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365days365movies · 3 years

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February 14, 2021: Brokeback Mountain (2005) (Part 1)

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Or Palentine’s, Galentine’s, Single Persons Appreciation Day, what have you!

Anyway, on this day where we (and the greeting card companies) celebrate love in all of its forms, I think it’s about time to diversify my movie choices a little bit. SO, for the next few days at least, we’re going to change it up, starting with a film that shook the 2005 public’s perceptions of love: Brokeback Mountain.

And who brings this movie to us? Same guy who gave us this:

And this:

And would give us this:

Ang Lee wasn’t originally meant to be the director of the film, as Gus van Sant was signed on to do it. You know, Good Will Hunting, Drugstore Cowboy, that one movie where Una Thurman plays the greatest hitchhiker in the world with giant thumbs, and eventually finds herself meeting multiple people, including Keanu Reeves, Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid), and a group of radicalesbians who like in the Great Plains, coexisting with a group of critically endangered whooping cranes to whom they;’ve fed peyote, while also opposing the intentions of an evil feminine hygiene product company that seeks to take over the land for their factories? YOU KNOW, THAT MOVIE?

It’s called Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, and I wasn’t even slightly exaggerating with that summary, I SWEAR.

Anyway, he couldn’t do it, and Joel Schumacher also passed on it eventually, so they asked Ang Lee if he’d do it. After CTHD and Hulk, dude was on his way to retire, but after he cried at the end of the script, he accepted the job. AND HISTORY WAS MADE

Before I get into it, I should probably frank about something. I’m a cissexual, heterosexual man in a straight relationship with my girlfriend. She says hi, by the way. Here she is, a massive Jake Gyllenhaal fan, getting ready to watch this movie for the first time with me:

Isn’t she lovely? Anyway, just thought I’d be totally transparent about that. Incidentally, I remember when this film came out, as well as the fervor around it. This was JUST as the gay marriage debate was EXPLODING into the public scene, so this was obviously quite the talking point at the time.

Anyway, shall we find out who’s not going to quit whom? SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Recap

Cowboys Ennis del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) are waiting outside of a trailer, with Ennis having just arrived on a truck that reminded me of Optimus Prime, and I’m sorry. They’ve been hired by Joe Aguirre (Randy Quaid) to look after a group of sheep and guide them over Brokeback Mountain, a fictional mountain in Wyoming.

The two finally introduce each other, with Ennis seeming considerably closed off as compared to the open Jack Twist. They head to a bar, where the two get to know each other a but better Jack’s an occasional shepherd, but highly involved in rodeos throughout the year. Ennis, meanwhile, is a regular ranchhand at his family’s farm.

Time for sheep-herding, as the two guide their flock of sheep on horseback, with soft country guitars playing in the background over all of it. And I gotta say, the music combined with the visuals is giving me this real sleepy ambience vibe that I 100% would watch specifically to fall asleep to. Which is not an insult by any means, by the way; it’s just super relaxing.

The two make camp with the sheep in a mountain valley, and now I want to go camping. I realize that it’s February, and I live in a place VERY non-conducive to camping, but GODDAMN this movie makes me want to go camping. In the wilderness, surrounded by bird calls and crisp mountain air, LET’S GO.

We find out that Ennis is engaged to be wed to a woman named Alma, while Jack is yearning to break free of needing to take jobs like this. And all the while, they’re eating beans, scaring away coyotes, and fending of REALLY REALLY FAT American black bears, who you could really easily scare away without too much difficulty. You ever stared at a bear while both of you were in the woods? I HAVE. And we BOTH took off from each other in opposite directions. They’re not the bravest of animals, black bears. Grizzlies, however, you don’t wanna fuck with.

Anyway, after they face off against that bear and lose their newly bought supplies, they go hunting the next day and take down an elk. Which is a LOT of venison, I tell you what! Oh, and I’m not a hunter, just to be clear, but elk are fuggin’ HUGE. Seriously, XL deer they are.

Anyway, time goes on after that, and they continue to make their way through the mountains. And they get to know each other more, sharing their rodeo experiences and family backgrounds. Ennis also opens up pretty considerably, a fact not missed by Jack. The two become friends.

My girlfriend asks an interesting question: if I had never heard of this movie in any capacity...would I have known the extent of the relationship of Ennis and Jack? And honestly...I’m legitimately not sure at this point. I think I would’ve just assumed that they’d stay close friends, but no further than that. Call that being raised in a society with heterosexual bias towards relationships, or call that me not being a natural shipper. Both are probably accurate, to be honest.

Anyway, it’s getting cold out, and Jack’s sleeping in the tent one night while Ennis is freezing his balls off outside. With Jack’s insistence, he goes inside the tent to sleep next to Jack. And then...

Oh. Well, OK. Again, though, still not sure that at this point I’d...oh wait...OH...OH.

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OK. Think I’d be able to tell at this point what the movie’s about.

So, yeah, they have sex. It’s spontaneous, it’s wild, it’s heat of the moment passion...and it’s REAL awkward the next day, I tell you what. That next evening, Ennis and Jack both insist that they “ain’t queer,” and that this is “a one-shot thing they got goin’.”

Uh, boys? There’s some important evidence to the contrary that we should consider here. But, OK, it’s a different culture, this is super new to you both, I get it. I’m not one to talk on the coming out or discovery experience (again, straight cis dude over here), but I understand that there’s some inherent denial. But still, they continue their relationship as is, for the time being.

Which is not as private as they thought, as Joe Aguirre observes them chasing each other naked on the mountain from afar. Whoops. Well, it doesn’t matter as much, as they still have a job to do until summer ends. And that job continues. They encounter another herd of sheep that gets tangled up with theirs, snow falls on the mountain and they have to deal with that, etc.

Then one day, the two need to head out. Jack goes to fetch Ennis, who’s moping on a hillside about something. He does this play lasso thing, which seems cute...

...until it turns into a full on brawl right there on the hillside. OK. Well. Some heavy denial going on here, I think, especially on Ennis’ part. Which is somewhat understandable, given the culture, and the fact that Ennis is engaged. Oh, by the way, hello infidelity. GodDAMN IT. Escaped you for TWO MOVIES IN A ROW, and you’re back rearing your ugly head.

Anyway, the job is done soon, and Aguirre’s not exactly happy with them, as they’ve apparently lost some sheep and picked up some from the other herd’s flock accidentally. With a light rebuke from Aguirre, the two part ways with not much else said. Jack asks if Ennis will come back the next summer, and Ennis reminds him that he’s getting married that fall. But as Ennis leaves...

Huh. Interesting reaction, that. Well, in the next scene, Ennis gets married to Alma Beers (Michelle Williams), and they seem to have a very happy relationship. They have two daughters together in a pretty small amount of time. The next summer, Jack tries to get a job with Joe Aguirre once again, but is refused on account of his relationship with Ennis on the mountain...kind of.

See, here’s the thing. Joe rebukes Jack for having their relationship on the mountain, leaving the dogs to babysit the sheep, rather than do the job they were hired for. And, uh...he’s not wrong, honestly. Yeah, OK, there’s definitely some homophobia laced in there, obviously, but they were hired to watch the sheep, and we only really saw them do that once or twice. So, yeah, sorry to say, but Joe’s not entirely unjustified in not rehiring Jack.

At a Fourth of July festival, Ennis brings his wife and daughters to see the fireworks, when a couple of bikers antagonize the crowd as a whole. This results in Ennis telling them to stop, and a fight takes place, with Ennis IMMEDIATELY taking out the two bikers, with little effort. Anger issues there, Ennis?

Jack returns to the rodeo, with new other options for money. He’s clearly also coming to terms with his own sexuality, as seen when he not so subtly hits on a cowboy at the bar. However, he also meets a young woman, a barrel racer named Lureen Newsome (Anne Hathaway), whom he seems to get along with fairly quickly at a rodeo. They dance together at the bar that night, and, uh...park.

And that, of course, leads to their eventual marriage and parentage as well. Looks like Lureen’s parents arent the biggest fans of Jack, though. Sure that’s going to lead to a healthy relationship down the road.

Been about 4 years since Brokeback Mountain, and this is punctuated by Jack paying a visit to Ennis’ place, which Ennis is told about by Alma. He seems...very anious, waiting nervously for a day to see him. But he finally arrives, and the two embrace happily. And then...

Oh, and Alma sees? Sure, sure, oh, and they go to a motel IMMEDIATELY? Oh, OK, OK, infidelity? Yuuuuuuupyupyupyupyupyup, halfway point? Yeah, sure, see you in Part 2. Geez.

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damndaehyung · 3 years

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Daniel Choi Vs Timezones

Valentines Day

Included: Daniel, Tyler, Maude Mentioned : Tara,Mark, Emily, Minah and Sungjae

“Am i still dreaming?” Tyler asked, significantly more awake than Daniel had last him. “Because I swear I had this really wonderful dream last night that my boyfriend showed up at my house 3 in the morning and now it looks like he is making me breakfast - are they supposed to be heart-shaped?” he asked, wrapping an arm around Daniel’s waist and resting his chin on his shoulder. “Adorable, but you know during the season I try to keep it healthy and no offence. The small feast you somehow managed to cook is enough for my entire team,” he laughed, the movement of his laughter lead to his hair tickling Daniel.

“Firstly you dream about me? That is so cute,” Daniel said unwrapping himself from Tyler’s grasp and turning to look at him. “And two surely you can make an expectation for today?” Daniel said with a grin, reaching into his pocket and pulling out one of those cheesy cliched happy valentines balloons. “Happy Valentine’s day,” he said, handing it to Tyler.

Tyler looked at the balloon with his brows furrowed. “Look i know its kinda lame but -”

“Daniel today is the 13th,” Tyler said cutting him off, this time Daniel’s brows furrowed. No yesterday was the 13th he specifically took that flight so he could be back in time for Valentine’s day. “Babe you do remember that time zones are a thing -” Tyler said. Timezones… stupid fucking timezones….. They ruin everything.

“No, I was just trying to get back in time and now I’ve ruined everything,” Daniel pouted, as poetically the pancakes he painstakingly made started to burn. “Including breakfast,” he huffed, turning back to the now burned pancakes and moving them off the stovetop.

“Babe you’ve ruined nothing,” Tyler frowned. “Come on how about we have breakfast and you can explain to me what is happening?” Daniel nodded, glaring once more at his heart-shaped shards before sitting at the kitchen bench.

“So,” Tyler said as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Well,” Daniel sighed stabbing a strawberry. “I had this grand plan of surprising you on Valentine’s day but Australia with it’s stupid backwards, no forward, timezones ruined it all,” Daniel huffed. “Now i am here on the 13th, Galentine’s day for women, when is the male equivalent of this day is it the same? At least then I could have claimed i did it for our Broentine? Palentine? Day,” he ranted as Tyler snorted, shaking his head. “Anyway sorry i ruined it all,” he sighed.

“I am going to ignore Broentine because really Daniel? You are better than that,” Tyler laughed. “But you’ve ruined nothing, I am very much happily surprised, a little shocked that managed to keep it a secret from me and i might have to make a few calls soon to change a few orders -” Tyler said, nose scrunching. “But as if i am going to be disappointed about you here a day earlier and to be honest you shouldn’t be either, in fact, you should be happy because you get to spend more time with me,” he pointed out, Daniel nodded in agreement because in his opinion more Tyler was always better. “Though not gonna lie, I never pegged you as a Valentine’s day type given you aversion to literally every other holiday,” Tyler teased.

“It’s not a holiday, a hallmark trademark,” Daniel pointed out. “ And i am not, well not usually, but you know,” he said vaguely, looking down as his face heated up. Tyler coughed making a go on gesture. “Okay well this is super embarrassing for me so if you ever bring this up again i will invite Mark over for Broentine’s day,” Daniel said ignoring Tyler’s protests over that not being a real day. “Anyway as i was saying -'' he continued. “This is kinda the first time i had a boyfriend during Valentine’s,” Daniel frowned. “Not that i haven’t had offers of course but i was never really interested in the whole thing like who needs a specific day to act like you are actually in love if you are supposedly in love why wait for one day you know?” he ranted.

“I agree,” Tyler said.

“Right but i guess i got swept in all the hype because i wanted to make today - well tomorrow,” Daniel scoffed. “Special, lame huh?” he mumbled.

“Not lame,” Tyler said with a grin. “And if i say it’s not lame than it’s not lame - plus you know I’ve got plans as well as I said earlier I have to change the delivery address but I went all out,” he said before pausing. “Well not all out because of the whole secret relationship but just know next Valentine’s Day I’ll really go all out.” Tyler jokingly threatened. “So by default, you’d be saying I am lame and we both know that isn’t true,” he said tossing a grape at Daniel.

“When you are right you are right,” Daniel nodded, picking up the aforementioned grape and chewing on it.

“I am glad you agree,” Tyler grinned. “Because babe as much i love you, you need to shower,” he smirked. Daniel gasped in offence. “You know I’m right,” Tyler shrugged. “You were on a plane all day yesterday,” he pointed out as Daniel frowned, unhappy that now it was pointed out he couldn’t ignore it and was once again reminded how much he hated timezones.

“You aren’t and now that i think about have you ever been right?” Daniel said, stroking his chin. “But I will shower because i love you,” he said nodding as Tyler laughed. “You can go get me some clothes to wear because i don’t have anything but what i am currently wearing and as good as i look naked i probably should put some clothes on,” he shrugged said standing up and ruffling Tyler’s hair as he walked past.

“You just said i am right all the time and you have a whole suitcase over there,” he said nodding to Daniel’s ‘luggage’. “I think someone just wants to wear my clothes,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“Not exactly… my suitcase is full of gifts for Valentine’s day,” Daniel paused his cheeks heating up . “Like i said i got caught up in it so i might have gone overboard,” Daniel muttered. “If you tease me i swear,” he said.

“Baby last time i checked you like it when i tease you,” Tyler smirked, “And i feel honoured that in a rush to get back and spoil me you forget to pack clothes, it’s adorable - really- “ he said as Daniel opened his mouth to argue about teasing him. “But no can do about the clothes, I am going to be a little busy while you are having your shower,” he said.

“Doing what exactly?” Daniel asked, raising an eyebrow as Tyler stood up as well closing in on him.

“You,” he grinned. “I mean showering totally showering as well,” he laughed. “If that is okay with you?” he said pausing. “Because you did spend 24 hours on a plane and maybe you’d want -” he started to speak but was cut off by Daniel’s lips.

“More than okay,” he said, peppering Tyler with kisses. “We should go right now,” he said, pulling Tyler forward as the headed away from the kitchen.

----

“Did you just take a photo of me?” Daniel asked, raising an eyebrow as he pulled on his shoes. “I mean i know i am killing this Ty Core look but really?”

“Ty Core?” Tyler snorted. “You need to stop talking to Penny. She is a bad influence on you,” he said leaning down and kissing his forehead. “And yes i was taking a picture off you because i wanted to show off my model bestie wearing my clothes,” he said.

“I see,” he nodded. “Did you get my good side?” he asked, doing an exaggerated pose that no real model would do.

“Both sides are good so it was pretty easy for me,” Tyler said, Daniel beamed up at him as he was weak for compliments. “So do we have any plans since you’ve raided my wardrobe or are we just staying in,” Tyler asked, wiggling his eyebrows. “We could always Netflix and chill?”

For a brief second Daniel considered this, there was nothing he enjoyed more than been on top of, underneath and everything in between when it came to Tyler but flashbacks of those muggle Harry Potter movies flickered in his mind, making what should have been a flirty comment back became “Dumbledore was the worst,” Tyler at tried to hide his laughter but failed when he began to chuckle.

“There are other options, you know more movies exist -”

“No, I don’t trust it” Daniel said, shaking his head. “But now that you bought it up, how about we go to Hogsmeade?”

“Hogsmeade?” Tyler repeated confused. “What? Why?”

“Well isn’t that where all Hogwarts students go for their dates?” Daniel asked. “We never got to do that because we were -” he trailed pulling a face. “Busy,” he said as he nose crinkled at the thought.

“You mean Madame Puddifoot’s Tea Shop?” Tyler asked as a disgusted look made its way onto his face. “No Daniel, that place is hideous. It is something we can totally skip out on,” he said seriously.

“Hmmm I feel there is a story here that I very much want to hear one day,” Daniel said an eyebrow raised. “But I meant Hogsmeade but noted about the tea shop,” he said with a laugh. “We could always just go out as friends, celebrate broentine day today and Valentine’s Day as lovers tomorrow - you know the whole best of both worlds thing,” he said. “Except we are really together so not only do we get the best of both worlds we also get to secretly mock the lonely people by dating,” he continued.

“Didn’t you go to Hogsmeade when we went to Hogwarts, I could have sworn we went to the three broomsticks together,” he said, raising an eyebrow. “Look I am not saying no I am just confused as to why you want to go there?”

“Yeah maybe,” Daniel shrugged, he went to a lot of places with Tyler most of the time though Daniel would be distracted with other things. “Look I want to go to the screaming shack,” he said.

“Shrieking shack?”

“Same difference,” he said waving a hand dismissively. “Look, if madame pudding's teapot is for dates then the screaming shack is clearly for hooking up,” he pointed out with a grin. “None of my Hogwarts hookups ever took me there, it was always the broom closet or the prefect’s bathroom or that weird room on the seventh floor,” he said scrunching his nose up.

“Firstly what Hogwarts hookups? When did that happen? Why did I not know and who was it?” Tyler asked with eyes narrowed. “And the shrieking shack wasn’t a hookup spot, you saw it in the movie people thought it was haunted because of potters-“

“Furry godfather and his werewolf boyfriend yeah I remember,” Daniel filled in. “Which is why the shack was shrieking, they were totally fucking,” he pointed out as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Tyler stared at him for a second mouth ajar before breaking out into a fit of laughter. “Okay let’s go then,” he said with a grin. “But after we have to go to Diagon alley, I need to check something at gringotts,” he added.

“Oh I got you showing me your bank accounts after one shower succ I knew I was good but wow,” Daniel teased with a wink.

“You wish,” Tyler said with an eye roll. “And please that is not the first time that has happened,” he smirked.

“Yeah yeah,” Daniel said dismissively as he stood up. “Let’s go and maybe if you are good you can make my shack scream,” he laughed.

“I don’t think that metaphor works,” Tyler chuckled.

“What was that invite mark and Tara on a double date at the tea house?” Daniel said with a boxy grin gigging as he saw Tyler’s eyes narrowing before racing down the stairs before he could catch him.

%%#%

“Well this is disappointing,” Daniel frowned as he looked around the shack. “I expected a place full of sin and all I got was a place full of dust bunnies,” he said kicking a broken chair. “Well I am not going to have sex with you here, we might catch something and not in the way you’d expect,”

“We were going to -“ Tyler laughed. “You what never mind, I am sorry this place is such a disappointment. How about head to Diagon Alley, we get a drink and then I will take you on a real date,” he offered. “You can even sex me up all you want.”

“I suppose I could use a drink,” Daniel said. “But I’m paying since I dragged you all the way here for nothing,” he added.

“Is it really for nothing? I am spending time with the person I love in a…. Shack.” Tyler said nose wrinkling in disgust.

“Tyler Lee shacks up in a shack now there is a headline I never thought I’d see,” Daniel teased, linking their hands and dragging Tyler towards the exit.

“The crazy things you do for love,” Tyler said with a laugh.

“Love or not let’s get you that drink you mentioned,” Daniel laughed as they apparitied to Diagon Alley. Daniel looked around the cobblestone street, the bright colours and busting life a stark contrast to the dusty disappointment of the Shrieking Shack.

“Yes and while we are having this drink you can tell me about these Hogwarts hookups that you conveniently kept secret all these years,” Tyler said huffed from beside him stepping forward. Daniel glanced ahead sussing out if Tyler was genuinely upset or just teasing, despite the way he had said it lightly there was a flicker of hurt in his eyes.

“I didn’t keep it a secret, at least purposely,” Daniel sighed as he jogged to catch up with Tyler. “I never really bought it up because it wasn’t important you know? They were just hookups, some of them I can't even remember names off which is kinda horrible of me,” he frowned. “It was never serious, I think half of them just wanted to experiment and I wanted to get off,” he frowned. “I was kinda a whore,” Daniel said with a shrug, playing it off as a joke.

“No you weren’t, don’t talk about yourself like that,” Tyler said seriously stopping mid-step. Daniel hummed, his automatic response would have been to play it off making a crude comment about he could be for Tyler but the way Tyler look genuinely upset with him for saying that stopped any words from leaving his mouth. “I wasn’t judging you, you know that right, I was just- surprised, not that these boys would want to hook up with you, I mean your gorgeous but i just thought as your best friend i would have known,” he said.

“Let’s get to The Leaky Cauldron, yeah, i think a drink is needed for this conversation,” Daniel said, remembering that they were indeed in fact on a busy street surrounded by people who would eventually realize that Tyler Lee was among them. Tyler brows furrowed a frown making its way onto his handsome features, Daniel had to ball his fist from reaching out and caressing Ty’s face. “You know away from prying eyes and especially ears,” Daniel said pointedly as recognition flashed across Tyler’s face.

They walked into the leaky cauldron, Daniel had only been to this particular pub once in his life, the summer before he started at Hogwarts. It was safe to say this shabby little pub had not been touched by time, but one good thing was the number of dark closed off corners it had, perfect for a conversation that didn’t want to be heard. Daniel watched as the pub’s patrons slowly realized just who had walked in, now Daniel was not a modest person, he was pretty famous but it was nothing compared to the fanfare Tyler caused. Soon they were swarmed as people all ran to get a piece of Tyler.

“Oi you lot none of that,” The landlord called out, pushing through the crowd. “Give him some space, you vultures,” he said. “You two come through the private parlour,” he said to Tyler and Daniel. “Let them through, i swear anyone who hassles him is getting kicked out.” he threatened, sending withering glares towards the crowd.

“Here you go,” he said, leading them into a room behind the bar, it was a little small but it was clear it had a renovation the rest of the pub had not. The walls were clean painted a lovely shade of light blue, luxurious lounge chairs were pushed against the wall, has a small table was placed in front of them. “I am sorry about them,” the landlord said scratching the back of his neck, genuinely seeming embarrassed. Daniel couldn’t help but narrow his eyes at him despite that, he was sure there was some kinda catch he’d probably want Tyler to date his sister now or something like that. “We don’t get too many famous people here these days but its no excuse, what can I get you two? Don't worry it’s on the house,” he said, Daniel waited for the catch but it didn’t come.

“Could i get two malt whiskeys,” Tyler said to him as the landlord nodded backing out of the room. “Daniel I’m so so-”

“Don’t even finish that sentence,” Daniel said, placing a finger on his lips. “You deserve the fanfare, maybe not that craziness but i get it if Tyler Lee walked into my local I would want a picture of him as well - plus you’re the boat,” Daniel shrugged.

“Boat? Do you mean goat?” Tyler moving his head back, raising an eyebrow at Daniel.

“Best Of All Time? Why would I compare you to a farm animal?” Daniel frowned. “Wait, are you trying to be self-deprecating? Usually, when people do that you can see why they would say it but with your pretty face, it just doesn’t work” Daniel pointed out.

“No, i mean your version works but the term is the G.O.A.T, the greatest of all time,” Tyler laughed. “Again no more Penny for you Mister,” he said flicking his nose. “I swear you are such a fan sometimes,” Tyler grinned.

“Number one fan, thank you very much,” Daniel huffed playfully.

“The bestest,” Tyler said leaning and pecking Daniel’s lips, pulling away as the landlord walked back in with a tray of drinks and two menus. “Just in case you get hungry,” he said before leaving the room. The two of them blinked before laughing. “I think we are alone now,” Tyler said as he took on a sit on the couch tapping it gesturing for Daniel to come sit beside him. “So about that other thing -” he said.

“I never told you because i didn’t want to waste your time talking about people that didn’t matter,” Daniel said, grabbing his glass of whiskey and taking a gulp as he sat down. “It wasn’t anything but that, none of those guys were important, the only people that mattered to me were you, Emily and … you know,” Danel said. Even now he was reluctant to mention Sungjae’s name. He was over him he knew that for sure and he hoped Tyler knew it but he didn’t want to upset Tyler even more by bringing up his crush on Sungjae.

“Well, you should have told me,” Tyler huffed, “ I could have found some better guys for you,” Tyler said. Daniel smiled, placing the glass back on the table before cuddling up to Tyler. Truthfully a part of him wanted to laugh at the idea, he knew the majority of Tyler’s friends and none of them were his type.

“I could have and should have told you I agree but you my little over-achiever would have struggled to find the right guy and it would have driven you crazy,” Daniel laughed. “Who would have guessed all you would’ve had to do is look in the mirror,” Daniel grinned.

“Well everyone should have because I am a catch but let’s face not even you would have known plus me as just a hookup? As if,” he scoffed.

“You’re right you would have ruined me for other guys,” Daniel said seriously. “Like you have now,” he added with a wink.

“Hell yeah, I have,” Tyler boasted. “And as I should you since I am your boyfriend, best friend and in general the love of your life,” he said.

“You’re adorable,” Daniel said smiling at Tyler fondly. “But now we have discussed my Hogwarts dating experience we need to talk about yours, what’s with the tea place?” Daniel asked raising an eyebrow.

“Do we have to?” Tyler all but whined. “Maybe i just don’t like it because it’s tacky, have you ever considered that?” Tyler said with a pout.

“Normally I’d say yes but considering how you had no problems going to an abandoned old shack for me but the possibility of that tea shop you were like no not happening, something happened in that shop, something bad, something you need to share with me,” he said patting Tyler’s thighs. “Come on, you know I’d never judge you,” he said in mock seriousness.

“I already know you are going to laugh,” Tyler said with an eye roll. “But first please know when i say tacky i mean tacky, everything was covered in frills and bows,” he shuddered. “Gaudy tables and chairs, so much lace.” he continued.

Daniel hummed sympathetically handing him his glass, “My poor baby,” he said caressing his face. Tyler nodded dramatically tapping a large gulp of whiskey. “Continue when you are ready,” Daniel said shifting so he could lay, his legs over Tyler’s laps effectively locking him in place.

“Well, in my third year this girl, i am not going to give names because we both know you are the jealous type,” Tyler said with a grin. Daniel’s brows furrowed protesting that he was not. “Don’t even deny it, love, you totally get jealous when i spend time with Maude,” he smirked as Daniel pulled a face, he was not jealous of Maude Olivier, he just didn’t like how obviously in love with his boyfriend she was. “Anyway this girl was a grade above me, super popular and pretty enough so when she asked me to go to Hogsmeade with her my friends at the time pushed for it, I was already the youngest quidditch Captain could you imagine if i was dating a pretty fourth year, so i said yes, it was no big deal, i figured we’d just go to Honeydukes, Zunko’s and maybe the quidditch shop,” he said with a frown. “But i was naive, “ frowned.

“What did she do to you?” Daniel asked eyes narrowed, murderous thoughts running through his mind, he could always find out this girl’s name on his own.

“No nothing like that it was just a terrible date, Madame Puddifoots was packed full of other couples we were pretty much stacked on top of each other, the decorations - there were golden cherubs, i love gold but that was just awful, the tea was terrible, and it was just so awkward,” he said with a shake of his head. “And then the girl asks me if i think she is the prettiest girl in the school and like she was pretty but the prettiest girl in the school? No way, so i thought i was doing the right thing and -”

“You didn’t?” Daniel laughed as Tyler nodded causing Daniel to break out into a fit of laughter.

“Anyway she bursts into tears and everyone looks at us, like imagine crying over that i didn’t say she was ugly -” Tyler scoffed.

“13 year old you had zero game and was not here for nonsense, i respect that,” Daniel said trying to control his laughter as Tyler glared. “Anyway, honestly that girl didn’t deserve you,” Tyler nodded in agreement, scoffing about how you could say that again. “I am sorry that you had to relive that trauma,” Daniel said sitting up pressing a kiss to Tyler’s cheek. “It gets better,’” he said trailing kisses down Tyler’s jawline.

“I thought we were meant to be having a bro day,” Tyler groaned, pushing Daniel down, climbing on top of him and kissing him.

“We are,” Daniel said breathlessly as Tyler pulled away. “I mean it’s not to bro-ee considering I’ve talked about fucking in a shack,” he shrugged pulling Tyler back down. He can’t just kiss him like that and stop. No, he needed more, much more. Luckily for Daniel, Tyler got the message very quickly.

He didn’t know how long they were making out but sadly they were interrupted by Tyler’s phone ringing, Daniel groaned his hair messier, lips were swollen, shirt askew and pants significantly tighter. “Ignore it,” he said, leaning up to kiss Tyler pecked his lips before pulling away laughing. Daniel pouted as Tyler held his phone to his ear with one hand while buttoning up his shirt with the other. Daniel scoffed sitting up pressing his ear against Tyler’’s trying to hear who was on the other end. Tyler raised an eyebrow as he stood up walking to the other side of the room, causing the pout on Daniel’s face to turn into a full-blown frown.

“Mhm thanks,” He heard Tyler say. “Okay I actually really need to go to Gringotts now,” he said coming back over to Daniel and sitting back down next to him. “Just have to pick something up,” he said,

“Do you want me to come with you? Or - “ He asked, raising an eyebrow as Tyler smiled sheepishly. “Fine,” Daniel rolled his eyes. “I’ll just go get Em’s Valentine’s day gift, do you want me to get something for Tara?” he offered. “Wait do you buy each other presents? And if so, do you have a price limit?”

“I already got her something and yes, all because my gifts were better than Mark’s,” Tyler huffed.

“Didn’t he write her a song -” Daniel began to say as Tyler glared at him. “But how dare he not spend money on your little sister? He is beyond lucky to have her as a fin-” he started but trailed off as Tyler’s glare only intensified. The F word has a different meaning when it comes to Tyler, fiancee had been on the do not say list since his sister got engaged. “Anyway -” he trailed off trying to change the subject, Tyler snorted clearly amused by his attempt. “How about we get going?”

“Yes we should,” Tyler said. “How about we meet at Fortescue’s Icecream Parlour?” Tyler offered.

“Sure,” Daniel said. “This time i am definitely paying, no matter what your fan club tries,” he said with a laugh.

-------

“So did you get what you needed?’ Daniel asked as Tyler sat down across from him, raising an eyebrow as he spotted his bowl of ice cream.“It’s your favourite and I’ve already paid so you can’t say no,” he added.

“I did and okay, i’ll just pay for our date later,” Tyler grinned. “So did you get your cousin a gift?” he asked. “What do you even buy a huff n puff?” he asked nose turned up.

“A Tyler Lee voodoo doll,” Daniel deadpanned as Tyler frowned. “I am kidding, i just got her some chocolates and a new quill set,” Daniel said, nose scrunching up. “She won’t let me buy more since she mostly gives her friends and family homemade things,” he pouted. “But instead i bought my friends gifts, including you, happy broentine day,” he said pulling out a Tyler Lee figuring. “And here is me with heart eyes and my number one fan jersey,” he said pulling out his custom made doll.

“Seriously,” Tyler laughed. “Strange but cute,” he said with a grin.

“It’s realistic thank you very much, you exist. I have heart eyes, it’s the natural order,” Daniel said as Tyler grinned at the praise.

“I see well in that case you should keep this one,” he said, pushing his figuring towards Daniel. “And i should keep this handsome fella,” he grinned, grabbing the Daniel-esque figure.

“You monster! how dare you try to separate them?” Daniel gasped dramatically causing Tyler to chuckle.

“Uhm excuse me,” A woman said, “I am really sorry about this but would you mind if my son said hello,” she said gesturing to the small human hiding behind her leg, peaking out to look at Tyler with awe. “It’s his birthday and you are his hero,” she continued. Daniel looked down to see a bag full of presents in the woman’s hand proving her claim to be true.

Tyler over at Daniel questioning if it was okay, Daniel nodded for him to go ahead. “What’s his name?”

“Artem,” the woman said, trying to get her son to stop hiding, “Sorry he is a little shy,” she said. Tyler shook his head, got out of his chair and kneeling so he could spot Artem.

“Hello Artem,” Tyler said softly as the boy slowly moved to the front. “I heard it was your birthday today,” he said as the little boy turned red nodding furiously. “Happy Birthday,” he said with a smile. “How old are you now?”

“Four,” Artem said with a toothy grin. “I am a big boy now,” he said, getting braver as time went on.

“Four,” Tyler gasped. “Wow that is so cool,” he said. “Have you had a good birthday?” he asked.

“Mhm, I got to have ice cream with my friends and mummy said she is going to go to the quidditch shop to look at the new broomsticks,” he said. “I might be a junior broom,” he said excitedly looking at his mother who smiled fondly.

“Wow that sounds so fun, my friend bought me ice cream,” he said nodding to Daniel who waved awkwardly as Artem stared at him. “And your first broom?” Tyler asked. “That is so exciting, you are very lucky.” Artem nodded happily.

“I am gonna practice so i can be as good as you,” he said looking at Tyler as if he had put the stars in the sky.

“As good as me?” Tyler asked, stroking his chin. “Hmm I think if you practice really hard you might be even better,” he whispered as Artem's mouth hung open. “How about we take a quick photo, yeah?” he asked Artem who let out a squeal of excitement. The mum pulled out her phone quickly, taking the shot of her beaming son and Tyler who had a well-practised media smile on his face.

“Thank you so much,” The mother said as Artem excitedly stared at her phone, not fully believing he had just met his idol. “I am sorry about the disruption,” she said bowing pushing Artem along who was waving excitedly at Tyler.

“Sorry about that,” Tyler said sitting back down. Daniel shook his head, there was no need for him to apologize.

“It was cute, you made his entire day and they were a lot more polite about it,” Daniel said. “You are really good with children,” he said, Tyler grinned. “Anyway about our -”

“Tyler!” Daniel heard an all too familiar voice screech out. He looked across the street to see Maude Olivier making her way over to them. Daniel looked at Tyler who just shrugged, shaking his head letting Daniel know he had no hand in this. “I thought it was you,” she said as she came to their table. Daniel rolled his eyes, she was probably stalking him looking for any updates on his whereabouts. “Daniel,” she said looking at Daniel with a sneer before turning around pulling a chair from a nearby table. “I haven’t seen you in forever,” she said, leaning forward, blocking Daniel.

“I’ve been busy but i am pretty sure you came to my match the other week,” he said.

“But we haven’t hung out in like forever,” she pouted making Daniel want to throw what was left of his icecream at her stupid head. “How are you holding up,” she said, reaching out to rub Tyler’s arm.

“Fine,” Tyler said, pulling his arm away, shifting away so she couldn’t touch him. “Why wouldn’t I be?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

“You know since Valentine’s day is tomorrow and Minah is rubbing her loser husband in your face like marrying Sungjae Lee is something to be proud of,” she said as Daniel glowered, bringing up the M word and insulting Sungjae, while Daniel was completely over him, he was going to let someone like Maude drag him, especially when he was miles above her.

“You know what I am surprised by? ” Daniel commented, “That Minah hasn’t blocked you, I mean you’d think after you and your entire family make a name for yourself after copying her family's designs,” he said mockingly, he couldn’t stand Delacroix but he hated Maude so much more.

“Shouldn’t you be in Australia right now? Why are you even here?”

“Why am I here? You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Daniel snorted, this bitch invites herself to their table and dares to ask that. “And how dare you bring her up in front of him, what kind of friend are you-” he snapped. “Oh crap you got me saying her name now, Ty, babe, I am so sorry,” he said causing Tyler to laugh.

“It’s fine, I don’t care,” Tyler said waving a hand dismissively. “But maybe we should go back to mine, you know to make sure you can’t say any words,” he said suggestively, winking at Daniel. Daniel flushed wondering where exactly that had come from. “Already speechless? Wow, i haven’t done anything yet,” he smirked.

“What?” Maude said looking between Tyler and Daniel. Damn it, Daniel had momentarily forgotten about her presence.

“Why are you still here?” he muttered as he looked at Tyler panicked, telling their friends and Minah was one thing but Maude Olivier, a woman who in Daniel’s opinion has an attic dedicated to Tyler with like a piece of his hair that she smells before going to bed. Daniel opened his mouth to explain it was a joke, a weird nonsensical joke, yup a joke.

Tyler shrugged, “Any way we have to go,” he said to Maude. “I’ll text you to find a time when we can hang out,” he said standing up and grabbing Daniel’s hand and pulling him up.

“What -” Daniel said, eyes darting to Maude.

“We have some not speaking to do,” Tyler said, wrapping an arm around his shoulder not glancing back at Maude.

#story

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theresnosafeharbor4myships · 6 years

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Hey guys, remember when I wrote Caryl fanfic? Remember when sometimes I’d even write fluff? And that one time, many years ago, when I wrote a Valentines Day fic? No? Ok, here’s the reminder: I did. Happy Valentines (Galentines, Palentines, whatever-tines) Day! <3

Coming Home (also on 9L)

He wasn’t allowing her in the house.

When she’d left that morning, he’d told her in no uncertain terms that she had to stay away until 7pm. She knew better than to pry, though her curiosity was piqued as high as a Middle Eastern skyscraper.

So she baked, cooked, cookie cutter-smiled, and gritted her teeth through the silliness that was Alexandria, wondering for the thousandth time that day how these people had survived so long. When lunch and its cleanup were complete, she visited with Jude and Michonne until Carl came home from his classes taught by one of the two still-living teachers. She wandered slowly by the house in hopes of catching a glimpse of…? Him? Activities inside? What is he doing?

But no such luck. The blinds were down, and she could see the tint of the dark blue curtains behind them.

She stopped by the chapel to…think—she wasn’t sure she could call it praying anymore because she feared He wouldn’t hear her, but she visited nonetheless.

The clock only read 5:30pm when she’d finished, so she strolled to the kid’s park a few blocks away and did a few pull-ups like Michonne had taught her. The woman was a fitness expert, lithe, agile, and muscular in a way she never would be, and Michonne had given Carol more than few tips on her fitness routine to continue strengthening her muscles. She did a few yoga poses for good measure and to try to calm her nerves.

What’s going on with him anyway? she wondered. He’s never kicked me out before. And why only me? Glenn and Maggie are free to go home. What are they cooking up?

When it was 6:45, she couldn’t stay away any longer and power-walked home. She stood on the stoop, raised her hand to knock—as he’d asked her to do when he told her she couldn’t come home—and froze, nerves a jumbled mess and anxiety filling her. What’s on the other side of this door?

Don’t be a baby, she chided herself. Just knock and find out.

She rapped on the door and shuffled around on her feet until the knob turned and Daryl opened the door wide.

Her breath stopped momentarily, taking in the site of him: his black t-shirt making his deep blue eyes pop, the jeans—new by the looks of them—a sight to behold, as she couldn’t recall him ever having worn blue jeans before. His shock of black hair was washed and groomed, shining and combed out of his face for once.

“You’re early,” he stated in his low southern drawl.

“I…” She couldn’t stop staring at him. He looked different, was looking at her differently. She was mesmerized. “…couldn’t stay away….any longer.”

He gave her a knowing smile, which further confounded her because she didn’t know

He held out his hand, and it took her a few seconds to realize he was waiting for hers. She placed her palm over his. He drew her inside and reached around her with his other hand to close and lock the door behind her.

“Daryl,” she wondered aloud. “What’s going on?”

He gazed down at her for a few moments before answering. “Somethin’ that shoulda happened a long time ago. Back at the prison. I…” he trailed off, his eyes drifting to their joined hands as he moved them until their fingers interlocked, then set his intense gaze on her.

Her heart hammered in her chest. What was he doing?

”I was scared before,” he admitted softly. “Still am. But...too much time has passed as it is. And you…” His other hand came up to cup her cheek as he stepped closer to her. “Carol…” he whispered before slowly leaning towards her.

He moved slowly, giving her ample time to move away or reject him, but she was too stunned to move—and most certainly wouldn’t have stopped him if she could.

She closed her eyes as his lips brushed hers, softly, tenderly, and she almost collapsed at the reverence in his moves. She’d never been kissed with such passionate restraint before, and she moaned into his mouth as he gently tugged her closer to him.

Deep-seated fear—of intimacy, of the unknown with him, of him in the role as hunter of her—gripped her for a moment. He must’ve felt the change in her because he withdrew enough to rest his forehead against hers.

”Is this okay?” he questioned, and she could hear his own fear in the words. “I wanted to…for so long…never the right time though. One of us is always runnin’ off and somebody always needs help. But now…we got a home and walls, and God only knows how long this’ll last. And livin’ with you every day and sleepin’ in the room next to you every night knowin’ how close you are but not able ta—”

She crushed her lips against his, unable to listen to his sweet, tentative ramblings any longer without crying.

And kissing him was a much better alternative.

It wasn’t long before her hands roamed from his hair to his back, his shoulders, his chest, trying to touch him all over in the hopes she could make him feel even a fraction of the passion he was making thrum within her. His hands stayed firm on her hips, holding her close to him but not moving. Out of fear? Shock at her boldness? Did he not want—?

He pulled her closer, then shuffled backwards as she moved forward, never more than a few inches away from him. She didn’t realize where he was moving them until he plopped down on the couch and slid his hands to her thighs, looking up at her with such heated intensity she thought she might melt on the spot.

”Carol…” he whispered.

“Yes?” she breathed. She wanted so badly to be bold, knew what she wanted to do with him sitting willingly before her with his hands branding his touch into her skin. With the heavy petting she’d just initiated, he probably thought her crazy, but she just couldn’t make that move. Too many years of intimate humiliation, forced encounters, and derogatory comments about her body, her skills, her. They started to swoop in.

“No.”

The word, gentle but resolute, startled her.

“Whatever you’re thinkin’….just…no. I’ve watched you grow into your strength and come to terms with you. The real you. And she’s amazing. You’re amazing. You’re with me now…if you wanna be…?” It hung in the air like a question, and she nodded unhesitatingly. “You’re stunning. And if it takes me all night,” with a quirk of his eyebrow, he grinned, “or the resta my days on this godforsaken Earth for you ta believe it, I’mma spend 'em provin’ it to you.”

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, and she nodded in acceptance of what he offered.

“Come’ere,” he coaxed, pulling her gently to him. She straddled him on the couch, her face tinged red. He cupped her face with one hand, the other sliding up her thigh to rest on her hip. “I love you,” he whispered.

She wanted to repeat the phrase, but the words froze in her throat. So she leaned toward him and said the only other thing she could think of.

“Show me?”

He smiled. “Gladly.”

*****************************************************************

“I didn’t plan for this…I mean, I’d hoped, but I don’t want you ta think…I wasn’t tryin’ ta…I mean…shit.”

She giggled against his neck, and he sighed heavily. “It’s okay.”

“I wanted ta surprise you.”

“And you did!” she exclaimed. “It was a very big…” she paused for emphasis. “and pleasant surprise.”

“Hmph, thanks. For me too.” He kissed her shoulder. “I made dinner for ya.”

She looked at him, eyes wide. “You did?”

“ ‘Course. I wasn’t plannin' on startin’ with dessert.”

Pink flushed her cheeks. “Was a nice start to the evening though.”

“Mmm. You worked up an appetite yet?”

“Definitely.”

“Come'on.”

She slipped his t-shirt over her head and padded after him as he righted and zipped up his jeans.

“Oh,” she gasped as she entered the kitchen. Candlelight flickered around the simple vase holding white roses and over the two place settings on the table. Her eyes met his. “You did this…”

He nodded. “Wanted you to have a nice Valentine’s Day.”

She was taken aback. “Valentine’s Day?”

“Yeah. Glenn found out from Olivia—they been keeping track’a the days here—and told me not to expect him and Maggie home tonight. Thought it was a perfect night to…tell you how I feel.”

She walked over to him, placing her hands on his chest and gazing up at him with tenderness in her eyes. “It is perfect.”

“And we’re just gettin’ started.”

She slid her arms over his shoulders and around his neck. “Don’t I know it.”

He smiled at her, and her heart soared. How little he smiles, she thought. “No one’s ever…treated me on Valentine’s Day before.”

“From now on, I will. You deserve it. And not only on Valentine’s Day.”

She gazed up at him, her heart overflowing with emotions she’d held at bay for far too long. “I love you, too,” she breathed, drawing him down to her. She kissed him thoroughly, and neither of them were sad that dinner turned cold.

#caryl #caryl valentines #carol x daryl #daryl x carol #caryl fanfiction #caryl fanfic #my writing #personal

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