#004:holidays

[genvm]

#004 : holidays , memes

sentence starters

espero que ya tengas mi regalo de navidad

¿ese es un muerdago?

¿este año hay menos nieve o estoy locx?

mira, aun siguen pasando tu video por instagram

extraño a mi familia

la cena estuvo horrible

¡la cena estuvo deliciosa!

¿quieres ir a patinar afuera?

parece ayer que la ciudad casi se va al infierno

esa tal cate dunlap, me da miedo

¿nos tomamos una foto?

¿te quedarás estos feriados?

¿tienes planes para año nuevo?

con esos altares en las calles, me da escalosfrios salir.

¿te sientes bien?

la universidad nunca se inundo, no pienso irme jamas de aquí

a veces no sé si quiero ser un héroe

se siente tan extraño ponerse a celebrar ahora

estoy muy triste / rarx como para celebrar

¿hace cuantos dias no duermes?

vamos de compras

¡faltan minutos para el 2025!

action starters

[ DINNER ] mi personaje comparte la cena de accion de gracias en GOD U con tu personaje.

[ SNOW ] nuestros personajes se encuentran juntos cuando empieza a caer nieve

[ ALONE ] nuestros personajes se encuentran solxs en el jardin de las estatuas en GOD U

[ CANDY ] nuestros personajes comparten / preparan dulces navideños

[ HELP ] mi personaje se enreda con un adorno navideño y pide ayuda a tu personaje para soltarse

[ ROOM ] mi personaje visita la habitación de tu personaje

[ CITY ] mi personaje se topa al tuyo en las calles de la ciudad

[ ALTAR ] nuestros personajes se cruzan con un altar a los perdidos durante la tormenta .

[ SHOP ] nuestros personajes se juntan en una tienda en la ciudad

[ LAST ] nuestros personajes se encuentran en la fiesta de año nuevo en las calles de la ciudad

[ TREE ] nuestros personajes adornan / arman un arbol navideño

[ PLUS ] starter a su elección

recuerden activar sus asks y completar los mi pj / tu pj con los nombres del personaje deseado al enviar. ¡diviertanse!

[beesgav]

dynamic idea that's been bopping around my head for a bit

[freshthoughts2020]

[yngai]

i was gonna write a longer diatribe about capcom's imposed limitations on their female characters for the sake of player eye candy but really what i wanted to say is that i'd love to write more of ada living on the opposite ends of the suave femme fatale persona she projects on assignments that have her more in control . days off or off-days where she is a little more disheveled, a little bit high, carrying on her life of crime shedding the mask but retaining camouflage as the spite & cynicism that underline her professional detachment bear teeth . mostly because this comic's imagery (x) is exactly what i picture in my mind for the darker sides of ada's existence, lower stakes, lower paying jobs for people who could never grasp in their hand the fate of the world, a no less draining release from the times she was forced to decide between her survival & death on a scale she cannot comprehend . also i'm a sucker for crime thrillers, give me more .

[saburaito]

he is very close with his subordinate ( and right - hand man ),  matsuda jin  –  who has a  four year old.    she is kept a secret from the majority of their gang,    as a way to maintain her safety.    whenever jin has to handle work  &  sabu is not busy,   he is seen as a fit guardian for  little  momoka.   the two of them will sit on his couch  &  watch hours worth of children’s anime.   because of this,   sabu has knowledge of a lot of these shows.   it’s not something that he is proud of.   

on his phone,   he has a bad - matz strap;  this was given to him by momoka.   she tells him that he  scowls  just like uncle sabu.   it’s one of his most prized items,   and he wouldn’t take it off his phone for anything.  

sabu is not the type of man who would like to have children.  admittedly,  momoka has made him consider the likelihood of it before  –  finding some enjoyment in her company.    but the moment that she spills a juicebox on his furniture,   he is brought back to the reality of it.   children are too much for him to handle.

[rafaelcb]

"Scary, isn't it?" he asked with a laugh, shaking his head, "and then we're supposed to eat those foods without questioning it, just because it's there on the food bar." Sliding his arm through Alice's, he smiled in her direction, nodding his head, "that's very true. Let's see what they have, I'm sure we won't be displeased."

“Jell-o that sometimes doesn’t even look like Jell-o,” Alice shook her head with a smile. Dessert was one of her favorite things, probably ever, no matter what it was, as long as it tasted good! She smiled more at him and took his arm. “And it’s much better than ice cream or questionable cups of Jell-o, or pudding,” she grinned.

[reidishh]

BUY ME PRESENTS!

These works are NSFW - any persons that are considered minors (under the age of 18) found to be reading/interacting with these works will be promptly blocked from this blog.

Now presenting a REIDISHH Kinkmas special: BUY ME PRESENTS! For fifteen days in the month of December, starting December 1st and ending December 31st, I'll be posting kinky fics and drabbles starring our favorite slutty little crime fighters.

Note: There are no specific dates that these will be posted. These will be posted sometime between 12/1 and 12/31.

"Fuck the jet, send the sleigh! It's a packed holiday and I've got options, babe!" - Sabrina Carpenter, Buy Me Presents

001 :: LOSS OF VIRGINITY with AARON HOTCHNER

002 :: COCKWARMING with RAFAEL BARBA

003 :: MUTUAL MASTURBATION with SONNY CARISI

004 :: KNIFE PLAY with EMILY PRENTISS

005 :: SEX TAPE with SPENCER REID

006 :: SOMNOPHILIA with AARON HOTCHNER

007 :: CNC with SPENCER REID

008 :: EDGING with EMILY PRENTISS

009 :: ORGASM DENIAL with SPENCER REID

010 :: THREESOME with SPENCER REID + SONNY CARISI

011 :: ROLEPLAY with RAFAEL BARBA

012 :: BREEDING with SONNY CARISI

013 :: BONDAGE with RAFAEL BARBA

014 :: VOYEURISM with AARON HOTCHNER

015 :: EXHIBITIONISM with SONNY CARISI

© reidishh 2024, all rights reserved.

[minkieater]

EIGHT FIRST DATES ꨄ︎

you were tired of spending the holidays alone, tired of enduring your family’s incessant questions about your relationship status. from october fifth to november twenty third, you vowed to yourself that in the short eight weeks you gave yourself, you’d show up to thanksgiving with a boyfriend. eight different dates, eight different men, one of them’s gotta be a keeper… right?

THE DATES

000 ⟿ “oh, you still don’t have a boyfriend?”

001 ⟿ HWANG HYUNJIN

002 ⟿ LEE CHAN

003 ⟿ KIM MINGYU

004 ⟿ KIM MINGYU (part two)

005 ⟿ HAN JISUNG

006 ⟿ PARK SEONGHWA

────── more coming soon ...

[genvm]

actividad #004 : holidays

no hay nada mas incansable que el espíritu neoyorquino. los filos de los edificios los ultimos días de noviembre como al inicio de diciembre comienzan a adornarse con guirnaldas & luces que adornan las noches sin tormentas . las noches con la primera nevada del año , el calendario de la ciudad con los feriados de día de acción de gracia , navidad y año nuevo a la vuelta de la esquina parecen olvidar que hace apenas unas semanas las calles estaban inundadas de agua , escombros y cuerpos sin vida . un par de rincones en las calles aun aguardan los altares en honor a las pérdidas , pero otros deciden recordarlos con alegría , o consumismo .

pero no se queda allí , en GOD U se prepara un almuerzo especial para los estudiantes que se quedarán allí con un mensaje acogedor de la directora . sin olvidar el final del curso de otoño y el inicio de las vacaciones de invierno hasta enero. las instalaciones universitarias quedarán abiertas para sus estudiantes.

recuerda que GodU es un espacio seguro para celebrar .

FUERA DE PERSONAJE :

traemos hoy la cuarta actividad a ustedes, muchas gracias por ser parte del proyecto. este contará con la trama descrita mas arriba .

in character, el apartado online del ranking estará disponible la primera semana de diciembre out of character, la publicaremos lo mas pronto posible.

la actividad será en tiempo ic desde el 17 de noviembre del 2024 hasta el 5 de enero del 2025. el lugar de los starters no tiene límite.

esta actividad se dará mediante sentence memes y aun están libres del check de actividad . recuerden que para participar deben rebloquear el meme y borrarlo una vez tengan suficientes notas .

los flashbacks están permitidos, pero no deben ser la prioridad.

la duración de la actividad fuera de personaje, será durante todo el mes de enero. durante este lapso, está permitido tambien jugar a los memes sin importar que no sea fin de semana.

información extra : luego de las misiones especiales con estudiantes de GOD U y que terminaran en un fatídico accidente de avión sin sobrevivientes, vuelven a la universidad. las redes sociales estallan para bien o mal, y ahora están en la mira no solo de público sino también de VOUGHT, y GOD U. por otro lado, durante la cena de acción de gracias en GOD U, la directora de la universidad presenta a la nueva asistente principal de relaciones públicas, CATE DUNLAP.

eso sería todo. recuerden que ante cualquier duda, sugerencia y demás, estaremos lo posible disponible en el main como en discord, invitacion que pueden encontrar en el post fijado del main. ¡gracias!

[fullscoreshenanigans]

Thinking about this specifically in conjunction with banana_slug_army's A Bizarre Proposal and absolutely losing my fucking mind

If I were greedy…

I spend a disproportionate amount of time appreciating the addition of these four simple words to the "I really wanted to develop these myself…" line in the manga side scene with how much insight they provide the audience into Ray's mindset during this arc.

Greedy people don't pull off successful escapes. Greedy people risk getting their friends killed. Greedy people end up losing everything.

(Chapter 181.1 | 4)

It's a layered message to Isabella as well.

You've known what I've wanted for a long time now. None of those three things have changed. You don't have to worry about me betraying you.

The way he looks at her when he says it, too; tries to make himself both nonthreatening to not invoke her ire or suspicion, yet aware enough to convey he can still competently complete his side of their agreement (along with a bit of pettiness, wanting to believe he has more control of the situation and not wanting to let it seem like she can pull a fast one on him. Knowing what's to come in less than 48 hours is heartbreaking), all while having the most subtle sad and tired tinge to his eyes and subdued grin to mask it.

(Because what if things were different for the two of them. For all of them.)

He already believes he's asking for so much, and yet…

(Chapter 181.1 | 93)

They're worth it.

[lunememes]

🌙 * ― 𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐒: 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ( a collection of various settings for drabbles or prompts, or both! )

001. under the mistletoe, placed sneakily above a doorframe. 002. in front of the fireplace, cuddled up under a blanket with a hot drink. 003. in a mountain lodge, snowed in from a heavy snow storm. 004. on an ice rink, careful to dodge the bustling crowd that stumble and rush past. 005. at a busy dinner table, food piled on the centre and family chaos ensuing around the house. 006. at a quiet dinner for two, an intimate meal and magical moment for a special couple. 007. standing in front of the christmas tree, decorating it with an assortment of baubles, lights and tinsel. 008. lifting up a smaller frame to put on the finishing touch on the christmas tree: the tree topper ( a star, an angel, or something else! ) 009. setting out the snacks for santa and his reindeers. don't forget the milk and cookies for christmas hardest workers! 010. in the kitchen making the deserts for the big day, and perhaps even making a mess too! 011. in the dining room building a home: a gingerbread home! decorate the home and make it one fit for a little gingerbread man. 012. at the mall, waiting in line to sit on santa's lap and spill your christmas gift wishes. will you be deemed naughty or nice? 013. sitting down with some company to wrap all the christmas gifts, preparing for the big day. 014. sitting down to exchange and open gifts, anticipating what gift you may get. is it something cool or just another pair of socks? 015. out on the streets doing christmas carolling, blessing the streets with the sweet voices of heavenly haromies. 016. in the snow rolling a big ball to build a snowman, bringing it to life with makeshift features and wrapping it up with a warm scarf. 017. in the trenches of snow forts, amidst a war of a snow fight! who will win? 018. falling into soft snow to create snow angels, flailing wildly on the ground. 019. traversing the treacherous conditions of icy pavements. will you laugh as they fall or lend them a hand and go down in solidarity? 020. jamming out to a christmas song, and inflicting the pain of holiday songs on someone else.

[aenify]

BAD REVIEW ౨ৎ a yang jungwon mini-series

❄️  ⌗ SYNOPSIS ꒱ ⠀anyone could tell you that getting scheduled to work on christmas day is terrible. after all, nobody wants to work during holiday season—the customers are awful and the repetitive music makes you want to rip your hair out. then, some random guy your age orders a sundae that causes you to gag while you put the order in, just for him to rate your grandfather’s restaurant a 2.5/10 stars on twitter. if there’s anything you hate more than working holidays, it’s influencers who cause trouble just for views.

📓  ⌗ GENRE ꒱⠀papa’s scooperia!au, social media!au, holiday themed, strangers-to-lovers, fluff, comedy (pls laugh!!!!)

☃️  ⌗ FEATURING ꒱⠀SEOL YOONA/SULLYOON as Y/N (NMIXX), YANG JUNGWON (ENHYPEN), OH HAEWON (NMIXX), JEONG HAYEON (tripleS), MERET BANNERMAN/MANON (KATSEYE), KIM JIWON/LIZ (IVE), NING YIZHUO/NINGNING (aespa), HANNI PHAM (NewJeans), the rest of ENHYPEN

🗻  ⌗ WARNINGS ꒱⠀jungwon is a scrooge 😑, centered around christmas but not really, some cussing, kys/kms jokes, lowercase is intentional, not rly a warning but i’ll be using papa’s scooperia screenshots as if they were real pictures

🦌  ⌗ STARTED ꒱⠀dec. 22, 2024.

🎐  ⌗ TAGLIST ꒱⠀ @tasnemluvs @elegancefr @jiamini @getoxo @vmpivory @vixialuvs @would-bee @cupiddolle @kanonjji @engenediary @minfolio @heartheejake @rikidaze @mamuljji | (open: comment, send an ask, or apply here to join!!)

🍪  ⌗ STATUS ꒱⠀ongoing

🕊️  ⌗ AUTHOR’S NOTE ꒱⠀hello!!!! thank you for checking this out!! i began this as a sungchan fic back in april but totally abandoned it until now bc i thought it would make a cute christmas/holiday fic 😇 hope you enjoy xx

PROFILES ¿? ⠀papa’s scooperia irl ⠀: ⠀ugh male influencers

CHAPTERS ¿? ⠀ 001 : we act like keith lee on christmas⠀⠀ 002 : it’s just us and your camera here⠀⠀ 003 : your ex watches my yt videos ⠀⠀ 004 : coming soon! ⠀⠀ 005 : coming soon! ⠀⠀ 006 : coming soon! ⠀⠀ 007 : coming soon! ⠀⠀ 008 : coming soon! ⠀⠀ 009 : coming soon! ⠀⠀ 010 : coming soon!

© 2024 AENiFY. All Rights Reserved. Please do not copy or steal anything I post!

[deadboystims]

˗ˏˋ꒰ 🪦 ꒱ ) deadboy’s 300 follower event !

welcome to the graveyard..

thank u all for the support & patience !! this is genuinely a fun hobby & community that i’m glad to be apart of,, i wanted to celebrate this support & the stimblr community as a whole for my 300, so i’m deciding to do an event !! yahoo !!

use the tag “#deadboy300” ! i want to see everyone’s creations ! i’ll likely reblog every (sourced/credited) board that i’m tagged in !!

now lets get onto the prompts,, i’m providing 2 options, mostly just in case ! do whichever one you want :)

DAY 001 : make a stimboard based off of your queer identities !

OR : make a stimboard based off of one of the general pride flags (progress pride, gilbert pride flag, rainbow pride flag, etc)

DAY 002 : make a stimboard based off your favorite song / album

OR : make a stimboard based off of your favorite musical artist / genre

DAY 003 : support each other ! make a stimboard based off of your favorite stimboard/stim gif creator ! or, use their original gifs !

OR : make a stimboard based off a friend, qpr, or partner ( they don’t have to be on tumblr )

DAY 004 : make a stimboard based off of your favorite spooky/halloween/horror movie !

OR : if u don’t like horror/halloween, make a stimboard based off of your favorite movie/show/book

DAY 005 : make a stimboard using your favorite kinds of stim gifs (ex : dice , slime , etc )

OR : make a stimboard based off your favorite fruit !

DAY 006 : make a stimboard based off your favorite aesthetic !

OR : spin a wheel(link) and make a stimboard based off of what you get! re-rolls allowed :)

DAY 007 : catch up day / free space ! do whatever you want !

OR : make a stimboard based off of yourself ( or your system, if so desired ) !

DAY 008 : make a stimboard based off of your favorite color combo !

OR : make a stimboard based off of your favorite color

DAY 009 : make a stimboard based off of your favorite ship !

OR : make a stimboard based off of your favorite duo / group

DAY 010 : make a stimboard based off of your favorite animal !

OR : make a stimboard based off of your favorite plant !

DAY 011 : make a stimboard based off of space !

OR : make a stimboard based off of the ocean !!

DAY 012 : make a stimboard off of your favorite season !

OR : make a stimboard based off of your favorite holiday !

DAY 013 : make a stimboard based off a character you kin !

OR : make a stimboard based off of a character you relate to

DAY 014 : make a stimboard based off of your favorite fashion style !

OR : spin a wheel(link) and make a stimboard based off of what you get ! re-rolls allowed :)

DAY 015 : make a stimboard based off of your favorite villain !

OR : make a stimboard based off of your favorite hero !

and.. thats all the prompts !

thank you all to those who decide to participate in this ! i know some of the prompts are fairly basic but i hope they’re fun regardless !! i did my best to be inclusive nd all. also, feel free to apply these to moodboards or anything else! tho i’ll primarily be reblogging stimboards :)

no pressure tags, feel free to ignore this and/or not participate - please let me know if you wanna be removed !!

@demolding @kurt-stims @sprinkles-stims @gaystims @talos-stims @garfieldstim @heartnosekid @stimboardboy @starstruckstufful @squishsquishy @clwnstim @nanmo-wakaran @sweet-stims @sponge-stims @sigmxnd @bloomics

[divinedevourer]

The memory's first-person point of view falters, and Vanth sees himself as a pair of child-sized shoes before they turn to leave. He is witness to his reflection in a grand window—a boy, only waist high to the golden-haired noblewoman, with black hair and eyes of gold. ❝ Nothing, ❞ he says too quickly, warding off Sebastian's inquiry with an arm briefly brought between them. Realizing how defensive he's being, Vanth glances at the other man and then away, easing his posture. ❝ Just a memory—yours, I think. ❞

❝ ... ❞ Did the perfume do this, he wonders? The reminder must have been of someone significant if it was remembered so involuntarily. At the very least, Vanth owes Sebastian some explanation. ❝ I saw you—just your reflection—and a woman with a harp. She smelled like that perfume. ❞

"Hn? Vanth?" Sebastian slows his steps when he picks up something odd from Vanth. Even if his senses had lessen considering this body human, he surprisingly had some kind of senses. Perhaps it comes from his time as someone who fought.

He turns to look at him and the face Vanth wears while in his body is....

"...Vanth." his tone is stern, as if warning the other of seeing something he shouldn't. Sebastian isn't necessarily on edge, but he certainly did not want his past looking into.

Still, he was curious...

Approaching the other, he then places his hand on his body, "what do toy see?"

[deansbeer]

𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐀𝐒 SKIES & 𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 TIES

✸ 𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐃 𝟗𝟎𝐬 ⎯ 𝐋𝐀��𝐄 𝟗𝟎𝐬 ⎯ 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝟎𝟎𝐬.

♡ ݂ ꪆ ׂ SYNOPSIS. when a storm brings jensen to your family's ranch, your lives unexpectedly intertwine. between ranch work, holiday traditions, and quiet moments under the texas sky, a connection begins to bloom—one that could change everything.

♡ ݂ ꪆ ׂ PAIRING. cowboy!jensen x female reader ꒱

♡ ݂ ꪆ ׂ POTENTIAL WARNING(S). budding romance | mutual pining | awkward sweet tension | unrequited feelings | small town gossip | family dynamics | emotional conflict | mild strong language | pregnancy | jealousy | eventual smut | slight angst | ranchhand!jensen.

. . . 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐁𝐄 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒 ★

𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐈𝐌𝐄𝐑. if these topics mentioned above are triggering for you, please click off from here & refrain from reading !!!! 🚨🚨🚨

୨ৎ ── JAR FULL OF SUGAR FROSTED COOKIES !

000. PROLOGUE (12/20/24)

001. ARE WE MORE THAN FRIENDS? (12/24/24)

002. RISKING IT ALL FOR YOU

003. SETTLING IN

004. FIRST FAMILY XMAS BAKING

⎯⎯ a prequel to my JACKLES bot 𝐂𝐎𝐙𝐘 𝐁𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 on cai.

𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 taglist. @deanswidow @a1ecmcdowell @beausling @titsout4jackles @frosttbitessam @aileenunfiltered @deansbite @jasvtsc @fallbhind @ostaramoon @lacydollette @ultravi0lence14 @rubyvhs ◟ ☆ ݁ ⋆ 🏇 ˚⊹ ˖ ﾟ✶ ݁. comment OR send an ask to be added / removed !!!!!

𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍 © 2024. ✶ DO NOT copy or plagiarize my works. i'll bite you.

[madelynraemunson]

CALL ME WHAT YOU WANT 𓆩♡𓆪

(Book #1 of the Hellfire Gentlemen's Club series)

strip club owner!eddie x fem!exotic dancer!hargrove!reader

𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐀𝐔 18+ MDNI

Chapter 015: Eddie, Do You Copy?

Learning about, understanding, and loving all parts of Eddie.

* = somewhat smut

** = smut

↳ chapters: 001, 002*, 003** , 004**, 005 , 006 , 007* , 008**, 009, 010, 011, 012* , 013**, 014**, 015, 016**, 017, 018, 019, 020*

word count: 5.8k words

disclaimers — fluff, grief, flight of icarus easter eggs bc of eddie’s mom, ANGST, talks of childhood abuse/negligence/foster care, implied domestic violence, homicide, cancer, mentions of suicide, mentions of underaged drinking/drug use if you squint, lil modern-nostaglia moment btwn eddie and the boys (as a treat ✨), erica and wayne cameo yayyy

author's note: eddie is so boyfriend in this chapter 🫠 happy holidays, you filthy animals ♥️

“I put the record on, wait till I hear our song. Every night I’m dancing with your ghost.”

♡

Your eyes accommodate the first beacon of light as thirst creeps its way into your system.

6:38 AM.

Quietly chucking the covers off, you find yourself hobbling over Eddie in attempts to get to the kitchen. You can only hope that it doesn’t wake him.

Eddie responds with a low grumble. Followed by some mumbling and flailing. And then you watch as he shifts around, doing his best to return to the state of comfort he was in before his sleep was interrupted.

But if he’s anything like you — which you know for a fact he is — his cranky self is most likely awake by now and just pretending to be unconscious to avoid early morning conversation.

To put it to the test, you press a soft kiss onto Eddie’s forehead. He smiles.

You smile to yourself. Called it.

When you get to the kitchen, you seek out Eddie’s Garfield mug for your reservoir of choice. And as it fills with water, the bedroom adjacent from his captures your attention.

Steve’s door is open. A huge indicator that he’s still not home.

Judging by the energy levels of everyone last night, you assume it’s because they were still out partying. And for Steve’s sake, a part of you hopes it’s also because he went home with somebody.

Once you’ve got your water, you sneak back into Eddie’s room, using the newfound, natural light to really study it.

You would’ve thought it was an extension of Steve’s room, not Eddie’s. Everything’s a posh navy blue, something Eddie wouldn’t be caught dead in if he had been anywhere else.

But the corner of his room is more like him, decorated with vinyls and a Crosley just like your sister’s. There were records of his favorite metal bands: Sabbath and Maiden. Anthrax, Metallica, and Judas Priest. And the unsuspecting like Elvis, The Doors, and Pink Floyd. Even country — both old and new, Johnny Cash and Chris Young — followed by a wide selection of Chicago blues and bluegrass.

The rest of his personality could be found on the bulletin board sitting on his desk.

Hand soap, dryer sheets, FUCKING DO PAYROLL

Eddie’s to-do list. You let out a soft chuckle.

Familiar faces canvas the board. There’s photos of Eddie, Jeff, Gareth, and Grant. A picture of him with his uncle — Young Eddie with his hair buzzed and Uncle Wayne’s a subtle gray, most likely Eddie’s doing.

There’s a photo of Steve and Eddie at a Colt’s game. Eddie and Dustin. And Eddie with Will at what looked to be a D&D convention of sorts.

But one photo catches your eye the most.

‘MOMMY & ME: LIZ + EDDIE , 1994’

His mom’s name was Liz. You graze the picture of Liz holding a baby Eddie in her arms. On her face was a dimpled smile like no other, the love-filled look in her eyes having been shielded by her thick wavy brown hair.

But you didn’t need to see her eyes to know how much she loved Eddie. You see it in how she’s holding him, gently pressed to her chest while she supports his neck, his beady brown eyes staring at her with the same amount of adoration.

It all reminds you of Mom. You’re almost certain there’s a picture of you two like that, but it’s back home with Billy… evidently a forbidden turf to trek.

At least there’s still the memory of it. But like the bond with your twin, it’s also growing to be distant.

Your eyes and tears trickle down to another picture of her on Eddie’s bulletin board.

It’s of Toddler Eddie now with Liz in what looks like a kitchen. He’s standing on her feet and, judging by the motion of the picture, is dancing along to a song that was probably playing on the stereo. Behind the two of them sat piles and piles of CDs, all of which were all of the blues.

“She was pretty, wasn’t she?”

Eddie is behind you now. He smiles at you with a dreamy gaze, beaming at the mere fact that the two women who made him happiest could be visually processed in the same frame.

You gulp.

“Really, really pretty,” you insist. “You have her smile. A-and her hair.”

"Yeah, I look a lot like her," Eddie chuckles with a hint of pride. He grazes the photos of her in the same way you did. "She’s influenced me a lot growing up. Bet that's why my sperm donor can't stand me."

You carefully dissect his choice of words. There’s a lot of resent for Alan Munson on Eddie’s part. You don’t blame him, if what Billy discovered had been true. It’s the same reason you and him resent Dad.

Eddie fixates on the expression on your face. He knows why this is so moving for you.

“It never gets easier, does it?” he questions, hinting at your own ongoing struggle with grief.

You cross your arms and shake your head. Softly you mutter, “Never.”

You feel stupid. Eddie’s doing his best to navigate his own baggage, yet you still found a way to make it about yourself.

He pulls you close and wraps his arms tenderly around your waist. Eddie doesn’t have to say it to reassure you that your burdens are safe in his presence. You can just feel it. Two traumatized individuals understand each other in a way others can’t.

“Time just keeps going,” you speak again. “Everyone moves on and you’re kinda just…stuck in place.”

“World just keeps going. Grief doesn’t care about your plans when it blindsides you, taking you for everything you’ve got.”

You swallow hard as Eddie’s words sink into you.

Tragedy just feels so non-consensual. No one ever asks for it to happen.

You and Billy can’t even go surfing without thinking about Mom. Whenever you try you both always end up fighting. That’s why Max tends to go alone or with her own friends.

“I have to stay away from a whole genre of music because I’ll burst into tears,” you scoff in agony. “Billy and I can’t even listen to Iration without thinking of our mom.”

“Can’t listen to Muddy Waters without thinking of mine.”

You and Eddie sway in place to the tandem of your beating hearts. It’s a breath of fresh air knowing you have each other now.

After a while, he ruffles your hair and spins you around so that you can face him.

"But enough about that," Eddie attempts a smile. He rubs your shoulders and you hum in awe. "This is supposed to be a happy time."

"Happiness and despair can coexist," you sniff. “Duality, remember?”

Eddie smiles. It's a you're right kind of smile. "I was yesterday years old when I learned that."

He kisses your forehead and soon you two are in the shower, rinsing up and mentally preparing for the long day of errands ahead.

You’re the first to hop out and get dressed, eager to devour a bowl of oatmeal before tackling the day.

"Hey… babe?" Eddie calls out to you from his closet.

The pet name almost sounds too natural rolling off his tongue. But then again he is the owner of a strip club, and was married for a few years before meeting you.

“Yeah?” you call back, heart skipping a beat.

“Can you make me a coffee while you’re out there?” he requests. “The usual black drip coffee with some hazelnut? Please and thank you.”

“Of course, hun.”

You can get used to this.

So you make your way back out into the living room and kitchen shortly after, practically skipping. But the person you see in the kitchen — with tired eyes and a bowl of his own oatmeal in hand — stops you in your tracks.

"Morning, Hargrove," Steve responds.

You're so dumb. You've gotta start realizing that when you sleep with one of them, the other may pop in at any minute. After all, it’s their townhouse.

As frozen in place as you are, you do your best to shoot Steve a shy little wave. Again, the look on his face indecipherable.

"Morning..." you pathetically respond.

Steve eventually grants you a wave back. He pokes around at his oatmeal while you make your way over to the fridge, your cheeks flushing a timid red as you do so.

You move in a way that seems like you were way too conscious of your actions. Even Steve notices. But he keeps trying to eat, his spoon clinking against his bowl as he intermittently clears his throat, all an attempt to fill the void of silence.

"Did you have a fun night?" you question. "You know... bar-hopping."

"Yeah, I did," he replies. "Argyle had to get cut off cuz he was being real extra with it."

"Oh geez."

"I know."

“How was Max?”

“She was fine,” Steve shrugs. “The bars use the same 21+ wristbands Hellfire does so we were able to sneak her in no problem. Chrissy made sure she got home safe. The girls were just stoked they finally got to have a carefree night.”

“That’s so good,” you breathe a sigh of relief. “I’m so happy for them.”

“Yeah,” he nods in agreement. “I’m really happy for them too. Seems like they needed it.”

Finally, your friend decides to address the elephant in the room.

"We uhh..." he begins. "We should probably end what we have going on here. Just so no one gets hurt."

“I think that’s a smart idea too,” you mumble as you nod.

You make your way over to Steve, stunned that he doesn’t shy away from you when you invade his personal space. Instead he leans into you, opening up his lap so you can maneuver between his legs.

You know, like how friends usually talk.

“It was fun while it lasted…”

"I know. I just feel so bad..." you choke, rubbing his arm softly. "I’ve wasted your time."

"I wouldn't say that," Steve refuses, shaking his head rapidly. He touches you back, running his hand across your arm. "I've thoroughly enjoyed your company."

Eventually his hand intertwines with yours.

There’s a heaviness in the room and something tells you that Eddie is near, looming at the foot of his room so that your business with Steve remains uninterrupted. He knows there’s some dust that still needs to settle. And he will linger until it does.

"You helped me get out of a really dark place," Steve admits. "And Eds too, I'm sure."

You look back towards Eddie's room.

“It wasn’t my intention to fall for him,” you say. “It just…happened. The connection, i-it’s...”

“I know…” Steve soothes you. “Been pickin’ up on that for a while. If you think I’m blaming you, I’m not.”

Steve urges you to meet his gaze again. And when a teardrop falls from your eye, he uses his thumb to wipe it away. Tells you to stop, before he too starts crying.

"This is... a huge step for him," Steve manages a grin. “I don’t think you realize, Shy Girl.”

"Yeah, I bet," you nod. "After Isabelle..."

"Yeah, Isabelle and everything else that dude's got going on," he confirms. "This is really good for Eddie. I can tell. It’s why I think it’s best that we part ways.”

Steve eventually does cry too, but it’s a rather suppressed one. The both of you take turns wiping each other’s tears, embracing the presence of each other for just a short while longer before needing to distance yourselves indefinitely.

You’re never going to forget Steve Harrington. His charm. His integrity. His everlasting devotion to the ones he loves most, and how he’d — time and time again — go to the ends of the earth for them. A noble soul in the highest regard. A true king.

“Thank you for being so kind,” you say to him. “You made my first week in Indiana a lot less intimidating. I hope you’ll still be around.”

“Of course I’ll still be around,” Steve chuckles. “Look at our friend group. Look at where I live.”

You share a laugh with him again.

“Ain’t no getting rid of me that easy, Hargrove.”

“I can sure try though, right?”

“Now why would you do that?” he banters sarcastically, chuckling into you.

He kisses your cheek softly one last time. Finally, Eddie’s door swings open, prompting you and Steve to asunder from one another.

“RISE AND FUCKING SHINE!” Eddie announces his entrance. “Both my soul and thine.”

You get out of Eddie’s way so he can go over and hug Steve good morning. Eddie then breaks the hug with a peck on the cheek and rough slap to Steve’s ass. Steve winces but you can tell he enjoys it.

“Mwah!” Eddie cheers. “Love you, babyboy. What you got going on today?”

“Oh, just gonna work on the online biz for a bit,” Steve mumbles as he ushers his hands through some paper. “Then ’m gonna start recruiting peeps for my other new job.”

“I forgot you dropship now,” Eddie says. “How’s that going?”

“Really fucking good,” Steve smiles. “I shouldn’t count on it too much though. It’s why I also have Newby’s. Speaking of which…”

Steve hands you a flyer. You take it from his hands.

NEWBY’S COFFEE ROASTERS: Even Superheroes Need Coffee!

Steve explains to you that a new coffee shop is taking over Family Video’s old suite. The owner grows his own coffee beans and all syrups are organically made from Hawkins locals. And since they’re a Mom and Pop shop, they were really going to need some help.

“If Maxine is still looking for a job, she’s more than welcome to apply,” Steve says. “We’re gonna need baristas. And we’ll be coworkers so whenever she’s on, I can drive her to work.”

“That sounds like an awesome gig for her!” Eddie pitches in. “Free coffee for employees too, I’m guessing.”

Steve nods at Eddie’s remark.

“That’d be amazing,” you blush. “Thank you, Stevie.”

“Thank you, Stevie,” Eddie parrots you. You elbow him playfully.

“Yeah, anything for you guys. I’ll put in a good word for her to Bob. He’s the owner. Great guy.”

“And what about this owner, huh?” Eddie chimes in. “Hope you can pull some strings and snag me some of those magic beans as well. I’m gonna need it. I also don’t mind paying full price cuz it’s goin’ to Newbs.”

“T’yeah with your job? You can have all the beans you want.”

“Mm, speaking of which,” Eddie scoffs as he stares at the time on his Apple Watch. “It’s almost time.”

Steve imitates Eddie’s gesture. Your eyes dart between the two of them, confused about the context of the whole ordeal.

“What are you guys-” you begin.

“Ah, buh-buh!” Steve stops you. “Wait for it…”

You look at the time on your phone to feel some sort of involvement as well.

7:59 —> 8:00

Eddie’s phone rings.

"An everyday thing," Steve tsks, shaking his head, resuming his breakfast as he does so.

"First problem of the day," Eddie looks at you. "It’s always something with Hellfire. From the moment the day begins...Yello?"

It’s Lucas. Sinclair never really calls unless it’s a dire situation, so you listen closely, doing your best to make out what he’s saying on the other line.

"I can't come in tonight,” is what it sounds like.

"Uh, why the fuck not?" your man demands. He places a sassy hand on his hip. "We need you for front of the house."

"Erica's sick and my car is in the shop."

"I'll pay for your Uber, you're coming in."

"I think it's covid. I don't wanna spread it to anyone if l've been exposed."

"It's not fucking covid, you guys have been jabbed more times than I can count for school."

The two continue to bicker back and forth like they’re brothers. Steve excuses himself from the narrative, going over to the kitchen sink to wash the dishes.

You watch Eddie as he lights up a pre-roll, taking a frustrated drag from it while he listens to Lucas’s, probably bullshit, excuse.

Eventually there’s a scuffle on the other line. Something something, “GIMME THE DAMN PHONE” followed by a “NO” followed by a “PHONE. NOW”. Eddie’s drags from his blunt grow increasingly slower.

Then another person speaks. The voice belongs to a girl. She sounds slightly younger than Lucas. And she sounds sick. And angry.

"Listen here, Ed-NERD Alan Munson," the girl hisses sassily. " I KNOW I did not just hear you tell my brother that he is coming in even when HE TOLD YOU why he can't. It's giving desperate. It's giving exploitation of your employees. If you want my brother to come in for a half shift at your stupid gentlemen's club then you best pull up to our residence, YOURSELF, with them spicy chicken wings level Creeping. Death. My tongue? It needs to be on FIRE. My eyes? They need to be burning from the temperature and sauce. My sinuses? BOYYY, you better be-LIEVE they oughta be SO CLEAR, I could cough up a loogie, SPIT IT OUT THE WINDOW, and have it smack you RIGHT UPSIDE THE HEAD SO HARD you won’t even THINK about forcing my brother to do something he isn’t comfortable doing again. Keep trying me, motherfucker. THE FUCK WRONG WITCHU."

Steve is flabbergasted. Eddie's mouth is wide open. You would’ve thought Lucas’s sister was on speakerphone but she wasn’t.

You're scared of Erica Sinclair. And so is Eddie, the way his eyes widen at her spiel. If Lucas's sister ever got into a heated argument with Billy, Billy would go home crying.

“And some sweet potato fries," she adds softly. "Please. Do we have a deal?"

"At your service," Eddie deals her a salute through the phone, even though she can't see it. "Anything Applejack wants, she gets. I'll be over after my Meijer run."

"As you should, sir."

Eddie turns to you after he hangs up the phone. "Don't ever own a business."

——————— 🛒—————

“WE GROW UP AND MOVE AWAY... The seasons pass, but the monsters stay.”

𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪

Hellfire is Eddie’s baby. The man lives and breathes that strip club.

As much as you’ve already harbored that suspicion, you didn’t realize his work-life balance was practically non-existent. Running errands. Frequent call-outs. Always having to prepare for the unexpected. But that’s the price one pays for owning a business. It also only seems to get harder and harder when you’re a handsome business man like Eddie, someone with the drawing power like that of a 13,000 gauss magnet.

“Mike to Munson, do you copy?”

You and Eddie have hit the road now, ready to start your errands run before your shift begins. As Eddie drives, he has you hold his phone up for him while he speaks to the boys in their group FaceTime call.

“Copy,” Eddie responds. “Thank you for covering ground, dear Paladin. It is because of you we are no longer… short staffed.”

God, they’re such dorks. You’d cringe if Eddie didn’t have the sex appeal of a Roman god.

“It’s the least I can do,” Mike insists. “Taking inventory as we speak. We need more ground chili and pop cans. Cola and Fanta, please. When you go to Meijer.”

“Done deal,” Eds nods. “Who’s doing side quests?”

“Me!” Will chimes in. “Doing silverware, stainless steel, and just helping Jonathan open up the bar.”

“Thank you, Byers-squared.”

“And I’ll sweep and do windows,” Dustin adds. “We’ll figure out the front house situation as it unfolds. Gonna be a little late. Getting gas.”

Eddie places a firm palm over your hand. He smiles at you when you look over.

“Running errands with Shy Girl, we’ll see you soon.”

“Pulling in now. Over.”

“Us too. Over.”

“Over and out, boys.”

————- 🚐———-

After your Meijer run, you and Eddie stop by CVS for Wayne’s medications and the ‘morning after’ pill. And shortly after that, you two haul ass to the other side of town to scoop up Nina.

Eddie gives the young dancer a ride to work almost every day. He also smokes her out before the shift, evident by her waltzing in stoned out of her mind all the time. It brings you peace knowing the whole story now, and that there truly is nothing more to it than that.

“Your boyfriend really needs a new car,” Eddie huffs to Nina as she climbs into the backseat. “Been telling him that shit’s on it’s last good tire.”

Figuratively and literally. The 90s Buick that you caught sight of shortly before Nina shuffled in can only be described as a lost cause. Nina knows it too, the way she scowls at the thing.

She tsks as she clicks her seatbelt in place.

“Duh, Eds. What do you think I’m saving up for?”

Eddie holds up an eighth.

“I can think of a few things,” he chuckles. “I take it you’re a fan of all things eco mode.”

“Hey, it’s 2022, of course we’re going green.”

Eddie grins. “I like how you think, sweetheart.”

Nina looks over to see who’s in the front seat. Her eyes glimmer when she realizes it’s you.

“Oh, hey Shy Girl!” she cheers.

You smile at her contently. Securely.

“Hey, Neens.”

Eddie starts up his van once again.

“Alright everyone,” he says as he shifts gears. “Hold onto something. We’re on a tight schedule so expect some Eddie Stops.”

“Not this again,” Nina mutters.

“Oh boy…” you add.

SKRRRT!

———— 🏠 ————

After dropping both Nina and the groceries off at Hellfire, you and Eddie set out to Forest Hills Trailer Park to visit his infamous Uncle Wayne.

“Wayne’s the man,” Eddie boasts as he drives on. “Taught me how to fish. Somehow taught me how to drive. Automatic and stick.”

He laughs at that one.

“Even took me out of the foster care system when I was 16. I lived in his old room for years while he took the pull-out couch in the living room.”

“Foster care?” you echo as he nods. “He was tired of you jumping from home to home?”

“Nah, I just kept running away,” Eddie cackles. “If a kid was ever in the police station for something, nine times out of 10 it was probably me. I was stressing way too many people out, Uncs probably felt bad for them.”

“But he also loves you, I bet,” you grin. “You’re his nephew, Eddie.”

Eddie smiles too. “Yeah, somethin’ like that.”

Eddie pulls into an empty dirt road just yards from the estate. You two climb out of the van together, slamming the doors in unison.

Eddie leads you up the stairs by the hand, then uses his other one to wave at old neighbors close by.

“Hey y’all! How ya doin’?” he exclaims. He lowers his voice when he speaks to you. “Those are the Johnsons. Their sons were frequent customers of mine in high school.”

Your eyes widen in shock. Eddie waves to another pair of neighbors.

“And those are the Jacobsons. I bought their sons alcohol their senior year for homecoming. Buncha lightweights though. Wouldn’t recommend.”

“Well aren’t you a hero,” you jest.

“Hey, someone’s gotta pay the bills,” Eddie shrugs, half-jokingly. “You would think 40 years at The Plant gave you a decent insurance plan but that wasn’t the case. Had to help Wayne out for a fat minute. Still do every now and then.”

Eddie shifts closer to the door and gives it a couple knocks. He leans his head towards the doorframe, placing his lips just inches away from the chipped, painted wood.

“Wayne Munson,” Eddie bellows in his playful, deep voice. “It’s your friendly neighborhood pharmacist here. I’ve come with your percs, your piss pill, and your Motrin.”

Percocet and Motrin.

Two very strong pain killers. Hearing those names send chills down your spine. Those are the same meds Mom overdosed on when Billy found her.

But given Wayne’s circumstances, it’s not too much of a concern. According to what Eddie has told you, his uncle had just retired and is very frail. Heavy machinery and long hours can do that to someone. Just constant, chronic pain.

The door swings open and you hear Eddie greet Wayne like a grateful man would greet his dad. “Hey, Old Man! How are you?”

“Hello, there my boy. Agh, watch it. ‘s hurtin’ again.”

It didn't seem like anyone was at the door when you look over. But that was because you were looking about two feet too high.

Your eyes travel to the level at which Eddie bends down and there you see Uncle Wayne, having wheeled himself to the door to greet Eddie with a warm hug.

Oh this goes deeper than you thought.

A nose cannula. Yellow grippy socks. The wheelchair that housed his thin, fragile body. The navy blue Pacers beanie that concealed the fact that the man had very little hair.

Wayne’s face was extremely chiseled in, deeming him malnourished and underweight. The bags under his eyes that drooped heavily against his sockets took up a good portion of his face — nearly half.

You look at the place behind him. His trailer had lots of rails installed, Ensure protein shakes for adequate nutrition, and the pull out couch was set up to look like a bedroom, with a collapsible dresser right beside it that was nearly lost in a sea of orange medicine bottles.

The realization nearly knocks the wind out of you.

Wayne is sick. He almost looks terminal.

It feels like the ground had opened up and swallowed you whole. Your knees feel wobbly like gelatin, but Eddie is too busy reuniting with his father figure to notice. When he turns back around, he pulls you into him, with the biggest smile on his face.

“There’s uh, someone I want you to meet,” Eddie says to Wayne, his cheeks now a deep shade of pink. “This is Shy Girl.”

“Shy Girl,” Wayne smiles the same bright smile that Eddie has. “So you’re the THEE Shy Girl that my Eddie’s been rambling to me about. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, sweetheart.”

You meet Wayne where he’s at, shaking his cold hand at eye level and giving him the warmest smile you can.

“It’s nice to meet you as well, Mr. Munson.”

“Mr. Munson,” Wayne smirks cheekily. There’s a hint of who he used to be when he does that. He was most likely a firecracker just like Eddie, evident by how the two start poking at each other in a teasing manner. “Didn’t realize we were at a business meeting. In that case, we shall not waste any time. You and Eddie can come on in now, Miss Hargrove.”

Butterflies form in your stomach. You never told Wayne your last name.

And soon you’re in Wayne’s trailer, Eddie’s old home before he grew his wings and left the nest. A bittersweet energy floods the room. It only becomes more prominent when you see Eddie and Wayne holding hands as they make their way inside.

“Welcome to my office,” Wayne proceeds, carrying on with the banter. “I’ve got some tea in the cupboards, as well as some stale saltines because this one over here thinks I should watch my sodium intake. You’re more than welcome to help yourself.”

“Thank you so much,” is all you’re able to say.

“No worries, doll.”

Wayne darts his gaze back over to Eddie. “Anywho. Now that the formalities are over… son, I need to take a shit.”

The same dry humor too. You giggle and glance over at Eddie while he grimaces at Wayne in annoyance. But, since it’s not his first rodeo, he obliges, unlocking Wayne’s wheelchair to wheel him over to the commode that was concealed behind a DIY curtain.

“Did you do your exercises today?” you hear Eddie ask him.

"I tried. Got tired ‘bout halfway through.”

“What are your oxygen levels looking like?”

“Satting 88 percent without my oxygen. 93 percent on three liters.”

“That’s what we like to see. Good job, baby. I’m proud of you.”

You stand off to the side, giving Wayne as much privacy and dignity you can throughout this very intimate ordeal.

While Eddie is away with him, you keep yourself distracted with Wayne’s mug collection, as well as the array of trucker hats that decorated one of the four walls. You take a look at what’s on the TV: The Price is Right is just about to go on a commercial break. And on the coffee table rested an assortment of dated magazines, all going back to as early as 2008. Ah yes, recession core.

Within a few short moments, Eddie comes back out. You study him as he makes his way to the kitchen to wash his hands, making faces at the friendly neighborhood cats who liked to make themselves at home on the porch.

“Anyways!” Eddie exclaims. “I’m gonna start making Erica’s wings cuz we got everything here.”

He starts back over to you.

“But before I do, want me to show you my old room? It’s like a huge time capsule. Wayne hasn’t touched it since I left.”

You can barely meet his eyes. Eddie is acting way too normal about this. Or maybe you’re too dramatic.

He sees you frowning, thinking.

“…You okay?” he attempts with you.

"Eds... I didn't know," you whisper softly.

But Eddie smiles a bit. "That's okay. I initially didn't want you to know."

"How bad is it?"

"Stage 3. Lung cancer."

"How long has he had it?"

"Siiiince… March of 2020?” Eddie recalls. "We initially thought it was covid because of all the pulmonary stuff..."

He gestures around his own lungs.

"So what started out as a — rather intimate — nose swab turned into a biopsy that turned into getting a team of specialists….”

He glances over at Wayne to make sure he’s still okay.

“To having uncomfortable talks with the case worker about...exploring other options... And then to me being his full-time caregiver."

"March of 2020..." you recall. "Isn't that the same time you and Isabelle got divorced?"

"We were finalizing it..." Eddie corrects you. “But that’s neither here or there.”

“And Hellfire?”

“We were struggling for a bit not gonna lie,” Eddie chuckles. “It was during the start of covid and no one wanted to leave the house. Even when the babes were smoking hot.”

Holding up a palm, you stop him from explaining any further.

“So let me get this straight,” you state. “Your piece of shit dad UNALIVED your mom in cold blood when you were a kid, your father figure has cancer. You somehow manage to care for him full-time all while basically living at Hellfire, your business that your ex wife tried to SABOTAGE; which led to you getting arrested and released on bail up until your trial where you were then proven NOT GUILTY. But even then, your reputation still remains slightly tainted because almost everyone in Hawkins is a narrow-minded, self-righteous prick who weaponizes religion to get an upper hand? And they know you’re an easy target so that’s exactly what they did in this case, making your life and Wayne’s a living hell when it was the last thing you two needed at the time?”

“It be like that sometimes.”

Eddie flashes you a sarcastic, ‘I’m alive’ peace sign. He’s not helping.

Your heart just about shatters.

Eddie has suffered so much. But he hides it so well with his never-ending sarcasm and Munson magic.

And to think all of this — Hellfire, Wayne, and divorcing Isabelle — went down a couple years ago. He still had his childhood to sort through. If that's even plausible.

“It’s also kinda why Chrissy and I were screwing around,” Eddie adds, snapping you out of your thinking. “Apparently I was constantly depressed and she wanted to keep me distracted and all. Again, fun. But very short-lived.”

You fall into him and squeeze him tight. Eddie is almost taken aback by it. But nevertheless, he returns the favor.

"Are you alright?"

"Are you fucking kidding me?" you demand. "You have all of this going on and you're asking me if I'm alright?"

Oh, how lonely Eddie must’ve felt through all of this. You just want to hold him. Take away all of his pain.

It’s always the angels on earth who get sent to hell and back. Eddie deserves the world, and you’re going to go your best to give it to him.

"Are we alright?" you question him.

"Of course we're alright," Eddie insists, ruffling your hair like it’s the silliest thing you’ve ever asked him.

He pulls away from you. Rubs your back delicately as you soak in all of this new information.

“You sure you want to sign up for all of this?”

You are absolutely more than sure.

“Now why would you even ask that?” you choke. “You know my stubborn ass. I’m not backing down without a fight.”

“Yeaaah,” Eddie squints. “I guess you are pretty stubborn.”

You fall into one another again, kissing each other like it’s the air you need to breathe. Eddie delicately cups your face with his hands, relishing in the last couple of smooches before he pulls away.

“I like stubborn though.”

“You and me, Eddie.”

“You and me, sweetheart.”

“Eddie!” Wayne calls, innocently interrupting the moment. “I’m done, boy, now come help me get up.”

“Comin’!” Eddie cranes his neck, shouting in Wayne’s general direction. He kisses you one more time on the forehead before excusing himself. “Be right back, babe.”

You and Eddie leave for Hellfire shortly after spending a little bit more time with Wayne.

The entire ride there, you let Eddie talk about his memories with his uncle… how he’s attended homecoming rallies, talent shows, graduations, and the less-than-celebratory court hearings — loving Eddie unconditionally through thick and thin. He was there for Eddie’s senior prom, snapping photos of him with the boys and his date Ronnie, who was also his best friend at the time.

Wayne was also there for Eddie’s wedding, even though he didn’t particularly like Isabelle. Again, every milestone, Wayne was there for.

You fawn over Eddie as he continues to talk, the spark in his eyes never leaving for as long as it’s about his loved ones. You can only hope he talks to Wayne and the others about you in the same way.

You can’t believe this is real life.

From here on out, it’s going to be you and Eddie. And you’re going to be by his side no matter what, because he’s proven to you that he is committed to doing the same.

From here on out, it’s going to be Shy Girl and Eddie… and nothing… NOTHING will ever change your mind or get in the way of that.

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