Our Bruises Are Coming, John/Stu, PG-13

[she_had_to_go]

Title: Our Bruises Are Coming
Pairing: John/Stu
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 499
Notes: For cellarfulofboys prompt #1: Firsts

Comments

[spinalcracker]

Oh, good Lord. A little over an hour ago, I was about to write a John/Stu response and post it and be all unique, and then I decided to make dinner first, and I came back and saw you had posted a John/Stu response.

I am in awe of the responses to this first prompt. I'm seeing pairings written that I didn't think anyone cared about anymore, and people are reading and responding to them, rather than squabbling over who John truly belongs with. It's been so long since I've read any John/Stu and I'm quite happy to see this, even though you beat me to it!

The throbbing in his fingers from playing bass for hours each night doesn’t compare to the ache from not feeling the slide of paint against a canvas.I love that line. Your characterization of Stu is great -- one minute he's calmer than John, more sensitive and rational (and far less bitter), and the next he's spontaneously kissing him and surprising even himself. I like that there was nothing forced about that kiss, and the roughness of it felt so appropriate after their conversation.

[she_had_to_go]

Aww please don't let it deter you from posting John/Stu for this challenge! There isn't nearly enough around. Didn't mean to steal your thunder!

I'm so pleased you liked it. I've got so many half-started attempts at John/Stu; I was never quite sure if they were working or not so I abandoned them. Thank you!

Can't wait for the next one. I've got the day off tomorrow, so I'm hoping I can get some writing done.

[spinalcracker]

Ha ha, that's okay! You didn't steal my thunder, really; I'm just very surprised to see that someone else has written John/Stu. I didn't think anyone would!

I'm itching to post the next prompt...

[oh_johnny_]

Oh, I like this. I like that, unlike most John/Stu fics, this one focused on Stu's desire to be a painter rather than his lack of musical talent - makes the point that Stu was just as talented as the others, just in a different way.

[minds_opaque]

Stu never feels like a real person in Beatles bios, but you've done a great job bringing him to life. John is John here, but this is Stu's story, and I felt like I understood and sympathized with him in a way I never have before--especially because of this line here:
the throbbing in his fingers from playing bass for hours each night doesn’t compare to the ache from not feeling the slide of paint against a canvas.

This line is great, and it really sums up John/Stu:
“It’s not what I want, John,” he tells him softly. “This is your dream, not mine. The only reason I’m here is because you refuse to do it without me.”

[minds_opaque]

I do have one criticism: I would choose a different title. This one makes the story sound violent and might give people second thoughts about reading.

[749_penny_lane]

"But you will." So John there.

And I love the ending. The muddle of conflicted feelings and contradictory responses was great.

Good job!

(But I do agree about the title.)