Midnight Machines

Joseph Armitage Thirty Book Store Owner Civilian Trying to think of who could make a better me than me Then I'll be free to just evaporate, disperse or implode Not feeling lonely, I just like being alone

[josephxarmitage-blog]

welcometohollywood:

Jackie kept pace with Joe easily, animated enough that he might as well have been the drunk one of the two. He raised his brows at the mention of the man’s depleted inventory, wondering if he was going through some shit. Jackie might’ve assumed alcoholism if it weren’t for Joe’s cavalier attitude about his stash. The fact that the man had gotten drunk alone (on his whole stock, apparently), Jackie was going to bank that this was some sort of maudlin night out for a sad, lonely bloke. 

“Part-time nanny, full-time P.I.,” he answered, shooting the other a sidelong glance. “I know that you own a store, not what kind.” Jackie narrowed his eyes, looking intensely thoughtful before perking up. “Is it a pet store?”

It was an odd pairing for a job, but suppose one that worked really. “Can’t say i’ve ever heard the two in the same sentence, but that’s actually kinda cool” Joe responded, with an interested smile. Although Joe couldn’t help the small chuckle that escaped his lips at the mention of a pet store. “It’s not, but I should definitely look into that, a pet store would be awesome.” he replied, pushing through the door of the small liquor store.

“Books” he casually said, eyes scanning the shelves as they went. “I own a bookstore” he confirmed, looking back to the man with a kind smile. Joe seemed average and dull in comparison, but didn’t he always. “What’s your poison?”

[josephxarmitage-blog]

thealivvy:

Thea wrapped her small fingers around the binding of the book with one hand as she traced the words on the cover with her other. There was something she enjoyed about the tactile stimulation reading a book gave her. While books could be very different in material qualities, the concept was familiar in nature bringing her a sense of comfort. Thea was childlike in the way stories seemed to entrance her. “Well my talents mostly consist of falling and making a fool of myself. I have a tendency to slip or trip or fall. I also like to paint and draw, but I don’t think it’s really a talent more of a hobby.” She did not talk much about her love for art, because of the relationship her mother had with it, but a simple statement on it didn’t seem to hold too much gravity. “You know, I hope I’m not to forward in saying that I think you’re an ok bloke, Joe.” 

‘All the truth that’s in me’ A book Joe has and always would think about. Because it was one that stuck with you, made you think wondering about that life, and wonder about your own. He didn’t know Thea, but he hoped it would have a similar helpful impact on her. “Well you’re not alone there, we might as well start a ‘clumsy pros’ club, i’m awful at staying on my feet” he admitted with a light chuckle. “Painting and drawing. Creative arts, i’m sure they’re amazing” he said with a smile and a light nod. His smile only growing more as she made her next comment. “Well thank you Thea, I really appreciate that. I hope you don’t mind me saying that I too think you’re a pretty okay gal” he replied, suppose they’d only just met but he felt as though she was one of the good ones. “Do you drink tea?”

[josephxarmitage-blog]

😍😍😍 idec hit me

He has great taste in liquor, and that is really all alcohol in good alcohol. Can’t say he’s bad company for a drink either.

He’s like the guy everyone wants to be like, or be with. Outgoing, friendly, kind, a gentleman. He’s just genuinely a good guy.

He takes care of her, like really takes care of her. With him, she has everything she needs, and really that’s what matters. He’s good to her, treats her right like she deserves to be treated. They’re good for each other, can’t really be mad about that can you.

[josephxarmitage-blog]

😍

She literally makes everyone around her happier just by being present. She’s a beacon of joy that is so intoxicating you can’t help but feed off her energy. I’m lighter having known her.

She’s daring. Not only in the way that she’s willing to put her mind to the test with books, but in life. The master of adventure.

She’s really easy to talk too, and when I say really easy, I mean an introverted bookworm hermit can have a conversation with her and not feel his average sense of uncomfortable. Not to mention she’s hilarious and a boss at nicknames.

[josephxarmitage-blog]

😡!

She steals the blankets, and by steal the blankets we’re talking about the whole freakin thing. Like a caterpillar cocooning.

She’s blind to the love she deserves, she can’t see that she has earned so much more than that life. She’s not this monster she thinks she is, and those thoughts are throwing her into a self destructive spiral. She’s hurting herself, when she only ever deserved to be held but loving and nurturing arms. She doesn’t believe she’s enough, but she is.

She lies. With the best intentions in mind, but she lies. She said she loved me, but you don’t leave people that you love like that. She was always going to be there, but I rarely find her anymore. She said she was lucky to have me, and then she went home to him. She was never going to hurt me, but it’s killing me.

[josephxarmitage-blog]

😍😍😍 (OBVIOUSLY)

Three things I love about Caitlyn McKenna? An impossible task to narrow it down, I think I could build a rocket to the moon before I could say there was only three specific things. I love everything about her, every shattered, broken and bruised part.

However here is the first three things that come to mind:

She’s the strongest person i’ve ever met. After everything she’s been through, all the pain and misery. She has never used it as an excuse to become like those that had hurt her.

Her taste in bookstores. And books. How incredibly smart she is without ever giving herself credit for it.

She is beautiful. God is she beautiful. To see Cate fiercely care for someone is the most amazing thing i’ve ever seen. Because she’ll give her all, every ounce of energy she has for someone she loves. Anyone that is ever on the receiving end of her care is one god damn lucky person.

[josephxarmitage-blog]

Worlds Apart ll Joe & Cate

[josephxarmitage-blog]

catemckenna:

Standing there in front of him, Cate wanted nothing more than for things to feel right again—for the two of them to be this close without her heart aching, for them to touch without Joseph looking at her with that pained expression in his eyes as if it hurt him, as if this was the last place on the planet that he wanted to be. As if she were the last person on the planet that he wanted to be with. But for some reason, she couldn’t… She couldn’t figure out how to fix it. She didn’t even know where to start. Didn’t know how to read the look on his face, didn’t know how to interpret the way that his gaze dropped to her wearing Jackie’s shirt, didn’t know how to respond to his words. Didn’t know what he meant, other than that it certainly couldn’t be what a part of her desperately wanted him to mean.

He doesn’t love you, Cate. You would know if he loved you.

“No,” she replied firmly, the word coming out harsher than the brunette had first intended; as if she had poured months worth of longing, of pining, of unrequited declarations of love and her always, always having to make the first move, into that one syllable. “Not in my book.” As she shook her head at him, a fresh wave of pain shot through Cate’s body, flashing in her eyes for the briefest of moments before giving way to what had now become a familiar feeling of resignation. Of knowing exactly where they stood and having no choice but to accept it. Of seeing an opportunity to be open, and honest, and generous with her emotions but electing instead to hold back, suddenly terrified of not getting anything in return.

With a sigh, Cate dropped her hand to her side and took a step back, turning her attention back to the game. And perhaps it was petty, clinging to a semblance of dignity by making a point to be the one who turned away first, but it was the only thing that she could think to do. And she knew that she would be grateful for it, one day when Joseph finally found happiness and everything that he ever wanted, and she wouldn’t be a part of it.

Wasn’t it human nature? To be constantly searching for something better, to always be looking to upgrade. As humans you don’t want to settle when their is better just an arms length away. Suppose that was what had happened, she’d had him, all of him. But could Joe really blame her for trading him in for better? It wasn’t her fault he’d already found everything he wanted in a person, it wasn’t her fault she hadn’t found that in him. Just because it was nobodies fault, didn’t mean it hurt any less. They’d been hanging on a thread too long, and it was always going to blow one way or another. They were always going to make it or they weren’t, guess the gods didn’t smile in their favour this time. It was never going to be how it used to be, they could grasp for some normality all they liked but how they were was gone. It was this, or nothing. Neither one, clearly less painful than the other.

Somehow her book didn’t seem so trustworthy, he would have loved nothing more than to believe that he was as lucky as they all got, that he was the top. But then again, that jacket, and the smell of her skin and absence of her presence said something entirely different. And sometimes the old sayings were true, actions spoke louder than words. Like the way she pulled away, turned back to the ice, gone was the moment. A little like how he’d turned away from her that night, and walked off into the dark. To pull back instead of saying something he feared would go down wrong. But all he could do was turn the other way, and take a few steps out of her peripheral vision to the bench. To kneel down as if he were getting something out of his bag, and just rest his head against the cold wood and breath through the cracks of lose that came up in tears that clouded over his eyes. Exhausted from missing her, his muscles wanting nothing more than to just collapse right there. “Idiot” he whispered to himself, attempting to compose himself even the slightest bit.

Faintly through his haze he heard the blaring sound of the whistle, a long stretch, unusual for an average game call. And somehow, a feeling that thumped inside of his chest, called him to look back, past Cate to the arena. Everyone had stopped, that usually wasn’t a good sign. Joe loved these kids, and he’d push the worst pain in the world aside if one of them had been hurt. So as he quickly rose to his feet, eyes darting across the white surface to find a body down on the floor, a jersey his teams colours. It took no longer than a split second for him to react, fear and worry coursing through his bones throwing him forward. As he jumped the barrier and ran across the ice, throwing his knees to the hard surface as he neared the boy. “Danny? God Danny come on man”

[josephxarmitage-blog]

thealivvy:

Thea followed the man with a little more skip in her step than usual. She was a funny one in that her emotions exuded from her at all times. Excitement seemed the pour the quickest and most frequently. The way she bounced slightly in anticipation said it all. Thea was fond of meeting knew people - and the wildly endless possibilities new people brought into her life. Joe seemed like a warm light in a world full of people who were perfectly content with wallowing away in pity.  “Must be a clever bloke, huh? Twist words into anything you want. Must be all the books.” Thea let her eyes dance over the spines of the many books in front of her. “So does the book master have any other talents? Like getting beers with strangers? Or jumping out of planes?” 

It was rare that he saw anyone with such a full light of life, a sense of joy literally oozing out of her body in physical ticks. Joe couldn’t help how the excitement in the air was almost infectious, bringing an even brighter smile to his own face. Because after all wasn’t there enough to be terribly sad about, why find more things. “Yeah, it’s definitely all the books. Learnt all my tips and tricks from the pages in this store” he chuckled, reaching up with his long arms and pulling down a smaller book, holding it carefully in his hand. “I’ve gotten a beer or two with strangers, i’m an average ice hockey player and I drink enough tea for an entire small town” he chuckled lightly, holding the book out to Thea for her to inspect. “How about yourself oh master of adventurous reading?”

[josephxarmitage-blog]

welcometohollywood:

Jackie felt as if he was playing a very slow, very subtle game of tag that involved him inching as close as he could to Joseph while the man politely shuffled away. He was as delighted as he was entertained, wondering how long he could do this before the man brought anything up. At the mention of his store, Jackie perked up like a fat cat at the morsel of personal information as if it were a can of tuna. 

“Is it far?” he asked, blatantly ignoring the other’s question and chalking it up with an impish grin. “If that’s your preference, I say we drink there.” Jackie threw a companionable arm around Joseph’s shoulders, buoyed by the prospect of ferreting around. “A drink is a drink, isn’t it?”

Joseph wasn’t one for getting personal with people, he rather liked his privacy and his lonesome life. Then again his store, wasn’t exactly a secret, it sat on the sidewalk for anyone to step inside. “Uh a few blocks or so, not far really” Joe answered with a slight shrug, not really suspicious of the other man considering he seemed kind enough. A little too touchy perhaps but friendly nevertheless.

“Well alright, I mean we might have to pick some liquor up on the way, I drank all my stock but yeah. My store it is” Joe replied with a slight flinched at the arm that slung around him, no distance was far enough to avoid it unfortunately. Instead he’d do his best to ignore the uncomfortable feeling that rested over him at being close to people and proceeded forward, pulling little by little away from the others arm. “Well you know I own a store, what do you do for a living then?”

[imameme-youreameme]

SEND ME A 😍 AND MY MUSE WILL TELL YOUR MUSE THREE THINGS THEY LOVE ABOUT THEM. SEND ME A 😡 AND MY MUSE WILL TELL YOUR MUSE THREE THINGS THEY HATE ABOUT THEM.

[detambled]

[gettsex]

[josephxarmitage-blog]

Worlds Apart ll Joe & Cate

[josephxarmitage-blog]

catemckenna:

I don’t really know what I’m doing anymore. At the words, Cate bit her lip apprehensively—still staring at her hands, silently contemplating what he really meant while trying and failing to come up with something to say. Instantly, her mind was brought back to a night out not too long ago when, in the middle of chasing tequila shots with more tequila, the brunette found herself thinking pretty much the exact same thing. That she didn’t know what she was doing anymore. That she’d lost all control, not only of her feelings for him, but of her entire life. And God, there was a part of her that wanted to tell him that. That wanted to turn around and look Joseph straight in the eyes, determined and dauntless in her quest for answers, and ask him what the hell they were doing. What the hell were they doing? Why couldn’t they figure this out? Why… Why didn’t they work out?

But of course, she didn’t. She didn’t tell him. Just like she hadn’t told him how she really felt about him, or how weird and horribly wrong being without him felt, or how much she missed what they used to have, how they used to be. And Cate was about to beat herself up for her ridiculous inability to be honest and vulnerable for once, even with someone she loved as much as she loved Joseph, when he suddenly said something that made her whole being react instinctively. “Wait, what?” she exclaimed, turning around to face him and blatantly ignoring how awkward things had been between them lately as shock, and then disbelief, and then concern became evident on her face. "No, you can’t do that. You… You love doing this. You love those kids. And they love you.”

Taking a step closer, she reached out to place a hand on his cheek, trying to get him to turn toward her. “Joey, look at me,” the brunette continued softly, brown eyes filled to the brim with equal parts sadness, guilt, and complete and utter devotion. “You’re like… You’re like their hero. You know that, right? Believe me, every single one of those boys out there is lucky to have you, and they all know that they’re far better off for having known you.” She paused, dropping her hand to his chest and her gaze to her hand, then shrugging lightly. “So do I.”

Usually the stadium was roaring with the sound of skates cutting up ice, parents cheering and children huffing and puffing about. And that wasn’t to say that this time it wasn’t, but perhaps he was so lost in thought, it didn’t feel so real to him. As if he were a statue being passed by, just watching people live never actually moving himself. Wasn’t that their story though? He’d watched her pass by, and didn’t say a word. Then again, hadn’t he been doing that for years before he even met Cate, too scared to even make a peep. He’d been so scared of telling Cate how he felt, out of fear that he’d lose her. Funny thing was, he lost her anyway. 

Joseph was more than willing to lose everyone in his life, if it meant a better future for them. If it meant they could achieve greater things, meet someone better, learn something greater. He’d lose everyone he ever loved, if he held them back. That was the only love he knew, to sacrifice ones own happiness for the happiness and betterment of others. Stupid? Maybe. But it made sense to a man who was merrily a boy when he learnt to be alone in everything he ever did. Joseph hadn’t registered her pause at his words, eyes seemingly focused on the game in front of them, but his mind so far from that. And as her voice seeped in, he couldn’t bare to look at her, to see the disappointment that may be placed upon her face. Or for her to see the pain plastered upon his.

But he was weakened by the delicate touch of her skin, by the way she used that all familiar nickname, and how she so easily lulled him towards her. His face finally turning with the pressure of her hand as his eyes met hers. Joe had always believed every word that fell from her lips, and even though he’d always questioned her faith in him, he’d learnt to stop disregarding it. But somehow, he couldn’t see the hero inside him, or the betterness he brought, he couldn’t see how he’d helped those kids lives at all. Somehow he couldn’t believe that he’d bettered Cate’s life, after she’d chosen to step back. “Yeah. Could be luckier though right” he said softly, eyes trailing down her arm to the jacket she wore once more. There was always going to be better.

[josephxarmitage-blog]

✆ ✉ ⁇ ✿ ø # & $ ♀ (In retrospect, maybe I should have just said ‘all the things', but hey <3)

Send “✆” for a MORNING text.

[10:17]: I know you’ve already gone for the morning, because I slept in bigtime, oops.[10:18]: But I wanted to text you, and remind you that I love you, and hope you have an amazing day. I miss you, and i’ll see you a little later. 

Send “✉” for a text that WASN’T SENT.

[2:37]: I’m sorry I didn’t say it back, because I love you. I loved you then and I love you now, and I don’t know why it’s been so hard to say, but i’m sorry. I should be happy that you’ve found a man that can love as much as you love. I’m sorry I missed you on the journey, i’m sorry I didn’t just risk the chance of things going badly to just be with you. More than anything i’m sorry it’s taken me this long to catch up, because I can’t sleep knowing that you might have moved on thinking I didn’t love you back. 

Send “⁇” for a DRUNK text.

[3:45]: i’M drnk.[3:45] Im drunk, an I mss yu.[3:46]: I don’t hve a rigt to mis u, but I do.[3:50]: i’m sorry I couldn’t make you happy.

Send “✿” for a SUGGESTIVE text. 

[21:58]: [insert image attachment][21:58]: Oh was that a shirtless selfie of me, crap sorry babe, I know you’re super busy at work. I meant to send you this one, hang on.[21:58]: [insert image attachment][21:58]: Oh shit not that half naked shower selfie, that was for later. What was I trying to send you again?

Send “ø” for a LATE NIGHT text.

[1:35]: It’s late and i’m sorry. But it’s really cold outside your apartment and i’m down here just wanting to see you. So when you get this, let me know, because i’ll be here.

Send “#” for a RANDOM text.

[14:02]: I need an example of a really vicious animal that isn’t Newt after a bad sleep?[14:03]: For science, but also mostly because I need to get the boys fired up for training.[14:03]: And also because i’m the least vicious thing they say they’ve ever seen.

Send “&” for a LOVING text.

[10:48]: I met this old guy in the store today, who asked me why I had a stupid grin on my face, I showed him a picture you’d posted of us the other day, told him that was why.[10:50]: He said if you could make my grumpy ass smile like that I bet do everything I can to keep you around, otherwise he might just snatch you up.[10:52]: Point of the story, you’re beautiful, and amazing, and I want to smile like and idiot for the rest of my life as long as I can do it with you.[10:52]: I love you Caity.

Send “$” for an ACCIDENTAL text.

[15:17]: Newt i’m not meeting you in the park to practice our fighting in secret for your stupid competitions. I only fought that guy because he was coming for you, that doesn’t mean i’m your big burly friend. I’m just bookstore Joe, not kung fu Jostallion.[15:20]: Oh shit.[15:20]: How is your day babe?

Send “♀” for a HEARTBREAKING text. 

[5:22]: I’m sorry I got so stuck, I don’t know why, or how I got held up. But i’m sorry I ever did, I never wanted you to spend even a day thinking I didn’t totally and completely love you. I realised how much I wanted you, just a moment too late, a second too late. I took that out on you, I pushed you away, I made things weird, and that was never your fault. It’s my fault.[5:48]: Maybe in another universe we’ll fall in love again.

[josephxarmitage-blog]

welcometohollywood:

So apparently the bloke was incredibly socially inept, but Jackie could work with that. Hell, he could work with a lot of things as long as the person was willing. Joseph certainly seemed to be, even if he was amusingly slow on the uptake. He wondered how far he’d have to up the ante before the man realized that Jackie wanted to slather all over him like aloe on a sunburn. 

“Sounds like my kind of place,” he said, walking far closer than a stranger had any right to. “Is it any better than where you’re coming from?” Jackie asked, assuming the man was bar-hopping by the whiff of alcohol.

As they set off, Joe was a little unsettled and curious about why the man wandered so close to his side, surely he looked like he could handle himself in an altercation. Perhaps he was simply the type to leave plenty of space for other pedestrians, still Joe found himself trying to make space from the other.

“Well i’m slightly bias considering I just came from my store, so i’d personally say nothing is better but owners preference.” Joe shrugged, always choosing his store over any other people populated location. “How about yourself”

[rpmememaker]

Send “✆” for a MORNING text. Send “✉” for a text that WASN’T SENT. Send “☎” for a RUSHED text. Send “⁇” for a DRUNK text. Send “✿” for a SUGGESTIVE text. Send “ø” for a LATE NIGHT text. Send “✘” for a HATEFUL text. Send “#” for a RANDOM text. Send “@” for a SCARED text. Send “&” for a LOVING text. Send “%” for a CURIOUS text. Send “ツ” for an EXCITED text. Send “$” for an ACCIDENTAL text. Send “♀” for a HEARTBREAKING text.

[atrius-trower]

|| 💌  ☎️  📨 ||

[josephxarmitage-blog]

thealivvy:

“Joe.” She repeated softly. Joe - who worked in a book store. The idea was incredibly quant. It was an idea that could be romanticized to no end. All it was was a name and a profession, but it had her reeling. How simple, yet she knew the man could be so complex. There was something about meeting new people and the potential they held in your life that made the girl incredibly happy. To be so postive about the world was rare. Thea followed behind letting her finger drag along the binding of the books. “I’m just Thea. No cool master title for me, sadly.” A giggled slipped through her lips. 

An average man, with an average name, and an even more average profession. Never in his life would Joe say he was anything other than plain, average and in most senses a little boring even. It was how he dealt with the ever changing world around with him, internally, alone, with a facade of nothing but totally predictable. Making his way through the store, he could sleep walk endlessly through this place. “That’s the cool thing about master titles, you can just about claim one for anything and everything.” he chuckled with a light smile as he stopped, eyes scanning over the shelf. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Thea, master of adventurous reading. See what I did there”