copingmechanizm

[copingmechanizm]

Dystopian prompt:

There was this island made full of sand and the government was sending people who somehow wronged them, to this island. Every once in a while the deliveries would come with food and other necessities. But one day the deliveries stopped coming. The idea behind was that the people there would fight each other or die of hunger, they wanted the whole island dead. People on this island panicked at first, some started fighting, some tried to find a solution, but there was nothing but sand on the island, there wasn't even much buildings, mostly tents. So growing food was out of the question. But then they found out that this island was actually connected to the main land (don't ask me how, it was a dream) so a few of them decided to go there and try to tell the world they are trapped there (they assumed civilians might not know about the fact they were sent to the island to die). In this exploring group was a middle aged man, a young woman, maybe a teen, and a mother with two children. As they were going to the main land they discovered that there were brand new railroads leading from island to the big city (it looked like some futuristic civilization) and that this roads were heavily guarded by police. Somehow the group managed to sneak by them and went to the city. The city was bustling with people, there were many sellers with their products stucked on the street. It all looked like one big market place. So the island group tried to convince city people to help them, but it turned out those people knew who they are (the island people were somehow branded, like a collar or an armband) and didn't want to give them even water. They begged, especially the mather but to no vain. Soon the man from the island group was taken away by the guard/policeman. The teen disappeared somewhere and one of the children died from exhaustion. The mother with the other child in act of desperation went to the temple and tried to blend in by praying to the city's gods. But people there found her out and wanted to kicked her and the child out. The mother begged and finally convinced the priest to let her child stay and she left.

And that's it. I like to imagine that this is the prologue and the story would continue with the perspective of the child who grew up in the temple and trained to find their mother and to avenge what happened to the island people. But I can't write so here is just an idea.

[copingmechanizm]

Gabriel felt the exact moment Lucifer pierced his doppelganger through. It hurt the same as if he was really there. He knew that the face of his dear brother, the moment when he was killing him, would stay in his mind for a long long time. The indifference in his eyes, the deep hurt and crazy from the millennia in the Cage. He had no delusions that meeting Lucifer after all this time would be a happy family reunion. Although... although he maybe still believed that his older brother wouldn't kill him, ever. He clearly was wrong. He underestimated how deeply screwed Lucifer was now. Which hurt so so much, more than the physical wound. Now more than ever he missed the times before Lucifer's fall. They were happy then, truly happy. They had each other, him, Lucifer, Michael and Raphael, and they had their little siblings and their Dad. They were happy. He rarely went that far back in his memories, he didn't like the regret and spite for his father he felt at how the happy times ended. But now the situation threw his into spiral. Gabriel physically shook his head, now was not the time for analyzing every past mistake. He had to find a place he could stay low for some time, until the Winchesters end the apocalypse and the news that he was an archangel weren't so fresh. He also will have to find himself a new disguise. As much as he liked being Loki, this personality was busted. Shame. For the last time Lucifer's face popped up in his mind before he flew to the deep ends of Siberia. Not the best place for a vacation but rarely anyone was looking for someone here. He started coming to agreement that this will be his life for at least next century, again on the run, again hiding from his siblings. But better that than the alternative.

[copingmechanizm]

A little inside of Loki's thoughts the moment the Winchesters found out he's the archangel in the au where he and Sam used to be together.

Gabriel stood in the circle of holy fire in the old warehouse. He was trying very hard to avoid looking at Sam, afraid what he would find on his face. Was it hate? Disgust? Or even worse - regret? Regret of ever associating with Loki, regret of sharing many intimate moments with someone who hid being part of the group continuously manipulating him and his brother? Whatever it'll be, once they free him (if they free him, dear Dad) there's no chance Sam would ever want to talk to him again. And rightfully so. The truth was he knew this moment will happen. From the very beginning Loki knew who Sam was and what role in the apocalypse he had. And still he chose to ingnore it and take what he wanted. He thought at the moment that it's a one time thing. One night, that soon became many, many nights and days and weeks and months. He wasn't supposed to get so close to the Lucifer's vessel. He wasn't supposed to care, to engage in the big end. But it happened. And still against all odds he hoped that this moment would never come. That he would forever stay as Loki and only Loki to Sam. Because sexually engaging (because they were NOT dating) with a pagan god was immensely better that sexually engaging with an archangel, with the life Sam lived and with who he was destined to be. He tried to cut himself off of feelings, of emotions, of whatever the Winchesters were doing to stop the end of the world. But it was getting harder and harder. Ever since that spark between him and Sam lit back at their first meeting, he couldn't help but get more and more fond of this crazy inteligent, companionate giant with the biggest heart and the most beautiful soul he saw. And the hottest body. Especially that of course, he was a pagan god after all. At the time Gabriel was sure that whatever he had with Sam wouldn't change the way he thought about the apocalypse. That he'll still let it be, let it happen, hopefully ending as quickly as it can. Throwing the brothers to the TV land was his way to convince himself, more than convincing them. He had a plan in all this too and it was to stay away from intervening his brothers' fight. But while he was fluent in lying, it started to be too hard to lie to himself about not wanting to help stopping The End. And right now, standing face to face with the man who could ask him for anything and he'll receive it, Gabriel was afraid his resolve will shatter. Finally glancing at Sam's face he knew immediately that he lost. Because younger Winchester's eyes were full of betrayal and well hidden (but not for him) grief. And that's something he never wanted to see on his lover's face. Especially on Sam. He never was much of a fighter, more of a runner really. But now, he thinks he doesn't want to run anymore. Not if it's the only chance to fix whatever he had with Sam, at least a little.

[copingmechanizm]

As I have an obsession on both One Piece and Supernatural at the moment, I thought hard on where Sam and Dean would be in One Piece world. And my first thought was that obviously Whitebeard crew, they were all for the family and brotherhood so Winchesters would fit perfectly. But then, how would they even end up there, not because of John that's for sure. And crew life seems a little too steady for them. So what would be the closest to life as a hunter? Bounty hunters. Perfect Winchester-like lifestyle, going from island to island for a certain pirate, living on their little boat Impala style, father who raised them in the profession after some pirate killed their mother. So yes, now I'm looking for fics.

[copingmechanizm]

Alright so I got the idea of steddie based on a song “Memories” by Conan Gray.

Imagine them both secretly dating before season one, doesn’t matter how or why, that’s for your imagination. Anyway they break up over something silly, they’re both insecure teenagers and it really could be like jealousy or fear that someone would find out. So the action goes onto season one and Steve starts dating Nancy as canon and gets into Upside Down stuff. And after seeing and experiencing all the horrible things, after getting his first nightmare he goes to the only person he knows of that’ll make him truly safe. He goes to Eddie. So now late at night, months after break up, Eddie opens the door to his trailer to find out it’s miserable looking Steve, all drenched because of heavy rain outside, seemingly coming all the way here by foot as there is no sight of his car. So what choice does Eddie really have? He lets Steve in, gets him dry and give him some beer he got stashed for tomorrow’s night with the boys. Which leads to drunk Steve laying on his kitchen floor rambling how Eddie is the only person that gets him, how safe he feels with him, how he miss him and how much he regrets how the things ended with them. And Eddie? He dies a little inside because he knows as soon as Steve wakes up in the morning, he’ll leave without a word and none of his words will matter. All he’ll be left with is another reminder that Steve isn’t his anymore and probably never will be again. But now he feeds on those words because he also thinks that Steve is the only one that gets him, that he feels safe with him, that he miss him and that he regrets how things ended with them.

[copingmechanizm]

Alright, after new chapter I stand by it even more

I like the idea of evil Sabo. But not like evil evil, but like 'by all means' type of person.

Like while Ace and Luffy seems to always have the wellness of other people in mind, where it shows when Luffy wants to free a whole island, Sabo would sacrifice an island to get closer to his and Dragon's ambitions.

Imagine Sabo being on a mission where his goal is to make the habitants rebel against the island's government so the revolutionaries can join at the last minute and save the day. That way when they broadcast this worldwide more people would want to join their cause. But then Luffy comes to the same island and being who he is wants to help the people. But then when the crew snoops around they find out that it's the revolutionaries who initiated the conflict and Luffy is confused. Because why would they do that when they knew how many lives it would take? And then he sees Sabo and confronts him but he believes anything his older brother says. How he didn't know about it and it wasn't supposed to go like this. The Straw Hats aren't idiots though and know he's lying. Especially Robin who was around revolutionaries for a while and saw Sabo in action more than once. But they stay silent. And if they're suddenly warry of their captain's brother it's not like Luffy would notice anyway.

Everything ends up pretty much like the Dragon's army wanted anyway. Even if it was the Staw Hats who ultimately resolved the conflict and defeated the island's rulers, on the paper it was all thanks to the Revolutionary Army. Between the two, it was better for the public to think it was Dragon than the pirate Emperor.

...

Anyway, it's one of the examples, he just has the aura of someone that to his younger brother is all cute and good at heart but to everyone else is like a two faced devil who won't think twice when it comes to archive his goals.

[copingmechanizm]

Do you know you’ll never fly alone?

(steddie, hospital au)

*title from “Wings of Time” by Tame Impala*

Tw: mentions of suicide attempt, kind of illustrative so be aware

Eddie feels like shit. And that’s an euphemism in his dictionary. He got here only last morning and yet he already has enough. The walls are white, the ceiling is white, the sheets are white, fuck even the flowers on the window sills are white. Because of all this whiteness his head starts to hurt and if he won’t get out of this fucking room he’ll jump out of the window. Oh wait, he can’t, the windows don’t open because it’s a fucking psychiatric ward! Yes, that’s right. He, Eddie “The Freak” Munson finally is where he belongs. Or at least where people from his town always imagined him ending in. This or prison. To be honest this place somewhat combines the two. He can’t go out without someone accompanying him, even to the hospital yard. The only place outside of his room where he could go is the corridor and there is only so much to do in one fucking corridor. Since breakfast (that was like two hours ago?), when he finally had enough strength to walk on his own, he walked this couple of meters for something around ten times over. He would walk more but it started to annoy nurses and other patients and they made him stay in his room. Fools. They don’t know yet what it means to be annoyed by one Eddie Munson. But soon they will. If he’ll have to stay here for another day. And he will. That’s what doctors says. He didn’t have a meeting with miss psychiatrist yet (ironic huh) and really she’s the one to have a final say in this. He’s dreading the appointment and it’s scheduled in only few hours. He doesn’t want to talk to anyone about what happened, about why he’s here and what lead to this. He wasn’t supposed to talk to anyone anymore, that was kind of the whole purpose of why he slashed his wrists. Well, maybe by Ouija board? But he imagined to answer only cool people trying to summon him. Anyway, the point is, he tried, he failed even this, and now he has to do exactly what he wanted to escape from- talking about his problems while being a burden to everyone around.

To try to distract himself from welling thoughts, he starts preparing for his Great Escape But Not Really An Escape by stuffing pillows and other stuff under his blanket so from the door’s window it would look like he’s sleeping in his bed. He also puts on his jacket and combat shoes and grabs his wallet. Satisfied by the results he peaks through the small window and when there’s no one around he darts to the corridor and then further to the elevator. He gets off on the ground floor, trying to look as unsuspicious as its possible given he still has his hospital gown on. After a bit of aimless wandering, he finally found what looks like some sort of back entrance or just entrance for staff only. Perfect. Now he can finally breath some fresh air. Well not that fresh as he takes his ciggs and lighter out of his pocket. He lights one up and takes a deep breath. That’s exactly what he needed. Really, this stay is kind of missing its point if they don’t let him smoke. His only joy in this life. Outside of weed but he won’t try that in hospital, he’s not that stupid.

As he stands there in peace, the door abruptly open scaring the shit out of the long haired. He already has million excuses on his tongue for why he’s out here but they die as his eyes land on the pretty (oh so so fucking pretty) man in polo shirt and jeans. So, definitely not a nurse or a doctor. His eyes meet the blue ones of the newcomer (and how can a man have so many lashes?), opened in pleasant surprise. He stops in half a step, looking right at Eddie. He swears he’s probably already red with all this attention from the blond haired boy (and what a hair he has, fluffy, shiny and styled with clearly much care). He’s not used to handsome guys looking at him with anything other than disgust.

“You probably shouldn’t be here.” The pretty boy breaks the silence and Eddie gets even more red because he’s clearly right. He’s also suddenly embarrassed by one: being here and two: wearing only a hospital gown under his jacket.

“Well yes, probably, but I needed a smoke and for some reason nurses would rather eat a bug that let me go outside alone and the windows in my room don’t open” He says quickly, with the urge to explain himself to this godlike man.

“Alright.” The blond says while still closely watching Eddie. “Can I get one then? I too need a smoke but my friend threw away my last pack.”

“umm…sure?” The man was too stunned to speak so he just reaches his pocket and hands the pack and lighter to the stranger.

“Thanks.” He smiles like Eddie just hang the Moon for him instead of giving one cigarette. “By the way my name’s Steve.”

“Eddie.” He smiles even brighter at hearing the name and they smoke in surprisingly comfortable silence, watching each other from the corner of their eyes.

“Soooo, you say your friend threw your equivalent of the gods nectar away?” Eddie suddenly asks stubbing the burnt out cigarette to the ground and throwing it away, Steve following his steps a second later. He never was good at keeping his mouth shut for too long. And if he made Steve smile again at his wording (pretty accurate if you ask him) in the process that’s a bonus.

“Hah yeah, she did. She hates when I smoke and she’s convinced that taking away my ciggs will make me magically quit.” His smile grows fonder as he talks about his friend. She must be really important to him.

“She truly is, the most important person in my life.” Ups, he said that out loud. Well, at least it’s nothing bad. He probably would have said it anyway. “I work with her here at the little store by the main entrance. And speaking of which, my break will end soon so I should go back.” The disappointment that floods him as he’s hearing those words is familiar and brings Eddie back to reality. These last not even ten minutes was the most relaxed he’s been in weeks if not months and now just like that it has to end. Like everything good in his life. Steve starts towards the door, but halts with one hand already on the handle. “When you’ll manage to sneak out again, come by if you want? I’d love to talk with you some more.” The blond says suddenly nervous, looking hopefully back at Eddie. And Eddie still stuck on his last thought, trying to wrap his head around the idea that this perfect guy wants to meet him again, can only nod in response. Seeing the dark haired reaction, Steve smiles satisfied and goes through the entrance back to his work.

Eddie stands there for a little longer, watching the door. Steve’s words playing on repeat in his head with the addiction of the picture of the blinding smile he had on when he looked at Eddie one last time. When he finally came back to full sanity (hah, you get the joke, full sanity in psych ward) he starts to go towards the elevator and back to his room. By some miracle (that’s the only explanation as he’s pretty sure he used all of his life’s worth of luck already back there with Steve) no one noticed he was gone. He cleans his bed from all this stuff he left there and throws himself on it with a long sigh. He’ll have to get up soon and write down somewhere what just happened because he’s certain he’ll think it was all just some kind of rare case of a good dream tomorrow morning. He definitely doesn’t want it to be just a dream.

[copingmechanizm]

Steve Harrington was born a siren, just like his mother. Perfect skin, rosy cheeks, silky soft hair. He had her eyes, her nose, the tilt of her lips. He was supposed to be the perfect son to match Mr Harrington’s perfect wife. Handsome and charming. The heir to the Harrington Empire.

His mother was beautiful, always looking perfect. Not a hair out of place or her lipstick smudged. Steve always thought his mother was the most beautiful woman in the world, as all kids do. Turns out he was more right than most. She was ethereal, unapproachable, gorgeous in a way you couldn’t quite place. In a way only sirens can be. No wonder his father wanted her.

When he got older Steve realised it was her siren song, that made his father want her. She could charm anyone with a flick of her hair and a swish of her skirt. A wink and a laugh and you would be entranced. And if she sang, spoke to you with a special lilt to her voice, you would be under her spell. And so he bought her to work parties, on business trips, dinners with potential work partners. And she would charm whoever he wanted charmed. And then his father would be promoted, given a raise, and the cycle repeated.

He didn’t love her, and he didn’t love Steve either. And so Steve didn’t sing. Ever. No singing in the shower, no humming in the halls. No karaoke or lilting his voice. He wasn’t going to entrance anyone. He wasn’t going to con his way to the top, just like dear old dad.

Steve became popular anyway. He was handsome, he was charming, he made people want to do things for him - just by existing. He was a siren. It was easier for him, dealing with people. He knows what they’re feeling, what they crave, what they desire. And it’s so easy to take that want and twist it just so. Make his life a little easier. Make it so maybe, his dad with love him if Steve does what he wants, just like his mother.

It doesn’t work. He’s a disappointment and his father doesn’t love him. He promises to himself to never sing again.

Mrs Harrington taught him everything he knows. What she didn’t tell him about, was the itch, the burning underneath his skin. The all encompassing desire to be in the water. He needs it. He craves it. Apparently, when he was a toddler, he would happily play in the bath for hours and hours and throw a hell of a tantrum when it was time to come out. As a kid, he would spend all Saturday swimming in the pool, only getting out when his father yelled at him.

It wasn’t the same as the lake. The pool was nice, but the water wasn’t fresh. It wasn’t natural. The first time he swam in a lake, on a free afternoon over summer vacation, he grew gills. The more he swam, the more prominent they became, the easier it was to swim. And then his fingers started to web together. It was freeing, it was everything, it was as natural as anything. Young Steve came home with scales growing on his legs only to be met with the stern face of his mother.

He couldn’t swim in the lake again. He can’t transform. People can’t know what he is. What she is. The itch gets worse. He’s constantly sipping at water bottles to alleviate the sensation. It doesn’t really work. He joins the swim team. That doesn’t help either. He doesn’t know how his mother does it.

He dreams of the ocean. His parents leave for another business trip. He sneaks out to Lovers Lake.

Steve hides his car in the trees, finds what he thinks is an old abandoned dock, and strips down to his underwear. He dives in with a perfect arch, and swims until the scales start forming. Coming up for air, Steve doesn’t realise how long it’s been — but it must have been a while since there’s a boy on the dock.

Shoes next to him, ripped jeans rolled up so he can dip his feet in the water. Long curly hair falling in waves around his face. A lit cigarette perched between pink lips. Chocolate brown eyes, fluttering lashes. He’s beautiful, and he’s singing.

Steve can’t stop staring.

[copingmechanizm]

Oh, my car smells like chocolate

(modern au steddie)

*the title comes from "chocolate" by The 1975*

Eddie Munson is a man of many talents. He's pretty decent at singing, his guitar skills are at least star quality and he can fix any minor fault around the house. He even found out he's capable of organizing all kinds of events, which he chose to be his job after scraping through college. What he's not good at though is baking and keeping his mouth shut. So when Chrissy, who just begun to work with him few weeks ago, told him in distress that the bakery which was supposed to provide a cake for Saturday's event cancelled last minute, Eddie said that he'll do it then. He. Baking a fucking cake. Of course he wouldn't do it! The only thing he even attempted to bake was chocolate chip cookies and that was a disaster. His kitchen barely survived. So he's afraid to even think what would happen if he'd try to bake a full on cake.

Now then he has two options. Number one: he'll go to every bakery in town to try to get a two store customized cake for at least fifty people. He's ready to beg for it if needed. Number two: he'll admit his idiocy and tell Chrissy he won't bring any cake for Saturday. He's sure after shooting disappointed look his way she would figure something out. The choice was simple. Of course he chose option number one.

After spending yesterday's evening and half of today searching for a kind bakery, he's pretty close to admit his defeat. Everywhere he went he got the same answer: no one will take his order at such a short notice. So now he got less than 24 hours to bring the promised cake to the venue with no idea how to do that. He's slowly leaning into choosing option number two when his eyes catch on the sigh across the street saying "King Steve's Bakery". Well, worth a try even if the shop seems small and he doesn't have much hope left.

He enters and he's welcomed by cosy interior, all wood and stone, with many mismatched pieces of art stuffed around the walls. No one appears to be here at the moment. He gets closer to the counter, where there's all kinds of baked goods displayed. Eddie has to admit all here looks delicious. He can't get distracted though. He has another fight this day ahead of him. He rings the small bell, similar to the ones at the hotel receptions, and waits. Soon, though the doors leading to the back, comes the most beautiful man Eddie has ever saw. Sharp jaw, soft blue eyes, hair that looked like professionaly styled and a splatter of moles and freckles. Not to mention clearly athletic body with muscular arms accented by fitted polo shirt. The apron with a crown he has on weirdly gives him a sort of gentle aura. The name tag says Steve so that's probably the baker's name. He dust his hands from what looks like a flour and with a charming smile openes those perfectly shaped mouth.

"What can I do for you, beautiful?"

Is it just Eddie or it bacame suddenly hot in here?

"I...um... I- I mean, I want to buy a cake". Fucking hell he couldn't embarrass himself more, could he?

"Well, you're in right place then." The baker softly chuckled, looking right at Eddie. "So what you're exactly looking for? You want something ready or a custom made one?"

"Right, yes, I want a custom made, two store for fifty people. Best if it's floral related but honestly right now I'll take anything." The event is for some florist association and ideally it's supposed to picture some kind of flower that's on their logo but he thinks at this rate they're lucky if they get anything at all. He looks hopefully at his potential savior who returns the look with raised eyebrows.

"Two store you say? That's a helluva lot of work. When's the deadline?" And there, that's when Eddie's last chance will shatter to pieces.

"Tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow?! Dude that's a really short time you give me. This place is small but we do have other clients, you know?" Shit, fuck and other cursed words in this language. Not only he won't get the cake but also he somehow managed to piss off the perfect man.

"Yes! Yes I know, really. It's just- I'm like desperate. I'm ready to beg." Especially to you. "Tomorrow's this big event and the bakery cancelled last minute and I promised I'll do it but I couldn't bake to save my life and I probably visited every bakery in this shit town and you're my last chance." He finished lamely very much aware he started rumbling. Steve stared at him through his monologue looking more and more amused with every word. Finally, after what felt like eternity of silence filled with fast beating of Eddie's heart, he speaks out sealing his fate.

"Alright. I'll do it." What? Did he hear right? Does miracles truly exist? "But." Ah. There it is. " You'll have to help me."

"WHAT? Did you not hear when I said I can't bake???" He looked at confident face of the baker like he was crazy. He can't be serious, right? RIGHT??

"Yes I heard. I also heard that you promised that you'll be the one making it so it's a compromise. Don't worry, I'll do the most of work." That doesn't make Eddie worry any less. "So? Tonight at seven I'll meet you here? I'll close up and we'll be ready to bake." This bastard has the guts to grin at Eddie self-satisfied like he didn't just sentenced his bakery to die in flames. But alas, he doesn't have much of a choice. He won't find anything better and if all he has to do is sit and watch as Steve works his magic, maybe occasionally mix something? then deal.

"Deal. I'll meet you tonight. But don't blame me if by tomorrow you won't have a place to work at." Steve laughed, and oh he even has a perfect laught, making Eddie a blushing virgin again.

"Deal. Till tonight, beautiful boy."

"Fuck- I mean- my name's Eddie." This man will kill him someday if he won't die in the fire tonight.

"Alright, Eddie. See you." His name has never sounded so beautiful.

"Right, see you." He choked out and one last time looked into those eyes, now full of mirth and amusement. He quickly walked out so he wouldn't change his mind and went back to his place. He looked at the clock. A little past four. So he has three hours to get ready and mentally prepare himself for tonight's disaster. Heaven and hell help him.

[copingmechanizm]

I like the idea of evil Sabo. But not like evil evil, but like 'by all means' type of person.

Like while Ace and Luffy seems to always have the wellness of other people in mind, where it shows when Luffy wants to free a whole island, Sabo would sacrifice an island to get closer to his and Dragon's ambitions.

Imagine Sabo being on a mission where his goal is to make the habitants rebel against the island's government so the revolutionaries can join at the last minute and save the day. That way when they broadcast this worldwide more people would want to join their cause. But then Luffy comes to the same island and being who he is wants to help the people. But then when the crew snoops around they find out that it's the revolutionaries who initiated the conflict and Luffy is confused. Because why would they do that when they knew how many lives it would take? And then he sees Sabo and confronts him but he believes anything his older brother says. How he didn't know about it and it wasn't supposed to go like this. The Straw Hats aren't idiots though and know he's lying. Especially Robin who was around revolutionaries for a while and saw Sabo in action more than once. But they stay silent. And if they're suddenly warry of their captain's brother it's not like Luffy would notice anyway.

Everything ends up pretty much like the Dragon's army wanted anyway. Even if it was the Staw Hats who ultimately resolved the conflict and defeated the island's rulers, on the paper it was all thanks to the Revolutionary Army. Between the two, it was better for the public to think it was Dragon than the pirate Emperor.

...

Anyway, it's one of the examples, he just has the aura of someone that to his younger brother is all cute and good at heart but to everyone else is like a two faced devil who won't think twice when it comes to archive his goals.

[copingmechanizm]

Zombie AU where Steve gets to an unhealthy level of "it's my responsibility to protect everyone" because when the Pandemic started, Barb Holland was one of the first infected and he had to kill her as she was trying to bite Nancy.

Even if it was the right thing to do, the relationship between him and Nancy has never been the same and he promised himself he would never get to that point again.

For the following years he trains, takes the most dangerous missions, always makes sure to be in the first line to protect his friends and somehow he manages to survive despite always putting others first.

It all changes when he meets Eddie. Who doesn't expect him to jump right in front of the danger to save him, who gets mad every time he does so, who tries the best he can to share the burden with him.

And Steve, for the first time in years, dares to be hopeful about the future, to daydream a farm where he and Eddie could live together, to let go of the things he can't control.

Steve dares to fall in love.

And right when he finally believes he deserves good things too, Eddie gets bitten.

It was supposed to be a simple mission to look for supplies in the abandoned trailer park, Eddie offered to go since he knew the place better than anyone else, and they were so sure it would've been a simple one they let Dustin go with him.

It only took an infected who was stuck in one of the trailers to get him. Dustin is in tears as he tells Steve how Eddie jumped on the infected to protect him.

All the progress Steve made thanks to Eddie, learning to lean on others, to not blame himself for fucked up shit he cannot control, goes away in an instant. Because Steve should've gone instead of Eddie, he should've been there to protect Dustin, he should've been bitten.

Steve takes his decision quickly.

He sends Dustin home with Hopper, he takes one of the guns and promises he will handle the situation.

He goes inside the trailer as they're driving away, Eddie is sitting on the floor, leaning on the wall behind him, a knife in his hand.

When he sees Steve, he is ready to protest and send him away until Steve shows him his gun. Eddie looks stunned, then nods slowly.

Steve sits next to him "I'm sorry".

"It's not your fault" Eddie sounds so convinced Steve wishes he could believe him.

Steve takes Eddie's free hand in his "I'll stay with you until it's time."

"Steve, you don't have to do this-"

Steve squeezes his hand "Please, let me buy us a little more time."

Eddie quietly stares at him, studying his expression, and he knows him so well Steve wonders if he figured out his real plan. If he knows that Steve has no intention to get out of that trailer without him.

Eddie's eyes get watery and he can't tell if it's because he's scared of dying or because he knows Steve won't use his gun.

Finally, Eddie nods "Okay."

Steve nods back "Okay."

Eddie rests his head on his shoulder.

And they wait.

[copingmechanizm]

Prince Steve and Harpist Eddie AU (steddie)

Steve Harrington is the only son of the ruler of the Great Hawkins Kingdom. He's supposed to inherit the throne in the future and become the king Steve one day. Also he's definitely supposed to marry some beautiful young lady from a good family and make future successors of the Harrington bloodline. There are some problems though. Firstly, he doesn't even want to rule. Secondly, he's very much gay. Obviously his parents don't know about it and if they knew they wouldn't acknowledge it anyway. He has to do it and there's no room for negotiation.

So for his twenty first birthday the king throws a party inviting all nobel families who have yet unmarried daughters close to steve's age. They want him to choose his future wife on that party and if he won't - they'll choose for him. The day of the party comes way too quickly and he finds himself standing next to his parents' thrones at the head of a ball room. He's looking at all those girls hungrily watching him with the growing dread in his stomach.

His eyes wander until they land on the band playing on the balcony. To be exact - on the devilishly handsome harp player on the left. Long dark curls, eyes contured with a bit of coal as is popular among the bards, halfly closed in dreamy manner. He has never seen anyone as beautiful as him. How Steve is supposed to find himself a wife when a man of his dreams is in the same room? The answer is he can't.

Against his reason, when he sees the band retreat for a break, he excuses himself to his parents and sprints to the second floor, where he's hoping to catch his dream boy. The heavens must be on his sides, because as soon as he turns the corner of the staircase, he sees his target. He calls out to him and walks the remaining distance trying to catch his breath and gather suddenly lost courage. The dream boy looks rather confused and guarded as he wasn't expecting prince Steve here and he can't imagine what interest he would have with him other that something that means trouble. He begins to kneel as is expected of anyone meeting the royalty but Steve quickly says he doesn't want him to. He looks at the young primce's face and he's met with a strar struck gaze. As if the harpist was another world wonder. He's clearly nervous too and the long haired couldn't be more lost about what's going on here. Then Steve as if he heard the harpist thoughts, says he was amazed by their play and he wanted to meet the band personally. He asks them their names and introduces himself too as if they don't know who he is.

Steve feels ecstatic that he managed to praise them without making a fool of himself and now he has a name of the dream boy! Eddie. He's already imagining what this name would look like next to his in the royal chronicles. Eddie, a little charmed by the prince's nervous behavior and not immune to his more than good look, moves past the previous apprehension and starts to chat with Steve as if they were on the same status. He talks about his music and life as an artist while the prince confide with him with the true purpose of this party and why it's impossible for him to choose a girl. They talk standing by the wall with no care to the rest of the world. They both don't know why they feel so comfortable telling each other so much about themselves when they just met but it's like something moves into right place inside them the longer they're together. The peace doesn't last long though and soon they hear guard calling out to Steve, evidently looking for him. Thank heavens they don't see the two just yet so Eddie has enough time to run where the rest of the band went off to some time before. The guards take Steve back to the ball room and for the rest of the night he feels Eddie's eyes on him, as he dances with the girls. He doesn't dare to lift his own gaze back to the harpist as he knows he won't be able to resist going up there again.

Soon the night comes to an end and he chooses the only girl that appeared as much opposed to the idea of marrying as him. Her name is Robin and she was also forced to come to the party by her parents. And evidently the girls here were more interesting to her than him. So he took a risk and made a proposition that if she doesn't want to marry a boy and he doesn't want to marry a girl they should team up and marry each other to please their parents but at the same time keep meeting who that really want. To his surprise she agreed. His parents satisfied that he chose himself a wife leave him alone for the next few days, busy with preparation for the formal engagement and future wedding.

He uses the free time to come to the city in a disguise to look for Eddie. He only has his name and the name of the band. It's enough though. Turns out the band is more popular than he thought and soon he has the name and the hour of their next gig. He's lucky again, the show is in few hours. He finds the place and pay for one of the room upstairs to wait. When the time comes he stands close to the scene waiting for the artist to come. Finally Eddie walks in front of the crowd and immediately notices Steve. His smile is truly blinding and it's like he's energy doubled. He plays with new found purpose, this time also singing a few parts. Steve keeps his eyes on him throughout the concert enraptured by his play and voice.

When the show ends they both stay at the bar drinking together and talking until late hours. When it's closing time Steve takes the musician upstairs to his room where they fall into each other in an embrace, their lips finally meeting. They lay in bed and soon they fall asleep curled together. In the morning Steve tells Eddie about the marriage and his plan made with Robin. Suddenly looking nervous he asks if they maybe could keep meeting even after his wedding? Of course Eddie agrees, he honestly couldn't say no to the prince who apperently stole his heart.

[copingmechanizm]

Model Steve and Designer Eddie AU (steddie)

After Robin graduated, she and Steve moved to New York. Robin started college and Steve was supposed to find a job. It wasn't easy. He didn't have college degree and an experience from ice cream parlor and video store didn't give him that much. Every refusal made him feel more and more useless and worthless. Until Robin suggested going for an audition to a modeling agency. He was sceptical but also desperate so he went. Surprisingly he got the contract, apperently his many moles and freckles made him more original and recognizable which was what the recruiters were looking for. Soon begun the photo sessions and runways and Steve was surprised how much he found to like it. It didn't take long for him to become famous, starring in fashion shows of top designers and appearing on billboards around the Time Square. Then finally, after months of trying, he got a job at his favorite designer The Banisher. A persona known to everyone in the fashion industry and beyond. Their collections were selling for small fortunes to celebrities, especially musicians, as his clothes often had a scenic flare. His style focused on dark pallete, metals, leather, often lace and semi permanent fabrics. It was sexy and definitely eye catching. The Banisher never showed his face, wearing a mask on their runway shows or even not showing at all. So Steve even though he got a part in the runway for the new collection, he didn't have much hope for meeting the creator themselves. Finally the day has come and he arrived at early hours for the clothes try-on and usual make up and hair stylization. And there, next the clothing rack stands The Banisher, in his iconic jacket and denim vest (which he was known for) and black leather pants, with familiar long dark curls gathered in a bun at the top of their head. And without a mask. And wait why is that face so familiar? Is that Eddie Munson?! Apperently he said that out loud as the man turned his head sharply in Steve direction. They looked at each other in shock, the designer apperently recognizing Harrington too. And after what felt like eternity they begun to talk. Just like that. Like they're old friends and not ex jock king and school freak. Turns out Eddie wasn't the one choosing the model but his assistant Chrissy who chose Steve on purpose knowing full well that they went to high school together and had a crush on him. Or so he suspected. That sounded like her. Eddie also knew that Steve was working as a model, but from obvious reasons never planned to hire him. He was surprised and very much flustered when Steve admitted that The Banisher is his favorite designer. He definitely didn't think his clothes were in King Steve's taste. Steve on the other hand wanted to know how Eddie begun his fashion career and why not became musician as he thought he wanted (he remembered Munson playing in some band in high school). They talked until more and more models begun to arrive and Steve had to go to get ready for a runway. And if Eddie made a few last minute corrections just for Steve that's no one's business. He had his eyes on Harrington the whole time, how could he not when he was wearing the clothes he made looking like eighth wonder of the world. After the show, when it was time for the models to leave, Eddie approached Steve and looking unusually shy, asked him to come with him to a party that he had with his friends and crew as a celebration of a successful event. He didn't want to leave Steve just yet. The model happily agreed not wanting to part ways with Eddie too. They went together, Steve meeting everyone and both having great time (Chrissy looked suspiciously smug just like Eddie suspected). They parted ways after Steve insisted to walk Eddie home, but with plans for a date next weekend.

[copingmechanizm]

Rockstar Eddie and single parent Steve AU (steddie)

Steve who got married soon after high school to some girl his parents chose. It was a marriage of convenience to join two big companies and for Steve "to finally be useful to the family". They separated just after the birth of their son, both having enough of this forced relationship. So that's how Steve became a single dad, raising his son while his ex wife percues her career. Now, his barely teaneged kid entered some kind of "rebel era" listening to music with lots of guitars and screaming and Steve not wanting to be like his own parents, tries to support him in it even if he doesn't understand it. So when Harrington junior asks if he can go to some concert in their city not only he agrees but also buys vip tickets with meet and greet. Obviously he can't go alone at the age of twelve, so Steve goes with him. They wait at the venue for the band to come up for meet and greet before the show and soon he sees familiar dark curls and somewhat maniac grin. There, with the rest of the band stands Eddie Munson, the school freak who was on his mind constantly back in the days, way before he even new what that meant. And now, looking as good as ever, he was apparently a part of his son's favorite band. He must heve stared too long because Eddie looked at him and his eyes met. A flash of recognition passed through his eyes but he quickly turned his head back to a fan in front of him. He wanted to stay at the back, out of the sight of Eddie but his kid dragged him to the front to take a photo of him and the frontman. He tried to keep his eyes only on his son, already feeling awkward by the whole situation, but soon their eyes met again and this time Eddie waived and winked leaving Steve red faced and very much flustered. Soon the meeting came to an end and they waited for the show to begin, and Steve knew he won't be able to take his eyes off the frontman.

After the concert as they were waiting in the line for merch, security approached them stating that Eddie wants to meet with him. Weirdly nervous Steve and very much exited twelve-years-old followed the security guy backstage to once again today see the rock star.

...

Eddie wasn't expecting anything new on this last show on tour. The usual meet with the fans with taking photos and sighing stuff and then an hour of giving his best on the stage. He walked into the venue and just as he started the usual activities, he got a feeling of someone drilling holes into his head with his gaze. He looked up only to meet his eyes with his high school crush Steve Harrington. Quicky turning his head his mind already worked on high speed. What the hell is the Harrington doing here?! He looked as much out of the place as you could be on a rock concert wearing a polo shirt. He was standing at the back of the group with his arms on his chest looking like he came through the wrong door. Still wondering what he's doing here, he got his answer as he saw Harrington getting almost literally dragged by some kid toward the band. Amused, he watched as the past king of Hawkins High takes a photo of him and his(?) kid looking like he'd rather be doing anything else. He couldn't refuse himself giving a little hand wave his way and a wink as their eyes met to mess with him, delighted how it affected Steve. Soon the meeting ended but he knew he didn't want to leave this lovely interaction with king at this point. So at the spur of the moment he made arrangements to get the Harringtons backstage after the show. He didn't know what he'll do then but that's the problem for future Eddie, right?

[copingmechanizm]

The Long Con

I saw this tik tok edit of Rachel McAdams in the movie Hot Chick where she gets a milkshake on house (and she's just totally playing the guy) and for some odd reason this spiraled me into thinking about Conman!Steve and Mob Boss!Eddie. So here is my brainrot I guess. Maybe I'll do more parts or make something longer on ao3 if people like it.

Steve wasn't one to not think things through. Yes, he was aware that it was a double negative. He played up the dumb part quite often, but Steve wasn't actually stupid. So it was all part of the game, really.

Steve loved the game. The rush, the push, and the pull of tricking someone, getting them for all their worth. Steve loved the game because it was fun. Steve loved the game because he got to use horrible people for his very lavish lifestyle. There was nothing like living rich by feeding off the rich. Well, he was trying to do that, at least. See, Steve, although good at what he did, he burned through money faster than you could say savings. It wasn't his fault, really. He used to be better at keeping track. Always made sure to have enough, just in case. Hadn't needed to worry about anyone but himself. Because the only thing Steve truly loved for a long time was the game itself.

But then he met people along the way, misfits and criminals like himself that he couldn't help spoiling. The only person who seemed to catch his problem was Robin, but even she couldn't resist a new hard drive for her computer. It's how she made her own money, after all.

Despite his problem with spoiling everyone, Steve always thought things through. He followed the rules of the game without rules and continued to fill his pockets, scamming the deserving and cruel. But sometimes, sometimes for Steve... his abilities and bad habits sometimes, well, overlapped. Sometimes, Steve could have been better at choosing the right people to care about. He was getting better at it, he swears. He let go of the wrong ones a long, long time ago.

But sometimes they came back begging.

Tommy had been someone from his life before. Before being on his own, back when purple and blue were his father's favorite colors to paint him with. It was a time before the game, a time that, although he tries to forget, had a grip on him.

So when Tommy called, seeking forgiveness, seeking help, Steve caved quickly. He would always be that same little boy, looking for love from a past that wasn't there. Tommy wasn't his parents, sure, but it was as close as he would get.

So, yes, steve normally thought things through, but there was the rare occasion, there was the exception to the rule, where Steve majorly fucked up.

He was in Boston when it happened. Even though years ago, Steve swears he would never be going back. He's in a small diner two blocks away from main street. And he had just finished getting Tommy's money back. Steve always celebrated with one of three things: drinks, sex, or milkshakes.

And Steve wanted out of Boston as fast as possible, so he went for his quickest and sometimes tastiest tradition.

"How much do I owe you?" Steve smiled innocently at the waiter, giving his best babygirl face.

The waiter bit his lips as he tried not to stare at Steve's mouth, "It's okay, it's on the house."

Steve licked part of his free milkshake off his finger, "Really?" Steve's voice was an octave higher just for the waiter. He could tell he was someone who had a preference for men, and most likely had a problem with letting go of his masculinity. So Steve knew the more feminine, the better. Steve couldn't help the sly grin that stretched across his face when the waiter got flustered. He was an attention whore; sue him.

His waiter—huh, Andy, according to his name tag—looked like he was about to say something when a throat cleared behind him.

"Andy, doll, you might be wanting to get back to the kitchen for a minute." A deep voice said behind Andy. It sent chills down Steve's spine. The Boston accent with a slight tilt of Irish was enough to captivate him. Andy moved faster than the speed of light at the command.

When Andy disappeared, with his tail between his legs no less, the most beautiful man Steve's ever seen revealed himself. A tall, pale, curly brunette stood before him in a suit with a ripped-up band tee underneath. It shouldn't look good, and it shouldn't look professional, but it did. Steve saw tattoos peeking out from exposed skin, piercings all over his ears, and enough jewelry to start a store. Steve was bewitched.

The mystery man smiled, hands in his pockets, and leaned down slightly into Steve's space. "Oh, sweetheart, I have been looking for you everywhere."

Steve stayed silent, drinking him in; he smelt of mint, smoke, and morning rain.

The man slid into the booth, put his arms on the table, and made a little beat with his knuckles on the plastic. Then, Steve noticed the words "Hell Fire" across his knuckles. Steve's heart sunk to his stomach. He had heard of those hands before. Those hands were famous.

The man leaned his face against his right fist. "Hell" pushed into his cheekbone. "The name is Eddie Munson, love." Eddie looked Steve up and down. "But I think you've already figured that out by now, haven't ya?"

Steve steeled himself. He should be okay. He hadn't wronged this man before, but something, something was telling Steve that he most definitely had. The look in his sweet abyss of eyes told him as much.

A smirk stretched across Eddie's face, and suddenly he kicked the leather bag next to Steve's feet under the table. Steve's cheek twitched slightly for a millisecond, but it was enough to give him away. "It seems here... like you and Hagan have stolen quite a bit of money from me." Eddie tsk-tsked while Steve's heart dropped from his stomach to his feet. Tommy screwed him.

"And that love, well, that just won't do."Steve had never seen such a sweet smile feel so deadly. "So, Sunshine, I am going to make you a deal, and you would be smart to take it."

Steve wasn't actually dumb, but yes, he most definitely did not think this through.

________

Sooo thoughts? I was going to write more but if this was a flop, I didn't want to put my heart in soul into it. But I did spiral a bit with it. Whoops!

edit: I made some grammatical changes but that's it. I realized I kept switching tense changes when I was writing in present, so I changed it to past. I'm much more comfortable with it. Let me know if there are any more errors.

[copingmechanizm]

spies AU (steddie)

Steve who got recruited by some spy agency (think Totally Spies) in high school. He was perfect candidate: athletic, parents who are never home and no really close friends. It was going well, no one looked at Steve close enough to suspect anything. No one except Eddie, who had his eyes on Steve since tenth grade. So it wasn't hard for him to see something was up. Steve living school at weird times, bruises and injuries perfectly hidden if you don't know where to look and this weird aura of constant alertness that wasn’t there before, which he knew must've come from being in life-threatening situations far too many times. So one day his curiosity wins and he decides to follow him after school just to witness Steve getting sucked in a garbage can (those who get it, get it). He obviously won’t leave it alone and try to find out what is Steve hiding. Somehow he teams up with the one Nancy Wheeler who tries to expose this spy agency after they covered up the truth about Barb’s death. Soon they find out some band geek Robin Buckley might be tied to this too and also rumors about strange creatures in the Hawkins Woods start to become more believable than before.

[copingmechanizm]