#im the asshole waving two kraken flags

[compacflt]

Dude you should be so so so so so proud, literally one of the best pieces I've ever read. It's the angst and complex characterization of Baldwin's Giovanni's Room meets the research behind The Alienist (the book, obvi- haven't actually seen the show yet). I adore how you maintained the characters' personal values even though I don't like them most of the time, and I now know way too much about the military in general because I would wikipedia something every third sentence. (Also thanks for that because coincidentally I'm working on a research project on how low-level fighter jet training affects marine animal behaviour, and I actually passed my first oral with flying colours because of the random knowledge I have acquired while reading/because of your fic.) That being said, I desperately want a physical copy on my bookshelf- would you ever feel comfortable distributing one or letting us go get it printed professionally? If not, I totally understand and am more than happy with what we have access to now! Seriously, thank you- it's incredible.

thank you thank you thank you for the ask!! just gonna answer by point

1. i am very proud!!! just extremely editorbrained ie have been trying to fix all the flaws for the last two months straight, and now all i see are problems & flaws that i couldn’t fix…. you guys should see my hard copy of this fic every single page is basically black with pencil. just ripped it to shreds. it’s just a writer thing i think, i am my own worst critic :(

2. if by personal values you mean political opinions … I wish it were like socially acceptable to post my extremely in-depth headcanons about random shit like this because i am so deep in it that i literally wrote out ice and mav’s voting records since 1980. Tldr: conservaDems. registered R but consistently vote D. mav would vote libertarian if his husband weren’t standing over him threatening divorce. after 1/6/21 change their registration to D & are basically just neolib shills. only reason they don’t vote obama in 2008 is that mccain was a navy vet.

3. thank you for the compliment but i am literally BEGGING you guys not to take anything i say/claim in this fic about the military to be true. there are certainly elements of the truth but many of the details i literally just made up. or altered to make plot sense (see IRST discussion ch 9, IRST was SUGGESTED by Boeing in 2007/8, not implemented until 2010ish). so much of the plot simply would not happen in real life. i can make a whole post about this sometime if people are interested cause there is actually so much I could say about real life accuracy in this fic/implications of real life shit…

4. no way???? that research project sounds so interesting??? congrats on passing ur oral!! idk what that means but congrats!!!! coincidentally i am also working on a research project—it’s why i have to stop working on this fic at some point. my senior research thesis is a novel about USAF CSAR chopper pilots so ive been doing so much research over the last 5 months… but about the USAF not the USN. my navy research HAS helped though. so maybe it’s a mutually reciprocal relationship :) i would love to hear more about ur project!!!

#re: anyone who wants a physical copy #give me some time to finish the slider one-shot/various other drabbles #& then send me a DM & ill send you my formatted pdf for You To Do With What You Will #but please please don’t advertise it because i really do feel weird/legally gray/morally gray about it #lol my copy has a foreword & an afterword and notes & everything #somehow ive managed to write 220k words & keep my GPA over 3.9 & keep my social life alive this year #most exhausted I’ve ever been in my life #this answer was drafted at the kraken-islanders game #if you guys are watching at home im with the group of kraken-outfitted college kids in the third row #im the asshole waving two kraken flags #west coast best coast #asks #edts notes

[dragonmuse]

im so curious about Ivan and Fang. how did they go from working with Eddy to working at the bar? How has their relationships with Eddy and Izzy changed? i think it was mentioned that Ivan went to school to get a degree. how’s he doing? and in one of the recent AUs i think you mentioned Fang having a girlfriend?? do they meet in the mainverse?

(many questions! Here are some of the answers, willing to do more, but this is how it came to me)

They came to watch the Kraken. Fang got them a table, Ivan bought the drinks and they settled into the back.

“Can’t believe the boss was doing drag this whole time,” Fang whispered.  

“Not the boss, anymore,” Ivan reminded him. 

“I know, I know. Take a while to get used to that.” 

The show was great. They followed the crowd in throwing tips at the stage, and the Kraken took theirs with the kind of smile they’d never received in all the years of working for Eddy. 

“Come back soon,” she waved at them with a handful of ones. 

“You bet.” 

They went back to their shared apartment, into their own bedrooms. The next morning, they ate breakfast, and then there was no more delay. Without further conversation, they both drew out the contracts that Eddy had left behind. Ivan had marked his up, full of flags. Fang only had a few notes. 

“Before we pick it apart,” Fang tapped his pen against the first page. “First idea?” 

“Count of three?” Ivan suggested. “Go or stay?” 

“Yeah.” 

“One,” they both said, “Two. Three.” 

“Go.” 

“Go.” 

Fang sighed with relief, “Really?” 

“I’m done with it, I think. We had some good times,” Ivan shrugged. “But I’m ready to step down. The money really is good.” 

“Agreed.” 

They went through all their notes anyway, but in the end, they were both firm on the decision. They would take the severance and find something new. 

“Any ideas?” 

“No,” Ivan frowned. “I want some time to think.” 

“What if we wind up doing different things?” Fang realized. “That’d be...” 

“It’d be okay,” Ivan patted his hand. “We’ll still be roomies, right?” 

“Right,” he said with a sinking heart. “Of course.” 

They both went into work on Monday to tell Izzy about their decision. He was sitting in his office, staring into space, but a growl was ready on his lips when they came in. 

“What do you two want?” 

“We’re taking the deal,” Fang said for the both of them. Ivan preferred if he spoke for him. That’s why they had their morning sit downs, so Fang wouldn’t agree to anything Ivan didn’t want.  T had taken years to work out the exact best way, but they were smooth now. A good team. “The severance.” 

“Of course you are.” It was weirdly devoid of judgment. Devoid of life entirely. “Then what are you doing here?” 

“Telling you? Two week’s notice-” 

“Fuck that,” Izzy slammed his hand down his desk. “Get the fuck out of here! Go! Like everyone else you miserable assholes!” 

“Okay, boss,” Fang said gently. “We’re going. You change your mind though, we said two weeks. You can call us if you need something.” 

“Like I’d need the likes of you two idiots. Leave your keycards on the front desk on your way out.” 

“Okay.” Fang sighed. “Bye.” 

Izzy’s attention had snapped to his monitor. They had been dismissed and if they pushed it, there would likely be violence. The man was clearly itching to fight someone and neither of them wanted to do the job. 

So just like that, they left their keycards on the front desk, gathered their few belongings that they left in the office (Ivan’s cardigan, Fang’s flavored waters and their international collection of interesting rocks that they’d been leaving under the blinds in the conference room for years), and walked away from the only job they’d known for years. 

They took a few weeks off and it was a revelation not to have to work. There was time for projects cast aside. Fang finally finished knitting the sweater he’d been working for literal years. Ivan fixed the cabinets in the kitchen and even gave them a fresh coat of paint. Together they rearranged the living room furniture to catch better light and plowed through a backlog of shows they’d put on their ‘to be watched’ list. 

Each Friday, they went back to the Revenge. They started to learn people’s names and get head nods and hellos. 

“Did you used to work for Eddy?” Lucius asked the fourth week they came in. He was leaning over the bar, giving Fang a very pretty smile. Fang smiled back. He’d like to meet the man who wouldn’t. 

“Yeah, we both took the severance though.” 

“So, are you going to live out the rest of your lives on a beach?” 

“Wasn’t that much,” Ivan said quietly and Fang smiled at him too. He must be comfortable here. 

“Then what’s the plan?” Lucius tapped the top of Fang’s hand. 

“Not sure yet. We’re considering our options. But not a lot of things available for guys with our resumes that’s not more of the same.” 

“That’s a shame,” Lucius glanced between them. “You like it here though, right?” 

“Yeah,” Ivan nodded. 

“A lot,” Fang agreed. 

“Good. How about I get you two hotties house specials and you grab yourselves a seat?” 

They did find good seats. The show was a continued joy to watch. On the way out, Fang grabbed a postcard advertising a summer festival.

They went to that too and Fang got further acquainted with both Lucius and the cleaning closet in the back of the Revenge. It was a really delightful day, all told. Lucius put his number in Fang’s phone, 

“You call me anytime you’ve got a thirst,” Lucius grinned. “Or just to say hello. Though maybe that’ll be easier soon.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Wheels within wheels,” Lucius winked. 

As it happened they were looking through job advertisements, slightly discouraged, when Ivan’s phone dinged. 

“Huh,” he showed the screen to Ivan. 

Eddy: would you like a job? Both of you, just show this to the other one, this contact is ‘ivanandfang’ in my phone for some reason. 

“Think the boss is back in already?” Fang asked, disappointed even at the thought. Eddy seemed really happy. 

“Maybe,” Ivan considered. He typed back then showed the message to Fang, who nodded in approval. 

Ivan: this is ivan. What is the job? Would consider. 

Eddy: we need bouncers. You guys look the part and you’re better trained then anyone we could hire. Salary is close to what you used to make, there’s benefits. Stede has the details. 

“Bouncers,” Ivan tapped his fingers against his knee. 

“Not exactly a fresh new start,” Fang agreed. “But it’s something. And probably easier than running across country lines.” 

“Maybe. Trail period?” 

“Oooh good idea.” 

So they started at the Revenge with the understanding that everyone was giving each other three months to see how it would go. There was a little confusion at first, Ivan and Fang reporting to Eddy, who kept telling them one thing, and then Stede coming to find them to tell them another. It took a group meeting to iron out that they’d get their schedule and report to Stede and only go to Eddy if they needed an extra set of hand on a difficult problem. 

“Honestly, I’d rather not,” Eddy told them after Stede left. “Doubt anything will happen here you two can’t handle. Just call me in if it’s really hairy, yeah?” 

“Absolutely,” Fang tried to convey his approval as much as he could in the single word.

He mentally added to his job description ‘keep Eddy away from fights’.  He wasn’t sure if Ivan did the same, but he must’ve taken some note because they were both very careful about managing violence out the door and away from the stage. 

“Great job tonight,” Lucius said to Fang as he swung chairs back up onto the table. “Very impressive how you handled that guy.” 

“Wasn’t anything,” he denied, warm in his stomach. Even if he wasn’t exceedingly fond of Lucius, that kind of talk would’ve gotten him every time. 

“Can you imagine Hands saying ‘good job’?” He said to Ivan on the way home. 

“He’d choke on it.” 

Neither of them mentioned Eddy, who now apparently said things like that all the time. She’d been more prone to compliments than Izzy certainly, but they hadn’t exactly gushed free either. 

It was an unassuming night in May, after closing time, when Ivan thrust the phone at him again. There was a picture on it, a tiny woman with a halo of natural curls, berry lipstick and deep brown eyes. She had a neck tattoo of some kind though it was hard to make out in the dimness of the bar. 

“Who’s that?” 

“Mina,” Ivan said despairingly. “Isn’t she pretty?” 

“Yeah, but...who is she?” 

Fang couldn't remember the last time Ivan had known someone he hadn’t. Usually it was Fang that met new people. It was just their way. 

“Matched with her on an app,” Ivan drew the phone back. “We’ve got a date tomorrow.” 

“Oh my god!” Fang clapped his hands together delightedly. “Really? Where? When? Ivan!” 

“No,” Ivan ducked his head, but he was smiling. 

“C’mon, tell me the details.” 

“We’re going to get ice cream and play laser tag,” he mumbled. “She’s really into laser tag.” 

“That’s great! Have you been talking for long?” 

“Texted for a few days, talked on the phone last night. She’s got a nice voice.” 

“Of course she does,” Fang nodded. “What else does she like?” 

“What are we talking about?” Lucius swept by the table, carrying a pitcher of what Fang hoped was water, considering most of the Revenge staff had a drag brunch the next day. They were all still here though, even Eddy and Stede, so it as probably more of a festive night. 

“Private stuff,” Fang informed him, giving him a conciliatory one-armed hug around the waist. 

“Oooh fascinating,” Lucius dropped a kiss on the top of Fang’s head, then left them to their conversation. 

“Thanks,” Ivan slid the phone into his pocket. 

“Your business,” Fang said gravely. 

When Ivan left for the first date, Fang did not pace nervously around the apartment. Instead, he took himself out for dinner and a movie, so he wouldn’t spend the whole night hoping it had gone all right. Ivan had had his flings when they were more international men of mystery, but those had had the advantage of them leaving the country directly afterward with little expectation of commitment. 

But deep down, Ivan was a romantic and if this went badly, he’d be crushed. 

Despite that long outing, he was still back home before Ivan. He settled on the couch, figured he’d be home soon. 

The door opening woke him, startling him bolt upright, knife in his hand. Ivan closed the door then leaned back against it. He smiled. 

“Oh yeah?” Fang shoved the knife back into his pocket. 

“She’s amazing.” 

“Tell me everything!” 

There was a lot to tell. That night and many nights to follow. It took a few weeks, but Ivan eventually brought her to the apartment and Fang tried his best to look welcoming. Mina took his hand in both of hers, 

“It’s so nice to meet you,” she said and her voice was lovely, a little husky and sweet. “Seems like your Ivan’s other half.” 

“Nah,” Fang said, utterly charmed. “He’s whole. But I like being along for the ride.” 

He carried most of the conversation that night, but he was used to that. Mina seemed just as happy as Ivan to let him. They ate dinner together, then Mina and Ivan went out. In the morning, Mina crept out of Ivan’s room while Fang made coffee. She was in a  blush pink zip up bathrobe and her hair was in a silky bundle on top of her head. It was a little at odds with their sword and sorcery decor, 

“Want some?” he offered. 

“Please.” 

They sat together in the rising sun. 

“Are you seeing anyone?” She asked, hands wrapped around the mug, holding it close to her heart. 

“Just a few casual things. There was a man for a lot of years, we even lived together. Didn’t work out in the end.” 

“That was before you met Ivan?” 

“Yeah. Feel like I’ve been there and done that for now. But who knows? Lot of people out there in the world.” 

“I was married before,” Mina nodded. “It was the man I didn’t like though. The idea of being with someone is good.” 

“To fresh starts then,” he raised his mug and she grinned as she tapped hers to his. 

Fang braced himself for Ivan to move out and into Mina’s place, but instead, they both came to Fang and asked, 

“Would you mind?” 

And he didn’t. He liked Mina a lot. She had an okay paying job, enough to cover a third of the rent and that meant even more money to put away for retirement and to occasionally splurge on collectibles. 

What he hadn’t seen coming was the separation that he had really been dreading originally to arrive at last. Ivan suggested they go out for dinner together and Fang hadn’t thought much of it until they were halfway through their steaks and Ivan sighed. 

Fang sat up straighter. 

“Is everything all right?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Ivan said quickly. “I just wanted to tell you in a good way. Don’t get upset, okay?” 

“What is it?” He was already imagining a thousand terrible things. 

“I’m going to go back to school with my severance pay. I might be able to do a few hours at the Revenge, but probably not much.” 

Fang’s heart sank, but then he gave himself a rough scolding. Ivan had vaguely talked about going back to school for a long time and Fang had always told him to go for it. He couldn’t go back on that now. 

“That’s great! Where are you going? What are you going to study?” 

“You’re not upset?” 

“A little,” he admitted. “But I’m really happy for you too. So tell me more of the happy parts.” 

“I want to teach,” Ivan told him. “In the neighborhood I grew up in. Maybe middle school. I had a nice sixth grade science teacher and I want to do that for some kids.” 

“Oh!” Fang gave him warm, slightly watery look. “That’s beautiful.” 

“Don’t do that,” Ivan scolded, but he was smiling and maybe he was a little watery too. “I haven’t got in anywhere yet. Maybe I won’t.” 

“We’ll ask Lucius,” Fang said immediately. “I bet he can help.” 

It wound up being a joint effort of Lucius, who was great with the financial paperwork, and Stede, who apparently thought editing essays was fun, the delightful weirdo.  And then there was Eddy, who without being asked (at least not by Ivan) produced a letter of recommendation. Ivan hugged her and she let him and it was all very sweet.

The first day Ivan had class, Fang solemnly handed him a paper bag. 

“What’s this?” Ivan took it with a bemused look. 

“Mina and I packed you lunch.” 

Ivan laughed, but he took it and hugged him. 

Fang hoped he’d find the note in the bag under the sandwich. 

Kick ass, take names. We love you!  - M and F 

#leda house and the kraken verse #ficlet #the bouncer the bouncer and mina