#RabbitRunnah

[melloerg]

Just read the softest Zimbits Future Fic - Home like Apple Pie by RabbitRunnah - in wich it is mentioned, that Kent Parson got married to a mailman and they have a kid. Can’t stop thinking about Kent ordering tons of stuff, just to see the gorgeous mailman on the regular….. Anyone want to write that fic…?

[doggernaut]

Chapters: 1/? Fandom: Check Please! (Webcomic) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Eric "Bitty" Bittle/Jack Zimmermann Characters: Eric "Bitty" Bittle, Jack Zimmermann, Shitty Knight (Check Please!), Larissa "Lardo" Duan, Bob Zimmermann, Alicia Zimmermann, Chris "Chowder" Chow, Alexei "Tater" Mashkov, Original Characters, Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Meeting, Divorce, Parenthood, Past Infidelity (by other partners), Starting Over, Friends to Lovers, Some angst, Post-Breakup Bad Decisions Summary:

Eric Bittle had it all: a fairy-tale marriage to his college sweetheart, two great kids, a thriving career. Until the day his cheating husband up and left him for a younger man. Now a single parent, Eric’s just trying to get through each day as best as he can.

Professional hockey player Jack Zimmermann also had it all, up until the day his pop star wife left him for his linemate. In need of a fresh start, Jack finds himself on the other side of the country to finish out his NHL career with a new team, the Providence Falconers.

When their paths keep crossing, Eric and Jack form an unlikely friendship. Neither is looking for romance. But that just might happen, anyway.

[deckthehaus]

Thank you to everyone who participated in Deck the Haus 2023! Without further ado, here are our wonderful creators!

❄️❄️❄️❄️

advent by montrealmadison ( @montrealmadison )

Alone This Holiday by EarlGayTea711

call of the champions by nostalgicplant ( @ohyoufool )

Can You Crash a Party If You Have an Invite, How to Go Home with a Man, and Other Things in Kent Parson's Search History by hwaelweg ( @thoughtsofthegirlwiththecurl )

Cardinal by iknowwhyulikeoscarwilde

(Do It on My) Twin Bed by hwaelweg ( @thoughtsofthegirlwiththecurl )

Early Memories by Lutzgocelly ( @lutzgocelly )

Holiday Spirits by bonepicker ( @siocliath )

I’ll Be Home For Christmas by RabbitRunnah ( @doggernaut )

“It’s Just a Little Snow…” by coluanprime ( @abeansblog )

It Started at the Office by JustLookFrightenedAndScuttle ( @justlookfrightened )

Merry and Bright by iknowwhyulikeoscarwilde

Pre-Christmas Epiphany by JustLookFrightenedAndScuttle ( @justlookfrightened )

Safe Places by EarlGayTea711

so, kiss me by cricketnationrise ( @cricketnationrise )

[podfic] The Pond, Jan. 25 by misswhimsy ( @missanniewhimsy )

The darkest evening of the year by Lutzgocelly ( @lutzgocelly )

The Gift That Keeps on Giving by bonepicker ( @siocliath )

The Mating Rituals of Samwell Men’s Hockey by iknowwhyulikeoscarwilde

Ugly Christmas Sweater by impulsewriter ( @transwicky )

We’ll tell our stories on these walls by Lutzgocelly ( @lutzgocelly )

❄️❄️❄️❄️

Please let us know if there are any mistakes on the tumblr handles so we can update the post! Happy New Year!

[cricketnationrise]

For the ficlet fest (congrats on 500!):

7:52 pm

the weight room

Jack Zimmermann

Rating: M

(Doggernaut/rabbitrunnah)

oooooh this was really fun to write, thanks for the prompt! i hope you enjoy senior year jack thirsting over bitty as much as i do <3

want your own ficlet? my followers can submit their own prompts using these guidelines through Jan 31, 2024.

🏒🏒🏒🏒

7:52pm, weight room

Jack tries to catch his breath before his last set of leg presses. 

There’s something immensely satisfying about weight-lifting days. It’s straightforward; more weight, more reps, diversifying exercises—it all works together to translate to better performance on the ice: more power, more breakaway sprints, more goals. A simple A plus B equals C. Jack’s favorite kind of math.

Once, not that long ago, weight training days would have been solely about maintaining the perfect form, strict adherence to his own ridiculous goals, pushing his body to keep going, to be better, to go right up to the limit of what was possible—and then past it, regardless of all the warnings his coaches, his parents, his teammates, even his own mind were giving him.

But now Jack’s in a better place, he’s got more support, so he can just lose himself in the repetitive motion, the sensation of sweat down his back, the clean exertion of pushing his body in a healthy way.

Or, he could, if he wasn’t so distracted.

It isn’t Jack’s fault that the leg press machine faces the mirrors. It isn’t Jack’s fault that there’s a clear view of the hip adductor machine in said mirrors. And it certainly isn’t Jack’s fault that Bittle is ahead of him in the circuit, on said hip adductor machine, in said mirrors.

…But it might be Jack’s fault that he can’t stop watching.

Despite his size, Bittle’s always been strong. That much had been obvious from the way he could skate suicides for an hour, the way he could hurl his body so high into the air and spin, the way he could whip a meringue by hand without pausing, or switching hands. He’d been surprisingly dense when Jack had pushed him into the boards during checking practice last year, Jack’s attention caught by how Bittle’s muscles were highlighted as much as his haircut in the sunlight when he’d moved into the Haus this summer.

Bittle’s strength is glaringly obvious right now.

The mirror provides an optimal view for Jack as he rests before his last set. Bittle’s perched on the seat, hands on the grips behind him for balance. His brow is furrowed, and the collar of his shirt dark with sweat from the effort from today. For once, he’s not singing or humming or bouncing along to the music in his headphones; Bittle’s breathing in through his nose and out through his mouth carefully, measured, timing his exhales with every time he manages to bring his knees together. Jack’s whole being is focused on the way Bittle’s thighs flex as he pushes them from spread wide to knees touching and back again. Over and over. All of Bittle is glistening with sweat from the exertion under the fluorescent lights and Jack— 

Jack has a sudden, visceral, all-consuming urge to taste. To run his hands from Bittle’s delicate ankles, up his calves. To hold Bittle’s thighs open wide with his shoulders so he can get his hands on his hips, his waist, his ass. To take his time, sucking the sweat from Bittle’s thighs hard enough to leave a line of bruises in his wake, before moving higher. To lick the sweat from the crease where his thigh meets his hip. To chase the drops of Bittle’s precome with his tongue. To take Bittle’s cock with his mouth, all the way to the hilt, before pulling Bittle’s hand to his own hair, encourage him to move Jack exactly how he wants, to take—

The resounding clang of Bittle’s weight stack yanks Jack out of the fantasy.

Câlisse de tabarnak—he’s in the middle of a workout, he can’t be getting distracted by a teammate of all people, and especially not Bittle. Jack depends on their hard-won friendship too much to ever even entertain the possibility—

Jack stands, busies himself with adding more weight to his own machine for his last set, determined to keep his eyes off the mirror, off of Bittle as he bustles around the machine, gathering his water bottle, bending over to wipe the seat down, ass facing the mirror—

It’ll be fine. Bittle will finish cleaning the machine. He’ll move on to the next stop in the circuit, to the machine that’s directly behind the hip adductor. Completely obscured from Jack’s view, and Jack will be able to finish his leg presses without getting distracted.

Bittle catches his eye in the mirror and gives him a small smile and a salute before bouncing off to the next machine and Jack—

Jack better do two more sets, just to be safe.

[madisonandmore]

☀️ Happy September 1st y’all! And happy Creator Reveal Day! ☀️

A huge thank you to everyone who has participated in any way: whether writing, recording, drawing, prompting, commenting, or reblogging, you’ve certainly brightened our summer! 💛

Without further ado, here are our amazing creators!

(Creators, please reach out if your tumblr handle below is incorrect or missed)

☀☀☀☀

A Sandy Situation by maanorchidee (@forabeatofadrum)

amphibious creatures by HowOldAreWe

Cowabunga by Mernium (@zimbits-my-love)

Crashing Into You by functionalgaypointdexter (forheart)

Eelgrass by perhapsajacket (@perhapsajacket)

Heard the Mermaids Singing by Humbuggy (@checkdeezpucks)

Hot-lanta by JustLookFrightenedAndScuttle (@justlookfrightened)

i'm starvin', darlin by Local_Queer (@a-very-gay-disaster)

like an ice cream cone by WrathoftheStag (@wrathofthestag)

Making My Head Spin by JustLookFrightenedAndScuttle (@justlookfrightened)

[podfic] getting used to letting go by hullomoon (@hullomoon)

[Podfic] shall i compare thee to a summer's day? by ChaosKiro (@chaoskiro)

Salt Water Hearts by Humbuggy (@checkdeezpucks)

sloshed with gold by nostalgicplant (@ohyoufool)

Stargazing, Skinny Dipping, and Slideshows by lincyclopedia (@the-lincyclopedia)

suddenly this summer it's clear by dessertwaffles (@dessertwaffles)

Summer Gothic by nurseysbeanie (chryysalis) (@nurseysbeanie)

tales of the off-season by Local_Queer (@a-very-gay-disaster)

The Way Way North by McBangle (@mcbangle)

Unnameable Truth by thefiveboxingwizards (@thefiveboxingwizards)

Wasteland Baby by Humbuggy (@checkdeezpucks)

we'll make out and take a mouthful of the summer time by RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut)

Wild and beautiful and drenched in sun by StarDryad (@lutzgocelly)

[omgauplease]

Feeling down? The fantastic works from our Day 5 creators are just what the doctor ordered!

What You Will - Rated T - 8,251 words

Featuring: Eric "Bitty" Bittle/Jack Zimmermann

Summary: TWELFTH NIGHT OR, WHAT YOU WILL SAMWELL UNIVERSITY Director: Jack Zimmermann Stage Manager: Denice Ford

Audition Information

Date: Thursday, August 31, 2014 Time: 2pm - 6pm Where: Room 217 of Theater Building

Please bring a headshot and resume, as well as any known conflicts with weekdays 6pm - 10pm and Saturdays 12pm - 6pm from Monday, September 4, 2014 - Sunday, October 6, 2014.

Prepare two contrasting monologues, one of which must be comedic.

The casting for Viola/Cesario is gender-blind.

Callbacks will be posted no later than Friday, September 1, 2014 on the callboard.

.💊💊💊.

Won't Eat Crow (But It Might Eat You) - Rated T - 6,792 words

Featuring: William "Dex" Poindexter, Denice "Foxtrot" Ford, Tony "Tango" Tangredi

Summary: There was a woman covered in blood standing at the front of the room.

The sight of her was intense. It was grotesque. It was dramatic.

It was distracting Dex from his biology quiz.

For the Prompt: Where Dex is being pursued by an Irish deity very interested in working with him - either Brigid or the Morrigan off the top of my head, but I'm sure there may be others that are a good fit.

.💊💊💊.

nobody knows the trouble i've seen (glory, hallelujah) - Rated G - 5,468 words

Featuring: Eric "Bitty" Bittle/Jack Zimmermann, Kent "Parse" Parson/Jack Zimmermann, Eric "Bitty" Bittle & Jack Zimmermann

Summary: Where the red string of fate is something more like a noose, somehow they still find each other.

{A Southern Gothic AU where Jack died back in 2009 and Bitty can see ghosts - under narrow circumstances.}

.💊💊💊.

the whole world is all yours tonight - Rated T - 2,928 words

Featuring: Derek "Nursey" Nurse/William "Dex" Poindexter

Summary: Will would not describe the vibe backstage as chill, despite Derek’s numerous claims to the contrary.

Or, The Frogs are a boy band and it's opening night of their first national tour.

.💊💊💊.

[Podfic] Special Delivery - Rated T

Featuring: Eric "Bitty" Bittle/Jack Zimmermann

Summary: Mailman Jack Zimmermann is used to attention from the little kids on his postal route. Being asked to attend a Mailman Jack-themed birthday party, well, that's a first.

Inspired by this Shitty Check, Please AU prompt: "jack is bitty’s mailman and bitty’s 6 yr old is in love with jack and always wants to greet him when he delivers the mail. recently divorced bitty has to pry his daughter away most days, even tho he himself feels the same."

Podfic of Special Delivery by RabbitRunnah.

.💊💊💊.

A reminder to all creators whose works are revealed today to please update your publication date to today so that your works are shown at the top of the feed on AO3.

Please also remember to show love through kudos and comments to our creators when you enjoy their work! ❤️

[mysecretcheckpleasesideblog]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Check Please! (Webcomic) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Eric "Bitty" Bittle/Jack Zimmermann Characters: Eric "Bitty" Bittle, Jack Zimmermann, Shitty Knight, Larissa "Lardo" Duan Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Universe - Beach, Snack Shack Employee Bitty, Enemies to Lovers, Canon-Typical Drug and Alcohol Use, Mention of a near-drowning incident, Summer Romance, Surfing Instructor Jack Summary:

Working at the beachfront snack shack isn't the most glamorous job, but at least Eric has a great view of the hot surfing instructor to help him pass the time.

It's too bad the hot surfing instructor is kind of a jerk.

Or, Eric Bittle is an overworked snack shack employee making minimum wage, and Jack Zimmermann's job is beach.

[appalamutte]

Hi! I'm hopping to get some check please fic recs from you? If you have any, of if any of your mutuals do? I'll take any classic favs, though in particular I'm dying for a fic that features Bitty's love for Beyonce 😂

hi anon!!

i'd never thought about it until you asked, but i actually don't know of many omgcp fics that feature bitty's love for beyonce? at least not many i can remember haha. but there is one i can think of off the top of my head and another one i found:

Starstuck by boomsherlocka [1.4k words | gen] it's such a sweet little thing where both jack and bitty meet their idols. and honestly, thank you for asking me this anon, i would never had found it if it weren't for you! .

heavy on the sugar by wit (@parvuls) [41.7k words | teen] god, i've reread this one more than any other fic i think. it's just got the perfect amount of coffee shop and feelings and just enough angst to scratch that itch but it's resolved fairly quickly. bitty's love for beyonce is also featured a small bit toward the end! .

and of course, to rec some of my classic favs:

maybe i'm waking up by idrilka (@idrilka) [157.9k words | mature] one of my all time fav omgcp fics, and just one of my fav fics overall. the amount of money i'd give to be able to read this for the first time again. it's the most beautiful blend of mixed media elements, story/plot, original characters, coming out and the fear that brings. .

No Matter How Small by weneedtotalkaboutsherlock (@weneedtotalkaboutfic) [125.4k words | explicit] this is just one big overload of cuteness, but like in the most realistic way. it's a kidfic and a getting back together future fic, and the amount of comfort this fic brings me is incomprehensible. so soft, so warm, so authentic, so overwhelmingly gorgeous. .

Port Out, Starboard Home by onawingandaswear (@whoacanada) [11.6k words | not rated] talk about realism, my god. you ever realize your boyfriend comes from a famous, prominent, totally-different-tax-bracket family? if not, this fic helps you experience what that feels like, and if so, you can relive that experience while reading this. .

live through this and you won't look back by nighimpossible [4.1k words | teen] a fic that perfectly encompasses the continual grief you feel when you think the boy you're in love with is straight. it's painfully good. and it also has a happy ending! .

Better With Time by foryouandbits (@foryouandbits) [118.5k words | mature] now i know this is a high school au, which can be polarizing depending on the person, but frankly i haven't read another fic that better captures bitty's relationship with his father. i mean, i cried more than once when i first read this, both happy tears and i-relate-a-bit-too-hard tears. .

that's just a few of my favorite omgcp fics. i have a ton more bookmarked on my ao3 if you want more recs! also, i highly highly highly recommend all of these author's other fics, as well as other omgcp fic authors: PorcupineGirl (@porcupine-girl), writingonpostcards (@17piesinseptember), RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut), and WrathoftheStag (@wrathofthestag). these authors all have fics i absolutely adore, and if i didn't care about not wanting too long of a post, i'd list them all out individually lol.

also, these are all just for zimbits. if anyone else wants to add onto this post and rec fics for other ships, or just any other fics in general, please do so! and if anyone else knows of any fics that feature bitty's love for beyonce, please add them as well!

hope this helps anon, happy reading!

[cottagepodfics]

cottagepodfics' Solo Podfic Master List

List updated October 2023. Links under the cut...

Schitt's Creek solo podfics

[Podfic] Shall I Stay? - M, 12 hrs - fic by alldaydream (@maybewecandreamalittle)

[Podfic] That Summer Feeling is Gonna Haunt You - T, 2 hrs - fic by @olrhys

[Podfic] now you see me - T, 32 min - fic by @grapehyasynth

[Podfic] I Put A Spell On You - G, 30 min - fic by houdini74 (@mostlyinthemorning)

[Podfic] To Come out the Other Side - T, 28 min, CW: Major Character Death - fic by @unfolded73

[Podfic] So Worth the Yearning For - T, 25 min - fic by nameless_bliss (@my-nameless-bliss)

[Podfic] Bashert - T, 15 min - fic by fairmanor

[Podfic] I've been aiming for the stars - G, 11 min - fic by yourbuttervoicedbeau (@kiwiana-writes)

[Podfic] Meddling Kids - T, 9 min - fic by ryry_peaches

[Podfic] Listen to the radio play all night - T, 9 min - fic by yourbuttervoicedbeau (@kiwiana-writes)

[Podfic] I'll Just Stumble on Home to My Cat(s) - NR, 6 min - fic by nontoxic (@nontoxic-writes)

[Podfic] i will share this room with you - G, 6 min - fic by sonlali (@landofsonlali)

Check Please! solo podfics

[Podfic] The Mechanics of Poetry - NurseyDex, T, 6.5 hrs - fic by omgericzimmermann (@hmslusitania)

[Podfic] we could still be lovers - Patater, T, 2 hrs - fic by jennycaakes (@jennybeantime)

[Podfic] Special Delivery - Zimbits, T, 25 min - fic by RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut)

[Podfic] Madison, GA | July 4, 2025 - Zimbits, T, 13 min - fic by RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut)

[Podfic] Widsom Teeth - NurseyDex, T, 11 min - fic by TDKeh16 (@tdkeh)

[Podfic] Please (Don't) Have Snow - PB&J, G, 8 min - fic by honorafidelis

[Podfic] You Can Plan on Me - Zimbits, G, 6 min - fic by JeannetteRankin (@jeannetterankin)

Stranger Things solo podfics

[Podfic] alone again, or - Steddie, M, 2 hrs - fic by 96tears (@pizzaqueen)

[Podfic] talk it up (what i came here for) - Steddie (Erica POV), T, 1 hr 12 min - fic by heartofwinterfell (@nancywheeeler)

[Podfic] i don't ask much (i just want you) - Steddie, T, 45 min - fic by ToEdenAndBackAgain (@toedenandbackagain)

[Podfic] oh, I got plenty of time - Steddie (Lucas POV), T, 26 min - fic by idontshaveforsher_yesyoudo

[Podfic ] The Trials and Tribulations of Romantic Meddling - Steddie (Argyle POV), M, 25 min - fic by ketchuppacket

[Podfic] Strange Bedfellows - Steddie (Will POV), T, 23 min - fic by OnMyShore

[Podfic] subtext (something i can't quite put my fingers on - Steddie (Robin POV), T, 21 min - fic by Adure (@toburnup)

[Podfic] Make my wish come true - Steddie, T, 19 min - fic by NC Fics (@n0connections)

[Podfic] A Lit Match Over This Fuse - Steddie (Nancy POV), T, 19 min - fic by RurouniHime (@thegertie)

[Podfic] Peaceful Bliss - Steddie (Dustin POV), G, 12 min - fic by unkreativstermensch

[Podfic] hot patootie - Steddie (Hopper POV), M, 11 min - fic by iwishiwasreal (@eddiemyl0ve)

Solo podfics in other fandoms

[Podfic] 15-across (Carry On Series) - T, 43 min - fic by NineMagicks (@ninemagicks)

[Podfic] Fall Fling (Carry On Series) - G, 9 min - fic by SHARKMARTINI (@sharkmartini)

[Podfic] Our Love Keeps The Things It Finds (A League of their Own) - T, 21 min - fic by @somebodytoundress

[Podfic] (Forever) In My Way (RWRB) - T, 41 min - fic by chamel (@cha-melodius)

I've also had the privilege of participating in a bunch of multi-voice podfics and fic + podfic collaborations! Check them all out here.

[wrathofthestag]

Roy Kent and Jack Zimmermann:

Roy Kent and Jack Zimmermann when they see someone they love:

BONUS - Roy Kent and Jack Zimmermann being consoled by a blonde cutie.

[mamashitty]

Some fic recs! Hope everyone is having a wonderful day.

Fic: Oh What A Night

Word Count: 12151

Author: weneedtotalkaboutsherlock ( @weneedtotalkaboutfic)

Fandom: Check Please!

Relationship: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmermann, Gabby St. Martin/Sebastien “Marty” St. Martin

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Summary: "Here," the blonde man says, and pushes the cocktail back towards Jack. "Have my drink and I'll have yours. If you're not allergic to cranberries."

In which, in the span of a single night, Jack Zimmermann meets, loses, chases after, and catches Eric Bittle.

Fic: out in the open

Word Count: 35061

Author: wit (@parvuls)

Fandom: Check Please!

Relationship: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmermann

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Summary:TMZ ✔ @TMZ · May 23, 2019 22:36

Jack Zimmermann and Eric Bittle’s Friendship Goes Viral After Release of Providence Falconers Video

One thing is for sure: this isn't what Bitty expected to happen when he first DMed NHL forward Jack Zimmermann.

Fic: What Started in Beautiful Rooms

Word Count: 4491

Author: RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut)

Fandom: Check Please!

Relationship: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmermann

Rating: Mature

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Summary: Eric just wants to do his job, but Jack Zimmermann keeps walking into his kitchen. They can’t keep meeting like this.

Fic: You never have to hide

Word Count: 2211

Author: cubeofbutter

Fandom: Check Please!

Relationship: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmermann, Bob Zimmermann & Jack Zimmermann

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Summary: In which Jack and Bitty are not good at keeping their relationship a secret and Bob Zimmerman is not oblivious.

Fic: Sleepless in Samwell

Word Count: 7777

Author: WrathoftheStag (@wrathofthestag)

Fandom: Check Please!

Relationship: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmermann

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Summary: “Warm. Delicious. Delivered. Sleepless Cookies specializes in delivering freshly-baked, amazing cookies right to your dorm in the wee hours of the night. Sleepless Cookies - We’re There For You When You Need Us Most.”

Midterms at Samwell are always hectic and cause people to lose sleep but when the haus orders cookies at 2:00 a.m. and Jack meets the adorable delivery guy, Eric, it’s not just mid-terms that are keeping him up at night.

[finishyoureffingwip]

You see, it feels like I’m starting to care

By RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Eric “Bitty” Bittle/Jack Zimmermann

Characters: Jack Zimmermann, Eric Bittle, Alicia Zimmermann, Bob Zimmermann

Additional Tags: Jack Zimmermann character study, 5+1 Things, Running, Running as a form of therapy, Mentions of Jack’s Overdose

Words: 4907

Summary: Jack’s always been most at home on the ice. But sometimes he does his best thinking while he’s running.

[doggernaut]

Chapters: 5/? Fandom: Check Please! (Webcomic) Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Eric "Bitty" Bittle/Jack Zimmermann Characters: Eric "Bitty" Bittle, Jack Zimmermann, Shitty Knight (Check Please!), Larissa "Lardo" Duan, Bob Zimmermann, Alicia Zimmermann, Chris "Chowder" Chow, Alexei "Tater" Mashkov, Original Characters, Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, Alternate Meeting, Divorce, Parenthood, Past Infidelity (by other partners), Starting Over, Friends to Lovers, Some angst, Post-Breakup Bad Decisions

Summary:

Eric Bittle had it all: a fairy-tale marriage to his college sweetheart, two great kids, a thriving career. Until the day his cheating husband up and left him for a younger man. Now a single parent, Eric’s just trying to get through each day as best as he can.

Professional hockey player Jack Zimmermann also had it all, up until the day his pop star wife left him for his linemate. In need of a fresh start, Jack finds himself on the other side of the country to finish out his NHL career with a new team, the Providence Falconers.

When their paths keep crossing, Eric and Jack form an unlikely friendship. Neither is looking for romance. But that just might happen, anyway.

Chapter 5 is now on ao3!

(or, start from the beginning)

[deckthehaus]

We've reached the end! Here are the reveals of our illustrious creators!! Congratulations to everyone, and thank you, all of you, for participating, whether it was prompting, writing, podficcing, reading, listening, reblogging, or some combination of the above. The mods had a ton of fun, and we hope you did, too.

Self-promote! Go forth and reblog! And creators: if you would like to use any of the Deck the Haus art that we've been posting to promote your work, please just reach out. We'd be happy to do a quick edit so the text says your pseud and the name of your work.

As long as you love me so by sweaters_in_the_summer (@sweatersinthesummer)

A Whole Latke Love by Local_Queer (@a-very-gay-disaster)

Baked with Love (it's the thought that counts) by thesleepyskipper (@thesleepyskipper)

[Podfic] Every Time A Bell Rings by sunlightsymphony (@sunlightsymphony), dairaliz (@schitthappens), Amanita_Fierce, sweaters_in_the_summer (@sweatersinthesummer), dessertwaffles (@dessertwaffles), JanuariumPods (@januarium), cottagepodfics (@cottagepodfics), HowOldAreWe, skipperpods (@thesleepyskipper), and RattleandHum_collabs (@thirdeye1234)

Keep warm in winter by Denois (@denois)

knit one, purl cthulhu by cricketnationrise (@cricketnationrise)

Love and Joy Come to You [text + podfic] by DesignatedGrape (@designatedgrape) and RattleandHum (@thirdeye1234)

maybe tonight (the stars align) by dessertwaffles (@dessertwaffles)

meet me at midnight by dessertwaffles (@dessertwaffles)

[Podfic] Merry Christmas, I'm Yours by sweaters_in_the_summer (@sweatersinthesummer)

never gonna find me a better day by cricketnationrise (@cricketnationrise)

No Kiss Goodbye by Denois (@denois)

Northern Attitude by misswhimsy (@missanniewhimsy)

on the first day of christmas... by cricketnationrise (@cricketnationrise)

Operation Get Bitty Better by Local_Queer (@a-very-gay-disaster)

[Podfic] Please (Don't) Have Snow by cottagepodfics (@cottagepodfics)

Red Robe, Red Ribbon, Red Boxers by em_words (@bittysovenbetsy)

Ringing In by cricketnationrise (@cricketnationrise)

Snow Day by Local_Queer (@a-very-gay-disaster)

Soup for the (Pure of) Heart by Denois (@denois)

the beat my heart skips by MKAugust (@mkaugust)

To Begin Again by Local_Queer (@a-very-gay-disaster)

to dance under sparkling lights by cricketnationrise (@cricketnationrise)

When Lucia Day Dawns by lincyclopedia (@the-lincyclopedia)

[Podfic] You Can Plan on Me by cottagepodfics (@cottagepodfics)

You make me feel like a million bucks, you do by RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut)

[parvuls]

* adapted from @librajiminn on twitter

a fun game to celebrate 2020 ending! the rules are simple: recommend your favorite omgcp fics so everyone can enjoy them, while trying to fill in enough slots to get a bingo! i ordered my recs starting from top left; my filled bingo card is at the end ✨

most recent fic you bookmarked don't tell your mother by seeingrightly [rating: unrated, probably t | words: 1k] essentially: jack is in madison, and things aren’t easy but at least they’re together. i have an unhealthy obsession with madison/4th of july fics, and every new one i discover brings me joy. i liked this one in particular because of the lovely, clean flow of the writing, and for its attention to the problematic environment: the (assumed) homophobic nature of georgia, and bitty's tension when he’s home as a result.

a fic that made you cry Your heart hurts, mine does too by the_p_in_raspberry (@thepinraspberry) [rating: t | words: 19k] essentially: this fic fills the prompt ‘what if bitty hadn’t come out to shitty?’ the fic deals with exactly the subject material implied, and is inherently painful. this what if version of bitty’s journey with his sexuality was so, so raw, but it was the good kind of pain. i’ll say that while this fic is jack/bitty at its core, i really think its real strength is the team dynamics. they are so there for each other, and it was a beautiful read.

a fic you’ve re-read multiple times Prove To Me You Got Some Coordination by amalnahurriyeh [rating: explicit | words: 17k; the series is 24.5k] “In which Jack Zimmermann has a favorite stripper, some very strong feelings about labour relations, and a good heart.“ when i prepared myself for reading a stripper au, this is not what i expected. this fic is one of my all-time favorites. i adored the politics angle, jack's awkward Helpless Good Guy gestures, and bitty being a complete badass. their soft flirting, the realistic (but positive!) take on sex work, and the careful handling of a potential unequal power dynamic. i don’t think i can count on one hand the amount of times i read this fic.

a fic from your to-read list Never Will You Ever by thefiveboxingwizards (@thefiveboxingwizards) [rating: explicit | words: ~25k (WIP)] essentially: during fall semester of Y2 the team plays never have i ever, which results in jack coming out to bitty. bitty decides to move on, just as jack starts to realize his own feelings. this is the first time i’m reccing a fic i haven’t actually read. i have a strict rule against reading wips for my own mental health (although i have great appreciation for all writers who decide to post them; kudos to you). the premise of this fic sounds so alluring, however, that i couldn’t help but marking it for later and then checking if it’s updated every few days. can’t wait to read it when it’s finished!

FREE SLOT and now what words do I have? by MyCupOfTea (@marchingatmidnight) [rating: m | words: 10k] essentially: jack and bitty love each other. bitty moves to france. jack and bitty continue to love each other, even when it’s hard. this fic could’ve fit several of my slots, but eventually i decided to just rec it on its own. it’s one of my absolute favorites in this fandom. i love it for the writing, the pacing, the decision to tackle a real obstacle in a relationship without unnecessary dramatization. i love the softness the pining trope is painted with; how the distance is awful but they deal with it so well, so healthily. i love when angst is used to build and show the strengths of a relationship, not just to hurt.

a pwp With New Eyes by luckie_dee (@luckiedee) [rating: m | words: 3.5k] essentially: mirror sex with a flavor of intercrural. this fic is set during bitty’s first visit to providence, which shifts the entire tone of the fic accordingly. everything is so tentative and new, and i just really liked how gentle jack and bitty are with each other, how they savor new things. the setting and bitty's thoughts and the whole thing was perfect, and so in character.

a fic that is pure fluff Over Heels by anonymous [rating: gen | words: 2.5k] essentially: jack and bitty and marriage. this is such a soft portrayal that it made my chest ache. it isn’t Y4-compliant, but it is so goddamn cute it doesn’t matter. i especially loved the communication between them, the choice of rings (plus the subtle mentions of jack stimming), and this sort of low key, understated proposal. the last scene with jack kissing the ring clinched it for me: i could picture it so clearly my heart flipped.

a fic with your favorite trope How to Blow a Fuck Ton of Meal Points in 1.5 Semesters. by YourPalYourBuddy (@ivecarvedawoodenheart) [rating: t | words: 5k] essentially: jack finds himself with more meal points than he could ever need, and proceeds to spend them on his team (read: bitty) - which leads to some realizations. the trope this fits is ‘year 2 canon-divergence getting together’, and it’s one trope i will never tire of. i absolutely loved the set up of this because it's so college. i loved jack's characterization, and also their conversations, how well bitty's feelings are translated through jack's eyes even when jack's not completely aware of them, and the ending.

a fic with a trope you don’t usually read Tipping the Scales by akaparalian (@floralegia) [rating: t | words : 7.5k] “Prince Eric, training for a tournament to prove his worth as a knight, goes for a ride in the woods. He accidentally finds a dragon, who accidentally became a dragon because he pissed off the wrong witch.” i’m not normally a fan of fantasy or royalty AUs, but something drew me to this fic anyway. i was not disappointed. i laughed out loud several times during this fic. i adored the translations of their personalities into a knight and a dragon (for example, jack's reaction to training - dying, dead, oh my god).

a drabble that made you want more Picture Us Together by RabbitRunnah (@doggernaut) [rating: t | words: 800] essentially: bitty sets a picture of his boyfriend as his lock screen during the madison visit, and jack finds out. it seems only fitting that i put more than one rec taking place during 4th of july on this list. the prompt was so simple, but the execution was so lovely i wished it would go on and on. things between them at this time were so new and fragile and sweet that i just never want it to end.

a fic with domestic fluff I'll settle in and dream by Stultiloquentia [rating: t | words: 9k] essentially: a future fic with emphasis on jack’s and bitty’s adult life. the realistic domesticity in this killed me dead. it is so, so lovely and soft. i enjoyed every detail, from the dog to the scenery descriptions to jack's hockey arc. every setting was so easy to imagine, and i really enjoyed the journey this fic takes the reader on.

[musinglymuse]

This recommendation list focuses on the main pairing, the hottest couple in Check Please: Eric “Bitty” Bittle and Jack Zimmerman or more affectionately known as Zimbits. They’ve come a long way since the beginning of Check Please!

I’ve compiled some of what I consider excellent fanfics that feature this couple although it does not contain all of my recommendations. They are in no particular order. I plan on creating more recommendation lists down the line, especially for other pairings in this fandom.

As a reminder, please make sure to check the tags and any warnings before reading. Take care of yourself!

Hold It All At Bay by psocoptera Psychic Bond AU // ~50k // R

The theory of extrapolative synchronization of the mirror neurons was debunked back when he was still in his teens, so Jack is reluctant to mention that he can smell Bitty's pies baking from across campus.

Easy P-Z by ebjameston HGTV AU // ~21k // PG-13

Jack and Kent are the ridiculously handsome house-renovating married retired hockey players that’ve been making HGTV an absolutely stupid amount of money with their new show.

And Eric Bittle just got hired to be their show’s caterer.

Eric Bittle, NBC 10 by foryouandbits Journalist AU // ~82k // NC-17

In 2009, Jack Zimmermann was drafted 2nd overall to the Providence Falconers. After a tumultuous first season in the minors, Jack returns to the NHL and is named captain within a year. Known to the media as the "hockey robot," no one seems to be able to break through the polite barrier that Jack has built — no one until Eric Bittle, newest intern at NBC 10. Bitty, interning as a requirement for his journalism degree at nearby Samwell University, forms an instant connection with Jack. Throughout the rest of the season, and the rest of Bitty's junior year at Samwell, the two grow closer while learning how to both trust each other and succeed in their respective careers.

What I want to feel, I want to feel it now by RabbitRunnah Bakery AU // ~28k // PG-13

Eric Bittle knows the way his life is supposed to go: According to an old family curse, the love of his life will take one bite of his famous apple pie and fall madly in love with him. And they'll live happily ever after.

There's only one problem: Jack Zimmermann doesn't like pie.

Back to You by PorcupineGirl Canon Divergence // ~15k // PG-13

When Jack kissed him at graduation over a year and a half ago, Eric had been too shocked to really think about what it might mean, long-term. They'd talked constantly over the next six weeks, enough for him to feel confident that Jack felt the same way he did, and to start to imagine what those far-off futures might look like together.

And then Jack came to Madison for the Fourth of July, and Eric made the stupidest mistake of his life: He let himself and Jack talk themselves out of it.

he will take you by hockeydyke Camp Counselor AU // ~55k // PG-13

Jack Zimmermann has been a part of Camp Samwell for the majority of his life-- first as a camper when his parents spent summers in nearby at a lake house in scenic upstate New York, then as a counselor, and now as the program director of the entire camp. The problem now is that the camp is attracting bad luck left and right, and they’re losing campers and staff at an alarming rate. Enter Eric Bittle, Jack’s new co-director. He’s young, enthusiastic, and maybe he’ll have what it takes to get the situation turned around.

Unfortunately, something powerful is in control of Camp Samwell, and it wants Bitty to get out.

<lj-cut text="you see who I am and what I did"> by tomato_greens Rock Band AU // ~11k // PG-13

Rolling Stone

No Jack Zimmermann Is An Island by Jennifer S. Harada

After avoiding me for a week, Jack Zimmermann calls to ask me to meet him at a bakery. Or maybe a diner; he’s not sure what to call it. A brunch place, although they make great pies, too.

“Sure,” I say, “whatever you want, Mr. Zimmermann.”

“Jack,” says Zimmermann. His voice is higher than I expect it to be, and his Québécois accent more pronounced. “I’ll see you there.”

someone to count on (and other cheesy idioms about finding your soulmate) by heyfightme & omgpieplease Soulmate AU // ~9k // PG-13

Eric’s counter reads 1. That’s all. Just 1. He’s eighteen years old, has not left the state of Georgia in his entire life, and his counter reads 1.

He has spent many mindless afternoons and worn out many pens in tracing it over into a 0. If the counter did read 0, the morning wouldn’t be looming like the black rainclouds that Mama used to call “omens.”

Eric is leaving for college in the morning. When he passes the state line from Georgia to North Carolina in the passenger seat of his Mama’s sedan, he’ll also be passing the last chance he has for the counter to make it to 2.

Calendar Boy by darter_blue Canon Divergence // ~15k // R

It was supposed to be totally innocent. A friend of Lardo’s was putting together a little project, compiling a calendar of some of the openly gay athletes on campus, fundraising for the LGBTQ+ community outreach programs at Samwell.

Bitty hadn't really even been reluctant. Excited about the prospect of a fun photo shoot and a chance to dress up a bit, do something glamorous.

And he thinks it's a great photo (if not a bit more revealing than what he was expecting…). And when the calendar comes out it’s nerve racking but exciting. Until one by one the team finds a copy (Jack may be hiding one under his mattress), and then it's pandemonium.

is it too late now to say sorry by magneticwave AU // ~5K // PG-13

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS, Eric types furiously into Twitter. THIS IS LIKE RENAMING LAKE WOEBEGONE “LAKE SCOTT WALKER.” // Or, the only person in the entirety of Canada who is upset about Jack Zimmermann’s first Stanley Cup is Eric Bittle, and by God is every single one of Eric’s 160,000 Twitter followers going to hear about it.

I Can Feel the Storm Inside You by Effyeahzimbits AU // ~15k // NC-17

Life is going good for Eric Bittle. It's summer, he has an exciting new job with the Providence Falconers, he's in a club celebrating with his friends, and he currently has a Canadian Adonis grinding up against his ass. Life is good.

Until said Canadian Adonis flees the morning after some mind-blowing sex, leaving behind a rubbish note. Bitty tries hard to forget about him and his huge, pert ass and focus on his new job, but then Canadian Adonis and the Falc's grumpy, anti-social captain turn out to be one and the same. And Bitty really couldn't forget about that huge, pert ass.

three words that became hard to say by the_one_that_fell Canon Divergence // Series // ~35k // R

Ten years after Samwell, Eric Bittle and Jack Zimmermann find each other again.

Flight Check by edgarallanrose Flight Attendant AU // ~15k // NC-17

Flight attendant Eric “Bitty” Bittle has been working his way up at Samwell Airlines for the past four years, and his new promotion has provided him the opportunity to work with a brand-new crew. Unfortunately for Bitty, that crew includes an incredibly handsome but equally grumpy pilot, Captain Jack Zimmermann, who seems to want nothing to do with Bitty. Even worse, Jack refuses to eat any of Bitty's baked goods. Will Bitty be able to win the captain over? Or is there another reason Jack has been avoiding Bitty?

Bits of Heaven by WrathoftheStag Older / Bakery AU // ~22k // R

At age 44, NHL legend, Jack Zimmermann, knows three things for sure: retirement is boring, love is probably not in the cards for him, and his aging father makes a pretty good roommate. When the bakery "Bits of Heaven" opens up down the street, Jack finds that a happily ever after is possible—even late in the game.

A Tolerance for Pain by uniqueinalltheworld Soulmate AU // ~3k // R

It makes sense, his mother tells him when he's nine: Jack's such a physical person, of course his indicator would be his soulmate's pain. Jack doesn't have anything to say about it, really, he just scowls and winces as his soulmate falls down again. Alicia Zimmermann, whose heterochromia reversed itself upon laying eyes on Bob for the first time, because she’s more passionate about visual media, pats him on the shoulder with a completely insufficient amount of sympathy. Jack's backside is sore for months as the falls keep happening, and he can only think that somewhere, his soulmate must be learning how to skate.