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bloodstainedsaint · 5 months

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the sniper (joseph liebgott x sniper! reader)

summary: when you transferred from dog company to easy company following the battle of bloody gulch, you thought you knew what to expect of men in the military— though you really wanted joe liebgott to prove you wrong

word count: just over 3500

warnings: period-typical sexism & misogyny (big part of the story), very minor violence, denying feelings, mutual pining, reader lowkey has trust issues, full of other characters but hopefully no one's ooc?? also this fic is kinda messy 😭

notes: happy thanksgiving! enjoy this fic for the holidays 💞 also your favs AREN'T sexist, just confused

Gossip, you realized, was an easy way to kill time for the men of the military, especially with the recent news that there would be a transfer to Easy Company— the transfer being you, of course. You had no idea you were such a hot topic until you walked down a street of Aldbourne in search of the man currently in charge of your new company, Lieutenant Winters, and overheard a trio of soldiers discussing rumors as they sat around awaiting orders.

“Hey, have you heard that there’s a transfer coming from D-Company?” one said, lighting a cigarette.

“Whew, he must’ve not taken any smokes from Lieutenant Sparky, huh, Don?” another chuckled, stealing the cigarette out of who you guessed was Don’s fingers and puffing for emphasis, much to Don’s displeasure.

Huffing, Don continued, “He’s a sniper, apparently! Better than Shifty!”

“Nah, no one’s better than Shifty,” the third butted in. “Shifty can shoot you right between the eyes blindfolded.”

“Shifty would deny that ‘til he died, Penk,” said the second with a smile.

“It’s true, Skip! Apparently he tracked a target from 1,000 yards away and still got him in the head! Bang! Just like that,” Don said while he mimicked holding a rifle and firing.

“Psh, our boy Shifty could do that, or better: 2,000 yards, right?” Skip nudged Penk with his shoulder.

Penk shrugged. “Length don’t matter, anyway. It’s what you do with the gun, not how far it shoots.”

Skip and Don shared a look and grinned, the latter joking, “Don’t you mean distance, Alex? What, you insecure about something?”

The trio devolved into laughter and banter, but was suddenly quieted as Don patted the others and pointed at you approaching. Several other men standing nearby swiveled their heads to watch as well.

A woman dressed in fatigues, the shoulder of her uniform emblazoned with the Screaming Eagles patch, a M1 Garand slung around her back— they couldn't seem to get their mind around it. Disregarding their curious stares (you’d gotten a lot of them for the past two years or so that you've been enlisted), you walked past the group of spectators.

A couple of men whistled lowly, and a murmur spread through the small crowd. You stopped in your tracks for a moment, eyes downward in thought. Surely one of these men knows where Lieutenant Winters is. You turned on your heel toward the group.

“Afternoon,” you addressed the onlookers, who were now either standing up or gathering around in interest. Your eyes went from man to man, meeting inquisitive and suspicious stares alike, unfazed. “Anyone know where I can find Lieutenant Winters?”

“You, uh, you lost?” a diminutive man — Perconte, his name tag read — asked.

One with a strict face and a glower already etched into it — Martin — stepped into the scattered group. “Who’s asking?”

“Private (Y/N), sir,” you said with a quick salute that was returned. “I’m transferring from Dog Company to Easy Company. I was told to look for a Lieutenant Winters.”

The men exchanged a look amongst each other.

The man from earlier, Don, spoke up with awe apparent in his voice. “You’re a sniper?”

You turned to him with a curt nod. “Yes, I’m a sharpshooter.”

Then a lanky, scrappy-looking guy, Liebgott, entered with a smirk tugging upon his lips. Just by looking at his crooked smile and raised eyebrows, you knew he was going to cause you trouble. Just another man ogling at you like you're nothing but a pretty face. What else is new? “You need help getting around base?”

“No thank you, that won’t be necessary,” you swiftly rebuffed, turning your attention back to the rest of the men. You set them with an expectant look.

“You can find Lieutenant Winters over there at CP,” Randleman, a large red-headed man, said around a hefty cigar in his mouth, nodding his head in the tent’s direction. “If he’s not there, try the mess cabin.”

With a small smile, grateful that someone finally answered your question instead of asking more of them, you thanked him, saluted, and walked off.

As you started towards CP, you heard behind your back, “Did Roosevelt change something while we were overseas? ‘Cause I just saw a lady wearing paratrooper clothing with a rifle ‘round her back.”

“Very astute, George,” someone replied.

You could almost hear the smirk in Liebgott’s voice as he declared, “I’m gonna go talk to her.”

“Yeah, come back alive,” another voice — Skip, maybe — chimed in. “Speirs might’ve rubbed off on her.”

You only had a few seconds to mentally prepare yourself before you heard footsteps catching up behind you. Liebgott was now walking side by side with you, matching your brisk pace.

“Hey, (Y/N), right?”

You took a sidelong glance at him. “That’s right.”

“Joseph D. Liebgott. Technician 5th-Grade.”

“And is there a reason why you’re following me to CP, Liebgott?”

“Thought I’d show you around base, get to know you a little.”

“And I thought I declined your assistance,” you said firmly. “I was part of Dog Company; I'm not new around here.”

“Alright, how about introducing you to Easy men when you’re finished?” He threw a smile your way. “They’re curious about you.”

You slightly grimaced at the thought of being at the center of attention for so many strangers. “I’d rather not.”

“Why? They’re great guys. I don’t know about Dog Company men and their Lieutenant Speirs, but Easy men, especially Toccoa men, are different.”

They don’t seem all that different to me. You gripped the strap of your gun a little tighter. “Once again, I’ll pass.”

He shrugged. “You’ll warm up to us.”

A tense silence ensued. You did your best to not seem bothered by it. Usually by this point people gave up and stopped talking to you entirely.

“So, uh,” he began, running his hands through his hair. Of course you weren’t getting rid of him that easily. Your intuition earlier was right. “Why’re you transferring over to Easy? No offense, but we've got a helluva marksman already.”

“I wasn’t given a reason, just an order.”

“That so? Well, maybe you’ll take his place as our resident sniper, huh?”

“Looking forward to it,” you responded drily.

He chuckled. “You’ll fit right into Easy with the rest of the snarkers. Where you from, (Y/N)?”

You eyed him cautiously. “Lansing, Michigan.”

“Get outta here, you serious? I'm from there too!” Liebgott cracked a smile and gazed at you. “Man, I might’ve seen you around and just haven’t realized it. Could've been talking to you years ago.”

You pursed your lips. “It wouldn't have helped your chances, Liebgott.”

Grinning, he said, undaunted, “What chances? We're just talking. I wanna know the lady I’ll be fighting with.”

“You just want to know if I’m single or not. That’s all,” you icily said as the two of you neared the tent.

Apparently found out, Liebgott smiled broadly and stopped a few feet from CP while you continued walking. “Well, are you?”

You turned to face him. “Yes, I’m single, and no, I’m not interested in sleeping with you.”

You couldn’t see the smile melt off his face as you entered the tent, eyes searching amongst all the men and equipment for the tall soldier you’ve seen conversing with Lieutenant Speirs before.

“Private (Y/N),” a voice called. You looked in its direction and finally found Winters.

“Lieutenant Winters.” You saluted.

“You’re the new transfer, right?” he asked, beckoning you further into the tent for some privacy. You were thankful that most of the men here were too occupied with their own duties to notice you.

You followed him to a quiet corner. “Yes, sir.”

“Met the men yet?”

“Some of them.”

“Anyone give you trouble?” he asked gently. “You can tell me.”

You paused, thinking. Nothing past some inquisitive stares and a couple of questions. “No, sir.”

Winters perceived your hesitation. “If that changes, tell me. They're good men, but they might be a bit eager to meet you.”

You nodded. Liebgott certainly was. He analyzed your face for a second before continuing, “Try to get yourself acquainted at dinner before you go into combat with them. That’ll be all, Private.”

You saluted, knowing full well that you’ll most likely try to get a seat by yourself, away from the clamor of the men.

“Thank you, sir.”

It turned out that no seat was good enough to escape the onslaught of questions.

You had gotten there early and took a seat at the far end of one of the tables with a book in hand and not much of an appetite. Unfortunately for you, being one of the first ones there instead of a head in a crowd of people singled you out, and eventually you were surrounded by men wanting to know more.

“Hey, this is the new replacement I’ve been hearing so much about, yeah?” Bill Guarnere, or Wild Bill, as they called him, questioned, shoving himself into one of the seats at your table.

“Transfer, Gonorrhea, not a replacement,” Liebgott said from your side. When he had entered the mess cabin, you had attempted to hide yourself with your book, but to no avail. He had beelined toward you, beaming ear to ear as he slid into the seat next to you.

“You into books?” he said, eyes going from you to the book in your hands.

You thought that he might actually surprise you.“Yeah, are you?”

He scoffed lightheartedly. “What, you kidding? I love to read!”

A ghost of a smile graced your face. “What kind?”

“Oh, you know, Dick Tracy, Flash Gordon, mostly!” he said, seemingly proud of himself, and your smile disappeared.

Soon after that, people swarmed your table. If you were being fair, though, Liebgott had spoken for you for most of the night, making sure you could read in relative peace. If you didn't know any better, you’d say that he was just enjoying you being by his side, but you were still wary of any underlying intentions (let’s say, getting into your pants) he might have.

Yet, out of the corner of your eyes, you saw the way he looked at you from time to time with a small smile upturning his lips, and you wanted to believe he didn't have any.

“Transfer, replacement, whatever,” Bill brushed it off with a wave of his hand. “What I wanna know is—”

“—why she’s a girl?” Liebgott finished. “Jeez, I dunno, she’s only been asked this twelve times tonight.”

“If you’d let me finish,” Bill said with a pointed look at Liebgott as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, “I was gonna ask if she did shoot a Kraut from 1,000 yards away.”

“You’d be giving ole Shifty a real run for his money, ain't that right, Shift?” Joe — the other one, Joe Toye — said from beside Bill, reaching over to another table and shaking one of the guys there.

Shifty, you assumed, looked over and met your eyes with a kind smile. “No, no, I’m sure she's a better shot than me. Y'all give me too much credit.”

“That’s what being humble will get ya.” Bill chuckled and puffed from his cigarette. “Your spot as Easy’s best shot out from under ya.”

The table laughed, and you steeled yourself before uttering in a quiet, yet steady voice, “It was two men.”

A hush descended over the table. Liebgott turned to look at you. “What?”

“Two men. I dropped the first. The other one heard and started running. I dropped him next. Both in the head,” you relayed, without the humor of a storyteller but the gravity of a historian. You didn't know it, but you had a stony look in your eye.

Luckily, you were saved from the stunned silence by a man getting up and reciting a poem, but you could feel Liebgott’s eyes burning into you. With fear? Admiration? You weren’t sure, but you didn't dare look over.

Joe Liebgott was nothing if not persistent. For months now, he'd been lingering around you, flirting and striking up conversations with you. To be honest, you never outright said for him to stop (besides that one time in the very beginning when you said you weren’t interested), so you guessed he wasn't overstepping any boundaries.

Still, he seemed determined to get you into his bed.

“C’mon, I think we’d look cute together!”

“That’s what you think, Joe,” George said, squatting next to his friend, “Giving her heart eyes and all. Meanwhile, she looks at you like you're her next target.”

Brushing his teeth, Frank followed the other two’s gaze across the road, where you were happily talking with Bull and Shifty. He spat out the toothpaste residue on the ground beside him and said, counting on his fingers, “Seems like the only people she gives the time of day to are Shifty, Bull, Doc Roe, even Webster.”

“Who, if you'll notice,” George said, gesturing with a cigarette between his fingers, “are all quiet, reserved, well-mannered people. You, on the other hand, got a loud mouth and, uh, what’s it called, Frank?”

“A short fuse,” Frank supplied.

“Yeah, a short fuse. She probably thinks you’re trying to get into bed with her, in which case, you're shit outta luck.”

Frank said, shaking his head, “Scary, that girl. With her rifle and that look in her eyes.”

Liebgott exhaled. “But I’m not tryna just sleep with her! I even gave her some of my favorite comics ‘cause I knew she likes to read.”

“Yeah, real books, Joe— that's why she gets along with Webster!” Frank exclaimed. “You sure you didn't give her the pornos?”

George laughed. “That'd give her the wrong impression.”

Liebgott narrowed his eyes as you giggled at something Shifty said. “You’re right, maybe she doesn't like me.”

Standing up, George sighed and snuffed out his cigarette. “That’s not the point, Joe. I’ve seen the way she looks at you.”

“Yeah, like I’m her next target? You told me already.”

“No,” George said with an exaggerated eye roll, “like she wants more outta you. ‘Cause all she's getting is the impression that you wanna fuck her.”

Liebgott stood up as well, still watching as you laughed with Bull and Shifty. George and Frank patted him on the back.

“She’s all yours, buddy,” Frank assured with a sympathetic smile. “She makes heart eyes at you too.”

There were only a handful of women selected to serve outside of something like a nurse’s position; you just so happened to be one of them, most likely because of your experience with a rifle. So, you’d gotten used to the lustful ways some men would watch you, or the demeaning ways they would taunt you. You guessed almost all of them had never seen a woman with a combat position in the military before (or by the way some of them acted, ever spoken to a woman at all).

But such men only assumed that you had earned your jump wings by sleeping around with officers. They assumed that they should be able to get in on it too, or that they should condemn you for something you didn't even do, for being unworthy and unskilled all because you were a woman.

It had always been a difficult pill to swallow: your military career would be littered with scathing remarks and crude comments, and you’d have to be strictly professional or closed-off with most men lest you’d be seen as a whore rather than just “scary”. But the hardest fact to accept was the fact that Liebgott, for all the kindness he had shown you, all the times he talked to you like you were a human being— that he most likely had the same intentions as everyone else.

As much as you relished his company, his crooked smile, his jokes, his lingering touches (and as much as you had to pretend you didn't), you had to accept his end goal was for you to warm his bed. And sure, maybe he was more dogged with his efforts than other men were, and maybe your friends in the company had told you that he was a genuine guy, but you just couldn't believe that he had anything else in mind when it came to you.

Maybe all the criticisms thrown your way had affected you more than you thought.

With the success of Operation Pegasus, Bull had dragged you (not literally, though you’re sure he could've) into a pub in the Netherlands for some celebratory drinking.

You didn't drink, and you disliked pubs; the smell of booze and drunken people was often overpowering, but at least you found quiet company with Bull. Across the room from your table, you saw Liebgott staring at you with a smile and a drink in his hand. It seemed as though he had noticed you the second you entered.

“It’s alright if I leave you alone for a second, little lady?” Bull said, chewing on a cigar like usual. “You'll be fine?”

“Sure, Bull. Go enjoy yourself.”

The large man smiled and patted you on the back before leaving to talk to some of the other men in the company.

Not one to mingle, you were only a few pages into your book when you caught the attention of an intoxicated soldier.

“Look who it is,” Cobb said to himself, hardly standing upright. You recognized his voice, seeing as this wasn’t the first time he’s derided you. “Ms. 1,000 Yards, huh. Bet the officers over at Dog Company only made up that story so it looks like you had some use.”

You ground your teeth. Typically, if you didn't give someone like him the satisfaction of an answer, they’d leave you alone. Why defend yourself and give people another word to call you: bitchy?

“What's a woman got to do in the military anyway?” Bottle in hand, he shambled towards you. “Besides suck the dicks of the men who are actually fighting.”

Steadying your uneven breath, you tried to look behind him to find Liebgott, but his body blocked your view.

Taking another swig, he spat, “That why they transferred you over from Dog Company? Those boys got their fill of you and passed you onto us, huh? Fuckin’ good for nothing slut.”

“What the fuck did you just say to her?” You heard Liebgott’s voice and felt relief wash over you.

Cobb turned around, and you caught a glimpse of an incensed Liebgott, a fierce glint to his eyes.

“Tell me what you just said to her.”

“Oh, please, Joe, you trying to get her to suck your cock faster—”

He was interrupted by a fist flying his way, toppling the inebriated man. Liebgott got on top of him and began trading punches before the surrounding men, drawn by the commotion, tried to pull him off of Cobb.

Your eyes were blown wide as you stood there, speechless. Bull found you and pulled you by the arm out of the pub.

“But what about Liebgott?” you said, peering behind you.

Bull shrugged and did the same. “Seems like he was winning anyway.”

That night in your billet, all you could think about was the fury that twisted Liebgott’s face into one you only saw on the battlefield.

And it was all for you.

The next day, you searched for Liebgott at breakfast, the table feeling a bit more empty without him taking up his normal spot beside you, but he had found you first, as he usually did.

“Hey, (Y/N), can I talk to you for a sec?” he said, his hand on your shoulder. You turned around in your seat and were met with a slightly bruised Liebgott, a small cut across his nose. Concern filling your chest, you nodded, and his hand held your wrist as he led you out of the mess hall.

“So, uh, about last night,” he started, rubbing the back of his neck. His eyes searched yours for how you felt about him bringing it up, but he found no hints in your unreadable expression. “I’m sorry for fighting Cobb for you. You're a strong woman, you could handle him yourself—”

Smiling at his uncharacteristic hesitance, you cut his apology short with a peck on the cheek. You pulled away and saw his temporary surprise.

“Thank you, Joe. I appreciated you standing up for me. It means a lot.”

His face broke into the widest beam you've ever seen.

“Can I kiss you?” he asked eagerly, the words spilling out of his mouth before he could even process what they were. “Shit, sorry, that was too soon—”

You answered his question by tenderly holding his bruised face with your hands and bringing his lips to yours. You could feel him grin into the kiss as he pulled you closer, and your heart just about melted.

Maybe you had gotten Joe Liebgott all wrong from the start.

“Great, he’s never gonna wash that cheek again!”

taglist: @mads-weasley, @ronsparky, @dcyllom, @malarkgirlypop

#band of brothers #band of brothers x reader #joe liebgott #joe liebgott x reader #hbo war #hbo war fanfic #easy company #101st airborne #band of brothers fanfic #band of brothers imagine #band of brothers imagines #joseph liebgott x reader #joseph liebgott #joseph d liebgott

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joenotexotic99 · 8 months

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Hey can I request band of brothers characters x reader first time headcanons ? Also by the way I love your work.

A/n: sorry I dropped off the face of the planet for a minute. I was in a bit of a slump. Enjoy! [Lmk if you want a pt 2]

-This is a work of fiction based on the actors portrayal of these men. Every ounce of respect to the real soldiers-

Warnings: contains NSFW themes, plain filthy smut, language, minor dni.

Masterlist

Dick winters

-he's the type of man to not want to hook up or have any short term commitments. So sleeping with you would probably be when the two of you have are already been well into dating. He cares so much about you. That loving matter probably carries on into the bedroom. Will always make sure you feel comfortable and is Def big of consent. Later down the road he might get a little more adventurous but for the first time he wanted it special. Gently taking off your close. Lots of kisses. So much passion. His hands would roam your body. He might even light a few candles. Like I said he's definitely on the vanilla side. At least in the beginning of you two's sex life so it most likely would be missionary. But nevertheless he for sure rocked your world. King of aftercare.

"You look so pretty naked for me you know that"

Lewis nixon

- he has just as much respect for you as winters but is more on the spontaneous side, as well as that sleeping with you is what started your relationship. The sexual tension between you two has been going on for months until he invited you to his house for a drink and a movie. One drink in and you both got flirty and your confidence skyrocketed. One thing led to another and he had you slammed into his bedroom door in just your panties. He kisses up and down your neck before laying you down on the bed. Would be such a tease omfg. Kissing up and down your legs never going where you wanted. Making you say exactly how you want him. Forsure wants to see you ride him. Making sure your boobs get plenty of attention as well.

"Use your words baby, tell me what you want"

"Fuck nixon I want you to eat me out"

George luz

-so playful but so sweet at the same time. Cares so much about you but is so fucking horny for you at the same time. It happens after a few dates. He is super nervous but after a glass of wine from dinner and a whole lot of pinning you finally see the sexual side of him. Once you are through the door of his house his mouth is on yours and your back hits the door as you wrap your legs around his waist. I wholeheartedly believe that this man's fingering game is on top. He can make you come in less than five minutes with his fingers alone. He is big on moaning during sex. He is a vocal man. You definitely know that he's feeling good by how much he's praising you. Can see him liking when you pull his hair. Enjoys being more dominant however if you take the lead he is for sure a very happy man. Watching you ride his dick does things to him he can't explain. It's a long night of moaning, laughing and SEVERAL orgasms.

"God dammit luz I'm gonna come"

"Fuck you feel so good around me you know that"

Joseph Liebgott

-hes a big fuckin tease when you sleep together. Leaving hickies up and down your body. You would ache for him to fuck you long before he's done exploring your body. His hands roaming you as he eats you out. Would LOVE cowgirl. We all know he's a boob man. As you ride him he would pay so much attention to your boobs before making his way to your mouth he would take your face between your hands and kiss you. He brings his hands down to your waist to halt your movements before he starts slamming into you. Talks so much dirty talk and praises into your ear as he fucks you. Seeing you come would send him over the edge. Afterwards he would be so caring during after care. However when you are in the shower cleaning yourself he would not hesitate to hop in with you for round number two.

"Your body's so perfect for me, just me"

"Just you joe, just you"

Carwood lipton

- so caring the whole time omg. Like winters it happens when your relationship is already established. He would make sure you are well and comfortable the whole time. Tells you to tell him if anything hurts. Just wants you to feel good. Will probably come in his pants from eating you out, he adores you so much. When it comes to it he's so nervous he's going to hurt you but you reassure him that he's not. Will fuck you with so much passion. He makes it his mission to know every square inch of your body by the time the night ends. And he definitely does. He loves watching you tilt your head back and arch your back while you scream his name. He makes sure that you finish several times wanting you to have as much as much pleasure as possible before he even considers himself. After words he would make sure that you are ok and that he never made you uncomfortable at any point.

"Am I ok? Car I just had the best sex of my life. I am more than ok"

#band of brothers #band of brothers fanfic #band of brothers headcanon #band of brothers smut #band of brothers x reader #richard winters #lewis nixon #george luz #Joseph liebgott #carwood lipton

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ventafaxine · 4 months

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ps: Them Changes chapter 7 is out...

Joe could have been obsessed with Guinevere Beck. Instead, the universe introduced him to Rhys Montrose...

Chapter 1

When Guinevere Beck entered his bookstore, Joe Goldberg felt his heart fill with a terrifying sense of nostalgia. The young woman did not only push the door of his store but also triggered the alarm in the backdoor of his subconscious. A fragile part of his mind where memories of an unstable mother, threatening father figures, and unfaithful lovers had never been processed. The first encounter of what could have been a passionate love story in another universe came at the wrong time in theirs. And before he knew it, Joe was going back to his bad behaviors. [Well, hello there. Who are you? Based on your vibe, a…]

“Sorry to disturb you but do you, by any chance, have a section dedicated to memoirs?”

Brought back to reality, Joe blinked several times. [Was I really…stalking that woman?] Disturbed by his wrongdoing, the bookseller pulled himself together to focus on his interrupting client, a cheerful blond man with piercing blue eyes. Wearing a fake smile, Joe broke him down. [According to his accent and high spirits, I owe my non-descent into hell to a British man. And not any kind: a wealthy British man, judging by his taste for books. I mean, who reads biographies?]

“Of course. Follow me.”

Unsurprisingly, the section in question was unoccupied. [I have my answer: nobody reads biographies.] In ten years, Joe had only put a foot in this area twice. The year Becoming had been released, Ethan had dedicated a table to Michelle Obama at the store entrance. The remaining copies had been placed on the infamous “celebrity authors” bookshelf.

“There it is.”

Presenting the small collection of books, Joe took the opportunity to check between the shelves, unconsciously searching for any sign of the mysterious woman. [She’s probably a student. Which author could she be reading? Faulkner? Stephen King? Paula F…]

“Thank you very much.”

The accent of his interlocutor tickled his curiosity, distracting Joe from his growing obsession.

“British?”

“What’s that?”

“Your…accent.”

The man laughed a little. [Definitely too joyous to be American.]

“Yes. I come from London. I’m here with a few friends for the holidays.”

London. As a man of letters, Joe had always wanted to take a trip in the Big Smoke. Explore the archive room of the British Library, visit the Charles Dickens Museum, watch The Winter’s Tale at the Shakespeare’s Globe. If he was complexly honest with himself — which he was not, most of the time — the bookworm would have acknowledged that his interest in the capital went back to his childhood, fueled by his mother’s broken promises when hope was all they had left. “One day, I’ll take you to the London Eye, Joseph. We’ll eat fish and chips near the Thames!”. His inner child wanted to know more about the British client while the persistent feeling of nostalgia wondered where the previous woman had gone, urging him to end this conversation to find out.

“I hope you’ll have a nice stay then.”

“Thanks, that’s very kind of you. Say, do you have any book recommendations?”

[Not a biography.] His senses still focused on searching for the girl whom he lost track, Joe — who was at least trying to be a bookstore manager attentive to the needs of his customers — asked absently:

“What are you interested in?”

“Among other things, absent-minded bookseller.”

#you #you season 4 #joe goldberg #rhys montrose #goldrose #joe x rhys #rhys x joe #ao3fic #you netflix #ao3 #fanfic

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suugrbunz · 1 year

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꒰ Band of Brother Characters Taste in Music ꒱

Dick Winters— Jazz music is his jam... I could see him enjoying Laufey or Nat King Cole

Lewis Nixon— Either has a similar taste to Winters or he's listening to alternative. Might listen to Lana Del Rey.

Ronald Speirs— Folk Rock... Think of Sedona by Houndmouth or maybe Not Dead Yet by Lord Huron.

Harry Welsh— Probably loves music from the 70s... You could catch him singing to Fleetwood mac or Carly Simon.

Carwood Lipton— he listens to all kinds of music... Old, new, um classical. if he likes it, he will listen to it.

Edward Shames— Klezmer or nigun; He's a mensch.

John Martin—Whatever the radio plays, he isn't picky. He just doesn't enjoy hard rock or certain country music(that's about beer & girls).

Floyd Talbert— It's giving Mac Demarco, TV Girl, Backseat Lovers, maybe Gorillaz.. I don't know if he's a red flag or not.

Bill Guarnere— Alternative Rock; I'm leaning towards Punk by Gorillaz. Though, if he were to have a guilty pleasure song it'd be Mamma Mia by Abba.

Joe Toye— I'm thinking Metal or heavier rock in general though he definitely has guilty pleasure songs. His favourite metal song is Dragula by Rob Zombie. The guilty pleasure song is definitely Brutal by Olivia Rodrigo. He also listens to Lana del Rey, Marina, and Paramore.

Don Malarkey— His favourite band is the strokes, trust me. He also enjoys The Libertines and Franz Ferdinand. Just trust me on this, okay?

Lynn Compton— Wasn't he kind of athletic? If so he definitely has a workout playlist that's full of either really hyper-feminine music or 90s rock.

Ralph Spina— He loves music from the 60s-70s... Southern Nights by Glen Campbell is one of his favourite songs.

Eugene Roe— @chaosklutz helped with this one; Jazz. I could imagine him listening to Let's call the whole thing off by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

Babe Heffron—Indie pop or Indie rock... Hes an avid listener of lovejoy. He also listens to Hozier from time to time.

Shifty Powers— Folk... He's from Virginia but if I remember correctly it's a rural area. He definitely likes John Denver and The Oh Hellos.

Joseph Liebgott— Klezmer the folk music of Ashki Jews!! Example; Dona Dona by Nikitov. On the other hand, I could see him listening to alternative/indie like Blur or haim.

George Luz— Classic Rock or Indie Pop— Think talking heads or wallows. However, he definitely loves some cher songs and donna summers.

Bull Randleman— It's giving rock but not heavy... He's not like Toye or Guarnere. I'm thinking of Cheaptrick or maybe Aerosmith.

Skinny Sisk—Probably listens to a playlist that's a mixture of pop, rock, and rap. It's giving red flag.

Frank Perconte— He definitely listens to the fratellis and the maccabees... I mean they have a song called Toothpaste Kisses...

Warren Muck— he listens to anything but he tends to favour the 80s. He loves Come On Eileen but also 500 miles? He'd play that whilst in the car with Penkala and Malarkey.

Alex Penkala— Don't ask me why but I think he'd listen to new wave. Think Duran Duran, Blondie, or B-52s. He might listen to the ramones from time to time.

David Webster— Whilst studying Webster has definitely chosen classical as his go to. He's a big fan of Saint-Saens and Tchaikovsky. However, when listening to music on the radio he prefers something a bit more quiet... His taste clashes with Toye and Guarnere. Though, I could see him trying to act as if listening to the smiths is really underrated. As if they're some underground band.

Edward Tipper— I think he likes 60s pink Floyd... Like See Emily Play Pink Floyd. He might also enjoy The Beatles or The Stone Roses. Like Rock that borders being pop.

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ulkaralakbarova · 2 months

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A young man leaves Ireland with his landlord’s daughter after some trouble with her father, and they dream of owning land at the big giveaway in Oklahoma ca. 1893. When they get to the new land, they find jobs and begin saving money. The man becomes a local barehands boxer, and rides in glory until he is beaten, then his employers steal all the couple’s money and they must fight off starvation in the winter, and try to keep their dream of owning land alive. Meanwhile, the woman’s parents find out where she has gone and have come to America to find her and take her back. Credits: TheMovieDb. Film Cast: Joseph Donnelly: Tom Cruise Shannon Christie: Nicole Kidman Stephen Chase: Thomas Gibson Daniel Christie: Robert Prosky Nora Christie: Barbara Babcock Danty Duff: Cyril Cusack Mary Kay: Eileen Pollock Kelly: Colm Meaney Dermody: Douglas Gillison Grace: Michelle Johnson Bourke: Wayne Grace Joe Donnelly: Niall Tóibín Paddy Donnelly: Jared Harris Colm Donnelly: Steven O’Donnell McGuire: Barry McGovern Gordon: Gary Lee Davis Farmer: Peadar Lamb Peasant: Mark Mulholland Peasant: P.J. Brady Landlord: Wesley Murphy Priest: Jimmy Keogh Villager: J.G. Devlin Villager: Gerry Walsh Tavern Keeper: Brendan Cauldwell Peter: Derry Power Matthew: Noel O’Donovan John: Macdara Ó Fátharta Lady: Eileen Colgan Lady: Kate Flynn Lady: Joan O’Hara Map Vendor: Frankie McCafferty Hat Vendor: Poll Moussoulides Irish Vendor: Pat Kinevane Flag Vendor: Donncha Crowley Fruit Vendor: Tim McDonnell Thug: Todd Hallowell Thug: Ken McCluskey Rebel Leader: Brendan Ellis Flynn: Clint Howard Coniff: Jeffrey Andrews Glenna: Judith McIntyre Olive: Rynagh O’Grady Lamplighter: Martin Ewen Social Club Policeman: Brendan Gleeson Doctor: Frank Coughlan Crew Boss: Hoke Howell Old Man: Arnold Kuenning Immigrant: Rocco Sisto Immigrant: Michael Rudd Railworker: Donré Sampson Derelict: Harry Webster Officer: Mark Wheeler Tomlin: Rance Howard Blacksmith: William Preston Prostitute: Pauline McLynn Prostitute: Joanne McAteer Prostitute: Cara Wilder Prostitute: Aedin Moloney Piano Playing Prostitute: Helen Montague Boxer: John-Clay Scott Boxer: Clay M. Lilley Boxer: Cole S. McKay Boxer: James Jude Courtney Boxer: Jeff Ramsey Boxer: Anthony De Longis Boxer: Carl Ciarfalio Bigoted Man: Tim Monich Boston Maid: Alecia LaRue Turner: Ian Elliot Social Club Thug: Bobby Huber Social Club Woman: Julie Rowen Social Club Woman: Louisa Marie Henchman: Brian Munn Honest Bob: Bob Dolman I.M. Malone: Phillip V. Caruso Immigration Policeman: Tom Lucy Dancing Girl (uncredited): Kris Murphy Film Crew: Original Music Composer: John Williams Producer: Brian Grazer Costume Design: Joanna Johnston Producer: Ron Howard Editor: Daniel P. Hanley Editor: Mike Hill Animal Coordinator: Greg Powell Screenplay: Bob Dolman Stunts: Tony Brubaker Stunt Coordinator: Walter Scott Director of Photography: Mikael Salomon Stunts: Corey Michael Eubanks Stunts: Gary Powell Movie Reviews:

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#american dream #father murder #kiss #Lovers #suspicion of murder #Top Rated Movies

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lipglossboy · 8 months

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Fucking embarassing but like, the way Joe Quinn brought so much fun and light to Eddie with his acting made me think about how acting could be fun you know? And I watched his other roles and I was like wow he's so good and brings such energy into his roles like he doesn't half-ass that shit.

So in the winter I took an acting class with school and this way I could be like "for art credit" and there'd be plenty of people with zero experience and I could just get a taste you know? And it was so so much fun and I was pretty good at it! I understood technique and how to improve and could see myself doing better!

And then my good friend said how she wants to act and I was like "let's take a class together!" and I finally found one but then she was feeling a little too shy so I was like fuck it, I'll just join one myself. It's really cheap and not as indepth about theory as my winter class but it's so much fun and good for my self esteem and I've met such cool people.

And so like, since last year I thirsted after Joseph Quinn so hard that i had to admit that actually I can be attracted to men. And then in November I had a really embarrassing and obvious crush on a man (friend of a friend) for the first time since highschool. Which made me realize that maybe for me attraction partly has to do with whether I open myself up to being interested in people? Which I think is inherently tied to my self esteem. I directly associate my having a crush with my being attracted to JQ. I don't wanna cringe at myself but...

And then me and my friend fed into each other's parasocial obsession with him which HONESTLY this is like high school allover again. Bc a big part of the fun in obsessing over a celebrity is being insane with my friend? Which is literally how I developed a crush on a boy in high school. Like I had one but I was embarrassed by it but she was getting all excited over her crush so I talked about mine and then we made each other worse and pushed each other to be more and more cringe about it. Which I can't even actually cringe about like I look back on that with such fondness I love my friend.

For awhile I convinced myself maybe that crush wasn't real like it was just so I could bond with my friend. She had another friend who was interested in this guy but she wanted me to date him and I kind of felt like, woah who said anything about actually dating him? I definitely more just had fun being silly with my friend about it. But idk. That doesn't mean the feelings weren't real. Attraction is weird.

Anyways! So now, inspired by JQ to allow myself to be attracted to men and to act (all embarrassing). Idk it's just weird how much I've been influenced by this one silly little celebrity crush basically. Ew.

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college-girl199328 · 1 year

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A group of Republican lawmakers left out all sorts of details earlier this week when they held a news conference in Washington. This was to sound the alarm about a surge in migration from Canada.

They put some big numbers on a poster and included those same bulging figures on a handout distributed to journalists.

Meaning that the number of irregular crossings is so small, representing such a minuscule fraction of the total they touted, it's equivalent to a statistical blip.

The issue involves what the U.S. Department of Homeland Security calls "encounters" — and it covers a vast array of incidents at the U.S. border.

Such incidents range from the innocuous to the serious: from someone forgetting their passport or lacking proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to missing a work visa to being refused entry over a criminal record, to someone trying to sneak across.

Those figures, then, can frustrate migration policy analysts. They argue the catch-all number winds up being used to confuse people more than enlighten them.

"The numbers require explanation and contextualization," said Kathleen Bush-Joseph, of the Washington-based Migration Policy Institute. "Looking at encounter statistics requires getting into the details."

Take the fact sheet they handed out: It cited a 1,498 percent increase in land-border encounters since U.S. President Joe Biden took office. Never mind that, in January 2021, land travel was severely restricted under pandemic rules.

Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) show about 165,000 encounters along the northern U.S. border since the start of 2022.

Then if you filter that data for people being stopped between official ports of entry, here's what you'll find: 2.7 percent.

Ninety-seven percent are people stopped at normal border crossings by CBP's Office of Field Operations.

The detailed data shows about 4,500 people being stopped from migrating into the U.S. from Canada, between normal checkpoints, since the start of the 2022 fiscal year.

Which, as the Republicans correctly identified, is an increase: If the current rate holds, the 2023 number could end up being triple the number of last year's, according to U.S. data.

The chart on the Republican poster starts in 2020, so it doesn't show the pre-pandemic level in fiscal 2019.

Using that year as a reference, there's a less dramatic trend: a 35 percent bump over 2019, not the 300 percent when compared to last year.

Digging down even deeper, some of that 35 percent is due to pandemic rules: Back in 2019, travellers weren't being turned back at the U.S. border for lacking vaccine papers.

Some Republican lawmakers demanded more personnel at the Canadian border, saying they wanted more agents hired in their districts.

They decried the staffing disparity: the Mexican border has about 20 times the total number of U.S. border patrol agents as the northern border.

The southern border with Mexico, since the start of the 2022 fiscal year, has produced about 20 times more encounters than the northern border with Canada.

But the disparity in migration runs even deeper than the fact that the Mexican border has seen 3.25 million of those so-called encounters, to Canada's 165,000.

Again, a relatively small percentage of so-called encounters recorded at the Canadian border occurred between border checkpoints, 2.7 percent.

It's the opposite along Mexico's border, where 91 percent of so-called encounters involved Border Patrol agents, who enforce between checkpoints.

Despite all these differences, another U.S. immigration expert said the recent trend with Canada is worth paying attention to.

For starters, she said, there's the question of migrant safety. It's undeniable that more are crossing, even in the harsh winter months. A family of four from India, for example, froze to death trying to cross into Canada last year.

"Due to the danger of winter crossings, [it's] still a concern," said Theresa Brown, an immigration analyst at the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center.

One involves the potential impact on already-strained U.S. immigration systems, with the courts that process such claims facing mounting backlogs and years-long delays.

Brown further said this recent trendline at the Canadian border could indicate an emerging pattern in migration: people using Canada to get to the U.S.

For example, Mexican citizens don't need a visa to travel to Canada; they do need one for the U.S. And more than 2,100 Mexicans have been stopped by U.S. Border Patrol between regular northern border checkpoints since the start of 2022.

American officials, Brown said, will want to know what's driving this – whether it's new enforcement at the southern border or other phenomena.

The increase is real. The numbers are tiny. And politicians, sometimes, cherry-pick from that great big tree of data.

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fumpkins · 2 years

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From the North Pole to the Amazon: 4 new documentaries, reviewed

This week, the Mountainfilm Festival — an annual celebration of the indomitable spirit of environmental activists and outdoor adventurers — kicked off in Telluride, Colorado. The festival will be showing more than 120 feature-length documentaries and shorts, which you can stream from home, for a fee, throughout next week. The films will transport you from the Great Barrier Reef of Australia to the steppes of Mongolia, from cauldron-like volcanoes to ancient, disappearing glaciers.

As the media sponsor for this year’s festival, Livescience.Tech reviewed four new feature-length documentaries. These movies explore a pivotal moment in the U.S. climate movement, the seizure of Indigenous land in the Amazon, a quest to reach the North Pole as warming temperatures destabilize the region, and the plight of people defending their land in one of the riskiest countries in the world. Some were uplifting, some were gripping, and some left us craving a deeper examination of the issues they touched on.

To The End

Courtesy of Mountainfilm

If there’s one thing that Rachel Lears’ new documentary gets spot on, it’s the dueling despair and optimism that characterize the U.S. climate movement. “The big thing that we’re up against … is cynicism,” Alexandra Rojas, executive director of the political action committee Justice Democrats, says in the film as she addresses a room full of tired-looking volunteers and coworkers. “We have to be hopeful, we have to keep coming.”

To the End follows Rojas, Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, policy expert Rhiana Gunn-Wright, and Sunrise Movement co-founder Varshini Prakash in their valiant, and often frustrated, attempts to advance transformative climate policy. The documentary begins the late Trump era with the advent of the “Green New Deal” — a far-reaching vision to shift the U.S. economy away from fossil fuels while at the same time creating jobs and advancing social justice — and concludes at the beginning of the Biden administration.

As the years wear on, it becomes clear just how hard it can be to keep cynicism at bay. Roadblocks abound: Joe Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, blocks the passage of critical climate policy at the federal level. Climate-focused candidates lose congressional races to their far-right opponents.

At one point, Prakash simply says, “I feel like crying a lot,” although she vows to keep the movement going.

To the End covers a lot of ground, allowing only a somewhat shallow focus on any of the protagonists’ lives or their ideas. Veteran climate advocates may already be familiar with most of the concepts in the film, but it is sure to elicit an emotional response from those who have been fighting tooth and nail for climate action — and coming up hard against the weight of the fossil fuel industry, a broken political system, and the status quo.

— Joseph Winters

The Territory

Neidinha Bandeira, an environmental activist, bathes in a river in the Amazon rainforest. Alex Pritz / Amazon Land Documentary / Courtesy of Mountainfilm

After working on other peoples’ land his whole life, Sérgio, a 49-year-old Brazilian farm worker, says he just wants something for himself. “When you feel the suffering around you, you begin to realize what needs to change,” says Sérgio as he sweats and works under the watchful eye of a man on horseback. “The Uru-eu-wau-wau.” Referring to the Indigenous Uru-eu-wau-wau, Sérgio believes the only way he can succeed is if the Uru-eu-wau-wau are removed from their traditional homelands. This perspective is what underscores the biggest problem with the new film The Territory, which offers an important look into the ongoing crisis for Indigenous people in the Amazon, but gives entirely too much space to the settler perspective.

That focus on settlers is especially troubling as the stakes of their invasion to seize land ratchet up. When a young Uru-eu-wau-wau leader is murdered by unknown assassins, the film does little to place the killing in the context of decades, if not centuries, of escalating violence against Indigenous land defenders in Brazil. Only briefly do the filmmakers include reference to President Jair Bolsonaro’s government, which has ruthlessly pushed for development of Indigenous land, and even then, it’s in passing.

Sérgio, a prominent character in the film, eventually becomes the president of an association attempting to secure legal title to Indigenous land, but his story arc is balanced by Martins, a settler who refuses to wait for government permission. This, he says as he hacks and burns his way through the forest, is how every road in the country was built.

We also meet Bitaté, a young Uru-eu-wau-wau man, who becomes a leader of his community and organizes defenses of their land, but for most of the documentary, the main characters are the people he is trying to stop.

Toward the end of the movie, the Uru-eu-wau-wau pick up cameras and begin to document their own story as they arrest 30 land invaders. Brazilian media coverage of these arrests leads to politicians withdrawing support for Sérgio’s association — however, because we see it from his perspective it becomes a somber moment, rather than the triumph it surely was from the Uru-eu-wau-wau point of view.

The film also never explains what happens to those arrested. Do they face justice in the form of criminal charges or fines? Will they simply return to the forest and resume their invasion when the cameras aren’t there? As legal and illegal land invaders redouble their efforts throughout the Amazon, audiences are left with a false sense of hope that video footage could be enough to combat generations of state-sponsored violence, abuse, and land theft.

— Joseph Lee

Exposure

There is no land under the North Pole. Instead, there is an ever-shifting, ever-churning sheet of sea ice — one that, as Holly Morris’ new documentary reminds us, is becoming even weaker and more mercurial due to climate change. Nowadays, every human-powered expedition to the pole could be its last; before long, the ice will become too thin.

Chronicling Earth’s changing climate is one component of Exposure; tracking its changing social climate is another. In the mid-2010s, British adventurer and outdoor leader Felicity Aston put out a call for women — “no experience necessary” — to join an expedition to the North Pole. Aston sought, in particular, a group that was equal parts Arab and European. The result is a team of 11 women whose backgrounds are as varied as their outdoor experience: A polar bear biologist from Sweden — who carries a rifle, in case bears get too close — rubs shoulders with a member of the royal family of Qatar.

Once the expedition begins, differences fall away. Beyond occasional prayers performed on Arctic ice and a discussion of Islamic polygamous traditions, there is little to mark the cultural diversity of the team. Instead, the struggles are distinctly universal: frostbite suffered at -38 degrees Fahrenheit, a blizzard during training that collapses a tent, the fear of coming so close to the North Pole only to have to abandon the mission. Moments of conflict between the women appear and then fade away, like the Arctic ice floes; one gets the sense that Morris wants to counteract the view, espoused by the Omani outdoor leader Anisa at the beginning of the film, that women “have a lot more drama.”

The result is an uplifting film about female courage and perseverance, but one that misses a deeper discussion about the warming planet, the role of women in Islam, or sexism. At one point, the women reach a rift in the sea ice that exposes open water, an unwelcome gift of global warming. They skirt around it, avoiding the ice-cold water — and the most uncomfortable topics.

— Shannon Osaka

Delikado

Delikado opens with extraordinary footage of “para-enforcers” — citizens attempting to uphold conservation laws — as they slip through the jungle and surprise illegal loggers, confiscating their chainsaws. In Palawan, a lush, tropical archipelago in the Philippines, these land defenders are risking their lives to preserve the islands’ old-growth rainforests. Delikado (Tagalog for dangerous) offers a rare glimpse into their experiences and the deadly threats that they face.

The film follows Bobby, an attorney whose NGO cracks down on illegal logging and fishing while the government turns a blind eye, Tata, a former logger who leads daring missions for the organization, and Nieves, a local mayor trying to stand up against unchecked development.

After its dramatic opening, the film zooms out to reveal the larger issues at play, including the razing of the forest to make way for palm plantations and tourist resorts. Standing between one of the richest ecosystems on Earth and decimation are regular people showing astonishing bravery in the face of harassment, intimidation, and violence. In 2020, the Philippines ranked third in the world for the number of land defenders killed.

Throughout the film, the scale of the destruction and who exactly is responsible remains vague; the script is light on statistics and exposition, and instead follows the personal narratives of the land defenders. In doing so, Delikado thrusts you into their world and immerses you in their weariness and anger. Although the film doesn’t provide any false hope that things will turn out OK, it underscores the defenders’ comradery, their deep commitment to preserving the land for future generations, and, most of all, their remarkable courage. After a friend is shot and killed, Tata asks, with tears in his eyes: “Who else will do this? No one else, right? We are the only ones.”

— Julia Kane

This story was originally published by Livescience.Tech with the headline From the North Pole to the Amazon: 4 new documentaries, reviewed on May 27, 2022.

New post published on: https://livescience.tech/2022/05/27/from-the-north-pole-to-the-amazon-4-new-documentaries-reviewed/

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a-libra-writes · 2 years

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Band of Brothers - Having an Age Difference with their S/O

In this post, you'll be dating: Richard "Dick" Winters, Lewis Nixon, Ronald Speirs, Lynn "Buck" Compton, Harry Welsh, Carwood Lipton, Donald Malarkey, William "Wild Bill" Guarnere, Denver "Bull" Randleman, Darrell "Shifty" Powers, Joe Toye, George Luz, Eugene Roe, Joseph Liebgott

yeah idk this is just something that popped in my head. we love a badass older lady. and lord knows in the 1940s you're basically an old maid by 30.

Richard Winters

Initially, he just respects that you’ve been in the Army for this long and have managed to achieve a rank that’s eluded women for years. He’s not shy about saluting you (as he should) and admiring how you’ve come this far, which makes him a sweet person to talk to when there’s not impending danger. Winters would inevitably end up with a crush, though your age doesn’t detract or add to it. He just gets annoyed when Nixon teases him about going after an “older woman”... Your first indicator that he has the crush is how quickly he defends you to anyone who insults you within his earshot. Once you’re together, it’s very clear that Winters thinks the world of you and still doesn’t consider your age.

Lewis Nixon

You better believe that once you two are on friendly terms, Nixon is teasing you about it. “Hey, don’t get up too quick, think about your joints.” He’s already several years older than most of the men so it’s fun for him to tease you… though he gets flustered when you throw it back, calling him a “good boy” and mock-scolding him. Winters just wants you both to get a room already. If you’ve been through a divorce, once he’s going through his own, you actually provide him with a lot of comfort and insight. Then the relationship will start to get a lot closer. He knows his parents probably wouldn’t approve of you - especially if you were also a divorcee - but he also doesn’t give a damn at that point. They can get over it, because you’re unbelievably special to him.

Ronald Speirs

Eh, it really doesn’t cross his mind as important .Speirs respects your position and expertise in the army, and when he asks for your advice, he listens earnestly. He gives you respect and makes sure the other men do, too. When you and Speirs are closer, he likes to tease about the age difference if it won’t bother you - “Weren’t you around for that?” - and he gives you a kiss right after so you don’t get mad. He’s not the sort to fret over your previous relationships, though he’ll gladly listen if you want to vent. Overall, it’s not a big deal for him in a relationship. If anything, he’s very pleased he can fluster, surprise and satisfy you, knowing this isn’t your first rodeo. Don’t let it get to his head.

Lynn "Buck" Compton

He didn’t have the slightest clue about the age difference until months of flirting. It’s not until you bring up an ex-husband, some event you lived through, a song you loved listening to, etc that the wheels begin to turn and he does some mental math. And… oh well. Buck doesn’t really care; you’re a babe and he likes being with you. It’s not until you’re both much closer, when the relationship gets serious, that he starts wondering to himself. What will his family think? He adores you, but you’re probably not what they pictured for his spouse. What about your previous relationships; do you compare him to them? Yeah, he overthinks it hard. You’ll have to snap him out of it, though it’s kinda cute to tease him about being jealous over a stupid ex you had.

Harry Welsh

The age gap isn’t so wide with the two of you, and it’s not something he even thinks about! He likes your personality and responsibility right away, and he’s always up for friendly chatter when you’re both off duty. It wouldn’t be until you shared some experiences you had in or outside of the army, or mentioned an ex-husband, that Harry would be reminded of the age difference… and, even then, it’s a non-issue for him. Harry wouldn’t care what people said or thought, you’re an amazing person and he adores you.

Carwood Lipton

He doesn’t think much of it, because you both aren’t that far apart in age, and he’s always felt older than he is, given that he had to look after his family at a young age. The difference is he feels like you have a lot more life experience than him; especially if you were from a city, were formerly married, etc. Honestly, it’s kind of nice to not be the only brain cell in the company, and he likes that he can rely on you and come to you for advice. When he’s feeling stressed from the weight of the war, he can go straight to your arms and immediately feel comforted by your words.You both relate to each other easily, to the point where the young replacements start calling you two “mom and pop”... which annoys him even more when you’re (secretly) together.

Donald Malarkey

Immediately, his first thought is to shut up and “ma’am” you every time you give him an order. It’s like a reflex, which can get pretty funny depending on what you’re asking or when you pop in on him. The first time you say “good boy” as a joke, he can’t even make a proper response. You might have accidentally awakened something. Once you’re closer, Malarkey really starts warming up to you and honestly… kind of follows after you like a puppy. His adoration is obvious and he loves chatting with you, learning about different things you’ve done, how you got in the army, and so on. The other guys tease him endlessly for it but he’s too enamored to care much - also, he really wants you to praise him again.

William "Wild Bill" Guarnere

Yeah he’s always been a guy who's been into older women, even if he never said it aloud. You’re gorgeous and talented to boot, so there’s no way he’s missing out on a chance to flirt whenever the opportunity strikes. Anyone disrespecting you is gonna get bitched out or, if their words were especially rude, punched out. Bill’s defending your honor even before you’re together, so you can imagine how irate he gets if some guy acts shitty once the dating starts. That being said, he stops thinking about the age difference after a while. It’s just another part of you. Though, Bill might get a little huffy if you bring up any exes. It’s pretty cute how he tries to “subtly” suggest he’s the better choice.

Denver “Bull” Randleman

Bull already respected you by virtue of you being one of the highest ranking women in the army - no small feat. Considering your experience and time in the army, he listens intently whenever you give orders or offer advice. You both would definitely have a good friendship before any relationship happened. Bull would be the one barking at the other boys to watch their mouths when they spoke to you, secretly thrilled with the blush that would rise to your cheeks. He doesn’t think of the age difference until he flusters you, either through physical affection or his gentlemanly behavior. It makes him proud that even if you’ve had previous relationships, he can “measure up” and get you to smile and blush.

Darrell “Shifty” Powers

Initially, he’s a little intimidated by you, but gives you nothing but respect. Without fail, he uses “ma’am” and salutes you when necessary. Some men might side-eye him about it, but Shifty is nothing but a gentleman to you. Truthfully, most girls he knew either didn’t give him the time of day or were just as shy as him, so that take-charge attitude you have is … really attractive. It gets him quiet around you, and flustered when you address him directly. His crush is a little obvious after a while, so maybe go easy on the guy and make the first move. Once his nerves are settled, he starts forgetting about the age gap and thinking less of it. Sometimes he worries what his family might think, but he cares too much about you to let that get in the way of the relationship.

George Luz

You had a reputation amongst the soldiers for being gorgeous, so obviously he had to go over and be his usual wisecracking self. He really wasn’t expecting you to have such a great laugh, and how cute you looked trying to stifle it. He was a gone man. Luz likes to chat you up whenever he can; you’re way different than any other girl he knew back at home - for one, you’re confident and forward, which actually gets him flustered… especially if you’re taking charge in the relationship. Yeah, he’s super into it, and you can tell. He can’t believe anyone would give either of you shit for it, though - he’s got an immediate comeback for anyone trying to make fun of you. Though, he gets a bit insecure when you mention previous relationships or an ex-husband.

Eugene Roe

One of the men who quickly respects you and your authority, unlike many idiots you’ve had to deal with in the Army. Roe would always refer to you respectfully by rank, but something about you makes the “ma’am” very sincere. Though he’s quiet, you’re often in contact with him (especially if you’re a nurse), so you start slowly learning more about the man. Roe listens well when you chat and begins to respect you even more, in awe of the exhausting work you do day in and day out…. Yeah, he gets a crush pretty fast. Roe really doesn’t think about the age difference and is kind of surprised when you bring it up. It took a long while before he was finally able to fess up, so at that point, it isn’t an issue.

Joseph Liebgott

Obviously when he sees a gorgeous older woman, with a great personality and laugh, he has to flirt. If anything his flirting is more forward because you can either dish it back just as good, or roll your eyes and tell him to get back to work (yeah, he finds that attractive too). He kinda likes it when you scold him, or tell him to be useful like a “good boy”. Best not to unpack that. Once you’re actually together, Liebgott starts losing a lot of that bravado because you obviously have more experience than him in both the dating and relationship departments. It’s always him trying to seem more tough and experienced than he is, then you fluster him with just a few words and touches. Liebgott’s blushing to his ears and grumbling about it while you giggle.

Joe Toye

Kind of really into it, he can’t decide if he likes your stern side or more playful side better. He likes being kept on his toes; for once he isn’t sure what to say, he just wants to keep chatting with you and making you laugh. You’ve had more experience in a lot of ways - relationships, the army, and so on, and Toye thinks you’re way different from the girls back home. Once you both are together, he doesn’t think much of the age gap, other than a stray thought of what the folks back home might think… but he cares about you too much to dwell on that. Also he’s really into the different things you can teach him.

#as always i picture a nurse!reader whose a major bc i love me some history #idk this was my fun thing for me hope u enjoy #band of brothers x reader #band of brothers imagine #dick winters x reader #lewis nixon x reader #ronald speirs x reader #buck compton x reader #harry welsh x reader #carwood lipton x reader #donald malarkey x reader #william guarnere x reader #bull randleman x reader #shifty powers x reader #joe toye x reader #george luz x reader #eugene roe x reader #joseph liebgott x reader #joe liebgott x reader

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admiral-alby · 3 years

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bob fic recs galore

here’s the fruits of my labour. a working fic rec master-post containing multiple bob ships and many, many amazing fics. the writers in this fandom are absolutely incredible and their talent astounds me every time I read a new fic. all the kudos to y’all. keep on keeping on!

this is a long post. recs and some general notes are under the cut :)

(04/13/21) I’ll do my best to keep this list updated... or I’ll make a part 2 depending on length. if anyone has any recs that are not already listed in this post, please please message me! this is no way an exhaustive list and I’m sure I missed some fantastic fics out there - to get started I mostly just plucked from my bookmarks. I’d be happy to add on new fics for ANY pairing, rare-pairs included. I don’t really have much for rare-pairs in this rec because I haven’t read much yet but that will change soon when I have some more time on my hands to get into them :)

if you are an author on this list and you would like your work removed from it, please just message me. no explanation necessary I will take it off asap.

I’ll make the disclaimer that while I tried to include some general information about each fic, I did not include tags/warnings. so if you choose a fic, read the tags and proceed at your own discretion.

@capsparkyspeirs you’re a lovely human being and this is probably not what you were imagining when I said I’d be happy to rec some fics for you. I admit it got a little out of hand but there’s so many great fics out there I couldn’t stand to choose just a couple to send your way... so you get them all! you inspired me to do this, so this is for you and anyone else who wants to read some great fics but doesn’t know where to start <3

WINNIX (RICHARD WINTERS/LEWIS NIXON)

Long Ago and Far Away (Canon Winnix) by churchkey (Series) Rated T-E / Canon Era / 18013 Words (Total) / 4 Parts / Not Complete

Summary: “A few scenes exploring how Dick and Lew became the timeless cosmic lovers they were born to be.“

*Each part can be read as a stand-alone!

It Happened One Night by raquelelpillo Rated M / Groundhog Day AU / 7704 Words / Complete

Summary: “ Nixon gets the chance to do the day before the big jump over and over and over (or, Every Fandom Needs Groundhog's Day Fic).”

Finding Our Way in the Dark by rilla Rated E / Canon Era / Soulmate AU / 8477 Words / Complete

Summary: “After Dick and Lew share their first kiss in Austria, they open their eyes to find a golden thread binding their wrists together.“

Mutual by miss_grey Rated G / Canon Era / 2105 Words / Complete

Summary: “Dick couldn’t help wondering to himself when exactly Nix had decided that Dick’s personal space had become their mutual space.“

Let Me Be Close by armyofbees Rated G / Canon Era (Post-War) / 8679 Words / Complete

Summary: “Five things Nix loves about Dick, and one thing Dick loves about Nix.Or,The thing about Nix, Dick is beginning to learn, is that he doesn’t love in halves. Nix loves with everything in him, and sometimes that means moving to the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania for Dick. Sometimes it means making spaghetti with him because Dick came to New Jersey and planted tomatoes, of all things. Sometimes it means telling without saying.”

Let’s Start the New Year Right by slightlytookish Rated G / Canon Era (Post-War) / 10523 Words / Complete

Summary: “Nix had always been able to pick Dick out of a crowd, even when he was lying on his belly in the dirt two hundred yards away, squinting through binoculars at an entire company of men wearing identical uniforms. It was easier to spot him in the crush of people inside Penn Station, even out of the familiar uniform: the same tall figure, the same bright hair, the same way he always seemed to find Nix just as easily and turn towards him, like an arrow on a compass.”

Lancaster County by raquelelpillo Rated T / AU / 31500 Words / 17 Chapters / Complete

Summary: “Nix is born later. Dick is there. (AU). Set in the summer of 1942 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.”

**It is part of a series with the other works being small ‘extras’ set through the story. This is the main work. It ends a bit ambiguously.

SPEIRTON (RONALD SPEIRS/CARWOOD LIPTON)

The Desolate House by Howling_Harpy Rated E / Canon Era (Post-War) / 26672 Words / Complete

Summary: “It's been fifteen years since Carwood has last seen or spoken to Speirs when they reunite suddenly at an Easy Company reunion and have both recently relocated back to the US. Carwood has promised to his mother to finish packing and cleaning the family's boarding house that's about to be put up for sale, and on a whim invites Speirs to help him. He didn't expect him to actually show up.”

and you on my mind by seabright Rated E / Canon Era (Post-War) / 11081 Words / Complete

Summary: “’You say that you don’t want any of Easy to know that you’re in Boston but you give me your address.’ Following a relationship through the end of the war and beyond.”

Of Soldiers and Secrets by nanuk_dain Rated E / Canon Era / 62988 Words / 26 Chapters / Complete

Summary: “A series of moments in the life of the Easy men, from Foy until after the war, focussing on the development of the relationship of Carwood Lipton and Ronald Speirs.”

Erasure by Howling_Harpy Rated M / Canon Era (Post-War) / 15255 Words / Complete

Summary: “Carwood takes time off from work to visit his mother to get away from his lonely life in Boston. Ron is deployed to Korea and has been for a long while, and after spending a year alone and even longer lying to everyone, Carwood is not sure he wants to live like this anymore.”

Fluences by masongirl (Series) Rated T-M / Canon Era / Soulmates AU / 12818 Words (Total) / 5 Works / Complete

Summary: “ Soulmate AU in which soulmates can sense each other's emotions if they are close enough.”

**Mainly Speirton centric. Part 2 is Winnix & Part 3 is Shifty/Tab.

A Thousand Kisses by Arwen88 Rated T / Canon Era / 1993 Words / Complete

Summary: “ A late night in Hardigny brings Carwood to the room where Ron is dealing with paperwork, but even with a comfortable bed, he can’t find his peace. Late night chats have Ron showing a side of himself that Carwood had not expected.”

stop the world by languageofthebirds Rated T / Canon Era / 3001 Words / Complete

Summary: “The way his hair fell in mussed waves over his forehead made Carwood want to reach out and run his fingers through it. He was sin personified, in that moment.”

**Did I throw in a shameless self promo? Sure did.

WEBGOTT (JOSEPH LIEBGOTT/DAVID WEBSTER)

rivers always reach the sea by bitchbutter (Series) Rated E / Canon Era / 40790 Words (Total) / 2 Works / Not Complete / Last Updated March 17, 2021

Part 1 Summary: “Joe breaks things off with Web in Austria. Of course, nothing with them is ever that simple.“

Part 2 Summary: “The end of the war could be the end of a lot of things. If Joe could let it be.“

if i know you at all, i know you’ve gone too far by starblessed Rated T / Canon Era / 2654 Words / Complete

Summary: “How many stars d’you think there are, Web?” Joe asks after a moment.David has no damned clue. “A lot,” he answers confidently. “Millions.”“Millions,” echoes Joe. The glittering stars are reflected in his eyes, like black pits sending each beam of light back outward. It’s almost hypnotizing, the way they flicker. If he stares too long, David knows he will get lost in them... and that doesn't seem like the worst way to go.”

Teller of Tales; Song of Songs by thedastardly Rated E / Canon Era (Post War) / 8352 Words / Complete

Summary: “He hopes that he dreams about the mountaintop tonight. He isn’t in the mood to dream of the water, the shore, the everything after, again.”

the only noise beating out is ours by lakehymn Rated M / Canon Era (Post-War) / 3470 Words / Complete

Summary: “Over the next couple weeks, Webster realizes that Liebgott has effortlessly invaded every corner of his life. Even on the days when he barely sees Liebgott at all, he can always find comic books or packs of cigarettes lying around somewhere. It’s almost disconcerting how ordinary it’s beginning to feel to stumble upon someone else’s belongings in his own house.”

push and pull by LT_Aldo_Raine

Rated T / Modern AU / 4115 Words / Complete

Summary: ““got hands like an ocean, push you out, pull you back in” And David Webster never could resist the ocean. OR: Webster snorted, a sardonic sound that echoed across the hotel room. “You don’t know the first thing about what I need.””

hang in there, baby by rilla Rated M / Modern AU / 3116 Words / Complete

Summary: “Written for the Kisstober prompt 'upside down Spiderman kisses'. '“I don’t know what I was expecting when I asked you what your top fantasy is,” Web says, “but it wasn’t this."'”

In His Wildest Dreams by Impala_Chick Rated E / Canon Era / Dream Sharing AU / 3891 Words / Complete

Summary: “While David is in the hospital, he starts sharing dreams with Liebgott.“

Black Ink on Some Blue Lines by thelastfig Rated E / Canon Era & Post War / 10185 Words / Complete

Summary: “It’s been sixteen years since the letter was written, but it never found its way to the one it was intended for. The thing about secrets is they eat away at you, not all at once but slowly over the years, and you begin to wonder, to play out the what if scenarios in your mind. Instead, David buried it away and pretended like it never existed. He should have killed it, he thinks to himself, not buried it while it still had breath in its lungs. In which David remembers his evolving relationship with Joe over the course of the war and decides to deliver a letter.”

LUZTOYE (GEORGE LUZ/JOSEPH TOYE)

The best laid plans by masongirl (Series) Rated G-E / Modern AU / 52652 Words (Total) / 15 Parts / Complete

Summary: “Modern AU in which Joe and George find each other as college students and build a life together.“

each and every day (of the year) by bruce_the_shark Rated M / Modern AU / 21630 Words / 2 Chapters / Complete

Summary: “Joe grins, lifts his hand from George’s hip to grip him by the chin, twists his face around to catch his lips in a bruising kiss. George relishes in it, likes how the taste of Joe’s preferred brand of liquor mixes with the taste of his own on his tongue. He grins against Joe’s lips, knows it’s going to be a good year.”

Babysitting and Other Rationales by aces_low Rated T / Modern AU / 3267 Words / Complete

Summary: “George Luz is a god damn saint, or at least some kind of kid whisperer. And Joe's just trying to keep his head on straight.”

who let the dogs in? by starblessed Rated T / Modern AU / 1869 Words / Complete

Summary: ““And he heard me shouting and I guess it inspired him or something, cause he full-on charged at me, Joe, and before I could even slam the door, he was just —“ George cuts off with an incoherent noise, gesturing grandly to their front door. “In! And then he was running, and sniffing everything, and exploring our shit, and he peed —““Not on my damn couch,” Joe growls.“No, on the nice carpet. Marking his territory, y’know? Except it’s our territory, but I guess it’s his now, because he won’t freakin’ leave.”

BABEROE (EDWARD HEFFRON/EUGENE ROE)

Call me sweetheart, please? by mariamegale (Series) Rated G-E / Modern AU / 95865 Words (Total) / 12 Works / Complete

Summary: “A not-relationship in the making.”

**Each part could be read as a standalone I suppose... But it’s so worth it to read the whole series!

between the walls by CountlessStars Rated M / Canon Era (Post-War) / 2275 Words / Complete

Summary: “ Eugene decides to paint his living room. It should be easy, it really should, but it doesn't go as planned (in more ways than one).”

Walking Wounded by papersky_pencilstars Rated G / Canon Era / Magic AU / 3501 Words / Complete

Summary: “Prompt: Canon-era; Either Gene or Babe have magic, or both. Maybe magic is known or maybe they need to hide it.”

JOHNNY MARTIN/BULL RANDLEMAN

they don’t know about the up all nights (they don’t know I’ve waited all my life) by PotofCoffee Rated T / Canon Era / 22010 Words / 3 Chapters / Complete

Summary: “ Johnny and Bull throughout the war, in a slow meandering dance you might just call love.”

All My Love to Give by Muccamukk Rated E / Canon Era / 8852 Words / Complete

Summary: “ Johnny wants to screw around to pass the time. Bull wants to show Johnny how he feels without having to risk saying it”

The Red String by Arwen88 Rated M / Canon Era / Soulmates AU / 1834 Words / Complete

Summary: “He had to wrench his gaze away from the sickening sight, from the machine that was probably moments away from killing his soulmate. He would’ve thrown himself under that tank if that meant saving his lover, but he couldn’t do it. He had to take care of his men, and so he forced himself to stop looking, to order his men to retreat, to see that they did what he was screaming at them.“

Over Where You Began Muccamukk Rated E / Canon Era / 2949 Words / Complete

Summary: “ The way Bull saw it, Johnny was mad at him now, and Bull had no idea what he'd done wrong. Maybe it was better to just let it lie, let Johnny come out of whatever angry mood he was in on his own, instead of kicking an ant's nest.”

Simple as a Glass of Chocolate by ThrillingDetectiveTales Rated E / Canon Era / 2600 Words / Complete

Summary: ““It was supposed to be syrup,” Johnny muttered darkly. “Says right there on the can!”“Reckon it started out that way,” Bull shrugged, biting his lip against a smile when Johnny narrowed a glare over his shoulder.(In which Johnny and Bull try to sweeten up their sex life and it doesn't go exactly as planned.)”

CHUCK GRANT/RONALD SPEIRS

to Babel, in ruins by captainkilly Rated T / Canon Era (Post-War) / 5114 Words / Complete

Summary: “Chuck knows recovery isn't a linear event. Knows there are times when words will leave him and the night will place him back beneath the dirt. Knows there are things he just can't speak about.Captain Speirs hears him anyway.”

pulse by captainkilly Rated T / Canon Era / 4706 Words / Complete

Summary: “ Ron Speirs knows how to kill. Knows how to hurt, how to twist, how to maim. He doesn't think he's figured out how to love, not really, not where it counts the most, but the touches he reserves for Chuck Grant beg to differ.. “

AUTHORS

there are so many authors on this list that have written tons of amazing works for one or multiple pairings. as much as I would have loved to, I couldn’t rec all of their works... I had a hard enough time keeping it down to 3 or less works from the same author! similar to fics, I’ve only linked authors that I am familiar with/know have written multiple fics, so feel free to send me more people to add to the list :)

churchkey - is a sweetheart. has multiple amazing winnix works. she has recently gotten into super rarepair toye/malarkey. godspeed I’ll see you there when I read those fics.

ThrillingDetectiveTales - writes for multiple pairings. all of their works are fantastic! every time I see their name as the author I go !! and know it’s going to be good.

Howling_Harpy - has written so many fics. many different pairings. lots of speirton. they’ve ripped my heart out and made me cry but then gently kissed my forehead and put my heart back. I think that’s praise of the highest order.

masongirl - another fantastic author who has written so many amazing fics. tons of speirton and other ships too. also has made me cry and then quietly wiped my tears away.

mariamegale - baberoe queen. that’s all I have to say. I was tempted to just rec all her baberoe fics. check them out!

Muccamukk - another multi ship, multi works writer. i had a hard time only choosing a few of their fics to rec. they’ve got so much to offer!

Impala_Chick - writes lots of great webgott and other pairings too!

captainkilly - if i could rec all her fics I would. there’s some rarepair pieces that are fantastic. I didn’t list it here because it’s more of a character centric piece with an OFC and a little bit of ron/chuck dashed in mostly at the end, but read her form & void series. seriously. read it. I have nothing else to say because her work speaks for itself.

Arwen88 - another writer for multiple pairings with multiple works! love to see it. some great rarepair stuff and also fantastic popular pairings.

LT_Aldo_Raine - love their work! they write for multiple pairings.

199 notes · View notes

averagejoesolomon · 2 years

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We're back! Here's 5,000 words of our boys absolutely dominating the world of espionage. Should you feel so inclined, this chapter pairs well with The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy. Do with that information what you will.

If you're new around here, welcome to Full Circle! I know this post says it is chapter one, but this story actually starts in 1978, and I recommend starting there first. You can read all of Full Circle on Ao3. Enjoy gang!

TW: Violence; Blood

Chapter One

Even at the end of winter and even as the sun sets, this part of the States is always warmer than he expects. A dry breeze crawls across desert sands, catching on every cactus in its path until it lands square on Matt’s shoulders. He’s only just begun to shake the snowy misery of a Virginian March, but most of it melts away easy in a place like this. “I’m not saying we’ve gotta make a whole day out of it.” Dust smears against his fingertips as he slams the trunk of the car shut, leaving smudged prints behind. “I’m just saying it’s been a while.”

He hands Joe a fresh magazine to slide into the nearest available pistol. It zips into place with a resolved click. “It’s three hours east,” Joe counters. “And way too far south.”

Matt’s got a clear view of the horizon just beyond the edge of the parking lot and across the nearby highway. The straight lines and clear shots remind him of home. “So we spend a night in Austin.” The last of winter’s ice rests along the edge of his own pistol as he tucks it into the small of his back, but the Texas heat wins out and soon enough, the chill subsides. “We can afford a little detour.”

Joe’s silhouette is the only thing that breaks up the scenic view. It’s a stark shadow against a backdrop of purples and pinks cast along the underside of each cloud. Streaks of sunset catch in the shoulders of his leather jacket, but the body of it swallows the colors whole. Joe’s the sole spot of blind blackness in a night full of spectacular sights. “Nothing in Texas is a little detour,” he says. “This state could eat half of Europe for breakfast. Your idea of a little detour is a four-hour drive.”

Matt tightens up a strap at his ankle, checking for the knife that hides along the seam of his boot. “A four-hour drive is a hell of a lot closer than we usually are.”

“Yeah, it’s still four hours, cowboy.” Joe’s sunglasses catch a glare from the rapidly falling sun—a sharp starburst that flashes in Matt’s eyes, then flickers away. “Y’see, this kind of thing isn’t a problem in Manhattan. The city’s got everything a guy could need in a five—”

“—five-block radius,” Matt finishes for him. “I’ve heard that one before. But we ain’t in Manhattan. We’re in Texas, and when a buddy of yours wins an election, you stop into town and you buy him a beer. That’s the rule.”

The last time Matt saw Fitz, it was two elections ago on a dry campaign trail. It’s a rare occasion that Matt gets to offer his congratulations, rather than a consolation, but it’s likely he won’t get to offer either this time around. His old friendships keep fading faster than he knows how to patch them.

“Fitz doesn’t have time for us to buy him a beer,” Joe reminds him. “And, coincidentally, we don’t have time to buy him one.”

The world’s shadow creeps across sand, inching straight toward the two of them. “What’s so urgent, Joseph?” he says with a grin. “Got a hot date?”

“Yeah, and so do you.” Joe hikes his thumb over his shoulder toward an aging building across the lot. “There’s at least five guys named Vladamir standing on the other side of those doors and we’re about to dance with all of them.”

The sun finally winks over the horizon and as the world dozes off, a nearby sign flickers awake. It stands high above the rooftop, calling out to the few daily drivers that pass it by. The grinding buzz of pink and blue neon soaks into the dry Texas heat, outlining big, white letters that read ARCADE. “Y’think they know the Electric Slide?” Matt says. “Because we could really get a party going in there if they do.”

The harsh, florescent hues settle along Joe’s skin. These colors suit him better than the sunset ever could. “We get in, we get our information, we get out,” he says, holstering his own gun on his hip. “I don’t want to be around when the Circle decides to send backup, got it?”

That’ll be the end of it. There’s no room for jokes where the Circle of Cavan is involved, so Matt doesn’t make them. He just runs through his final checks the way Rachel Cameron taught him years ago, then nods. “Yeah, alright,” he says. “Let’s boogie.”

It’s high time to fish or cut bait, as his pops would say. Without another word, the pair of them scuff up their shoes as they start towards yet another tussle on yet another night, stuffed to the seam with personalized arsenals. Joe flicks the butt of a cigarette into the rocky gravel at their feet, letting the last of the embers burn themselves into extinction. Matt pulls a pair of dark, fingerless gloves over his palms, trying to spare his knuckles of any new bruises. Each footstep kicks up a new cloud of dust at the base of their steady strides.

They ain’t quiet. They ain’t trying to be. If there’s anything they’ve learned in the past few years of off-book brawls, it’s that they’re stronger than most, faster than most, and maybe—just maybe—they’re a little bit unbeatable.

Because the truth of the matter is that Matt’s a good spy. Joe’s an even better one. They’ve each got their individual place in espionage, but it don’t hold a candle to the way they work when they’re together. Something about them just seems to snap into place, every time and without exception, in a way Matt’s never quite felt with anyone else. When they’re out in the world, only one another at their backs, the pair reach a greatness that not even the meanest agents can match.

They’re as dynamic as a duo can get. They’re more in sync than most of the artists on MTV. They’re the ‘27 Yankees playing triple-A ball and if their missions were ballgames, they’d have mercy-ruled out of the majority by now.

But Joe ain’t in the business of mercy. So these days, neither is Matt.

The door squeaks on its rusted hinges. Matt’s the first one in, because Matt’s always the first one in. One look and he’s already got the entire building figured out. It’s all flashing lights, wood-paneled walls, and carpet worn down to its roots. Hulking arcade games line every available wall, their screens screaming out for quarters, and the room’s lone jukebox has been used and overused until the buttons have been scrubbed blank. There’s an exit toward the back. A storeroom to the right. Not enough windows. The entire space is buzzing with a low and constant hum.

Joe was wrong about one thing—it’s seven guys, not five, and half of them are smoking thick, gaudy cigars that fill the room with broad ribbons of wispy white smoke. Most stand along the edge of a pool table, game in progress with cue sticks at the ready. A few others huddle around a high top, laughing and joking in a dialect that brings Matt straight back to Leningrad. One of them even entertains a game of pinball, and seems to be doing pretty well for himself. The moment he steps inside, all conversation stops and all eyes land on him.

This ought to be fun.

“Howdy, fellas,” he jeers, easily sauntering into the room as though he was invited. As through these enemy agents are his very best friends. “Nice of you to clear the place out for us.”

Absent the cover of a crowd, Matt’s second-best weapon is his Nebraskan charm. Something about his smile disarms even the toughest of agents. The tone of his voice makes even the meanest men hesitate. He wears them both with a confidence that trumps the confusion in the room. This unthreatening uncertainty only earns him a few extra seconds, but when it comes to spycraft, a few seconds is all it takes.

It only takes two seconds to march straight into the center of these Russian goons. It takes another to find a spot just beside the Skee-Ball machine and dig his heels in. Seconds four, five, and six give him just enough time to grab a single ball from the machine’s return chute and toss it once in the air, catching it again in his other hand.

But soon enough, his time is up, and there’s a gun trained on him.

Matt’s hands fly up into a surrender. He loses track of whether the gunman speaks in English or in Russian, but the general sentiment boils down to, “Who the hell are you?”

Matt glances over at Joe. There’s a second gun aimed in his direction, but Joe’s got the kind of grin that makes people nervous—like he knows more secrets than they do, and they ought not to kill him before they can find out what they are. “Easy, boys,” he says, glancing over his sunglasses. “We’re just looking for a good time.”

“That’s right,” Matt cuts in, hands still held high. “What do you say, gentlemen? Anyone up for a game of Skee-Ball?”

What happens next is quick enough that no one sees it until it’s over, and it starts with the simple toss of a ball. It starts with Matt, and his few stolen seconds, and a perfect pitch.

The weight of the ball leaves his hands, heavier than he’s used to.

It curves to hit the underside of the barrel, smacking it towards the sky.

A bullet snaps into the ceiling just a little too late, and the entire room erupts.

The sound of shots fired triggers everyone into action. Big guys with grizzly scars charge straight at him, taking swings left and right, so he takes a step back until his calf hits the hard edge of the machine. He pops up onto the height of it and kicks one, two, three of them in the chest as they come. It’s two against seven, but Matt ain’t worried. It’s two against seven, but across the room, Joe Solomon is still smiling.

One of the taller Russians collects himself enough to make a focused effort towards Matt, cue stick thrown over his shoulder and ready to swing. Matt’s old peewee coach would have a few choice words to share about this guy’s form, but something tells Matt that he ain’t looking for tips. “I take it you’re more of a billiards guy, then?” he says, just as the guy takes a swing at him. It’s easy to dodge. “Alright, alright, all you had to do was say so, sweetpea.”

On the second swing, the heavy end of the cue stick lands straight against Matt’s palms, slapping against the leather of his gloves. It stings, but it doesn’t compare to the hurt that his dance partner is about to feel. “Do you want colors?” he says, cracking a grin. “Or stripes?”

The tall Russian curses in his native language, but Matt ain’t listening. Instead, he lands the long side of the cue stick across the Russian’s chest and shoves. He shoves until the Russian loses his balance, and then he shoves some more. Matt hops back down from his place atop the Skee-Ball machine and shoves the Russian straight across the room, knocking down another attacker in the process, until they land against the edge of the pool table.

The Russian is strong, but Matt is stronger. He holds his stance with the Russian backed against the table, squirming and wrestling against Matt’s grip. Just when Matt thinks he’s winning, he spots a flicker of recognition in the Russian’s eyes, and the hairs stand up on the back of his neck.

On instinct, Matt ducks.

A right hook flies over his head and lands square in the Russian’s nose. When Matt looks up, he sees another attacker with even more scars than the first, cursing over a punch that was meant for Matt.

The two squabble and bicker, which gives Matt just enough time to sweep the legs out from under the first guy. Before the second attacker even realizes what happens, Matt pops back up, wraps his hands around the guy’s neck, and flips him straight over his shoulder.

Crack. Russian Number Two lands flat on his back, splayed across the green velvet of the pool table. The wood splinters under the weight and splits the table into two, easy as a dried-up log on a cool autumn day. The guy groans, but he ain’t gonna be getting back up from that.

Dense billiards balls jump from the tabletop and squeeze out of their pockets, scattering across the stained carpet. Matt scoops up two of the striped ones just in time to feel a hand yank him upright by his shoulder.

In one swift move, he finds himself face-to-face with a shorter, stockier guy, cradling a ball in each hand. “Wasn’t aware you wanted to play too, sugar pie,” Matt says. “How about you get next round?”

They say the third time’s the charm, which is probably why this guy is able to land a solid hit, straight across Matt’s jaw. Bright, bold pain spreads up through Matt’s chin, cheek, ears, then down through his neck. A crack. A jolt. Throbbing.

Matt shakes off the strain, rounding his jaw in its socket once, twice, three times to make sure it’s straight. With the easy, strategic crack of his neck, he spits the fresh taste of blood from his mouth and sighs. “Alright,” he says. “If you insist.”

Heart pounding in his ears, Matt doesn’t hold back. He’s only playing by the same rules as the Russians when he brings the billiards balls up to each side of his attacker’s head and whacks them into each ear. This guy doesn’t fall as fast as the first two, but he’s disoriented enough that Matt can throw his knee straight into his groin. This, finally, brings him down to the knees.

Matt lays a hand on the Russian’s shoulder. “Sorry, buddy,” he says. “That’s a tough break—oh man, see that? I didn’t even mean for that one to be a pun. I just can’t help my—”

A pair of gunshots ring out over Matt’s shoulder.

The blaze of his blood suddenly runs cool. The throbbing in his jaw turns to ice. For the very first time, he imagines all of the ways that this night could go horribly and terribly wrong.

Matt’s quick to sprint towards a fight that isn’t his own, but by the time he turns around, Joe’s already knocking the pistol straight out of some guy’s hand, sending it skittering out of reach. “It’s not nice,” Joe says through a grunt, “to bring a gun to a knife fight.”

Joe ain’t a fan of patterns, but a person wouldn’t know it by the way he fights. A trained eye can spot every calculated dodge. Every expert strike. Joe does twice as much thinking with his gut than Matt could ever do with his head, and he fights like he sees the future. Matt can get himself out of any situation, sure, but Joe never makes the mistake of getting caught in a situation to begin with.

Still. Joe’s dancing with two angry Russians, both with knives aimed straight at vital organs. One of them charges and lands a lucky strike that grazes Joe across the cheek and Matt doesn’t much care for that.

So he makes an even fight of it, rushing up behind one of the attackers and grabbing them by the collar. The rigidity of the denim jacket scrunches in his hands as he pulls.

“I had him,” Joe calls out, easily stepping outside of the range of another swing.

“Sure you did,” Matt calls out. “And now I've got him.”

The man in Matt’s hands flails against the grip, swinging his knife around in an attempt to hit some sort of flesh. Matt much prefers to keep knives outside of his body, so he makes quick work out of finding a place to land. He bangs this guy’s head onto the closest available surface, shoving him face-first into a pair of bright yellow buttons, just narrowly avoiding a joystick.

The arcade machine lights up, spitting out a familiar melody that reminds him of late nights and the smell of new coins. “Oh sweet, they’ve got Galaga here!” The screen lights up his face with pale greens and bright yellows. “I’ve got the high score back home.”

Joe’s swinging fists with the raw end of a knife, but he still manages to point out, “You haven’t been home in a year.”

The guy under Matt’s hand groans, so Matt slams him into the buttons again. The machine lets out a charming pew pew in response. “So what?”

Finally, Joe’s able to knock the knife out of his attacker’s hand, grabbing hold of the wrist and twist, twist, twisting it back behind the back. He knocks the guy out with a single touch to the neck, leaving him to fall limp to the floor. “So,” Joe says, “you really think some nerd with a bag of quarters hasn’t knocked you off the board since then?”

“Nah, I’m buddies with the owner’s son.”

Joe takes off toward the last few guys. “Of course you are.”

“He says my initials are holding strong,” Matt calls out, loud above the sounds of a fight nearly at its end. “And not just on Galaga—I’ve got Frogger, too.”

“Right.” In the distance, Joe throws one guy into a claw machine, shattering the surrounding glass. It scatters and sparkles along the floor, catching every blinking light in the place. “And you’re under the impression that this makes you cooler, somehow?”

“Whatever, Wise Guy,” says Matt. “How many high scores have you got?”

Joe doesn’t respond, because Joe’s flipping another guy twice his size over his shoulder, slamming him straight across the Skee-Ball lanes. Awfully convenient timing.

“That’s what I thought,” Matt says, then offers the unsolicited advice of a champion. “The trick is to get the second shooter.”

“Uh-huh.”

Spy that he is, Matt senses that Joe may have stopped listening. He tries again. “Do you know about the second shooter?”

Joe’s perched atop a downed Russian, landing one, two, three punches to his face until they stop moving. “I can’t even begin to emphasize how much I do not care right now.”

Matt looks down at his own guy, barely conscious. “He just doesn’t understand the second shooter,” he laments. “If he knew how much easier the bonus stages were with two guns, he’d be on my side.”

Matt’s own Russian looks up at him with absolute bewilderment, so he just sighs. No one can keep up with the two of them, and these guys are no exception, so he slams his guy’s head in the Galaga machine one last time, and lets him fall to the ground.

Seven guys down. Two left standing. Just as it always is.

A quiet fills the arcade once more, interrupted only by the uncoordinated chirps of various unplayed games. They both clamber toward the center of the room, a little more beaten and bruised than when they first began the evening. Matt steps over the hunched body of one of the Russians, flexing his fists free of any lingering pain. Joe tries to swipe the blood from his nose, but it doesn’t do the job. The blood on his knuckles leaves behind an even bigger smear than the one he started with.

Matt looks around the room, scanning the bodies before him. He wonders if this is what his father’s battlefields looked like. “Looks like we’ve got our pick of the litter.”

Joe doesn’t waste time on wondering, his mind always moving toward the next step. Eternally trying to survive a war he wants no part in. “Start with any conscious ones,” he says. “If there are any left. See what they know.”

It’s as good a plan as any. When it comes to the Circle, there’s no way to tell a solid lead from a dead end. Time and time again, they find pockets of information that dry up before anything comes of them, and it’s hard to deny the feeling that this night is just more of the same. Matt and Joe could fight through entire armies but it still wouldn’t change the fact that the Circle isolates information to such a degree that not even agents twenty years their senior could identify it all. It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack—if one haystack suddenly became hundreds, and if each of them were located in entirely different countries all across the world. And if some of the haystacks had been burned up, others moved, and others shot outright for sharing information that ought not to be shared.

It sends Matt and Joe to Texas when they’re supposed to be in Istanbul. It lands them in an empty arcade, fighting guys twice their size, when they’ve got paperwork piling up on their desks at Langly. Sooner or later, they’ll have to face the fact that it’ll take more than a two-man team to take down something so immense, but for now, it’s Matt and Joe. It’s just Matt and Joe. They’ll interrogate the men they do have, rather than search for the men they don’t, because anything more is sure to paralyze them.

Matt takes a step forward towards the nearest available Russian, but he is stopped mid-stride by an unexpected sound. It doesn’t fit in with the rest of the noises pinging around them and with one glance at Joe, Matt knows he hears it, too.

They hear the click of a latch. The turn of a knob.

And a battle cry roaring at their backs.

They don’t think. They don’t have to. As soon as they hear the voice, the pair of them turn in perfect unison toward the storeroom. It’s the draw of their guns. It’s the pull of their trigger. Without a single shared word, both land a bullet to a kneecap of their surprise attacker—Matt to the left. Joe to the right.

Eight. A grand total of eight Russians, not seven.

The man’s screams turn from anger to agony, devastated that his sneak attack from the storeroom has only landed him a worse fate than his brothers. He falls to his knees first, but soon realizes the mistake he’s made and rolls onto his back, crying out toward the ceiling. His partners must hear him, but they do not dare face any additional wrath.

Matt stares at the pistol in his hands, no longer cold to the touch. It burns against his palm, even though the gloves, and for the first time, he registers the man on the other end. “Oh my god,” he says, distant and awed. He tests the weight of his pistol in his hand, then turns to Joe. “That was just like Galaga.”

Joe tucks his gun away. “Don’t start.”

“You were the second shooter all along.”

Joe doesn’t entertain this thought, which is just as well. They don’t have the time to spare on it. Instead, he approaches the man splayed out before them, squatting down to the right level. Joe’s voice is a quiet threat against outright screams. “What do you know about the Circle’s mission against the NSA?”

The screams continue, louder now. The part of Matt’s mind that is trained to translate realizes that the man is praying.

Joe speaks Russian nearly as well as Matt does, but he’s waiting for English. “My buddy and I,” he says, “got a lead from one of your friends about an upcoming attack on some very important data. I’d very much like to know why, how, and when that is going to happen.”

The man’s words dissolve behind tears. His god will be of no use to him now.

Joe cocks his gun. He doesn’t hesitate before placing the barrel straight against the roof of the man’s mouth. “It’s important you know,” he says, “that I’m not the sort of man to ask three times.”

“I know nothing,” the man says, words wrapped around a gun and an accent.

“You have three seconds,” Joe warns. “One.”

“I know nothing, I know nothing,” he pleads.

“Two.”

“You kill me or they do,” he says, but there’s a crack in his voice, and he’s close to a full break. “Please, they will kill me if I tell you.”

“And I’m going to kill you if you don’t,” Joe promises. “Would you rather take your chance with me now, or take your chance with the Circle down the road? Decide quickly.”

The man calls out, but Joe simply moves his gun to the chest now. It’ll be a slower death this way, and all three men know it. The tension of the possibility is enough to squeeze an answer out of the man. “Cameron,” he spits. “It will be an analyst named Henry Cameron. This is all I know. Please.”

Pistol unwavering, Joe glances up at Matt. It doesn’t take a single word between them to share the same thought. In this business, there’s no such thing as coincidences.

Matt nods. “I’ll call the girls.”

“Make it quick,” Joe agrees.

It feels dangerous, leaving Joe alone in the arcade, but not for Joe. If anyone can handle themselves against eight injured Russians, it is surely Joe Solomon. Matt's concern lies more with the other men, and all the ways they may come to regret landing on the other side of Joe's gun.

But that ain't none of Matt's concern. As he leaves the arcade, Matt hears Joe switch from English to Russian, trying to fish out any more information he can gather before they take off into the night. Matt doesn’t let himself listen.

Instead, he shoves through the same metal doors he entered through. The neon sign illuminates the edges of a payphone, jutting out from the side of the building. Matt brushes past the grime and graffiti to drop some dimes into the slot, dialing a number he knows by heart.

Her voice is a welcome familiarity beside the rush of the night, crackling across the distance between them. “Go for Bombshell.”

He doesn’t start with his name. The girls never need it from him. “I’ve got a question for you,” he says. “But when I ask it, you can’t panic.”

Abby’s easy on the other end, collected and calm in all of the ways an agent should be. It’s perfect. Not a word out of place. “Oh, but you know me,” she says. “Always panicking.”

It’s her typical tease. If Matt had the time to spare, he’d let himself sink into it, throwing it right back in her direction. Things being as they are, he doesn’t get the chance and cuts straight to the heart of the matter. “Do you know a man by the name of Henry?” he tries. “Henry Cameron?”

It ain’t often that Abagail Cameron is rendered speechless. Even when she is, it’s never out of a lack of words to say—rather, Abby often has too much to say, and she has to stop herself. Think. As silence fills the line, Matt knows that she’s filtering through the kind of classified information that he’s not supposed to hear.

So she starts simple. “What do you know?

And Matt lets her lead. “Very little.”

"How did you find out?"

"Haven't found out yet," he says. "That's what I'm calling you for."

She hesitates, but this is Matt. And Abby. It’s Matt and Abby, and there’s not much they can't say to one another, even when there is. “How do you know about the attack?” Her voice is just a touch lower than before, seeping with admission. “How did you know that someone broke into our father’s office?”

Espionage has a nasty habit of striking when least expected. No matter how much he prepares for a right hook, this business will always swing with the left. Matt just fought off a crew of highly trained agents, but Abby’s sentence is the first thing to truly punch him in the gut.

“I’m flying out to you,” he says, and maybe he ought to hide the urgency, but he doesn’t have the same filter Abby does. “Tonight.”

At once, her careful tone dissolves. Whatever cover she was hiding behind is lost to a barely concealed apprehension. “Matt, what’s going—?”

This isn’t a secure line. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Hey, Matt?”

“Yeah.”

He finally hears his friend, more than he hears the spy. “Should I be panicking?”

The answer is no, because girls like Abby don’t panic. The answer is no, because Matt can’t draw a logical line from an arcade in Texas to a robbery in Maryland. The answer is no.

But something about this stinks like stables in late August. So maybe Matt’s not sure what the right answer is. “I’m flying out to you.”

He hangs up the phone before she can get another word in, slamming it into the cradle with enough force to trigger a faint ring. In his mind, he’s already doing the math—time zones, flight costs, travel plans. Director Smith will expect them back in the office by Monday, and they can’t afford to raise his suspicion any more than they already have. It’ll have to be quick. They’ll have to be smart.

Matt’s hand still rests on the body of the phone when a shot rings out behind closed doors, assuring him that their work here is done. He doesn’t scare. He doesn’t even flinch. Some part of him knew that a bullet was the only way to end this evening.

One second passes. Then another. They're stealing slices of time anywhere they can get them.

Joe pushes through both double doors, chin up, making his grand entrance into the night. He’s got a fresh cigarette bouncing between his teeth and he brings the snap of his Zippo up to light it anew. “What’s the plan?” he asks into cupped hands, features lit aglow by the flame.

Matt fishes in his pocket for a set of car keys. “You win,” he says, starting back across the lot. “We’re not going to see Fitzy tonight.”

#Full Circle #welcome back boys #I hope yall are ready for some sisters

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