Tommy wakes up to a pounding fist against his door. Each knock raps in time with the throbbing in his head and he groans, trying to bury his face further into the couch cushion to muffle it. It doesn't work, and also makes him feel even hotter than he already is.
A sinus infection with a side of the stomach bug was not how Tommy wanted to spend his weekend, but he figures it was time for his yearly dose of getting sick to hit him.
He pushes himself up and closes his eyes tightly against the vertigo that threatens to make him sick–again. He's hardly been able to keep anything down, even water, no matter how many crackers he eats and the stomach relief medication he's taken.
When he stumbles over to the front door and rips it open, ready to yell at whoever is on the other side bothering him so badly, he's shocked to find Ev–Buck on the other side. Buck armed with three large shopping bags that knock against Tommy's hip when he pushes his way inside.
"I knew it, you're sick," Buck says as he sets the bags down on Tommy's kitchen counter. He starts unpacking them and Tommy is still reeling from opening the door to see his ex-boyfriend. Who's inside his house now. "Lucy told me you didn't come into work and wanted me to check on you since you weren't answering any of her texts. Guess she thought I still had a key."
Tommy doesn't have the mental energy to deal with this right now. He groans and presses the heels of his hands tightly against his eyes, which does little to ease the pressure in his sinuses. "Go away. You can tell her I'm fine and alive and go back home, Buck. I don't need a babysitter."
"I don't know if you've looked in a mirror lately, but you look like shit, Thomas." He cringes against the bite in Buck's tone, even though he knows he deserves it. "Go get into an actual bed and I'll start cooking up something other than crackers dipped in Pepto Bismol."
"Not to insult your cooking skills or anything," Tommy says wearily, eyeing the growing collection of groceries that Buck is setting out. There's way too much for just one meal. "But when I'm sick like this, I can't really keep anything down. The only thing that ever helped was—"
"—was your grandma's chicken noodle soup recipe, I remember." Buck doesn't look at him. "You keep the recipe card on the fridge, and I might have taken a picture of it one night after–..." After a date, a hookup, simply hanging out. He could've taken the picture at any time over the last six months. "Anyways. I'm pretty sure I have everything to make a batch that'll last long enough for you to get better, so. Go get some rest, Tommy."
Jesus, even after Tommy hurt him by cutting things off the way he did, Buck is still too kind for his own good. He wants to grab him by the shoulders and tell him that he doesn't deserve this kindness, doesn't deserve to be something to worry about anymore. He wants to shake him until the words stick and he lets Tommy go.
Please, let him go and stop giving him hope because this means something, doesn't it? But his heart truly cannot take it any harder than it already has. He blinks tears out of his eyes and clears his throat.
hmmm top 5 shows, top 5 animals aaaaand top 5 scenes from any show/movie
loren please..... i lve you.
top five SHOWS.
the walking dead - ................. like it has to be said. i'm so sorry. it didn't even really go 'bad' for me like it did lose me for a hot minute or two there originally but like. when i rewatched i was like no actually i love it here. i love this hot mess. and i tragically fucking do. could really do with bringing certain characters back etc or just dissappearing some storylines but like. i do fucking love it.
breaking bad - i didnt even KNOW what i was in for i was just like this'll be fine this'll be chill. and then my life changed forever y'know.
it's always sunny in philadelphia - my go-to show to have on in the background, to have on when im sick, to have on when i need a laugh, to have on when im feeling miserable, to have on when i just wanna feel like Myself. can probably quote like. every episode by this point.
black sails - literally don't even need to explain this one. bs is already tumblr critically acclaimed. if i could go back in time and watch the season two last two episodes for the first time all over again, i would in a heartbeat. the girl that existed in my bedroom when watching those eps? never seen her before and i'll never be her again.
911 - listen. it TRULY is tv show of all time. u KNOW this i know you know this. u can't put eddie diaz in a tv show and not have it change the lives of millions.
top fIVE animals.
SHARKS. sharks sharks sharks sharks sharks all types all kinds theyre all my children
foxes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please the fennec fox my BABY
long maned wolf.
dogs!
snakes. also HOW is your snake btw i miss them
top 5 scenes!
lets revisit black sails again and say season two finale as a whole? but also the 'in the light there is discovery' forest speech in the series finale............................i get chills like every time. WAIT ALSO 'my name is John Silver. and i've got a Long Fucking Memory.' INSANE acting also idk if this is really technically 'top five scenes' worthy but uknow that line where flints like 'where else would you wake up in the morning and matter?' @ silver??? yeah it ingrained itself into my brain and now whenever my brains having a bad day and being a bitch, it just repeats that line over and over to myself. again i dont know if that makes it a top five thing but boy oh bOY it sure made an impact !
iasip mac finds his pride when mac does the dance and franks crying and is like 'i get it. i get it now.' maybe its cos i feel like there is just a 00.01% chance of my parents ever accepting me and im projecting or whatever but that scene? every fucking time im like........ crying lol
my brain is one big jumble for the walking dead and i just can't pin down one scene? so i'm just gonna take a cop out and say that part where daryl and merle are in the woods huntin when they split off in s3 or whatever after they reunite and daryls got his crossbow simply becos i still remember watching it with my mum and her being like 'oh look at daryls Arms. he's really got Muscles.' and i was like. scandalised. in a Good way. and now everytime i see him in that scene i'm like justin beiber tweet i love Arm.
that scene in breaking bad where jesses in hospital after hank beats the shit outta him in the rv and walt visits him in hospital and jesse has that breakdown in 3.07? jesse pinkman crying in a hospital bed bruised and beaten saying 'i am not turning down the money, i am turning down you.' when he's yelling 'i have NOTHING. NO ONE.' ??????????????? scene of all scenes. wait also the peek-a-boo kid scene in s2
stuggling to think of a last one uh maybe in the seventh fast and furious movie when see you again plays at the end and they're all on the beach and then dom and brian are racing except you know its not paul walker and u know its CGI or whatever and ???? i still cry over that sorry
Daniel. He wouldn't push it, but he'd make it calmly clear that he's interested and open the door for Jack to reciprocate. Jack would, eventually, break and probably just kiss Daniel out of nowhere in a moment of pure relief/adoring frustration.
Who said "I love you" first:
I can see this going both ways but I kind of like the idea of Jack saying it first. Either because Daniel's been holding back to avoid making Jack feel uncomfortable or just because Jack, again, goes from repressionrepressionrepression to too much all at once and just leaves Daniel, the one who's usually got all the words, stunned by it.
How often they fight:
cOnStAnTlY. But mostly in playful jibes and banter that they both not so secretly love.
Who's big spoon/little spoon:
For a long time Jack's the big spoon out of habit if nothing else, but eventually realizes he likes having the shelter of warm arms around him too.
What their nicknames are for each other:
They're not super nicknamey with each other that often, but they get an occasional thrill from just calling each other by their titles, because they so rarely do. (Jack also lovingly calls Daniel a geek sometimes, if that counts.)
Who's the better cook:
Jack. Daniel theoretically knows about a lot of rare, exciting, foreign dishes but left to his own devices would live purely on coffee and canned soup (if he didn't forget he was cooking it halfway through, and then it would be burned canned soup). Jack cooks mostly simple things, nothing fancy, but does it well.
Their song: *squints into the abyss of my song repertoire*
Um... no pun intended but bc Abyss and general s5-6 vibes... Wherever You Will Go? Sure, that works. (is super pleased I could think of a song lol)
Who remembers their anniversaries:
Jack. Daniel would do thoughtful things spontaneously but he's occaaasionally scatterbrained and distractible, especially when he's buried in research. Jack's more settled and traditional and likely to mark important dates on the calendar, Daniel's likely to forget til the last second and scramble for A Perfect Gift, but makes up for it by being spontaneously loving and thoughtful throughout the year.
Their favorite thing to do together (besides sex):
Snark, banter, tease, one up each other with clever or ridiculous retorts. (although does that count as not sexual bc it's basically foreplay XP)
Who "wears the pants" in the relationship:
I mean... both of them? They're equals, they both respect each other and listen to each other (and sometimes decidedly don't listen to each other) and give and take pretty consistently. I guess Daniel's more likely to bolt off and do his own thing and Jack's more likely to trail after and make sure he survives intact, if that counts.
How would they get engaged:
I think it's something Daniel might bring up occasionally in a trying not to be bitter, but bitter, totally fine it's not happening, but it hurts, kind of way throughout their relationship. One of those smiling through the pain, pretending to be cool about something but secretly wishing you had it kind of things. I also think that when Jack told Daniel he was retiring from the military, it would probably come with a proposal. Even if it wasn't legal at that point, who gives a shit. They'd have a ceremony, have the rings, and it would be real to them and that's all that mattered.
What their wedding would be like:
Quiet, small service with just their friends and loved ones. In a park or maybe their backyard. I don't see either of them wanting anything particularly fancy when it comes to that; it's the commitment more than the event that appeals to them.
How many kids they'll have:
Probably none, unless some space orphans are in need of adoption XP
---
shipping meme:
send me a pairing and I'll tell you who:
falls asleep on the couch: Daniel, after staying up way too late reading or researching.
makes friends with the neighbors: both, though I think probably with different neighbors.
is the adventurous eater: Daniel. Jack's been around the world but mostly in warzones, and hasn't had the best experience with foreign foods. Daniel will try everything once, if only to respect he customs and culture of whoever's offering.
hogs the covers at night: Daniel
forgets to do the dishes: ...also Daniel
tries to surprise their partner more often: Daniel?? I swear Jack's a part of this relationship too
leaves dirty laundry on the floor: Ah Jack, there you are.
stays up reading until 2am: Daniel
sings in the shower: Jack
takes the selfies: probably Daniel? though he's more likely to take pics of other people than himself
The interview had been about a new tablet WayneTech was launching and their ongoing investment in green technologies, but most of Bruce’s interviews devolved into personal questions and gushing about his kids.
My youngest boys actually did some accidental beta testing, had been one of the pull quotes.
Bruce had continued, I brought one of the prototypes home and left it on the table. I came back to find Damian playing Angry Birds on it. And Tim fixed one of the early bugs with the screen.
“Father,” Damian had whined when he saw the article, as if it was embarrassing.
Tim keeps a copy of the magazine hidden in the back of one of his drawers.
I do! I usually lean towards either music with non-English lyrics (usually Rammstein) or instrumental stuff (movie/video game soundtracks or synthwave). If I’m working on a longer project, I may listen to music that inspires me / sets the mood of the story.
ELLE!!!!!!!!!! WHAT IF???? ALEC GIVES MAGNUS THE CHOICE. HIM OR MAGIC. WHAT IF MAGNuS CHOOSES MAGIC. ELLE!!! WRITE THIS SO I CAN STOP THINKING ABOUT IT (okay that will absolutELY make it worse but do it anyway). (tried to do this from my SH blog but gUESS WHO CANT REMEMBER THE DAMN EMAIL SHE USED. IT MEEEE)
two sides of lonely - part one.(Read on AO3)(prompt based off of the 3x18 sneak peek. Lots of hurt. Zero comfort. This is your warning!)
Break his heart to save his life .
Alec wanted to say yes right then and there, willing to agree to anything Asmodeus asked of him - even losing the love of his life. No, not losing - giving up , because there’s a choice to be made now. Alec can give up Magnus to give him his magic back, or he can keep Magnus selfishly to himself and watch him live out the rest of a life he may never truly be happy in.
It isn’t much of a choice, not the way Alec sees it; but he doesn’t believe it’s his to make. He knows now better than ever that no matter how much he might think he’s doing what’s best for Magnus, there is a very real chance he doesn’t know the half of what’s going on inside his boyfriend’s head, or inside his heart.
He isn’t going to make that same mistake again, which is why Alec stands across from Magnus now, taking Magnus’ hands in his own, repeating the offer extended by Asmodeus.
“Your magic, or… me. It’s your decision, Magnus.”
“Alexander, this is ridiculous,” Magnus tells him, trying to sound dismissive, except the way he perks up at the thought of getting his magic back tells Alec otherwise.
“Is it? You said it yourself - you never wanted this life. You can’t be happy in it. It’s my fault you lost your magic. Twice.” Alec forces himself to say the words even though he feels an ache in his heart to speak them out loud and admit he’s the reason Magnus is in this position in the first place. “I’ll do whatever I have to to fix it.”
“I know what I said, but I didn’t mean it like that, I–” Alec watches Magnus struggle to find the right words to backtrack on their conversation from the night before. He waits, hoping that Magnus will insist he turn the offer down without a second thought. He wants Magnus to be furious he went behind his back to Asmodeus, that he’d put himself at risk like that, that he’d even think about sacrificing their love to bring back his magic.
Instead, all Alec sees is Magnus actually considering his options, and his heart breaks for the second time in as many days.
It was one thing for Alec to imagine agreeing to the deal when it was his decision - when he could pretend there wasn’t a chance Magnus would agree, even if it was what needed to be done. It’s another to see Magnus consider it; to see the desperate wanting in his eyes.
“-I can’t ask you to do this.” Magnus says, his voice quiet. Alec hears the implication behind the careful phrasing: I can’t, but I wish I could.
“You’re not. I’m- I’m offering. If this is what you want then I’ll do it.” Alec nearly chokes on the words. He hadn’t realized until just now how big the part of him is that expected Magnus to say they’ll find another way, that of course he’d rather live a mundane life with Alec than one without him, powers or not. “Just tell me what you need.”
Alec allows himself one last moment of hope, sending a silent prayer to the Angel. Please , he thinks, I need him. Let him need me, too.
Alec feels that hope fade with every passing second Magnus remains silent, gaze down, unable to meet his eyes. He feels it disappear entirely when Magnus opens his mouth and shuts it again, unable to bring himself to admit the truth.
“On second thought, you don’t have to. I think your silence speaks for itself.” There’s a bitter taste in his mouth that he knows seeps into those words, but Alec can’t help it. What goddamn fairy tail did he think he was living in, that love could solve all their problems? That he might have a happy ending after all?
He takes a step back and drops Magnus’ hands from his own.
“I love you.” Magnus says. Alec knows he means it, and yet that only makes it worse.
“I love you too,” Alec replies, reaching into his pocket to pull out a small silver box. The ring. There’s never going to be anyone else he’ll want to give it to, of that much he’s certain. Not bothering to open it he hands it to Magnus. “And I’m sorry it wasn’t enough. But I meant what I said last night: all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy. Even if it can’t be with me.”
“Alec-” Magnus starts, opening the box and staring down at the ring with wide eyes.
“Take care, Magnus.”
Emotions cloud judgement, and as he feels himself shut down a little more with each step he takes Alec can suddenly see clearer than he has in months.
He just hopes the deal still stands when it wasn’t him who did the heartbreaking.
—
When Alec comes back Magnus is already awake. He doesn’t know how long he’s been lying in the dark like this, but it’s long enough that the sudden light is blinding. He almost wishes it was, because the look that Alec greets him with while trying to figure out if Magnus is drunk again or not is so full of pity that he can barely stand it.
He isn’t, but even if he was the words that Alec says next would be more than enough to sober him up fast.
Alec went to Asmodeus. He went to Asmodeus, for him, to get his magic back.
“Your magic, or… me. It’s your decision, Magnus.” Alec says it like he’s asking Magnus to choose red or white wine for dinner. This entire thing is trite, and contrived, and exactly the sort of petty game he would expect from his father.
“Alexander, this is ridiculous.”
“Is it?” Alec questions, and Magnus feels a wave of guilt over the fact that he’s justified in questioning Magnus’ attempt to dismiss the idea. “You said it yourself - you never wanted this life. You can’t be happy in it. It’s my fault you lost your magic. Twice. I’ll do whatever I have to to fix it.”
Magnus knows Alec means it, and that’s what scares him. Any other scenario, any other person, and he’d have no problem turning the offer down to spare the other party. But Alec is strong. He’s the Head of the Institute. He has his family, his friends… he doesn’t need Magnus and the mess his life has become to distract him from the bright future he has ahead of him. Without his magic Magnus is more of a burden than an asset, and he doesn’t want to spend the rest of their lives dragging Alec down with him. Maybe this would be best for both of them.
“I know what I said, but I didn’t mean it like that, I–” Magnus falters. He knows what he said while he was drunk, and he knows that he meant it. He meant more of what he said last night than anything he’s said in days. In weeks. He wants his magic back more than anything.
… more than Alexander?
The fact that he continues to question, to consider, makes him sick to his stomach. But it doesn’t change the fact that his decision isn’t immediate. That he wants his magic back so badly he’s considering walking away from the person he loves to get it back.
“-I can’t ask you to do this.”
No. He can see the hurt already forming on Alec’s features over his hesitation. He can’t do this, not to Alec. Not to them.
Can he?
“You’re not. I’m- I’m offering. If this is what you want then I’ll do it. Just tell me what you need.”
Magnus knows what he should say. That Alec’s love - that just Alec - is all he needs. That he’s enough. It should be an automatic response, words of devotion and praise flooding past his lips without hesitation.
Instead he’s silent. He can’t keep lying, not to Alec, and not to himself. He knows exactly what he needs, even if he can’t bring himself to say it.
He needs to feel whole again.
He needs his magic back.
“On second thought, you don’t have to. I think your silence speaks for itself.” The harsh bite to Alec’s words is enough for Magnus to look up again, his hands falling to his side when Alec drops them from the comfort of his grip. Magnus feels the loss immediately, the cold distance between them now. He wants to reach back out for Alec’s hands, to feel the warmth one more time, but he knows he’s lost that right.
“I love you.” Magnus says, and he means it. He’s never meant it more, he’s certain. But that doesn’t change anything now.
“I love you too, and I’m sorry it wasn’t enough. But I meant what I said last night: all I’ve ever wanted is for you to be happy. Even if it can’t be with me.”
Magnus isn’t sure when the box ended up in his hand, but he opens it instinctively, taking a moment to process the ring inside. It isn’t just any ring - it’s the Lightwood family ring. And the fact that Alec had it in this box, in his pocket, can only mean one thing…
“Alec-”
“Take care, Magnus.” Alec cuts him off and a part of him is thankful, because Magnus doesn’t know what he plans on saying next. It’s all too little, too late. He made his choice, and so has Alec.
Alec, who has the strength to walk away - not from him, but for him.
It isn’t until Alec’s gone that Magnus takes the ring out of the box and, slowly, slides it onto his finger. For a moment he closes his eyes and imagines everything that could have been, if only he had half of Alexander’s strength and resolve.
When he opens his eyes again he takes the ring back off and places it on Alec’s dresser with the hope that one day Alec will give it the home it deserves.(part two)
hi, quick question! my sister got a hedgehog that she doesn't want any more, so i'll be bringing the hedgie back with me when i visit this summer (ohio to florida - will that long of a car trip be hard for a hedgie?) i just wanted to know which AP cage you use for your hedgies? i used them when i had snakes and i looooove that company, so i'd love to use them again for the hedgie. :)
Glad hedgie will still have a good home with you!! ♥ Thank you for being willing to take them in.
I have the A20 cages I got for my hedgehogs, but honestly if I were going to do it over, I would get the T13 cages instead. I got the A20s with the intent of doing bio enclosures, but for one thing, the height still wasn’t that necessary, and it makes them harder to heat. The T13s are still plenty tall enough (even for bio, I would think), and they have a little more floor space, which is far more useful for hedgehogs. Honestly, I may very well end up getting some for hedgehogs someday & using the current cages for some other species, or sell them. I’d love to have a hedgehog room full of AP cages, they’re just so nice.
Also, the car trip should be just fine for your hedgie! Especially if you’re doing the drive during the day - they’ll very likely just sleep the whole trip away. I wrote a sticky on traveling considerations on the forum I used to help mod, if you wanna give it a read over for anything you might not have thought about - https://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/15-travel/121490-traveling-your-hedgehog.html
Good luck with hedgie, and feel free to ask if you end up with more questions! :)
