xhaleslowly ([info]xhaleslowly) wrote,
@ 2008-09-19 11:24:00
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Goodbye and One Last Fic...
So, I'm done. I knew it would happen eventually, and it took a major computer crash last year to make me realize that my days of fan fic writing and QAF obsession are over.

I was tempted to just close up shop, shut down my site and call it a day, but I wouldn't feel right leaving without at least saying goodbye and most importantly, saying thank you to whoever is still out there listening.

There have been so many of you that have come and gone over the last seven years, and I hope you know how much I've appreciated your encouragement, inspiration, support, and friendship. Thank you to all of you for being a part of this chapter of my life - I've had the best time and loved every moment of it. I feel as though I've grown as a writer and as a person for having had this experience.

I wish each and every one of you the very best in the future. I urge you all to follow your dreams, to have faith in yourselves, and to embrace love and happiness in your lives.

I have a little something to leave you with. It's not my best, and I'm sad to say it's not parts 7 - 10 of FoMD, which will forever remain unfinished. It's just a fic I wrote after the finale and always thought it would somehow be appropriate to have as my last story. And so here it is.



Leaving You

The first time he left, you felt almost relieved.

It was done. Over. You knew he'd leave you eventually, and as expected, he did.

You watched him walk away, his arm around some other kid and it was right and what was supposed to happen. He'd be happy now and you fucked some trick like you were supposed to and you didn't think about it.

For about ten minutes.

And then the trick was boring and you couldn't come and so you grabbed your jacket and left this stupid fucking party for this stupid fucking superhero and went back to your loft and laid on the couch with a bottle of Beam and played your stereo too loud and didn't think about it.

Didn't think about it.

But of course you did, so you drank more until you passed out and the next morning you figured you could do it, live without him, because you had to. The headache behind your eyes kept your focus on physical pain, and away from the sharp ache in your soul.

And when you came home from work that day, and saw all his things were gone, it felt more real, more final, more like it was supposed to.

It was done like it had to be done and all you had to do was keep on going like you did before. Before you met him.

You could do that.

You thought.

The imposters were just that – fakes, pretenders, dull illusions that lasted moments in the heat of sex, but faded quickly once you came. Before you came sometimes, and those were the worst.

You lasted months without him and just when you figured that maybe you could live, he decided he'd had enough of his new love and found you again.

Came back to you again.

You took him back readily, no question of that. It wasn't like you had a relationship, like you'd broken up. There was nothing to break up. You just hadn't been fucking each other for a while, but now you were again.

And then he was hanging around the loft more... eating there and sleeping there and leaving his shit all over the place.

You started to get an inkling that maybe there was just a little more to it when you found you were more relieved to see his toothbrush returned to the holder than you were to see his back walking away from you.

The realization hit you hard one night, as you lay sated in bed beside him, watching soft blond lashes close over blue eyes. He sighed deeply as he slipped into well-deserved sleep, his bottom warm and flushed from your attention that evening.

You stared at that blond hair, at those closed eyes, red lips and soft curve of shoulder and spine that led into willing ass and wondered if maybe this was supposed to happen too. That maybe he was supposed to come back and fill that empty space in your toothbrush holder. To use all your soap and dirty your dishes and make you coffee in the morning. That maybe he wasn't meant to leave you after all.

That maybe he was meant to be with you.

And you believed that for a while.

Until he left you again.

And this time it was quiet and final, and there was a soft hug good-bye and a desire to never let go. A desperate need to cling to him. To say the words that maybe you should've said, that sat in your head, in your heart, on the tip of your tongue.

But you couldn't say them, no matter how hard you tried, and you started to believe again that he was meant to leave you.

Believe that this was never going to work, just like he said. He was constantly miserable. His misery infected you and it was an unending cycle until you both started snapping at each other and making biting and cutting remarks and everything hurt until you tumbled into bed together and there it felt right.

You could live with that. You were willing to take what you had – what he'd give you. So what if you couldn't say those words... you could still make him happy in other ways, you could buy him things and help him grow as an artist, you could make sure he was always satisfied and never wanting for a penny. Never wanting for anything that money could possibly buy.

And yet...

That's not what he wanted at all. He simply wanted the one thing you could never give.

Yes, it was right that he left you again. He was supposed to leave you.

It was a little easier this time, because you'd been here before. You knew not to play with pale imposters, knew not to try and trick yourself into believing he hadn't gone. You knew that you just had to deal, had to go on, had to keep living and just do the things that you had to do.

Damn, you wished you had the balls that he did.

Damn, you wished that you could say these things in your heart.

Damn, you wished he didn't look so fucking together when you saw him after you broke up, because yes, this time you could admit that's what it was. A break-up. After all these years, all these partings, it wasn't fair to call it anything less. You just wished you could see a little of the hurt in his eyes that you felt in your heart. You just wished that you didn't believe the bite in your heart that whispered, you were right all along... he was always supposed to leave you...

He was supposed to leave you again and so he did.

And then... on the wing of a tragedy, you brought him back into your life. Because you needed him this time. Because you learned how to say those things he wanted you to say, and you realized how fucking good it felt. Realized that saying those words felt right too, more right than him walking away.

He came back into your life and it was perfect and what you wanted and you gave him everything of yourself this time, not just your money and those things you always thought were important.

You gave him you and that was all you had left to give.

But then he left you again.

This time with promises of returning, of consolations that this wasn't good-bye, just a temporary separation, just a few months or years or who knew how long but it definitely wasn't forever.

He kept saying you'd see each other all the time. You knew you'd see him every night, the image of him in your bed etched so deeply into your soul now... you knew you couldn't have anyone else there, ever.

You opened your heart to him that night, that final night together in your bed, in your home. You told him how much you loved him, that you didn't want him to go, that you wanted him to be with you forever and that you couldn't fucking go on without him now.

You couldn't do this again, you didn't think... you knew what it was like now, you knew how good it was, could be...

You'd finally learned how to hold on, and now he was asking you to let go.

You'd forgotten how to do that. You didn't think you could let go.

But you did. You tried. He walked away again because he had to and you had to let him. Because that's what he did, that's what you did.

Despite all his promises that you'd see each other, that this wasn't forever... it was time that slipped away from him. Days that turned into weeks that turned into months. Everything new blossomed before him - a new career, new people, a new life and there didn't seem to be time enough for you anymore.

And so you consoled yourself with believing that you were right all along.

He was always supposed to leave you.

Until he came back.

It was late when he came home, months and months and months later. Your bed was empty and then he crept into it and it became home again.

No words passed between you – instead you spoke volumes with your hands across his skin, your eyes drinking him in, his body a man's now, taut and lean... no longer the soft flesh of the youth you first took that night so long ago. The years in the city had hardened him, shaped him, changed him.

But when your lips met, it was the same – soft tentative kisses like that very first time. Fluttering hands on your cock, desperation in his breath – you felt for the first time in so long like you had a modicum of control over him, over this situation and you fucked him hard, relentlessly, mercilessly until he cried out your name and came all over you. Thick strands of his come dripped down your skin and it felt so familiar, felt so good, so right, that you pulled him up into your arms and vowed to never, ever let go again.

It was something that you never really learned how to do.

He told you he'd had enough of the city, of that life, of the loneliness, of missing you. He was back, this time for good.

And you wanted to believe him and so you did. For now. Until he was charmed by another's smile, driven away by you, tempted by opportunity.

You don't wait for that now though. You don't expect for him to leave, instead you live each day with him like maybe it's the last. You kiss him every morning and whisper I love you every night and take his heart and soul that he offers up. You take every opportunity to make love, fast and furious, soft and sweet. You fall asleep after him and wake up before he does, just to see the way his face changes from wake to dream and back again. You smile when he says your name and feel alive when you argue; you dance like you're the only people in the club and feel proud when you see what he's accomplished.

You live for him and yourself and this. This feeling in your heart.

You live for love, because that's what's most important. You live for today, because
that's important too.

And you console yourself with the proven truth that as surely as he's always suppose to leave you... he's also always going to return.

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


Much love to you all,

Ethan




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(109 comments) - (Post a new comment)


[info]lenastockton
2008-09-19 06:44 pm UTC (link)
It's with a sad heart that I've read your post... you see, Ethan, you were the one that drew me into this vast, crazy world of facfiction. I remember the day, about 3 years ago when I first happened upon your writing and how it pulled me in... hook, line and sinker as they say. You're an amazing writer and I wish you all the best in the future. You helped to paint a fuller picture of Brian and Justin and for that I am grateful. Take care old friend!

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[info]paddies
2008-09-19 06:58 pm UTC (link)
Oh, Ethan!!! *CRIES*

I definitely understand how you feel (I'm pretty much done with QaF, too), but still, I will miss you dearly (will you stay around lj anyway?).

You (and your fabulous website) are the reason I fell in love with Brian and Justin, your stories are the first QaF stories I read and - without doubt - some of the very best ones.

You are amazingly talent and *I* thank you for everything you did for the QaF fandom and for all the fantastic stories you wrote for us (and for the ones you wrote specifically for me...I was honored).

Thank you, thank you, thank you. ♥

P.S. it's been a very long time since I read a B/J fic, but I must say that you haven't lost your touch...this is aaaaaaaaaaamazing.

*loves madly*

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[info]xhaleslowly
2008-09-28 05:05 pm UTC (link)
Paddies, love, I'm just so sorry I never got to finish the FoMD. I hate leaving stuff unfinished and wish I was able to get it done while the spark was still alive. While I was writing it, I loved doing it, and thank you for starting that little plot bunny that at least inspired me to write six more stories :)

I have to tell you that when I first started that series, the thing that got me going was that I actually came up with the very last paragraph for the whole thing first. It's pretty cheesy, set in some distant future so I wasn't sure how I was going to work it in, but I thought I'd share it with you now:


"Hey Justin," his voice whispers into my hair. I love it when he says my name, even after all this time.

"Yeah?" I twist around in bed to look at him.

"Wanna get married?" He asks, smiling, the wrinkles around his eyes pinching together.

"It's not the first time you've asked me that, you know," I say, my heart beating hard in my chest. I never thought I'd go down this road again with him, but now that the path is laid out in front of us, I don't think I could want anything more.

"Well," he says, putting his hand on the back of my neck and bringing our foreheads together. "This might be the first time that we actually go through with it."


So there you have it. Much love to you darling and thank you for all your beautiful icons and inspiration and support and everything else you do that makes you such a wonderful person :X

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[info]mmmorpheusq
2008-09-19 07:01 pm UTC (link)
A sad but lovely farewell tribute to Brian and Justin. I'm sorry you're finished with fanfic, but I understand. Yet it's so hard to say goodbye to "our boys."

Thanks, Ethan, for so many lovely stories. Best of luck out there in the real world!

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[info]blue_eyedstar
2008-09-19 07:10 pm UTC (link)
I really hope you won't shut down your site. You're the reason that got me into this whole B/J-fanfiction crazy world, and I'd hate the idea of not being able to go back once and awhile to reread your fic. I loved everysingle one of them, and you've been an inspiration to a lot of the writers.

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[info]qaffangyrl
2008-09-19 07:16 pm UTC (link)
Oh Ethan. Thank you so much for the the most perfect parting gift you could ever give this fandom. Your absence will surely be felt, but when the muses stop speaking it is best to move on with dignity as you've done. Take care Ethan. Perhaps we'll meet again within another fandom.

All the best,
[info]qaffangyrl

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[info]metafascinating
2008-09-19 07:33 pm UTC (link)
And you console yourself with the proven truth that as surely as he's always suppose to leave you... he's also always going to return.
Perfect line and so true...Justin will always return to Brian.

I'm so sad to read your post, but I understand. You're one of my favorite writers in the fandom and I re-read your stories frequently. Thank you for all of your amazing stories. You are such a talented writer and you will be missed so much in this fandom! Good luck with everything. :)

Will your website remain up?

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[info]confused_freak
2008-09-19 07:34 pm UTC (link)
the same goes here...
You were the first writer of FanFic that I ever read... I don't know what I was doing, going thru' websites about QAF... and I happened to fall on ur website... and I started to read EVERYTHING you had on there... I was hooked! I think I have a lot of ur stuff printed out! I couldn't believe that there was fanfic out there about QAF, and since then I've been reading just about ANYTHING!

Thank you!
And I wish you the best in whatever you go out and do in the real world!

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[info]jule1122
2008-09-19 08:08 pm UTC (link)
Lovely fic! Good luck with everything.

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[info]lunachickk
2008-09-19 08:08 pm UTC (link)
Okay, just go back and read [info]paddies post because I FEEL EXACTLY THE SAME WAY. It's actually uncanny.

Yours was the first QAF fic I read and will always be the best. I sometimes still go back and reread QAF stories and they are just about always yours.

(and then I hit post too fast)

I wish you great things in the future but do hope you will pop in now and again to say hi.

*hugs*
Lunie

Edited at 2008-09-19 08:09 pm UTC

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[info]rae_1985
2008-09-19 08:12 pm UTC (link)
This was a beautiful farewell. Thank you for posting it. I haven't read anything QAF in over a year, but this I had to read. I'm sad to see you go, but I understand. I think most of us have moved on without even realizing it. Thank you again for this last wonderful fic. This is the ending I always pictured. As many times as Justin left, he always comes back, and eventually he'll just stay for good.

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[info]wildsweetcool
2008-09-19 08:12 pm UTC (link)
That was beautifully written. Thank you so much for all your wonderful stories :)

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[info]crownroyal_51
2008-09-19 08:26 pm UTC (link)
Your work was the first QAF fan fic that I ever read. I enjoyed all of your gap fillers immensely! I'm sad that you won't be writing anymore! This was a perfect story to leave us with. I always believed that Brian and Justin found their way back to each other.

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[info]eleni81
2008-09-19 08:28 pm UTC (link)
And here I was swearing that I won't cry!!! This was amazing and I just now realized how much I've missed you and your work!
You are the reason I started reading fan fiction, you are the reason I can't accept nothing but the best! You made me love the characters of the show even more... As I told you to my e-mail, I'm really sorry that you are leaving. I DO understand though that it's time for you to move on so, let me give you a small advise; never stop writing. Never stop expressing your feelings through your pen. You are a gifted, talented man and it would be really sad to let that go. I really hope to get a chance to read something yours again. A published book even!

Good luck with everything and thank you for letting us into your world!

Helen Samara

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[info]pclu2004
2008-09-19 08:34 pm UTC (link)
So sad to see you go, but good luck with whatever you do next.
Thank you for all the great fic.

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[info]little_lusty
2008-09-19 08:55 pm UTC (link)
Well now I am all choked up for a couple reasons.....

First - THIS was fantastic! OMG it's the perfect "goodbye" fic! This last line -

And you console yourself with the proven truth that as surely as he's always suppose to leave you... he's also always going to return. is so utterly perfect I can't think of another word (and ultimately what made me tear up). LOVED it!

Second - *hugs you very very tight* I'm gonna miss you babe! You know I love your fics (it's funny because just last night I was thinking "I need to go re-read some of my fave xhaleslowly fics". I'm serious!) and I have read some of them over and over, I love them THAT much. You won't be taking your site down right away will you? I still have ones I need to print and save forever!

You will be missed muchly but THANK YOU for your fics and sweet words and just know this fan loved every moment and loved telling you how much I enjoyed reading!

Best wishes to all you do in the future! *hugs and hugs*

Brit

Edited at 2008-09-19 08:56 pm UTC

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[info]revlisacat
2008-09-19 09:32 pm UTC (link)
Like so many others, yours was some of the first (and best) fanfiction I read about Brian and Justin. I have enjoyed spending the past two years with you, and will miss your writing. Thank you for all your wonderful stories, and especially for the beautiful writing in this story...sniff, sniff.

Many blessings and good thoughts for you and for your ventures in the future. You will be missed!

(Reply to this)


[info]bkfqueer
2008-09-19 09:59 pm UTC (link)
You are the reason I became addicted to fanfiction. Three years ago I stumbled over your site and began to read the first story. I want to thank you for every story you shared with us.
I only have one request. Would you please be so kind not to close down your site. Or if you are going to shut it down would you please archive them somewhere we could enjoy them in the future? Please!
I wish you the best for your future.
With everlasting gratitude
BKF

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[info]snowmore
2008-09-19 10:04 pm UTC (link)
You may feel this is not your best, but to me it is something very special. :)

Your bed was empty and then he crept into it and it became home again.

*wipes tears of happiness away*

I have compared notes with many people - the common denominator amongst many of us who first sought out QAF fanfiction is you. You are a legend in this fandom. Your special way with words for those two beautiful and courageous men have brought many seeking a salve for broken hearts great relief.

Thank you for all that you have shared with us.

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[info]bodleian
2008-09-19 10:45 pm UTC (link)
I understand Ethan but I am still going to miss you and your stories. I've loved everything that you have written and you have said goodbye with another wonderful example of your writing. Enjoy what you do next but please keep your site going so new fans get to enjoy your work as well.
Thanks and goodbye.

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[info]jammer1027
2008-09-19 10:54 pm UTC (link)
I hope you know how much joy you've brought to so many people.

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[info]seamonkeyz27
2008-09-19 10:55 pm UTC (link)
Thank you for all that you've given to us.... your writings have been an inspiration-- yours a site Ive always kept bookmarked throughout the years.... good luck in whatever it is you choose to pursue next.

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[info]bksbracelet
2008-09-19 10:55 pm UTC (link)
I was saddened when I read your post but not surprised. You had been such a prolific writer and I personally devoured every morsal you wrote, but as you say time and people change.

Thank you so much for your time and efforts and the love and angst in your fiction and for sharing your gift with me one of your fans.

I am not a writer just a avid reader of QAF and still mildly obsessed so hopefully other writers will continue for a while to feed my obsession.

All the best and thank so much for the finale fic well done :)Chris

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Thank you
[info]fansee
2008-09-19 10:56 pm UTC (link)
Thank you for writing The Best fanfic evah.
Thank you for all your gapfillers. They enriched my viewing.
Thank you for all the times you answered my inadequate comments on your fics.
Thank you for inspiring me to write.
Thank you for stopping by to say Good-bye.
Thank you for leaving us a farewell fic (even if I haven't been able to read it yet because then the good-bye will be final.)
Thank you for being.
You have meant a great deal to me. Keep writing. You have such a talent - not to use it would be sinful, and not in a positive, life-affirming way.

FanSee aka Nancy J. Silberstein

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[info]mslinda
2008-09-19 10:59 pm UTC (link)
Ethan, it was good to see your entry and read your work again. Your stories have always been up there in my list of favorites, and among the few I still re-read when in need of a QAF fix. Yours was the first mailing-list I joined, before I even knew what lj was, and I remember how happy I was to get your updates in the mail, and to read your latest work.
I wish you good luck with your life, and I thank you for touching mine.
Linda

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[info]happier_bunny
2008-09-19 11:11 pm UTC (link)
I'm going to save this fic for a rainy day.

However, I'm sad to see this post. I wish you well and if your muse is ever tickled by the boys again, you know where to find us.

Are you going to be deleting your website? Your LJ?

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