2010 Fic Recap
I hemmed and hawed about whether to do this meme since I’ve only written 12 fics and they’re all Pinto, but I did it anyway for my own amusement and it was a lot of fun, so I thought I'd share in case anyone was curious.
Stolen from angelrox040 , pippin004 , and like half the universe.
Total word count: ~46,460
Overall thoughts/Leitmotif: Teeth-rotting fluff, cautious descriptions of sex, and bottom!Zach.
I was really nervous about posting some of my stuff to my lj in the beginning, but wonderful people left nice and encouraging comments! You fed my fic writing addiction and I wrote 12 fics/ficlets in a little over three months, which isn’t a crapload, but is more than I ever thought I’d write about two men I don’t know and who may or may not have seen each other’s private areas.
My best story of this year: Probably Warm, cause it’s the latest thing I’ve written and I like to think that I get just the tiniest bit better with each thing I write.
My favorite story of this year: It might not be the best, but I wrote Through Space and Time when my tinhat started getting dull and it gives me hope cause it’s still the closest to what my headcanon believes is true if Pinto is real.
Story of mine most underappreciated by the universe, in my opinion: I have no complaints here. The fact that every single one of my fics has at least one comment is something that I truly appreciate.
Most popular story: and is still huge. It has leatherpants.
Story with the single sexiest moment: I think most people will disagree, but there’s something about the scene in and is still huge where Zach crawls between Chris’ spread legs and is just touching him that I find really sexy. There’s no words exchanged or anything explicit, but there’s that teasing anticipation of what’s going to happen next.
Most "Holy crap, that's wrong, even for you" story: Nine Lives cause what the hell, I turned Zach into a cat?
Story that shifted my own perceptions of the characters: I feel like none of my fics have been incredibly plotty, but for if you are the desert, I’ll be the sea, I thought a lot about what might make Zach vulnerable cause he always seems so pulled together to me and it’s easier for me to image Chris as being insecure about things. Still, I only sort of brushed at the surface of things. Also, I’m constantly wondering about the nature of Chris and Zach’s friendship, how close they may or may not be IRL, and if there’s something special about their friendship that they don’t have with other people.
Hardest story to write: I struggle with writing sex scenes, but as a story, I think Whitelaw Books and its sequel were most difficult for me cause I wanted to approach the topic of deafness respectfully and realistically but still preserve some aspects of levity and Pinto cuteness. garden_hoe21 was tremendously helpful by talking through some ideas with me and gauging whether some things were unrealistic, so I’m incredible grateful for her input and advice.
Favorite OC: Colton from Get Your Filthy Fingers Out Of My Pie. What a little bitch.
Biggest Disappointment: I didn't get a Pinto Christmas. Maybe that I didn’t start writing earlier? Or that I didn't write more fics of better quality? Oh, and that Zach didn’t get to put Chris’ ass up to the jets while they were in the jacuzzi in Warm.
Biggest Surprise: That people took the time to read my fics and enjoyed them.
Most Unintentionally Telling Story: if you are the desert, i’ll be the sea. I have this tendency to just drop off the face of the earth for a while (with my RL friends, at least) and I have this fear that one day they’ll just stop caring about what I’ve been up to or decide that I’m too full of drama to want to listen to my griping.
Story I haven't yet written, but intend to: I have a few Pinto fic ideas in my head right now and eefreeboo is constantly tempting me to write more. But the ones that I keep coming back to as fics that I’d like to write or have started writing are (in no particular order):
- AU of an AU for kaidoh_kitty
- third installment of Whitelaw Books
- AU where Chris works at the veterinary clinic where Zach takes his pets
- character study on Chris and his douchebagginess/insecurities
- possible big bang fic?
Those are some of my ideas, but I think overall what I’d like to work on is generally improving my writing. I’d like to work on something longer that has an actual plot (hence, possible big bang). I’d also like to try writing something in present tense or as first person (everything I’ve written so far is third person/past, which for some reason is what I’m most comfortable with).
Favorite 5 3 Opening Line(s): In random order,
1. Whitelaw Books
It was the second time he visited the small bookstore in a week, but this time Zach had a legitimate reason for making the ten minute walk to Whitelaw Books from his house.
2. and is still huge
He literally did a double-take as he passed the newsstand, his head snapping back so quickly that his body didn’t have time to react and he almost tripped right there on the sidewalk in the middle of the day.
3. Through Space and Time
It had started during the press tour, somewhere in Europe, Zach wasn’t too clear about which city, exactly. He remembered other details, though, like how Chris had kept leaning into him at the club, how he kept his hand on the small of Zach’s back as they left, and how he blushed and shyly took Zach’s hand and rubbed small circles into his palm as he scooted closer to Zach in the cab.
Favorite 5 3 Closing Line(s): In random order,
1. in the blink of an eye and be gone from me
The car came to a stop and after a couple minutes, the driver opened Zach’s door and they were flooded with the sound of hurried voiced and camera flashes. As he exited the limo, Zach turned around and smiled at Chris.
“Captain. They’re ready for you.”
2. Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells
Zach closed his eyes as Chris buried his face into his neck. Right below his jaw, Zach felt it pressed and repeated into his skin, over and over again: Iloveyou, Iloveyou, Iloveyou.
3. and is still huge
Chris reached out to place the paper bag on the nightstand when he noticed the magazine lying next to Zach’s alarm clock and his hand stilled. It was difficult to say who blushed harder.
“I’m so glad I invested in those leather pants,” Chris whispered, grinning bashfully.
Favorite 10 Line(s) from Anywhere:
1. if you are the desert, I’ll be the sea
“I flew across the Atlantic for him,” Zach whined.
“And I flew across the North American continent for you,” Chris pointed out.
2. Learn To Program
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable or anything. It’s not everyday I get to meet a celebrity,” Zach sputtered.
Chris chuckled, “I’m hardly a celebrity. Last time I checked, I’m not being followed by the paparazzi.”
3. in the blink of an eye and be gone from me
He hated to admit that he slightly envied Zach. Here they were together, young, ambitious, eager, embracing roles that would likely change their careers forever, for better or worse. And right from the start, Zach had the blessing and mentorship of Leonard Nimoy, which meant he had gained the trust and acceptance of Trek fans worldwide. Not that Zach hadn’t already established a loyal following from Heroes, but an endorsement from the original Spock himself certainly solidified his credibility.
Chris, on the other hand, had a letter from William Shatner, which more or less wished him good luck. No words of wisdom, no parting advice. Not even a real blessing. He had yet to even meet the man who created this icon.
4. Nine Lives
The vet gestured to the computer screen. “In our records, Harold is a neutered cat. This cat,” she reached for Zach and spun him around. Before he knew what was happening, she lifted his tail and showed Chris his rear, “has most certainly not been neutered. Which could explain some of his extreme behavior, although unneutered male cats tend to be more aggressive rather than affectionate.”
This was just awful. Chris was staring at his balls. His cat balls. Zach wanted to crawl in a hole and die.
5. Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells
As his arms wrapped around Chris’ narrow waist, the only sound he was aware of was the rush of the blood through his veins, his pulse pounding in his head. He was sure that Chris could hear it too, through the fingers curled around the nape of his neck and the thumb rubbing along his jaw.
or
He learned that Chris’ gestures and posture revealed a lot of what he was thinking while his eyes gave away his emotions. It was as though they had a secret language of hands, looks, words, and laughter that belonged only to them.
6. Through Space and Time
Chris laughed and looked at his hands. “When we first hooked up, you idiot. We were in Paris.”
Zach stared at him, completely speechless. Finally, Chris met his gaze. “It’s also when I first realized I was in love with you. Call me a romantic, but it happened in Paris.” He paused before continuing, “I still am. In love with you, that is. Just so you know.”
7. and is still huge
With a small shove, he pushed Chris backward onto the bed. Landing with a bounce, a playful and brilliant laugh escaped Chris, lighting up his face before it burrowed into Zach’s chest and resurfaced as Zach’s own giddy laughter.
8. You’ve Been Flirting Again
“Did you remember to get me tickets? Good ones, too, like right up front so I can see your junk.”
9. Warm (Part 1)
Zach cleared his throat. “Hand me a cookie?”
Slowly, Chris pulled his hands away from Zach’s and opened the bag with a small snap. He picked out the least smashed cookie and placed it on the upturned palm of Zach’s mitten.
“How are you going to eat that with a mitten?” Chris asked.
Without hesitation, Zach took off his other mitten and handed it to him. “Put it on,” he instructed softly.
10. Warm (Part 2)
He stumbled to the small bathroom, flipped on the light, and paused in the doorway when he saw that Zach had unpacked his toiletries for him and lined them up on the tiny shelf above the toilet, next to some of Zach’s own bottles. His blue toothbrush stood opposite of Zach’s green one in a plastic cup behind the faucet, as if its presence was a necessary balance and prevented the cup from tipping over into the sink.
Top 10 Scenes from Anywhere You Would Choose to Have Illustrated:
1. if you are the desert, i’ll be the sea
It had been weeks since he had a real homecooked meal. There were nights when he cooked for himself, but eating alone was never fun. They sat in the warm and spice-scented kitchen for what seemed like hours, listening to Mrs. Quinto tell them stories about Zach when he was little, and then more recent stories of his cousins and their kids. Chris laughed until his cheeks hurt and his eyes were glassy.
2. Learn To Program
Their noses bumped at first, but they quickly adjusted. Zach’s hands came to rest on Chris’ shoulders and slowly began to cup his face. Chris ducked his head and pulled back.
“Okay, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping this would happen. But it’s really happening now,” Chris blurted out.
“Oh my god, are you freaking out? You’re freaking out. I’m kind of freaking out too,” Zach babbled. He rested his hand on this forehead and closed his eyes.
“No, we’re good. That was good. Right?” Chris asked.
Zach opened his eyes, “Definitely.”
3. Whitelaw Books
Zach’s fingers gently stole the pen from under Chris’ hand. He propped himself on his elbow to write in the notebook.
Teach me the sign for ‘book’?
Chris read it and a brief moment of hesitation fluttered across his features. His tongue darted out to lick at the corner of his lip as he looked at Zach and then down at his own hands, instructing him to watch. Chris brought his hands together, palms touching as though he was praying, his fingers pointing away from him, and before turning and opening his hands so that the palms were now facing up.
Zach stood up straight and slowly copied the motion. “Like opening a book.” He did it again and looked up at Chris nodding in approval.
4. Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells
“Because I love you and I want you to love me back.”
Chris stared at him hard. Then in a flash he stepped forward and collided with Zach, his mouth hungry and his hands buried in Zach’s hair. Chris broke the kiss just as Zach managed to rest his hands on his waist.
“Say it again,” Chris asked. His hand brushed over Zach’s cheek before his fingers began tracing Zach’s lips.
Chris’ eyes and fingertips were focused on his mouth as Zach breathed, “I love you.”
5. Through Space and Time
He woke up around noon to find that Chris was still asleep on his stomach, two fingers hooked innocently inside the elastic of Zach’s pajama pants. Zach turned on his side and watched the rise and fall of his breathing. Chris was imperfect but quite possibly the most beautiful thing Zach had ever seen. He lightly brushed the pads of his fingers down the smooth skin of Chris’ back, ghosting over the sparse dusting of freckles and spots, trying to convince himself that if he had to, he could end things right now and not feel like he was leaving anything behind. Chris gave him a sleepy smile before trying to burrow his face further into his pillow. Zach then poked at Chris until he curled into a ball and started laughing. With a nudge to Chris’ shoulder, Zach rolled him over onto his back and untangled the sheets from Chris’ legs. He kept his eyes on Chris’ face as he kissed down his stomach and worked at the front of the white boxers.
“You’re going to be late for your meeting,” Chris objected.
Zach pulled gently at his waistband. “Lift your hips,” Zach whispered.
6. Through Space and Time (again)
Zach gave him a skeptical look. His backyard was currently being renovated, the privacy fence having just been finished earlier in the week, with piles of dirt and sand and overturned broken concrete blocks everywhere. But he nearly gasped as he stepped out the sliding door and saw that Chris had cleared a small space and covered the ground with an old bed sheet, folded in half with the corners held down by rocks. Chris had arranged plates, silverware, a bottle of wine, and two wine glasses on top. He emerged from the house and placed a large bowl in the center. The light from about a dozen candles scattered around the dirt flickered and cast strange shadows on the remains of Zach’s dusty lawn.
“Sorry, no rose petals. And it’s just pasta, but I thought it would be a nice break from eating in restaurants all the time,” Chris said.
Zach watched as Chris poured the wine and handed a glass to him. Chris held his wine glass up to Zach’s.
“To being home.”
“Yeah. To being home,” Zach echoed.
7. Get Your Filthy Fingers Out of My Pie
Chris took a step into his space. “This is a cast and crew party. Are you part of the cast and crew? No. You’re. Not. And he’s not. Your. Boyfriend. So get the fuck out.”
Several people turned and the room got quieter as Chris’ voice got louder.
Colton smiled sweetly at Chris. “Funny. Zach doesn’t usually like bossy bottoms.”
The shock of his fist connecting with Colton’s jaw didn’t even register until the other man pushed Chris to the ground. He closed his eyes in time to absorb the punch that Colton threw. Chris tried to shove him off, but not before another firm fist collided with his mouth. Scrambling to his knees, Chris yanked Colton toward him by the shirt aimed his punch in the vicinity of his face as John hauled him backwards. Once he was on his feet, he realized that several crew members had formed a barrier between him and Colton.
“Don’t fucking touch what’s not yours!” Chris yelled.
He wiped at his bloody lip and made eye contact with a worried looking Zoe. He averted his eyes for a split second before mouthing an apology in her direction. Chris really did feel awful for causing this scene at her party.
8. and is still huge
It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dark and recognize the figure that was lounging in the green chair, long legs stretched out and spread wide, piercing blue eyes boring into him. Zach took a deep breath in relief and waited for his heartbeat to slow.
“Chris?”
Zach tilted his head as he saw the corner of his mouth curve upward into a not-so-innocent smile. Taking a hesitant step toward Chris, he took in the skin-tight leather pants, the nearly see-through black top, and the purposely careless-looking sculpted hair. He felt his heartbeat speed up again for an entirely different reason.
“How did you get in?”
“Don’t worry about it,” Chris replied, his voice low.
One hand dropped from the armrest and rubbed provocatively at the juncture of Chris’ thigh and crotch. Zach’s jaw dropped as his eyes followed that hand and then stared wishfully at the suggestive zipper that did nothing to hide the fact that Chris was already hard and, apparently, huge. Unashamedly, Zach realized that his mouth was watering.
“You’ve thought about this, haven’t you?” Chris asked, his eyes focused on the hand between his legs.
“Yes,” Zach confessed quietly.
“Maybe you should get on with it then. I didn’t take a six-hour flight just to sit around and have you stare at me.” Chris’ hand ghosted over the zipper and Zach’s breath hitched.
9. Warm (Part 1)
“Uhh, you aren’t wearing gloves?” Zach asked.
“I don’t have gloves.”
“The hell is wrong with you? Especially you, of all people, always being cold and whining about ‘where’s my scarf?’ Jesus Christ,” Zach admonished him playfully. He dropped the bag of cookies in Chris’ lap, put his mitten back on, and sandwiched Chris’ hands between his.
“You’re making a habit out of letting me keep you warm,” Zach said softly, his eyes focused on their hands.
10. Warm (Part 2)
Tipping his head to the side, Chris gave him a little frown. “What’s up?”
Zach leaned his head on the door with his hand on the doorknob, chewing on his lower lip and blushing wildly.
“I’m happy this week happened.” He paused and tapped his fingers on the doorframe. “Even though we both, you know...” Zach gestured with his hand. “Maybe this was just the right time for us. And it took a stupid broken radiator for us to figure ourselves out.”
Chris smiled and stepped up to him, cupping his face gently, and pressed their lips together. He held Zach close to him to whisper directly into his ear. Zach mouthed the words back against the corner of his goofy grin and rubbed his thumb over Chris’ bottom lip. It felt surreal to be standing in the doorway of Zach’s apartment and confessing such things to each other.
Oh dear, this was TLDR. Is anyone still reading this?! Many thanks if you are!
Stolen from angelrox040 , pippin004 , and like half the universe.
Total word count: ~46,460
Overall thoughts/Leitmotif: Teeth-rotting fluff, cautious descriptions of sex, and bottom!Zach.
I was really nervous about posting some of my stuff to my lj in the beginning, but wonderful people left nice and encouraging comments! You fed my fic writing addiction and I wrote 12 fics/ficlets in a little over three months, which isn’t a crapload, but is more than I ever thought I’d write about two men I don’t know and who may or may not have seen each other’s private areas.
My best story of this year: Probably Warm, cause it’s the latest thing I’ve written and I like to think that I get just the tiniest bit better with each thing I write.
My favorite story of this year: It might not be the best, but I wrote Through Space and Time when my tinhat started getting dull and it gives me hope cause it’s still the closest to what my headcanon believes is true if Pinto is real.
Story of mine most underappreciated by the universe, in my opinion: I have no complaints here. The fact that every single one of my fics has at least one comment is something that I truly appreciate.
Most popular story: and is still huge. It has leatherpants.
Story with the single sexiest moment: I think most people will disagree, but there’s something about the scene in and is still huge where Zach crawls between Chris’ spread legs and is just touching him that I find really sexy. There’s no words exchanged or anything explicit, but there’s that teasing anticipation of what’s going to happen next.
Most "Holy crap, that's wrong, even for you" story: Nine Lives cause what the hell, I turned Zach into a cat?
Story that shifted my own perceptions of the characters: I feel like none of my fics have been incredibly plotty, but for if you are the desert, I’ll be the sea, I thought a lot about what might make Zach vulnerable cause he always seems so pulled together to me and it’s easier for me to image Chris as being insecure about things. Still, I only sort of brushed at the surface of things. Also, I’m constantly wondering about the nature of Chris and Zach’s friendship, how close they may or may not be IRL, and if there’s something special about their friendship that they don’t have with other people.
Hardest story to write: I struggle with writing sex scenes, but as a story, I think Whitelaw Books and its sequel were most difficult for me cause I wanted to approach the topic of deafness respectfully and realistically but still preserve some aspects of levity and Pinto cuteness. garden_hoe21 was tremendously helpful by talking through some ideas with me and gauging whether some things were unrealistic, so I’m incredible grateful for her input and advice.
Favorite OC: Colton from Get Your Filthy Fingers Out Of My Pie. What a little bitch.
Biggest Disappointment: I didn't get a Pinto Christmas. Maybe that I didn’t start writing earlier? Or that I didn't write more fics of better quality? Oh, and that Zach didn’t get to put Chris’ ass up to the jets while they were in the jacuzzi in Warm.
Biggest Surprise: That people took the time to read my fics and enjoyed them.
Most Unintentionally Telling Story: if you are the desert, i’ll be the sea. I have this tendency to just drop off the face of the earth for a while (with my RL friends, at least) and I have this fear that one day they’ll just stop caring about what I’ve been up to or decide that I’m too full of drama to want to listen to my griping.
Story I haven't yet written, but intend to: I have a few Pinto fic ideas in my head right now and eefreeboo is constantly tempting me to write more. But the ones that I keep coming back to as fics that I’d like to write or have started writing are (in no particular order):
- AU of an AU for kaidoh_kitty
- third installment of Whitelaw Books
- AU where Chris works at the veterinary clinic where Zach takes his pets
- character study on Chris and his douchebagginess/insecurities
- possible big bang fic?
Those are some of my ideas, but I think overall what I’d like to work on is generally improving my writing. I’d like to work on something longer that has an actual plot (hence, possible big bang). I’d also like to try writing something in present tense or as first person (everything I’ve written so far is third person/past, which for some reason is what I’m most comfortable with).
Favorite 5 3 Opening Line(s): In random order,
1. Whitelaw Books
It was the second time he visited the small bookstore in a week, but this time Zach had a legitimate reason for making the ten minute walk to Whitelaw Books from his house.
2. and is still huge
He literally did a double-take as he passed the newsstand, his head snapping back so quickly that his body didn’t have time to react and he almost tripped right there on the sidewalk in the middle of the day.
3. Through Space and Time
It had started during the press tour, somewhere in Europe, Zach wasn’t too clear about which city, exactly. He remembered other details, though, like how Chris had kept leaning into him at the club, how he kept his hand on the small of Zach’s back as they left, and how he blushed and shyly took Zach’s hand and rubbed small circles into his palm as he scooted closer to Zach in the cab.
Favorite 5 3 Closing Line(s): In random order,
1. in the blink of an eye and be gone from me
The car came to a stop and after a couple minutes, the driver opened Zach’s door and they were flooded with the sound of hurried voiced and camera flashes. As he exited the limo, Zach turned around and smiled at Chris.
“Captain. They’re ready for you.”
2. Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells
Zach closed his eyes as Chris buried his face into his neck. Right below his jaw, Zach felt it pressed and repeated into his skin, over and over again: Iloveyou, Iloveyou, Iloveyou.
3. and is still huge
Chris reached out to place the paper bag on the nightstand when he noticed the magazine lying next to Zach’s alarm clock and his hand stilled. It was difficult to say who blushed harder.
“I’m so glad I invested in those leather pants,” Chris whispered, grinning bashfully.
Favorite 10 Line(s) from Anywhere:
1. if you are the desert, I’ll be the sea
“I flew across the Atlantic for him,” Zach whined.
“And I flew across the North American continent for you,” Chris pointed out.
2. Learn To Program
“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable or anything. It’s not everyday I get to meet a celebrity,” Zach sputtered.
Chris chuckled, “I’m hardly a celebrity. Last time I checked, I’m not being followed by the paparazzi.”
3. in the blink of an eye and be gone from me
He hated to admit that he slightly envied Zach. Here they were together, young, ambitious, eager, embracing roles that would likely change their careers forever, for better or worse. And right from the start, Zach had the blessing and mentorship of Leonard Nimoy, which meant he had gained the trust and acceptance of Trek fans worldwide. Not that Zach hadn’t already established a loyal following from Heroes, but an endorsement from the original Spock himself certainly solidified his credibility.
Chris, on the other hand, had a letter from William Shatner, which more or less wished him good luck. No words of wisdom, no parting advice. Not even a real blessing. He had yet to even meet the man who created this icon.
4. Nine Lives
The vet gestured to the computer screen. “In our records, Harold is a neutered cat. This cat,” she reached for Zach and spun him around. Before he knew what was happening, she lifted his tail and showed Chris his rear, “has most certainly not been neutered. Which could explain some of his extreme behavior, although unneutered male cats tend to be more aggressive rather than affectionate.”
This was just awful. Chris was staring at his balls. His cat balls. Zach wanted to crawl in a hole and die.
5. Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells
As his arms wrapped around Chris’ narrow waist, the only sound he was aware of was the rush of the blood through his veins, his pulse pounding in his head. He was sure that Chris could hear it too, through the fingers curled around the nape of his neck and the thumb rubbing along his jaw.
or
He learned that Chris’ gestures and posture revealed a lot of what he was thinking while his eyes gave away his emotions. It was as though they had a secret language of hands, looks, words, and laughter that belonged only to them.
6. Through Space and Time
Chris laughed and looked at his hands. “When we first hooked up, you idiot. We were in Paris.”
Zach stared at him, completely speechless. Finally, Chris met his gaze. “It’s also when I first realized I was in love with you. Call me a romantic, but it happened in Paris.” He paused before continuing, “I still am. In love with you, that is. Just so you know.”
7. and is still huge
With a small shove, he pushed Chris backward onto the bed. Landing with a bounce, a playful and brilliant laugh escaped Chris, lighting up his face before it burrowed into Zach’s chest and resurfaced as Zach’s own giddy laughter.
8. You’ve Been Flirting Again
“Did you remember to get me tickets? Good ones, too, like right up front so I can see your junk.”
9. Warm (Part 1)
Zach cleared his throat. “Hand me a cookie?”
Slowly, Chris pulled his hands away from Zach’s and opened the bag with a small snap. He picked out the least smashed cookie and placed it on the upturned palm of Zach’s mitten.
“How are you going to eat that with a mitten?” Chris asked.
Without hesitation, Zach took off his other mitten and handed it to him. “Put it on,” he instructed softly.
10. Warm (Part 2)
He stumbled to the small bathroom, flipped on the light, and paused in the doorway when he saw that Zach had unpacked his toiletries for him and lined them up on the tiny shelf above the toilet, next to some of Zach’s own bottles. His blue toothbrush stood opposite of Zach’s green one in a plastic cup behind the faucet, as if its presence was a necessary balance and prevented the cup from tipping over into the sink.
Top 10 Scenes from Anywhere You Would Choose to Have Illustrated:
1. if you are the desert, i’ll be the sea
It had been weeks since he had a real homecooked meal. There were nights when he cooked for himself, but eating alone was never fun. They sat in the warm and spice-scented kitchen for what seemed like hours, listening to Mrs. Quinto tell them stories about Zach when he was little, and then more recent stories of his cousins and their kids. Chris laughed until his cheeks hurt and his eyes were glassy.
2. Learn To Program
Their noses bumped at first, but they quickly adjusted. Zach’s hands came to rest on Chris’ shoulders and slowly began to cup his face. Chris ducked his head and pulled back.
“Okay, so I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping this would happen. But it’s really happening now,” Chris blurted out.
“Oh my god, are you freaking out? You’re freaking out. I’m kind of freaking out too,” Zach babbled. He rested his hand on this forehead and closed his eyes.
“No, we’re good. That was good. Right?” Chris asked.
Zach opened his eyes, “Definitely.”
3. Whitelaw Books
Zach’s fingers gently stole the pen from under Chris’ hand. He propped himself on his elbow to write in the notebook.
Teach me the sign for ‘book’?
Chris read it and a brief moment of hesitation fluttered across his features. His tongue darted out to lick at the corner of his lip as he looked at Zach and then down at his own hands, instructing him to watch. Chris brought his hands together, palms touching as though he was praying, his fingers pointing away from him, and before turning and opening his hands so that the palms were now facing up.
Zach stood up straight and slowly copied the motion. “Like opening a book.” He did it again and looked up at Chris nodding in approval.
4. Louder Than Sirens, Louder Than Bells
“Because I love you and I want you to love me back.”
Chris stared at him hard. Then in a flash he stepped forward and collided with Zach, his mouth hungry and his hands buried in Zach’s hair. Chris broke the kiss just as Zach managed to rest his hands on his waist.
“Say it again,” Chris asked. His hand brushed over Zach’s cheek before his fingers began tracing Zach’s lips.
Chris’ eyes and fingertips were focused on his mouth as Zach breathed, “I love you.”
5. Through Space and Time
He woke up around noon to find that Chris was still asleep on his stomach, two fingers hooked innocently inside the elastic of Zach’s pajama pants. Zach turned on his side and watched the rise and fall of his breathing. Chris was imperfect but quite possibly the most beautiful thing Zach had ever seen. He lightly brushed the pads of his fingers down the smooth skin of Chris’ back, ghosting over the sparse dusting of freckles and spots, trying to convince himself that if he had to, he could end things right now and not feel like he was leaving anything behind. Chris gave him a sleepy smile before trying to burrow his face further into his pillow. Zach then poked at Chris until he curled into a ball and started laughing. With a nudge to Chris’ shoulder, Zach rolled him over onto his back and untangled the sheets from Chris’ legs. He kept his eyes on Chris’ face as he kissed down his stomach and worked at the front of the white boxers.
“You’re going to be late for your meeting,” Chris objected.
Zach pulled gently at his waistband. “Lift your hips,” Zach whispered.
6. Through Space and Time (again)
Zach gave him a skeptical look. His backyard was currently being renovated, the privacy fence having just been finished earlier in the week, with piles of dirt and sand and overturned broken concrete blocks everywhere. But he nearly gasped as he stepped out the sliding door and saw that Chris had cleared a small space and covered the ground with an old bed sheet, folded in half with the corners held down by rocks. Chris had arranged plates, silverware, a bottle of wine, and two wine glasses on top. He emerged from the house and placed a large bowl in the center. The light from about a dozen candles scattered around the dirt flickered and cast strange shadows on the remains of Zach’s dusty lawn.
“Sorry, no rose petals. And it’s just pasta, but I thought it would be a nice break from eating in restaurants all the time,” Chris said.
Zach watched as Chris poured the wine and handed a glass to him. Chris held his wine glass up to Zach’s.
“To being home.”
“Yeah. To being home,” Zach echoed.
7. Get Your Filthy Fingers Out of My Pie
Chris took a step into his space. “This is a cast and crew party. Are you part of the cast and crew? No. You’re. Not. And he’s not. Your. Boyfriend. So get the fuck out.”
Several people turned and the room got quieter as Chris’ voice got louder.
Colton smiled sweetly at Chris. “Funny. Zach doesn’t usually like bossy bottoms.”
The shock of his fist connecting with Colton’s jaw didn’t even register until the other man pushed Chris to the ground. He closed his eyes in time to absorb the punch that Colton threw. Chris tried to shove him off, but not before another firm fist collided with his mouth. Scrambling to his knees, Chris yanked Colton toward him by the shirt aimed his punch in the vicinity of his face as John hauled him backwards. Once he was on his feet, he realized that several crew members had formed a barrier between him and Colton.
“Don’t fucking touch what’s not yours!” Chris yelled.
He wiped at his bloody lip and made eye contact with a worried looking Zoe. He averted his eyes for a split second before mouthing an apology in her direction. Chris really did feel awful for causing this scene at her party.
8. and is still huge
It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dark and recognize the figure that was lounging in the green chair, long legs stretched out and spread wide, piercing blue eyes boring into him. Zach took a deep breath in relief and waited for his heartbeat to slow.
“Chris?”
Zach tilted his head as he saw the corner of his mouth curve upward into a not-so-innocent smile. Taking a hesitant step toward Chris, he took in the skin-tight leather pants, the nearly see-through black top, and the purposely careless-looking sculpted hair. He felt his heartbeat speed up again for an entirely different reason.
“How did you get in?”
“Don’t worry about it,” Chris replied, his voice low.
One hand dropped from the armrest and rubbed provocatively at the juncture of Chris’ thigh and crotch. Zach’s jaw dropped as his eyes followed that hand and then stared wishfully at the suggestive zipper that did nothing to hide the fact that Chris was already hard and, apparently, huge. Unashamedly, Zach realized that his mouth was watering.
“You’ve thought about this, haven’t you?” Chris asked, his eyes focused on the hand between his legs.
“Yes,” Zach confessed quietly.
“Maybe you should get on with it then. I didn’t take a six-hour flight just to sit around and have you stare at me.” Chris’ hand ghosted over the zipper and Zach’s breath hitched.
9. Warm (Part 1)
“Uhh, you aren’t wearing gloves?” Zach asked.
“I don’t have gloves.”
“The hell is wrong with you? Especially you, of all people, always being cold and whining about ‘where’s my scarf?’ Jesus Christ,” Zach admonished him playfully. He dropped the bag of cookies in Chris’ lap, put his mitten back on, and sandwiched Chris’ hands between his.
“You’re making a habit out of letting me keep you warm,” Zach said softly, his eyes focused on their hands.
10. Warm (Part 2)
Tipping his head to the side, Chris gave him a little frown. “What’s up?”
Zach leaned his head on the door with his hand on the doorknob, chewing on his lower lip and blushing wildly.
“I’m happy this week happened.” He paused and tapped his fingers on the doorframe. “Even though we both, you know...” Zach gestured with his hand. “Maybe this was just the right time for us. And it took a stupid broken radiator for us to figure ourselves out.”
Chris smiled and stepped up to him, cupping his face gently, and pressed their lips together. He held Zach close to him to whisper directly into his ear. Zach mouthed the words back against the corner of his goofy grin and rubbed his thumb over Chris’ bottom lip. It felt surreal to be standing in the doorway of Zach’s apartment and confessing such things to each other.
Oh dear, this was TLDR. Is anyone still reading this?! Many thanks if you are!