#and yeah sorry if i don’t respect all of ur choices when ur constantly in debt and borrowing money

[lilgynt]

i sent my mom a text like maybe a sentence asking if she could turn off her alarms that go off when she’s already gone pls - she responded back with a paragraph and a half cussing me out 😍

[rosenallies]

hii hellooo

Can you do 1. on the h/c prompt list for sashnarcia? (if you still write that since marcia just got engaged), (also kinda have a lil idea, what if you put in a lil snippet of Marcia cutting their own hair until this scene happens? No need to add this tho, ur choice bae !! <3)

-🦴💫

I’m writing again yay<3 kind of <3 also ty for this v specific prompt, I love a specific prompt when I’m in a bad headspace bc I can just write without having to think of plot and whatever lmao

Tw/mentions of gender dysphoria

1. “What’s wrong?” “It hurts.” “What does?” “Everything.”

——

Anetra looked up at Sasha from her magazine, the quiet room suddenly suspicious to her.

“Sash, Marcia said they went up to shower, right?”

“Yeah, why? At least I think that’s what they said,” she shrugged, engrossed in a game of candy crush on her phone.

“But listen-“ Anetra paused, leaving the room silent.

“I don’t hear anyth- oh. That’s the problem, isn’t it?”

For as long as they’d both known and loved Marcia, they were anything but quiet, singing loudly whenever they got the chance. The shower was their favorite place to perform right after the real stage.

“Exactly, we’ve gotta go check on them, come one.”

Sasha followed Anetra up the stairs, the silence growing thicker and thicker as they got closer to the bedroom. Beyond the thin walls they couldn’t hear the shower, but they did hear faint whimpers.

They shared a look before barging into the bedroom and then the en suite bathroom they all shared. They expected to find Marcia sat in the closet with their knees to their chest like they usually did when they were anxious or upset, but instead they stood at the sink, scissors in hand hacking away at their silky blonde hair.

“Marcia!” Sasha exclaimed, prying the scissor’s from their hand, making them cry harder, “breathe, Marcia, baby, breathe. C’mon.”

Marcia collapsed against her chest in tears, Anetra swooping in to catch them and gently lower all three of them to the ground. Sasha and Anetra let them cry and cry until they couldn’t anymore.

“Sweetheart, what’s going on?” Sasha spoke soft and gently.

“I-I don’t,” they sniffed, tugging on their still long hair, “I don’t know, I’m sorry.”

“Hey,” Anetra gently reprimanded, “no sorry’s. You don’t need to say sorry at all, lovebug. Just tell us what’s wrong.”

They almost apologized again, but quickly closed their mouth, an embarrassed flush on their face. “It hurts,” they whispered instead.

“What does?” Anetra probed, visually checking them over for injuries.

“Everything,” they replied quietly, “I don’t feel-I don’t feel…right.”

“Now what’s this about not feeling right?” Sasha said brushing hair from their forehead.

“I feel like I look too much just like a girl and today I don’t feel like a girl-“

“Because you’re not,” Anetra reminded them, “looks don’t change that at all.”

“I know,” they sighed, tears blurring their vision again, “I know, it’s just hard. I don’t really feel like a boy and I don’t feel like a girl and I know I’m somewhere in the middle but if I look the way I do right now people just misgender me constantly. I don’t mind it so much from strangers but sometimes people I know I’ve told my pronouns to don’t even respect them and I thought maybe if I looked less-“

Sasha’s brows furrowed together with worry as she pulled them close. “You poor thing. How long has this been happening?”

Marcia shrugged, feeling hopeless. “A long time.”

“Oh darling,” Anetra cooed, “what do you need?”

They shrugged again, tugging on their hair until Sasha took their hands in hers.

“I guess I need help fixing this mess,” they laughed bitterly.”

Sasha smoothed their hair down. “You know, it’s not so bad and I happen to know someone who specializes in gender affirming haircuts.”

Marcia looked confused so Sasha explained further.

“Not so much the haircut itself but the experience. Haircuts are such an oddly gendered thing sometimes. Men go to barbers, women go to salons and blah blah blah, so my friend opened up a place for people to get whatever haircut they want in a safe and comforting and affirming environment. You could keep your hair long and flowy or even choose a typically masculine haircut and they’d still use your correct pronouns. What do you think?”

“I-I think I’d like that,” they replied, “thank you.”

“Of course, darling, don’t even worry about it, okay? Anetra and I are both here for you.”

Anetra nodded, leaning over and gently kissing their shoulder. “Always.”

[taechaos]

Idea series oc sneaking Tae in the house after he had big fight with his father about something (your choice if it's smutty or fluff or angsty) with a peek of a vurberable Tae? Honestly i think he would change the topic as soon as he started it and prob with sex.

Anyway I'm really interest in their family dynamic since I remember don't know if it was in part one or two that you mention they have really religious parents? And seeing how harsh their dad is with Taehyung it have me wondering how is his relationship with the mother and ocs with both parents, despite everything the seem really distant from their kids, maybe thats why Tae and YN find comfort in each other. OC is the first real bond Tae made with someone so maybe that's the reason of his fear of being replaced and his obsession with her, and ocs mother probably don't pay that much attention to her so that's why even after the incident she still want him to be there. At this point I'm just rambling I'm sorry. And this ask is all over the place, started with a request and ended questioning characters life 💀💀. Sorry hehe.

when i read this yesterday i was literally blown away by this like hOLY shit your analysis is so in-depth at first i was like damn do my characters have more than oNE DIMENSION?? WHICH IS RLY FLATTERING BUT I THINK ITS JUST UR WORDS THAT MADE ME SOUND SMART 💀💀💀 the ending is chef's kiss tho made me bust a lung SHFJJD thank you so much for taking the time to write this its honestly so fucking amazing. hopefully u can see more of their family dynamic in this drabble :)

Rays of sunlight slither through the cracks in the blinds of the living room, allowing Taehyung's father enough light to scan the newspaper he holds in his hand, with the musical, happy chirping of mockingbirds filling in the silence. All of these beautiful signs of nature and peaceful rotation of the earth makes Taehyung tense up even more.

The moment he got back home from buying drugs, his father greeted him in monotone with a, "would you sit with me for a moment?" and he hasn't spoken since. The zipperbag in his pocket crinkles every time he shifts in his seat, making him cringe momentarily before he starts nervously fidgeting again.

This is so awkward and yet equivalent to hearing: we need to talk. God, why is he so silent?

Clearing his throat, Taehyung stands just as his father flips a page with a lick of his thumb. "I'm going to my room really quick."

"No."

"Oh." When will his step-mother return? She's his only hope as he sits down while avoiding looking at his father, whose gaze is set on the black and white printed pages.

It's only a minute later when he talks without diverting his gaze.

"Your sister is in her room, researching her major to get a headstart on a typical syllabus."

"Smart," he comments with disinterest and nibbles on his upper lip.

"Taehyung, how was your attendance in college?" he folds the newspaper and curiously peeks at his son, who is doing a poor job at hiding his nerves.

"It was alright–"

"Lying is a sin, son," his movements are aristocratic when he leans his chin on his fist. "Don't lie."

"I'm not," he stammers and his eyes flicker, "it was bad at the beginning of the year, but I fixed it."

His father pinches the bridge of nose where his frames lie. "I love your sister, Taehyung," he sighs and takes off his glasses, "I want her to do well. I've given up on you, but her? She can accomplish great things if you're not there to influence her. You're a bad influence. Are you following me?"

Taehyung nods dumbly with a racing heart before registering his words and shaking his head. "What?" he blurts. "I used to help her with her homework all the time–"

"You were home once every month."

"Just because you didn't see me doesn't mean I didn't see her," he coldly says. That's not entirely accurate, but it is true that he saw you more than he saw his parents before he started living here again. For you.

His father is taken aback, offended as he scoffs, "You avoided me and your mother, and yet have the face to stay in our home?" He stands up and passes the coffee table that was Taehyung's only barrier to hover over him with distance. "I expected so much more from you, but you can't even do the bare minimum. An adult without a stable job, respectable girlfriend, and embarrassing grades. I'm ashamed to have raised such a boy, for I can't even call you a man."

Taehyung abruptly stands but he continues, "If you can't even pay rent, go back to that landfill you came from."

"I have to pay rent to live with my family?" He's livid and his hands shake by his sides; they're taking you away from him because what? He isn't the son they wanted him to be?

"You've made it clear that the only thing keeping you here is my daughter," he blindly points at the closed door of your room, "and you will have to try much harder to see her again. Get your life together, and you can come back."

Taehyung's face is heated with anger from the injustice. "What the fuck?! This is such bullshit; you're kicking me out?"

His father frowns at his language, growling, "Taehyung! I will not let you drag her down that path with you. When you stop destroying everything you touch, I'll gladly let you live here."

Destroy? He hasn't done any harm to anyone—especially not you. He knows he's self-destructive, but it doesn't extend to his environment. If he fails, it's his failure, but his father takes it personally instead of encouraging him to do better.

The importance of reputation and success in this family enrages him; he's aware that he's not much of an affectionate person either, but a little love wouldn't hurt to witness in the household.

Instead of defending himself or speaking his mind, he obliges bitterly.

"You need to get laid," are his last words before he slams the door and opens the zipper bag to pop a pill. Ecstasy isn't so fun when you're not around, but he can use the distraction. It's been a bad day.

He flips off a stray cat idling around the garden before casually leaving the property.

—————

Studying isn't fun for you, never has been, never will be. Though you hate every second of it, it does give you something to do to make time pass faster. You've been tutoring yourself about things you'll learn sooner or later anyway, but you guess it doesn't hurt to have to study less when the time comes.

You check the time. It's approaching night at 9 PM, and your father wouldn't protest against a break now, hopefully. He only suggested that you should start studying, but you know what his suggestions really mean.

Do it, or get shamed into doing it with subtle glances.

As if that isn't enough, he constantly checked up on you throughout the day. He wasn't exactly giving you a choice, which irks you.

But that's done and over with, and there's a more pressing matter at hand: where is Taehyung? You heard bits and pieces of the argument, but you couldn't get the whole scoop. You worry he's going to go back to his old habits of never being here, rarely seeing you. He would've been hanging out with you six hours ago out of routine... It can't just be you being clingy. Something happened.

You: are you coming home tonight?

The response takes a few minutes.

taehyung: nop

taehyung: but i am coming to ur room

taehyung: cuz ik u cant sleep without me 😖

You: actually the opposite but ok lol

You: when are you coming

taehyung: whenever u want uwu

You: uwu...?

You: just come before it gets too late

—————

So that was a lie. It's 1 AM and still no word from Taehyung. Okay, maybe you're just being clingy now, but it's unlike him not to be clingy. Maybe he wanted to cool off for a long time after his tak with your step-dad, or simply wanted to hang out with his friends after spending all of his time with you.

That makes sense. What doesn't is the slide of your window and shuffling of your curtains. You instantly sit up in your bed and clutch your blanket closer. You watch a silhouette enter your room as you pick up your limp, your tense muscles relaxing only when you recognize the intruder. You put down the lamp with a click of your tongue, ignoring the relief in your pounding heart.

"Hey," he stupidly grins at you. He looks disheveled, clothes untucked and wrinkled, and from the little light you have, you can see his redshot eyes.

"There's also the door," you remark sassily. "Are you um... high?"

He shrugs and crawls in your bed, dismissive as usual. You both make an effort to keep your voices quiet.

"I talked to mom earlier," you ease into the discussion until he butts in.

"That's great."

You roll your eyes and prop an elbow to look down at him. His head lies on his hands while staring at you, mood strangely upbeat. He's definitely high.

"She was a little sad about something, and I know it involves you. I heard you talking to–" You're interrupted with a lingering peck, a little rough in its force but not unwelcomed.

"I've missed kissing you. Shouldn't you be asleep, by the way?"

Recovering from the unexpected attack, you reply, "It's not that late. I don't have to wake up early."

"You shouldn't ruin your sleep schedule," he tucks a hair strand behind your ear without taking his eyes off of you. "Staying up is hard to stop once you start."

"Yeah, you're a great example," you joke with a quiet giggle. Whispering with him feels intimate in a heart fluttering way. His heart pangs with a feeling he can't put a finger on. "You didn't answer my question."

"Hm?"

"Don't play dumb, I'm really curious. What happened with dad?"

"A lot of things happen with dad," he shrugs, "sometimes we play catch–"

"Taehyung," you give him a pointed look, and he giggles.

"You're right, he'd never play catch with me." He groans as he stretches in your bed before trapping you with his arms on either side of you in one motion. You don't know what he's trying to do, but you watch him above you in amusement. "No offence, but when is your mom not sad when my dad is around?" he laughs with a huff.

"That's rude, Tae," you remark seriously, "she's happy when you're around."

Taehyung's smile falters like yours, his happy guise crumbling when he says, "Are you?"

"Pfft," you roll your eyes, "What do you think? I was up waiting for you."

Ah. That's not a very good influence.

"I'm here now," he whispers, "go to sleep. It's okay, I won't do anything, I know you worked hard today."

You agree with a yawn and nod. But even in your sleepy state, you can read the room—Taehyung is especially attentive of his tone and volume aside from being so tense. "Are you alright?"

"I'm in and on ecstasy," he falls back on his former spot, "I can't not be alright."

"Taehyung, I haven't seen you all day–"

"Yeah, because I didn't want to be here," he looks at you dead in the eye, "and I don't want you to be here."

You blink rapidly, slightly shaking your head in confusion, "What are you saying?"

"Move in with me."

He's met with cold silence, so he persuades persistently, "Don't you want to get away from here? You'll have so much more freedom with me, and I can help you with your assignments and everything. It'll be perfect."

"I— do you... Where?" Taehyung is high and he doesn't know what he's saying is what you believe because this is so out of the blue, so irrational, but he describes it like it's utopia; you are not completely against the idea.

"I have enough money from drug dealing to rent an apartment, and you can tell dad that you want to move out to be like an adult or whatever, that you have a stable job, without mentioning me," he rambles, and his dilated pupils are more noticeable up close; it slightly puts you off.

"Wh-what about mom?"

He scoffs, "If she wants out, she can get her second divorce. Don't worry about them; after all, they're apparently the only real adults here," he relates back to not being worthy of being called a man. You shift away from him little by little. "Just trust me."

The phrase is triggering for you, a reminder of the time you were tricked into trusting him moments before your trauma. "We'll talk about this when you're sober," you meekly say, avoiding eye contact.

A wicked smile grows on his face, "I can't wait, princess."

[clowndaydreams]

Yan!Marvus x Reader

I hope you all like it!

“Can you pass me the potato chips?” You looked over to your companion. Marvus nodded and reached over to get said bag from his side of the couch.

“here ya go.” You grunted a quick thank you to the clown and started to dig in. You had been hanging out with Marvus all day. You still couldn’t believe how friendly you’ve gotten with the superstar since you met him at that concert you went to. It had been a few perigrees since then, but the clown had since made a habit of inviting you over randomly when he was free. You were just happy that he remembered you at all.

Currently though, you were both relaxing on the couch and watching some Slam or Get Culled episodes that he was in. Right now, a season finale was playing. He was the final challenge for that season’s top 2. They had to rap battle him and whoever fared better was the winner.  You glanced over at him. He was in his usual facepaint, but was casually wearing a neon yellow ripped tank top and matching pajama pants with some designer troll logo and ‘JUICY’ all over them. How he managed to look so hot in that would forever elude you. You snapped out of it when he started speaking again.

“u kno, i thought ricard was the better 1 outta those 2.” You pretended to glare at him.

“SPOILERS!” You jokingly huffed, lightly shoving his arm. It didn’t move, as you’d expect.

“LOL! XoD sorry fam, seen dis crap 1000 times alreddy.” Wait, then why did he let you pick this episode? Or even agree to watch this with you? If this was boring you could do something else. And as if he could read your mind, he held up a hand.

“dun worry bout dis. is chill or w/e. butt srsly, u kno who gunna win.”

“Still! I wanna watch it!” You giggled. You both watched on in silence as Marvus was brought on to surprise the contestants.

“How were they behind the scenes?” You asked as you watched the confessionals for both of the contestants.

“ricards moirail b a clown, so me n him knew each other alreddy. he wuz p chill i guess lol.”

“What about Krayaa?”

“turns out she wuz a fangirl. foamin at the mouth n erythng.”

“Really?!” You turned to him to try and see if he was lying. He looked almost bored about it all. Like you were both talking about the weather or something. You wished you could be so relaxed about meeting a rabid fangirl and somehow living to tell the tale. Seadwellers were supposed to be stronger and more durable than landdwellers. At least, that was according Polypa anyway. Huh, you had to remember to check on her later after you got home too.

“ye. she wanted 2 pail after the shoot.” Your jaw dropped. Krayaa was a seadweller! Did he have to listen to her? She could have killed him for not listening!

“Nahhh, no worries,, the contract she signed for the ep woulda had her disqualified and mah bodyguards woulda whooped her b4 she had a chance. ;op” He chuckled. “If she managed 2 get thru them, I aint no wimp.” He added, flexing his arms a little to prove his point. You almost couldn’t stop staring. He had to know what he was doing to you…right? Granted, this was a crush you had no intention of pursuing. If you were speaking honestly, Marvus was a guy who probably didn’t want commitment due to his lifestyle. Even then, he had people throwing themselves at him constantly. People his own species. People who were a lot better fitting with his general aesthetic and not some poor wandering alien that he would DM when he was high when they both should have been sleeping. Your own concepts of relationships and types of love were different. But you could dream, right? You were content with just having him as your designated hot friend anyway. …That did mean you were allowed to drool over him in your mind. As long as it doesn’t get creepy to him. Yeah. You were fine.

“u gud (Y/N)? u tryna lure snacks into ur mouth or smth?” You snapped out of your stupor.

“Ew! Gross! I don’t eat bugs like you weirdos!”

“it aint gross. literally free snacks u can catch. :o)” He laughed.

“Where I’m from they’re gross!” Granted, there were places that did eat crickets and the like on Earth, but you would never tell him that.

“dun knock it till ya try it.” He got up and left the room, returning after a moment with a small box.

“…What is that.” You had a sinking feeling you knew what it was.

“chirp grubs.” He opened it and there they were. Disgusting caramelized crickets.

“I can’t.” You shook your head.

“more 4 me lol.” You looked away as he ate a few of the crickets. You looked back at him when his palmhusk rang. It sounded like a clown horn version of one of his songs. Fitting, honestly.

He glanced at it and rolled his eyes before silencing the phone.

“Who was that?”

“thottie.”

“Oh…” He looked bored again. Not good. What could you talk to him about to keep him interested?

“Uh…You ever get tired of the fans trying to aggressively pail you?” Ok, that wasn’t the best choice for conversation. Your bad.

“i meannn….in the beginning yeah. now its kinda the norm 4 me ufeelme?”

“Yeah, I guess. Does it ever make you feel like you can’t have a relation-er, quadrant?” You assumed it would, but that would also come with fame in general, wouldn’t it? You weren’t sure. Then again, if he didn’t want-

“kinda. i think its kinda funny how i can attract psychos, fans and thots, but not my crushes.” You sat up straight. Marvus had a crush?

“Wait. You…uh…are pale or um….red? for somebody?” You didn’t have the best grasp on quadrant terms.

“lol sumtimes i forget your an alien.” He leaned back onto the couch.

“butt yeah, i have a few crushes at the mo.” He smiled, staring at the ceiling.  Few. He has more than one crush right now. That soft smile said it all. He had it bad.

“…Can you tell me who they are?” He looked over at you and looked sheepish.

“i…dun think is a gud idea.”

“Please? I have to know who the great Marvus Xoloto has a crush on.”

“u kno 1. itll be awk af :o(“ Now you had to know. Now you were thinking about whether or not Marvus had a type. What if they were all mega hot models? Wait! Did he have a crush on Chahut? They would totally have to know each other. Who else did you both know??? He heard of Cirava, but you didn’t think they talked. Who???

“…kk fine. only if u slam a faygo tho.” You gave him a look.

“Isn’t Faygo…not for non-clowns?”

“is just us. whos gunna kno?”

“You promise nobody’s gonna know?”

“on my life. u slam a faygo, n ill tell u who my flush be.” You thought it over. You remembered tasting the stuff at clown church when you went you went with Chahut that one time. Just a sip left you a bit tipsy. A whole bottle may have rendered you unable to be coherent enough to even process who his flush crush was. Would it be worth it? You felt a choice coming on. Either way you had to drink a certain amount in order to maybe try and learn this random troll’s identity. The question was, do you try and counter his offer or just slam the entire bottle and hope for the best?

…

It would be better to respect your own limits. A bunch of your friends had lectured you a few times over putting yourself out just to potentially make a friend. This would piss them off and would probably not end in your favor even if you did decide to just go with it anyway.

“How much faygo do I have to drink?”

“hm…” He got up, went to the kitchen and got a small can of Grape Faygo, a normal bottle for one and a whole 2 liter bottle. “imma b nice. u get a choice. u gotta try 2 finish the can. u get 1 q with the name if u finish the can. Smol bottle gets u 2 qs and the name n the 2L gets u as many qs as u liek. fair enough 2 u?”

…Now you wanted to chug the 2 liter. You haven’t even seen anyone try to down that other than the Grand High Blood once when you took Karako to clown church for the first time. But that guy was a clown and he is HUGE. You, not so much. But, you chose to respect yourself for once. You’d see how you felt after the small can and go from there. You picked it up, opened the can and took a deep breathe. Powers that be, let this not wreck you and let this answer be worth it. If he cops out with his answers, you would try to hurt him. You started chugging. You did your best to try and treat it like a shot like Cirava taught you so you wouldn’t taste the overly sweet flavor too much. After a moment of light agony and attempting to not drown in the soda, you reached the end of the can. You slammed it onto the coffee table and started panting. Ok, you weren’t feeling woozy like before. Maybe those tiny sips when you went to clown church helped your body get used to it.

“u gunna try the otha bottles?” You managed to shake your head. You weren’t gonna do that again. Your head started hurting. You looked over at him. Were his eyes always so vibrantly purple? Woah, now they’re flashing purple. What the heck? Was this Faygo high? You now understood why all the other clowns were so goofy after drinking a cup of this stuff. Crap, now your head was starting to hurt.

“Wh-Who….who is it..?” You started feeling like you were gonna pass out. You laid down on the couch. You needed to close your eyes. That was way too much for you. You felt Marvus pick you up into his arms.

“ye…after u wake up bb.” Wake up? Wait, did he just call you a pet name?! You were about to question him when he tilted his head.

“dangg,, u managed 2 stay awake with chuckles and faygo? ur stronger than i thought. Soz bout this babes.” His eyes became blindingly vibrant again and you blacked out.

[itscooltobefanficy]

Feeling Alive- Part 14

Summary: Dance school!AU (or the Step Up/Pride and Prejudice mash up nobody asked for). Bucky Barnes is forced to take twelve hours of commercial dance classes to pass the year- and that just happens to be your regular weekly dance class.

Introduction

Part 1 (Slow Hands)

Part 2 (Stay)

Part 3 (There Will Come a Time)

Part 4 (Weapon of Choice)

Part 5 (Came Here For Love)

Part 6 (Where the Sky Hangs)

Part 7 (When Can I See You Again?)

Part 8 (Manhattan)

Part 9 (Skip To The Good Bit)

Part 10 (Poison & Wine)

Part 11 (Clean)

Part 12 (Where To Start)

Part 13 (Second Chances)

Tell Her

Pairing: Bucky Barnes X Reader

Chapter 15/17: Second Chances

Word count: 1106

Warnings: At this point there’s just a blanket warning for swearing

I can’t believe I’m saying this... But I have finished the last chapter! Have you any idea how long it’s been since I finished a fic? I’ve just checked. It’s been six months since I finished a fic. I’ve started many (oh, so many) but not finished them. And that’s down to you guys. The Ace Gang. Your interest and support of this story gave me the motivation to keep writing, and see it through. I quite literally love you all. This is just a shorty that’s necessary for the plot but the next one is the 5k monster (yep, now 5k) and then the epilogue! I know some of you are sad that we’re nearing the end, but don’t fret- I have started work already on a new series that I think (I hope) you are very much going to like. Onwards!

“No, again. He’s not going to electrocute you, Y/N, get up in his space!”

You groan and glare viciously at Wanda, whilst Bucky politely pretends to need a drink of water and vacates the floor. “I’m trying,” You hiss, when you’re certain he’s out of earshot. Wanda gives a careless shrug.

“Not hard enough,” Clint signs, and you’re forced to turn your glare on him, as well. “Don’t give me that.”

To be fair, you blame Wanda the most. It had been her idea that the four of you get here early to teach Bucky the final segment of the show routine; not to mention it’s her choreography that’s forcing you into such close proximity that it feels like you’re breathing the same air. Buttons is bad enough, thirty full seconds of dirty, teasing dancing, but somehow the final song is even worse.

Bucky’s walking back out onto the floor, and you pull yourself together. It’s your job, you tell yourself, and give him a weak smile.

“OK?”

You shrug. “Let’s just get this done.”

“Couldn’t have put it better, Y/N.” Wanda jams her finger down on the play button, and the music starts again. “Off you go!”

~~

Finally, finally (after two hours of private practice and then two hours of class, you might add) the troupe are performing to Wanda’s satisfaction.

“We’re going to kick ass on Saturday!” She tells you all, and you (mostly) believe her. It doesn’t help that Bucky is stood right by your shoulder, looking as though he’s totally at ease there, and you don’t know whether you want to pull him closer or storm out of the room.

You have been talking, though. Normal, if tentative, conversations, that flow easier when you’re separated by a few streets and a good number of walls. He still has classes (and several reports to hand in, a fact which he is not taking very gracefully) keeping him occupied, and you’re staying busy at work. (Although you’re not helped by Nahid and Lola, who listened avidly to the whole saga on Monday morning and are compelled to constantly ask if he’s been texting you). But four hours in his company has pushed all your internal conflict to the forefront of your mind, and it’s making you antsy.

Because, over the past few days, he’s been- well, to use your mum’s old-fashioned phrase, the perfect gentlemen. Ever-considerate, gently humorous, understanding and respectful. You can’t help that suspect Bucky Barnes has begun a campaign to kill you with kindness; and therein lies the whole trouble. A significant portion of you can’t help but being suspicious, resentful, even. Rationally, you know you’re being unfair, but emotionally you’re still a little stuck in those weeks of bloody-minded separation, and it’s dragging you back from opening up once more.

And, although you haven’t explicitly talked about it, he seems to be goddamned understanding about that, as well.

It’s infuriating. But part of you can’t help but luxuriate in his careful consideration.

“Y/N?”

You look around, realising you’ve been so caught up in your thoughts that half the class has already dispersed. Bucky is nearly smiling. “You still there?”

You blink, then sigh. “Yeah. Sorry. Just about, I think.”

“You looked good, you know.” When you raise an eyebrow, he just nods. “Much better than me.”

And that, right there, is what you mean. It’s all this sincerity. It’s going to break you.

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Bucky,” You sigh, and try to wipe the smile off your face.

“Not even to stretching?”

Your groan is basically just routine now; there’s no real feeling behind it. You go through the motions almost willingly whilst the studio packs up around you.

“Alright, get off my floor.” Wanda finally marches up to you, a knowing grin playing around her mouth. “I expect you both to be rested up and fighting fit for the weekend, yeah?”

Bucky, goddamn him, raises his hand in an approximation of a salute. “As you say, lady.”

She snorts, then fixes you with a stare. You roll your eyes and nod. “Yes, Wanda.”

“Good! Now, up!”

You slowly get to your feet and watch as she strides off to turn out the lights. “She’ll calm down once Saturday’s done with.”

“Ah, she has a certain charm,” Bucky snickers, and you swat at his shoulder in retribution.

“Come on, idiot. Let’s get out before she locks us in here.”

“Don’t give me any ideas!” Wanda calls, and you make a dash for your bags as the studio behind you plunges into darkness.

~~

Calm chatter carries the pair of you back home. The weather looks threatening- grey clouds mass overhead- but you arrive at your street still dry, and considerably more relaxed than earlier. Every time Bucky says something to make you laugh, or pushes his hand nervously through his hair, or even just gives you that sidelong smile, you can feel your heart twist and jump in your chest. He’s so close- not physically, there’s two feet of empty air between you, but emotionally…

“Guess I’ll see you on Saturday, then.”

You both pause on the pavement, just out of sight of your flat. You give him a sharp grin. “Keep practicing.”

He rolls his eyes, but nods. “You know, I think Steve’s more excited about it than I am. He’s always coming along to watch me rehearse.”

“Can you get Nat to work with you? Help you pull the partner work together?”

Your question is casual, practical, so when Bucky falls silent, you can’t understand what it is you’ve said. But then he gives you a look that’s almost… shy.

“It wouldn’t be the same.”

The breath whooshes out of you. How can five short words carry so much weight, mean so much more than just the blunt intention? Bucky gives you a wry smile.

“See you on Saturday, doll.”

And, before you can react or step back or move a muscle, he leans forward and brushes a kiss on your cheek. For a moment, he lingers, close, warm.

You swallow. “Don’t push it, Barnes.” You hate how breathy your voice sounds. He snorts.

“Yes, ma’am.” And then he’s gone, and walking away before you can decipher his expression, and you try to ignore the downward lurch of your heart as he expands the distance between you, further and further and further…

Then you give yourself a little shake, and uproot yourself from the pavement. You brought this upon yourself, you tell yourself, sternly, then force yourself to think of anything other than the blue-eyed boy who’s somehow pried his way back into your heart.

AN: I don’t really have anything more to say besides “Thank you” and “You’re awesome”. The 5k monster will be up tomorrow!

Tag List:  @learisa; @vintagesaph; @debzybrazy; @madeofstarsdust; @beingcrushedbysociety; @plumsforbuck2016; @buckybabybaby; @seb-styles; @youtube-obsessed-duh; @casdoesntunderstandthatreference; @sunnycolors; @imthemishamigo; @themarvelousmaximoffs; @blonde0n; @smaug-the-homedog; @gabby913; @sexyashmike; @fuckinxqueenx; @velociraptorinae; @frnkensteingrl; @tattooideasforthefuture; @inlovewithnovels; @ipaintmelodies; @whimsicaldreaming; @olicia-leeshy; @xxamix; @xxblackteabinchxx; @v-ickie; @imnegativetillbepositive; @lilythelionflower; @witchinghour24; @hollycornish; @lucyvaughan-omg-; @thel0stpr1ncess; @kur0k1tsun3-blog; @siobhanrebecca; @thighs0fbetrayal; @ur-an-indiana-boy-sonny; @fungk17; @da363; @sorryidontspeakgrounder-world; @burtheimperium; @fandom-writes; @farawell; @dorisagent101; @ghostwriterfanfics; @avengers–marvel; @the-creative-lie; @ms-brown10; @blackcoffeeandgreenteaforme; @marvelsavengersforever1227; @winchesterforever12; @stomachfilledwithbutterflies; @fictionwillneverdie; @basicwhiskeyprincesss; @tortadigranchio; @supikasia; @moonandstars-xo; @greengrassdiaries; @jiminera; @irreplaceablevogue; @jechloandhyde; @damagelove; @schaart; @satansknittingclub; @scentedcoffeefire; @brooke-supernatural16; @sarahmichelle5; @dreeams-unwind; @damnbuckyishot; @thestuffyouwant; @obliviousheaven; @moist-bread1234; @josiecarlton; @give-me-a-million-dollars-pls; @imyessieakiyama; @brooklyn-to-battlefields; @apolleo; @jadedomega; @marvelrevival; @artistic22dragon; @emolordisme; @butcanipetyourdog; @flowerbunbunny; @sadanddeadsoul; @thefridgeismybestie; @positivelypsychotic; @mackenziesgalaxy; @orbiting-leslie; @water13girl; @inhumans-of-shield

Part 15

[wtvrtheo]

DAN HOWELL - THEO DONOVAN currently is a CAST MEMBER on APPLAUSE on Bridge Broadcasting! I swear, they’re TWENTY THREE and they’ve already done so much within the business. They’re often described as the FACADE by the paparazzi who follows them around, because they’re apparently +COMICAL and -FACETIOUS. Though, that’s just paparazzi talk. Who knows if it’s true? All I know is that they go by HE/HIM and they’re on my favorite show.

hi hello! pris again, and here’s my hot mess of a character theo. not much has changed really so i’m just copying his old intro post below! it’s a long one so honestly bless ur soul if you somehow manage to read it all yikes. here’s his connections page and as per usual, give this a cheeky like if u wanna plot as well and i’ll bother the heck out of you (trigger warning for mentions of suicide attempt, depression, & anxiety)

honestly u dont have to read all of this just scroll to the bullet points at the bottom lskjfs

If Louis C.K. and Bo Burnham breached the laws of biology and birthed a second-rate, screaming son in the town of Reading, Berkshire, that son would be Theo Donovan. In terms of his actual birth, it wasn’t an all too different comparison. As a child, Theo was constantly energized and never seemed to know how to keep quiet or still. While most would coo and find entertainment from this little boy who loved to entertain, it never did sit right with his parents. They were always rigid in behavior and expectation, therefore finding it a great problem when Theo refused to conform to their standards about what a respectable, polite son should be. Now that’s not to say he was ill-mannered; he did most of the things they asked of him and the only times he really did act out was when they butted heads about anything from the tiniest petty fights to large scale arguments that had Theo leaving his house for days to sleep at a friend’s house. Okay, so it was safe to say home life was rocky and maybe that shaky territory eventually led to resent. He had his little sister and that’s really all that mattered.

With the attention unappreciated at home, he surely channeled that energy into time spent at school. Like most people who crave attention, it started with the stage. At a young age, he closely aligned himself with the theatre kids and was able to garner a sizable amount of friends and close peers through that. As time went on however, the stage didn’t feel like enough. Don’t get him wrong, he adored performing and putting on an act for large audiences, but it didn’t turn out to be what he wanted in the long run. Like a miracle, Year 10 brought a revelation he never really considered until he heard an offhanded comment from a friend. Humor was always at Theo’s side. It was his coping mechanism, his best friend, a solid weapon against any adversary he faced. He always figured: if he can joke about it, everything is okay. Paired with his complex of needing to please and entertain, it came as no surprise that Theo was soon known throughout his school years as the class clown, the funny guy. Gone were the days of the crowd laughing at him to jeer and poke fun, now they were laughing at him because he wanted them to. “This bloke, I’m telling ya. He could be a comedian,” they said. And that he became.  

No one was more surprised than Theo to discover that he quickly found success in Berkshire. Yet as his popularity in the U.K. grew, his parents’ distaste for what he was choosing to do with his life grew alongside it. The tension and resentment truly hit its peak when he was 17 - and his ‘career choice’ wasn’t received well because of how traditional and old school his parents were. And as much as he tried to make it seem like he could care less about what they thought, the barrage of doubtful comments that Theo won’t fully make it out of a sea of performers and comedians like him, that fame is fickle and will fade (with the belief that he was inherently wasting his time instead of pursuing something more “practical” - whatever the hell that meant) sooner got to him, and it hit hard. He always seemed to dance with depression and anxiety throughout his adolescence, but the insecurity and the doubt accumulated and had him spiraling in the worst attack that had him waking up in the A&E the next day and admitted for failed suicide attempt. Since that incident, he really tried to get better and vowed to never sink so low again if he could help it. Months later he decided it was time to move, so he hopped on over to London, heard about auditions for Applause, and was now a part of the cast. He couldn’t be happier because it was the perfect fit. He was a theatre kid after all, so being able to step into those shoes once again through improv is exactly where he’s always wanted to be. It’ll be his fourth season on the show.

and some quick bullet points sorry again bc it’s getting hella long aaaaa

despite getting substantially better than he was at 17, he still has a rather macabre sense of humor

like i said he does use humor as a coping mechanism

and it’s even worse because sometimes you can’t tell if it’s him just messing around and never taking anything too seriously or if he’s 100% serious and it’s a cry for help

but really he’s only serious about 12% of the time because he’s fluent in sarcasm and irony

u should also know that he can get pretty overdramatic and Extra as fuck

there are two people in the world: ppl who hate him and ppl who are entertained by his antics; there is nothing in between

he is a meme boi through and through,,, fidget spinners,, getting in on the latest trends,, some1 stop him it’s disgusting

it ain’t no lie baby he’s bi bi bi

nerdy, too

have i mentioned that he has a doggo tho?? a siberian husky named ralph

come to think of it he doesn’t rly have a filter,, he’s wild af

oh- and LOUD. HE SCREAM

beyond that he can get into some deep conversations w u especially when high

speaking of his highdeas are somethin else (we don’t talk about those)

and yeah he’s pretty chaotic but in the rare moments where he’s chilled out and needs to be serious, he can do that

isn’t an asshole. asshat? mayb

as for the horror thing, he’s ur classic white boy tryna get every1 killed tbfh

like he finna be out here playing around with the afterlife like it’s some game and then wonder how someone got possessed i swear slkdjf

i think????? that’s it?? i’m seriously so sorry if u managed to read all of this who r u, u deserve a medal. most wanted again are little worrier, flatmate(s), vices no virtues, fwb, frenemy, and people to fill the bad movie squad slkf (aka they play with ouija boards, do seances, yanno dumb shit that they shouldn’t be doing but are calling it fun). alright, that’s it! lmk if you wanna do the plotting thing

[artificialqueens]

In My Mind 02 (Katlaska) - Miss Sugar Pink

A/N: Thank you very much for your kind words! They really motivated me to write more! I hope you don’t mind a bit of a slow burn. And shoutout to my sister who made this lovely picture for my fic! Thank you!

“The extreme always seems to make an impression.” - Heathers

This will definitely be an interesting story to tell his mother as soon as she calls him tomorrow morning. Oh hey, ma. I’m still in the middle of unpacking my stuff but so far so good. I have a neighbor who watches The Golden Girls all day in full volume like an asshole and my best friend is apparently friends with drag queens who are batshit crazy. But oh, that’s not the best part. I finally met my soulmate. Yeah, he said the exact trashy words that my soulmark has. And he’s absolutely lovely. He was completely hammered and I had to hold his hair while he threw up in the public toilet. It is by far the most romantic first encounter a guy could ever dream of. And did you know people pay him just to watch him get a blowjob onstage?

Okay, now that isn’t fair. Brian knows he isn’t exactly a flawless person himself but really though, is this the kind of first encounter Lady Fate has in store for them?

Fr: Trixie Message: just got home. sent sharon a message about you taking alaska with you but he hasnt replied yet. hows the drama queen?

Brian redirects his stare away from his phone and to the slumbering figure on his bed. He purses his lips at the unwanted turn of events, but what kind of person would he be to leave Alaska by herself in the club when she was being a hysterical sobbing mess? Right after he had assisted her in the comfort room, they went ahead to look for Sharon Needles but she was nowhere to be seen. Even Bri didn’t run into her which didn’t help Alaska’s current state at all; pun intended.

The two Brian’s had no choice but to take her out of the club before she could make a scene.

Alaska had insisted that she didn’t want to go home— that she just wasn’t ready to face Sharon yet. And since Bri kept quiet, obviously having no intention of offering his home, Brian had offered his apartment instead. Alaska was so downright inebriated that she had slept through the entire ride to his building.

The blond man lets out a tired sigh as he leans his shoulder onto the door frame and keys in his reply on his phone.

“Sleeping. Didn’t even take his makeup off. Had to pull his boots off for him.”

“geez, sorry about this. this wasnt supposed to happen.”

“Don’t worry. Nobody asked for it. Any clues on where Sharon might be?”

“not really. i did send him ur address just in case.”

“Do they always fight like this?”

“not usually in public but itll blow over. couples fight all the time.”

Brian’s thumbs hover over the keypad of his screen, the word “couples” stealing his attention longer than he prefers. How much of a dumbfuck is he? How did he not assume that Alaska is dating Sharon even after their lewd performance and that blubbering fit she pulled? There’s a high chance that his very own soulmate possibly doesn’t believe in soulmates and he can’t tell whether he should be worried or relieved.

Alaska looks quite a handful. Very high maintenance. If she doesn’t believe in soulmates, then maybe Brian could easily dodge a bullet here and move on with his life. Maybe even date someone who never had a soulmark at all.

But then again, he’s only met her. And at the wrong time as well. It’s too early for him to make any judgment. He glances up at Alaska again, their ridiculous first encounter resounding over and over in his head. Did she feel anything when she met him? They say people are supposed to feel something once they finally meet their soulmate but upon retracing the incident that took place in the club earlier, it’s really hard to tell whether or not Alaska felt anything at all. She was so engrossed in her argument with Sharon that she didn’t even notice how she nearly crashed into him.

This could be his only chance of finding someone who’s very much compatible with him. But what is he supposed to do? He can’t just break someone else’s relationship just for the sake of his own happiness.

Brian shakes his head and reaches to close the door and give the blonde queen some privacy. He ambles away towards one of the boxes he still has yet to unload and fishes out a toothbrush, still sealed in its pack. He should might as well make Alaska feel at home when she wakes up tomorrow morning. He has no doubt that she will still be a handful during her impending hangover. After neatly placing the toothbrush on the shelf in his bathroom, Brian walks straight for his couch and flings himself onto it with a defeated sigh.

LA has him fucked.

–

Waking up in full makeup is never fun.

Justin groans and moves to his side, refusing to open his eyes despite being fully conscious now. He could feel the thick foundation still clinging to his skin and refusing to let his face breathe. His mouth feels dry and sticky from probably sleeping with his mouth open. The familiar sensation of a hangover hits him right away and he lets out another groan, feeling as though his entire brain is bloating and aching under his skull.

He stretches his arm to wake Aaron up. He could really use some soup right now and nobody does it better than Aaron.

But when his hand reaches nothing but an empty space, he raises his eyelids that feel far too fucking heavy only to be welcomed by the sight of a very unfamiliar room. Alarmed, Justin sits straight up and a wave of nausea doubles the pain in his head. He bites back a groan and holds his head, his eyes taking a sluggish gander of his surroundings.

The blue curtains have been thankfully slid closed to keep any of the bright sunlight away from streaming into the room. Boxes are scattered everywhere, some have been opened while some are still sealed shut.

What happened last night?

Shit, did he cheat on Aaron?

Justin immediately looks down at himself and is relieved to see that he’s still fully dressed. His outfit leaves little to the imagination though so maybe he did have someone fuck him last night without having to de-drag. Panic rises within him. Frantically, he looks around and finds his bag settled neatly on the bedside table. He wastes no more time in grabbing it and taking his phone out.

No new messages.

Not a single one from Aaron.

That can’t be a good sign.

Whoever he’s slept with must have gone out for now. That’s good. He needs some time to think.

“Ah, shit…!” He hisses from the cracking headache splitting his brain, the lingering taste of vomit and vodka in his mouth making him feel even more nauseous than he was mere seconds ago. He needs the bathroom. Carefully, Justin lifts himself up from the mattress (which lacks any bedcovers much to his discomfort) and heads for one of the boxes that has the word “Clothes #3” labeled on it, grabbing the biggest shirt he could find along with a pair of sweatpants before making his way out of the room. He takes a fleeting inspection of the place and finds the only door that obviously doesn’t lead to the outside. With as much haste as his dispirited body could give him, he hurries to the bathroom and shuts the door behind him.

The light that furnishes the room once he turned it on comes off too radiant and blinding for the drag queen and he squeezes his eyes shut. Slowly, he blinks them back open and rubs his face, not really giving a damn anymore if he’s smeared his makeup or not.

The shower lacks a curtain but the place looks clean. Thank god.

Justin strides to the sink and grimaces at the sight of his own reflection in the mirror. Every single cosmetic he had oh-so-carefully painted on his face last night has been smeared and smudged sloppily. His now flimsy blonde wig is hanging for its dear life far back over his head, the bobby pins keeping it attached. His skin looks stiff and greasy and his body feels jaded with burden and exhaustion despite just waking up from his slumber. His bloodshot eyes glaze over monotonously and for a moment, he forgets where he is or what he’s supposed to be doing.

But then he shakes himself back to reality.

“Wake the fuck up.” He pats his cheeks several times. He stares at himself in the mirror once again before reaching up to yank his wig off and toss it carelessly to the empty bathtub. He pulls open the medicine cabinet and conveniently finds an untouched toothbrush still secured in its package and a small container of petroleum jelly.

Not exactly the most advisable thing to use for removing makeup but it will have to do.

–

Brian wakes up by the abrupt sound of the bathroom door being shut closed a bit louder than it should. He blinks the drowsiness away and sits up, trying to remember where he is. His could feel his back aching from the couch’s lumpy material but that’s the least of his worries. Remembering why he’s even sleeping in the living room in the first place, his attention shoots straight to the bathroom where he could assume Alaska has gone to.

Right, the impending hangover.

He drags his hand over his face in an attempt to wake himself up more. Regardless of offering his apartment to the tall drag queen, he didn’t really exchange much words with her last night so just picturing the uncomfortable tension that will be hovering above them later brings an alarming feeling of dread within him.

While he’s not someone who constantly dreams of meeting his soulmate, he would still very much prefer the clichéd ‘we bumped into each other in this really exciting cereal convention because we both share an everlasting respect and devotion for Cinnamon Toast Crunch only to realize that it’s a convention for serial killers and now we have to work together to survive and live happily ever after, forever traumatized’.

But Lady Fate has a twisted sense of humor so he will just have to put up with this direction.

The sound of the faucet being used in the bathroom brings him back to the matter at hand and he stands up, stretching his arms and sighing upon feeling and hearing the right cracks of his muscles. He walks to the kitchen sink to wash his face, hoping that would be enough to fully wake himself up. After washing and drying up, he looks around and scratches his head.

What does one usually do to ease their hangover?

Brian never liked alcohol and he’s only had a hangover once. But even then, he just slept through the entire day so he couldn’t even recall how it felt.

At helpless times like this, there’s only one person he could rely on who would never let him down.

‘Hangover remedies yahoo answers’ Brian taps into the Google search bar of his phone. But just as he’s about to check the very first result, he hears the bathroom door swinging open and he instinctively stands straighter in anticipation.

But the person stepping out of the bathroom isn’t Alaska.

And for a second, Brian is taken aback and just stares at the tall dark-haired boy walking out of his bathroom with a sluggish flow. All traces of the dramatic intoxicated blonde queen from last night has been erased and replaced by a pale skinny stranger with endearing droopy lids and his short dark brown hair disheveled in an attractive mess. Brian realizes he isn’t as tall as he thought he was but still undoubtedly maintains a few good inches over him. He’s wearing Brian’s clothes but has his own stuff in his grip.

Brian didn’t think he’d be this cute out of drag.

Fuck.

“O-Oh…” Is all he could say, his mind frantically searching for something better to say but coming out blank.

As though only noticing his presence, the guy looks at him and nearly jumps in surprise. “Oh my god, you scared me…!”

Brian offers an awkward smile, his hand coming up to rub the back of his neck. “Sorry. I just, uh, forgot that there’s an actual man underneath the whole Alaska glamor. Some of the most beautiful women in the world have gigantic penises after all, am I right?” He drives for a joke but the brunet just stares at him, further plunging them deeper into this suffocating whirlwind of tension— or maybe it’s the joke. It looks like his humor just doesn’t tickle the fancy anymore.

“That’s… a good one.” Surprisingly enough, the tone of his guest’s voice isn’t laced with sarcasm. If anything, he looks contemplative of what he said. “I’m Justin, by the way.”

“Brian.” Brian introduces himself a little bit too quickly than he would have preferred but it’s too late now. “Erm… how are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been fucked gently with a chainsaw.” Justin plods down over to the counter to settle his things there as though he’s at his own home.

Brian stands stiffly from the other side of the counter but a small smile of realization stretches his lips. “Heathers reference?”

It looks like it’s taking a lot of effort for Justin to smile back. “You have good taste.”

It makes no sense how a simple statement could make Brian this fucking giddy like he’s back in high school. He’s a grown man for Barbara’s sake. He feels ridiculous. “I was just kinda looking up the remedies for a hangover.” He waves his phone for emphasis. “I don’t really drink so I’m not entirely sure what to do to help you with—”

“Do you have any cans of PBR?” Justin asks as he tinkers with the strands of his wig, seemingly distracted. He doesn’t seem to be listening at all.

Brian blinks. “PBR?”

“Pabst Blue Ribbon. Beer. Or any alcohol really. It helps numb the hangover away.”

Brian couldn’t help but frown at the supposed quick fix Justin has in mind. That doesn’t sound right. Isn’t alcohol the main cause of a hangover? So why drink more?

“I have coffee.” He suggests a bit hopefully. “Water. Pain-killers.”

“So… no beer?”

Brian shakes his head. “Nope.”

Justin grows quiet and Brian bites the inside of his cheek. Maybe he should start keeping beer in his fridge just in case his guests are into that. Coming off as a killjoy or a stick in the mud is the last thing he wants. He’s in Los Angeles now. It’s time for him to try and blend in if he wants to survive. Anxiously, he taps his fingers on the counter as he tries to think of something else to say. Justin still looks very distracted and doesn’t seem to have any intentions of breaking the silence.

Brian decides to take the step. “So do you want—”

“Did we–”

They both quickly pause their words.

Great, as if it couldn’t get any more awkward than this.

“You go first.” Brian nods to him but Justin shakes his head.

“No, you go first.”

“Don’t worry, my question wasn’t important.”

“I already forgot what I was about to say anyway.”

“Really?”

“I think so.”

“Are you sure?”

“Maybe.”

Brian is pretty much screaming in his head at this point. When he thought Justin was going to be a handful in the morning, he was clearly underestimating him. To a degree, he could now see where Sharon’s frustration is coming from. He flinches at the vibration of his phone and he looks down to find a new text message from Bri.

Saved by the devil.

“Let me just get this.” He excuses himself as he turns his back to the brunet.

‘aaron just replied. said he’ll come pick marie antoinette up in an hour.’

His phone vibrates again.

‘and by aaron, i meant sharon in case you havent figured that out yet, sherlock. ;p’

“What happened last night?” Justin’s voice yanks his attention away from his phone and Brian whips around to face him, his brows raised in genuine surprise. Justin stares back at him, looking like he’s trying his very best to stay awake. “Sorry, my head just hurts so much so trying to remember everything last night is a struggle right now.”

“Umm…” Brian looks around for now before opening one of the cabinets and grabbing a glass. He fills it up with water and hands it to Justin. “Here, drink this first. It’ll make you feel better.”

Justin doesn’t look convinced but does so anyway.

“As for your question…” Brian taps his fingers on the counter again. “…you kinda got into a fight with Sharon Needles.”

“Yeah, I got that.” Justin says patiently after setting his glass down. “And after that?”

Brian shrugs. “Sharon stormed off and you… err, started crying.”

Justin shows no reaction. “And?”

“You dragged me into the comfort room because you felt sick. You threw up and I helped you. After that, we couldn’t find Sharon anywhere and you didn’t want to go home. So… here we are.”

Justin goes quiet again and honestly, it isn’t helping the anxiety that’s rising up Brian’s throat at all. It’s hard to distinguish the gears shifting behind those dark droopy eyes. “Brian…” The taller male begins with a pensive pursing of his lips. “You’re not… Trixie’s friend, are you?”

Trixie’s mentioned him? “Yeah, that’s me.” Brian quickly nods.

“No way. Oh my god…” Justin lets out a long groan as he rests his elbows on the counter and buries his face in his hands. “I am so fucking humiliated now. You shouldn’t have seen that. I’m so sorry. We were such a goddamn mess last night. I should have known better than to rile Sharon up but I did it anyway and–”

“Hey, hey, it’s fine.” Brian tries to give him a reassuring smile. He’s all too familiar with the way Justin is blabbering right now. It’s the exact same thing he does whenever he’s thoroughly ashamed or freaked out over something he wishes he has never done in the first place. He would apologize profusely that it would tend to annoy most people but he couldn’t help it. It’s how he is. “We’ve all had bad nights. Don’t beat yourself up over it.”

“Brian must hate me now.” Justin’s voice is muffled against his hands. “And I mean, the other Brian.”

Well, Brian can’t speak on behalf of Bri. His friend has been calling Justin a ‘drama queen’ since last night. Marie Antoinette isn’t any better either. But then again, he had spoken highly of Alaska before all this shit happened so maybe he’s just pissed at how things have stacked up.

“He’s not the type to hold grudges so you’ll be fine.” Brian reassures his guest. “Besides, he just sent me a message and said that Aaron will be here to pick you up in an hour.”

“Oh… okay.”

Brian is surprised by the lack of relief in Justin’s tone, but he could only safely assume that perhaps Justin still isn’t ready to face his boyfriend yet.

“Do you…” He begins uncertainly. “…want me to like… tell him to pick you up later?”

Justin looks at him, seemingly confused. “Why would you do that?”

“I-I don’t know.” Brian shifts his eyes away and runs his fingers through his short blond hair. “I just– I don’t– ugh, fuck. I just really don’t know what to do or say right now. This is the first time I’ve had a stranger in my place. Honestly speaking, I’m not really keen on talking to strangers at all unless I’m getting paid for it. I guess you could say I’m not much of a people-person.”

Now a look of incredulity graces Justin’s features which— Brian has only come to realize— are softer than his. “Unless you’re getting paid for it?” The taller man repeats, his brows knitted in a frown.

Brian just stares back at him.

Until he realizes he just laid out a fucking private detail about his life to a total stranger. And not just any stranger, his goddamn soulmate.

“You’re an escort?” Justin pries.

Brian could feel a trickle of sweat running down his back. It’s too early for him to be perspiring but being put on the spot is never a convenient position for him to be in. And he sweats easily so that’s a wretched bonus. First impressions last after all and based on where this conversation is going, all he could estimate is that he’s coming off as a stuttering killjoy who sells his body because he couldn’t get a decent job. The latter isn’t exactly close to the accuracy of his lifestyle though. Being an escort is more of a choice, not an essential to his financial status.

“Y-Yes…?” He tries with a slight cringe. “But you know, drag is like my actual job. Being an escort is just… you know, whatever.” He ends it with a shrug that should have gone off as a casual one but it ends up being a bit stiff and twitchy.

Justin nods thoughtfully but doesn’t say anything else about the matter much to Brian’s appreciation. He’s awfully quiet and reserved compared to the whimsical and lewd Alaska he had portrayed last night. It pretty much broke the illusion to Brian but he couldn’t find it in himself to like him any less.

“Well anyway,” Justin sighs after taking another desperate-sounding sip from his glass. “thank you for taking care of me. And I really am sorry about all this. To make it up to you, why don’t you and other Brian come over to our place this Saturday night? Aaron and I will make you something nice for dinner. Or maybe we’ll just order takeout. It depends.”

“Oh, I don’t want to be a bother—”

“Bitch you can’t be any more of a bother than I have been to you.” This time, a light good-natured smile tugs the corners of Justin’s lips. “We’ve never invited Brian to our place before so it’ll be fun. Like a cozy double date.”

A double date?

Brian flushes at the implication. “Bri and I aren’t dating if that’s what you think.”

Justin laughs and the sound does embarrassing tingles and flickers in Brian’s chest. “You think I didn’t know about you asking him for nudes?”

Oh! That’s fantastic! Brian makes a mental note to add Bri to his list of future murder victims.

“Well excuse me for living free. I thought I was in America.” He jokes in his infamous British accent and Justin laughs some more. Okay, maybe his humiliation is somewhat worth it at the moment. At least Justin isn’t keeping to himself anymore. “But fine, I’ll admit that I did have a crush on Bri once. I never really kept that as a secret from him. He doesn’t see me that way though and that was centuries ago soooo, I’ve moved on.”

“That’s what they all say.” Justin says with a lethargic grin. “I’m willing to play Cupid, you know. I love setting people up.”

The irony of this situation must be so entertaining to Lady Fate.

“I don’t think there’s anything you can do that would make Bri see me as anything more than a friend.” Brian chuckles in disbelief at the thought of Bri being actually attracted to him. First of all, Bri doesn’t want to date anyone who smokes and Brian doesn’t plan on stopping his smoking habits anytime soon. And another thing, Bri wouldn’t shut up about their 8-year age gap and constantly brags about how nice it is to be young as if Brian never went through his age.

“So yeah, you don’t have to.” He tries but Justin shakes his head.

“There’s no need to be so humble about it. I’ll see what I can do.” He then takes his things back to his arms. “It’ll be a stress-free night so relax.” He stops for a second before asking. “Do you do coke?”

Brian blinks. “I’m more of a Red Bull kind of guy.”

Justin offers him a look of what it seems to be a combination of bewilderment and disbelief for a second or two before it melts into another laugh. Brian doesn’t really know what it is that he finds funny but he smiles back anyway. He could just watch him laugh and smile all day for all he cares. Justin shakes his head and lets out a pleased sigh.

“You’re cute, Brian.”

Whatever his words were after that just went flying over Brian’s head because the first ones are what froze him on his spot.

Justin thinks he’s cute.

He finds him cute.

‘Cute’ isn’t the exactly the first impression he’s going for but fuck, he’ll take it.

Now he really is a schoolboy bitch.

A knock on the door yanks him back to reality and Brian realizes that Justin has gone back to his bedroom; probably to get his things. Another knock ensues and he doesn’t waste any more time standing around. He hurries over to the door and pulls it open without checking who it is.

Standing just from the other side is some bespectacled blond dude Brian has never seen before. There are faded traces of smudged eyeliner over both of his lower lash lines and his brows have been shaved off. He looks restless and strangely surprised by Brian which doesn’t make sense since he’s been knocking on the door. What else did he think is going to happen?

“Can I help you?” Brian asks politely anyway.

The stranger eyes him up and down, the look of discomfort now edging away as a smile graces his lips. “Are you Brian?”

“Yeah…?”

“It’s me, Sharon Needles. Or Aaron if you want to be casual.”

Oh. Damn. Could have fooled him.

He sort of pictured Sharon Needles to be the gothy kind of person outside of his drag. The person standing before him now is far from what he had imagined. Aside from the smudged eyeliner which he had evidently failed to completely wipe off, Aaron looks so clean and… bookish with those thick frames, a white sleeveless The Simpsons shirt, a pair of old jeans, and sneakers. There’s a welcoming softness in his eyes and he’s not ghostly white either. His skin has a pinkish glow, making him more human than the queen he portrays.

“Is Justin there?” Aaron asks, trying to peek over Brian’s shoulder.

“Oh yeah, yeah, totally.” Brian steps aside and pulls the door further open. “He’s just getting his things. I thought you were gonna be here in like half an hour.”

“Yeah, funny thing about that.” Aaron smiles at him, scratching his cheek as he takes a step into the apartment. “We actually only live next door.” He juts his thumb over to the wall beside him and Brian’s eyes follow the direction.

His jaw goes slack for a second.

“Seriously?”

“I’m serious!” Aaron lets out a light laugh. “What are the odds of that, am I right?”

Brian just stares at the wall, dumbfounded.

Are you there, Lady Fate? It’s me, Brian.

Fuck you.

–

Brian seems like a pretty fidgety guy, Justin thinks. He clearly isn’t comfortable with any kind of silence at all. Justin wouldn’t have minded just lounging in his living room without the unnecessary small talk until he finds the courage to call Aaron but Brian looks so perpetually anxious that he couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for the guy. At least he now knows he didn’t sleep with him. None of this would have happened if he had listened to Aaron last night and accepted the fact that he was just being paranoid.

Remembering Aaron, Justin draws in a sharp breath and lets it out before bending down to pick up his boots that have been neatly placed beside the bed. It’s already a given that he’s the one who’s supposed to apologize first no matter how much he would prefer not to. The only way anybody could make Aaron apologize first is by holding their cat, Cerrone, hostage.

Justin hugs his things close to his chest and slides his eyes closed, his head still aching.

He hates fighting with Aaron.

He hates how determined they both are just to prove their point.

He hates how he’s always the first one to raise his voice.

He hates how Aaron would walk out in the middle of an argument.

He just hates what’s happening to them and so far, he hasn’t been doing anything to make things better. He just… lets it happen. He’s watching their relationship crumble right before his eyes. Everything was just so simple back then. He misses waking up in the morning to Aaron planting kisses all over his face. He misses tugging him to bed in the dead of the night whenever the blond would find himself too fixated on his designs. He misses the way Aaron kisses his cheek at the most unexpected times, especially when he’s in a very cheerful mood.

But now, all they do is yell at each other and when they’re not doing that, they would be walking on eggshells just to avoid a fight that will most likely burst out of nowhere.

Justin knows he’s at fault here. He’s too emotional. He lets things affect him too easily. While his boyfriend is attractively sure of himself, Justin is still in his little corner of self-doubt and paranoia. And he’s just dragging Aaron down with him.

So why is Aaron still putting up with him?

Because he loves me, Justin mentally assures himself. And I love him.

And just like that, the familiar light feeling of home swells in his chest and he opens his eyes.

He needs to makes things right again. He loves Aaron. God, he loves him so much that the thought of losing him is completely unimaginable. There’s no one else out there for him but that gorgeous and insane genius.

Suddenly hearing voices from the outside of the bedroom, Justin briskly grabs his bag and shoves his clothes and his wig inside before peeking out just in time to find Brian closing the front door. Aaron is standing nearby, his eyes wandering around the apartment until they settle on him. The moment their gazes lock, Justin is immediately engaged in a trance. Just seeing him again after their fight last night makes him want to run to his arms, give his own ego a big ‘fuck you’ and apologize for everything— promise him that he won’t be a hysterical brat anymore.

Then Aaron smiles at him.

And Justin is more certain than before that he’s fallen so fucking hard.

“I’m so sorry about last night.” He finally says in that usual embarrassed tone he adopts whenever he apologizes.

Aaron laughs and walks up to him, his hand coming up to tug him out of the bedroom. Much to Justin’s surprise, the blond gives him a soft kiss on the lips. “I should be sorry. I shouldn’t have left you alone there. That was really shitty of me.”

“But I ruined the night.”

“You weren’t feeling well, baby. Many people might refuse to believe it, but you’re only human.”

Justin fights back the impulse to cry at how understanding Aaron is being right now. Their fights don’t normally end like this. It had always been fight, fight, fight, apologize, fuck, then fight some more. Maybe Aaron realized how often they’ve been yelling at each other recently and is determined to makes things right as well. If that’s the case, then perhaps they can do this together and everything will be back to normal.

“I love you so much.” Justin couldn’t stop himself from saying as he drops his things on the floor and pulls his boyfriend closer for another kiss. He feels Aaron’s lips curving to a smile against his and his hands resting over both sides of his waist. He really misses this— the kisses that actually mean something and not brought out just because they’re getting frisky in the bedroom. His heart flickers and his skin tingles, utterly intoxicated by their kiss.

Until the spell was broken by a single voice.

“Get a room, you two.” Brian’s voice tears them both away from their much needed contact and Justin looks up to find Brian still standing near the front door. “No seriously, your room is like literally next door.” He adds with a light-humored smile creeping up his lips as he juts his thumb to the right.

Aaron grins. “Whoops, sorry. Almost gave you a free show there. That wouldn’t be fair to those who actually pay to watch us.” He then bends down to pick Justin’s things up.

Justin, on the other hand, is somewhat flustered at how Brian just witnessed a moment of theirs. “Sorry, Brian.” But after digesting his new friend’s words more, he furrows his brows in confusion and looks at Aaron. “What did he mean by our room being literally next door?”

“We live next door.” Aaron points out.

Justin’s eyes widen in genuine surprise. “Really?” He exclaims in a pitch higher than his usual voice, accidentally letting out some of his Alaska persona in his reaction. He directs his gaze at Brian who nods at him in confirmation. Now Justin feels like an idiot. He shifts his eyes to the wall with a troubled pout. “The walls are so thin though… “

Brian is quick to pick up on his insinuation and chuckles awkwardly. “Oh my god…” 

Aaron laughs as he takes Justin’s wrist and tugs him to the front door before pausing near Brian. “Don’t worry, darling. Our noises are actually very sexy so feel free to jack off to our sounds whenever you want.”

Humiliated heat rushes up Justin’s cheeks as he quickly slaps Aaron’s arm. “You’re so damn lewd.”

“Oh I’ll definitely rub my nipples until I get these bad boys to lactate.” Brian snickers and Aaron hoots at that.

“You two are a mess.” Justin shakes his head, but he could feel an amused smile stretching his lips. He reaches for the doorknob and pulls the door open before hurriedly nudging his boyfriend out, not wanting to be any more of a bother to Brian.

“Ow, so handsy.” He hears Aaron mutter but Justin pays him no mind as he turns to face Brian.

“I’m so sorry again for the inconvenience. Let me know if you’re still up for Saturday night.”

Brian stands by the door and smiles at him. He really has a nice smile, Justin finds.

“Yeah, I’ll think about it. Take care.”

“You too.”

[footballleague0]

How do the Packers put the loss behind them?

Hi everybody. Thanks for logging on. Week 3, here we go. Let’s get to it.

Comment From Tom

Mike, why does this chat need a sponsor?

It doesn’t need one, but we’re glad to have one.

Comment From Guest

Martellus Bennett dropped a number of passes against Atlanta. Are you concerned about his part in the offense going forward?

I’m not sure Bennett is fully comfortable in this offense yet. I mentioned in Inbox this morning it took until Week 3 last year for Cook to start making things happen, and then unfortunately he got hurt. I think it’s coming with Marty.

Comment From Jeff P.

We’re on to Cincinnati… Love it. Can only pull that out every couple years

Once every 4, to be exact.

Comment From Nathan

Hi Mike! It’s way too early in the season to be doing this, but which player would you most like to see healthy on Sunday?

I think I’d like to have either Bakhtiari or Bulaga healthy if the Packers can’t have both. We know Spriggs is out multiple weeks, and playing McCray out of position is a tough deal. I’d like to see at least one of the tackles back out there this week, if I had my druthers.

Comment From Dean

Mike, when the Packers ‘work out’ a player, what does that entail?

Taking a prospect through some drills and conditioning workouts, kind of like a combine-style thing. They do it regularly, most of the time on Tuesdays. They’re constantly keeping and updating files on players they might want to sign later to the roster or practice squad.

Comment From Lori

What are your biggest concerns as the Pack faces the Bengals? Is confidence lacking?

I don’t sense any lack of confidence. With the Bengals, A.J. Green and Geno Atkins are the keys, one on each side of the ball. Don’t let either have a big day. That’s where I start.

Comment From Willie

The Bengals had extra time to prepare for the Packers. Do you see that as an advantage for them?

There’s always an advantage to extra rest. The Bengals are 0-2 out of the gate and have had extra time to think about getting their season back on track. I expect to see a highly motivated opponent on Sunday.

Comment From Ethan

FYI, the website showed the chat starting at 10am, but when you clicked on the page it said starting at 11am. Not sure if that’s happened last 2 weeks as I missed those chats.

Yeah, sorry about that. Last week I had to go at 10 a.m., and then it was going to be the same this week but I was able to change it back to 11. The media schedule for today changed late yesterday, so bear with me.

Comment From Ray L

Let’s get this one out early. Any injury updates?

Sgt. Schultz, right? I know nothing.

Comment From Joe

Do you think the “Nitro” package is just a gimmick defense that most OC’s will catch up to it quickly?

It’s not a gimmick. It’s a personnel package based on the offense’s personnel. If the O goes heavy run formation, the Packers won’t be in nitro, and if out of regular personnel they can run the ball down Green Bay’s throat, the Packers would have to adjust from nitro.

Comment From Guest

Do you think Patriots and Cowboys nations get as upset about loss one as Packers’ nation does?

I would imagine so. That’s the nature of it. Everyone gets all jacked up for the one game per week, and losses are disappointing. Other teams are better sometimes.

Comment From Matthew

Mike, thanks for your take on the replay system in this morning’s Insider Inbox. I wholeheartedly agree. Taking it one step further, it would be great if the replay official had no prior knowledge of the call on the field (if possible).

Interesting thought, but even that wouldn’t be necessary if they just changed the “indisputable” language of the rule. I’ve heard from many that disagree with my take because this is finally a rule that favors the defense. I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as trying to get the call right as often as possible.

Comment From Jerry Erie, Pa.

Rodgers has never beaten the Bengals yet. Is this weekend the time?

It better be. Packers can’t let this one get away.

Comment From Bruce

Mike, Two part question. Is this a critical year (#3) for Rollins and Randall as far as remaining on the Packers’ roster? SEcondly, how would you rate the Packers over the last several years as far as hitting on top draft choices (rounds 1-3)?

I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily critical for them remaining on the roster, because they’ll have one year left on their rookie contracts after this year. But their performances this year will determine the future path/decisions in free agency, draft, etc., at their position going forward.

Comment From Sean_C

Mike, I couldn’t help but be annoyed/aggravated when we were marching down the field in the 4th and the ATL defender “went down” with an injury. They were tired and on their heels. Is there not any rule or penalty for that? that seemed like a good cheap way to get a break for ur guys and get some subs in.

It happens all the time. I’m not really sure what anyone can do about it.

Comment From Willie

I disagree with you replay take this morning. The Falcons mobbed Rodgers and he got rid of the ball. Protect Rodgers and that play does not happen. Can we still get along even though we may disagree?

Sure. Even Rodgers admitted he needs to get the ball out quicker. The linemen were all cut blocking to get their defenders on the ground. That means the play was designed to be a quick throw. He can’t hold it like that and set himself up for the big hit.

Comment From Joe

Mike, I haven’t like the rub play since it first came into the West Coast Offense. It gives an unfair advantage to the receivers. Band it for good.

I hate those plays, too. This isn’t basketball.

Comment From Ray L

Looked like Rodgers had someone over the middle on the fumble play if he got it out quicker. Did you see that?

I did not, but I can take a look at the film later.

Comment From Linda P

Mike, If the Falcons are the best in the NFC at this point..early as it is, are the Pats the best in the AFC? Steelers and Bronco’s looked good.

Chiefs are right there, too. I think the AFC is harder to call right now, but I don’t think anyone in the NFC is as good as the Falcons … right now.

Comment From Ben

Will the referees hear from the league about the calls made in the game? Not to perseverate on last week — just curious in general. League wide, no one seems to be happy with the referees.

Teams send in plays to be reviewed all the time. It’s part of the process.

Comment From Dean

Mike if you had a chance to be a fly on the wall in the Packers draft room, would you? And of the last 5 drafts or so which year would you have liked to listen in?

I would love to do that sometime, and I requested it years ago, but no one was ever too keen on the idea.

Comment From Richard

I’m getting tired of everyone bashing the defense over Sunday night’s performance. the problem was that they got no help from the offense like they did against Seattle. Don’t you agree?

They didn’t get much help from the offense against Seattle either. 17 points, with a 6-yard TD drive after a turnover. I look for GB’s offense to hit its stride at home this week.

Comment From Jeff in Idaho

Hello Mike, 25 years ago Favre comes off the bench to win the game and life as a Packer fan has not been the same. I remember the day like it was yesterday.

I was playing in a college golf tournament and came into the clubhouse after my round to see the dramatics in the fourth quarter. I’ll never forget it either, even though at the time I didn’t really know what I was watching.

Comment From JD

I had a lot of respect for the work the backup tackles did on Sunday night. For anyone unhappy with their effort, go back and watch the Giants on Monday night. This is one of the reasons I believe Campen is a great coach. His players are always ready to give it a go and know what is expected.

I give Murphy and McCray a ton of credit for what they did, and you’re right, Campen deserves props too.

Comment From Mark

Mike, it seems the Packer’s injuries occur most on some type of artificial turf. With all the talk about player safety, is it time to make all surfaces uniform?

How can you? Several stadiums are indoors, where you can’t grow grass, and the outdoor teams with grass won’t want to switch.

Comment From Joe

Is Ty averaging over a 100 yards total offense per game? 1600 total yards is good for any back in the league.Isn’t it?

That would be a heck of a year, but the Packers need to sub for Montgomery more if they want him to last, and be effective, all the way through the season. McCarthy knows he can’t have this type of workload for 16 games.

Comment From Dennis

Were you as impressed as I was by the silence from the crowd in the 4th quarter? If the Falcons are the best team in the NFC, we were hot on their heels with an injured roster and their defense was gassed. If we can keep closer earlier, we can beat them.

To be honest, the place was emptying out. I hear traffic is awful in Atlanta, plus it was a night game, and with the score what it was … a lot of folks didn’t stick around.

Comment From Joe

Cook was a better fit for the Pack then Bennett but with the problems they now have at the Tackles sure nice to see him block.

Bennett is a very effective blocker, one of the better blocking TEs McCarthy has had, I think.

Comment From Razer

Given that injuries are inevitable, do you think we have enough depth on the D-Line?

Everybody would love to have more depth everywhere, but you only get 53 roster spots, and 46 on game day. No team can account for every scenario.

Comment From Ray N

Before we get too concerned about the Lions, consider the team they beat on Sunday night. The Giants’ O-line is epically bad, Manning is an aging increasingly immobile QB, and the G-men have not scored more than 20 points in 8 straight games. The Lions have improved but, before the start of the season, the Giants were arguably the most overrated team in the League …

I don’t follow the Giants closely, but it seemed their O-line was an issue last year, and I’m not sure what they did to address it. They didn’t add any dynamic running backs to help Eli, either. McAdoo will figure out a way to get it going, but for an 11-win team last year, they’re off to a really rough start.

Comment From Ben

Do you read other journalists’ articles about the Packers, or do you keep your head clear of all the other opinions?

I read a lot of other coverage of the team online. Other writers on this beat do a lot of good work and I appreciate the chance to learn things I might not have thought of on my own.

Comment From Picard90

I just finished reading the article on the interview with Eddie Lacy at ESPN, it’s really heartbreaking to see trolls piling on him for his struggles with weight. We need to remind ourselves that football players are human beings, too. I wish him the best of luck in his NFL journey. Now, I’m excited to see what our 3 rookie RBs bring to the table. I think Williams and Jones are off to a good start, do you agree?

I read the Lacy piece, too, and while it’s sad the way people attack others on social media, Lacy could just shut it all out, too. To each his own. As I said before with Monty’s workload, I think we’ll see more of Williams this week.

Comment From PAPackersFan

Just ONCE, I’d like to see us play Atlanta with a healthy roster. Start 2 O-linemen short, and then lose your best D-lineman and 2 WRs….. sheesh

Yeah, it was tough to hear 90 minutes before kickoff that both tackles were out. I wasn’t expecting that. Then losing Daniels and Nelson in the first quarter just piled on. Maybe next time GB can finally be healthy against them.

Comment From Jim_flat

Do you think the fact that there is a game next Thursday it will effect what injured players play Sunday?

I don’t think so, in the sense that if a player is cleared medically, I think he plays. How quickly he can bounce back to play again might be another matter.

Comment From Don H

I’m not worried. One game is not a trend. String together three sub-standard performances then we have trend to worry about. The game against CIN will go a long way toward defining the first quarter of the season …

With two home games coming up, Packers have to hit the quarter pole at 3-1.

Comment From Nathan

Who is Andy Dalton now? The guy who was a byword for mediocrity early in his career, or the one who was playing at a Pro Bowl level a couple years ago?

Hard to say. He’s won his share of games in this league. He didn’t suddenly forget how to play QB, and he’s got a dynamic target in Green Bay. I guess we’ll find out more Sunday.

Comment From JD

Kind of surprised that Jones got so many reps after Brice went down. With the way Evans performed in the preseason were you surprised and is this a result of his draft round or do you think he’s really surpassed Evans at this early point in the season?

I felt Jones was ahead of Evans on the safety depth chart, so I wasn’t surprised. I think we could be seeing more of Jones.

Comment From Ethan

Any chance we could ever get Mike and Wes in the chat? Or Wes has more important things to be doing, like stealing your lunch maybe?

haha

Comment From Rodney

Do you think we get to see King go one-on-one with Green this weekend?

At times, maybe, but I’m also looking to keep a safety over the top of Green and try to single-up on the other guys more often.

Comment From Ben

Hi Mike, what will the Packers have to do to put that loss behind them?

Win on Sunday. That’s it, that’s all.

Comment From Matt W

Do you think the Packers D keeps the Bengals out of the end zone for the 3rd straight week?

That would really get the wolves howling in Cincinnati. I think the Packers could do it, but just get the win, whatever it takes.

Comment From Joe

I’m sorry I see Sunday as a typical “trap game”

I’d actually think that if the Packers were 2-0 right now, not coming off a loss.

Comment From Matt W

Mike can you handle 2 post game Insider Inboxes next week? At least they are both home games.

It makes for late nights/early mornings, however I decide to do it, but I’ll do my best.

Comment From Joe

They were coming off loses last year when Indy came to town.

Right, and then they allowed a 99-yard kickoff return TD to start the game. So not doing that would be a great start to this one.

Comment From Jeff P.

This will be the Bengals first game with a new OC, do you think it will be feast or famine? Also how hot is Marvin Lewis’ seat? To me it seems like Bengals fans have wanted him gone for some time now?

The playoff record has hung over Lewis for along time, and if the decision on the OC doesn’t pan out, his seat will get hotter. But Lewis is a heck of a coach and he’ll remain in the NFL for a while yet, I imagine.

Comment From Kevin

Hi Spoff, thanks for the chat today. I was predicting before the season started that we’d be seeing Ty in an almost equal share of the RB touches with Williams. Do you think that will come to pass at some point, or was I just wrong again?

Montgomery is going to continue to be the main guy, but I expect a greater division of labor with Williams from here on.

Comment From George

I was pleasantly surprised with the play of King at CB… Going into this game I wasn’t all that high on the kid.

The Packers drafted him 33rd for a reason. There’s no doubting all his athletic talent. It’s too bad he had to miss almost the whole offseason program, but he’s clearly settling in now.

Comment From Dean

I’m hoping to see more of Jones in the Nitro at linebacker with Burnett back. Seems like Jones size and aggressiveness and Burnett’s experience would work well in that alignment.

I’m curious to see what the decisions are in that regard.

Comment From Linda P

Mike, Seems Like McAdo is on the hot seat. I read an article that said he is the worst head coach in the league. You know him. What do you think?

The worst? C’mon. The guy reached the playoffs last year in his first season at the helm. Beat a 13-3 Cowboys team twice. They’re off to a slow start, but McAdoo can coach. Like I said before, I just don’t see where they addressed their roster issues.

Comment From Lynn

When do we expect an update on injuries?

The first injury report will come out late today after practice, but tomorrow’s will be more meaningful, because it will be after a full-pads practice.

Comment From Guest

If Jordy and/or Cobb are limited, who do you see stepping up more within the wide receiver corps?

Other than Adams, I think it’s Allison. His first game was last week, and based on what he showed in camp and preseason, he’s a player on the rise.

Comment From Bruce

As Packers’ fans who do we root for this weekend? The 2-0 team within the division or the 2-0 team who most believe to be the front-runner for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs? Maybe we hope for a tie?

Good question. The Packers will get two cracks at the Lions, so if you’re pushing for the top seed in the NFC, you probably root for Detroit to win this one. The Packers will probably have to beat the Lions twice to be in the top-seed mix anyway.

OK, folks, my hour is almost up. I’ll take a few more.

Comment From Joe

Why do you think that there are less and less quality Offensive Line men in the league? College offensives, CBA, or both?

I’m no scout, but I think the proliferation of spread offenses in college must have something to do with it.

Comment From Matt W

Baseball has set the record for most number of HRs in a season and is on pace for over 6000. Do you think it’s really the launch angle, or is it the new ball, or something else?

Both of those, plus nobody takes the old “two-strike approach” anymore, because strikeouts are shooting up at just as high a rate.

Comment From Steve

Cubs or Brewers win the division ??? Big four game set coming up …

Cubs have been hotter than heck since the Brewers swept them, so it’ll be tough for the Crew. I don’t mind seeing the Rockies take some more losses, though.

Comment From Ethan

See, if Wes joined, we would close out with Game of Thrones questions instead of baseball.

He’d love that.

Comment From Ray L

Just beat Bengals, and take solace in the fact that either the Lions or the Falcons will have a loss on Monday.

I like that for today’s last word. Thanks everybody. Have a good week. Take care, Mike

The post How do the Packers put the loss behind them? appeared first on Daily Star Sports.

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[giantsfootball0]

How do the Packers put the loss behind them?

Hi everybody. Thanks for logging on. Week 3, here we go. Let’s get to it.

Comment From Tom

Mike, why does this chat need a sponsor?

It doesn’t need one, but we’re glad to have one.

Comment From Guest

Martellus Bennett dropped a number of passes against Atlanta. Are you concerned about his part in the offense going forward?

I’m not sure Bennett is fully comfortable in this offense yet. I mentioned in Inbox this morning it took until Week 3 last year for Cook to start making things happen, and then unfortunately he got hurt. I think it’s coming with Marty.

Comment From Jeff P.

We’re on to Cincinnati… Love it. Can only pull that out every couple years

Once every 4, to be exact.

Comment From Nathan

Hi Mike! It’s way too early in the season to be doing this, but which player would you most like to see healthy on Sunday?

I think I’d like to have either Bakhtiari or Bulaga healthy if the Packers can’t have both. We know Spriggs is out multiple weeks, and playing McCray out of position is a tough deal. I’d like to see at least one of the tackles back out there this week, if I had my druthers.

Comment From Dean

Mike, when the Packers ‘work out’ a player, what does that entail?

Taking a prospect through some drills and conditioning workouts, kind of like a combine-style thing. They do it regularly, most of the time on Tuesdays. They’re constantly keeping and updating files on players they might want to sign later to the roster or practice squad.

Comment From Lori

What are your biggest concerns as the Pack faces the Bengals? Is confidence lacking?

I don’t sense any lack of confidence. With the Bengals, A.J. Green and Geno Atkins are the keys, one on each side of the ball. Don’t let either have a big day. That’s where I start.

Comment From Willie

The Bengals had extra time to prepare for the Packers. Do you see that as an advantage for them?

There’s always an advantage to extra rest. The Bengals are 0-2 out of the gate and have had extra time to think about getting their season back on track. I expect to see a highly motivated opponent on Sunday.

Comment From Ethan

FYI, the website showed the chat starting at 10am, but when you clicked on the page it said starting at 11am. Not sure if that’s happened last 2 weeks as I missed those chats.

Yeah, sorry about that. Last week I had to go at 10 a.m., and then it was going to be the same this week but I was able to change it back to 11. The media schedule for today changed late yesterday, so bear with me.

Comment From Ray L

Let’s get this one out early. Any injury updates?

Sgt. Schultz, right? I know nothing.

Comment From Joe

Do you think the “Nitro” package is just a gimmick defense that most OC’s will catch up to it quickly?

It’s not a gimmick. It’s a personnel package based on the offense’s personnel. If the O goes heavy run formation, the Packers won’t be in nitro, and if out of regular personnel they can run the ball down Green Bay’s throat, the Packers would have to adjust from nitro.

Comment From Guest

Do you think Patriots and Cowboys nations get as upset about loss one as Packers’ nation does?

I would imagine so. That’s the nature of it. Everyone gets all jacked up for the one game per week, and losses are disappointing. Other teams are better sometimes.

Comment From Matthew

Mike, thanks for your take on the replay system in this morning’s Insider Inbox. I wholeheartedly agree. Taking it one step further, it would be great if the replay official had no prior knowledge of the call on the field (if possible).

Interesting thought, but even that wouldn’t be necessary if they just changed the “indisputable” language of the rule. I’ve heard from many that disagree with my take because this is finally a rule that favors the defense. I don’t look at it that way. I look at it as trying to get the call right as often as possible.

Comment From Jerry Erie, Pa.

Rodgers has never beaten the Bengals yet. Is this weekend the time?

It better be. Packers can’t let this one get away.

Comment From Bruce

Mike, Two part question. Is this a critical year (#3) for Rollins and Randall as far as remaining on the Packers’ roster? SEcondly, how would you rate the Packers over the last several years as far as hitting on top draft choices (rounds 1-3)?

I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily critical for them remaining on the roster, because they’ll have one year left on their rookie contracts after this year. But their performances this year will determine the future path/decisions in free agency, draft, etc., at their position going forward.

Comment From Sean_C

Mike, I couldn’t help but be annoyed/aggravated when we were marching down the field in the 4th and the ATL defender “went down” with an injury. They were tired and on their heels. Is there not any rule or penalty for that? that seemed like a good cheap way to get a break for ur guys and get some subs in.

It happens all the time. I’m not really sure what anyone can do about it.

Comment From Willie

I disagree with you replay take this morning. The Falcons mobbed Rodgers and he got rid of the ball. Protect Rodgers and that play does not happen. Can we still get along even though we may disagree?

Sure. Even Rodgers admitted he needs to get the ball out quicker. The linemen were all cut blocking to get their defenders on the ground. That means the play was designed to be a quick throw. He can’t hold it like that and set himself up for the big hit.

Comment From Joe

Mike, I haven’t like the rub play since it first came into the West Coast Offense. It gives an unfair advantage to the receivers. Band it for good.

I hate those plays, too. This isn’t basketball.

Comment From Ray L

Looked like Rodgers had someone over the middle on the fumble play if he got it out quicker. Did you see that?

I did not, but I can take a look at the film later.

Comment From Linda P

Mike, If the Falcons are the best in the NFC at this point..early as it is, are the Pats the best in the AFC? Steelers and Bronco’s looked good.

Chiefs are right there, too. I think the AFC is harder to call right now, but I don’t think anyone in the NFC is as good as the Falcons … right now.

Comment From Ben

Will the referees hear from the league about the calls made in the game? Not to perseverate on last week — just curious in general. League wide, no one seems to be happy with the referees.

Teams send in plays to be reviewed all the time. It’s part of the process.

Comment From Dean

Mike if you had a chance to be a fly on the wall in the Packers draft room, would you? And of the last 5 drafts or so which year would you have liked to listen in?

I would love to do that sometime, and I requested it years ago, but no one was ever too keen on the idea.

Comment From Richard

I’m getting tired of everyone bashing the defense over Sunday night’s performance. the problem was that they got no help from the offense like they did against Seattle. Don’t you agree?

They didn’t get much help from the offense against Seattle either. 17 points, with a 6-yard TD drive after a turnover. I look for GB’s offense to hit its stride at home this week.

Comment From Jeff in Idaho

Hello Mike, 25 years ago Favre comes off the bench to win the game and life as a Packer fan has not been the same. I remember the day like it was yesterday.

I was playing in a college golf tournament and came into the clubhouse after my round to see the dramatics in the fourth quarter. I’ll never forget it either, even though at the time I didn’t really know what I was watching.

Comment From JD

I had a lot of respect for the work the backup tackles did on Sunday night. For anyone unhappy with their effort, go back and watch the Giants on Monday night. This is one of the reasons I believe Campen is a great coach. His players are always ready to give it a go and know what is expected.

I give Murphy and McCray a ton of credit for what they did, and you’re right, Campen deserves props too.

Comment From Mark

Mike, it seems the Packer’s injuries occur most on some type of artificial turf. With all the talk about player safety, is it time to make all surfaces uniform?

How can you? Several stadiums are indoors, where you can’t grow grass, and the outdoor teams with grass won’t want to switch.

Comment From Joe

Is Ty averaging over a 100 yards total offense per game? 1600 total yards is good for any back in the league.Isn’t it?

That would be a heck of a year, but the Packers need to sub for Montgomery more if they want him to last, and be effective, all the way through the season. McCarthy knows he can’t have this type of workload for 16 games.

Comment From Dennis

Were you as impressed as I was by the silence from the crowd in the 4th quarter? If the Falcons are the best team in the NFC, we were hot on their heels with an injured roster and their defense was gassed. If we can keep closer earlier, we can beat them.

To be honest, the place was emptying out. I hear traffic is awful in Atlanta, plus it was a night game, and with the score what it was … a lot of folks didn’t stick around.

Comment From Joe

Cook was a better fit for the Pack then Bennett but with the problems they now have at the Tackles sure nice to see him block.

Bennett is a very effective blocker, one of the better blocking TEs McCarthy has had, I think.

Comment From Razer

Given that injuries are inevitable, do you think we have enough depth on the D-Line?

Everybody would love to have more depth everywhere, but you only get 53 roster spots, and 46 on game day. No team can account for every scenario.

Comment From Ray N

Before we get too concerned about the Lions, consider the team they beat on Sunday night. The Giants’ O-line is epically bad, Manning is an aging increasingly immobile QB, and the G-men have not scored more than 20 points in 8 straight games. The Lions have improved but, before the start of the season, the Giants were arguably the most overrated team in the League …

I don’t follow the Giants closely, but it seemed their O-line was an issue last year, and I’m not sure what they did to address it. They didn’t add any dynamic running backs to help Eli, either. McAdoo will figure out a way to get it going, but for an 11-win team last year, they’re off to a really rough start.

Comment From Ben

Do you read other journalists’ articles about the Packers, or do you keep your head clear of all the other opinions?

I read a lot of other coverage of the team online. Other writers on this beat do a lot of good work and I appreciate the chance to learn things I might not have thought of on my own.

Comment From Picard90

I just finished reading the article on the interview with Eddie Lacy at ESPN, it’s really heartbreaking to see trolls piling on him for his struggles with weight. We need to remind ourselves that football players are human beings, too. I wish him the best of luck in his NFL journey. Now, I’m excited to see what our 3 rookie RBs bring to the table. I think Williams and Jones are off to a good start, do you agree?

I read the Lacy piece, too, and while it’s sad the way people attack others on social media, Lacy could just shut it all out, too. To each his own. As I said before with Monty’s workload, I think we’ll see more of Williams this week.

Comment From PAPackersFan

Just ONCE, I’d like to see us play Atlanta with a healthy roster. Start 2 O-linemen short, and then lose your best D-lineman and 2 WRs….. sheesh

Yeah, it was tough to hear 90 minutes before kickoff that both tackles were out. I wasn’t expecting that. Then losing Daniels and Nelson in the first quarter just piled on. Maybe next time GB can finally be healthy against them.

Comment From Jim_flat

Do you think the fact that there is a game next Thursday it will effect what injured players play Sunday?

I don’t think so, in the sense that if a player is cleared medically, I think he plays. How quickly he can bounce back to play again might be another matter.

Comment From Don H

I’m not worried. One game is not a trend. String together three sub-standard performances then we have trend to worry about. The game against CIN will go a long way toward defining the first quarter of the season …

With two home games coming up, Packers have to hit the quarter pole at 3-1.

Comment From Nathan

Who is Andy Dalton now? The guy who was a byword for mediocrity early in his career, or the one who was playing at a Pro Bowl level a couple years ago?

Hard to say. He’s won his share of games in this league. He didn’t suddenly forget how to play QB, and he’s got a dynamic target in Green Bay. I guess we’ll find out more Sunday.

Comment From JD

Kind of surprised that Jones got so many reps after Brice went down. With the way Evans performed in the preseason were you surprised and is this a result of his draft round or do you think he’s really surpassed Evans at this early point in the season?

I felt Jones was ahead of Evans on the safety depth chart, so I wasn’t surprised. I think we could be seeing more of Jones.

Comment From Ethan

Any chance we could ever get Mike and Wes in the chat? Or Wes has more important things to be doing, like stealing your lunch maybe?

haha

Comment From Rodney

Do you think we get to see King go one-on-one with Green this weekend?

At times, maybe, but I’m also looking to keep a safety over the top of Green and try to single-up on the other guys more often.

Comment From Ben

Hi Mike, what will the Packers have to do to put that loss behind them?

Win on Sunday. That’s it, that’s all.

Comment From Matt W

Do you think the Packers D keeps the Bengals out of the end zone for the 3rd straight week?

That would really get the wolves howling in Cincinnati. I think the Packers could do it, but just get the win, whatever it takes.

Comment From Joe

I’m sorry I see Sunday as a typical “trap game”

I’d actually think that if the Packers were 2-0 right now, not coming off a loss.

Comment From Matt W

Mike can you handle 2 post game Insider Inboxes next week? At least they are both home games.

It makes for late nights/early mornings, however I decide to do it, but I’ll do my best.

Comment From Joe

They were coming off loses last year when Indy came to town.

Right, and then they allowed a 99-yard kickoff return TD to start the game. So not doing that would be a great start to this one.

Comment From Jeff P.

This will be the Bengals first game with a new OC, do you think it will be feast or famine? Also how hot is Marvin Lewis’ seat? To me it seems like Bengals fans have wanted him gone for some time now?

The playoff record has hung over Lewis for along time, and if the decision on the OC doesn’t pan out, his seat will get hotter. But Lewis is a heck of a coach and he’ll remain in the NFL for a while yet, I imagine.

Comment From Kevin

Hi Spoff, thanks for the chat today. I was predicting before the season started that we’d be seeing Ty in an almost equal share of the RB touches with Williams. Do you think that will come to pass at some point, or was I just wrong again?

Montgomery is going to continue to be the main guy, but I expect a greater division of labor with Williams from here on.

Comment From George

I was pleasantly surprised with the play of King at CB… Going into this game I wasn’t all that high on the kid.

The Packers drafted him 33rd for a reason. There’s no doubting all his athletic talent. It’s too bad he had to miss almost the whole offseason program, but he’s clearly settling in now.

Comment From Dean

I’m hoping to see more of Jones in the Nitro at linebacker with Burnett back. Seems like Jones size and aggressiveness and Burnett’s experience would work well in that alignment.

I’m curious to see what the decisions are in that regard.

Comment From Linda P

Mike, Seems Like McAdo is on the hot seat. I read an article that said he is the worst head coach in the league. You know him. What do you think?

The worst? C’mon. The guy reached the playoffs last year in his first season at the helm. Beat a 13-3 Cowboys team twice. They’re off to a slow start, but McAdoo can coach. Like I said before, I just don’t see where they addressed their roster issues.

Comment From Lynn

When do we expect an update on injuries?

The first injury report will come out late today after practice, but tomorrow’s will be more meaningful, because it will be after a full-pads practice.

Comment From Guest

If Jordy and/or Cobb are limited, who do you see stepping up more within the wide receiver corps?

Other than Adams, I think it’s Allison. His first game was last week, and based on what he showed in camp and preseason, he’s a player on the rise.

Comment From Bruce

As Packers’ fans who do we root for this weekend? The 2-0 team within the division or the 2-0 team who most believe to be the front-runner for home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs? Maybe we hope for a tie?

Good question. The Packers will get two cracks at the Lions, so if you’re pushing for the top seed in the NFC, you probably root for Detroit to win this one. The Packers will probably have to beat the Lions twice to be in the top-seed mix anyway.

OK, folks, my hour is almost up. I’ll take a few more.

Comment From Joe

Why do you think that there are less and less quality Offensive Line men in the league? College offensives, CBA, or both?

I’m no scout, but I think the proliferation of spread offenses in college must have something to do with it.

Comment From Matt W

Baseball has set the record for most number of HRs in a season and is on pace for over 6000. Do you think it’s really the launch angle, or is it the new ball, or something else?

Both of those, plus nobody takes the old “two-strike approach” anymore, because strikeouts are shooting up at just as high a rate.

Comment From Steve

Cubs or Brewers win the division ??? Big four game set coming up …

Cubs have been hotter than heck since the Brewers swept them, so it’ll be tough for the Crew. I don’t mind seeing the Rockies take some more losses, though.

Comment From Ethan

See, if Wes joined, we would close out with Game of Thrones questions instead of baseball.

He’d love that.

Comment From Ray L

Just beat Bengals, and take solace in the fact that either the Lions or the Falcons will have a loss on Monday.

I like that for today’s last word. Thanks everybody. Have a good week. Take care, Mike

The post How do the Packers put the loss behind them? appeared first on Daily Star Sports.

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