Fic Graveyard Post #16 CSI:M/Sports Night

[carleton97]

OK, so CSI: Miami.

As I mentioned before Tim Speedle is one of my fandom kryptonites.

I will wedge him into any story possible if just to fix the character assassination wrought by his ignominious end.

One of things I love most about him is the BLATANTLY GAY BACKSTORY whomever was in control of the CBS website in the early 2000's came up with. Before you accuse me of being a deluded slasher, just read this (it's paraphrased since CBS took down his old character bio and I can't find it while I'm at work, but it's accurate):

Tim grew up in upstate NY where father was a restaurant chef and his mother was a social worker. He had a brother who was significantly younger and a best friend (I named him David). Tim and his best friend had plans after they graduated high school to go to college together. Their plans were derailed, however, when David was seriously injured during their senior ski trip. In addition to severe internal injuries, he became parapelegic. So when Tim went off to college, he spent all of his time researching paralysis, trying to come up with a rememdy for David. Tragically, after about two years (all of them in the hospital, it sounded like), David died from his injuries.

At this point, Tim jumps on his motorcycle and disappears for a year and no one knows where he is until he shows up on David's uncle's doorstep in Miami. David's uncle was the county coroner and it's through him that Tim meets Megan and gets interested in forensic science. He finishes school and starts working for the Miami crime lab...

Honestly, that shit is GAY. I'm just saying.

Except for the SPN xover I posted earlier, all of the stories -- posted and unfinished -- I have for him are sort of interrelated.

It starts with this snippet below which details the fun, sexytimes Speed and David have on their senior trip immediately before the tragic accident:




carleton97: I'm just thinking about Speed and poor, dead David.
exitsign: I mean, according to the personnel file at the website, after David died, he just completely disappeared until he showed up in Miami. What the hell did he do for a year?
exitsign: Tim and David. Tim and David. What's David look like?
exitsign: I have to get a mental picture going.
carleton97: David is... blonde. He's like this ray of sunlight to Tim.
exitsign: OH! I always pictured him blonde! I win at life!
exitsign: Okay, blonde. Taller or shorter? What color eyes?
carleton97: I like to picture Tim as a late grower. Like his beard came in early and his voice changed early, but he stayed short forEVER.
carleton97: So David was always taller than he was until they hit like 17, then time shot from like 5'7 to his adult height.
exitsign: I can get behind that. Cool. Okay, so, what age are we looking at for this story?
carleton97: It's, um, during the trip of doom.
carleton97: This is totally a story in your arena.
exitsign: Oh! And you say you can't do angst!
exitsign: hee. twins.
carleton97: Because they've been friends for years.
exitsign: Okay, another question, is this the first timie they've ever done anything? Or just the first time, you know, going all the way or whatever? o they even go all the way?
carleton97: It's not the first time they've done anything. Or gone all the way. For David. But for Tim.
exitsign: Ohhh. Okay, so what's with David and the being Mr. Sex Machine?
carleton97: No, no.
carleton97: I mean that they've been fooling around for like a year, right and while David has bottomed, Tim hasn't.
exitsign: Ohhhh. I see now. Oh, damn. Okay.
exitsign: Oh, I just zoned out.
carleton97: on the angst?
exitsign: On the angst and the bottoming.
carleton97: hee
exitsign: Gah. Good lord, I love porn.
carleton97: hee
exitsign: Okay, so, they've had sex before -- done the whole nine yards and all that -- but Tim hasn't ever bottomed and that's what we're chatporning?
carleton97: yes
exitsign: Okay, I am on page.
carleton97: So yes. It's the Trip o' Doom. And Tim has been *thinking* about this. Because it is his way.
carleton97: David's never complained. Never said anthing about changing things up.
exitsign: Right. Because hot sex with the one you love is hot sex with the one you love.
carleton97: Right, but Tim's been thinking.
carleton97: They've been doing things the way they have because, well, that's just the way things happened.
carleton97: And Tim really isn't one to rock the boat.
exitsign: Right. Does Tim have the fear of badness about him? As in, this works so let's do this and not worry about that because that might not work and things that don't work are bad and why be bad when we can have good. Or is that totally off and Tim is just... 'eh' about things?
carleton97: Oh, that's totally Tim. He's always worrying, you know?
carleton97: How is it things are working and what do I have to do to keep them working and yes, let's not change things that work.
exitsign: Sweet. I'm not crazy. I thought that was Tim-ish but I barely know him and I'm weird sometimes and get motivations mixed up.
carleton97: But... he's been thinking.
carleton97: As Tims are wont to do.
exitsign: Okay, okay, so Tim has been thinking about this. He wants to do it? Like he's been *thinking* about it? Or he thinks that he has to? Or that he should? To be "fair" to David? Or maybe he just wants to try it?
exitsign: Yes, Tims are thinky thinkers.
carleton97: because he has the thought that things are working, but could they be working *better*
carleton97: Plus, all other things aside, he's a teenage dude. And David really seems to enjoy it.
exitsign: Ah, there's the thing, working is good, but better is better.
carleton97: And it's not he's complained at all when David's hands have gone a wandering.
exitsign: Ah, yes, I see. Okay, I'm getting this.
carleton97: But David's never, you know, pressed the issue, and Tim's not going to rock the boat.
carleton97: But they're away from home, you know?
carleton97: It's like they're in Vacation Time.
carleton97: Things are *different*
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: So, if they try something that *doesn't* work there at the lodge, it's more OK than if they tried at home.
exitsign: Right. Because once you leave the lodge, it's over. It's like being in another world. And it won't be, like, 'oh, look, there's my bed, where I totally SUCKED at sex!'
carleton97: exactly.
exitsign: Are you going for the 'this is where all of Tim's happiness lives'? Because, omg, you'll break your own damn heart.
carleton97: Yes.
exitsign: Oh, I hear it CRACKING from here.
carleton97: I totally want to break every heart in the WORLD in this story.
exitsign: Oh, you will. You will. I will guide you.
carleton97: because it'll make the NY AU that much more better.
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: plus Tim's tattoo story?
exitsign: Oh. Oh. I am having a moment. I'm wallowing in Tim love. Hang on. *puts on elevator music for you*
carleton97: Because...
carleton97: Tim always thinks of David as blond, like he was the first time they met, when his hair was bleached almost white from the sun.
exitsign: Oh! *sigh* Yes!
carleton97: Tim wants to kick himself at the look of joy on David's face as he says, "Really?"
carleton97: He always forgets that David loves progress the way he loves stillness.
exitsign: Wait, so what exactly does Tim say? Is there awkward pauses? Does he do that face thing?
carleton97: I sort of start in media res. Tim has just awkardly asked if David wants to try something different and implies he'll be the one bottoming.
exitsign: Ah. Okay. I just like Tim in awkward positions. Because he always makes that 'oh, I hate you, I'm drowning in my own awkwardness and I hate you for it' face that I love.
carleton97: Like when porn stars wash off their makeup and track him down.
carleton97: Heh.
exitsign: Yes!
carleton97: But he makes that face immediately after David says, 'really?'
exitsign: heeeeee! Love!
carleton97: But then he's almost knocked off the couch by David's tackle hug.
carleton97: oh god. oh god.
carleton97: OK. So, the accident is an accident. Straight up.
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: But, what if Tim was supposed to be driving the sled, but doesn't feel quite up to it after their sexified shenanigans?
exitsign: Because he's too sexed out?
carleton97: yes.
carleton97: And he's all, yeah, I kind of just want to hang on for the ride (heh) today.
exitsign: Then clearly Tim would have even more reason to blame himself and hate himself and wish it had been him instead.
carleton97: Yes.
carleton97: Too much?
exitsign: Because that is the Tim way. No, it's not too much. It's... life. Life is like that. You make one tiny choice and it can change everything.
carleton97: Oh man. Yeah, So I'm totally ending this story with them riding off towards the horizion, which is classic happy ending, right.
exitsign: Ouch. Yes. That or sort sort of thing with them being all cuddly and David being all 'sled!' and Tim being all 'oy. you're driving.' and David being all 'ahahaah! I am the GOD of SEX!'
carleton97: yes,something that *seems* like it's my usual fluffy ending, but NO! It's angst!
exitsign: Because PAIN AND THEN DEATH!
carleton97: And DECADES OF SELF RECRIMINATION



The tale continues in the story I wrote for a fic exchange called A Thousand Whispers.

The next bit is Sawdust Voices which is actually one of my favorite things that I've ever written. This is also part of the tattoo series I had in my head.

Next comes canon except, instead of dying in that jewelry store, Tim gets a total wakeup call. He does not actually want to die, but he does't want to be involved in law enforcement either. So he quits his job, moves back to NY state, and enrolls in graduate school.

It's then that he meets a certain sportscaster of our acquaintance.



carleton97: I had this thought about Speed/Danny.
carleton97: About how, more than anyone, Speed would understand about the parts of Danny that Casey would always own.
carleton97: And how Danny is uniquely suited to understand about the too-young death of someone you love.
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: And it would be horrifyingly complex to write and oh so angsty... but I wanted.
exitsign: *flails about* I WANT.
carleton97: I know!
exitsign: ANGST. Danny. Danny. Angst.
exitsign: omgdanny.
carleton97: Because it would be *so* hard for Speed because Danny is just wide open, you know?
carleton97: He's like this giant emotional wound most of the time.
carleton97: And Speed would want nothing more than to FIX him.
carleton97: And it would be almost harder for Danny because a) Speed is Mr. Repression and b) he's been IN LOVE with Casey for all of his adult life.
carleton97: All of it.
carleton97: I can totally write this.
carleton97: As denial!fic.
carleton97: I can write the story and it'll be the BEST SPEED STORY EVER.
carleton97: Uh. Maybe.
exitsign: No it will be. You never think you have creative ideas but, dude, this is insanely awesome. I NEVER would have thought of Danny and Speed. That would never have even crossed my mind. And it's brilliant. Seriously. You have to write it. Or I will be forced to fucking hate you too.
carleton97: Well, let's get cracking then.
exitsign: Okay, let's go.
carleton97: My theory is this: Even though Casey loves Danny - loves him more than he ever loved his wife - he's straight. Period.
carleton97: It's just the way it is.
carleton97: He may or may not know that Danny is *in* love with him, but it almost doesn't matter because that's just something he can't return. No matter how much he loves him.
exitsign: Okay. That... pains me.
exitsign: But I am okay with that.
carleton97: I know!
carleton97: Isn't it great?
exitsign: mmm... angst...
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: Right. So Casey has found someone. Not Dana because she's EXTRA crazy. But he's found a nice woman who loves him like he deserves and who sees that Danny loves him, but really isn't threatened by that because Casey is sleeping with her even though Danny has totally given him plenty of opportunities.
carleton97: And Danny can't help but like her *because* she loves Casey.
exitsign: Awwww! Danny!
carleton97: And Danny's shrink has worked long and hard to make sure he doesn't jump into a relationship with a stupid whore just because it's become apparent he'll *never* have Casey.
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: So Danny is... trying, you know?
carleton97: He's doing his best to live and not just survive, but that's always been hard for him to begin with and Casey has been so much of his life for so long that now that he has someone and not as much time for Danny, it's hard.
exitsign: uh. Understatement.
carleton97: Heh. Yeah.
carleton97: But seeing Abby the shrink *has* been good for Danny and he's... trying.
carleton97: He knows he needs to move on, but it's hard to move on when it seems like there's no where to move on to.
carleton97: because casey is his best friend and his work partner and the center of his fucking universe.
exitsign: Wahhhhh! Danny! It's okay. It'll be okay. Speedlove will make it better!
carleton97: And he's trying to release his anger into the Force, but he *does* resent Casey because how can Danny love him SO MUCH and not be loved in return.
carleton97: Even though he is loved, he's not *loved*
exitsign: He's loved but not in loved.
carleton97: exactly.
exitsign: Oh, Danny, you are my favorite.
carleton97: I love him so much.
exitsign: yis
carleton97: And he's finally FINALLY in a place where he *believes* that he even *can* be loved and in loved in return, you know?
carleton97: For so long, forever, he was so fucked up from his brother dying like that.
exitsign: waaahhhh! Yes!
exitsign: Yesyesyes!
exitsign: I just... ohguh. Keep going.
carleton97: And in this tiny, quiet part of himself, I think he always believed that Casey would love him like that. That once he got his shit together, Casey would be there. Not like he thinks Casey has been waiting for him, but he's maybe been waiting for him.
exitsign: Right, yes, like... there's always that part that would hold out hope.
exitsign: But no! wahh! Angst!
carleton97: Yes!
carleton97: And that is just more therapy for him, really.
carleton97: Getting to the point where he can be around Casey without this horrible combination of love and anger and hurt and resentment boiling up and making him want to *hurt* in return.
exitsign: Yes. Yeah. And that is a really great description of it.
carleton97: And it takes *months* before he truly accepts it, before he and Casey can get back to normal. And if Danny doesn't flirt as much anymore, well, he's not *quite* that healthy. Or that fucked up.
exitsign: heh. Right. Yes.
carleton97: And I think that's the point Danny is at emotionally during this story.
exitsign: *nods* It's a good point to start at.
exitsign: I think so at least.
carleton97: Right. And he's accepted that he's bisexual. Since college, I think.
carleton97: He's not out, of course, and maybe no one *knows*. Like people know, but they don't *konw*.
exitsign: They suspect.
carleton97: But I don't think that he's ever really thought about a relationship with a man other than Casey.
carleton97: LIke he messed around in college for sure, but there was always Casey.
exitsign: Yeah, there was always Casey. Bastage.
exitsign: Ahem.
carleton97: clueless, cruel casey.
carleton97: yeah.
carleton97: OK. Now Speed.
exitsign: Okay. So you could just go AU with it and say that Speed got fed up with Hocaine and moved or something.
exitsign: Or whatever.
carleton97: I'm just going to pretend that thing never happened.
exitsign: Okay. Sounds good to me.
carleton97: Speed's from Syracuse, right.
carleton97: I need a map. Hang on.
exitsign: I believe so.
exitsign: Okay. heh. Map girl.
carleton97: OK. Syracuse is 260 miles from NYC.
carleton97: I think... OK.
carleton97: Speed.
carleton97: You ran away from home when your 'friend' died.
carleton97: Disappeared for a year.
carleton97: resurfaced in Miami and only returned to NY to get your degree before heading back south.
carleton97: I'd think that would... strain your relationship with your parents, you know?
carleton97: so for the last... what? eight or ten years it's been the occassional phone call. Maybe a visit at Christmas every few years, but there's this distance between them.
exitsign: heh. Yes. Just a little distance.
carleton97: Then, his mom is diagnosed with breast cancer.
carleton97: It's treatable, but it's a shock to him.
exitsign: Uh. YES. Big fat yes.
carleton97: Like, his parents are *old* and he doesn't even KNOW his brother.
exitsign: Poor Speed. Because it's like losing another person that he loves. Because he loves his mommy.
carleton97: He is friends with Eric, but not really. He doesn't have any connections in his life. Miami is just a place with a job that kind of only pisses him off.
exitsign: *coughhocainecough*
carleton97: right and a smug, useless boss.
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: Here's the thing about Speed.
carleton97: He doesnt' really want to be a cop.
carleton97: He wants to rid the world of injustice, and that's not being a cop.
carleton97: He wants criminals to be caught and punished, yes, but to him it's just science pointing the finger at people who he thinks are too stupid and evil to live.
exitsign: *nods* yes. Speed never really seemed like he really *wanted* to be a cop.
carleton97: He just sort of fell into it, you know?
carleton97: Oh,he's good at it, ooc gun cleaning notwithstanding, because he's just that way, but it's not what he wants. I don't know if he even *knows* what he wants anymore.
exitsign: Well, no, the whole losing what you love thing will do that to a guy.
carleton97: So he's sort of dissatisfied and 'meh' about his life in Miami, but not enough to do anything about it, then his Dad calls him. At work.
exitsign: Drop everything?
exitsign: Or sort of.
carleton97: And it's right aftter they get the diagnosis, so they don't *know* everytihng is going to bek OK.
carleton97: And it's one of those moments in life. A moment where you can actually see the different paths decisions will take you down.
carleton97: And he decides he doesn't *want* things to continue exactly as they have. And that's fucking painful for him because he's not one that deals with change that well.
carleton97: So he's on the next flight to Syracuse. He wants to be there with his family. Even if it is going to be awkward and horrible a lot of the time.
exitsign: Some things are more important than comfort, Speed.
carleton97: Because it's his *Mom*. And even if she was busy with her social work kids a lot of the time, she read to him at night and stayed with him when he was sick and came to the science fair and...
exitsign: I always want to call him Speedy. I don't know why. I think he would kill me.
exitsign: wahhh! Did mom stuff!
carleton97: Right. She wasn't always the perfect Mom, but she was his mom.
exitsign: Which, you know, is the perfect mom. No moms are perfect.
carleton97: So he takes a leave of absence and heads to syracuse.
carleton97: And starts reconciling.
carleton97: The first painful step of which is telling his parents *why* David's (I'll always call him that) death hit him so hard. The big 'I'm gay gay gay' talk.
exitsign: Ha. gay gay gay. Yes, Speed, you are.
exitsign: Maybe... maybe he shouldn't do that just at first.
carleton97: Which, you know, I think his mom maybe thought about, but didn't want to *think* about.
carleton97: Because boys just don't go underground for a YEAR when a friend dies.
exitsign: That seems kind of... 'hey, you might die but lets talk about me'. It's kind of... it would be unimportant. I mean, at least for a bit. I don't think he would wait all that long but I just don't think they would really be caring about that. Because, like, he's just there. And, you know, he's kind of... I'm just here. Or something. I don't know. Your story.
carleton97: Oh, it wouldn't be right away.
carleton97: I jumped ahead in my head.
carleton97: Sorry.
exitsign: But, yes, I don't doubt that *someone* if not *everyone* had some thoughts about the David situation and the potential for gayness.
exitsign: It's kind of... obvious.
exitsign: Sorry, Tim!
carleton97: Yes. He goes there first as repentent son. And the longer he's away from Miami, the more obvious it is he doesn't really want to go back there.
exitsign: Okay, here's a thought.
carleton97: ok
exitsign: Maybe. He realizes while he's there that his family was never so bad to begin with. I mean, teenagers are not known for getting along with and/or liking their parents. And Speed sort of feels like the kind of guy who would be extra hard to deal with especially since, you know, his parents didn't always do what they should have done. I think that would be good to mention. Because, you know, we all need to realize that our parents aren't the assholes we always assumed they were -- that they're human too. Of course, I'm sure you've thought of that already. I'm just saying I'd like to see that.
exitsign: Done.
exitsign: Go back to what you were saying.
carleton97: Because it was easy to forget how funny his dad is when he's thousands of miles away. And it was easy to forget how his mom likes to sing when she waters the barely alive house plants. And he never *knew* his brother played the sax in a band. And yes, as you just said, he can *see* that his parents weren't all that bad when he was a kid; they were just doing the best they could and they didn't always make the best decisions, but they did always love him and tried to be there for him, but it wasn't their fault because he NEVER TOLD THEM anything. How could they have known *anything*?
exitsign: And, like, it's not that his parents were just doing the best the could -- they did GREAT things. Like his mom and those kids and stuff. And, just exactly on the last bit. If you don't talk people can't hear what you're saying.
carleton97: Right. So he stays in Syracuse for a couple of weeks, waiting with his family for test results etc.
exitsign: Yes.
carleton97: And even though it turns out it's totally something that they feel confident can be taken care of with a lumpectomy and some low level radiation, he doesn't want to be so far away.
carleton97: But he's kind of confused too because he doesn't want to be a cop.
exitsign: He wants to be with this family that he forgot he had. Because, hey, they're pretty all right as families go.
carleton97: He doesn't *want* to carry a gun.
carleton97: Yes.
exitsign: Yes. Confusion. What to do. What to do.
carleton97: Heh. That's my question too.
exitsign: hee.
exitsign: Well, hmm.
carleton97: I think he'd run down his options. He could be a CSI or a lab tech, but that seems like just more of the same.
exitsign: Yep.
carleton97: He's been out of the loop too long to jump back into researching - things have changed TOO much in the past ten years.
exitsign: heh. Just a bit.
carleton97: I think... God, do I want him to go back to school?
exitsign: I have never been to college, I know nothing of college. I think it's a really good option though. Because, like, you don't have to have a PLAN plan. Just a plan. I think it would work well.
carleton97: I think he does want to get back into research because he was happiest, well as happy as he can be, in the lab in Miami
exitsign: *nods* Okay. I can see that. Looks good.
exitsign: It's like... it's not totally new but it is kind of a change. So kind of scary but not 'pee my pants' scary.
exitsign: It's a comfortable change.
carleton97: right.
carleton97: Because he *knows* school.
exitsign: And the whole lab/research thing.
exitsign: Man, I'm all excited. I want to know how they get together. *eye roll* Shut up, self, there's more to life than fucking porn. Jesus.
exitsign: What is Speed's brother like?
exitsign: Like, how is he with Tim's big return?
exitsign: Is he pissy about it?
carleton97: Like, yeah. In some ways Tim is just this mythical figure to him because he's seen him like a handful of times in his life since he left.
exitsign: It all depends on how much like Speed you want him to be.
carleton97: Right.
exitsign: And when he did see him, he was kind of really distant.
carleton97: And I'm thinking he's... not.
carleton97: Yes. So to the brother, it's almost like meeting someone new.
exitsign: I think his parents would see how they might have fucked up with Tim and try to be there more for his brother.
carleton97: And he's been there, so he knows how much --YES
exitsign: So I think his bro would be a little better off. Happier, more well-adjusted.
carleton97: so he knows how much his parents *want* things to be right but also how much they just don't know how to go about it.
carleton97: So I think he goes into it like he's trying to make a new friend.
exitsign: The brother? Does he have a name?
exitsign: I keep calling him the brother.
carleton97: Yes. So. Will. Where was I.
carleton97: OK. Yeah. Or, at the very least, not hostile.
exitsign: Okay, yes, he wouldn't be hostile no. He's not a dick like Tim.
carleton97: Heh. Right. And Tim is trying so HARD not to be a dick.
exitsign: Because it just comes so naturally to him, bless him.
carleton97: OH, Tim. We love your misanthropic ways.
exitsign: We do, we do!
carleton97: Right. Actually, I think Will is the one who comes up with the idea for Tim to go back to school.
carleton97: Like Tim keeps calling Hocaine and telling him he's can't come back yet.
exitsign: Like, maybe just an offhand while getting juice thing.
carleton97: And finally Will is just like, 'Dude, why don't you just stay here?
exitsign: Yes. Yes. oh, look how much he isn't like you, Tim. He's just putting himself out there to be shot down. Why can't you be more like your brother?
carleton97: And Tim is all sarcastic. "Like I want to be a cop in New York."
carleton97: "Then go back to school. Mom and Dad are always going on about how good you were at it."
carleton97: And then Tim is all, "..."
exitsign: I'm writing dialogue in my head. Shut up, Jane. Okay. Go ahead. Yes. Yes. He's all with the mouth open about to protest and then he... has nothing to say to that.
exitsign: Why *doesn't* he go back to school?
carleton97: Tell me dialogue!
carleton97: I loves help.
exitsign: Yes, why don't you, Tim?
carleton97: And then, bam, it's like Yes, this is what he wants to be doing.
exitsign: Yes. That is what he wants to be doing. Especially more than, you know, doing crap in freakin' Miami. My God, is it hot in Miami.
carleton97: And Tim? is getting sick of always being sweaty.
carleton97: And not in a good way.
carleton97: OK. Will is at school at SUNY-Oneonta. Double majoring in Music and Music industry because whereas Tim is a science genius, Will is a music genius.
carleton97: Oneonta is about halfway between Syracuse and NYC.
exitsign: Ah, sweet, geek family.
carleton97: Because Tim? Will be going to NYU, the Sackler Institute, getting his PhD in Neuroscience and Physiology. Because it was paniful researching all that shit for David, but fascinating too.
exitsign: Wow. Big with the knowing things there.
carleton97: Uh. Internet. gradschools.com
carleton97: So Tim decides he's going back to school.
exitsign: And staying in NY! Yay!
carleton97: Yes. But he's got to apply and pack up his Miami life and GAH so much to do, but he does it.
carleton97: and, frankly, he's shocked that he's accepted into the PhD program, but he did.
exitsign: Of course. Because you is smert, Tim.
carleton97: All of this is pre story, though.
exitsign: Well, yeah, unless you want to be writing it for the rest of your life.
carleton97: Heh. Right.
exitsign: It would be totally cool if you did but, like, whoa.
carleton97: eh. I was just trying to see where Speed went to college in the first place, but I think it was Columbia.
carleton97: So that's how Tim ends up back in NYC.
exitsign: Okay.
carleton97: He's still a couple of hundred miles from his parents, but that's way closer.
exitsign: heh. Just a bit.
carleton97: And, really, he does need some distance.
exitsign: Because he's kind of been... he made himself an orphan for a while there. And parents are still parents -- even if you're 50 they're going to want to be all up in yuor shit. And I think especially when they've been cut off for so long. Like, maybe during all the prepping stuff he was just like 'oh, yeah, love you guys but NO'.
carleton97: Right! Yes.
carleton97: Like, he's TOTALLY used to just doing shit himself.
carleton97: But now that he's back his parets are completely up in his shit.
exitsign: Like, oh, haahaha! '...I can wash my own underwear, mom.'
carleton97: And you know, he's past 30, so the grandchild conversation is so going to start.
carleton97: "When are you goign to settle down? When are you going to have kids?:
exitsign: *shakes head* And, like, he has not even THOUGHT about that. Like, ever.
exitsign: That's just... whoa, out of NOWHERE.
carleton97: Right. And that is kind of when he has to be, "Um. Gay."
carleton97: "Sorry. No Grandkids."
exitsign: That's kind of like 'when are you going to get a sex change?' or 'when are you going to cut off your own arm?'
carleton97: Heh. Yes.
exitsign: But, dude, he could have kids. Even if he's gay.
carleton97: Right. But I think in his mind, that puts a stop to it.
carleton97: Because he can't see having a kid on his own and he's not quite ready to see himself in a relationship.
exitsign: But they could come right back. Especially if they were trying to be UBER supportive of his gayocity.
carleton97: And they would be.
carleton97: There would be a moment, especially for his dad, where it would be, "Oh. Uhhhh..."
exitsign: Like, here's some books on gay adoption. And here's a list of surrogate mothers we checked out. And here's some lube.
carleton97: Then, "Well, have you thought about adoption!"
carleton97: HEEE
exitsign: They wants some grandbabies.
exitsign: I think they're big baby people.
carleton97: And he's all 'AHHHHH' and Will has to come rescue him
exitsign: They want babies all over.
exitsign: heh. Will. Our hero!
carleton97: Because Ma and Pa re too excited to just HAVE Tim there, but Will can see the signs of panic.
exitsign: Because he is cool like dat.
carleton97: So he's all, "Tim, let's go bond as brothers and have some pizza or something."
carleton97: And Tim is all, "it doesn't bother you I'm gay?"
carleton97: And Will is all, "I"m a *music* major, Tim."
exitsign: asaskj;aweiuhxkwhw!
exitsign: Oh God.
carleton97: "It bothers me more that you're completely tone deaf."
exitsign: 'Alll my friends are gay'.
exitsign: Oh, Will.
exitsign: Stop! Stop, Leah.
carleton97: I might have to manufacture a big gay love for Will.
carleton97: What?
exitsign: You're making me all fangirly 'this is my favorite character ever'.
exitsign: And I cannot. I must not. Stop IT.
carleton97: It's just cause you loves me.
exitsign: Stop making me love him, damn it.
exitsign: No, actually, it has nothing to do with you. It's because I want to make out with him.
exitsign: *cough*
exitsign: Damn you, honesty.
exitsign: Damn you to hell.
carleton97: I like to think that Will has this horrible habit, though, of trying to make people *get* shit like Chinese opera and French prog rock. All the shit music majors love but the rest of the world thinks is horrible.
exitsign: Well, of course he does.
carleton97: He's all, "Listen to the tonal variance! Right there! Did you hear how they modulated the fifth of that chord by a quarter tone? Brilliant!"
carleton97: And Speed, well tone deaf, plus 10 years of living in Miami have totally stripped him of any cred when it comes to music. He's all latin clubbed out.
exitsign: With moments of flailing! And pointing! And being ALL UP IN YOUR FACE! With insane, wild-eyed grinning! Oh my God, I want to fuck him.
exitsign: *dies*
exitsign: *pants* Okay.
exitsign: Oh, guh. Boys. I love boys. Crazy, passionate boys.
carleton97: OK. So now, where is Tim emotionally when the story starts...
exitsign: He's, I think, as happy as he's been in a while. And kind of freaked out about it. I think he's kind of mellowed out a little. He's not so much this huge ball of jerkyangstness. I mean, sometimes it really just takes one thing.
exitsign: But, of course, that's just me.
carleton97: OK. He's been back in school for about a year when the story starts. Long enough for him to start to feel comfortable in his life again. Things were in an uproar for so long and it took a while for him to get into a groove. But he's got one now.
carleton97: He's happy to be back in school and, even if they do make him teach lab sections to undergrads, it's better than Miami.
carleton97: I need a map of nyc to know where NYU is.
carleton97: Well, he's going to be at the NYU school of Medicine, Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical studies.
exitsign: Okay.
carleton97: Yeah. NYU is totally situated in a place wherein running into Danny could happen.
carleton97: OK.
carleton97: So Tim, being Tim, has found it harder to make friends, though. I mean, he's older than a lot of the other students, he's still surly and has no time for lame assholes, and he has this... brittle quality, you know? Some of it is long standing and some of it is thanks to being a cop, more or less, for several years.
carleton97: Because he's dealing with pure academics now. Like these are people who have never, and probably will never, leave their labs.
exitsign: heh. Yeah, Tim's not exactly approachable.
carleton97: Exactly.
exitsign: He's kind of... one of those people who, like, when you tap them on the shoulder in the paper napkin line at McDonald's will snap 'what?' and then glare at you like it's not totally obvious.
carleton97: And even when he was in college the first time, he was more focused first on fixing David, then on just finishing so he could get away.
carleton97: Heh. Yes.
carleton97: He's totally snappish.
carleton97: So he finds himself alone a lot.
carleton97: And while that's mostly ok because he hates most people, it does get lonely.
exitsign: Awwww. Poor Speed. Gay sex will make it better.
carleton97: So I think he's taken to just sitting in cafes and diners and quiet pubs to study.
carleton97: 'Just so there are other people around, but not there to bother him.
exitsign: *nods*
carleton97: because the library is too quiet and so is his apartment and he's *used* to working in this crazy environment where you never know when Adam Baldwin is going to show up in a hazmat suit.
exitsign: BWAH!
exitsign: You're too cute.
carleton97: And the underclassmen in his lab sections? LOVE him. For some reason he just doesn't GET. But he's a fair grader and he is willing to explain if you don't ask a stupid question and he's MORE than willing to take care of behavioral problems.
carleton97: Plus, he knows all these crazy ways of doing things and shortcuts
carleton97: And "Did you hear he used to be a cop?"
exitsign: heh. They fangirl/boy him.
carleton97: because college & grad school? GOSSIP CENTRAL.
carleton97: Which you totally do to grad assistants with the fangirling.
exitsign: And, really, Speed is cool in that sense. Like, he's really off putting to people who are his "equals" but I can see how he could be cool to someone who is... not his equal.
carleton97: Yes! Like with that dorky CSI wannabe.
exitsign: Also, Speed: like James Dean in a way...
exitsign: Yes. I <3ed the dorky, gaygay CSI wannabe.
carleton97: Yes.
carleton97: So I think there's this little bar, just around the corner from his apartment.
exitsign: *crosses fingers* gaysexgaysexgaysexgaysex
exitsign: *cough* um.
carleton97: It's never very busy and it never gets wild, but the owner doesn't mind if Tim sort of sets up shop there for a day or an evening.
carleton97: the gay sex is a long time coming. Heh. No pun intended.
exitsign: Damn you and the fucking tormenting me with the promise of the gay sex and then not putting out. You fucking cock tease.
carleton97: So it's a quiet Monday afternoon and Tim has finished his lab section for the day and is waiting for his samples to process in the lab, so he's hunkered down in 'his' booth with a diet coke and his laptop to work on his diss.
carleton97: Not on his diss.
carleton97: On a paper he's readying for publication.
carleton97: And who should wander in but Danny.
exitsign: And, lo, angels did sing. For Jane.
carleton97: Danny who is on vacation because he had 15 weeks of vacation accrued and they made him take two of them because he hadn't had a break in years and he was looking ragged around the edges and he had *just* fixed things with Casey and could he please take a break before *he* breaks.
exitsign: hee.
carleton97: Danny is also in the midst of another New York Renaissance. Wherein he is in love with all parts of NYC.
exitsign: Awww.
carleton97: So he wanders into this little bar that's tucked between the most wonderful smelling Indian restaurant and a laundry service.
carleton97: Simply because he's never been there before and it intrigues him.
exitsign: And guess what, Danny, there's a hot guy inside! Go. Go now.
carleton97: And the place is outfitted like the American version of a British pub with the dark paneling and the big booths. The lighting is low enough that he can't tell if the place is actually as charming as it seems to be, but he doesn't really care because he's only been on forced vacation for 6 hours and he's already going stir crazy.
exitsign: Oh, danny. Crazy, crazy Danny. We loves you so.
carleton97: There's two people in the whole place, but only the bartender looks up when he opens the door. The intense looking guy in the back booth doesn't even slow down in his typing and that drives Danny crazy. He's used to being the center of attention, he needs it in a way that Abby hasn't quite cured him of yet. He sits at the bar and orders a beer, sneaking glances in the mirror at Typing Guy.
carleton97: Typing Scowly Guy.
carleton97: But then typing scowly guy smiles and LAAAAAAA it's like choirs of angels because typing scowly guy? Is extra hot.
exitsign: EEEE!
exitsign: Sorry. I'm okay. I am. Yes.
carleton97: Danny has always had a weakness for extra intense people, you know?
carleton97: Casey, Rebecca, Bobbi... they're all intense in their own ways.
exitsign: And Tim is extra intense with a side of evenmoreomg.
carleton97: And this guy *screams* intensity.
carleton97: Heh. Yes.
carleton97: Tim also just got the most rambling Calleigh-esque email from Calleigh and can't help but smile at her.
carleton97: Because the wee bar? WiFi.
carleton97: Heh.
carleton97: So Danny strikes up a conversation with the bartender.
carleton97: "So what's with Typing Guy?"
carleton97: Because Danny is, in all things, smooth.
exitsign: Typing Guy. Like even the way he says it is in caps. Like, if there was a speech bubble. OH GOD, DANNY.
exitsign: I love Danny. I'm okay. Keep going.
carleton97: Hee.
carleton97: The bartender shrugs, "I think he's a med student or something. He likes to study here, I think. He doesn't say much."
carleton97: Which is Tim in a fucking nutshell.
carleton97: So Danny looks in the mirror again and manages to catch Typing Guy's eyes.
carleton97: What I love about Rory is how you *think* he's chubby because of his face, but really he's all lanky and shit.
exitsign: Danny catches his eye! Eeeee! I have this image of Tim doing the deer in headlights, kind of jerk back thing. Because dude is *staring* at him. In a totally *good* way. Which is *bad*.
exitsign: Or, like, not usual. At all.
carleton97: Yes! Exactly that.
carleton97: And he can feel his damn face get hot and its not like he's some kid, dammit!
exitsign: heeeeee! But Danny has POWERS!
exitsign: Mad powers!
exitsign: EEEEEEEE!
exitsign: Oh my God. I just totally spastically flailed. Like *insane* flailing. I think I pulled a muscle in my arm. oh, EEEEEEEE!
exitsign: And now I'm clapping like I'm retarded.
exitsign: MORE!
exitsign: NOW!
carleton97: And Danny, whoa. Typing Guy's eyes are dark. Like seriously dark.
exitsign: *faints*
carleton97: Right. OK. So Typing Guy looks back down at his laptop, but there is no typing going on.
carleton97: And Abby has been *telling* him he needs to move on and, ok, she probably meant with a woman because of the pseudo-celebrity nature of his job, but Typing Guy. And Hot. And Eyes. And stubble...
exitsign: Oh God, is Tim doing the 'omgomgomgwhatishelookingatmefor? planplanmustplanescapeplan. maybeifijustignorehimhewillstop.' thing? Because that would totally turn me on.
exitsign: Yes, Danny, stubble. You wants.
carleton97: Oh, he's totally doing that.
carleton97: He's totally estimating how long it will take his laptop to power down.
carleton97: But it's too late because Staring Guy is right. There. in the booth.
carleton97: "Hi, I'm Dan."
exitsign: Like, he's making a detailed PLAN in his head. He's counting and making charts and maps and shit. In his head.
carleton97: Because really, if Danny is being honest with himself, he's way more attracted to Typing Guy than to ramdon women.
exitsign: khweiwenjkfhojaerhcilacnihihibnigi!!!!!!!1!
exitsign: Oh MY GOD. EEEEEEEEEEE!
exitsign: "Hi, I'm Dan." Is my NEW FAVORITE THING!
exitsign: Yes. Yes, you are Dan. OHMYGOD!
carleton97: And Tim blanks out for a minute. Total panic. Then his brain kicks back into gear. "You're that sports guy."
carleton97: Because Delko? Loves the sports.
carleton97: And dragged him into more than one sports bar.
exitsign: Him and his giant teeth have to love something. ugh.
carleton97: bwa. Yes.
carleton97: And Danny smirks a little, "Yes. I am that sports guy. I'm glad the fruits of my years of labor and my slavish devotion to my career in sports broadcast journalism have made it so that I am 'that sports guy.'"
exitsign: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! DAAANNNNNNNY!
carleton97: And that throws Tim because he is not used to meeting an equal on the field of sarcasm
carleton97: So, being Tim, he just narrows his eyes and looks pissed. Heh.
carleton97: And Danny loves a challenge. Oh, does he love a challenge.
exitsign: ohmygodohmygodyes.
exitsign: I would so? Sex you. Within an inch of your life right now.
carleton97: "So do you have a name, or must I continue to refer to you as 'Typing Guy' in my head?"
carleton97: "Typing Guy?"
exitsign: You know what? I have nothing to say. I think that beyond this? Beyond the inital meeting? I am just going to reduced to EEEEEEEEEEEOHMYGODFUCKINGEEEEEEEEEE! Like, that is all I can think. Fucking. EEEEEEE.
exitsign: I'm so pathetic. Oh my God. I'm flailng and acting like a lunatic. I LOVE THIS!
exitsign: They're so... they're fucking OTP.
exitsign: Oh my God, I'm going to fucking die.
carleton97: carleton97: "Typing Guy?"
carleton97: "You were typing. You're a guy. It stands to reason."
exitsign: you were typing. you're a guy. Oh, Danny.
exitsign: And Tim! Avoiding the question as hard as he can.
carleton97: "You're a sports journalist. You're a guy. Thus, sports guy."
carleton97: And Danny has to laugh. "Hoisted on my own petard of logic, I see."
exitsign: Well, *technically*, Tim, that would be sports *journalist* guy. Ahem.
exitsign: Danny! Hoisted on my own petard! That's like one of my favorite phrases ever.
carleton97: And Tim wants to have a witty comeback, but really? He's not good at this. At the sarcasm without intent to wound. So he just shrugs.
exitsign: Plus, you know, it must be weird to deal with someone who can be sarcastic with a smile. Like, a *real* smile and not a 'I'm Tim and I hate you' smile.
exitsign: Like, someone who can just enjoy the back and forth.
exitsign: Because that shit is fun.
exitsign: And he *still* hasn't given up his name. Oh, Tim, I love you so!
carleton97: Because he doesen't want to *hurt* the sport guy - Dan. He doesn't want to hurt Dan because Tim saw a lot of hurt as a cop and that's what he sees all over Dan. Just... hurt. Dan's like this big solid *bruise* that practically visible.
exitsign: You think he'd be able to tell? I mean, at the first meeting?
carleton97: It was his job to be able to read people, you know?
carleton97: Plus, it's not like Danny has great walls or anything.
carleton97: It kind of is out there for anyone to see.
exitsign: But Danny seems like he'd be able to hide it better. Like, it's his hope to put on his best face and lie to people.
carleton97: It was, but there was that whole breakdown in the second season where *all* that got just demolished.
exitsign: Well, yes, but he's getting better. Plus he's trying to pull.
carleton97: And even if he was trying to lie? Speed was like the human lie detector.
exitsign: Well, whatever, go for it.
carleton97: And Danny *is* getting better, yes. Hm.
carleton97: OK. rewind.
carleton97: Because he doesn't want to hurt the sports guy - Dan. He doesn't want to hurt Dan. He's done nothing to him except hit on him in an extremely unobtrusive way.
carleton97: And it can't be anything but hitting on him.
exitsign: Yeah, that's much better.
exitsign: I mean, it was good before but *I*, who does not matter in the grand scheme, like this better. You do what you like better.
carleton97: Tim may have been out of circulation for awhile, but no guy looks at another like that if he's not trying to pull
carleton97: No, dude. You're right nearly always.
exitsign: Yeah, the 'I want to sex you' vibes have not changed since the dawn of time.
carleton97: My first instinct is for the melodrama and I need to reign that in.
carleton97: The thing about Danny is that he's become a little more subdued thanks to therapy. like it's not this *constant* need for approval anymore.
exitsign: Right. Yes. He's getting better. He's getting more at ease with himself and shit like that. Or whatever.
exitsign: He is, as you say, trying.
carleton97: Right.
carleton97: And because he is Danny, he's not going to let a little thing like the pure Timness of Tim stop him. Because he's interested. Very.
carleton97: And he can also tell that Typing Guy is about to bolt and he *really * doesn't want that to happen.
exitsign: Yes. Maybe even moreso because of the Timness.
exitsign: No. Especially not before he gets a freakin' NAME and possibly a number.
carleton97: Yes.
carleton97: So he tries again. "What were you typing, Typing Guy?"
exitsign: Keep calling him Typing Guy, maybe it will irritate him enough to say 'my name is TIM'. hhaah. Tim.
carleton97: And Tim knows some persistant people. He knows *Calleigh* for god's sake, but he's pretty sure he's been giving off 'get away from me' vibes and Dan just doesn't seem to be getting it.
carleton97: ""Words."
exitsign: No, he gets it, he just doesn't care. -- Bwah! Words. You DICK!
carleton97: "Words, Typing Guy? As in multiple? From all appearances, Typing Guy, I would not have expected you to know more than a dozen words. Two dozen tops."
exitsign: ohmygodohmygod! EEEEEE! YES! Fucking YES!
exitsign: Tim has to realize that Danny is just getting on him. He has to realize that Danny is just fucking with him. Ohoh! Maybe Tim gets pissed off and goes to leave and Danny has to be all sweet-faced and 'hey, I'm sorry, I just... want to know your name. please?' And just totally overwhelms Tim with the guhness. Because you know Tim has not gotten a lot of play. And, like, Danny is fucking hot. And being all... guh. with the guh. And the guh.
exitsign: Or whatever you say! I'm just throwing ideas out!
carleton97: Tim hasn't felt this kind of burning desire to prove someone wrong since Delko was convinced Star Wars was released in 1974, not 1977. "I know quite a few words, Sports Guy. Like 'The Role of Neurotransmitters in Trauma Induced Paralysis'"
exitsign: 1. GEEEK! 2. Burn! Oh, Tim, it's not going to work. Danny likes challenges. And you have Mount Everest written across your fucking forehead.
carleton97: Amen.
exitsign: I am in love with this story.
carleton97: "Those are impressive words, Typing Guy."
carleton97: And Tim has to look, because he's sure Dan is making fun of him, but he's not. Well, he is, but he's not. He seems truly impressed and it makes Tim uncomfortable.
carleton97: "It's just a paper."
carleton97: "Don't be modest, Typing Guy. Is it for class or publication?"
exitsign: Typing Guy. Typing Guy. It's like grinding teeth. I love you, Danny.
carleton97: Tim frowns a little because being modest, falsely or otherwise, is not something he'd characterize himself as. "Publication. I'm a grad student at NYU."
carleton97: And Tim kind of doesn't realize he's feeding Danny these little bits of info.
exitsign: I was just thinking just that. Eeee!
carleton97: "Good school, NYU. Did you get your bachelor's there, too?"
exitsign: hee. Danny. With the fishing for details. Keep at it, baby, you'll get him.
exitsign: I can totally see Tim as totally spilling half his life story before he realizes and then being all 'hey, wait...' Or not. And clamming up.
carleton97: crap. I'm trying to remember where speed went to school.
exitsign: Don't worry about it now.
exitsign: Just keep going. It's a detail that you don't need right at this moment.
carleton97: Hah. It was columbia.
exitsign: Yay team you!
carleton97: And Tim is shaking his head befor ehe even realizes it. "No, Columbia."
exitsign: hahah. Tim, I told you, Danny has mad powers.
carleton97: Dan grins at him. "Nice job, Typing Guy! I'm a Princeton? Dartmouth? (one of those) man myself. What are you studying now, Typing Guy?"
exitsign: hee. Oh, Danny. I love him. He's sososo lovely and sneaky.
exitsign: Like, he is so good you don't even realize that you're doing exactly what he wants.
carleton97: But Tim is on to him now and starts packing his shit up.
carleton97: Because Tim? Is smart.
carleton97: But not because he's packing up.
exitsign: Tim is stoopid for packing up. Stay and play with Danny, Timmy, it will be fun.
carleton97: And Danny sees this and doesn't want the fun to end, "Aw, come on, Typing Guy. Don't leave! We're just starting to have fun."
exitsign: hee! And Tim is like 'you have a fucked up idea of fun, yo'.
carleton97: It was Dartmouth.
exitsign: Ah, cool.
carleton97: Tim is all, "This is fun?"
carleton97: And he's so disbelieving that Danny has to take a minute to evaluate what just happened. "We were bantering, In a relatively witty fashion, I might add, right?"
carleton97: Tim just shrugs.
carleton97: "Tell me I'm right, Typing Guy! Because if I'm wrong, *no one* has been having fun with me since the mid 80's."
carleton97: Holy shit. It's quarter to five.
exitsign: But you just said the most BRILLIANT thing ever. No one has been having fun with me since the mid 80's. Oh my God, you're so beautiful and fantastic. Marry me. I don't care that it's illegal. We'll MOVE.
carleton97: "Stop with the 'Typing Guy', already. My name is Tim, OK?"
exitsign: hahahinweiqwwekwdnlwekhkzxnk!!!!!! I KNEW he would snap eventually! hahahahh! YES!
carleton97: And Danny smiles that smile that sort of twists his mouth a little "Tim. That's a nice name. That Indian place next door smelled great when I came in, do you want to have some dinner?"
exitsign: And Tim is just duh-faced. Like, is the guy insane? But not even that because his brain just goes bye-bye.
carleton97: Yes. And he just sort of blinks for a second because this guy, this hot guy, this *famous* (sort of) guy just asked him to dinner.
exitsign: But like... before that he was being totally weird and annoying and, like, omgsorude for being all up in Tim's 'I vant to be alone' space.
carleton97: And he's going to turn him down, of course, because ... well, because lots of reasons. He doesn't have time for a relationship and he's not going to be some tv personality's dirty little secret and and and he ends up saying, "If we ask nicely, Joe will have them bring something over."
exitsign: It's a little wtf-y.
carleton97: well, its rough still.
carleton97: gimme a break.
exitsign: I am giving breaks. I am a break giver.


carleton97: I had this image in my head today, of Danny talking to his therapist and trying to describe meeting Tim to her. It was very awkward and Danny and I love him.
exitsign: *squee* You have to write that for ME even if no one else ever sees it. But, like, no, it should totally go in the story.
carleton97: Right. because she's gotta be all, "Typing Guy?"
exitsign: EEeeEEEE!
exitsign: Like that's the fucking noise I just fucking made!
exitsign: That completely insane non-English SQUEAL.
carleton97: Hee.

carleton97: Oh man. I was also just thinking of the first time Speed meets the SN crew. He's got to think they're all insane.
exitsign: ... because they ARE.
carleton97: Yes. And, at the time, they don't know he's Danny's ... whatever. The just think Danny made a new friend.
carleton97: So they're at full insanity.
exitsign: Oh, God, no, Tim, don't run away!
exitsign: It'll be okay. It's not contagious.
exitsign: Mostly.
carleton97: Heh.
carleton97: He's kind of intimidated because they're all so... verbal and he's really not.
carleton97: Plus? Sports? Eh.
carleton97: But he respects the passion they all have for their job.
exitsign: Even if he kind of wishes they could passionate a little less earsplittingly loud and... well, insane.
carleton97: Yes. Like Dana and Natalie he finds... scary.
exitsign: As he should.
carleton97: Which, OK.
exitsign: I wonder what he thinks of Casey.
carleton97: And Casey...


carleton97: I have this picture in my head of some weekend. Will is in the city with some friends, hitting the music stores, clubs etc and he bursts into Tims apartment with this CD he just HAS to hear and Oh my God! Tim, you won't believe the sound these guys have etc etc
exitsign: Awwww! Will! Music geek!
exitsign: Does he, um, stumble onto anything horrible and scarring? *nervous*
carleton97: And he totally doesn't even notice Danny sitting at the kitchen table. Nothing scarring, just obvious he's been there for a long while.
carleton97: And, oh, poor Danny. Seeing Will and Tim is sort of like a kick in the head, but he's had a lot of years to get over Sam dying and well, he's just gotta do it.
exitsign: *nods* Yes.
carleton97: And after a couple minutes, yes, he can relax and laugh at the look on Tim's face as he *tries* to see what is so enthralling about ... god, what the hell had the kid put on the stereo?
exitsign: It's crazy Monk music! Or traditional Chinese folk songs!
carleton97: Yes. Chinese folk songs. Bwa!
exitsign: I want traditional Chinese folk songs!
exitsign: Yay!
exitsign: I like the image of the three of them -- Danny all amused at Tim who's trying to look like he's not looking for something to a) stab into his ears and/or b) hit his brother over the head with and then, you know, Will just totally being in some other dimension over this crack-addled music. It makes me happy just thinking about it. Awww.
carleton97: And eventually Danny can't help laughing and Will is all, "Huh?" And then is all embarassed because there's this guy, all rumpled and shit, in his brother's kitchen on Sunday morning.
exitsign: At first he's just embarassed that he didn't notice him sooner or that he didn't give Tim a chance to introduce since, oh, that's what Tim was trying to say. And then he's kind of embarassed because, you know... rumpled on Sunday morning is kind of... it begs the question what exactly has he walked in on. I think he's equal parts embarassed and sorry because, like, Tim needs to get laid. Not that he ever thinks about Tim getting laid because, like, ewewew.
carleton97: Right, but in *theory* it needs to happen. But, thinking on it, Tim seems a lot more easy going this morning and god, bleach, please scrub out my brain!
exitsign: Yes! Like, with a steel brush. And then throw in some ACID.
carleton97: Because guy at the table? has a hickey. Oh, god. Will wants to die.
exitsign: Over and over and over again.
exitsign: Does he pack up and bolt?
carleton97: Yes. Totally.
carleton97: Leaving his godawful CD caterwauling in the background.
carleton97: And forcing Tim to take it to him later and then talk to him.
exitsign: Does Will want to talk about it though? Or is he just, like, semi-grossed out and semi-amused by Tim's OBVIOUS awkwardness and does the whole 'dude, it's cool' thing so that Tim can sigh with relief and be thankful he has such a FABULOUS little brother. Even if he does make him listen to the most bizarrely HORRIBLE music ever.
carleton97: That's exactly it.
carleton97: Like, Tim doesn't *want* to talk about it. Oh, god how much he doesn't want to tlk about it. But Will seemed to be freaked and as big brother, it's his job to fix, right? Except, thank god, Will wasn't freaked, just embarassed about the situation.
exitsign: Yes. Thank God.
exitsign: Is it wrong that I totally have a, like, The Will Show in my head?
exitsign: I'm all about the Will. I want to BE him.
carleton97: Nope.
carleton97: I loves him.
exitsign: ...you have to give him a boyfriend, I'm just saying. Even if you never tell anyone but me, he's got to have a BOYfriend.
exitsign: *feels bad*
exitsign: I'm weak, okay? I know I am.
carleton97: Oh, don't worry about that.
carleton97: I have this whole side story waiting to be planned in my head.
exitsign: YAY!
exitsign: *dances*
exitsign: Okay. So... okay, where are you?
carleton97: Huh?
exitsign: I'm trying to help?
carleton97: OH! I was confused by your question.
carleton97: Right. So. There also has to be a scene where Danny talks to dana and Benson and the new owner of the station because, OK, he's serious about Tim and he doesn't want it to be more of an issue that it has to be.
exitsign: Okay. Plus, like, it's always good to let people know what *might be* an issue before it's all over the newspapers or whatever and they're all looking at you going 'the fuck?'
carleton97: exactly.
carleton97: Oh. And Casey. He has to deal with Casey.
carleton97: Because Casey will ask about the new girl he's dating because he can tell. Because Danny is happy.
exitsign: *wince* Casey.
carleton97: Right. Because, though straight, Casey has grown accustomed to being the center of Danny's world.
exitsign: Well, that's just too fucking bad, isn't it, Casey? Tim rules Dannyworld now! *throws things*
carleton97: No, it's exactly right. Because Casey? Has a new family now. He's got his new girlfriend and he's got Charlie and... Danny needs someone.
exitsign: Yes! He needs someone as MORE THAN A FRIEND. Like, it's great to have friends but a serious romantic relationship is what Danny needs. He needs that sharing and loving thing.
carleton97: Yes.
carleton97: And Tim also has to tell his parents he's involved now. Which of course leads to , "Well, when are you bringing him home? "
exitsign: "Andthenwhenareyouadoptingusbeautifulgrandchildren? *cough* Oh, what? I didn't say anything. Pass the peas, please."
carleton97: Right. Because the Speedle's? Want the babies.
exitsign: Oh, yes. They want manymanymany babies.
carleton97: But man, that always leaves Speed looking like he just got hit by a 2x4.
exitsign: Right. Because I don't think he wants kids so much.
exitsign: I think he'd do a better job than he thinks but I think that he thinks he would be horrible and screw them up.
carleton97: If only because he has NO IDEA what to do with them.
carleton97: Yes. Oh, Tim.
exitsign: All the holding and the crying and the... bottles with the make sure it's warm but not too warm or you'll SCALD YOUR CHILD'S THROAT and the burping every 2 freakin' ounces and, like, stuff.
carleton97: Right. The very idea sends him into a panic. And, really, Danny's not much better.
exitsign: No. No, they really? Probably shouldn't have the babies.
carleton97: at least not at this point.
carleton97: They're both just too screwed up.
exitsign: Yes.
exitsign: Okay. Height wise, which one is taller?
carleton97: between who?
exitsign: Tim and Will.
carleton97: Hmmm.. Well, Rory is 5'10... But I kind of like the idea of Will being this little slip of a kid.
carleton97: Just all energy.
exitsign: But you like the teeny ones. heh.
carleton97: *sigh* I know.
carleton97: But he doesnt have to be.
exitsign: I'm just trying to picture them together. If you see Will being teeny and spastic, he's teeny and spastic.
carleton97: Either that, or gangly and spastic.
carleton97: like all flailing arms.
exitsign: He can be flailing arms either way. He has to be flailing arms. Because he has to accidentally smack people. Often.
carleton97: Totally.
exitsign: Because that makes me laugh and laugh.
carleton97: LIke dodging the arms is totally a learned behavior.
exitsign: Yes. And his boyfriend is very good at it. Tim's still learning though. He'll get the hang of it soon.
carleton97: Hee.
carleton97: Yes.
exitsign: Oh guh. Will sex. In my head. Guh.
exitsign: I was just *blindsided* by that shit.
carleton97: I think he doesn't start dating Boy until maybe midway through Tim's story.
exitsign: Like, I'm all 'mmm... chicken needs to be ready *now*' and then 'PORNPORNPORN'.
exitsign: That's totally cool. Whatever you say is great with me.
carleton97: And like, his sexuality isn't a big surprise or anything, but I think the Boy is.
exitsign: What do you mean?
carleton97: I think, to WIll, realizing he's attracted to men isn't a huge surprise, but I think the Boy he's attracted to is a surprise.
exitsign: Like, is the Boy... what is the Boy?
carleton97: I don't know yet.


carleton97: Plus I have to invent Will's boyfriend.
exitsign: wheeeee!
exitsign: Boyfriend! I love Will! And I love his boyfriend! Just because I love Will!
carleton97: tell me about his boyfriend.
exitsign: Isn't he a band/music geek like Will?
carleton97: I've done nothing with him yet.
exitsign: It seems like he should be. I can't imagine crazy 'I Listen To Traditional Chinese Folk Music, Ask Me How!' being with, like, Mr. Tone Deaf or anything. But then again, he wouldn't *have* to be. He could just be really understanding.
carleton97: Ok.
carleton97: Will is all about performance. He's kind of a prodigy.
carleton97: His boyfriend is studying to be an ethnomusicologist.
exitsign: Ooh. Mr. Big Words. Do they, like, have these *huge* music debates?
carleton97: Of course.
carleton97: About the central american indian influence on the current Latin pop craze etc.
carleton97: versus the Northern African/Moorish influence.
exitsign: *snort* Yes. And other totally weird things that make other people go '...um.'
carleton97: right.
carleton97: Boyfriend, he's got perfect pitch, right. Not just relative perfect, but actual perfect. The problem is that he isn't into performing.
carleton97: Oh, he can play the piano and cello, but...
exitsign: He just doesn't get into it like Will. Which Will is okay about but he totally does not get because, you know, how could you *not* get into it?
carleton97: Right.
carleton97: pick a name for boyfriend?
carleton97: But actually his name is Dexter Isiah Jones.
carleton97: *Where* that came from, I don't know.
exitsign: DEXTER! EEE!
exitsign: I love it! See? He told you his name. He knew it and you just had to figure it out.
carleton97: Yes.
carleton97: And Will likes to make the Dexter's Lab voice at him.
exitsign: EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEe! *flails all over self until she dies*
exitsign: Yes, dude, that is totally... what else? More.
carleton97: And... Dexter's parents were all into being Good Parents, so they only let him watch PBS and listen to NPR so there's like an OCEAN of pop references he Just. Doesn't. Get.
carleton97: So Will in constantly making him watch movies and TV and listen to like the Clash to give him some sort of cultural context. And Danny? Totally joins in that game.
exitsign: Oh, Dexter, you so know the horror that is The Swirly, don't you?
carleton97: you know, later.
carleton97: No, because Dexter went to an Embassy school since his parents were diplomats.
exitsign: THE CLASH! Will is my HERO FOREVER!
exitsign: BOOO! But also YAY because he isn't all fucked up that way.
exitsign: He was just as weird as the rest of them. Or something.
carleton97: Right, Because all fo the bullying was like, intellectual.
exitsign: Does he totally think he's normal.
carleton97: As is, "You don't speak Latin?!"
exitsign: *snort* Oh, yeah.
exitsign: So does he realize that he's as hip as my dead grandpa?
carleton97: He knows he's not "normal" but it doesn't really bother him. He humors Will by watching Holy Grail, AGAIN, but he really just wants to watch Nova.
exitsign: Oh, Will, you so have your work cut out for you. You're a better man than me.
carleton97: Though he discovered a great and true love for....Days of our Lives. Like it's crack to him.
exitsign: alajkjskjakjs! YES! Dude, that's so fucked up and perfect!
carleton97: And he's gone ONLINE to read all the back stories.
exitsign: eeee! Okay, why is he into ethnomusicwhatchamacallwhosit?
carleton97: Like, he trolls BBs with the housewives.
exitsign: *snort* Oh, dude, does he *talk* about it with Will? Like one minute it's all 'oh, damn, that test was hard' and the next it's 'and Adrian, that bastard, he totally left Jenny for Elizabeth who is such a slut and only using him so his Evil Twin Brother That Everyone Thought Was Dead can kill him and then...'
carleton97: HE JUST CAN'T HELP SHARING THE LOVE
carleton97: He's an ethnomusicologist because that's his passion. Like, studying the *roots* of music and how different cultures affect each other.
exitsign: But Will secretly loves the weird soap stuff. Because he's so cute when he's like that.
carleton97: Yes.
carleton97: Will could care less about Marlena and Stefano, but Dex is just so CUTE when he's all excited.
carleton97: Especially when someone sends him bootleg tapes of Jack and Jennifer's rodeo wedding.
exitsign: OMG! YOU ARE TOTALLY CALLING HIM DEX, AREN'T YOU?
carleton97: Will does.
carleton97: He's always been Dexter, but Will calls him Dex.
carleton97: I like to think that Will and Dexter have a pretty conventional romance.
carleton97: They meet in class. Argue about musicy things. Become friends. Dexter is out, so that's no big deal and Will isn't exactly surprised to find himself attracted to another boy
exitsign: Yeah, well, that fits with his characterization so far. Nothing is really a big deal to him except his weird music.
carleton97: exactly.
exitsign: He's not the tortured brother.
carleton97: well, there was only so much angst in the gene pool and Tim snatched it all up.
exitsign: Half of their entire family tree is angstless. People in the PAST are angstless. Tim is an angst hoover.

carleton97: I'm thinking that, OK, Tim obviously doesn't get killed at the beginning of the season.
carleton97: But WHY he leaves FL is that *he* notices he's started "forgetting" to clean his gun again. And that fucking throws him. Because, dude, he got SHOT the last time that happened. So he decides that maybe a job where getting killed is a possibility isn't the best choice right now.
exitsign: heh. Yeah, I think that would be the best idea there, Timmy.
carleton97: I think that just cuts down on a lot of extraneous *stuff* that i had going on before.
exitsign: Having a nice, somewhat simplier explanation for things would make it easier to get the whole, um, baskstory out so you can get to the fluffy manlove, yes.
carleton97: right. And I'm just picturing in my head all the conversations where Danny tries to find out exactly why he left Miami and he just dances around it and dances around it.
exitsign: Tim is such a dancer. Totally.