#especially Deb. I adore Deb.

[intcthatgoodnight]

“plots please” / for ashley and dexter!!!!

send me “plots please” // accepting

@ner0tic

*rubs my greedy hands together*

Something set in season two. Ashley's reaction to Dexter's victims being found and the whole bay harbor butcher investigation. Her helping Dexter not completely lose it out of anxiety. Maybe something when he kidnaps Doakes and has him hidden away for a few days - like maybe he comes to her after and is just like "soooo something happening...." Maybe she figures out that he (at least briefly) was planning on turning himself in.

Something set in season six, with the doomsday killer. Obviously in the show the killer was just crazy, but what if he wasn't. What if he was actually doing magic with his killings and bringing the "end of days". I see that being really interesting with Ashley and her magic. Especially when the killer starts thinking that Dexter is "the beast" that needs to be killed (and thinks that harrison is the antichrist that also needs to be killed).

Dexter gets found out and arrested. Just give me the angst of her visiting him in prison and him protecting her by saying she never knew anything.

Maybe something about when Debra finds out about him. He is trying to convince Deb that Ashley doesn't know anything so of course Deb would be trying to break them up.

Them going on the run together. Either because Dexter gets found out or something like the end of the show where he decided to fake his death and start over because he was too close to getting caught. So just them having to start over with fake identities.

Ashley confronting Dexter about him totally seeing dead people lol. Either her acknowledging that he has hallucinations, or maybe Dexter really does see the ghost of Harry, and later Brian (and maybe later Deb). Maybe when he starts seeing Brian and acting erratically (in 6x07) it's actually Brians ghost influencing him and she helps him with that either by getting rid of the ghosts or helping him just live with them.

domestic life! just soft domestic stuff. maybe we do an au where Dexter and Rita happened pre-series so that he has Harrison and we get to see him and Ashley be adorable with a kid.

[lovekenney]

ok so both of us are debbie gallagher and lana del rey stans, and we have both agreed that debbie would listen to lana del rey, so what do you think her favorite album is? i have a few candidates but i need to know your opinion

born to die and ultraviolence (plus aka and paradise.) call me a local but i think she would really feel connected to born to die. and just one google search born to die is explained as being focused on "Love, sex, and drugs" (more detailed is "The lyrics are about love, sex, and drugs, and feature prominent references to 1950s and 1960s Americana.")

remind you of somebody? and "this is what makes us girls" ugh is so debbie (and mandy and fi. very off topic but carmen reminds me alot of fiona.)

she also would love dark paradise and off to the races. dark paradise just being depressing as fuck and off to the races being abt older guys. in my head i can connect so many lyrics throughout the album to debbie. and in general she seems like the type to be obsessed with btd.

annddd paradise!! i think she really would be in love with the song ride. especially the monologue. i made a post abt this before (debbie and ride) but i think that song is smth she would connect with. paradise is very Americana plus yolo and i think that is smth debbie would be obsessed with. oh yeah she would also deff be obsessed with cola.

she would also love yayo. i would say every song on that album could somehow be linked to debs (BESIDES burning desire. that one is very gallavich.)

ultraviolenccee do i need to explian? i will anyway. The album encompasses quite a bit. so it’s difficult to pinpoint a single subject, but she covers abuse, adoration, and addiction. remind you of someone?

Ultraviolence is about the experience of being in love with being in pain. Almost even track on the record is Lana really explaining that she is fundamentally in love with suffering.

debbie does a whole lot of self sabotaging. a lot of it comes from the fact she craves to be loved and have a proper family who loves her as much as she loves them.

i think she would be in love with every song on that album but her favs would be

shades of cool

sad girl

pretty when you cry

fucked my way up to the top

andddd the other woman.

i dont think she would of listened to all of her albums but i do think she would also love blue banisters! i would of liked to talk abt aka and bb but my energy is running out lol.

[queerofdenial]

have fun (that is if you actually do this 🤨):

molly cobb

ava daniels

kathryn janeway

judith jones

bestie i hope you have a warm pillow tonight bc having to "least favorite" any of these blorbos hurts

questions are:

favorite thing about them

least favorite thing

brOTP

OTP

nOTP

random headcanon

unpopular opinion

song i associate with them

"here’s to selfish pricks, ‘cause we move the ball forward for mankind."

she's wholly uncompromising about who she is and what shes capable of, but still takes criticism and grows as a person! her confidence and ego are 100% earned and never feel like a Strong Woman Schtick

she had to keep walkin' straight into the destroying thing, didn't she. god damn hero.

i want an entire season of molly and patty mercury 13 backstory

molly x margo would have the best gay enemy sex and i would be so amused (but not as much as molly would) by stoned!margo

honestly don't think there are enough bad ships on famk, i adore wayne

she definitely spent months actively hitting on margo when she started ascan training just to annoy her. she and patty probably placed a bet on it.

she should've been stricter with the guys, and margo was right to fire her

hypnotized by fleetwood mac (second song on my molly x margo playlist)

"...you don't know where a woman gets fingered?"

i love that she's a wreck. i love that she overshares as a way to push people away because in reality she's lonely as hell and scared of true connection. i love that she uses generational stereotypes as jokes for the bit (and to rib at deb) when in reality she could really not give a damn. i love that she does drugs. i love that none of those things change the fact that she's talented and hardworking and fucking thriving. i love that she and i have the same relationship with growing up a gay loser with conservative parents in a new england suburb. i love that she's hot and spreads chocolate on her tiddies when she forgets shes wearing pants.

i hate that shes not real. jk, my least favorite thing is that she cannot for the life of her keep it in the drafts.

carl and hannah get along so well that every time ava and marcus interact i just knoooooow they want to genuinely admit to liking each other. i want more.

avadeb has in fact had my heart from day 1 and that will never change (its not gonna be canon you stupid sluts...ruby's cool too)

ava x not being woken up for breakfast

she's actually allergic to dogs and sucks it up for barry and cara only

unpopular opinion is that i am looking forward to seeing her absolutely thrive in season 3

kitchen light by xana

"There are three things to remember about being a starship captain: keep your shirt tucked in, go down with the ship… and never abandon a member of your crew."

everything about janeway is my favorite thing about janeway, but especially what i said to you the other day about her being a woman and a captain but never feeling like a caricature of either or the other. her leadership feels different than the other pre-disco captains, but it's never tokenism.

she's got a questionable taste in men. also generally too nice to aliens that usually want to kill her.

if they were stuck in the delta quadrant any longer, tom paris would've named his second kid after her (maybe he already did? who knows what went on on that planet)

j7! i'm always a sucker for a former drone x person who gave the drone their name (a shortened version of their designation). also this (x)

sorry mutuals but ch*kotay takes the cake on this one by a mile

she thinks about that puppy q almost gave her pretty often on voyager, and has programmed a dog into every holodeck program she runs. when they get back to earth she adopts one of the puppies her old dog had from her ex. she names it neelix.

she made the right call with tuvix

all the things you are frances faye

"i'll be your eyes." "what?" "i'll. be. your. eyes."

above anything else, she does the work and supports the people she thinks are worthy, she thinks have something important to say, regardless of prestige. she's cute as a button and loyal to a fault and is exactly the right amount of talented and full of grace and humility for what she does.

she maaaaaay need to start learning what professional boundaries are (mainly irt how much of peoples' personal issues she can carry on her lonesome)

i could watch an entire season of judith and paul attempting to bake bread using the scientific method

blanchejudith my beloved. my milfiest ship. my repression central. my women who desperately need a weekend in vermont.

if julia/judith was a thing ig i do not want to see

i have lots of headcanons ab the cabin in vermont and how she uses that space to better both her editing and her writers' work

i don't think there are enough people in this fandom for anything to be controversial? she is an absolute gem

slip away clarence carter

[silksdream]

❝     𝖺𝗇𝖽     𝑎𝑓𝑡𝑒𝑟     𝖺𝗅𝗅     𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌     𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞     .     .     .

*     ◞     percival     +     nailah     ›     @goldwingd     .

[alotofpockets]

My mother adores you | Florence Pugh

Pairing: Florence Pugh x Reader

Prompt: “My mother adores you.”

Requested by: anon (x2)

Word count: 1060

masterlist | Requests: closed | taglist

Florence went to visit her family after she wrapped filming close by. Yesterday she called to ask if you would like to spend the weekend and meet her parents and sister Raffie. Now you have just landed and got through baggage claim, Florence had offered to pick you up from the airport. So, you were looking around to find her, once you saw her your face lit up.

She was talking to some younger girls, you loved seeing her interact with her fans. You walked towards them, and heard the girls had all kinds of questions about acting that Florence was happy to answer. You kept a bit of distance from the small group, not wanting to interrupt the fans from their experience. "Hey! Isn't that your girlfriend?" One of the girls asks. Florence turns around and nods with a big smile on her face, "Yeah it is." The girls say a quick bye and thank you to Florence, who then turns around and starts walking towards you. "Hi baby, I missed you so much." She says while hugging you tight. "I missed you too, darling."

Hand in hand you walk out of the airport. "Oh, before I forget. Raffie is waiting by the car. She called dibs on meeting you first and I thought it was too adorable to tell her no, I hope that's okay." You squeeze her hand, "Of course, I can't wait to meet her, Flo."

When you got to the car Raffie came running towards you pulling you into a hug, her speed knocking the both of you over. “Seriously Raffie, the first thing you do when you meet my girlfriend is tackle her to the ground?” Florence laughs after hearing you both laugh at the little accident. Raffie helps you up while answering her sister, “You told me to give her a warm welcome.” You laugh, “It’s definitely a meeting I will never forget.”

Florence puts your bags in the car and looks back at you and her sister, smiling when she sees that you are laughing together. It made her heart happy that you and her sister already seemed to get along so well together. You all get in the car and start driving. “We have to make a quick stop at the restaurant, dad asked us to pick up some things for dinner tonight.”

Raffie goes into the restaurant to get the ingredients, leaving you and Florence alone in the car. You cup her cheeks and pull her in for a kiss, “Thank you for taking me to meet your parents.” Florence kisses you back, placing her hand gently on your knee. “Of course, I’m so excited for you to meet them and I promise you’ll get to meet Toby and Arabella too at some point.” When Raffie joins you back in the car Florence continues her way home.

Arriving at the house the girls’ parents are already waiting outside to great you, you shake her dad’s hand and introduce yourself, he does the same and says you can call him Clint. Her mom gives you a hug, “It’s so nice to finally meet you y/n. Oh and you can call me Deb.” She says with a big smile on her face. “Let’s go inside and have some drinks, get to know our special guest a bit more.”

That’s what you did, you had some drinks and sat in the living room talking about you, talking about her parent and random conversations. You felt very at ease around them, after a while it kind of felt like you had known them for ages. You especially loved hearing stories about Florence when she was younger.

Deb noticed your interest in Florence as a little kid, so when Clint and Florence went to the kitchen to start dinner she went to get a couple of photo albums. Leaving you and Raffie joking on the cough together again, the two of you had a very similar humor so you clicked very well. Looking through the photo albums Deb and Raffie start pointing out pictures and telling you about the stories behind them.

After a while Clint asked for Raffie’s help in the kitchen. You and Deb keep looking at pictures of the kids when they were younger and she asked you about your childhood as well, if you had any sibling and if you lived close to your parents. You are mid-conversation with her when you both get distracted by giggling coming from the kitchen, both so intrigued that you head of to see what it is about.

When you walk in you see Raffie sitting on a chair with Florence on her shoulders. When they notice you are in the room they both look up and smile like they have been caught, so you snap a quick picture. Florence takes a sip of her drink and says, “I had to get her back for tackling you at the airport somehow.” You all laugh it off as Clint says, “Dinner is ready!”

After dinner and the dishes Florence takes you upstairs to her childhood bedroom, showing you her room and telling you stories about the pictures, stuffed animals, posters, and little treasures around her room. You both sit down on the bed and Florence says, “I’m so happy you’re getting along with my family so well.” She grabs your hand and gives it a gentle squeeze, “Baby, my mom adores you."

You smile, “Your mom is great, she is so sweet. And your dad, he’s awesome and such a great cook! The food was so delicious.” Florence looks at you with so much love in her eyes, “I’m glad you feel the same way about them. And are you sure Raffie and you didn’t already know each other? Babe, you looked so comfortable together, like you had known each other for years. It makes me so happy to see the two of you get along so well.”

“Yeah it actually kind of felt that way for me too. And I’m very happy as well, my love. I did however get very tired, would it be okay if I laid down for a bit?” Florence let you know that that is more than okay and lays down so you can lay in her arms. With her hand going through your hair, you slowly start falling asleep.

Main taglist:

@yellowvxbes // @xxromanoffxx // @xxxtwilightaxelxxx // @wandanatvoid // @wandaswifeyforlifey // @marvelwomen-simp // @snooy245 // @peggycarter-steverogers // @wandas-slut-heart // @nats-dreamland // @hoe4flosblog // @laaurrel // @catasha // @t00manyfand0ms // @multifandomlesbianic // @bandit2029 // @avengerswriter4eva // @gigistylestomlinson // @snowdrop1026 // @sylvies4ever // @youreatotalposer // @mellowladyangel // @milfloverslut // @natasha-danvers // @lyak12 // @smallestavenger // @when-wolves-howl // @svftpetker // @la-reine-des-enfers // @official-chaotic-wandamaximoff // @b0r3d-s1mp1ng-b1tch // @bubblensqueak002 // @imabee-oralizard // @rafecameronswhore // @be-missed // @romaaa28 // @youresuchamom

[hamliet]

Hey!

I've got a question for you if you could've had any storylines on qaf for the characters that we didn't get what would you pick?

My choices would be

Deep dive into Brian's addiction issues

More exploration of Justin and his art, showing him at college and the process. The consequences on himself post his trauma affecting his dream career choice. Seeing him make actual proper art instead of fleeting shots here and there

Emmett getting to have either a family member/or friend from his past introduced I'm sure he was the only one who never got one which is a hate crime

Keeping Michael's friend from Season 1 around a bit longer counteracting Brian's all straight people are evil narrative, especially after she came around after Brian outed Michael and was a good friend to him. It would've been funny to see how Brian would've coped with him having a straight female friend hanging around plus showing not to judge all people the same there are ones who are willing to learn and be allies.

What a great ask!! Thank you!

JUSTIN AND MOLLY JUSTIN AND MOLLY JUSTIN AND MOLLY--

Ahem. First of all, honestly, I love all your suggestions.

The idea of Tracy continuing to pop up post season 3 is great, and I'd have liked to see more of her friendship with Michael. Emmett’s family situation being explored also had potential (like, my assumption is that they’re all dead or he’s estranged, but it’d be interesting to explore that). I would also have loved the idea of Brian’s addiction issues being addressed—Ted’s arc, and Blake's, explored addiction well, so you don't need to tumble Brian down a spiral so much as you could have increased the foiling between them to give Brian a bit of a challenge/wake up call.

As for Justin’s art--yes. 100%. Especially since art is symbolic of his life (like, Justin literally points out he's been drawing practically since birth, because art is his life), I'd have liked to see his career given more focus!

In general, as for what I'd change in addition to yours... well, most changes I would make would be to further flesh some of the already-existing plot lines out because they could have worked far better than they did (such as fleshing out Justin’s PTSD/dealing with PTSD throughout the series, which would make the Pink Posse arc fit much better).

I would also replace the... lesbian cheating and custody battle with a new story that served the same thematic and character purpose, but without the repetitive nature and the icky subtext. I’d build Lindsay towards making a final confrontation of her desire to have the perfect image and Melanie confronting her own insecurities about never being enough for Lindsay through a plot line involving Melanie’s professional life post-pregnancy. I don’t think we got any relatives of Melanie’s either, just like Emmett, actually, so exploring Mel's family is another option. But since Mel's so focused on her career, and her focus is part of the stereotype she turns out to be so much more than, I would have to say fleshing out her career and making that a central part of her arc would be awesome.

Some other ideas:

Deb and Rodney bond more after Vic’s death.

Bring Reverend Tom back at some point. Kinda vague, but I'd have liked this.

But the main one?

FLESH OUT JUSTIN’s SISTER. It’s a crime we only see Molly a handful of times in season 1 and the very start of season 2. A crime, I tell you. 

Why? Because Molly so clearly adores Justin. Even when she’s annoying him, she does so by imitating him. He comments that after he’s gone she’ll have “appropriated my coolest stuff” and post-bashing, Craig mentions that Molly gives him updates on Justin’s health and well-being. In other words, Molly loves Justin (unlike Craig), and seeing him bond with her as part of both of them growing up would have been a gift. 

You could then explore Molly as Justin’s inner child, especially once she’s a little older and in middle school (seasons 4 and 5) and thereby capable of being her own character. You could also use a plot line of Justin and Molly bonding to further develop Debbie and Vic even, especially if you set it post-Vic’s death. There’s a lot you could do with this to foil Brian and Justin, too, as all major plot lines and relationships tended to do (because their love story embodied each and every central theme).

Like, Justin mimics Brian at times, especially when he is more immature, but grows to love him and be loved as his own self. Molly mimics Justin. Even though clearly a brother/sister relationship isn't the same as romance, love is still a tie between them. Justin choosing to appreciate Molly's imitation as the admiration it is, while encouraging her to be her own person... like Brian did for him.

You could also have Molly and Justin foil Brian and Claire. Molly is about the same age as Claire’s kids, too, so you could even have them meet at school or whatever and have a conflict there and Justin give her advice and support. Not gonna lie, I'd also have loved to see Jennifer learn a little more about Brian's family, if only to see her rage.

There’s so much potential for Molly and Justin's relationship benefitting the series as a whole, and I’d have loved to see it delved into. 

[purrincess-chat]

I’ve seen that you’re a Swiftie and I was wondering, which album do you think each of the MLB characters are? Like if you had to assign an album to one character, out of the most relevant characters in the show I guess 👀

Okay, I had to think about it, but I think I got it. So, I couldn't think of other important characters that fit into some of the eras, so I ranked Marinette, Adrien, Ladybug, and Chat Noir separately, so here we go.

Marinette: Speak Now

She just gives lost in her head fairytale vibes, dreaming of romance and sparks flying and perfect scenarios. I also think she would absolutely stand up at Adrien and Kagami's arranged wedding and sweep him off his feet. And he would be here for it.

Adrien: Lover

Baby boy just wants love so bad. He is absolutely the type to swoon and sigh over his lover and write sappy poetry about how he wants to marry his beloved and live a very normal, mundane life together.

Alya: folklore

So, this one was tricky because aesthetically, I was thinking Red, but Alya has been in a committed relationship for 4 and a half seasons now, so I couldn't see her singing Taylor's quintessential break-up album. folklore, on the other hand, is a bunch of made up stories, and given that Alya is a journalist and a writer, I think she thrives off telling other people's stories. It just seemed like a perfect fit. Plus invisible string for her and Nino? Adorable!

Nino: 1989

I knew this one almost immediately. Just absolute party vibes. He's here for a good time. Nothing but bops.

Kagami: evermore

I also knew this one pretty quickly. Sad girl vibes. Baby just wants to live her life. Also gold rush? willow? "Wait for the signal, and I'll meet you after dark?" Feligami? Hello? Plus, right where you left me for the first portion of s5 where she's still torn up about her feelings for Adrien, but he's moved on with someone else? She wrote this album.

Felix: Reputation

Rep is my favorite album, and I think it fits Felix quite well. On the surface, he's very rough and aggressive and villainous, but underneath when you get to know him, he's actually very sweet and romantic and well-meaning. He's just been hurt by people in the past, so he had to do some shady shit to overcome all of that and carve his own happy ending. Plus, homie literally does not have the greatest reputation right now in canon.

Zoe: Fearless

Zoe was one I hesitated to include bc she's newer to the show, but they did kind of elevate her character in Kwami's Choice, and I felt like Fearless would be a good fit for her. Just someone who has been hurt before, but who's finding herself and learning to be more carefree and open.

Ladybug: Midnights

I went back and forth with Marinette/Ladybug on several albums because I feel like she is the most developed of all the characters, so she could relate to really any album, but I picked Midnights for her because Midnights as a concept is about the things that keep you up at night. Your past, your mistakes, your insecurities, your intrusive thoughts, the weight of the world. And I felt like Ladybug embodied that, especially after this season. Plus, she is the literal Mastermind, and Sweet Nothing is absolutely for her and Chat Noir post Strike Back coming into this season. "And the voices that implore, you should be doing more, to you I can admit that I'm just too soft for all of it." Hello? Also, I've always kind of had Would've, Could've, Should've in my head for her, not from a romantic standpoint, but from the standpoint of someone who has had their childhood ripped away from them because of a grown ass man.

Chat Noir: Red

This one I rolled around on, but hear me out. I feel like Chat embodies this album in a somewhat ironic sense. Red is a break-up album, but it's also kind of fun and tongue-in-cheek. I can see him singing We Are Never Getting Back Together to LB who is like but we never even dated bro wtf? Red is dramatic AF at times, and I feel like Chat would have a good time with it.

Chloe: Debut

Chloe was another one I hesitated to include, but I couldn't think of anyone that truly embodied Debut more than her. There are some truly shady and angry songs on Debut, plus the whole concept of directly writing people's names into songs where you trash talk them seems like a very Chloe thing to do. And Picture to Burn (homophobic version)? "There's no time for tears, I'm just sitting here planning my revenge." "My daddy's gonna show you how sorry you'll be"??? Absolutely Chloe.

[boldlyspeedydreamerreturns]

Okay, so I finished watching Q Force and OMG I'm in love. This show made me laugh way more than I expected and the plot was nuts, but in a good way. Not mention, the characters are fantastic.

Spoilers ahead.

Steve Maryweather: Honestly my least favorite of the cast. He has his moments, but mostly he's so absorbed by his idea of saving the world he blocks out others wanting to help him. Still he's entertaining.

Twink: Was cautious about this character but now I would die for him. I love Twink so much. He's a surprisingly interesting character with a pretty decent backstory. Also his crush on Buck is stupid and funny and I'm here for it.

Deb: Mom friend of the year. I adore Deb to the moon and back. She's the mom friend we all wish we had. Her devotion to her wife is also very adorable. Her basically being the keeper of the team brain cell is wonderful to.

Buck: I was genuinely surprised how much I actually really liked him. It was interesting how they made his stunted emotions an actual part of his character with a backstory that's really rare. You don't see a lot of characters that show the effects of kids being raised in the foster system. Also, I'm feeling like he might actually develop some genuine feelings for Twink if the show continues. I'd ship it.

Stat: My girl is into freaky ass shows and drinks way too much soda. I love her. And her little thing with that robot was funny and sweet and almost made me cry. Beyond that she's a lot more expressive and sassy than I was expecting, but she totally works it. If there's a season 2, I hope she gets another chance at love.

V: My lord this woman is complicated. Her story was a little confusing at times, but the ending was really nice. I really loved her being a mother figure to Steve, with him even saying so. Also she apparently taught Buck how to fuck and that's just great.

Dirk: Fuck I hate this man. But that's a good thing, we're not supposed to like him. I especially didn't like how he played Steve's desire to be a big time spy, and I'm glad he got his ass kicked.

Over all, I was very happy with the show. And I'm definitely going to watch it again and again. I really hope we get a season 2. There are so many places they could take these characters.

Don't judge a show by it's trailer. Give it a shot. It's a weird ass action comedy that has gay people in it.

[sonnetthebard]

Headcanon that Ted is fun with kids* but is extremely careful and awkward around them because he didn't have a good childhood and he's scared that he'll hurt them in some way.

Hes like a fun irresponsible uncle

Oh yes!

- No one wants Ted around their kids

- Let's get that straight

- Especially not Bill, who was really the first of the CCRP gang to have kids.

- Like, Ted was *not* allowed around Alice.

- Everyone thinks that he's basically traumatize kids

- That is until he brings his younger brother to a company function

- And the Ted they see with him is *not* the Ted they recognize

- Like, he's still his usual asshole self when talking to them

- But

- He's super soft with his kid brother

- We all know that for reasons I headcanon HCB to be his little brother

- And that I also headcanon HCB to be hypoglycemic

- And Ted is *so good* with making sure his brother is comfortable/ being safe

- And like he introduces him to everyone, helps him make friends with Alice, etc.

- The first time he's really exposed to *kids* is when Paul and Emma have theirs.

- Because I feel like they would eventually choose to be parents.

- (Little shoutout: @pizzapetes-thatiscool does some really cool art of Emma and Paul being parents and I love their ideas for the Paulkins kids)

- He actually shows up to the hospital when Emma has their first

- Paul had butt dialed him

- But that's his best friend who just became a dad

- And to be honest, Ted has grown on Emma a little bit

- While he's there, Emma decides to let him hold the child

- And Ted's terrified.

- Because shit, what if he drops it???

- But he doesn't drop it

- And he's grinning like a madman, because the kid is adorable.

- And Emma accidentally refers to him as 'Uncle Ted' while she's out of it

- It sticks.

- Ted decides he's gonna be there for these kids

- Like, at that moment he becomes the fun uncle

- Paul and Emma pretend to hate it, but he makes their kids so happy

- He'll let them do his makeup (which the girls think is hilarious with his moustache)

- He'll get right on the floor to play games with them.

- But he won't wrestle or anything.

- He's genuinely always so gentle with them

- The kids cannot say the same

- They're pretty rough with him, but he's okay with that as long as it's him getting hurt.

- Other kids that Ted gets close with: Alice and Deb's kids (I think they'd adopt one or two when they got older), The Davidson's kids (even though they're older, he finally gets to meet them and they get along), Tim (who he met at a Paulkins Christmas event), Hannah Foster (who might honestly be *his* kid- her or Lex), and any kids he might eventually become an uncle to.

- I don't think he'd plan on having his own kids

- Because he's scared to be a father

- He didn't have a good father, and he's scared he'll be just as bad.

- But if he did have kids, he'd actually be a great dad for that reason.

- He really is the best though.

- He brings all the treats

- The kids are always on a sugar rush by the time he's done with them

- And he knows what their favourite candies are

- He actually has a list

- Because his job as Uncle Ted is important to him

- He goes hard on the gift-giving game

- He makes sure he knows exactly what they want, coordinates with Paul and Emma, and makes their Christmas

- Ted is pretty much the favourite of every child.

- It drives everyone else bonkers.

- Because great. There's something else he can tease them about

- But they also love seeing Ted so happy *without* a drink or someone to flirt with (terrorize)

Ted is secretly one of my favourites, oop-

[lovekenney]

i think debbie would have loved lana del rey. so i was thinking about what her fav albums would be.

born to die and ultraviolence (plus aka and paradise.) call me a local but i think she would really feel connected to born to die. and just one google search born to die is explained as being focused on "Love, sex, and drugs" (more detailed is "The lyrics are about love, sex, and drugs, and feature prominent references to 1950s and 1960s Americana.")

remind you of somebody? and "this is what makes us girls" ugh is so debbie (and mandy and fi. very off topic but carmen reminds me alot of fiona.)

she also would love dark paradise and off to the races. dark paradise just being depressing as fuck and off to the races being abt older guys. in my head i can connect so many lyrics throughout the album to debbie. and in general she seems like the type to be obsessed with btd.

annddd paradise!! i think she really would be in love with the song ride. especially the monologue. but i think that song is smth she would connect with. paradise is very Americana plus yolo and i think that is smth debbie would be obsessed with. oh yeah she would also deff be obsessed with cola.

she would also love yayo. i would say every song on that album could somehow be linked to debs (BESIDES burning desire. that one is very gallavich.)

ultraviolenccee do i need to explian? i will anyway. The album encompasses quite a bit. so it’s difficult to pinpoint a single subject, but she covers abuse, adoration, and addiction. remind you of someone?

Ultraviolence is about the experience of being in love with being in pain. Almost even track on the record is Lana really explaining that she is fundamentally in love with suffering.

debbie does a whole lot of self sabotaging. a lot of it comes from the fact she craves to be loved and have a proper family who loves her as much as she loves them.

i think she would be in love with every song on that album but her favs would be

shades of cool

sad girl

pretty when you cry

fucked my way up to the top

andddd the other woman.

i dont think she would of listened to all of her albums but i do think she would also love blue banisters! i would of liked to talk abt aka and bb but my energy is running out lol.

[moldisgoodforyou]

bahamas (iv)

warning: everyone is drunk ! , sexual references

wordcount: 6k

_________

The next morning, Allie strolled out of the bedroom with a messy braid, a cheesy grin and a blush that started the second James began to whistle. Colin flipped him off immediately, still as sullen as the night before. “Nice of you to show up.”

“I was busy.” She retorted, then immediately shook her head. “Not like - I just showered.”

“Did loverboy join? What’s his name again?” James questioned, sliding Allie a full plate.

“Carloooooos.” Julia sang, laughing as Allie glared at her. “I saw him sneak out this morning. He said hello. Nice guy.”

“He said he had to get to his shift, he teaches scuba lessons during the day. If we’re interested he said he could snag us a discount.” Allie shrugged, popping a blueberry into her mouth.

“Does he teach underwater basket weaving too?” Colin asked dryly, scowling.

“Is that a real thing?” Rafe asked, looking like he was actually considering the activity for a moment.

Sophie glanced over at him, concerned. “Baby.”

“It’s not?”

Julia shook her head at the couple. “I thought we had a boat today?”

“We do. We’re going sailing.” Rafe confirmed, glancing at his watch. “We’ve got an hour, but we need to pack snacks and drinks. Colin, can you help me grab the cooler from the attic?”

“You can’t grab it yourself?” Colin grumbled, pushing away from the table to follow Rafe up.

“No. It’s too big.” Rafe glanced behind him, making sure they were out of earshot of the group as he led him up the stairs. “What the fuck is your problem?”

“My problem?” Colin repeated, immediately getting defensive. “What the fuck?”

“Yeah, you’re being a dick about Allie’s hookup. No one would say a word if you brought a girl home.” He coughed as he unlocked the attic door and a small layer of dust flew up, the house unused since the beginning of summer. “Actually, maybe you should get laid, you’ll chill out.”

“I don’t have a problem.”

“Then quit being an asshole to Allie. She doesn’t deserve that.”

Colin sighed, helping Rafe tug the Yeti cooler down from one of the shelves. Once it was down, he glanced over at Rafe. “I didn’t mean to be rude. Sorry.”

“Apologize to her, not me.” Rafe told him, looking Colin dead in the eye like he could figure out some hidden secret if he stared at him long enough.

“I will.”

“Good. Just because you’re jealous -”

“I’m not jealous, just don’t like this guy -”

“Ha!” Rafe pointed his finger in Colin’s face, eyebrows raised. “I knew it! You like Allie.”

Colin froze, immediately looking towards the door then lowered his voice. “You can’t tell.”

“Wait, shit, seriously? I was just trying to get a rise out of you...Colin. Seriously? You mean it?”

“The tiniest of crushes. She’s cute.” Colin affirmed, regretting telling him already. “Just - you can’t say anything.”

“I won’t. Brother swear.” Rafe nodded, extending his hand to Colin. “Don’t you dare fuck with her though.”

“I won’t, I won’t.” Colin paused, not taking his hand to shake. “That includes Sophie.”

“Fuck, Colin, for real? You know she doesn’t count.” Rafe whined, running his hand through his hair. “She’s gonna get it out of me. Somehow. She always knows when I’m hiding something.”

“I mean it.” Colin shook his head. “No Sophie. No James, and especially no Julia.”

“Damnit.” Rafe sighed, but grabbed Colin’s hand and shook it. “Fine. You’d better apologize and start making moves or shut the fuck up and let her do her thing, though. No judging.”

“I will, I promise.”

“Good.”

The door banged open, startling them both as James stood in the doorway. “Yo. You two can’t handle this thing?”

“No, we got it.” Rafe shook his head, lifting it easily on his own to haul downstairs. “They send you up here to check?”

“Yeah, Jules started asking questions about last night and Allie clearly didn’t want to gossip with me around, so Sophie sent me up here to get you guys.” James paused, thinking. “She muttered something about you probably getting stuck in some secret fancy passageway. You gonna tell her this house is your dad’s company house, not some family heirloom?”

“I’m pretty sure Sophie wants to know as little as possible about what my family owns. I think she cried for a solid hour on the first night here.” Rafe frowned, taking each step one at a time.

“You tell her about the deb thing yet?” James asked.

“Deb thing?” Colin echoed. “Sarah’s ball? What does Sophie have to do with that?”

“...No. I’m not sure. I think she’ll either agree or rip my head off, no in between.” Rafe sighed. “Sarah’s getting presented at the debutante ball in the spring, Rose suggested Sophie gets presented as well with me as her escort, and somehow my dad thought that was a good idea. Establish her with high society, or whatever. I don’t think he’s forgiven me for breaking up with Brooklyn a week before her deb ball. Apparently me being her escort would have been good for us. Our family.”

James cocked his head. “She broke up with you.”

“Whatever.”

“Huh. Well. That conversation should be fun for you.” Colin patted Rafe on the shoulder just as they got down the attic stairs. Rafe now sported a thin layer of sweat from hauling the cooler down alone, despite him already having no shirt on.

“Oh yeah. Looking forward to it.” Rafe deadpanned, then put on a grin as they all re-entered the kitchen. He didn’t miss the way Sophie’s eyes trailed over his exposed chest, the way she leaned forward on the counter and bit her lip a little. “Found it!”

“Excellent.” Julia clapped her hands together and began filling it with a selection of drinks she’d laid out on the counter. “Sophie, stop eye-fucking your boyfriend and help me out.”

Sophie snapped to attention as Rafe held back a laugh at Julia’s lack of tact. “I wasn’t -”

“Yes you were. Drinks.”

Sophie shook her head, handing Julia drinks with a rising blush on her cheeks.

“I don’t mind, sweetheart.” Rafe murmured to her lowly with a grin, trailing his hand down her spine ‘til he rested his palm on her lower back.

“Ew, we just ate.” Allie complained, pushing her plate away from her. “Thank you for pancakes, though.”

“No problem. It’s my specialty.” Rafe beamed, gathering up the plates and sticking them in the dishwasher.

“Only ‘cause you can’t cook anything else.” Colin pointed out, dodging as Rafe aimed a square punch at his arm.

“He’s not wrong.” Sophie agreed, reaching up to kiss Rafe’s cheek.

“Aw. Thanks for breakfast, Mom and Dad.” James grinned, patting them both on the head.

Sophie whirled on James immediately, only held back by Rafe slipping his arm around her waist (more to protect James than her). “Stop. I mean it.”

“What are you gonna do?” James taunted, grinning. “Hit me? Rafe won’t let you.”

“I will, if you don’t shut up.” Rafe replied, shaking his head imperceptibly behind Sophie’s back.

“What? You weren’t pregnant, it was just the flu - hey!” James took off running the second Rafe let Sophie go, who immediately sprinted after him through the house.

“Fuck off, James!” She yelled, chasing him down the hall.

“I didn’t mean it!” He yelped as she threw someone’s flip flop at him, nailing him in the shoulder with surprising aim. “I’m sorry! Rafe! Help me!”

Everyone else watched from the kitchen, thoroughly entertained. “You gonna help?” Allie asked, glancing at Rafe.

“Nah. He deserves it.” Rafe shrugged. “They’ll get tired soon enough.”

“She only likes fighting when she’s flirting anyways.” Julia added. “I swear all your arguments before you two were dating was just foreplay.”

“Doubt it. She could be pretty mean.” Rafe grinned at Sophie fondly as she strolled back into the kitchen with a triumphant smile, then looped his arm around her shoulders and pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

“Who’s mean?” Sophie asked.

“You.” James informed her as he followed her back to the group, dramatically rubbing a red mark on his shoulder.

“Okay, both of you, knock it off.” Rafe took charge like always, glancing at his watch. “Everyone go get ready, we’re getting picked up in twenty to get to the dock. Don’t forget sunscreen.”

“You really make it too easy.” Julia rolled her eyes, but chose to refrain from calling him Dad again for the fourth time that morning.

“So everyone knows?” Sophie asked the group, frowning.

“For the record, I was team baby. I think you guys would have very cute kids.” James said, already flinching away as Sophie lifted her hand toward him.

“Yeah. Rafe accidentally let it slip when I asked why you looked like hell that weekend.” Colin confirmed. Sophie had stayed at Rafe’s instead of her house so he could take care of her, and Colin had found her sleeping on the bathroom floor curled up in a ball at 2pm when Rafe was in class. (He decided not to wake her up, thinking she was just wildly hungover, and had texted Rafe a photo instead.)

“Great. Fantastic. But if one more person calls me Mom this week, I’m going to rip your heads off.”

“I told you you’re mean.” James grumbled, clutching his shoulder. “I’m gonna have a bruise. How am I supposed to explain that to whoever I’m hooking up with tonight?”

“Tell her you’re into pain.” Allie suggested, shrugging when everyone gave her a look. “What? It could work.”

“...Alright. Everyone go get ready, I don’t want to hear another word from anyone about their sex lives.” Rafe instructed, shooing everyone out of the kitchen as he and Sophie made it toward their room. “Sorry, baby.”

“It’s fine. I’d be more upset if we actually had a kid on the way.” Sophie conceded with a shudder at the thought. “How much did you talk about it with the boys?”

Rafe thought about it, about how James kept going on and on about how he wanted to be a godfather and how their kids would be adorable, and how Colin said he wasn’t really a huge fan of kids but obviously their kid would be family. He thought about how he shared with the guys how nice it would be to have a big family and know their kids would have several metaphorical aunts and uncles, and how much love and support they’d be surrounded by. It made him excited for the future - the far future, of course, but still.

“Not much.” He finally settled on answering, giving her a small smile. “You gonna wear my favorite suit today?”

“The pink one?”

“No, the blue one with the daisies. The one you wore in Nice?” He grinned. “Or, I guess, didn’t wear?”

She blushed, shaking her head. “I think that one’s dangerous to wear around you with our friends.”

“Any bikini is, sweetheart.”

“Control yourself.” She flicked his shoulder in warning. “I have a surprise for you tonight. Don’t let me forget.”

He perked up immediately, smirking. “A surprise? What kind of surprise?”

Sophie just shrugged. “You’ll see.”

“I’ll see...is it a leave-the-bar-early kind of a surprise? A need-the-house-empty kind of surprise?” He asked eagerly, his smirk broadening as she pulled out the light blue bikini from her suitcase.

She laughed, pulling off her shirt before she fumbled with untangling the bikini strings. “I think you can stay quiet enough that we’ll be fine.”

“Will you be able to stay quiet?” He teased, beaming in appreciation as she stood there shirtless in front of him, tongue in between her teeth as she concentrated on fixing the bikini. (He didn’t bother to help.)

Sophie ignored him, rolling her eyes, but glanced up and caught him staring. “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”

“Don’t tempt me, you know I will.” He shot back. “I know you brought your film camera I got you for Christmas.”

“The last person I want seeing my nudes is the freshman art student that develops my film in the photo studio on campus.” She replied with an eyeroll. “Though I’m sure he’d enjoy it.”

Rafe’s face dropped as he immediately grew protective, grabbing the bikini top away from her and deftly untangled the strings. “Get dressed. We’re gonna be late.”

“Okay, Daddy.” She replied innocently, biting the inside of her cheek to hide back a grin.

He paused, considering, then shook his head. “No. Sorry, no, can’t vibe with that. Find a different kink please.”

She burst out laughing, shaking her head. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, James paid me $10 to tell you that.”

Rafe huffed, tugging on his swim trunks and shoved his feet back into his boat shoes, then promptly slammed open the door, striding back to the group. “James! Fuck you!”

________

Later, once everyone gathered their things and made it down to the dock after their driver for the week picked them up, the boat driver helped them all onto the boat, offering his hand. He was younger, around their age or a little bit older, and Rafe scowled as the driver’s eyes lingered maybe a little too long on Sophie’s bikini top. Then the driver politely leaned over to Rafe to inform him that Sophie had the tag sticking out of her top, hanging on by a thread, and he dropped his scowl quicker than it had appeared.

It only took them twenty minutes before they cracked into the cooler, everyone satisfied with a drink in hand, and two failed attempts to go head-to-head in a shotgun contest with James left Sophie drunk within the hour. She had her sunglasses perched askew on her nose, eyes closed as she rested her head in Rafe’s lap, lying down on the seat next to him.

“This trip is good for you. I think this is the most relaxed I’ve seen you all year.” Julia commented, snapping a quick photo of the couple.

“I do feel very relaxed.” Sophie hummed, taking Rafe’s hand and starting to play with his fingers. “Hm. Relaxed. Relaxation. That’s nice.”

“You’re hammered.” Rafe pointed out, but looked down on her fondly. “I want you to eat soon.”

“Snacks.” She affirmed. “You’ll have to feed me. I’m not sure my jaw works anymore.”

James giggled, more tipsy than anything, but still lacked any filter. “Better for dick sucking.”

“Hey.” Rafe warned. “Watch your mouth.”

“Sorry. Just came out.” James shrugged, having zero remorse. “Can we go swimming? I wanna see dolphins. Do they have dolphins here?”

“Some dolphins. I’ll take you.” Their driver interjected, changing direction of their boat.

“Dolphins can travel up to 80 miles a day,” Allie informed them, confused when she got weird looks from the groups. “What? I’m from Florida, I wanted to be a dolphin trainer growing up. Everyone did.”

“Aw. You would have been good at that, Al.” Julia told her, topping off her drink. “Sophie, no sleeping.”

“M’ not sleeping.”

“No drunk napping.”

“M’ not drunk.”

“Well now you’re just lying.” Rafe told her with a smile, gently nudging her up. “C’mon, I need you to drink water for me. Have some snacks.”

“Here, Sophie.” Colin waved the bag of Sun Chips under her nose, grinning. “Try some. Yummy.”

She batted it away, frowning as she leaned back into Rafe. “Everyone leave me alone.”

He pushed her back upright immediately, ignoring her frown, and pressed a water bottle to her lips. “Drink.”

“Do the thing.” She lowered her voice, challenging him with a smirk.

“Sweetheart, I’m not gonna -”

“Then I’m not drinking.”

He sighed, resigned. “Drink water or I’m not letting you go out tonight.”

“Let me? You don’t let me do anything.” She argued, grabbing the water bottle away and took a long drink.

Rafe just nodded, clearly not in the mood for a fight. He knew Sophie was in charge of the relationship, but the second he said he wasn’t comfortable with something, she listened right away. “Okay. Sure.”

“Trouble in paradise,” James sing-songed, only to receive a glare from Sophie.

“You’re still on my hit list.”

“Me? What did I do?”

“You and Julia are on it.”

Julia sighed, glancing over. “You’re really still hung up on that?”

Sophie sat up a little more, her eyes lighting up, and Rafe braced for an argument. “I told you no -”

“And we’re both grown adults, Soph, we can make our own decisions -”

“You don’t even like him -”

“Ouch.” James mumbled, shrinking back into his seat as if he couldn’t be seen.

“Hey!” Allie clapped, standing and putting herself in between the girls. “Both of you, let it go. We’re not doing this again. Julia, drink more. Sophie, no more drinking.”

“But -”

“No.” She crossed her arms, staring them both down until they sighed, mumbling apologies. “Thank you.”

The boys all watched in silence, impressed, until Colin spoke up. “Right, well, I’m gonna go swim.” He and James nodded, jumping off the back of the boat, and Allie and Julia took a second but followed suit.

Sophie moved to join in until Rafe grabbed her around the waist, protective as he pulled her onto his lap. “Hey. You okay?”

“Yes. I feel good.” She promised, but couldn’t fully meet his gaze and was swaying with the rocking of the boat. “Can we go swim?”

“Will you wear a life jacket?”

“That’s embarrassing.”

“It’ll be more embarrassing if you drown.” He pushed her hair back, out of her face, and kissed her forehead. “You’re way too drunk right now, you’re making me nervous.”

She frowned, placing her hand on his cheek. “I make you nervous?”

“No, I’m just worried something’s gonna happen. Life jacket? Please?” He pulled it from under the seat, offering it to her.

Sophie rolled her eyes but let him put it on, strapping it tight across her chest for good measure. “Now can we go?”

He scooped her up with a grin and stood on the seat, ready to jump. “Now we can go.”

“No, Rafe - wait no!” She screamed, grabbing around his neck as he jumped into the water with her in his arms, plunging down and letting her go to float back up.

James snorted, splashing water toward her. “Nice life jacket.”

“I’d like a life jacket.” Allie interjected, closing her eyes and floating on her back. “Wouldn’t have to do any work.”

“Hold on - Allie, are you high?” Colin questioned, swimming closer and poking her arm. She’d only had half of a drink since they were on the boat, but was still acting strange and zoned out the whole day.

“Carlos gave me an edible. I ate it before we got on the boat.” She mumbled in reply. “I have more if you want it.”

“You took sketchy drugs from a sketchy guy?!” Colin exclaimed, much louder than necessary.

Rafe swam over with a frown, shaking his head like a dog. “Who’s taking drugs?”

“The bartender -”

“Carlos.” Allie corrected.

“The bartender gave Allie drugs.” Colin cut her off. “And now she’s high and probably something else.”

Rafe cocked his head, looking over Allie. “Al? You good?”

“I feel nice.” She replied, moving to tread water and smiled at them. “So nice.”

“Jesus Christ.” Colin cursed, while Rafe kicked him under the water.

Julia swam over, tugging Sophie’s hand to drag her along. “Oh, it’s finally kicking in?”

“You knew?” Rafe questioned, pulling Sophie into his arms as she tried to be subtle and unclip the life jacket.

“Of course I knew.” Julia replied. “Don’t freak out, I looked at it, it’s fine.”

“Oh, you looked at it, great. Thanks, Julia, I didn’t know you were the resident expert on drugs.” Colin huffed.

“Just weed, actually, I haven’t done anything else -”

James seemed to finally realize the whole group was congregated instead of doing their own thing, like he was. He swam under the water, grabbing Rafe’s ankle - who immediately screamed like a child and kicked James in the face. James bobbed up straightaway with his hand clapped to his nose and blood trickling from it like a leaky faucet. “What the fuck?!”

“Why’d you grab me?!” Rafe defended, letting go of Sophie. “This is on you.”

James launched himself onto Rafe, grabbing at him, and the two promptly started wrestling in the water, despite everyone’s protests. Colin stuck his arm in between them to break them up after a few minutes, tugging Rafe off of James and being careful not to hit James’ nose again. “Hey! Hey. Everyone back on the boat.”

“C’mon, Colin.” James argued, but hauled himself back up onto the boat anyways when Colin tapped his watch and reminded them all of their dinner reservations.

Once they all clambered back onto the boat and James had a towel and a can of beer pressed to his nose, the boat driver started taking them back to the shore. Sophie had sobered up somewhat and Allie was asleep with her head in Julia’s lap, with Julia absent-mindedly stroking her hair. “Hey, Rafe? Do you have any good recs for somewhere we could go for dinner?”

Rafe furrowed his brow, confused. “We’re going to dinner tonight, what do you mean?”

“No, no, tomorrow. I was thinking it could be just the girls, you guys could do something else -”

“No.” He replied, firm. “None of you are going anywhere alone. I don’t trust any of you when you’re drinking.”

Allie stirred, finally opening her eyes as she’d been listening in on the conversation. “We could invite Carlos to chaperone,” she mumbled.

“Yeah, I’m sure he’d love to tag along. Drag you into some trafficking ring too.” Colin grumbled.

James pulled the towel away from his face, confused. “So that’s a no to guy’s night?”

“No one is splitting up.” Rafe insisted, firm, and reached over to press the towel back to James’ nose.

Sophie cocked her head at her boyfriend. “Where is this coming from?”

“Look, I don’t even let Sarah go out alone here, and we’ve been coming here for years, she knows this place like the back of her hand. I don’t want something to happen to you guys.” He slung his arm around Sophie’s shoulders, pulling her close. “Any of you. I mean it.”

“Man, even my own father isn’t this protective.” Julia remarked casually, then immediately regretted it upon seeing Rafe’s wince. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine. But that’s final say.”

“Okay, got it.” Julia raised her hands in defense. “So. Back to Carlos. Do you think he’d get all of us drugs if we had a threesome with him?” She suggested, only for everyone to stare blankly at her. “Oh my god, I’m just asking. It’s not like I suggested meth.”

“Who’s in the threesome?” James questioned, cocking his head.

Julia ignored him, barreling on. “That’s, like, an appropriate thing to ask, right? It feels like an island vibe. He’s gotta know where to get something.”

“Something.” Rafe repeated.

“Yeah.” She directed her question back toward him. “Hypothetically, if he could get us coke, would you say no? That’s like a rich person drug.”

“Rafe hasn’t done coke.” Sophie interrupted, assuredly, then frowned as Rafe seemed contemplative. “Right?”

“...No. Had to think. Been in the room, though, so probably got something secondhand.”

“That’s literally not how coke works.” Julia dismissed.

“I wouldn’t. I’m pretty sure that ruins the lining of your nose.” James supplied helpfully - Julia nodded in agreement, considering this newfound information.

“I’d consider doing molly.” Colin added. “But not from him.”

“Oh, like that makes a difference.” Allie deadpanned, always quick with the comeback while the rest of the group registered their surprise, because - Colin? Drugs? Two words that didn’t go together.

“It does, actually, but I get drug tested at NASA every single week, so.” Colin shrugged. “Not worth losing my future job.”

“Right. No one answered my question.” Julia sighed. “I’m open to a threesome with Allie or James. Rafe and Sophie, you’re out. Colin, I -”

“Yeah. Agreed.” Colin nodded, then hurriedly added, “I’m not saying I’m down for a threesome -”

“Hold on, why are we out?” Sophie frowned. “We’re hot.”

“Neither of you would share. It wouldn’t be fun.” James pointed out, only for Julia to nod enthusiastically in agreement.

“Exactly. You two are too, like, in love or whatever. It’s sick.”

“We would be great in a threesome.” Sophie argued, crossing her arms.

“You are too damn competitive.” Rafe mumbled to himself, shaking his head. “No one is having a threesome, no one is doing drugs. Not until we’re back under American laws. I’m not bailing anyone out of jail here.”

“Boo, Dad.” James grumbled, making Sophie lean toward him and raise her hand.

“James -”

“Okay, Sophie, chill, you can be the only one to call him Daddy -”

“Oh god, gross -”

“Home again!” Their driver announced with a grin, bumping the boat a little against the dock. The group snapped to attention, with James and Colin grabbing the coolers and Rafe helping the girls off the boat. He clapped the driver on the back as he was last to get off, murmuring something in his ear and slipped a wad of cash into his hand.

_____

After dinner, the group was dropped back at the house with the same driver they’d had all week, who now knew them all by name and knew way too much gossip about each of them. He knew that Rafe always sat in the front, the girls crammed into the back and James and Colin shared the middle, unless the girls were too drunk to crawl all the way back safely, and the boys would trade. They were all tired from a long day in the sun and agreed to call it with a lowkey night back at the house.

Once they’d all changed into comfier clothes, rather than how they dressed up for dinner, they congregated in the living room, sprawled out on the couches.

“All right, games. I have...uh…” Rafe rifled through the cabinet under the television, coming up short with only a deck of cards. “There’s just this and a poker set. We didn’t exactly play family games growing up.”

“That’s alright. We can play B.S.” Julia concluded, clapping her hands together with a grin.

“Last time we played B.S. it ended in a screaming match, and you and Colin didn’t talk for a week.” Allie reminded her, wary. Drunken card games in their group usually resulted in made-up rules that were only kept on track if someone wrote down the rules to lock down any possible room for arguments.

James and Sophie returned from the kitchen with two bottles of Sprite, two bottles of lemonade, a handle of vodka and six shot glasses. “Okay! Ready!”

“What the - guys, I said a chill game night.” Rafe raised his eyebrows as Sophie passed out the shot glasses.

“Yeah, we decided it’s our only senior spring break so we want to enjoy it.” Sophie told him, smacking a kiss to his cheek. “We’re playing B.S? Whose rules?”

“Normal rules, for the first round. Second round everyone adds a rule as you get away with bullshit.” Julia declared, shuffling and dealing the cards out to everyone with a surprising amount of skill. “Next birthday goes first, and if you don’t get away with it you have to take a shot. Or chug your drink for five seconds?”

“That’s me. And player’s choice, I think.” Sophie decided, sitting up and angling her cards away from everyone, looking a little too contemplative. She placed her card down, and Colin immediately shook his head. “Bull.”

“Nuh uh.”

“Take the shot, Sophie.” Colin insisted, flipping her card to reveal a jack instead of the needed 2.

“Fuck.” She muttered, following suit.

Rafe shoved her cup of water closer to her before she could pour herself a vodka lemonade instead, shaking his head. “You’re not even sober right now. Finish this first.”

“It’s alright, I’m fine.” She waved him off. “You’re next.”

The game continued on, escalating dramatically as they kept playing. By the time the first big bullshit was called, Allie had to accept at least 30 cards, the group had all taken at least one shot, Julia had been banished to the corner for a whole round, James was wearing Julia’s pink sunglasses upside down and Rafe had made out with Sophie three times, due to a rule he’d made up.

“Total bullshit.” Allie giggled as James placed five cards down at once on top of a huge stack. She was rivaling Sophie for drunkest of the group by far, slumped on the couch with her arms wrapped around one of the pillows as she wore a happy grin.

“Is not.”

“Is too!”

“Challenge!” Julia exclaimed, setting up two cups at the end of the table and handed them each a ping pong ball. (No one was sure when this was added to the rules, but everyone accepted it easily.) “Ladies and gentlemen, please stand.”

The two stood and took each other’s hands, laughing as they followed the customary pre-pong rule of spinning each other three times before taking their aim. “That was four! That was four.” Allie protested, having to grab James’ arm for balance as the room spun behind her eyes. “You need an extra spin.”

“Wait, dude, you put five down.” Colin pointed out, cocking his head. “Fucking idiot, take the cards.”

“Julia said challenge!”

“But you cheated!”

“The whole point of the game is cheating, dumbass!” James retorted, shaking his head. “She said challenge!”

“I said challenge!” Julia cried out, tapping her shot glass against the glass table to regain order. “Now throw.”

Both of them missed their mark terribly, James’ ball falling short and Allie accidentally nailing Rafe in the forehead with hers. “Sorry! Shit, sorry!”

“Oh, no, baby, are you okay?” Sophie asked worriedly, smoothing her hand over Rafe’s forehead as she combed through his hair with her fingers.

“I’m fine. I’m not sober.” He replied, humming with a smile as he leaned into her touch.

Everyone stared at the two of them with grins as they realized Rafe’s mistake in his own rule that he’d made up. The couple took too long to realize, slowly glancing around at the group. “What?” Sophie asked, sitting up straight. “What happened?”

“James missed the shot.” Colin grinned at Rafe, way too smug. “Pucker up.”

Rafe’s face dropped as it clicked for him - he’d made up the rule that a missed shot from falling short meant that person had to make out with the player who’d gone before for at least two minutes. It was a carefully calculated rule, he’d played pong with everyone in the group countless times and knew that everyone besides Sophie tended to overshoot, almost every single time.

Almost.

James laughed at Rafe’s expression, crooking a finger toward him. “Come here, buddy. Do you want me to get chapstick? Soph, do you have chapstick?”

“Do I have to?” Rafe groaned, standing up and striding over to sit next to James on the couch.

“It’s your rule.” Julia pointed out. Sophie shrugged in agreement, not quite putting together all the pieces.

“I’m really honored to be doing this with you, seriously.” James joked. “Sophie, can I touch him?”

“Just the head.”

Julia snorted, and she and James exchanged equally delighted grins at Sophie’s accidental innuendo.

Colin pulled up the timer on his phone, flashing it toward them. “Okay...alright. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Fucking hell.” Rafe sighed, but leaned in to make the first move, eager to get it over with. Both of them had their eyes closed and the kiss was relatively tame, albeit impossibly long.

“Oh.” Sophie murmured quietly, unsure how she felt, but uttered a warning “hey” when James’ hand automatically went to Rafe’s face. She decided she felt mainly neutral about it, but would be a lot more neutral if it was James and Colin kissing instead.

Julia was quiet for the first time all night, unable to tear her eyes away as she watched. Allie couldn’t resist a quick photo but giggled, hiding her face in Colin’s shoulder.

“Hey. Hey! Hey!” Sophie yelled the second the timer went off, leaning over and grabbing at Rafe’s arm to tear him away. “No more.”

James had his eyes closed and had unconsciously chased Rafe’s lips with his as they were pulled apart, but made a show of wiping his mouth afterward. “Okay. Well. Mark that under something I thought I’d never do.”

“And you’ll never do it again, so I hope you enjoyed it.” Sophie scowled, wrapping her arms around Rafe from behind and pulled him back to lean against her chest. “Stupid fucking rule, Rafe.”

“Sorry. Wasn’t thinking.” Rafe laughed, clearly unbothered as he tilted his head to press a short kiss to Sophie’s neck.

She grasped his head in both her hands, leaning down to press a sound kiss to his lips, as if it was a mark of ownership. “There. No one kiss my boyfriend again, I’m getting more snacks.” Sophie declared, getting up and heading into the kitchen.

“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m lowkey horny right now.” Julia muttered much louder than she intended.

“Thanks for sharing, Jules.” Allie laughed.

Julia glanced toward James with a desperate look, pressing her legs together. “Are we done playing? Or do you guys want to keep going?”

Oblivious as always, James shrugged, unfazed, moving back to his seat beside Julia. “Whatever you want. I’m down to keep playing.”

“Fuck, I need to get laid.” Julia mumbled much quieter so only he could hear, and he straightened up immediately like a bolt of lightning had shot up his spine.

“Actually, I’m good. Tired, actually. Yeah. I’m gonna - yeah.” He stood, offering his hand to Julia. “You look tired too.”

“Guys.” Rafe warned, glancing toward the kitchen where Sophie was still raiding the cabinet for any leftover snacks.

“Night, y’all.” Julia grinned, ignoring Rafe’s warning as the two strode off hand in hand to Julia’s room, making sure to go around so Sophie wouldn’t catch them.

Rafe sighed, but bit back a smile as he saw a dirty text pop up from Sophie, with a very detailed idea of how they could use up the rest of the whipped cream in the fridge. “Alright. Night, guys.” He promptly got up and left, leaving Colin and Allie alone.

“And then there were two.” The tension hung thick in the air as Allie leaned on Colin, giggly. “Fuck, I am so drunk.”

“Yeah?” He didn’t dare move, especially as she took his arm into her lap and started tracing lines as she connected freckles on his skin.

“I think I’m gonna call the bartender.”

“No you’re not.” Colin frowned, shaking his head. “No. You need sleep.”

She yawned, blinking up at him. “I’m pretty sure my room’s occupied.”

“You can take my bed.” He offered immediately, resisting the weird urge to tuck a stray piece of hair behind her ear. “It’s fine.”

“Where are you gonna sleep?” She asked, reaching up and tracing her finger along his cheekbone. “Your eyes are pretty, did you know that? You have a freckle in your right eye.”

“A freckle?” He smiled. “I’m not sure that’s right.”

“It is.” She insisted. “I can go in your bed?”

“Yeah, I’ll take the couch.”

“Okay.” She agreed right away, hauling herself up. “I gotta brush my teeth.”

“Good thing your bathroom’s shared with mine.” Colin reminded her, following her down the hallway. “Unless you really want to go into your room while...that’s going on.”

“No, thank you.” She shook her head quickly, stretching and nearly smacking him in the face. “Sorry! Sorry.”

“It’s alright, just be careful.” He laughed, ushering her into the bathroom. “Do your thing, I’ll fix my bed.”

They’d all changed into comfortable clothes and showered before playing the game, anticipating intoxication, but Colin still wished he had a reason to offer her something of his to wear to bed. He re-made his bed, even fluffing the pillow, before tugging on a hoodie.

Allie returned a few minutes later, giving him a grateful smile. “Thanks, Colin.” She touched his arm as she passed, crawling into bed.

“Of course. No problem. Yell if you need something, yeah?” He told her, smiling back before leaving and turning out the light, resigned to a night on the couch.

taglist: @drewstarkey @lemur46 @jjmaybanksbaby @edgeofgr8 @quxxnxfhxll @obxtess @hoodpankow @vtgirl802 @outerbankies @messagesinthesky @nicolecarsley @svechnikolan @ilovejjmaybank @obxtess @abbyj1822 @oopsiedoopsie23 @g4bster @jjmaybankzz @freddymaybank @dontjinx-it @illbesafeforyou @moniamaybank @tovvaa @jailcalledlife @sunshineitsfine44 @randomficsandshit @outerbankspreferences @outerbanksbro @karsinner @kkmaybank @whoeveniskendall @lemur46 @outerbankies

[papenathys]

Bengali Academia

Last time I made a compilation of some Indian Academia picks, most of which were works written in English. So I thought I'll put together a book rec list but this time the works are in Bengali as we have a very rich heritage and it's high time I promoted my own culture :) this list is subjective and contains entries compiled with the help of my family and friends. Please keep in mind that the Bengali literary canon is VAST and encompasses works from India and Bangladesh and I cannot possibly represent every single author I have ever read and loved.

Political:

Pather Dabi [transl: The Way of The Road] by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay: revolutionary secret society in colonial india!! an actually likeable hero!! splendid anti establishment bengali youths!! themes like untouchability, decolonisation and female empowerment!! I will rec this book until my absolute dying breathe, especially because the whites™ banned it.

Ghare Baire [transl: The Home and the World] by Rabindranath Tagore: explores complex paradoxes in the early phase of the national independence movement, like western "progressive" theory vs western imperialism, patriotism vs aggressive nationalism, and the double alienation of desi women by Britishers + their own society. raises very pertinent questions about forceful "emancipation" of women, very layered characters and gorgeous prose.

Char Adhyay [transl: Four Chapters] by Rabindranath Tagore: you can read this as either the star-crossed love story of revolutionaries Ela and Atin, or a scathing critique of militant nationalism, embodied by the brilliant, ruthless, manipulative rebel leader Indranath. or both. either way, a great portrayal of systematic brainwashing by extremist groups, though does get a tad bit angsty at times.

Kaalbela [transl: Doomsday] by Samaresh Majumdar: you know the drill. Naxalite movement. Bengal burning. Love in the times of communism and revolution and police raids. Fun stuff. If you loved Udayan and Gauri from The Lowland pls read this.

Hajar Churashir Maa [transl: 1084's Mother] by Mahasweta Devi: a harrowing exploration of 70s Naxalite Bengal, state brutality, and the cost of resistance as seen through the eyes of Sujata, a mother battling to piece together the events leading to the murder of her son, rebel Brati. this one is particularly devastating and can be triggering in the current political climate. but god, what a read.

Social:

Pather Panchali [transl: Song of the Road] by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay: if you haven't read the book, you have probably heard of the equally gorgeous movie. It's about a village on the far precincts of rural Bengal, it's about a brother and a sister and a family whose destinies keep pulling them apart and together, and it's about other things too, a field after a rainstorm, fresh mangoes, the gnaw of hunger and the kind of love that suffers.

Padma Nadir Majhi [transl: The Boatman on the River Padma] by Manik Bandopadhyay: an epistolary story about the lives of the impoverished fishermen community living in the Padma delta strip in Bangladesh, and a man ferrying relocated settlers to a utopian riverine island named Moynadip. The river acts almost as a sentient presence through this novel about class conflicts. I remember reading this in middle school, the prose is to die for. Also, Kuber, the main character is v.v. good I kind of love him.

Satyabati trilogy by Ashapurna Debi: *slams hands on table* INTERGENERATIONAL FEMALE RAGE!! mother and daughter and granddaughter battling the same oppressive fate!!! Feminist and anti brahmanical academia!! Women writing about women!!

Chokher Bali [transl: Eyesore] by Rabindranath Tagore: it's about two women- beautiful briliant widow Binodini and her sweet naive friend asha, and the way their stories spill into each other. sometimes privileged men write surprisingly good stories about women who are flawed, women who want things, women with ambition and love and tenderness and lust and regret and jealousy.

Srikanto by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (#1): bisexual himbo spends entire adolescence pining after hot male best friend before growing up, doing drugs and getting reunited with a former flame who now works as a courtesan. Involved: a snake charmer, baggy pants, feverish dreams, ghosts on the river's edge, and this one line that keeps me awake all night and which I totally lost in translation: "sometimes the best kind of love bewitches. Other times, it simply dethrones you."

Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay: or as I like to call it childhood sweethearts Dev and Paro battles The Bengali Class Hierarchy and Third Degree Alcoholism while the courtesan Chandramukhi is busy being an unproblematic angel whom I love :) also pls don't watch the film it is kind of cringe idk

Aranyak [transl: Of the Forest] by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay: read the memo it's about forests. it's about a man enamoured by forests and it's about people whose lives are inextricably bound to the trees, for better and for worse. actually pretty sad, but the journey through that sadness is lovely.

Non fiction

Pakdondi by Leela Majumdar: whimsical, gentle memoir/travelogue about the author's childhood in Shillong and Calcutta. Think hill stations and winter flowers and soft sunshine. Has the wistful nostalgia of a Ghibli film. I love her writing sm.

Any work by Nabaneeta Deb Sen, particularly Truck Bahone McMahon [transl: On a Truck Alone to McMahon], which details her road trip to the North East Indian states in the humorous precision only she can bring. Her writing style blends factual and funny in the same vein as Ruskin Bond and I had a good time with this.

Deshe Bideshe [transl: In a Land Far from Home] by Syed Mujtaba Ali: an account of the author's two year stay in Kabul between 1927-29 when the country was going through sweeping reforms under the controversial reign of King Amanullah. It's a little glimpse into a system and a time not often documented in literature, and Ali's writing is a gem. you'll enjoy this is you enjoy Ruskin Bond and William Dalrymple.

Mythology/Retellings

Rajkahini [transl: Stories of Kings] by Abanindranath Tagore: another favourite, lyrical, descriptive, half magical half historical goodness, this collection of short stories centres around ancient Rajput dynasty folklore and mythical histories. The accompanying illustrations are equally beautiful.

Tagore's Nritya Natya (dance drama) series of plays which centre around folklore. Think royal intrigue, warrior princesses falling in love with gods and the plight of benevolent monks and "untouchable girls". I adore nritya natya because most bengali girls learn these plays and the leitmotif songs and stories growing up.

Shei Shomoye [transl: Those Days] by Sunil Gangopadhyay: written in Sunil's typical wistful lilt, it is a retelling of the life of Bengali satirist and playwright Hutum Pacha (aka kaliprasanna sinha) as well as several historical figures like Michael Madhusudan, Tagore etc. Recommended by my mutuals and followers alike.

Tungabhadrar Tire [transl: By the Tungabhadra] by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay: a fleet carries two princesses to vijaynagar where one of them is to wed the king as part of a political alliance. but of course things fall apart (as they always do) and you get a whole cocktail of torrid affairs and 14th century politics albeit the joy is tempered considerably by the author's very Quirky Misogyny and a certain degree of SLB-esque Islamophobia ://

Poetry

Shakti Chattopadhyay (themes: restlessness, nature, modernism, translated verses)

Kalyani Thakur Charal (social commentary, dalit representation, feminism)

Rabindranath Tagore (mysticism, pastoralism, time)

Jibanananda Das (speculative, modernism, existentialism)

Michael Madhusudan Dutta (epic poetry, nature, sonnets)

Kazi Nazrul Islam (patriotic, anti colonial, social commentary......an icon ahead of his time.....king™)

Self indulgent recs

Abol Tabol by Sukumar Ray is one of those priceless books of nonsense/satire poetry rendered second grade in translation, I'm afraid. If you can, read the Bengali version. In fact, read any of Sukumar Ray's works, it's like taking an acid trip with Hayao Miyazaki and Louis Caroll, icon really created That Rich A Bibliography™ in his unfairly short life :') it's funny, it's unsettling, it's ridiculous, it's savage.

Professor Shonku series by Satyajit Ray: this sci-fi/thriller collection is written in the format of a long-lost journal, detailing the colourful and sometimes genuinely creepy adventures of whimsical old scientist Trilokeshwar Shonku. The professor is aided on his trips by faithful and benevolently dumb attendant Prohlad and his cat Newton. This series is so ridiculous and inventive and good, Ray's writing is so readable and the accompanying illustrations are charming AF. A nostalgic fave.

Feluda series by Satyajit Ray: you've partaken of bengali culture, you have studied museums and archives and watched documentaries. But did you read feluda? No? Not a very successful cultural integration then, was it?

Podi Pishir Bormi Baksho (transl: The Burmese Box of Aunt Podi) by Leela Majumdar: one eventful night, the Burmese treasure chest of a formidable bengali matriarch is stolen, spawning generations of hatred, bloodshed and betrayal. PEAK comedy gold. every time I reread this book it leaves me in hysterics.

Byomkesh series by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay: rounding off this list with my favourite dark academia detective boy, byomkesh is very well written and very likeable and very aesthetiqué if you are looking for crimes and felony and the seven deadly sins in the heart of colonial and post-partition calcutta. if you like Poirot, you will love this series, particularly the earlier stories.

This list is definitely not comprehensive! For logistical purposes, I was unable to add Tagore's entire Body of Work©, or ALL of Nazrul's poems....else we'd be here a few days. There are many, many names and titles missing. My list is limited by my own reading experience and the books I know from recommendations. However, I just wanted to make this list for a long time as I rarely see Bengali literature hyped on tumblr. Feel free to add more!

[ropebunnykant]

I don't want to watch mayla season because they'll break up :( and I don't know if it's worth to watch u know. yeah I've seen bad buddy but (I'm sorry for saying that jdndhdu) i got over it pretty fast. but i have to admit that it's one of the best bl series in existence. i haven't seen a symbolism here tho? what I mean by that is parallels, interesting concepts (like eliott drew his movie and he and lucas recreated it in eliott's special place and how eliott drew him and lucas as animals in parallel universe. something like that. In this regard vice versa get me but it's not perfect show and i kinda can understand why people are not so obsessed with it). But yeah the eclipse is... I LOVE IT. It's getting better with every new episode and i don't know how it's going to end and I'm intrigued and i live Ayan with my whole heart.

if you watch just lola’s season, they don’t break up!!! they break up in maya’s season bc shirley and deb fucking suck, but if you just watch s6, you’re good. and you don’t really need to watch s5 for it, i feel like it can stand on its own pretty well. again tho, if you don’t wanna have lucas or elu ruined for you, def don’t watch

as for bad buddy, honestly admire you for getting over it quickly tbh, it still consumes so much of my thoughts like EHEJDKD and since it does, i have spent a LOT of time analyzing it and i can promise there is PLENTY of symbolism and parallels, especially if you watch it multiple times. just off the top of my head, our song (the one pran sings to pat at the bar in ep11) is not only the song pran writes throughout the whole show but it’s also the theme song, the use of music in general in a motif throughout the show to represent pran’s love for pat like the lines from ep10 where pat says “pretend it’s a song for me” and pran says “how could i ever stop if i do that?” and just in general his attempts at stamping out his desire to play in relation to his love for pat, also the entire show being an allegory for homophobia and representing the experience of being gay and dealing with rejection on multiple fronts without actually including any outward homophobia in the show, and then there’s a bunch of parallels between inkpa and patpran etc etc like i could really go on but i won’t keep you HSKDKEB but yeah there’s plenty of symbolism and parallels in the show <333

also!! adore the eclipse sm, can’t wait to watch tomorrow 🥰🥰🥰

[emikmr]

I’m Right Here (Lip Gallagher)

season 4 spoilers

summary: when Liam is in the hospital and all the weight goes to Lips’s shoulders, she’s right there to help lift it off, even if it’s just a little bit

lip x fem! reader

warnings: mentions of drug use, mental health, alcoholism, angst, and let me know if there’s anything else that I missed!

“Lip...Lip...” He was staring blankly down at the hospital waiting room floor. She had been trying to get his attention since she got there a few minutes before. She gave up and sat in the chair next to him. She sat on her knees in the chair and wrapped her arms around one of his. She put her chin on his shoulder and looked at his face. She could see the pain and rage on his face. She always knew what he was thinking, feeling, just by looking at him. They could read each other like beginning chapter books. “I know you’re mad at her. I can see it.” She lightly whispered in his ear, her voice was a little muffled from her jaw not moving from his shoulder, but he understood every word she spoke. He hates to admit to even himself that she’s right. He glances at her through the corner of his eye. “I know you’re hurting.” He scoffs a little. “Hurting? I feel like a big rig filled with hot steamy shit just ran over me.” He finally looked in her eyes.  She gave a sad smile and leaned forward just a little to lock her lips to his in a shallow kiss. “I’m sorry, baby. He’ll be alright though. I mean come on, his Dad is Frank Gallagher. Frank’s not the only one who’s basically a cock roach. You all are, Liam too.” She reached her hand over to rub his cheek with her thumb and looked into his blue eyes while she spoke to him. 

“I don’t think I can do this.” She watched as his lip quivered and tears started to pool in those eyes she loved so much. She raced against herself to tuck him into her neck and wrap her arms completely around him the best she could. “Hey hey, don’t cry. Debs and Carl are right there and I don’t think they can handle seeing their favorite brother and role model fall apart.” She knew it was better for him to let it all out, but she also knew it was important for Debbie and Carl to have their big brother be strong. They needed him to guide them through the next steps. Their big sister who raised them just got arrested, they needed him. “Why don’t we step away, huh? Go for a smoke? How’s that sound, bubba?” She pulled her chin up onto the side of his face so he could hear her better. He pulled himself out of her neck to look up at her. “I can’t, I have to wait to hear about Liam. Closest thing to a legal guardian right now.” She sighed and looked to V who lightly nodded and took a deep breath. “We’ll call you when they come for Liam.”

Lip stood first so he could give his hand to her to help her stand, even when he was hurting he would always be a gentleman, especially for her. He’d do anything for her, actually they’d both do anything for each other. He held her hand tightly and as close to him as possible. They walked in silence all the way down to the elevator. When the doors finally closed he pulled his girl to him, completely wrapping his arms around her and his face pushed into where her neck connected to her shoulder. He took a deep breath in and inhaled her smell. She threaded her hands into his hair and pulled a little. “Baby, don’t do that right now please.” He finally laughed a little. She used her grip on his hair to pull his head back so she could see his face. “Excuse me? You love it. You know that in your sleep you force my hand there so I can pull on your hair. You take a big breath and snuggle close and...” She couldn’t finish cause he was tickling her sides. “You’re making me look less manly, babe.” He smiled at her. “Yeah? You think that makes you less manly? Why don’t I tell everyone about how when we shower...” He put his hand to her mouth and stared at her with his jaw on the floor, “You wouldn’t dare.” He spoke with a playful tone. They laughed a little  but it died down as he popped his own bubble and took another deep breath. “Okay, enough with the sighing, it’s fucking weird, bro. Just tell me what’s going on in that big, beautiful, way smarter than me brain.” She smiled and ran her hands through the hair on the top of his head.

“I don’t even know, Y/N/N.” His lips shook again, but he shook his head and pulled himself away from her and turned towards the doors. He put his hands on the top of his head so he could breath better. “I feel like I just ran a marathon. I can’t breath and I don’t think I’m going to be able to until I see his face again. He’s a baby, he-he’s my baby brother. I-I should’ve,” She stopped him by hugging his waist. “There is absolutely nothing,  I mean nothing, you could’ve done.” She let go of him for a split second when the elevator signaled that they had reached the bottom floor. She held his hand and only let go so they could put on their coats and hats and so she could grab the smokes she had in her coat pocket. They walked outside and sat on the steps. He pulled the zippo from his pocket and lit her cig before lighting his own. They sat in silence while they smoked. She finally rubbed her cigarette on the concrete next the her and began speaking. “You didn’t know she had coke, Lip. You couldn’t have known, this isn’t like Fiona. You know that. She would never do that on purpose.” 

At that moment, the dam cracked just aa little. He rubbed out his cig and finally let some tears fall. They made his cheeks a little more rosy from the cold. She knew better than to speak, so she just held onto his arm and let him cry. His tears didn’t last long cause he wiped them away and pulled himself together so he could look his girl in the eye. He had this weird thing about not letting her see him when he was weak. Crying in front of her was the biggest rule of his that he’s broken so far, he definitely couldn’t look her in the eye with tears in his. So once he pulled himself together he finally looked to her and gave her a small smile. He grabbed her face and smeared his lips on hers. He pulled away and smilded before pecking her lips once more. He was loking into her eyes when her phone beeped. She looked at her phone and smiled a little. 

“It’s V, their asking for someone for Liam.” He forgot to wait for her as he bolted inside the hospital. She got up just as quick and ran after him.

“We’re for Liam, Liam Gallagher!’ His words were rushed as she crashed into his back from the sudden stop of his feet. “Great, do you know when Fiona is going to be back?” The doctor asked. “Not soon. I’m Liam’s brother.” He seemed a little impatient and frustrated with her, but only she could know that casue he hid it pretty well. “Is there another parent or legal guardian available?” The doctor retorted. “No, is my baby brother gonna be ok?” He was starting to let his feelings show. “I’m sorry, I need a responsible adult present to...” He cut her off and threw words at her full force. “My moms a bipolar drug addict who split, my dad’s a drunk and the cops took Fiona off to jail, alright? I’m the only thing that passes as a responsible adult that you’re going to get right ow. Now, how is Liam.” She finally let up and told him how Liam was doing. If you were in the room you could probably hear the shattering of everyone’s hearts. The only one not completely fucked, the innocent kid brother that everyone adored, overdosed on coke. When they finally let Lip back in the PICU, he didn’t want to go alone. He took her back with him, saying that they were married, he needed her. 

“Y’know, don’t mean to be insensitive right now, but, I told you so. He’s a roach just like the rest of you.” She was laying on the bed next to Liam, petting his hair, and looking up at her boy. He chuckled a little and leaned over the bed to kiss Liam’s.” forehead and then her cheek.

“I love you too.” He sent a smirk her way before sitting back in his chair to watch them. He’s gonna have to make her his wife one day.

[mayasdeluca]

I know that Kyle jokes about being the second favourite or like the less accomplished sibling but he’s joked about it so many times that it seems like there’s more to it and maybe now Kyle might be jealous or maybe just not used to getting not as much attention from Ali? And like maybe he’s jealous or something that deb deb is living with them and taking care of sloane?

Like Kyle seems like a good person but he’s just kinda weird with how he acts and he has just changed a lot idk

I agree...if you're joking about something like that so many times, it's clear that there's some intent behind it. And I mean I don't necessarily blame him in a way. While he seems very proud and supportive of Ali and all she's accomplished, I'm sure there's also a part of him that feels secondary and not as important and that's just being a human. I would probably feel the same in his position. But to take it out on Ali? That would be wrong. Especially when she's recently talked about struggling with trying to say yes to everyone and being the best wife, mother, sister, daughter, etc. Like girl is trying her best!! She's going to therapy!! Don't make her feel guilty! He better not be or I'll rage.

He could feel left out with Deb living with them and them being all together and who honestly knows the situation with their dad at the moment so it could be tough. But he needs to be mature about it, he's almost 40 lol. It does feel like he's changed though and I thought this new boyfriend of his was going to be good for him but it feels like he's still so self absorbed. He spent all those weeks on vacation with his man in all these great places and still made it about him. Like you wouldn't have even known his boyfriend was with him??? Idk. It was a weird vibe to me.

It is interesting though how he used to be more vocal about his support and adoration for Ali in the past and that just stopped. I mean I want to believe it wasn't all just for show but maybe the fact that she's been in a stable relationship for so long and now has her own family is striking a nerve with him? Who knows. He's hard to figure out for sure.

[y0itsbri]

I adore your writing!

Can you please, please, please write an early gallavich fic?! I have such a soft spot for seasons 1-3 in particular. I think it’ll be a great dynamic to explore more. They’re just adorable!

Thank you so much and I look forward to your future work!! 💛

omg hi you’re so sweet anon!! 🥺💛💛 (i think i'm gonna try something a little bit different with this, let me know if you had anything specific in mind that i missed or that you would like to see!) -- apologies if it's ooc, it's been a little bit since i've rewatched early seasons. this got a little more angsty than i expected oops

---

ian didn't think fear and love were supposed to go hand in hand. at least as closely as it has been for him. all of his siblings' relationships had issues in one way or another, but he didn't see the same fear that he felt. he kept everything bottled inside of him, threatening to shatter. the big feelings weathering him down over time, threatening to drown him. he was everyone's dirty little secret. secrets stuffed in magazines or in locker rooms or freezer closets. he was just a kid over everything else. as much as he liked to think he held some power, he was beginning to feel afraid it had slipped, if he ever even had it at all. he wasn't particularly careful, but he was afraid of being caught in the middle of something he was told was so wrong. he's seen the consequences and it hadn't been pretty. but how could love be so wrong? especially when it felt so good. he knew he was good.

but ian didn't think he truly knew how good it could be until he met mickey. there was still secrets with mickey, of course. there was definitely more at stake if anyone were to ever find out - his household not exactly hanging up a rainbow flag during the month of june. or any month. so it's not like ian's fear had vanished. but more like mickey made things just better. everything else felt like a blip on the radar, too small to even be detected. he was all consumed. he would do anything to feel this electric and this fearless. this powerful. being with mickey is how he noticed the power had slipped before. how did he not notice? why didn't he care to notice?

at first, he didn't mind being mickey's secret. it was exhilarating. with every glance with mickey, he felt warm, enveloped, seen. he wasn't hiding and mickey couldn't either, even if he tried. with every touch, he felt it burn deep. a shock being sent straight up his spine. if he was a cartoon, electricity sparks would be flying. it was like mickey was fire - through his anger and violence and art and love. he was wild fire and spreading quick, taking out everything in its path. ian stood in the middle of the path with welcome arms, daring, begging it to take him too.

brash words and snarky comments from mickey's mouth were nothing but love poems as far as ian was concerned. he may not be able to play things cool, but he didn't want to if he even had a chance of making mickey smile. god what he would give to make mickey smile. to laugh if he was lucky. he didn't want to play anything cool if it even had a chance of making mickey feel good. all he wanted to do was make mickey feel good. feel safe.

it was like a magnetic pull in some stupid way that didn't make sense but made perfect sense. being in each others' space or even knowing that the other was even alive was enough to make ian see stars whenever he closed his eyes. a wish come true. separated by juvie walls or pocketed together by summer sweat, ian couldn't shake him. he didn't want to shake him, his best friend. because that's what they were. even if they couldn't explicitly say that. they couldn't say a lot.

ian knew that mickey's fear was so strongly rooted and for good reason. he wondered if he would ever be able to dig him out and free him. he wondered why he wasn't enough for mickey's love to over-shine his trepidation in the same way. he couldn't live with the possibility of mickey not feeling it the way he was so certain he had. he couldn't fake that. right? it killed him to keep his heart so locked away when it was aching to burst with every breath of mickey. he needed to go before there was nothing left but splatters between his ribs. so he left. he had to. if mickey didn't want him, he didn't want himself. he couldn't stand to be with himself anymore, every part of town a constant reminder of his own heart threatening to crumble like the buildings he once inhabited. he did what he needed to do. they would understand someday. they had to. they would be fine without him. he needed this.

it had been a few weeks into basic training, ian's phone had been blowing up with messages. he hadn't responded to anyone. they wouldn't understand yet. a smattering of messages made him stop in his tracks. he didn't know hear them come in. it could have been days ago. his heart felt like it was going to leap out of his throat. he couldn't bring himself to block the one person who held his heart in his palms, keeping it warm and alive despite the crackling cold circling around him. this is why he had left. this was bad. it was so bad. but if it was bad, then why did it feel so good? so good and warm. mickey.

Mick (3:56 am): i know u dont wanna hear from me man but tell me ur ok. u gotta be.

Mick (3:57 am): deb and mandy wont get off my ass. pick up ur fuckin phone.

Mick (4:05 am): for me. for them. idgaf.

Mick (4:07 am): im not good w words but uh listen to this. it's late - queen

Mick (4:10 am): c ya. plz dont get ur army ass killed

Mick (6:12 am): fuck gallagher

The way you love me Is the sweetest love around But after all this time The more I'm trying The more I seem to let you down Yes, baby

Now you tell me you're leaving And I just can't believe it's true Oh, you know that I can love you Though I know I can't be true Oh, you made me love you Don't tell me that we're through

fuck. he was in too deep again. this is why he left. his stomach ran cold. he was drowning he thinks. his phone died, and he didn't bother charging it. no one would throw him a lifejacket now. how could anyone forgive him? he couldn't even forgive himself. he couldn't be saved now. it's late. too late. too late. too late. he couldn't look back. he would be fine. he had to be. right?