#Gloria is just living her best life

[sobbingstars]

Story time! So I went through an era as a kid where I would rotate through the Madagascar movies 2 and 3 as well as The Penguins of Madagascar. Literally all I would watch. All day everyday. And it was chill. Fast forward a bit, I haven’t seen the movies in years. Currently, I am rewatching Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa and I am SHAKING. But in a good way??? I’m slapping my knee and giggling. But in a happy excited way??? AGAUXYSH I LOVE THIS MOVIE

[lheautontimoroumenos]

this was originally tags under a gifset of mine but I felt it was getting a bit too long so here we go.

I have so much to say about “oh is the sad little sidekick mad?” line in the jackieshauna argument in 110.

Jackie is so strongly taunting Shauna during the first part of the fight. She's poking and poking until Shauna answers and when she does she's fully gobsmacked.

"Is the sad little sidekick mad" is just so Shauna. Especially then but I think it's even true now. She's not quite the same sidekick anymore because Jackie's dead but she doesn't stand on her own either. She's a housewife, fills her days with her responsibilities to her family, she never fulfilled her teenage dreams of studying.

But she's also still Jackie's sidekick: she's married to Jeff, Jackie's mom compares them all the time, everytime someone speaks of Jackie they're speaking of Shauna. They are inseparable in the truest sense of the word.

And god is she mad. She's been mad for so long too. I think first of all she's angry at herself, deep down. For sleeping with Jeff, for lying to Jackie about it and Brown, for resenting Jackie and their friendship, for being the reason she died.

But then closer to the surface, she's angry at everyone else all the time. It's all Jeff's fault (the blackmail and the cheating), her daughter's a bitch and talks back, tai left her to join Lottie club and hired a journalist to look into her life, Nat became the leader and stile her hard-earned right, Lottie's the reason her baby's dead everyone's taking her for granted

She's a sidekick: she doesn't know how not to be codependent because the last time she let someone go Jackie died. She's mad: they actually go hand in hand, she holds onto people and things so tight that if anything moves in any unplanned way she has to kill it. Kill it before it kills itself, rather she decides when it leaves her than it leave her out of the blue when she's not prepared. Everything has to be under control, her control, or it's dangerous and will become the object of her anger.

[wpdarlingpan]

The Wish

I saw someone else write about Barbie going Yandere for the person playing with them so I wanted to do this… What if Barbie and Ken were played with by the same person?

Yandere Barbie x Innocent/willing Reader x Yandere Ken

Warnings: Low Self-Esteem, Loneliness, Manipulative behavior, talk of the movie

-Barbie and Ken made their way into the real world to look for the person playing with them. They had begun to notice sadness feeling them and the urge to cry even when they didn’t know what they were crying about.

-Now instead of Gloria playing with Barbie, They were looking for a young woman. They both had saw glimpses of your life. Every part that made you feel as if you were alone.

-You were never one that anyone was into. You watched all the happy couples around you, comforting each other, helping each other, and loving one another.

-You couldn’t help but be sad. After all you only had a few acquaintances if you could even refer to them as such. You were to shy to talk to anyone really.

-One day you had decided to take your Barbie and Ken off the shelf and just hold them. Hoping they would bring some comfort. The doll form did nothing but fuel your sadness.

-Barbie and Ken would find you at your house. You didn’t really get out much so that was their best option. They also didn’t want to freak anybody out like she did with Sasha.

-Of course they saw glimpses of you but when you opened your door it was as if their plastic hearts (if they even had one) begun to beat and their once sad feelings dissolved into a deep love.

-Seeing two beautiful people at your door wasn’t a sight you see everyday. You hid slightly behind the door quietly questioning what they were doing at your house of all places.

-They introduced themselves and or course you were skeptical. Barbie? Ken? That’s crazy. Not that you were calling them crazy but the whole situation.

-They slightly pushed their way inside, making you question if you had asked them to come in based on the way you didn’t protest.

-Barbie and Ken looked around the house in awe. This is where their ‘human’ lived… well at least for now. They were taking notice of any aspect that may be needed for their now decided little trip to Barbieland.

-Ken was beginning to understand the dynamics of the real world and how it treated women. He didn’t want you to go through that. After all, you were someone who cared enough to get a Ken doll. He instantly fell in love.

-Barbie was the same. She didn’t like how she felt when she visited the real world the first time. The constant anxiety (as she learned it was called) and the worry for her safety. She hated it. She couldn’t imagine how you felt, the constant struggle.

-You actually ended up believing them in a naive, innocent trust. You wanted to believe them so you did. It ended up working out for you after all they were the real Barbie and Ken.

-They even gifted you roller skates. After you had agreed to temporarily visit, Barbie went upstairs and packed anything she deemed sentimental and left the rest. You didn’t even notice; distracted by the blush on your face as Ken flirted with you. Complimenting your beauty and the shine in your eyes while he threw in questions about your daring life and family.

-Then you were off. Luckily you didn’t live too far from Venice beach. You were in awe the entire time. Happiness flooded your veins every time they would compliment you or touch you.

-Once in Barbieland they drove you to her dreamhouse. The idea of the open walls and non existent food or liquids was a hard idea to get behind but being here with your two new ‘friends’ made it al the easier.

-They took you to the beach after you had a tour of the dreamhouse. It was interesting to see the waves as if they were frozen in place.

-There was quite a few Ken and Barbies on the beach. They were chilling in beach chairs, playing volleyball, or even just running towards the water.

-Barbie and Ken didn’t know how jealous they would be the second one of the others looked your way.

-They had begun to feel possessive over you. You were their human. Not the others. You belonged to them and them to you.

-Barbie and Ken got you some ice cream and decided it would be best to leave so they didn’t keep glaring at the people they would call friends or even family.

-You guys even watched a movie together, at some point during the movie you had fallen asleep, you legs on Barbie and your head cuddled into Kens abs.

-They had a talk after making sure you were asleep. Now that they knew you, they couldn’t live a day without you. They would consider going back to your world and staying but time there was so fickle compared to Barbieland. They didn’t want to settle for anything less than eternity with you.

-They woke you up in order to go get changed, very regretfully, but they didn’t want you to be uncomfortable in your clothes or if they changed you, even if they wouldn’t see anything with the way the closet works.

-Barbie talked about how she only had the one bed but it was definitely big enough for you three to share.

-You had started to decline, saying you were fine sleeping on the couch, after all you were only there for the night.

-They two of them quickly denied it and shut down every time you tried to bring it up. It only ended with the three of you in the bed. You between the two blondes.

-Why me? You would ask them as you laid in the comfortable heart shaped bed, one of their arms in your hair, lightly playing with it and the other persons wrapped around your stomach. You never felt so safe.

-“Why not you?” They would tell you all these things. How you were beautiful from the inside out. How they felt when you smiled at them or held their hand when you got nervous. How you looked to them for guidance as they led you through this whole new world.

-To them, you were everything. You were their reason for life. Quickly they became yours. Maybe it was the Stockholm syndrome, or it was the fact they showed you the love you wished for. Even if you didn’t imagine it with three of you in Barbieland.

-If you ever mentioning visiting your house in the real world, they will immediately deter you from the thought. They would convince you all you needed was right there.

-They decided to avoid Kens and Barbies has much as possible. Sometimes every Allan. They wouldn’t you to depend on them they were your friends and family all in one. They would make sure the others would forever be acquaintances.

-If one even looked at you or complimented you, you were immediately hidden behind one of them, out of sight as the other fake laughed and distracted them.

-It was perfect and you were perfect for them. After all, it’s your wish.

[sunnycanvas]

Can you write about a scenario, where, Baldwin loses yn, and gets incredibly upset over it, tries to find her (but secretly because people can't know he's actually seeing someone because of his leprosy) only to find out she was killed ? Maybe he finds her body too/retrieves it

Adiuva nos, Domine,

In tribulatione nostra.

Te clamamus, Sancte Deus,

Exaudi preces nostras

O Maria, Mater Gratiae,

Tu es refugium nostrum.

In tenebris et angustia,

Sustenta nos, o dulcis Virgo.

Sancte Michael, protector noster,

Defende nos in proelio.

Contra insidias diaboli,

Fidei nostrae fortitudo.

Gloria Patri et Filio,

Et Spiritui Sancto.

Sicut erat in principio,

Et nunc et semper.

Baldwin IV gripped his rosary with trembling hands, his knuckles white as he prayed fervently. He prayed for your safety. It had been days since you vanished, and he was drowning in helplessness. He couldn't launch a full investigation, not without risking exposure of the bond between you. The very thought of anyone discovering what you meant to him sent a cold shiver down his spine. Baldwin understood the dangers of being associated with him. Especially now, as a leper. His condition, his cursed existence, only amplified the peril for anyone close to him. He had kept you hidden. Your presence, your existence and shielded from the world, all to protect both of you. But now, the silence stretched on, and Baldwin could feel his sanity slipping. The thought of anything happening to you, of you being hurt or worse, twisted inside him like a sharp knife. Baldwin could feel his heartbeat beating so hard that it was painful. Baldwin never knew what fear was until he met you. The thought of you being injured or worse, Baldwin wouldn't know how to live.

"No," he whispered, trying to force away the dread that clawed at his insides. "You’re safe. You have to be safe."

Just as he finished his prayer and turned around, his eyes fell upon his mother, Agnes de Courtenay. She approached him with hesitant steps, her face drawn tight with worry. Baldwin didn’t need to see her expression to know it was bad news.

"Any word?" His voice was colder than he meant it to be, a harsh edge creeping into his words.

Agnes paused, her hands wringing together as she looked down. "No, my son," she stammered, her voice faltering. "I’m doing everything I can. I swear, I—"

"Everything you can?" Baldwin cut her off, his words sharp and cutting. His frustration was boiling over, the fear for you overwhelming everything else. "Your best isn’t enough, Mother. Not when her life is on the line!". His gaze was relentless, piercing through her with the weight of his anger. "I entrusted you with this. I trusted you to keep her safe, and now look where we are no answers, no progress". "How many days must pass before you start doing what you promised?" Agnes flinched, her eyes wide with the sting of his words, but Baldwin’s gaze didn’t soften. He was beyond patience. Baldwin IV continued with his voice that cut through the air like a blade. "So, it seems her presence was discovered after all," he said, his tone ice-cold. "Mother, you’ve failed utterly in keeping her hidden, just as I entrusted you to do. Is this truly the best you can manage?" He paused, his eyes narrowing, fury flickering in them. "Perhaps I was a fool to trust you at all. I should have given the task to my uncle, someone who might actually be competent. Clearly, you can't even manage something as simple as this." His words were like a slap, and the venom in his gaze made it clear he had no room for excuses.

Agnes flinched at the sharpness in her son’s tone. She had braced herself for his wrath, but the sheer intensity still struck a chord deep within her. Yet, she wasn’t going to retreat without a fight. Gathering her courage, she straightened and replied with calm defiance. “Of course,” she began, her voice firm despite the tension in the air, “a mere noblewoman like me is no match for the Dowager Queen, your stepmother, who has been quietly maneuvering to place your half-sister Isabella on the throne. Let us not forget that Isabella holds a claim through your father.” Baldwin’s brows furrowed, confusion momentarily softening the fury etched into his features. The sudden mention of Maria Komnene was unexpected. Agnes caught the subtle shift in his demeanor, recognizing the spark of intrigue. She pressed forward without hesitation. “I have evidence,” she continued, her voice steady and deliberate, “that a woman matching (Y/N)’s description was seen in Nablus. And where does your stepmother reside? Nablus. It’s no coincidence, Baldwin.” His eyes widened, a mix of shock and desperate hope flashing across his face. Without waiting for his mother to elaborate further, he barked out a command. “Prepare the horses! We’re leaving at once.” Agnes started, alarmed by his abrupt reaction. “Baldwin, wait! The evidence we have, it’s flimsy at best. It only hints at her presence, nothing certain—”

“I don’t care!” Baldwin cut her off, his voice trembling with emotion. “If there is even the slightest chance (Y/N) is there, I will go. No matter how faint the trail may be.” Determined to avoid unnecessary attention, Baldwin insisted on going alone, without knights or a retinue. Agnes, unwilling to let her son journey into potential danger alone, argued until he relented. Exhausted from the emotional storm, Baldwin agreed with little resistance. Both mother and son disguised themselves as common travelers, cloaked in simple garb with hoods obscuring their faces.

As they rode under the cover of blazing hot sun, Baldwin’s thoughts churned in turmoil. His stepmother, Maria Komnene, had always been ambitious, but would she truly act so brazenly? He scowled beneath his hood, considering the other players in the shadowy game of politics. Could Raymond of Tripoli, his calculating cousin, be involved? Or the Ibelin brothers, notorious for their scheming alliances? His instincts told him 'No, they wouldn’t dare'. That left only one man: Guy of Lusignan, his reckless and power-hungry brother-in-law. The very thought of Guy made Baldwin’s grip tighten on the reins, rage building in his chest.

Agnes, as if sensing her son’s thoughts, spoke softly. “Do not let your mind run wild, my son. This reeks of your stepmother’s hand. She has made alliances in the court, strengthening her position. Her marriage ties to the Ibelins have been... advantageous.”

Baldwin’s lips pressed into a thin line, his silence betraying the storm within.

As they neared their destination, something caught his attention. A familiar figure moving in the distance. Baldwin’s breath hitched. “Sibylla?” he muttered, his voice tinged with disbelief. His gaze snapped to his mother, who appeared just as stunned. Without a word, Baldwin motioned for silence, urging his horse to follow his sister at a safe distance. Agnes, still reeling, followed his lead.

Sibylla led them to a secluded area, where she dismounted and began speaking to a shadowy figure. Baldwin and Agnes dismounted as well, watching from a concealed position. “Make sure her body is disposed of in a way that it can’t be recognized,” Sibylla ordered, her voice cold and resolute. The man bowed slightly, replying grimly, “Of course, my lady. Anything else?”

Sibylla smiled, a cruel satisfied expression that sent a chill through Baldwin. “Oh no, you’ve done an absolutely fantastic job in killing (Y/N). My brother may mourn her now, but he will thank me later.”

Baldwin froze, the weight of her words crashing down on him like a tidal wave. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. His vision blurred with a mix of fury and devastation. Then, without hesitation, he unsheathed his sword and spurred his horse forward.

"SIBYLLA!" His voice thundered, raw with fury, reverberating like a war cry that sent chills down the spines of even the most hardened knights. Agnes barely had time to reach out before her son was charging toward his sister, the blade in his hand glinting like justice itself.

Baldwin IV’s horse reared back, its hooves striking the air as his roar echoed through the desolate clearing. His blue eyes, ablaze with rage, locked onto his sister’s frozen figure. She stood trembling, her schemes exposed, with no crowd to shield her from her brother's wrath . The man standing beside Sibylla, realizing it was the king himself bearing down upon them, stumbled backward, stammering incoherent apologies before bolting into the shadows. Sibylla was left alone, her fear-stricken body rooted to the ground. Baldwin’s horse halted mere feet away from her, nostrils flaring, its king equally volatile. “I should kill you where you stand!” he bellowed about to striker her with his sword. Sybilla although fearful of her brother's wrath somehow narrowly escaped the sword stumbling backwards in fear by sheer luck. "You scheming, treacherous fool!" he growled, his voice low and deadly as he urged his horse forward ready to strike her again. "You dared to betray me?" His tone was laced with a venom that made Sibylla’s knees weaken. She stumbled backward again, her face pale, eyes wide with dread. She had never seen her brother like this, his normally composed demeanor shattered by pure, unrestrained fury. As Baldwin surged toward her, his expression promising retribution, Agnes’s voice cut through the chaos, her horse galloping into the scene as she placed herself squarely between her son and daughter. Her arms spread wide in a protective gesture, shielding Sibylla from Baldwin’s wrath.

"Baldwin, stop!" Agnes implored, her voice trembling with urgency. "You cannot do this!" “Please, Baldwin, don’t do this!”. Agnes reasoned, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her fear. She had seen her son angry before, but never like this—never so unhinged, so consumed.

Baldwin’s horse came to an abrupt halt, its hooves digging into the dirt as he glared down at his mother. His blue eyes burned with fury as he snarled, “Get out of my way, Mother.” His voice was low, trembling with restrained anger. “She doesn’t deserve your protection" "Not after what she’s done. None of you do.”

Agnes held her ground, her voice firm but laced with desperation.“(Y/N) wouldn’t want this,” she pleaded, her eyes softening.

Her words acted as a spark to dry tinder, igniting an even fiercer blaze of rage in her son. His horse snorted and shifted as he practically snarled in response. "DON’T YOU DARE BRING HER INTO THIS!" Baldwin’s voice boomed, his rage untethered. "Do not use her name to shield your guilt! You all killed her!" He gestured wildly toward Sibylla, his accusations cutting like daggers. "You, with your selfish schemes! You destroyed the only person who ever made this wretched existence tolerable!" he snapped, his voice cracking as he gestured sharply toward Sibylla. “You all killed her!

Agnes desperate in fear mumbled "Please Baldwin, you can't do this" "Killing your sister will start a civil war" "Our kingdom won't receive donations to survive by our own cousins" . Baldwin in anger retorted "Do not speak to me of what I can and cannot do, Mother! Do you think I care for appearances anymore? Do you think I care for laws or blood ties when my very own family killed her?" His voice cracked as it reached a crescendo, raw grief mingling with his fury.

Agnes's lips parted as if to argue, but Baldwin’s voice thundered again, silencing her. "She was the light of my life, the only light in this accursed kingdom of shadows. And you snuffed it out!" Sibylla, trembling and unable to meet his gaze, muttered something unintelligible, but Baldwin would not hear it. "Speak not a word to me!" he hissed, his voice lowering to a dangerous growl as he pulled his horse closer. "I should end you for what you’ve done."

His horse shifted uneasily beneath him, mirroring its master’s fury. Agnes held her ground, her hand gripping her saddle tightly to steady herself. “Baldwin, please!” she implored, her voice softer now, pleading. “Your anger won’t bring her back!” “No!” Baldwin’s shout tore through the night, his face contorting in agony. “But it will ensure justice is served! I will not let her memory be trampled on by the people who betrayed her.” Sibylla whimpered behind Agnes, tears streaming down her pale face, her voice barely audible as she tried to speak. But Baldwin ignored her, his gaze fixed on his mother as if daring her to move. “Step aside, Mother,” he warned, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. “Or I swear, I’ll ride through you.”

Agnes moved her horse with determination, shielding Sibylla fully. "You are King, Baldwin. Do not let your grief destroy what she loved in you." "Your sense of duty. I am asking you, for the sake of the kingdom, to control yourself' "You know right how stability is fragile because of complex court politics right now". Agnes knew Baldwin just like her late husband Almaric was man of duty. Luckily for Agnes her trick worked and Baldwin took long labored breath to calm down Baldwin’s chest heaved as he sucked in a long, ragged breath, his fingers trembling on the hilt of his sword. His smoldering eyes burned with suppressed fury, unshed tears glistening under the hood of his cloak. Agnes knew, as much as Baldwin hated to show weakness, had his leprosy not robbed him of tears, they would be falling freely now.

Once assured that Baldwin was reigning in his rage, Agnes turned her attention to Sibylla, her face hard with disgust. “Why did you do this to (Y/N)?” she demanded, her voice like ice.

Sibylla, though visibly shaken at first, straightened her posture. She squared her shoulders, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. “I acted for the good of the kingdom,” she declared, her tone resolute. “You yourself have said how precarious the court’s balance is, especially after Father’s second marriage. (Y/N) was a poison to this realm, indulging herself with my leprous brother and leading us all to sin.” Baldwin’s fists clenched tighter at her words, his jaw set in a way that made it clear he was barely containing his rage. His voice, low and dangerous, cut through the air. “(Y/N) had no interest in court politics,” he growled, his tone trembling with anger. Agnes added swiftly, her voice icy, “Whatever schemes you think she wove, they existed only in your mind, Sibylla.” Sibylla scoffed, her confidence growing as she met her mother’s glare. “That’s what she wanted you all to believe,” she replied, a sneer curling her lips. “That whore seduced my sinful brother, wrapping him around her finger. She made herself indispensable to him, and in doing so, she threatened the delicate peace we’ve tried so hard to maintain. So, I acted.” Her voice hardened, her gaze unrepentant. “I drowned her.” Agnes gasped, her revulsion barely concealed, while Baldwin’s body tensed like a coiled spring, his fury on the verge of erupting. “Sibylla,” he warned, his voice deadly calm, “choose your next words carefully, or I will claw the very tongue from your mouth.” Agnes, sensing the explosion brewing within her son, leaned forward and hissed in a low voice to Sibylla, ensuring Baldwin couldn’t hear. “Where did you get this vile notion? Who planted these ideas in your head?” For a brief moment, Sibylla faltered, her expression shifting into something unsettling. A lovestruck reverie. Her voice softened as she whispered, “My husband told me. Guy explained everything. He opened my eyes to her true nature.”. Agnes froze, but Baldwin let out a groan of exasperation, the sound a mix of fury and dismay. He had heard enough to piece together the whispered exchange. His eyes blazed as he locked his gaze on Sibylla. The crackling silence between them spoke volumes, Baldwin’s composure hanging by a thread as he stared down the sister who had shattered his world.

“Show us her body,” Agnes commanded, her voice sharp and leaving no room for argument. To her relief, Sibylla gave no protest, silently turning to lead them toward an abandoned house. The acrid stench of death grew stronger with every step, guiding them like a trail. Baldwin dismounted his horse in silence, his face an unreadable mask. Inside the house, the smell became suffocating. It led them to a small room where (Y/N)’s body lay on a rickety bed, her lifeless form bathed in the dim light filtering through the cracks in the walls. Though the odor was strong, the appearance of her body was hauntingly serene, as if death had only just brushed her. Baldwin froze in the doorway, staring at her still form as if unable to comprehend what he was seeing. “(Y/N),” he whispered, his voice trembling. Slowly, he stepped forward, each movement heavy with disbelief and agony, until he reached the bedside. He sank to his knees, his trembling hands hovering over her face before cradling her lifeless body in his arms. His breath hitched as he took in her features the faint curve of her lips, the delicate eyelashes resting against her cheeks. “Look at you,” he murmured, his voice breaking. “So beautiful. You don’t look dead... only asleep.” His hand caressed her cold cheek, his touch desperate, as if his warmth alone could bring her back. “Oh, (Y/N),” Baldwin whispered, his eyes stung with unshed tears, his chest heaving with suppressed sobs. “Please... wake up. You promised me,” he pleaded, his voice raw and thick with despair. “You swore you wouldn’t leave me, not as long as I lived. You lied to me, my love... you lied...” He clutched her closer, his shoulders shaking as the grief consumed him. “You were my light... my only light in this wretched world,” he choked out, his voice cracking under the weight of his sorrow. “How am I to go on without you? How am I to face the darkness without you beside me?” Wailed by his diseased dry eyes . He kissed her hair dampening by his lips. He pressed his lips to her temple, his trembling breath ghosting over her still form. Agnes stood nearby, her own heart heavy as she witnessed her son’s anguish. She had seen Baldwin face countless battles, seen him stand tall against unimaginable pain, but this, this broken man before her, was a sight she could barely bear. His grief was raw, unfiltered, and so profound it filled the room with its weight. Baldwin rocked (Y/N)’s body gently, his words becoming incoherent as sobs wracked his body. His fingers brushed through her hair as though soothing her to sleep. “Please... just one more moment,” he begged the heavens, his voice barely audible. “Let me hold her... let me hear her laugh again... her voice, her heartbeat...”His cries pierced the air, echoing through the empty house, a king brought to his knees by the unbearable loss of the woman who had been his everything. And as Baldwin cradled her lifeless form, it was as though his own heart had stopped beating alongside hers.

Sibylla watched her brother’s grief with an almost placating smile. "It’s okay, brother," she said softly, though her tone carried a trace of condescension. "Let out your grief. This sacrifice was necessary for the betterment of the kingdom." Baldwin’s trembling stopped abruptly as her words reached him. His reddened face lifted to meet her gaze, his expression hollow yet sharp, like a blade dulled by too much use but still capable of cutting. "Who else worked with you?" His voice, though low, carried the unmistakable edge of restrained fury. Sibylla straightened, confidence flickering in her anger as she retorted, "Me. I acted alone." Baldwin’s gaze didn’t waver. "So Mother didn’t know about this," he said, his words heavy with accusation. His tone made even Agnes flinch at the mention of her involvement. "No," Sibylla answered firmly. "Mother didn’t know about this." For a moment, Baldwin seemed to freeze. His grief contorted into something darker, something terrifying. His face, already ravaged by disease and despair, now carried an expression of such cold rage that even Sibylla, emboldened as she was, felt her confidence falter. When he spoke again, his voice was chilling, devoid of any humanity. "You’re going to feel what you’ve done to me. The same pain, the same torment" "You will suffer just as you made me suffer. I will make sure of it." Sibylla’s eyes narrowed, her anger surging forth like a storm. "You dare call me selfish?" she snapped. "You sit on that throne, clinging to your miserable life, bringing sin upon this kingdom by indulging in your lust for that woman! It’s you who’s selfish, Baldwin not me! You should step down and let my husband rule" "A man who is strong and capable, unlike you." Baldwin let out a bitter, humorless laugh that echoed in the small, decrepit room. "Capable? Your husband?" He sneered, his lip curling with disdain. "A coward who hides behind you to make his moves? Don’t worry, dear sister. He’ll have his time to shine" "In the dungeon. I’ll ensure he becomes intimately acquainted with every torture device we own before I execute him." Sibylla gasped, her fury boiling over. She raised a hand to strike him, but Agnes, weary of the madness around her, stepped forward and caught her wrist, shielding Baldwin with her body. "Enough!" Agnes’s voice carried the weight of her authority, silencing the escalating storm. Turning to her son, she placed a steadying hand on his shoulder, her expression softening. "Baldwin," she said gently, "this... this isn’t what (Y/N) would have wanted. Let us focus on her, not on revenge." Her voice cracked slightly as she continued, "We should give her a proper burial. She deserves that, if nothing else." Baldwin’s breathing slowed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of her words. His rage momentarily abated, overtaken by his grief as he looked down at (Y/N)’s body once more. "A burial," he whispered, nodding slowly, his focus entirely on the woman he loved. "Yes. She deserves that." Sibylla scoffed loudly but said nothing else, her lips pressed into a tight line. The tension in the room simmered, unspoken words and unresolved hatred hanging heavy in the air as Baldwin’s attention remained solely on (Y/N), his sorrow drowning out all else.

All three rode in solemn silence, Baldwin insisting on carrying (Y/N)’s lifeless body on his horse. No one dared argue. As they traveled back, Agnes swore she could hear Baldwin murmuring soft, sweet words to (Y/N), as if she could still hear him. She had always admired her son’s resilience and the strength of his mind, his determination to lead even as his body battled the ravages of disease. But now, watching him, Agnes feared that (Y/N)’s death might shatter him entirely, driving him into the depths of madness. They arrived at a small, secluded church under the protection of Agnes’s allies. Baldwin dismounted, his movements stiff but deliberate, and cradled (Y/N)’s body in his arms as he entered the hallowed ground. His hollow, vacant eyes met those of Patriarch Heraclius, who quickly approached with an air of confusion. Baldwin addressed the archbishop in a voice devoid of life, yet carrying the weight of an unbreakable command. "Take her body," he said, his words measured and heavy. "Ensure she is given a proper burial. On her grave, inscribe the words: ‘Light of the world for the leper.’" Heraclius froze in stunned realization, his gaze falling to the woman in Baldwin’s arms realizing that she was the lover of the leper king . Before Heraclius could respond, Agnes quickly stepped forward, leaning in to whisper firmly, "Keep her presence here a secret. Let no one know." Her voice was quiet but sharp, leaving no room for argument. Heraclius nodded, too shocked to protest, and turned to oversee the arrangements as Baldwin reluctantly placed (Y/N) down for the last time. Once outside, Agnes found her son standing near the churchyard, staring blankly into the distance as if searching for something beyond the horizon. His voice broke the silence, low and filled with a crushing sorrow. "As much as I speak of revenge, I know it is impossible. My actions would destroy the kingdom." He paused, the grief in his tone cutting through Agnes like a blade. "I couldn’t protect her in life, and now I’ve failed her in death. But I will protect the kingdom she loved. At least... when I meet her again, I can tell her I wasn’t a complete failure." Agnes reached out and rested her hand gently on his shoulder, her voice soft but resolute. "The fault lies with me as well. We both failed her, my son. But for your sake and hers, I swear to you—I will ensure that Sibylla and her husband never sit on the throne. Her son, your nephew, will rule instead. I will see to it." For the first time since (Y/N)’s death, a faint glimmer of relief flickered in Baldwin’s eyes. He turned to his mother, his voice regaining a trace of its usual sharpness. "Yes, you are right. This kingdom must not be ruled by (Y/N)’s murderer." His expression hardened. "I entrust you with this, Mother. Convince the Haute Cour. Do not fail me as you did before."

Agnes straightened her posture, her voice carrying a quiet determination. "I won’t. I promise you that."

[melodymunson]

Stranger Things- The To-Do list

Chapters 1 & 2

You are graduating from high school and planning to make your summer before college the best of your life. Along the way, you have sexual encounters with fellow friends and graduates. Lifeguard Billy is your biggest crush and Barb, Nancy are your best friends. You are adopted with one sister Heather who works as a lifeguard with Billy at the Hawkins community pool. Featuring appearances from Robin, Chrissy, Argyle, and Jeff, with mentions of Jonathan and Gareth from and in the ST series. Steve and Eddie are the main characters. Original character OC is Edwina who's Eddie's fraternal twin sister. The face claim for Edwina is Angelina Jolie in the movie Gia. No Upside Down this is a Stranger Things AU alternate universe.

(Based on Aubrey Plaza's movie The To-Do List.)

Chapters 1&2 6.3K words.

ao3 link

wattpad link

to do list masterlist

Chapter 1 plot info- You graduate from Hawkins High School in the summer of 86 with Robin, Nancy, Barb, Jonathan, Eddie, Chrissy. At a graduation party, you accept an offer from Argyle you can't possibly resist.

Chapter 1

I want you to move me.

The day you had been waiting four years for was finally here. Finally, you were walking the graduation stage as valedictorian at Hawkins High School. Class of ‘86 baby. You had just recently turned 18. Now you were delivering your speech and all 4 years of college you were an outcast, a straight-A student, and a girl who loved to read and research. While your friends and practically everyone else around you went out to parties and drank/got high you spent most of your nights at home.

You had never done more than kiss hell you had never even made out with anyone. Your first kiss with a guy was Jonathan who was now your best friend Nancy’s boyfriend. Your first kiss with a girl was with Nancy but you were better off as friends. The only other thing you had done was cuddle and hold hands with Gareth the drummer of Corroded Coffin.

Standing in front of your fellow graduates including Barb, Nancy, Jonathan, Robin, Vickie, and even Eddie the freak Munson. He was a total rockstar but so was his fraternal twin Edwina who had graduated a year prior. They were your good friends but you had fantasized about being more than that with them. Following your concession speech you would be going to a college party with hopefully your biggest crush Billy in attendance.

“Hello, class of 1986 I am happy and proud to be your college valedictorian. We have all come so far and I am so honored to be standing here in front of you all. There's a lot we have been through and with those struggles that we have overcome in the 4 years of high school together we are now able to move on to the next chapter in our lives. Whether it be to college, maybe even space, to working a job, college and a job simultaneously, or traveling around the world or just road tripping we are all united in the fact we are Hawkins High graduates. I wish everyone luck and before I end this speech I want to give some wisdom from two of my favorite women who are staunch feminists. Gloria Steinem once said”:

‘The art of life is not controlling what happens to us, but using what happens to us.’

“She is a wise woman and the other woman in question who is also one of my heroes said

‘You change the world by being yourself.’

“One of the greats and the widow of Beatles legend John Lennon said this before and I couldn't agree with her more. I hope everyone here will begin the next chapter in their lives with enthusiasm and even more enthusiasm. Thank you!”

Most people clapped and cheered and you bowed. Next Principal Higgins handed out everyone's diplomas with Eddie snatching up his and running away from the stage flipping Higgins the bird. You then noticed Steve in the audience he was there for his best friend Robin who he worked with at the local Family Video. Steve's gaze caught yours and you smiled as you waved. Robin and Steve began walking over to you as you held your diploma with big smiles on their faces.

Your sister and parents surely took lots of photos of you probably videos as well and they were also nearby. Nancy and Barb told you they would meet you at Nancy's Oldsmobile station wagon after the graduation ceremony commenced. Robin embraced you in a big hug.

“So glad we graduated! Stevie boy here just had to come today to bask in the glory with us didn't you dingus?” Robin teased him with a wink.

“Sure did. Nice tassels ladies. The graduation was great. So proud of you both! So Y/N what are your plans for the summer?” He asked as he flicked your tassel playfully.

Clearing your throat you responded “Not much getting a job hopefully at the pool but my sister has connections obviously. Going to some parties, road trips with the girls, and Robin you should come too,” you urged as you patted her shoulder.

Robin smiled brightly and nodded intrigued by this idea of yours.

“Of course, I would love to. Well, I’ll be working at the cafe a lot this summer, but sure, I think I could fit that into my plans.”

“Ahh, nice well I will be working part-time at the pool this summer. Hope to see you there,” Steve replied with a sly grin.

You embraced him and hugged him loving how well-defined his body was.

“Well, I need to catch up to Nance and Barb. See you both later?” You asked hoping for a raincheck.

They nodded in unison.

“Most definitely. See you later,” Robin answered.

“Later Y/N,” Steve added with a slight wave.

Soon you were at Nancy's car and driving back to your place so you could get ready for the college party that night. There would be a big keg of beer and beer pong, lots of party games, and loud music with dancing.

“So saw you talking to Steve what's up with that?” Nancy asked as she drove getting a few blocks from your house.

“Nothing he just wanted to say congratulations on graduating and so did Robin. I can't believe Eddie finally graduated. Third time the charm I guess,” you told her with a shrug.

Barb looked out the rolled-down window and smiled as the Smiths how soon is now quietly played in the background on Nancy's radio. Was Nancy jealous or something? She had only been on one date with Steve and had preferred women anyway. You also preferred women. Barb and you weren't experienced and Nancy was a little. Currently, her boyfriend was Jonathan.

“Oh nice well I guess I’ll pick you up at 8 or so tonight. Can't wait to get out of this itchy graduation gown.”

Nancy had already tossed her graduation cap and so did Barb. Pulling up to your driveway she idled her car and you unlocked the back door and got out.

“See you then.”

Waving goodbye to them Nancy soon pulled out of the driveway and was on her way again. Inside your room, you turned on some music picking a cassette of Corroded Coffins. Soon you were painting your nails black and were shortly after startled a bit by Heather coming into your room.

“Need to borrow your hair dryer mine broke.”

Going into your bathroom she got your dryer and left with it.

Hours later you were taking a bath and Heather came into your room and then your bathroom. Sitting down on the edge of the tub she smirked.

Looking up you gave her a ‘Can I help you?’ type of grin.

“So my little sis is going to a party tonight. Plan on getting drunk and finally getting laid?” She teased with a giggle.

Heather was dating Tommy but it was nothing serious and she was seeing some people on the side.

“No. For your information, I’ll be there with Nancy and Barb. Billy will probably be there too.”

“God girl you are such a prude. You have to do some exploration before college starts. No pressure or anything but you are my sister and even if you were adopted I care about you. You need to seriously consider it. Everyone goes into college with at least some experience,” she informs you with a flick of her hair.

Scoffing you rolled your eyes at her which she noticed of course and this had her flicking soap bubbles in your face.

“I'm serious though maybe make a to-do list. Of sexual firsts. Or don't. Whatever. Be a loser for all I care,” she scoffs right back at you before standing up and walking out your bathroom door.

“Okay, maybe I will.”

Taking what Heather said to heart you put on some Motley Crue in your cassette player and began your to-do list for that summer and what may even lead into early college. It was going to be a list you could hopefully accomplish at least realistically and if things needed to be added or removed later from the list then you would make the proper adjustments. It would need to be more than just experimentation and equally girls and guys. So you began making your list with a reasonable order and the definitions of sex acts you didn't know you would look up in the dictionary.

-Hickies -Making out -Handjob -Fingering -Renting and watching an adult film with someone else -Mutual masturbation -Use of toys -Phone sex -Motorboating & tit fucking -Blowjob -Eating pussy -Being eaten out -Dominating/being dominated -All-girl threesome -69 -Voyeurism -Rimming -Semi-public sex act -Losing virginity/vaginal sex (Hopefully with Billy). -Anal sex -Orgasm denial -Cream pie -Pegging -Foursome with another girl and 2 guys -Usage of strapon for lesbian sex -Filmed sex act -And most importantly an ORGASM! Hell, lots of orgasms.

Later you were dressed for the party and face full of makeup. Sneaking into Heather's room you borrowed her hot pink stiletto pumps to complete your outfit of red fishnets, a red leather skirt, a matching leather spiked jacket, and a black tube top. Getting your purse ready you dabbed on some white musk perfume and got your lotion, hot pink lipstick, compact mirror, and wallet before heading outside just as Nancy pulled into your driveway. As you got into her car you could hear the radio playing Culture Clubs do you really want to hurt me?

The ride to the party was mellow and mainly quiet. Barb was fairly silent in the backseat as Nancy drove and synth wave music played. The party was at Jason Carver's who you couldn't stand but you planned to make the most of it. The usual suspects would probably be there including Steve and of course the jocks. Nancy's boyfriend Jonathan would no doubt be there as well.

"So you excited for the grad party?" You asked Nancy.

She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess. Barb and I just want a chill night you know? Plus Barb will be the designated driver tonight."

"I understand. Jonathan is probably excited to see you again soon."

Nancy nodded and you looked out the window noticing Jason's house approaching in the near distance. After parking you got out first and walked with Nancy and Barb to the front door looking into the window from the distance and noticing lots of people gathered around a keg inside. Eddie was there selling his stash, his twin Edwina, and so were the typical jocks, Jason, Chrissy, Jonathan, and Keg King Billy who was playing Pour Some Sugar on Me on acoustic guitar you noticed as the door opened and you walked inside.

Some people were playing beer pong, others were watching and listening to Billy play guitar. In the back yard jocks were playing basketball. Hopefully, tonight will be one for the books to remember for a long time. Billy's eyes locked with yours as he got to the chorus of the Def Leppard song. He winked at you as he strummed the guitar and sang.

It felt like he was singing to you.

"Pour some sugar on me. Oohh. In the name of love."

His voice was beautiful. Pure and raw.

"C'mon, fire me up. Pour your sugar on me. I can't get enough I'm hot, sticky sweet. From my head to my feet, yeah!"

When the song was finished, the drunk and rowdy crowd applauded Billy. Just then Barb came up to you startling you out of your reverie with a wine cooler. Handing it to you, you removed the top and took a big gulp. Billy's eyes remained on you until some girl rubbed up on him, much to his and your dismay.

Walking away with Barb you found Nancy again and noticed them talking to Jonathan quickly taking notice he was with his friend from back west. Argyle you recalled. He seemed to be stoned a lot but nice.

"Hey Y/N. Are you having fun yet?" Jonathan asked before taking a big swig of his beer. Nancy was drinking red wine from a blue solo cup and Barb had opted for Hawaiian fruit punch.

"Yeah, sure. Just need to get into the party mood more."

Now that Billy was done singing and playing guitar at least for the moment the music was back on again, and Kiss's Made for Loving You was playing.

"Anyone want to get high?" Argyle offered as he pulled out a joint from behind his ear. He was wearing his Surfer Boy Pizza yellow hat and he already looked dazed judging from the glazed-out look in his eyes.

Barb shook her head no as well as Nancy. Jonathan already looked pretty stoned.

"No thanks, man gotta try to sober up so I can drive your van later dude."

"Right yeah, I almost forgot."

"I'll get high if you are offering. Let's go someplace a bit more quiet though," you suggested to him with an eager smile.

Argyle looked a bit surprised but just nodded. Following you, first, you decided to get yourself another drink and made your way to a guest room. It was quiet and peaceful with no one around. Now sitting on the bed with him, he lit up the joint as you finished your wine cooler and tossed it into the wastebasket. You soon opened your malt beer and accidentally spilled some on Argyle.

"So sorry Argyle. I'm so sorry."

"It's fine. Just wait for me before we light the joint I'll go wash my hands."

You finished what was left of your malted beer as he was away. Soon he came back, dried off, and sat down next to you. Lighting the joint he offered it to you first so you could get a nice buzz going. Eagerly obliging, you breathed in the smoke and exhaled slowly into the air. Passing the joint he took it and smoked a drag of it.

"Crazy night huh? Wild party man. Glad to be here for the summer though. Gonna get me a part-time pizza job here. Won't be like Surfer Boy Pizza but I will just have to manage I guess."

He sighed as he handed you the joint. You couldn't help but giggle as you took another drag and handed it back.

"Nah that's okay you finish it. I've already had two and a half joints tonight," he told you with a glazed-out look in his eyes.

His hair was just too damn beautiful. Bravely, you reached out and touched it before taking another drag of it and giggled.

"I love your hair, Argyle."

"Uh, thanks. You can touch it that's cool. So what's on your mind?"

"Just you. I want to get to know you better."

Argyle looked all mellowed out as he sat next to you with a look of contentment on his face as you ran your fingers through his silky black locks.

"Oh well, that's nice. I want to get to know you too."

Moving in closer to him, you went in for the kill and kissed him. Pulling away you took one final drag before putting the joint out. Argyle kissed back, deepening it as you got up slightly, straddled his lap, and kissed him again. As you began grinding on his lap he softly gasped. You just wanted to feel good and if he was getting turned on in the process, then even better, it was a win/win.

“I’m so wet finger me Argyle. Please. Just finger fuck me. That's all I want,” you pleaded against his lips before biting his lip.

“Fuck. I uh sure. These tights though you wanna take them off, maybe?”

“Just rip them. I'm not wearing any underwear so…” you bravely stated.

“Yeah uh fuck. Just didn't expect this to happen, dude. I um sure.”

Taking off your heels you threw them to the side and let Argyle eagerly rip your fishnets. You had already made his denim-clad thigh wet with your juices and hoped he didn't mind. Knowing it was Argyle he probably didn't. To just feel good and soak his fingers with your cum was all that was on your mind at the moment and your only desire.

“Mm fuck, you are so wet already Y/N,” he praised you as Argyle fingered your slick entrance now that your tights were out of the way.

Wasting no time, he went to work with two thick fingers moving them knuckle-deep inside your tight entrance, his fingers already getting drenched with your slickness. He worked with scissor-like movements inside you filling you to the hilt with his expertly skilled digits.

“Oh fuck ya fuck me harder, faster!” You demanded as your lips locked around his throat.

As he obeyed your commands, you rode his fingers fucking yourself silly on them, hoping he was enjoying this as much as you were. If his groans were any indicator of how he was feeling, then it was safe to say he was quite satisfied so far.

“That's so good for me. What a good girl,” he praised you as he added a third finger filling you up.

“Mm yes fuck me so good with your fingers. Fuck!” You cried out loudly and with extreme pleasure, not wanting him to stop or for this moment to end.

You just wanted to savor this and enjoy this moment. Argyle had the perfect touch and skilled fingers. It was the best feeling and the sensations he was making you feel were incredible.

“You close?” He whispered huskily into your ear as you cried against his shoulder and gyrated your hips even faster on his fingers as they worked in tandem on your special spot. “Yes. Fuck Argyle, you are so fucking good at that!” You practically screamed.

His lips met yours sealing them in a kiss as he fingered you deeper and faster than before, making squelching sounds as he pleasured you. Your tongue found him and tangled against his, as you had the sexiest kissing of your life.

“Oh fuck! Gonna shit! Fuck!” You loudly declared as you felt your orgasm nearing about to push you over the edge.

This was your first orgasm from contact with another human. There was no going back now, nor did you want to. It made you crave this connection and sense of companionship even more with someone else.

“Fuck, are you cumming? So fucking good for me,” Argyle commended you as he let you ride out your orgasm on his fingers.

“Mm oh fuck! So good!” You boasted before you kissed him again.

Sliding his fingers out of you he gave you a smirk. Before he could do or say anything else, you took his fingers sucking them clean. Moments later, he pulled you in for a kiss.

The day after, you just relaxed and spent time on the couch binge-watching the show Golden Girls and baking/eating snacks. It was a chill day, and you were still reeling from the prior night with Argyle. After your interaction with Argyle, you spoke to Jeff from Corroded Coffin and exchanged numbers. The next day you would be at the community pool, hopefully getting a job there. Heather, being your sister, would be a damn good guarantee you would land that lifeguard position.

Waking up bright and early the next day, you got up and stretched, then made breakfast of a latte, mixed berry waffles topped with whipped cream and chocolate chips. Heather was still sleeping but by the time you had showered and shaved, then dressed in a one-piece red bikini, she was up and grabbing some coffee and a quick waffle on the way out the door. You get your red heart-shaped sunglasses and towel and put an oversized white tee shirt over your bathing suit.

Soon you were on your way with Heather to the local pool and blasting some Def Leppard. It was a nice day out and sunny. Steve was sure to be there and he was pretty hot. Billy would be there too though and had the final say on who would get the summer lifeguard positions. With any luck, Billy would take to you like a fish to water.

“Look, don't get your hopes up. I am a total shoo-in for a lifeguard job this summer, but just be aware Billy isn't always in the best of moods. Just be careful around him,” she cautioned as her hair blew in the breeze as she drove.

“Yeah, sure. I can take care of myself but you know thanks for looking out and everything,” you cattily responded.

She scoffed at your reaction as she got on the street of Hawkins Pool. Arriving at the pool you walked in through the side gate with Heather in the lead making her way to the lifeguards and hopefuls standing by the pool. Billy awarded you with a big mega-watt smile as you made your way over to him in your red flip-flops. They squelched slightly on the wet ground. Even though he was drunk at the party, the night prior being Keg King and all you were certain he recognized you.

This was going to be a long summer indeed….

Chapter 2

I get off on you

A call with Jeff leads to some good times. Steve invites you to the movies and you give him the date of a lifetime.

Everyone exchanged numbers that day at the pool and your first day on the job was eventful and a bit exciting. Billy was the best at his job and your sister even got off your back, not embarrassing you for once. Most of the kids at the pool were easy going and no one almost drowned that day. Karen Wheeler and the rest of the older women ogled Billy but that was always typical of them and there was nothing new there.

Deciding to take a bath when you got home you called Jeff just to see how he was doing and what was up. After just two rings he answered happy to talk to you.

“Hey Y/N. How's your summer starting? I had practice today. Eddie runs a tight ship but it was fine. Hope you are relaxing,” he told you sounding earnest.

“I'm fine just taking a bath and enjoying a wine spritzer. I'm glad practice went well hope there's a new show soon at the Hideout right?”

“Yeah, we should have one soon will let you know if Eddie doesn't first. Well, that sounds good. I hope you are enjoying your bath.”

You played with the bubbles and relaxed trying to fully enjoy yourself as you leaned against your inflatable waterproof neck pillow.

“You must get tons of groupies. Although I'm sure you have a girlfriend, right?”

“I guess but not as much as the other guys, especially Eddie. Do you have someone special in your life? I've been single a while though actually.”

“No, I don’t have anyone at the moment. I've just been playing the field nothing serious. Going on vacation soon though.”

“Oh, that sounds good.”

Your fingers moved to your inner thighs rubbing and caressing them even making soft and lewd noises as you stayed on the phone with Jeff hoping he could hear you.

“Umm, everything okay over there?” He asked sounding a bit concerned.

“Yeah, I'm fine. I would like to unwind though I had a long day. Kinda stressful. You know what I mean.”

“Could I help you relax better?”

“Sure. Just talk dirty to me,” you responded boldly.

“Really? No girl has ever asked that of me before. I could oblige though…”

You moved your fingers to your slick entrance teasing yourself down there with your pointer and middle fingers tracing over your clit teasing it wanting to feel good. And if no one else at the moment could make you feel that way then this would have to do but would be even better with guided instruction. Your core tightened as you teased yourself.

“Yeah I want that,” you replied bluntly.

“Fuck. Are you touching yourself?” He huskily asked you.

“Yeah teasing my clit,” you mewled.

“Okay good. Mind if I take off an article of clothing?”

“I want you to.”

You could hear Jeff fiddling with what sounded like his belt buckle. Then you heard the unmistakable sound of his zipper being unzipped. Next, you heard a slight ruffling noise.

“Just relax for me too Jeff. Just make yourself feel good. Want to have you stroke your cock,” you requested knowing he probably wouldn't be able to deny your request. “Already on it.”

He freed his cock from his boxers and relaxed as he man spread. Meanwhile, you were fingering yourself with one slick finger rubbing circles on your clit in a clockwise motion. It felt incredible, especially knowing Jeff was pleasing himself and getting off as you touched yourself.

“Okay tell me what you are doing now. I’m using one finger on my clit and it feels perfect,” you told him in a whimpery tone.

“I’m stroking the base of my cock and getting hard for you. God feels amazing!” He boasted as he stroked.

You added another finger and made scissor-like motions as you teased your sensitive bud.

“Sounds good. I bet your cock is so big and hard,” you teased Jeff playfully as you moved your fingers inside in rapid thrusts arching your hips and even grabbing a pillow nearby to hump against.

“Oh yeah? What are you doing? Please tell me you are using your fingers.”

“Sure am. Feels so good. And I’m humping a pillow. I’ve got two fingers inside. Fuck!” You cried out.

“Fuck yeah. Keep working your fingers as I stroke my hard cock. Tell me what you want to do to me if you were here,” he begged. “Lubing up my cock now,” he softly told you as he got his bottle of lotion and rubbed some on his cock to use it to get better friction.

“I want to suck your big cock as I'm down on my knees and I’m rubbing one out or using a toy on myself with vibrations. Fuck I want to kiss and lick your pretty cock,” you whined as you thrust your fingers harder and humped the pillow even faster now.

Jeff’s groans were becoming more vocal now and you could hear them distinctly. His cock was probably so beautiful and so big. There was no way you could take all of him inside your mouth, but you would try your best to.

“Good. Sounds perfect. I want all that. Shove my cock down your throat and watch you blow me. We can even 69. I want to taste that delicious pussy. Eat you out and use my fingers to prove to you that guitarists have the best fingers,” he boasted.

“Mm yes, I want that. You as my rockstar. I need it so badly,” you whined now on your stomach and humping your pillow harshly as your fingers pressed against your clit in nice clockwise circles.

At the same time, Jeff was stroking himself even faster the sound of slick as he rubbed his cock and rubbed his shaft with pre cum coating it.

“Want to rock your world? Make you want my cock nonstop,” Jeff gruffly spoke as his pretty cries could be heard through the phone.

You moved your fingers so fast wanting to chase your high and wanting to fuck yourself through your orgasm. Jeff had the same idea as he got himself closer to his release by bucking faster into his palm.

“Getting so close. Feels amazing,” you whimpered very loudly not holding back now.

“I wanna hear the pretty noises you make as you come undone,” Jeff begged you.

Neither of you would last much longer as you fingered yourself with reckless abandon and Jeff fucked his cock with his hand senselessly.

“Mm yes want to have you cum all over my face and I want to squirt all over your fingers and mouth as you finger me and eat me out,” you moaned with extreme pleasure as you felt your high about to bring you over the edge.

“Mm yeah fuck yes need to taste your sweet pussy and all your juices as you take my cock as deep as you can and take all my cum,” he proclaimed grunting as he told you this his cum shooting out and his load spilling all over him.

“Yes gonna cum for you!” You whined as you moaned loudly through your orgasm letting it crash over you.

Days later you get a call from Steve out of the blue. You only had several work days at the pool training as a professionally licensed lifeguard. You had hung out before no big deal. He was calling for something though and you couldn’t wait to find out what it was.

“Hello Y/N?”

“Yes, Steve?”

“Wanted to know if you were free this weekend. How about Sunday we go to a movie together? I was thinking maybe that new movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off?”

“Sure sounds fun. I would like that Steve.”

“Don’t worry I’ll buy all the snacks and your ticket. The showing I was looking into going to is at 330.”

“Thanks but I’ll pay my way. I’ll buy my ticket but you can buy the food and drinks.”

“Sounds great.”

You talked for a few more minutes about work, the summer, holiday plans, etc.

When Sunday came you dressed up nice and put on some makeup tans and browns mainly and white lipstick. For your outfit, you decided on a spiked choker, matching bracelet, white fishnets, platform wedge boots, a red micro skirt, a purple thong, a Dio cut tank top and no bra with black denim ripped battle jacket complete with heavy metal pins and patches including Dio, Motley Crue, Poison, Def Leppard, Joan Jett, The Plasmatics, Ramones, Metallica, Judas Priest, Black Flag, etc.

“Hi beautiful,” was the first thing you heard Steve say as you met up with him in your driveway and got into his maroon Volvo.

“Hi, Steve. Can't wait to see this movie.”

“Nice. Well, I can’t wait either. Happy to take you.”

It was only 3 in the afternoon and the movie theater was nearby. As you drove for a bit you turned on the radio to Poisons talk dirty to me playing.

“Well, here we are.”

“Yep here we are,” you said.

Getting out of the car he went to the passenger side and opened your door for you. Soon you were in the theater and got snacks from the concession stands. You got a large pink lemonade with two bendy straws to share and sour gummy bears, red vines, red licorice, popcorn with extra butter and salt, with caramel corn too. In your seats, you sat back enjoying the previews taking notice of the upcoming movies like Aliens and Stephen King’s Stand By Me.

The candy was good and so was the popcorn. The drink was also refreshing. There were only about ten other people at the cinema showing and not many were near you and less than half of those people rows behind you. Nudging Steve soon after the movie began you got his attention and he smiled at you.

“Yeah? Everything ok?” He asked solemnly as Steve leaned in closer to you.

“Fine. The drinks and snacks are great. Thanks.”

He nodded and then focused again on the movie laughing a bit at a funny scene with Ferris Bueller and his sister.

About ten minutes later you nudged him again.

“Yes?” He asked softly as he looked at you with his beautiful eyes.

“I want to make you feel good Steve.”

He smiled wanly at you and swallowed hard.

“Okay, sure. How do you wanna do that?”

“A hand job maybe. Just get hard for me big boy.”

“Fuck. Right now? You are seriously coming onto me in a movie with people around? I’ve never done anything like this with people around except at a party…” He trailed off as he looked around making sure no one was looking on or listening nearby. No one appeared to be paying any attention though everyone was focused on the movie it seemed like.

Putting your hand on his denim-clad thigh you smiled and squeezed his upper right leg.

“Yes, I want to give you a handjob.”

He nodded his approval and licked his lips wetting them.

“Yeah of course. Fuck that would be amazing.”

He was so pent up and getting hard as he undid his black leather belt and unzipped his jeans.

“Mm you are so big Stevie,” you whispered into his ear as he freed his cock from its confines.

Sealing Steve’s lips in a kiss you moved your fingers up his leg and to his waist and his happy trail feeling a patch of hair he had there. His cock was gorgeous. Big and thick. It made your mouth practically water just at the sight of it. Even though you had never done something like this ever before you felt safe with him. Even safer with him than you ever did any other guy.

“Oh fuck. You sure about this?” He loudly whispered back as a funny part in the movie happened and the small crowd was laughing hysterically.

“Yes. I want to do this.”

Your response was bold and you were calculated in your movements as you moved your hand down lower. His boxer briefs were baby blue and he looked so sexy. Steve’s eyes locked with yours as you went right to work not wasting a second as you stroked him from the base to the tip and then repeated your actions. His couth was mouth-watering and you licked your lips as you stroked earning whimpers from Steve.

“Fuck yeah just like that. Fuck!” He seethed through clenched teeth as you stroked him at a steady pace.

Deciding to spice things up you took out a small bottle of unscented lotion from your purse and opened it. You squirted a generous amount onto your hand and stroked him again this time getting more friction with the lotion being used as a lubricant now. He seemed to love it and met your lips in a kiss with tongue and so much passion. His cock was one of the biggest and as you cupped his balls with your other hand his whimpers turned to groans for you.

Looking deeply into each other’s eyes you watched Steve as he bit and licked his lips. You pumped him faster and harder earning growls from him. Getting on your knees you looked up at him with wide eyes full of wonder as pre-cum began to form on the tip of his big cock. He was the most well-endowed man at least to you. Steve man spread even wider for you as you worked your magic with your fingers your eyes trained on his never leaving his gaze.

“Oh fuck!” He seethed through clenched teeth as he bucked his hips erratically needy and aching for more eager to chase his high.

You put your finger to your lips in a shushing motion as Steve scoffed at you teasing him before you mouthed

“Shh Steve. Cum for me,” you beckoned.

He ran his fingers through his locks of hair not even caring if anyone noticed or heard at this point. Steve just wanted to cum and empty his full balls now. Sure enough moments later his stomach muscles tightened as he began to cum for you. Panting as he came down from his high you got back into your seat and cleaned his cum using the Kleenex’s from your purse you had for emergencies. After you used hand sanitizer.

Steve leaned in close and whispered in your ear “Thank you so much.”

He then left a kiss on your cheek and you laid your head on his shoulder for the rest of the movie.

After the movies and being dropped off at home you called Nancy just to talk. She picked up on the second ring. You could hear her TV on in the background and Barb laughing.

“Hey!”

“Hi Nance. So I went on an awesome date with Steve yesterday. It won’t be weird right that I went out with him? Not sure if it will happen again you know but he’s really nice and I like him a lot so far..” you trailed off. Even though Nancy had only been on one date with Steve before you didn’t want this to come in between your friendship with her.

“No, it’s fine. I’m just here with Barb we were doing manicures and pedicures. You should come over.”

“Oh yeah, maybe we can have a sleepover sometime soon.”

“Definitely. And Barb says hi. Right Barb?” She called out.

“Hi Y/N!”

“So what happened on the date anything I should know about?”

“Well I had phone sex with Jeff nights ago but what happened with Steve was much more interesting.”

“Oh wow. Yes, tell me about Steve. I need the details.”

“We went to see Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. We were near the back sitting in the middle of the row. I bought my ticket but he bought all the snacks and the drinks too. During the movie, I jerked him off.”

“You mean a hand job? To King Steve? And phone sex with Jeff from Corroded Coffin. Wow. How was it?”

“Magnificent. He came for me. I mean both of them did.”

“That is huge news.”

Barb grabbed the phone from Nancy.

“So you rocked Steve’s world and Jeff’s too?”

“Sure did. And soon I’m going to go out shopping for sex toys. At that adult store, Edwina works out. But then there’s a Corroded Coffin show soon after that I really wanna see. You and Barb maybe wanna come?”

“Yes!” They both said in unison as they held the phone to their ears.

“For moral support of course.”

“Right,” they agreed together.

After talking a few more minutes you hung up and began making plans for what you would wear to go to the sex shop. After you went over to Nancy’s place to hang out with her and Barb. Sex toy shopping and getting your first toy. It would hopefully be magical.

to list soundtrack

Talk dirty to me by poison.

whore by in this moment and turn you

Rock you like a hurricane the scorpions.

sweet tooth and special pets by step

fever by bfmv

Crave by fate destroyed.

Summer Breeze medley reprise and Cinnamon Girl by type of negative

endless summer by the midnight

I get off and special by Halestorm.

closer violet Orlandi

Submit William Control

Worship me living dead girl.

Deftones sex tape

Come undone bad omens cover

crazy bitch buckcherry

beautiful by HIM

bitches brew by crosses

master and servant & dangerous by Depeche mode

I want your video by Djo

Feel like making love bad company.

Tainted Love by Manson

Adidas by Korn all day long I dream about sex

Pour some sugar on me by def leppard

Come by prince

2 become 1 Spice Girls

Break my body and scream by New Year's Day.

hatefuck and rats by now

hot love and hot rockin by judas priest

cherry bomb by the Runaways

Do you wanna touch and I wanna be your dog, Joan Jett.

Let's put the X in sex by kiss.

like a virgin Crue cover and sex

deep throat by cupcake

just tonight by the pretty reckless

wasps animal fuck like a beast

me so horny by 2 live crew

self-indulgence and petite morte by Razakel

Amber sexual li da dee and this is your night.

UMC what is love cover?

bad medicine Bon Jovi

porn star dancing my darkest days

So happy I could die by Lady Gaga

cola Lana del Rey

lips like morphine kill Hannah

warrant cherry pie

Willa Ford, I wanna be bad.

french kissing Sarah Connor

body 2 body by Samantha Mumba

hot and just a little by play

Beggin and I wanna be your slave and own my mind by Maneskin.

going to hell and going down by Pretty Reckless

conflicted and buzz by Halestorm

climax by DJO

Rock Star Beau and Summer Nights by Cassie Steele

taglist

@userchai @eddiemunsonfuxks @koskeepsake @keeryatmosphere @corneliuswatkins

@xxladymjxx @sidereustales @hippiegoth97 @eddiemunson-reader-shame

@seatnights @ali-r3n @kelseyaparker19 @mrprettywhenhecries @shichey97

@keikoraven @veemoon @micheledawn1975 @hellv1ra @stolen-in-moonlight

@haceleyes @edsbug @lovelythoughtfulcupcake @loritate7311 @skatazz

@loserboysandlithium @probablyin-bed @steveslittlesunflower @decodedlvr @quinnyficsy

@jadeylovesmarvelxo @lovemesomeeddiemunson @hcwthewestwaswcn @emmykaleidoscopeheart @stranger-things-mania

@londonfog-chan @mediocredreams @scarlet-bitch @langdonss @mysticpeachobject

@peculiarwren @sweatyfuntrash @universallyneckhoagieshark @nightmare-time1824 @hippiegothrecs

@corrodedcorpses @eddiemunsonslibrary @dananahenderson @somethingvicked

@yourfavoritewitchbitch @leelei1980 @ryuzakemo128 @mysticpeachobject

[kissitbttr]

Okay so like hear me out for Frat!Miguel ideas. Movie night at the frat house, very lowkey setting a few drinks maybe some people had an edible… But muñeca and Gloria being all cuddly, as best friends are. The two of the just in their own worlds watching the movie while cuddling and Miguel and Beck are in the corner just sad and jealous from lack of attention.

i am so happy at the fact that you are realizing that gloria and muñeca are basically each other’s soulmates, they do love each other more than their bfs🤍🤍🤍🤍

—

“I hear that strawberries are better fruits for your digestive systems”

“No shit, really?! I thought papayas were good!”

“That’s what i thought! But nopes, it’s all the berries babes!”

Miguel and Beck are sitting by the kitchen counter. wearing the same expression of disbelief as they stare at two of their girlfriends cuddled up in the sofa gossiping about —fruits? While others are busy with their own chatters and rolling blunts.

The girls aren’t even paying attention to the two boys who keep on staring at them. It’s like they’re just living in their own little world. Just simply talking about God knows what, fiddling with each other hands and laughing while they get high on edibles,

It’s like watching two women flirting with each other.

“no me gusta esto” Miguel grumbles, arms crossing over his chest as he slumps against the back cushion. Watching how his girl gets all lovey dovey and giggly with Gloria. “This is not how it’s supposed to go”

“Can’t believe that we are right here, yet they chose to get busy with each other!” Beck remarks in disbelief, shaking his head, “how many edibles did they take anyway?”

“Not counting but a lot” Miguel scoffs, eyes burning holes on Gloria’s side profile who’s staring at Muñeca with a hazy look on her eyes,

Beck notices, nudging him on the side. “Are you planning to kill my girl?”

“No. But i will continue to glare at her if she doesn’t take her eyes off my girl!”

“She’s basically doing the same thing! We’re victims here!”

“Holy fuck, you’re right” Miguel exhales a deep breath, leg bobbing up and down out of frustration. “Jesus—Are they eye fucking each other?!”

“Oh god please don’t make me imagine that. I can’t lose Gloria yet”

“So am i! I got fucking boys from class that i had to get off her back and i got to compete with girls too?!”

Never been so frustrated in his life before. Miguel throws a hard glare at the two of them, and it irks him just a little bit more when he sees muñeca running her fingers through Gloria’s hair. Pair of her eyes staring intently into hers,

“I had this huge crush on Kevin Levin on Ben 10, he’s like really hot—Had a shrine of him when i was twelve” she mentions, playing with the ends of Gloria’s dark hair

“Oh god, baby me too!” Gloria gasps excitedly, hands clutching onto muñeca’s as her eyes grow wide. “What about Danny Phantom?!” Muñeca simply squeals at the mention of his name, continuing to be bashful about her second childhood crush,

Beck and Miguel simply could not believe it! Are they actually ignoring their own boyfriends? To talk about weird cartoon crushes they had when they were young?!

Unacceptable!

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Miguel mutters harshly, hands going through his hair and groan. “Kingsley! You go in there and get your girl! I need my time alone with mine!”

“I did try! She didn’t want me to! Told me to piss off without even looking at me! How about you get your girl?!”

“And make her mad?! No thanks” Miguel refuses, his scowl only increases when he sees Gloria kisses muñeca’s cheek. Leaving a sheer mark of her lipgloss making both girls giggle. “Oh my god—you know what?!”

And before even Miguel finishes, he marches over the two of them with a pout and an upset frown. Trying his best to not look like a jealous man,

“Miggy! Hi, baby!” Muñeca’s eyes lighting up when she sees her boyfriend standing close, the delt of his muscles flexes a bit when he put his hands on hips. “Me and Gloria were just talking about making pot brownies! Well—she did. I, for one prefer strawberry blondies”

“Nooo, chocolates are better! Tell her, O’hara!” Gloria giggles, poking the dimple on Muñeca’s cheek,

Miguel rolls his eyes, not seeing any humor what’s sitting in front of him. “Not telling her shit—now quit hogging my girlfriend and go to your man”

“What? Jealous?” Gloria wiggles her eyebrows, laughing a little as muñeca snorts. “You have her everyday! I want to cuddle with my baby too”

“She’s not your baby. She’s my baby” Miguel corrects, staring down at Gloria who’s pouting. “You had her for an hour, it’s my turn!”

“Miggy, you can just cuddle with Beck!” His girlfriend suggests with a grin, as if its the most obvious thing. “That way, the girlfriends and boyfriends could be close with each other as well! Am i right?” Muñeca snuggles against Gloria’s neck,

“You’re crazy! I am not cuddling with Beck!” Miguel’s eyes hold a shocking expression, “Why are you suddenly not interested in your own boyfriend?!”

“Because you just want to cuddle with me so you can play with my boobies” Muñeca pouts, face looking like she’s actually heartbroken,

“Of course i do! i love your boobies! Obsessed even! Who doesn’t love your boobies?! Wait—don’t answer that” Miguel backtracks, “Beck doesn’t have boobies. They’re not as comfy as yours!”

“Jeez! Opposed to my chest that much, O’Hara?” Beck chimes in from behind with a smirk

“Cállate, Kingsley!”

[dwellordream]

Books Recs of 2024

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett. Mystery/fantasy centered around Din, a young assistant investigator assigned to help an eccentric and infamous detective, Ana Dolabra, solve a series of murders. Din is an engraver, his brain altered so he has a photographic memory. However, no one is quite sure how he got his current position, since he failed every single one of his final exams except the combat portion. Ana is an exceedingly odd woman who refuses to go to any crime scene in person and often performs mad science experiments in her spare time. As Din struggles to keep up with the case, which revolves around a bioweapon being unleashed on a series of the empire's best engineers, he also worries what will happen when Ana finally uncovers his secrets.

Highfire by Eoin Colfer. Urban fantasy (very comedic fantasy) about a dragon called Vern (short for Wyvern), who teams up with a juvenile delinquent named Squib (real name Everett Moreau) to take down a corrupt sheriff who is plaguing the Lousiana bayou. Vern is a very small (seven feet long) dragon who is the last of his kind (as far as he knows). When he is spotted by a local troubled teen, his first instinct is to hunt Squib down and kill him, but he quickly realizes the two of them have a common enemy- the murderous sheriff who is running drugs through their territory.

The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi. Magical realism about a romantic-minded art historian who is swept off his feet by a mysterious and charming heiress. After a whirlwind courtship, the happy couple return to her childhood home; a Gothic manor on a lonely island. The more time our narrator spends around his wife's past, the more questions are raised- increasingly sinister ones about who she is and what exactly she is capable of. Once upon a time, she was best friends with an equally odd and dreamy little girl named Indigo. But no one has seen Indigo for many years now- and the Flower Bride may be behind her disappearance.

Chlorine by Jade Song. Horror/magical realism. Since childhood, Ren's entire identity has been wrapped up in swimming. If she can be strong enough, fast enough, special enough, success is sure to come her way. As the end of high school approaches, Ren's passion for swimming becomes less about her future, and more about past legends of mermaids and sirens dragging sailors into the deep. School, friends, and her parents' expectations all fall away- Ren will make her home in the water, no matter what she has to do.

We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride & Jo Piazza. Realistic fiction. Jen and Riley have been best friends for as long as they can remember, despite their vastly different childhoods. Riley is from a middle class Black family; Jen was raised by an impoverished white single mother. After twenty years of doing almost everything together, their lives are at a crossroads- Riley is a news anchor about to take Philadelphia by storm, while Jen is expecting her first child with her police officer husband. When Jen's husband is involved in the murder of a Black teenage boy by a fellow officer, Riley finds herself expected to cover the story- and Jen finds herself expected to answer for her husband's actions- and her own beliefs about what racism looks like.

Queenpin by Megan Abbott. Crime thriller/noir. Our nameless heroine lives a mousy existence working as a bookkeeper for a rundown local night club, but her life is turned upside down when the infamous Gloria Denton, a gun moll and smuggler, takes her under her wing. Gloria transforms her young protege from a timid girl to a sophisticated, cunning woman capable of handling gangsters, conmen, thieves, and bookies, but when she falls for the wrong man, her relationship with Gloria is strained, and they must decide just how far they can trust one another.

Everyone Knows Your Mother is a Witch by Rivka Galchen. Historical fiction. Based on the real life trial of Katharina Kepler, mother of the famed Johannes Kepler, Imperial Mathematician to the Holy Roman Empire. Katharina is a busybody, a domineering and devilishly clever woman with a particular talent for healing. She is also a fiercely loyal mother to her adult children, but when an old neighborhood grudge flares into accusations of poison and witchcraft, Katharina is determined not to meekly confess and beg pardon. The more she lashes out at her neighbors and the authorities, the more charges begin to pile up against her- despite her son's desperate attempts to save her from torture and execution.

Bury Me Deep by Megan Abbott. Crime thriller/noir. Based on a real life murder case in 1931 Phoenix Arizona. Naive and sheltered Marion Seeley is deposited in Phoenix by her disgraced doctor husband, who is forced to take a job with a mining company in South America after his medical license is revoked. Marion befriends the vivacious Louise and Ginny, two fellow nurses, who introduce her to the underground party scene in Phoenix. Politicians and businessmen flock to the secret parties held by them, and it's a quick way to make money on the side. Drawn in by the luxury and thrills, Marion falls in love with Joe Lanigan, a powerful local politician, but as their affair intensifies, her friendship with the other women fractures, culminating in a gruesome crime.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Can you do Barbie x female!reader where Barbie returns to the real world and falls head over heels for the reader and vice versa?

-Greek myth anon 📜

You first met Barbie for a short time when she's crying outside the school, feeling hurt and anxious for the first time in her life.

You didn't initially know who she was, assuming she was going through a rough breakup.

But while her eccentric pink cowgirl outfit threw you off for a moment, you didn't wanna just leave her alone. You'd feel bad for the rest of the day.

So as a women concerned for a fellow women, you approached her.

"Hey, um..are you alright-?"

"No!" She bawls. "Is this what the Real World's supposed to be like?? Where girls hate you and men objectify you?? None of this makes any sense!! Ever since I got here I started having all these weird emotions and I feel all mushy and....oh no....that's exactly what Weird Barbie warned me about!!"

"Girl, that's all part of the universal.....wait, did you say Barbie?" You blinked.

"Y-Yes..I'm Barbie. Stereotypical Barbie, actually." She sniffles, confused when you sit beside her and offer a tissue/handkerchief. "O-Oh..thank you so much...?"

"[Y/n]." You say as she dries her tears. "You know I used to love those dolls growing up. They've entertained me for hours as a little girl. So...I guess I should thank you for giving me a good childhood, assuming you really are a Barbie."

That's genuinely the nicest thing any human's said to her so far, and you give her a hug to express your support and comfort.

She cries again, but she's happy this time (much to her confusion), and you tell her that humans cry for all kinds of reasons..so it's nothing she should be too worried about.

Sadly the sweet moment doesn't last long as she's whisked away to Mattel in a black SUV, although you hold onto hope that you'll see her again.

And you eventually do in a place you least expected to find her: the gynecologist.

Barbie--now taking on the human name "Barbra"--explains how she left her "dollness" behind, being reasonably nervous, but you reassure her this is a great first step towards embracing both her humanity and womanhood.

After your appointments, you hang out together and exchange phone numbers, keeping in touch and texting back-and-forth.

You end up going on shopping trips together, getting coffee/pastries, getting your nails done, going to small concerts, etc. Just fun little things humans (and women) typically do.

If anyone tries harassing you, you're each other's best defenders.

Barbie's quick to fall head over heels for you now that she truly got to know and spend time with you.

You're funny, kind, protective...and the first person to ever ask if she was okay when she visited the Real World.

When she's not with you, she's gushing over you to Gloria and Sasha (who had to be the ones to tell her that she's in love).

Likewise, you were in love with her too, getting warm and fuzzy feelings just from looking into her eyes and seeing her smiles and radiant optimism.

Eventually you both confessed (at the exact same time), and while it's a little awkward, you're finally a couple and end up moving in together.

You love listen to her ramble about the next exciting thing she just learned about human culture (esp the technology).

"So you're saying this is Alexa and she knows everything????" Barbie points to the device in your kitchen. "And she can play any song???"

"Pretty much, yeah." You chuckle, smiling as she asks Alexa to play "Ain't It Fun" by Paramore.

She starts dancing, and you join in, singing along to the lyrics.

Indeed, she finds it fun living in the Real World with you <3

[atleastpleasetelephone]

Masterlist

Hello! I write for Elvis Presley and his film characters. You can see my serieses and oneshots below.

~~Requests are open~~

Series

Gentle On My Mind Masterlist (on-going)

A fic starting on the set of Clambake in 1967. Feeling sad and trapped after the Colonel banishes Larry and the spiritual texts, Elvis invites Gloria to keep him company for the final five days of filming. Will she be what he needs to get him out of his depressive funk?

Little Darling Masterlist (complete)

It's 1997, and Elvis is still alive and well. He quit music in 1972 after a successful world tour, and now he runs Presley Studios - teaching people karate across America. His life is quieter now, though. Most of the Mafia have gone - going to live their own lives - and after his divorce from his second wife, Elvis is sworn off women for good. Will a Welsh girl with a wicked sense of humour be the one to make him break his promise to himself not to fall in love again?

Nights of Endless Love Masterlist (complete)

This is set in 1971, starting at the beginning of his first Vegas residency that year. He meets Mia, a showgirl, who is not his usual type but proves to be more than a match for him.

I Love You So masterlist (request, complete)

Cute little series set in the 50s with Army!Elvis. Elvis and his best friend fall in love, but can their relationship survive him going to Germany?

One shots

Kinktober 2024 masterlist

31 kinky prompts and by the end of October, 31 kinky fics!

BDE oneshots masterlist

All of my Big Daddy Elvis oneshots in one place. Nearly all of these are smutty and angsty.

Princess masterlist

A series of oneshots about early 70s Elvis and his kinky girlfriend trying out new toys in the bedroom.

Little Mouse masterlist

A series of oneshots, starting in the late 60s during filing of Charro! and continuing into the 70s. Elvis and his initially innocent girlfriend have some fun in the bedroom.

Kinky Boots

This is pure unadulterated filth, 1973ish Elvis and his slightly bratty girlfriend on his plane.

You Give Me Fever (request)

Reader is really into sweaty!Elvis. Very smutty.

Love Me (request)

Sub!Elvis and dom!reader during filming of the 1968 Comeback Special. Incredibly filthy.

Gift-wrapped Kitty Cat

Sub!Elvis in his karate gi and dom!reader have some fun together on the Lisa-Marie. Smutty.

Birthday Girl (request)

Someone walks in on reader and Elvis having public sex. Very smutty.

Mystery Train (request)

Charlie is worried about Elvis and decides to find a nice wholesome girl to cheer him up. You turn out to be not as wholesome as he imagined... very smutty.

Heaven

Fluffy sappy fic I wrote for the anniversary.

I Got A Feeling In My Body (request)

1972 Elvis gives his wife a massage. Smutty.

Maneater (request)

Nympho!reader tries to get Elvis' attention at a dinner and ends up being taught a lesson. Very smutty.

Hot 'n' cold (request)

You try to teach Elvis a lesson for his infidelities, but he has other ideas. Smutty.

Sorry Always Seems To Be The Hardest Word (request)

When Jerry and Elvis argue, Jerry threatens to leave and Elvis tries to find a way for him to stay. Smutty.

Dolly (request)

Elvis teaches you to use a vibrator, under strict instructions that you aren't to use it on your own...

It feels so right

Just after coming back from the army, Elvis meets a good Christian girl who wants to save herself for marriage but has her own methods of pleasure. Smutty.

Drabbles

Treat Me Nice

This is basically a fluffy drabble of what it would be like to get a kiss from Elvis onstage.

No Peeking

Cute little fluffy drabble about reader unzipping Elvis' jumpsuit.

Mine

Nasty little drabble about possessive!Elvis

Young, dumb... (request)

Smutty drabble about Elvis, reader and Charlie in Paris in the 50s.

Skin Contact

A fluffy little drabble about cuddling with BDE in bed.

Tickle Me (request)

Fluffy drabble about tickling Elvis.

Squeeze me, please me (request)

Elvis encourages reader to experiment with breathplay. Smutty.

Film characters

You can be the boss

You're Walter Hale's personal secretary. One day you seem particularly distracted and Walter wonders why. Very smutty.

Afters (request)

You're Greg Nolan's wife and you're worried because he keeps going back to work in the evenings... a drabble based on a prompt of holding the other's jaw.

Hungry (request)

Filthy fun with Walter Hale in a linen closet. Drabble based on the prompt putting a hand over the other's mouth to shut them up.

Just what you need (request)

Walter Hale books you as a new act at the Chautauqua and enjoys watching you onstage a little too much. Smutty.

Taglist:

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed:

@vintagepresley @arg-xoxo @from-memphis-with-love @msamarican @blursedblegh @returntopresley @eapep @everythingelvispresley @i-r-i-n-a-a @sissylittlefeather @arrolyn1114 @jhoneybees @cattcb @polksaladava @lookingforrainbows @jkdaddy01 @ccab @epthedream69 @lustnhim @elvisslut @pomtherine @that-hotdog @ladelinee @angschrof @fairybloodsucker @deltafalax @makethemorning @elviswhore69 @ilovequeen978 @wildhorseinkansas @pocketfulofpresley @dkayfixates @iloveelvisss @kxnnxy @presleyhearted @lvrdollep

[kwebtv]

Linda Lavin (October 15, 1937 – December 29, 2024) Stage, screen and television actress and singer. Known for her roles on stage and screen, she received several awards including three Drama Desk Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Obie Awards, and a Tony Award as well as nominations for a Daytime Emmy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. She was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2010.

She made her television debut in Rhoda and had a recurring role in Barney Miller (1975–1976). She gained notoriety for playing the title role of a waitress at a roadside diner in the CBS sitcom Alice (1976–1985), a role for which she was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and won two consecutive Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy. She later starred in NBC's sitcom Sean Saves the World and the CBS sitcom 9JKL and took recurring roles in the legal drama The Good Wife (2014–2015) and the sitcom B Positive (2020–2022).

In 1967, Lavin made an appearance as Gloria Thorpe in a television version of the baseball musical Damn Yankees with Phil Silvers. In 1969, Lavin married actor Ron Leibman, and by 1973, the couple had arrived in Hollywood, California. After various guest appearances on episodic television series such as The Nurses, Rhoda, Harry O, and Kaz, Lavin landed a recurring role as Detective Janice Wentworth on Barney Miller during the first and second seasons (1975–1976).

She left Barney Miller to star in the lead role in Alice, which was a sitcom success that ran from 1976 to 1985 thru the CBS network. The series was based on the Martin Scorsese–directed Ellen Burstyn film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore.

 Lavin also made numerous television appearances outside of Alice, including hosting her own holiday special for CBS, Linda in Wonderland (1980). She acted in two sitcoms, Room for Two (1992–93) and 1998's Conrad Bloom. In Room for Two, she played a mother who moved in with her daughter, played by Patricia Heaton, who has a show on a local television station. The daughter gives Lavin's character her own segment, called "Just a Thought", at the end of her program.

She made numerous television guest appearances, including roles on The Muppet Show (1979), Law & Order: Criminal Intent, The O.C., Touched by an Angel (1999), and HBO's The Sopranos (2002).

She also appeared in many telefilms between 1967 and 1998, including: Damn Yankees!, Sadbird, The Morning After, Jerry, Like Mom, Like Me, The $5.20 an Hour Dream, Another Woman's Child, Maricela, Lena: My 100 Children, Whitewash, A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story, Stolen Memories: Secrets from the Rose Garden, For the Future: The Irvine Fertility Scandal, The Ring, and Best Friends for Life. Lavin produced and starred in A Matter of Life and Death, the 1981 telefilm based on the work of nurse thanatologistJoy Ufema. She directed the 1990 telefilm Flour Babies. (Wikipedia)

IMDb Listing

[soullust]

my miscellaneous dps headcanons (including some background characters)

neil

has HORRIBLE eyesight. like wayy worse that meeks but he hates wearing his glasses

loves scavenger hunts

charlie helped him realize he's gay (they made out once to 'check' but never had any actual feelings for eachother)

is diabetic but doesn't know it

todd

is so incredibly competitive it's ridiculous. he'll die before he loses a bet

selectively mute

gets his poetry / writing published at least twice. the first time was even before he turned 18

scrunches his nose when smiling

not a morning person. he's dead until noon

knox

is a huge gossip and his grandma's favorite bc of it

can't lie to save his life

loves horseback riding

can't cook. at all. like he burns water

charlie

loves spicy foods and smells

his parents mostly ignored him and his younger sister during their childhood and basically raised his sister himself

but it also gave him a lot of freedom, especially during holidays and school breaks, since his parents always either pawned him off to family or just didn't care where he was 90% of the time.

like, really, they only care about appearances so they get on his back about being disrespectful every once in a while and ignore him the rest that's one of the reasons he acts out all the time he desperately craves attention he never got

tina INSISTS on doing his make-up everytime they hang out. he likes make-up and she's pretty good, so he just lets her

meeks

like todd, he's very competitive, but, unlike todd, he's not a sore loser

has a huge sweet tooth smells like it

was obsessed with nordic mythology in middleschool

matthew ("spaz") was his childhood bestfriend, but they grew apart over the years

is allergic to bees. somehow never remembers to take his epipen anywhere. it's a miracle he's survived this long

pitts

he's a car guy. wants to be a car mechanic

had a crush on neil in like 6th grade

scared of birds

has a stutter and used to have a lisp

gamer boi

not exactly a hc but yall can we acknowledge how sarcastic and bitchy he is??? he's hilarious

knows how to sew

gives the best hugs

cameron

once got arrested and had to call charlie to bail him out. charlie was so proud he bought him ice cream on their way back

has lexical-gustatory synesthesia

his bio dad is dead and he hates his step-father with a passion

is besties with gloria and she finds him hillarious

other

mr keating used to work as a line cook in his teens. also he was a lot like charlie during his highschool years (chaotic & funny)

chris used to do ballet as a kid, but has moved on to cheerleading and gymnastics. her parents are divorced. she lives with her mother and younger half-brother

ginny really should be wearing glasses but she hates them and her parents refuse to buy her more flattering frames. she can't swim. people always share their secrets with her bc she seems like she can keep them, but she’s actually a huge gossip

stick has a twin sister. he is nonverbal and communicates thru asl

gloria is training to be a hairdresser

tina can’t walk in heels taller than half an inch

hopkins has a huge crush on cameron

matthew is an origami master

mr mcallister knits in his spare time. he married a chinese woman who, when he met her, didn’t know any english

i take headcanon and one-shot requests btw

[divination1330]

My family is currently binging The Hardy Boys reboot on Hulu, and personally I rly enjoy it so far.

SPOILERS BELOW

For starters, the mysteries all connect throughout the seasons (so far)

There’s plenty of humor, the stakes aren’t super grim, and the plot is very interesting. The friendships are realistic and the show isn’t driven fully by issues in the friendships. The family relationship with all of the Hardy’s is great. In fact, it’s their ultimate strength between them.

Also, this entire family being a riot.

Frank - finds the sweetest girls, gets his heart broken anyways, gets his head bashed in during adventures. Top pick to be groomed to lead your local secret society. Ends up with prophetic powers, messed up nightmares, and a sweet Cadillac. Constantly looks like he’s gonna cry. Is very serious, until he’s near his younger brother. All he wants back in the world is his mom (also him and Callie’s relationship is so sweet and soft, rly love how nothing older was pushed on them. They’re 16, and they act like it. If they give each other one more adoring look I SWEAR)

Joe - can’t talk to girls for the life of him UNLESS ITS FOR THE CASE (no other reason), absolutely no morals, best friend is a wanted criminal, will be the first to suggest trespassing, thinks walking into a trap knowing it’s a trap gives him the upper hand, doesn’t know how to talk on the radio. Will get his brother in trouble for letting him escape the house to pursue a case. Will always have the upper hand, with slight of hand

Fenton - his nickname from his old partner is FENT. NEED I SAY MORE. Absolutely loves his kids. Family is a little dysfunctional, because they just let the boys do these crazy cases, but I think Fent and Trudy got into the same messes as kids. Gloria just had Eye stuff to deal with instead. Solving crime is his love language. Will critique your adventuring skills. Frank gets his “I keep getting whacked over the head” skills from him. Utterly devoted to his wife, always knows a guy, and trusts his older sister. King of dropping news on his kids at the last minute

Trudy - When we said fuck the cops, WE DIDNT MEAN POLICE CHIEF JENNY HOOPER. Queen of procrastination and the demon day dress. Will always help the boys, even if they want their space. Coolest school counselor and had the best hippie van. Gets a little too excited about adventuring. Will never hold her family backs (even from swinging at someone, will probably join in). Queen of comforting people as well, and making a home for the rest of her crazy family. Knows NONE OF THOSE ANIMALS know how to do laundry, uses it to hide an ancient relic. Hair is always amazing, and disheveled.

SPOILERS BELOW

When Frank gets body swapped, I love that Callie and Joe still have a great relationship, and they both try to save Frank in their own ways. Also, Joe being able to sense that Frank got body snatched, and the scene where it’s revealed, are both awesome.

The relationship between the police chief and Trudy is also so sweet. No one bats an eye at it, and everyone just treats them like they should.

Also, I live for Joe being the gremlin. Frank is the moral backbone of their partnership, AND IT SHOWS

Frank is the sensible, responsible, older brother who is initially burdened with protecting everyone. He gets the power of the eye, and suffers through it alone at first. Wherever Joe goes, he follows. His little brother will never go alone.

Joe is the die hard detective, determined to search for the truth for whoever deserves it, no matter the cost. The minute Frank is in danger? When he gets body snatched? All bets are off. Fuck morals, that’s Joe’s older brother.

They’re both great separately as well, and we get to see it. We also get to see them both completely lose it while looking for the other.

[cloveroctobers]

BONUS CHAPTER: FREE FALL — Dante Torres x OC x Manny Castillo

A/N: The Dante centered episodes always inspire something lol. And considering that they didn’t just let this Gloria storyline go (like I hoped) it was only right that I dip back into my killing me series. Let’s see how what went down in the mid-season finale comes into play for these two or three huh? THIS CONTAINS SPOILERS IF YOU HAVENT WATCHED YET! 😬 p.s. can’t tell you how many songs I went through that fit best for this one!

Warnings: feels. heartache/angst. Feels & language! + me possibly butchering some Spanish so please feel free to gently correct me if this is wrong 🤎

* GIF BELONGS TO: @nicolethered

<- catch up on the previous chapter here.

✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶

“You know I’m attracted to you, right?” He says to her, warm hand lightly squeezing at her shoulder.

They’re sitting face to face, lounging on her couch back in Chicago. He’s got that stupid grin on his face as she shields her’s at this new (was it?) revelation Manny decided to air out. He’s got his temple resting against his balled up fingers, elbow pressing along the top of the couch while he stares in adoration at the woman across from him.

Seraphina peeks through her fingers, “And what exactly do you want me to do with this information, Manuel?”

“Oh, now it’s the whole government name drop, okay I see you.” Manny chuckles before running his fingers back down her arm again to rest against the hand she has against her balled up knee, “…you can do whatever you want with it.”

Did he mean the name calling or…?

“I probably will.” Seraphina teases.

Manny nods, a grin still on his face. One thing she learned about her new found friend, he always felt like a light at the end of the tunnel. There must have been a reason he entered the bar that one night and why the friendship continued. Seraphina’s old friend Seán (who was off living his best life again, on a cruise with his fiancé—which Seraphina still did not care for) already gave his stamp of approval, although she never asked for it…she still listened on his insight.

Manny checked in, “I know our date…well we’re calling it a hangout to not make it as overwhelming for you but we both know it was a date…went well right?”

She nods.

“I’ve got the most patience in the world you know? I just want to keep reminding you that, I’m open to seeing wherever this goes…whenever you’re ready.”

She’s been freaking out ever since the official date, which was back in August. It felt like Seraphina was supposed to feel guilty by doing this, originally she was supposed to be back in Chicago in September but extended her time out in Rhode Island (and Philly) until late October. That time was very transformative for her, to the point that she could breathe normally instead of taking constant deep breaths. If it was one thing she learned, her parents seemed to be in a better headspace in Kansas City after all these years but…was she ready to give everything up and start over with something that might only last a chapter?

Would this thrill only be temporary?

These were things she started to think about.

Surely vacations are different than spending time somewhere permanently but Seraphina couldn’t erase the excitement at the thought of where she could be. The more she stared into Manny’s dark blue hues with specs of green that surrounded his pupil, she thought there could be endless possibilities instead of remaining stuck.

“I appreciate that.” She finds herself saying, a soft smile playing on her full lips.

It seems as if Manny leaned in closer as he questioned, “Yeah?”

“Yes…I just want to make sure I’m in the right mental and emotional state before I can decide to give you my all.” Seraphina admits, pulling her bottom lip under her top one.

Manny sensed what she was getting at. He heard about what she went through before she ventured off to the New England area and before she reached out, telling Manny that she was out in his neck of the woods on a girl’s weekend trip with her cousin—who ended up wanting to just sleep in the hotel after the first day of sight seeing.

Being a mom was taking Behati out so Seraphina was sympathetic. Which gave her more time to see how Manny was living and seeing him in his element (and his business casual attire wasn’t bad to witness either!) in Philadelphia’s school district. After that he decided to shoot his shot and see if she was down to get dinner with him and hit up the otherworld museum which was trippy but a fun place that brought out their inner child. Seraphina didn’t hesitate to say yes, yet when it got to sitting across from Manny in a intimate setting, she had to tell him that this was a hangout so her heart didn’t burst out of her chest due to nerves.

“We can do that, whatever makes you feel comfortable. I don’t know though, this tension is making me feel like it might be something more, ya know? And if it makes you feel any better, I had to change two shirts before picking you up, I was and still am, so damn sweaty.”

That made her laugh as they both shook out the nerves. Being in his arms felt right that night as they embraced before she went back up to the hotel room to her cousin who was up waiting for all the details. In Behati’s imaginary scoreboard she told Seraphina that Manny was winning but she initially wasn’t trying to compare him to Dante. In fact the longer Seraphina stayed out on the east coast, she found that she wasn’t thinking too much about Chicago. It was all about living in the moment.

Being free.

So Seraphina and Manny met up at the cafe for a quick breakfast before she and Behati headed to the train station to go back to Behati’s home and family in Rhode Island.

…Not without sharing a unexpected kiss which Behati peeped with her shades tilted downwards, along with her mouth open, spying on them from her outside spot at one of the tables.

Seraphina would be lying if she said she hasn’t been thinking about the kiss since she got back. How she preferred Manny with a thicker beard that pricked her skin so nicely, and how his touch held her upright just the way she needed. That didn’t stop the two from talking being five hours and some change away, although closer than Chicago, it felt right to keep things going.

Comfortably casual with a “hint,” of interest.

“Because of Dante?” Manny inquires, eyes trying to catch Seraphina’s.

The bun wearing woman takes a deep breath, “I just don’t want to lead you on and put you through shit if I can’t let go of what can’t be.”

Manny slowly nods at that before a smile splits over his lips again, “Well I love that you’re self-aware and also trying to look after my heart already, Phina-Mena.”

Seraphina playfully rolls her eyes at the nickname but finds herself peeking back at Manny. Actually ready to take on whatever words he needed to say. Manny knew most of the complicated relationship between Seraphina and Dante, although he originally said it wasn’t any of his business, he still listened to what Seraphina felt comfortable enough to share.

It was heavy but most first love’s are.

“And I’m okay with not having all of you right now. Just even a piece of you already tells me you’ll be worth it.” Manny tells her, making her stomach do flips this time, “I also think you don’t give yourself enough credit. I can tell that you have the most giving heart and I think it’s time that you let someone appreciate it and take care of it…properly. Preferably me.” Manny admits, his hand traveling from the woman’s hand and up the side of her neck, before settling his fingertips against her jaw, then his eyes flickered to her lips, “No pressure though.”

Seraphina scoffs, “Now what am I supposed to say after that?! You’re a smooth one Manny, I’ll give you that.”

“I’m a people person, it’s part of what makes me so loveable.” Manny jokes, his nose brushing against Seraphina’s who lightly breathes him in.

Although her stomach should sign up for gymnastics, his scent is soothing her just fine. It’s the same as when they first embraced, fresh like ginger, a dash of salt, lightly herbal with a spec of something warm—probably amberwood. Whatever he had on, it suited Manny well.

So damn well that Seraphina almost placed her lips right on his, if there wasn’t harsh knocks and repeated sound of the door bell ringing that entered the both of their ears that is. The woman feels herself pulling back abruptly, as if to shield that she was allowing herself to sink into Manny’s charm again.

“Sorry,” Seraphina apologized, “I don’t know who that can be.”

Manny caresses at his beard, a bit of disappointment flashed in his hues, as he gently waved her along, “Could be your secret admirer oh wait…”

The brown eyed woman sends him a thumbs down and sticks out her tongue to blow out a raspberry after getting to her feet, “Booo. You should stop eating so much corn.”

“Personally I’m not a fan of starches.” Manny tells with a raise of his hands in surrender as he watches her frown at him over his shoulder, “…It’s a whole thing. We can get into that later though, you got a door to answer.”

Seraphina shakes her head in disbelief, making her way around the corner to peek through her peep hole. It’s a man she doesn’t recognize, staring up at her in the view of a fisheye, curly dark hair with a mixture of grey in it and slicked back on the sides, beady dark deep set eyes, straight nose, pinched lips, and dimples that appeared as he waved at her, almost as if he knew she was analyzing him behind the door.

“Hello, Seraphina Coty?”

“Can I help you?” She says at the same time, not making a move to unlock her door.

He clears his throat, “Sorry to bother you on this crisp breezy afternoon. I’m Charlie Reid, Deputy chief at the CPD. Also a friend of Hank Voight, who I’m positive you’re familiar with. I was just wondering if you had a few minutes to spare and chat with me?”

Seraphina quirked up a brow at this, of course she had her guard up, especially when it came to the law.

It’s not like her and Hank were the best of buddies, it’s not something Dante wanted for her necessarily and although she can make her own judgments, she was held up in a room with the sergeant months ago. However if something like this was coming to her door and the fact that this stranger threw in Voight’s name, made this all a little more questionable to Seraphina.

“I would if this was scheduled, Mr. Reid. You’re kind of interfering with my personal time…especially if this is work related.”

The deputy chief cleared his throat, “I completely get that and definitely should have called to see what works best for you. Yet I figured this kind of conversation you would want to have face to face, considering this not only affects you but also your friend or involvement with officer Dante Torres.”

That gets Seraphina to sharply inhale.

What was he getting at?

Seraphina takes her time unlocking the door, leaving it open but not without looking over her shoulder to see that Manny had moved from the living room and either headed to the kitchen or half bathroom.

She crosses her arms, standing in her doorway as she focused on the man before her.

“Thank you,” Deputy Chief Reid smiles but Seraphina doesn’t match his, “I won’t take up too much of your time since I know everyone has lives to live! I just wanted to inform you that your services can be of good use to me.”

Seraphina feels her brows furrow, “Please feel free to elaborate.”

“You’re a chemist right? Employed at Compound Laboratories and one of if not the best chemist in all of Chicago…although you like to keep a low profile. I respect it.”

She picked up on the slight jab the man tossed her way.

“Right, so as a friend of Voight’s I think you’ll be a friend of mine as well. And friends stick beside each other in their time of need.”

Seraphina didn’t like where this was going.

She didn’t know this man.

She barely knew Voight.

“How am I supposed to be a friend to a stranger I don’t know?” Seraphina tightened her folded arms at the cool air that seeped in from outside, “What if our morals don’t align, Mr. Deputy Chief?”

He leans towards her, almost as if he was letting her in on a secret, “I think they will in order to keep things running as smoothly as possible.”

Seraphina’s eyes goes into slits, “What are you getting at?”

“Your involvement with Officer Dante Torres.” He blinks as if it’s obvious.

“You mentioned that already—

“And his sexual involvement with the late Gloria Perez.” He continues.

Charlie takes in the expression on the woman’s face and he can see that she was left in the dark about that one. Since she’s been back, she’s had little time with Dante and has seen his mother more than him lately. He knew she was back in town, she didn’t ask him to pick her back up which didn’t feel right but he didn’t want to push it, so she took a Uber, and they ended up hanging out the week after. She got back to work and everything felt the same but it really wasn’t.

“I have no knowledge about any of that but I’m certain it’s not true,” Seraphina stood her ground, which makes Charlie laugh.

He points at her, “See, this is why loyalty is a precious thing. You two have been through a lot together, huh? Would do anything for each other…except be together.”

Now he was crossing the line.

“I believe our time is up, Mr. Reid.” Seraphina says and he can tell he struck a nerve, “I don’t know what your goal coming here was but I don’t want any parts of it.”

“Unfortunately that’s just too bad because you immediately became part of it due to your attachment to Officer Torres.” He rasps, “I know you were also aware of his relationship with Perez. Which makes you an accessory as well, therefore you are now part of the top of my contact list.” Charlie explains to Seraphina who’s ready to slam the door in his face, “I just thought I’d ride over here and introduce myself. You’ll be hearing from me soon, so enjoy the rest of your day.”

That sounded a whole lot like blackmail if you asked Coty, who watched the man with ulterior motives slip away into Chicago’s streets.

✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.

“You’re what?” Dante spits out as they’re up in Seraphina’s room, she’s folding laundry and he’s seated in one of the lounge chairs that’s tucked away in her bedroom.

The brown eyed woman clenched her eyes shut, not realizing that she let this slip out. They were just chatting after Dante popped up, he didn’t give her much notice, informing her with a simple text that he was outside. Now that Seraphina knew the truth, that Gloria Perez had been gunned down, she could only imagine how Dante was taking it. Those ideas were very much confirmed, when she unlocked her door to peer into his eyes.

The bags underneath his spring rain eyes were so deep that you could probably float in them. He didn’t look okay and he didn’t originally plan to show up to Seraphina’s place. Dante couldn’t stay home with his ma because it felt suffocating—although she didn’t know everything—she sensed something was up with her son. Which resulted in calls to Seraphina who didn’t feel it was her place to mention that this was part of the bullshit that still lingered.

He went to church, begging for forgiveness and confessing his sins but nothing Dante did with his time off felt like enough. He needed to be around the one person that made him feel safe, and so he subconsciously ended up at the building that felt like home.

Seraphina didn’t bring it up, trying to be normal and give Dante the space to bring it up himself, yet Dante knew Seraphina. She wouldn’t push unless he gave an opening. However he did not expect to hear that her time away from Chicago influenced this.

“I,” Seraphina inhaled as she held a folded up sweater against her torso, “It was just a thought. Nothing is written in stone and it really just slipped out so there’s no need for you to look at me like that.”

Dante pressed his elbows into his knees, “How am I looking at you?”

“Like I’m about to break your heart right down the middle if I ever did decide to leave this city for good.” The dark haired woman blinked, a slight crease appearing in between her brows.

Dante runs a hand down his face in frustration, “I won’t lie…I wouldn’t like it. You stayed away for much too long and it doesn’t feel right here without you.”

Seraphina begins to feel the overfamiliar pluck at her beating heart again at his words, “…I told you my cousin said you were always welcome to visit if you wanted but you chose to stay here.”

“I have a life here, Nina.” Dante voice was croaky as if he hadn’t been sleeping, “And you do too.”

“And how’s that working out for us huh?” Seraphina snapped, tossing the sweater on top of her other folded clothes.

Dante raised his brows, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re not happy here either, Tay.” Seraphina tries to keep her tone leveled, “This place has brought us a lot of grief…we’re just free falling through. Don’t you think we deserve to experience what could be better elsewhere? For the first time, getting out of this city that’s supposed to feel like home, heading to the east coast…I felt like I could finally breathe. I come back and as I’m looking at you, all I see is defeat. Why is that?”

Dante looks up at the ceiling, his eyes glistening with the light pouring in from the bedroom window. He puffs out a breath, “…Maybe it’s because my best friend is choosing to leave behind her home for some guy she barely knows. Or at least considering it, I don’t know.”

Seraphina feels herself sucking in a breath and holding it. There was no way Dante was trying to flip this right now. Had he been silently watching the house while Manny was around or what? If that was the case then some things needed to be said.

“I think you’re deflecting because you don’t want me to find out why you’re really here. It’s not just some casual visit this time.” Seraphina starts, “You’re in mourning over Gloria—

Dante holds up a hand, “Don’t. Don’t say her name, please.”

“And you want me to patch it all up and be part of your healing process like time and time again.” Seraphina feels herself rambling, “Because that’s always my job right?! You come to me when life gets a little too screwed up and expect me to put the pieces back together with a big fucking band aid.”

“I’ve never asked you to do any of that—

“You don’t have to because that’s what you do when you love someone! You almost died but she took the bullet for you like I’ve been doing. And you still can’t see that you diving back into old habits was all for nothing.” Seraphina shakes her head, followed by a laugh.

Dante gets to his feet, pointing, “I think you should just be quiet. You don’t know the first thing about what Gloria and I had.”

“No?” Seraphina tilts her head at Dante’s anger but it wasn’t anything she hasn’t seen before, “I know a woman like that only loves a power trip more than anything. We’ve been around enough of that. So…was it real or part of the game?”

Dante tightened his eyes at the woman that stood across from him on the other side of the bed. “I’ve…been trying my hardest to protect you and I should have never let you in on that part of my love life. I was better off, then you wouldn’t be acting like this. Assuming.”

Seraphina scoffs, “I don’t have to assume a got damn thing. The difference is I know all parts and sides of you, that bitch just saw a glimpse and thought she had it all figured out.”

“Hey! You show some respect!” Dante points at her.

She laughs, hand going to her hip.

“You know she approached me at my job not long after I got back,” Seraphina decides to tell it all, “Gloria felt like she was free to start over—which must be nice. She said that she knew there was something more to you. That I had a hold on you that even she couldn’t touch, something real. Which was enough to tell me that she didn’t value your heart. You were just a piece in a game of chess.”

Dante shook his head in denial.

He didn’t want to believe that but nobody ever truly knows what someone is like when you’re not watching. Via that bugged conversation with Cook. Dante let his guard down multiple times and not once did he ever think Seraphina and Gloria’s paths would cross. He didn’t think Gloria would have stayed in Chicago for as long as she did, tried to forget about her while burying himself into his work like he commonly did but most importantly, he couldn’t fathom Seraphina leaving for good.

“…I understand that it bothers you that I was able to move on but you just don’t know.”

Seraphina laughs, “Anyone would be lucky to be loved by you and she wasted it. Played in your face and you want to stand there and keep acting as if I’m clueless? Don’t insult me, Tay. I deserve better than that and this.”

“With Manny? Really?” Dante presses, “You think he’s going to be the answer to everything? Just drop all that you worked so hard for, for some random guy?”

There it is.

“Looks like we’re actually two sides of the same coin.” Seraphina hisses, “And no. I’d be moving for me because this is my life and I get to decide how it plays out, no one else.”

The tension was filling the room up with smoke and it felt like it was so thick that it was clouding up Seraphina’s bedroom, making the two friends suddenly hard to reach.

Dante felt his eyes burn, “…I’m not trying to tell you what to do…just that I can’t lose you too, Nina! What part of that don’t you get?”

“And guess what? I can’t keep doing this.”

“Doing what?”

“The wishful thinking, the being your friend when there was a time that I believed we could be much more once you pulled your head out of your ass but you’ve told me enough times that we couldn’t be that. Part of me convinced myself that maybe it’s just not the time. Then I had to hear you come up with this delusion that you wanted someone else. Someone who wasn’t good for you.”

“I loved her!” Dante yelled before resting a shaky hand against his five o’clock shadow followed by a clearing of his throat after Seraphina widened her eyes, “It wasn’t fake for me, it’s was real and all those things she said to Cook was just her putting a wall up. A wall that I had the chance to see behind. I’m sorry okay? I’ll always be sorry that I’m not enough for you, even beyond friendship, that I can’t give you more. But if you leave…he’ll never be me.”

Those words felt like the two were slowly being tipped back, like a glass being knocked over from a table in slow motion. Every word was dividing the old friends apart and as much as it simmered, some things were true. It was a tale as old as time like they liked to say. Dante truly felt like he loved Gloria, he got attached and the nature of how it came about was wrong he saw it now with how it was affecting the whole team especially but he couldn’t be sorry for how he felt. Just like his dear Nina, she was always firm in wanting to be together. They had so much history together, years worth and history couldn’t be rewritten but it could be the beacon.

Seraphina tosses her head back, trying to hold back her own tears. Her hands are digging into her hips as she takes in Dante’s words. She knows that. Knows that Manny is nothing like Dante and like she said, she never wanted to compare the two just like she hoped Dante didn’t ever compare her to Gloria. They were all their own people but humans are flawed beings.

Nothing can be perfect but loving can be tragic…when it didn’t have to be.

“He doesn’t need to be.” The woman finds herself saying through quivered lips, “He’s actually the first person that I’ve been talking to where I don’t try to look for you in. And I think that says a lot. You know what else says a lot? Us being so codependent on each other. Me feeling needed by you in ways of comfort and you wanting me because I’ll always be around. Time was never on our side but maybe time is finally telling us to let go and fall back.”

Dante felt himself holding his breath, “No. No, don’t you dare say that to me! Not now.”

“If not now, when? When you’re done grieving? Well that just seems like that’ll be everlasting around here.” Seraphina states, “And I’m not sorry Gloria’s dead…I guess I’ll have to take that up with god at some point…but I’m sorry that you became part of her story. Even if it was only a small part in her eyes. Gloria fucked you up just like I knew she would.”

“So what is this?” Dante feels his blood boiling, “A ‘I told you so,’ moment? I thought you said you’d never be like that. Not with me.”

Her hand goes to her forehead, pushing her hair back from her face as she goes to sit on the edge of her bed, “It’s not that. I think I just realized that I had enough and it hurts…real bad but this will probably be doing us a favor.”

Dante felt his eyes clenching shut and his whole face began to hurt. His legs felt wobbly but he still managed to find a spot right beside Seraphina, thigh to thigh. Her head went to his shoulder and he eventually moves to wrap an arm around her, his lips going to her hair. She took shaky breaths, to control her sobs but Dante couldn’t stop his own warms tears from flooding his face.

Maybe it was all too much after all.

He always wanted her to be happy and if he wasn’t bringing her that anymore, what kind of friend would be if he didn’t wish her well? The dark of Dante wanted to be selfish and keep her far away from this Manny character but there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes when she spoke about him. He noticed. Perhaps he could give her what he couldn’t and that made the acid in his belly rise and it’s been a few days since Dante could stomach anything. Dante knew the few prior weren’t good enough—maybe that Deacon guy could have been but—he had to work on some things truly on his own this time.

Dante needed to process everything, including this.

They were ultimately pushing each other apart to be better on their own. Seraphina was beginning to see that now and she’s held on for a while.

As well as Dante Torres has known Seraphina Coty, his Nina, Dante could see that the end of an era had to happen. His knew his ma wouldn’t let him hear the end of it once this came out but…he’ll learn to deal with it, like he always did.

When Seraphina falls asleep in his lap, he puts her to bed, covering her with a throw blanket, and puts away her laundry. He hesitated in her room, watching her body slowly rise and fall in her slumber with a dry teared face. There’s a lump that formed in Dante’s throat the longer he stares at her. His belly is cramping and his heart felt like it finally snapped in half.

There’s a beating in his ears that blocks out the sound of his footsteps as he sits back on the bed. His hand rests on the dip of Seraphina’s hips, his touch doesn’t wake her, even when he leans over to place his lips against her cheek.

“Thank you.” Dante pressed his forehead against her jaw for a moment, “Do what you gotta do to be free, Nina. I’ll get it someday…Dios sabe que siempre te amaré.”

He can’t tell you how much longer he sat in that room but eventually he leaves. Yet he breaks down again in the driver’s seat of his car before he pulls it together, ignoring a call from Kim, to head to the bar, his guard down as he drives by a parked car that contains the deputy chief, who continues to plot.

What exactly?

Only time will tell.

✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶⋆.˚ ✶

[yesimwriting]

Final Girl - Part 8

Series Masterlist (updated chapters 1 -9 and extras) Final Girl Masterlist

A/N this took awhile,, but i always want to put my best foot forward bc of how much this series means to me, which means i work when i’m in the right headspace for it and have the time to invest,, which hasn’t been lining up too much recently 😭 anyways i see all the supportive comments and appreciate them sm!!

also keep in mind that my priority is not the timeline, like if you’re feeling like the month before halloween is the longest month of all time,, it’s bc i want to give them bonding time before the heavy murder stuff! 

Series Summary: Y/n can’t believe that she has to leave the only home she’s ever known just because her mom’s latest boyfriend has a house in some town in California. Just as she’s starting to think that Woodsboro might not be that bad, something life altering happens after she agrees to sleep over at the Becker’s house. Now her name is practically synonymous with Ghostface’s/

Chapter Summary: Y/n tries to get back to normal and work on her friendships, but there’s nothing normal about surviving a serial killer attack, and it’s no one’s fault her friends keep noticing. She’s navigating the start of dealing with her trauma while also trying to be a good friend, especially since Billy hasn’t been feeling like himself lately. In a desperate attempt to feel like a normal, healthy teenager, Y/n crosses a personal boundary. 

----

My mom has often told me that in many ways, I was born as an old lady. 

She’d always say it after I tried being responsible. Suggesting that she give herself a curfew on weeknights, or at the very least, call if she was going to be late. Reminding her that there’s a reason people gave her the side eye when she took a visibly underage me into R-rated movies. 

Now that I’m older, I guess she was right in a lot of ways. I wasn’t the kid-iest kid, if that makes sense, but there was one thing I was always good at: playing dress up. 

With a mom like Gloria, it would have been hard not to. For years, my mom’s closet basically had the same magical properties as Disneyland. I thought that that mindset might have just been nine-year-old me, but apparently not, because Tatum and Sidney have been looking through it like it’s life changing. 

“Okay.” Tatum picks up one of my mom’s shimmery wrap and tosses it over her shoulder. “It’s official, when I die, I want to be buried here.”

I look over in time to watch her observe herself in the mirror. “Then I hope you live for a very long time.” 

She wrinkles her nose.  “That better not be the only reason.” 

“Course not, you know I love you very much, Tate-a-boo.” I make a quick kiss-y face, and Tatum almost giggles before returning the gesture. 

Turning away from my mom’s dresses, Sidney smiles. “Please, for all our sakes, don’t let Stu hear you say that.” 

After the joke settles, I practically snort. “Good point.” I step a little further into the closet, refocusing my attention. The only reason we’re all in here is because I wanted to borrow a pair of shoes before going out to the nail salon. It was Tatum’s idea, and the state of my cuticles made me agree. My social hibernation has not been good to them. “Okay, these are the shoes.” 

Sidney steps out of the closet to give me the space to do the same. I slip on the shoes, happy with how they look with my outfit and their level of comfortableness. My mom rarely buys any shoes for herself that aren’t heels, so she ends up taking anything that’s remotely comfortable from my closet. 

“I want to stay here.” Tatum’s hand brushes against the sleeve of something cashmere. “Maybe forever.” 

“And leave your nail beds like that?” Sid glances away from the full length mirror that’s right outside of my mom’s closet. She turns her attention to her reflection, adjusting the fluffiness of her always, almost magically perfect bangs.

Tatum halfheartedly glares before stepping out of the closet. “You’re such a liar.” She raises a hand, studying her palm while walking out of the closet. “You told me they looked fine yesterday.”

Sidney almost smiles before throwing me a look. A quick raise of eyebrows that seems to say got her. “We’re gonna be late.” 

----

The first nail appointment after awhile always feels like willingly volunteering to get a bunch of paper cuts. It’s not overwhelming painful, just a little irritating. After feels nice, though, now that my nails look fresh and I know I don’t have to worry about having my cuticles professionally gutted for a little bit. 

And being around Sidney and Tatum is nice. Familiar in a way that’s still new. It’s weird in a good way. Like I could start throwing around cheesy terms like BFF and it wouldn’t even be dumb. It’d still be ironic, but I think they’d get the sentiment. It’s not that I’ve never had good friends, but this is different. A little more open.

Like right now we’re in Sidney’s room and we’re not talking about anything in particular, just going off of whatever comes up. I could probably say the dumbest thing in the world right now and it wouldn’t even feel unfitting or awkward. 

“...Shut up, he was not that bad.” Tatum’s trying to sound more upset than she is. Somehow Sidney found a way to tell me about Tatum’s first boyfriend. A total middle school romance--they even went to the 8th grade dance together and held hands and had their first kiss under the bleachers. Sounds cute enough, but according to Sidney he was a total weirdo. Even by 8th grade boy standards. “He wasn’t.” 

Sidney laughs again, the movement has her arm bumping into mine. “He tried to eat a live lizard because Stu dared him.” 

“No way.” I snort. “Your first kiss was with a lizard eater?” 

Tate sighs, dropping her head against the side of the mattress and crossing her legs on the floor. “Tried. It ran away and no one ever found it.” That’s still objectively hilarious. I can’t picture Tatum with anyone that out there, but then again, she is with Stu. 

Not that he reminds me of an 8th grade boy trying to eat a lizard, but he was the one that came up with the idea. “Maybe Stu ate it.” 

Tatum glares, halfheartedly shoving my leg as Sidney clasps a hand over her mouth to avoid laughing too hard. “I’ll ask him.” 

It’s strange to picture them like that. A little younger, growing up together. “So you guys knew each other back then and now...” 

She shrugs, “I don’t know...it just kind of happened. He was always hooking up with or seeing any girl with a pulse and I didn’t even see him like that until after--” She cuts herself off with no warning. “You know Sidney and Billy have a way nicer getting together story.” Tate snaps her head up to look at Sidney, whose expression immediately shifts. “Right, Sid?” 

Sidney’s eyes briefly meet mine. There’s a bit of uneasiness there that I don’t get. What could the end of Tatum’s thought have been? What could she have been about to say that might have been--oh. 

“Yeah,” she agrees, “Billy and I were hanging out for weeks--” 

“You can say her name.” My throat feels drier than it did a second ago. “I won’t freak out if you mention Casey. Promise.” 

Tatum’s eyes briefly shut. “That’s--” She doesn’t know how to finish the sentence. I’m right. Why wouldn’t she think I’d freak out? After the way I acted at that party. “No one would blame you if you did.” 

It’s easy to say that it doesn’t matter when you’re not the one that has melt downs. “Yeah.” 

There’s a brief stretch of awkward silence, the light mood now tainted by the exact thing that’s kept me away from my friends for so long. Maybe keeping to myself was about more than the safety of others--maybe I don’t want anyone to know what I’m like now. 

“It’d be weirder if you weren’t a little messed up about it.” Tatum hums the words with such casualness I can’t help but laugh, even when Sidney snaps her head to the side to give her a seriously look. “I’m serious, only a total psycho would be able to see that and jump back into things.” 

Sidney sits up a little more, “And you took the SAT a week after it all happened. You’re doing a lot better than most people would be doing.” 

I nod, glad that they’re at least good at pretending that I’m not a total mess. “Yeah, guess I’m just sensitive about it because I freaked out on Noel at that party.” Ugh. That’s been something I’ve been trying really hard to forget. “He probably thinks I’m a total freak.” My eyes squeeze shut at the memory of the party. I had been a total mess. I flip flopped on murder accusations like it was nothing and nearly ran to Casey’s house in the middle of the night. “He’s probably told everyone I’m a total freak.” 

“You don’t know that.” Sidney’s nice for trying to comfort me, but it’s not the best argument. She picks up on my expression because she then immediately tacks on, “Okay, let’s be logical--why would he do that?” 

“Why wouldn’t he after the way I acted?” Ugh. Every guy that knows him is going to think I’m a complete weirdo. This is what I get for trying to date. “And it’s not like he called after. He hasn’t even talked to me in class since.” 

Sidney’s eyebrows draw together briefly before her hands move off of her lap and land on her comforter. She pushes herself to stand. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing.” 

“Noel’s a total scrub. You’re better off.” Tatum stands too, scratching the back of her arm once. She approaches the bag she abandoned near Sidney’s door, “I brought that eyeshadow I was telling you about. The sparkly, blue one that makes everyone look like Baby Spice.” 

She exhales what’s almost a laugh and I find myself not being able to answer. That does sound like something I’d normally happily go along with. Even though Tatum tends to go for a more subtle look on the day to day, she has a solid makeup collection. Lots of trendy shimmers and bright colors that are fun to swatch and mess around with. But there’s something about the way she said it...breezed away from one topic to this.

And the way Sidney just got up like she was hoping that’d change something. I sit up a little straighter, trying to remember what it’s like to not feel paranoid all the time.

Sidney stops adjusting her hair and messing with her bangs in the mirror. “Or we could hold off on that and go to the video store.” Another change to a topic that normally I’d be all over. “I think Randy’s working, we could bug him a little and get something to watch later.” 

Okay, another thing I’d normally want to do. It has been a minute since I’ve gotten to annoy Randy, and the itch is definitely there. Maybe they’re just trying to be good friends and cheer me up, but they’re spitting out suggestions in a way that feels like they’re really hoping one will stick.

 “Are--do you guys know something about something?” Ugh. If this is my paranoia acting up, I’ll never recover. Why can’t I just go along with things? “I don’t know if it’s me and my head, but you’re acting kinda weird.” 

“No, we’re just--” Sidney’s eyes don’t stay on me, they shift over to Tatum for the briefest second. I blink and almost convince myself I’ve imagined it. “You’re not crazy, we just don’t want to stress you out.” 

I push myself onto my feet. “That is the worst thing you can say to someone you don’t want to stress out.”

Sidney’s eyebrows draw together like she’s worried. I almost feel bad for pushing. “Noel not talking to you isn’t an accident or your fault.” 

“Sid.” I snap my head in Tatum’s direction. She hesitates beneath my stare and gives in with a sigh, “Okay, Noel’s a player who brags about crushing girls’ virginities and breaking up with them the next day. He talks about every girl he’s dated like they’re some kind of car and there are even worse things written about him in the handicap stall of the second floor bathroom.” Tatum pauses, considering how she’s going to word what actually happened. “You’re going through a lot right now and that’s the last thing you need, and we were worried about you, so we talked to Stu and Billy and basically...got Noel to back off.” 

Oh my god. The embarrassment, anger, and shock are all fighting for dominance in my mind, but none of them overpower the other so the feeling is just really fucking bad. All I can picture is Billy and Stu talking to Noel like I’m some little kid or someone with brain damage that can’t make their own choices. 

“You guys suck!” I wipe at my face with the back of my hand, exhaustion cutting into my irritation. “Like really suck. I’m not some child that can’t make her own decisions.” Ugh--I can’t even decide how to react. “It’s not like I was going to marry him or anything.” 

Tatum watches me with a certain level of uncertainty. I don’t think I’ve ever snapped at her or Sidney before. “You’re not exactly a casual dater.” 

“Well--I-I could have been.” It feels awkward, almost reluctant, and I hate myself for it. She’s technically right. I’ve never casually dated, but I’ve never seriously dated either, so it probably wouldn’t kill me. “Either way, it might have been a mistake, but it was my mistake to make.”

“I know, Y/n,” Sidney breathes the words slowly, “We didn’t mean anything by it, it wasn’t like a whole scheme or anything it just--” She’s trying, really trying. “We wanted to help you.” 

I didn’t need help, I was fine. The genuine hint of worry in her tone keeps me from pointing that out. I just stare at her and then at Tatum. Why does it matter anyways? Everyone gets to be normal and do dumb things and have people they’re close with and relationships and all I have is the stupid ‘almost murdered’ label. 

“Why does it matter enough for you to--” I cut myself off, not sure what I’m really asking or what I mean. 

Tatum lets out a small sigh, the sound almost reluctant, maybe a tiny bit annoyed that she even has to talk about this. “Because you’re our friend,” she half shrugs like what she’s saying should have been assumed , “And we love you.” She presses her lips together briefly, “Duh.” 

Sidney throws a look in Tatum’s direction, “Yeah, we love you so much we were willing to risk you being super mad at us because we were worried.” Sidney pauses to take a breath. “We shouldn’t have done it behind your back, and in the future we won’t meddle.”

When I don’t ease, Tatum tacts on, “If it makes things any better, Stu’s normally a total guy’s guy about this kind of thing and even he thinks Noel’s a total creep.” She scratches the back of her wrist, “And those two never care about this stuff, so, boohoo, we all love you.” 

Okay, that doesn’t exactly fix things but it does take the edge off just a tiny bit. They all go way back, and that’s intimidating. And Tatum’s trying to be funny about it, layering on the sarcasm so that I’ll laugh. I hate that it’s almost working. “Well, as long as it’s just everyone being obsessed with me...” The joke feels like a bit of a betrayal, so I tact on something else, “I’m still mad, though.” That feels even weaker. I’m too in my head about all of it and still pretty embarrassed despite the fact that I didn’t do anything. It won’t last forever, but right now, it’s all feeling like too much. The safety of my bedroom feels miles away instead of the few blocks it actually is. “I think I-I’m gonna...” 

“No,” Tatum huffs, “It wasn’t supposed to be a thing.” She tilts her head to the side, silky blonde hair bouncing with the motion. “We haven’t seen you in forever and it was more Stu and Billy’s thing, they’ve been ready to start a thing with him since like the 9th grade.” 

More Stu and Billy’s thing? That almost makes sense for Billy, who Noel casually suggested could be a murderer. But Stu? Noel seemed to like him well enough. Maybe it’s a loyalty thing. I can see Billy and Stu having a bit of package deal friendship. You can’t hate on one without becoming enemy of the other. And with how generally protective Stu seems to be over his friends, it’d make sense. 

But still. I am not a bargaining chip or an excuse or someone that needs their approval on who I do or don’t date.

“Let’s do whatever you want to do and then if you’re still mad, we can invite them over and you can yell at them.” 

Tatum almost smiles, “You’re good at that.” 

That...feels a little weird. “I’m good at yelling?” 

“No, it’s like when you told off that reporter. One minute, you’re normal, but then, when you need to be--bam! You’re super bitch.” 

I laugh, this time it’s genuine. “Super bitch strikes again.” The exit is still close, and some nervous part of me wants to cling to the out. I’m not sure if it’s out of some form of fear or genuine anger or both. But I do want to stay around them a little longer and go take way too long renting a video just to annoy Randy. “If I get to pick what we do, I say we go bother Randy and get a movie. He’s had it easy for too long.” 

Sid half scoffs at my ominous tone. “How do you know?” 

"Knowing whether or not Randy needs to be annoyed is my superpower.” 

----

The video rental is surprisingly empty for early Thursday evening. Schools are out and it’s close enough to the weekend where normally there are more people stopping by to check out what they want to watch in advance. Today doesn’t reflect that. Good to know that my Randy distress radar is still in tact. 

There’s an older man adjusting the latest release aisle, changing out movies. He’s the only employee that I see as I scan over the store and a part of me nearly deflates. Sidney did say she thought Randy would be working and I have no way of knowing. Our friendship has also been a victim to my recent hermit ways, and it’s likely suffered more than my connection with anyone else. At least my other friends are in a couple of my classes or need to walk down the same hallways. Most of Randy’s classes aren’t near mine and we only share a study hall, which he often uses as an excuse to leave early in order to get to work. Meaning that most days I only see him during lunch. 

The door to the back swings open and behind a cart of VHS tapes, there’s a familiar face. Randy. I find myself smiling as I approach the counter he’s coming up from behind. 

“Excuse me,” he glances up, a bit of surprise causing him to raise his eyebrows, “I was wondering if you have a copy of Child’s Play 2, but not the original, the extended cut with the alternate ending, Sorority House Massacre, uncut, duh, and/or Fox’s original version of Clueless.” 

Randy blinks, unfazed by my bullshit. “I’ve been around you too long to fall for that last one.” 

I almost laugh. I can’t believe Randy remembers my rant about the developmental nightmare that was the original Clueless pitch. Fox wanted a TV show, but they got a movie instead, and that took way too long for no reason. I had talked about it a lot longer than I meant to the other day at school. “You caught it.” 

“Decoys are always more obvious than they seem to the person making them.” It feels like some kind of movie rule reference, vague enough for me to get how it applies but not so random I feel the need to ask. “So are you here to rent something or make my job harder?” 

“A little of both.” Turning my head, I gesture to where Sidney and Tatum are. They’re in the same aisle, backs to each other as they scan through options. “We wanted something to watch and Sidney said she thought you’d be working today.” I tap my nails against the counter. “And I had this feeling that things have probably been too easy for you.”

Randy’s lips turn upwards but it feels a little different than a smile. “Yeah, nothing but peace since you...” 

“Became a total paranoid PTSD recluse?” 

He half shrugs, “Jack Torrence.” I roll my eyes, a little relieved that Randy’s joking about it instead of pressing. It’s part of the reason he’s a good friend to have. “You’re feeling better, though, right?” 

Spoke a little too soon, but that’s an okay question. It’s not invasive, it’s just an offer. “Getting there.” 

Randy nods, taking in the answer for what feels like a little too long for two words. Maybe he’s feeling the honesty of what does seem like a cop out answer. I’m not over it by any means, but feeling better is a process that’s starting to work. “That’s good.” He pushes the cart slightly before pulling back to place. “You’re good.” Randy lets out a breath, tugging and pushing the cart again. “I mean--deserve to feel good and normal.” 

I grin at the stumble in words. It’s rare that we’re openly nice to each other instead of acting like little kids after one pulls the other’s hair. “I get what you mean.” 

His lips part, but no words come out. Randy’s eyebrows draw together as his mouth shuts. What is--a firm touch on my shoulder snaps the question out of me. My head turns and some kind of comment about being rude to people in line rises and immediately falls back down. Stu! And then I remember my earlier conversation and it feels a lot more like: Oh. Stu. 

It’s such an instant flip that for a second I don’t react. Stu pulls his arm around me in a quick attempt at a side hug, but I’m so stiff it’s more like being shoved into him. “Look who’s here.” 

Bumping into him is by no means new to me. Small town, same friends, some overlap in hobbies. But this time it’s different. I promised myself that Stu and Billy would get scolded for meddling as soon as possible, but I didn’t expect run into him in public. It’s like being a parent with a child that’s misbehaving in church. You can’t do anything but redirect until you get to the car. 

Stu drops his arm back to his side. “Thought you were doing something with Tatum and Sid?” 

“They’re over there,” I gesture vaguely with a tilt of my head, trying to seem casual. I might not be willing to get into the whole Noel thing in front of Randy and the suburban mom trying to settle a dispute between two kids who can’t decide which movie to get, but Stu probably is. “I wouldn’t look too closely, girls’ night movies might make you sick.” 

Stu misses by just a second. He does wrinkle his nose in a display of the kind of good humor I’d expect from him, but it doesn’t feel as natural. There’s nothing wrong about his reaction, it just feels lacking. Missing his usual brand of energy. “I have no issue with girls’ night movies.” 

Clearly, I’ve been spending too much time with him because I get the joke instantly. Now it’s my turn to cringe. “Why do I even talk to you?” 

“Because, buggsie, your life would be so boring without me.” The nickname does make my expression warp, but this time it’s more like trying to keep in a laugh than anything else. “If your only movie influence was Randy, you’d be a lot less likable.” 

Randy sighs. “Keep telling yourself that.”

The words are just a little too sharp. They’re good enough friends in some senses. Not two I’d guess hang alone together, but I like to think at the end of the day they like co-existing. That doesn’t mean they don’t bicker from time to time in a way that feels different than when Randy and I fight like little kids or Stu and I fight like an old married couple too lazy to get divorced. 

“No need to be bitter, dude,” Stu’s hand is back around my shoulder, “I gave you a whole five minutes.” That was a weird thing to say. Random, and not in a fun sort of way, but before I can ask, Stu’s pulling me forward. “You want to help me sneak up on Tay?” 

I throw Randy a look that hopefully communicates my level of confusion and some sort of see you later. “Uh...” Stu’s already turning like I’ve answered, “Sure?” 

When we’re finally closer to the shelves than the counter, Stu lets me go, his hand sliding down my arm a little before retracting. “So you go up to Tatum, talk to her, keep her distracted, and I’ll sneak up behind her.”

“Yeah, yeah, okay.” He’s moving along so quickly and casually, but I’m still fixed on that last comment to Randy. It wasn’t banter-y and Randy didn’t say anything back, which feels a little weird. “That last thing you said, the five minute thing?”

Stu barely pauses, head tilting in a way that feels confused. “Oh. Gave him five minutes to make a move, but you know Randy, not a closer.”

It’s said casually enough that I could think Stu’s being serious, but there’s also a hum of sarcasm in there. And what he’s saying does feel too unrealistic to not be a joke. Randy and I are completely platonic, there’s no way he sees me like that. Plus, I’d like to think that if a guy I’m around that regularly liked me in any sort of way, I’d have at least somewhat picked up on it. 

“Shut up,” I shove Stu’s arm, “You’re not funny.”

He holds his hands up in defense briefly. “Don’t shoot the messenger.” 

It’s said casual enough that I’m finally given a second to think. The nagging voice at the back of my head is finally given the opportunity to remind me that I’m supposed to be mad at him. Or, at the very least, irritated until I can tell him off for trying to make decisions for me behind my back. 

“Interesting that you mention shooting you, be--” 

“Ouch,” Stu hums, a little too pointedly, “Thought we were all good, angel.” I press my lips together, staring at the ground to avoid giving him anything to latch onto. “I’ve been on best behavior. Minding my business, just here to check something out.”

I stop, a motion I think is subtle enough but Stu picks up on it immediately. He turns and grabs my wrist. The contact is sudden enough to force me to look up. Stu’s watching me, his expression seems innocent, and not in that pretend way either. There’s a hint of confusion behind his eyes. I’m not sure I entirely believe it, but I think it’s possible that what I’m mad about isn’t coming to mind. He has no reason to think I’d know about it. 

His hold is firm and oddly warm and bordering on distracting. 

“Stu,” Tatum’s cheery voice snaps the two of us out of our stand off.

He pulls away quickly, eyes falling on Tatum. “There’s my girl.” Stu pulls her into a hug and gives her a quick kiss. “Y/n was going to help me sneak up and surprise you, but she’s in a mood.” 

Ugh. Stu has a way of dismissing any type of reaction that doesn’t work for him as me being in a mood or pouting. “I am not in a mood.” 

“Give her a break.” Stu’s hands are still on her. “Y/n found out about the Noel thing.”My gaze instinctually shifts back to Stu. His easygoing grin falters. Tatum smiles at him with a coy look that I guess could be interpreted as some kind of apology. “Don’t get moody, she pulled it out of us.” 

It takes him a second, but Stu eventually eases off of her. He doesn’t look as content as before, but his expression hints at nothing else besides casual annoyance. “She can’t be too mad if she’s still hanging around you and Sid.” 

“I got to tell them both off already.” 

Stu turns, something smug tugging his face into an almost smile. It’s infuriating. “If that’s what you’re into, babe.” 

Tatum scoffs and halfheartedly smacks his shoulders. “You’ve been around long enough that I don’t have to apologize for him anymore, right?”

“Right.” 

Stu lets out a breath, “Geez, you two sure act like you love me.” 

I am so not in the mood to say anything nice about Stu in front of him. “Maybe if you minded your business a little more--” 

“Okay,” Tatum pushes herself into the budding argument and looks at me. “Save your energy for when there’s two of them.” Good point. If I yelled at Stu and Billy separately every time they messed up, I’d be yelling constantly. Tatum’s attention shifts back to Stu, “Is he around? Sid’s around the corner.” 

Stu shakes his head once. “Nah, it’s still early and he only said he might call. He’s been a little out of it.” 

Billy’s out of it? And out of it enough to not be around Stu for once? It’s not like they’re literally attached at the hip but a weekend evening where both me and their girlfriends are busy and they’re not hanging out together? That in itself hints at something being wrong. 

I think through the last I heard from Billy, but nothing particularly stands out. He might have briefly mentioned his dad but not in a concerning way. Not in a way that indicated he’d have to spend extra time with him or anything.

Billy has also been weirdly absent. No recent warning-less appearances at my window. Has he been going through something and I’m just too caught up in my personal issues to notice? God, this serial killer nonsense has turned me into a terrible friend. 

“He okay?” 

Stu’s eyes flit up to meet mine. “You might want to hold off on the scolding, but last time I checked in, yeah. Just all angsty, you know how Billy gets.” 

I blink. Last time he checked in. Maybe I’m idealizing their friendship too much, but I’ve always felt like they were looking out for each other. Closer than Stu’s current reaction warrants. Or maybe I’m overthinking things and Billy’s just taking some time. He doesn’t seem the type to want to talk about fuzzy things like feelings. 

“We were going to ask you guys to come over, but if he’s not up for it, that’s okay,” Tatum says, “You can still come by later, but I think you should check in on him.” 

Now I’m starting to feel antsy. Like I should go check in on Billy, but I don’t even know what that’d look like. The realization that I’ve never been to Billy’s house hits hard and with no warning. Whenever we all hang out, it’s at my place or someone else’s, and when it’s the three of us we go to Stu’s and sometimes my house. The thought rubs me the wrong way, like this one thing is pulling on the threads of our friendship. 

He’s one of my best friends and I can’t even say I know what his room looks like. 

“I’ll probably stop by soon.” 

That makes me frown. Probably. Soon. 

“Oh, that reminds me.” Tatum’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts. “Dewey wanted me to give you a head’s up that he’ll be trying to meet with you soon. He wants to go over some....stuff.” 

Ugh, this again. I can’t escape it. “Yeah. He has my number, Dewey can call whenever, but the warning was nice.” 

Stu shifts back like he doesn’t quite believe what he’s hearing. “He wants to talk to her again?” He’s more offended than I am. “What? It’s not like anything’s changed.” 

Tatum shrugs, “I don’t know. Dewey doesn’t give me the details.” 

“Unless they have new evidence, they shouldn’t be dragging her back into it just because they don’t know shit.”

I should tell him to drop it. That this is my business and maybe it’s time we establish some firmer boundaries, but I can’t get the words to form. The whole thing feels hypocritical. I should be annoyed, but I’m not because he’s saying what I can’t. 

It’s brief, but for a second it almost feels like Stu might be the closest to someone that gets what it feels like. The irony is insane, considering that there’s no way that empathy’s his strong suit. 

“I don’t know. It’s not my thing.” 

Tatum is understandably a little defensive, which is fair. Especially when considering our earlier conversation. This isn’t fair to her. “It’s okay.” The words feel like a flat cop out compared to Stu’s instinctual defense. “It’s not Tatum’s fault and Dewey was really nice about it last time--” 

“Last time? You mean when they ambushed you at the hospital before they let you take visitors?” 

My stomach knots at that. The feeling of waking up there, confused and unaware of what I’d just been through and then being made to feel like I was completely alone while Billy and Stu were waiting outside for me. “That’s not his fault.” A dry defense. “It sucks, but it’s for the greater good and it won’t take long.” I’m not sure if I’m trying to convince myself or him. “It’s okay.” 

Stu half sighs. “I’m going to grab my movie and head out, maybe stop by Billy’s.” He tuns to give Tatum a brief goodbye kiss to the top of her head. “I’ll see you soon, Y/n. Make sure you get to yell at me before it builds too much.” 

At that, I roll my eyes but still wave him off. 

---- 

My eyes are on the phone again, staring down the extension on my nightstand like it’s keeping things from me. 

Ugh. This is ridiculous. I snap my attention back to the homework in front of me. Some extra credit for my math class. It’s an attempt at damage control because the test I had to take the morning after being attacked by a serial killer is seriously bringing down my GPA. Too bad calc has never been my strong suit. The distraction that is my inability to move on from what Stu said is definitely not helping. 

Even after Sidney, Tatum, and I left the video store, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Stu’s uncertainty and what Billy could be going through. Maybe Stu was playing down how much he knows because Billy didn’t want anyone else knowing. I could see that. Hope for that since the thought of Billy locking himself in his room and dealing with whatever it is completely alone tugs at my heart.  

I could call. He might not answer, but that’s okay. It might make me feel better to just do something and it’s not like I’ve never called him. There’s also the more extreme option of showing up to his place. I’ve never been to his house,  but he’s pointed it out before. Even though I physically could get there, that feels like too much. If I’ve never been over, it’s probably for a reason.

There’s also Stu. I could call him to ask about Billy. He’s more likely to tell me about how Billy’s doing than Billy. But that also feels weird for no reason. Again, it’s not like I never call them. 

I glance over at the digital clock on my desk. 7:56. Okay--it’s not too late. Not weirdly late. 

I stand before I can think about it too much, walking over to the phone. If it’s going to be distracting, I should just get it over with. Maybe having some kind of answer will make it easier to focus on things.

The phone rings about three times before there’s an answer. “Yeah?” 

“Hey.” Okay, that one word feels super awkward for no reason. “Hi--it’s um--” Be more normal. It’s just Stu. “It’s Y/n.” 

A quick breath that feels more like a laugh than it sounds. “Yeah, I figured that out.” Great, now he’s making fun of me. “I also know why you’re calling.” 

“Really?” 

I can feel his amusement over the phone. “You can’t stop thinking about me and want me to come over.”

I snort as soon as the words wash over me. What was I expecting? “You figured it out. This is a booty call.” 

Stu sort of laughs. “Yeah? I can be over in five.”

Pressing my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing, I sit up a little more. “Loser.” I reach over for a pillow and pull it on to my lap. “Okay, so actual reason, I was trying to do something for calc, so obviously my mind was wandering and thinking about literally anything else.” 

“Obviously.” 

My fingers brush the fluff of the pillow’s exterior. I brush the strands flat and then back into little spikes of hair. “And at some point, I started thinking about what you said at the video store. About Billy.”

There’s a brief silence, and then another one of Stu’s breathy-accidental-laughs. “Aw, you’re worried.” Ugh. “That’s cute, angel, I’ll make sure to tell him.”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t be a spoilsport.” 

My nose wrinkles at that, nails smothering my pillow’s layer of fluff. “Is he okay or not?” 

For a second, the only thing coming from the other side of the phone is the general static of someone’s movement. “Bossy.” I roll my eyes, but before I can tell him to spare me tonight, Stu continues, “Why didn’t you just call Billy?” 

It’s a fair question, which only bugs me more. “Because there’s no way to call someone and ask if they’re okay based on a passing comment without sounding insane.” 

I pinch the thin hairs of my pillows between my thumb and index finger. “And it’s less insane this way?”

Feels like it. “Kinda, yeah.” 

“Don’t worry your pretty head about it. Billy’s fine, he’ll be back to his usual levels of brooding soon. Promise.” I don’t know what to make of that, so I just focus on my pillow. “It might help if you called him tomorrow. Let him sleep it off for a little longer.”

That’s probably a good suggestion. “Yeah, I’ll do that.” My eyes drift back to the still open textbook on my desk. My mom is out with Wells so I can’t even use her as an excuse to not be doing this right now. I briefly bite my tongue to give myself a second to think through what I’m considering. “You um--are you doing anything right now?” Even more awkward. Great. “I could really use an excuse to not work on calc right now.” 

“Now it’s a booty call.” 

Being friends with him is so annoying sometimes. “I hate you.”

“Ouch,” a brief shuffling before he speaks again, “You know I love distracting you--” I roll my eyes. “But tonight’s--” 

“Shit, is Tatum over or something?” A hand flies over my mouth. Of course I’d call at a time where he had someone over and be a total mess. “I’m sorry.” 

Some more static before a response, “No, it’s--” He sighs once. “Billy’s here and he’s--” Oh. My embarrassment is definitely doubling, but there’s still some relief there. At least he’s not alone. “Maybe you should come over, help cheer him up.”

“You’re kind of an asshole for not mentioning that earlier.” I push the throw pillow off my lap and let my back fall onto my cocoon of larger pillows. “And it’s fine, I wouldn’t want to overwhelm him or anything.” 

“No,” Stu’s answer is quick but feels a little flat. Almost worried. “You--I think it’d be good for him to see you.” There’s still a bit of hesitance there, like Stu’s not telling me the full story. Maybe he can’t. “We rented a few movies and I think I might still have those sour gummy things you like.” 

I really do love sour gummies. “Is Billy okay with it?” 

“It’s my house, bug.” When I don’t say anything, Stu sighs, “Kidding. C’mon, he loves you.” I don’t know why I’m debating so much, it was my idea, but now it feels a little intrusive of me. “And we’re a lot more fun than calculus.” 

“Not a high bar you’re setting there.” Stu pointedly scoffs. “Okay--if you’re sure Billy’s okay with it, I’ll be over in a few.”

“Need to go ask your mommy?” 

I’m already pushing myself to my feet. “Shut up.” An ‘at least I have a parent that gives a shit’ nearly slips out and I just barely manage to bite my tongue. That’d be like reacting to a playful shove with a punch to the face. Besides, my mom’s not a factor right now. She and Wells are out to dinner with some friends. She left me with a 20 to order pizza and maybe rent a movie. “I can still not go.” 

Stu chooses to ignore the (empty) threat, “See you soon, babe.” 

I push open the door of my closet and search through it as quickly as possible. It’s not like I need to get dressed up to go to Stu’s, but my stained pajama pants from the ninth grade and practically threadbare tank top aren’t things I wear out of the house. Especially now that fall is making evenings a lot chillier. “I don’t get our friendship.”

“I keep you supplied with those awful sour gummies.”

I smile despite myself, grabbing something out of my closet. “That explains it.” Bending down, I pick up another article of clothing. “See you soon.” 

----

“There she is.”

Stu pulls me into a hug before I can think to react. He’s always so warm and everywhere. I think it has to do with his smell. It sounds weird but he’s so consistent about it. Enough expensive laundry detergent to drown out most of the usual teen boy body spray musk to a level that’s tolerable and sharpens the slight hint of weed that seems to cling to him. Even that is balanced. Subtle unless you know to think about it. But now it’s a little more overwhelming than usual...fresher. 

Like he just finished a joint. I stare at him for a second and while his eyes seem mostly normal, there’s a bit of a red tinge there. If it wasn’t for the smell of weed, I wouldn’t have noticed. “Are you high?” 

The corner of Stu’s mouth pulls up into an almost smile. He’s amused. “That’s a fun way to greet me.” I give him a pointed look. “Mmm...maybe a little.” Stu extends an arm, halfheartedly punching me in the shoulder. Instead of dropping his arm like usual, Stu relaxes his fist in order to squeeze the top of my arm. “What gave me away, angel?”

“With you, it’s always a safe guess.” He sort of frowns, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Kidding. You smell like a dispensary.” 

Stu squeezes my arm a little harder. “Judgy.” He tilts his head slightly. “And here I was going to offer you some.” 

“No one likes me when I’m high.” That’s true enough. I get all paranoid and clingy. Randy won’t even smoke around me if we’re alone just in case. 

He half scoffs. “Nah, that’s just for people that don’t know how to handle you.” 

Handle me? I’m about to give him some sarcastic answer, but when my eyes meet his, the reaction freezes over. He’s staring at me with a concentration that feels more prominent than his hand on my arm. I don’t know why, but I feel the need the redirect and break the silence. “Where’s Billy?” 

“In my room.” Stu swings a hand around my shoulder and starts guiding me forward. “C’mon, he’ll be happy to see you.” 

I should shrug Stu off of me, but it feels easier to just let him. Besides, there are other things to worry about. From the vagueness Stu’s been handling mentions of Billy with, I half expect him to be in a straight jacket or something. “He--he does know I’m here, right?” 

The only answer I get is Stu placing a hand on his bedroom door once we reach it. He releases me to push open it open. “Hey, feeling any better?” Billy doesn’t get a chance to reply before Stu continues, “Because I brought you a present.” 

Weird...and kind of objectifying, but in a weird way. It’s not so much the words, but the way he’s saying them. This is definitely an ambush. Stu pushes the door open all the way before I can really react. I still make a point of smacking his arm. “Don’t make it weird.” 

I turn my head towards Stu’s room. Billy is in there, sitting with his back against the headboard and he’s looking at me but there’s little recognition. It’s more like he’s seeing through me. I want to assume it’s part of some kind of side effect of being high, but I can’t quite get myself to dismiss it as something so casual.

Any fight directed at Stu evaporates into the air and morphs into this weird veil of tension. Not good or bad. Just heavy and full, bleeding through the room and into the hall where I’m still standing. 

“Hi,” it feels like an attempt at cutting through the harshness, “I heard you were feeling bad so I thought I’d come back and make you feel worse.” 

Billy’s eyebrows draw together slightly, like he’s considering how to react. He settles on a, “Yeah?” It feels smaller than the way he usually is. 

I swallow my instinctual reaction. “Yeah--things aren’t looking too good in Iraq and everyone’s getting too comfortable with nuclear bombs.” 

The corner of his mouth turns up into an almost smile. It’s not quite there, but the thawing of the icy layer behind his gaze is cracking. “Anything else?”

“I still think the Princess Diana divorce is kind of a bummer.” 

Stu sighs dramatically. “Of course you’re on her side.” 

“There is no other side, Charles is the worst.” 

Stu walks fully into his room and practically flops onto his bed. His head hits Billy’s calf and Billy throws him a dirty look before adjusting. “Charles is next in line for the throne. That entitles him to all the girls he wants. That’s just history.”

I wrinkle my nose and halfheartedly glare at him. “He’s also probably inbred.”

Billy sits up a little further, reaching for what I’m assuming is a joint. “Definitely inbred.”

The small vouch of support is strangely easing.

Stu tilts his head to look at me briefly. “You two deserve each other.”

“Don’t pout.” Maybe not my smartest joke, but it’s too easy to pass up on. 

He props his head up just to glare at me. “I can still kick you out.”

I roll my eyes and Billy wordlessly extends what he’s been smoking. Stu reaches for it absentmindedly and Billy moves his arm away. “You need to slow down.” 

Stu doesn’t protest, which has to be a byproduct of his easy high. I’m so distracted by that it takes a second for it to click. If Billy isn’t handing off the joint to Stu, he’s trying to give it to me...the person who’s going to be around their mom and a cop before the night’s over. 

“Can’t tonight.” I’m so going to get bullied for this, “My mom would know immediately, and then she’d kill all three of us.” 

Billy sits up a little more, not fully taking his hand back but relaxing it a little. Stu drops his head back down, accidentally landing on Billy’s leg. I suppress a laugh when Billy lazily shrugs Stu off. It doesn’t work, because Stu still glares at me as he curls into himself slightly. “You could stay over, sleep it off.”

Maybe Stu’s more high than I thought. I take a step forward, feeling awkward about the distance. “I don’t see how that helps the my mom killing us all thing.” 

“You could call her from my home phone, tell her you’re staying over at Sidney’s or Tay’s.” Stu doesn’t wait for my response before stretching out an arm in my direction. “Come here.” 

It feels a little bit like a trap, but at the same time, standing this close to the door is probably weirder than anything Stu’s going to try. I walk forward and sit down on the edge of his bed. Stu smiles lazily and adjusts so that his legs are on my lap. They’re long. He’s basically an arachnid. 

With Stu, a firm approach is usually best, but this seems harmless enough so I don’t kick him off of me. “You’re like a spider.”

He laugh-scoffs, stretching even further. “Like a daddy long legs.”

There’s a weird attempt at sultriness in his words. It’s so stupid I can’t hep the terrible laugh that comes out. “Shut up. You’re so gross.” Now I do want him off of me. He won’t move so I try dragging myself back a little. All that does is make me bump into Billy’s arm. “Sorry.” 

Dismissing my apologetic look with a short wave of the hand still holding the joint, Billy sits up even more, angling himself towards me. “You should be.” It’s sarcastic, but still oddly flat, like Billy’s putting work into being a part of the conversation.

Stu, clearly feeling forgotten, softly kicks his leg. “Your sobriety’s bringing old Billy Boy back down.” 

I lean back, ignoring the way my fingers brush against Billy’s. “I promise me being high would only depress him more.” 

“I like you high,” Billy muses flatly, “You get all jumpy.” 

I roll my eyes, trying to straighten to pull my hand back but Billy doesn’t let me get that far. His hand turns over and pulls his fingers between my own. It’s a casual enough attempt to pull me back into place, but his eyes are so quick to meet mine. There’s something almost nervous about the shift, and vaguely familiar. An uncertain, begrudging request for reassurance I’ve come to associate with people going through some sort of depressive episode. 

“That was one time,” I mumble, “And it was because you guys are assholes and didn’t tell me that it was extra strong.” 

Stu’s leg moves again, “It wasn’t extra strong, we just didn’t pace you.” 

“Either way--assholes.” 

Billy moves his thumb along my knuckles. “We’ll be nice this time.” He takes a deliberate hit and exhales the smoke in a way that lingers. I can feel the smell of it, a paranoid part of me thinking it’s already caught up in my hair and clothes and skin. Like my mom will just be able to tell already. Maybe it is already too late. 

And it’d upset her. She’s already worried enough about how I’m handling all the killer stuff, if she thinks I’m acting out and smoking she’ll probably freak. This also wouldn’t be the first time I did something like this and didn’t tell her...or the first time I stayed over at a friend’s house to sleep something off. 

It’s also objectively nice to be around them. Also, Billy’s whole slightly off thing is something I’ve definitely seen before. The familiarity finally clicks into place, a few memories of my mother from when I was younger. Bad ones, days in which things slipped through the cracks before my mom was diagnosed and started managing that part of herself.

“Even if you don’t smoke, you should call your mom...stay over.” Billy gets the words out stiffly, like some invisible force was trying to shove them back down his throat. “Keep me from being alone with that one.”

Stu lets out a sound that’s sounds a lot like a tired “fuck off”. The casual disapproval makes me smile.

Billy takes another, much shorter hit. I let myself observe the process. The way the smoke goes in, how he holds it in, and finally the way he forces it out. Billy wordlessly turns the joint around in a silent offering. I give in with an exhale and reach over. Billy doesn’t let me get that far, moving so that his fingers are almost to my mouth. I part my lips and let him hold the joint there as I inhale. He doesn’t give me long before taking it back. He runs his thumb along my knuckles. “Hold.” I struggle, but follow through. “Good. Now breathe.” 

I let it out with a slight cough.

“There ya go,” Stu mumbles, patiently dragging his leg up my thigh. “You’ll feel better.” I wish I had more experience with smoking outside of them. If I did, I’d have a reference point to tell me if Stu’s weed is actually extra strong or not. I’m sure what he gets is considered good shit, since he definitely has the money and tolerance. “You should call your mom before you get all giggly.” 

I openly frown. “I do not get ‘giggly’.” 

“Yeah, you do.” 

I’m not in an argumentative mood. Maybe it’s the atmosphere or the weed is already starting to cloud my judgement. I should call my mom, though. It hasn’t been that long since I left, which means she’s probably still out with Wells. It’ll be easier to just leave a message on the machine. She always checks when she gets home. 

Ever since the first incident, my mom keeps a cell phone on her that’s always on, but it’s still weird to both of us. I don’t have the number fully memorized yet, it’s written on a note held to the fridge by a magnet back home...a few blocks away. The cell phone isn’t exclusively emergency, but my mom doesn’t love portable technology. She thinks they’re tacky and breed rudeness.

I tap Stu’s leg, “Up.” 

Surprisingly enough, Stu listens, letting me go. I let go of Billy’s hand and reach for the extension on Stu’s nightstand. I quickly dial my number and leave a flat message. Staying over at Sid’s, have fun but not too much fun, love you and see you tomorrow. 

In a moment of straight forward association, I almost went with telling my mom I was staying at Tatum’s, but I have to talk to Dewey soon and my mom will probably be there and that felt like a potential loose end. 

Stu half snorts, “Love you and see you tomorrow, mom.” 

I shove Stu’s shoulder. “Shut up.” 

“Have fun but not too much fun,” Billy mumbles, a lot more subdued but just as teasing. 

Rolling my eyes, I move back to the edge of the bed where I was sitting before. “It’s an inside joke.” 

Stu leans forward and pinches my cheek. “That’s adorable.” 

The patronization doesn’t sit well and my eyelids feel heavier than they did a second ago. “I hate you guys.” 

“Clearly,” Stu breathes, reaching over and taking the joint from Billy. “Oh, Billy, forgot to tell you, Y/n’s supposed to be mad at us.” Billy tilts his head a little too far to one side like that’s news enough for him to be curious. “Tay told her about the Noel thing.” 

Billy feels imbalanced, head leaning one way and spine straight. His eyes harden over again. “Really?” He takes my hand again, this time a lot less softly. “Over that asshole?” I let him run his knuckles over my hand again, even though this time it feels a lot less soothing. “If none of your friends like a guy, that usually says something about the guy.” 

I’m sure there’s some kind of joke I could spin. Maybe about where he learned that one from. Get that from Cosmo? But the bordering on defensive look behind Billy’s eyes is overbearing and messing with my head. Stu is seriously in danger for bringing this up right now. 

“It’s not about the guy,” I manage, “It’s about...” All the points I had feel a lot less concrete under Billy’s scrutiny...or maybe it’s the weed. Or both. I swallow, dropping my gaze to my lap as I try to really think. Okay, it’s definitely both. “Timing and boundaries.” It feels fractured. “Like even if a guy totally sucks, you can’t go over my head about it.” 

Stu lets out a sigh, dropping his head onto one of his pillow’s. I glare openly. This is all his fault. Why bring it up now? Billy was just starting to act a little more like himself. “I don’t know what you see in him.” Ugh. It’s like he’s not even hearing me. “Especially with the way he talked about Casey.” 

That last part hits its intended goal. Stu’s staring at the ceiling, so I can’t see his expression, but he seems to take my silence as a win. I don’t know Noel as well as they do, but he did talk about Casey at that party and it wasn’t exactly kind. 

I squeeze what I can grab of the comforter like that will tether me here. It half works but it does nothing to ease the tightening in my chest. The memories mix uneasily with the start of my high. The dip of panic doesn’t suit the way my body wants to feel and it all blends together in a way that leaves me on edge and a little nauseous. 

There’s the sound of someone moving, but I barely pick up on it. Billy smacks the side of Stu’s head. “Too much, asshole.”

Stu throws Billy an offended look before craning his neck to look at me. I must look as off as I feel, because Stu does sit up. “Shit,” he pushes himself back, “Sorry. I didn’t think--” 

“You never think.” The words are pointed, but not completely angry. If I was feeling any better, I would’ve laughed. He slowly reaches forward and I don’t stop him from prying my fingers away from the sheets. “Your trip going a little bad?” I nod. “Don’t think about it.” Easier said than done. “You could end up like Stu the one time he smoked too much while watching one of those old horror movies where the special effects are basically held up by a string.” 

That cracks at the panic a little. “What did he do?” 

“Convinced himself that it was real and we were the ones that were off.” 

I almost laugh. “Actually?” 

“Shut up,” Stu sighs, a little bitter but not actually mad. 

Billy ignores him, “Actually.” He turns my hand over carefully before running his fingers over the thin scar on my palm and up my wrist. “So you’re already doing better than him.”

For a second, I let myself study Billy. The wisps of hair falling forward, the slight pinch between his eyebrows, his focused expression. Billy almost always holds himself with a certain tenseness. Whether that’s force of habit or natural to him, I’m not sure. Maybe that’s why he gets along so well with Stu. They balance each other. 

“Are you...” I don’t know where I’m going with this. “Are you feeling any better?” 

His expression briefly clouds, pulling into something much more blank. He drops his gaze and for a second I feel like I might need to take it back. “Yeah--yeah, don’t worry.” Again, easier said than done. Billy clears his throat almost immediately after, like that will erase the fact that he actually responded. 

“Good.” It doesn’t sound overly positive, but he hasn’t convinced me. “I’ve missed you, a little.” That feels a lot more real.

Billy angles his head downwards, almost smiling. “Only a little?” 

“It’s not like you haven’t been around at all.” He traces an invisible line up my wrist. “Maybe more than a little, anyway.” 

“Aw,” Stu hums, his hand finding a place on my back. He leans forward and rests his head on my shoulder. “You two are adorable.” I’m not really given a chance to answer before Stu lets out a sigh that I feel against my neck, “Don’t be mad.” 

Honestly, I’m not feeling any anger. I’m a little annoyed at him and frustrated that I’m still not normal. That’s all there is. It’s too tiring to turn into anger. “’M not mad,” it feels like a confession, “A little annoyed at you, but not more than usual.” 

He breathes a sarcastic, “Haha” into my shoulder. 

With no warning, I start to unweave myself from them. I think they’re too confused to ask until I’m actually standing. 

“Where are you going, angel?” 

I don’t really know, so I can’t really answer. Stu’s room isn’t super familiar. I’ve been in here a couple times, most of them brief. I take a second to really take in the space. A lot of posters, the ones that aren’t directly bloody movie posters feature practically naked women and some combine the two. It fits him.

“Getting a feel,” I decide on, “You can tell a lot about a person based on their room.” 

Stu moves to the edge of his bed, grinning at my focus. “Really?” 

I move to pull open the drawer of his nightstand. “Mhm.” 

“You’re not going to like anything you find in there.” He places a hand on the front of drawer but doesn’t stop me. 

It takes me a second too long to realize what he’s getting at. By then, I’ve already taken in a cover of a magazine with a model that’s wearing even less than the girls on the posters, a box of condoms, a surprisingly neatly stacked set of polaroids, an old deck of cards, and a few random odds and ends all crammed in there. 

My nose wrinkles, but I’m too distracted by the polaroids to make fun of him. I can only see the top one, but it’s innocent enough, an accidental snapshot that sort of looks like a blurry person on a couch.  

“Polaroids?” I pick them out of the drawer and flip to the next one. A small lump that looks like a cat in Stu’s living room. Weird, I’ve never seen one in his house and he’s never mentioned having a pet. Maybe these are old pictures. Before I can snoop any further, Stu pulls the stack of photos away from me. “You’re no fun.” 

He rolls his eyes as he moves the first photo back into place. “You’re nosy.” I don’t say anything because I’m not so high that I’m clueless. This is a little weird of me, but I can’t help the impulse. “What if the next picture had been me naked?” 

“You take naked pictures of yourself and keep them in your nightstand?” 

Stu intentionally ignores my laughter. “You don’t need pictures for that, baby, you can see the real thing.” 

My laughter picks up again. “Yeah? Let’s go right now.” 

At that, Stu does crack a bit of a smile. “Let’s make Billy strip first.” 

“Deal,” I mumble through another laugh. 

Billy drops his head onto a pillow, “Fuck off.” 

I turn my attention back to the card deck and dig them out with my nail. “Any naked pictures hidden in here or am I good?” 

“No promises.” With that as my warning, I begin to shuffle the cards absentmindedly. “Why? You wanna play strip poker?” 

Ignoring him, I move back to my previous position on the edge of the bed. “Think I’m good.” 

I drag the nail of my thumb along the edge of the cards and focus on the sound of them. Billy nudges my knee with his. I look up as he extends his arm, silently asking for the cards. I hand them over without thinking much about it. Billy begins to actually shuffle in a way that would fit Vegas. 

He has to notice my mesmerized stare, but he says nothing. “Do you actually know how to play anything?”

My mom briefly worked at a casino when I was in the first grade and she’d have to bring me in sometimes, but I retained nothing. “Not really.” 

That starts something. A process that should have been short and easy. Billy trying to explain different versions of poker and Stu trying to trick me, but only sometimes so I couldn’t know to for sure not trust him. It’s a mess of laughter and a refreshing lack of angst. Every once in awhile, someone insists that a loser has to take a drag from a joint, so everyone’s progressively getting worse. I’m pretty sure Stu’s cheating somehow, but I have no proof and I’m too out of it to get any. 

It’s so lighthearted and genuinely fun that I’m fighting against the heaviness of my eyelids. It can’t be that late, but I’m already starting to feel drowsy. I’ve finally been given good cards, so I really need to get it together. “I won.”  

Stu scoffs, eyebrows drawing together as he eyes the cards I just set down. “No--that’s not--” 

“I won,” a yawn cuts my sentence in half, “Don’t be a loser about it.” 

Stu picks up all the cards, ignoring my protests. He’s already mixed me up a couple of times. “I can let you have this one, because you’re--” 

“Because you have to.” 

Billy turns his ankle, tapping his foot against my leg. “Don’t be mean about it.” 

That was nowhere near mean. “Dramatic, both of you.” 

Stu’s mouth falls open in a mock gasp as he continues to gather cards. I don’t know what he’s doing until he drops them all back into his drawer and shuts it. He then walks towards his dresser, pulls out a T-shirt, and tosses it in my direction. “After all I’ve done for you.” 

I pick up the T-shirt and fold it onto my lap but make no move to go to the bathroom to change. “I don’t want to go to sleep.” 

“You’re half asleep already.” Billy ignores the dirty look I give him. “Just change in case you fall asleep.” 

Stupid voice of reason. I scratch the back of my wrist and decide to give in. If for no other reason than the fact that Stu’s shirt is almost weirdly soft. Rich people must have access to different kinds of fabric. I reluctantly get up and find Stu’s bathroom.

I change quickly and take a second to make sure Stu gave me a long enough T-shirt. Thankfully, he did, so I don’t have to feel extra awkward about anything. I fold my clothes and bring them back with me. 

“Looks nice on you, babe.” 

Drowsiness hits harder without any distractions. I blink, unsure on how to respond. Stu’s always a flirt with everyone, but it feels a little weird to react to it while standing in his room at night in one of his T-shirts. “It’s the rich guy cotton.”

The corner of his mouth turns up. “And those legs.” 

“Shut up.” 

Billy turns onto his side, fluffing his pillow. “Go to sleep before he gets worse.” 

“Yeah.” The two of them look comfortable, all settled. “I’ll crash on the couch.” 

Stu props his head up on an elbow. “You don’t wanna do that. Living room’s creepy at night and you’ve smoked too much. You’ll get scared.” 

“I’m not 12.” 

“It’s safer here, you wouldn’t be alone if something happened.” 

Ugh, Stu can never resist trying to get me paranoid. “Nothing’s going to happen.” That’s what I thought when I was at Casey’s. 

“Just get in bed,” Billy mumbles, half asleep, “I know how this argument goes with the two of you.” When I don’t move, Billy sighs, “If I fall asleep and you get freaked out, I’m not helping.” 

Stu lays back down, “He means it. He’s an asshole when he’s tired.” He pauses for so long, I briefly think he might have fallen asleep. “...’S not a big deal.” 

True. It wouldn’t even be the first time we all fell asleep in the same bed. And Billy’s slept over in my room enough times for that to barely phase me. “Yeah.” 

I walk over towards the bed. “Drink water,” Billy mumbles the words with his eyes still shut. I look over at the nightstand and there’s a glass there that wasn’t there before. I drink a few long sips until Stu sits up to steal the glass from me. 

Rude. “Give me--” 

He downs the rest of it in a few gulps, “Go to bed.” 

I roll my eyes, but unfortunately do listen. Stu pushes me towards the middle, ignoring my surprised huff. I smack his arm before covering myself with his bed sheets. I barely get to reflect on how much of an asshole move that was before I fall asleep. 

----

A/n fun fact, there’s a moment in here where Y/n came superrr close to accidentally finding out who Ghostface is :) 

Taglist: @cole22ann @womenarecannibals @fand0mskullfa1ry @princessleah129 @i-amnotokaywiththis @fvcking-gxddess @suckmyass-things @im-better-than-your-newborn @michibuni @bigenargy @marli-lavellan @mushy-mushroom04 @neenieweenie @lone-ray @the-ruler-of-death @andthevillainshallrises @thesebitcheslovesosadotcom @thesebitcheslovesosadotcom @dixbolik-bby @thebitchiestnerdtowalktheearth @peachycupotea @my5tica1ien @agustdeeyaa @astrial @3ll0kittylvr420 @zoleea-exultant @slaypussypop-21 @aonungs-tsahik @finnydraws @slytherhoes @vxarak @xofeeeeelsxo @thewayiknowyou @yourslashersfinalgirl @winterridinghood @maggieleighc 

[witchthewriter]

𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐭

⤷ human female, ambiguous race, and any size reader. Requests are open, thank you for reading!

Warnings: spoilers!!! Talks of the real world and real world problems, trauma talks.

a/n: Reader is a massive Barbie fan, but like every woman she's had to put away her toys and grow up.

ᴹᵃˢᵗᵉʳˡᶤˢᵗ

𝑺𝑭𝑾🌿  

・It was a surprise for both of you; a very sudden surprise.

・Barbie had been in the human world for about a month when she ran into you.

・She had ventured out on her own, with a phone in her bag and some money that Mattel had given her (she got an allowance to basically keep her mouth shut about the whole Barbie Land thing)

・And she was staying at Gloria's, who had become quite protective over her.

・You were carrying a pile of books you had bought at the bookstore, and they fell on the ground as you collided with someone.

・Pages flapped in the wind, and you just hoped they didn't land into anything ... weird. This was California after all.

・Barbie was so startled, "I'm so so sorry!" She kept saying, over and over again, helping you stack them back up.

"It's okay, really, I thought I could make it to my car without an accident - looks like I was wrong."

"No, you were doing a great job! The accident is all my fault-" she said.

・Finally looking up at her, you became mesmerised.

・She had to be one of the most beautiful beings you had ever seen in your life.

・And words completely left you.

・You felt a hot blush creep up the back of your neck and spread across your face.

"Oh, your face!" She said, not realising that it was a blush. And blushes were normal things. (She was still learning.)

・Her noticing just made it worse, and words were no longer able to form. Only these weird sounds...

・And then you just scooped up whatever you could and ran to your car, hoping this wasn't a stupid tik tok joke or something.

・While in your car, you had to turn on the air con on full blast. Closing your eyes, you tried your best to shake off the encounter.

"It's fine," you said out loud. "I'm never going to see her again. So, it's fine."

・The drive back home was silent, except for in your head...

・You kept thinking of all the things you should have done differently.

・Finally making it home, you took your stuff inside and walked to your room, chucking everything on the floor, you fell face first into your bed. And screamed.

・It had been two hours later when you heard a knock at the door

・Clad in your pyjamas, you contemplated about just ignoring the person.

・But the knocking was insistent, and it didn't stop.

"Who the fuck knocks like that?" You said with half a biscuit in your mouth.

・Shuffling to the door, you opened it to find your blush-shamer.

"Oh," you said and all the thoughts evaporated from your mind. Was this the worst day ever? You knew this was the fucking worst scenario because you told yourself you'd never have to see her again.

"Hi! You left this behind," the blonde said and gave you your purse.

"Oh shit, thank you," you replied (after swallowing the food that was in your mouth.)

"Shit? Did I do something wrong?" (Barbie had only heard swear words used in negative contexts. Sasha hadn't taught her they could be used ... in different ways.)

"Uh, no. Oh, do you not like swearing?" You said with squinted eyes, sure she was taking the piss.

"I don't know. We didn't swear in Barbi- in ... where I used to live," Barbie thought it was a great save.

"Ugh, I get it- you used to live down South. You don't sound Southern though?" You said with a cocked head, trying to figure this out. Because this was definitely being filmed for tik tok. (And you weren't going to look a fool)

"I have to go now. Bye!" She said quickly and ran away, her blonde hair flying behind her.

・And then you stuck up both your middle fingers in every direction, flipping off all the hidden cameras.

・You turned on the tv and sat down, the blonde woman still in your head.

・She seemed so off.

・Getting up, you went over to your purse and found that nothing was missing. And there was a note.

"Huh, thought the cash would be gone..."

・But in fluid letters, your heart pumped as you read the note:

Sorry for bumping into you. Maybe we can be friends! This is my number, (insert number here - I don't want to accidentally type a real one) From, Barbie

・Your heart fluttered and the blush returned.

・And you thought, 'Barbie? Oh, she's definitely Southern....'

・But you looked at the number and put it into your phone. You typed and hesitated before sending the message. Hoping this wasn't part 2 of the tik tok.

・Or maybe you were on social media too much... either way, you pressed send:

Hope you got home okay, don't apologise! And thank you for returning my purse. And not stealing my money

From,

Y/N.

[comicgeekery]

More Like The Three Gay-bles, Right?

The Three Gables

This was a fun reset into the regular Sherlock & Co. adventures. Something low stakes that also gave John space to show that he’s still grieving for Mary. And Sherlock and Mariana had time to hang out, just the two of them! I was hoping for that!

The mystery was interesting, with the questions about what could be hidden in the hospital that someone would spend decades obsessing over obtaining or destroying. (Though I found the solution a little underwhelming. Yeah, the woman covered up a murder, but you don’t need to out her as a cougar!) Thinking about it now, I really wonder why it was so hard for her to get that evidence. Hire some burglers! Give the hospital a big donation with the condition that you get to dig something out of an unused chimney! There were options!

But this adventure was clearly much more about the characters. John is in mourning and Sherlock and Mariana are doing their best to support him through that. It’s sweet.

But it’s also time for me to once again pull out my Johnlock conspiracy board!

Ok, so one thing I didn’t mention about The Sign of Four was the queer clues (qlues) I found there. I wanted to focus on the objective story and give Mary her flowers. But there were some important elements to note!

Sherlock seemed jealous at the idea of John dating someone. Could just be friend-jealousy, but it was there.

“You have a lovely face. Very warm.” Sherlock to Watson in The Sign of Four, part 4

John pointed out (also in SoF, part 4) that Sherlock had done a case with a romantic interest before, Victor Trevor from The Gloria Scott! And Sherlock acknowledged it! As a reminder, Victor Trevor was an old friend of Sherlock’s from school and the only explicitly gay man we’ve had so far. I knew they had a flirty vibe!

So we know that Sherlock & Co. has an explicitly queer version of Sherlock Holmes! That’s fantastic! It still doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll get together with John, but honestly I’ll stay thrilled either way!

Knowing he’s a queer character also made his interaction with the drag queen really interesting. First of all he knew her, but he also seemed comfortable with the drag performance and her club in a way that felt like he’d been there before. Sherlock isn’t just queer, he’s had experience with queer culture. I doubt that gay clubs are his preferred scene, but I love the implication of a journey of self-discovery. Maybe it was something he experienced while in school with Victor.

Now for some bits that are more theory than evidence-based. I suspect that Sherlock has a big crush on John and has for a while. Not a surprise, as John has repeatedly been so kind, supportive, and actively interested in Sherlock’s passion for crime solving. I also think that Sherlock currently has zero intention of pushing for any romantic intimacy. Even aside from the fact that John only expresses interest in women and now has shown heartache from two major straight relationships, I really doubt Sherlock would be willing to take that sort of risk. He’s been deeply lonely for a lot of his life and John’s probably the best friend he’s ever had. Definitely not something worth risking when it’s much more likely John would be really uncomfortable.

(Doesn’t stop Sherlock from making a big effort to make a good impression on Ma Watson though. That was worth a minute of masking.)

Sherlock would certainly be SUPER concerned about any abilities he might have to be romantic anyway. Romance is a minefield for anyone, with all of the careful dancing around each other’s longings and vulnerabilities. Unassisted, Sherlock’s plans for a date would probably be a stressful mess. Maybe he’s even already experienced it.

But there’s also the issue that Sherlock is actively hiding things from John. In The Three Gables, we learn that Sherlock is super secretive about his family. I was relieved honestly, because I had thought that John had lived with Sherlock all this time and never asked about his past. It’s good to know it was just off-mic non-answers.

Obviously Mycroft is going to come up at some point, in some form. I still think he might be high-needs autistic, brilliant at government sorting, but downright unable to socialize or go anywhere besides work, home, and the Diogenes club. Maybe he’ll even be a sister in this version! That could be fun, and it’s not like Mycroft is an especially gendered name. But I’m sure he’s still going to have a significant position in the British government. Not the puppet-master he was in BBC’s Sherlock, but someone with some power and influence. I also still think he might be involved in cleaning up a few legal messes resulting from Sherlock’s cases and John’s obsession with uploading accounts of all the crimes they’ve committed.

We may also meet the extended Holmes family. I’d like that. Ma and Pa Holmes, maybe a Sherrinford (also a sister?). Hell, give Sherlock aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, whatever! Give us all the family and all the Sherlock background!

However, whoever his family is, I’m certain they’re a big deal. I think they’re super rich and paid for Sherlock to go to a bunch of different schools, to play around as a detective, and to have servants/caregivers. And I think Sherlock is very worried about how John would react if he knew, given how often John has expressed disdain for wealthy people. Sherlock doesn’t want to lie to his best friend, but he also can’t tell the truth. So he’s just saying nothing for as long as he can.

(Sherlock was definitely the one to buy or arrange for Tonga getting those football season tickets in the hospital.)

In conclusion: I continue to think that Johnlock is a real possibility on Sherlock & Co. If it’s going to happen it’s clearly going to be a hell of slow burn, but we’ve got some important groundwork now!