So pleased with ourselves for using so many verbs and nouns

Dear Everywoman Writer...

fleurlb — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 17:32:41 GMT

Hello!

Thank you so much for participating in this fun exchange. It would seem that we have some overlap in fandom loves (or perhaps you're an intrepid soul who is stretching outside your normal fandoms). In any case, I hope that you're happy with your assignment and am providing some prompts and thoughts here to help. If you prefer to strike out on your own without a map, that's totally cool just please mind the do-not-wants and enjoy the journey. I am pretty easy because I love stories, especially ones that are written for me.

In general, I like...

angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, teamy goodness, well-done hurt/comfort, AUs, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, ghost stories, crossovers, crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, awesome ladies being awesome, found families, BFFs, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I do not want..

passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, child death or grevious injury, dog death, and misusing the words less and fewer.

See, I told you I was mostly easy. Now, the prompts. First, some general prompts that would apply to any of my fandoms:

A natural or manmade disaster strikes and characters must work together to save themselves and others

AU - The Zombie Apocalypse strikes - what is life like and how do the characters manage?

Wacky roadtrip, a la "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"

Character backstories - I love a good backstory!

The road not taken...what happens when a character makes a different decision than in canon. How does the story (and more importantly, the character) change as a result of the decision.

First times - first kisses, first loves, first day of school/prison/the army/whatever

5+1 (As in Five times X happened and 1 time it didn't) is a tried and true format - I'd eat any 5+1 with a spoon. (And it doesn't have to be 5 +1, it could be 3 or 7 or whatever works for you.)

Song fic - I don't even need to know the song. (But if you're a fan of The National, you literally cannot go wrong with any of their songs.)

Crossovers - I love crossovers like Whoa! They are seriously my favourite fandom genre. I would be delighted to see crossovers between any of my requests or with any of these fandoms: Friday Night Lights, Supernatural, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Good Place, My So-Called Life, Homeland (although I'm only current to season 5), Stranger Things, Orange is the New Black, Sons of Anarchy, or Leverage.

And now the fandom-specific prompts:

The Americans (Paige, Elizabeth, Martha, Kimmy) - Please feel free to write any of these characters. I really want to know, more than anything, what happens to Paige next. How does she survive? What does she do? Does she ever see her brother or parents again? We know the world is going to change faster than they think, and the Iron Curtain won't be impenetrable forever, but that doesn't mean that Paige is going to want to see her parents. What does she think about what she has become? How does Elizabeth fit into Moscow? Does she ever run into Martha? Does the story of the spies who got away make the news? And if so, does Kimmy ever recognise that she was with a spy for all those years?

Last Tango in Halifax (Caroline, Kate, Celia, Caroline & Kate, Gillian) - This show is my emotional happy place. Which is perhaps weird because I am so disappointed with the decisions made in Season 3 to kill Kate to bring the family back together. So ridiculous. So yeah, I ship Kate and Caroline like whoa and would love fix-it fic/AU where the senseless death does not happen. Basically, I love the people on this show and just want more of them interacting and being messy but loving and just trying to figure out life. Feel free to mix and match the characters in my signup, but I would prefer a story that has Caroline in it, being her sharp and difficult self. I love the way she loves her mother, even as Celia drives her demented. I also love the warm but prickly relationship she has with Gillian.

Happy Valley (Catherine, Clare, Ann, Becky, Frances) - Catherine is the kick-ass awesome woman of my dreams. She doesn't always get it right, but she tries so hard. She is the epitome of "be brave and be kind". Her relationship with Clare is so real to me - any slice of life fic there would be much appreciated. And I'd love to see a story where Catherine mentors and mothers Ann - where's the line between trying to make up for Kirsten? What was it like when Becky died? When did Clare move in and how did that go? I loved when Catherine tried to talk sense to Frances - I'd love to see them running into each other at some point - how does that go? Back story, front story, contemporary story - I am happy with whatever as long as there is more Catherine. Again, mix and match characters as you like but I'd prefer for Catherine to be in the story.

Kiri (Miriam, Celia) - You might see a theme here - I pretty much love Sarah Lancashire and think she's brilliant in everything she does. Kiri was such a heart-breaking story but it ends on a weird note of fragile hope for Miriam, who is going to move her mother in with her. I'd love to see how well that goes. I'd also love to see more of Miriam with her past social work clients - she was so gentle and kind with the one whose name is escaping me.

Crossover - Last Tango in Halifax and Kiri - Miriam and Caroline - How about a backstory where Miriam tries to get a client into Caroline's fancy school on a scholarship. Or what if one of Miriam's clients is the kid who hit Kate? Or Miriam and Caroline end up volunteering at the same place and swapping tragic stories. Anything that has the two of them interacting would be fantastic.

Crossover - Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley - One of my greatest joys in life is reading fan fic that contains two characters that are played by the same actor. I especially love when everyone else remarks on the similarities but the characters themselves don't see it. I imagine these two characters traveling in the same circles and whether it's official police business or not, I'd like to see them get off on the wrong foot but come around to grudging respect for each other. (Perhaps Catherine has to arrest a pupil at Caroline's new school and Caroline protects the student the same way that she would've in the posh school.)

Crossover - Friday Night Lights and Happy Valley - I picture Julie going over to Yorkshire as a young reporter, meeting Catherine, and wanting to write a story about her. How does Catherine cut through Julie's naivety? Does Julie rush headlong into danger and need to be pulled back with a stern talk and a stiff drink? I don't know, I just think that Julie would really respect Catherine (and have fun with Ann) but she'd make Catherine feel a bit old and tired.

Crossover - Jyn Erso and Leia Organa - I love these two both so much - they're fierce, opinionated asskickers who can take care of themselves. I'd love to see Leia trying to recruit Jyn away from Sol. Or I'd love a post-Rogue-One situation where Jyn has somehow survived and meets up with Leia post-Death Star destruction.

Dear Fic Corner Writer

fleurlb — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 12:45:44 GMT

Hello, and thank you for volunteering to create a gift for the Fic Corner exchange. I'm delighted that we share a love of children's literature and hope that you have fun creating a gift for me.

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it as long as you steer clear of my handful of do-not-wants. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them.

I like...
angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, ghost stories, crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person (you) narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I do not want..
passivity, first-person (I) narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, child death or previous injury (although clearly if you're writing something about Bridge to Terebithia, then you probably can't avoid this one), and misusing the words less and fewer.

Bridge to Terebithia - I loved this book when I was a kid and when I read it again as an adult. I haven't re-read it since becoming a parent, because I'm afraid it would break me. But the characters still resonate with me and almost live inside my head still. I'd love to re-vist them and see what they're up to. Maybe Jessie is an adult now and has a child on the way. Does his wife know about Leslie? Or tell me about how Leslie's parents cope with her death. Or give me a story of Miss Edmunds' life. I'd be happy to get the chance to spend any time with any of these characters. (Clearly, you can't avoid child death if you write in this fandom, but please avoid adding any more child death into the mix than what's already in canon.)

Henry and Mudge - My son and I enjoy reading these books. He's also an only child. Tell me more about Henry and his relationship with Mudge. Or tell me about the sad inevitable day when Mudge dies. Or tell me about Henry's parents and why they only have one child.

Mr Putter and Tabby - Holy cow, I love Mr. Putter and Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry and her good dog Zeke. I love the amiable, companionable relationship between Mr. Putter and Mrs. Teaberry. I think it's great to see older adults living full lives of adventure. I'd be happy to see them have more adventures and would be interested in a wacky road trip or even a dark zombie story if you're inclined that way. I'd also love to know their back stories. (I've not read all the books yet, but it's interesting to me that there are never any kids in the books.)

Dear Yuletide Writer...

fleurlb — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 18:54:05 GMT

Dear Sweet Yuletide Writer,

Thank you so much for participating in my favorite holiday tradition. Participating in Yuletide is my second most favorite thing about the holiday season, so thank you for taking part. Also, please allow me to compliment you for A.) your exellent taste in fandoms B.) your willingness to write outside your comfort zone C.) both. We at least have some matching interests in TV or books, so that practically makes us besties, right?

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. I am a big believer in optional details being optional, and I only provide them because I have been that writer adrift without prompts before and I found it terrifying. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms. BUT, if prompts tend to make you chage, then by all means, just read the next paragraph and then go away and write the story. I want you to have freedom, if that's what you need.

Above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

A natural or manmade disaster strikes and characters must work together to save themselves and others

AU - The Zombie Apocalypse strikes - what is life like and how do the characters manage?

Wacky roadtrip, a la "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"

Character backstories - I love a good backstory!

The road not taken...what happens when a character makes a different decision than in canon. How does the story (and more importantly, the character) change as a result of the decision.

First times - first kisses, first loves, first day of school/prison/the army/whatever

5+1 (As in Five times X happened and 1 time it didn't) is a tried and true format - I'd eat any 5+1 with a spoon. (And it doesn't have to be 5 +1, it could be 3 or 7 or whatever works for you.)
Song fic - I don't even need to know the song. (But if you're a fan of The National, you literally cannot go wrong with any of their songs.)

And now the fandom-specific prompts:

Bill Hodges Trilogy (Stephen King) - I am so fascinated by the relationship that Bill and Holly have. I'd love to see them having fun, taking on a case, whatever. How does Bill prepare Holly for the events at the end of End of Watch? How does Jerome help Holly from becoming overwhelmed, or maybe Holly just needs help feeling her feelings. Or, you know, stay away from the sad stuff and go lighter. Maybe Holly has a movie night where she tries to get Bill into the 21st century. (No need to include all three characters if it doesn't suit your story.)

The Leftovers - I love Nora and I think she's way too good for Kevin, but I think he's capable of keeping it together to be the man that Nora deserves. I am also fascinated by Nora and Jill and would love to see a character study of their relationship. There's Jill, abandoned by her mother, and Nora has lost her whole family in the Departure. So how do they navigate their issues? (No need to include all three characters if it doesn't suit your story.)

Real Genius - If ever a canon was made for wacky fanfic, this is the one. Wacky road trip, post-apocalypse, zombies, or just see how many tropes you can cram into one story. (Oooh, I would love if one of the characters got mind-reading abilities.) No need to include all four characters, and also feel free to throw in other characters who aren't nominated. Go absolutely crazy. But, if this sort of craziness is not your speed, then I'd equally love a look at Jordan and Mitch's relationship, what Chris does after he graduates, or a backstory for Lazlo.

Stranger Things - OMG, fix the ending, please fix the ending. I want Mike and Eleven to go to the Snowball. I want to know how a first romance is complicated when your beloved can kill grown men with her mind. I want a sweet and awkward first kiss. I just want more of these two, either in the series, immediately after, or even in the future. Also, I'd be happy with any kind of gen adventure involving any of the characters. I loved this show so much (total nostalgia addiction - it just felt like putting on my favorite sweater), I would be happy for any opportunity to spend more time in its world.

Dear Darkest Night Writer

fleurlb — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 14:27:44 GMT

Hello, fellow lover of the dark. I'm delighted that you're participating in Darkest Night 2016 and that we have similar interests. Thanks in advance for taking the time to write a story for me - I'm so looking forward to reading it.

I love that this exchange has the additional tags, and I hope that they've already planted some plot bunnies inside your brain. Just in case they haven't, I'll tell you a little about my likes, dislikes, and give a few prompts. But really, write a story that you enjoy telling, and I'm sure that I'll enjoy reading it. If the suggestions are a burden, please ignore them.

I like...
Angst, ethical dilemmas, dark nights of the soul, agonized decision making (as long as a decision is eventually made), long-repressed feelings that explode one day, roads not taken, the 5+1 format, zombies, old friends, handsome strangers, ghost stories, crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, second-person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, dystopian futures, post-apocolyptic wastelands,

I do not want...
Passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-canon slash, child death, child injury, or misusing the words less or fewer.

Star Wars - The Force Awakens. The original trilogy was my first fannish love, and oh how I loved Leia and shipped her like whoa with Han. How sad it seems that they didn't get their happily ever after. Is Leia haunted by Han's death? Does she feel any responsibility? What would she have changed in the past?

Leverage: I put in three different Leverage requests because I love and miss that show so much. (And seriously, it seems like the "Enduring pain to protect another" tag was written with someone like Eliot Spencer in mind.) If we've matched on Eliot/Tara, please go for it. :) I hope that the tags are prompt enough and please know, you cannot go wrong.

Saving Grace: Again, I think the additional tags will serve you well here. I love Grace's spirit and her fight. Sassy Grace is the best.

Sons of Anarchy: I ship both Jax/Tara (seasons 1-2) and Chibs/Tara (later seasons). Go as dark as you want, because this show thrived in the darkness.

The Leftovers: Hope the additional tags are enough for you, because I don't have much else. I love Nora and I think she's way too good for Kevin, but I think he's capable of keeping it together to be the man that Nora deserves.

Dear Everywoman letter

fleurlb — Sun, 15 May 2016 11:42:32 GMT

Hello, and thank you for volunteering to create a gift for the Everywoman exchange. I'm delighted that we share similar fandoms and interests and hope that you have fun creating a gift for me.

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...

angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, ghost stories, crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I do not want..

passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, child death or grevious injury, and misusing the words less and fewer.

Friday Night Lights - Write for me about Tami's awesomeness and how she got to be so awesome. Give me three generations of awesome Taylor women and I'll be the happiest girl on the block. I'd love a future fic. How is Gracie Belle's childhood different than Julie's? How's it the same? Or write about Tyra and tell me what happens to her. How many of the dreams in her college application essay come true?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens - I'd love Rey's backstory or a snapshot from it. I'd also love an alternate universe story where Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Rey have adventures.

Star Wars: The Original Trilogy - These movies are my first fannish obsession, and Princess Leia was always one of my favorites. I'd love a character study. I'd love a glimpse inside her head after Alderan was destroyed. I'd love future fic of her as a new mom, trying to juggle a baby and her responsibilities as a leader. How does she parent without parents to guide her? She clearly has the Force, why doesn't she pursue it? It'd pretty much love anything Leia-centric.

The Leftovers - I'd love anything. I especially partial to Nora. Maybe something between Jill and Nora. Nora's experienced so much loss - how would she counsel Jill about dealing with her mother. Patti backstory would also be awesome. Or go in a super-weird direction - contrive a road trip with these characters - whatever you want!

Dear Jukebox Writer letter

fleurlb — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 19:32:31 GMT

Dear Jukebox Writer,

Thank you so much for volunteering to create a gift for a stranger with similar musical tastes. I'm delighted to see what you come up with, and am giving you some prompts to help out. If you already have an idea for the song that we matched on, please run with it!

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...

angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, post-apocalyptic narratives, old friends, handsome strangers, ghost stories, crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I do not want..

passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, child death or grevious injury, and misusing the words less and fewer.

I love...

The National. Seriously. I've seen them 6 times in 3 different countries including traveling to see them play a 30-minute set with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. (And I have tickets to see them again in July.) I love everything about The National, but especially the words. The words are able to create entire worlds of flawed and interesting people, and I cannot wait to read more.

See, I told you I was easy. Now, the prompts...

"Terrible Love" - The National (song) - Video * Lyrics
"And I can't fall asleep/without a little help/It takes awhile to settle down/My ship of hopes/until the past leaks out"

"It takes an ocean not to break"

"But I won't follow you/ into the rabbit hole/ I said I would/but then I saw/ the ship of woes/ they didn't want me to"

I love the wistfulness of this song, and the idea that even though love can excite you, it can also scare you. Does the narrator take the chance, or does he/she hold firm to the promise not to go into the rabbit hole?

"Slow Show" - The National (song) - Video * Lyrics
"You know I dreamed about you for 29 years before I saw you

You know I dreamed about you, I missed you for...for 29 years"

I love all of this song, but that coda catches me in the chest every damn time. It was one of the first lullabies that I sang to my son. The rest of the song is a perfectly described party scene of a socially awkward guy just trying to make a good impression when the stakes, to him, are obviously so high. I'd love to read a love story of any kind - romantic love, platonic love, or even a parent's love for a child.

"Bloodbuzz Ohio" - The National (song) - Video * Lyrics
"I still owe money to the money to the money I owe

I never thought about love when I thought about home

The floors are falling out from everybody I know"

I don't know what a bloodbuzz is and I don't know if I'd want to be on one, but damn I get the idea of being drowning in debt. Tell me about this debt. Tell me about what the narrator is willing to do to get out from under it. And tell me why Ohio is so important to the narrator.

"Graceless" - The National (video) - Video * Song

I almost feel like the guys did the video just to counter the jibes that their music is depressing. Tell me anything about the video. The planning. The making. The choosing of the wardrobe. Tell me what Mrs. Berninger thought about the antics in her backyard.

"Just Another Lover" - Betty Soo (song) - Video * Lyrics

"Am I a dirt road you left behind?

Leading to a place you don't want to find

Not paved and pretty but I took you through

Why did you decide to pick up and move

Am I a dirt road you left behind?"

Such raw heartbreak in this song - I'd love to know the backstory. And the answers to the questions it asks.

"Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)" - Arcade Fire (song) - Video * Lyrics
"Then we tried to name our babies

But we forgot all the names that

The names we used to know"

This lyric has always haunted me. What the hell happened to these people? Why are they living in a frozen wasteland? Why can't they remember names? This song speaks to my deep love of all things post-apocalyptic.

"Shattered & Hollow"- First Aid Kit (song) - Video * Lyrics

"I am in love and I am lost

But I'd rather be

Broken than empty

Oh, I'd rather be

Shattered than hollow

Oh, I'd rather be

By your side"

There's such melancholy and displacement in this song. Again, I'm wondering about the backstory. What has happened here? What are they running from? And is it true - would she really rather be broken than empty? How does she know and what if she's wrong?

"Waitress Song" - First Aid Kit (song) - Video * Lyrics

I can't isolate a single particlar lyric in this song that speaks to me. I love all of it and would be happy to read any story based on it - whether the narrator is moving to a small town to be a waitress, joining the circus, or even just remembering Chicago.

Dear Yuletide Writer

fleurlb — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 14:35:59 GMT

Dear Sweet Yuletide Writer,

Thank you so much for participating in my favorite holiday tradition. Also, please allow me to compliment you for A.) your exellent taste in fandoms B.) your willingness to write outside your comfort zone C.) both. We at least have some matching interests in TV or film, so that practically makes us besties in my book.

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

A natural or manmade disaster strikes and characters must work together to save themselves and others

AU - The Zombie Apocalypse strikes - what is life like and how do the characters manage?

Wacky roadtrip, a la "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"

Character backstories - I love a good backstory!

The road not taken...what happens when a character makes a different decision than in canon. How does the story (and more importantly, the character) change as a result of the decision.

First times - first kisses, first loves, first day of school/prison/the army/whatever

5+1 (As in Five times X happened and 1 time it didn't) is a tried and true format - I'd eat any 5+1 with a spoon. (And it doesn't have to be 5 +1, it could be 3 or 7 or whatever works for you.)
Song fic - I don't even need to know the song. (But if you're a fan of The National, you literally cannot go wrong with any of their songs.)

And now the fandom-specific prompts:

'71 (film) - Any character - In general, for this fandom, I'd love to see either future-fic or character-study that takes place during the night depicted in the film. I so wanted to nominate that Loyalist kid who helps Gary get to the pub, but IMDB just had him down as Loyalist kid and I didn't want to be a problem child for the tag wranglers. The relationship that interests me most is Gary and his brother. I'd love to know what happens to them. I'd love to know if Gary ever thinks of the Loyalist kid. (I'd go crazy for a ghost-ish story about the Loyalist kid.) I'm also interested in what happens to Brigid - how does she fare with the IRA? Does she try to make an escape from Belfast? Does she have any regrets about what happened that night?

The Big C (tv) - Any character - I love these people, and I just want more stories about them. I love how awkward and sarcastic Adam is. I love the way Cathy and Sean are such siblings. I love how Andrea is so comfortable in her own skin. I'd love a cross-over with S1 FNL in which the Jamisons move to Dillon (maybe for another clinical trial), and Eric recruits Adam for the football team, maybe as a kicker. Alternatively, a little darker AU in which both of Adam's parents die and Sean becomes his guardian and they go hobo-style on the road, ending up in Dillon. Or, for a Sons of Anarchy cross-over, I can totally see S1 Cathy going to California for some 'live your life' moment and running into S1 Jax.

UnREAL (tv) - Dr Olive Goldberg, [Faith,] Madison, [Quinn,] Rachel - I'd love backstory here, particularly between Rachel and her mom. I'm also fascinated by her relationship with Quinn. Madison is such a fresh-faced cypher - what's her story? What is she looking for? Is she craftier and more jaded than her wholesome appearance indicates? [The signup form wouldn't let me pick Faith or Quinn. I love them both and don't mind if they make an appearance. And Faith, lovely awesome becoming-her-true-self Faith - I'd love to know what happens to her next.]

Orange is the New Black - Poussey, Taystee, and So-So - I honestly didn't think that OITNB would still be eligible as a small fandom, so that's why I didn't nominate. I have the biggest, craziest crush on Stella, so if she were to sneak into the story, I would not mind at all! I'm interested in seeing what happens between Poussey and So-So - the season finale seemed to indicate that they were starting a relationship. How does Taystee feel about that? Does she ever feel threatened or replaced? I'm also curious about where these women end up. what is it like to leave a regimented existence and go into a place with few supports? I also think about Holidays - Christmas, Birthdays, Halloween, Easter - I'm interested in how inmates carry on traditions and what they do with the memories that might surface during holidays. And of course, I'd love different scenes or moments in their old lives.

So, hopefully something in this letter has sparked your plot bunnies into action. I truly believe above all that optional details are optional, and the gift of a story of any kind is precious beyond all measure and reason. Thank you for your kindness and creativity!

Best of luck,
flb

Dear Crossovering Writer...

fleurlb — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 16:42:40 GMT

Hello, and thank you for volunteering to create a gift for the Crossovering exchange. I'm delighted that we share similar fandoms and interests and hope that you have fun creating a gift for me.

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) I especially love love love LOVE crossovers, so really, you can't go wrong here. Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandom combos.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...

angst, UST, longing looks, the 5+1 format, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, ghost stories, crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I do not want..

passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, child death or grevious injury, and misusing the words less and fewer.

What I love about each of the shows that appear in my requests:
Mad Men - I love the women, especially Peggy, Joan, and Sally. (It's my headcanon that Sally gets work experience at the office and ends up being mentored by Peggy. I would love to see Peggy flummoxed by Sally's bluntness.) I'm not keen on the Peggy/Stan ending.

Leverage - I love the team dynamic and the witty banter. Eliot is my favorite but I really love them all.

Supernatural - I've only seen SPN up to the end of Season 5. I love the dynamic between Sam and Dean and their banter. I also love Castiel.

Harry Potter - I think the Goblet of Fire is my favorite of the books. I love the richness of Rowling's wizard world. I like all the sympathetic characters.

The Big Bang Theory - I love the friendships here and the characters.

Veronica Mars - Haven't watched this in ages, but I loved the moodiness and sense of place of Neptune. I liked Veronica's scrappiness and shipped her like-whoa with Logan. I also loved her friendships with Wallace and Mack.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt - I love Kimmy's attitude and her approach to problems. I love that she is unbreakable.

General prompts that would apply to any combo:

A natural or manmade disaster strikes and characters must work together to save themselves and others

AU - The Zombie Apocalypse strikes - what is life like and how do the characters manage?

Wacky roadtrip, a la "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles"

Character backstories - I love a good backstory, especially when it has crossover implications

The road not taken...what happens when a character makes a different decision than in canon. How does the story (and more importantly, the character) change as a result of the decision.

I hope these idea help spark something for you. Good luck!

Dear Everywoman letter

fleurlb — Tue, 19 May 2015 10:38:02 GMT

Hello, and thank you for volunteering to create a gift for the Everywoman exchange. I'm delighted that we share similar fandoms and interests and hope that you have fun creating a gift for me.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...

I do not want..

passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, child death or grevious injury, and misusing the words less and fewer.

Friday Night Lights - Write for me about Tami's awesomeness and how she got to be so awesome. Give me three generations of awesome Taylor women and I'll be the happiest girl on the block. I'd love a future fic. How is Gracie Belle's childhood different than Julie's? How's it the same? Or write about Tyra and tell me what happens to her. How many of the dreams in her college application essay come true?

Orange is the New Black - My goodness, how I love the awesome characters in this show. I'd really be happy with anything I'd love a character study of any character. I can't stop thinking about Miss Rosa - was that kid really cured of his cancer? What if he went to visit Miss Rosa? I'd eat up a friendship caper featuring Poussey and anyone. Picking up from where S2 left off, what happens with Nickey and the heroin? What is that like, to have your nemesis/old love right within reach. Or tell me about how Nicky helps Red during her recovery from her injuries. And Daya....tell me about Daya and her baby - what is going to happen to that baby?

Saving Grace - How I miss this show. Tell me about Grace and Rhetta as teenagers. Or give me a girls night out with Grace, Rhetta, and the Captain. Talk to me about Grace's funeral and her afterlife. (She's the perfect second chance angel, don't you think?)

The Big C - I miss this show too. I love Cathy and all her imperfections. I love Andrea and her refusal to give a fuck to the haters. And Marlene - we hardly knew you. I think what I'd like most here is a girl's night out, big on laughs with a refusal to wallow.

Dear Jukebox Writer letter

fleurlb — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 19:33:59 GMT

Dear Jukebox Writer,

Thank you so much for volunteering to create a gift for a stranger with similar musical tastes. I'm delighted to see what you come up with, and am giving you some prompts to help out. If you already have an idea for the song that we matched on, please run with it!

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested songs.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...
angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, ghost stories, crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I do not want..
passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, child death or grevious injury, and misusing the words less and fewer.

I love...
The National. Seriously. I've seen them 6 times in 3 different countries including traveling to see them play a 30-minute set with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. I love everything about The National, but especially the words. The words are able to create entire worlds of flawed and interesting people, and I cannot wait to read more.

See, I told you I was easy. Now, the prompts...

"Terrible Love" - The National (Song) -
"And I can't fall asleep/without a little help/It takes awhile to settle down/My ship of hopes/until the past leaks out"
"It takes an ocean not to break"
"But I won't follow you/ into the rabbit hole/ I said I would/but then I saw/ the ship of woes/ they didn't want me to"
I love the wistfulness of this song, and the idea that even though love can excite you, it can also scare you. Does the narrator take the chance, or does he/she hold firm to the promise not to go into the rabbit hole?

"Slow Show" - The National (Song)
"You know I dreamed about you for 29 years before I saw you
You know I dreamed about you, I missed you for...for 29 years"
I love all of this song, but that coda catches me in the chest every damn time. It was one of the first lullabies that I sang to my son. The rest of the song is a perfectly described party scene of a socially awkward guy just trying to make a good impression when the stakes, to him, are obviously so high. I'd love to read a love story of any kind - romantic love, platonic love, or even a parent's love for a child.

"Bloodbuzz Ohio" - The National (Song)
"I still owe money to the money to the money I owe
I never thought about love when I thought about home
The floors are falling out from everybody I know"
I don't know what a bloodbuzz is and I don't know if I'd want to be on one, but damn I get the idea of being drowning in debt. Tell me about this debt. Tell me about what the narrator is willing to do to get out from under it. And tell me why Ohio is so important to the narrator.

"Graceless" - The National (Music Video)
I almost feel like the guys did the video just to counter the jibes that their music is depressing. Tell me anything about the video. The planning. The making. The choosing of the wardrobe. Tell me what Mrs. Berninger thought about the antics in her backyard.

"Mistaken for Strangers" - The National (Song)
"Cause you don't mind seeing yourself in a picture/As long as you look far away/As long as you look removed"
"You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends/When you pass them at night under the silvery silvery Citibank lights"
"Oh you wouldn't want an angel watching over/Surprise surprise they wouldn't want to watch/Another uninnocent elegant fall into the unmagnificent lives of adults"
"Make up something to believe in your heart of hearts/So you have something to wear on your sleeve of sleeves/So you swear you just saw a feathery woman/Carry a blindfolded man through the trees."
The alienation and desparation seep through the pores of this song. Tell me about the narrator and what his or her elegant fall into the unmagnificent life of an adult has been like. Or go to a magical realism place and tell me about the angels and this feathery woman. Or tell me about the picture that the narrator doesn't mind, the one where he or she looks removed.

"The Perfect Song" - The National (Song)
"Nine years older than I was/When I brought you down to see/What I thought would make you fall in love/Where an old canal would dream 'someday man I'm going to be no different than the other rivers'/I tried to look at you/But I couldn't break the ice/We stood out there for an hour freezing/You put your hand around my back/I guess you thought I needed that."
"I never try to find you/I hope you don't remember me/And I hope you're not alone."
"You wanted me to take you home/You said you'd rather be alone/I never thought of that/The car was warm and we had wine/But I couldn't find the perfect song/Now I own furniture, 401, and crow's feet/And I can't even remember the car/Sometimes I can feel your weight when I close my eyes/Seven times I was under you."
"Shallow frame and shaky sticks but I know there's a river in me/Shallow minded adult tricks but I know there's a river in me"
Out of all the songs on their debut album, I think "The Perfect Song" is the most conventional song, but it's also the one that hints most about what the band is going to become. It's way wordier and not as elegant lyrically, but it tells a lovely, heartbreaking story, and has a solid water metaphor running through it. Tell me the straight-up story of this couple. Or tell me about the setup - why did the narrator think the canal would make the person fall in love. Or tell me about tell me about the narrator's current life andwhether he or she has regrets about this missed connection.

Now it can be told...

fleurlb — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 11:27:35 GMT

I was the Yulegoat behind the following stories:

Ghosts and lovers, they'll haunt you for a while
Fandom: Nashville
Characters: Rayna James, Juliette Barnes, Maddie Coleman, Daphne Coleman, Sage Wheeler
Distilled Prompt: Rayna being awesome, good interactions with the other female characters
Summary: Rayna, Juliette, and the girls enjoy an unexpected sleepover
My Thoughts on Writing: Real-life absolutely attacked me this Yuletide, and I ended up having to go to Ohio because of my parents' health issues. So I was gone the first two weeks in December, and when I came back, I had to play catch up in my home. I nearly defaulted, but I missed the deadline for that. Plus, the requester's letter was so sweet and detailed and heartfelt, I knew I could write her the perfect story, so I buckled down and did it. I woke up extra early for the two days before the deadline and just steadily got it done. I'm fairly happy with how it turned out although I had one more subplot I was hoping to get in that I had to cut because of time.

Her So-Called Life
Fandom: Homeland/My-So-Called Life
Characters: Carrie Mathieson, Rayanne Graff, Peter Quinn
Distilled Prompt: A Homeland/My-So-Called-Life crossover
Summary: Of all the bars in Frankfurt, Carrie had to walk into Rayanne's
My Thoughts on Writing: I'd seen this prompt when I went looking for drabbles. I quickly discarded it, because while it's an intriguing premise, there's no real way to squeeze it into 100 words. So the idea sat there, like a dormant virus. Then I finished my Yuletide story with a day to spare, and I started thinking about the prompt. About an hour later, the story had written itself. Wish they all could be so easy. :)

Fandom: Secret Smile
Characters: Lous Solverson, Greta Grimly
Distilled Prompt: Perhaps a male baby would wrongfoot this team of fathers and daughters
Summary: Greta learns a few things about babysitting from an old pro
My Thoughts on Writing: I loved the idea of the Grimly-Solverson family being wrong-footed by a boy baby, but Lou just refused to buckle under the pressure. This story turned out much different than I'd planned, and I'm not sure that's a good thing.

Then I also did a trio of unrelated drabbles:

Same Planet, Different Worlds
Fandom: Friday Night Lights
Character: Tim Riggins, Landry Clarke
Distilled Prompt: ROBOTS!
My Thoughts on Writing: First, I'm mortified that my software apparently counts words different (???) than AO3, because I swear my drabbles were perfectly 100 words in my software. Second, I could not resist the prompt - the conversation flowed naturally in my head after I had the prompt.

The Friend Zone
Fandom: Orange is the New Black
Characters: Poussey Washington, Nikki Nichols
Distilled Prompt: Poussey interacting with someone outside her usual crew
My Thoughts on Writing: A joy to write, even with the word limit.

Onto a winner
Fandom: The Dublin Murder Squad books
Characters: Frank Mackey, Rob Ryan
Distilled Prompt: Frank's relationship with Rob
My Thoughts on Writing: I think this is the first time I've written something in a book fandom. But then I haven't read these books in the traditional manner - I've listened to them on audiobook. So the voices and thought processes are so clear to me, it was just like writing in a TV fandom.

A sweet Star Wars Christmas and a banner Yuletide

fleurlb — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 08:54:42 GMT

For LB's birthday, my sister-in-law got him a bunch of things, but the one that captured his imagination was a light saber. It was crappy plastic, the light was so weak it could only be seen in the dark, and she got it as an after-thought/impluse purchase because her son had loved light sabers and swords so much when he was LB's age.

That gift led to my husband telling LB the story of Star Wars, which he promptly became obsessed with. Because of that gift, we had a sweet Star Wars Christmas. We watched the original trilogy, one a day, starting on Christmas Day. Both my husband and I remembered why we loved those movies so much and the imagination of yet another fan was sparked. It was so much fun to watch LB as he watched the movie, shaking his fist along with the Imperial March music and shouting "Go, Skywalker Luke, beat Dark Vader! You can do it!"

Santa brought LB a Darth Vader costume and light saber, both of which have given us all a lot of entertainment and amusement. (LB has a wide collection of costumes, mostly of the super-hero variety. I love watching him wear costumes - he actually changes the way he moves and stands when he's wearing a costume. And he does a great scratchy Batman voice, which I can only guess he learned from my husband because he's certainly never seen the Nolan films.)

So, it's been a very quiet, laid back, and sweet Christmas with just me, LB, and the husband. I've really enjoyed it. I was a little nervous about cooking the dinner, since it's a Big Deal for my husband and it was was my first time cooking a big Christmas spread, but I managed it just fine. The bread sauce was a little more bread than sauce, and the ham was a little dry, but the timing of everything worked out well and we ate only 30 minutes later than anticipated, so it was a great first effort.

In addition to the sweet family Christmas, I've had an amazing Yuletide. I somehow scored three gifts and one treat, each of them perfect and amazing. I'd been a bit of a problem child for Yuletide this year, because I selected "All" characters for Orange is the New Black, but then had given prompts for only a few characters. A mod had to ask me a bunch of questions, but I"m pretty sure it was the OINTB fandom that caused the agita. I hope the poor writer didn't stress too much, because the story created was awesome.

"On the Outside" - OITNB - Three lies you tell yourself in prison that's better than the truth and the one that isn't - Each part of this lovely story focuses on a different character. And Miss Rosa makes an awesome appearance with a perfect voice. I love this more than words can say.

"The Ghost of You" - Nashville - A sweet character study of the groundwork involved in Liam and Scarlett finding their way back to each other. Features an awkward phone call that melts into something so sweet and true.

"Little Cactus" - True Detective - A great conversation between Rust and Audrey, post finale. I've always felt somehow that Rust and Audrey were somehow kindred spirits, and this kind anony-yule-writer picked up that prompt and ran with it in a lovely direction with some damn fine writing.

"Priorities" - Nashville - Gotta love a good drabble and this one is a tasty treat!

I'm really happy with the way that my main yuletide gift was received by the recipient. The treats I wrote have also been very enthustically appreciated, especially one that was SO much fun to write. Looking forward to posting the links when reveals happen.

Dear Yuletide Writer

fleurlb — Mon, 20 Oct 2014 12:25:07 GMT

Dear Sweet Yuletide Writer,

First of all, you are awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in the honorable tradition of Yuletide. At the very least, you can know that we have similar tastes in one tv show, which by my math makes us practically besties. :)

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write something that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

True Detective - I love the characters in this show. I also love the banter-y but difficult and tense relationship between Rust and Marty. I'd love to see a conversation between Rust and Audrey, either during her tearaway teenage days or after the S1 finale. I think they're kindred spirits, in a way, and I'd love Audrey to get a chance to talk about what's going on in her head. Gen is preferred for a conversation in the past. A conversation after S1 could be gen or shippy, but I'd hope that Rust would put up some resistance at first because of the age/stage in life differences.

Fargo - If there's a running thread through all the shows I love, it's the characters. Fargo is no exception here and I gravitate toward the emotional center of the show: Gus and Molly (and Lou and Greta). I'd love a scene from the courtship of Gus and Molly. (Again, you're completely absolved from the "write all the characters" rule.) How does Lou welcome Greta into the family and help her adjust to a new school? How does Lou help Greta welcome home the new baby? Or how about a future fic with Greta getting married or coming to Lou for boy advice or a hunting trip to bond or really just about anything - I love them

Nashville - Ideally, I'd love something super angsty and smutty with Liam and Scarlett. I'd also be down with Juliette getting advice from Rayna or some adventures in parenting with Deacon and Maddie. (It feels like Maddie is WAY overdue for a massive teenage rebellion.)

Friday Night LIghts - You are completely released from the "write every character requested" rule. I love Tim Riggins, especially angry S1 Tim. Not so keen on Tim/Lyla but I do love the S1 Tim/Tyra trainwreck and am intrigued by the Tim/Julie combo. I also really loved Tim's attempt to be a big brother and a friend to Becky. I also love the Taylors. How did Eric and Tami meet? What happens to Julie after S5? As I read this back, I'm not seeing much in the way of promptage. I think it's because I love the show, but it's been slipping away from me since it ended. Anything you could do to bring it back will be much appreciated.

Portlandia - You're released from the "write every character" rule. What special activities do the "Put a Bird On It" people get up to? What happens when Alexandra and Carrie accidentally visit the Women and Children First bookstore? I love this show - I'm sure I'd love whatever you come up with. I'm not very good at prompting. I'll warn you that I've not seen the latest season yet.

Orange is the New Black - My goodness, how I love the awesome characters in this show. I'd really be happy with anything I'd love a character study of any character. I can't stop thinking about Miss Rosa - was that kid really cured of his cancer? What if he went to visit Miss Rosa? I'd eat up a friendship caper featuring Poussey and Taystee, Red giving mothering advice to Daya, or Crazy Eyes and Pennsatucky ending up in a talent show together because no one will partner with them. If you want to get Halloween-y, something like Miss Rosa coming back as a ghost or the inmates telling ghost stories during the storm/power outage would delight me.

ETA: So, I've learned now that since I selected All for OINTNB, I should have given prompts for all the characters. Apologies! First, here are some general prompts that can apply to any character in OINTNB (or some of them can be used in any fandom really):

First times - first days in prison, first kisses, first loves, first days on the outside

Future fic - where do these women end up? what is it like to leave a regimented existence and go into a place with few supports?

Holidays - Christmas, Birthdays, Halloween, Easter - I'm interested in how inmates carry on traditions and what they do with the memories that might surface during holidays.

Backstories - I think nearly all the characters have some backstory expounded, but I'd love different scenes or moments in their old lives.

5+1 (As in Five times X happened and 1 time it didn't) is a tried and true format - I'd eat any 5+1 with a spoon. (And it doesn't have to be 5 +1, it could be 3 or 7 or whatever works for you.)

Song fic - I don't even need to know the song. (But if you're a fan of The National, you literally cannot go wrong with any of their songs.)

And now here's the character-specific prompts for anyone that I missed the first time around:

Alex - What's it like to be back in Litchfield? What's her backstory? How did she get into drug dealing? What first attracted her to Piper? It's clear sometimes that Piper sees herself as a victim of Alex, but how does Alex view her own crimes and what does she think about having involved Piper?

Gloria - What's it like to replace Red? When does Gloria miss her children the most? Anything involving Santeria would be much appreciated.

Janae - Tell me more about Janae's no good boyfriend who got her arrested. How does she feel about him now? What happened to him? Or tell me about yoga - how does yoga feel after Janae's history as a track star? What does Janae like about yoga?

Lorna - Can you shed light on her accent? Did she move around a lot as a kid? What was that like? How did she end up with Nicky? What does Nicky know or suspect about Christopher?

Nicky - Picking up from where S2 left off, what happens with the heroin? What is that like, to have your nemesis/old love right within reach. Or tell me about how Nicky helps Red during her recovery from her injuries.

Piper - Wow, if I were Piper, I'd spend a lot of time wondering how I became such a train wreck when I thought all of that was well behind me. Have her tattoos been explained? I know she has at least one and I don't remember what it means. (Also, you can always make up tattoos. I love them and their meanings.)

Sister Ingalls - Tell me about a time that Sr Ingalls was tempted while she was a new, young "bride of Christ". Or tell me about Sr Ingalls' disillusionment with the Church. Or tell me about the time that Sr Ingalls was sent to teach at a parochial school. (I went to Catholic school for 13 years and have both fond and terrified memories of nuns. I can't imagine world-questing Sr Ingalls would be satisfied in a classroom.)

Sophia - I'd love to hear more about Sophia and how she struggles to maintain a relationship with her son. Bonus points for something that involves a sweet scene with her giving advice about how to deal with girls when her son is a teenager/college-aged adult. (Seems like Sophia would be uniquely placed to give this kind of advice.)

Dear Trick-or-Treat Writer

fleurlb — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:41:55 GMT

Dear Sweet Trick-or_Treat Writer:

First of all, you rock! Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in an exchange. At the very least, you can know that we have similar tastes in at least one tv show.

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a trick or a treat that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them and write the trick or treat that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

True Detective - I love the characters in this show. I also love the banter-y but difficult and tense relationship between Rust and Marty.

Treat: Trick-or-treating - Marty and Rust take the girls and talk casework discreetly. I'd love to see a conversation between Rust and Audrey, either during her tearaway teenage days or after the S1 finale. I think they're kindred spirits, in a way, and I'd love Audrey to get a chance to talk about what's going on in her head. But it doesn't have to be Audrey - it can be Marty and Rust.
Trick: I suppose the Southern Gothic setting is ripe for a trick!

Orange is the New Black - My goodness, how I love the awesome characters in this show. I'd really be happy with anything I'd prefer a treat here to be more in terms of fluff or character study, no porn on this one, please. I pretty much love all the characters although I can't stop thinking about Miss Rosa. But seriously, this is one area where I cannot get enough stories and I love all the characters.

Treat: Friendship caper featuring Poussey and Taystee. Red giving mothering advice to Daya. Crazy Eyes and Pennsatucky ending up in a talent show together because no one will partner with them.

Trick: Miss Rosa comes back as a ghost.The inmates telling ghost stories during the storm/power outage.

Fargo - If there's a running thread through all the shows I love, it's the characters. Fargo is no exception here and I gravitate toward the emotional center of the show: Gus and Molly (and Lou and Greta).

Treat: I'd love a scene from the courtship of Gus and Molly.
Trick: If you're inclined toward a trick, I bet Lou knows a lot of awesome ghost stories and I also bet Greta isn't half as brave as she thinks she is.

Sons of Anarchy - I'd love a birth story for Thomas, nothing graphic, but Gemma being nursemaid and birthing partner seems ripe for comedy and pathos. I'm also a sucker for backstory and would love to know more about pretty much any of the characters, especially Chibs. I do love Jax and I am so very curious about what his and Tara's high school relationship would have been like. I know this is more generic than anything that lines up in a trick or treat, but hey, surprise me, I'm sure I'll love it.

Leverage - A friend once told me that the best thing about Leverage is more threesomes/moresomes per capita than any other fandom. And, indeed, if you're writing Leverage I can't see how you can resist writing a treat of porny goodness featuring the best OT3 ever? If that's not your cup of tea, no worries.

Treat: Aforementioned porny goodness OT3, a wacky road trip.
Trick: A Zombie AU. That one time when the con went really bad, really fast.

And I think that's everything. Happy writing and thanks again!!!

Note to self for Yuletide signups

fleurlb — Tue, 10 Jun 2014 18:26:19 GMT

I need to remember...

to request an Orange is the New Black story about Rosa. I so loved her episode with the teenage kid in the cancer treatments. I'd love to see a story where he comes to visit her.

Dear Yuletide Writer

fleurlb — Sun, 13 Oct 2013 05:40:35 GMT

I like...
angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, teamy goodness, well-done hurt/comfort, AUs, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, cross-overs (Leverage, SPN up to S5, Veronica Mars, Jericho, Graceland, Nashville, Sons of Anarchy, Friday Night Lights, The Big C, Orange is the New Black), crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I don't like...
passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, and misusing the words less and fewer.

See, I told you I was easy. Now, the prompts...

The Americans - Backstory on Granny would be awesome. The story of Elizabeth and Gregory would also be awesome. I'm curious about Paige - is she at all suspicious about her parents? What would happen if she suddenly became a teenage communist? How would her parents react to that? What would it mean to their cover?

The Big C - I love these people, and I just want more stories about them. Caveat, I've not seen the last season yet (when oh when will it be on iTunes). I love how awkward and sarcastic Adam is. I love the way Cathy and Sean are such siblings.
I'd love a cross-over with S1 FNL in which the Jamisons move to Dillon (maybe for another clinical trial), and Eric recruits Adam for the football team, maybe as a kicker. Alternatively, a little darker AU in which both of Adam's parents die and Sean becomes his guardian and they go hobo-style on the road, ending up in Dillon. Or, for a Sons of Anarchy cross-over, I can totally see S1 Cathy going to California for some 'live your life' moment and running into S1 Jax.

The Bridge - I asked for Gus Ruiz before the unfortunate events of the end of S1. MAKE IT BETTER. :) I shipped him with Sonya in a friendship/mentor/UST way. I also would love an AU cross-over where the remaining Brody family flee to El Paso to escape the media glare, and Dana and Gus meet cute on the streets of Juarez.

Graceland - Again, I'm a sucker for these characters and I'm a sucker for backstory. I also like the teamy-goodness aspect of the show and the way they always help each other out. I love how Johnny is a well-meaning joker, and I'd love to see a story where things go terribly wrong because of him, but then he's instrumental in making things go right. Or at least go less wrong.

Love/Hate - This is another case of loving these characters and wanting more stories about them. 5 or 6 episodes a season is just not enough. Backstory on how Darren and Tommy became friends and how they got hooked up with John Boy would be great. A story told by Siobhan about how she feels about her life would also be fantastic. Don't feel like you have to write in a Dublin accent, either. Just explore the world with these flawed characters.

Saving Grace - I always shipped Grace and Ham, particularly self-destructive!Grace and emo-caring-but-still-super-sexy-Ham. (And how about when the tables were reversed when Ham went off the rails?) I suppose my number 1 wish for this fandom would be an AU where things end differently. Back stories are awesome. Earl goes t-shirt shopping is an interesting premise. Would love a glimpse into the life of Rhetta and Grace when they were teenagers. I realize my other shows have more thoughts but don't think that means I love Grace any less. Would also enjoy anything that resembled the teamy goodness of casefic and bonus points if it involved pranks. :)

So, I think that's everything. In the end, write a story that speaks to you and I know I will love it. Personality and heart go a long way with me.

Yuletide letter

fleurlb — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 18:17:06 GMT

Dear Sweet Yuletide Writer,

Thank you so much for signing up for Yuletide and offering to write my favourite fandom. You, truly, are a pal.

Don't tell anyone, but the sad truth is that I am super-easy. :) Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, I want you to have fun. If you find that the suggestions feel like a burden, then ignore them (optional details are OPTIONAL after all!) and write a story that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...
angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, teamy goodness, well-done hurt/comfort, AUs, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, cross-overs (Leverage, SPN up to S5, Veronica Mars, Jericho), crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I don't like...
passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, and misusing the words less and fewer.

See, I told you I was easy. Now, the prompts...

Olympics - RPF - Paddy Barnes - This guy just breaks my heart. In 2008, he lost in the semi-final match quite badly - didn't score a single point. Then, in 2012, he lost to the same guy on countback by a single punch. I just can't stop thinking about this guy. How do you get over something when you've worked so hard, dedicated 8 years of your life to it, and come up short at the final second? How do you move on? What happens next? I think I'd prefer this story to be gen rather than romantic in nature and if Katie Taylor can make an appearance as a friend, so much the better. :)

Friday Night Lights - I love Tim Riggins, especially angry S1 Tim. Not so keen on Tim/Lyla but I do love the Tim/Tyra trainwreck and am intrigued by the Tim/Julie combo. I love Billy Riggins and am always interested in the boys' pre-canon life. I also love the Taylors. How did Eric and Tami meet? What happens to Julie after S5? I love Matt Saracen and his Grandma. As I read this back, I'm not seeing much in the way of promptage. I think it's because I love the show, but it's been slipping away from me since it ended. Anything you could do to bring it back will be much appreciated. (And although I love Vince and Jess, my heart really is more in S1-3 than in S4-5.)

EDT: I just finished the second season of The Big C. I'd love a cross-over with S1 FNL in which the Jamisons move to Dillon (maybe for another clinical trial), and Eric recruits Adam for the football team, maybe as a kicker.

Sons of Anarchy - I'd love to know what happened in the 14 months that most of the club were in prison. In my head, I see Margaret being an unexpected ally for Tara and really stepping up and helping her. I'd also love a birth story for Thomas, nothing graphic, but Gemma being nursemaid and birthing partner seems ripe for comedy and pathos. I'm also a sucker for backstory and would love to know more about pretty much any of the characters. I do love Jax and I am so very curious about what his and Tara's high school relationship would have been like. (Boy with a temper like that in his early 30s, imagine what he must have been like as a teenager.) Also, I'm fascinated with Chibbs and Fiona. She's the most exotic-looking Irish person I've ever seen. (And why is she one of three women who scare Gemma?) I also wonder sometimes about Unser and Gemma - there's a lot of history there. And what's the deal with Lincoln Potter? And Opie. Dear god, after this season, poor Op. I'd love more about his thought process in solitary with Jax.

EDT: Yep, breaking in with another request for a crossover with The Big C. I can totally see S1 Cathy going to California for some 'live your life' moment and running into S1 Jax.

Saving Grace - I always shipped Grace and Ham, particularly self-destructive!Grace and emo-caring-but-still-super-sexy-Ham. (And how about when the tables were reversed when Ham went off the rails?) I suppose my number 1 wish for this fandom would be an AU where things end differently. Back stories are awesome. Earl goes t-shirt shopping is an interesting premise. Would love a glimpse into the life of Rhetta and Grace when they were teenagers. I realize my other shows have more thoughts but don't think that means I love Grace any less. Would also enjoy anything that resembled the teamy goodness of casefic and bonus points if it involved pranks. :)

So, I think that's everything. In the end, write a story that speaks to you and I know I will love it. Personality and heart go a long way with me.

A trio of gifts for Not Primetime Exchange

fleurlb — Sat, 11 Aug 2012 07:05:57 GMT

Here's a trio of gifts that I wrote for the Not Primetime Exchange. The titles are links that go to AO3.

Title: Bad Ideas
Fandom: Leverage
Warnings/Ratings: None/PG
Characters/Relationships: Eliot/Parker/Hardison

Summary: Parker and Hardison come up with bad ideas to celebrate their anniversary with Eliot.

---//---

Title: The Journey
Fandom: Leverage
Warnings/Ratings: None/PG
Characters/Relationships: Eliot/Parker/Hardison

Summary: A journey might start with a single step. This one starts with a conversation.

---//---

Title: Feels like the first time
Fandom: Leverage
Warnings/Ratings: None/PG
Characters/Relationships: Maggie, Sophie

Summary: Sophie helps Maggie prepare for her first real grift.

Not Prime Time Exchange letter

fleurlb — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:37:05 GMT

Dear NPT writer,

Thank you so much for signing up for NPT and offering to write my favourite fandom. You, truly, are a pal.

I am pretty easy. Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, I want you to have fun. I offer these suggestions in the hopes that one might be a life raft that carries you out of the choppy seas of uncertainty and toward a spectacular island of fic writing bliss. If you find that the suggestions feel like lead weights that are dragging you under, then cast them off and write a story that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...
angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, teamy goodness, well-done hurt/comfort, AUs, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, cross-overs (SPN up to S5, Jericho, The Middle, Sons of Anarchy, Friday Night Lights, Warehouse 13, and Saving Grace are among my loves. Or you could cross-over two of my NPT fandoms), crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I don't like...
passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, and misusing the words less and fewer.

See, I told you I was easy. Now, the prompts...

Leverage - I really don't mind who makes an appearance in the story. For prompts - what would happen if Nate asked Eliot to deliver Hurley safely to a new location across the country? Would Eliot be able to resist the urge to pummel Hurley? Would it give him new appreciation for Hardison? I'd love to see Sophie and Maggie, stuck in an elevator and talking about Nate. Let's see, what else? I'm also sucker for backstories and future stories. (And, having a small child running around the place, I'm

Veronica Mars - (Veronica, Logan, Mac, Weevil) - I love VM but watched it ages ago, so I'm not a stickler for canon although I do appreciate good character voices. I love future stories and back stories. I'd love to know what happens to Weevil. I'd like to see Mac outside her comfort zone. And I'd absolutely love to see what Veronica and Logan did after S3.

Criminal Minds - (Spencer Reid, JJ, Garcia, Morgan) - I've seen a lot of these episodes and am especially taken with the characters and how they kind of function like a family/team. I'd love to see a Leverage/Criminal Minds crossover, with the two dynamics playing off each other. I'm also a huge Garcia/Morgan shipper. And I'm a sucker for backstory.

So, I think that's everything. In the end, write a story that speaks to you and I know I will love it. Personality and heart go a long way with me.

PS- To people on my flist, consider signing up for this exchange for fandoms that aren't yet super-sized but are too big for Yuletide. It does require an AO3 login, but I think it's worth it. :)

FNL/Deadliest Catch: The Greenhorn

fleurlb — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:12:16 GMT

Title: The Greenhorn
Author: fleurlb
Crossover: Deadliest Catch
Word count: 1,500

Characters: Tim Riggins, Jonathan Hillstrand, Andy Hillstrand
Rating: PG

Warnings: None
Spoilers: Spoilers for all of Season 5 of Friday Night Lights

A/N: Thanks to devilc, for providing this new, delightful fact to my head canon.

Summary: The Timebandit has a new greenhorn with a shady past.

First day of the crab fishing season, the wheelhouse on the Timebandit

“So, how are you feeling about the crab fishing season so far?” asked the producer, just to start things rolling. Jonathan and Andy were seasoned veterans of the interview, but the producer still found it best sometimes to point them in the direction that he wanted to go. God knows where they’d end up otherwise. Given the bags under Andy’s eyes, they’d had a late last night in port.

“Ask us after we’ve pulled our first string,” replied Andy before downing half a mug of coffee.

“Yeah,” said Jonathan, looking over at the camera. “But you know, we got a good crew, so I’m feeling good about things.”

The producer glanced at his notes, took a deep breath, and jumped into uncharted territory. “So, are you worried about having an ex-con on board?”

A brief look passed between the brothers and Andy shook his head. “You talking about the greenhorn?”

“Yes, Tim Riggins.”

“Man, there ain’t a fishing boat on the Bering Sea that doesn’t have an ex-con or two on board. It’s not a big deal.”

“Hell, even a Hillstrand or two has been picked up for a DUI or a drunk and disorderly now and then. Maybe they haven’t all been charged, but we’ve all spent at least a night or two in a holding cell.”

“Amen, brother,” said Jonathan with an outstretched fist that Andy dutifully bumped. The producer smiled and made a mental note to ask about the brothers’ younger, wilder days. Might not be anything that could ever make it onto the screen, but the producer was a sucker for a good story.

“It’s different though,” said the producer, elaborating after Jonathan looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “A DUI is a crime of irresponsibility. Receiving stolen property is another realm entirely. It’s not an ‘I was a dummy’ sort of crime. It’s more of an ‘I’m a dishonest person, maybe I still I am’ kind of crime.”

A dark cloud passed over Jonathan’s face and he looked back at the camera, steadfast. “Look, the kid did his time, paid his debt to society. Case closed. It’s not an issue.”

“So you’re not worried about him?” asked the producer.

“Damn straight I’m not. Besides, there’s at least three sides to every story: mine, yours, and the truth.”

Andy nodded. “And when you’re talking about the court case, you got the prosecutor’s side as well. You think some of those guys aren’t dishonest?”

The producer looked up sharply from the notes that he was scrawling. “Are you suggesting Tim might have been wrongly convicted?”

“Nah, man, I’m not saying that at all. But I am saying that we did our due diligence, we talked to a bunch of people down there in Dillon, Texas, and we were convinced that the kid deserves a chance.”

“So he gets a chance,” said Jonathan, with the finality of a captain issuing an order. The producer took the hint and moved the conversation back into safer waters: the captains’ bet.

---//---

Two weeks into the crab fishing season, the wheelhouse on the Timebandit

“So, how’s Tim working out?” asked the producer, even though he knew the answer to the question.

“Are you kidding me?” replied Jonathan. “I almost don’t want to say anything because I don’t want to jinx it.”

“I’ve never seen anybody work through seasickness like he has,” said Andy.

“You remember Scotty’s friend who tried to be a greenhorn? What was his name?”

The brothers looked at each other blankly before Jonathan continued. “Shit, doesn’t matter. Point is, by the second day, he was curled up in bed, begging for his mommy. This kid puked non-stop for 10 days and still kept moving. And moving fast.”

“He’s damn near unstoppable is what he is,” said Andy. “Wish we could find a whole crew just like him.”

“Plus, he doesn’t cause trouble, he doesn’t start problems. He just gets the job done. The guys appreciate that. Last thing you want is a greenhorn with a big mouth.”

The wheelhouse door swung open and Mike stuck his head in. “Hey, captain, the greenhorn is looking a little blue in the lips, but he’s still chopping bait.”

“See that,” said Andy. “When was the last time a crew member came in to complain that a greenhorn was working too hard?”

Mike flushed. “I don’t want him going hypothermic or anything. Last thing I need is to have the kid go goofy on us.”

“Send him up, but don’t say why,” instructed Jonathan.

After the door swung back shut, Jonathan pulled out his wallet, rooted around, and came up with a hundred dollar bill. He slapped it down on the producer’s notebook. “Hundred bucks says he won’t take a break.”

The producer weighed it up in his mind. The crew had been going for 14 hours straight. He himself would take a break in a cold second. Even a twenty minute nap on the lumpy bunk mattress sounded like heaven.

“You’re on.”

“Sucker bet,” said Andy with a low chuckle.

The door creaked open and Tim came in, standing uncomfortably in the cramped space.

“How you doing?” asked Jonathan.

“Fine, sir,” replied the greenhorn. He didn’t seem to know where to look and the producer realized it was probably his first time in the wheelhouse.

“Sit down, relax a minute,” said Andy, gesturing to the bench seat next to the producer.

“I’m okay.”

“How much bait you got done?” asked Jonathan.

“Six boxes. I was hoping to get another three done before we have to set the next line.”

“Six boxes is plenty. You’re looking a little blue in the lips. What say you go down to the galley and take a coffee break?”

“And the rest of the crew?”

“Is the rest of the crew in here, greenhorn?” asked Andy, playing up the mean captain angle just a little. The producer could tell that he was itching to mustache-twirl just a little.

The greenhorn looked down and cleared his throat, then looked up and addressed Jonathan. “If it’s all the same to y’all, I’d rather get ahead on the bait.”

“Suit yourself, but don’t say we never tried to give you anything,” said Jonathan, looking away to cover his smile.

The greenhorn squared his shoulders and nodded, then left without saying anything more.

“That’ll be $100, please,” said Jonathan with a grin.

“I thought you were going to talk yourself into trouble there. Kid don’t look like he’d contradict a direct order,” said Andy.

“Brother, I may be dumb, but I ain’t stupid. Which reminds me, I don’t take checks. Cash only, loser.”

The producer could only smile and pull out his wallet. “Just do me a favor and order the kid to give me an interview some time.”

--//--

Three weeks into the crab fishing season, the galley on the Timebandit

“So, Tim, how are you finding working on the Timebandit?” asked the producer.

Tim Riggins, the ship’s greenhorn, shifted uncomfortably on the bench seat. “It’s okay.”

“It’s hard work, isn’t it?”

“I guess.”

“What do you like most about it?”

“Being outside.”

The producer tried not to sigh. This kid was handsome, in a sloppy and rugged way. He worked hard and the crew loved him. He had an interesting backstory. All the ingredients needed to make him a key storyline in the new season, except the kid seemed to hate talking.

But that answer had just opened a door and the producer knew that he had to walk through it.

“Being outside is better than being inside?” The producer’s voice trailed up, making it a question but a quiet, non-threatening question.

Tim looked down, his hair curtaining his face. When he looked up, the producer could see resolve. “Yeah, I was inside, in jail. But Andy and Jonathan, they’ve given me a chance and I’m not going to ruin it. That’s all I’m trying to do, not ruin it.”

“Okay, Tim, that’s okay, we can talk about something else,” the producer consulted his notes, even though he knew them by heart at this point. “You were quite a football player in high school.”

“I was okay,” corrected Tim with a small smile.

“Texas high school football’s a pretty tough game. You learn anything there that’d help you up here?”

“Keep your head up and keep moving.”

The producer smiled and let the answer hang in the air for a few seconds. Tim’s gaze was level, then he turned his head to look out the tiny window. The producer could see the finished product unfolding in his head, intercutting the words with the many clips of the greenhorn refusing to give up on the deck of the Timebandit.

2011 Year-End Fic Meme

fleurlb — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:58:56 GMT

I had so much fun doing this meme last year, I decided to do it again. And look at that, I'm a good week earlier than last year. (And I thought last year was hard, beached on the couch. Chasing a toddler elevates 'busy' to a whole new level. :))

Total word count for the year:  Approximately 25,000 words in six stories:
Always Right - Leverage/FNL - 2100 words - written for meghan_84 as a mod gift for the Leverage Gift Exchange
Ranger School - Leverage - 3050 words - written for help_pakistan (although it's really just a prequel and I still have to write the 'real' story :/)
Fallen - SPN - 5450 words - written for the spn_summergen exchange
Tea and Emergency Biscuits - Leverage - 1800 words - written for leverage_sesa exchange
The Stranger - Leverage/SPN - 2000 words - written for the multidfandom xover_exchange
You Just Don't Know It Yet - FNL - 10,500 words - written for devilc for Yuletide

 Looking back, did you write more fic than you thought you would this year, less, or about what you'd predicted? Now that I think about it, I wrote much more than I expected, even though it's a huge difference from 2010 and my 122,000 words back then.

Where did you publish/archive your stories?  Livejournal

 What pairing/genre/fandom did you write that you would never have predicted in January 2011?  Hastings/Buddy Junior, for sure. I never expected to delve into slash, it's not usually my thing even though I do enjoy reading it sometimes, when it's well done.

 What's your favorite story of the year? Not the most popular, but the one that makes you happiest?  You Just Don't Know It Yet I'm so happy with the way it turned out and was thrilled that devilc liked it. Her kind thank-you comment was the highlight of my Christmas Day.

 Now, what's your most popular story?  Oh, I dunno, probably Fallen. Fandom size does matter, apparently. :)

 Did you take any writing risks this year? What did you learn from them? I suppose writing slash qualifies, since it's not my usual thing and it would've been easy to chicken out and run with one of the other great prompts from the Dear Yulegoat letter. (In fact, I have an outline for Tim working on the Time Bandit that I'd wanted to write as a treat but life got in the way.)

From my past year of writing, what was...

  Best story  You Just Don't Know It Yet is the clear first, although re-reading Always Right, I think that turned out pretty well too.

  Most under-appreciated by the universe  I don’t know. I write because I enjoy it and don’t really think about things like appreciation from the universe.

 Most fun  The Stranger, an SPN/Lev xover in which Gabriel shows up on Nate's couch, but only Nate can see him.

 Most disappointing I'm not very happy with how Ranger School turned out. And I am even more disappointed in myself that I still haven't really made good on the help_pakistan story. And the most vexing part is that the outline is written, but every time I sit down at the computer or a notebook, I just freeze up. It's like it's just become this THING that mocks and laughs at me.

 Story that could have been better Ranger School. In terms of where I wanted it to go, Always Right is much shorter and not as Leverage-y as I'd hoped.

Story that changed your own perception of the characters  You Just Don't Know It Yet. Of course, the characters were so underused, that it was fun to try to figure them out. Hastings, I'm absolutely convinced was closeted. Buddy Junior, I'm less convinced but think he's more curious and probably wants to BE Hastings more than he wants to be with Hastings. (Oh dear god, the sequel is trying to write itself in my head.)

Most sexy This is probably my least sexy year of fic ever. I can't think of anything that really pushes any buttons for me, at least.

 Story with the sweetest moment Tea and Emergency Biscuits has some lovely interaction between Sophie and Hardison that was a lot of fun to write.

  Story that made you cry Fallen, in which Castiel choses to fall and be reborn as a human and Sam and Dean raise him as their son. It was very close to the bone for me, what with the Lil'Bit and all. (Also, I went down a cul de sac of how they'd find baby!Castiel and ended up tossing about 3000 words. Which always makes me sad.)
 
Hardest to write  Ranger School and the follow-up that just will not allow itself to be written.

Easiest to write  The Stranger pretty much wrote itself from the prompt: Leverage/Supernatural: Gabriel, guardian angel of tricksters specializing in just desserts. Now, if only Nate could get him off his couch…

"Holy crap, that's wrong, even for you" story  ??? Yeah, not coming up with anything. All my fic was fairly vanilla this year. Even my big slash-fest was really just about UST.

 Most eye roll-worthy title Tea and Emergency Biscuits ....yeah, sucks. I just could not, for the life of me, find anything in that story to use as a name.

Most unintentionally telling  Fallen has a lot of my frustrations with early parenthood. Also, my feelings about Goodnight Moon, which I concur is a classic but seriously, have you ever looked at the illustrations? That book is kind of messed up in a lot of ways.

Most overdue  help_pakistan, followed closely by the final installment of Fine Arts.   Still. Arrrrgggghhh.

This year's theme and the story that demonstrates it most  This year's theme seems to be external prompts and exchanges. I did not finish a single story that wasn't part of an exchange. (I have notes for something based on the end of The Carnival Job, but ever managed to get it written.) Apparently, I need outside ideas and deadlines to get anything done these days.

 Do you have any fanfic or profic goals for the New Year?
I'm going to do Yuletide again and whatever exchanges I can find that make sense. I'd also like to get a story written that doesn't involve an exchange (and boy, I have something burning a hole in my brain from Leverage 4.17 The Radio Job.)

Yuletide story: You Just Don't Know It Yet

fleurlb — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:45:16 GMT

Title: You Just Don’t Know It Yet
Author: fleurlb
Yuletide Recipient: devilc
Word count: 10,500
Characters: Hastings Ruckle, Buddy Garrity Junior, brief appearances by Luke, Tinker, Becky, and Coach Taylor
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Spoilers Spoilers for all of Season 5 of Friday Night Lights

A/N: Thanks to devilc , for providing the opportunity to work with two of the most criminally underused characters ever. Thanks also for providing a reason to step outside of my usual comfort zone and dive into slash. Or rather, fumble my way slowly. :)

Summary: Hastings Ruckle has a simple plan for Dillon, Texas: no attachments, no drama. It's a foolproof and simple plan, until Buddy Junior shows up and ruins everything.

When Hastings Ruckle rolled up in Dillon, Texas, he’d already memorized twelve home addresses and had suffered through being the “new kid” at eight schools. He saw Dillon as a cross between a challenge and a prison sentence: survive the next two years and then he’d be free. Able to attend any college he wanted. Able to set down some roots and live in the same damn place for four whole years.

He had his sights set on a big city. A place where he could be anonymous and unobserved. A place that he could grow into, maybe even spend his whole life in. A crazy idea after his nomadic upbringing, but honestly, if he never saw another moving box again, he’d be a happy guy.

Hastings had sized up Dillon in about 37 seconds and decided his best plan was his old standard. Hang free and loose. Don’t get involved. Don’t get too close. No teams, no dances, no drama, no relationships. Nothing to tie him down or trip him up.

Football had definitely not been in his plan. He didn’t like the equipment. Or the two-a-days in the blistering sun. Or the thick playbook with its endless variations. Or the stupid punishments, like running the bleachers or carrying a teammate on his back.

But football had forced its way into his life and broken him down, like boot camp or a hostage situation. And he had to admit, he liked most of the guys and enjoyed being part of something bigger than himself. And he also had to admit that it made starting a new school and fitting in a heck of a lot easier. The red jersey was another piece of camouflage and it soon became a second skin.

Of course, hanging with guys all the time, he got the ribbing about when he was going to find himself a girl. His rally girl was sweet but she’d blinked dumbly when he’d asked her for pomegranate juice and a copy of A Fan’s Notes. “Sure, Hastings, but, um, which fan?” was followed by the predictable “I don’t think Frederick Exley goes to this school.” Hastings could only smile and tell her not to worry about it, that beer and cookies would be fine.

Hastings knew everything he needed to know about Devin when she sat down next to him in American Lit. She was cute, in a boyish way, and he’d have absolutely no trouble spending time with her. It could be a mutually beneficial arrangement and he’d practically bought their Prom tickets before he and a few of the guys ran into her outside the main school building, a clipboard in her hands.

“Dillon needs a Gay-Straight Alliance, wouldn’t you agree?” she asked with a guileless smile and his heart sank.

“Sure could,” he replied and scrawled his name, big and legible at the top. Then he turned to Tinker and thrust the clipboard into his pudgy hands.

“I ain’t gay, man,” he protested.

“I’m sure they won’t discriminate for that, it being the gay-STRAIGHT alliance,” Hastings replied.

“Tink just wishes it was a man-pig alliance,” said Luke, elbowing the lineman in the ribs before dutifully signing his own name.

“Now that’s an alliance I could get behind. You guys have no idea how intelligent pigs are. Well, Luke does, but you, Hastings, you have so much to learn,” said Tinker.

Hastings shot Devin an apologetic smile. “Sorry, you can dress these fellas up but you can’t take them anywhere without it eventually devolving into pig talk.”

“An unfortunate state of affairs,” she responded and Hastings automatically assessed the situation for hidden meaning, but all he saw was her open smile and amusement at his goofy buddies.

Luke returned the clipboard to Devin and the boys trundled off toward the fieldhouse. Hastings felt a twinge of regret, but it was overshadowed by relief. He’d carefully constructed this version of himself, close enough to the real thing to be bearable to live every day but the whole truth was still buried deep within the bedrock of his being. It won’t be this way forever was his mantra and he repeated it often.

--//--

The first time Hastings saw Buddy Junior, the kid was standing on the edge of the field with his father, looking like he’d rather face a firing squad. Hastings figured that Buddy Junior had also been told that he liked football but he just didn’t know it yet. But Hastings also figured that with Buddy for a father, Buddy Junior knew all about football and wasn’t about to like it, not one little bit.

But still, Hastings had to give the kid credit for trying out for the team when he obviously had little interest and even less talent. There was something familiar about Buddy Junior and Hastings wondered how close he could get to him, how safe it would be. But he couldn’t fight the curiosity.

And besides, they were teammates. It was no different than hanging out with Luke or Tinker. And still, Hastings sensed that something was different and the thought filled him with equal parts sinking dread and tingling excitement.

When Hastings saw the roommate list for the Kingdom trip, the feelings he had were magnified and then sent into the spin cycle. Sharing a room with Buddy Junior. The universe clearly had a sick sense of humor and Hastings was prepared to keep it all business, all the time. But he hadn’t counted on Buddy Junior’s snoring problem.

As Hastings eased the sliding glass door closed behind him, he didn’t know why he was trying to be quiet. Buddy Junior had a snore that could rattle windows and wake the dead. Hastings collapsed on the empty bed and closed his eyes, but the sound wasn’t something he could ignore. Even with noise-canceling headphones on, Hastings could still hear the snoring.

With a groan, Hastings got out of his bed and sat on the edge of Buddy Junior’s bed. He bounced, tentatively at first but then with more vigor. Buddy Junior rolled over, but the noise continued. Hastings poked Buddy in the belly, but was rewarded only with a few half-hearted swipes. This kid could sleep through anything.

Exhausted and frustrated, Hastings flopped down on the bed and put his head on Buddy Junior’s pillow.

“Buddy Junior,” he whispered. “Your snoring is killing me. Seriously killing me.”

Buddy Junior awoke with a start and scrambled backwards so that he was no longer sharing a pillow with his roommate.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

“An excellent question. I’m here because this is my room, we’re roommates, and you snore like an 80-year old dude full of sedatives and turkey,” replied Hastings as he stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankle. He folded his hands and placed them behind his head, relaxing despite the strange circumstances.

Buddy Junior rubbed his hand over his eyes. “Sorry about that.”

“What are you doing here?” asked Hastings in a conversational tone. He wasn’t sure what he was doing, but he’d suddenly decided that it was the perfect time for slumber party chit-chat.

“Wha? Like you said, we’re roommates. Although I still don’t understand why you have to be in my bed.”

“Because, Buddy Junior, I did everything I could short of smothering you with your pillow to get you to stop snoring. Whispering in your ear, strangely, was the only thing that did the trick. And I meant why are you here, on the football team, living in Dillon.”

“My dad,” replied Buddy Junior, with a roll of his eyes and a half-shrug of his shoulder. “Hey, how did you know those things you said about my dad, on the bus today?”

“Just by watching. I notice things, about people. My mom says you have two eyes and ears and only one mouth for a reason.” In fact, Hastings knew he was a little scary with his ability to read people. It was a gift inherited from his father and a key part of his survival plan. Hastings didn’t want to get sidetracked or talk too much about himself. “I don’t understand how you could leave California for Texas football.”

“It’s not like I had a choice. My mom decided she didn’t want to deal with me anymore. My dad decided I’d come here. And then once I was here, there was no escape from football.”

“Dillon, Texas, where escape from football is futile. Has a nice ring to it. Still, California. All the beautiful people and laid-back attitude. Must have been hard to leave behind.”

Buddy Junior sighed and squirmed in the bed, trying to get comfortable. He sat up and leaned back against the headboard. “I don’t know if you’ve been to California, but it’s not like in the movie or tv shows. Not everyone is beautiful. And we didn’t live anywhere near the beach. And with all the traffic, it took two hours to drive anywhere interesting anyway. And my mom has this freak new husband who’s all about the environment so he never wanted to drive anywhere, not even in his precious stupid hybrid.”

Hastings digested this flood of words, adding to his collected knowledge of Buddy Junior, filing away key bits of information for later reference. He debated how much to say and settled on a middle ground. “I lived in California for 6 months when I was 12. Half Moon Bay. I loved it there.”

“I thought your dad was a roughneck. There’s no oil in Half Moon Bay.”

“No, but the headquarters for Chevron is in San Ramon. And my dad’s not a roughneck. He’s a wildcatter.”

“Same difference, isn’t it?”

“No, Buddy Junior, it’s not. My parents have a business that identifies possible places to find oil and then raises funds to support the exploratory drilling. In the early days, my dad did more of the hands-on work on the rigs, but now it’s all meetings and presentations mostly. My mom does the research and recommends where they should try drilling.”

Ed Ruckle was the money man, the businessman, the hustler who set up meetings and busted his ass to fund their explorations. Hastings always suspected that without the help of Vera Ruckle, a gifted and intelligent geologist, Ed would only be half-a-step away from becoming a conman, with his easy ability to read people and convince them to invest.

“Oh. Your dad should talk to my dad. Buddy’s always looking for a good investment.”

“Between us, I’m not sure drilling in Texas is the best investment.”

“Yeah, I’m not sure I’d want any part of a business that Buddy would invest in anyway. He lost like $100,000 on some ponzi scheme or something. All my sister’s tuition money. He ended up getting in a fight a The Landing Strip and then spent the night in jail.”

Hastings marveled at Buddy Junior’s willingness to air the family’s dirty laundry. But it made Hastings hesitant and nervous. Loose lips, ships, and all of that.

“Sounds like a rough time.”

“I missed all the excitement, being in California. Hey, why’d you leave California if it was so perfect?”

Hastings paused, out of habit, but decided to take a chance. “My parents’ company struck oil with some wells in western Kansas. They sold them to Chevron and my dad got a VP job as part of the deal. Only he was... uniquely unsuited for life as an employee so he only lasted about six months.”

“That sucks.”

“Indeed it did,” agreed Hastings, his mind drifting to the friends he left behind, particularly his best friend Will.

“I didn’t want to move to California in the first place, but Lyla, my sister was staying with my dad and it kinda seemed like I would be in the way.”

“You just have one sister?”

“No, I also have a younger sister, Tabbi. Lyla’s four years older, Tabbi’s two years younger.”

“Caught in the middle of two sisters. That doesn’t sound like fun.”

“No. It’s not. How about you?”

“Five brothers, all older. Oldest one is ten years older, next is nine years older, then the twins are eight years older then there was a gap, I guess because my mom had her hands full with four kids under the age of three. Denny, my closest brother, is two years older than me. They’re all out of the house now, scattered all over for work, grad school, college.”

“Five brothers sounds awesome. Like your own little football or basketball team.”

“Yeah, well, it’s not as cool as it sounds. It’s like there’s two families: the big kids and the little kids. And the big kids didn’t want anything to do with the little kids.”

“Still, I bet the big kids never tried to dress you up in doll clothes.”

Hastings laughed. “No, I suppose that’s one upside. OK, Buddy Junior, you win. Having five brothers is awesome compared to being squeezed in the middle of a sister sandwich.”

“Eww, dude, you don’t have to make it sound so gross.”

“It’s all in the interpretation. You’d want to get your mind out of the gutter.” Hastings half-rolled over and propped his head on his hand, giving Buddy Junior an innocent smile.

Buddy Junior laughed and shook his head. “We should really get back to sleep.”

“Well, for me, it would be getting to sleep for the first time tonight, but yes, I hear you’ve got a very early wake up to help Jess get all the equipment on the bus.”

“Yeah, why is that? You’re just as new to the team as I am.”

“No, I’m not. I suffered through two-a-days. Up at hours no one should ever be forced to see, dehydrating in the sun like a raisin, having to drag myself back for more punishment. Believe me, walking on to the team after the season started, you’re getting off easy.”

Buddy Junior huffed out a sigh. “Yeah, whatever. Get in your own bed.”

Hastings grinned and wriggled under the covers. “Nah, I think I’d be much happier here. You won’t snore if you’re aware of someone else in the bed. My dad’s the same way. I can always tell when my mom’s up early because I can hear my dad snoring.”

Buddy Junior shimmied down and smoothed the pillow out from under his head. He gave Hastings an appraising look. “This isn’t part of the hazing, is it? I’m not going to find video of me sleeping with a dude on YouTube, am I?”

“No, Buddy Junior, you’re not. Now please go to sleep,” said Hastings, closing his eyes. The bed was plenty big for both of them and he felt strangely secure and oddly at peace.

--//--

For Buddy Junior, the game had been a blur even before they’d gone to that party and he’d started drinking. It had been ages of boredom, standing on the sidelines, punctuated by seconds of fear when he’d actually had to take the field. And a flash of pride and belonging when Hastings had stuck up for him.

He didn’t kid himself though - he knew he was only invited to the party because, as Hastings’ roommate, he could’ve blown things for them and reported them missing. Not that he would have, since he wasn’t a snitch, but still. It made sense for him to be invited as a roommate. He reminded himself that it didn’t mean anything, even if he had been branded with the same burning coat hanger.

The trip back to Dillon felt interminable. The bus seemed like it had no shocks at all. Every pot hole and stone in the road sent a jolt through the bus that made Buddy Junior hurt in places that he hadn’t even been aware of before he started playing football. The bouncing made his teeth rattle in his head and his hangover had him half-step away from begging to be let off the bus to die alone in peace.

But even with all the physical discomfort, Buddy Junior was happier than he’d been in a long time. He took Marilee’s lipstick out of his pocket again and twisted the base, smiling as the red color made an appearance. He was glad that she’d slipped it in his pocket, along with her number, as he was leaving. Otherwise, he’d be half-convinced that he’d imagined her.

As the bus trip wore on, guys swapped seats and moved around, even though they technically were supposed to stay in one place for the whole trip. Buddy Junior was gazing out the window, daydreaming about Marilee when Hastings squeezed in next to him.

“I’ve driven with my entire family from Mississippi to the Yukon territory and it didn’t feel half as long as this trip,” he said.

Buddy Junior blinked and said the first thing that popped into his head. “Yukon territories? Like in Ice Road Truckers?”

“Yeah, although this was in the summer. And we didn’t go as far north as all that. But still, this ride is really harshing my mellow.”

“Yeah, mine too,” agreed Buddy Junior. “You’d think they’d at least spring for a greyhound-level bus.”

“Exactly. Something with a functioning suspension system would be a nice change of pace.”

Buddy Junior looked at Hastings and grinned. All this... bonding. He was starting to feel like he actually had friends. It was a nice change from California.

“So, you going to call that girl?” asked Buddy Junior.

“What girl?”

“You know, the cheerleader. The one who gave you her number?”

“Oh yeah, her. No, I don’t think I will.”

Buddy Junior’s mouth dropped open as he considered the popularity that had to be involved in not calling a girl like that, who was obviously interested. His mother probably would’ve told him that he was going to catch flies if he didn’t close his mouth, but Hastings just looked at him in silent and contented amusement.

“But she’s hot.”

Hastings shrugged and stretched out his body so he could lean the back of his neck on the top of the bus seat. “Not my type.”

“If she’s not your type, then who the hell is? Man, she was perfect.”

Hastings turned his head and gave a small, mysterious smile. “I know my type when I see it. I’m sure she’s a great girl, but she just wasn’t it for me.”

Buddy Junior shook his head. “Must be nice to be able to pick and choose like that.”

Hastings closed his eyes. “It’s not nearly as glamorous as you think.”

Buddy Junior wanted to say more, but it was clear that Hastings was going to try to nap, so Buddy decided to keep his mouth shut. But he couldn’t figure it out. Cool, good-looking, laid-back, smart guy like Hastings who could get any girl he wanted. What was he doing sticking up for a guy like him? It didn’t even start to make sense.

But then, neither did the lipstick in his pocket. Maybe Kevin was right. Maybe sometimes the Universe just sent you what you needed.

--//--

After a couple of hospital-strength painkillers, Buddy Junior was feeling no pain. At least not of the physical variety. His pride was hurting and his father was starting to give him a damn migraine with all his bitching and whining and asking about what happened.

They were back at the apartment and Buddy Senior was pacing with a tumbler of scotch in his hand. “Now, tell me again exactly what happened.”

It was beyond useless. Buddy Junior had no idea what happened. One minute, he was standing there, completely fine, and the next, he was in a heap, electric shocks of pain shooting through his crumpled leg.

“The doctor was saying something about a bone density scan, but I don’t think you need that. I mean, you’re a big strapping boy. You drink enough milk, don’t you? You don’t have brittle bones.”

Buddy Junior mumbled a reply and picked up the remote control for the television. If only it woulf work on his father, he’d hit Mute and Pause and be home free.

The doorbell rang, providing a brief respite for Buddy Junior as his father trudged off to answer it, muttering all the way about who it could be at this hour. Buddy Junior heard a warm, surprised greeting and then “Buddy Junior, look who’s here.”

Luke walked in, followed by Hastings, who was carrying a stack of books and papers.

“Hey, when Miz Taylor heard about your leg, she figured you’d be out of school for a few days, so she rounded up assignments for you and then asked us to drop them off,” said Luke.

“Not that you’re going to thank us for all this,” said Hastings as he dropped the heavy stack of books. They landed with a thud on the glass-topped coffee table and Buddy Junior was disappointed when the glass didn’t crack.

“You boys were on the field. What was Billy Riggins thinking, teaching that stupid dance?”

“It’s the haka,” said Hastings.

“The haka?” repeated Buddy Senior in a dubious tone, his eyes narrowed.

“Yeah, it’s a traditional Maori war dance, used to intimidate enemies.”

“And just where would someone like Billy Riggins find out about a traditional Maori war dance?”

“Probably ESPN 3 in the middle of the night - the New Zealand rugby team start all their matches with the haka,” replied Hastings. Buddy Junior couldn’t tell if Hastings was being helpful or smart-assed, and he suspected that his father couldn’t either.

“That’s all fine for New Zealand, but that’s not how we do things in Texas football,” proclaimed Buddy Senior, challenging Hastings to contradict him.

Luke seemed to sense the danger and spoke up first. “It’s getting kinda late, y’all. We just wanted to make sure Buddy Junior was okay and had his assignments.”

“Well thank you, boys. That was thoughtful,” replied Buddy Senior, clearly warming to Luke.

“Buddy Junior, we’ll see you at practice soon,” said Hastings and leaned over the coffee table to clap him on the arm, right over the branded L. He patted the spot a few times, the weight of his hand making a satisfying thud on Buddy Junior’s sweatshirt.

Luke followed suit and then the guys left. Buddy Junior wasted no time in moving to his room, telling his father that he was exhausted and needed to rest. He lay down on his bed and smiled to himself. It kind of sucked that he had to break his leg to really feel a part of the team, but he’d take it.

--//--

“Y’all get your things and get out of our fieldhouse,” said Coach in that barely controlled way of his. Hastings didn’t need to be told twice and neither did Buddy Junior, who struggled with his crutches, even though he’d been using them for a couple of weeks. Hastings picked up Buddy’s bag without thinking about it and carried it to his car, an ancient wood-paneled station wagon that was in pretty good condition, despite its age and the fact that his five brothers had also learned to drive in it.

“Is your dad picking you up or do you want a ride somewhere or what?” asked Hastings.

In answer to the question, Buddy Junior opened the passenger door and eased himself into the seat. Hastings smiled and pulled open the back door, dropped both bags in the back seat, and then settled into the driver’s seat.

“Where to?” he asked. “I don’t know about you, but I’ve got no interest in going to any of the parties tonight.”

“Yeah, not much to celebrate. But I’m really not looking forward to spending the evening at home alone with Buddy. He’s going to be pissed.”

“I know a place we can hang out,” said Hastings, putting the car in gear and checking over his shoulder before reversing out of the parking lot.

They drove in silence and if Buddy Junior was nervous about the increasingly desolate roads they traveled, he never gave an indication of it. He just stared out the window, wincing whenever the car hit a bump.

“Sorry, man, I forgot about your leg. Does it hurt?”

“Only when you hit a pothole going over 50.”

Hastings eased back on the gas. “We’re almost there.”

“And where’s there, exactly?”

“You’ll know it when you see it,” said Hastings with a smile. He drove for several more miles, then turned off on a dirt access road, which he followed over a hill until they were looking down onto one of his parents’ exploratory fields. He turned the car around so the back faced the field and then killed the engine and flicked off the headlights.

The moon was full and provided more than enough light for Hastings to see as he stepped out of the car and walked around to the back. By the time he had the tailgate open and had lifted out his guitar case to make room for them to sit, Buddy Junior joined him.

Hastings hung back and let Buddy Junior ease himself into the rearward-facing “Way-Back” seat. He kept his car fairly tidy, but tended to leave things in the Way-Back. Buddy Junior grimaced and pulled something out from behind his back.

“Hamlet? I thought you were taking American Lit,” he asked as he dropped the book on the floor.

Hastings rescued the book and put in the back seat. “I am.”

“Were you actually reading a Shakespeare play when you didn’t have to?” asked Buddy Junior.

“Yes, you got a problem with that?” replied Hastings, a little more aggressively than he’d intended. He guessed his nerves were still raw from the epic meltdown of a game that they’d just played.

Buddy Junior held up his hands. “No, man. Just wouldn’t be my thing. That’s all.”

Hastings got his guitar out of the case and sat down next to Buddy Junior. He felt like he needed something to do with his hands, needed a distraction to calm him, especially with Buddy Junior so close. The kid wasn’t exactly small and the Way-Back wasn’t known for its roomy accommodation. Hastings could feel the heat from Buddy Junior’s leg. Feel his arm stretched across the back of the seat. Nearly wished to feel fingers tangling in his hair.

Hastings knew nothing good could come of these thoughts, so he shifted over as much as he could, putting every possible millimeter between them. He told himself that it was nothing, just idle curiosity and too long without a hookup. He cleared his mind and focused on the guitar. Picking idly. Letting his fingers work from muscle memory. The lights of the oil field blinked in the distance and the moonlight was strong enough to cast shadows.

“You watch Sons of Anarchy?” he asked after several minutes of mostly comfortable silence.

“Yeah. They’re a bunch of sick bad asses,” replied Buddy Junior.

Hastings smiled and shook his head. “Did you know the story is loosely based on Hamlet?”

“For real?”

“For real. I wanted to read it, see how close the show stacked up to the original.”

“And?”

“And, there are definite parallels. The themes of lying and loyalty. The stepfather killing the king. The girlfriend who is losing her mind and her sense of self.”

“Cool.”

“Yeah, you know, so it’s not that weird to read a book that’s not assigned.”

“Don’t kid yourself, it’s still weird,” said Buddy Junior with a shit-eating grin and a playful elbow to Hastings’ ribs.

“It’s maybe not absolutely normal,” Hastings allowed, “but it hardly qualifies as a deep dark secret or something that a guy needs to be ashamed of.”

“I guess,” came the dubious reply before the two lapsed into another comfortable silence. It was an odd mood in the car, both of them shaken and disappointed by the result of the game and the way the team seemed to be imploding before their eyes.

Hastings stretched out his legs. He glanced sideways at Buddy Junior, who was looking out at the lights.

“So, can I ask you...a personal question?” asked Buddy Junior, stumbling over the words.

Hastings tensed momentarily but then forced himself to relax by taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly and silently. “Fire away.”

“What kind of name is Hastings, anyway?”

Relieved laughter bubbled up inside of him. “It’s a long story.”

“It’s not like I have some place I need to be. Or that I could go anywhere even if I wanted to.”

“Right, you know the singer from the 60s, Bob Dylan? My mom loves him. Decided she’d name her last baby after his hometown, which she thought was Hastings, Minnesota.”

“That’s not such a long story.”

“It’s not that simple. Turns out she’d made a mistake. Bob Dylan was actually raised in Hibbing, Minnesota.”

“So your name should be Hibbing?”

“I’d hope that if she’d known it was Hibbing that she would’ve named me something different.”

“How did she even make the mistake? Ten seconds on Wikipedia would’ve straightened things out.”

“Great idea, only Wikipedia didn’t exist in 1995,” chided Hastings, giving Buddy Junior a quick elbow in the ribs, which made him laugh and then curse when his reaction jostled his leg.

“What about your name? Does it actually say Buddy Junior on your birth certificate?”

“Yeah. Although you know what’s funny? Buddy’s real name isn’t Buddy at all. It’s Herbert Reginald Garrity IV.”

“God that’s a mouthful.”

“I know. I don’t know whether to be relieved I’m not Herbert the Fifth or pissed off that I’m Buddy Junior when there isn’t even a real Buddy Senior.”

“Take it from an almost Hibbing, Buddy Junior is preferable to Herbert.”

Buddy Junior smiled and moved one of his crutches so he could pick at the foam padding. Hastings played the tune from a Modest Mouse song and mumbled the words, nearly under his breath. And it’s true we named our children after towns that we’d never been to and it’s true that the clouds just hung around, like black Cadillacs outside a funeral.

“You think we’re going to get to State?” asked Buddy Junior, breaking the spell.

Hastings stiffened again, conflicted, surprised to find that he’d actually be disappointed if they didn’t get to State. “I don’t know. Not if we keep turning on each other like we have been.”

Buddy Junior rubbed his branded arm. “I know. What happened to brothers forever? I thought that night meant something.”

“Me too. And maybe it still will, once they work out their bullshit issues.” Hastings remembered that night, though it was a haze. He suddenly remember Buddy Junior’s hookup. “How’s what’s-her-name? Marley?”

“Marilee. And she’s okay, I guess. We’ve texted and had some g-chats, but Kingdom might as well be on the other side of the world when neither of us drive.”

“Yeah,” said Hastings. He had a strange impulse to offer to drive Buddy Junior to Kingdom, but as much as the thought of ten hours together in the car appealed to him, the thought of Buddy Junior kissing a girl for even ten seconds caused a foreign and completely unwelcome feeling to ripple through him.

Hastings went with it for a minute, let the scene play out in his head, and the feeling returned, tugging at the edges of his consciousness. He turned it over and over until he identified it: jealousy. His hands tightened on his guitar and he started to play out of tune.

Daydreaming about Buddy Junior running his hands through Hastings’ hair was one thing. A surge of jealousy when thinking about Buddy Junior kissing a girl. That was something else entirely. Something dangerous and unwelcome. A potential timebomb that could destroy everything that Hastings had worked so hard to build.

“Shit, what time is it? I forgot my mom wanted me back early, sorry, man, I’m going to have to run you home now,” said Hastings, hating how lame and stupid he sounded but unable to figure out a better way to get out of there before anything worse happened.

Hastings was out of the car and had his guitar back in its case before Buddy Junior had even fully taken in the words. He looked confused and a little hurt. Hastings held out a hand to help him out of the car. Buddy Junior took his hand, causing a current to surge through Hastings and confirming his decision to call an end to the evening.

On the drive back to Dillon, Hastings stole looks at Buddy Junior, who was filling the empty space between them with a long story involving his older sister and some guy she used to date. Hastings couldn’t focus because he was too busy trying to figure out how he’d been so blind-sided, especially when he’d thought that he’d been on guard.

He tried to stay calm. Tried to remind himself that this had nothing to do with Buddy Junior and everything to do with not having any physical contact for several months. It was time to head to Austin and find a hookup at UT. A nice, anonymous, no-strings-attached hook-up. That should set everything right.

And if it didn’t? Hastings shook his head. It would work. It had to.

--//--

Buddy Junior unlocked the door to the empty apartment and shut the door. He was relieved that his dad was still out, probably drowning his sorrows over the loss. The last thing Buddy Junior wanted to do was relive the miserable game in a play-by-play postmortem heavy with commentary on how the game would’ve been different if only he hadn’t broken his leg doing that ridiculous dance.

Fact was, Buddy Junior had his own postmortem playing non-stop in his head and it wasn’t pretty. He’d thought that things were going pretty good with Hastings. They were buddies at least, if not actual friends. So why, in the middle of hanging out, did Hastings suddenly “remember” that his mom had imposed some ridiculous, unusual and completely arbitrary curfew?

It didn’t make a lot of sense and it nagged at Buddy Junior for the rest of the weekend. He tried to tell himself that it wasn’t about him at all and that of course, things were cool with Hastings. But he couldn’t quite believe it.

Buddy Junior had the sinking suspicion that he must have said something dumb or done something wrong to get Hastings to dump him back at the apartment. But as much as he replayed the evening in his mind, he couldn’t see anything. Except maybe telling the dumb saga of Tim and Lyla, but they’d been on their way home then. So the damage, if there was any, had been done before that point. He’d just been babbling because he was nervous or self-conscious or something.

On Monday, he didn’t see Hastings except in passing in the hallway, just like any other day. He seemed fine, completely the same as always. Well, that wasn’t quite right. He seemed a little bit... lighter and even more laid-back than usual, if that was even possible. He’d heard Luke once say that if Hastings got any more laid-back, he’d be dead.

At lunch, Hastings sent him to stake out their table while he got lunch for both of them, which he’d been doing since Buddy Junior broke his leg. So they were cool, then, Buddy Junior decided as he waited for the guys to come back from the lunch line.

Luke and Becky were the last to arrive, sliding their trays onto the table and sitting down next to each other, a new development that made Buddy Junior a little resentful. Not that he liked Becky like that, he’d just preferred the lunch table when it was limited to the guys from the team.

“So, what kinda damage did y’all get up to over the weekend?” asked Luke as he peered dubiously at the beef stroganoff, poking it with his fork a few times.

“I did jack-shit but I can see one lucky man who got himself laid,” said Tinker, causing Becky’s cheeks to blush.

“I was away at a beauty pageant all weekend,” she said quickly, purposefully looking away from Luke.

“Not you two. One dude. Him,” clarified Tinker, pointing at Hastings.

“Oh,” said Becky, her eyes lighting up as some gossip clicked in her head. “You know, Mindy’s sister goes to UT and she mentioned that a hot young football stud from Dillon was up there this weekend, looking to get lucky. Seems like that worked out for you, huh?”

Buddy Junior watched Hastings carefully and saw something flicker on his face, a fleeting emotion that reminded him of the time Buddy Senior got caught with Tyra’s mom. Shame? Regret? Whatever it was didn’t square up with a guy getting laid. Buddy Junior decided that he must have imagined it.

Hastings smiled mysteriously and shook his head, then took a bite of his lunch, pointedly refusing to engage in the gossip.

“Heard he was also a real heart-breaker. Turned down invites from a couple of girls and ended up leaving the party with his brother.”

“Oh man, see, we thought this story was going to have a happy ending. If you know what I mean,” said Luke, disappointed.

“Who says that it didn’t at the next party we went to?” asked Hastings with sly a grin and a wink.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” said Tinker, in a perfect imitation of Vince that made the whole table laugh before talk turned to their jackass quarterback.

Buddy Junior laughed along with the rest of the table, but still felt a little hurt, even though he told himself that he had no right to feel that way. The fact that a guy as cool as Hastings was willing to hang out with him should be enough.

After lunch, Buddy Junior played it so he managed to casually catch up with Hastings. He wasn’t exactly intending on saying anything, but he knew he probably would anyway.

“Where are you going?” he asked, wincing as he sounded like the world’s most uptight hall monitor.

Hastings pushed the bar on the door to the parking lot. “Out. I’ve got American History next with Mr. Pinello and I don’t know about you, but there are only so many damn filmstrips I can watch.”

Buddy Junior nodded, prepared to let Hastings go and just forget about this whole dumb thing, but the guy held the door open so he decided that going to Geometry probably wasn’t all that necessary just this once.

“You do this often?” he asked, working hard on the crutches to keep up with Hastings’ long stride.

“Few times a week, at least. I hate having my time wasted.”

“What do you usually do?” asked Buddy Junior.

“Usually? I go for a walk, but that’s probably not an option today,” replied Hastings with a smile.

 A few minutes later, they were sitting in the Way-Back of Hastings’ car. Buddy Junior thought it felt a lot like Friday night and wondered how he could casually bring the topic up. Instead, his big mouth said something stupid and he instantly regretted it.

“Feels a lot like Friday. I suppose in about ten minutes, you’re suddenly going to remember that you need to be in class, since you don’t want to hang out with me anymore.”

Hastings closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. The he flopped back into the corner, leaning his head against the window so he could look at Buddy Junior. “It’s not even like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like whatever you’re thinking, like I didn’t want to hang out with you Friday night. For one thing, I went up on Saturday, after my brother called in the morning and invited me.”

Buddy Junior shrugged and felt sullen. “I spent Saturday night avoiding my dad so I wouldn’t have to talk about the game. Woulda been nice to be out of the house. But I understand. I’m barely cool enough to hang out with at high school parties.”

“Buddy,” said Hastings, an odd note of pleading in his voice. “You have to trust me that it’s not that.”

It was clear that Buddy Junior had hit a nerve, triggered some kind of fault line that he hadn’t even known existed. His impulse was to needle, to pry and pick until he had the truth exposed, but he held back. For once in his life, he decided to keep his stupid mouth shut.

Hastings fixed him with a stare, the kind that felt like it was reaching inside and pulling out memories and thoughts, like some freaky robot from the future. Buddy Junior felt uneasy, as something in stomach woke up and squirmed. He could feel beads of sweat on his forehead.

“My brother Denny goes to UT. I went up to see him. We left the party because he wanted to go to The Cockpit.”

The derisive laugh burst out of Buddy Junior’s mouth before he could stop it. “That sounds like a gay bar.”

“That’s because it is a gay bar,” said Hastings, his eyes never leaving Buddy’s, his eyebrows raised and lips pressed tight.

“Oh.....,” said Buddy Junior, then repeated it a little louder as the full implication set in. “What... what was it like?”

“Like any other bar, really. Although the fifty-cent jello shots were nice.”

“What did you do?” asked Buddy Junior as an unbidden image of Hastings shirtless and shiny popped into his head.

“Danced, mostly.”

“You can dance? Like really dance?”

Hastings seemed to relax and his smile slowly unfurled. “Yes, Buddy Junior, I can dance. Maybe not great, but I’ve never been laughed off the dance floor.”

“Plays football, dunks like a fiend in basketball, plays the guitar, dances, collects girls’ phone numbers like Halloween candy. Is there anything you can’t do?”

Hastings shrugged and smiled, but there was something sad about it. “All just part of my charm. So your dad, was he pissed about the loss?”

“You have no idea,” replied Buddy Junior with a roll of his eyes. “All weekend, he was at me about what I thought was the problem with Vince and what was going on with the offense.”

And with that, all thoughts of UT and gay bars were forgotten as Buddy Junior vented about his dad. When they heard the bell signaling the end of class, they returned to the building, since Hastings had a quiz in Chemistry and Buddy Junior had study hall and needed to do research for his English paper.

The research bored him, though, and it wasn’t long before he was thinking of Hastings and his brother. Buddy Junior stole a furtive glance around the library and then casually ambled over to the computers. The library was practically empty, but he still wanted to be careful, so he logged in as Tinker (not difficult, since his password was the name of his pig) and opened Google.

What makes a guy gay

He clicked on one of the links and scanned the article quickly. “The more older brothers a man has, the more likely he is to be gay although scientists have not isolated the reason for this connection.”

Buddy Junior thought of Hastings’ family, all the boys, and thought it made sense. But then he was struck by a second thought. Was Hastings gay? The question made Buddy Junior dizzy and nervous, like the ground was shifting under his feet.

“Of course not,” Buddy Junior said to himself. “Don’t be stupid.”

He heard Lyla’s hectoring, goody-two-shoes voice in his head. He’s your friend. Would it really make a difference to you if he was gay?

But Buddy Junior knew the answer to that with absolute clarity. Yes, it would make a difference. But not in the way that someone like Lyla might think it would. It would make a difference in ways that Buddy Junior didn’t even want to think about, let alone put into words out loud.

Buddy Junior took a deep breath and told himself to get a grip. Having brothers, apparently, made you gay. And he had no brothers, so he couldn’t be gay. End of story. Hastings was manly and normal and good at sports and didn’t wave his hands theatrically or talk with a lisp or love show tunes, so he couldn’t be gay either. No one here was gay so no one had anything to worry about.

He moved the mouse pointer over the red X at the top of the browser and clicked it crisply, as though getting rid of the evidence was enough to eliminate the problem.

“Don’t go borrowing trouble, you already have enough” was one of Gramma Garrity’s favorite sayings. And Buddy Junior knew all about trouble and he was going to stick with the trouble he knew and not go borrowing strange and scary new trouble. Not when he finally had a few friends.

--//--

The euphoria on the bus was overwhelming and intoxicating. Hastings wanted to laugh, knowing that if pre-season-him could see himself now, he’d be confused and surprised. He hadn’t just drunk the Kool-Aid, he’d taken a bath in it. Nearly let himself drown in it.

“Coach, we missed the turn-off for the fieldhouse,” said Luke.

“We’re not going to the fieldhouse,” replied Coach.

“Then where’re we going?” asked Vince, but Coach just glanced back with a small, tight-lipped smile and then looked out the front window.

Hastings half-stood and half-crouched on the seat, leaning over Buddy Junior to press his face against the bus window. It was the half-dilapidated park on the edge of Kilroy. Seemed a strange place for the bus to take them, but the lights were on and a large crowd had gathered, a joyous red mob that had apparently caught the contagious euphoria.

A small, critical voice in Hastings’ head told him that this was ridiculous, but he was able to let the noise of the crowd drown that voice out. He couldn’t deny it: this shit was habit-forming.

When the bus pulled to a stop, he was one of the first ones up and out of his seat. When he stepped out, he was mobbed by cheerleaders and rally girls. He laughed to himself, thinking that this was as close to feeling like a rock star as he’d ever get.

He edged away from the girls and wandered through the crowd, soaking up the positive energy and excitement. It seemed like everyone’s families had shown up for the joyous homecoming, but he knew he wouldn’t find his parents there. His dad was at an investment conference in Dallas and his mom hated crowds.

Still, it didn’t bother him. He liked floating through the chaos, feeling mostly part of it but also a bit separate. Same shit, different day he thought but without heat or bitterness.

When the crowd felt overwhelming, Hastings worked his way over to the edge to get some air, nearly crashing into Buddy Junior in the process. The kid was balanced on his crutches and looked out of place and uncomfortable.

“Where’s your dad?”

“Celebrating with the coaches, I guess.”

“What are you doing here on the edge of things?” Hastings asked.

Buddy Junior rattled his crutches and then shook his head. “C’mon, man, we both know I don’t really deserve to be here. Not the way that y’all do.”

Hastings tapped Buddy Junior’s arm, where he knew two lines of scar tissue formed a large L. “Brothers for life? Remember?”

Buddy Junior looked like he might argue but then a slow smile spread across his face. Without thinking, Hastings pulled him into a headlock, knocked off his hat, and messed up his hair, all the while being careful not to overbalance him. And also being careful not to think too much about the fact that he was touching Buddy Junior.

Luke jumped on Hastings’ back and whooped in his ear. “Can y’all believe this? C’mon, Tink’s mom’s invited us to their place for a celebratory dinner.”

“Mmmm, okra cooked in ham juice, my favorite,” said Hastings with a smile. He let Buddy Junior go, then picked up his hat and handed it to him.

“Let’s not leave the lady waiting,” said Luke, throwing an arm around each of his teammate’s necks.

Hastings smiled at Buddy Junior, who was grinning. Just a couple of teammates, celebrating what they hoped would be the second most awesome win of their high school football careers.

--//--

Winning State had been the most exciting thing that had ever happened to Buddy Junior. He tried to keep it in perspective. He hadn’t done anything but stand on the sideline on crutches. But still, for two solid weeks, whenever he closed his eyes, he could see that perfect 70-yard pass spiraling through the air. He could feel the crowd hold its collective breath, could feel time stand still for what felt like minutes as the ball traveled a perfect arc, then bobbled around in the end zone before it was tipped into Hastings’ outstretched hands.

Buddy Junior could also remember the way Hastings ran up the field, celebrating with every teammate, bumping chests with Luke and Vince before heading to the sideline and going straight to Buddy Junior, pulling him into the celebration and making him feel, once again, like a real part of the team.

Hastings had been The Man, even though he’d modestly mumbled through interviews and shared the credit with the whole team. And Buddy Junior had been proud and more than a little bit star-struck, even though he tried to remind himself that it didn’t mean anything, that every guy on the team felt the same way. Brothers for life and all of that.

The school days between State and winter break had been a blur of celebrations, at first, and then a swirl of whispers, rumors, and concern. What was Coach going to do? Who was going to get to play on the super-team?

Luke had insisted to anyone who would listen that anyone who had a State ring had to be on the super-team. Tinker had been glum, convinced that no super-team would want him when they already had linebackers who were just as big and could run the 40 in less than a couple of minutes. Buddy Junior kept his mouth shut, since he knew that he’d be on the super-team, whether he wanted to or not. His dad would make sure of it.

Buddy Junior had been relieved by the quiet of winter break, happy not to discuss super-teams with anyone. Except his father, of course, who wanted to discuss rehab plans and training. When his dad left for northern California to watch Tabbi participate in a regional debate meet, Buddy Junior felt even happier than a kid on Christmas.

He didn’t admit to himself that he was lonely. He just slept, watched movies, and played Call of Duty until his blisters had blisters.

After two days alone, he was bored and beyond ready to have his cast taken off. His leg itched a million times worse than poison ivy and poison sumac combined. It was distracting and unbearable, and it finally drove him to find ways to scratch the itch.

A knitting needle would’ve been perfect, but of course neither he nor his dad knitted. A wire coat hanger would’ve also done the job, but Buddy Senior had a thing about fine wooden hangers. (“These small details matter, son. A man who will use cheap hangers will cut other corners too, mark my words.”)

Finally, in the bottom of a junk drawer full of matches, old check books, and take-away menus, Buddy Junior found one of Lyla’s old eyebrow pencils, sharpened to a perfect point. He wasted no time in slipping the pencil into his cast and scratching. He was careful at first, but the more he scratched, the more he seemed to itch. And the itch moved around like a frog on a hot skillet.

Buddy Junior thought he was going to lose his mind. Each second of relief seemed to be followed by thirty seconds of an agonizing itch just out of reach. He scratched more, deeper, further into the cast before his fingertips lost their grip. He could feel the pencil wedged between his leg and the cast, but it was an inch out of his pudgy fingers’ reach.

He slumped at the kitchen table and rested his head on the cool glass. He couldn’t just leave the pencil in there - he’d never hear the end of it when his dad took him to get the cast off in two weeks. He needed help, but who could he trust to help and not make fun of him?

Hastings was the obvious answer and Buddy Junior pulled out his cell phone. A few texts later, he was on his way. Buddy Junior hobbled around the house, picking up and throwing out empty soda bottles and pizza boxes. He felt strangely nervous and flushed, which he told himself was stupid.

It was just one friend, helping out another. Nothing strange about that. It definitely wasn’t anything to get all sweaty-palmed about. Buddy Junior took a deep breath and tried to clear his head of all these crazy thoughts. He could barely admit it to himself, but he’d been ridiculously curious about Hastings ever since the revelation about his brother.

So curious, that it seemed to have seeped into his sub-conscious and infected his dreams. Buddy Junior’s face burned as he remembered a particularly vivid dream about Hastings and a suspicious naked wrestling match in an empty locker room. The dream had been great while he was having it but sent him right to the library, where he once again logged in as Tinker, and assured himself that having same-sex dreams with sexual overtones was completely normal and didn’t mean anything.

 The doorbell rang and Buddy Junior started to make his way toward the door. He had just turned the corner when the door opened and Hastings stepped in, looking around appraisingly.

“So this is the bachelor pad, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s a little depressing but it’s not too bad.”

“Where’s your dad?” asked Hastings as he followed Buddy Junior back to the living room.

“California,” replied Buddy Junior as he settled onto the couch and propped his leg up on the coffee table.

“So, you’ve got something stuck in the cast?” asked Hastings, rubbing his hands together like a mad scientist.

Buddy Junior nodded and pointed to the left side of his cast.

“OK, I’m going to need a flashlight and some tweezers.”

“Flashlight’s on top of the fridge. I think my sister might’ve left some tweezers in the bathroom.

Hastings collected the implements and then returned, crouching down next to Buddy Junior. He pulled the baggy shorts out of the way, leaned his head against Buddy’s leg, and shined the flashlight toward the cast. Buddy Junior felt the scratch of stubble on his skin and squirmed.

“Easy, Buddy Junior, I haven’t even done anything yet.”

He tried to stamp down the urge to beg Hastings to do something, anything. What the hell was wrong with him?

“Sorry,” he mumbled.

Hastings picked up the tweezers and, after a few minutes of fishing around in the cast, pulled out the eyebrow pencil.

“Interesting,” he said. “I wouldn’t have thought that would be your color at all.” 

“Shut up, it’s my sister’s,” replied Buddy, hoping his cheeks weren’t as red as they felt.

Hastings flopped on the couch next to him. “So, now what?”

Buddy Junior was caught off guard. It somehow hadn’t it occurred to him that Hastings might want to stay. “I don’t know. I’ve just been hanging out. Watching tv, playing video games. You know, the usual.”

“The usual sounds good. And I brought a little something,” said Hastings, pulling out a bottle of vodka.

“Nice,” said Buddy Junior, immediately cursing himself out for sounding so stupid. He definitely needed some alcohol. Or a lot of alcohol. Anything to turn off the running commentary in his head, the one that pointed out every social mistake he made.

Hastings went to the kitchen and returned with a couple of glasses into which he poured a generous amount of vodka. He handed a glass to Buddy Junior, clinked it, and took a sip. Buddy followed suit and nearly choked.

“What the hell? Is this vodka or something pretending to be vodka in a vodka bottle”

Hastings smiled. “This, Buddy Junior, is the finest vodka that $5 and a fake ID can buy.”

“Oh, in that case,” said Buddy Junior and took another drink. He knew what to expect this time, so it went down a lot smoother.

They flipped through the channels, finally putting on a random bowl game. Buddy Junior couldn’t even say who was playing and Hastings seemed to have an equal amount of disinterested.

“We should play Beer Pong, or Vodka Pong, whatever,” said Buddy Junior, casting around for something to focus on.

“Yeah, I’ve seen you play Beer Pong. You’re terrible. It wouldn’t be a fair match-up,” said Hastings with a smile.

“You suck,” replied Buddy, playfully slapping Hastings.

“You have no idea,” Hastings said, holding Buddy Junior’s gaze for a few seconds and nearly causing him to choke again.

What the hell was that? wondered Buddy Junior before dismissing it as just one of those crazy things guys said to each other when they were goofing around.

“Still,” said Buddy Junior, “we should play something. You know, I’ve never played I Never.”

Hastings took a drink. “Sounds like you’ve just started.”

Buddy Junior grinned. “Okay, your turn.”

Hastings thought for a minute. “I’ve never stayed up all night playing video games.”

They both took a drink and grinned. Buddy Junior had the next one almost immediately. “I’ve never been suspended from school.” He took a drink and noticed that Hastings did not.

“Interesting... I’ve never gotten to the middle of a Tootsie pop by biting it.” They both took a drink.

“Seriously, who can do that?” asked Buddy Junior. “OK, I’ve never been skydiving.”

Neither one of them drank on that one and then Hastings had his turn. They continued playing for several turns and Buddy Junior couldn’t help but notice that Hastings had a much more interesting life. He also couldn’t help but notice that he was starting to get pleasantly tipsy.

“I’ve never smuggled something into a foreign country,” said Hastings.

Buddy Junior laughed, but then watched Hastings carefully and laughed again when he didn’t drink. “I know you have a more interesting life, but I’m glad it’s not that much more interesting.”

“No foreign intrigue here. I’ve only ever been to Canada.”

“I’ve never had a three-way,” said Buddy Junior, the alcohol emboldening him to ask a risque question for the first time.

Hastings looked at Buddy Junior while he took a good, long drink. Buddy Junior tried and failed to keep his mouth from falling open. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Two girls,” said Buddy Junior, in awe. He couldn’t imagine having two girls interested in him at the same time, let alone willing to all fool around together.

Hastings looked away and then looked back. “A girl and a guy, actually.”

Buddy Junior was glad he wasn’t drinking at that moment because he would’ve sprayed vodka all over the living room. Hastings shifted in his spot on the couch, folding a leg up underneath him so he could turn and face Buddy Junior, who was speechless for once in his life. He had hundreds of questions swirling around in his head and his stomach felt like it was in free-fall. He drank half of the vodka in his glass, just to have something to do while he tried to figure out what to say.

“Maybe we should play something else, like Truth or Dare. Or Beer Pong,” Buddy Junior finally said.

Hastings looked at him, a look that was equal parts appraising and smoldering, and Buddy Junior’s nerves went into overdrive. “Buddy Junior,” he said, voice low and rumbling, “I’m not going to dare you to do something that you already know you want to do.”

“You know what I want to do?” asked Buddy Junior as Hastings nodded. “And you’re okay with that?”

Hastings laughed. “I’m just fine with it. In fact, let me put us both out of our misery.”

He leaned forward and Buddy Junior jumped, his head crashing into Hastings’ mouth. Hastings yelped and Buddy Junior was convinced he’d ruined everything. He winced and looked at Hastings, expecting to see blood. Instead, Hastings was fine and looking more than a little amused.

“Relax, I don’t bite...unless you want me to,” he said with a slow-burning grin and Buddy Junior melted back into the couch, eyes closed and waiting. It felt like the ascent of the first hill in a roller coaster, a long climb of anticipation and excited nervousness.

Hastings’ lips brushed Buddy Junior’s cheek before settling on his lips. Buddy Junior felt soft skin and scratchy stubble. He lifted a hand to Hastings’ face and traced a finger along his strong jaw. Hastings’ hands came up and tangled in his hair and, before Buddy Junior knew what was happening he was really kissing Hastings.

It felt different and weird and right and about thirty other contradictory things all jumbled up together. Buddy Junior didn’t know what this meant about him, about Hastings, and decided he was sick of wondering. He decided it was time to relax and focus on what he did know with 100% certainty: he didn’t want Hastings to stop kissing him anytime soon.

--//--

Hastings woke up next to Buddy Junior for the second time in his life. Only this time, they were sharing a pillow and Buddy Junior’s hand was resting comfortably on Hastings’ chest. It felt good, the reassuring weight of it. Hastings closed his eyes and savored the moment, the closeness. He knew that when Buddy Junior woke up, everything could change and he had to brace himself for that. But for the moment, he would enjoy this.

He watched as Buddy Junior surfaced slowly and eventually opened his eyes. He blinked a few times and then looked away. When he looked back, he had a shy smile on his face.

Hastings made a mental note that he hadn’t moved his hand yet and he counted that as a good thing. Buddy Junior yawned and then asked, “So, how does this all work?”

“How does all what work?”

“You know, this,” he said and gestured a little with his hand. “I mean, you know, who pitches and who catches?”

“Whoa, Buddy Junior, that’s some varsity-level shit you’re talking about. At the risk of mixing sports metaphors, let’s start with Pop Warner, maybe work our way slowly up to freshman football, then JV. And then maybe, just maybe, varsity,” said Hastings, putting his hand on top of Buddy’s.

Buddy Junior smiled and laced his fingers with Hastings’. “I like football, I just don’t know it yet.”

“Well, we’ll figure it out, together,” said Hastings.

/fin

Tea and Emergency Biscuits

fleurlb — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 11:26:36 GMT

Title: Tea and Emergency Biscuits

Author: fleurlb

Written for: alinaandalionfor the 2011 leverage_sesa exchange
Rating: G

Characters: Hardison, Sophie

Word Count: 1,800

Spoilers: Vague spoilers for all seasons, but nothing specific.

Warnings: None

Disclaimer: I own nothing here and am just doing this for fun.

Summary: Sophie and Hardison have a heart-to-heart over gross tea and a tin of emergency biscuits.

Sophie returned to the office to find Hardison sitting at the briefing table, watching what looked like a live feed from Eliot’s personal gym. She paused for a minute and studied the scene, watching as the hacker watched grainy images of a small blonde throwing kicks and punches while Eliot coached her.

“You know that’s at least a little bit creepy, right?” she asked as she swept into the room, took off her coat and nonchalantly dropped her purse on the empty seat to Hardison’s left.

He jumped. “Yeah, I know.”

“Good. As those important public service adverts remind us: ‘knowing is half the battle.’ Speaking of which, does Eliot know you have his gym wired up?”

“No, and I’d appreciate if you didn’t tell him.” Hardison picked up a small silver remote, punched a button, and the gym feed flickered before disappearing.

“Do I look like I have a death wish?” asked Sophie with a knowing smile. She went into the kitchen and prepared a pot of tea, then rummaged through the cupboards to find two clean mugs. She opened the bottom drawer of the island, felt around for the false bottom, and then managed to pull out her emergency tin of Jacobs’ biscuits, specially imported after her last trip to London for just this sort of emergency.

Sophie tucked the biscuit tin under her arm and carefully picked up the tea mugs. She strode confidently to the briefing table and slid a mug of tea in front of Hardison.

“Want to talk about it?” she asked as she lifted the top off the biscuit tin, smiling as the delicate smell of chocolate and sugar wafted upwards.

“Where did these come from?” asked Hardison as he deftly scooped up a selection.

“Secret stash. Emergency use only.”

“What makes you think this is an emergency?”

“Come on, Hardison. I come in here and find you sitting here alone, moping and cyber-stalking.”

“Hey now, that was not cyber-stalking. That was just...” the hacker trailed off, looking for the right word.

“Plain old regular stalking?” supplied Sophie helpfully as she nibbled the edge of a butter biscuit.

“I don’t know what it was,” admitted Hardison as he pressed the palms of his hands into his eyes.

“Is that something you do often?” ask Sophie, stirring her tea to avoid looking at Hardison. She didn’t exactly know how to ease into this conversational landmine, but open-ended questions seemed the best path for now.

“Nah, in the beginning of working with y’all, I did it more, you know, after that whole stabbing-the-dude-with-the-dessert-fork incident. But then Parker became....I don’t know....more predictable? Reliable? And it seemed like overkill, so I stopped.”

“But now something’s bothering you,” said Sophie.

Hardison shrugged one shoulder and took a sip of tea, then promptly spit it back into the mug. “That stuff is nasty!”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “I’ll have you know that’s the highest quality tea that China can produce.”

Hardison stuck his tongue out and swiped a hand across it, making noises of disgust. “Sophie, there was stuff floating in it. Like whole branches.”

“You are a Philistine,” she said, sipping her tea delicately to make the point. She watched as he trundled into the kitchen and theatrically rinsed his mouth in the sink before returning with a familiar bottle of orange soda.

Hardison sat down, unscrewed the soda cap, and then drained half the bottle before coming up for air. “Now, that’s a little better.”

“So what’s changed? Why is something bothering you now?” asked Sophie, intent on not letting him weasel out of the conversation. Something had been brewing between Parker and Hardison for the last several months and she was concerned that if they didn’t do something, the issue would blow up big at the most inopportune time.

“I don’t know how to explain it. She’s just the most confusing and infuriating person. She tells me she has feelings, for pretzels, but I think that I understand what she means. Then nothing ever happens, even though I tell her the pretzels are waiting for when she’s ready. But she never seems ready, nothing ever happens, unless it’s in the middle of a con. Sure, when she’s pretending to be someone else, then she can kiss me like whoa...” Hardison smiled at the memory, but then the smile dimmed and faded into sad regret.

He shrugged and then held up his hands in surrender. “I’m at the end of my rope, Soph. I gotta figure that if she liked me, really liked me, something would’ve happened by now.”

Sophie nodded slowly and sipped her tea, playing for time, but the way he was looking at her, all big sad eyes, she said the first thing that came into her head. “Hardison, if I could wave a magic wand and make Parker more normal and give you two a storybook romance, I would. In a heartbeat.”

“But if you made Parker normal, then she wouldn’t be Parker anymore,” said Hardison with a soft sigh.

Was there anything more heartbreaking than a man who fully grasped the impossibility of his situation? Sophie didn’t think so, but she also had to take heart from all the progress Parker had made so far.

“You know, even admitting to the existence of feelings was huge for Parker,” said Sophie. “I think you have to take that as a positive sign.”

“But that was months ago,” said Hardison, frustrated.

Sophie sat up a little straighter, the planning part of her brain kicking into action. “Well, maybe the problem is she doesn’t know what happens next. You know, in a way, Parker’s like a child emotionally. When we first met her, she was so emotionally stunted, she was little more than an infant, very self-focused and not aware of others. Now, she’s more like a middle schooler. What were your boy-girl relationships like in middle school?”

Hardison shook his head. “Too painful and horrible to even think about. Those stupid dances with the boys on one side of the gym and the girls on the other. Man, it felt like we’d suddenly been sent to another planet and no one knew what the rules were.”

“Exactly. So what can you do now, if you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t know what the rules are?”

Hardison blew out a frustrated sigh and shook his head. “I don’t know. Wait until they learn the rules?”

“Or,” said Sophie, dropping her voice slightly to make her words sound more powerful, “you could help teach her the rules.”

“Teach her the rules? How?”

“Ask her on a date. Ease into things. Start at the beginning, you know, the whole hands-holding, late-night-chats, fun-dates part of young love,” said Sophie, her voice rising as she got more excited about the idea. She could see it all unfolding in her head like a romantic black and white film.

“Which is great until she stabs me with a fork,” said Hardison dejectedly as he spun the cap for his soda.

“You can’t think that way,” insisted Sophie. “If she’s not ready, fine, she’ll let you know. And I’d like to think that she’s progressed to the point where she won’t stab you with a fork to express disinterest. And anyway, she’s interested.”

“Really?” he asked with a hopeful smile. “How can you tell?”

“The way she looks at you, Hardison. It’s unmistakable.”

He was quiet for several long minutes, then began to nod slowly. “Yeah, all right, I think I can do this.”

Sophie smiled. “I’ve no doubt, Hardison.”

She finished her tea and then looked at her watch. It was twenty minutes past the time that Nate had said he’d meet her in the office to take her to dinner.

“Would you happen to know where Nate is?” she asked.

“McRory’s, I guess. I can check,” said Hardison, picking up the silver remote and pushing a few buttons before Sophie could respond.

The video screens flickered and then McRory’s feed came online. Hardison flipped through several camera angles until he came up with the one from behind the bar. Sophie could tell the camera must be hidden just above the top-shelf liquors. She could clearly see Nate at the bar, a shot glass in his hand and a half-empty bottle of Jameson in front of him.

Sophie watched quietly for several minutes, expertly assessing the situation. He was brooding about something. The way he glanced down several times at his left hand, she guessed he was brooding about the past. Maggie and Sam, most likely. This was her least favorite version of Nate, since she never knew what to say to him.

When he brooded about jobs or cons or marks, she always had a ready answer. But Nate’s dead son and failed marriage? Well that was a bridge too far for her. And for some strange reason, it seemed to be happening more and more frequently lately. Which depressed her. The more time that she and Nate spent together, the more she’d expected the past to fade. Not that he’d ever stop loving his son and ex-wife, but she’d expected that at a certain point, Nate would at least allow the wounds to scab over.

“You want to talk about it?” asked Hardison, a surprising tone of compassion and understanding in his voice.

Sophie looked up and met his eyes, forced a smile. “No, but thank you, that was very kind of you to ask.”

Hardison pushed the tin of biscuits toward her. “Looks like an emergency.”

Sophie stood up and put her coat on. “Perhaps, but as a wise man once said, we’re going to need a bigger boat.”

“More cookies?”

“No, I think this calls for some retail therapy.” Sophie lifted her purse onto her shoulder and gave Hardison a little wave.

“Good luck with that.”

“And good luck with your... mission,” she said, hoping it was the right word. Hardison smiled and she crossed her fingers for him. She did hope that things worked out for Hardison and Parker, because the team could ill-afford two failed relationships.

Sophie walked down the stairs and paused at the doors, knowing she could turn left and head to the bar, see if she could salvage this night out with Nate. Or she could push ahead and go outside, to shop or find some other way to drown her misery.

Sophie stood with a hand on each door, debating. But then she remembered what she told Hardison. Sometimes, you need to teach someone the rules, show them the ropes. She took a deep breath, and then turned left.

Dear Yuletide Writer...

fleurlb — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:55:18 GMT

Dear Sweet Yuletide Writer,

Thank you so much for signing up for Yuletide and offering to write my favourite fandom. You, truly, are a pal.

I am pretty easy. Write a story that you enjoy writing and I'm sure I'll love it and enjoy reading it. In an effort to help, I'll tell you my general likes/dislikes and also give a few prompts for the requested fandoms.

But above all, I want you to have fun. I offer these suggestions in the hopes that one might be a life raft that carries you out of the choppy seas of uncertainty and toward a spectacular island of fic writing bliss. If you find that the suggestions feel like lead weights that are dragging you under, then cast them off and write a story that interests you. True passion shines through and makes a story special.

I like...
angst, UST, longing looks, long-repressed feelings that explode one day, kid fic, teamy goodness, well-done hurt/comfort, AUs, roads not taken in canon, zombies, wacky road trips, old friends, handsome strangers, cross-overs (Leverage, SPN up to S5, Veronica Mars, Jericho), crazy decisions that are right even though they seem so very wrong, 2nd person narratives, porn that reveals more than just naked bodies, unreliable narrators, opening your presents on Christmas Day rather than Christmas Eve, and long deep slow kisses that last three days.

I don't like...
passivity, first-person narration, incest, non-con, non-canon slash, porn without plot, and misusing the words less and fewer.

See, I told you I was easy. Now, the prompts...

Friday Night Lights - I love Tim Riggins, especially angry S1 Tim. Not so keen on Tim/Lyla but I do love the Tim/Tyra trainwreck and am intrigued by the Tim/Julie combo. I love Billy Riggins and am always interested in the boys' pre-canon life. I also love the Taylors. How did Eric and Tami meet? What happens to Julie after S5? I love Matt Saracen and his Grandma. As I read this back, I'm not seeing much in the way of promptage. I think it's because I love the show, but it's been slipping away from me since it ended. Anything you could do to bring it back will be much appreciated.

Sons of Anarchy - I'd love to know what happened in the 14 months that most of the club were in prison. In my head, I see Margaret being an unexpected ally for Tara and really stepping up and helping her. I'd also love a birth story for Thomas, nothing graphic, but Gemma being nursemaid and birthing partner seems ripe for comedy and pathos. I'm also a sucker for backstory and would love to know more about pretty much any of the characters. I do love Jax and I am so very curious about what his and Tara's high school relationship would have been like. (Boy with a temper like that in his early 30s, imagine what he must have been like as a teenager.) Also, I'm fascinated with Chibbs and Fiona. She's the most exotic-looking Irish person I've ever seen. (And why is she one of three women who scare Gemma?) I also wonder sometimes about Unser and Gemma - there's a lot of history there. And what's the deal with Lincoln Potter?

Saving Grace - I always shipped Grace and Ham, particularly self-destructive!Grace and emo-caring-but-still-super-sexy-Ham. (And how about when the tables were reversed when Ham went off the rails?) I suppose my number 1 wish for this fandom would be an AU where things end differently. Back stories are awesome. Earl goes t-shirt shopping is an interesting premise. Would love a glimpse into the life of Rhetta and Grace when they were teenagers. I realize my other shows have more thoughts but don't think that means I love Grace any less. Would also enjoy anything that resembled the teamy goodness of casefic and bonus points if it involved pranks. :)

So, I think that's everything. In the end, write a story that speaks to you and I know I will love it. Personality and heart go a long way with me.

Fallen

fleurlb — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:43:12 GMT

Title: Fallen

Author: obstinatrix

Fandom: Supernatural

Rating: PG (language)

Characters: Sam, Dean, Castiel

Spoilers: Vague spoilers for the end of S5, but not really

Warnings: None

Disclaimer: I own nothing here and am just having some fun.

Summary: When it's all over, Castiel falls and is reborn into his own body. Sam and Dean raise the baby. It's an interesting life, parenting an old friend with your brother.

A/N: Written for spn_summergen for obstinatrix. Thanks for providing such a charming and enjoyable prompt. :)

After a year of trying to bring Heaven into some semblance of order, Castiel was done. He was tired, the kind of bone-weary, constant-aching, never-ending-exhaustion that an angelic host is just not created to withstand. The warring factions of Heaven showed no signs of reconciling, their Heavenly Father was still an “MIA asshole” (as Dean so eloquently put it), and his endless attempts to protect the human world seemed as fruitless as they were pointless.