#ted wheeler appreciation post

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Ted looking at Karen in season one like: "Can we stop talking to this guy? I know he lost a son, but. . ." LOL, Ted hates Lonnie, too.

[pinkeoni]

Willing to be controversial but I do not think Mike's family relationship or coming out to them is a point the show sees as important. I feel like that is more of Will's arc if anything due to how it has been emphasized throughout the seasons. And I know it is like a popular take but I don't think the show will add a homophobia plotline to Mike's character. I think he's just gonna come out to Karen, and Karen will be understanding and Ted will not give a shit.

Where is that Reddit comment that says “Oh you poked the bear”?

Since this tends to be a bit if a touchy subject for some, I wanna try to answer in as nuanced a way as possible. And since this is kind of an exhausted topic, I’ll put it under a cut.

So starting with whether or not Mike is going to come out—

At this moment in time, I think Mike is much farther from being ready to have a coming out moment than Will is. Could it still happen? It could, and at that point it would depend on how the show handles it. I would honestly really appreciate a coming out scene, but I don’t think it’s a necessity for Mike’s story to be satisfactory. Mike is still gay even if it’s not explicitly stated. Furthermore, Mike can still reach a state of self acceptance without telling other people, it’s so long as he accepts it for himself that is the important thing.

As for the family thing...

I think it would be inaccurate of me to say that Mike's family and home life doesn't effect Mike. Of course it does, in the way that it does every character. And considering how much of a presence the Wheeler family seems to have had in every season, it would be stupid of me to say that they won't have an appearance or that they won't be connected to Mike's arc.

So I think that Mike's family relationship will be there, and it'll have value in the same way that everything in the show has value, big or small, however I don't think it's false of me to say that Will's family relationship is probably going to be more of a central focus.

This isn't me comparing traumas (which is a thing that can and does happen) or saying that Mike's experiences aren't important, but looking at how they function in this story, especially with the knowledge that Will is going to be a major focus next season, then it's reasonable to assume that the Byers family is probably going to be more at the center than the Wheelers.

There's also a lot more unresolved with the Byers family ie Lonnie and his involvement, and yes I am still so confident that he is coming back, if not just from the fact that Jonathan keeps bringing him up in every season. There's also a lot of mystery surrounding Lonnie, whereas with the Wheelers most of it is all there on the table.

My take on the Wheelers is that they are complicated. Perfect parents? No. Abusive? No. I'm not really gonna state where I stand on the "neglectful" debate as I feel like that word exists on a sliding scale that changes depending on who is using it. I was talking about it with Jo @wheelersboy and we agreed that the biggest problem with the Wheelers is that they are passive conformists, which I talk a little bit about in my AIDS post. They conform passively and have the privilege to not have to confront the consequences behind it. When they are at the town hall meet and come face-to-face with the extreme end of conformity, it's a huge smack in the face for them. By the end of the season, they begin to slowly de-conform.

I think that Mike’s core conflict has to do with his feelings of worthlessness and insecurity, and it will end with him realizing his worth for exactly who he is. I think this is absolutely influenced by his exterior environment, but ultimately it will be up to Mike himself to solve this conflict.

[apatheticlexicographer]

BYLER FIC REC WEEK DAY 1: POST-CANON recs

All We Need Is Time by SlytherinsAndSnitches

will-centric; some plot. one of my favourites, it’s “friends to enemies to strangers to ???” will has depression, and in the three years since S4 he’s drifted from the entire party. he and mike had a bad falling out, but when they become coworkers at the record store they’re forced to reconnect. as if that wasn’t enough, will is starting to show the signs of vecnafication. the angst is deliciously agonizing and the plot is just starting to kick in. multichapter, just came back from hiatus a few days ago

the gaps and the silence by delusionaltogether

will-centric; no plot. the supernatural events of S4 never happened, but mike’s awkward visit was basically the nail in the coffin for their friendship. will never left lenora, and he’s now busy majoring in art and avoiding people as much as physically possible. he’s taken off guard when mike, who shows up in town with the sole purpose of reconnecting with him, casually admits he used to have a crush on him. the mutual pining is stronggggg and neither of them are smooth T_T longshot, complete

Lost Without You by Julia_Skysong

alternates between mike-centric and will-centric; some plot. will and mike are 26 now and haven’t talked in years, since mike disconnected himself from the entire party. will has a career writing comics based on their experiences with the upside down. mike surprises him when he brings his 7-year-old daughter to one of will’s signings, causing them to reconnect. this fic deals with a lot of heavy topics about homophobia, trauma and addiction but it’s not a constant misery-fest. will and mike’s reblossoming friendship is very sweet and mike’s daughter is adorable. the burn is slow but it suits the story perfectly and feels a lot more healthy and organic than rushing into things. love isn’t framed as a cure-all for their issues, and i really appreciate that. multichapter, ongoing

I’m a Wreck (Without You Here) by TalkingToTheLights @talkingtothelights

mike-centric; some plot. 33 year old mike has been distancing himself from his friends and family for years, but a tragic death forces him to return home and confront everything he’s been hiding from. the angst is strong and MCD is part of the core premise, but i promise it’s not will who died. mike is a mess for real. multichapter, ongoing

the darkest hour by AmberEyedFox

mike-centric; no plot. mike finally gets his head out of his ass after he breaks up with el. some of the headcanons in this fic aren’t what i typically gravitate toward, but it’s written in such a captivating way that i don’t care. the byler is soft as hell, what more do you want from me. long AF twoshot, complete

The Crossover by nbfutureboy

will-centric; plot. the party are all grown adults now. will writes horror comics and mike is in a band. they haven't talked in years, after an explosive fight. they're both slated to attend the same convention, but will's plans to avoid mike are derailed when he mysteriously vanishes. the mystery is so cool! multichapter, ongoing

Path of the Paladin by olliecoddle

mike-centric; sorta plot. 23yo mike has a terrible fuckin time! the fic. featuring ted wheeler's funeral, mike's very messy relationship with will, his even MESSIER relationship with his sexuality, and copious amounts of D&D lore as a thematic framing device. multichapter, ongoing though it's been a minute since last update

I Didn't Run, I Was Not Done by ryoukootonashi

will (and richie)-centric; plot. when will goes to college his assigned roommate is richie, who keeps overhearing will talking about the weirdest shit to his friends. richie is still suffering from clown-induced amnesia and would really like to know what the fuck is going on. another "can't believe it's not not crack!!!" fic lmao. multichapter, ongoing

[givehimthemedicine]

quick Joyce / Bob / Hop / Cheers analysis & background details appreciation post

there's this scene of Joyce sitting down alone for her bleak microwaved lasagna and peas and watching TV, the show she used to watch with Bob. Joyce misses Bob, but that's just the surface level.

to go a little deeper, the show she's watching is Cheers.

unlike Ted Wheeler's Knight Rider really airing on Nov 6 '83, no Cheers episode premiered on the date Joyce watches it (it was between seasons), so it's a rerun, so they could just as well have had her watching any episode, but they chose this one. and this scene in it.

I happen to know Cheers, so lemme tell you why it's relevant.

the thing to know about Cheers is that Sam (the guy on the phone) and Diane (the woman he's talking to) are possibly the most famous will-they-won't-they relationship in TV history, drawn out over several seasons.

in the scene Joyce is watching, Sam and Diane are currently on "won't", and she's calling Sam to tell him she's considering someone else's marriage proposal - in a tacit please-ask-me-to-marry-you-instead way.

Joyce and Hop aren't as obnoxious about it, but they've got a similar will-they-won't-they going on through the years.

and Bob made it clear that he hoped to settle down with Joyce. the reason she gave for her hesitation was that "this is not a normal family," which is not untrue, but I think it was also because she had Hopper in the back of her mind, like Diane did Sam.

so I think the sad lasagna scene is not simply Joyce grieving and missing Bob, but also her reflecting on the way she kinda knew it was Hop she really wanted all the time she was with Bob, and feeling a little bad about it. (she did care for Bob, Bob was great, but it's pretty clear she was trying to be with him for the normalcy, which is a strong repeating ST theme)

plus, in the flashback, she and Bob are watching an earlier episode with Sam and Diane bickering (it's what they do) and Bob remarks "They're funny, don't you think? I just wish they'd get back together again already."

now remember that Joyce and Hop spend this entire season bickering.

and remember that Hopper is the Sam in this analogy, not Bob. and that Bob spent a lot of his screen time helping Joyce find Hopper.

so the specific memory Joyce ponders while she eats her sad lasagna is the time when Bob effectively rooted for jopper and she went "aww, me too."

[notebooknonbinary]

hey!! i was looking at your merthur fic recs, and i was wondering if you have any stranger things recs? i like reading longer fics in canonverse a lot, but i dont really have too many preferences hehe, anything you really enjoy, as a fellow mike-appreciator, would be amazing

Oh gosh☺️ making me feel like a fic rec authority. Making my day. Okay! Longer canon-verse with maybe an emphasis on the good-good son Mike Wheeler. (Fair warning, almost all the Mike fics I read are byler centric lol) Many of these fic authors have written multiple wonderful ST fics🥰

One of the first ST fics I ever bookmarked was A Hope to Cling To by midnighteverlark which is slightly canon divergent for the Shed Scene in season two. It’s a fic I return to often because it’s just a very lovely fic. It switches between Mike and Will POV and has five chapters.

@wiseatom just wrote a fic called just gotta call on me, which is a 5+1 fic about phone calls between Mike and Will. It is Very wonderful and takes place from post S2 to post series.

If you feel like crying @andiwriteordie wrote a lovely birthdaygate series called how light carries on endlessly where everyone forgets Will. Very lovely read but Ow it’s got me crying in the club. Post S4 and still ongoing.

paper rings by mogiah is a sweet fic that has a few angst moments. The Party plays the game of ‘where do you see yourself in ten years?’ while briefly trapped in the Upside Down. Mainly byler-centric

I don’t miss the feeling (of being alone) by boygirl is Lucas-centric & Partycule bc I’m a sucker for the main four as a couple and this one is lovely written. It’s so sweet and honestly just aaaa. Post canon and Max is alive ☺️ (ik this isn’t Really Mike centric but since one of the people Lucas likes in this is Mike I feel it qualifies. Also Lucas is 💕)

I’ll be your first, I’ll be your last by agustplz is a very wonderful 5+1 about Mike calling in dedications on the radio for Will.

@buck-yyyy wrote Is Hell Cold? It’s a season 5 speculation fic. It’s lovely, like poetry and I was lucky enough to be among the first to read it☺️ And they’ve got a lotta other wonderful fics to read too!!

I am, ofc, often vocal about my love for @perexcri ‘s writing. I recommend starting with To Hell and Back which is Very Romcom and fun and aaaa. Takes place during S5, Will and Mike get stuck in the Upside Down

reaching for starlight by chainangel is a Mike character study about gender. I Adore this fic So Very much (nonbinary Mike nonbinary Mike nonbinary Mike nonbinary Mi—)

Be the Boy by katbatsupreme, Mike overhears Will talking to Jonathan about his crush. I am a big ol’ sucker for Mike Jealous of Himself fics and this one is Very good🥰

I know the end by bookinit is a largely canon-compliant ST retelling with an emphasis on byler. And tbh Until byler is officially Together As Boyfriends On Screen, no one can tell me these fics aren’t canon. They’re on season 3 right now (Ow my Heart) and updating pretty regularly.

a game of truths by RomeoWrites, the title is pretty self explanatory☺️ very sweet. Goes from Pre-series to post:) Also! This writer wrote the boyfriend problem, where Ted thinks Mike and Will have been dating since pre-S1 very cute and funny

Us against the world by wasabi8000, immediately post-S4, Mike finally puts the pieces together about Will’s feelings. Sweet and a tiny bit angsty with a little bit of miscommunication. A good fic!

I hate accidents (except when we went from friends to this). by blackdeathmamba. A lovely 5+1 fic about Mike kissing Will but Will not realizing why. Miscommunication and lotta kisses:)

I’m sure you’ve already read a dream always the same by @sevensided (sorry to tag u), bc it is The Mike Wheeler centric fic, but just in case you haven’t, it’s an extremely well written, Wonderful fic (as are its’ sequels). Set post-S3.

eyecatcher by smoosnoom, Jealous Mike post-S4 with no angst, just Mike being pouty over girls getting crushes on Will. It’s very funny and cute!

mom I’m gay, wait you are too? By dragons_like_s’mores is sweet and silly and a fun read, and introduced me to a ship that I like but hadn’t thought of before lol. An offhand comment by Mike causes Karen’s lesbian awakening, while in the background Mike simps for Will and maybe learns how to do chores.

This is not an exhaustive list of all my fav fics but if I put All of them down we’d be here literally All Day lol

Also!!

Some of my mutuals/blogs I follow are in the process of fics which I will ofc reblog when they post them🥰🥰 (also friends please please feel free to add to this list, I’m Always in the mood to read ST fic)

[berenwrites]

Beyond the Battle - Chapter 41 - Stranger Things - Steddie

Beyond the Battle­: Action & Consequence

Click here for All Posted Chapters

Summary: Steve hits things with a bat or gets hit depending on who you ask. He definitely does not have anything to do with the psychic stuff. That is El’s domain. However, as Vecna is defeated, the rules change.

Pairing: steddie (Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson)

Other Relationships: Steve & Robin, Steve & Dustin, Eddie & Dustin

Rating: Teen

A/N: Multi-chapter story, updated regularly. Honestly not sure how many chapters it will have yet because it's still a bit hand wavy in the middle, but definitely more than 12. Thank you to my beta for find my mistakes and to all those who read/like/reblog.💖 Follow #st:beyond-the-battle for updates.

Also on AO3

Chapter 41 - Back Down to Earth

Steve was doing his best to make sure everyone had drinks, be it alcohol or something age appropriate, and stay in the background. The last thing he wanted was to be quizzed about his part in everything. The looks he had been getting from the Buckleys were bad enough once Robin had filled them in on the details Owens had left out about Starcourt. He’d also noticed several sets of eyes on the scar around his neck.

Max’s mom was the only adult without a glass of something in their hands, which Steve took as a very positive sign. His mom had taken over making sure the woman was alright and Max was glued to her mom’s side as well. Most people had wine or beer, but his dad had headed off any issues with Ted Wheeler by furnishing the man with the good Scotch.

So far Steve had managed to keep his distance from Dustin’s mom, mostly because Eddie hadn’t, and she’d almost squeezed the life out of him. Steve loved Claudia, she was a great mom and treated him like a second son a lot of the time, but he wasn’t sure how many grateful hugs he could take. Listening to their story retold, even without all the details, had dragged up a lot of memories. He would really have liked some quiet time to put everything back in its boxes in his head, but he couldn’t exactly just disappear.

All of the older members of the party seemed to be equally on edge, so they were all holding it together as a group. The kids seemed to all be dealing with it as well as they usually did, which was still amazing to Steve. El was even giving little demonstrations of her powers up close for various people.

It made his skin itch that he couldn’t make sure she wasn’t damaging herself while she did it. As if she knew what it was doing to him, she looked up and gave him a little smile after every time. She’d only had one tiny nosebleed so far because she wasn’t doing anything particularly hard, it was just the quantity that had set her off.

“You look like you’re about to vibrate out of your skin.”

Steve looked down to his side to find Erica was standing next to him.

“Yep,” he agreed, because there was no point in denying it. “How are you doing?”

“I’m too young to fully conceive of my own mortality,” Erica replied with her usual poise and confidence, “but I could use some ice cream.”

It was obvious she wasn’t quite as fine as she was making out, but he appreciated her efforts and the out she had given him.

“That I can do,” he replied. “Come on and you can pick from the flavours I have in the freezer.”

That earned him a genuine smile. They headed into the kitchen and then into the pantry where the chest freezer resided. He always kept the corner of it stocked with ice cream for just such moments of need and he pulled out the tubs Erica chose. Taking them back into the other room, he set about making her a sundae with the sauces he knew she loved.

“Is that ice cream?”

He looked over to find Mike standing in the doorway as he presented the concoction to Erica.

“It is,” he replied. “Care to set sail on an ocean of flavour with us?”

Mike was clearly as tense as the rest of them, but managed a smile at that.

“You’re not wearing the uniform,” he said, walking in fully, “and um, yeah, thanks.”

“I burned it. Pull up a stool,” Steve offered and headed back into the pantry because he knew he had Mike’s favourite flavour still in the freezer.

Somehow it seemed to be like one of Eddie’s magical summoning spells, because as he scooped ice cream, Dustin appeared. Then Lucas, then Max, then Will and El. Before he knew it, they were laughing and bickering and trying to steal spoonfuls from each other’s sundaes. Basically, they were acting like kids, and it made him smile.

“You guys are having ice cream without me?” Robin’s betrayed tones broke him out of his reverie.

“We would never, we saved you some,” he promised and held the bowl he had been about to tuck into out to her.

“Scoops Troop forever,” Erica and Dustin piped up as Robin crossed the room.

It was ice cream, it was kind of dumb, but Steve still had to pinch the bridge of his nose to push down his sudden desire to cry. It had been a very stressful day and that he could help the kids with something so small got to him. Robin bumped his hip, giving him a small smile as she read him perfectly as usual.

“Dustin, don’t you dare,” he said before Dustin could throw sprinkles at Lucas. “You make a mess you’re cleaning the whole kitchen.”

Dustin grumbled but put the shaker down.

“Tell me why I put up with this again,” he said to Robin, because it was just what he needed to prevent him embarrassing himself.

“Beats me,” Robin replied. “Pass the strawberry sauce.”

He did, picking up another spoon at the same time and helping himself to a spoonful of Robin’s sundae. Probably said a lot that she didn’t complain in the slightest.

~*~

Erica and Dustin were having a staring contest to see who could claim the last scoop of fudge ripple when Steve looked up and noticed there was a delegation in the doorway. Dustin’s mom, Erica’s mom and Mike’s mom were all huddled in the opening.

“Oh, hi,” he said as soon as he noticed them, “sorry, do you need the kids?”

“Oh, no,” Karen said, stepping into the room, “we were just wondering where they went.”

“Ice cream,” Dustin said with a grin and all but bounced over to his mom.

“Steve owes me ice cream for life, so I was cashing in,” Erica said.

“I do,” Steve agreed with a nod, “a deal is a deal.”

“That’s quite a deal,” Sue Sinclair said.

“Um, ah, Scoops,” Steve said, not quite sure how to explain it now he had opened his big mouth.

“Negotiations about ice cream are a good distraction when dealing with Russians,” Erica said, and Steve almost died of heart failure.

She hadn’t technically lied, but she had just covered for him with her mom.

“Everyone else is just crashing our party,” Erica added.

“It’s ice cream, of course we are,” Mike said, still nursing his bowl.

“I’m afraid we’re out of the most popular flavours,” Steve said, “but I do have some other ones in the freezer if you ladies are interested.”

“Thank you, Steve,” Claudia said with a smile, “but I have already eaten far too many of your mother’s lovely hors d'oeuvres.”

“And I have seen our kids with ice cream, and I like my limbs attached,” Sue added her own polite refusal.

“Mom,” Lucas complained as if he was mortally embarrassed.

“I’m not sure it’s quite the weather for ice cream yet,” Karen said, also smiling, “but I wouldn’t mind a coffee.”

“Oh, of course,” he replied, jumping into action.

He’d been so focused on the kids he had forgotten about making sure all the adults had drinks.

“Dingus, sit,” Robin said before he could get to the coffee machine, “you’ve been running after everyone all afternoon. I’ve got this.”

He went to protest since this was his house, so it was his responsibility, but Robin gave him a look. His protestations died on his tongue. When El linked her arm through his and dragged him towards the kitchen table he had no choice but to go. Apparently, he was being ganged up on. Erica gave him a small superior smile and the boys wisely chose not to comment lest they become targets as well.

“Can I have a hug?” El asked very seriously as she pulled him into a chair beside her.

“Of course,” he replied and opened his arms.

This had to have been so hard for her and he felt her relax as she wound her arms around him as he did the same for her. El was so strong and he would give her anything to help her stay that way. His instincts also kicked in the moment his arm overlaid the bare skin of hers and he was pretty sure she had instigated the hug for that very purpose. He congratulated himself on knowing what he was doing for once, even as he automatically checked her over, boosting her own healing just a little to make sure her nose was not sore. It barely took a thought given how well his abilities seemed to know her.

“I like your hugs,” El told him. “They make me feel safe, like my dad.”

“Well, I learned everything from my dad,” he replied, letting her get comfortable. “He is the best hugger I know.”

“I might barf,” Max said, but she was grinning broadly as she said it.

“If you want a hug too, all you have to do is ask,” he shot back, giving her the most innocent of smiles.

She scoffed at him as if that was the furthest thing from her mind, but he made a mental note to make sure Max got another hug before she went home. She was still the same brash, independent Max on the outside, but she needed all their support right now. The shadows of Vecna’s games were still in her eyes.

“Anyone else for coffee?” Robin asked as she handed a cup over to Mike’s mom.

“Me,” said a voice from the door.

Steve looked over to see Eddie hovering in the doorway.

“I’m beginning to get jittery,” Eddie added with a grin as if it was a joke.

“Won’t coffee make that worse?” Will asked with a thoughtful little frown.

“Nope,” Eddie replied, “weirdly the opposite actually.”

“Well, that makes sense then,” Dustin said.

“What does, faithful party member?” Eddie asked with his usual dramatic style.

“I was trying to work out why you keep failing to graduate but you can write a whole detailed DnD campaign in two days. Y’know to see if there was anything we could do to help,” Dustin replied, “and I mentioned it to Suzy. She thought you might have undiagnosed attention deficit disorder. One of her brothers has it and one of the signs can be that caffeine has the opposite effect that it’s supposed to. Would explain why you can’t concentrate for shit in class, because God some of those are boring, but get hyper fixated on things that actually interest you.”

It was all delivered in Dustin’s usual vaguely offhand tone as if he could have been talking about the weather. Eddie for his part just kind of stopped.

“That does sound surprisingly like me,” he eventually said, clearly surprised and also a little embarrassed.

“Dustin,” Steve said, “now might not have been a great time to bring that up.”

“What? Why?” Dustin asked, apparently genuinely confused by the gentle reprimand.

One day Steve was determined to teach his young friend to think before he opened his mouth.

“Nah, it’s okay,” Eddie said, recovering quickly, “something to think about at least. Better have that coffee soon then, or we might need Supergirl to get me down off the ceiling.”

“I would be glad to help,” El said, still snuggled up to Steve’s side.

“On it,” Robin said and the awkwardness in the room began to dissolve.

Steve saw the three mothers exchanging looks, clearly seeing the dynamic between their children in a new light. It wasn’t as if he could blame them. They had had a lot of information thrown at them and it must have rearranged their world view. Steve knew that feeling all too well, from afar and everything recently.

Eddie began to demand to try what was left of the ice cream, which helped remove the last vestiges of discomfort that remained. What Dustin had said made sense, even though Steve had never heard of attention deficit disorder. Eddie had one of the sharpest minds he knew, right up there with the kids, Nancy and Robin. That he had failed high school twice seemed more and more bizarre. He made a mental note to ask Dustin about it later and turned to Claudia, asking about a recipe they had talked about the last time he had been over to her house.

It was a nice neutral topic and he really did want to know what went into her tater tot casserole.

End of Chapter 41

Chapter 42

[smoosnoom]

can’t believe that i finally decided to comment all ur works that i read before daily compliments.

“let me steal this moment from you” became my first victim. tbh i haven’t read it since november i think?? and part of my brain which is responsible for memory is too occupied by remembering facts about u so i don’t remember plot sorry. this one is gonna be like the first time 🙏🏻

“If anything, it’s a miracle any of them are still awake and functioning.” no fr. they spent like a week in that uncomfortable van and the first thing they did after returning to hawkins is cleaned the cabin?? not even shower.

“At least it would save the catastrophe of seeing Argyle and Ted Wheeler interact.” ohh, i’d like to see that

“It’s blue. He imagines painting a yellow sun on it.” 🥺🥺 bc he’s yellow and sunshine and lights up every room he walks in. sorry i love him so much

“He wonders if he's more of a monster than a mistake.” ok i had 10 minutes tears break after that 🧍🏻‍♀️ maybe i Am crybaby idk

“He’s pretty sure it’s the first time they’ve laughed together since they’ve arrived back in Hawkins.” poor boys haven’t laughed in Weeks :( i wish i could fix everything for them

will wants to make “smalltown boy” with mike so bad and i can’t blame him. my boy deserves be as far away from hawkins as possible.

“He doesn’t have any time for self-doubt when Mike turns his hand over in Will’s grasp, until their hands are properly entwined” it’s all them. best friends, each other reassurance and safe space, soulmates if u want. i just love them ughhh. that’s why they hits so hard.

“we aren’t kids anymore” omg how do u exactly know where to put references?

“And we got to bury Jonathan in a bunch of sand, which was pretty fun.” oh wait!! i remember ur Fantastic fan art! writer And artist how talented u are!!

“Night Seven” ofc its night seven. love that it could have been 5+1 but it’s byler so it’s seven instead.

“and it seems to be the right move when Mike lets out an appreciative hum” my “naturally good kisser will” agenda never dies. he just knows what to do he didn’t need practice 🙏🏻

“He probably looks like a kissed-dumb idiot.” he is. good for him!

god, ilysm. ur so talented u have no idea. and u make me feel things.

i love that fic so bad and if u like it too u should thank moon for it!!

if it helps i dont even Remember most of "let me steal this moment", every time i click post it's like every associated memory just vanishes from my brain

im glad u get to experience it all over again i wish i could do the same with other fics </3

"the first thing they did after returning to hawkins is cleaned the cabin?? not even shower." U ARE SO RIGHT i thought abt that the first time i watched vol 2 like what do u mean u arent even going to change !!!! u have been in those close for Days !!!!

i almost did write a ted wheeler and argyle interaction . Almost

that is so real . will byers my sunshine sweetpie

HEOEOKPJY IM SO SOSRRY

so real and true ! i need these two far far away from hawkins and HAPPYYY

u get me !!!!!! theyve alwyas been best friends first and thats why they hit so different

oh god not the drawing 😭😭😭 can we pretend that Didn't happen . maybe . my artistry isnt grea t

IM SO HAPYPPYY U NOTICED !!!! night seven !!!! it was a seven !!!!!!!

will is just naturally good at it idk what to tell u . yes he has never kissed anyone Yes he is a loser yes hes also great as kissing . sorry

so honored to have made u feel things <3 alya my beloved it is Always the best day of my life whenever u decide to read something of mine :D

[will-byers-needs-a-hug]

I just remembered the van scene and just Will in general

LOOK AT HIM HE LOOKS SO SAD-

AND THE FUCKING LOVE CONFESSION DURING MIKES MONOLOGUE

Daily I'm not okay as a Will Byer's kinnie-

I'M GONNA SCREAM SOMEONE GIVE HIM A HUG GOD DAMN IT

HE LITERALLY I'M GONNA SHAKE SOMEONE AGGRESSIVELY LIKE LOOK AT HIM HOW CAN HE WAS LITERALLY SHAKING

I'm gonna punch a wall fr

Johnathan I appreciate you for this like GHASFKLSDF;SJDAFSDJKL;FDS

I swear to god yes this post is chaos BUT LIKE I SWEAR TO GOD WILL BYERS NEEDS A HUG LIKE YES I DID IN FACT CHANGE MY USER CAUSE I SWEAR TO GOD-

LIKE FIRST HE GETS KIDNAPPED BY THE FUCKING DEMOGORGON

LOOK AT HIM HE'S SO SMALL YOU COULD PUNT HIM ACROSS A LAWN

HE SURVIVES THERE FOR LIKE A FULL WEEK

ONLY TO GET POSSED AND SPIT UP A DEMODOG

WATCH THE PERSON HE WAS IN LOVE WITH FALL FOR SOMEONE ELSE (he thinks he's not a trustable narrator we all know this)

Regretting the fact that I had to look up Mileven to find that gif-

BUT I'M JUST RANTING SO ITS WORTH IT THANK GOD TUMBLR AIN'T LIKE TWITTER-

ANYWAYS

ALL THAT ONLY FOR HIM TO CONTINUIOUSLY GET BRUSHED OFF BY HIS FRIENDS FOR WANTING TO PLAY DND, WHEN HIS ENTIRE CHILDHOOD BASICALLY GOT SNATCHED OUT FROM BENEATH HIM-

THEM CONTINIOUSLY SAYING NO

ONLY TO JOIN A DND CLUB AS SOON AS HE LEAVES LIKE PLEASE?? (I love the entire series don't get me wrong but like jesus- don't really have a point to this rant but like yes)

THIS SCENE WE ALL KNOW IT

Mike Wheeler I'm going to shake you aggressively-

BUT LIKE AFTER THIS FIGHT WHAT DOES HE DO-

DESTROYS HIS SAFE PLACE, LIKE FULL ON DESTROYS IT AND I SWEAR TO ACTUAL GOD-

Mike Wheeler I just wanna talk-

That's all just talk

Worst part is after that he doesn't ask to play again and just pain all I know is pain.

ARARARARA AND AFTER THAT HE MOVES

AND WHAT DOES MICHEAL WHEELER DO HE IGNORES HIM AND ONLY FUCKING TALKS TO EL- GIVES HIM THIS AWKWARD ASS PAT AT THE AIRPORT

LIKE HE WAS FULL ON SHAKING HE WAS SO EXCITED TO SEE HIM I'M GONNA

BLAMES HIM FOR THE DAY GOING BADLY

ALL THAT HIM CONTINIOUSLY PINING PUTTING HIS LITERAL HEART AND SOUL INTO THAT PAINTING LIKE LOOK HOW SOFT HE LOOKS HERE

HE PUT HIS WHOLE HEART AND SOUL INTO THAT ONLY TO USE IT TO BUILD UP MILVEN TO MAKE MIKE AND EL BOTH HAPPY

Anyone who says this boy is selfish is wrong literally so wrong he has never done a bad thing in his life and I will die on this hill-

Yes he's still in love with Mike even though yk his sister and whatnot but like the heart wants what it wants he can't exactly just cut those feelings off man </3

Stg Will Byer's deserves the world and I will die on this hill, thank you for coming to my ted talk.

[maybemoonbeams]

Ted Wheeler Appreciation Post

[thegreatimpersonator]

Hi everyone! Here’s the newest addition to my Creator Shoutout Series (november 13 - november 20)! For info about the series, I explained it in the first post here, but generally, it’s to show appreciate to editors and their creations that i love from the past week. To track this series or look at previous shoutouts, please check out the tag on my blog *creatorshoutouts. Have a great week everyone!

the nanny: top 10 rated episodes gifset by @msjessicaday​

taylor swift: 2023 grammy nominations gifset by @melodramas

brooklyn nine nine gifset by @chrrispine

taylor swift: the great war graphic by @thisisustrying

schitt’s creek: alexis rose gifset by @brooksdavis

taylor swift: 2023 grammy nominations gifset by @felicitysmoak

the princess diaries gifset by @nowadayz

taylor swift: midnights graphic by @cellphonehippie

hercules: pantone gifset by @jodiewhittakerr

taylor swift: labyrinth graphic by @sadbeautifutragic

severance gifset by @hiphiphelly

taylor swift: lavender haze gifset by @starsbythepcketful

stranger things: high school alignments gifset by @yenvengerberg

taylor swift: glitch vs lover parallel gifset by @onmidnights

beyonce: 2023 grammy nominations gifset by @melodramas

taylor swift: all too well 10 minute version snl performance gifset by @tayloralison

ready or not: daniel le domas gifset by @kitherondale

taylor swift: lover gifset by @rogerhealey

stranger things: mike and elle gifset by @hopper-wheeler

taylor swift: midnights vintage postcards edit by @buylookwhatyoumademedo

succession: roman roy in season 1 gifset by @ferrisbuellers

taylor swift: midnights (2022) graphics by @phanchester

stranger things: blue gifset by @padme-amidala

taylor swift: you’re on your own kid graphic by @regular-another

anya taylor joy: jimmy fallon gifset by @zen-coleman

taylor swift: paris graphic by @piecesintoplaces

watcher: the professor art by @theghostofwilburtheworm

schitt’s creek: alexis and david gifset by @alexisrose

taylor swift: all too well the short film gifset by @hannahgrose

succession gifset by @sdktrs12

taylor swift: albums of postcards gifset by @midnightsdeluxe

the 1975: robbers vs about you gifset by @petersevan

taylor swift: shimmer gifset by @nessa007

schitt’s creek: alexis and ted gifset by @alexisrose

taylor swift: lyric parallel gifset by @treacherous

watcher: puppet history gifset by @devilmns

taylor swift: midnights design concept by @stood-onthecliffside

schitt’s creek: alexis rose + biggest growth episodes gifset by @brooksdavis

taylor swift: maroon gifset by @antoniosvivaldi

knives out gifset by @duchessofhastings​

taylor swift graphic by @andtosaturn​

brooklyn nine nine: gina linette gifset by @sapphic-girls

taylor swift: karma gifset by @este

taylor swift graphic by @taylorswiftsweedalbum​​

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Manifesting a Wayne Munson and Ted Wheeler friendship.

"Yeah, some people think cause I don't talk much that I don't care neither," Wayne would tell him. "Like I have always told Eddie, people will see what they want to see. If all they see you as are the people in their lives who hurt them, that's all they'll see unless they decide otherwise. People won't change their minds unless they want to. Can't do it for 'em."

"I thought you don't talk much," Ted said.

"Asshole," Wayne smirked.

"Sorry about Eddie," Ted said. "Mike says he's a good man. I didn't know him. I wasn't sure what to think of him at first. . ."

"You change your mind?" Wayne asked.

"Yeah."

"You're better than most."

"I caught Mike crying in the mirror and cutting his hair. I helped him fix it. I told him how sorry I was. He yelled at me that he didn't believe me and that I didn't give two shits," Ted sighed.

"It breaks your heart, doesn't it? When they think you don't give a damn?" Wayne asked.

"Every damn day," he whispered.

"We're going to save this town even if they went after my boy. I'm gonna prove them all wrong," Wayne said.

"I'll help," Ted said.

[degenderates]

Hello hello! 😊 Not sure if this is a controversial opinion or not, buuut I am honestly HERE for a Vecna/Peter/etc redemption arc because 1) I’m redemption arc trash and stand by the notion that a villain surviving and actively working to do/be better is so much more satisfying than a villain whose redemption comes at the cost of their life and 2) IMAGINE THE POTENTIAL FOR COMEDY.

Like Vecna, the teens and kids and all their families are gathered at the Wheelers’ house bc the kids are FINALLY telling their parents what’s really been going on/the Mind Flayer has become too powerful to ignore/brush off as anything other than truly alien/paranormal, and they’re trying to decide who Cecja will (temporarily?) stay with. And ofc the Wheelers get stuck w/him first, and Ted just looks at Vecna for a few long moments, gives this long-suffering sigh and says he can stay as long as he puts some goddamn pants on first. OR imagine Mike/Nancy walking into the kitchen and they see Holly + Vecna sitting at the table and Holly’s busy doodling + Vecna holds up a picture and is like, “It’s me look do you see it do you see how cool I look.” This interaction alone gives Mike/Nancy massive psychic damage.

Alternatively, he goes with Dustin + his mom, and the gang comes over to their house one night to plan + strategize and they fuckin… see Vecna in the kitchen doing dishes. Either Max or Lucas starts to ask what the actual fuck is going on and Dustin is like, “What he said he wanted to work toward becoming a better person I mean he’s gotta start somewhere.”

Do I think Vecna get redeemed in the show? No. I certainly don’t have high hopes for it, at least. But this idea (AU???) made me laugh, and I thought you might appreciate it too lmao (Not to mention he’s so fucking hot I don’t want him to go away 😩😩😩)

lol nonnie that sounds like a hilarious crack AU--if you ever write it, i'll read it! but no offense but i'd neverrr want it to happen in canon because it's so off from the ~horror vibes~ of the show itself haha. that being said, this totally should be a fanart comic (id do it if i had the skillset!).

i agree about redemption arcs on some accounts--it's completely true what you say but at the same time the headcanons fans have about redemption arcs dont fit with the tone of the media it's for. not gonna get into it here because that's worth another post entirely, but suffice to say that i enjoy fanon RA's way more...so thanks for this one lmao XD

(and. yes. COMPLETELY hot, whether as jamie/001 as well as all vecna'd-up!!!!!!!)

[will-byers-appreciation]

Season Three First Thoughts

Overall: Regardless of everything I say, overall I really liked the season.  I feel like they did a good job of advancing individual character arcs and introducing/putting new character pairings together. Now for my brain dump of thoughts:

•Opening with Mike and Eleven making out made me uncomfy cause regardless of how long they’ve been dating they’re still just kids (young teens?)

•Discounting this, I hated the direction they took with Hopper on this. I think he was a total prick. Before when he was overprotective it was because he cared about El and that’s was clear but this time around they made him seem more like a typical washed up 80′s dad (à la Ted Wheeler) 

•I’m not entirely mad about Hopper’s attempt to throw Mike off El because it brought the El and Max (elmax) friendship sequence

•I absolutely LOVED everything about El and Max in this season. What Max taught El about being her own person was so so important. One of the main reasons some people have a problem with Mileven is because they’re so co-dependent it’s unhealthy for kids and for El’s personal development (I agree!!). This storyline continued through the season of El realizing her worth on her own and how she should be her own person was probably one of my favorites

•Ima say it, Mike was a dick in a lot of moments this season, especially in the beginning with Hopper, sue me. However he is a teen boy and he still has a lot of growing up to do so it’s excusable

•I really hate how little Will was used this season (I may be biased, this blog is called “will-byers-appreciation” for a reason!). I feel like he was only there to feel left behind by his friends but come on the boy has been through enough 

•I really don’t like how in season two Mike was the number 1 Will supporter and he always was there for him even when Dustin and Lucas had no idea was was going on and this season he basically blatantly didn’t care about Will. I know months have gone by but still, Mike shouldn’t have let himself have gotten so distracted by his girlfriend that he forgot his friends, regardless or not of if he loves her. 

•Mike saying something along the lines of “you do don’t like girls Will” (more gaycoding?? who knows if we’ll ever get what we want)

•I feel like the Duffer brothers tried so hard to kill Byler this season and I’m :/

•Everything including Karen and Billy was disgusting, which goes without saying, but was filmed and edited in a really compelling way in that we really didn’t know what was gonna go down so the duffers did a good job working out how to portray that storyline 

•Speaking of Karen, I loved her pep talk to Nancy. Karen stepping up like that was one of the highlights of the show for sure 

•Nancy: every single scene in the Hawkins Post made me want to punch all those middle aged white men god they were such Assholes. The show did a good job of showing Nancy’s frustration and building the misunderstanding conflict between Jonathan and Nancy

•Jancy shippers don’t come for me cause maybe I didn’t notice anything but I feel like there were no real chemistry filled Jancy scenes? They just kept saving the other from getting beat up tbh

•I feel like a lot of the season was taken up but really long fight scenes which made some parts drag a lil

•Time for my absolute favorite part of the season: Steve, Dustin, Robin and Erica- the Scoops Troop

•I absolutely loved this whole dynamic and I found myself waiting for these scenes. Dustin really shone this season and I loved every minute of it. Erica was an amazing addition!! Dustin and Erica is the winning nerd friendship pairing to be honest

•Steve and Dustin!!! Incredible, beautiful, I love them. I feel like they reverted Steve back to a dumbass at the beginning of the season compared to him being kind of emotionally deep after the Nancy breakup in season two. It makes sense given he had his heart shattered and he built a wall back up in hopes to protect himself and find someone new. Dustin pushing this whole Steve and Robin thing is deliciously ironic now which is great. 

•Steve and Robin: Best new dynamic. The entire bathroom scene as they’re coming down from being drugged was absolutely beautiful. I started tearing up. Steve being emotionally vulnerable and explaining his heartbreak and bearing his feelings for Robin just wrecked me. Then when he slid under the stall and looked at Robin and she explained how she never liked him and how she likes girls was so perfect. Dumbass Steve said “But Tammy Thompson’s a girl” and then realizing and being fine with it. You can see how scared Robin is and then how relieved she is when Steve is accepting. This is what’s coming out is like. The moment of panic is portrayed really well. 

•Steve! Having! A! Badass! Smart! Lesbian! Best friend! Who! Is! Cooler! Than! Him! Instead! Of! Getting! Another! Half-Assed Love Interest Story Line!

•I am worried though that’s the duffer brother’s are giving us an openly gay character hoping to “satisfy” us so they can keep queerbaiting Will rather than making him gay

•The whole Murray x Alexie storyline wasn’t amazing and I loved every second of it. I was genuinely heartbroken when they killed Alexie he was shaping up to be one of much favorites

•Billy’s “redemption” at the end where El breaks through to him while retelling the childhood scenes he showed her and then he goes against the Mindflayer was expected but the way they did it was so heartwrenching I’ll give the obvious turn of events a pass. Hi, seeing Max cry over Billy Killed Me, that poor girl

•Finally, Hoppers death. Fuck you stranger things team. No matter how annoying Hopper was this season, how could you guys do that’s to El?? To us?? That letter just about killed me, I started loudly sobbing halfway through and I didn’t finish till twenty minutes later. I’m also not 100% sure he’s actually dead just saying...

•There’s more but this is already So Much so I’ma leave it at this as I literally just started typing and I haven’t even proof read it. I’m so sorry I didn’t mean for this to be so long but

•PLEASE! If anyone wants to discuss anything I said here or just the season in general please message me 

TL:DR- I loved the Scoops Troop storyline, especially how they handled Steve/Robin. I loved the Elmax friendship and El’s character development independent from Mike. Alexie was basically my favorite. They should’ve used Will more and I’m mad they basically killed Byler 

[badwolf-in-the-impala]

~When Love & Hate Collide -- Ch.1~

Moodboard made by myself @badwolf-in-the-impala. I do not own or take credit for any photos used. 

Edit to add: So I’m a ditz and forgot to change the ‘82 to ‘81, after doing the research and realizing that Crüe was touring in Canada in ‘82...and I had wanted this to start this off before they got actively into touring and became a huge deal...So keeping it in ’81 when they were just getting popular and shit...So yeah, thanks for coming to my TED talk on why I’m an idiot lol enjoy!  

A/N: So this is by no means going to be perfect, I’m sure...I’ve already re-written it twice, cause I’m a nitpick **insert nervous laughter here** But this is based off the movie ((The Dirt)) version of the band. Iwan!Mick needs more love/appreciation! Anywho, I hope you guys like it. 

Pairings: Iwan Rheon!Mick Mars x OC ((Faceclaim - Alison Mosshart))

Rating: Mature/18+

Chapter Warnings: Language, smoking, mentions of drug use, implied abuse...

Word Count: 5,267

---------------------------------------

Summer - 1981

Roxanna Hale traveled South, down I-5 to West Hollywood, CA, from Seattle WA. The old 1969 -- Black with White racing stripes -- Chevelle SS that she drove, rumbled along loudly, headlights illuminating the dark stretch of blacktop as Dawn slowly began to break and light the sky. The muscle car blowing around another line of cars with ease, the windows down and rock music blaring from the speakers as she fought to keep herself awake, lighting what felt like her hundredth cigarette.

She exhaled a cloud of smoke from the long drag she took, letting it trail from her red lips slowly as her thumb flicked against the filter, ashing it out the open window. The nicotine did little to quell the anger that still surged through every fiber of her body, as she sped towards her destination.

The last thing she had expected to happen when she woke up yesterday morning, was to walk in on her ex screwing some other chicks brains out...The fact that chick had turned out to be her best friend, and fellow band mate, only added insult to injury. Leading Roxxy to pack all of her shit -- music material and demo included -- before taking off for good; the incident occurring at a less than convenient time.

They had been scheduled, for today as a matter of fact, to audition for a spot as ‘Opening Act’ for another, more well known, band that was getting ready to kick off a tour. Nothing huge, but it was a long awaited opportunity that Roxxy had been waiting on for a very long time. She had headed over to the apartment where her -- now -- ex finance lived to start packing up their gear in preparation for the 18 hr drive to California, they had ahead of them when she walked in on the situation in question.

“C’mon, Baby!” Her ex begged as she continued shoving what she could fit into her backpack. “It- It was just an accident. I swear!” He added, still clinging to the sheet wrapped around his waist as he took a step back; Roxxy rounding on him.

“So what? You just like slipped and accidentally landed with your dick in her vagina?! Is that what you’re trying to tell me?” She nearly screamed, getting in his face. Roxxy’s anger only worsening as she watched him stutter over his words, trying to come up with some bullshit way to justify what he had done, but it was far too late for that as Roxxy cut him off before he could even finish. “I’m not a fucking moron, Kyle!

“Please, Baby, don’t do this! Not now, not with the audition tomorrow!”

“Yeah? Well maybe you should’ve thought that over better before you stuck your cock in my best fucking friend, the lead goddamn singer of MY band!” Roxxy seethed as she slung the backpack over her shoulder and picked up her guitar case as she turned for the door; stopping abruptly as Kyle grabbed her roughly by the upper arm and tried to drag her back. “Let go of me!” She rounded on him as she yanked her arm free, more than a little caught off guard by the sting of his hand as it connected with the right side of her face.

“You don’t get to fuckin’ talk too me like that, bitch--” Kyle had started but was cut off by the cold laugh that fell from Roxxy’s lips as she sneered up at him, wiping at the small trickle of blood from her lower lip with the back of her hand.

“Why, because you think you’re somebody fucking important now? Newsflash, you better think again, Baby.” Roxxy replied, making sure to emphasise the sarcasm in her voice as she called him ‘Baby’. “Because I built this, all of it!” She gestured around his living room at all the band equipment and gear laying around. “You, and this fucking shithole of a band, are nothing without me. So, you know, have fun playing dive bars and garage gigs for the rest of your life. ‘Cause I’m out!”

~

Her blood boiled as the memory of the argument replayed over and over in her mind. She had spent the last three and half years busting her ass for that band; HER band -- working two jobs and pinching pennies just to be able to play shitty dive bars and even shittier backyard parties, on the weekends.

Roxxy had been through hell and back, bending herself over backwards nearly her whole entire miserable, fucking life to try and achieve her dreams; and just when they were about to finally get their break...The whole fucking world comes crashing down on her. Just like it always does.

Now here she was, right back at square one with no money, no band, and the fucking audition of a lifetime that was now hanging in the balance...And as if her life couldn’t get any worse, what ever higher power that had been shitting on her life, apparently decided that now was the perfect moment for her car to blow a head gasket; still some 20-30 miles outside of her destination.   

“You have got to be fucking kidding me.” Roxxy whined as she hit her hazard lights and coasted the car off onto the shoulder of the road before cutting the engine and popping the hood as she bailed out to take a look. Waving her hand in front of her face with a cough as she lifted the hood and a cloud of white smoke from the overheated engine rolled up into her face, causing her to she take a step back. 

“Son of a bitch!” She slammed the hood shut, too dark still to see much of anything, but already knowing the engine was fucked as she rested her hands against the car, attempting several deep breaths so she didn’t lose her shit, completely; not that it helped. Roxxy picking up the nearest rock and chucking it into oncoming traffic as she screamed out angrily, fisting both hands into her dark hair before tossing them up entirely.

“Seriously! What the fuck have I done in my life to deserve this fucking shit?!” Roxxy yelled up at the sky. “Because I sure as shit don’t fucking remember!” She added, standing there for a few seconds longer, as if she would actually receive some kind of answer. But only the sounds of passing traffic surrounded her. Leaving her to heavily sigh as she grabbed her bag and guitar case from the backseat before locking up her beloved car, and began walking.

Praying that this day didn’t get any worse...Someone clearly taking that as a challenge as the next 8 hrs of walking only brought more hell down on her life. From being pelted by rocks kicked up by passing cars, too nearly being run over by an 18-wheeler that had veered off the road at one point -- causing her to bail off into the bar ditch in order to avoid being turned into roadkill; the gravel biting into her skin, scraping up her arms and hands.

But the icing on the cake had been the sudden surprise of a thunderstorm that now had her drenched. Leaving her exhausted and more than a little irritable as she finally made it to the Bar she and her band has been signed up to audition at...Four hours earlier. Roxxy made her way into the nearest restroom as she pushed her way inside and through the groups of people that crowded the place -- for what appeared to be some kind of open mic deal. Doing her best once making into the bathroom to clean herself up before finding an empty booth in a dark corner to hide herself in for a while; after putting in a phone call to towing service.

“Can I get’cha something, Sweetheart?” A pretty blonde woman -- that Roxxy assumed to be a bartender -- asked as she made her rounds on the floor; breaking Roxxy’s attention away from the man up on stage she had been watching, as she dug around in the back pocket of her jeans for her wallet, a frown tugging down the corners her mouth as she opened it to reveal her last five dollars.

“Um...Just a coffee, please?” Roxxy forced a soft smile as she pulled a couple dollars out and tried to hand them over, but the woman simply shook her head and held up her hand with a polite smile as she gave Roxxy a wink and said, “Keep it, Doll. Coffee’s on the house.” Roxxy heaved a sigh as the woman disappeared, returning only a few minutes later with a hot cup of coffee and a clean, dry, bar towel.

“Thank you.” Roxxy gave a genuine smile this time around as she accepted the towel and brought it up to her dark hair, the woman giving her a polite nod before turning to head back to her post behind the bar; Stopping when Roxxy spoke up again, catching her attention. “Hey, what does one need to do to go up on stage?”

“Nothin’ special.” The woman shrugged, glancing over to notice the guitar case that sat propped up against the booth. “Open mic. First come, first serve. Just give that man up there by the stage your name and he’ll put you in the line up.” She smiled before returning behind the bar, leaving Roxxy to contemplate if she was up for it or not. But at this point, what more did she have to lose? Aside from her dignity, maybe.

~

The first thing that caught Mick’s attention was the sound of the guitar and the heavy riff that fell effortlessly from it as her fingers changed over the strings with ease. The smoky, alluring sound of her voice filling the bar speakers as the words from Pat Benatar’s, ‘Heartbreaker’, fell from her lips, capturing the attention of the small audience that had gathered -- as well as his own band, who had been enjoying drinks. The room falling silent for a brief moment before people got into the rhythm of the song and actually started enjoying themselves; unlike with most of the prior participants whose performances had gone ignored. Save for a few of the die hard local fans that cheered them on.

They had seen their fair share of dive bar performers before, but never someone as confident as the dark haired woman up on stage now, who was venturing into territory few women had dared to dive into, yet, in this industry. Her rough, road worn appearance only adding to the edge she already had over most of tonight's participants; which drew the crowd further in as their curiosity peaked. It being easy enough to tell that she wasn’t a local by her ballsy taste in music.

“Hooooly shit!” Tommy was the first to speak up -- over the music -- among their group as he glanced excitedly between his friends and fellow bandmates, and the woman up on stage. “Are you dudes seeing this?!”

Mick simply rolled his eyes behind the pair of dark aviators he worse, shaking his head at the obviously stupid question...wondering for a moment why he ever agreed to put up with these dumb asses he called friends. The rest of the guys smirking and giving their drummer shit before ordering another round of drinks and returning to their conversation. But not Mick; no. He never took his eyes off the woman up on stage.

There were a few things he found intriguing about her and not all of it had to do with her looks; not that he was complaining. She was very easy on the eyes, as far as he could tell from his seat at the end of the bar. Her dark, layered, mess of feathered hair hung down in her face as she sung. Hiding behind it the striking features of her face. Full lips, high cheekbones, sharp jawline...it was like staring at God’s greatest creation. She was clad in a pair of ripped slim fit denims, a cropped muscle tank, that showed plenty of midriff, and a pair of combat boots. Rings and leather cuffs adorned her fingers and wrists.

What truly caught his attention though, was the guitar she played, or rather, the fact that she played it left handed...and upside down. But with her level of skill and confidence, you would never have been able to tell the difference, unless you knew exactly what you were looking at; as Mick did, obviously having played for enough years himself to know. She was good, to good in fact. Which left him to ponder how a woman with that kind of natural talent was still playing the bar/nightclub scene.

“Bitch has some pipes.” Vince mused with an impressed smirk as he passed Mick a shot, forcing him out of his thoughts as he finally tore his gaze away from the stage, give a curt nod to Vince in reply before he said, “She’s got some experience, that’s for sure.” before knocking back the contents of his shot glass. “She plays with a confidence not many possess...especially chicks.” Mick added.

“Yeah, dude, she may even be better than you are.” Tommy joked drunkenly, flinching as Nikki’s hand connected with the back of his head, and Mick rolled his eyes again in return.

“Maybe in your fuckin’ dreams...fuckin’ drummer.” Mick scoffed with a mildly irritated sneer. “She’s good, but not that good.” Mick added with half a lie. Because she really did have talent and with the right person to teach her, she could definitely go places.

“Don’t listening to him, Mick.” Nikki chuckled. “We’re jus’ givin’ you shit.” He added, earning a mumbled, “Whatever...fuckin’ teenagers.” From Mick as he turned his attention back to the woman on stage. Watching with great intent as she closed out the song with the it’s Solo; playing right over the top of other guitarist. The bar erupted into applause once she finished, giving a brief, yet humble bow, before unplugging the Fender Starcaster she played, that she carefully placed it back into its case before jumping off the stage and retreating back to the far corner booth she had been hiding in earlier. Mick and his group watching her for a bit out of curiosity and talking among themselves about her performance.

“Dude’s, we should like totally invite her the party later!” Tommy stated before taking another shot, the rest of the guys giving a mutual nod of agreement; even Mick. Though his aviator covered blue eyes never left the mysterious woman who sat alone, just across the bar.

~

An hour or so had passed since Roxxy returned to hiding in her booth; going through two more cups of coffee, intending on staying until they closed and had to kick her out. Not looking forward to having to potentially spend a night outside, especially if the weather didn’t straighten up before then. A small jolt of anxiety surging through her as the bartender approached her booth, again; fearful that was about to become a possibility.

Roxxy was just about to speak up -- shit, she’d beg if she had too -- in order to stay as long as possible, when the woman set a whiskey in front of her on the table. Earning a  very confused look from Roxxy as she looked up.

“From the gentleman, at the end of the bar.” The blonde yelled over the music, vaguely gesturing to a group of men who had their backs turned, up at the bar. “He said you looked like you could use something a little stronger than the coffee.” Roxxy’s lips curved down in a slight frown as she looked down at herself, giving a sigh.

“Well, um...tell him I said thanks.” Roxxy cleared her throat awkwardly, giving the bartender a soft smile before the woman walked away. Roxxy watching as she went back behind the bar and leaned over to the man at the very end, relaying what she assumed to be her thanks...Roxxy’s stomach nearly falling out of her ass as she recognized him, immediately, as he turned around to face her while holding up his own glass with a nod of ‘cheers’. Roxxy nearly knocking over her own drink as she blindly grabbed for it in order to return the gesture. Almost certain she looked like a deer in the headlights as he gave a smirk before returning to his drink.

“Mick Mars, of thee fucking Mötley Crüe, just bought me a drink.” Roxxy muttered to herself, still half shocked. “And I look like a mother fucking trashcan....could this day get any worse?!” She whined as she placed her forehead against the table, banging it softly against the wood a few times before sitting up and knocking back the entire contents of the rocks glass in front of her. Relishing in the burn that the amber liquid left in its wake, as it traveled down her throat. Wincing softly at the sensation before turning her attention to digging around in the pocket of her leather coat for her smokes, pulling out the last one and lighting it.

“I don’t fucking mean that seriously, either.” She threatened with a pointed finger, speaking to whatever unknown deity happened to be listening as she glanced up at the ceiling and exhaled the puff of smoke from the drag she just took. “I’ve had enough of your shit for one day!” A rush of embarrassment snapping her back to reality as the sound of someone clearing their throat caught her attention, turning to find the bartender back; bottle of Jack in hand as she smiled, jerking her chin over her shoulder at the bar. Roxxy giving a nod of understanding as she pushed the rocks glass over to be filled.

“Rough day?” The woman asked with a soft laugh as she filled the glass.

“You have no idea.” Roxxy groaned as she rubbed her temples with her fingers. “Thanks. Again.” She lifted her glass and gestured towards the bar before taking a sip.

“You know...you could always go tell him yourself.” The woman implied with a grin, giving a laugh as Roxxy starred up at her with a dumbfounded expression. Opening and closing her mouth several times before giving up entirely. This woman couldn’t possibly be serious, suggesting that she -- a complete and total nobody-- go up and talk to a band member of Mötley fucking Crüe; more importantly, the guitarist she had spent the last year idolizing.

“Just a suggestion.” The woman shrugged with a polite smile before leaving again.

Roxxy sat there for a while, weighing her options and sipping on her drink as she considered actually going up to the bar. I mean at this point, what was the worst that could really happen...she had already had a shit day, and besides, she was out of smokes and desperately craving another one, the nicotine somewhat staving off the withdrawals from lack of cocaine use. Having left her entire stash behind at her ex’s.

With a sigh, Roxxy scooted herself out of the booth and grabbed her jacket; draping it over her shoulder as she grabbed her guitar case, and bag before picking up the whiskey glass, knocking back the rest of the Jack Daniels it held before maneuvering her way through the crowd and up to the bar. Propping her stuff in the corner and placing her jacket on the last, empty bar stool, as she took a seat and set her glass on the bar. Mick glancing at her out of the corner of his eye with a raised brow, flagging down the bartender as Roxxy cleared her throat awkwardly.

“You really don’t have too–” Roxxy started, immediately cutting herself off with a mortified look, afraid she was going to offend him as Mick turned to look at her; raising his sunglasses. “I mean, t-thank you– I’m flattered, b-but, really, you don’t–”

“It’s cool.” Mick held up a hand, putting a cease to her ramblings with a half grin. “Wouldn’t be doin’ it if I didn’t want to.” He added as he pushed the now full glass towards her with a middle finger.

“Of course– I mean, I didn’t mean– You know what, I’m gonna shut up.” Roxxy rambled as she took a sip of her whiskey and tossed the empty carton of cigarettes onto the bar top as she fished out her wallet, opening it as she yanked out her last five dollars and tossed it beside the empty carton as she muttered, more so too herself, “I’m usually much more a bitch.” Mick nearly snorting his own drink out his nose as her overheard the comment.

“At least you’re honest.” He replied, motioning for bartender to leave her money and add it to whatever tab he had running. “Besides, looks like you’ve had a shit day.”

“That’s an understatement and a half.” Roxxy snorted with a laugh as she packed her fresh carton of Marlboro’s before opening it and pulling one out and lighting it; taking a drag as she offered the pack to Mick, who accepted and held it to the flame of the zippo lighter in her hand. Nodding his thanks as she snapped it shut and shoved it back into the pocket of her jeans. “I’m Roxanna, by the way.” She added while exhaling a trail of smoke as she offered him her hand. Mick chuckling softly as he glanced down at her hand before he shook it; catching sight of the ‘Mötley Crüe’ logo that was plastered to the front of her cropped tank top.

“Mick. But I’m going to assume you already know that?” He replied. Fighting to stave off the grin that tugged at the corners of his lips as he watched her cheeks tint red with a blush as she nodded, flashing him a coy smile.

“Guilty.” Roxxy replied with a soft chuckle before taking another drag from her cigarette. She exhaled slowly as she pushed a hand through her mess of dark hair, shoving it back and away from her face as she stared up at him with Emerald eyes from beneath her dark lashes. Mick looked as though he were about to say something else, when suddenly, Vince appeared between the two of them and wrapped an arm around Roxxy’s shoulders. A cocky grin plastered to his face as he leaned in close.

“Tell me somethin’?” He started in a confident tone as Mick rolled his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose as he inhaled deeply while muttering, “Jesus...here we fuckin’ go.”

“Did it hurt?” Vince continued, his smirk growing wider as Roxxy looked up at him with feigned interest; cocking her head to one side as she batted her eyes and smiled. Having heard this line one too many times for her liking.

“When I fell from heaven?” She finished for him, momentarily catching Vince off guard, but he was quick to recover, his tongue darting out over his lower lip as his grin widened into that signature sexy smile of his. Mick heaving an audible sigh of annoyance as he finished off his Vodka and ordered another.

“Exactly, Baby--” But before Vince could finish whatever he was about to add as a recovery to the botched pickup line, Roxxy cut him off.

“No...but I did scrape the shit out of my knees during my climbing out of hell.” She finished with a mildly suggestive smirk as she removed his arm from around her shoulders and finished off her cigarette before stamping the last bit out in the ashtray that sat between her and Mick. Vince standing there, slack jawed and bewildered by her response as a soft scoff left his lips. Making it obvious that he wasn’t used to being rejected in such a manner and the fact that Nikki and Tommy were now howling hysterically from a table behind them, didn’t help matters much.

“Did that really just--?”

“Happen?” Mick said, cutting Vince off; his own expression almost as surprised as the lead singers. “Yeah. It happened.” He added, Vince giving a curt nod before skulking back to the table he and the other two band mates had taken up residence at. Leaving Mick to stare at Roxxy with a look of astonishment on his face.

“Holy shit…” Roxxy said with a nervous laugh. “Did I really just offend, Vince Neil?!”

“Yes, and it was fucking fabulous.” Mick smirked as he held up his glass, Roxxy taking the hint and picking up her own as she clinked it against his and took a sip before turning around to the table behind them.

“Is you’re ego gonna alright?” Roxxy asked honestly, though it came out a little more sarcastic than she intended which earned another round of laughter. “No, I mean like really?!” She added.

“Dude!” Tommy howled with laughter, nearly doubling over as he tried to catch his breath. “She’s like the chick version of Mick!” He added, Roxxy fixing him with a glare as she pointed her finger and said, “Watching yourself, drummer boy.” The comment eliciting more laughter, this time including Vince as he turned to look between herself and Mick; who were both glaring at the group in front of them.

“That’s fucking disturbing.” Vince laughed.

“What’s your name, Sweetheart?” Nikki chuckled as he took a sip of his beer, trying to change the subject before Mick started knocking their heads together for his own satisfaction.

“Roxanna.” She replied. “Most everyone calls me Roxxy, though.”

“Oh dear Jesus, not another one.” Nikki gave a short laugh as he turned to look at Tommy, who’s complexion had paled considerably, which caused Roxxy to raise an eyebrow. “Long story.” He added. “Nikki, by the way.”

“She’s aware.” Mick stated as he leaned back against the bar, vaguely gesturing to her shirt. The rest of the guys giving a collective, “Ooh” in response as Roxxy gave a nervous chuckle. Not even sure how any of this was happening right now.

“Come. Sit.” Nikki nodded at their table as Tommy pulled two more stools over for her and Mick. Roxxy briefly giving them a skeptical look, somehow waiting from them to laugh and say they were just kidding...but when that didn’t happen, she moved her things and took a seat at the table between Tommy, and Mick, who took the other seat beside her. “So, what’s your story?” Nikki added curiously after Roxxy was settled at the table.

“Like, the short version?” Roxxy snorted as she took a sip of her whiskey, cocking an eyebrow as she looked up at the band’s bassist. “Woke up yesterday morning to help my band pack for a gig ‘slash’ audition, showed up, walked in on my ex screwing my best friend; the bands lead singer. Packed my shit. Left. Drove 12 fucking hours from Seattle till my car broke down, had to walk, nearly died, missed my fucking audition, got rained on...and now, here I am.” There was a few minutes of collective silence as the guys sat there, staring at her as they tried to process that output of information.

“Jesus.” Mick mumbled into his glass.

“Yeah...And that’s only the last 24 hrs.” Roxxy replied. “A fuckin’ cake walk compared to the rest of my life.”

“Well, fuck that guy.” Nikki finally spoke as he offered her shot glass. “And fuck this day! I mean, at least it’ll end on a note of awesomeness; sitting around having a drink with this group of fucking degenerates!” He added, reaching a hand over and bouncing Tommy’s forehead off the table, which earned a round of laughter from the group.

“Not gonna argue with that.” Roxxy chuckled with a shake of her head before knocking back the contents of the shot glass and placing it upside down on the table. Taking a drag from her cigarette before adding, “I mean honestly, if someone had told me a year ago that I would be sitting in a bar sharing drinks with Mötley Crüe...I probably would’ve punched ‘em in the face.”

“You should most definitely come to our party!” Tommy stated excitedly after pounding two more shots. Roxxy raising a questioning brow as she waited for him to continue, but before he could they were interrupted by the bartender who brought over a telephone and held it out for Roxxy to take; giving a very confused, “Hello?”

“Are you a Miss,” He paused, the sound of papers being rifled through filling the silence on the other end of the line before he continued. “Roxanna Hale?”

“Yeah, that’s me?” Roxxy stated as she waited for the man to continue.

“This is Dan, I’m with Auto Doc’s 24 hr towing service. You called earlier this evening about your car? A Black ‘69 Chevelle?”

“That would be mine.” Roxxy sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose, waiting for what she assumed would surely be bad news.

“Well, we picked it up and got it back to the shop. Someone should be able to take a look at first thing in the morning...but um, we’re gonna need the keys. I also have some papers I need you to sign off on before we’d be able to look at it? I understand it’s late, so if you can’t--”

“No, no, it’s cool.” Roxxy replied as she grabbed a napkin off the table and gestured for a pen, three suddenly appearing in front of her face as she grabbed one. “What’s the address?” The man gave it her, along with the shop number before she hung up and downed what was left of her whiskey.

“Wait, you’re not leaving already, are you?” Tommy asked with a mildly dejected puppy dog expression as they watched Roxxy stand and slip on her leather jacket; flipping her hair out of the collar as she smiled softly at him.

“Yep, unfortunately...gotta go sell my soul to the devil so I can get my car fixed.” Roxxy replied jokingly as she threw her bag over her shoulder and picked up her guitar case. “It’s been a pleasure, boys, truly.” She added, turning to address Mick separately as she said, “And thank you for the drinks.”

“No problem.” Mick gave a slight nod as he slipped his sunglasses back on. Disappointed she was leaving already, but not about to show it as he turned back to his drink as Roxxy turned to head for the door, the rest of guys turning to stare at him in disbelief. “What?” Mick stated as he glared at his band mates from behind his glasses.

“You’re seriously gonna let that just walk outta here?!” Vince arched a brow skeptically as he spoke up.

“So?” Mick retorted in a gruff tone as he took another sip of his Vodka.

“So?! You could at least give her the address to the apartment?!” Vince exclaimed as Mick simply shook his head, ignoring him entirely. “You know what, fine. I’ll do it.” He added, reaching for one of the pens on the table. Tommy beating him too it as he snatched one and bounded off towards the door to catch Roxxy. Returning a short while later, grinning triumphantly as he returned the pen.

“Fifty bucks says she shows up.” Vince smirked as he glanced over to Mick who had finished off his drink and was making to leave, himself. Pausing for moment as he turned back to the lead singer with his usual, disgruntled, expression as he replied, “Hundred bucks says she won’t.”  

And without another word, Mick disappeared into the crowd.  

----------------------------------

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[toongrrl-blog]

Karen Wheeler Playlist Part Two

“La Chona” Los Tucanes De Tijuana

This is a song played at family parties a lot and it took me a long time to find out about the lyrics. Basically like Karen Wheeler, La Chona is a woman who likes to party a lot and have fun while her slug of a husband stays home. Karen strikes me as the girl who was the hot, popular girl who went to parties and turned heads and it looks like she is slowly regaining that image from Pretty Trophy Missus in the Suburbs to Hot Mom. But La Chona is clearly independent, something Karen is trying to reclaim.

“I Only Want to Be With You” Dusty Springfield

I was told by another fan on here that Karen could be a Dusty Springfield fan, and this song seems to fit as it makes me think of a young Karen who was dating and partying and having fun before she settled down with a older guy making six figures and “came from a good family”. I can also imagine Karen lip synching to it.

“Little Trouble Girl” Sonic Youth

Okay I saw this before in another post. This is clearly one that mirrors the relationship Karen has with Nancy (and maybe Holly); on Karen’s end, one can see that she is trying to steer her kids in a direction that benefits them but is unintentionally getting them to conform to societal norms. Nancy probably sees her Mom as having a path that she wants to avoid like hell (Karen probably feels the same way, as she is very suspicious when Nancy gets back from Steve but seems cool with Jonathan, probably making sure her little girl doesn’t take the path of settling down with a privileged guy) and is ironically taking actions that her mother once did and one can see that Karen probably had a hand in prepping Nancy for conformity: people have picked apart how Karen commented favorably on Nancy’s appearance before Will’s (phony) funeral and offered Nancy to borrow her pumps, a mirror image of Mike getting his tie tightened by Ted, which is likely a mirror of Rose getting her corset tightened in Titanic. Also according to the official guide, it was said that Karen clearly picked blue for Mike’s room and pink for Nancy’s room which is something considering how the two grew up in a Free To Be You And Me world that was questioning gender roles and more obviously, Karen quiets down her youngest daughter whenever Holly mentions seeing something strange. Just smile, don’t mention anything unpleasant, be pretty, have your hair perfect, be a virgin. Poor Karen is unintentionally setting her girls up for crushing conformity or to scream “Oh Bondage! Up Yours!”

“What Have I Done To Deserve This?” The Pet Shop Boys with Dusty Springfield

I heard this on Season One of GLOW on Netflix (another 80s set period piece worth seeing that expands on Feminist themes just lightly touched in ST), it was set at a lawn furniture store with all these people in bright colors and whites, it just screams suburban life and the kind that Karen had settled into. One where she updates her furniture and decor to look of the moment.

Now if only the two shows had a crossover.

“A Girls Work is Never Done” The Chordettes

The less glamorous side of housewife life, it’s never done, and you have to clean it all over again. One can imagine that Karen probably felt tired at the end of the day but keeps working to appease a husband on his Laz E Boy and kids who cannot appreciate what her life is like. I also figure that Karen might have heard this as a young girl, probably failing to capture what the lyrics are telling her.

[ablogcalledhowl]

SIMONE BLAIN

-who are you ? 

Simone Blain 

-what do you do ? 

I am a painter, and I have a few day jobs that keep me going: I work at a second hand clothing store, renovate apartments with my boyfriend, and also work for a jeweller.

-what's your process ? 

I often work from photos I take on my cellphone, sometimes I’ll zoom in and see a little composition of colours. At times I get inspired from things I see when I’m walking around town, then I’ll write down the colours in my notes on my phone and try to remember how to put them together. And then I’ll draw something, if I get an image that I could imagine as a painting, I’ll draw it several times to loosen up. I used to hate doing that, but these days I feel like that process is necessary for me to not be too precious. Recently I’ve been going off those drawings, which I project and layer up in oil paint, and I tape off my lines to make them crisp. Music is also a big inspiration to me, and a lot of my ideas come from misheard lyrics in songs...I’ll write the lyrics down and the idea transforms into something that references my own experience.

-what are your weapons ? 

Tylenol, magnesium, listening to podcasts at work, putting work into good relationships, eating my veggies, and being in nature when I can.

-how do you inject culture into the work you create ? 

I guess it comes in organically/subconsciously any time I see or hear something beautiful. Music, art that other people make, buildings that are colourful or that have interesting gates or windows... I can’t help but be influenced by culture when I’m in the city, around so many different people.

-is it important ? 

Yes, culture keeps people together.  Art gives people with conflicting politics or philosophies a common language, and that probably helps us live more harmoniously. It’s obviously not fixed or homogenous, just like people.

-what inspires you ? 

Everything is inspiring, mundane stuff like words that contrast in a funny way, sometimes I’ll write little snippets of conversations down… other times i’ll see a really beautiful piece of old clothing at work with a fun design and try to riff off of that, my personal experiences that I feel other people might relate to are also sometimes inspiring. I’m never lacking inspiration, only lacking discipline and energy.. and hours in the day.

-who/what has influenced ?

I’m influenced by all my artist friends, Montreal is home to soooo many talented folks. I’m influenced by music as well, some faves are Todd Rundgren, Robert Wyatt, R Stevie Moore, (delving into his stuff again cause he has so many songs, but I’ve heard he’s not a very nice dude which I should probably look into more), XTC, the list goes on… some of my fav contemporary painters are Ted Gahl, Angela Heisch, Kevin McNamee-Tweed, Tracy Helena Thomason, Maysha Mohamedi…too many to count really!

-how have your personal experiences shaped you ?

My personal experiences have made me sensitive I think, grumpy and frustrated at times, but also empathetic.

-how will you use those experiences to your advantage ?

My personal experiences, bad and good, have helped make me a creative person. I think that going through some hard times in your life also makes it much easier to relate to other people and to be able to give more.

-what element of yourself do you inject in your work that makes it personal ?

Hopefully some of my humour, sensitivity and sense of rhythm.

-is it important ? 

Don’t make me spiral!

-what are your expectations from fellow artists ? 

I don’t have any expectations really, but I appreciate when artists are honest, and hold each other up and share, instead of getting caught up in the trappings of competition or desire for success.

-how do you differentiate or separate your art from politics ?

My paintings aren’t actively political for the most part, I think I can be more effective in other areas of my life, because I feel that the way that I paint is too passive. That said, I’ve been seeing people use social media in a really interesting and effective way recently... posting their art on Instagram in tandem with political content, or selling their work and using the money for a specific cause.

-is it important ? 

Yes. Staying informed and engaged is so important. It’s our duty to know what’s going on outside of our own little bubble, and we need to take care of each other.

-what was your pre internet activity ? 

Before the internet, I lived in the woods, so I had to get creative. Setting up obstacle courses at my dads house for the three wheeler, lookin at the stars, spending time near water, drawing, pretending the junk yard in the field beyond our house was my kitchen…

-what will be your post internet activity ?

Naps

**write down a question as your younger self and answer it as your older self**

Younger self: In what major ways have you changed? Older self: I’m a little more confident, I feel loved for the first time in my life, and I like Steely Dan now.

(follow Simone Blain’s work on: https://cargocollective.com/sblain)