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catsteeth · 7 months ago

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Sugar & Violence

Podrick Payne x reader

+:✿ Chapter 2 ✿:+ : Beautiful Girl

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Summary: You’re a Mormont being held hostage by House Lannister. You are acting now as the Handmaiden for Margery Tyrell, whom you’ve grown quite close with. But it seems that a squire has caught your attention as you have caught his.

CW: afab reader, SMUT, MDNI, Fingering, P in V sex, mention of alcohol consumption, mention of harassment, mention of NSFW themes.

Word Count: 5125

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

As you’d just finished getting Margery ready for the day she sat you down and began to ready you as well. It wasn’t custom for a Lady to dress and pretty her Hand Maiden but Margery had taken the responsibility voluntarily and happily.

“Podrick was seen where?” You asked wide eyes, holding in a laugh.

“Little Finger’s brothel,” Margery replied with a smirk as she brushed your hair.

You shook your head with a smile “I will not believe such rumors.”

“I hear the whores did not receive a payment.” Her fingers twisting the front sections of your hair and braiding them together at the back of your head.

“You’re suggesting he didn’t pay them?” You asked with disbelief. He didn’t seem like the type of man to pay for a whore, much less the type of man to steal their time and effort.

“I am suggesting they did not want a payment. I hear that he was so skilled, they wouldn’t accept his payment.” She said as she finished your hair and she sat in front of you, beginning to do your makeup.

“Now that I can’t believe it.” You said holding back laughter,

“You never know for sure with men like him. Quiet, and sweet, they can be sensitive to a woman's needs.” She said putting

“I’ve been pinned against enough trees on Bear Island by enough men to know, no tongue, fingers, cock, or even nose is good enough to turn down gold.”

“Perhaps you’re right. But perhaps you’re wrong, there is only one way to find out.”

“Oh please, he can hardly hold his gaze to mine.”

“Some would say that means he likes you, besides the poor boy gave you a flower. One of the sweetest, and pathetic things I have ever seen.” She jested.

“He doesn’t want me, not like that.” You always found it hard to believe that any man would be interested in you beyond bedding.

she rolled her eyes as she finished applying a rouge to your lips. She fixed your hair slightly and half a small compact mirror to your face.

“if i were a man i would ravish you.” she smiled as you looked at yourself in the mirror.

Margery had done your makeup and hair countless times. Every morning after you’d done hers, but each time always made sure to tell you how beautiful you were. even if you didn’t believe it.

“a man would ravish a horse if desperate enough.” you pushed the compact away, you got up and began to select the gowns you’d both wear to the celebratory feast tonight.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

That evening was a celebration of the victory of Tywin Lannister. Nothing for you to feel celebratory for, but it gave you an opportunity to dance and drink.

Most of the night you and Margrey had danced with one another, made quite jokes about the other men there. But once the celebration began to wind down Margrey had found an excuse to speak to Joffrey, part of her plan to seduce him. So naturally you made yourself scarce. Finding a corner of the room to stand in while you drank.

It would have been perfect to end your night in peace if a tall man didn’t approach you.

He could have been some noble man or a knight, kings guard, even city watch, you didn’t know and more importantly did not care.

“My, who might you be, my Lady.” He asked, his voice was low and attempting to sound seductive.

“(Y/N) Mormont.” You said as you drank from your cup, your eyes wandered the room, paying little attention to the attractive man in front of you. As your eyes searched the large room, they landed on a pair of eyes already looking at you, Podrick’s. He looked at you with the eyes of a sad dog.

It caught you so off guard you didn’t hear whatever the man had just said, only the mumbling of words. You tore your eyes from his and looked at the man, “What?” burrowed furrowed in frustration.

“I said, then you are not much of a Lady.” He said with a twisted grin

“Is that so?” You said emotionlessly, unwilling to show any kind of offense that might have been taken. Fearing it would give him too much power. Besides, you did not care about the opinions of southerners.

“Hand Maidens are not Ladies of any land, are they not?”

“Perhaps.” You said your eyes returned to scanning the room, trying to find Podrick again, but having no luck.

“I could make you feel like one for tonight.” He held out his hand to you,

You held your cup to your lips as you spoke, “I’ve no wish to dance with you, Ser”.

“I cannot dance with a handmaiden,” The man smirked, his hand snaking around your waist. “I can enjoy one though.” He whispered in your ear.

You smirked back, and then you leaned in, making him think you were about to kiss him when you kicked him in the shin. “Oh!” You fained shock as he grunted in pain “My apologies Ser, I have always been quite clumsy.” Your concerned and shock demeanor dropped as you began to walk away. He began to spit some curse your way when you stomped on his foot. “If you’ll excuse me, my Lord.”

As you walked forward a few steps before the man grabbed ahold of your wrist.

“You northern who-” He was interrupted by Podrick’s voice.

“My Lady, the Queen wishes to have a word with you.” He spoke louder than usual. His eyes were wide and looked almost angry.

You ripped your hand away from the man's grasp and walked with Podrick out of the room.

“What does she want?” You asked, rubbing your wrist.

“Nothing, I made that up.” He said avoiding your gaze as you both walked down the hall.

“You made that up?” You looked at him with wide eyes, he nodded still avoiding your gaze. “Well, thank you.” You said softly.

He’d walked you all the way to your chambers with no other words were exchanged between the two of you, other than the occasional glance at one another. You had reached your chambers door, you looked over at him as you began to open the door.

He was ready to nod and walk away when you said, “Podrick,” To which his eyes went directly to yours. You didn’t say another word, just walked into your chambers leaving the door open.

He hesitated for a moment, but walked in after you.

He stood there, showing just how intimidated he was.

As you kicked your shoes off, and removed the necklace Margery allowed you to barrow for the night, you looked over your shoulder to him “Close the door.” You said softly, and so he did.

As you turned to him and began to walk towards him, his eyes subconsciously went from your eyes to your cleavage. Now more exposed now that you’d removed your necklace. He couldn’t help it really. Your corset and gown were truly putting them on display, and the candle light from your room made your skin glow beautifully. You smirked when you noticed, making him swallow hard and return his gaze to your eyes. He was going to apologize but you reached for his hand making him choke back any words he had.

You held his hand, looking at his now healed cut, now formed scar across the palm of his hand.

You trailed the scar with your finger tip.

“You’re seducing me-” He finally found some courage to spit out some words.

“You feel seduced?” You still held his hand, still admiring your work on his hand.

“Yes- I mean, it is intentional isn’t it?” He stammered, somehow a little out of breath.

“Do you want it to be?” You looked at him with a grin and mischievous grin.

“I don’t want to offend you-” He said softly, looking away.

“So you don’t?” You let go of his hand,

“No- no,” His eyes went wide as he stammered, “I want you to, want to seduce me.” He winced at his own words, not knowing how to phrase it.

“Why would that offend me?” You smiled softly, holding back a giggle.

“I am just a squire, my Lady.” He shook his head looking down

“And here in King's Landing, I am just a handmaiden they send to patch up knights and Lords.” You said softly

“You are Lady Mormont.” He said, it made you smile. No one had given such respect to your name in so long.

“You’re sweet.” You brushed his short hair around his ear with your fingertips “Have you ever seduced a woman?” You asked sweetly, you knew the rumors of the whore house, but didn’t know if you could believe it.

“No, no, not really.” He said like we were being honest… maybe he was.

“Show me how you would.” You said looking up at him with sleepy eyes.

“What do you mean?”

“How do you think I was seducing you?”

“You, made me… feel-” he stammered.

“Mhmm, so try to make me feel…”

He stepped closer to you, meekly, his head lowered. He reached out and lightly ran his hand over your hair. Taking a strand of it and looking at it, admiring the color of it, and its texture. He looked into your eyes, his head still lowered.

“You are beautiful.” His hand then went from your hair, to trailing his hand gently down your arm and grabbing your hand softly. He played with your fingers, again, gently.

“I believe you are the most beautiful woman I have ever known.” He didn’t stammer, his voice was earnest, and gentle.

“This is wooing, not seducing.” You smiled and corrected him as if he were acting, genuinely thinking he were making it up.

“I’m not trying to do either, my Lady.” Your smile dropped, “I just wish to be near you.”

“You shouldn’t.” You said pulling your hand away. “How we first met, tell me that.”

“Lord Slynt ordered you to pour him wine-”

“And I spit in it.”

“He deserved it.”

“I lied to him, and your lord.”

“Not to me.”

Your hardened gaze softened “No, no not to you” You lowered your head avoiding his eyes. afraid you’d melt in his sweetness. found yourself feeling that warm feeling in your chest again. You reached for his fingers with your own. interlocking your index finger with his.

“You are- different.” He stammered a bit “Special.” He corrected, thinking it sounded more flattering.

“You really are sweet. I don’t believe I've met a man so sweet as you.” He smiled, and in turn you smiled back, “You are shy, more so normally than you are now.”

He let out a small chuckle “I still feel shy.” He said as he looked down smiling

“Are you too shy for me to kiss you?”

Instead of responding to you he cupped your face in his hands. So gently it was as if you were made of the finest porcelain in the realm. He leaned in and kissed your lips. Soft and again, gentle. but also passionate and almost lustful. You were surprised how well he kissed. No, he didn’t kiss well, his kiss was intoxicating somehow. Maybe it was the wine on his lips or just skill. you couldn’t help but let out the smallest whimper into his mouth. It made him pull away and go wide eyed.

“You’re quite good at that.” You said wide eyes, catching your breath a bit.

“I apologize-“ He said, still holding your head in his hands.

“For what?”

“I should have asked you first,”

“Too late for that now,” you said, slinging your arms around his neck and pulling him into another kiss. Your lips fell into a perfect rhythm as his hands moved to your ribs, careful not to touch your breasts. his thumbs moved against your ribs slowly and gently.

You’d never felt this way with a man before. Normally it was sweaty, sloppy, and you ended it burnt out and covered in spit. This was like a dance, like you and he had kissed in every life.

You felt terrified. An emotion you rarely ever felt.

What if he was like every other man. They whisper sweet things in your ears, promises, and compliments. Then once they lifted your skirts and humped into you a few times they’d leave. You felt hurt the first time, maybe the second time too. But after that it was expected. So you never let yourself become invested in a man again. You used them as they used you.

But this was different, this wasn’t only lust, there was something more. But was this feeling only yours, or did you share it? You needed to test him, only you didn’t know quite how.

“Stop” You whispered in his mouth as you kissed, it made him stop immediately, and he stepped away from you, breathless.

“I- I’m sorry” He said about to go for the door before you stopped him grabbing his arm.

“No,”

“But you said-”

“I can’t bed you like this.” You said running your hands on the tight fabric of your gown.

“Bed me?” He asked as if he had choked, it made you smile.

“Will you wait here for me?” You asked, petting his cheek, and he nodded slightly confused.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

You had gone into the bathing room that was attached between your room and Margery’s. You bathed quickly, washed your hair, washed your face of its makeup, and slipped into your night dress. The only thing you wore to cover your nakedness.

As you opened the door you saw Podrick lighting the fireplace in your room. He stood as he heard you open the door and looked in your direction as he said, “I thought you might be cold-” He was cut off by the sight of you. His eyes were enamored by the sight of you.

You hadn’t shown him this side of you. Totally free of glamor and shine. “Thank you,” You said as you walked towards him.

As you stood in front of him he still couldn’t let out any words. “Do you… not like it?”

He shook his head quickly, “This is the most I have ever seen of you.” he placed a hand on your cheek. “You are truly the most beautiful woman I have ever known.”

You searched his eyes for a hint of deceit and found none. You took the hand he placed on your cheek and sat down on the fur carpet that laid in front of the fireplace, pulling him down with you. You looked at the scar on his hand again, this time placing a kiss on the scar.

“Thank you for what you did tonight.” He looked slightly confused, “The lie you told.” You explained.

“I didn’t want to interrupt, but then I saw how he grabbed you.” He looked down, now beginning to simmer, “No one should grab you like that.” He said in a lower tone. “If I’d a sword, I wouldn’t have to tell a lie.” He became angered thinking of it.

You moved closer to him, beginning to undo the clasps on the front of his top. He looked intimidated again suddenly, “A sword hm?” He nodded, “What would you have told him?”

“To unhand you, or I’d remove his hand.” He said, with a darker tone of voice, it made you smile as you pulled his red leather top off, leaving him in his tunic.

“One day you’re going to be the only honorable knight in all of Westeros.” You saw heat rush to his cheeks when you said those words. “A big strong shining warrior.” You said crawling closer to him.

“You’re seducing me again.” He said staring at your lips, his eyes drifted downwards again to your cleavage again now further exposed by the thin fabric and the angle you were in from crawling to him.

“Do you want me to stop?” You asked in a whisper,

He shook his head “No,” He said, grasping your face in his hands kissing you so deeply you let out a small moan into his lips, only making him kiss you deeper.

His hands roamed your sides, as yours gripped the back of his neck and roamed his chest down to his stomach.

When your hand reached his stomach you felt his muscles twitch and he let out a small groan. The sound of his groan made you clench your thighs together.

Mixed with the sounds of your breathless whimpers he felt himself stiffening, “Can I touch you?” He whispered in your ear, you nodded and he whispered back “Thank you,” As his hands cupped your breasts. He let out a moan into your mouth as he groped you, feeling the plumpness of your breasts. You couldn’t take it anymore and began to lift your night dress. You stopped yourself however, not wanting to push him,

“Is this okay?” You asked, and he nodded frantically. To which you smiled and lifted the rest of it off. His hands gripped your breasts tighter, and his mouth moved from yours to your neck and shoulder.

“You’re beautiful.” He whispered against your hot skin, repeating it over and over again.

One of your hands petted his hair, while the other went over his stomach to his now tenting trousers. You heard him moan into your neck and his hands gripped you tighter, making you moan in return.

“You sound beautiful too,” He whispered

“Take this off” You said much less elegantly as you pulled at the fabric of his shirt. As he did you laid down on the fur carpet under you. Looking up at him as he removed his tunic. You smiled up at him, “You’re quite pretty too.”

He shook his head in awe of you, “Not like you… You could be a painting,” He said, dropping to his knees. He leaned down and kissed your lips. Both your lips at this point were slightly swollen, but that didn’t stop either of you from continuing. Kissing with a new kind of passion.

You felt, for a moment, this might be much more. And if it was, you didn’t want to hide from him at all. You pulled away from his lips as you blurted out,

“I’ve been with men before you.” breathlessly, “I feel I should be honest with you.” You felt even more naked revealing that, you felt heat spread across your face.

“That’s alright.” He nodded, trying to reassure you. “And I- I have- I’ve been with women before you.”

Your eyes went wide, you thought back to the rumors you’d heard. “You have?” You shook your head to yourself trying to shake those thoughts out of your head. “That’s alright.” You said looking back at him, you smiled softly “It is, it’s alright.” You felt a hint of excitement, pulling him back into your body and to your lips.

You two kissed for a moment until his mouth ran down to your neck, covering your body in as many kisses as he could, making you giggle. Giggle until you feel his thumb run down the slit of your folds. Which made you gasp slightly and then smile at him, and he smiled back.

He leaned down and began to kiss and suck on your breasts.

You felt yourself becoming a wet and sticky mess and his thumb continued to roll up and down the slit of your folds, masterfully avoiding your clit, teasing you.

Finally his index and middle finger parted you, while his thumb gently teased your clit.

“Mmmmmm” you let out as you closed your eyes.

“Do you like that?” he asked softly into your breasts, all you could do was nod as he applied more pressure.

his teeth grazed your nipple with expertise. As though he knew just the right amount to use, how much you liked.

He continued to kiss, suck on, and sometimes lightly bite your breasts. You felt yourself clenching around nothing as he moaned soft praises into your skin. while he kept circling your clit.

It was beginning to be too much and not enough. “More,” you whined, “Your fingers.” you said.

He nodded, “Show me, show me what you like.”

you reached your hand below, rubbing your clit only a little, then you pushed a finger in. He watched as your eyes closed from the pleasure

He inserted his finger alongside yours, feeling how you moved your own finger inside you.

The extra digit in you stretched you so nicely, you let out a small sigh as you smiled at him and he smiled back at you.

You inserted a second finger, and he followed suit. The stretch burned slightly, it had been a while since you had been with a man, and now already you’d four fingers inside you. Albeit two were smaller than the other two but still. You whined a little as you winced slightly. It made him lean down and kiss your lips.

“You’re wonderful” he said as he kissed your jaw and your neck, pumping his fingers in you with your own guiding him. You then removed your fingers, content to let him take control.

His fingers knew when to curl and when to relax, when to push against the soft spot in you, and knew just the right speed. No man had ever known how to draw out such pleasure from simply his fingers with you.

“Podrick-“ you gasped at certain curl of his fingers,

“My lady?” he said into your lips,

“Call me my name,” you said into his,

“(Y/N)…(Y/N)..(Y/N)…(Y/N)..” he repeated softly as he kissed your cheek, then your other cheek, then your forehead, then your eyelids, nose, and finally your lips.

You took his face into your hands, as gently as he took yours in his. You kissed him sweetly, as you pulled away you whispered “I want to make you feel good,”

He smiled and let out a small chuckle “I feel very good,”

You shook your head and rubbed your palm onto his tenting trousers, making him close his eyes tightly, “I want you to feel even better.”

Your touching continued until he was grunting and bucking into your hand, “I- I have to take these off.” He said with a bit of shame as he fumbled with the strings of his trousers. You gladly helped him with a smile on your flushed face.

As he was freed from his pants, you took him in your hand, looking at his cock. It was bigger than you had expected, and by far the prettiest one you’d seen. Most were crooked, too thin, or too wide but his was perfect.

“Pretty thing you’ve got there,” You said with a smile as you pulled him into another kiss.

As you did you pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him, slinging your leg over his body.

He looked flustered with your boldness but pleased. “Thank you,” he responded.

“You’re welcome,” You said as you lined his cock, slick with precum against your entrance. His hands gripped your hips as you lowered yourself, pushing him inside of you.

You let out the prettiest of moans from your lips as did he.

His eyes rolled to the back of his head as you grinded him into you, in and out. The way his cock twitched inside of you hit the soft spot in you so deliciously each time, making you moan even louder.

You looked down at him, you ran your hand against his cheek as he looked back at you with a soft smile while moans left his lips.

The look in his eyes as he watched you squirm and whimper was a look you were not accustomed to.

All of the sudden, he pulled you down and rolled you onto your back. You were face to face, his arms wrapped around your body and yours around his. Your legs around his waist as he bucked into you, again and again. The way he did it, was as if he had done it a thousand times before.

He moved his hands to hold your face, and his other to hold your hand.

His thumb rubbed against your cheek, sweetly. Just before it left your cheek and trailed down your body to your cunt. Rubbing your clit in circles.

He could feel you clenching around him, his speed picked up and his mouth returned to your nipples. But his hand never left yours.

“I’m cuming, Podrick, I- mmhmm” You whined, only making him speed up even more.

You felt your legs shake, your toes curl, and the pressure in your stomach snap and the warmth in your core spread around his cock. You let out the prettiest of moans as you came. You gripped his hand tightly. And he peppered your chest and your neck in kisses. “I want you to cum,” You whispered as he continued to fuck into you.

“So warm… so wet.” He whimpered against your neck, “Gods, I need you.”

His thrusts in you became more and more erratic, you anticipated his cum filling you, you anticipated the heat that would fill you. You wanted it, badly. You smiled as you saw his face contort knowing it was coming, but he pulled out and came on the ground next to you.

You whined a little, “I wanted it,” You said in a whisper.

“You?-” He looked confused “You wanted it?”

You nodded, pouting a little.

“Why?” He asked, not being able to understand it, “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to- to sully your body.” He said, sweet sentiment.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈꒱꒱

After he cleaned it up, you had gotten in bed.

He dressed himself back in his tunic and walked over to you where you pulled him into your bed.

He held you against his body, and you held him back. He just stared into your eyes, as he pet your cheek. He admired the way you looked against the light of the fire. His eyes trailed down your body and he saw the bruises he left from his kisses on your breasts. His thumb grazed over them as he said “I’m sorry, I-’

“You did nothing wrong,” You said as you gripped his face and pulled him down to kiss his lips. “Do you think your Lord misses you?” You asked jokingly.

“I think he is too drunk to notice.” He said smiling at you, “What about your Lady?”

“I think she was too involved in Joffrey to notice.” You said with a giggle.

“Sleep with me tonight?” You asked softly,

He nodded and he wrapped his arms around you and nuzzled his face into your neck.

꒰ ୨୧ ─ ・┈ ・ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ─ ・┈ ꒱꒱

When you woke up, you were alone.

You felt a little betrayed but you knew he had duties.

Later that day you were ordered to check on Lord Tyrion’s injuries as the Maester was too busy to see to it himself.

When you knocked on the door to Tyrion's chambers Bronn answered the door, he eyed you up and down, making you roll your eyes.

“My Lord,” You said walking into Tyrion’s chambers, brushing past Bronn and avoiding his gaze.

“Ah, the bear girl.” Tyrion said,

“(Y/N) Mormont, my Lord.” Podrick attempted to correct him, which made Bronn huff and roll his eyes. But you smiled at him, and he smiled back.

“Yes, Podrick, I know her name. My family is holding her captive after all.”

You smirked at his admission, ‘How’re you feeling?” You asked as you sat a leather bag of medicines and supplies on a table.

“Oh quite pleasurable.” Tyrion said sarcastically,

You turned towards him, dropping your concerned demeanor “I need to know if it stings or itches, if it’s infected, it could spread to your eyes, you’ll go blind, it could spread to your sinuses which could make you go deaf, and if it spreads to your brain you’ll die."

“You’re a gentle flower aren’t you?”

“Always have been. The Flower of Bear Island they called me.” You said sarcastically with crossed arms, making Tyrion huff a chuckle, “Yes and now they call me bear girl and whore, so if you could be so kind and cooperate I can see to it that you don’t die.”

Podrick held back a smile at your strength.

“Alright, no burning, itching, or stinging. Satisfied?” Tyrion said as you sat beside him.

“Somewhat…” You said while examining the cut.

Podricks eyes were entranced by the way your eyes darted around the Lord's scar, how you examined it with such expertise. How your eyebrows narrowed and your lips pouted slightly when you focused intensely on something. How when you wrapped a new bandage around the Lord's face you bit on your bottom lip. As he stared at your lips he thought of your first kiss, how warm and soft your lips were, he thought of your sweet taste. He wanted to grab your face and do it all over again. He was so deep into his fantasy he hadn’t even noticed Tyrion had called his name twice.

Bronn smacked Podricks head, making him snap out of it as Tyrion repeated himself again.

“Pod, see Lady Mormont to her chambers.”

“Yes, my Lord.” Podrick nodded

“Oh I'm sure the lad would love that.” Bronn said as you and Podrick left the room.

Once the door to Tyrion's chamber was closed you turned to Podrick with narrowed eyes.

“You told them?” You asked with venom.

“No, no, no I wouldn’t.” He stammered, not wanting you to believe he would do such a thing to you, “I wouldn’t. I believe I am just not very good at concealing my… interest in you.” He said softly so no one would hear.

It made you smile.

“I am sorry I couldn’t stay, My Lady. This morning, I couldn’t stay, Lord Tyrion would have sent someone for me.” He said softly again.

“I told you, you can call me by my name.” You said not willing to say it was alright but not willing to say it wasn’t. “Did you forget it, Podrick?” You teased him

“No, no (Y/N)” He said your name with a smile.

“Good, I thought your interest in me had finally subsided.”

“I don’t think it could.”

It made you smile again, 'seven hells' you thought, falling for such things.

You looked around and saw no one in the hall, you pulled him into another kiss.

NOTE:sowwy this took so long, i wuv you!

TAG LIST: @ryn-away @boojaynaqueen @holierthancunt @symonedoesart

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the-pink-thumb · 11 months ago

Text

Of nuggets, thoug cookies and cherry cobblers

Read in AO3

For @apomaro-mellow , hope you enjoy :)

@steddieholidayexchange

Rating: Teens and Up

No archive warnings apply

Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson,

Characters: Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington's Parents, Wayne Munson

Additional tags: Established Relationship, Family Dynamics, Meet the Family, Parent Steve Harrington, Parent Eddie Munson, Foster Parents, Cooking, cooking together

Words: 5125

Summary: Eddie Munson is quite happy with his own family, with Steve Harrington at his side. But when the Harrington family makes a call, he has to choose between run away or face them!

Fic under the cut!

Six nuggets, a motorhome to cross the country and learn to surf near the ocean.

Steve Harrington raised his eyes to the sea, where the sun was slowly going down, and then checked the barbecue he was cooking near the porch.

Well, the motorhome was there, parked near that Californian paradise. The nuggets were only two, at the moment, and Eddie was soaking them with the waves in the shallow water. The twins were crying for pleasure every time the foam caught them, and Eddie was laughing from the top of his lungs. Then he raised his sight to Steve, who waved at him, and rapidly he collected the kids, ignoring their protest, and then took them one under each arm like potato sacks, made them giggling and squawking under the clean water shower.

Eddie took the towels and dried the kids. He ruffled their golden hair and then applied them some aftersun and dressed them.

Steve set the camping table and turned the ribs on the barbecue one last time.

“Ehi, pretty boy” said Eddie, finally drying himself too, with the towel on his head to make everybody laugh. He leaned for a kiss and hugged Steve’s waist. “How’s the cook?”

“Pretty ready,” smiled Steve, enjoying the salty warmness of his boyfriend. “Could you kindly prepare the salad?”

Eddie nodded and called the kids. They entered the motorhome and he heard the noises of three little kids preparing the vegetables, giggling and singing silliness.

Only two nuggets, and not even his’. The agency said that, for the moment, they weren’t eligible for adoption, but they’re good for fostering. Kids with problematic parents, disrupted families, dysfunctional homes that would enter the system otherwise. They gave the kids an opportunity of a normal life with foster families and their parents the opportunity to clean up and regain their children’s custody eventually.

For Steve, it was the same as raising a “real” child. They already fostered a six year old girl for eight months, until her father could complete the program and claimed custody again. Now they were raising those four year old twins, Bobby and Becky, whose former addicted mother was trying to rehabilitate, stay clean and provide a stable home for them. They were together for almost a year already, Steve knew, and hoped, that they could return with their mommy but this didn’t prevent him from loving them dearly as they were his. And for Eddie it was the same. They finally had good financial stability, a house and a lot of love to give away, and they gladly tried to help kids in need.

“Good, wash your hands, little worms!” Ordered Eddie, putting the salad on the table. Steve was collecting the ribs on a plate and put them too on the table.

The kids washed their hands obediently and sat at the table. Eddie served the food to them and they start eating, trying to talk at the same time and tell Steve their afternoon at the beach. Steve barely understood a word, but he was happy at the moment. Eddie put his hand on his’, smiling tenderly to him, and they looked together at the sunset on the vast ocean.

Eddie showered the kids and put them in the bed. He read them a story and Steve went to kiss them goodnight after cleaning the dinner.

It was really odd and curious that Eddie, who had the greatest difficulty following any sleep routine as a teen, was the most responsible of the parents. He was strict with the kids; he knew how to make them obey, he made them respect their routine and stop every fuss; he wasn’t inflexible, he could always follow the rules without being the bad cop, Steve really couldn’t say how he did it. The kids, especially the twins, had respected his so-called authority from the beginning, and Eddie was able to absolutely spoil and discipline them at the same time.

Every time Steve thought about it, he fell in love even more.

Eddie reached him in their chair under the moonlight, lighting a cig.

“So, you’re still convinced of it?” He said to Steve, after a good drag and a big breath.

Steve tossed the ash of his own cig and nodded.

“Why not, Eds?”

“You want to discuss it again?”

Steve sighed and took a drag, sipping his beer then. “Nope. You’re right. Yes, I want to go to the party, as I kept saying for days and days, so, yes, I’m still convinced”.

Eddie turned his head and grumbled. “I hate when you do so”.

“Then don’t make me”

Eddie grumbled again, put his cig off and went inside the caravan. Steve heard him changing, then the noise of the camping bed under his weight, and the pages of his journal angrily opened. He sighed one last time, finished the beer and went to bed too.

“How are you doing?” He asked in a peace offering.

“I’m writing a song, I titled it “I don’t want to go to your ridiculous family gathering, thanks”. It’s almost finished” answered Eddie without raising his head. Steve smiled. He adored the irony Eddie was always able to use even when he was upset.

“Come on, babe…” Eddie looked at him angrily. “Come on, Eddie. We never met my family and I never insisted, but…”

Eddie muttered and moved a hand to make him shut up. “I know. I already listened to that. Tomorrow it’s our last day of vacation and I don’t want to ruin it”.

Eddie put down the notebook and got under the sheets, turning his back to Steve.

“Oh, come on!” Protested Steve, going near him. He lended a hand on his waist.

Eddie moved a little on the other side. “I don’t want to ruin it either” said Steve, harshly. “Is it better if I sleep on the sofa?”

“Don’t be silly”

“But you don’t want to talk to me or touch me”

Eddie sighed.

“Ok talk” he said dryly.

“I don’t know what to say, I just want to go visit my family and this time, with you”

Eddie turned towards him, looking at him with a hard look.

“They never accepted me, and you know. They never accepted the kids, and I don’t want to force them to this”

“And I already said that they changed their mind this time. My father…”

“Yes, we all know that your father is a survivor and now he sees life differently”.

“Can’t you give them a last possibility? Just for me? They really want to make amends, he asked me to apologize. They want you to go to the anniversary and talk to you personally”.

“And the kids?”

“They… want to meet them…”

Eddie grumbled another time, rolling his eyes.

“I don’t want to remember what they said about adopted children”

“And they regret itI now. They want to tell you directly. Please, Eddie. I am…. I was really worried for my father”.

Eddie shook his head one last time. “But just for you, not for them” he pouted, and Steve smiled sweetly. “Of course. Thanks”

They heard Bobby call with a panicked voice. Becky was pretty good about their mother, but Bobby lately started to have nightmares, especially when they met or had a call with her. Eddie sighed and came out of the bed, glad to have an excuse to go away to Steve.

Steve turned the light on and sat up on the bed, he wanted to wait Eddie after falling asleep to be sure they ended the argument well.

“His family” had always been a taboo between them.

He was madly in love with the man, he fell in love with him in Eddie’s senior year but he accepted it a year or so later, when Eddie himself confessed to him he had a big crush on him when he was the keg king.

The only big fight they had was about Steve’s family. He eventually came out with his parents, but they didn’t accept it at first and not even after some time. They accused Eddie of ruining Steve, to change him into someone he wasn’t and they tried to make them break out. And they succeeded.

After a year and a half, they planned to move together, but Steve’s parents stopped him, and he wasn’t able to ignore them. They tried to convince him that he needed to find a good girl to start a family, that probably he ended up with Eddie because he was disappointed in the girls in Hawkins. They offered to pay him a trip abroad or an apartment away to try to find someone more suitable. Steve regretted he wasn’t strong enough to run away with Eddie, but he didn’t want to cut off his family entirely. So he and Eddie had that big, giant fight and broke up. Eddie moved away alone and Steve remained in Hawkins, heart broken and feeling really, really stupid.

But he kept thinking about Eddie, despite his parent’s attempts to marry him off with some girls, and another year and a half later, during Thanksgiving holidays, he met Eddie again and knew that his feelings had never changed, and, luckily for him, nor Eddie’s. This time he was firm with his family, he protected his relationship with Eddie and when the time came, he moved in with him in Portland. His parents never accepted Eddie, although they stopped trying to separate them. Eddie tried to visit once, but they were really cold and rude so he didn't try again.

Then Steve’s father got cancer and Steve was really worried for him. Eddie, really proud, refused to go to visit him, and Steve didn’t insist. He visits every now and then alone, but now, after the recovery, they wanted to throw a big party for their 35th wedding anniversary, and for the first time they insisted on having Eddie too, and even the kids. Clearly Eddie was cautious and they had to argue a lot of times.

Yes, they only fighted about Steve’s family, and he didn’t like it.

Eddie returned with a little smile on his face. “I hope he can sleep the rest of the night, we have to sing the spider some more time than I like”.

Steve smiled too. He looked Eddie in the eyes, waiting for him to resume the discussion. Eddie sighed, returning under the sheets.

“You want me to apologize?” Eddie asked, in a plain tone.

“Of course not! But… I want us to go to sleep in peace”.

“I already said that I will go, for you. I am just worried for the kids. Are you sure? We can manage otherwise if…”

“No,” said Steve firmly. “They have to accept my family as a whole, or nothing. The kids and you are my family over my parents. It’s the last occasion, ok?”

“Ok… but at the first bad signal we will go away without looking back”.

Steve sighed and nodded. He remembered how he cried for anger and frustration when he announced to his parents that they wanted to start the adoption process: that they wouldn’t accept some abandoned, rejected kid as their grandchild. That blood was thicker than water and their lineage dated back to the pilgrims and so on. Steve left thinking it was the last time, but then his father fell sick. Eddie was still offended by their prejudices about fostering and adopting kids, he maybe could negotiate their opinion about him but surely wouldn’t expose innocent kids to two old racist white dumbs.

“Deal. I will support you no matter what, I promise”.

Eddie nodded. “So enjoy our last holiday night” he smiled, and opened his arms to accommodate Steve on his chest.

“I love you,” Steve said.

“I know”.

They barely talked about the family gathering on the trip to Hawkins. The kids really loved the landscape of the highway and sleeping in campings along the way with every kind of different person. Eddie liked it too, he was good at knowing strangers and they had a good time singing in the caravan and talking with interesting people.

They decided to stop previously at Wayne's to spend a couple of days with him and meet Steve’s parents alone before the anniversary.

Wayne already met the kids at Christmas in Portland, and he just loved them with his simple, no-frills way. They liked him in return and were absolutely delighted to play in his garden.

That day, Eddie put the kids on a nap and went to the garage to check a little noise that only he heard in the caravan.

“It will take a little,’” smiled Wayne when he left. He fished from the pantry some cans of cherry. “And now you will have the time to say what is eating you away.”

Steve blushed and raised an eyebrow. Differently from his parents, Wayne never had problems accepting them as a couple since the first time. He didn't say a word about their break up and their return, and simply loved Steve because Eddie loved him. He was more than happy about fostering and in future adopting kids, he himself had been a foster parent and was really, really proud of Eddie wanting to share his luck with some unfortunate kid.

Steve wasn’t sure that rant about the situation was a good idea. He kept washing the dishes in silence for a while.

Waye waited politely, opening and drying the cherries.

“It’s… Eddie and I had a sort of… argument… about my family. A few arguments, in fact,” he looked Wayne in the eyes. “Oh, but… but obviously we won’t split up again…” Wayne giggled a little. “My family… well maybe I’m reconsidering meeting them with Eddie… and the kids”.

Wayne nodded, silent again.

“It’s the last possibility, I swear… but my father had… had that thing, and I… I really wish I wouldn’t have to choose, really”.

“And Eddie is not ok with it?”

“He was since the beginning, and now I’m not sure I did right dragging them here”

“And he is upset about it, right?”

“You noticed?”

Wayne giggled again. He could read his kid with a glance, despite the fact that he was now a grown up man and he lived far away.

“And there is the kids thing…” started Steve, uncertain if to tell him that too. He, despite everything, didn't want him to judge his family too hard.

“Let me guess, they don't agree with you adopting children… they want grandchildren of their blood, don't they?”

Steve washed the last dish and nodded, grabbing the counter with white knuckles.

“Don’t judge them, they don’t…”

“Oh I don't judge. You know perfectly what I think about fostering and adopting kids. But I want you to know a thing, and it will be the one and last time I say this: I have to protect Eddie and his family, of blood or adoption, and I will if needed”.

Steve nodded.

“But you know, otherwise I will always try to make you all happy, and if you want, I will share with you a little trick to make Eddie smile”.

Wayne blinked to Steve, and he looked curiously at the man. He grabbed a cherry can.

“Cherry cobbler”.

Eddie entered the door of Wayne’s home and stopped suddenly, sniffing deeply.

“Cherry cobbler…” he whispered entering the kitchen, and looking straight to Wayne. He understood what his uncle was trying to do, and thanked him silently.

“I need a smoke” said the man, grabbing his cigarettes and going out of the room. Steve was whisking the batter and stopped, looking at Eddie too.

“Wayne and I always did it when I was angry and upset,” smiled Eddie, eating a cherry. “He always could calm me and make me talk while preparing this”.

“And it will help now?”

Eddie smiled. “Let’s try”.

He took control of the batter and Steve cutted the cherries. They intertwined hands when they poured the mix in the mold, and they talked, and smiled. Eddie felt really relieved at the end, just as Wayne knew. Wayne came in again with the kids who just finished their nap.

Eddie and Steve took them in their arms.

“It smells good, Steve,” said Becky, grabbing his head with a kiss.

“Smells really good,” nodded Wayne, looking at Eddie and smiling.

Eddie looked at Steve, thinking, and biting his lip a little.

“What if… what do you think if we do one more… for tomorrow?”

“Do you mean…”

“As an offer. As a sign of good will?”

Steve nodded and hugged him. “Thank you” he whispered and kissed him.

“They kisses…” giggled Becky and covered her face with her hands.

Eddie had Bobby in one hand and the cobbler in the other. He had a belligerent expression on his face, and he grabbed the kid’s hand like he wanted to use him as a shield. Steve had Becky in his arms when he rang the bell of Harrington’s mansion.

The maid opened and let them enter the living room. Harrigton Senior was sitting in his armchair and his wife on the sofa. She got up, he remained seated.

“Hello, Steve,” said his mother. “Eddie, dear, welcome” continued with a certain insecurity.

“Hi, Monica”, said Eddie, aloof, holding the cobbler proudly.

“And you are…” said the woman to the kids.

“Come on, wormies, this is Steve’s mother. Let's be polite and shake her hand,” said Eddie to the kids, who were a little scared. He could be angry with them, but he wanted to try not to influence the kids.

“Hi,” said the kids, serious, but friendly.

“And he is my dad,” smiled Steve, pointing to his dad. “Hi, dad”.

“Hi son” he finally stood up. He smiled at the kids, a little worried too, but with a promising expression. “Hi kids. I’m your… Can I…?”

Steve shook his head. “No,” he mimicked.

“I’m Steven '' concluded Steve Senior, shaking the hands of the kids. Maybe it could be better a kiss, like the several they gave to Wayne, but Eddie and Steve wanted to be a little cautious, just in case things came out bad.

The conversation was a little weak at first. Eddie and Steve sat on the sofa in front of the parents, like in a trial, with the worried and silent kids on their laps. They just shared some useless chat about their recent trip in California and Steve’s mother just asked some polite questions.

“Can we offer something to you?” Finally said the woman, desperate to find a topic.

“We did a cherry cobbler together,” answered Eddie.

“Oh, great! I will check if we had some ice cream for that. "The woman took the cake and went to the kitchen, returning a little later with two large bags in hands.

“The maid will take care of the treat,” she said to the expectant kids. “We… we bought some presents for you,” she lent the bags to the kids. They find some illustrated books in the first, and they politely thanked and asked Eddie what the books were about. Eddie thanked the Harringtons too with a composed smile, then they grabbed the other bag.

There were clothes. Some packets of silly socks, a little suit for the boy and an elegant dress for the girl. Eddie looked at the clothes and then to the kids, who at that moment were wearing matching Iron Maiden little t-shirts.

Harrington senior then lent him a long box. He saw a decorated tie, with little sort of stars and dots, and looked to them interrogatively, then looked to Steve, who apparently were aware at least of that last present.

“If you think I will wear something like this at your gathering, you’re really wrong. And I won’t dress up my kids like dolls just to please some stranger,” he said harshly.

The Harringtons widened their eyes and mouths, but in that moment the maid served the cobbler. The kids forgot the present and attacked their plates, kneeling near the coffee table.

“We… we didn’t intend to force any of you to dress anything,” said Steve’s mother. “They’re just… presents,” she searched Steve’s eyes for help.

“Thanks mom, we appreciate them. It’s true, Eddie?”

“Of course,” muttered him while sipping his coffee.

“You can wear anything you want to the party tomorrow,” insisted Monica, trying to fix things.

Eddie nodded, unimpressed. The kid finished eating and he cleaned their hands and faces with a napkin.

“Kids, do you want to see the pool?” Asking Eddie standing up. He looked at Steve and he nodded. It was evident that Eddie needed a break already.

He took the kids' hands and they went out to the garden.

“He’s a tough cookie,” grumbled Steve’s dad. Steve puffed.

“You didn’t make things easy for him,” he answered dryly. “He is hurted and protective of the kids”.

“We just want to fix things,” said Monica, looking to his husband, nodding. “We want him to know we are sorry, and want his forgiveness, and make him… them… part of the family”.

“I appreciate it, mum, but he needs to hear it from you directly. And I can’t guarantee it would be easy, he knows what you think about adopting kids”.

Harrington senior blushed a little. He opposed fiercely to adopting, for blood reasons, but the cancer and the life danger made him rethink about a lot of things.

“We changed our mind,” he said. “I changed my mind. Of course, I still want a grandchild…”

“Dad,” interrupted Steve. Steven sr nodded.

“Ok, you’re right. I changed my mind, that’s all. I will… I will accept your family”.

“The kids are adorable,” said Monica, willing to please Steve.

“Eddie is adorable with them,” Steve answered. “He is a wonderful father”.

Monica and Steven nodded.

“Eddie, would you like to come inside again?”

Steve went to collect his family around the pool. The kids were delighted, but Eddie was sitting there with a serious expression, and Steve didn't read it as a good sign.

“You always have a secret purpose when you talk so politely,” he said without smiling.

“I know. My parents want you to come back with the kids”.

“If they think to butter me up with some clown clothes and a hideous tie, they’re really wrong,” he answered, without any sign to move.

“It wasn’t their idea. That tie is the one my father wore when he met my mom’s parents for the first time. It’s… precious for him”.

Eddies scoffed.

“They’re trying to say you’re welcome in our family”.

“If only they told me it in the face…”

“They want to do it. They want to apologize in front of you. Please, come back to talk with them”.

Eddie pursed his lips.

“Look, I know it’s difficult and it won’t be immediate, but just give them a chance”.

“I don’t want to wear that thing tomorrow, nor to dress my kids up like a preppy clown,” he continued harshly.

“They didn’t mean it. They’re just presents, to show good will. So come now?” Steve smiled and lent a hand to him. Eventually Eddie shrugged his shoulders and grabbed it.

“Thanks,” said Steve, smiling. Eddie called the kids and they came inside together.

“Did you enjoy the pool, kids?” Answered Monica. “If you stay a few days more, we can prepare it to swim a little. It’s heated”.

Eddie licked nervously his lips, standing in the middle of the living room. He had the face of someone who didn’t want to bear more bullshit.

“Eddie, sit down, please,” said Steve,nervous himself.The kids sat in a corner looking at their new books. Eddie sat.

“Eddie, we… we want to apologize for… for our behavior in the last… years,” Monica cleared her throat.

“We want to welcome you into the family, if you want to forgive us. We want you and the kids to meet all the family tomorrow, and of course… feel free to wear whatever you want,” continued Steven.

Eddie was surprised, he frankly didn’t expect Harringtons to be sincere, but he couldn’t say anything against them at the moment.

He nodded, and let go of an accent of a smile that warmed Steve's heart a lot.

“We’ll see tomorrow then,” he said at the end of the afternoon, when they went away to return to Wayne’s house.

Eddie had a lot to think about that night. He put the kids to sleep while Steve was helping Wayne to clean the dishes. Then he enjoyed some homemade liquor on the patio with his uncle while Steve had a shower before bed.

“A penny for your thoughts, kid”.

Eddie sipped a little from his glass, then told almost everything to Wayne. He didn’t particularly appreciate the Harringtons, and he politely expressed his surprise about their change of mind.

“I always thought Steve came in a package with his family, whether you like it or not. Whether he liked it or not,” he added, and Eddie nodded. Steve had grown apart of his family for him, but he always suffered from it. “He did a lot for you regarding them, and I think you have to make steps for him too”.

Eddie snorted a little. Wayne always said so many things with so few words. He understood everything, and he nodded.

The twins were sitting on the sofa in their new clothes, looking like little preppy dolls, and Steve was trying to put their shoes on. He was happy that Eddie didn’t fuss about the clothes, on the contrary, he decided spontaneously to dress the kids in that way. The dresses didn’t really suit their kids, but it was just a signal from Eddie.

“Stevie? Honey? Could you come and help me?” Eddie called from the bedroom.

Steve went there, and he melted, blushing with his heart running very quickly.

Eddie was wearing a light gray suit that seemed just a little small for him, and tried to work his Harrington tie, shaking his head. “I need help, I can’t do it”.

“Oh Eddie,” Steve smiled looking at him, grabbing his hand. “Thanks,” he whispered, kissing him lightly.

“Nonsense,” smiled Eddie, blushing in return.

Steve fixed the tie, and hugged him.

Steve’s parents welcomed them really warmly when they came to the party. Steve’s father looked at Eddie’s tie and firmly grabbed his hand, smiling warmly at him. They let the kids play with the other family’s kids and they grab a glass of champagne. Eddie felt a little overwhelmed by Steve’s extended family, and intimidated for all the introductions, but they introduced him as Steve’s partner without euphemisms ,and Steve didn’t leave his side. His presence didn’t seem as a big deal as he thought so he could enjoy the buffet and the drinks.

“Steve, please, come there, Auntie Bertha wants to greet you”.

Steve snorted a little. Aunt Bertha was the matriarch of the family since her sister’s, Steve’s senior mother, death. He was nearly 80, in a wheelchair, and she had obviously old opinions about modern things. They didn’t tell her exactly Steve’s way of life, but they met once one of her daughters and he suspected that she knew. He really didn’t want to hear a lecture about homosexuality and corruption of morality, but he at least needed to pay his respects.

Steve sat at her side, with his parents near.

“Those kids are yours?”

Steve scoffed a little. “They’re foster kids, Auntie”

“Oh, so that tall woman isn’t their mother? Is she your wife?”

“No, Auntie, he’s not their mother, he’s a man and he is my partner”.

“And you don’t have kids of your own?”

Steve scoffed again, trying to remain calm.

“No, Auntie, we can’t adopt kids at the moment, we are not married”

Bertha nodded thoughtfully.

“So she’s not your wife?”

Steve tried not to get madI, she was old and probably didn’t understand everything. But he decided not to hide anything, and his parents were there just listening, he was surprised they didn’t try to stop him.

“He is a man, Auntie. He’ my partner, we live together, but we’re not married”

“Oh, yes, I think you told me something like this…” Bertha looked at Steven senior. He nodded. “And you live with a man? That…”

“Eddie, Auntie. Well, I think I have to go, now…” said Steve, starting to feel a little nervous.

“Your Grandma Mary always hoped you would marry sooner or later… why aren't you married?”

Steve stood, moving a step to the door. “At the moment we…”

“And don’t you want your own kids?”

“Auntie, I’m sorry, I have to go…”

“Steve and Eddie can’t adopt kids if they’re not married, Auntie,” explained Steven senior, sweetly.

“Oh, right,” nodded the old woman. “So you'd better not wait, right?”

Steve looked at his parent’s faces. He felt strange and he felt like he didn't understand.

“Marry him,” added the old woman. She took something from her pocket. Steve’s mother took it from her hands and gave it to Steve.

Steve opened the little box.

He found his Grandma's ring. He looked at his parents, puzzled and holding his breath.

“Granny wanted it for your fiance,” said his mother. Steven senior went to arrange again Auntie Bertha’s dress, and his mother walked Steve away.

“We explained things to Auntie before, but I think she didn’t get it all… You ok?”

“It’s your idea? Dad’s too?”

She nodded. “You know, he still wants grandchildren,” she smiled.

Steve put the box in the pocket and smiled.

The kids fell asleep on one of the big sofas, so they put them sleeping in the car. Steve drove slowly down the town, and at a certain point he took a different way.

He stopped near the houseboats on the lake, and Eddie looked at him, confused.

“Do you remember where we had our first kiss?” Eddie nodded. “Let’s have a look, come on”, he added, getting out of the car.

He took Eddie’s hand in the dark, only the moon was lighting the place.

“What’s happening, Steve?”

Steve kissed Eddie, sweetly, as they kissed there for the first time, so shy and worried and shivering. He took the box from his pocket, and knelt.

“Eddie?” Whispered Bobby, waking up in the backseat. Steve was driving with a big smile on his face.

“We’re almost at home, honey, keep sleeping” Eddie reached him caressing his cheek; an engagement ring, maybe too girlish between all his skulls and crosses, shined on the road lights.

Bobby closed his eyes again, and Eddie looked again at his ring, kissed it, and then grabbed Steve’s hand on the gear. They blushed together.

#steddie #steddie holiday exchange #eddie munson #steve harrington #stranger things

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