Donald Strachey: Couples meme...

[fajrdrako]

Part 2 of (so far) two parts.

I was reading the LJ of atheneunknown and I saw that a couple of weeks ago she had a 'couples survey' meme. It was meant to be about one's real life, but I thought it would be more fun to apply it to slash couples of one's choosing. Imagine your favourite slash pair as a couple living together, or long-term lovers living apart, and fill in the blanks.

I wanted to do this one partly because it's fun and I've started writing Donald/Timmy slash, and partly because I wanted to see whether (and to what extent) maaseru agrees with my answers. Or anyone else - I'm quite eager for Donald/Timmy discussion.

So, secondly: Donald Strachey and Timmy Callahan.

1. Who eats more?
Donald. Timmy is much fussier about what he eats. Donald eats on the run, lots of fast food, donuts, pie. He's more active and needs the energy.

2. Who said "I love you" first?
Timmy. Donald says it, but isn't quite as comfortable abut it.

3. Who is the morning person?
Donald. He's good with mornings, probably because he works for himself. He even works out in the mornings,sometimes.

4. Who sings better?
Timmy.

5. Who’s older?
...I don't remember. I think they're close in age. One is two years older - ? Donald?

6. Who’s smarter?
Donald has the street smarts, Timmy has the Jesuit-honed book-learning. About equal, in the end.

7. Whose temper is worse?
Donald's. Timmy tends to hold things in.

8. Who does the laundry?
Timmy. Donald intends to, but forgets, and his schedule is more irregular.

9. Who does the dishes?
Timmy, usually. When Donald is home, he makes him help, but he doesn't think Donald does it very well, and he's afraid he'll break things. Especially the nice crystal.

10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
Timmy sleeps on the right.

11. Whose feet are bigger?
Timmy's.

12. Whose hair is longer?
Timmy's, usually.

13. Who’s better with the computer?
They're about equal. Timmy has more patience with the computer, Donald has more savvy.

14. Do you have pets?
One dog. Dr. Watson. A West Highland Terrier.

15. Who pays the bills?
Shared equally. Well, as equally as possible. Sometimes when Donald is between jobs, Timmy helps him out. Sometimes when Donald's been paid well, he pays more than his share to compensate for the lean times.

16. Who cooks dinner?
Timmy.

17. Who drives when you are together?
...?

18. Who pays when you go out to dinner?
Depends who suggested it. And/or the state of Donald's finances.

19. Who’s the most stubborn?
Timmy.

20. Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?
Donald, because of Timmy being stubborner. But it doesn't always happen this way. Each values the relationship too much to let a fight go on indefinitely.

21. Whose family do you see more?
...?

22. Who named your pet?
...? Timmy.

23. Who kissed who first?
...? Timmy.

24. Who asked who out?
Donald asked Timmy. After they'd been at each other's apartments many times.

26. Who’s more sensitive?
Depends what kind of sensitivity is being discussed. Donald is probably quicker on the psychological uptake most of the time. Timmy's better with in-depth analysis.

27. Who’s taller?
Timmy.

28. Who has more friends?
They tend to have the same friends, except those Donald has met on the job and Timmy has met in the legistlature. Most of their good friends are from the Albany gay community.

29. Who has more siblings?
...?

30. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
Toss-up!

Comments

[dkwilliams.livejournal.com]

Love your answers. I have these to add:

17. Who drives?
Donald, whenever possible. Timmy closes his eyes and holds on tight.

21. Whose family do you see more?
I think that Donald is either totally estranged from his family or they are dead. Until Timmy went to work for the Democratic side, they saw his family frequently. I think that his mother still keeps in touch with them, even if his father isn't speaking to Timmy.

22. Who named your pet?
You said Timmy, but I think Donald may have suggested it (among other names like Sam Spade), and Timmy made the final pick.

29. Who has more siblings?
I think Timmy is an only child. If Donald has siblings, they are estranged.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

17. Who drives?
Donald, whenever possible. Timmy closes his eyes and holds on tight.

Timmy is wise.

I think that Donald is either totally estranged from his family or they are dead.

There's a reference in one of the books that Donald's parents have a sort of attitude of denial about his being gay - they don't know and don't want to know. That sounds like estrangement.

Yes, we know Timmy's father is mad at him for being with the Democrats.

So there are probably not a lot of family visits, either way.

I think Donald may have suggested it (among other names like Sam Spade), and Timmy made the final pick.

That too would make sense.

[csi-niteowl.livejournal.com]

You did a very good job. Here's my take on some of the questions you weren't sure about.

#5. Timmy is older. In STTS, Kenny makes a comment about Donald liking older men. Also Sebastain Spence is older than Chad Allen.

#17. The two times I've seen them in the together, Donald was the driver.

#29. Okay, I don't really know but I figure since Timmy is Irish Catholic that he has more siblings.

I hope you will post your fics so we can enjoy them.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Here's my take on some of the questions you weren't sure about.

Oh, good! Thank you! I was hoping someone would step in.

In STTS, Kenny makes a comment about Donald liking older men. Also Sebastain Spence is older than Chad Allen.

Right: Spence born Dec. 1969, Allen born June 1974. That works.

I thought I remembered a reference in one of the books, that one of them was two years older than the other, but I'm not sure, and I'm not sure which way it worked.

Donald was the driver

Okay, I like that.

I don't really know but I figure since Timmy is Irish Catholic that he has more siblings.

Historically and sociologically, yes, people with Irish Catholic background tend to have larger families than people with English Presbyterian backgrounds. So it would come as no surprise to hear that Timmy has brothers and sisters - and Donald has few or none.

Stay tuned for news of fics! No promises about when I'll get things written, but I'm thinking about some stories.

[csi-niteowl.livejournal.com]

I haven't read any of the books, just going by the movies.


I'll keep an eye peeled for your fics.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Still writing...

[lady529.livejournal.com]

Butting in here, but did you see the pissy face Timmy made when Kenny said he didn't know Donald liked older men? I thought that meant Timmy's actually younger than Donald.. Could be just me and the fact that in the books, I think Donald's older than Timmy, but still..

The Lady 529

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I like your reasoning!

[lady529.livejournal.com]

Thank you : )

I just barely even considered Timmy being older than Donald, maybe I should have.. I also know that Chad Allen (I think. Can't really remember. Could have been the director or somebody else working on the movies, but I think it was him) said they made Donald younger and Timmy older for the movies, but I didn't get the feeling they'd made Timmy older than Donald, just older. Timmy's pretty young in the books compared to Donald..

And I rant. Sorry 'bout that..

The Lady 529

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Personally, I love finding someone willing to talk about this.

I can see the age difference going either way - depending on the needs of any given story. In the books they are both older (regardless of their relative age) and have had more years of experience. There can be uses for that, just as there can be in using (or not using) the ages of the actors. I don't even need to have it the same in each story. But I do want to be clear in my mind what I'm doing, and why.

[lady529.livejournal.com]

Ha, you've come to the right place, then. I'll discuss anything.

I think I might want Timmy to be younger than Donald, I sort of have this thing for young, slightly geeky boys (think Argyle sweaters, people), preferably a bit younger than me (I know, I'm not old enough to be demanding that. Does it look like I care), and I've probably just decided that Donald does too. Wouldn't put it past me..

The Lady 529

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Well, it seems likely that Donald would like that kind of guy. At the same time, I can see Donald being a bit younger but his harder/rougher experience has matured him to a harder edge that makes him seem older than Timmy.

If Timmy has a number of siblings - how many, do you think? Where would he fall among them in terms of age? I can see him as having a younger sister and an older one - and maybe a brother too?

[lady529.livejournal.com]

That could also be. I swear, if Donald wasn't as short (or blond), I might have had to rethink my having Timmy as my boo. I do love a good loudmouth like Donald : )

I don't think Timmy has brothers, just something that my brain thought up regarding why his father was that upset at him working for a Democrat, no other reason I guess. Well that and the fact that if he does, then why is he still so incredibly well-mannered? All the time? I think he's got sisters, Not that I'm an expert, but being Irish Catholic, chances are he's not an only child. And I can just picture his elder sisters try to threaten him for information about his new boyfriend (aka Donald) while his younger sister(s) make huge puppy eyes to make him spill the latest news. And of course, he caves. Like any good brother should.

The Lady 529

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Well, of course, loudmouthed rough tough good-hearted Donald is wonderful. The joy is that he and Timmy are such a contrast, and fit so well together. I love them both!

Timmy with sister? Works for me. Three sisters? (Hmm, shades of Chekov.)

[lady529.livejournal.com]

Well, I was thinking maybe two sisters, but still.. I don't think he's the eldest, but I don't think he's the baby either, he's too.. Organised to be the baby. If that made sense.

And Donald is love. We all really should know that now..

The Lady 529

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

We have no doubt at all! Donald is just wonderful, in a pigheaded sort of way.

[lady529.livejournal.com]

Plus the fact that just 'cause Sebastian Spence happens to be older than Chad Allen, it doesn't mean Timmy's older than Donald.

Yes I'm done now..

The Lady 529

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

All encouragement is welcome!

Unless I find a need to focus on their ages (and I might, in, say, a birthday story), I think I'll play it vague in that regard.

part 1

[maaseru.livejournal.com]

1. Who eats more?
Donald. Timmy is much fussier about what he eats. Donald eats on the run, lots of fast food, donuts, pie. He's more active and needs the energy.

Yes, he eats all that, but frequently when alone he'll eat a bagel and a plain yoghurt.

2. Who said "I love you" first?
Timmy. Donald says it, but isn't quite as comfortable abut it.

I think Donald says it seriously very, very seldom.

3. Who is the morning person?
Donald. He's good with mornings, probably because he works for himself. He even works out in the mornings,sometimes.

Agreed. Also I think the army training has stuck with him.

4. Who sings better?
Timmy.

Agreed.

5. Who’s older?
...I don't remember. I think they're close in age. One is two years older - ? Donald?

In the movies, Timmy seems to be older, and in fact the SS is older than CA. In the books, Donald is about two years older than Timmy.

6. Who’s smarter?
Donald has the street smarts, Timmy has the Jesuit-honed book-learning. About equal, in the end.

Donald graduated from Rutgers before the army, and I agree that they're equal, but have different strengths.

7. Whose temper is worse?
Donald's. Timmy tends to hold things in.

And when it can't be held in?

8. Who does the laundry?
Timmy. Donald intends to, but forgets, and his schedule is more irregular.

I don't even think he intends to. The division of labour seems to be that Timmy gets all the 'inside' jobs, and to quote "Laundry was his job, not mine. Whenever the subject of household chores came up—had come up—I'd say, "You wash and clean, and I'll keep the windmill oiled and the hogs fed." A cushy deal I had. Had had."

9. Who does the dishes?
Timmy, usually. When Donald is home, he makes him help, but he doesn't think Donald does it very well, and he's afraid he'll break things. Especially the nice crystal.

Timmy again.

10. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
Timmy sleeps on the right.

In this house. Wonder if they switch over if the door is on the other side of the bed when they are away from home?

11. Whose feet are bigger?
Timmy's.

Agreed.

12. Whose hair is longer?
Timmy's, usually.

Agreed. He leaves the military cut for Donald.

13. Who’s better with the computer?
They're about equal. Timmy has more patience with the computer, Donald has more savvy.

Agreed.

14. Do you have pets?
One dog. Dr. Watson. A West Highland Terrier.

Yes but I think they had to give up Dr Watson to Timmy's mother after they had to spend too much time away from home.

15. Who pays the bills?
Shared equally. Well, as equally as possible. Sometimes when Donald is between jobs, Timmy helps him out. Sometimes when Donald's been paid well, he pays more than his share to compensate for the lean times.

Agreed. Timmy does the household accounts.

16. Who cooks dinner?
Timmy.

Who else?

17. Who drives when you are together?
...?

Donald, always, no doubt at all.

18. Who pays when you go out to dinner?
Depends who suggested it. And/or the state of Donald's finances.

Agreed.

19. Who’s the most stubborn?
Timmy.

Yup.

Re: part 1

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Donald - when alone he'll eat a bagel and a plain yoghurt.

Yup - again, quick, plain food, but fairly nutritious. Probably also peanut butter on bread, or a glass of juice. I suspect he is fairly careful to keep in shape.

Re: I love you - I think Donald says it seriously very, very seldom.

Yes, but with a certain emphasis on "seriously". When he says it, he really, really means it and feels a need need to say it.

the army training has stuck with him

Good point - and this fits also with the keeping in shape. Food is fuel, not pleasure, unless Timmy is involved in it.

In the movies, Timmy seems to be older... In the books, Donald is about two years older than Timmy.

Ah! This explains my confusion. So. For fictional purposes, which do you prefer? I think I like Timmy being older.

7. Whose temper is worse?
Donald's. Timmy tends to hold things in.

And when it can't be held in?

I'd say we've seen him lose his temper very seriously twice - once in Shock to the System (in the bar) and once in the book when he was angry with Donald and had that wonderful Proust quote. I'd guess that it's easier for Donald to get angry about small things and get over it, while Timmy doesn't get angry until it's uncontrollable. And then it takes time for him to simmer down. But he'll always end up forgiving Donald. Always.

"You wash and clean, and I'll keep the windmill oiled and the hogs fed." A cushy deal I had. Had had."

I love that quote. But I was postulating that after that point, things changed a little, he was less inclined to take Timmy for granted, and tried harder to be fair. Without much success, I imagine: Timmy is neat and precise, Donald isn't, and even with the best of intentions Donald can't keep up his end. But even so... when he pushes himself to think about it, I think he has intentions of doing better.

part 2

[maaseru.livejournal.com]

20. Who is the first one to admit when they’re wrong?
Donald, because of Timmy being stubborner. But it doesn't always happen this way. Each values the relationship too much to let a fight go on indefinitely.

They know themselves well enough to have sex if their disagreement goes on too long or too far.

21. Whose family do you see more?
...?

Timmy's. Donald's family doesn't want to know.

22. Who named your pet?
...? Timmy.

Agreed.

23. Who kissed who first?
...? Timmy.

Donald kissed Timmy first, though it was a close race by the time they got around to it.

24. Who asked who out?
Donald asked Timmy. After they'd been at each other's apartments many times.

They met under a tree in Washington Park. Were they both cruising? They might have not gone to the clubs together for some time.

26. Who’s more sensitive?
Depends what kind of sensitivity is being discussed. Donald is probably quicker on the psychological uptake most of the time. Timmy's better with in-depth analysis.

To each other? Timmy. He'll wait for Donald to open up, but Donald would handle Timmy in quite a different way.

27. Who’s taller?
Timmy.

True.

28. Who has more friends?
They tend to have the same friends, except those Donald has met on the job and Timmy has met in the legistlature. Most of their good friends are from the Albany gay community.

Agreed, though Timmy spends way more time in the house.

29. Who has more siblings?
...?

No indication.

30. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
Toss-up!

In public, Timmy. In bed, Donald.

Re: part 2

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

They met under a tree in Washington Park. Were they both cruising?

That was my interpretation, but it isn't the only possible way of taking it.

They might have not gone to the clubs together for some time.

Lots of fictional possibilities here!

In public, Timmy. In bed, Donald.

Yeah, I like that!

Re: part 2

[dkwilliams.livejournal.com]

30. Who wears the pants in the relationship?
Toss-up!

In public, Timmy. In bed, Donald.

I love this! So totally right, remembering Donald asking Timmy what his political thoughts were at that party in "Shock to the System", and then the (sadly few) bedroom scenes with Donald definitely in charge.

Re: part 2

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

That "political thoughts" moment was so delightful - so clear Timmy cared about the issue and Donald (had he even noticed what it was) didn't care in the least.

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

A few things I might say-movie verse only.

-I think Timmy does all the finances, and Donald puts his money into a shared account.
-Donald has a quicker temper, but if Timmy finally lets loose, look out. But he's sorry afterwards.
-Donald may not say the words, but he he a bit more demonstrative, in the movies, anyway. And I think perhaps he may have said I love you first.
-I feel like even though he's Irish Catholic, Timmy is an only child.

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Good answers.

To some extent, the needs of any given story would determine how I interpret these things, in the absence of any real evidence in the movies. Or, for that matter, the books - they correspond rather well, but I think that in the case of contradictions (there are a few), I'd give the movie canon priority.

I don't imagine Donald likes paperwork.

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

ITA. And I'm pretty sure Donald hates it. Remember how they had his office the first time we see it? lol

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

He probably thinks it's a kind of torture.

[adafrog.livejournal.com]

lol Yah, Timmy probably sends him to go do it when he's in the doghouse. ;)

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

There's a story in that all by itself!

[atheneunknown.livejournal.com]

First off, I'm utterly flattered that you've been so inspired by that post, which ironically enough was snagged from the journal of one of my favorite authors of all time, Poppy Z. Brite.

Secondly, how tempting is it for me to do this Janto style? Or maybe Tosh/Owen?

Muahahahahahaha. You've started something here!

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

which ironically enough was snagged from the journal of one of my favorite authors of all time, Poppy Z. Brite.

Very cool!

how tempting is it for me to do this Janto style? Or maybe Tosh/Owen?

Oh, yes please! I'd like that.

[atheneunknown.livejournal.com]

got a bit of a plotbunny scurrying around. i might do this after i pin the bunny down and make sense of it...

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Bunny wrangling - good luck!