#my boy bryan is INNOCENT

[inchidentalmeowmeow]

Charles in the post race debrief probably 😭

Poor bryan caught in the crossfire

[letsgetrowdy43]

most wanted man (Rowan’s Version)—

Quinn Hughes x Lacey Porter

Warnings: No cw that I can think of, if there's any you think I should include, please lmk!!

Notes: a little blurb loosely based on Lucy Dacus new song “most wanted man” which I knew I needed to make the second the song was released two days ago :)))

Quinn's eyes caught Lacey’s from across the dinner table, a small smile on his face before he returned to his conversation with her nephew.

His gaze was so loving and lovesick in an endearing way before his attention fell back to the eight-year-old asking a million questions about hockey. Questions the man would answer with sincerity and so much excitement as they chatted about maybe getting the little boy and his sister to a game with their aunt.

It was a heart-warming scene, one that she felt so lucky to be able to witness and hold so close to her heart.

Dinner was concluded with a homemade cherry cheesecake made by Grandma Porter, which everyone was forced to have a slice of> The second the first person announced their fullness, Quinn was up on his feet and whisked all of the dishes away to take care of them while he urged his in-laws to relax.

Accompanied by Lacey, the two found themselves bumping shoulders with their hands in the warm soapy water.

He pressed gentle kisses to her shoulder or the side of her face every once in a while before she turned away to start wiping down and putting away the drying plates.

“You having fun?” She asked as her hands gently ran up his arm before taking a freshly cleaned glass from his hands to put away He hummed, concentrating on the dishes before looking up, “I am. I love how close your family is.” “They're your family too babe,” she watched as his cheeks reddened slightly before her hands moved to brush out his hair.

She loved their little life, the ease that came with loving Quinn and all his quirks. Like the way he shied away when she talked about how loved he was or the way he wanted to gain the 'cool uncle' title with her neices and nephews.

He was so attentive, and he loved not only her but her family with his whole heart.

"I promised Jackson and Ella could come to a game," he said, moving his attention from himself to the kids as she grinned at how his eyes lit up at the mention of the two little ones. "I told them you'd take them." "You realize you don't have to give them things to get on their good sides?" "I know, but it sure does help," he gently nudged her before he leaned down to press another kiss to her lips to stop her from any rebuttal.

"Well if it helps I'll gladly take them, and we can finally get those jerseys you bought them in use," she pulled away as he laughed before a loud cough forced their quiet moment into the background as Lacey's older sister walked in holding a stack of coffee cups from the post desert pallette cleanser.

"Less making out, more washing," she joked as she placed the stack next to the sink. Lacey's eyes nearly rolled out of her head as she tried to shoo her sister out of the kitchen, "we weren't making out, we were talking about taking your children to a game so you and Bryan could get a night to yourselves," she looked over to Quinn who was nodding along and smiling with a look of innocence spread across his face.

The woman's eyes narrowed as she looked at her little sister, "Im not buying it, but I would love to take you up on the offer," she said with a final grin and headed back out to the living room to join the rest of the family.

Lacey turned back to Quinn, his face a tint of red spread across his cheek that signified he was a little embarrassed of being caught. She moved to press a kiss to his lips, but he swerved skillfully as his hands found themselves back in the water to finish up.

"I can't believe you just moved away from my kiss," she faked offence as her arms crossed over her chest. Quinn shook his head gently, "can't have them thinking I'm slacking on my chores," he mused. "Their dishes can wait," he shook his head and continued the dishes, playfully ignoring her until she cupped his chin in her hand a pressed a plethora of sloppy kisses to his cheek.

The sound of his laughter was like music to her ears as she placed one last one to his chapped lips.

Loving Quinn was all-consuming but never overwhelming. If she had the time, she could write a book about him and the way he loved, never taking for granted a moment they shared.

She watched the gentle concentration on his face as he drained the sink and took the towel from her hands so he could finish her job, she smiled.

And it was moments that somehow fate, chance, or even God pulled them together, intertwining their paths and leading them to one another that allowed them to truly relish in the feeling of the truest form of love.

"I don't know if I tell you enough that I love you," she whispered as he smiled at the confession. "You don't have to say it, I feel it," he admitted softly while putting the cutlery back in the drawer.

He had such a way with words, so thoughtful, but also so effortless. He knew exactly what to say without having to think about it.

"Thank you for being so you," she watched as he stopped moving and turned to her with a little smile, placing the towel down to hold her. His calloused hands wrapped around her and landed on her back, thumbs running across the silky fabric of her dress. "Thank you for allowing me to love you and letting me into your family."

Tears nearly formed in her eyes as she pulled him in for a hug, her lips finding his shoulder as she just held him for a second.

They stood their for a few more seconds in the quiet bubble of love before quietly finishing the task at hand and joining the family in the den who were cheering along Ella who had insisted on doing her ballet roiutinue for the adults.

Life with Quinn and Lacey was so mundane, but it was so pure.

Made up of moments in the quiet of kitchens as they do dishes, hiding in bathrooms at college parties, or even in the quiet of arena parking lots, it was never about the place, their love peeked through in all settings.

And for as long as she could Lacey would hold on to Quinn because when you have the most loving man, you keep him as close to your heart as possible.

-

-

-

[addict800]

DBH characters: Connor First impression v.s. After playthrough, and hot take(1)

First impression: A handsome, innocent-looking badass. The moment I saw the elevator scene, I knew I was sold: The coin trick showed his level of dexterity and intellect; the flashing blue LED and the little adjustment of his tie indicated the confidence of an android. I can't even tell you how enchanted I was by this opening scene alone. For Connor's looks, the first thing that caught my eye was that tuft of hair on his forehead. Somehow I liked it so much even though I'd never seen anyone with that hairstyle before. At first sight, he was good-looking but appeared to be too young for my liking, almost like a high schooler, plus the somewhat puppy-looking eyes only reinforced it(they're cute, tho), so I imagined his voice would sound like one. Boy did I realize how wrong I was. For Connor's voice, God, his voice... Graveled, deep, but it was neither an old man deep(like Hank) nor a tough guy deep(like Gavin). I wasn't sure how to describe it and still am, but Bryan Dechart's voice was like a fusion of a 20 yo and a 40 yo, making it just enough mature. I never thought a young looks with a sexy voice was such a deadly combination for me, which made me fall in love with Connor in an instant. What an inexplicably sexy boy. For Connor's personality, at first, he gave me the vibe of a level-headed professional who's just trying to get the job done properly during his search for evidence/info in the Hostage chapter, nothing really special. However, from the sharp look Connor gave upon getting shot as he stepped onto the balcony, to the coldness and indifference he showed when Daniel was killed or when Emma was saved, the "handsome young man" became a "cold, sexy mf" for me.

After playthrough: That one serious friend who would say/do something funny without realizing it. As an android designed to accomplish a task, Connor always puts his assigned work first, and I believe that even after he deviates, he'll still be in work mode 24/7 and that his sense of professionalism will remain whether it is about police work or not. Hank probably has to roll his eyes at it, lol. We all know that Connor can be a sarcastic ass if you choose the option:

Connor, being busted by Gavin: I'm going to leave... Connor: Though I'm certainly going to miss our bromance. Connor: Gives a weird ass smile

...But even if you don't have the option to "make" him, apparently, Connor is a hilarious person already(He doesn't even seem to notice):

Connor, mumbling to himself: Hank's password... What would a hard-boiled, eccentric police lieutenant choose? *Wrong password* Connor: Absurd!/Ridiculous!/It's not Hank-ish enough! *Right password being a vulgar one* Connor: Obviously! :) Connor, being caught by the police: (Shit, better come up with a lie.) Connor: If I knew you were coming, I would've brought some donuts.

Here's another funny one that happened after the chasing of Rupert. Connor was reporting to Amanda while walking on the bridge with her in the Zen garden, and it was raining so Connor was sharing the umbrella with Amanda. Here's what happened: *Amanda suddenly stops walking* *Amanda is out in the rain* *Connor keeps talking with her but not holding the umbrella for her again* Me: What a typical guy thing to do lol

So yeah, Connor is that hard-working guy who never loosens up but cracks everyone up at the same time. (...And let's not forget he licked blood for sampling without warning and disgusted Hank every single time lol)

Hot take: Connor is not an innocent baby or a pushover Being a deviant means an android realizes their "want" and has the ability to do as they wish without restrictions of the red walls around them, which doesn't mean an android suddenly becomes an innocent, ignorant newborn. Not to mention a state-of-the-art android designed to be a police detective. Up until Connor deviated(if you chose this path, that is), most of the decisions he made were for the sake of accomplishing a mission: the police work, which included "Warming up to Hank" because he couldn't investigate without Hank; a good partnership only increased the odds of succeeding a mission. Given the circumstances, Connor could even insult Hank or bring up his son's death in order to prevent him from interfering. In other words, Connor was being manipulative during these moments, which was natural considering what his "purpose" was. Another thing that I've noticed is that in many fanfics, Connor is made to be a pushover, a peace-lover, who becomes a lost puppy if people are mean to him. I'm unsure what made these people think this way, but I guess it has to do with the break room scene where Gavin ordered Connor to get him coffee. From the way I see it, when Connor obeyed, it was because "Giving someone coffee" is not a big deal, even though that certain someone hates you. One might think it's pathetic, but Connor simply didn't care as long as this hatred didn't interfere with his missions. The hatred from the general public towards androids was a fact, and it was irrelevant to him, but when it was Hank, his partner, who despised him, Connor had to care because it might compromise their work performance. ...Then again, Connor probably didn't realize that Gavin was putting on a powerplay and not actually thirsty, judging by how he still reached out to try giving Gavin his coffee when the latter walked away, lol. When Connor disobeyed, Gavin punched him and he took it without fighting back. While Connor was probably not allowed to "fight back", the reason why he didn't even block or dodge while being fully capable of doing so was likely because he knew this punch would do zero damage to him, which could be proven by how unfazed he was as he stood back up after Gavin had left. If a baby kicks me in the shin, I probably wouldn't mind, either. But if the assault could actually damage him, and, more importantly, result in hazarding his investigation like when Gavin tried to shoot him in the evidence room, Connor wouldn't hesitate to knock him out. As for why Connor reacted to the punch by bending over like any human would, it was because he was literally designed to "adapt to human unpredictability and integrate into humans", hence reacting like one. Even though androids don't feel pain, it doesn't mean they don't feel anything that comes in contact with them, such as a punch. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I don't think I've ever written something this long, lol. Guess I really have lots of love for Connor. Though I didn't mention this in this article, I love Connor not just because of his good looks. It is also about him being smart, able yet lost. It is a realistic side that I find extremely endearing. The next one will probably be about Hank. Will write it when I have the time :)

[spicywhenspeaking]

Fic request! Don’t know if you write fics for everyone’s favorite BO tour manager or not. If not ignore this! If you do want to give a try - then here we go!

Reader or OC is a member of the crew, maybe works on the photo team with Bryan or is one of the instrument techs. Her and Matt can’t stand each other for some reason. They just got off on the wrong foot somehow but she is good at her job so she keeps touring with them. The rest of the guys pull pranks on them or tease them to try and get them to admit they have feelings for each other and one of the pranks goes a little sideways. Basically enemies to lovers with some fun thrown in. Happy writing!

Hiii!!!! I have started working on your request and wanted to show you what I have been working on !

This is the moodboard

And below is a snippet of the one shot I’m writing!

the final fic will contain smut so minors DNI

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” I screech after opening my hotel room door to find it completely filled with balloons. “How did you even have time for this?!” I turn to the group of snickering boys and then point an angry finger at Noah, my friend since the fourth grade. “You’re a real piece of work Davis, you know that?” He laughs and shrugs his shoulders, “wow, that’s crazy! Who could have done that?” He fakes innocence and I feel the angry heat rising to my face, “I mean if you don’t have the energy to pop them all you could always room with Matt? He doesn’t have a roomie.”

“You’re a dick” I say as I roll my eyes and pull out the four inch pocket knife I have clipped into my back pocket. “Oh it’s no problem, I’ll get these cleared out pretty quick, just need to pretend they’re all your stupid face” I say, giving him a sarcastic smile as I flip the blade open. He just holds up his hands in surrender but the stupid smirk doesn’t leave his face.

Noah and I have always had a relationship more like siblings the way we’re constantly bickering, lately it’s been almost always about his tour manager Matt Dierkes. The man has hated me since the day we met. For no reason I’ll add. He’s a jerk so, whatever I don’t even care. Even if he is handsome and smart and plays the drums.

I get to work popping the hundreds of balloons Noah and I’m sure the other guys filled my room with. I try to finish as fast as possible but every pop is like a shot going off. After a few minutes of work there is a loud pounding at my door so I rush to open it thinking it’s probably the hotel staff trying to find out if someone has been shot.

Swinging the door open I’m faced with the previously mentioned handsome jerk, “Will you please for the love of God shut up!!?” Matt barks out at me and I must look like a lunatic standing there with a knife in one hand covered in bits of exploded balloon latex.

His eyes widened when he saw the knife, “what the Hell are you doing??” He questions while pushing the door open behind me stepping in to see the remaining balloons. “Why are there balloons all over your room? And why are you popping them with a knife?” I give him an exasperated look, “well Noah thought it would be funny to fill my room up with balloons while I was gone restringing guitars and the knife was just the closest thing I had that was sharp.”

He eyes the rest of the room with a judgmental stare, “well if you could just keep it down? Some of us care about the reputation of the band and the last thing we need is complaints about how unruly we are in hotels.”

I scoff and let out a short groan, “are you seriously trying to blame me for this? Noah is the one that filled my room with them? And how am I responsible for the band’s reputation?! You know what?! Fuck off Matt, just let me finish this so I can get some sleep before we head out tomorrow.” I say pushing him out the door and slamming it shut before he can get another word in.

“Asshole” I grumble behind the shut door.

“I heard that” Matt says from the other side of the door. I hear his footsteps retreated back to his room as I start popping the remaining balloons.

Tags are open if you’d like to get notified when it comes out! 🤍

Tags: @cookiesupplier

[pancreasrot]

about me 😜

my name is nelly(she/her, straight)and i think some killers are attractive and others i like their mantra. i obviously have remorse and feelings for innocent people who died, i just can’t control how i feel. i guess ill list some more shit about me.

i’m 19 (almost 20)

i enjoy nature snd being outside, i hike alone a lot my area has nice trails. outside of this hobby i enjoy doing skincare and makeup, i love piercings and have a bunch and two stick and poke shitty ass tattoos, doing the devils lettuce alone or with friends, any deep dive youtube videos or watching my comfort youtubers: imbrandonfarris, off the hook, and slushynoobz. my music taste is all over the place ill link my spotify or add my fav song rn. i have glasses that i need to wear but dont and medication i neglect. i journal about my issues a lot, its fun, its like a little memior.

my two top favorite killers: Bryan Kohberger & Richard Ramirez & Ted Kaczynski & Luigi Mangione

i’ve committed lots of theft, both successful and unsuccessful. only caught once though. also it was mostly petty theft so i’m not trying to talk myself up more than i am, i may have an issue with it, but only take from department stores or people i don’t like. btw don’t steal, just don’t risk it and i know that sounds hypocritical.

obsessions 🫩

tv shows: house, the osbournes, the boys, the office, kevin can fuck himself, gossip girl, bobs burgers, dexter, arrested development, black mirror. (open to suggestions PLEASE)

animals: corgis, dachshunds, siamese cats, lemurs, meerkats. 

makeup/skincare: anything that’s cute and unique, crème shoppe, byoma, literally every brand on earth for makeup, charlotte tilbury!!!!, clarins, nyx, pixi.

flowers of all kinds: ALL OF THEMMMM

i think that’s all if i need to add more i will! also if u wanna be friends id love to but be at least 17/18 yrs old. i’ll still be moots with everyone!

[redheadgleek]

Finishing off the year with a bang.

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. Friend recommendation. I loved this book. I loved the historical aspect and I loved the characters.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach. I had seen this floating around and picked it up on a whim. One, do not date your patients and two, do not date your doctor. I loved the premise - I'm digging this "middle-age reexamination of the life you thought you had, but I wish that the bride character had just been a touch more developed. 

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. I mean, I've already been against the death penalty, but this certainly gave even more light to innocent people caught up in the system. Highly recommended. 

Finding Me by Viola Davis. Friend recommendation. Audiobook. I knew very little about Viola Davis before reading this book, just that she was in a TV show that I hadn't watched. Boy did she have a rough life. Her voice was awesome to listen to.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Friend recommendation. I don't think it knew what kind of story it was supposed to be - as an obvious parable, it overall works, but I can't say that it was my favorite. 

Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. Friend recommendation. I haven't seen the movie, so I don't know how it relates. I think the author could have used a Native editor or coauthor, as there were some stereotypical depictions, but it really was an engrossing read.

The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke. It was lovely to get a glimpse back into the Jonathan Strange world and the illustrations were lovely but I needed more - I needed a stronger tie in to the universe and it could have been longer. Still, I'm glad to see that she's still percolating on the 'verse and I hope that means eventually we might get the Raven King prequel I'm dying for.

The Carrying by Ada Limon. She was the 24th Poet Laureate and it's a well deserved award because her poetry is stunning.

The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina. A beautiful book exploring and living through unimaginable grief. 

The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner. Audiobook. A slow blossoming book (it took until half way through before you were introduced to all of the characters). I loved all of characters, although I wish the book had focused on all of them more equally. And RIchard Armitage's voice is so sexy. 

What Walks These Halls by Amy Clarkin. Friend recommendation. A pretty solid YA debut book - there were definitely scenes that were intense. 

You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World, compiled by Ada Limon. Overall, a really solid collection of verse - there were poems that grabbed me more than others. It also isn't a comforting book of poems - these were verses that examined climate change and neglect, as well as beauty and rebirth. 

Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. Friend recommendation. Honestly, this may be my biggest disappointment of the year as I have been wanting to read this series for years. I couldn't keep any of the characters apart and I couldn't visualize the setting at all. About 30% in, I went searching for a summary because I was getting so frustrated (when the secondary characters have at least 4 different names and honorifics it gets pretty challenging), and even reading the spoilers didn't help. It got a little better around the 60% mark, but I was still dragging to finish it. I've been so looking forward to the second book because I heard it was in second person, but I don't know if I'm going to be able to read more.

[dalekofchaos]

You can't separate the art from the artist with Chris Benoit

Once again Chris Benoit's cultist fans on Twitter are once again trying to pull the "what he did was horrible, but we can separate what he did and admire his in ring work"

He put xanax in his seven year old son before smothering him to death. He broke his wife's spine while strangling her to death. that's how i remember Chris Benoit.

See, this is what going to far with your fandom will get you. Glorifying a murderer because he has "good workrate"

If you can ignore someone MURDERING THEIR WIFE AND CHILD because you liked their fucking in ring work, you don’t have any humanity or morals at all.

Imagine doing the “separate the art from the artist” thing with a guy who murdered his wife and son.

I don’t CHOOSE to remember Chris Benoit. I don’t think about Chris Benoit until weirdos get on Twitter and start saying “but but but in-ring technician”.

And I don't want to hear about CTE, roid rage or alcohol.

Benoit was sane enough to call lying to friends and coworkers on where he was. He was sane enough to sedate his innocent son before murdering him. He was sane enough to Google airline flights to still travel to the PPV AFTER HE MURDERED HIS WIFE AND SON. He was sane enough to Google ways to snap a neck. He knew exactly what he was doing.

Benoit is burning in hell for what he did and anyone who makes excuses for what he did or downright ignores what he did because of "workrate" can burn in hell with him.

I promise that there are plenty of living and dead wrestlers you can choose to build a personality around who didn't kill their wife, son, and then themself. Y'all want so desperately to just pretend the giant elephant isn't in the room when it murdered it's entire family.

If you desperately want to admire someone's workrate so much, Bryan Danielson and Bret Hart are literally right there.

I will leave you what Austin and Paul Heyman said about the murderer.

"Speaking for myself, Chris Benoit as the person I knew, loved him. Chris Benoit as a wrestler, loved him. Chris Benoit as the person who did what he did, unforgivable. Bottom line.”

“Yeah you can admire his work all you want, but I’ll give you my take on it since you keep on yelling out ‘my boy’—three people died in that house that night, three. Three people died in that house that night, only one person had the choice behind it. The other two didn’t have a choice to die. So if that’s your boy, fuck you. So a talent? Remarkable. As a human being? I don’t care about CTE, I don’t care what the reasons are Nancy and Daniel had no option, he did. Fuck him.”

[byneddiedingo]

Asteroid City (Wes Anderson, 2023)

Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Stephen Park, Rupert Friend, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Matt Dillon, Hong Chau, Margot Robbie, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan. Grace Edwards. Screenplay: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola. Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman. Production design: Adam Stockhausen. Film editing: Barney Pilling. Music: Alexandre Desplat.

On the Netflix series Heartstopper, a teenage boy works up the courage to ask a girl he likes (and who secretly likes him) to go on their first date. He takes her to a movie that he likes and she doesn't, and the date is a disaster. The key fact here is that the movie is Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom (2012). In my day, a comparable move would have been to take a date to see Jacques Demy's The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964). Like Demy, Anderson makes movies that display an uncompromising sense of style. The only question is whether that style works for you or not, whether you think it betrays a lack of substance or opens vistas of meaning. In Anderson's case it's certainly a consistent style: an absence of closeups, long takes with characters artfully placed, actors who deliver their lines deadpan facing front, tricks like switching the screen from standard Academy ratio to widescreen and from monochrome to color. Sometimes Anderson's style works for me and sometimes it doesn't -- I love The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), but I could barely sit through The French Dispatch (2021). In the case of Asteroid City, I still haven't made up my mind completely, but I'm leaning toward the favorable view. I think it captures something essential about the brutal innocence of 1950's America -- the film is set in 1955 -- and does it without clichés. There's an acidity of tone to the film that keeps it from becoming twee -- an adjective frequently applied to Anderson's movies. The performances of its all-star cast are often delightful: I particularly liked Bryan Cranston's performance as the TV host who serves as the narrator in the frame story. Cranston somehow manages to walk a line between Rod Serling and Walter Cronkite in his delivery. Scarlett Johansson and a bearded, pipe-smoking Jason Schwartzman manage to transcend the limitations of deadpan delivery as the film's romantic leads. Jeffrey Wright doesn't overplay the role of the pompous General Gibson, and there's a brief starry cameo by Margot Robbie. Asteroid City may be one of those films it's more rewarding to think about after you watch it, but watching it is fairly painless.

[codamarine475]

things to listen to eventually (from other soyurces)

whatever's on my rateyourmusic recommended/challenges

Eye in the Sky - Alan Parsons Project

Even In The Quietest Moments - Supertramp

Tales Of Mystery And Imagination - Alan Parsons Project

A Place In The Sun - Lit

14:59 - Sugar Ray

15 - Buckcherry

19 - WHOKILLEDXIX

Mad Valentines - Bryan Scary

Flight of the Knife - Bryan Scary

Fetch The Bolt Cutters - Fionna Apple (relisten)

When The Pawn... - Fionna Apple

Armchair Apocrypha - Andrew Bird

My Finest Work Yet - Andrew Bird

The Mysterious Production of Eggs - Andrew Bird

Fear of Music, Little Creatures, More Songs About Buildings and Food, Remain in Light, Speaking in Tongues, Talking Heads '77 - Talking Heads (mostly relistens)

Music For The Masses, Violator, Black Celebration - Depeche Mode (relisten)

Rumours - Fleetwood Mac

Heaven or Las Vegas, The Pink Opaque, Treasure - Cocteau Twins

Drums And Wires, English Settlement, Skylarking - XTC

Let's Dance, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars - David Bowie

VS4 - Jack Conte

Pet Sounds - The Beach Boys

Demon Days, Gorillaz, Humanz, Plastic Beach - Gorillaz (relisten)

No. 1 in Heaven - Sparks

Philharmony - Haruomi Hosono

Die Mensch-Maschine - Kraftwerk

Architecture & Morality - Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Songs From the Big Chair - Tears for Fears

Low-Life - New Order

Solid State Survivor - Yellow Magic Orchestra

Byakkoya - Susumi Hirasawa

Electronic Tragedy/ENOLA - P-Model

Replicas - Tubeway Army

Deep Cuts - The Knife

A Flock Of Seagulls, Listen - A Flock Of Seagulls

Upstairs at Eric's - Yazoo

Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret - Soft Cell

The Innocents, Chorus - Erasure

Dare! - The Human League

The Pleasure Principle - Gary Numan

Into The Gap - Thompson Twins

Naked Eyes - Naked Eyes

Business As Usual - Men At Work

The Cars, Heartbeat City - The Cars

Power, Corruption & Lies - New Order

This Year's Model - Elvis Costello

Bridge City Sinners - Bridge City Sinners

A History Of Public Relations Dilemmae - Petrojvic Blasting Company

He Has Left Us Alone But Shafts Of Light Sometimes Grace The Corners Of Our Rooms - Silver Mt. Zion

Grow Your Garden - ANIMA!

Weird Revolution - Butthole Surfers

Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? - of Montreal

As Good As Dead - Local H

Ganging Up On The Sun - Guster

Apostrophe(') - Zappa

[azbookblog2023]

Scritch Scratch

Scritch Scratch is a juvenile ghost story written by Lindsay Currie. It falls under the genre of Horror/Mystery suspense, and the target age group for this book is children 9-12 years.

The story follows a young girl named Claire, an aspiring scientist and skeptic of the paranormal who is required to help her father with his ghost tour in Chicago. While on the tour she catches a glimpse of a little boy who she doesn’t recall seeing at the beginning of the tour. Claire brushes this off and figures she must have overlooked him. However, she begins to feel on edge when she doesn’t see him at the end of the tour and even more uneasy when strange occurrences start to happen to her at home. Claire can’t quite understand what she saw, and can’t find an explanation for the mysterious scratching on the wall and whispers she’s been hearing. She’s worried that she is being haunted by the boy from the bus and she’s on a mission to find out why. 

As a lover of all things spooky, I chose this title because it incorporates aspects of the paranormal with real life historical events in Chicago, and a hint of investigative work. Scritch Scratch has memorable characters, and the dynamic relationships and bonds between Claire, her family, and new friends give young readers the message that supporting one another is important. Even though Claire was a skeptic, her determination to help the ghost boy who is haunting her demonstrates that there is value in helping those in need. I also chose to evaluate this book because it gives representation to the challenges that young adults face during their middle school years, such as working through friendships and feeling anxious about asking for help. Navigating through emotions can be difficult for young adults, and I believe that young readers who enjoy spooky stories can find comfort in Claire’s story.

For this review I will be evaluating: Style & Language, Tension, and Mood.

Style & Language: Because this is a horror story I believe that style and language are crucial to the story itself. According to Young et al., "style is the way a writer manipulates all the facets of language such as word choice, syntax, and sentence length". Beginning with the title "Scritch Scratch", Lindsay Currie strategically used words that a young reader might find spooky. This alone was used to guide the rest of the story. Readers were already aware that this book would be scary, and the language and tone used by the protagonist shifted as she realized she was being haunted. I think the author did a good job of using style & language to set up this story. As I read along I felt like my attitude was parallel to that of Claire's throughout the story as she searched for answers.

Tension: Every horror story needs to have tension that will keep the reader engaged. I believe Currie was successful in using this element from the beginning to end. I believe creating Claire's character to be a scientist who is a skeptic contributed to that tension as her attitude began to shift when she felt fear. At first I was curious about what was happening with Claire and then my focus changed to the ghost boy she had seen and what he wanted. I was determined to keep reading until I found out what had happened to him.

Mood: According to Young et al., "The mood is the atmosphere evoked in the writing". For this particular story, the mood consisted of spooky and innocent. Lindsay Currie was also successful in this area. After reading this book I was reminded of the characters in other horror books and horror films who are nonchalant and skeptic about paranormal encounters. Once the protagonist begins to feel fear the audience does so as well. In this case, when Claire see's the boy and does not recognize him and then does a double take to only see that he is gone the reader is involved in the story and feels the same fear as Claire.

References:

Currie, L. (2021). Scritch scratch. Sourcebooks Young Readers.

Young, T. A., Bryan, G., Jacobs, J. S., & Tunnell, M. O. (2020). Children’s literature, briefly. Pearson.

[byneddiedingo]

Cast: Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Stephen Park, Rupert Friend, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Matt Dillon, Hong Chau, Margot Robbie, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan. Grace Edwards. Screenplay: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola. Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman. Production design: Adam Stockhausen. Film editing: Barney Pilling. Music: Alexandre Desplat.

On the Netflix series Heartstopper, a teenage boy works up the courage to ask a girl he likes (and who secretly likes him) to go on their first date. He takes her to a movie that he likes and she doesn’t, and the date is a disaster. The key fact here is that the movie is Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom (2012). In my day, a comparable move would have been to take a date to see Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964). Like Demy, Anderson makes movies that display an uncompromising sense of style. The only question is whether that style works for you or not, whether you think it betrays a lack of substance or opens vistas of meaning. In Anderson’s case it’s certainly a consistent style: an absence of closeups, long takes with characters artfully placed, actors who deliver their lines deadpan facing front, tricks like switching the screen from standard Academy ratio to widescreen and from monochrome to color. Sometimes Anderson’s style works for me and sometimes it doesn’t – I love The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), but I could barely sit through The French Dispatch (2021). In the case of Asteroid City, I still haven’t made up my mind completely, but I’m leaning toward the favorable view. I think it captures something essential about the brutal innocence of 1950’s America – the film is set in 1955 – and does it without clichés. There’s an acidity of tone to the film that keeps it from becoming twee – an adjective frequently applied to Anderson’s movies. The performances of its all-star cast are often delightful: I particularly liked Bryan Cranston’s performance as the TV host who serves as the narrator in the frame story. Cranston somehow manages to walk a line between Rod Serling and Walter Cronkite in his delivery. Scarlett Johansson and a bearded, pipe-smoking Jason Schwartzman manage to transcend the limitations of deadpan delivery as the film’s romantic leads. Jeffrey Wright doesn’t overplay the role of the pompous General Gibson, and there’s a brief starry cameo by Margot Robbie. Asteroid City may be one of those films it’s more rewarding to think about after you watch it, but watching it is fairly painless.

Asteroid City (2023) | dir. Wes Anderson

[alicewonderao3]

Jealousy and Pie

Pairing: Dean Winchester and reader

Characters: Dean Winchester, reader, Sam Winchester

Summary: You, Sam, and Dean are at a local street festival in some small town working a case when you notice Dean flirting with a girl. This shouldn't bother you, but it does even if it's just for information purposes. So when the opportunity strikes to show Dean how you felt, you take it and damn the consequences.

Warnings: none, just fluff and some mild angst, my usual things.

word count: 1,420

Author's note: I had such a hard time with this one, as I started three different versions of this challenge for @the-slumberparty's June challenge. This is the one I'm happy with. My choices were: sundress and festival. I tried to write a version that has Bucky in it, but as usual, Dean decided it needed to be about him again. I might finish and post that one too, I'm not sure yet. I have no beta, so all spelling and grammar mistakes are mine. Enjoy!

There was no reason to be jealous. Dean flirted with girls all the time, I told myself, watching him as he spoke to her. She twirled a lock of hair around her finger, gazing up at him and I rolled my eyes, turning away. It was too hot to be working cases anyway, I thought, scanning the street festival for Sam's tall frame. 

I spotted him as he walked over with water for me and I smiled as I took it from him. He stood there with me and watched as Dean kept flirting with her. I frowned again and he nudged me, "It's just for information, you know that." I met his gaze, and my eyes narrowed. "What are you implying, Sam?" 

Sam held his hands up in mock surrender. "I know that look. You're jealous." I kept staring at him through narrowed eyes as Dean walked back up. When the girl came running back, slipping her number into Dean's hand, I turned and stalked away, a frustrated growl slipping through my lips. 

I was still frustrated as we tried to follow that lead the girl gave us, muttering under my breath as I sat in the back of the Impala. When we arrived in a residential neighborhood, and I spotted her seated on a porch, Sam and I both groaned. "Dean," I said, frustration leaking into my tone. "She didn't have any information for us. She was just hitting on you." I let my head fall back on the headrest as Sam groaned too, punching his brother on the shoulder. 

We went back to the street festival and I adjusted the pink sundress I wore as we scanned people, asking around when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to face whoever it was, smiling at his blue eyes, asking about the case in a way that was friendly until I felt eyes watching me. I turned, seeing Dean standing there with Sam, watching us. 

Sam had a large smirk on his face, and he raised an eyebrow as my eyes landed on Dean, who looked murderous as he watched us. Remembering how he made me feel earlier, I turned back to the guy, Brad, I think his name was, and upped my game, laughing and placing a hand on his arm as he spoke to me. 

I brushed my curls back, exposing the side of my neck as he told me more about the mysterious disappearances in the area, and when I reached for the gold necklace Dean had given me for my birthday two weeks ago, gently playing with the chain, I could feel Dean's eyes burning a hole into my head as the boy's eyes darted down to the chain in my hands.

I felt his arm reach out, tugging on my waist and before I knew it, Dean was right there, yanking me away with a murderous look sent in his direction. Brad? Bryan? Had stumbled back and walked away as Dean steered me over to a more private section of the festival. Dean had me backed up against a wall, looming over me as he stared down at me, his green eyes full of jealousy. 

I looked up at him and innocently asked, "What's wrong, Dean? I was just getting information from him." I said, watching as his nostrils flared at my choice of words. Dean stared down at me, his voice rough. "You were doing that on purpose." I continued to give him that innocent look as the music from the band playing at the end of the field drifted around us. "I don't know what you're talking about, Dean." 

He continued to stare down at me, shaking his head. "Uh-huh, I was watching you, I know all the signs of flirting." I chuckled, "Of course you do, you are the expert at that, aren't you?" Dean's eyes narrowed, and I could tell he was getting more frustrated by the second. "Don't try and turn this around on me," He growled, "You knew exactly what you were doing." 

I sighed, feeling a sense of frustration, "Oh, and you weren't doing the same thing with that girl earlier in the day? Flirting with her to make me jealous, Dean?" Dean's expression softened as he stared down at me. "I'm sorry," He said, his eyes meeting mine. I sigh, "We've never actually discussed if we are dating or not, Dean." I say, meeting his gaze. "Are we?" I ask, looking at him. "Do you want to date me? Am I going to be the woman who finally gets Dean Winchester to commit?" 

Dean's eyes met mine, and I could see the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You already have me making commitments, sweetheart," he said, his voice low and husky. "But to answer your question, yes, I want to date you. I want you to be my girlfriend."

I felt a surge of happiness wash over me as I heard his words. It was something that I had been hoping for, but I wasn't sure if he felt the same way. "Really?" I said, unable to keep the smile off my face.

Dean nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Really," he said. "I know I haven't been the easiest guy to figure out, but I want to make things official with you." I threw my arms around him, feeling a sense of joy and relief wash over me. "Yes," I said, my voice muffled against his chest. "I want that too." 

I felt Dean's hands gently lift my chin, his eyes looking down into mine. He leaned down and kissed me, soft and sweet, his lips gentle on mine. When he pulled away, he said, "I am sorry you know, about before." I nodded, whispering, "Me too." As he pulled away from the kiss, I could see the sincerity in his eyes, and I knew he meant it. The sounds of the street festival went around us, but I only had eyes for Dean. 

Dean smiled at me and I said, "Let's go enjoy this festival before we run off." I said, my eyes meeting his. "I saw a pie stand earlier this morning with Sam." We weaved our way through the crowd, taking in the sights and sounds of the street festival. There were food stands, games, and live music playing in the background. It was a lively and festive atmosphere, and I couldn't help but feel happy as I walked alongside Dean.

Dean ordered a slice of apple pie, while I went for the classic cherry. As we sat down at a nearby table, I took a bite of my pie and closed my eyes in bliss. It was everything I had hoped for and more - sweet, tangy, and perfectly baked."This is amazing," I said, looking over at Dean. "You have to try it." Dean took a bite of his pie, and I could see the look of satisfaction on his face. "You're right," he said. "This is good."

As we walked with Sam back to the Impala, ready to make some headway on the case, I glanced over at him as he held my hand in his. "I love you," Dean said, his eyes meeting mine. "I love you too," I said, feeling a sense of happiness and gratitude for the man in front of me.

Sam pretended to gag, but I could see the smile on his face. "Gross, you guys," he said, rolling his eyes. Dean chuckled, but he didn't let go of my hand. "What can I say? I'm a romantic at heart." I smiled up at him, feeling a sense of warmth and affection for him. "And I wouldn't have it any other way," I said.

As we reached the Impala, I climbed into the backseat while Sam took the passenger seat. Dean got behind the wheel, and soon we were on our way, ready to face whatever challenges came our way. With Dean by my side, I knew that we could face anything that came our way. As we pulled up to the motel, I turned to Dean and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you," I said, my eyes meeting his. "For what?" he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice. "For everything," I said, smiling up at him. "For being there for me, for loving me, for being my partner in crime."Dean grinned at me, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Anytime, sweetheart," he said. "Anytime."

[iamveronica]

I'm so glad that you agree about Moz coming across so jealous of the Bryan Ferry collaboration. That is why Moz is so interesting, not only does he always speak his mind but he has no fear of looking "weak" or "pathetic" while other men tend to avoid that. Moz is always so sensitive to how people talk about him in the media but the fact that he very willingly confessed to disliking Johnny collaborating with others exactly like he had been accused before honestly blew my mind, you'd imagine he would want to disprove these rumours. Then comes Johnny's autobiography where he claims that the band had no problem with the collaboration so in a way Johnny is defending Moz from his own confession???? No matter who is lying Moz still comes out as crazy and jealous (which is how I like it).

Johnny's "The Smiths were very excited about my working with Bryan [Ferry]" (NO, JOHNNY, PAY ATTENTION) versus the way Morrissey launches into his paragraph criticizing everything about it - from what he interprets to be a surreptitious recording session to the final product and the music video - is quite comical. i always enjoy Morrissey's descriptions of Johnny - i don't know what he thinks drives Johnny but half (ALL) the time Moz makes him sound like he doesn't have free will??? it's interesting that even with the benefit of the years that have passed, the man still can't see straight (lol) when it comes to Johnny. i think this is his way of not holding Johnny responsible for anything and making peace with his little "transgressions".

Johnny splutters a few surprised compliments, but minus any deftness

Johnny as the always-innocent young cabin-boy

Johnny is there in the video looking lost, minus only a pair of slaves’ sandals, and he is evidently only important for the gifts that he brings

ALL in that one paragraph talking about the Ferry collaboration. The Smiths were very excited about my working with Bryan.

where is Moz to save Johnny from this most cruel subjugation?

and, of course, only Morrissey can truly appreciate Johnny's gifts AND MORE (mind, body, soul?). what else should his fellow musicians be considering besides his talent? i feel like this was Moz dipping into the "they don't understand him like i do (and vice versa)" territory. he overdramatized it and catastrophized it (likening it to the first whispers of mutiny).

Johnny was quite diplomatic in his book whereas Morrissey let emotions take hold of the pen. now, there's the question of whether Morrissey at the time had "kept [his] hidden". clearly, by 1987, their communication was frayed and there was avoidance on both of their parts rather than any attempt to address their issues head-on. perhaps because their relationship was founded on their intimate songwriting, Morrissey struggled to accept having to share Johnny with anyone else in the same way but just how I Won't Share You ends, i don't think Morrissey would ever stand in the way of Johnny's happiness and ambitions. i think he'd sooner suffer in silence (and well, he did) and forgive him again and again.

also, this is a stretch but Morrissey ends the scathing paragraph with Johnny, I hardly knew ye, which is an Irish anti-war/anti-recruiting folk song with humourous lyrics about a man who goes off to war and gets disfigured/loses limbs in combat but his sweetheart is nonetheless happy to see him home and "takes him back" (Your Peggy’ll still keep you on as her beau). My darling dear, you look so queer,  Och, Johnny, I hardly knew ye.

this is so Moz, isn't it?

[universalcas]

🌻 tagged by @castiel (thanks darling <3) like a decade ago to talk about 8 shows as a way to get to know me better (in no particular order) 🌻

1. Sherlock BBC:

yeah, i know what you are going to say: "that explains a lot about your mental state" and I will answer: "you are absolutely right, my love". I joined tumblr because of this show, right in the middle of the hiatus between season 2 and 3 when I was happy and innocent and the world was beautiful and bright and full of possibilities. I become obsessed with London because of it for a short period of time.

2. Hannibal:

"Achilles wished all Greeks would die, so that he and Patroclus could conquer Troy alone. It took divine intervention to bring them down"

Bryan Fuller owns me, as a human being. This show changed my DNA to the point that I haven't been able to write horror stories without having some scenes from the show in my mind. It's darks, and twisted and incredibly poetic. It has some heavy dose of art (s2 my beloved) and the relationship between Hannibal and Will Graham it's one of the most beautiful and erotic things I've seen portrayed on tv.

3. Good Omens:

I was terrified when Amazon announced that one of my favourite books was going to be adapted to tv. I didn't wanted anyone to touch it because I didn't want anything that had Terry Pratchett's (I miss him everyday) name on it to be tainted by the greedy hands of capitalism but oh boy how incredibly mistaken I was. Good Omens is my happy place, the show I always come back when I'm not feeling my best (and I'm actually excited for a completely made up season 2). It has the story, the funny characters (John Hamm as Gabriel my beloved) Tennant and Sheen are the perfect Crowley and Aziraphale and their chemistry it's just insane in every sense of the word.

4. Black Sails:

"A story is true, a story is untrue. As time extends, it matters less and less. The stories we want to believe, those are the ones that survive"

I don't know what to say about this show without risking a spoiler and I really doesn't want to spoil it to you if you haven't watched the show. If this is the case, go make yourself a favor. It's full of pirates, love, violence and righteous fury. And probably the most iconic characters I've seen in a while.

5. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell:

A one season show from a +1000 pages book. And it couldn't have been done better in my opinion. Highly recommended if (like me) you love dark fantasy, magic and History.

6. Fleabag:

I laughed so much and I cried so much and I didn't expect any of it but I had to let it happen. It's funny and thoughful at the same time and I really liked the way they depicted complex themes like love, loss and self-esteem.

7. American Gods:

And then it happened. Gaiman-Fuller, the match that was meant to be. The book was in need of an adaptation and the show did an incredibly service to it. It's powerfully visual and beautiful and onirical in all the right places. Watching it I feel like I'm walking on a dream.

8. Supernatural:

oh, god, oh, fuck

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

Bonus (these shows make me happy for different reasons, you can ask me more about them if you want):

Ted Lasso

The Office US

Hawaii 5-0

X-files

Law & Order

Tagging: If you see this, consider youself tagged. I'm honestly curious about what shows made you, well, you.

[faggotmox]

title: what do you call that one

rating: g

pairing: Jon Moxley/Bryan Danielson

word count: 2111

warnings: none except romanticizing parenthood lmao

author’s notes: @sarahcakes613 won the prize as they guessed the fuckin’ name when i was SURE none of yall would. so round of applause for sarah, everyone. thank you.

summary: they agreed that they wouldn’t pick out a name until they met their son, but Bryan’s a dirty cheat & has already picked out a name.

[ a new hold, part 1 ]

“I should have known you’d be a baby hog.” Bryan was glaring at Mox.

Ever since Bryan finally convinced Mox to hold their son the younger man had been snatching their still nameless boy from Bryan any chance he got and holding on for dear life. Baby Boy Danielson-Moxley (or as the nurses accidentally started calling him Baby Boy Moxson) was doing great, but the doctor had some concerns so the family was on day two in what would most likely be a 4 day stay. At least they got to stay together at the hospital. Bryan had been terrified at the idea of not being in the same building as his new born, but there were rooms just for this situation actually.

Currently Bryan was sitting crisscrossed in the chair near the window while Mox laid on the bed with their infant perfectly perched on the center of his chest. Hoodie and t-shirt tossed off to the side after one of the nurses spent fifteen minutes talking to Mox about how skin on skin contact was really good for baby and dad. Bryan still thought she was just trying to get Mox shirtless.

“I’m not commenting on that. I’m in my happy place.” Mox mumbled, his eyes just barely open as he watched hockey highlights on the muted TV. Bryan couldn’t not stare at his partner despite a book being in his lap, the picture before him was stunningly beautiful.

“We need to decide on a name.” Bryan tried to distract himself with that conversation, he knew he had been staring at Mox too long. The other got fidgety when Bryan wouldn’t stop looking at him.

“You already have one picked out, don’t you?” Mox glared from the bed, his happy place disrupted by the fact that Bryan had obviously broken their promise. "Unbelievable."

“No!” Bryan shook his head, trying to act innocent. “Okay, so I thought of a few!”

“We agreed we wouldn’t pick a name before we met him!” Mox was quietly shouting at Bryan since their baby was sleeping on him.

“So, you didn’t think of a single name?” Bryan narrowed his eyes but Mox shook his head. “I haven’t decided…I just thought of some.”

“No. I see it in your eyes, dude. You’re fuckin’ set.” Mox sat up a little and shifted their son into his arms. “C’mere.”

“I--” Bryan stopped himself, not wanting to be defensive. Yeah he already had a name picked out but it wasn’t on purpose. Bryan was the one to suggest the ‘no names until we hold the kid’ thing in the first place. Bryan climbed on the bed, able to situate himself facing Mox between the laying man’s legs.

“Here.” Mox leaned forward to pass their son over to Bryan. “Watch his head.” The last part was mumbled along at the end.

“Watch his head? Mox, you’d be holding him like a damn cactus if I hadn’t shown you how to support his neck!” Bryan’s glare leveled at Mox.

“Ah. Whatever. So what’s this name you’ve got picked out?” Mox leaned back in the bed and watched Bryan cuddle their son safely in his arms.

“I don’t have it picked out.” Bryan grumbled as he looked down at the little guy in his arms. “ I just-- okay. It just kinda popped into my head.”

“I’m sure.” Mox teased, but gave a shrug. “You gonna keep me in suspense?”

“Briar.” Bryan said clearly. Very clearly like he knew Mox was going to question him instantly. Every letter perfectly formed in Bryan's nasally northwestern accent.

“Briar?” Mox blinked a few times as Bryan nodded. There was a long moment before Mox spoke again. “Like a fuckin’ briar patch?”

“Yeah. Like a briar patch.” Bryan looked down, not wanting to show that being teased about this was getting to him.

“You wanna name our son Briar Patch?” Mox asked in disbelief.

“No, you jackass, I don’t want to name our son Briar Patch. I want to name him Briar. And if you could not be a dick for a few seconds I can explain why.” Bryan sighed and Mox could tell he was upset even without seeing his face.

“Okay, okay. Sorry. I didn’t mean to be a dick. I’ll hear you out.” Mox reached out to tug the little hat down further over their baby’s head. A little American Dragon symbol on the hat.

“Briar.” Bryan said again, this time with some more confidence but didn’t say much else.

“I knew you’d wanna pick some hippie name but I thought it’d be like Forrest or Sage…or Basil.” Mox didn’t know how not to tease the other and when Bryan looked up with a glare Mox couldn’t stop the little grin on his face as he leaned over to kiss Bryan’s scowl.

“Basil means regal, asshole.” Bryan grumbled. “Are you gonna be serious about this cau--”

“No, no. I’m sorry. I’ll be serious. This is very serious.” Mox nodded then reached for the baby. “Can I hold him again?”

“What? You’ve been holding him all morning!” Bryan shook his head, leaning back enough that Mox couldn’t take their son. “Are you already that anxious? He’s right here, Jon.”

“He’s just so cute. I like holding him.” Mox pouted but sat back on the bed. “Okay, so you like the name Briar. And apparently Basil.”

“I don’t like Basil.” Bryan shook his head, his long hair falling in his face a little. “I like Briar. The reason I like it so much is…is because briar patches are nature's barbed wire. I thought it'd be a nice way of naming him after you."

When Bryan finally looked up Mox had to quickly wipe his eyes. Of course now he felt like an asshole since Bryan obviously put thought into this name despite their rule. Then again neither of them were ever really rule followers.

Instead of saying something back Mox got up from the bed and went over to the whiteboard where BABY BOY MOXLEY-DANIELSON was written in the too small space. Mox used his hand to wipe the long name off and replace it with BRIAR (grabbing the red marker not the typical black, just for style). Bryan tracked every move Mox made and felt his chest tighten when Mox wrote the name up there.

"Thats a good fucking name, Bry." Mox paused with a small smile on his face. "Hey. Bry and Briar. That's really cute."

"I may have noticed that too." Bryan grinned as Mox got back on the bed. "Hi, Briar." Bryan kissed the forehead of baby Briar.

"Briar Danielson." Mox shook his head as the little blue eyes popped open. "Hell of a name."

"He's going to be a hell of a kid." Bryan pulled some of the blanket aside so they could see Briar's face, mostly his chubby little apple cheeks. "Thanks for being a dad with me, Jon."

"Look at him…fuck. I can't get over the fact he's our son. That Briar is our son.” Mox sighed and grabbed his phone off the bedside table to snap a photo of Bryan holding Briar. Mox already had about 30 photos, more or less the same of Bryan and Briar. “How’d you come up with Briar, by the way? You said it’s cause a briar patch is nature's barbed wire but…”

“Remember that weekend I took off to go to the mountains?” Bryan started to shift, his ridiculously flexible body and core strength allowing him to move from sitting facing Mox to being able to lay back on Mox without having to put Briar down. “I went camping those days. It was right after we decided to have him, and I was really in my head about some stuff. Needed to sort myself out, I guess.” Bryan laid back against Mox’s bare chest, Mox’s arms snaked under Bryan’s arms to hold onto Bryan while he rested his chin on Bryan’s shoulder.

“I remember that weekend. You came back all fucked up, like all those scratches and stuff.” Mox frowned. After that weekend Bryan came home covered in tiny to large scratches, some pretty nasty cuts, and bruises everywhere.

“While I was hiking some of the trail came loose and I fell down the side of a kind of cliff that wasn’t too steep. At the bottom where I landed was a briar patch. Like a really thick briar patch. It was up the slope too so once I tumbled into it I couldn’t go up. I had to just climb my way out of it towards the creek. That’s how I got so cut up.” Bryan explained. “After I was so pissed. I was seeing red. I was exhausted. Then I started thinking about how the cuts looked like the cuts you get after you play with barbed wire. And it just…stuck. Just seemed like a good idea, I guess.”

“Fuck.” Mox mumbled, his mouth pressed to Bryan’s shoulder as he looked down at Briar while Bryan spoke. “That’s such a sweet story, Bryan. You picked a great name, baby.” Mox tipped his head  to kiss Bryan’s cheek. “So…when do I get to hold Briar next?”

“Am I gonna have to start setting a damn timer, Jon?!” Bryan let out a deep laugh and shook his head. “You’re practically holding him anyways.”

“I’m holding you. Not the baby.” Mox points out. “You hate being the little spoon anyway cause it makes you feel small.”

“Oh my god. Go get us dinner, you’re insufferable.” Bryan got up to go sit in the chair he had before. “I’m going to read to him anyway.”

“Fine. Fine.” Mox groaned and dragged himself off the bed. Bryan reading to their son was actually one of Mox’s favorite things in the world. He started to walk towards the door, just leaving to do as he’s told in hopes he’ll get to hold Briar again if he distracts Bryan with food.

“Jon!” Bryan finally got Mox’s attention after he had opened the door and took a step out.

“Yeah, babe?” Mox turned back to look at his partner.

“Put on a damn shirt!” Bryan tossed one of Mox’s plain black t-shirts at him.

“Oh shit. Right. Sorry.” Mox took a step forward and was able to catch the shirt and tug it on. “Thanks, babe.”

“Not that anyone would have complained.” Bryan shook his head as the door closed.

[safflowerseason]

Funny thing is I remember the bb creator saying they wanted Paul for the role but the problem was that he was too handsome. yet the other contenders were like penn and reid…

I must admit, I don't get the hype around Penn Badgley, but yeah, obviously those are all three conventionally attractive men who ended up on the final list. I do think it's interesting that Paul seems to be the only blond among the group...I honestly can't imagine what it would like having tall, dark, and handsome Reid Scott working alongside Bryan Cranston....so much of what works about Aaron Paul as Jesse is that wide-eyed, baby-faced innocence he brought to the role. Then again, this would have been RS's My Boys era, so I don't know, maybe they thought all that hair made him look younger.

look at this mid-00's doofus