just in time today. Had a moment to stop by somewhere and pick this up," Tom smiles, holding up the bottle for everyone to see.

A string of hellos comes from the group as Tom approaches the kitchen. He sits between Luke and me on the stool as Austin grabs six glasses from the cabinet.

"Would you like to do the honors, Tom?" he asks, motioning to the bottle.

"Don't mind if I do," Tom chuckles, breaking the seal.

Everyone cheers as Austin sits the glasses down, allowing Tom to pour some bourbon into them. Luke and I are still nursing our drinks, but we still take a sip of the dark liquid. I knew immediately that I'd probably be getting drunk just off the little bit of bourbon and the rest of my current drink. I begin taking large gulps of the Long Island when no one is looking. Tonight was already starting to get weird.

"Let's head to the living room and get comfortable there," Austin suggests. Everyone nods in agreement, walking over to the living room.

I sit on one of the couches, Dacre sitting on one side of me with Olivia on the other. Austin and Luke take the other couch while Tom takes one of the accent chairs. Dacre stretches and puts an arm behind me, and Austin all but glares at him. Olivia is too busy scrolling through her phone to notice Austin's eyes burning holes into Dacre's arm behind my head. Seeing Austin jealous makes me almost want to laugh. Maybe there's something still there, especially with the earlier comment about having great taste in women. I almost wish for Austin to be jealous, as bad as that sounds. Does that mean I still have feelings towards him? I'm not sure how to answer that. Tom notices I've zoned out a little. I haven't touched my bourbon, and my eyes are fixated on Austin's shoes.

"So, Roman," Tom says, and I snap my head in his direction, "When are you gonna be back on set to film?"

"Hopefully, in the next few days," I smile, finally taking another sip of the bourbon.

"I think I can speak for everyone here when I say that we've missed seeing you outside of Luke's trailer," Tom says with a chuckle.

A blush rises to my cheeks, "I'll be back soon, guys. I'm not needed outside of his trailer for now."

Austin raises an eyebrow at me, probably wondering what I'm doing in Luke's trailer. He didn't really hang out with Olivia, Luke, Dacre, and me because he had the most scenes to film out of everyone here. I never mentioned to him that we all hung out, so I can only imagine what he's thinking. But I'll let him think. Hard.

Luke must've caught a glance at Austin's face because he starts giggling from next to him, "Roman, that sounds really weird out of context."

I lift my glass up while laughing, "Get your mind out of the gutter, Lucas. You know I'm always with three other people when I hang with you."

"Yeah, but he doesn't know that," Luke nudges Austin's shoulder with his, nearly doubled over in laughter at this point.

"No more bourbon for you, Luke," I snort as I watch Austin relax, "And you, Austin, don't look so sad. We'd invite you too, but you're busy."

"Oh, I know," Austin looks down, clenching his jaw slightly, "I just didn't think you would be fucking with one of my co-stars, let alone two."

The sip of bourbon I just took almost shoots from my nose, and Olivia audibly gasps from next to me. Tom raises his eyebrows in shock while Dacre retracts his arm from behind me. Luke has a look of complete distaste on his face as he turns to Austin.

"What the hell, mate?" Luke asks, appalled that Austin would say such a thing out of nowhere.

I wasn't expecting it to come out of his mouth either. Maybe I let him think too hard. I down the rest of the bourbon without a word. The room falls silent. 

"That was a dick move, man," Dacre mumbles. 

I quietly get up and go to the kitchen to pour another glass of bourbon, this time all the way to the top of the glass. Just when I thought Austin had already said the rudest thing to me, he comes back with a trick up his sleeve. To assume I would sleep with even one of his coworkers was a low blow, but two? What the hell is wrong with him to think that? Also, his comment opened the door to our past that I didn't want to be opened. Now everyone is going to know we have history. I take a shaky gulp of the bourbon, not daring to turn around and acknowledge everyone in the room behind me. Suddenly, I feel a gentle hand on my upper arm. I slowly turn around, fully expecting Austin to come to say something else rude to me. But instead, it's Tom.

"Would you like to step outside with me for a moment?" he motions to the door.

"Sure," I say, not looking him in the eyes as I walk towards the entrance.

The two of us exit the condo and stand on the balcony that overlooks the ocean. Nothing is said for a few minutes as I continue to take large sips of the dark alcohol. With every gulp, my head gets fuzzier. We are leaning against the balcony edge, staring at the waves as they crash onto the shore.

"Are you okay, Roman? I know what Austin said had to have struck a nerve," Tom asks finally.

"Yeah," I breathe out, "I wasn't expecting it," I say, inspecting the now half-empty glass in my hand.

"Did something happen between you two?" Tom is now facing me as his forearms rest against the railing.

I nod wordlessly. 

"Do you wanna talk about it?"

"If I tell you," I say quietly, "You have to promise to not say anything to anyone else. Dacre already knows, but no one else does on set."

"Your secret is safe with me," Tom pats his chest.

I take a deep breath and exhale slowly before answering, "Austin and I dated for five years until a year ago when I broke up with him. I've been lying about not knowing who he is. But we both agreed we'd continue to act like we didn't know each other so we could get to know each other all over again, but I guess that didn't work out."

Tom only hums in response before speaking, "I could tell there was something between you two when you looked at each other."

I finally look at Tom with complete attention, and he doesn't really have an expression on his face. Almost like he already knew. Maybe at this point, everyone does for all I know.

"How do you mean?" I asked, swirling the bourbon around in the glass a little.

"You can always tell when two people love each other by how they look at one another," Tom says, standing up straight.

"I can't say I still love him, or at least not like I used to. The reason why we broke up is that he didn't support my career. I constantly heard that my job choice wasn't good enough and that I deserved a better one because I could do it."

"Well, are you capable of it?" Tom asks.

"I don't know. But I'd rather stay out of the limelight. Besides, I'm just an extra, anyway," I say, downing the rest of the bourbon.

"Says who?" Tom furrows his eyebrows in disbelief.

"Says Austin," I say, beginning to walk back to the door.

"Prove him wrong, then," Tom says, opening the door for me, "Because you, young lady, are more than that."

I look up at Tom and nod, "Thank you."

He just smiles and closes the door behind us. The condo is silent except for the vinyl still playing. Tom and I walk into the living room to see everyone awkwardly on their phones, except Austin, who is sitting in a chair with his arms crossed. He notices I've walked in and stands up immediately.

"Roman, can I talk to you?" he grabs my elbow softly, and I yank it away.

"I'll give you five minutes," I say, trying not to slur. The alcohol began to hit me full force.

The two of us enter the kitchen, where we're out of earshot. I turn and face Austin, who looks really guilty.

"I'm sorry for saying that. I shouldn't have assumed anything or even said it out loud-"

"Sorry for saying what, Austin? I want you to repeat it back to me. And don't apologize just because you likely got scolded by everyone here," I spit, my blood running hot with drunken anger.

"I'm apologizing because I mean it. I'm sorry for saying you were fucking around with my co-stars. I'm sorry for not thinking before I speak," Austin grabs my elbow again, to which I pull it from his grasp again.

"Sorry, but I can't forgive you right now," I chuckle, everything becoming a little blurry, "For someone who is an actor, you really don't know when to not pretend, do you?"

Austin is now holding both of my arms to steady me, "Roman, what are you talking about? Here, let me take you to the guest room."

"I'm talking about you really sucking at pretending you don't still love me," I manage to get out before everything around me fades to black.

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[no-reply95]

I've seen some claim that the Nov 27, 1980 live interview Paul McCartney gave with Good Morning America (which I believe is the last public comment Paul gave about John before December 8th) seems to contradict that the two had reconciled before John's murder... do you think that's true? I do like that in the interview Paul notes that he's more quiet about John now, so he's clearly long-past the infamous "back-and-forth sniping" of the very early '70s.

Hi @harryhenry1 thanks for the ask :)

Your ask reminds me of a similar ask I read on @amoralto’s blog before I joined Tumblr so I’ll share that post here. The post is really helpful because it adds a timeline of both John and Paul’s interviews from late 1980 which adds valuable context for this time period in their (public) relationship.

I think John’s resentful comments in Playboy would have been hurtful to Paul but, as you say, Paul’s GMA interview was conducted at the end of November 1980, so it’s possible that he and John were able to speak after that interview, unfortunately I don’t think Paul has ever confirmed exactly when he last spoke to John so only he knows how things were left.

I think when Paul says he reconciled with John before he died, he means that he and John had a civil relationship, not close but not hostile either. There are quite a few rumours that both John and Paul had committed to working on Ringo’s upcoming album together, with some reports that they tried to book a studio towards the end of 1980 but, as the studio wasn’t available, the session was pushed back to 1981. Neither Paul or Ringo have ever publicly substantiated these rumours (as far as I’m aware) but if there is some truth to them, it’s highly likely that John and Paul would have been in communication about the upcoming project, which adds a bit more weight to the likelihood that John and Paul had more significantly reconciled.

On the other hand, I don’t think Paul was able to reach the level of reconciliation with John that he wanted. I think there were still underlying tensions that had gone unresolved (highlighted by the Playboy interview) that Paul would have liked to address with John but never got the chance to. Of all the Beatles, it was only John and Paul who never musically collaborated after the breakup, there were near misses, but the stars never quite aligned. Music was at the core of John and Paul’s relationship and was, in so many ways, a second language to them, so I think the thought of musically collaborating again was both a source of fear and longing for them both. Once Lennon-McCartney broke up, there was a limit to how close they could be, because where a partnership of support and trust had once been, now there was only bitter competition and resentment, hardly the ingredients for a close friendship.

It’s a shame that John and Paul weren’t able to fully reconcile before John’s death. Even though that thought is depressing, I think John’s final comments on Paul (from hours before he died) pretty much sums up their relationship and I hope is something that was/is a source of comfort to Paul:

“Well, he’s like a brother. I love him. Families – we certainly have our ups and downs and our quarrels. But at the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, I would do anything for him, I think he would do anything for me.”

Dave Sholin, via amoralto

[pinkmirth]

—my wips! (mainly aot)

(this is only the tip of the damn iceberg concerning all the scenarios i wanna write... but these are the few that i've made some traction on! y'all can look forward to these once I wrap up with senior year!!)

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬! | red = completed and posted!

— UNTITLED BECAUSE I'M JUST THAT INDECISIVE: 18 y/o eren x f!reader (nsfw) | *contains heavy manga spoilers from chapter 123! | When the Survey Corps ventures for the continent of Marley, its evident that Eren simply isn’t himself anymore. After a round of queries and unintentional confessions, the pair of you spend the night exchanging three years worth of emotions that went unsaid.

— COMMON GROUND: eremin ft. f!reader (character x character, nsfw) | armin knows well that his roommate, eren, is just next door. he also knows that pleasing himself in the slightest wouldn't do any harm despite the risky proximity, now would it? all goes smoothly until eren arises from his nap and walks in on something so dirty, but intriguing all the same.

— ROOM FOR MORE: pieck x f!reader x porco (nsfw) | Roommates are a funny thing, and that’s exactly why Porco refuses when Pieck pleads for him to allow you, a “friend” of hers, to move in with them. He eventually relents and isn’t sure if he regrets it. You’re just as hostile as him, but some part of him deep down never fails to get aroused when you spit mean words his way. After setting his hand on a door he had no business opening, Porco comes to realize that his female roommates aren’t just mere friends.

—BLOWING OFF STEAM: eren x f!reader (nsfw) | a content date with you at the sauna seemed almost perfect to eren— if only you'd lose the towel.

—c*ckwarming with armin arlert (nsfw) | armin's much too studious and unrelenting to rip his attention away from his assignments, and you take it up for yourself to remind him that everyone's in need of just a little downtime.

—miscellaneous aot x f!reader (nsfw, anonymously requested) | a couple of headcanons and drabbles concerning the morning after your first time with him: eren, armin, jean, levi, reiner, porco, and bertholdt.

—FAMILY AFFAIRS: eren x f!reader (nsfw, ft. zeke) | zeke makes the dire mistake of inviting his girlfriend over to his apartment, where he lives with his promiscuous half-brother, eren.

— ENMITY: porco x f!reader x reiner (nsfw) | When situating yourself in Libero, Marley for the sake of infiltration, your homesickness of Paradis instantly vanishes once encountering Porco Galliard, Marley’s claws. He’s sweeter than he seems, has this intimidating charm that ironically lures you closer, and is brutally honest. As you imagined, he expects you to be too. Though, you can’t bring yourself to admit that you originate from the Island of Devils, nor can you tell him that you and Reiner used to date back then. When unveiled truths result in an enraged Porco, all Reiner can do is console after witnessing your messy breakup. Just as he always is, using the aid of his most efficient method, Braun is there to comfort until the tears dry.

—139: eren x reader | *contains heavy manga spoilers from chapter 139! | talking to eren one last time, via the paths.

—Feenin' Chapter Two: eren x black!fem!reader | when eren and you depart and make your way back to the court, his friends ultimately catch wind of his little improvised lie and question him over his said "relationship."

[luckyladylily]

So I've not talked about this on my blog before because it's none of our fucking business, but I'm going to briefly touch on John Mulaney's divorce to make a point. Here is what we actually know about the situation:

In October 2020 they separated.

In December 2020 John went into rehab.

I'm may 2021 they announced the divorce. Based on statements from Tendler John was the one who made the final decision to end it while she wanted to keep it going.

Within a month it became apparent that John was dating Olivia Munn.

In July they officially filed for divorce and it was reported that they had each gotten a lawyer to represent them in the divorce.

In September it was announced Munn was pregnant.

The divorce process is ongoing.

That is literally all we know that isn't wild speculation reported on within gossip rags specifically meant to stir up controversy to drive clicks and sell magazines. That doesn't mean it is necessarily false, but these publications have about as much dedication to reporting the truth as Alex Jones. They are actively hostile to things like facts and ethical journalism that might temper their ability to make money off of wild sensationalism.

There is nothing in that timeline that demonstrates malicious behavior on anyone's part. It's a situation that probably sucks for everyone involved, especially Tendler, but just because a situation sucks doesn't mean that someone is guilty of wrongdoing in proportion to how much it sucks.

So, onto the point:

Divorces happen. Breakups happen. They are basically never happy situations. Even in the case of a mutual breakup it almost always sucks. Y'all need to learn to deal with that fact.

Divorce is not a good thing because it makes everyone happy. Divorce is a good thing because it let's people move on from a relationship that isn't working so they can later find happiness without a dysfunctional relationship dragging them down. There are many reasons for divorce, not all of them involve wrongdoing. Yes, even when the final decision to end the relationship is unilaterally made.

And maybe most critically, just because a relationship ended doesn't mean the love and other feelings involved were not real, or that someone involved didn't actually love the other, or they just didn't try hard enough, or whatever.

You all need to get the idea of a perfect Disney happily ever after, life long till death do you part relationship out of your head as the only valid relationship, and that if a marriage ends then the relationship was poison from the beginning.

People and circumstances change. What worked a decade ago might not work now.

I've frequently mentioned my wife and how much I love her. We've been married for eleven and a half years now and it's been great. I have also once or twice briefly touched on the fact that about 6 years ago we considered the possibility of a divorce. Not because anyone had done anything wrong. Circumstances had changed. we had both changed. And we had to figure out what to do about that. Divorce was on the table as a solution because of course it was, if the relationship wasn't working then it should end. And to be clear I wanted to continue the relationship. If the relationship had ended it would have been a unilateral decision from my wife. It would have been devastating to me. But that does not mean it would not have been the right thing to do. And it would not have meant that my wife never actually loved me.

So you know, we worked it out, we adjusted our relationship so neither of us had to sacrifice our happiness and everything has been great since.

Y'all need to internalize that a part of relationships is often ending them.

You also need to get with the fact that it is not your job to sit on the sidelines and play amateur divorce court and dig into rumors about their personal life when a relationship ends to determine who you should hate. No not even when it is your favorite celebrity that you have irresponsibly formed a parasocial attachment to.

[katsukisbeatingheart]

adolebitque manet

breakups suck. and sometimes you just need to burn your ex's shit.

word count: 2573

ao3!

Ridiculous piece of crap.

You yanked the chain.

Pathetic promises.

You tore the letter.

And a long dead rose.

The stem twirled between your fingertips, and you didn't even flinch when a thorn along the spine left a gash in your index finger.

Typical.

It was however, enough for you to breathe deeply, and exhale—more over the case of everything they used to be.

Cheat.

Cheat. Cheat. Cheat. Cheat.

Liar.

Your bloody finger found the wasted tears before you did. Poetic, how they mixed and dripped over the broken pieces in front of you. A blood oath to break another blood oath.

How many years had you supported such a beguiling—bewitching feeling? All for naught, only to ruin by such a simple measure.

It wasn't simple though. It was so complicated, it was simple; and it was so simple, it was complicated.

You sneered at the contradiction of such a fact, of such a relationship.

You'd look back on this—hopefully in months time—and laugh at yourself for the dramatic wreck you came to be. Over one person.

One person, who had meant so much to you for so many years.

It had taken you weeks to even think about believing everything you saw to be true. It took another few to agonizingly collect each and every bit of each other, and begin destroying them.

You had strong encouragement from those closest to you, and they were very patient and kind with your struggling heart. Despite your best attempts to recoil, and pay for something you realized only you were probably invested in—they wouldn't let you.

Now here you were, in the middle of your apartment, ready to gather these things up and eviscerate them; but you couldn't do it alone.

The cardboard was flimsy, but it did the job. Sturdy enough to carry the weight of such useless trinkets with heavy price, you dumped and swept in each tiny, bloody bit as roughly as you could—quickly apologizing to the box, a reminder that it wasn't to blame.

You ghosted to your door, moving in a hollow effort to dispose of their evidence.

Softly cracking the door open and angling to look out into the hallway, you peered at your neighbor's doors; ears open, eyes wide for any sign of life.

Mina, Shoji, Tokoyami, Shinso, Izuku—

Your eyes flicked up.

Kirishima, Sero, and Denki are upstairs...

You had a wonderful, wonderful support system. The friends that lived in the same building, and the ones across town—but the more you sifted through your options, the more you couldn't bring yourself to bother any of them with this. No matter how small a request.

With the umpteenth sigh of the evening, your head lolled backward. Your eyes slid closed and your fingers rubbed at the ache settled in your neck. You peeked out of the corner of your eye, glancing down the right side of the hall.

There was only one more door facing opposite yours—at a diag to the fire escape window at the end of the hall, and you.

It was impulsive, and despite everything—your best option.

The two meter walk in your cement shoes felt like pouring a jar of molasses on a winter's day. Gathering courage to actually knock felt like pouring two jars of molasses on a winter's day.

It was inevitable, you decided—especially if he opened the door to step out only to find you standing there petrified in your own grief and nerves—and two gentle taps and a third slightly harsher, more desperate rap later, crimson red eyes glowered at you in annoyance.

"Oi. Do you know what fuckin' time it i—"

His abrasiveness grated to a humbling halt in the face of a wholy distraught you. He wasn't one to gossip, or even to put any stock into useless chatter of the sort; but even he knew you were keeping life together by pins and needles. And he didn't even need to have Ashido as a neighbor to know that, because he was looking at the tangled disaster right now.

Your shoulders shook, and the barely kept together bite of your lip with vacant eyes told him he needed to close his mouth and keep it that way.

He was generally coarse, brusque, and blunt—not stupid or blind.

You steeled your regard, holding a determined glint in your eye and a placating plead beneath it.

"Bakugo I need you to do me a favor."

"What is it."

"Burn this for me."

You held the box out between the two of you, handling it with a nauseating combination of disdain and care. Bakugo quickly brushed through the contents with a quickly baleful sweep of his eyes, and you were too numb to bother wondering why the hostility. It was enough you were baring such personal trinkets—yet thoroughly clichéd banalities—to someone of his caliber. You parts trusted him to suggest a certain modicum of consideration, and tiny parts trusted yourself to be too beaten down to care otherwise.

The regret at such irresolution toward your longtime neighbor and friend, ebbed away as he looked back up to you with a certain fire in his eyes. It warmed you abruptly in ways you didn't understand at all.

Bakugo jerked his head to the side, his body following along with it as he stepped aside to invite you in. You said nothing, catching your breath in a purposeful stride, ducking past his shoulder. You strode in confidently, but faltered not far from the doormat when you noticed how long it had been since you'd been there.

The lights were off, and the far wall—ceiling to floor sliding glass doors up one step, leading to a balcony looking over the other part of the city night lights—bled with the light of the moon, illuminating a living space shaped like yours, but not at all how you remembered it being from however long ago.

There were new pieces of furniture rearranged in a way that suggested the man was open to having guests—mostly Eijiro, Denki, Sero, and Mina, you figured. Matte black couch cushions, with silver finishings along the frame; a dark wooden circular dining table in front of the bar attached to the kitchen, right by the glass doors—a rather romantic placement, especially for him, you marvelled; deep brown cabinets with lighter hardwood doors, occupying the back right hand corner where the kitchen was.

You turned to glance at the potted plant and admired how generally... homey the place felt. Either Bakugo had been invaded by a homes and gardens magazine, or he had grown quite the honeyed eye.

Your admiration melted into remorse, quicker than the fondness came. You couldn't even remember how long it had been since you'd visited.

In hindsight, you immediately knew it was because you'd spent all of your time with...

I must've been a real shitty friend.

"What was that?"

His questions were coming out more as gruff statements, any inquisitiveness overrode by the demand for an answer. It almost made you smile, before, again, you remembered why you'd missed that so much.

You didn't even know you'd spoken aloud, and were too tired to avoid it now.

"I must've been terrible to you," you whispered.

You felt the air grow stale with awkward tension. Bakugo raised a hand to run through his hair, stopping at the base of his neck. He didn't know what to say.

But you did.

"I'm so sorry, Katsuki," you breathed. "I'm so sorry—I feel like I completely neglected you, and I'm only realizing this now, after I've come to you when I need something and I can't believe it's taken me this long to—to see that. You must feel so— so—"

Used. Ignored.

Cheated.

You clenched your fists, squeezing your eyes shut in suffocating reproach.

You turned to face him head on. You were going to deal with this with dignity—completely ready for the growling consequences and the scorching anger.

The thundering shouting.

Biting rejection.

Unadulterated hatred.

None of that came. Instead, Bakugo's eyes reflected with an intense sheen of pain—as if everything you left unsaid came swinging back to him in full force. Like he'd been repressing those exact accusations the entire time.

You wanted to scream. You wanted him to scream. You wanted somebody to scream.

It wasn't a scream, but his voice was indomitable enough to be.

"Let's fucking burn this thing."

Glass shattered, the dam broke, and you moaned once—exhaling a jagged breath of relief, anguish, and extreme adoration. The tears poured and you shoved them away with the palms of your hand, laughing and crying with a silent nod. Bakugo roughly pulled the box from your hands, stalking briskly toward the glass doors. He slammed them open, and you heard them rattle. You weren't afraid, though. He wasn't mad at you.

He dropped the container on the concrete floor with a harsh bang, and you didn't miss the crack of a frame breaking with a picture of you and them. You doubt he did either.

Bakugo held out his right hand—fingers down, palm up—to the box. You watched him with something in your heart, as he ignited. It was piercing, and brought back memories of special moves you worked on in high school. You'd seen him nearly blow his arm off trying to get this kind of precision, and now you'd see him on T.V., using it for hero work as if he'd been doing it since the day he was born. You remembered gushing about how amazing he was, every single time he managed to do something new.

Yes, Bakugo had used this move to best and save many people.

In an instant, flames shot straight for the box, and suddenly you were engulfed in light. Just like fireworks, the contents popped and crackled, and just like fireworks, you were completely mesmerized. The light from your little conflagration poured warmth over everything you could feel. You were positively glowing.

You bit back tears that no longer needed to be spent on the likes of them. You were the one who wasted away in the company of someone who never really cared about you.

Since then, you'd forgotten about the ones that really and truly did.

You looked to Bakugo, watching the shadows dance menacingly across his face. The ferocity, and damn near animalistic malice singed more than the fire he made did. Your eyes widened in surprise.

As if he felt you staring, he turned.

Fully.

Fully facing you with much softer eyes and an expression you knew that came from being a hero.

It was as if to say you're safe now.

You choked and let more tears fall, feeling a combination of cold and searing in light of the fire.

"Katsuki," you whispered.

For the first time in your life, you watched him hesitate. He stepped forward, looking so vulnerable as he tried to grasp for words. The space between you came to about a hand's length, and the heavy rise and fall of his chest vibrated along your skin. Bakugo's eyes clouded, and your mouth went dry with that feeling again.

"Marshmallows."

You blinked.

"...What?" You weren't sure you heard him right.

"Here," he began, taking your hand in his as he turned around and led you back inside. Bakugo didn't let go, until he set you at one of the barstools, to move past and dig through one of his upper cabinets. After a moment of shuffling, he pulled away to reveal a family sized bag of puffy white marshmallows, and a big bar of chocolate. He tossed the bag of sweets towards you, his mouth quirking into a little smirk.

The warmth you'd been feeling more and more since you'd got here exploded in your chest, and you felt it rise to your cheeks.

"And don't think I forgot—" Bakugo bent down and pulled open a bottom drawer. He fished something out that crinkled and reflected small bits of light, and smacked it on the bar countertop, right in front of you.

The childish squeal burst out before you could think.

"Cookies!"

Bakugo rolled his eyes and desperately tried to bury his bliss beneath an annoyed click of his tongue. He really missed you.

"What a fucking dork," he mumbled not-so-quietly under his breath. He could hide it all he wanted but you caught the smile in his voice anyway.

Bakugo's eyes glazed as he watched you giggle, and he—almost tentatively—grasped your hand again, uncharacteristic gentleness as he pulled you back outside.

You stared dazedly at yours in his—but mostly his—and wondered why the sudden touchiness.

In all honestly, Bakugo couldn't figure himself; but when he did pin the feeling—he might've just been scared to see you go again.

He handed you the collection of sweets, going to bring out chairs to sit on. You touched his shoulder and shook your head, grabbing a blanket you noticed stretched out along the balcony fence. You flicked it outward, laying it as close as possible to the fire—setting the chocolate, marshmallows, and cookies in the middle.

Looking up to meet his eyes, you patted the spot next to you. For the first time—in a long time—you watched Katsuki's cheeks flush. No matter how badly you wanted to be the one to do that to him, you convinced yourself that it was nothing but the cold of the night or the heat of the flames.

The boy dropped down beside you, holding out a skewer without making eye contact.

As a pair, you silently worked marshmallows onto the sticks, and held them over the fragments of your burning relationship.

"Hope we don't get poisoned or something, doing this," you broke the silence wryly, eyeing the disfigured picture frame and the horribly burnt photo inside of it.

"Not a bad way to go, really." Katsuki too, was looking at the fire, and you did your best to not linger on the implications behind that statement.

"Death by marshmallows," you tapped your chin thoughtfully, "I'll take it."

"That's not what I meant."

You looked away from your toasting sweet, and studied him with dinner-plate eyes. The curiosity and... desire, you figured, smoldered, and you were sure he stared back with intensity rivalling yours. The silence—besides the crackling of fire and melting of sour memories—pressed down on you and you were positive you could fall into him, and get lost and it would be okay—

"You're gonna burn your s'mores, dumbass," Katsuki whispered. You were sitting shoulder to shoulder. He smelled sweet.

The smile climbing its way to your face settled in under a slightly disbelieving laugh.

"Right."

Knees hugged to your chest, you drifted not too far from him, and focused on the flames.

"Hey, Katsuki?"

"Yeah?"

Inhaling with more than enough steadiness to still the ocean, you sighed, feeling more weightless than you'd felt in the last two months.

"Thank you."

With every second that burned by, you felt a sort of resolve subside and thicken—less like the cast iron chains that held you back hours and months ago, and more like a promise.

To yourself.

To him.

Bakugo Katsuki shrugged, and as he did so he moved the tiniest bit closer. His voice was quiet when he spoke.

"I'm just glad you're back."

[charliedayofficial]

do you have any fics that are JH and after s8 where they like get back together?

Hi, anon! Sorry for taking so long to respond but I’ve been scouring all of my previously read fics and the ones in my TBR folder to see what I can recommend to you. While I haven’t read all of these, I've skimmed them all enough to the point where they’re written in a style I like(I’m not big on script format or first person fics). Anyway, here is what I was able to dig up for you!

Nowhere But Lost by Zenkindoflove

Author Summary: Hyde is cynical, depressed, alone, and would really like to keep it that way. But what happens when something inside of him resurfaces and is more than unhappy about his current living arrangements? JH, ED COMPLETE!

My Thoughts: This is seriously one of my all-time favorites. Characterization is great, the plot is great, JH is so fucking cute, and there isn’t much to complain about when it comes to the writing. While this plot isn’t THAT unique, it really doesn’t matter. PLEASE READ!

Outside Looking In by rebeldivaluv

Author Summary: Interconnected vignettes telling key moments in Jackie and Hyde’s relationship, as viewed by the people who know them best.

My Thoughts: Out of all the fics I’ve read, this seriously might be my absolute favorite. The characterization is really spot on, the characters are funny, the writing/story is amazing, and I get everything I want to see with JH. This one is pretty fluffy, which I can’t complain about. I’m really impressed that the author was able to craft a fluffy fic where JH have to get back together, but there’s no angst that makes your heart hurt. I really enjoy reading from other characters perspectives and how they see JH interact in different situations. Cannot recommend enough!

Steven Who? by kezztip

Author Summary: Set just after Misfire Season 8 – Jackie’s world tumbles in on her when she realizes it is really over for her and Hyde and seeks to escape how awful her reality has become. The method of that escape is pure Jackie

My Thoughts: A perfect mix of angsty, funny, and sweet. kezztip is the queen of writing season 8 fics

Come Clarity by Zenkindoflove

Author Summary: Twenty years is a long time to stay gone…

My Thoughts: I personally find this to be the most accurate post season 8 fic where more than 3 years have passed. I’ve never found it believable in other post-season 8 fics where Hyde has a significant other that isn’t Jackie. Jackie changed the game for him so I don’t see him able to fully/truly commit to someone else. This fic is beautiful, cute, funny, and JH is in their purest form. I also enjoy that the author didn’t have the story focus on them talking through their issues from their last breakup, it was more so on reconciliation and finding each other. I wouldn’t say this fic is fluff, but I also wouldn’t say that it’s angsty. Please read it though lol

20 Questions by ShanghaiLily

Author Summary: Just after New Year’s day in 1980, Jackie Burkhart decides to disappear from the basement to save her sanity. When Xmas rolls around and the Formans beg Jackie to attend their party, she ends up involved in an elaborate game of 20 Questions with Hyde that could change both of their lives. T-rated w/ some M chapters. Story is COMPLETE! This one is for the Zennies who hate Season 8!

My Thoughts: This story is really enjoyable, but not perfect. This author tends to be really hit or miss with the characterization of the characters so it can be slightly irritating. Even though how JH and their relationship is described can be frustrating, the story is good enough to look past it. This story just has a really creative way of getting JH back together

The Morning After by ShanghaiLily

Author Summary: Jackie goes to Las Vegas for Fez’s wedding, drinks a little too much, and then wakes up in married to the last person she ever thought would commit to her. This is what happens the morning after.

My Thoughts: Like I mentioned earlier, this author really has hit-or-miss characterization. I really like this fic though because I’m a sucker for Hyde not only being a complete sap over Jackie, but it’s nice to see him kiss her ass. Let’s be real, we all deserve it after the travesty of season 8

That’s My Baby by kezztip

Author Summary: This is a JH story with a twist instead of the wedding and baby being the happy ending, it’s going to be the rocky start. All of you who love to watch Jackie outzen Hyde will be on board with this one.

My Thoughts: This is definitely my favorite kezztip fic. Jackie is so strong in this fic, which I can never get enough of. The author really has Donna grovel to Jackie as well because Donna is TERRIBLE to her in season 8. The writing and characterization are just so well done in this story. I seriously cannot stress that enough! I find it to be the most realistic JH reunion fic post-season 8 because of Jackie’s attitudes towards the gang, her new life/job, and her new outlook on life. After Fez, I can really see her shutting down her hopeless romantic side so she can focus on something she can control; like work. The middle of the fic kind of drags because it’s very clear what the author intends to do, but it quickly picks back up once that part of the story is resolved. This is a must read, especially with what you’re looking for!

The Right Road Lost by zpplnchick

Author Summary: After a car accident, Hyde wakes up to a twisted version of reality he comes to find is actual hell and with no memory of how he got there, a hell that Jackie’s been living in for the past few months. Set during Season 8, shortly after “Sweet Lady”.

My Thoughts: A more detailed, drawn-out, and angstier version of “Nowhere But Lost”

The Tough Get Going by kezztip

Author Summary: What if Jackie went back to her job in Chicago instead of sticking around Point Place to take Hyde’s crap? Say hello again to the strong, determined Jackie we saw glimpses of in Season 7 as she finds a new love but then is pursued by her old love JH AU

My Thoughts: !STRONG JACKIE! and the plot kind of reminds me of a rom-com

Made Bare by mistymountainhop

Author Summary: A heartbroken Hyde considers his relationship with Jackie kaput. Too bad Jackie sees it differently. She intends to get a proper resolution with him, but breaking through his hostility—and getting past his wife—may well prove impossible

My Thoughts: Noone understands JH better. Period.

November Rain by luvcali76

Author Summary: JH Post Season 8. A torrid encounter on Halloween night, 1984, leads ex-couple, Jackie and Hyde, to spend the next month reevaluating their past.

My Thoughts: *sigh* I really hesitate adding this to my list because I really hate this fic. The only thing I like about it is the last chapter, but even that is eh. This is a really popular fic in the fandom, but it’s definitely not for me. I find it too angsty, I don’t buy Hyde in another serious romantic relationship, and I don’t buy Jackie cheating. There’s a trend in some JH fics where they have Jackie cheat on whoever she’s with so she can have these one-night-stands with Hyde. It’s not in Jackie to cheat, no matter who it’s with. It bothers me and the plot isn’t good enough for me to look past it. It’s super angsty too, which also aren’t my favorite so maybe that’s why I don’t like it so much. I’m adding it to the list though because many people do like it, and you may be one of them!

Imagine by heatherlea75

Author Summary: 1980 has been a lousy year for the entire gang, particularly Hyde and Jackie. When a beloved cultural icon dies, the two take an impulsive trip to New York, together. While there, they remember old impressions of one another and discover new things about themselves

My Thoughts: While this is a JH classic in the fandom and a ton of people love it, I’m not the biggest fan. One of the main problems I had with it was I found Jackie acting way too desperate to appease Hyde after all he had done to her in season 8. It is important to note that the writing is solid and there were parts of the story that I did enjoy. While it may not be my cup of tea, you may like it!

Chasing the Time by pastelpink

Author Summary: Everything was different apart from one thing: Jackie still loved Hyde. (Set during Season 8)

Cliches and Things They Say by heatherlea75

Author Summary: Jackie is looking forward to the new direction her life has taken. Hyde is happy with the same old, same old of his. But when once faces a familiar and seemingly inevitable situation, and the other an unexpected dressing down, both reevaluate their lives.

My Thoughts: I’m surprised that I haven’t read this yet, but I found it buried down deep in my TBR folder. The writing is solid, there’s definite angst, and you’ll definitely get the ending you’re looking for!

Misguided Ghosts by JoyfulHeartEO

Author Summary: The gang has left, Jackie and Hyde are the only ones left. But after Sam left they stopped talking. When something happens to Jackie will Hyde be there for her? Or will he be selfish and only help himself. Its time to grow up, but will he?

My Thoughts: While this fic is incomplete and not the best written, there’s a super sweet Hyde in it which is always a fun thing

Life As A House by kezztip

Author Summary: A Crossover with the movie - Jackie’s Uncle George invites her to spend the summer with him to help with a ‘special project’. She agees but she will get more than she bargained for when she finds out the real reason behind her Uncle’s invitation.

My Thoughts: kezztip is one of my favorite fanfic authors for season 8 related fics. She usually crafts a strong Jackie who stands up for herself, something that we didn’t get to see in season 8. While this isn’t the best fic she’s written, it’s still worth a read!

Friends or Lovers? by JoyfulHeartEO

Author Summary: N/A

My Thoughts: This fic is super long and the author is known for their sugary sweet fics. From what I’ve skimmed, this looks to be her attempt at an angsty fic. This could be a hit-or-miss, but it should be pretty decent 

Pain Without Love by YouLivexYouDie

Author Summary: Three-shot. Jackie Burkhart is about to experience something life changing. She will never be the same afterward nor will the people who love her. Eventual JH

My Thoughts: This actually looks really good! The writing looks pretty well done and what I’ve seen has definitely intrigued me. While this place during season 8, it’s still basically what you’re looking for

Happy Holidays by YouLivexYouDie

Author Summary: Three-shot. Jackie planned on spending the holidays alone, that was until Eric Forman decided to come back from Africa early. JE friendship, eventual JH.

My Thoughts: I love fics with Jackie and Eric friendship, especially when Eric helps JH and their relationship. This also takes place during season 8 instead of after

All It Takes Is Love by SwanseaGurl

Author Summary: Jackie Hyde post season 8, two shot

My Thoughts: Also takes place during season 8(Sam is still there so it’s season 8 no matter what the author says) and it’s pretty short. Regardless, I think it’s one of the better short season 8 fics that I’ve read

For Her Sake by heatherlea75

Author Summary: Jackie and Hyde’s final break up is brutal, though all is not as it seems. When his involvement in certain activities forces Hyde to take drastic action, the fate of his complicated relationship with Jackie appears doomed. But is it?

My Thoughts: This is such a good fic! There’s romance, crime, mystery, and plenty of drama! I’m really picky about season 8 fics, especially if Sam is in it. The author was really creative with this story, so I highly recommend! 

Let me know if y’all want any other fic recs