#Hot n Cleveland

[tuttle-did-it]

Murder She Wrote, s7 e15 ‘The Taxman Commeth’ guest stars:

Fred Willard (Roseanne, Everybody Lives Raymond, Saturday Night Live, The Odd Couple 2016, Anchorman 2, Drunk History, Hot n Cleveland, Castle, Wall-E, Twilight Zone Radio Dramas, Stargate SG1, etc)

Max Wright (ALF, the Drew Carey show, Mad About You, the Early Edition, The John Laroquette Show, friends, Murphy Brown, Quantum Leap, etc)

[fairyysoup]

western nights

♫︎ western nights - ethel cain ♫︎

pairing(s): eddie munson x fem!reader

summary: You're on a road trip to nowhere. Eddie wants to get the hell out of dodge. It's a match made in heaven- if only it were, actually, heaven.

words: 13k

cw: explicit, smut, piv sex, oral sex (f + m receiving), exhibitionism, light choking, spitting, eddie is 24, reader's age unspecified (over 21), illegal activities, theft, smoking, alcohol consumption, strangers to lovers, bonnie & clyde type dynamic, mechanic!eddie, eddie's trying hard to be a good boy he's just got issues, pining, perv!reader, some slight dubcon/somno for a sec if you squint, there was only one bed, graphic depictions of violence, a drunk guy being nasty to both eddie and reader, bar fight, blood, arguments, angst, hurt/comfort, panic attacks, an overall janky relationship here, inspired by the song western nights by ethel cain

a/n: *slaps fic* this bad boy can be written with so many cold medicines in my head <3 ethel cain if you see this do NOT interact i have done zero justice to your song and also completely disregarded some key aspects of the themes of it lol this is loosely based at best

ALL MY WORKS ARE 18+ MINORS DNI

He’s never looked more beautiful on his Harley in the parking lot, breaking into the ATMs, sleeping naked when it gets too hot…

You’ve become something of a connoisseur of gas station coffee. 

You know which chains have the best. Love’s always has the best and freshest, with the most options of flavors. Pilot is usually a crapshoot, depending on what area of the country you’re in. Occasionally, if you can find it, Bodega doesn’t disappoint. And the worst, by far, is always Shell. Shell coffee, you think, must come directly from the sewers of whatever backwater town you’re trundling through.

You’re somewhere in Indiana, you guess, judging by the state-shaped keychains on the rotating rack next to the cash register. You grab a state map from a magazine stand and toss it in with the rest of your purchase. You were lucky to have found a Love’s so you could finally afford yourself some proper dark roast coffee; all the watered down arabica stuff you’ve been getting since Cleveland has only been making your head ache. 

“What’s the quickest way to Indianapolis?” You ask the dead-eyed attendant ringing you up, a 20-something year old guy with bags under his eyes and bad skin. 

He chews his licorice like a camel chews straw, staring up at you blankly. “I dunno. Never been.”

You look from him, to the map, and back. “Cool. What town is this?”

“Hawkins.” His bored-by-you attitude is overwhelming.

“Thanks so much for the help.” You afford the attendant a tight smile as you grab your bag of snacks and head out. It’s going to be a long night. 

The air outside is stifling, summer heat hanging in the muggy air like a fog. The humidity makes your hair stick uncomfortably to the back of your neck as you peel off your old green hunting jacket and tie it around your waist. You’ve parked your van under the fluorescent-lit gas pump overhang, providing the proper lighting for you to spread the map of Indiana across the hood and bend over it, using your full coffee as a paperweight. You rip open the singular Slim-Jim you could afford for dinner, and pore over it.

There’s commotion across the parking lot, which stirs you from your rumination over the map. You glance up; there are two guys loitering by a telephone booth in one corner of the lot, sharing a cigarette. Teenagers who have nowhere else to be on a Friday night, you suppose. Five yards away from them, a third crouches in front of a badly vandalized ATM, the cause of the commotion. He seems to be hacking at the wiring with a pocket knife.

You ignore it. So far, on this trip, you’ve seen far worse than a guy stealing petty cash from a gas station ATM. Tracing your fingers across the paper, it looks like if you take state route 13 to I-69, you’ll be in Indianapolis by midnight. Shouldn’t be too difficult, as long as you can find the 13, and then you can find a place to crash in the city.

Grabbing an old highlighter from your pocket, you mark your route in bright pink. The guy from the ATM seems to have gotten what he wanted, moving quickly across the parking lot with his head held high, like he has every right to be there. He approaches a motorcycle parked on the opposite side of the pump from you, and begins feeding dollar bills into the machine. 

“Hey, do you know how to get to the 13 from here?” You can’t see much more than his leather-clad shoulder and hip jutting out from around the pump, the front tire of his Harley sticking out from behind his leg.

There’s a pause, and then his head pops out from around the pump. A curtain of unruly dark hair frames a long neck, big doe-like eyes and flushed lips pouting at you in confusion. It makes you freeze. “Sorry?”

“I, uh-” What were you trying to do? Get on the right course. Right. Of course. “State- uh- state route 13? I’m trying to get to, um, Indianapolis?” You cringe at your own stuttering, nails digging into the paper before you. 

The man stares at you for a long time, dark eyes framed by thick, curling lashes sizing you up slowly. Then, he rounds the pump. “The highway’s just down the road- keep going west and you won’t miss it.” 

“Great, thanks.” You grab up your coffee and the map, crunching it between your tense fingers. He hasn’t moved, still leaning against the gas pump, arms crossed, staring at you. It makes you nervous, in more ways than one. 

“You won’t get far in that heap, though.”

You pause. Your knees threaten to wobble under you as you look up at him. Your hand is on the door, you could simply ignore him and get in, but something in his gaze makes you stop. Is that… genuine concern? Or is he just putting on a show for you? 

“What do you mean?” The heat of the coffee burns through the paper cup and torches your fingers.

“Well, your fender’s bashed in and, I dunno if you noticed, but you have a crack in your windshield,” he gestures at the long crack running horizontally across the glass, just above where your line of sight usually is. “Probably got a lot more shit wrong with it, too, I could hear you coming a mile up the road. Junkyard find?”

“Something like that.” More like, sat in your parents’ garage for so long that you took a chance on the fucked up radiator and bailed. “She’s good, though. She’ll get me another 80 miles, easy.”

“Are you only going 80 miles?” The guy questions, “Or are you going way past that and only doing the 80 miles tonight?”

If he wasn’t so pretty, with a note of flirtation in his voice, you’d be hesitant as hell to tell him. “The second one.” 

ATM guy sucks on his teeth, rocking back on heels that creak with the movement. Rubber soled work boots flash at you from beneath torn blue denim. “Dunno if I should let you go alone, then. You might bust your carburetor halfway there and be stranded.”

That puts alarm sirens in your head. You’d back away if your car wasn’t situated between the two of you. “Thanks, but, uh… I think I can handle myself.”

The teasing smile drops off his face quickly, replaced by a look of subtle desperation. “No, don’t get me wrong, I’m not- I’m not saying you can’t handle yourself. Obviously. Or you wouldn’t be trucking along by yourself through Nowheresville, Indiana,” he chuckles. “I just, ah… let me level with you?”

Your face screws up, but you lean your hip against the fender nearest you- the one that isn’t fucked up. What is it with this guy?

“I’m trying to jump ship. Anywhere’s better than here, but I really want to get to the west coast. I don’t know where you’re headed, but I’ve got my sights on San Francisco. And, uh, I have experience fixing cars, working in a garage,” he confesses. “But I don’t have a ride of my own- this isn’t even my bike, really. So, if you’re heading to the city, and you could use someone to make sure your car doesn’t kick it going over 75, I’m your man. Besides,” he bats his pretty lashes at you, his fingers fiddling with the end of his long hair as he brandishes a wad of ATM-stolen cash, “I have gas money.”

“You want to hitch a ride with me?”

“If you’re okay with it. Otherwise, I bid you fair and safe travels.” He bows dramatically, throwing his hand in the direction of the highway you’d asked about. “But if you ask me, I think you’d be doing both of us a favor in the long run if you let me come with. Just for insurance, y’know.”

“Insurance?” You parrot incredulously.

“Yeah,” he grins. He has dimples, a wide smile that stretches across his face and makes him even prettier than you can stand to look at directly. “Just insurance. No other reason.”

“Mhm,” you grunt, going over the positives and negatives in your head. 

Positives- your car is a piece of shit and you’re sure he’s right, you’re working on borrowed time and you’re less than halfway to your desired destination. Plus, he’s unfairly nice to look at. 

Negatives- you don’t know shit for fuck about him, other than the fact that he’s apparently trying to leave town and makes a hobby of breaking into ATMs. And, hell, even Ted Bundy was supposed to be charming and cute, at first. This guy could be a crazy ax murderer, could be a rapist, could be a junkie who’ll steal your car and leave you stranded, could be, could be-

“MUNSON!”

“Fuck.” ATM guy glances over his shoulder, then ducks quickly around the side of the gas pump as the station attendant comes storming out of the store. He crouches, pressing his hands to the glass window of the passenger’s side and peers through the cab at you on the other side with pleading eyes. “Can you get me a couple miles down the road, at least?” 

“What about your bike?” 

“Not my bike,” he tells you for a second time. “My buddy’ll pick it up when he hears about this, please.”  

The station attendant is making his way across the parking lot now, looking miffed. It’s clearly the most energy he’s put into anything today, but he isn’t moving very fast. 

You’ve made worse decisions in your life. You sigh. “Shit. Get in.” 

“Thank you, thank you.” He pops open the passengers door as you slide into the driver’s seat, tossing the crumpled up map in the back. You guess you’ve found a GPS, for the time being.

“Does my insurance have a name?” you ask as you peel out of the gas station. The attendant hovers by the pump you’d been occupying, looking lamely at the abandoned motorcycle in your rearview. 

“Eddie,” ATM guy says. A ring-clad hand lifts between you, hovering over the gear shift and waiting for your own to settle into it for a shake, “Eddie Munson.” 

You eye his outstretched hand, your stomach doing flips, but you’re unsure if it’s because of him or the very situation he’s just put you in. You lift your hand and bat his with your knuckles, a half-hearted acknowledgement without the formality. “Pleasure doing business with you, Eddie.” 

Eddie coughs, shifting up in his seat to peer behind you at the station. “Fuckin’ Keith. You can just drop me off at the next exit, it’s no biggie.” 

“Hm? I thought you were coming with me to Indianapolis, hot stuff.” 

Eddie whips his head around to look at you. “Seriously? You don’t- you don’t have to, I know it’s a big ask-” 

“You want me to change my mind?”

“Not particularly.” He sinks down in his seat again. “Guess I figured you think I’m more of a liability than anything.”

“I do, but I need all that cash you swiped from the ATM,” you hum with a snarky grin on your face. 

Eddie chuckles, wringing his hands in his lap. His knuckles tighten and relax beneath heavy steel rings. “Yeah, better I do it than you, huh?” There’s an awkward pause, and then he blurts, “Do you have any road music in this thing?” 

You reach forward and hit the volume button for the stereo. You’d been halfway through Danzig’s self titled album- Mother kicks in with the chorus. In the darkness, you don’t see the way Eddie’s eyes sparkle with adoration as he looks at you.

“I think you and I are gonna get along great, sweetheart.” 

You ignore how your thighs press in on themselves while you sip your coffee, and you turn onto highway 13, headed for Indianapolis.

When you step out of the bathroom in the motel room in Indianapolis, you find Eddie hunched over by the window, wearing nothing but a pair of blue plaid boxers. The chain on his wrist jingles as he smacks at the A/C unit beneath the drawn curtains.

“Everything okay?” You ask, pretty much knowing what the answer is. Your hair drips water down your back, but you can still feel the muggy summer heat in the room practically smothering your pores. 

“Damn Motel 6 A/C,” he grumbles as he gives it one last smack on the side, to no avail. “The unit’s broken, there’s gonna be no cool air in the room.”

“That’s okay, we can crack a window.” 

“In this part of the city?” Eddie scoffs, looking over at you. “Believe me, princess, I applaud your optimism- I would have just driven away from me there at the gas station, given the chance. But if we crack that window, we’re gonna get fucking robbed, first thing. Believe me.”

“I believe you,” you huff, clutching the itchy motel towel to your wet skin. Usually you would just pull on a tank and a pair of panties and call it a night, but there’s no such luck for you here. You have a backpack full of old, dirty clothes, and no clean underwear to speak of- you’ve been washing them in public bathroom sinks since Columbus. “Well, I’m just gonna sleep naked, then. You do what you’ve gotta do.” 

“What- you’re gonna- what?” Eddie blathers, sitting back on his heels. You stare at him for a second- he’s a vision of flushed skin and a cloud of brunette hair cascading over his shoulders. Knobbly knees stick up at awkward angles, hairy thighs disappear into the hem of his boxers drawn tight across his skin. Your eyes glance over the ominous bulge in the crotch of them, not willing to think about those parts of a man you barely know. “You really think- I mean- is that wise?”

“Are you gonna get frisky with me, Eddie?” You ask with a teasing voice. You’d learned enough about him on the way to the city- 24 years old, no prospects, big dreams, ran a D&D club in high school, worked in a garage to help pay the bills- that you’re fairly certain he’s a good enough guy to keep his hands to himself. You just enjoy watching his big eyes go rounder at the insinuation.

“No, of course not. Wouldn’t dream of it.” Eddie looks mortified. He backtracks, “Unless- unless you wanted me to, I mean-” 

“Don’t overanalyze it,” you tell him mildly, turning your back to him to rifle through your bag. “We’re both adults, it’s hot, there’s one bed and we’re both paying for it. Something tells me you’ve done worse things than lay next to someone without clothes on.”

Eddie blows a long breath out of pursed lips, not moving from his seat on the floor. He doesn’t deny your accusation, just mutters, “You put so much faith in me, sweetheart.”

“Don’t make me regret it.” 

You drop the wet towel on the floor and round the bed to turn down the sheets. Eddie’s eyes trail you; you can feel them burning into your skin, lit by the dim yellow light on the bedside table. It takes a moment for him to finally move, a single trembling hand reaching up to swipe a pack of cigarettes and a lighter from the table.

“You gonna sit there on the floor all night?” You muse as you lay back on the bed. It’s too fucking hot. The dampness from the shower hasn’t dried, but now it’s simply growing with the rate your body is perspiring. Your hair and skin stick to the white sheets, which feel pasty each time you move.

“Just getting my bearings,” Eddie says, his voice tight and hollow. “You smoke?”

“Not especially, but I won’t stop you.” 

The smell of tobacco hangs in the heavy air more potently than you expected. The humidity dampens the vapor, making it sting your nose and leech into your mouth, even though you’re not the one directly breathing it. It strikes you as devastatingly intimate- the thought that you might be breathing the smoke that’s already touched his lungs. 

“Do you mind if I strip down, too?” Eddie asks after a long time of deliberating as he smoked. “Not that- I mean, I don’t have any pajamas, so…”

“Do what you need to do, honey,” you murmur, repeating what you’d told him before. “We can find a laundromat in the morning. Maybe get you a change of clothes somewhere.”

“Right.” He doesn’t say much after that, but you listen to him rustling around, stubbing out his cigarette in an ashtray and flicking off the bedside light. 

He straightens up, silhouette looming in the blue-dark from the curtained window. You watch from the corner of your eye while his backlit form hooks its thumbs in the waistband of his boxers, and drops them.

He clambers onto the bed beside you, careful not to bump any part of you. You refuse to look at him, scanning the asbestos popcorn on the ceiling above you with an overabundance of scrutiny, willing yourself to focus on anything but Eddie’s beautiful body, especially what he has below the belt. It’s a bad idea, no go. You don’t want to see it, don’t even want to think about it- what it looks like, how big it is, how it curves, what kind of hair surrounds it, if any-

You’re thinking about it.

And you told him not to overanalyze it. To be calm about it. What a fucking joke.

“You know, I’m not as easy as I might seem,” you blurt out suddenly, unaware of why you even do. You mostly come off sounding like you’re trying to convince yourself of it.

Eddie’s head rustles against the pillow as he glances at you in the dark. “I don’t think you are.”

“Okay. Just- just making sure,” you stutter out. “All evidence to the contrary, and all.”

“I’m not expecting to get lucky with you,” he tells you honestly, a little flatly, like he’s afraid of any inflection in his voice betraying him. “You know, beyond the ride west.”

“Right.” 

“Right.” 

You both regress into silence. You think you’ve both said your piece on the matter. You might not trust Eddie, not entirely, but you at least know he’s not gonna try anything stupid if you let yourself fall asleep. You actually think that he’s asleep after so many minutes, until he opens his mouth again.

“It’s really fucking hot, isn’t it?” He croaks. His hands twitch by his sides, feet jammed under the downturned covers, but everything else bare to the open room, like you. His pinkie brushes yours, and he nearly smacks himself jerking his hand back toward his stomach.

“Yeah, it’s not… it’s not good.” You blink into the darkness. “Sorry, you must be regretting coming with me all this way.”

“Nah, not a chance.” He brushes it off, waving a hand in the air dismissively. “I’ve been itching to get out of there since I graduated. Feel kinda bad that I didn’t leave a note for my uncle, but it’s not the first time I’ve bailed on him. I can always call him from a pay phone. Kinda wish I had my guitar, though.” 

“You play guitar?” you ask dazedly. You don’t have a hard time imagining it, now that you think about it. He has that rocker look about him, the kind that could grace magazines and be on posters on teenage girls’ walls, if he played his cards right. If he got his lucky break.

“Yeah. Pretty good, too, I guess.” He sighs. There’s a wistfulness in it, like he’s reminiscing on something from his past. “It’s okay. I can pick up another one once I get to California. Dropped a mint on the one I had back home, but I guess Wayne can always pawn it. Maybe get himself a nicer place.”

You chuckle. “And you think I’m the optimist here.”

“I never said it was a bad thing,” Eddie scoffs, then deepens his voice quite suddenly. “Two optimists, both alike in dignity-”

A burst of laughter bubbles from your chest, making Eddie grin as you gesture at your bodies. “Or lack, thereof.”

“In fair Indianapolis, where we lay our scene.” He ends his recitation giggling, the flimsy bed frame jolting with the shaking of his chest. “Radiant Juliet, you never did tell me where your chariot is taking me.”

“I’m not sure, really,” you admit, mellowing your laughter into a quiet giggle. “I just wanted to leave home. I was suffocating there, I needed to get out. See what’s out there for me, if anything.”

“And have you seen much?”

“Not much,” you tell him quietly. “Mostly truck stops and shitty roadside attractions. But we’re in the midwest, you know.”

“Don’t remind me.” He lays his hand back down on the mattress beside you. 

You turn your body towards him, damp sheets clinging to your skin as you move. “California might not be such a bad idea.”

Eddie turns his head and glances at you, dark eyes finding you in the dim moonlight. “No? I’ll have to fix your car, then.”

“You do that, and I’ll make sure to get you where you’re going,” you whisper.

“Deal.” His eyes linger on your face, just inches away from his on the pillow. Flickering in the moonlight, two voids that hold all the stars in the night sky seem to take you in like you’re more beautiful than they could ever be.

This time, when your fingers brush, he doesn’t jerk away. This time, you don’t avert your eyes when you look down at his cock, but you sure do regret it when you don’t reach out to touch it.

He’s so pretty. You want to.

I watched him show his love through shades of black and blue, starting fights at the bar across the street like you do…

Your underwear and his come out of the dryer wrapped around each other. You spend a minute disentangling them, a small heap of clothes in a rolling laundry basket in front of you. The closest laundromat to the Motel 6 had been a five minute drive down the street. 

You’d woken up with your head on his chest, your arm draped across his bare stomach, despite how you’d fallen asleep barely touching him. As if your unconscious body had known more about your wants than you. His hand had been tangled in your hair, palm cradling your cheek and a bit of your neck, like his own unconscious wanted to keep you against him, too. 

The morning had been easy- the easiest it’s been since you hit the road. Eddie seems to have given you a sense of purpose you didn’t have before, driving around aimlessly, only stopping for fast food every once in a while when you remembered to eat something other than beef jerky and coffee. Once you had extracted yourself from his grip, you’d gone to buy him clothes from the resale store next to the motel. It wasn’t hard to find a plain black shirt and jeans, but used underwear was something you didn’t want to mess with. You’d brought it back to the motel, along with some food from the Waffle House across the way, and you ate cross legged on the bed while he showered and put on his new-ish clothes.

But now, you can’t stop feeling his hand cradling your head. His hot, sweaty skin against your arm. Your fingernails raking lightly through the trail of hair on his stomach, dragging through his pubic hair, your knuckles just barely brushing up the side of his length- thick, uncut, and so so pretty. Then, stopping nervously when you’d gotten too bold, fingers skimming over sensitive skin too close to his groin, and he’d twitched in his sleep.

You want him. You don’t even know him, and you want him so badly you can feel it even now, an aching blush between your legs turning into a dull throb when you so much as think about him. 

You toss all the freshly washed clothes into a plastic bag that you’d grabbed by the door to the laundromat, and haul it out to your van. He’d told you to meet him at the bar across the street when you were done, since he needed to make a few calls on their payphone- he’d even given you his weathered denim vest before he left.

“For insurance,” he winked. “Uh, don’t wash it, though… I stitched it by hand, it’ll fall apart.”

You don’t put it in with the clean clothes. It smells like smoke and alcohol and him, the edges frayed and yellowing a bit. You hold it in your lap for a second, plucking at the stringy bits around the arm holes. Maybe you can convince him to let you soak it in a sink somewhere, hand washed and dried carefully over a working A/C unit, wherever you can find one. You don’t know when he last washed the damn thing, if ever.

When you pull into the parking lot of the dive bar, and you clutch the denim vest in your hand as you step out of your van, something sharp prods your thumb. You hiss, slamming the car door shut and examining what it was. The sharp point of a pin on the vest- which reads Motörhead- had come loose and pricked your skin, which now threatens to ooze blood all over the aged denim.

“Fuck,” you murmur, bringing your thumb to your mouth as you lock the car. You struggle with the vest while you walk towards the door to the dive, trying to resituate the pin so it doesn’t go missing.

You find him loitering beside a billiards table, pool stick in hand, a cigarette in his mouth. When he sees you walk in, his eyes light up, and he nearly drops the stick prancing over to you. 

“Told ya I’d still be here- hey, you okay?” His grin turns very readily into a frown when he sees you sucking your thumb like a child. 

“Yeah, no, I’m fine,” you mutter clumsily, “your pin just nicked me s’all.” 

“Oh, shit,” he curses, reaching for your hand. “Lemme see- no, let me see.” He forces your hand open when you try to close it, and scrutinizes the little pin prick as if it’s the worst battle wound he’s ever seen. “Should’a checked to make sure all the pins were right, this happens all the time. I’m so sorry, baby, my fault.”

Baby. Your brain tries to process it. He called you baby. 

He’s also kissing your thumb, cradling your hand with excessive care. He’s tasting your blood, sucking a little on the pin prick like you had been, so your skin is wet with a mix of his and your spit. You don’t think you’ll ever get tired of the way he touches you. Fleeting as his touches have been, anyways. You melt a little under his gaze as his round eyes blink up at you innocently.

“S’okay,” you tell him with a wobbly smile. “Did you make your calls?”

He looks at you softly, a reserved smile on his face. “I did. Wayne’s miffed, but he’ll live. Told him I’d send him a postcard.”

You giggle at that, thinking you’d sign it along with him. Sorry for stealing away your nephew; it will happen again. “Good. Buy me a drink, handsome?”

Eddie beams at you, and his dimples crease his cheeks as he turns to the bartender. There’s a sweet, boyish manner in the way he puffs out his chest and orders you a drink, his arm circling your waist as he moves you smoothly toward the bar. As soon as a whisky sour has been placed in front of you, he turns and squeezes your arm.

“Hey, I gotta finish this game,” he nods at the pool table he’d been stationed at. “I got some money on it. Y’okay with hanging out for a minute?” 

“Sure,” you chirp, sipping your drink. “Wipe the floor with ‘em for me?”

“It’s in the bag,” he whispers at you conspiratorially. You push his vest at him, imagining he wants to take his insurance back now that you know he’s not taking off on you, but he shakes his head. “No, you wear it. It’ll look good on you.” 

His eyes light up when you shrug the vest over your worn out white t-shirt. As you lift your drink, and he turns back to his game, you think you’d do anything to keep him looking at you like that.

Eddie wins. You don’t know how much he bet on the game, but there seems to be hurt feelings when he collects the money that had been placed on the table. You’ve never been much of a gambler, and he hadn’t struck you as one- but what do you know? He certainly bet on you getting him out of Hawkins, and you certainly took a chance on him. 

You don’t think much of it. It’s late afternoon- the sun’s going down, and you figure you’d better get going, but Eddie wraps his arms around you and says, “Dance with me.” And you do.

The jukebox in the corner only plays country classics. Patsy Cline croons over the speakers, taking you back to a time in your far off childhood. Eddie sways with you to the music, and even though there’s barely any rhythm to his dancing, you find yourself falling into it with him. Your head on his shoulder, his curly hair tickling the side of your face. His breath on your neck, cool on your heated skin. 

That is, until a hand wraps around Eddie’s shoulder and jerks him away from you. A man with blond hair, clearly a few too many drinks in, snarls at him, “That game was bullshit and you know it.”

Eddie blinks at him. “If by ‘bullshit’ you mean I beat you, then sure.”

“You di’int beat me, you cheated,” the man sneers. “I want my money back.” 

“Yeah, no.” Eddie claps the man on the shoulder, trying to push him away. “I won the game, I get the money. That’s how gambling works.” 

You step back when the man’s beady eyes fall on you, peering at him over Eddie’s shoulder. “What’re you lookin’ at?” 

“You leave her out of this, buddy,” Eddie growls dangerously, still forcing the man back with one strong hand on his shoulder. He’s trying to put himself between you and the man, you know. Still, you feel the need to fist your hand in the back of Eddie’s shirt and pull him away.

“I ain’t your buddy. Whatcha lookin’ at, bitch?” The man reaches out and yanks roughly on your arm, making you yelp in alarm.

And that’s when Eddie’s fist connects with the man’s jaw.

There’s a sickening crack. In the chaos, it somehow occurs to you that Eddie’s wearing all those chunky rings. You wonder if they could be considered a deadly weapon, in the same vein as brass knuckles.

It takes you a second to get through the initial shock, finding it hard to focus on who’s doing what. Eddie and the man have barrelled through a couple of tables, knocking over chairs. Eddie has the man pinned to the edge of the pool table, a flurry of fists moving from all sides. 

“You don’t touch my girl!” Eddie shouts at the man. “You don’t fuckin’ touch my girl!”  

His girl.

They tumble to the floor. The man curses and spits blood at him from a cut lip. A strong fist hits the side of Eddie’s face once, twice-

“THAT’S ENOUGH!” The words are shouted by the bartender, finally intervening, pulling the blond man off of Eddie. As the bartender restrains the unruly man, a second pulls an equally enraged Eddie away from him, separating the two. 

By the time you collect a bruised and bloodied Eddie into your arms, you’ve already tuned out the rest of the ruckus going on around you. Someone suggests that you should leave, but the words only barely register. You’re already pulling Eddie out the door and to the car.

You don’t even remember if you closed the tab.

Trouble’s always gonna find you, baby, but so will I. Crying only because I’m happy, hold me across every state line…

You don’t know when you started crying. Maybe it was around the time that Eddie fell unconscious.

Tears burn in your eyes like you’ve poured gasoline in them, but no matter how badly it stings you just keep sniffling and driving, tearing down the interstate away from Indianapolis, toward St. Louis. You hopped on I-70 as quickly as you could, and from there you’ve been lost in a world of your own.

He’d almost look peaceful, if it wasn’t for the blood on his jaw and the nasty shiner on his cheekbone. You keep telling yourself it’s not bad enough for him to need to be taken to a hospital. You can’t afford to go to a hospital, and even if you could, you’d have to explain how he got in this condition. It’s a recipe for jail time. You know that. You know.  

You just want to keep him safe, that’s all. 

He hadn’t instigated the fight, not really. He’d just swung first. He was just defending you.

His girl.  

When it gets to be too much, you pull over. Headlights gleam bright and then pass by in the dark with a whoosh of air. You think you must have crossed over into Illinois by now, or you’re getting close to it. The traffic has lightened considerably. 

You rest your head against the steering wheel, taking deep breaths, but the tears keep coming in streams. A while ago, you had a mattress in the back of this van. That was before it started having problems, and it sat in your family’s garage for a year and a half. You should have put a mattress in it when you took off, but you weren’t thinking that far ahead. You were having a breakdown, something like you’re having now, only worse. It was a manic, get-away-or-die-there kind of breakdown. 

Breathe in. You’re not gonna die. Breathe out. He’s breathing.

Once Eddie cracks his eyes open, he flexes his jaw with a groan. You can tell he’s confused by the inquisitive noise he makes, but when he looks at you, all that disappears in a heartbeat.

“Hey, what’re you- oh, god. Sweetheart, don’t cry.”  

As if that doesn’t make you want to cry harder. His hand lands tentatively on your shoulder, stiff fingered but light in touch. He shuffles closer to you, pulling you against him to sob into his secondhand shirt. 

It’s pathetic, you’re sure of it. You feel pathetic, twisting the cheap cotton of his shirt in your hands and saturating it with tears, as he shushes you and soothes a hand over your hair.

“It’s okay, baby,” he whispers into your hair, pressing his aching lips to your scalp in an attempt to calm you down. “We’ll be okay. I’m right here. What can I do?”

For some reason, the question makes you mad. “You don’t fucking fight,” you sob at him, the anger in your voice making him freeze. “You don’t- you don’t get into fights. I can deal with a lot of shit, Eddie Munson, but I can’t deal with that.”

“Okay, honey. Okay.”

“No fighting.” 

“No fighting,” he repeats affirmatively, petting your head. Then he adds, “No gambling.”

“No bars.”

“Well-”

“No bars.” 

“All right,” Eddie resigns, resting his chin on top of your head. Once you’ve stopped crying, from what he can feel, he tells you softly, “I’m not… I’m not like that, you know. I want you to know. I don’t fight, not usually.”

“You did.” 

“I did,” he agrees. “I just don’t like… I didn’t like him touching you. Disrespecting you like that- did he hurt you?”

“No,” you lie. The guy had yanked your arm a little too hard, your wrist still smarting a bit. Nothing near what Eddie had taken. “He hurt you, though.”

“I’ve had worse, trust me.” His tone is ominous, like you don’t really want to know the heavy details of it. “I’m not a fighter. Used to be if I saw danger, I’d just turn tail and run. I usually just take shit on the chin. But I never had anything to fight for before, really.”

You sniffle loudly, grossly. “I don’t want you to fight for me.”

“I’m gonna protect you, sweetheart. No matter what,” he insists. “Long as we’re together, I’m gonna do everything I can to protect you. Okay?”

Long as we’re together. Like you’re a couple, like you didn’t just meet by chance at a gas station a little more than 24 hours ago. Like you’re in love. 

His girl.  

“My dad’s in prison,” Eddie blurts out, raking a shaky hand through your hair. “He, uh… he was a fighter. And a thief. And a gambler. And a liar. He tried his best to make me be like him, but I don’t- I don’t wanna be like him.” Eddie sighs, a sad sound that rips through your already bleeding heart. “I thought maybe getting out of Hawkins would set me straight. Finally give me a chance to make something better of myself, prove I’m not like my old man. I tried, but after high school I got in some trouble, and Wayne had to sell my old van to pay for my bail. Now I’m here, and… Guess you just take yourself wherever you go, huh?” 

“Yeah,” you agree. Your fingers curve against his hip, squeezing the skin there. “So we have to try to change ourselves in the meantime, while we get where we’re going.”

Eddie breathes in, and it sounds an awful lot like a sniffle.

“Eddie. Are you crying?”

“No.” He is.

You lift your head with a wet, coughing chuckle at his futile attempt to hide it. You look up at him, your fingers tucking a lock of unruly, dark hair behind his ear. He’s staring back at you with glassy eyes, the tip of his nose gone red with the tears he’s holding back. He just barely flinches when your knuckles brush the bruise on his cheekbone.

“Hey, handsome,” you coo at him softly, your touch featherlight on his skin. He blinks, a tear dropping from his lashes. “I’m gonna get you cleaned up, okay?” 

“Okay.” His lip wobbles. “Let me hold you a little longer, first?”

“Of course, Eddie.” You fall into his grasping hands, yanking you to him like a child searching for the comfort of his favorite teddy bear. You’d let him hold you as long as he liked.

You wash his face in a dirty rest area just west of Terre Haute. In the middle of the night, no one is around to tell you not to, so you follow him into the men’s room and take your time wiping the blood from his jaw and his hands. You gingerly apply a bandage from your car’s console to his bruised cheek, while he sits in the front seat and brackets your hips with his knees.

He gazes up at you like a man seeing God.

The neighbors beat on the walls, while I'm face first in the bed. Show me how much I mean to you while I’m lying in these sheets undressed…

You sleep in the rest area that night, in the back of your van. No mattress, just your backs to the hard floor of the cab. With no A/C again, you shuck your clothes and spread a single white blanket over your bodies, more for modesty’s sake than anything else. Even though it’s unlikely that a cop is going to run you down in the middle of nowhere, you’d rather not get cited for public indecency. 

He holds you all night long, his arms around you and his chest against your back giving you peace, but he doesn’t touch you in any of the ways that you desperately want him to.

It takes the better part of a day to drive to St. Louis. Eddie swallows a couple tylenol for his face with his truck stop coffee and eggs, smiling softly at you from across a bright yellow plywood table in a cafeteria. From the look on his face, you doubt that he regrets the fight that gave him his wounds.

By the time your old van rattles up to another Motel 6 at the outskirts of the city, Eddie’s shaking his head. “The car’s not gonna take much more than this. I need to give it a good look, maybe borrow a tool kit and give it a tune up.”

“Whatever you say, magic man,” you muse at him. “Let’s just sleep in a real bed tonight, huh?”

His head tilted back, he looks at you sideways with a lopsided smile. You can tell his face is still hurting, but he puts on a brave face and bats his eyelashes at you. “Sounds good to me, princess.”

His touch lingers on you more, now, than it did yesterday. His fingers grazing your forearm as you open the glass door to the motel office, his hand hovering over your lower back as you sign for the room. His arm slung over your shoulder as he follows you down to the room, twirling the key around his finger. 

“You think the A/C will work this time?” He asks you lightheartedly as he turns the key in the lock.

“Only one way to find out,” you return with the same warmth in your voice. If you from two days ago could hear yourself, and that ooey-gooey note of lovesickness in your voice, your past self might keel over and die. When did this happen? 

You drop your bag of clothes on the bench by the bathroom door. Eddie bangs around the A/C unit a bit, until something starts whirring, and he makes a gleeful noise.

“It’s aliiiiive!” He announces dramatically, emulating Dr. Frankenstein. You giggle as he leaps toward you, practically throwing you onto the bed in excitement. “We have cool air. We can actually wear clothes to bed tonight.”

“Yeah,” you sigh, not even trying to hide your disappointment at the thought. The best part of your last two mornings has been waking up to his naked body beside yours, warm and soft and littered with tattoos that you just can’t stop looking at. 

You mean, I won’t get to wake up to your skin on mine tomorrow? I won’t be able to pretend like I’m not staring at your dick and imagining all the things I want to do to it? How will I be able to admire you for my own perverted gain?

You don’t even realize that you’re stroking your fingers across his bruised cheek until he leans into your touch. Then you take inventory of your current position- your back to the mattress, his body hovering over you, half covering you. Caging you in with his arms. His long hair creates a veil around your faces. 

When he blinks his eyes open at you, you can tell where his mind is before he opens his mouth. “Did we have our first fight yesterday?”

You frown, a puff of air exiting your nose. “No, I think I’d call it laying ground rules.”  

“Ground rules,” Eddie nods, his sore cheek rubbing against your hand. You’re starting to wonder if he likes the pain, since he won’t stop pushing into it. “I’m not great at remembering rules. What were they, again?”

“No fighting.”

“Right, and no gambling.”

“No bars.”

He squints. “Is that one still up for negotiation, or…?” He trails off, giggling as you smack your hand lightly against his shoulder. “Kidding! I’m kidding. No bars. Got it.” 

“And that was it,” you tell him sweetly. “Unless there was another one you wanted to add?”

He stares at you for a long moment, his fingers twirling in the hair right beside your ear as he gets lost in thought. Say what you’re thinking, your mind practically screams at him. Please, god, say what we’re both thinking…

Eddie licks his lips and finally says, “No sleeping with clothes on?”

Gotcha. A creeping smile stretches your face, trying to play coy even when your heart’s beating a mile a minute. Eddie’s eyebrows raise at you, waiting for an answer. 

“I’m not easy, Eddie.”

“I know,” he tells you, mirroring your smile. “I don’t expect to get lucky with you.”

“I know,” you hum. Your hand drifts up the side of his torso, a more firm and languorous touch than you’d previously been brave enough to give him. “But do you want to?”

Eddie shudders, and it’s the first honest to god evidence you have that you turn him on as much as he does you. The realization feels rapturous. 

“God, yes.”

He kisses you then, open-mouthed and passionate, his hand cupping your jaw to keep you where he wants you. Your nails scratch up his back with a loud tearing sound against his shirt, and he chuckles as you frantically clutch at him with all your strength. 

“I know, pretty girl,” he murmurs, pecking your lips briefly before descending to bite at your jaw. “You’ve been wanting this since that first night. Feelin’ me up in the morning, like I wouldn’t notice…”

“I didn’t wanna wake you,” you hiccup as his hand cups the crotch of your jeans, rocking the meat of his palm firmly where you’re dying for friction. “Oh, ffffuck Eddie, m’sorry…”

“And here you were, thinking I was the pervert,” he grunts. “‘Least I can keep my hands to myself, hm?”

“I’m sorry, I’m s-sorry,” you babble at him, hands shaking as they grip onto his shoulders. Now that the aching throb between your legs is back, and he’s finally giving it attention, you can’t seem to come up with a more coherent sentence. Your face grows hot, but not at the fact that you’d been caught in your lechery- just because he turns you on more than you can think to admit.

“Don’t be sorry, sweet thing,” Eddie whispers. His dark eyes are lined up with yours, the curtain of his hair shielding them from reflecting any of the light from the desk lamp- it’s just you and the starry voids of space, locked in your own little world. He rubs his hand back and forth with practiced pressure against the front of your jeans, your hips kicking up against him. “I want you to touch me. Want you to do whatever you want with me, baby.” 

“Whatever I want?” Your fingers dragging up his lower back, under his shirt to feel the heat of his skin.

“Anything,” he insists, kissing you again. Wet and sloppy, teeth clacking as you grind up into his palm. Your thick denim jeans are about the most abominable things that have ever existed.

You feel like your head’s on sideways with how pent up you already are. “I want you to fuck me Eddie- jesus chr- can we do that? Right now? Please?” 

Eddie laughs. A happy, whole-hearted, almost disbelieving laugh. “Thought I was gonna be the one begging you, after all this…” His breath hitches, the touch of his hand leaving you so that he can push himself back. “Lemme get you out of these clothes, yeah?”

You nod quickly, earning a pleased hum from him. The way he undresses you is touched by reverence; his fingers slow as they drag the cotton of your shirt over your head, grazing your skin all the way. His lips dancing across your collarbone as he undoes the front of your stupid fucking jeans. You just want them off, done with and laying in a pile to be forgotten about by the motel room door, but Eddie has other plans. 

“Slow.” He grabs your hip to stop your wiggling, fingers curled around the back of the waistband of them as he pulls the denim down your thighs. “We’ve got all night, baby. I’m not leaving. Not going anywhere.” 

“I want you,” you insist desperately, sounding like a broken record. Your distress is evident on your face, in the way you clench your thighs together to hide the obnoxious wet spot growing on your cotton panties. You wonder if he’d felt it when he was touching you over your jeans, if the heat and dampness had soaked through the denim as well. You wouldn’t be surprised.

“You have me, sweetheart,” Eddie ensures. “Don’t… I don’t want you to worry about it. M’gonna make sure there are no worries in that pretty head.” 

He yanks his t-shirt off, the one you’d bought him from the resale store. A cloud of frizzy, dark hair obscures his pretty face for half a second, the shirt landing on the floor somewhere off to the side, and then Eddie’s eyes find you again, grinning at you widely with pointed teeth.

You grab for him, your fingers looping around the chain that hangs from his neck. Tugging him down, you press a gentle kiss to his lips. Then to his sore jaw, where a tiny scab has formed on the right side of his chin. Then to his bruised cheek, where he flutters his eyes shut and groans softly at the brush of your lips. 

“My boy,” you whisper to him, and you don’t even know if he understands the significance of it to you. His girl. Your boy.  

Eddie smiles against your skin. He peppers kisses everywhere he can reach, down onto your chest, dragging his sharp teeth every once in a while just to hear you keen. You’re certain you’ve ruined your underwear now, feeling the wetness grow cool against your skin. 

What a fucking concept. Cool air. 

Eddie seems to have the same thought as you, as he slips his fingers beneath the white cotton and peels them down your legs. Strings of your arousal stick to the wet fabric, dropping off in thick tendrils onto the sheets below you as he groans lowly.

“Fuck,” Eddie curses, shaking his head in chastisement as he settles between your legs at the end of the bed. He tsks, “Just look at you, poor thing. Should’a said something to me, can’t have you going around like this.”

You shiver as he trails his mouth up the inside of your thigh. His day-old stubble scrapes your sensitive skin, making you break out in a cold sweat. “M’not- I didn’t want you to think-”

“That you’re easy?” He coos with a condescending smile. “No, honey. I know, you’re a good girl.” He nips at the widest part of your thigh, plush flesh indenting with the imprint of his teeth. “But I’m no good. You should know that, better than anyone. No good for you.”

Eddie’s tongue burns and soothes at the same time, leaving your brain a scrambled mess on the mattress beneath you. He gathers all of your collected arousal into his mouth, groaning like he’s been desperate to taste it all this time. “Been dreaming of this since I saw you, pretty girl.” 

Pulling your leg over his bare shoulder, he all but crushes you against his face, his sturdy hands wrapped around your hips to hold you still. Your back arched, your hips fully off the bed as he lifts your lower half into the air.

You choke out the first part of his name, your hands fisting in the comforter next to your head. There’s a twist of pleasure deep in your core that makes you whine far louder than necessary, a waterfall of words spilling from you before you can stop them, “Oh shit- Ed- I don’t- s’too good-”

“Too good?” Eddie snickers, eyes bright as he watches you from between your thighs. “Nothing's too good for you.” 

Then he spits onto your already soaked and swollen pussy. You sob, positively crying from the feeling of it, drenched and dripping along your sensitive flesh. Eddie spreads the wetness around with his tongue, and your cunt clamps down hard at the lewd squelch of it, the mortifying slurp of his lips closing down and sucking on your labia. 

“Oh fuck, what the fuck-” you whimper high to the ceiling, mouth hanging open in shock. 

You could have been doing this for days. He could have fucked you like this the first night, when you lay next to him, naked in the dark. Your body aches at the thought of being deprived of this longer than necessary.

“That’s it, baby, just stay still. Let me ruin you, huh?” Eddie murmurs, letting your thigh rest heavy on his shoulder so that he can move one hand, his thumb rubbing tight circles on your clit in front of his face. He watches your cunt glisten and throb for him, listening to your desperate sobs echo through the otherwise silent room, and whispers, “Shit. Like my own little fuckin’ pornstar, sweetheart.” 

Normally, you wouldn’t exactly take that as a compliment- but with the way he says it, with his voice thick and dark like that, and with the way the hot, slick velvet of his tongue dips into your channel and shoots electricity along your skin, you figure he must have meant it like one. 

He goes slow, thrusting into you gently, taking his time to get familiar between your legs. Still, it doesn’t stop you from positively shrieking toward the ceiling when he licks you from hole to clit, the entire expanse of his tongue sweeping along nerve endings that are charged like live wires. 

Eddie chuckles, hot breath spilling out over your feverish skin, and he pauses there. Lets you feel the warm press of his flattened tongue before he just barely rubs it back and forth, back and forth-

“Eddie-!?” You gasp, an erotically loud moan spilling out of your mouth right before you come all over his. You crumble, your hips threatening to buck out of his steady grip as searing euphoria rips through you. He scrambles, ringed fingers locking tight enough on your waist to bruise, keeping you against him as you thrash wildly. 

He keeps you like that for a long time, purring into your spasming pussy while an array of unhinged noises pour from your body- your mouth, your hands tearing at the sheets and at your head, your cunt and all its wet filth drenching Eddie’s bruised face. 

If it hurts him, he doesn’t let on. He just keeps going, and going.

Until something pounds against the wall behind your head. You hiccup, your dazed, post-orgasm brain unable to comprehend where the sound is coming from. That wasn’t- couldn’t have been me…

“Pretty sounds,” Eddie giggles as he finally pulls his mouth away from you. “Guess the neighbors agree.”

“Oh, god.” Your hands cover your face, hot and sticky with sweat. Your eyes feel heavy, fuck-drunk, your heart still pounding in your chest from the adrenaline of the orgasm Eddie gave you. You feel embarrassed, like you ought to be going over to apologize to whatever sorry person happens to be sharing a wall with you, now.

Eddie has other plans. “Think we should give the audience a good show, huh?”

It’s merely a suggestion- you know that you could always find a way to quiet yourself, stuff your mouth with cotton and stifle your moans- but the implication of it makes your toes curl. Your breath rattles in your chest when you inhale. “You… you want everyone in the building to hear you fucking me?”

Eddie crowds you on the bed, your legs still slung over his shoulders so that you’re bent nearly in half. He’s still too fucking clothed for your liking- his leather belt digs into the back of your thighs as he presses a sloppy kiss to your dry lips. “I want everyone here to know you’re mine, sweetheart.”

Your hands cradle his face, pulling him in for a deeper kiss as he slowly lowers your legs from his shoulders. Your over extended legs flop down onto the mattress, and you whine into his mouth as he massages his tongue with yours.

“I’m yours, Eddie,” you moan against his damp skin. “Oh god, I want it- want everyone to know.”

You take the initiative, with one last kiss turning in his grip. His hand slips, catching himself from toppling off the bed as you scoot onto your stomach, your knees planting on the mattress so that you can wiggle your hips up at him. 

Eddie sucks in a sharp breath, smoothing a gentle palm over your ass before he kisses your lower back. He pauses, drawing soft kisses up your spine until his breath sweeps your shoulder blade. “You’re so beautiful. How’d I get so fucking lucky?”

A quiet keen is the only answer you give him, shoving your hips backward to get him to just fucking touch you, but he pulls away too quickly. There’s the clink of a belt buckle, a zipper being pulled, and you tense, your hand closing into a fist around the pillow at the head of the bed. Following the rustle of clothes, you hear the crinkle of a condom wrapper- you hadn’t even realized he had one. It didn’t even occur to you, in your dizzying need to fuck him, like some loveblind idiot.

You almost berate yourself for it, but then you feel his cock press against your entrance, and all those thoughts die away. He rolls his hips, and every single muscle in you tightens.

Eddie chokes on air as pleasure positively tears through you. Your eyes roll back, your mouth wide open and threatening to drool onto the pillow you’ve been shoved face-first into. 

“F-fuck, you’re so big.” It’s the only thing you can choke out around moans. He splits you so wide, dragging through your slick walls that are still so sensitive from your first orgasm. 

“Holy shi- oh my god-” he gasps behind you. “M’so sorry- I can’t- Feels so fucking good-”  

You groan, unable to form words to adequately answer him. All you can manage to do is jam your hips backward in an attempt to get him deeper, as far as he can fucking go inside you. Your body blazes, everything coming up smelling of sex and sweat as you wail hopelessly into the pillow.

Eddie snarls, a deep and dangerous noise in the back of his throat as he draws his hips back and presses into you again. There’s no time for you to adjust, each thrust a little more forceful than the last. His cock hits sharp heaven deep inside you, punching loud and guttural moans from you each time his hips impact your ass. 

“That’s a good girl- so ffffucking wet, goddamnit,” Eddie praises you through clenched teeth, ringed fingers and bruised knuckles wrapping loosely around your neck to lift your head from the pillow. “Let them hear all those pretty noises for me, baby.”

“Eddie…” You hiccup, your voice kicked up into a shrill whine. You swallow against the press of his fingers on your throat, holding your jaw into the air so there’s no place for your sounds to go but to the wall and through it. 

Above your head, the banging on the wall starts back up. Eddie drops your chin and slams his hand on top of the headboard, gripping tightly at plywood that threatens to hit the wall as he ruts into you. Your face hits the pillow again, but your sobbing moans still come out loud and disruptive as Eddie speeds up his hips in retaliation. 

“Doing so good f’me. Feel me, princess? So fucking deep,” Eddie groans. His cock licks up a sweet heat inside of you, and you know you’re going to come. He curses lowly, his hips pistoning into yours hard enough that you have to smack your hand into the headboard to keep from knocking into it. “Taking me so well. So perfect- s’like you were made for me, I know it, I just fucking know it…”

Eddie’s arm wraps around your waist from behind, and he hauls your back into his sweat-slick chest. You almost feel weightless, for a moment, before you’re settled back into his lap, your thighs bracketing his as he kneels beneath you, clutching you against him. 

A gasp tears from your mouth with a loud, “Shit!” His cock hits a different spot inside you, bursting color behind your closed eyelids as you throw your head back against his shoulder.

Eddie’s breath fans across your neck, sweat-damp hair tickling the side of your face. His hand greedily palms at your breasts, bouncing you in his lap as his tongue traces a wet line along your shoulder. 

“Just know you were made for me,” Eddie repeats quietly in your ear, his breath feeling like flames on your neck. “That’s why you found me, baby. You were meant to be mine, my girl.”

His girl.

“Yours, Eddie,” you blubber, reaching back to dig a fist into his hair as his hands squeeze your breasts. “M’all yours.”

“Yeah?” Eddie murmurs, his voice saccharine and velvety. He moans in your ear when your cunt clenches down, a threatening throb at the outskirts of your orgasm. “Say it again.”

A whimper, high and needy in your throat. “I’m yours. Your girl- oh, f-fuck, Eddie- I’m gonna-” 

“That’s right. My good girl. Only easy when it comes to me, right?” 

Eddie’s hand drags purposefully down, fingernails dragging just through your pubic hair, just barely grazing where you want him- just like you did to him, that first morning. The realization makes you seize up, all tense from head to toe. 

“What’s it like, when I do it to you? You like it?” He whispers, his lips brushing the shell of your ear. You suck in a sharp breath, a hiss through your teeth as you nod. His laugh is barely a ghost of a breath on your skin. “Yeah. I did, too.”

Eddie’s voice in your ear says, “Come for me,” and not even a fraction of you would deny him that.

His finger drags slowly your clit, calloused skin catching on the swollen bud, and you come. Your body slumps against him, and you’re so grateful for his arms around you to hold you through it. You’d swear he was splitting you in half with the sounds coming from your mouth. Your head tilted back on his shoulder, every breath is punctuated by a hoarse cry that breaks in your throat. Your hand clamps around his arm, which is still cradling you close to his chest as his own moans ring in your ear, his hips driving up into you as your cunt pulses around his cock. You know that he comes when his teeth wrap around the muscle of your shoulder and bite down.

Silence settles over your sweaty bodies, but thunderous banging is still furiously happening on the other side of the wall. You hear voices, words too muffled by the drywall to be intelligible, but they still sound angry.

Eddie won’t let you go, not yet. He’s clutching you, his mouth still wrapped around your shoulder, even though his teeth aren’t biting anymore. You pet his forearm, and lean forward just enough to knock lightly on the wall.

“We’re done!” Your voice cracks with the effort it takes to call out to the people on the other side.

“Fantastic show, my love. I think we deserve five stars.” Eddie laughs, nuzzling his face into your neck as he finally releases your shoulder from the trappings of his jaw. “I think I’m corrupting you, sweetheart.”

You hum, still petting his arm. “I think you already have, teddy.” 

Eddie freezes, his grip on your waist tightening just a little. “No one’s called me that since I was a kid.”

“What, teddy?” He nods. Your fingernails drag dully down his arm, tracing over a tattoo of a swarm of bats, which breaks out in goosebumps under your touch. “Is that… Can I call you that?”

“Yeah,” he rasps. “Yeah, you can- you can call me teddy.”

It’s quiet after that. He rocks you in his arms until you kiss his knuckles and lift yourself gingerly from his lap, earning a pacified grunt from him as his softened cock slides out of you. You watch him as he ties off the condom and tosses it in the wastebasket a few feet away, then flops backward onto the bed so that his head hits the pillows. 

You chuckle, sliding forward to run your hands along his stomach. “Honey, you still have your pants on.”

He hadn’t taken them completely off, only pushed them down far enough to free his cock and have at you. What’s more, he still has his boots on, too- big, black motorcycle things that nearly hang off the end of the bed. 

Eddie grunts dismissively. “C’n deal with it in the morning.”

“No sleeping with clothes on.”

He huffs petulantly, but the scowl he tries to give you turns into a lovesick grin pretty quick. He tucks his hand behind his head in mock-nonchalance. “Hey, pretty lady. You come here often?”

“Once or twice, so far.” You grin at him as he laughs, rolling your eyes as you move down the bed to finish undressing him. You untie his boots and let them fall with his jeans and boxers onto the floor at the end of the bed, glancing up at him once you’re finished.

His eyes are closed. You don’t think he’s sleeping yet, but he’s flushed, covered in sweat. He’s still so much of an enigma to you, but you adore him. You’re enamored with him. 

You crawl slowly up the length of his body, feline-like in your movements. You appraise his tattoos, smoothing your hands over them as you go. You lean down and press featherlight kisses across his beautiful, bruised face. 

Eddie cracks his eyes open at you with an inquisitive smirk, just barely puckering his lips to kiss you back when you land one on them. “Feeling me up again, sweetheart?” 

You hum, kissing his chest. “You’re hot.” It’s the only explanation you afford him. And once he’s shut his eyes again, you carefully move down his body, peppering kisses across his naked torso.

“What’re you-?” He twitches when you drag your tongue over his cock, still wet and salty with his cum. He groans as you slowly lift it, suckling on the head gently. “Oh… Sweetheart, m’not… I don’t think I can-”

“I’m just cleaning you up, teddy,” you tell him gently. “S’okay. You can go to sleep.”

He hums tiredly, his hand lifting to run through your hair, stroking tenderly against the back of your head. “My girl just can’t keep her hands off, huh?”

“Not a chance,” you tell him, giving him another slow lick. “You’re just too fucking pretty, Eds.”

“And you’re too fuckin’ perfect.” Eddie only really falls asleep after he comes again.

I’m never gonna leave you, baby, even if you lose what’s left of your mind…

A few days later, the car breaks down in Colorado Springs.

It had been acting up for a while, of course. Even though you enjoyed watching Eddie when he was bent over the open hood, bare arms sweaty and streaked with grease in the afternoon heat, you knew it ultimately wasn’t going to end well. 

Each time Eddie tinkered with it, more and more concerning things came to light. “One of your cylinders misfired,” he said one time, shaking his head. He’d insisted on driving it from that point on. Another, “The fucking spark plug has gone out. We have to get a new one.” That was $75 you didn’t have to spare.

You guess the car had just fucking had it when you got to Colorado. You went to start it up at a truck stop, and the whole thing just sputtered and coughed at you, and then you didn’t have an engine anymore.

After Eddie paced around and cursed about it for a couple minutes, you both crawled into the back of the van and locked the door. And now you sit cross-legged across from each other, with everything of value that you have to your name in a little pile in front of you.

When you left home, you’d saved up a couple thousand to live off of until you got somewhere you felt comfortable working and living in. Since then, you’ve squandered it on food and motels and gas, never staying put and now rambling along with Eddie.

From the ATM, Eddie had stolen around two thousand dollars. He’s in the same boat as you, now looking at only a couple hundred in between the two of you. Hardly enough to afford a hotel room or bus fare for the both of you. Certainly not enough to get you a new car, or even rent one.

He scrubs his hands down his face, dirty fingernails pressing into his skin. “You should take it.”

“What?” You squint at him. 

“There’s enough here for bus fare for you, at least,” Eddie murmurs, his fingers poking at the pile and scooting it toward you. “Getcha where you want to go. Get a nice job at a tourist shop in Vegas or Santa Monica or something.”

“Are you fucking kidding me, Eddie?” you snap. You swat his hand away from the pile, looking affronted. “I’m not taking the money, so cut it out. We’ll figure something else out.”

Eddie shakes his head, like he’s already made up his mind. “We had a deal. I fix your car, you take me with you. And I didn’t fix your car.”

“Yeah, but that was before…” you trail off, scrutinizing his expression. He won’t meet your gaze. He won’t look at you. 

Eddie’s mouth opens and closes like he’s a fish out of water. Then, he says bitingly, “Before we fucked?” 

You can feel all the emotion drain from your face, leaving you a blank, hollow screen with dead eyes just staring at him. It’s your best defense against bursting into tears at the very tone of his voice. 

When he glances at you, you can tell that he wants to take it back immediately. His teeth worry his bottom lip, ripping at chapped shreds of skin. “Don’t do me any favors, sweetheart.”

“It’s not a fucking favor- I thought we were doing this together.”

Eddie talks over you. “You don’t need to keep dragging me around with you, okay? You’re off the hook.”

“Eddie, you’re being mean,” you croak at him. Not exactly the quick, biting wit that you can usually whip out- he’s shocked you.

He drops his eyes, his hands squeezing his knees. “Yeeeah,” he grumbles, his fingers tapping sporadically against his denim jeans. “Well, I told you, I’m no good for you. You didn’t listen.”

You told me that while your tongue was in my pussy. The words are balanced on the edge of your teeth, but they won’t fall out. Your hands itch to reach out for him, grab his chin and force him to look at you, somehow. 

Instead, they snatch up the little bit of cash from your side of the pile in between you. You crumple it in your hand and shove the wad into your jacket pocket before you grab the strap of your weather-beaten backpack full of the last things you have to your name, and kick open the back door of the van. 

It’s summer, but it’s windy in Colorado. It must be something about the mountains, you guess, and it being early morning. Condensation hangs in the air, making the air both heavy and cool as you breathe. Funny- if you slept naked, you’d probably have to curl up into each other for warmth, for a change. 

You’re either vibrating from rage or from the abnormal chill in the air. Standing on the street corner with the gas station sign lit up in neon behind you, you kick the crosswalk pole with your dirty converse. You’re still arguing with him, in your head. We were in this together, motherfucker. I told you, I’m your girl. I put all my eggs in your basket. Whatever fucking martyr complex this is, you can shove it right up your stupid-

“I know.” Eddie’s tattooed arms wrap around your waist and pull you into his chest, his face buried in your hair as he whispers urgently into it. “I know, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

So, you weren’t arguing with him in your head. You were actually yelling everything you were thinking, and he chased you as you stormed off. Seems about par for the course. 

“Fuck you, Eddie, did it even mean anything to you?” you blather at him, your voice thick with impending tears. “‘Cause it meant something to me.”

“Course it did,” he rasps at you, his arms squeezing you to him so tight that you’re running out of air to breathe. “I didn’t- I was being shitty. I’m sorry. Please, don’t leave.”

“Then don’t push me away.” The tears collect in your lashes, finally dripping down your cheeks. You turn in his arms and whack your hand flat against his chest. “Don’t treat me like some slut, don’t- I didn’t sleep with you just because I wanted you to fix my fucking car, you jerk.”

“I don’t think that,” Eddie insists quietly, wiping your tears away with his thumbs. “C’mon, now.”

“You said-”

“I know what I said,” he cuts you off. “And I didn’t mean it. I have a bad habit of throwing away the good things in my life, ‘cause… ‘cause of that martyr complex, you said-” He jams his tongue against the roof of his mouth when you hiccup, staring up at him with a wobbly lip. “Don’t let me throw you away. You’re the best thing I’ve ever had, ‘n I don’t wanna lose you just because I’m an idiot.”

You sigh, your head falling neatly into the crook of his neck like it’s meant to be there. He’s too quiet, holding you against him at the street corner. Eddie breathes in deep and kisses the side of your head longingly. 

“I can get us a car.”

You lift your head to look at him. He wears a disappointed expression. “But we don’t have any money.”

“It won’t take money,” Eddie mumbles as he strokes your back. “I, uh… I didn’t want to end up like my old man, but…” he shrugs, his eyes cast away from you. He chuckles sadly. “Nothin’ I can do about that, now, I guess. I mean, look how you met me.” 

Oh. You can infer what he means by the far-off look on his face, like he’s resigned himself to his fate. You lift your hands to cradle his face; the bruise on his cheekbone has faded to yellow, the scab on his chin almost healed. He’s never looked more beautiful to you.

“You’re a good man, Eddie,” you tell him sternly.

Eddie’s smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Don’t be too sure of that. You might change your mind.”

‘Cause you know I’ll be right there beside you, riding through all these western nights…

The sedan isn’t exactly flashy, or new. It’s a tin can on wheels that’ll crumble into bits if you so much as side-swipe a trash can. You keep a lookout as Eddie jimmies an unwound wire coat hanger between the glass window and the door, and a second later the door is unlocked.

You’re unnervingly calm. How did you get to be so calm about all this? Stealing money, driving getaway cars, stealing other cars when those ones don’t work. Suddenly an accomplice to whatever illegal shit has to happen for you to get where you’re going.

What’s worse, you think, is how badly the sight of him hotwiring the car turns you on. It’s practically horrifying the way your skin crawls and your core burns as you watch his hands fiddle with the wires beneath the console, so quick that your mind can barely process it. You’re not sure if the adrenaline in your veins is from looking to see if anyone’s coming, or if it’s because you want to jump his bones.

"I swear to you," he's saying as he swipes at frayed wires, "I swear, when we get to San Francisco, I'll never- I'm gonna get an honest, real fuckin' job, I'm not gonna do anything to hurt yo-"

The car starts, and you leap into the front seat without giving it any more thought. “Eddie?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?” He looks up at you, his brows tilted up expectantly. He’s still tucking wires back under the dashboard, preparing to take off once he gets the door shut.

“I slept with you because I’m falling in love with you.”

Eddie’s eyes go wide as moons, glittering in the light of a fluorescent floodlight at the corner of the dark parking lot. 

“You don’t have to love me back,” you tell him honestly. “I just wanted you to know. I’m with you. And I’m not gonna leave.”

You don’t know if he loves you back- not yet, anyways. He doesn’t say it to you. But he kisses you like he does.

I'll be screaming your name past the gas stations, trailing down the interstate. Please don’t love how I need you, and know that one day, you and I could be okay.

[mca-attack21]

Stay Out of the Water - (Jeremiah Fisher x Reader)

TW: Surfing wipe out, possible drowning, cussing, kissing.

You had come to the clubhouse today, while Belly was practicing for the debutante ball. Jeremiah had been so excited to run into you and insisted that you come spend time with him at the pool.

The two of you spent hours flirting back and forth. At one point he pushed you into the pool, so that he could 'save you'. This was definitely going to be one of the more memorable days of your summer. But that is how you felt about every day you got to spend with the ocean-eyed boy.

You had decided to go get nachos for the two of you to share. When you walked back out with them, you dropped them to the floor.

Jeremiah was in the water kissing another girl.

You didn’t even go back for your stuff, you just turned around and started running towards the exit. Hot tears streamed down your face. How could you be so stupid? Jeremiah flirted with everyone, why would it be any different with you? The emotions started to overwhelm you. You were in love with him. Physical pain shot through your chest, sobs wrecked your body as you ran towards the Beck house.

You were so thankful that no one was home. You went up to your room and tried to calm down. You decided to try to go surfing to clear your head. 

------

Jeremiah rushed through the front door calling your name. But instead he found Conrad. “Is Y/n here? Have you seen her?” he asked frantically. 

“I don’t know. I just got back from the boat with Cleveland, we had to come back in early because of the water. Why? What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. She was hanging out with me at the club and then she disappeared. She left everything by the pool. Including her phone. Belly and the moms haven’t heard from her, Steven’s searching the club, and I came here to see if she came back,” he explained. 

A pit immediately formed in Conrad’s stomach, this was not like you at all. “You check her room, I’ll check the pool.” He called out your name a couple of times, before going back inside, “Anything?” he called out to Jeremiah. 

“Her bathing suit from earlier is on the floor in her room, but she’s not here.” 

“Where else would she go?”

“How bad was the water?” Jeremiah asked. He knew you better than anyone, he paid attention, and even before checking, he’d figured out exactly where you are. 

“It’s rough out there, I think a storm might be coming in. Why?” But even as he said that he understood, “You don’t think-” 

“Her board is gone. We gotta go.”

-----

There was a special connection you felt with the ocean. Maybe it was the vastness of it, never really knowing what was out there. The water calmed your soul. You respected the ocean, usually you wouldn’t have gone near it with the water being this wild, but you weren’t really thinking. You just wanted to get your mind off things. You surfed a couple waves, nothing too crazy. The currents were changing, you knew that you needed to get back in, go back to reality. Just one more, you pleaded with the ocean.

The waves were surging around you. A small voice inside your head told you to just head back in. This was definitely the riskiest conditions you’d ever surfed in. No one even knew that you were out here. If something happened… You shook your head, ignoring the thoughts. It would be fine, you knew your way around the surfboard and you would go back in after this. You paddled quickly to catch the rising wave. Just as the wave broke, you jumped seamlessly from your stomach to your feet, crouching on your board. You start to ride the wave in, feeling free. For a moment everything stopped.The image of Jeremiah kissing another girl left your mind. Everything felt like it could be okay. And then you wiped out. 

It felt like you got thrown from a cliff. Your heart pounded in your chest, you fought the fear and urge to freak out. You felt yourself get pulled in as the explosion of white water and force drove you down quickly. You were being thrown around under water, finally understanding the term ragdolled. It was impossible to focus between the urge to breathe, the pounding in your chest and the fact that your board was yanking on your leg so hard you wondered if the leash would snap. You could see the light of the surface, but the water was churning so much that you were struggling to get there. You were getting more and more desperate for air, body aching, mind racing.

---

“There!” Conrad shouted pointing to where you were sitting on your board. 

“Y/n!” Jeremiah yelled, but it was no use. There was no way you were going to hear them over the waves. 

“Keep tracking her. I’m going to get the neighbor's jet ski.”

Jeremiah watched you, afraid to even blink. He watched you surf the wave and for a moment watched you in awe. And then you got swept off your board. 

He screamed your name, taking a few steps forward instinctively, running his hands through his hair. Waiting for you to surface. It was taking too long. Conrad was taking too long. He sprinted into the water and started to swim out to where you were.

He was about halfway there fighting the waves, when you finally surfaced throwing yourself on your board, trying to catch your breath before another wave crashed over you. You fought your aching muscles and exhaustion and started paddling in. That is when you saw him. The anger you had earlier had faded, and instead tears came back. You tried to ignore them, as you paddle towards him. 

You could see the anger written on his face as you offered him a hand pulling him up to sit on the board with you. Conrad came with the Jetski and pulled the two of you the rest of the way in. You had barely reached the sand when Jeremiah yelled at you, “What the hell were you thinking?” he demanded. 

“Jere,” Conrad warned, he could tell you were upset.

“No Conrad,” he said before grabbing your arm and forcing you to look at him, “I can’t believe you were so stupid. You could’ve died. What the hell were you thinking?”

All of the hurt came back and without thinking, you said, “It’s not like you’d care anyway.”

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?” he asked, eyes losing their anger, hurt and concern taking over. 

“I saw you kissing that girl in the water today. Do you know how much it hurts to see the person you are in love with, so carelessly with someone else? I am sorry. I didn’t realize the water was that bad, I promise. I just wanted - I needed to breathe and I thought surfing would help. I’m sorry,” you cried, you broke your arm away from him and grabbed your board running back towards the house sobbing.

You never wanted this to happen. You felt so hollow inside. You couldn’t handle these emotions. You forced yourself into the shower, tears still streaming down your face. 

----

“I’ve never yelled at her before,” Jeremiah realized. He and Conrad were sitting at the pool. 

“You were scared,” Conrad offered. 

“I am an idiot.” 

“At times,” Conrad said, trying to lighten the mood. “Jere, why were you kissing another girl in the pool? I mean look man, I’m not judging you. But I can see how you feel about Y/n, everyone can.”

“I didn’t kiss her, she kissed me. She asked me to help her out of the pool, when I went to give her a hand she pulled me in and jumped me. I pushed her off of me, I swear to god. I had no idea Y/n saw it.”

“What are you waiting for? Go tell Y/n how you feel.” 

“I’m probably the last person she wants to see right now.”

“That’s because she doesn’t have the full story. You at least owe her that.” 

Jeremiah agreed, standing up. “Thanks bro.”

When he went to your room the door was cracked open. You were sitting in your bed with your back against the wall, knees against your chest, head buried in your lap. He knocked lightly, “Can I come in?” he asked. 

You managed a nod. 

He sat on the edge of the bed, not knowing where to start. 

“I’m sorry,” you both said at the same time. 

“Me first,” you said looking up to meet his eyes. 

“I’m sorry for the way I handled today. I shouldn’t have ran off like that and you were right going out to surf like that was stupid. I also have no right to have any say in who you hookup with, I just want you to be happy. I hope that we can be okay.” 

“Y/n. I didn’t even know that girl in the pool. I think one of her friends dared her to try to kiss me. I didn’t kiss her back, I pushed her off of me, I promise. There’s only one girl I want to be kissing. And seeing that girl wipe out, scared the shit out of me. That’s no excuse for yelling at you like I did, my emotions just kinda took over.”

You couldn’t believe your ears. 

“Jeremiah, don’t say that unless you actually mean it,” you cautioned. 

“Of course I mean it Y/n. You're my best friend and I have wanted you to be more than that, but I was scared that if something happened that we’d lose our friendship. So I tried to ignore the feelings, tried to convince myself that it was for the best. But I don’t want to do that anymore. I just want you.”

You traced your fingers over the line of his jaw, before cupping his cheek.

He glanced down at your lips. He had thought about doing this for months and now it was happening. He pulled you into him, so that you were straddling his lap. His eyes asked permission, and then closed the gap between your lips. The kiss started gentle, but quickly heated up. You pushed him back against the bed, losing track of your arms and hands, while being very aware of where his were. When you separated, you could barely breathe. 

“Damn,” he smiled. 

“I can’t believe this is really happening.” You shifted on your side and he mirrored you, pulling you into his chest. 

You apparently fell asleep like that. When you woke you, the empty spot beside you was enough to make you question if last night had really happened or if it was just some elaborate and twisted dream. 

“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” Jeremiah said as he came through your door with breakfast in hand. 

“Good morning,” you smiled.

He set the food down and came over to you, giving you a quick kiss. “I have to go to work soon, but I was thinking that I could take you out tonight. You know properly, just the two of us.”

“It’s a date.”

He beamed as he turned to exit your room. 

“Oh, Jeremiah?”

“Yeah Y/n/n?”

“Stay out of the water,” you laughed. He rolled his eyes and left. You wanted to scream in excitement. Being with him still didn’t feel real. The feelings were more intense than anything you could have imagined. You decided that if this was in fact a dream, you never wanted to wake up.   

[mamaestapa]

Jealous Joe for the blurb night. Maybe reader wearing someone elses jersey

Wrong Number|| Joe Burrow x reader

•pairing: Joe Burrow x reader

•summary: You wear Tee’s jersey to a game and Joe gets jealous

•warnings: jealous joe, friends to lovers, implied smut

"Hey Y/n," Tee greeted, giving you a hug, "good to see you." You smiled and wrapped your arms around the football player, giving him a gentle squeeze before you pulled away from him.

"Hi Tee," you smiled, "good game today. You did so good!"

Tee was your best friend. You met him a couple years ago when he moved in across the street from you. You were completely starstruck when you realized that Tee Higgins was your new neighbor. He had a house warming party a few days after he was finally settled into his new home. He invited all of his friends, teammates, and neighbors--including you. When you attended the party and met Tee, the two of you instantly became friends. Your friendship only getting stronger as the years went on.

However, that's all you and Tee are. Best friends. Because you have a crush on one of his good friends and teammates...Joe Burrow.

Joe is the insanely hot, blonde, tall quarterback with beautiful blue eyes. Tee had introduced you to Joe during one of his other parties. It was after a Thursday night game that the Bengals had won. He had all of his teammates over, plus some other close friends to celebrate the first win of the new season. Tee had introduced to many of his hot teammates throughout the night, but Joe in particular caught your eye. Something about his confidence and the way he spoke to you had you instantly hooked.

Since that night, you and Joe had become quite good friends. Not as good as you and Tee, but the two of you were still friends. You hung out every once in a while, but it wasn't often. Oh how you wanted that to change...

Tee had invited you to the Bengals home game against the Cleveland Browns. It was an early window game, meaning you'd only be out at the stadium until at the latest 5 o'clock. Sometimes after games that you attend, Tee would take you out for drinks with some of his teammates to celebrate. That was really only after the night games though.

"Thanks. It's only because I had my good luck charm there." he said, winking at you. You shook your head and let out a light laugh. "Sure, that's definitely why."

Tee looked taken aback, "What makes you think I was talking about you? I could have been talking about your hot friend Ellie." You laughed in amusement. "Ellie isn't even here you dork."

Just like you have a thing for one of Tee's friends, he has a thing for one of yours. The two of you have been trying to help each other out by setting the other up with these friends. You've tried setting him up with your friend Ellie, while Tee has been trying to set you up with Joe. Your attempts have seemed to be working quite well, but Tee's? His have shown no progress whatsoever.

Or so you thought...

Because as you were talking with Tee just a couple feet away from the locker room, Joe was standing in the doorway, staring daggers into the back of Tee's head as he spoke with you. Joe couldn't help but feel jealous as he watched his friend talk to his crush.

That should be him you're talking to, not Tee.

That should be him you're laughing with, not Tee.

That should be his arm you just put your soft, delicate hand on, not Tee's

But most of all, that should be his jersey you're wearing, not Tee's.

Joe knew you had some sort of feelings for him because Tee has been on his ass about asking you out for the past couple weeks. However, he didn't know if your feelings for him were as strong as his were for you. Joe tried to tear his eyes away from the two of you, but he just couldn't seem to do it. His blood was boiling with nothing but jealousy as he watched your smile grow wider and the sound of your sweet laughter ring out through the empty hallway of the locker room entrance. Joe knew he needed to do something. He needed to make a move. Take you away from Tee and finally claim what was his.

Joe uncrossed his arms and pushed himself off of the doorway of the locker room doors. He strode over to you and Tee, putting a fake smile on his face as he got close to the two of you. Your face heated up in embarrassment as you noticed Joe approaching you. You smiled shyly at him.

"Hi Joe."

He smirked down at you, "Hey Y/n. You enjoy the game?"

You gulped nervously. Almost breathless as you responded, "Yeah, yeah I did. You did amazing by the way."

Joe smiled, "Thanks." He glanced over at Tee, who was smirking knowingly at Joe. Tee's expression made your eyebrows furrow in confusion. What was he up to?

"Mind if I steal her for a second, Tee?" Joe asked Tee. Your eyes involuntarily widened at his question. You looked up at the quarterback, noticing how his jaw clenched as he waited for Tee to answer. Tee glanced at you, winking before he looked back at Joe.

"Of course. As long as you bring her back." He teased, making Joe chuckle.

"It'll be quick," he looked at you, lust filling his eyes as they trailed down your figure, "I just need to talk to her about something."

You stood there with the two football players, utterly speechless. You had no idea what was happening right now.

Tee placed a hand on your shoulder and leaned in close, whispering in your ear, "You'll thank me later." He pulled away and gave you a wink before he walked away from you and Joe. You felt your breath hitch in the back of your throat as you looked up at Joe. He looked down the hallway, making sure it was empty before he made his move. Joe moved closer to you, reaching out to cup your cheek gently before he smashed his lips against yours. You were taken aback at first, shocked at the feeling of his lips against yours. This was something you had dreamed of for the past few weeks. And here it is, finally happening. You kissed back with just as much passion, the two of you moving your mouths in sync. Your kisses turning needier, both of you wanting more. Joe moved his hand down from your cheek to the hem of Tee's jersey. He pulled away from you, gently pulling on your bottom lip as he removed his mouth from yours.

"You're wearing the wrong number," he said huskily, "let's fix that..."

You smashed your lips against Joe's once again, moaning into his mouth as he kissed back. You desperately needed more. Joe gently pushed you backward, reaching out with his free hand to open a door to a supply closet in the tunnel. He pushed you into the closet, lips still attached to yours.

Joe was going to show you whose number you should be wearing instead...

hey loves!

another blurb ;) this one was a little spicy…jealous joe is just toooo good😩 i also definitely could have kept going but i stopped myself lol.

maybe i’ll do a part 2…👀

another blurb or two coming soon and then i’ll be done for the night :)

thanks for reading these!🤍 i have so much fun with these

[lotte22324]

Hi, this is my first Oneshot ever and I am kinda nervous for yall to see it. This idea randomly popped into my head, I don’t know why.

Also, English is not my first language, so please ignore the mistakes.

Warnings: mentioning of the case and connected SA (but only in the beginning)

Summary: You are a profiler at the BAU. You specialise in linguistic analysis and also in having a pretty cutsie style. You and Spencer are both working late on a case and his stupid long hair annoys him but you luckily got some hairclips with you :)

(These are the bows that I am talking about btw)

You and the team were on the way to Cleveland, attending to a particularly disturbing case. Multiple mutilated victims were found, all indicated signs of sexual assault, post mortem. All of them were women but none of them looked alike. The only thing that they had in common were the position in which they were found. They all were layed down carefully with their arms crossed above their chest.

"The arms are a sign of remorse right?“

"Yeah, it’s clear that the killer has a conflicted conscience in the connection to the murders.“ said Reid. You turned your head to the right side to see your fellow profiler. His hair was long, longer than ever before, he was wearing a purple dress shirt with s simple tie. His converse were matching to yours, the only thing in common with your wardrobe. You were wearing a skyblue blouse with a dark blue pair of pants. The outfit was professional, the hair not so much. You wore two hairclips in the front of your hair because they would often fall in front of your face which annoyed you. The clips had two pink bows attached to them and they matched your pink earrings and nails.

"If the unsub feels guilty about the murders, we might be able to convince him to give himself up“ remarked JJ. Emily looked at her skeptical and held up the letter that the unsub left at the last crime scene, one of six: She will never stop, only I can fix it! "This says otherwise“

"It is weird that he shows signs of remorse but he also seems extremely certain of his resason to murder, what does he need to fix?“ asked Reid while he knitted his eyebrows together, like he always did when he was thinking. It looked too cute, you couldn’t stop the smile creeping up on your face. "Linguistically, it’s clear that the "she“ that he speaks of is one specific person, probably some sort of authority figure for him, probably a mother“ you remarked. Hotchner nodded his head, a plan already in mind. "Y/l/n you will do a linguistic profile, try to find a pattern or identification marks in all of the letters. Reid, look at the geographical pattern, the locations where the bodies were found might give us a clue where the unsub lives. Morgan and Rossi, you two go to the last crime scene, Emily, you and I will interview the families. Lets catch this guy!“

„I guess your stuck with me at the precinct, pretty boy!“ you said playfully to Reid but all he did was blush and turn his head awkwardly to the side. Morgan shoot him a knowing look but you didn’t think about it too much.

Later that evening, you and Reid were the only ones left in the room designated for your investigation. A hot cup of coffee was standing in front of you, you knew you were in for a long nighty You had been looking at these letters for hours on end, trying to find identifying markers. The only thing that became apparent is that the letters and the murders are definitely about the unsubs mother. They were all about 60, the letters showed clear signs of conflicted hatred and love toward the mother and connected abuse. Maybe she hit him or she was just a very dominant personality who commanded all the men in her life and broke their will if she needed to. Reid was also standing in front of his map for the last few hours, rearranging the pins and drawing new circles and xes on it. Looking over, you did not see a clear pattern at all but maybe his genius brain could make sense of all of the colors on the board. Your eyes shifted from the map to him and the way he kept adjusting his hair. He wanted to tuck it behind his ears but it fell into his face again and again. "Ugh, why? Maybe I need to cut my hair again“ he mumbled annoyed. "Nooo, please don’t! I like your hair like this“ you answered quickly. "But its always in my face and whenever I tuck it back, it falls in front of it again“ Reid remarked, pushing his hair back aggressively. But all it did was fall back infront of his ear and Reid let out an annoyed groan. You stood up and moved towards the man: "here, take one of my clips! My hair is long enough so that I can easily tuck it behind my ear“ you said, quickly taking one of the bows out of your hair. As you kept going, the clip in your hand, he looked at you skeptical: "thank you, y/n but I don’t think that would suit me as much as it suits you“

You blushed involuntarily at that indirect compliment, "oh come on, no one is here anymore, you won’t be less of a man if you wear this pink bow in your hair!“ you rolled your eyes as you halted infront of him with a questioning look. „Okay, fine“ he hesitantly answered and you gave him a reassuring smile. You leaned forward, pushing his hair back as you clip in the pink bow. You felt how soft his hair was. As you let your hand trail down his head, you let it linger a bit too long. Just as Spencer cleared his throat, you realized that and let your hand fall quickly to your side. "All done, you look cute“ you blushed as you took a step back. But your blush didn’t compare to his. The minute he saw himself in the reflection of the glass board where he drew his map on, his face turned as red as a tomato. The pink bow clearly on display, matching to yours. Now not only your shoes were matching but also your hair. "Uh, thank you y/n“ he said after a while. But you didn’t even realize what he said because all you could do was stare at him. He had never looked this cute in his life. Not with his glasses, not with any of his haircuts. You felt a fluttering feeling in your tummy. Here he was, Spencer Reid, wearing your pink bow in his hair. You couldn’t believe the sight you were witnessing. Even though you didn’t have an eidetic memory, you would never forget this. As you kept starring at his face, your brain filling with all the accessories of yours Reid could wear, he kept staring right back. But instead of thinking about all the different hair clips you had, he couldn’t stop thinking about how pretty you looked. The slight blush that spread over your face, the blown pupils as they were looking at him. The way your mouth was slightly opened, the curve of your lips perfectly kissable.

"Yo, I forgot my-" Morgan stepped insight, both of you taking a step back, not realizing in the moment how close you two were standing and looking embarrassed towards Morgan. "Uhm, sorry for…disturbing, I just forgot my wallet here“ he said, moving toward the table. Your eyes shifted, there it was, lying underneath all the letters you had just looked at. "Alright, have a good night you two! Pretty bow, Reid, your lil girlfriend should lend you her things more often“ Morgan winked as he walked out of the room. Both of you stood there in silence, looking down onto the floor. Spencer raised his hand in embarrassment and tried to detangle the bow from his hair. "Noo, you look so pretty with it Spencer, you shouldn’t give a damn about Morgans opinion!“ you reassured him. He gave you a smile as his hand slowly fell down. "You know that is not fair“ Reid remarked. "What isn’t fair?" You looked confused. "Well, I would wear anything as long as you think i‘m pretty even if that would be the most impractical thing on this planet.“

"That can’t be true!“ you laughed.

"Do you remember four months ago when we saw that shampoo ad on some billboard in Texas with a man on it with long, shiny hair?“

Honest to god, you really didn’t. "Uhm, not really…“

"Well, you said that you love men with long hair and it seemed like you looked right at me. I, obviously had short hair at that time. But from that moment on, I decided to let my hair grow longer“ Spencer confessed.

"You grew your hair long because of me? Because I said that I find men with long hair prettier? That makes no sense, why would you care what I think about y-" then it hit you. He wanted you to find him attractive. He wanted you to see him as pretty. You took a step towards him, his gaze avoiding you, he seemed more focused on his shoes than on you. "Reid" you said quietly, him still not looking at you. "Spencer, if you don’t look up now, I’ll leave and you’ll never find out what I’m thinking about right now“ you threaten, his gaze hastily rising. You took another step towards him, this time a bit less sure than before. It seemed like time froze as you slowly raised your hand towards Reids face. "May I touch you?" You asked hesitantly, knowing that he wasn’t the biggest fan of non-consensual physical touch. He nodded his head and finally met your gaze. His eyes shifted up and down, between your eyes and lips. As you cupped his cheek, it seemed like the spell on him was broken. His face inched closer and closer until his lips met yours. The tension that you felt for the last few months finally found an escape and both of you seemed to feel relieved. His hands found your waist, as he pulled you closer to his body, your other hand tangling itself up in his hair. After a few moments both of you had to pull away to gasp for air. Smiles crept up on both of your faces as you realized what had just happened. He didn’t let your waist go, you didn’t want him to do that anyway. "You know what, Reid?" You asked humorously.

"What?" He asked back.

"I wanted to do that even before you let your hair grow out“ you answered him truthfully. Ever since you joined the team, you wanted to kiss him. It didn’t matter what his hair looked like or if he wore his glasses or not.

"You’re joking right? All of this agony for nothing then?“ he asked dumbfounded, pointing at his long hair.

"Oh no, definitely not for nothing! I got to see you wearing my pink bow and that is a sight, that I will never forget!“ you giggled and pulled him into a hug that he happily reciprocated.

P.S.: I hope you guys liked this, it is kinda strange to always read fanfic and now actually writing it. I guess my Spencer Reid obsession made me do it :) yall will probably understand, hahahaha.

[bchan95]

'Tis The Damn Season (Bang Chan x Reader)

The freshly fallen snow fell perfectly on top of all of the small rooftops scattered across the brightly lit Christmas village. The one thing I loved about my hometown is that they knew how to make every day of December feel like the warmest cup of hot cocoa on Christmas day.

Each year, the city square was filled with colorful lights and festive decorations. Smiling snowmen and sparkling snowglobes as far as the eye could see. Even the town clock was decorated, counting down to the big day.

This year felt a bit different though. It was the first Christmas without my best friend. It felt weird without Chan around. He was always the most excited about the holiday season. He always met me at my house bright and early with a white chocolate mocha in hand, and brightly colored cheeks.

We would walk these city streets together, ranking the decorations as if we'd ever been able to design anything in our lives. Pointing out broken lights, mismatched decor and corny signs until our stomachs hurt from giggling.

"Ms. Cleveland really could have done better," he'd spit, shaking his head before smiling over at me.

"A shame, truly," I'd nod before bursting into laughter.

I wonder if he's home. His school started Christmas break right after mine. Well, at least I knew they did the last time we spoke. That conversation was still heavy in my mind as I swirled my red cup in my hand, looking at the green and red lights above the old schoolhouse.

It was my fault, I knew that. But nothing could help me shake the panicked look that rose across Chan's face when I told him. When I stupidly said those three words that made me lose him forever.

We were walking over the bridge near my house. Lamposts ahead wrapped in garland and white light. I tried to focus on the festive decor to stop my hands from shaking. I look over at him and it makes it all worse. His jaw had become more chiseled over the school year. His arms were bigger too. But that bright smile never looked a day over 12 years old. Those bright red cheeks brought a soft air of familiarity to my fluttering chest, as I pressed the drink against my lips.

He turned to me with a smile, before it dropped a bit in worry. He stopped abruptly, fully turning to face me.

"Are you okay, Y/N?" He said, reaching out for my hand. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

He pulled me off to the side of the bridge, our arms resting on the plush green leaves as we continued to look at each other. I could feel my throat dry, bringing the tea in my hand back up to my mouth for a quick sip before I nodded. He shakes his head and leans in toward me.

"I know when you're lying, you know?"

I smirked, looking down at the ground. He could always read me like a book. I chewed on my bottom lip for a moment before my eyes rose back up to meet his. I knew I had to tell him now before I chickened out again.

But how do you tell your best friend that somehow over the past six months, you've begun to see them differently. That you wanted to hold his hand like you always did. But you wanted it to mean something entirely different. That you wanted to kiss those red cheeks that you made fun of for years. That you wanted more.

I paused for a moment before sighing and meeting his eyes again. His lips mimicked mine, his teeth biting down on the flesh of his rose-colored lips.

"Chan," I started, scrunching my nose as the winter wind ripped past me. "You said we can tell each other anything... right?"

He nodded furiously, his eyes never leaving mine. I know I cannot un-say what I'm about to say... but if I didn't let him know how I felt that might actually be worse. I sighed again, nodding myself along to let the words fall out of my mouth.

"Chan I... I think I love you."

He smiles at me, rolling his eyes "I love you too, nerd."

I shake my head "Chan, no you do get it... I love you." I put emphasis on the second word, watching as the realization washed across his face.

He slowly nodded, and his lips dropped into an "oh" shape. I felt my eyes watering as his reaction didn't shift to one of warmth. When. he didn't smile brightly at me. I swallowed hard, turning away from him.

"I'm sorry," I yelled from behind me, making my way back to my house and away from his bright gaze.

I heard him calling my name for a moment as I shuffled down the path filled with freshly fallen snow but I couldn't get myself to look back. To see those eyes filled with pity at the dramatic scene I caused. So I pushed forward until I made it through my front door, sliding against it with tears pouring from my eyes.

Chan had texted me a few times the next day. The messages were filled with "we should talks" and "please responds" but I couldn't get myself to hit any of the keys. I would start a paragraph about how I was just kidding and that I didn't mean what I said but I'd hit delete before ever pressing send.

He finally gave up after two weeks of me actively avoiding him in grocery stores and deleting his text messages. Part of me was sad that he stopped reaching out, but another part was relieved that I didn't have to try to have this conversation.

It had been about a year since that encounter. I was finally feeling brave enough to venture out on my own in town. My mom had finally stopped asking where Chan was, and if we had had a fight. My heart stopped racing as we drove through the city past his family's big blue house right outside of the Christmas village. I selfishly thought that I had healed.

Smiling to myself, I let my eyes admire the silver tinsel and bright gold bells adorning that clock tower. I spun in a circle through the middle, giggling a bit as I settled into a standstill sipping sweet chocolate and whipped cream. It was painfully quiet, the market vendors just beginning to set up at the other end.

I decided to press forward to explore the market for once. Maybe find those clay earrings mom wanted or a set of chopped firewood for the fire. As I neared the entrance, I saw a familiar black puffer jacket to the left, carrying baked goods by the crate.

I stop dead in my tracks. I should have known his mom would be here. She makes the best sourdough in town. She has a waitlist for loaves right before the holidays. And of course, he was here helping her. The most caring guy I know, constantly making sure his mother had ample water and never had to lift a finger.

There was still time to turn around. I could spin back on my heels and race back to the house before he even turned my way. But before I could retrace my steps, I saw Chan's mom point in my direction. Chan's eyes followed her arm, and over to my shaking figure. I was frozen in place.

I watched him say something to his mom before setting the crate back into the pickup truck, shoving his hands in his pockets, and walking my way. My heart raced as I saw his body come into view. I picked up the cup and brought it back to my lips, letting my eyes fall to the ground as I heard his footsteps.

What will he say? Will he yell? I'd deserve it. I left without an explanation. I felt my heartbeat in my throat, my hands shaking against the paper cup as I walked myself through the possibilities.

The footsteps stopped right in front of me. He sighed loudly, causing me to look up and finally meet his eyes. Mine widened as I realized he was smiling at me. Shock zoomed through my body, creating goosebumps on my forearms as I tried to maintain eye contact with him.

"So you are alive..." I heard his giggle, dimple popping out on the left side as his smile widened.

I blinked, mind completely blank. "What?"

Chan took a step closer to me, leaning his head to the side. His smile never wavered. I expected frustration. Angry words. Even a little bit of grit to his voice toward me. But none of that aggression was to be found in those soft eyes.

"Y/N. You scared me. I thought I lost you."

I gasped, feeling his hand reach out to mine. I let him intertwine them and fall between us. The snow had started falling again, wrapping us around in a soft white glow.

"I-," my voice shaky as I felt his thumb rub up against the top of my hand. "I'm going to be honest, I didn't think you would want to see me again."

I felt my cheeks warm as Chan shook his head at me. He took another step toward me. Our bodies were dangerously close and I could already feel the heat of his closing in on mine.

"I wasn't the one who ignored phone calls and texts...."

It was my turn to giggle, nodding as I gnawed on my lower lip. He had a point there. I was the one who cut off contact. But that still didn't explain his softness toward me. His hand in mine. His eyes, bright and wide.

"I'm sorry."

His grin grew again "You should be...."

I nodded, lips parted with an apology right on the tip of my tongue. He shook his head as he softly hushed me, and spoke up again.

"Not because I'm angry, but because I missed you," he giggled and his nose scrunched up in the way I like.

"I missed you too..." I said just above a whisper.

We sat there in silence for a moment, eyes just pressing into each other. Finally, he broke the quiet with a sigh.

"You know I love you too, right?"

I shook my head "But Chan..."

He stepped in closer, the space between our bodies fully evaporating. His hand moves away from mine, and to my cheek where he softly captures my jaw, thumb painting soft circles on my skin.

"No buts...I love you."

"Like?"

"Yes, like you love me," He adds, his mouth outstretched into a wider grin, exposing his perfect teeth as he leans in toward my face.

I swallow my pride and let myself melt into his touch. His lips hover over mine, his peppermint breath overtaking my senses. He pauses near my mouth to whisper.

"Just don't run away from me again."

I nod ferociously, gaining a giggle from him once again before he presses his lips into mine. Soft and slow, our mouths crash together in the glow of the Christmas tree behind us. A loud gong of the town bell was the only thing that pushed us apart as it rang in the morning market. He presses his forehead into mine, pecking my lips.

"God, I missed you."

[nikaglazr]

The After Party- Nika Muhl

Synopsis: Nika and Y/N had been rivals since Freshman season. Nika being the defensive presence of UConn, while Y/N was the same for Virginia Tech. Now, in their junior seasons, both face off in the final four. But the night before the game, the two teams find themselves in the same club.

“You always come to the parties, on your knees.”

PART 2 !!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N’s POV

The morning after the club was bad for everyone on the team. We spent most of the day getting over our hangovers. But hey, it gave us time to watch UConn clip.

The game was at 8:30 pm but we had to be at the facility at 6:00. We had a couple hours to get our heads together since it was currently 10:00 am.

After watching a few games of clip we end up turning off the tv before all going back to our rooms. I head to the bathroom and begin getting undressed to get in the shower. The hot water hits my back as I sigh in relief. Today my only goal was to stop the guards, everyone else could hold their own.

Every time we played UConn it was a struggle, not because we were bad, just with Georgia being only 5’6 and Paige being 5’11 she got kinda bullied. I decided to trust the team with offense so I could save my energy on providing energy from the defense.

After a few minutes I turn the water off and step out the rather small shower. I dry my hair off before wrapping the towel around my body and walking out the room to my suitcase.

Georgia just looks up her phone as I nod to her, telling her the shower is open and she just nods. Me and Georgia never felt uncomfortable around each other, she was the only person on the team I could tell absolutely everything to.

I ended up putting on my dark red team joggers on with a tight black compression shirt. I slip on some white Nike socks along with black slides. I lay on my bed before deciding to look at social media while I wait.

I open Instagram and begin scrolling, seeing my friends post and other celebrities. As I keep scrolling I come across an ESPN post.

@ESPN

: The rivals are back against each other!! Who y’all got??

Nikafanpage10: Nika finna cook that bum

>View 70 replies

Hokies_house: GO HOKIESSS !!

>View 30 replies

User234: WHY DO MY 2 FAVS HAVE TO HATE EACHOTHERRR 😭😭

>View 87 replies

View more…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I mean I know she’s good but she’s not even THAT good. And why is she being compared to me? We’re nothing alike. Whatever, I have things to do. I decide to just keep scrolling to pass the time.

~~~

It’s now 2:00 pm and me and Georgia decided to do a coffee run. We both walk out to the rental car and head to the shop. The shop is about 10 minutes away so me and Georgia fall into light conversation as the music plays quietly in the background. Once we get there Georgia goes up to the counter to order pur drinks as I take time to look at the view out the window.

Cleveland never really stood out to me, but as I take a longer look, it’s actually beautiful. After Georgia comes back with the coffee we get back in the car and ride around town for a bit.

After about 2 hours of yapping with Georgia and riding around, it was 1:00. So we decided to head back to the hotel to prepare for the game.

When we get back i pack my game bag. Putting my speaker, deodorant, perfume, AirPods, and a team jacket in before zipping it up. My uniform and my accessories are at the stadium already so I don’t have to worry about any of that.

Me and Georgia decide to get a few extra games of clip in before we have to leave at 5:30.

When the clock hits 5:00 I hit up the team group chat to see if everyone is ready to leave, which they are.

Coach decided to head to the stadium early in a uber so we could take the car. We all head outside and, once again, cram in the car. Samyha once again getting the aux.

We pulled up to the stadium and went in through the back. We all make our way into our locker room to both go over tape, and the game plan. We have an hour before we go out at 8:00 for warmups and interactions.

After we all getting changing into our uniforms and respected accessories we all sit down for coach to start talking.

Once Coach K stands in-front of the group she pulls out a whiteboard and clears her throat.

“As we all know, this is a hard game. I would go as far as to saying this game is gonna be harder than the championship. All of you have been doing amazing this season and I couldn’t ask for more… other than what im about to.” She says and she looks to the whiteboard.

“Play. Defense. Yes, some of you are doing good holding your own, but we need all of you to be. There is no room for mistakes tonight. We need to come in aggressive and end it aggressive. That doesn’t mean get so many fouls until you have to sit, I mean play like this is the last game you will ever play.” She pauses before sighing and looking more towards me than anyone.

“And Y/N, I know you like taunting, but keep that to a minimum tonight. We need you, you understand?”

I nod my head slowly, a small frown going to my face as I look down, trying to get ready for the game.

Coach looks at the clock on the wall before resuming.

“We have 10 minutes. I want you guys to spend this time getting locked in, alright. There’s no such thing as half way play for the Hokies.” Coach says, earning whoops and whistles from some of the girls, a few even clapping.

In the next 10 minutes I have my Airpods in, i’m listening to my pregame playlist, which is mostly Travis Scott.

When the time runs out and we have to head out for warmups I sigh audibly, shaking any remaining nerves put of my body. UConn doesn’t scare me. Nika doesn’t scare me.

I walk out with the team with my head down. I follow the others as we line up for announcements. Suddenly the lights go out and blue and red spotlights come down, signaling both teams colors.

“Welcome everyone to the 2023-2024 women’s Final Four!” The announcer yells in the mic as the crowd erupts. After the cheers die down, the man continues.

“Tonight we have a tough matchup against the newfound rival teams. UConn vs. Virginia Tech! Huskies vs. Hokies!” The crowd erupts again.

“Now introducing your Huskies starting five.. at Point Guard, standing at a tall 5’10, the secretary of defense… NIKAAA MUHLL.” The man yells.

I roll my eyes at the name, deciding to tune out the rest of the names.

After a few minutes the announcer gets to my team.

“And nowww.. the starting line up for you Hokies! First, at Point Guard, standing at 5’6.. GEORGIA AMOOREEE. Next, at Shooting Guard, standing at 5’10, newly deemed as ‘The Lock’… Y/N L/NNN.” He yells.

I smirk at the crowd and tilt my head up to the Jumbotron. Cheers erupt from the stands as my face is plastered on the screen for a moment. After the crowd quiets down, the man announces Carys, Rose, and Clara.

After the announcements are over and the lights turn back on, we all head to the basketball racks and warming up. I shoot around for a couple minutes before sitting on the bench and staring at the other team. They seem good. Locked in. This is gonna be hard. But they don’t know what’s coming. She doesn’t know what’s coming.

When warm ups end we get in our positions for tip-off. Me and Nika get beside each other, me already giving her a barely noticeable push with my shoulder. She just looks at me with that Nika signature.

The ball tips off and Clara wins, I run up the court as she passes me the ball. I think for a second before crossing over and driving, Nika staying with me. Once I get far enough my eyes twitch to find an open teammate. I see Georgia cut and lose Paige and I send a quick drop pass to her as she gets an easy layup. I clap and bump her shoulder as I head back up the court. This is gonna be fun.

It’s now the beginning of the third quarter. The score is 67-69 UConn. I had 29 points and Georgia wasn’t very far at 25. I had done everything I could to take over when the starters weren’t playing. Now, the only starters on the court for us was me and Georgia, while the Huskies had Paige and Nika. Nika. She has 15 but only 6 of those points were when I was in the game.

It’s UConn’s ball, meaning Nika is carrying the ball down the court. I decide to play a little more aggressive now, to liven up the game. When she gets to half court I push my body up against hers, blocking all possible paths. I can hear her huff as her eyes flash to her teammates. Once she sees that no one is open she dribbles back a bit. Her eyes meet mine momentarily, She’s so readable. She’s angry. Frustrated. Fired up. My look contrasts that heavily. I’m calm, a taunting grin pulling at my lips.

She dribbles for a few more seconds before I feel a tall presence right beside me. Suddenly, Nika drives and thanks to, who I believe to be the Alfy girl, I can’t catch up. Fuck. How could I fall for a screen.

As soon as I get the ball I feel the brunette on me. Now it’s my turn to huff, I dribble the ball before driving to the three point line, I notice she doesn’t seem like she plans to stop running. Got her. I stop and go right into a cross-step back. Her momentum stop her from closing out ad I shoot a rather long three. Bang.

The crowd erupts in cheers as the entire Hokies bench shoots up from their seat, celebrating. I laugh at her as she glares at me. I jog back down the court, beating my chest towards the crowd.

A few more minutes go by and now it’s the fourth quarter. Coach decided to sit me for most of it. It wasn’t that eventful honestly, the score was 87-73 us.

We now had 1:21 left in the fourth, the score 93-95 them. Our team had giving up points after points and fouls after fouls while the starters were out. Now, all of our starters were okay, along with all of UConn’s.

UConn is running dow the clock, waiting until the last second to make a play. Suddenly, Aaliyah goes up for the midrange, misses. Clarys gets the rebound. 56 seconds left.

Once we get down the court she passes to Clara who goes for the quick layup, blocked by Nika. The crowd erupts. 30 seconds. They slowly bring the ball up the court. All I can think about is the time. 29, 28, 27, 26.

Paige runs around, winding the clock down. 20, 19, 18, 17.

I can’t loose to them. I can’t loose to her.

16, 15, 14, 13, 12.

Paige goes uo for a three, misses, but Aaliyah gets the rebound, passing it back to Paige.

9, 8, 7, 6, 5

Paige decides to pass to Nika, and suddenly my body jolts involuntarily to the ball, getting it before she does. I sprint down the court and as I see the 2 appear on the screen, I realize I have no other choice.

I shoot maybe a foot behind half court. The whole stadium goes silent. Everyone’s eyes are following the ball, and after being launched towards the goal, it goes in.

The crowd screams. Some in shock and excitement, others in anger and distaste.

The Hokies bench floods the court and swarms around me. My senses are filled with yelling, head taps, chest bumps, shoulder bumps, but I can barely notice that. I just made that. We just won the game.

I decide that shock is not the way to act, so instead I hop on the announcers table and yell as I beat my chest to the crowd. After a few moments of that I see and feel red and yellow confetti sprinkle all over me.

I get down from the table, still basking in our win. Before we celebrate, we have to shake hands with the other team. I get towards the back of the line as I quietly give the UConn team light high fives. Paige daps me up, and even though you can see the tears in her eyes, she tells me things like “good game” and “you’re a dog”. When I get to Nika I put my hands behind my back and she just scoffs. I meet her eyes and I can tell that she wants to cry.

At that moment I feel a wave of pity wash over me. It was so close, we could’ve lost. And even if I don’t want to admit it, she played great. After we got through the rest of the their team I decided to try to talk to Nika before celebrating with the rest of mine.

I walk into the tunnel before stopping outside the locker room. Their meeting should be done in a few minutes so I’ll just wait.

After a few minutes I hear the door open. My head turns to the group of deflated girls walking out of the room. After few girls exit before I see the one I want to talk to.

“Muhl- uh Nika” I say, quietly enough to were only she can hear me.

The Croatian turns around at the call before rolling her eyes.

“What do you want L/N?” She sighs, “here to bask in your glory?”

Now it’s my turn to roll my eyes.

“No. Nika, you… you and the team played amazing tonight.” I say with a genuine look in my eyes.

She looks at me for a second before something in her face changes. She doesn’t seem as resentful?

“Thanks, I guess.” She says, not fully believing my words.

“I-I mean really. We wouldn’t have won without luck. We didn’t deserve it as much as you guys did.”

She sighs, “that’s… that’s sweet, but you gues just outplayed us. You just outplayed me.”

There it is. I could tell she was upset about something more than loss. Her eyes are red, she quiet, she’s not scowling at me. If she was mad at losing then she would be yelling at me. I can’t just let her blame herself for her team losing. Me? Helping Nika Muhl? This is crazy work, but that doesn’t matter right now.

I put a hand on her shoulder, “this wasn’t your fault, Nika. You played amazing, and that’s coming from me. You’re an amazing player, okay?”

She just look at me, her eyes tearing up.

“It is though. I let you score 30. I let you hit that last shot.” She barely gets out.

I sigh, “And you got 2 steals and 3 blocks on me. Also, only 13 of those points were scored on you. So really, you only let me drop 13. That’s amazing.”

She stares at me before trying to respond. When she opens her mouth all that comes out is a choked sob. I immediately pull her into a hug, wrapping my arms around her waist. Her arms go around my neck before she begins to fully cry.

I can’t do anything but rub her back and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. I wonder if the girls even realize she’s gone.

After a moment of thinking about what I should do, a thought comes to me and I almost physically huff.

Take her to our hotel.

That doesn’t seem like a good idea, but it’s the only one I can think of. I pull away, rubbing her back.

“Hey, I can take you to our hotel. Just for the night.” I offer as the brunette lets out small and shaky breaths.

“O-okay. Tell Paige, she needs to know where I am.” She whispers, her breathing slowly getting clearer.

I nod before taking out my phone and going to Instagram. I pull if Paige’s account before sending her a message.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Y/N.offical: Hey nikas w me. I can take her back to our hotel for the night n drive her back tmr?

Paigebueckers: omg thats where she was

Paigebueckers: and ya that would be ok if she agrees

Y/N.official: alr i will

Y/N.official: see u tmr

Y/N.official: and good game

Paigebueckers: ty u too

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I out my phone back in my pocket before look back at the girl.

“You ready?” I ask.

She just nods as I lead her out of the stadium and decide to get an uber instead of riding with the girls. After a few minutes, the uber pulls up and we both get in. A couple minutes into the ride I feel her head slump against my shoulder, a fluttery feeling emerging in my stomach. Could I like her? Nika? Me like Nika? No way. I’m just being nice.. right? I decide to lean my head on hers as I wait for this drive to go by, and shake these thoughts out of my head.

When the car stops I open my door and look over at the still sleeping girl. Do I really have to carry her in? The girls are gonna give me shit. But I can’t just wake her up, she looks so peaceful, she looks.. adorable? Wait- no- I hate her. Right?

I end up getting out the car and walking to the other side to get the other girl. I open the door before gently picking her up and closing the door, trying my best not to wake her up. I open the door with my foot before walking inside to go straight to the elevator. I click the up button before getting inside. The girls are probably already here. God what is Georgia gonna sayyy. Ugh whatever get a grip pussy.

Once the elevator opens I walk at and gently knock on the door to my room. After a moment the door opens to reveal a confused Georgia. Her face quickly changes when she sees the Croatian girl in my arms.

“Oh!-“

“Shut up. She’s sleeping Geo.” I whispered yell, walking into the room and to my bed. She just looks at me giggling before getting back in her bed.

I roll my eyes before kicking off my shoes and changing into my pajamas before reluctantly getting in the bed, staying as far away as I possibly could. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I feel a body cuddle into mine. Oh my godd. What is she doing to me? I hate her. But why do I feel this way?

I decide to be nice and kiss her forehead lightly before closing my eyes and letting the events from the past couple hours hit me. We won the game. We’re in the finals. My rival cried in my arms and bow she’s lying in them. Lying in them. Seriously? Wait- My rival? I don’t know what she is anymore. I don’t know how I feel anymore…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PART 2 FINALLY OUTTT

R being confused about their feelings??

Might be a part 3?? 😭😭

[uglyduckling339]

KY'S LIFE IS STRANGE DOUBLE EXPOSURE NONSENSE LIVEBLOG: Episode 5

(spoiler warning OBVIOUSLY)

tutorial episode 1 episode 2 episode 3 episode 4

So i took a minor (like a week long) break after ep 4 bc ugh but im back now :D

highkey after that SHITSHOW of an ep (4), i dont even remember what the plot is nomo

max jumped into the storm ! okay girl yodo

chat im gonna be so fr this entire ep was hella confusing. it was a nightmare but not? it was real but not? what the fuck happened

anyways 2 moons 😍 it's to signify that the universes are indecipherable rn

HER JOURNAL ENTRY AW :( "i'm playing it with somebody new now"

i'm lowkey scared of this nightmare scene. LiS' scene was literally HORRIFYING

wait is safi like in a diff world from us

okay yes rhis is 100% a nightmare jesus fuck

pompedo text but cat is so cutesy

WARREN?? OH MY GOD

another glitch lmao, mose's cig is puncturing through the ash tray

YO HE GOT SAFI'S LINES.

POSSESSED MOSES??

Okay this is highkey cool

OH MY GOD IT'S SAFI NOW?? WOAH

OH. SHES IN OUR MIND TOO ! DUH

max take a selfie quick get her out

BLUE BUTTERFLY?? DONT FUCK W ME RN.

dog is this real or fake. im so lost.

WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES 🗣

oh my god

oh my god

oh

my

god

BLACKWELL

um. why is it max and safi 😭 thats so random

it's giving me and my mutuals when we quote LiS ngl

highkey this is funny to watch

i'm so using this scene for a tiktok

oop girl u dont got no power nomo

OH ALSO !! TRAUMA YIPPIE

i feel like this would've hit better if they js redid the og scene w nathan and chloe but wtvr

JOYCE KATE AND VICTORIA??? OH MY GOD

i bet chloe's gonna be the last text in this

guys i forgot how to universe hop lmao

GO FUCK YOUR SELFIE??? THE BINDERS??

for yalls info, jeffershit got to 24 girls according to the binders on the table

WOAH RACHEL ON THE WALL

more trauma yay

"he is selling you for parts" ?

OH MY FUCK. THE SEAT.

OH MY GOD

"I'm not 18 anymore" YES !! YES MAX ILYSM

yeah okay so lucas is violently compared jefferson. broski one is WAY worse n it's not lucas i fear

the camera shaking was crazy omg

YESS FREE URSELF MAX !!

why's there a giant ass tree here lmao

MORE SITS 🗣

yall know damn well how much i fw these sits

apparently safi spoke but i couldn't hear the audio for her, i could only read the subtites ?

also the music has gotten highkey fire tbh.

it's giving Before The Storm vibes

one huge complaint about this game is the lack of dialogue between characters. in LiS u could spend ages talking to every single minor character and now beyond cut scenes theres like. reggie diamond vinh and loretta n thats it.

AH WHERE DID YALL COME FROM

this gotta be a nightmare bro yall keep jumpscaring me

Reggie !! my fav !!

bro what is a time vortex.

yay that totes made sense ! 10/10 explantion

poor reggie i love him sm :(

VINH !! MY OTHER FAV

Omg wait so they all remember both worlds?

woah okay sick

brother move ONNN. she dont like u

nobody:

max: maybe you should focus on what's in front of you (me) and move on (towards me)

LMFAO GWEN'S JS CHILLING OUTSIDE MID-STORM

ngl that's such a mood. Me too girl.

jesus so like max is gonna have to tell EVERYONE about her powers after this

AHHH CHLOE TEXT

"so tired of being sorry" max :(

LMFAO? VINH/MOSES ROMANCE AU OKAYY

YO WHAT THE HELL

Chloe in the Dark Room core

I HAVE SO MANY COMMENTS BRO WHAT

um okay we're gonna move on from that polaroid but. okay man. enjoy his telescope ig

woah this is a new place

oh my gosh this is a post-storm motel

WAIT OKAY SO i chose bae>bay, what happens in bay>bae for this scene??

this is making me sad guys. chloe come home

oh dear god please not another dorm time loop

bro what is max on abt this is very clearly the same fucking room💀

ohh the painting is diff.

its still the same room tho

FUCK U MEAN THIS IS A DIFF ROOM BRO ITS THE SAME AS THE LAST 2

okay actually i lied. cleveland doesnt have a hot plate

OH MY GOD IS THIS THE FIRST ROOM POST-BREAK UP :(

why is this bitch YAWNING so much. wake up.

woah wheres the color

THE WALLS ARE FAKE?? WOAH

okay yeah girl take a nap. no problem. totes time for a break. right now. mid-storm.

omg it's like her sense of reality is slipping

OHH okay fine. thats why they're the same room. that's kinda chill ig

N E B U L A

baby wake up this is a nightmare

oo double sits !!

fucking bitch ass fuck ass fucking dvsidhjdjd

loading screen.

max not hiding her powers core

this game is SO pretty btw. i love the sky

"i need her" U ALREADY GOT 2 WHOLE ASS LOVE INTERESTS. DOWN GIRL

these doors are so trippy damn

all that for her to be right behind us. cool

okay i like safi now that she's normal again

OKAY CONFIDENT MAX !! ILY

wtf they are soo gay in this ep

i'm genuinely gonna crash out over these loading screens oh my fucking lord

safi is literally chloe w superpowers

yeah okay she kinda got u there max..

oh great Safi's magneto again

oh hell no. max snap on her please. beat her ass into sense

safi out here planning the damn avengers innitive lmfao

what am i even agreeing to.

yes mr nick fury (safi) 🫡 i will be there to join your superpowered team🫡

oh yeah i forgot yasmin is like bleeding out rn

oh my god :( chloe reached out :(

MAX ANSWER HER?? LMAO WHAT

oh fuck yeah guys remind me to watch a video of this part bc i missed what max said abt the text

it's kinda symbolic how in the most peaceful scene we've seen with max, she still hears chloe's voice from likely the worst day of her life. like a symbol for how her trauma will never be fully gone, she's just living around it.

okay ik i was rambling this whole time about wanting her to have a breakdown but honestly this is what i actually wanted :( max healing ily

also tessa rose jackson is an absolute BEAST musically. holy shit

OH so the world's merged? hm

ig it's cool that they remember everything now, max isn't alone w the memories this time.

TIMBID GUY AND GOTH GIRL AW

reggie <3 loretta <3

okay so loretta's grown on me soo much. she's obvi annoying but she doesn't mean actual harm n she's kinda nice

and reggie my fav ! i love him sm

i may have forgotten reggie and vinh fucked (?). yeah my bad man

i'm still so confused. what was real and fake in that storm? what do they specifically remember?

"do u feel 2 ppl fighting in ur mind for the truth" (or whatever tf loretta said) nope ! skill issue on ur part girl

oh wow max asked for consent before snapping pics of every1!! rare sight fr!

that feeling when u post pictures roasting ur students and friends but don't respond to chloe elizabeth price's text

ALSO :( I MISS IRIS :( WHY WOULD U GIVE HIM AWAY :(

is it bc the text. that wasn't real max, i promise ur cat didn't fr send hate to u

good god how does diamond know abt our powers bro

WAIT DO THEY ALL KNOW ABOUT HER POWERS??? HOW DID I MISS THAT?? DID THEY LIKE TELL US THEY ALL KNOW??

max is HARSH with these captions

lmao "Vinh in his natural habitat ; A bar'

bro i love gwen sm. what is that pose😭

NOW HOLD UP MOSES. I DID N O T GIVE MY SEAL OF APPROVAL. ALL I DID WAS LET HER LEAVE TOWN. THAT'S IT.

no hate but why is diamond here and not reggie?? reggie was WAY more involved with this supernatural stuff then her

okay and that's the end of the game !

jk actually there's an end-credit scene (because it's the MCU apparently)

cool so diamond has magic. and safi just happened to know purely bc of a nose bleed. radical 😐👍

guys if u wanted to announce the avengers you could've referenced LiS2 or true colors instead; that's also ok instead of making another character w powers.

IM DYING BRO i've been making avengers jokes and then all i see is a fucking "Max Caulfield Will Return" screen😭😭😭 this is a joke there is no way yall are serious rn😭😭💀

okay um tryna lock back in now, i've got a couple notes:

so overall, this game was VERY if-y. it had some good moments, but the storyline was super unstable and it felt like they didn't really know what they were doing while writing it.

I liked the concept of a multi-versal murder mystery, but once they drifted away from that and started spiralling into the weird Super-Safi storyline it got kinda confusing to follow along

I truly think they had a really great idea with this game, but the weak plot-twists and boring storyline absolutely bombed it. (I guess you could say that the only murderer in this "murder mystery" was the game's plot killing itself)

I also think it had a really lovely messege about overcoming trauma, and I liked how they treated Max's PTSD with the storm (plus her heartbreak from Chloe was actually well handled, which was a huge concern for me when I heard abt it). I think her Dark Room trauma was treated kinda weird bc of the time vortex thing but honestly that was more of a plot-clarity issue over a conceptual problem.

At the beginning, I was HEAVILY judging the music. Maybe my tastes have changed in the past month or sum but now the music isn't that bad (I still HATE the intro song tho) and I actually like the new vibe this game brought to the LiS world. It was def different from the OG LiS game but I feel like thats a good thing since a huge portion of this game is proving that Max isn't that same teenager anymore. She's changed, the world around her changed, and so her new game is a reflection of that.

Also, the cat content... I LOVED customizing the cat, but I thought the add-on was gonna be more obvious and didn't even realize that I had missed the actual content until I went into the trophies menu after playing lmfao😭😭

I have like a million more comments abt this game but I feel like I got all my major stuff out already so I'm gonna stop rambling lol. I still have my pricefield rant/analysis i'm working on and I'll probably make some small comments while I platinum the game but this is it for my live-blogs !! Thank you to my hundreds of adoring fans for sharing these out to world and to the actual 3 people who interacted and decided to try and deciper my insanity ! 🫶

[films-on-a-plane]

to be watched list (series)

# $#*! My Dad Says (2010–2011) 2 Broke Girls (2011-2017) 3rd Rock from the Sun (1996-2001) 6Teen (2004-2010) 8 Simple Rules… for Dating My Teenage Daughter (2002-2005) 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020) 30 Rock (2006–2013) 101 Dalmatians: The Series (1997-1998)

A According to Jim (2001-2009) Adventure Time (2010-2018) Aladdin (1994-1995) Ally McBeal (1997-2002) American Dragon: Jake Long (2005-2007) Anger Management (2012-2014) Archer (2009-2023) As Told by Ginger (2000-2009) Atypical (2017-2021) Austin & Ally (2011-2016) Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008) Awkward. (2011-2016)

B Batman: The Animated Series (1992–1995) Black-ish (2014-2022) Blockbuster (2022) Bluey (2018-) Bob's Burgers (2011-) BoJack Horseman (2014–2020) Boy Meets World (1993-2000) Braceface (2001-2006) Brandy & Mr. Whiskers (2004-2007) Broad City (2014-2019) Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021) Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

C CatDog (1998-2005) Charmed (1998-2006) Community (2009-2015) Cougar Town (2009-2015) Coupling (2000-2004)

D Daria (1997-2002) Dead Like Me (2003-2004) Derry Girls (2018-2022) Disenchantment (2018-2023) Doctor Who (2005-) Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012-2013) Drake & Josh (2004-2007)

E Ellen (1994-1998) Emily in Paris (2020-) Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009) Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005) Everything Sucks! (2018)

F Family Guy (1999– ) Fillmore! (2002-2004) Fleabag (2016-2019) Frasier (1993-2004) Freaks and Geeks (1999–2000) Fresh Off the Boat (2015–2020) Full House (1987-1995) Futurama (1999-)

G Game of Thrones (2011-2019) Gilmore Girls (2000-2007) Ginny & Georgia (2021-) Girl Meets World (2014-2017) Go On (2012-2013) Good Luck, Charlie (2010-2014) Gossip Girl (2007-2012) Gravity Falls (2012-2016) Grim & Evil (2001-2007)

H Hacks (2021-) Hannah Montana (2006-2011) Hercules (1998-1999) House (2004–2012) Home Economics (2021-2023) Home Improvement (1991-1999) Hot in Cleveland (2010-2015) How I Met Your Mother (2005–2014) How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019-)

I I Am Not Okay with This (2020) iCarly (2007-2012) I Love Lucy (1951-1957) Inside Job (2021–2022) It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005-)

J Joey (2004–2006)

K K.C. Undercover (2015-2018) Kevin Can Wait (2016-2018) Killing Eve (2018-2022) Kim Possible (2002-2007) King of the Hill (1997-2010)

L Liv and Maddie (2013-2017) Lilo & Stitch: The Series (2003-2006) Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004) Louie (2010-2015)

M Mad About You (1992-2019) Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988) Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006) Man vs. Bee (2022) Man with a Plan (2016-220) Maude (1972-1978) Melissa & Joey (2010-2015) Mike & Molly (2010-2016) Modern Family (2009-2020) Monk (2002–2009) Mr. Bean (1990-1995) Mr. Bean (2002-2019) Mr. Sunshine (2011-2012) My Name Is Earl (2005-2009)

N New Girl (2011-2018) Not Dead Yet (2023-)

O Once Upon a Time (2011-2018)

P Parks & Recreation (2009–2015) Party Down (2009-) Pepper Ann (1997-2000) Popeye the Sailor (1960-1962) Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017) Pretty Smart (2021)

Q

R Recess (1997-2001) Regular Show (2010-2017) Rick and Morty (2013–) Rules of Engagement (2007-2013) Russian Doll (2019-)

S Sabrina: The Animated Series (1999-2000) Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996-2003) Sam & Cat (2013-2014) Saved by the Bell (1989-1992) Schitt's Creek (2015-2020) Scooby Doo, Where Are You! (1969-1978) Sean Saves the World (2013-2014) Sex and the City (1998-2004) Seinfeld (1989-1998) Shake It Up (2010-2013) Shameless (2011-2021) Silicon Valley (2014-2019) Single Parents (2018-2020) Skins (2007–2013) So Help Me Todd (2022-) Space Force (2020-2022) Speechless (2016-2019) SpongeBob SquarePants (1999-) Squid Game (2021-) Stranger Things (2016-2025) Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006-2007) Suburgatory (2011-2014) Superior Donuts (2017-2018) Superstore (2015-2021)

T That '70s Show (1998-2006) That '90s Show (2023-) That's So Raven (2003-2007) The Brady Binch (1969-1974) The Crew (2021) The Ellen Show (2001-2002) The Emperor's New School (2006-2008) The End of the F***ing World (2017-2019) The Flight Attendant (2020-2022) The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996) The Golden Girls (1985-1992) The Golden Palace (1992-1993) The IT Crowd (2006-2013) The King of Queens (1998-2007) The Last Dance (2020) The Legend of Tarzan (2001-2003) The Little Mermaid (1992-1994) The Loud House (2014-) The Neighborhood (2018-) The New Adventures of Old Christine (2006-2023) The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1988-1991) The Odd Couple (2015-2017) The Office UK (2001-2003) The Pink Panther Show (1969-1970) The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2004) The Replacements (2006-2022) The Suite Life on Deck (2008-2011) The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005-2008) The Twilight Zone (1959–1964) The Umbrella Academy (2019-2024) The Upshaws (2021-) The White Lotus (2021-2025) The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022) Timon & Pumbaa (1995-1999) Tiny Beautiful Things (2023) Totally Spies! (2001-2014) Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

U Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2020) Unstable (2023-)

V Veep (2012-2019)

W Web Therapy (2011-2015) Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-1979) Wednesday (2022-) What I Like About You (2002-2006) Whitney (2011–2013) Will & Grace (1998-2020) W.I.T.C.H. (2004-2006) Wizards of Waverly Place (2007-2012)

X Xena: Warrior Princess (1995-2001)

Y Young & Hungry (2014-2018)

Z

[granvarones]

in the vast universe of hip-hop’s fifty-year history, certain songs stand out for their musical brilliance and place within pop culture and their profound impact on how we eulogize the lives of the loved ones we lost. among these iconic tracks include pete rock & CL smooth’s “they reminisce over you (t.r.o.y.),” geto boys “six feet deep,” puff daddy’s “i’ll be missing you,” coolio’s “gangsta’s paradise,” cuban link’s “flowers for the dead,” and bone thugs-n-harmony’s deeply moving 1996 chart-topper, “tha crossroads.”

emerging in the early 1990s, the trail-blazing cleveland, ohio group achieved multi-platinum status several times under the guidance of mentor and west coast gangsta rap pioneer eazy-e. the group’s distinctive style was an exquisite fusion of rapid-fire flows, gripping storytelling, and melodic doo-wop vocal harmonizing that set them apart from the prevailing sounds of their era. their 1995 magnum opus, “E. 1999 eternal,” cemented their standing in hip-hop, and solidified their legacy.

“E. 1999 eternal” arrived in july 1995 to critical and commercial acclaim. while the lead single, “first of the month,” became the group’s first top 20 hit on billboard’s 100, it was the yet-to-be-released track, “crossroad,” an elegy for a friend lost to gun violence, that quickly generated buzz. when the song was released as the album’s third single in 1996, it had been reworked as a tribute to eazy-e and rechristened “tha crossroads.”

eric “eazy-e” wright co-founded ruthless records and the west coast hip-hop group NWA in 1987. the group’s 1988 album “straight out of compton,” which included the still relevant “fuck the police,” propelled gangsta rap to the forefront of commercial viability and is widely regarded as one of the most influential albums in hip-hop history. eazy and ruthless records continued to impact hip-hop landscape with the signing and global success of bone thugs-n-harmony.

on march 20, 1995, four months before bone’s “E 1999 eternal” was released, eazy-e stunned the hip-hop world when he announced that he was dying from AIDS complications. in a statement issued through his lawyer, eazy courageously stated, “i’ve got thousands and thousands of young fans that have to learn what’s real when it comes to AIDS. like the others before me, i would like to turn my problem into something good that will reach out to all my homeboys and their kin, because i want to save their asses before it’s too late.”” eric “eazy-e” wright died six days later on March 26 at the age of 30.

released in april 1996, a year after eazy-e’s untimely death, “tha crossroads,” debuted at #2 on billboard’s hot 100 before topping the chart for an astonishing 8 weeks. the emotional and spiritual tribute to their friend wally, uncle charles, eazy-e, and other family members, resonated with listens who themselves had experienced loss due to AIDS and gun violence. “tha crossroads” was anchored by a music video that provided a powerful visual to song’s chorus, “see you at the crossroads, so you won’t be lonely,” and offered hope, reminded that those lost to AIDS and gun violence would find solace in the afterlife.

the legacy of “tha crossroads” highlights hip-hop’s extensive history of amplifying social issues, including HIV/AIDS. in october 1995, urbanAID 4 lifebeat hosted hip-hop’s first AIDS benefit concert at new york city’s madison square garden. the now legendary roster of performers included run DMC, the notorious big, wu-tang clan, salt ‘n pepa, mary j. blige, brandy, and to name just a few. the concert also featured video testimonies from people living with HIV and a video message from bone thugs-n-harmony.

“see you at the crossroads, so you won’t lonely.”

“tha crossroads” is a heartbreaking hymn that envelopes you. it is a song about remembrance without making those lost too saintly to reach, touch, feel, and mourn. the song is about personal grief. it is about communal grief. it is testament that hip-hop has the power to inspire transformation and compassion. “tha crossroads” is a song that serves as a comfort for the grieving and dead – a reminder that a reunion will be at the crossroads.

“’cause i know ima meet you at the crossroads.”

[lboogie1906]

Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (born January 30, 1984) known by his stage name Kid Cudi is a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He has been recognized as an influence on several contemporary hip-hop and alternative acts. He began to gain major recognition following the release of his first official full-length project, a mixtape titled A Kid Named Cudi, which caught the attention of Kanye West, who signed him to his GOOD Music label. He had risen to prominence with his debut single "Day 'n' Nite", having been self-published on his Myspace page to becoming a worldwide hit. The song was featured on his seminal debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, which was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album included the singles "Make Her Say" and "Pursuit of Happiness". He released his second album Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, which attained platinum status and features the singles "Erase Me" and "Mr. Rager". He formed WZRD, a rock band. Their album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart. He has since released the solo albums Indicud, Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon, Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven, and Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’. His joint album under the eponymous name Kids See Ghosts, was met with widespread critical acclaim and was named among the best albums. He earned his first number-one song on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart with "The Scotts". Man on the Moon III: The Chosen became his most successful album to date, with the RIAA certifying its gold status. He has sold 22 million certified records in the US and has won two Grammy Awards from five nominations. He ventured into acting when he was cast in How to Make It in America. He has since appeared in several feature films, including Goodbye World, Needs for Speed, Entourage, Bill & Ted Face the Music, Don't Look Up, and more. He has made appearances on One Tree Hill, The Cleveland Show, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Westworld. He was the bandleader on Bang! Bang! and was added as a cast member for We Are Who We Are. He has one child. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence https://www.instagram.com/p/CoCoIXjLuFb/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theultimatefan]

Huey Lewis Adds ‘Power’ To Fan Expo New Orleans Lineup

FAN EXPO New Orleans fans are ready to go “Back in Time” with the largest gathering ever of Back to the Future stars. And the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the film that started it all wouldn’t be complete without Huey Lewis, who wrote and performed the famed “The Power of Love” number one hit that led off the soundtrack and helped define the franchise.

Lewis isn’t the only addition to the pop culture extravaganza, set for January 10-12 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, as FAN EXPO today announced that “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” star Dean Cain, Superman Returns star Brandon Routh, “Grimm” headliner David Giuntoli, Shazam! headliner Zachary Levi; “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” voice actor Ashley Eckstein and creator of the animated shows “Hazbin Hotel” and “Helluva Boss” Vivienne Medrano will also be on hand.

The BTTF reunion at FAN EXPO New Orleans includes Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson and Tom Wilson, seven other actors from the trilogy, and now Lewis, who wrote “The Power of Love,” which became a No. 1 hit, and “Back in Time” as part of the official soundtrack for the original film. His band Huey Lewis and the News first went platinum with its studio Album “Sports” in 1983 and has gone on to produce 19 top 10 singles and platinum albums “Fore!” and “Small World.” He also has a cameo appearance in BTTF as the band audition judge, among about 50 acting credits.

Cain, who brought the Man of Steel back to TV screens in the hit series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," has appeared in more than 200 movies and television series. He has had recurring roles on popular shows like “Supergirl,” “Las Vegas” and “Hope and Faith” and also produced and hosted the revival of "Ripley's Believe it or Not!" Cain has also been a regular on family and holiday TV films and faith-based productions.

Routh portrayed “Superman” and Clark Kent” in the 2006 Superman Returns movie and is also well-known for popular roles in “Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow,” “The Flash,” “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” and many others. This year he starred opposite Mena Suvari in the feature sci-fi film Ick.

Most recently the star of “A Million Little Things,” a series which wrapped up a five-year run last year, Giuntoli was cast as the lead "Nick Burkhardt” across the six years of the NBC fantasy drama “Grimm.” He's also made guest appearances in popular series like "Without a Trace," "Cold Case," "Hot in Cleveland," "Private Practice" and many others, as well as an episode of “Superman & Lois” this year, opposite his wife Bitsie Tulloch, also attending FAN EXPO New Orleans.

Levi took a superhero turn in the title role of 2019’s Shazam! among a busy resume that features more than 70 roles in such popular series as “Chuck,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and “Less than Perfect.” He lent his voice talents to the full run of “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure” and has more than a dozen other voice credits supplementing his body of work.

In addition to voicing “Ahsoka Tano” in numerous iterations of the “Star Wars” franchise, beginning with 2018’s “The Clone Wars,” Eckstein founded the fashion label Her Universe, dedicated to providing stylish, fashion-forward merchandise for female sci-fi fans.

Medrano is best known as the creator of the popular “Hazbin Hotel” and spinoff series “Helluva Boss,” both of which are well-represented with numerous voice actors at FAN EXPO New Orleans. Medrano first gained notice for the webcomic series “ZooPhobia” in 2012 and later was an animator for much of the run of the series “Too Loud.” This year, she directed and animated a segment on Weird Al Yankovic’s “Polkamania” music video.

Lewis may be at the “Heart and Soul” of the additions, but FAN EXPO New Orleans is bursting with a diverse mix of stars from across the pop culture world. The BTTF set is joined by William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”); Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings, Planet of the Apes); “Doctor Who” standout Catherine Tate; the “Smallville” fivesome of Michael Rosenbaum, Tom Welling, Kristin Kreuk, Erica Durance and Laura Vandervoort; original Star Wars standout Anthony Daniels; “Superman & Lois” headliners Tyler Hoechlin and Bitsie Tulloch; “The Mandalorian” star Giancarlo Esposito; “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star James Marsters; teen romance “High School Musical” regulars Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel; Shatner’s fellow “T.J. Hooker” star and Hollywood icon Heather Locklear; Twilight standouts Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone and Peter Facinelli; and more.

FAN EXPO New Orleans features the biggest and best in pop culture: movies, TV, music, artists, writers, exhibitors, cosplay, with three full days of themed programming to satisfy every fandom. New Orleans is the first event on the 2025 FAN EXPO HQ calendar; the full schedule is available at fanexpohq.com/home/events/.

[mysticsuitkitty]

Enhancing Outdoor Spaces for Your Furry Friends with Artificial Grass in Cleveland

Creating a pet-friendly outdoor space is a priority for many dog owners, and the benefits of utilizing artificial grass specifically designed for dogs are becoming increasingly recognized in the Cleveland area. The durability, cleanliness, and safety of high-quality synthetic turf like DuPont™ ForeverLawn® Select Synthetic Grass and K9Grass® can transform your backyard into the ideal playground for your canine companions. 

Why Choose Artificial Grass for Dogs in Cleveland?

Cleveland's varied climate with its hot summers, rainy springs, and snowy winters can take a toll on natural lawns, making them muddy or barren – not exactly paw-friendly conditions. Artificial grass for dogs in Cleveland offers an all-weather solution that remains lush and green year-round without constant maintenance. Unlike natural grass which requires mowing, watering, and fertilizing, synthetic turf is low-maintenance and doesn't require harmful chemicals that can affect your pet's health.

Moreover, products like K9Grass® are specifically engineered to cater to pets' needs. They come equipped with antimicrobial agents to ensure a hygienic environment where dogs can play freely without the risk of digging up or eating grass. The efficient drainage systems allow for easy cleanup of pet waste and prevent water pooling – saying goodbye to those pesky mud puddles that Fido loves but you don't.

Tailored Solutions with DuPont™ ForeverLawn® Synthetic Varieties

DuPont™ ForeverLawn® Select Synthetic Grass offers numerous varieties tailored to different needs – from residential landscapes to athletic fields. For instance, SportsGrass® provides a resilient surface perfect for active pups who love to run and fetch without creating bare spots or dusty areas. Playground Grass™ is another excellent option if you're looking for something safe and comfortable underfoot not only for your pets but also children at play.

For homes near pools or water features, SplashGrass™ provides a safer and softer alternative to concrete that’s slip-resistant even when wet. Golf enthusiasts can even share their passion with their four-legged friends with GolfGreens®, which allows for putting practice in the comfort of your yard without worry about digs or damage from playful paws.

Professional Sales and Installation Services

Choosing the right type of artificial grass is just as important as having it installed correctly. Professional artificial grass sales and installation services ensure that every inch of your lawn is meticulously laid out to fit seamlessly into your outdoor space. Proper installation prevents edges from lifting and ensures maximum longevity of your investment so that both you and your furry friend can enjoy a pristine yard without laborious upkeep.

In conclusion, integrating artificial grass into Cleveland homes provides dog owners with a smart solution to keeping their yards beautiful while catering to their pets' well-being. With specially designed products like DuPont™ ForeverLawn® Select Synthetic Grass including K9Grass®, SportsGrass®, Playground Grass™, GolfGreens®, and SplashGrash™; residents have access to premium options tailored specifically towards enhancing outdoor spaces for dogs.

When considering this upgrade for your home in Cleveland or surrounding areas in Northern Ohio (N Ohio), it's essential to consult with professionals who understand how these innovative products can meet both aesthetic preferences and practical requirements. Their expertise will guide you through selecting the best product type suited for your specific needs while ensuring impeccable results post-installation – leading toward countless days enjoying an evergreen sanctuary alongside your beloved pooch.

ForeverLawn Northern Ohio

Address: 2714 Warner Rd, Hinckley, Ohio, 44233

Phone: 440-866-4585

Email: contact@nohio.foreverlawn.com

Visit our profiles:

ForeverLawn Northern Ohio - Facebook

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[mca-attack21]

No More Waiting - JeremiahxReader

TW: Passing out.

Do you know that magical feeling where everything seems a little brighter, the world a slightly happier place? The feeling of being home in a cozy blanket, but also like you're invincible? That is the way Jeremiah made you feel. When you were with him it was electric, but also safe. At some point this summer, you realized that the way you felt for Jeremiah was stronger than anything you’d ever felt for anyone else. As you walked down to the kitchen you promised yourself that today was the day you were going to do something about it. 

As you walked into the kitchen you were greeted by his smile as he handed you a coffee. “So Y/n, what do you have planned for this beautiful day?”

“Well, Belly is debbing, Connie is helping Cleveland with the boat, you and Steven have work. So I-”

“You should come to the club!” he interrupted, grabbing you arms, “Come on, it’d be great to see you all day and you could bring one of your bajillion books. Please Y/n?” he pleaded with his puppy dog eyes. 

He didn’t have to try so hard, you were already putty in his hands. “I’ll go get ready,” you agreed. Jeremiah jumped up and down before pulling you in a hug and spinning you around.

“This is going to be such a great day,” he said. 

You went upstairs and put on the new bikini you had bought with Taylor. You changed outfits 3 times and tried at least 4 different hairstyles before grabbing your stuff and running down the stairs. 

“Woah Y/n, who are you getting all dressed up for?” Steven asked. 

“Sorry not all of us can rock a hair net Steven,” Jeremiah defended you, his eyes lingering. “You look hot,” he declared, spinning you around. “Are you ready to go?” 

“Y-yeah,” you said, trying to hide your blushing cheeks. 

The two of you rode together, talking, laughing, singing to songs on the radio. It was euphoric. When he pulled into the parking lot you were a little sad that you’d have to share him now.

He came around and opened your door, “So I’m gonna go check in with the big man, but then I will be out by the pool with my favorite girl.” 

Favorite girl. You could feel your cheeks warming up again. You found a chair directly across from the lifeguard stand, you striped down to your bikini and got comfortable opening your book. Though to be honest you don’t know if you read a single page. Jeremiah kept goofing off to get your attention. At one point he sat down at the foot of your chair and laid back so that his head was in your lap.

“Aren’t you supposed to be working?” you laugh. 

“I can’t help it, you’re distracting.” He sat up and swiveled around to face you.

“I thought the whole point was to watch the pool, Mr. Lifeguard.” 

“How am I supposed to do that when you are here looking like this?” 

“Jeremiah, I-” you started, but were cut off when Billy started to cause a ruckus in the pool. 

“Duty calls, I’ll be right back.”

You decided that you were going to grab a couple of waters and snacks when he got back. You were starting to feel dizzy and nauseated, probably from the heat.

“Sorry about that, you were saying something?”

“I was gonna grab a snack, want anything?” you asked, feeling a little off. You go to stand up and are a little unsteady.

Seeing this, Jeremiah steps and grabs you, concern immediately taking over his face seeing how pale you are all of a sudden. “Are you okay Y/n?”

“I’m fine. Just a little-” Your vision faded and Jeremiah had to shift his weight to keep you from falling. He immediately scooped you up and carried you inside, trying not to freak out. He had Steven grab an ice pack and water, while he stayed glued to your side watching the rise and fall of your chest. 

“Y/n,” he called, softly shaking your shoulders. 

“Hmm,” you groaned.

“Open those beautiful eyes of yours.”

“Jere?”

“How are you feeling?”

“Embarrassed,” you answered honestly. 

“I should be thanking you, you made me look like a real hero,” he joked. 

You’ll always be my hero.

“I’m fine Jeremiah, I think I just got a little overheated. You should get back out there. I’ll be out there in a minute,” you promised.

He looked hesitant to leave you. So you stuck up your pinky. “I’m okay, I promise.” 

He linked his pinky with yours and you both kissed it as was your tradition. He made you promise to finish the water before coming back out. And then made sure Steven would keep an eye on you in the meantime. 

After he walked away, you took your drink and took a seat at the snack bar. 

“When are you two going to kiss and get it over with?” Steven asked. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you lied. 

“Look, Jeremiah never shuts up about you literally ever. And if you haven’t noticed he hasn’t been hooking up with anyone this summer. There’s a reason for that. And you are so obviously in love with him, everyone sees it except Jere. So what are you waiting for?” 

“Is it really that obvious?” you laugh. 

“Clear as day Y/n/n.”

“Thanks Steven, ” you said sincerely. That was the last push you needed. 

You headed back out to the pool. Jeremiah's face lit up when he saw you and he made his way over to you. “You look way better.”

“Thanks, I think?”

“My shift is almost over. Anything you want to do afterwards?”

“Up to you Jere,” you smiled. 

The rest of your time at the poolside flew by. You were trying to decide what words you were going to use to tell Jeremiah how you felt. It seemed impossible.

“Y/n are you okay? You’ve been awfully quiet. Did I do something wrong?” Jeremiah asked after he pulled into the parking lot of your favorite ice cream shop.

“I’m just thinking,” you answer. 

“What’s on your mind?”

“There is this guy that I like. He’s incredible. He’s sweet, a blast to be around, everyday with him feels like an adventure. I want to tell him how I feel. But I’m not sure how to.”

Jeremiah’s face fell. He stared out the dash, grip tightening on the steering wheel. “You just have to tell him, otherwise you might miss your chance and he’ll move on.”

“Jeremiah.”

“Hmm?”

“That guy. The one I like. It’s you. It’s always been you,” you admit.

His eyes met yours and lit up, he smiled before grabbing your chin and pulling you in for  a kiss. It was intense, saying everything that you hadn’t. The kiss was making up for all of the times you had wanted to kiss each other and hadn’t. When it was over, you stayed close glancing from his lips to his eyes. 

“I can not believe we waited so long to do that,” he whispered.

“No more waiting,” you breathed before kissing him again, unbuckling your seat beat to really lean in. 

You have no idea how long the two of you kissed. It was incredible and neither of you could stop smiling. Eventually Jeremiah got out of his car and came around and opened your door, immediately pulling you into a hug, then spinning you around keeping one of your hands intertwined as you walked inside.

[watusichris]

DEVO, Los Angeles Reader, Oct. 20, 1978

Take it from a fairly recent refugee, there are some basic problems with the American Midwest. “Morning Devotions” heralds the TV sign-offs around 1:30 a.m.

You have to drive 10 miles in the middle of the night to pick up a six-pack at the nearest Stop-n-Go. The jukeboxes in the local saloons feature Carly Simon, Dan Hill and college fight songs. The women have thighs like telephone poles, butts like half-empty potato sacks and think that down jackets and air-force parkas are high fashion. Mostly, the Midwest just stinks. Literally. The air is perfumed by the belched exhalations of a million factories stoking the Dispoz-a-Culture. In Chicago, you strangle on bitter lungfuls of “ozone alert” air. In Gary, the sky shines orange with the filings of the local steel mills. And in Akron, you can smell the essence of the Rubber City’s tire factories standing in the atmosphere like a hundred wheelies.

Post industrial depression in the Midwest breed a certain kind of teenager and a certain kind of rock ‘n’ roll. Midwestern kids escape into rock with a sort of fervent desperation bred by the mind-dulling landscape. A Midwestern rock show is a combination concert, party and fire-fight. Anyone who has ever witnessed a show at Chicago’s Aragon, Cleveland’s Agora or Detroit’s Cobo Hall knows what I mean. It’s not surprising that Vietnam writer Michael Herr, in a recent issue of Crawdaddy magazine, used nothing but combat metaphors to describe a Ted Nugent show in Detroit.

Aggressive rockers demand aggressive music, and Midwestern rock has an impressive history. Midwestern punk-pop of the early and mid-sixties bred such bands as the Cryan’ Shames, the Buckinghams and the imoortal Shadows of Knight (of “Gloria” fame), who barnstormed their way through teen rock clubs with funny names like the Sugar Shack and the Wild Goose. In the late sixties, which had already spawned the classic soul music of the decade, gave birth to the heavy metal Motor City Madness of such groups as the MC5 and the Stooges. The impact of Midwestern rock is being felt in the commercial rock of the late seventies. Such current hot sellers as Bob Seger, Ted Nugent and REO Speedwagon have all been around for 10 years, hauling ass and equipment from Cedar Rapids to Urbana to East Lansing, playing 200-plugs gigs a year, thrilling hordes of drunk, luded-out kids with a uniquely plains-derived brand of no-nonsense thunderrock.

Although balls-out rock still reigns supreme in the heartlands, there is growing evidence that the seventies are breeding a potent new strain of mutant rock. Strange noises have begun to emanate from, of all place, Ohio, where an insular group of young intellectuals anr cok ‘n’ rollers are making music that could change the face of popular music in the eighties. The industrial centers of Cleveland and (more important) Akron have brought forth a small nucleus of crazed rockers influenced by such diverse sources as Captain Beefheart, musique concrete, and the Stooges.

Two bands stand out in Cleveland: the frantic, nihilistic agressorockers the Dead Boys, who seem intent on one-upping the death-enamored shenanigans of Iggy and the Stooges; and Pere Ubu, perhaps the most intense and radical band in America today, who combine gnarled vocals, synthesized blips and roars, and twisted saxophones into a frightening vision of the void. Pere Ubu’s first album The Modern Dance (Blank Records 001) and Datapanik in the Year Zero (Radar English import RDR 1) are unreservedly recommended to those with a taste for music played on the outside. The Dead Boys’ two records are uneven, but may be appreciated by lovers of the loud and stooped in rock ‘n’ roll.

But Akron is where the action is, it appears. Stiff Records recent sampler The Akron Compilation (Stiff import Get 3) demonstrates the energy and diversity present in the Rubber City. Influences range from Brenda Lee to Jeff Beck to Frank Zappa. We should thank Stiff for putting together these homegrown singles for posterity; if it weren’t for The Akron Compilation, interesting limited editions by such unusual talents as Jane Aire and the Belvederes, Rachel Sweet, Tin Huey, the Bizarros and the Rubber City Rebels would vanish without a bubble on the surface. That would be a pity, because the album is full of unusual songs, enticing hooks, contorted rhythms and odd vocals that advertise the true flowering of Middle American strangeness.

Oddly enough, the most esoteric, forbidding and demonic of all Akron bands is the same band that has attracted the most attention and garnered the greatest popularity. This is, of course, the De-evolution Band, better known as DEVO.

DEVO excited the cognoscenti last spring with their astounding first single “Jocko Homo” b/w “Mongoloid.” The single, home-made on the band’s own Boojie Boy label, laid out their entire concept, a kind of flip side of Darwin that dictates the reverse evolution of mankind back to apedom. “God mad man, but a monkey supplied the glue,” DEVO sang, implying that the glue is rapidly becoming the essence. In this world, DEVO said, a mongoloid can wear a suit, hold down a job, and nobody will give a good goddamn.

DEVO’s rather rarified ideology could have been boring, were it not powered by a rock ‘n’ roll rhythm full of exhilaration and humor. The descending chords and synthesized blurps of “Jocko Homo” offered up a band that, while they seemed deadly serious about their message, imbued it with a sense of warped humor.

The group’s second self-recorded release, “Satisfaction,” may prove to be a major recording of the seventies. In the Rolling Stones’ original version of that rock classic, Mick Jagger’s tough, pitiless voice belied his sung “I can’t get no satisfaction.” We all knew he was getting all the satisfaction he could handle; it was the audience of the song that identified with the message.

In DEVO’s “Satisfaction,” the disjointed rhythmic pulse and Mark Mothersbaugh’s quirky vocals turn Jagger’s hymn of self-reliance into a psalm of modern defeat. The group turns an archetype of macho-rock posing into a real expression of tension and impotence, leavened, as always, with a parodic twist. DEVO has remained silent for practically a year, straitjacketed by some confused record company dealings. The group finally burst out into the open recently, with television appearances, the release of their first album (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!, Warner Bros. BSK 3239), and two evenings of shows at Hollywood’s Starwood last week.

Are We Not Men is a quintessential piece of seventies rock, full of angst, self-doubt, terror and distaste. It isn’t perfect: The production (by technocrat Brian Eno) is a little too thin at times, and one song, “Shrivel Up,” fails because of its simple-minded lyric and stiff musical construction, but it is an auspicious debut that gives a perfect delineation of the DEVO world. Like many of the new breed of Midwestern bands, DEVO are post-industrial reactionaries. They sing about the inadequacy of the much-vaunted orgasm (“I think I missed the whole-a-hole-a-hole,” they croon in “Sloppy”), the futility of religion (“OK, relax, and assume the position,” Mark Mothersbaugh screeches in “Praying Hands”), the inexorability of death (their “Come Back Jonee” is a play on the teenage death song syndrome of the fifties and sixties), and the replacement of romance with sexual frustration and aberration (the topic of “Uncontrollable Urge” and “Gut Feeling”).

Grim stuff, you might say, but DEVO animates their themes with Mark Mothersbaugh’s hilarious vocals and shrieks, cartoony capering rhythms and jittery, humorous playing. DEVO’s ape’s-eye view of manking comes a cross on record, but it is in concert that the forcefulness and originality of their concept may be fully perceived. Visually, DEVO are the complete embodiment of their themes. As they point out in their official bio, the band members are “almost uniform in height and weight.” The front line is made up of two sets of brothers – Jerry and Bob Casale and Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh.

When these five apparent clones make their first appearance, dressed in identical suits made of prophylactic rubber and cardboard industrial shades, one immediately makes the connection between the players and their obsessions with evolution, natural selection, recombinant DNA, brain-eating apes and other conceits dealing with sciences manipulation of our genes. DEVO plays the role of what they call the “Smart Patrol” – “suburban robots who monitor reality” – and their impersonation, complete with cybernetic movements, uniforms, and assembly line-derived time signatures, make for a show that is at once terrifying, deeply ironic, funny and plenty of fun.

DEVO is an important band because it is the first to deal with modern industrial and scientific society and its discontents on such an explicit and intellectual evel. Indeed, the band’s conception may be so smart that they risk leaving a good deal of their audience behind. It is already readily apparent that a large part of the DEVO audience appreciates the group merely for their novel musical and theatrical approach. I started doubting that the crowd was getting the picture when a large part of the Starwood audience began very earnestly aping Mark Mothersbaugh’s fascist salutes during “Praying Hands.”

DEVO divides their world up into “aliens” those who have an understanding of their “otherness” – and “spuds” – the vast majority of the dull, brain-damaged and ordinary. It was clear at the Starwood last week that there was a hefty number of spuds in the audience who were digging DEVO on the same level that they might enjoy such novelty acts of the past as the Hello People or the Crazy World of Arthur Brown.

DEVO is a band that is making the transition from a cult item to the property of a mass audience. Its current set is more conservative than the shows that brought them attention last year. Although they still perform unrecorded songs such as “Mr. DNA,” “Smart Patrol” and “Wiggly World,” they seem content to stick to album material; they perform all but two songs from Are We Not Men? Their symbol of infantilism, Booji Boy, without a doubt the most powerful and suggestive figure in the DEVO universe, failed to put in an appearance at last Tuesday’s show. It sobered me to find one of America’s most revolutionary bands already acquiescing to the demands of the music industry.

These reservations notwithstanding, DEVO appears to be ready to be the first of the Midwestern New Wave to break out nationally. Whether rock audiences will respond to the sheer novelty of the DEVO look and sound or to the band’s truly perverse socio-scientific ideas, only time will tell. For now, the only thing to say about DEVO’s coming-out is that their Janitor-in-a-Drum brand of industrial-strength post-nuclear rock ‘n’ roll is the most welcome new musical genus of the year.

[mitchbeck]

HARTFORD WOLF PACK ANNOUNCE PROMO NIGHTS

By: Alex Thomas, Hartford Wolf Pack HARTFORD, CT – The Hartford Wolf Pack unveiled the promotional schedule for the upcoming 2023-24 season, the club's 27th in Connecticut. The home schedule kicks off with the club’s annual Home Opener on Friday, October 20th, at 7:00 p.m. against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. The night will feature the first giveaway of the season, as fans will receive a Wolf Pack rally towel courtesy of Carvel and CM Concessions. Home Opener weekend concludes on Saturday, October 21st, when the Lehigh Valley Phantoms come to town for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop. Fans in attendance that night will receive a 2023-24 Wolf Pack magnet schedule courtesy of Pepsi. Once again, the Wolf Pack will don a pair of specialty jerseys during the 2023-24 season. The first jersey will be worn on both December 1st and 2nd, when the Pack hosts the Phantoms for a back-to-back weekend set. The second specialty jersey will make its debut on February 3rd when the Springfield Thunderbirds come to town for a 7:00 p.m. puck drop. In addition to the Home Opener weekend rally towel and magnetic schedule giveaways, the Wolf Pack will have numerous giveaway nights during the 2023-24 season. This season’s giveaways include a 2024 Wolf Pack branded calendar on December 30th, youth jerseys on February 3rd, a bobblehead on March 8th, and a 2023-24 team photo on April 14th. Returning in 2023-24 are recurring promotions, including $2 drafts and $2 hot dogs every Friday night. The CT-DOT Family Value Pack is once again available for select dates, allowing fans to purchase three tickets, three hot dogs, and three fountain drinks in the red or blue sections. This package will be available on October 21st, November 25th, December 17th, December 30th, and April 14th. The Pack will also host four postgame events featuring players from the team. Fans will get a chance to once again skate with some of their favorite Wolf Pack players following the games on November 18th and March 30th. Fans will get a chance to take photos with available players following the game on December 17th, while postgame autographs will occur on February 24th. The Wolf Pack will celebrate a special milestone this season on Friday, February 9th. The club will play the 2,000th game in Wolf Pack history when the Bridgeport Islanders come to town. Details regarding this special celebration will be announced at a later date. The full 2023-24 Hartford Wolf Pack promotional schedule is below. The full 2023-24 regular season schedule can be seen here.  Friday, October 20th, 2023 – Home Opener (7:00 p.m. vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins) *Rally Towel Giveaway, Presented by Carvel & CM Concessions *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs  Saturday, October 21st, 2023 – Postgame Skate (7:00 p.m. vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms) *Magnet Schedule Giveaway, Presented by Pepsi  Friday, October 27th, 2023 – Costume Parade (7:00 p.m. vs. Springfield Thunderbirds) *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs  Saturday, November 11th, 2023 – Hockey Fights Cancer (7:00 p.m. vs. Providence Bruins)  Wednesday, November 15th, 2023 – School Day Game (11:00 a.m. vs. Springfield Thunderbirds)  Saturday, November 18th, 2023 – Military Appreciation Night (7:00 p.m. vs. Syracuse Crunch) *Presented by General Dynamic Electric Boat *Postgame Skate with Wolf Pack Players  Friday, December 1st, 2023 – Specialty Jerseys (7:00 p.m. vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms) *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs  Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 – Teddy Bear Toss (7:00 p.m. vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms) *Specialty Jerseys  Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 – College Media Night (7:00 p.m. vs. Cleveland Monsters)  Friday, December 15th, 2023 – $2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs (7:00 p.m. vs. Rochester Americans)  Sunday, December 17th, 2023 – Sonar’s Birthday & Mascot Mania (3:00 p.m. vs. Toronto Marlies) *Postgame Photos with Wolf Pack Players  Friday, December 22nd, 2023 – Pucks ‘N Paws (7:00 p.m. vs. Bridgeport Islanders) *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs  Saturday, December 30th, 2023 – Hockey ‘N Hops (7:00 p.m. vs. Bridgeport Islanders) *2024 Calendar Giveaway  Saturday, January 13th, 2024 – Pride Night (7:30 p.m. vs. Providence Bruins) *Presented by Nissan  Friday, January 19th, 2024 – New York Rangers Night (7:00 p.m. vs. Hershey Bears) *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs  Friday, February 2nd, 2024 – $2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs (7:00 p.m. vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins)  Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 – Women in Sports Night & Specialty Jerseys (7:00 p.m. vs. Springfield Thunderbirds) *Presented by Nissan *Youth Jersey Giveaway  Friday, February 9th, 2024 – 2,000th Game Celebration (7:00 p.m. vs. Bridgeport Islanders) *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs  Friday, February 16th, 2024 – $2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs (7:00 p.m. vs. Laval Rocket)  Wednesday, February 21st, 2024 – Pucks ‘N Paws (7:00 p.m. vs. Bridgeport Islanders)  Saturday, February 24th, 2024 – Star Wars Night (7:00 p.m. vs. Cleveland Monsters) *Postgame Autographs  Friday, March 1st, 2024 – $2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs (7:00 p.m. vs. Laval Rocket)  Friday, March 8th, 2024 – Bobblehead Giveaway (7:00 p.m. vs. Providence Bruins) *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs  Saturday, March 16th, 2024 – Hartford Hockey Heritage Night (6:00 p.m. vs. Utica Comets)  Friday, March 29th, 2024 – $2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs (7:00 p.m. vs. Springfield Thunderbirds)  Saturday, March 30th, 2024 – Guns ‘N Hoses (7:00 p.m. vs. Hershey Bears) *Postgame Skate with Wolf Pack Players  Friday, April 12th, 2024 – $2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs (7:00 p.m. vs. Springfield Thunderbirds)  Sunday, April 14th, 2024 – Miracle League Night (3:00 p.m. vs. Charlotte Checkers) *Team Photo Giveaway  Friday, April 19th, 2024 – Fan Appreciation Night (7:00 p.m. vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins) *Chance to win $100,000 *$2 Drafts & $2 Hot Dogs Full-season tickets, 20-game plans, 12-game plans, and flex plans for the 2023-24 season are on sale now! Visit hartfordwolfpack.com/tickets or call860-722-9425 for more details! Single-game tickets will go on sale on a to-be-announced date later this summer. Read the full article