#the jonah fic

[ladyknight1512]

If you are still taking requests for fanfic writers director's cut would like to know more about Jonah fic you are writing. I hope it's not spoiling your wip.

(In response to the Director's Cut commentary game)

I'm always happy to talk about fic so my inbox is always open.

The Jonah Fic, as I affectionately call it, is the third in my Fathers and Sons trilogy. I don't want to say too much because I don't want to give the game away, but also because it's still coming together. I've never had a story, whether fic or original, give me so much trouble. I had to abandon the first draft because about 7000 words in I realised it wasn't working. Then halfway through the second draft I realised that the B plot wasn't working the way I imagined it would and I decided I would cut it. I'm currently getting towards the end of the second draft and once I finish that, I'll start on the third draft to remove what remains of that B plot. So it's been a bit of a slog but I'm feeling happier about it overall now than I was a couple of months ago.

I don't mind telling you that the B plot that will be removed from the first half of the third draft is a Jonah/Charlie romance. I had planned this basically from the moment I started writing the second fic, No Legacy So Rich, so for it to then not work in the writing was annoying. In the end, though, I realised I was just using it to distract myself from the fact that I didn't know how to pull the A plot together and it's better to take it out.

In terms of the main plot, and without being too spoilery, I'll say that this fic is told through Jonah's POV and it begins on the morning of Jonah's 18th birthday. That puts it 10 years to the day since the end of No Legacy So Rich. The focus is very much on Jonah and TK's relationship, which I love, because that's always been at the heart of the series. Jonah has a lot to come to terms with and again, without saying too much, I'll just point out that a major theme of the series has always been the relationship between fathers and sons, and how difficult that can be even when they love each other.

I'm hoping to finish the second draft this week (everyone please gather in a prayer circle). Then I'll start on the third draft and hopefully I can have the fic published by the end of March. No promises, though, because I suspect my betas will have a lot of work for me to do in the edit after they finally read it.

Thanks for asking about The Jonah Fic. I know it's not going to be as popular as others, just because it doesn't focus on Tarlos (although they still definitely feature). But I think Jonah's story, especially in this 'verse, is important to tell and I love it a lot, even when it gives me grief.

[wildgeese98]

It's kind of unfortunate that the only bit of characterization for original! Elias that's widely talked about is him being a stoner. It's true that for a long time that's literally the only thing we got. One funny throwaway line. But we do learn a bit more in mag 193 (one of my favorite s5 episodes incidentally) and it makes him a much more interesting and tragic character.

Elias was an aimless rich kid trying and failing to live up to his father's high expectations for him. He was raised to believe that he deserved success and power simply because of the family he was born into. It's implied that this alienated him from his peers leaving him incredibly isolated. It probably also meant he didn't have a lot of control over his own life, following the path he was expected to rather than what he acctually wanted. Even before being marked by the Eye he probably felt like was constantly watched and judged, and found wanting.

The statement draw heavy parallels between original! Elias and Jon. In fact the line between them gets very blurred as Jon "plays" Elias in the statement and Elias's VA plays Jonah in the body of James Wright. Jon and Elias are both parallels and opposites. They were both marked and drawn to the Institute by that mark.

Elias had the conviction that he was destined to be important and he was right the most perverse, twisted way possible. He was only ever there to be used and used completely. To the point were he ceased to be, leaving only his body to puppeted by Jonah.

Jon had no such conviction, and yet he became literally the most import person in the world. But that was only after being moulded and completely reshaped by Jonah. He in a way lost almost as much autonomy and control of his body as Elias did. Though he at least got to keep his mind, for the most part.

This has gotten away from me a bit, but the point remains. Elias, like a lot of TMA characters, is a fascinating person who we only get to see brief snatches of. I think about him a lot. I especially think about how horrifying it must have been to realize, for the briefest moment, that his mind and body were being completely taken over, right before his consciousness was snuffed out.

[klm-zoflorr]

OH my god i just stumbled upon...

Jonah!Elias. Jonah!Elias. Elias headcanoned as Jonah Magnus. From in the ye olden days before it was confirmed. Careful thats a piece of history right there

[alrightbuckaroo]

sidewalk chalk, covered in snow

a short little story dedicated to @emsprovisions for gifting us with so much holiday joy this month

TK didn’t think it would be possible. Hell, if you asked him ten years ago, he would have told you it shouldn’t be possible. Though, somehow, it is.

He’s happy. He’s 30, he’s married to the love of his life, he’s raising a child who will always know the warmth of a hug, and he’s happy.

He’s staring out the window of his home, one hand curled around the handle of his red mug. Carlos and Jonah are currently on their driveway, creating snowflakes on the ashen ground with pale blue chalk. Monday ushered in a flurry of flakes, but they’ve been intermittent since.

Jonah was missing the snow, so Carlos thought he’d try to give him the next best thing. Carlos’ chestnut curls are concealed by an olive green beanie, russet tendrils spooling underneath. He looks like everything TK’s ever wished for.

Jonah’s cherubic face is looking up at Carlos with a gap toothed smile, staring through shaggy strands of brunette hair. He giggles at something Carlos says and it makes his eyes crinkle, reminding TK of his mother; their mother.

Carlos looks up at him, his nose red and lips flustered. He smiles and TK grins back, happy.

Eventually, TK joins them outside. He lets the brisk, winter chill cocoon him as he wraps his scarf around his neck, planting a chaste kiss on his husband’s lips before joining his little brother on the concrete.

He guides Jonah’s hand as he shows him how to draw the Star of David, his heart swelling at the way his hand eclipses Jonah’s tiny one. After, Jonah utters out, “Mom,” and TK can’t help but think of the Star of David charm Gwyn wore like a birthmark. It’s in all of her pictures.

He presses a kiss to the crown of Jonah’s head before agreeing, “Mom.”

Slowly, snow starts to fall and they decide to break for hot chocolate. Well, TK and Carlos decide to break for hot chocolate. Jonah’s fast asleep in Carlos’ arms as they walk back into the house.

As he waits for the water to boil, TK takes another glance outside. Flakes are still freely floating to the ground, and ultimately they’ll cover everything in sight, covering the chalk. Eventually, it’ll melt, and all that’ll be left will be an expanse of just grey; much like he was when he first moved to Austin.

Then, Carlos and Jonah will go back outside and add more color to it; and they’ll be happy.

[no-goodbyes-no-regrets]

Jonah is going to be the number 1 queer ally in Austin growing up.

He starts school and Carlos may be a little (or a lot) worried he'll get bullied for having gay "dads" and even tries to convince TK only one of them should drop him off and pick him up.

But then TK can't pick him up one day and Carlos has to go - and Jonah happily introduces him to his friends as his Carlos.

And they think everything is fine, they have Jonah's friends over for play dates, and he goes over to them, and all of the parents are friendly - until one day they get a call from school that they should have a talk with Jonah about appropriate behaviour when someone says something you don't agree with or don't like.

And it turns out Jonah was ready to start swinging at this one kid who said something mean about his TK and his Carlos.

And they're both kind of proud of him for standing up for them, but have to be responsible adults and tell him hitting people is bad - no matter how dumb the things they're saying are.

And when he gets a little older, Carlos teaches him how to box - but only if he promises not to use his training on homophobes.

But of course since he's related to TK, he can't help but get in trouble - even when he doesn't mean to.

So by the time he's a teenager, every cop in Austin knows him by name (and he knows them) and Carlos tends to get the call when he's been picked up again at a protest of sorts.

"Reyes... *long suffering sigh* we have him again. Downtown. Your old station. You coming to get him or do we give him money for the bus fare home?"

[aestheticpearl]

when you stay out late

✧·˚feat: kayson mayer, jonah, xanthus claiborne, andrew marston, issac rhoades, elias, zaros athat’lin, luca pearce, rowan

✧·˚genre: fluff

✧·˚requested: yes!

✧·˚a/n: finally getting these out after the fated break up text i received while typing out xanthus’ texts messages stopped me in my tracks lol

.love always <3 pearl

.text masterlist

[everlastingday]

this little moment

T // 3.2k // Tarlos + Jonah -- Jonah doesn’t call them “Dad”, or “Papá”, or any other iteration of the word. Not to their faces, anyway. By the time he was old enough to really understand his unconventional family, they’d been TK and Carlos to him for so long, it just felt weird to change that. But in his heart, and when anyone else asks about his parents, their faces are the only ones that come to mind. TK and Carlos always make sure to remind him about his other parents, the ones whose genes he inherited, but if Jonah’s being completely honest, he doesn’t remember them. The only parents he knows are TK and Carlos. -- An 18-year-old Jonah takes a walk down memory lane on the anniversary of his adoption.

i thought about holding this off until after the finale in case things don't end the way i expect them to, but i feel like there's no way they won't let tarlos adopt jonah in the end, right?? surely not 😭 anyway, hope y'all enjoy this one 💜

read now on ao3 📷

[jonahfagnus]

Every few centuries or so, each Dread Power selects a Messiah. Not at the same time - they’re often staggered over decades, and a Messiah will frustratingly frequently die of mundane causes long before anyone notices them. Worse yet, Messiahs can go their entire life unnoticed, odd enough to off-put their peers but not enough for their kin to take notice.

To find the Messiah of one’s god is a grand achievement. Finding Agnes Montague had brought the Lightless Flame great power; new strength, new devotees, new rituals. It had been so much that Gertrude had felt the need to temper Agnes with her own soul. The Desolation won’t get over that for a very long while.

Jonah has spent his entire life seeking the Eye’s Messiah. It has to be soon - it’s been two centuries, and he’s certain that there was no Messiah when he was alive. The timeframe is perfect, and yet he cannot find anyone. He checks for incidents related to the Eye, keeps note of artefacts trading hands, but nothing. Whether his god’s Messiah simply died as a child, or was swallowed by another power, the search is endless, and yields no results.

This is why it’s so surprising when Jonathan Sims walks into his office for an interview, and makes eye contact with him - ordinarily this would make people uncomfortable, but Jonathan is mostly content in the Eye’s stronghold. Jonah knows, immediately, that this is the one. This is who he has been searching for his whole life.

Jonathan’s Gaze is rather weak, and wielded bluntly. He wouldn’t be able to force any measure of knowledge out of Jonah right now, but it’s surprising he has any Gaze at all. Just more proof that he was made for their god. 

Jonathan has found that people become uncomfortable when he makes eye contact with them, and that discomfort can be used to get things he wants; he’s used it to convince teachers to give him better grades or an extension on his work, to convince his peers to leave him be, to convince well-meaning adults to turn a blind eye to his breaking and entering, his trespassing, all the little crimes to satisfy his endless curiosity. There’s no need to intimidate now, of course. The moment he decided to come in for the interview his fate was sealed. He is meant to be here, and always has been.

Jonah reaches a hand over the table and does not break eye contact.

“Elias Bouchard,” he says, voice confident and smooth. On the inside, he’s a bundle of nerves. If he isn’t careful, he could drive Jonathan away from the Eye, perhaps forever. Such a failure would not be forgiven.

“Jon Sims,” Jon returns, seeming equally calm. Jonah’s still debating whether or not to look inside his head. It would be exceedingly useful, but if Jon notices it could be disastrous. He has no idea how Jon would react. The Lonely almost drove away their most recent Messiah by trying to bring him in too quickly, and Jonah cannot afford the same to happen with Jon. There is the chance Jon would notice, and realise that Jonah is like him, and decide to stay. Too risky, perhaps.

Jonah doesn’t pay much attention as they go through the typical rigamarole. None of these questions are necessary. Instead, he does his own research on Jon, the sort that doesn’t require reading his mind.

He Knows that all of Jon’s peers had warned him away from the Institute when he had brought it up, and that Jon had lied to his flatmate about the interview. He has no other job prospects lined up, and still can’t justify the decision to himself. It simply feels right. He Knows that, despite his machinations, Jon’s grades are less than perfect. Like much else in his life, Jon is worried about it, partially because he is innately anxious and partially because he’s worried that he won’t get the job.

He Knows that Jon (much like Jonah in his youth) prefers to find what isn’t already known. He finds education too boring, too easy - he can find what his teachers have told him in textbooks, or online courses; quite often he finds he already knows it, although he can't say from where. What he wants is the sort of knowledge that is coveted, hidden, and he has a particular taste for any knowledge of the supernatural. 

He Knows that Jon has uncanny senses - having been able to detect teachers long before their footsteps began echoing down the halls - and some of his peers used him as a watchman when getting high or drunk, or breaking into offices to find answer sheets. He Knows that Jon enjoyed being the watchman, for reasons he can’t quite place.

Their god's influence has already spread deep into Jon, into the furthest reaches of his soul. Jon has the ability to compel (although this, like his Sight, is weak and wielded bluntly - Jonah will have to teach him better), and he craves knowledge like he craves blood in his veins. His memory is uncanny, his eyes uncannier. He couldn’t be a better Archivist.

“When can you start?”

Jon blinks, in surprise.

“Oh- er, well, I- ah, next Monday, I suppose?”

“Fantastic,” Jonah says, giving him a grin. They shake hands again, and then Jon is leaving. Jonah Watches him, all the way home, to where he tells his flatmate that he got the job, where he begins to make preparations to move out. Jon casts glances over his shoulder when he thinks nobody can see him, although he can’t tell from where he’s being watched. Yet, despite the anxiety (and excitement) it causes, he makes no move to hide himself. 

He’s going to be perfect. Jonah will ensure it.

[thatswhatiam98]

So, recap of what is actually canon in the Andi Mack universe for their future selves for all your fics needs:

-Andi has a child when she's very young (probably with Jonah)

-eventually she ends up with Amber

-Tyrus go to college, Cyrus precisely to film school, and then they get married and they have an extremely organized wedding, to the point where TJ almost doesn't get in cause he's dressed a bit messily

-TJ becomes a firefighter çwç

-and not future, but he's actually Amber's sibling 🫢

-Bowie decides to fake it till you make it and ends up becoming a professor at the same college as Tyrus even though he never graduated (lmao this sounds like Community)

-he and Bex probably have one or two more kids 🥰

-Amber realizes she's a lesbian (or something)

-and she goes to fashion school at a community college

-not for future selves, but Bex canon bi (she didn't say much else on the future of her character I think, but maybe she'll keep the shop going?)

-JONAH WILL DROP FRISBEE LMAO And will start putting the same effort in basket or something

And this is it, feel free to add more if I missed something, fell asleep at some point due to fever lmao Hope this can be helpful 🥰🥰

[eclectic-sassycoweyes]

WIP Wednesday

Thank you for the tags @paperstorm @heartstringsduet @everlastingday @henrygrass @nisbanisba @whatsintheboxmh @alrightbuckaroo @carlossreaders

An idea for a future/Jonah fic merged with Ranch Fic which I believed I've shared a bit of before. It won't leave my head. Here is a snippet from a chapter in which Jonah starts preschool and brings home a gift in the form a stomach bug they all get to take their turn with. Look how happy the little guy is with himself.

Thus this snippet is also me jumping aboard the Carlos Sickfic train whoo Niz you're still the captain and the driver I'm just joining the ride for a bit! Warnings for descriptions of nausea and a mention of throwing up but no more than those exact words.

He kind of wants to check in on Jonah and TK, wants to say goodbye to Jonah before he leaves for half the day but his eyelids are already drooping and the nausea still sits on the edge of his consciousness. He feels like he has a small window of time wherein if he just moves very little and goes to sleep soon he might be able to skip the next bout of nausea.

His wish is granted anyway as the bedroom door opens, Jonah entering first along with TK’s voice reminding him to be gentle, TK himself emerging last.

“He wanted to show you the dragon he chose,” TK says as Jonah climbs carefully up the bed to sit next to Carlos.

“Hey Jonah," Carlos says, fighting to keep his eyes open as he pushes Jonah’s bangs away from his forehead. He’s gonna need a haircut again soon. “Did you choose a good one?”

“Look!” Jonah says, pulling at the hem of his shirt and puffing his chest out, proudly showcasing the pink dragon on the front.

“Wow, mijo, that’s a really good choice,” Carlos says, making Jonah beam up at TK at the confirmation that they chose right.

“Are you gonna wear your pajamas to work, Carlos?” Jonah parrots TK from earlier. He does that a lot these days. Sometimes it makes him say weirdly wise things that sound way too adult coming from his four year old voice which always makes Carlos laugh.

“Carlos gets to stay home and sleep some more, because he’s sick, remember? Just like you stayed home when you were sick.”

“Did you throw up?” Jonah asks, turning to Carlos with wide eyes. He looks a mix between concerned and intrigued.

“Yeah, but just like you I’ll feel better again in no time,” Carlos reassures with a out upon smile. He hopes he's right.

“Do you want an ice pop?” Jonah asks, remembering that had made him feel better.

“Maybe later,” Carlos smiles at him. “But that was a nice thought, mijo. Thank you.”

Jonah looks like he’s thinking hard trying to come up with something else that will magically heal Carlos. He’s so sweet and caring, just like his brother. TK interrupts him before he can suggest any more remedies, heartwarming as they are.

“Okay, buddy,” TK says. “Time for breakfast I think, so we can get to preschool on time.”

“Can we make omelets?” Jonah asks, sufficiently distracted. Carlos usually lets him ‘help’ when he makes omelets in the morning and Jonah loves being delegated with small but very important tasks.

TK chuckles. “Sure. I don’t know if I can make them as good as Carlos though,” he says. “You’ll have to ask him for the secret ingredient.”

“What’s the secret ingredient Carlos?” 

Another time Carlos will tell Jonah how to make his favorite omelet, but right now Carlos can’t bear the thought of pronouncing the word of any food related item. “Love,” he says instead, ruffling Jonah’s hair, trying not to show that even the act of lifting his arm feels like a tremendous effort. Jonah frowns for a moment before he giggles like Carlos just said a super silly thing.

“Love? You can’t put love in an omelet Carlos!”

“Sure you can,” Carlos says. “You just have to make the omelet for someone you love and that’s how you put love into it.” He doesn’t know where the spontaneous pocket philosophy comes from and he hopes he hasn’t made a mistake in case the omelet TK and Jonah whip up for some reason isn’t to Jonah’s liking.

Kids don’t think that deep, he tells himself. Jonah will probably have forgotten about it in the time it takes them to go from the bedroom to the kitchen. And besides he fully trusts TK’s abilities when it comes to cooking. 

His jumbled overthinking is interrupted by Jonah making his heart grow two sizes and do a little dance in his chest. “Then we have to make some for Carlos too TK! So we can put love in it!”

Unfortunately his stomach seems inspired by his heart to start matching its little dance routine. Thinking anymore about omelets, let alone one being made for him that he has to eat, isn’t helping. He feels his little window of time starting to close as the nausea begins tauntingly closing back in on him. Luckily TK seems to read it on his face. Or maybe he’s just turning visibly green.

“We’ll make some for him to save for later,” he says. Planting a soft kiss to Carlos forehead he tells him “You should try to finish that glass of water though, if you can. I’ll bring you a new one before we leave.”

Turning back to Jonah he says more loudly, "Now, can you say bye to Carlos so we can let him sleep?” to Carlos he says softly “You look ready to, baby.” 

Carlos only hums in response.

Jonah rises up from his knees on the bed, putting him at eye level with Carlos as he wraps his little arms around his neck. “Bye, Carlos. Feel better,” he says before turning back to TK, putting his arms in the air to be lifted off the bed.

Carlos musters his last energy for a sincere “Bye Jonah. I love you,” But Jonah has apparently already moved on, or rather back to discussing what to put into the omelet, beside love.

“And ham,” he says as TK lifts him under the armpits and sets him back on the floor.

“And cheese!” he says, “And eggs and pepper and-” 

“Okay buddy,” TK interrupts quickly, sending Carlos an apologetic wince before quickly ushering Jonah out of the bedroom, as he keeps listing ingredients. 

Once the door is closed behind them, Carlos takes a few steadying breaths, the nausea thankfully retreating back to the peripherals. Having learned to listen to TK when it comes to medical advice, he sips the water until the glass is almost empty before he gingerly lays down, foregoing his own freshly clean pillowcase in favor of TK’s, and pulling their shared blanket up and over his body. He shifts a little to make himself as comfortable as he can and then closes his eyes.

He doesn’t hear when TK creeps in half an hour later to replace the near empty glass of water, or the front door opening and closing as they leave to drop Jonah off at preschool.

OPEN TAG

And tagging @herefortarlos @emsprovisions @paperstorm @heartstringsduet @ironheartwriter

@bonheur-cafe @ladytessa74 @sapphic--kiwi @literateowl @lemonlyman-dotcom

@rangersoup @theghostofashton @everlastingday @henrygrass

@freneticfloetry @liminalmemories21 @carlossreaders @chicgeekgirl89

@the-126-family @goodways @carlos-in-glasses @whatsintheboxmh @tailoredshirt

@nisbanisba @nancys-braids @your-catfish-friend @rmd-writes @goldenskykaysani

@captain-gillian @reyesstrand @strandnreyes @alrightbuckaroo @tellmegoodbye

@carlos-tk @cold-blooded-jelly-doughnut @pimento-playing-hopscotch @firstprince-history-huh @thisbuildinghasfeelings

@never-blooms @lightningboltreader @welcometololaland

I finally made a taglist so lmk if you want to be removed from it or added to it!:)

[typicalopposite]

Tell Me Why I Started A New WIP… Tuesday?

soooooo I did a thing. A … canon divergent break it worse then fix it … of sorts 🫣 enjoy.

Heartache

Paring: BuckTommy - Past JonahTommy (ahhh yup)

Rated: M

TRIGGER WARNING: Abusive relationship ; manipulation ; dom/sub undertone (next chapter); heart conditions

~~~~~~~~

Tommy heard, but he didn’t register, the text notifications pinging off on his phone… he heard the knocking on his front door when Evan arrived to pick him up for their date. (Six month anniversary, this was a big deal, and yet he was stuck focused on something else…) He even heard the lock turn over when Evan— not getting an answer from Tommy— ultimately used the key he was just recently given to let himself in. All the while, he is nonchalantly rambling out loud as he enters the house. 

Something something… Trial for the incident from a few years back… something something… Chim and Hen were attacked and now have to testify… something something… Angel of Death… 

A hand gently touches his arm and Tommy jerks so hard it startles them both. “H- Hey…” Evan says, and suddenly the house is quiet; too quiet. His eyes burn with unshed tears and he feels unable to move them from the paper in his hand— the summons in his hand. “Are- Are you okay?” 

“I never understood why they called him that…” Tommy whispers. “Angels are supposed to be good…” God… he can hear the waiver in his own voice and can’t help but cringe at himself— at his weakness. 

Evan steps closer. His hand moves from Tommy’s  arm, up to his shoulder… then to his cheek. “Tommy… w- what’s going on? Talk to me…” he asks softly. 

What exactly is Tommy supposed to say? 

He simply turns the paper so Evan can see it. “They’re calling you in to testify too?” 

“As a witness…” Tommy corrects, voice barely audible. 

Evan’s eyes continue to scan over the paper. “A- A character witness… f- for Jonah?! You knew him?”

Tommy feels himself tense at the mention of his name— at the memory of the person it belongs to. He shakily sets the paper down on the kitchen table, and crosses his arm… wraps his arms around himself really. “They said I wouldn’t be put on the stand… they- they said I wouldn’t ever have to see him again…” he mutters more so to himself. 

“Tommy?”

“I- I can’t face him… Evan. Not after— Oh god, he’s— he’s gonna be so pissed. I- I can’t—” His heart is racing… Each breath is harder to suck in and it feels like he might pass out. 

He doesn’t even realize he’s made a bee line out of the kitchen until Evan’s hands grab him again and stop him at the door to his bedroom. “Hey, whoa… B- Babe, please…” he tries, but Tommy’s chest is tightening and the feeling is so familiar and so terrifying. He needs— he needs… “Tommy?!”

“In the closet…” he gasps, and points through his bedroom door towards the closet door. “It- It’s in the closet… In the back… of— of the top sh- shelf.” 

Evan looks at him confused, and Tommy frantically pushes him into the room towards the closet; he walks to the bed and all but collapses on to it. “O- Okay… top- top shelf… in the back—”

Tommy already has his shirt off and is clawing at his chest. The feeling of it tightening keeps intensifying; this is it… it’s happening again. All at once he's back in that apartment— their apartment— a BP cuff on his arm, a needle in his vein… “Evan please,” he cries out, and it takes most of the limited air he has left in his lungs. He’s going to pass out. He’s going to go into cardiac arrest. He’s going to die. “Ev- Evan!” 

“Here— Here I got it…” Evan says, surprisingly calm, as he brings the machine over to the bed. Tommy frantically reaches for it, but Evan holds it close to his chest. “No, wait… I- I got it, you just— just lie down,” he says, sitting down on the bed with Tommy’s defibrillator. “I- I’ll do it… just let me— let me get it set up.”

Lie down for me, Tommy… I’ll get everything set up.

Tommy does as he’s told, feeling a wave of relief wash over him; Evan is going to help him… Evan is going to save him. 

You’re going to be fine… Just a big pinch… You’re fine… Don’t worry, I’m right here…

Evan unzips the bag, takes the machine out, and sets it up. “Tommy, uh, do you— do you want me to actually…” 

“P- P- Put them on— the pads; put them on m- me… please,” Tommy begs. He can feel his pulse in his lips; they feel like they’re going to split open. He looks over at Evan desperately, continuing to tap his chest. Evan hesitates for only a moment before he peels each pad off and sticks them in place on Tommy’s chest. Tommy can feel himself calming down as soon as the first one is pressed to his skin, and he is actually able to take a deep— albeit gasping— breath once the second is on as well. 

There we go. Now just relax. Just… breathe. In… and out… in… and out. 

He’s good. He’s fine. He’s safe… all Evan has to do is— “T- Turn it on…” he says when a moment passes and Evan hasn’t done so yet. “Ev- b- baby… please…” 

Just let yourself fade away…

“T- Tommy, I—”

I’ll Be right here to bring you back…

“Evan!” 

I’ll save you…

“Turn it on!” 

Evan jerks his head up and down in a forced nod. His hand lingers over the power button for a moment longer before finally turning the machine on. It beeps and buzzes, coming to life. 

Then they wait. 

There’s the familiar staticy pause as the machine checks his heart— a mere moment and yet it seems to drag on long enough that Tommy is ready to scream… Then finally the machine gives the ‘no shock advised’ message and Tommy can finally breathe normally again. The beep beep beep of his heart is almost like a lullaby. 

Shhh it’s okay… you’re okay…

“H- Hey… it’s okay…” Evan says, a hand clinging to Tommy’s, while the other brushes away a falling tear then runs through sweat-dampened curls. “I got you. You’re okay.” 

Tommy nods— regardless of feeling anything but okay at the moment— just to acknowledge Evan’s presence. He’s so tired though, blinking up at the ceiling, unable to face Evan. Unable to see the judgment he’s sure is in his eyes. 

You did so good. You can rest now…

“Th- Thank you…” Tommy whispers before falling asleep. 

*

When Tommy wakes up the defibrator is gone. The lights are dimmed like he keeps them at night. He is tucked snug and safe in his bed. 

And Evan is nowhere to be seen.  

Nice going, stupid… 

He supposes it was fun while it lasted… he supposes it was never meant to last anyway… Eventually Evan would discover just how broken Tommy was. How he let someone take the already fragile pieces of his life and grind them into dust; reduce his self esteem to practically non-existent, and make him believe that was all he deserved. 

That was all he deserved. 

He pushes himself up from his pillow, rubbing the back of his hand across the dried tears streaming down both cheeks. He jolts at his doorbell ringing, then tiredly pushes the rest of the way up, to his feet. 

Another ring… and he’s just about to yell out that he’s coming when another voice does just that. 

“Be right there,” Evan says, from the living room. Only then does Tommy register the TV playing. He stands in the doorway of his bedroom and watches Evan jog to the front door. He opens it to some young delivery boy, obnoxiously chewing gum as he waits for Evan to pull a few bills out of his wallet. They exchange the bags for the tip and the kid disappears; Evan turns around. “Oh! H- Hey…” he says, and the smile is so authentic and Evan, Tommy cant make himself truly believe it’s laced with discomfort or pity. 

Tommy’s fingers fiddle with the hem of his shirt. His eyes wander the open space… avoiding meeting Evan’s. “Hey…” he finally responds. “You— You’re still here.”

“Well, yeah!” Evan laughs, genuine and light hearted… as if nothing happened earlier. “Couldn’t miss our big date.” He holds up the bags; Miceli’s is printed across the brown paper. Tommy feels his face tugging downward, and Evan’s smile drops. “Whoa, hey! It’s— it’s okay! I’m fine with having dinner here!” 

“We shouldn’t have had to!“ Tommy says, frustration with himself… with his past— his damned memories of his past. “It’s our anniversary and I—” 

“Tommy,” Evan says after sitting the bags down and crossing the floor to where Tommy was standing. He takes his hand, and kisses each of them. “It’s okay, okay?” Tommy wants to fight it, but Evan is persistent. He silences him with an actual kiss before he can speak. Then another, and another. 

One Italian meal— eaten in bed while watching one agreed upon movie, and a twenty minute YouTube video on paperclips— later, and they are left sitting in the quiet… Tommy has already offered Evan the rest of the spumoni, and since he has nothing to occupy himself he brings it back up. “I haven’t had to do that in… fuck… years,” Tommy finally says, picking at the scrapes of food left behind in his to-go plate. 

“Uh, do- do… what?” Evan asks, fiending obliviousness. 

“Evan…” Tommy sighs, not looking over at him. “I know that was… a lot…” There is silence beside him, but Evan moves closer. “I- I know you probably have a- a bunch of questions…” 

“It doesn’t matter,” Evan replies, taking Tommy’s hand. “You don’t have to explain anything if you don’t—”

“I- I do, though,” Tommy interjects. “I want to. Besides…” he laughs, bitterly, looking out towards the kitchen. “It’s all about to come out anyway… That’s what he’s doing… I- I’m sure…” Finally he looks at Evan, who’s brows are furrowed in confusion and concern. His sweet, kind hearted Evan. The man has been nothing but gentle with him, understanding and attentive. Tommy has never known a love like the one that is blossoming for this man beside him— something so fresh and so new… slipped so casually into a conversation a few nights prior as if it was the easiest thing for them to say in the world. 

Will he lose it all now? Should he have mentioned this sooner? He thought he had more time… 

Evan waits. Tommy can practically hear the gears turning in his beautiful overactive mind, but he doesn’t press… he gives Tommy the floor, and waits until he is ready to speak. Tommy takes a breath. He takes Evan’s hand and squeezes it. “I didn’t just know Jonah… I dated him— was dating him when he—” His voice breaks, he’d hidden this so fast after everything happened; hidden it so deep… He’d forgotten how overwhelming it was. 

“Oh…” Evan says, and Tommy tries to not look into one single word for an idea of what it might mean, but how can he not. “Oh wow… I’m— I’m so sorry,” he continues. Then he turns his hand in Tommy’s so he can lace their fingers together; he turns his body so he can wrap his free arm around Tommy’s body, pulling him into a hug. “I can’t even imagine how awful that must have been for you to find out what— what he did to Chimney— to your friend…” 

Tommy scoffs, shaking his head against Evan’s shoulder. He remembers how vehemently he denied Hen’s accusations when he learned about them. How he called her furious when Jonah came home pissed that she was looking into his past. How he sang Jonah’s praise to her, pretending each word didn’t taste as vile as poison as it passed over his tongue. How he didn’t even hesitate, as he lied and called Jonah a good man. 

“You have no idea…” he says quietly. That was just the tip of the iceberg that was his relationship Jonah Greenway.

Tagging @sunnywithachanceofbi since you asked 😂

[ladyknight1512]

It's WIP Wednesday (or it was for me, up until 50 minutes ago)! I was tagged by @thisbuildinghasfeelings and I'm *still* working on The Jonah Fic. I'm not sure if this snippet will survive the cuts I need to make in the next draft, so maybe enjoy it here while you can.

The room has grown darker as the sun has sunk lower in the sky, and Jonah hears TK get home around 6:30pm. Almost ten minutes later, the floorboards creak again and there’s another knock on his door.

“Can I come in?” TK says.

“No.” Jonah is well aware that he sounds a lot like a petulant child, but sometimes he can’t help it and this is one of those times.

“Dinner’s in ten minutes.”

“I’m not hungry.”

That’s not entirely true. The smell of enchiladas has been creeping under his door since shortly after Carlos probably started heating up the leftovers from the party on Saturday, but he would rather skip eating than have to answer their questions.

He can picture TK rolling his eyes on the other side of the door.

“Jonah, I want you downstairs and sitting at the table in five minutes. If you’re not, I’m coming back up to get you. I can still do a fireman’s carry.”

TK’s shoes tap on the floor as he leaves and Jonah heaves a sigh, rolling onto his back to stare up at the ceiling. Part of him wants to force TK to come up here and get him if he’s so determined, but he knows that TK isn’t bluffing. His dignity has suffered enough for one day without TK slinging him over his shoulders and carrying him downstairs like he’s a child.

[carlossreaders]

SEVEN SENTENCE SUNDAY

this is so late! i apologize 😭 this isn’t great but i will have something better for you all next week!!

“Should we take a look inside before we unload?”

“Yes!” The boy shouts happily, clapping his tiny hands together. The sound rings in TK ears before he swallows and sets Jonah down, not letting him far out of his reach. Before he locks the car, he grabs his camera from the trunk.

He doesn’t have much to protect it from getting ruined other than a simple plaid blanket, but he feels himself breathing easier when he sees no damage has been done to it. In one hand, his brother interlocks their fingers, in the other, he snaps a picture of the gated entrance.

thanks for the tags!! @carlos-in-glasses @henrygrass @heartstringsduet @everlastingday @strandnreyes @emsprovisions @theghostofashton @paperstorm

no pressure tags! @heartstringsduet @goodways @lightningboltreader @reyesstrand @bonheur-cafe @alrightbuckaroo @welcometololaland @rmd-writes @liminalmemories21 @orchidscript @three-drink-amy @honeybee-taskforce @pimento-playing-hopscotch @herefortarlos @sapphic--kiwi @ironheartwriter @tellmegoodbye @the-126-family @captain-gillian @butchreyes @whatsintheboxmh @chicgeekgirl89 @carlos-in-glasses @eclectic-sassycoweyes @lemonlyman-dotcom @freneticfloetry @never-blooms @bonheur-cafe @decafdino @nisbanisba @nancys-braids @irispurpurea @everlastingday @carlos-tk @pameluke @orchidscript @literateowl

[henrygrass]

A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SENTENCES SUNDAY

This is a project I've been considering since we never got to see Mrs. Campbell and TK interact. What if the two families were forced to live together in a safe house for some time while Carlos and Sam fought the bad guys? It’s still in the early stages but here’s a snippet:

Thank you for the tags @ironheartwriter @nisbanisba @heartstringsduet

“Daddy?” The word makes TK grin behind his cup of coffee; it’s still new to him, and his heart flutters each time. 

He turns to Jonah, who is perched on a chair at the kitchen table, crumbs of peanut butter toast still clinging to the corners of his mouth.

“Yes, buddy?” TK replies, glancing toward the hallway as he hears Ashley knocking on her children’s doors.

“Can I play on the Switch?” Jonah asks, flashing his signature ‘Jonah’s cow eyes’—the look he learned from Carlos—and, just like his papá’s, Jonah’s expression wrecks him, maybe even more.

TK hums thoughtfully. It’s a school day, and Jonah would normally be in class in about an hour, but starting today, it falls to TK to teach him, even if it’s just the first day in the safe house.

“One hour. Then we have to study, okay?”

Jonah echoes TK’s hum, as if considering the proposal for a moment, his little face scrunching up in thought. Then his eyes light up, and he nods, leaping off the chair like a rocket.

He dashes toward their shared room, but not before slamming straight into Ashley’s legs, nearly toppling her over as she emerges from the hallway.

“Oh, Jonah, don’t run in the house. You could hurt yourself,” Ashley admonishes gently, a smile dancing on her lips.

Jonah resumes his run toward their room, now moving at a cautious pace. “Sorry, Mrs. Soup,” he apologizes, making TK snort into his cup.

As he wipes the spilled coffee, Ashley walks closer to him, tilting her head and crossing her arms. “Mrs. Soup?” she repeats, raising an unamused eyebrow.

Open Tag &

@emsprovisions @alrightbuckaroo @welcometololaland

@thisbuildinghasfeelings @lemonlyman-dotcom @decafdino @reyesstrand

@bonheur-cafe @carlos-in-glasses @theghostofashton @tellmegoodbye @eclectic-sassycoweyes

@herefortarlos @strandnreyes @carlos-tk @lightningboltreader @sapphic--kiwi

@ladytessa74 @paperstorm @chicgeekgirl89 @everlastingday

@carlossreaders @pimento-playing-hopscotch @goodways @liminalmemories21

[alrightbuckaroo]

when life gives you lemons

With ao3 down, it seems like the perfect time to transfer more stories from my 100 Ways to Say I Love You series over here! Here's one from early 2023. Credit to this user for the divider and I hope you enjoy <3

“TK?” Jonah’s voice is quiet and TK can hear his confusion clear through the question. “Am I doing something wrong?”

He looks up at TK; his eyebrows knitted together, and his lower lip is jutted out. His green eyes showing slight defeat. TK doesn’t know how to do it; but he knows he wants that look to go away. “Of course not, buddy. We just need to be patient; someone will walk by, eventually.”

TK didn’t say it out loud; but he wasn’t too sure how true that would be with it being in the high 80s on a Thursday afternoon in the suburbs of Austin.

Jonah doesn’t seem too convinced by TK’s false optimism so TK tries his next best trick; distraction.

“Why don’t you inside, grab some more markers, huh?” TK suggests. “We can make some more signs, use some of that glitter glue we got yesterday.”

Jonah dejectedly agrees before hoping off of his chair and walking through the opened garage and into their house.

TK occupies his time alone by spinning the mixing spoon in the pitcher of strawberry fizzy lemonade and rearranging the red plastic cups. He feels his phone start to vibrate agains the table and hurries to grab it, at risk of the newly arranged cups becoming askew.

“Hey,” TK answers, not bothering to see who it is.

“Hey babe,” Carlos’ voice is cutting through the line and TK smiles to himself. He sounds exhausted but TK loves the sound just the same. “I’m heading home, did you want me to pick up anything for dinner?”

TK looks at the pitcher of lemonade again before answering. “Do you think we already have everything for chicken Alfredo?”

Carlos is quiet a moment, visualizing what they already have in the kitchen. “I think so, but, I’ll probably pick up some more Parmesan cheese anyways. We just had it a couple of nights ago, is it that high in demand again already?”

TK shrugs even though he knows Carlos can't see him. “It’s Jonah’s favorite and I think he just needs a little bit of a pick me up.”

“What’s going on?” TK can hear Carlos getting into this car, the sound of his voice becoming more insulated.

“We’re selling lemonade.” TK mixes the pitcher again as he sees some of the flavoring start to settle at the bottom. “Well, we’re trying to.”

“TK, I already told you we can afford the science camp we’re sending Jonah to this week.” Carlos jokes.

TK fights a laugh before he replies. “First of all, it’s math camp this week, science was last week and second,” TK leans against the back his chair. “You’re not funny.”

“Oh you know you laughed,” Carlos answers, seeing right through TK.

“Anyways,” TK says, moving swiftly on. “Last week they learned how to make fizzy lemonade as a science experiment. This week, they watched a School House Rock special about how to save money. Long story short, I have a seven year old who has decided to go toe to toe with Country Time Lemonade.” TK explains and Carlos laughs. “Though it’s not looking to good for us but Jonah doesn’t want to give up.”

“Well, he is your brother.” Carlos remarks, off-handedly.

“I’m assuming that’s a good thing?”

“It’s the best thing, TK” Carlos answers. “You never do anything halfway; you should have known Jonah wouldn’t either.”

“That’s true.” TK mumbles. “And we are both our mother’s child.” TK mutters to himself, thinking fondly about Gwyn. Gwyn always tried her best not to give up on anything, on anyone; on him. “It’s just, we haven’t had any customers and I can tell it’s starting to get to him. I don’t want him to be sad about something out of his control.”

Carlos is silent a moment before replying, “Well, between you and me, I think his luck might change soon.”

TK’s looking over the signs he and Jonah had spent the last 20 minutes working on. He points at a black and yellow blob. “And that is,”

“It’s a bumblebee, TK.” Jonah rolls his eyes. “Can’t you see the stinger?”

TK looks at the drawing closer, not seeing anything different. “Oh yeah, it’s right there.” TK points in a general direction and Jonah moves his finger down until he’s pointing at something completely different. “Ah, got it.”

He holds up the sign, “Why bumblebees? We’re not selling honey.”

Jonah releases a very purposeful and heavy sigh. “They’re yellow? Like the lemons?”

TK nods his head, “Oh yes, obviously.”

Before TK can continue to embarrass himself is front of the seven year old business mogul himself, he sees a movement out of the corner of his eyes. He turns slightly to see Carlos walking down the sidewalk. He’s still dressed in his uniform and TK can’t help but feel a pang sympathy for him. Last time he checked his watch it was 86 degrees; and that was an hour ago.

Carlos walks up to where both he and Jonah are sitting before saying, “Hey there, so I was in the neighborhood.

TK’s eyebrows furrow, “Carlos we’re married, we live together, this is our neighborhood.”

“Just go with it, babe.” Carlos says through a tired smile. “Anyways, I was in the neighborhood and couldn’t help but be drawn to this colorful sign. I really love the bumblebees.”

Jonah’s smile is so bright TK can feel himself falling in love with Carlos all over again. “Thanks! He didn’t even know where the stinger was.” Jonah using his thumb to gesture to TK.

“How could he not,” Carlos jokes and TK can start to see where this is going. “Isn’t it that,” Carlos points to exactly where the stinger is. “Right there?”

“Is there something we can help you with, sir?” TK asks the question; annoyed but more importantly, playful.

“Well, I was hoping to buy some lemonade, and this seemed like the perfect place.” Carlos smiles and TK swears he can see all traces of defeat leave Jonah’s eyes. “What do you have?”

Jonah begins to talk Carlos through the both options: classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade; both fizzy. “It’s twenty-five cents a cup.”

“Hmm,” Carlos looks over the pitchers, weighing his options. “How much for the both pitchers?”

“You want to buy all of it?” Jonah asks, eyes wide.

“Yeah, how much are we looking at?” Carlos asks, reaching for his wallet. TK gently nudges Jonah, whispering loud enough for Carlos to hear. “Overcharge him.”

Jonah ignores him as Carlos laughs and pulls out a five. Jonah does the math, and TK watches his work. He can see the math camp is doing him some good. When Jonah tells him how much it’ll be, Carlos hands over the five and tells him to keep the change.

“Thanks, Carlos.” Jonah smiles up at Carlos, one of his front teeth missing.

“Go put that with the money you got from the tooth fairy, okay?” TK suggests. “Then come back out here so we can clean this all up before dinner.”

TK watches after Jonah before turning and looking up at Carlos. “You’re ridiculous.”

“You love it.” Carlos argues and TK sighs as he stands up and begins pouring the lemonade from the cups back into the pitchers.

“You know I do.” TK leans forward looking around them and the houses next to them. “Where’s your baby?”

“What are you talking about, you’re standing right there.” Carlos says the words casually.

TK smiles despite himself. “You’re cute, I mean your car.”

“Parked down at the Bakers; don’t worry, I let Mandy know.” Carlos shrugs, “Felt like parking in the drive way and walking up would ruin the illusion.” Carlos gestures to the plastic bag in hand, “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go put some Parmesan cheese in the fridge before this Texas heat causes it to spoil.”

TK grabs Carlos’ shoulder before he makes it too far, “Babe,” He looks up at Carlos. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you two.” Carlos smiles. “Chicken Alfredo paired with a ice cold glass of fizzy lemonade. Sounds like a pretty perfect dinner to me, don’t you think?”

TK smiles. “About as perfect as could be.”

[hookinhand]

the part of this ep where carlos was talking to campbell about tk wanting to adopt jonah!!!! he loves tk & he loves jonah and he so desperately wants to be ready to be there for his husband and his brother but the grief and need he feels to hold gabriel’s killer accountable is holding him back so much. you can see it so clearly when he goes from talking about jonah to why he couldn’t feel ready to take him in, given the circumstances.

tk saying he gets it when all he wants to do is not HAVE to get it. to unpause their life. he wants to stop holding back the part of him that just wants to say “come back home and grieve and live the life we’re lucky enough to have after everything that’s happened”. to just keep building their world around them and be there for his husbands grief and sorrow more than the justice carlos longs to demand & see themselves in the next phases of their life together thriving and dealing with whatever else the universe throws at them!!!

so many thoughts🫠🫠

must✍️write✍️introspective✍️fic✍️