#Jonathan done fucking nothing to deserve that.

[linc-karo-27]

Reminder to all:

Idk about petty fictional ship wars but if it's devolving into wishing AIDS onto one of the actors you've passed the "too far" mark by miles.

That's not funny.

That's not even petty.

That's cruel. That's awfully cruel.

The fact we are two months away from FT and you lot are already thinking to wish that on someone who you'll likely have their character die of that abhorrent disease (because canon change from book) and you already finding it funny to use it as an insult over FICTIONAL SHIPS THAT DON'T EVEN CROSS OVER.

That's just nasty and undeserved. It makes me sick that people think that's ok now. Be happy the thesis is done and dusted or it would have been solidified in writing.

I'm speechless

Be happy I refuse to get involved and it's an anon or I'd have found who/what group sent them and be sharing it with fellow "catboy" stans because you need to never find that okay ever again. It's not funny.

[space-invading-pigeon]

Hellfire Adopts Steve Pt. 2

Pt 1

Eddie may be repeating his senior year, but he's no idiot. He's intuitive, a quick thinker, and generally, he's an excellent judge of character. Which is exactly why he protested Gareth's decision to drag Steve Harrington, the former King of Hawkins High and current King of Don't Fuck With Me, to lunch with Hellfire.

Jeff and Freak are both genuinely terrified to have His Royal Highness picking at subpar mashed potatoes in the uncomfortable plastic chair across from them; to his credit, Steve Harrington seemed unbothered by the situation, even as Princess Nancy Wheeler and her own little pet outcast Jonathan pass him on the way to their own table. Eddie watches with growing interest as Steve boredly ignores Nancy's attempt to catch his eye (it's almost hilarious- he'd been at the Halloween party last month where Nancy got absolutely shitfaced and then screamed at Steve in front of the entire student body, and yet here they are, Nancy trying awkwardly to speak to Steve and Steve resolutely going about his business).

Gareth stammers through a story about their latest DnD campaign, his round face practically glowing with excitement as he uses the peas on his tray to illustrate what their party had been up against. Eddie fully expects Steve to say something rude, dousing Gareth's smile and deserving every bit of ire Eddie can muster, but Steve just smiles at Gareth and ruffles his hand through the unkempt curls Eddie's been trying to get Gareth to take care of.

From there it only gets weirder. Steve seems to have taken a real shine to Gareth and is nothing short of a perfect gentleman to Jeff and Freak, but he loves to bicker with Eddie. Honestly, Eddie's impressed at just how much Steve seems to like bitching at people.

Steve is also surprisingly responsible? After that first lunch, Steve is around all the time; he shows up to Hellfire meetings with his backpack full of homework and a Tupperware full of something delicious (Eddie had nearly cried the first time he took a bite of Steve's macaroni), only to completely ignore their entire session to study. Occasionally, the walkie Steve carries with him whenever they aren't in school will crackle to life, and Steve will make himself scarce pretty quickly.

Overall, Steve is awesome. Eddie hates to admit it, but watching such a prim and proper guy emotionally destroy someone for commenting on Freak's size, and Eddie just knows that the damage done to Tommy Hagan's car after Gareth showed up to Hellfire with a busted lip and glassy eyes was Steve's fault.

========

Steve is actually really enjoying his time in Hellfire. He doesn't really mention it to the kids, and both Nancy and Jonathan are still avoiding him, so Steve sees it as a win: he gets to make friends who haven't seen him get his ass beat by interdimensional horrorterrors that have ruined dogs and flowers for him forever, he gets to learn more about the game his new little brother is obsessed with, and innocent kids don't have to bear the brunt of King Billy's reign of terror.

Gareth decides almost instantly that he likes Steve; not only because he saved Gareth from bullies or brings them food better even than Wayne Munson's, but because Steve always listens to his DnD stories. Jeff and Freak (who Steve will only refer to by his Government Name, Melvin) grow to like him as well, not at all encouraged by the food Steve brings or (on one memorable occasion) the incredibly realistic melee weapon, straight out of a flick like Red Dawn, that they found under his seat one day.

[farfaras]

First part to this prompt I posted the other day. This is gonna be eventual steddie (sorry, stonathan) and I’m really excited. Title from the song ‘nonsense’ by Sabrina Carpenter.

I think I got an ex but I forgot him

Part 1. (You’re here)

Part 2.

-

If he heard the words: Robin and in love, in the same sentence, with the melodious voice of one Dustin Henderson, one more time. Steve was sure he was gonna lose it.

Listen, he understands where he’s coming from. The kid just wants him to be happy. But he is! Dustin just doesn’t seem to get that. Happiness doesn’t only come in the form of a relationship. His teenage brain can’t comprehend that fact just yet. He wishes he did though, because he’s absolutely insufferable about getting Steve and Robin together.

No excuse or explanation he gives is good enough. Dustin still insists that he needs to try, that this is his chance at true love. Robin is kind of the love of his life, sure, but the platonic love of his life. His best friend, his soulmate, sister from another mister. All that jazz. Dustin doesn’t buy it though.

And Steve’s tried everything! He even told Dustin about that time in starcourt when they were high off his asses. Told him that he confessed his crush to Robin but that she rejected him, and that they were best friends now and nothing else. He obviously left out the part where Robin came out to him. He’s never gonna reveal Robin’s secret to anyone. The only answer he got was that “It doesn’t even matter now! Things could’ve changed! You never know.” Steve knew. He knew that he would never be into his best friend like that, and she would never be into him. Apparently they were the only ones who knew that.

Because of all the fuss Dustin was constantly making, other people started giving their input. Thanks Dustin. They didn’t get it either, didn’t believe they were just Platonic with a capital P. They made sure they knew it too, the whole party, Nancy, Jonathan, Eddie. Not Argyle, he said that the energy between Steve and Robin was intense but completely friendly, almost like they were twins. Steve liked Argyle. Of course he had to be miles away.

Most of their friends dropped the subject after the second time Steve or Robin explained the nature of their relationship. Even if they weren’t convinced, they didn’t push. Except for one person. Yep. Dustin.

Who was currently harassing Steve at his job. He didn’t know what else to tell him. If family video wasn’t empty he would just ignore him to do his job but there was nothing to do. He couldn’t even sweep or anything because everything was already done.

“Okay well! There must be a good reason why you guys haven’t gotten together!” Dustin exclaimed. He is so fucking stubborn.

“I already told you, Henderson. We’re. Just. Friends.” He knew it wasn’t gonna do anything. It was just a routine at this point.

Dustin’s expression changed to determination. “Nuh uh. There’s a reason there. And I’m gonna find out!” Shit. Could Dustin figure out Robin? He doesn’t think so. But he’s starting to panic. What if he finds out? Robin doesn’t deserve that. He’d feel like it was his fault, and everything would go to shit.

“Okay! Okay! There is a reason.”

“I knew it! You have to tell me.” Dustin demanded. Well, Steve hasn’t thought that much ahead. He needs to come up with something and he needs to do it fast if Dustin is gonna believe it.

“Look, I haven’t told anyone this before.” Building suspense, nice.

Then, an idea popped into his head and it seemed like the perfect response to all of this. Or maybe it’s the only thing he could think of in such short notice. “I’m gay.” He blurts out. It made sense in his head, really. Robin doesn’t get outed, but she can still look at the reaction she might get when she comes out. (It doesn’t hold any kind of truth at all. Not one Steve can see right now at least.)

Dustin is just staring at him. “What? I don’t, you’re not, since when?”

“Since I was born?” It sounds like a question. Steve didn’t prepare for follow up questions to the reply he literally just crafted.

“There’s no way you’re gay.” At least he didn’t seem disgusted or upset? Is this a good or bad reaction?

“Are you not okay with it?” Steve dared to ask.

“What?! Of course I’m okay with it, I’m just. I don’t care, but you don’t really seem gay. It’s hard to believe.” At least he’s okay with it. He’s still being stubborn.

“Way to stereotype, Henderson.”

Dustin sputters. “Wha- can you even blame me? Who could believe you?”

The next words that came out of Steve’s mouth didn’t actually ask for permission to be said. “My boyfriend can believe it.” He said it so matter of fact that he surprised himself a little. The way he usually took the route of action before thinking was gonna bite him in the ass some day. Would that be today?

“Boyfriend?!! And you didn’t tell me? You don’t have a boyfriend!” He accused Steve. “Who is it?”

Oh. Shoot. Quick, brain. Who could be his boyfriend? Someone his age, that was single, and could be believed to be in a gay relationship.

“It’s Jonathan.” Why did he say that? He just broke up with Nancy, that would just seem like a messy situation. Also is he literally just doing what he scolded Dustin for and stereotyping?

“But he just broke up with Nancy.” Hmm. Did Dustin read his mind or something.

“It’s new. That’s why I haven’t told anyone.”

“Not even Robin?” Oh, crap. Is he gonna have to tell this to people? Well, he should probably tell Jonathan first that he is apparently in a relationship with him now.

“Not even Robin.” Dustin beamed at this.

“You know, even if you and Jonathan are kind of a weird sounding couple, and this is surprising… if you’re happy then I’m happy for you, Steve.” That was weirdly sweet of Dustin.

“Thanks, bud.”

After that and renting a movie, Dustin was on his way. He gave Steve a hug goodbye and hopped on his bike to go home.

Steve had a lot of things to get done now. And he hoped that the first one went well because he didn’t really have a plan B if it didn’t. What had he gotten himself into?

First things first. Asking Jonathan to be his fake boyfriend.

At least for a while.

What could go wrong?

-

Step 1. Get Jonathan to be his fake boyfriend.

Step 2. Probably get Robin in on it?

He’s not sure about that one. This situation was kind of embarrassing, he’d rather just share his embarrassment with the one person who is absolutely necessary. Also Robin doesn’t seem like the type to lie to their friends. Even if it was harmless.

Step 2. Probably get Robin in on it?

Step 2. Make a game plan.

They’d probably need to talk about how this was gonna go. Get all their facts straight in case there were any questions, which there were going to be. Plan how long this was gonna be for. He was getting a bit ahead of himself, but there was no plan B.

Step 3. Hope it’s believable.

He was already outside of the Hopper-Byers home. This shouldn’t be hard, Jonathan is a pretty understanding guy. He wouldn’t judge Steve, or make fun of him. At least that’s what Steve hoped. They’ve been developing a friendship for a while. Which has been going surprisingly well. Fuck. Was this gonna mess it up?

He got out of his car and walked to the door, knocking. El answered the door, she gave him a smile and let him in.

“Is Jonathan home?” Him asking for Jonathan wasn’t a rare occurrence nowadays, so El just nodded and pointed to his room.

He knocked to make his presence known. “Hey, Jon?” He opened the door and stepped inside the room.

“Hiya. What’s up, Harrington?” Jonathan grinned at Steve. Ah. Shit. He didn’t look completely sober. Must’ve smoked something earlier.

“Well, I wanted to talk to you. I’d rather wait until you sober up though.” Jonathan just gave him a thumbs up.

“Happy to have company.” Steve knew Jonathan was having trouble dealing with the break up. They had been together for a while and he thought that those two were gonna beat all the odds and marry each other or something. Maybe they still could find their way back to each other someday. Right now though, it probably sucked.

Nancy was off to college, Jonathan stayed here in Hawkins doing community college. There was no way of knowing how Nancy was taking it, she barely called and when she did it was kinda cut and dry. Although Steve supposed that was a way of telling she wasn’t doing so good either.

They hung out, doing nothing in particular. Just talking, listening to music and Steve sobering him up.

“Did you say you wanted to talk about something?” Jon asked. He looked sober now. Or as sober as his perpetual stoner face could look.

“Yeah… I kinda did something stupid.”

“Don’t we all.” Cute. Was he trying to make him feel better? It would’ve worked if what he did wasn’t as stupid as it was.

“No, seriously. I think this is the dumbest thing I have done.” Understatement.

“It can’t be that bad.” Jon’s words weren’t aligned with his face because it looked like he was starting to worry.

“It has something to do with you too.” With those words, Steve definitely made Jonathan start to worry. “Hear me out first!”

Retelling the events from earlier was excruciating. Steve has never felt this embarrassed before. It sounded so dumb saying it out loud.

“You really couldn’t come up with anything else? Like oh I don’t know. Saying you don’t like Robin like that?” It was like he wasn’t even listening.

“I tried that thousands of times! He wouldn’t buy it!”

“Why haven’t you just dated anyone else? To prove that you’re not hung up on her?” Interesting line of questioning. Honestly, it’s been a long time since someone has made him feel anything at all. No girl caught his attention like before. Has the upside down messed him up so bad that he can’t form romantic connections anymore?

“I just, I don’t really. Taking a break from dating sounded good to me.”

“Uh huh. Sure.” Jon didn’t believe him, whatever.

“Look I just panicked, spoke without thinking.”

“You know, I actually thought that Dustin was right about you and Robin before. But if you’re so determined to prove you’re not, to even come up with something like that.” Steve hated this. Was Jonathan getting a kick out of this?

“Are you amused? I’m kinda suffering here.” Steve lamented. “Can you just please help me?

“Oh god, what do you expect me to do? Pretend to date you to get Dustin off your back?” Yes. Please.

“Look! I only ask for a few weeks! It doesn’t have to be for long. Just, a few weeks of fake dating and then just say it didn’t work out and we decided to stay friends. All that cheesy stuff.” God, he was not being convincing at all.

Jonathan still looked skeptical. But at least he was considering it now. “I’ll owe you, big time. Whatever favor you want.” Steve offered.

Jon looked resigned now. He huffed out a breath. “I never thought my first boyfriend was gonna be Steve Harrington.”

“What?”

“Yeah. I always pictured a nerd or maybe a stoner.” He was confused now. Was Jonathan? “Yes, Steve. You should probably know if we’re gonna do this. I also like guys. And I’m assuming you’re okay with it, considering what you just asked.”

“Of course! Thanks for telling me. I’m glad you could trust me.” He was being genuine. Even if Steve was a little surprised, and now felt even more guilty about words he used in the past to insult Jonathan. All the past apologies seemed insufficient. Even so, he was happy that their friendship could develop into this.

“So? How is this gonna work? You really owe me now, you know.”

“Trust me, I know.”

So their friendship wasn’t ruined. Who knows? Maybe this could make it stronger.

[suzukiblu]

WIP excerpt from "Jon and Martha, professional soulparents". (( chrono || non-chrono ))

“Um–whatever’s cool,” Superman says, shifting his weight a little and forcing himself to keep his feet on the ground instead of floating up at all. Civilians who’re just meeting up with their newly-met soulmates for lunch do not float. “I mean, like–I’m good either way, you guys can pick.” 

He’s actually pretty hungry already, but he’s getting used to that, so like . . . he can wait, or whatever. Especially since they said they’d buy again, it feels–weird, kind of, to be pushy about it. He doesn’t want– 

Superman keeps hearing that he’s rude or entitled or that he’s demanding things he doesn’t deserve, either on the stupid news or right to his face, and just–he really doesn’t want to hear that from Jonathan and Martha. Or at least, wants to put off hearing it from them as long as possible. If he’s careful enough–he can manage that if he’s careful enough, right? Although he honestly doesn’t even get what he’s done wrong half the time, so probably not. 

But–he can at least try, right? Maybe they’ll–maybe they won’t mind as much, if they can tell he’s trying. 

That hasn’t actually worked on anybody yet, of course, but it’s the best idea he’s got, so it’s the one he’s going with. 

He doesn’t think he’s demanding anything he doesn’t deserve. He just–he’s Superman. They made him Superman. What’s wrong with just–wanting people to treat him like that? 

To at least fucking call him that, if nothing else. Like–okay, yeah, obviously he hasn’t even come close to doing the kind of stuff the original Superman did, but also he’s brand fucking new and it just feels like no one’s even giving him a chance to do anything. Like if Cadmus showed up to collect him and decided he wasn’t worth the trouble as anything but a test subject, nobody’d even care. 

He sure as shit wouldn’t get any kind of memorial, Centennial Park or not. Nobody’d even remember he’d happened at all, he’s pretty sure. Nobody’d . . . 

Superman tightens his grip on the strap of his bag and makes himself stop thinking about that. He’s Superman. If he’s not good enough at it yet, well–it doesn’t matter. He’s still gonna do it, and he’ll prove he can be good enough at it, and then if anyone ever wants to lock him back in some shitty basement or make a test subject out of him or–

People would notice, he tells himself. He’s gonna make sure people would notice. 

And even with Jonathan and Martha offering him a name, “Superman” is still the only name that really . . . 

That’s what he is. That’s the name that people will hear, and recognize, and notice going missing. 

Nobody’d notice a thing if “Experiment Thirteen” or even “Conner” disappeared. 

. . . well, he guesses . . . he guesses Jonathan and Martha maybe would. Maybe they’d . . . notice. Maybe they’d even actually care, if he . . . 

At least if he doesn’t fuck this up too bad they might.

[issdisgrace]

INFORM YOU

WARNINGS: talks of arm break and prostitution, other typical peaky blinders stuff

“Mr Shelby there’s a man here named Y/n L/n he’s asking to see you.”

“Send him.” I wonder what he wants. Guess we’ll have to see. A minute or two later, Lizzie comes back with a man. He was tall, dressed in a full black ensemble, tattoos peeking out of the collar and sleeves of his shirt, quite handsome too. Could tell he definitely had money, that’s for certain.

“Hello Mr Shelby, I’m Y/n L/n.” He says his voice low and smooth, sticking his hand out for a handshake.

“Nice to meet Mr L/n. Please have a seat.” I say, shaking his hand. He nods before pulling his hand away and sitting down in one of the seats in front of me. I sit down as well and pull out a cigarette, lighting it and taking a puff before asking,

“What can I do for Mr L/n.” 

“I’ve come to inform you of an incident that happened last night in my bar, The Bleeding Heart, with one of your men.”

“Go on.”

“Last night, one of your men came in and got very rowdy and laid hands on one of my girls. While my girls can take care of themselves, I don’t take too kindly when people laying their hands on them or my boys. So I thought to inform you in person that I broke both his arms before you got word of this incident from the wanker himself and he tried to twist what happened. Now normally I’m a very forgiving man, but not when it comes to my girls or my boys. So if this happens again I will not hesitate to put the down one of your men like a fucking dog. Do we have an understanding, Mr Shelby?”

“Yes, we do Mr L/n. I’m very sorry this happened. I will talk to my men and make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”

“Good and how about once you’re done having a chat with your men you come down to my bar and I’ll buy you a drink.” He says as he stands up. 

“Very tempting offer. I might take you up on that offer.” I say, rising to my feet as well. 

“I hope you do, Mr Shelby. Now I unfortunately have to cut this meeting short. I have some business to attend to. It was nice to meet you Mr. Shelby.”

“It was nice to meet you too, Mr. L/n. My assistant will see you out.”

He nods before turning and walking out of my office as the door shuts. I let out a sigh I didn’t know I was holding. I have to take him up on his offer. He seems interesting and is quite good looking. I wonder what he’s like in bed, probably a beast. Hmm Tommy keep it in your pants. We have men to remind to keep their hands to themselves. 

Looking up at the sign that hung above the entrance, it read ‘The Bleeding Heart.’ This is the right place. It looks nice. Dark oak and crimson red everywhere could see why it’s called The Bleeding Heart. I scan the bar for the man and we make eye contact. He’s sitting in a booth in the back, a man wearing practically nothing on his lap. Walking back towards the booth, I see him whisper something to the man who promptly gets off his lap, walking away as I get closer.

“Nice to see you’re taking me up on my offer Mr Shelby.”

“Had to see what your place was like.” I say sheading my coat before sitting down across from him.

“Is it up to your standard Mr Shelby?”

“Yes, and please call me Tommy.”

“Y/n.” Before either of us can say anything the man who was scantily plaid from earlier set down a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.

“Jonathan, this is Mr Shelby. Tommy, this is my best working boy, Jonathan.”

“Nice to meet you lad.”

“Nice to meet you too, sir. I’m going to take my break now Mr L/n.”

“Ok, take 45. You deserve it.”

“Thank you, Mr L/n. It was truly a pleasure to meet you, Mr Shelby.” I nod in acknowledgement before taking out a cigarette and lighting it as I watch him walk away.

“You like what you see, Tommy.”

“I do, but I like what’s across the table more.”

“Bold Tommy, I like it. We night have to see where that takes us later, but for now let’s have a drink.”

[strangeswift]

It's different here. And I don't even have to stop and ask myself if it's a good different or a bad different. There's nothing good about it. I don't bike to school, Nancy drives me now. Lucas has basketball practice in the mornings, so he doesn’t meet us out front. I know that. I know he has practice, so I don't stand there like an idiot looking around for him. I still look for you. I still look for Jonathan's car, or your mom's.

I miss you. I miss you in the most pathetic, childish way possible. I miss Eleven, but it's different. Like I can live without her. Maybe that's wrong. Or maybe what's wrong is the way I can't even function without you.

Do you remember when we were thirteen, and my mom tried to make me give away a bunch of toys, because I kept getting in trouble at school? And I didn't pick out two boxes full like she said to, so when we were at school she did it for me. And she gave away Rory. And do you remember how I cried, Will? You and I walked into my room after school, and I saw that the toys were gone, so I started tearing shit apart looking for that stupid fucking toy, and it wasn't there. And I started crying. Thirteen years old and crying over a toy. I was so fucking embarrassed, but you told me it was okay, you said that you understood.

Every day I wake up, and I remember you're not here, and I feel that same panic. I feel like tearing apart my fucking room to look for you, because there's no way you're not here. I feel like biking over to your old house, pounding on the door. There are strangers there now.

I try not to let myself cry about it. Because you're not here to tell me not to be embarrassed about it. God, I don't want to think about what you'd say if you saw me crying over you. You'd be nice about it. But what would you think of me, really?

I don't feel the way I'm supposed to feel about you. I don't feel the way a normal guy feels about his best friend. I don't even feel this way about El. And I can't think about it for too long because I know what it fucking means, and how fucking ironic is that? All the names Troy called you, your fucking dad and his bullshit, and all this time it was me who was the fucking freak. It would probably be a slap in the face, if you found out, huh? They should've been picking on me. I would've taken it, if it meant they left you alone.

I'm sorry. For everything. I really fucked it all up. I don't think I can fix it. I don't know if I should, if I feel this way. Maybe the distance is better. People grow apart. You're gonna be okay. Maybe you'll be better off. That's what matters. That's all that matters. I've never been okay in my fucking life, and I'm honestly done trying. It's exhausting. But you deserve it, Will. You deserve to be happy. I hope you are.

I'm never going to send this fucking letter. I never was. So, for what it's worth, I love you, Will. Sorry.

[candyskiez]

God rusty quill really went for the throat with Jonathan Sims didn't they. They went "What if you were someone who wanted so badly to be good but didn't want to get better. What if you were someone who was so angry at everyone all the time because nobody gives you a chance, and you push away everyone who tries to. What if you were someone who thinks everyone hates you and the consequences of your actions prove you right, again and again. What if you were a victim of circumstance and the main cause of most of your problems. What if you were desperate for some control over your situation and yet the idea of being in control of yourself scared you, because you can't reconcile the things you've done and want to do with your idea of a good person. What if you are so desperate to be told that actually you are correct to do all the awful things you do and you can't help it and people are being cruel and unfair for being mad at you for it. What if you are so angry at being rejected and you know you could've prevented it but you don't know how to stop. You don't know how to stop hurting people, you think you've always been like this, you don't know when you started or if this is just who you are. You can stop. You know you can stop. But you don't know how. Everyone tells you to just stop and you're trying, you're fucking trying, but you don't know how. You don't know how to be good. You hurt everyone near you and you hate them for not wanting to be around you. You think you deserve it. It just makes you angrier. And there is nothing you can do as it all falls apart, because you have no idea how to get better, or how to want to get better, and all you ever wanted was to feel safe." And then just. Left that there. For every mentally ill traumatized bitch to handle. Like how am I supposed to process that. I am in physical pain.

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

"You want to kill Eddie?!" Nancy and Steve exclaimed.

Nancy and Steve stood in Hopper's cabin, staring at Hop in disbelief.

"Look, it's not ideal, but - "

"Going bald isn't ideal," Steve scoffed. "Killing Eddie after everything he's done for us: died for us, killed Vecna for us. . . This is beyond fucked. Jesus, no wonder you didn't want the kids here."

"He's a monster," Hopper said.

"He's still Eddie! Nothing about that's changed. He still has his mind. There's nothing controlling him anymore. Even when he was being controlled, he didn't even kill anyone," Nancy said. "He just gets a little thirsty for blood every now and then. Dr. Owens said he would be willing to set up something so he'd get blood delivered to him."

"It's basically a blood transfusion," Steve said. "He just drinks it."

"After everything that happened, with the town literally split down the middle, are you really willing to risk more lives for the slight chance that he wouldn't hurt someone?" Hopper asked.

"And are you really so blood thirsty that you would be willing to kill a man?" Nancy snapped. "Mike loves him, looks up to him. He was devastated when he heard he had died, and when he saw he was back. . .I'm not going to let you take that away from again. El has more kills under her belt, and I don't see you fighting to put her down."

"That's different," Hopper said softly.

"Is it?" Steve asked.

"Fine, but I'm not going to be the one responsible for him," Hopper growled.

"Fine! Steve and I will look out for him," Nancy said, her nostrils flaring.

"We will?" Steve asked, and Nancy gave him a look. "I mean, we will!"

Nancy grabbed his hand, glared at Hopper, and pulled Steve out of the cabin. It was strange seeing the sun again after months of it being hidden by a red sky. Jonathan was leaning against the railing, and he stared at their joined hands. Steve almost wanted to gloat. After wedging himself in between Steve and Nancy's relationship, he deserved it, especially since Steve tried to make friends with Jonathan during those months that Steve had been with Nancy after their first encounter with the Upside Down. That would be petty of Steve, and he still wasn't sure if he was with Nancy or not or if Nancy had broken up with Jonathan.

"I think maybe Hopper's right, Nance," Jonathan said.

"You want to kill him too," Nancy said in disbelief.

"Eddie died. And now there's something I don't know, reanimating his body. It needs blood. It was capable of taking on Vecna," Jonathan said. "It's strong. We should take it out before it takes us out while it's still weak. The town can't take any more monsters."

"His name is Eddie, not it. Eddie fucking Munson," Steve said.

"I get why you're worried. I do, but honestly, it's just fucking stupid how you're coming up with the solution," Nancy said. "It's a solution. Not the solution."

"I just want this to be over. For mom, for Hopper. For El. For Will!" Jonathan exclaimed.

"And how's Will going to feel knowing we didn't do anything to help Eddie?" Nancy asked.

"Man, your mom did everything to get Will free from the Mind Flayer. The only difference here is that Eddie's not possessed," Steve said. "He's still Eddie."

"How do you know, man?" Jonathan asked.

"I feel it in my gut, I just know," Steve said.

"If you get Nancy killed. . . "

"Nancy can make her own decisions, and nothing can stop her making them. She can also speak for herself. That was just a momentary lapse on my part," Steve said, and Nancy giggled.

"Whatever," Jonathan said.

"Steve, do you want to wait in the car? I have to talk to Jonathan," Nancy said.

"Sure, Nance," Steve said.

Steve walked to Nancy's car and leaned against it, waiting for her to finish talking. It went on for a while, and finally, they hugged. When they got done, Hopper came out and briefly spoke to Nancy. When she came back, her eyes were slightly red. He wanted to ask if she was okay, and part of it was for his own selfish reasons. He wanted to know if she ended it with him. Steve shook his head and climbed into the car.

"I think I might know where he might be," Nancy said.

"Where?" Steve asked.

"His old lot on Philadelphia. The house itself had burned down, and they recently finished putting a new house there. At least, that's what Hopper told me," she said. "No one's bought the place yet."

"Let's go," Steve said eagerly.

They drove in silence, leaving each other to their thoughts. Eventually, they pulled up to a modest one story dark blue house. It looked very new. Nancy cut the engine, took off her seatbelt, and shifted in her seat to look at him.

"I ended things with Jonathan," Nancy said.

"Yeah?" Steve perked up.

"Yeah. I just - it never should have started in the first place. I could say that it was my grief over Barb that drove me into his arms, but the truth is that it was my own stupidity that did it. I was lost, and I couldn't see the roads in front of me, and I didn't know which path to take," she said. "The truth is, though. . . "

"Yeah?"

"It's always been you, Steve," Nancy said softly.

She moved forward at the same time that he did, and their lips met in the middle. It felt differently than all the other times that he kissed her. It honestly felt so much better. The kiss didn't last very long, but it was very sweet. Steve looked at her, the soft smile on her face and the light in her eyes. . .it was because of him. He needed to be honest here.

"I need to be honest with you now, Nance, Eddie Munson's kind of gotten under my skin in a way that I didn't expect," Steve said. "And I'm not sure what to do about it."

"Yeah, for me too," Nancy said.

"So, you felt it too?" He asked.

"Felt what?" She asked.

"Uh. . . The attraction towards him," Steve said.

"What?! Oh, uh, yeah, I didn't realize that you also like guys," Nancy said.

"It's a new thing, actually," Steve blushed. "Or something that's always been there, I don't know. Still figuring it out, I guess."

"I want to be with you, Steve, all of you. I really want to do that. I do want to take things slow, though. I think we need to get to know each other all over again, and if Eddie's up for then, maybe we both get to know him too," Nancy said.

"All three of us?" Steve asked.

"Yeah."

"I'd like that," Steve said and Nancy laughed. "What?"

"I was just thinking of Eddie's collecting lost sheep thing. I think I have a type. You like to do that too," Nancy said. "It's very cute."

Steve and Nancy approached the front door. They attempted to open but found it to be locked. Nancy immediately pulled out a bobby pin.

"You know how to pick locks?" Steve asked.

"Yeah, Eddie told me how to," Nancy said.

"He showed me how to hotwire cars," Steve said with a grin.

"Hm, I wonder what other naughty things he could teach us," Nancy grinned.

Suddenly, the door unlocked, and it flew open. Eddie stood as far from the doorway as possible, staying away from the sunlight.

"Oh, so many things, Wheeler," Eddie said. "Come on in. Hmm. Weird thing for a vampire to say to humans."

Steve and Nancy entered the unfurnished house, closing the door behind them. They took in his appearance. He looked weak and pale, nothing like when they last saw him. He was still wearing the clothes he died in. He slumped against the wall and slid to the floor.

"Eddie. . . Have you eaten?" Nancy asked.

"I kind of been afraid. It's probably better this way. Waste away to nothing," Eddie mumbled.

"Don't say that! Why would you say that?" Nancy asked.

"Because it's bad enough being a human freak. Now, I'm a vampire? I was hunted by the entire town before this. What do you think they're going to do to me if they find out that I'm a monster?!" Eddie cried.

"You're not a monster. You just get a little thirsty for blood every once in a while," Steve said. "I mean, do you want to go on a bloodthirsty murderous rampage?"

"Well, no. My stomachs just a little growly like if I skipped a few meals which I have," Eddie said. "But what if they changes? What if I hurt someone?"

"Well, if that happens, then we'll put you down like the dog that you are," Steve quipped.

"Steve!" Nancy exclaimed, but Eddie just burst into laughter.

"We'll cross that bridge, but right now, you need to eat. Let's go get you an animal or something," Steve said. "What animal do you hate the most?"

"He needs to eat right now," Nancy said.

She pulled a pocket knife out of her boot and flicked it open. She rolled up her sleeve and cut into her arm. Nancy held out her arm to him, and he looked at them both doubtfully. She rolled her eyes, grabbed the back of his head, and moved his head until his lips were pressed against her skin. Steve watched as Eddie's eyes turned red as he sunk his teeth into her arm. Nancy stroked his hair gently as she gazed at him affectionately. She bit her lip, and her eyes darkened. Oh, this was turning her on. Right, right. Don't look at them. Think about something else. Jonathan's hair. Jonathan's hair. Oops, now he was thinking about Argyle and his hair. Turn it around, turn it around. Suddenly, Eddie pulled off Nancy's arm with a loud pop. He used his tongue to lap up the blood. Nancy looked at her arm in surprise.

"He healed the wound!" Nancy exclaimed. "Wonder what else you can do with your tongue?"

She shared a look with Steve while Eddie sat there looking confused.

"I'm still a little hungry, but I didn't want to take too much from you, Nancy," Eddie admitted, ignoring what she had just said.

"Well, take some from me then," Steve said as he sat down next to him.

"Big boy wants a turn," Eddie said in amusement.

Nancy cleaned her knife and handed it to Steve. He made a cut on his arm and held it out for Eddie. He leaned down and bit into Steve’s arm. Steve gasped. It wasn't as painful as he thought it was going to be with Eddie's fangs piercing his skin. In fact, he could see why it had turned Nancy on. He was starting to feel something, too. Jonathan's hair. Jonathan's hair. Yeah, that seemed to do the trick. Eddie pulled off with another pop and licked his wound. Eddie looked at them in confusion.

"Why do you guys look like you want to eat me? I'm supposed to be the vampire here, right?" Eddie asked with a frown, and then he tilted his head, his eyes wide. "Your hearts are racing awfully fast. Do you guys like me or something? . . . Jesus H Christ! You like me?! Why?!"

"There are lots of good reasons," Nancy said with a smile.

"Yeah, you guys are a couple of freaks," Eddie said with a grin.

"Thank God!" They exclaimed and Eddie laughed.

"Okay, I need a shower and a change of clothes, I fucking stink," Eddie said.

"My place then," Steve said with a smile.

With the help of a blanket from Nancy's car, they helped Eddie out of the house. As soon as they got to Steve’s house and he showed him where the bathroom, Eddie immediately peeled off his clothes. He tossed them out of the bathroom and closed the door. Steve and Nancy managed to catch a glimpse of his ass before he shut it.

"You can toss the clothes!" Eddie yelled. "I can get new ones! Not the wallet!"

Once Steve threw the clothes away, he left a pair of sweats and t shirt in the bathroom and waited in the kitchen with Nancy. When Eddie came down, he was only wearing the sweats, and his hair was dripping wet.

"God, I feel so much better," Eddie said and shook water droplets at them.

"Eddie!" Nancy shrieked.

He grinned as he wedged himself up behind them, wrapping his arms around their waists.

"Just so you know, I like you too," Eddie said. "Both of you."

Steve and Nancy grinned at each other. Eddie spotted the scar around Steve’s neck and frowned. He tilted Steve’s head up to get a better look at it and made a curious noise with his mouth.

"What?" Steve asked.

"I wonder if I can heal scars?" Eddie asked.

He leaned down and started licking his neck. He placed himself firmly behind Steve and pulled the other man flush against him. He bent down and began working on his neck, licking a long stripe against Steve’s skin. Eddie grinned when Steve shuddered. He continued to lick and nip even after it was healed.

"Eddie, it's all healed up now," Nancy said, smiling, and Eddie made a muffled noise. "Okay, I guess this is officially happening."

She moved herself in front of Steve and started kissing the other side of his neck.

"Oh, fuck," Steve cursed.

Eddie ran his hands up Steve’s sides, his hands disappearing under his shirt. He started to raise the material up while Nancy's hands went to Steve’s belt. Eddie had gotten his arms out of the shirt and was just about to get the thing over his head when the door to the kitchen opened. The shirt was being held over his face so Steve couldn't see a thing, but he heard Robin's voice.

"Hey, Steve, what's the verdict on Eddie - what the fuck?!" Robin exclaimed.

"Hey, Robin," Steve said casually. "What are you up to? Me? I'm not doing anything."

"Not yet," Eddie said.

"You know what? I'll come back later. Call me when you're done," Robin chuckled nervously. "Hm, maybe Steve is right. Maybe I should call first before I come over."

"I am right!" Steve exclaimed. "This proves it!"

Eddie laughed and freed Steve from his shirt, tossing it on the floor. Steve smirked at Nancy.

"What happened to taking things slow and getting to know each other?" Steve asked.

"We'll slow down after," Nancy said.

"Besides, getting to know your body counts. I mean, what if we go blind and Nancy suddenly forgets what your body looks like," Eddie said.

"As silly as it sounds, he's right," Nancy said in amusement. "Seize the day and all that."

And seize the day they did. . .several times. Turns out a vampire's stamina was through the roof. Steve was lying on his back, staring happily at the ceiling as Eddie and Nancy cuddled up against him on either side.

"Hmm, look at us, we're like a couple of nerdy bookends cuddling up to the handsomenest jock with the biggest heart in all the land," Eddie murmured sleepily.

"Hmm," Nancy agreed, her eyes closed. "This does feel right."

Steve smiled, drifting off to sleep, feeling completely safe with Eddie and Nancy in his arms. He felt like he could take on anything.

[thereisnolumos]

Stranger things thoughts:I don't understand why Nancy would even look at Johnathan. Over all even when Steve was being a "jerk" he was still a better and understanding considerate boyfriend. Johnathan is creepy. Like actually creepy and not oh I'm bullied for being weird creepy. Like he took pictures of girls without them knowing creepy! The only good thing about Johnathan is that he's a good big brother.

Addition: he took pictures of a girl IN HER UNDERWEAR without her consent. How they thought it to be a good idea to make them a couple afterward is beyond me. And they can say whatever they want about Steve being a jerk for this, but he was absolutely justified in smushing his camera for it, I said what I said

I always hated Jonathan and Nancy getting together, and the way it was done. I believe the only reason they did get together was trauma bonding and Nancy being terrified of living the life like her mother did. Only, ever since they became a couple, we’ve been shown time and time again that it’s Jonathan with whom she would get a relationships like her parents have, the very same thing she’s so desperately trying to escape. He doesn’t pay attention to her and her thoughts and ideas, he ignores her, he constantly leaves her alone. In season 3 he can’t even support her when they’re alone for the sexist way she’s treated by their employers! Just tell her they’re all fucking assholes and she’ll achieve much more than they could ever dream of! It’s that easy! Show her your support! But no, he basically tells her to suck it up and not pursue her gut and idea… cool boyfriend material, I can tell. And in season 4 we’re downright shown that he constantly makes up excuses not to see her and on top of it knows NOTHING about her as a person! “I didn’t want to tell her I’m not going to the same college that she does, bcs I don’t want her to give up her dream for me”… bitch, she wouldn’t! If you knew her a littlest bit, you’d figure it out. She’d never give it all up for you or any other man. But she deserved to know your plans and that they’ve changed. Instead of bring kept hanging and wondering.

I can’t even say he’s that good of a brother anymore. He used to be. But the last couple of seasons he ignored Will more and more. They did have a good scene this season, that I hope means they’re getting closer again. I believe Jonathan needs to focus on mending this relationship, he clearly can’t do both for now

[thestobingirlie]

i read this post that said robin was written to show steve wasn't homophobic anymore but "that doesn’t mean I’m just going to forget how he implied that Will deserved to die because he’s gay, so what now? Steve is growing and changing but that doesn’t just take away everything he’s said, especially since he has yet to apologize to Jonathan. There’s a reason why Will and Steve have zero scenes together!" like it makes no sense firstly bc robin wasn't even originally written as a lesbian so that just doesn't line up. then steve also never said will deserved to die bc he's gay; he never actually said anything about will's sexuality, his comment about will is about the byers family being full of "screw-ups" which steve actually classified as separate from gay ppl at the start of his mini monologue lol (by saying he thought jonathan was queer but he's actually a screw up like his dad). sometimes i think certain ppl have never actually watched that scene bc they just use it as a Steve Said Bad Things free space where they get to invent what he said. he did apologize to jonathan, it was literally the only reason he was at the byers' house, but it was interrupted which led to steve both saving jonathan's life and buying him a new camera. the thing about will and steve not having scenes together is baffling to me. their storylines just never intersected like s1 will is gone, s2 will is possessed while steve is helping junkyard trio, s3 steve is held captive in an underground russian bunker, and s4 will is literally in a different state on the other side of the country.

yeah, i saw that post lmao, real fucking stupid. it’s just so funny to me that these people accuse us of reducing robin to just being steve’s friend, and then can’t see past her sexuality in regards to her character? they’re the ones making robin just a lesbian bff, not us.

and saying that steve hasn’t had an impact on her character?? rewatch the show! steve’s the reason that robin feels comfortable in who she is, that she rambles and jokes around instead of fronting her stony facade from s3. i honestly think these people only care about robin in regards to a certain character they ship her with. because they seem to know nothing about her.

thank you!!! he never implies will is gay. at all. why would steve know or care about the sexuality of some random 12 year old?

and, 100%, people take that scene and mold it into anything they want just to rag on steve, and it’s super telling, because they’re constantly getting it wrong. some people decided that steve called jonathan a fag, which is the most annoying to me, because at least get the slur right lmao.

steve fucked up, absolutely. but he did apologise, and he did save their lives, and virtually sacrifice his own when he decided to run back into that house. had steve not done that, jonathan and nancy would be dead. just a fact.

and the will and steve sharing scenes thing is especially funny to me, because they’re just part of different plots. they have shared scenes, and will clearly has no problem using steve to get free movies like the rest of the kids, so there’s no animosity there.

[landscaping-your-mind]

i dont want to talk about scrutiny

WHATEVER, FINE, OKAY, WE'RE DOING SCRUTINY, OR SOMETHING, FINE, WHATEVER, WHAT EVER

i love scrutiny, i do, but in the way that i love threshold, and nothing beside remains, and seeing it through, and a guest for mr spider. meaning I really do, but I also hate it with vitriol. Not really? It's complicated. I have Some Feelings Towards it. Yep. Look this podcast makes me feel happiness and sadness and anger at the same bloody time, but it's all confused because it's overridden by being Very ADHD about it, so like, they're all rattling around in there. I hate it (affectionate), I love it (derogatory), you get it?

Anyway, y'all know how I feel about Jon already, and if you don't, it's love and only love, so uhm, yeah, let's just get on with it already, rambling and mostly rambling, attempts to set aside my undying love for the Jarchivist for like a day, etc.

@a-mag-a-day

Firstly, I'd like to draw attention to the posts I made on my instagram story about this when I was first listening to TMA, because I was Not Alright.

The first was highlighting the description of the episode: "Statement of an unknown bystander, regarding an encounter with The Archivist." "The Archivist." Not "Jonathan Sims," not "Jonathan Sims, Head Archivist of the Magnus Institute, London," not even "Jonathan Sims, The Archivist."

Just... The Archivist.

The second was regarding the first, saying that I knew it was deserved but he should be allowed to eat a few fears. As a treat.

I didn't say anything to my partner (who you should follow by the way, they're scarandjoelenthusiast), cause I think I was still attempting to be spoiler free for vex at that point, lol. And I had no other... friends. At all. Um. Yeah.

So, onto the relisten! Oh boy.

MARTIN Ah, alright, did he... did he look like he hadn't slept in about a week?

I absolutely love that Jon's descriptors are looking like shit, and looking like Jesus. That's just amazing.

Also uh,,, why did Martin immediately go to Jon? Hm..

Everything, every bit of light or sound or, or anything that changed, that said time was passing. There was nothing. Before that I never really thought about time, you know? But now… Yeah.

that must have been terrifying

So, it, it took a long time to get over that. I mean, that’s not weird, right? I me— It was a bad time. You know, it, it stays with you. Was signed off, what, I think about six months with the injuries. Had pretty bad, uh, nightmares, claustrophobia, I mean, obviously, right? But, uh, but, but I did my physio, and, you know, talked, talked with the counsellor they gave me. Look, I did everything I was supposed to and, and yeah, I… I guess I was fine. You know, once the bruises were gone I— Well, it’s easy to blame memory, right? You know, ha-hallucination, coincidence, all the classic shite you tell yourself. Life went back to normal. I— I was fine. Until about two weeks ago.

Jesus fucking christ, Jon. She was fine, trying to get over it, Floyd was fine and that's just it, because they think they're safe, and-

She was fine, she was okay, and he took that from her, he took that from her, he made it so she couldn't be fine anymore, he made it so every god. damn. night she'd experience that again, the bastard.

There’s this creep in, in the corner. Your guy. He just… keeps staring at me, like, like properly staring. Like, it is super intense and, and real weird. Like he knows me, but I sure as hell do not know him. I— I try to ignore him, look, I just, I just read my book, and every time I look up there he is, watching me.

Girls when they realise oh yes, he's an avatar.

So… Look, I’m packing up, all done and, and I just, I just sorta turn, you know, just, just to check if he’s still there and he is standing right behind— Like, like a few inches from my face. Look, it’s messed up!

That's??? Terrifying?? I mean, look, like, my sisters jump whenever I quietly stand behind them and stare intently, and they're my sisters, they know me, they know I only joke about stabbing them with a knife, Jon, that's freaky, stop being freaky, you have trauma at home. Go eat a stale trauma for gods sake.

Like, okay Mr. "I don't think it's me doing it." Who sat at a bloody coffee shop for an hour.

I. Understand. That there is a certain. Need. To cause and feed on fear. As an Avatar/Monster/Whatever. And I mean like it's pretty hard. To admit you're in the wrong for something. Even if you think you're in the wrong for other things. But like. None of this matters to Jess, to Floyd, to the three other people whose lives he ruined. He can try be better, he can never do it again, but he can't go back and fix it.

And I start to ask him, you know, what the hell, man, you know? Like— But he just starts talking. Slowly. But real intense. He says, he works here, at the, the Magnus Institute, and I say, what even is that and he says, he wants my story. He says he needs to hear what happened to me. And I— I want to tell him to jj-just go away. I want to, to, to kick him and run. But I— (long sigh) I sit down. And I start to tell him everything. About the job, about the collapse, a-about the hand. More than I told you, even, and, and as I do— it’s like I’m there again. Like I can feel it grab my ankle, th-th-that cold, dead hand and I just… I just can’t stop talking. I cannot shut up.

[ID: A blurry photo of CC!GoodTimesWithScar with his head in his hands. /End ID]

And then it was over. And he looked— He looked at me like he’d just eaten, like a perfectly cooked steak. You know what he said? He said, “Thank you.” “Thank you.” Just like that. Like, like reliving the worst parts of my whole life were just a bit of a… a favour that I’d done him. And then he left and I— I just sat there and cried for a while.

i don't know what to say im just sitting here with my head in my hands.

And he’s there the whole time, just… watching me. Watching me scream and thrash and… He’s all eyes. He’s all eyes.

I kinda want to punch him right about now, because how dare he do that to her, how dare he ruin her life just because he wanted to. Whatever, avatar, feed your god or it'll feed on you, I don't care, that's his business, not hers. She wasn't involved, she didn't have to be involved, she was fine and he took that from her, the bastard!

How dare he sit there talking about choice, how dare he feel all guilty for ruining her life, how dare he! He doesn't deserve to feel bad about it. Christ, Jon, what the fuck.

But I feel like I’m seeing him when I’m awake as well. I’ve been… I’ve been having a lot of problems since he talked to me. Since I talked to him. Since I told my... story. The, the claustrophobia, it’s back, worse than it ever was and I can’t do my job. I have these, these screaming panic attacks every time I try and— What am I supposed to do? Like, feels like, like every time I’m even slightly underground I— Can’t even go into a shop basement more without feeling that… (sniffs) hand. Every time I do, every time I get that panic just rising up my throat, I see him. He’s there. Not when I look properly, but just at the edge. The corner of my eye. Then he’s gone.

(MAG 142 - Scrutiny)

Since then, she said she’d been seeing that woman everywhere she went.

(MAG 6 - Worm Sex Episode Squirm)

✨ becoming what you hated ✨

No, but I have a lot of feelings on becoming a fear entity Avatar and the cycle of violence. Of how Avatars often only became Avatars because of previous trauma, because they had no other options. Of how they often don't see themselves as victims, for example Annabelle Cane describing herself as manipulative, even as she was a child trying to cope in an abusive household. And I think that Jon being like Jane Prentiss, following his victims like her, starting to understand her... that ties into those themes. I love this podcast <3.

MARTIN No, no, it’s— Thank you. I just— [Agitated clatter] For god’s sake, can he not just stay safe for like, like ten minutes?! DAISY I don’t think that’s an option for him anymore. MARTIN Yeah, I mean, sure. But he just… he doesn’t think! He always just immediately charges straight off into danger with whatever, whatever half-arsed plan occurs to him at the time! I don’t get it! DAISY What’s to get? MARTIN What? DAISY I, I mean, it’s pretty standard stuff. MARTIN What? DAISY Used to see it all the time back in the force, especially with the sectioned. Not like there’s ‘normal’ trauma, you know, but it’s pretty common. The most important thing becomes control, engaging on your own terms. Even when it’s stupid or dangerous. Anything to not feel helpless. MARTIN Oh god… DAISY And of course for Jon’s there’s survivor’s guilt in there too. He thinks he’s not human. Makes him very… self-destructive.

PODDED CAST!!

Thank you, Jonny.

Like hgnhhrnhhnr <3 yep. mhhnm there's another post that talks about the meaning of putting that in with scrutiny, I'll tag a mag a day in that.

Like! Aa! Thank you. Don't really have much to add, I mean I said a bunch in other episodes rambles, specifically the MAG 131, 132, and 136 ones.

I mean you know, the whole spider thing, a bit of his self-blame about... the end of season 4... could come from... if he's not to blame, then he didn't have any control, then all of this was out of his control. If he couldn't stop it, if Jimmy Magma's plan was that good then... well, then he was helpless, and there's nothing worse than being helpless.

in conclusion, disregard the above Jon did nothing wrong- no, he's... he doesn't get to be forgiven by Jess, by Floyd, by the others, not unless they choose to forgive him. But he can work on doing better, you know? He's allowed to not wallow in guilt the whole time, he's not irredeemable, he just did bad things -- bad things he can't fix -- but he can work on never doing those bad things again, on mitigating the damage as much as he can. He's not a bad person, just a person who did bad things.

I dunno, I'm more interested in the metaphysics side of philosophy. You know there's a branch of philosophy called metametaphysics? I think it's so funny.

[tuttle-did-it]

Remember they brought on Riker and Deanna in the last episode of Star Trek: Enterprise, and how offensive it was that Enterprise wasn't even allowed to finish their own show?

That's exactly what Star Trek: Next Generation has done to Star Trek: Picard. Except instead of displacing the Picard cast for the last four minutes, they displace the Picard cast for an entire season. For 1/3 of the entire show's run.

All of the Picard characters, except Picard himself, have been shunted to the side and are no more than wallpaper on the set- *IF* they are in the season at all. ONLY the Legacy TNG characters men matter. All of the Legacy TNG women do nothing but give the men someone to talk to or someone to rescue. They are furnishings that come with the ship. They are ghosts with no identity, no purpose.

Seven, who is one of the most dynamic Legacy Trek characters ever, and who was, for the first two seasons, integral to the story whilst simultaneously having her own thing going on, is diminished to taking abuse ad being dead-named from Shaw for most of the show, not being able to even be in the same room as her lover, and sitting in the shadows existing entirely so that Picard and his son can have someone to talk to.

Raffi, Ro Laren, Shelby- it's like they don't exist. Juratti and Laris are rarely acknowledged as even existing. You could digitally paint Seven out of most of her scenes, and almost nothing would change about the scene itself. You could digitally paint out most of these women and 90% of their scenes would barely change. And they fucking fridged Ro Laren.

How the cast of Star Trek: Enterprise felt about having TNG come in and take over their show at the 11th hour? That is how the Star Trek: Picard cast should feel, but worse because they were brought in at the 7th hour, not the 11th.

Matalas' hard-on for TNG men trauma-dumping and saving the day has done far more damage to Star Trek: Picard than that awful Enterprise ending ever could.

Jeri Ryan, Michelle Hurd, Orla Brady, Allison Pill, Evan Evagora, Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera all deserve to be furious, right now. We all do.

Even Jonathan Frakes acknowledges having him on Enterprise 'wasn't a great idea.' And yet he doesn't seem to have a problem with coming on Picard in season 3 and essentially taking over the entire show, pushing aside every one of the original Picard cast members, including Jeri Ryan.

He and Marina Sirtis have done the same thing, twice- coming into a show that was NOT about TNG, and by their mere presence, it becomes about TNG.

[sweeter-innocence-fics]

She Has No Idea (That I’m Even Here) - Chapter Four

Pairings: Steve Harrington x reader, one-sided Billy Hargrove x reader, side Nancy Wheeler x Robin Buckley

Work Summary:

Steve Harrington x reader Summer Camp AU with a side order of Billy Hargrove being a dick.

Chapters: 1 2 3 4

Rating: Mature

Word Count: 4387

Read on AO3.

Masterlists.

Taglist: @mrs-kai-anderson @ang3l1te @missryerye @nix-rose @fandom-princess-forevermore

Taglist info

Previous Chapter

Notes:

Final Chapter!

warnings for slut shaming, bullying, slight ED themes, Jason Carver being a dick, Billy being slightly less of a dick, little bit of fighting/violence, ronance <3, jealousy, being kinda attracted to billy despite him being a dick, sex mentions, boner mentions, weed, (potentially underage?) drinking, hellcheer friendship, mentions of roofies (nothing dub- or non-con happens though), protective stevie, chrissy cunningham deserves to be happy, mentions of homophobia

---

The last couple of weeks of camp went by in a blur. Billy had avoided you since your awkward moment in the cafeteria, but you’d been so busy with activities and a surprisingly bustling social life that you hardly noticed.

Most evenings after dinner, some combination of Steve, Eddie, Jonathan and Argyle came to hang out in your cabin, which eventually got dubbed ‘the party cabin’. The staff turned a blind eye.

A few days before the camp closed at the end of summer, you and your cabinmates, plus Steve and Eddie, were playing a card game on the floor of the cabin. The windows were all open due to the sweltering heat.

Over the sounds of cicadas chirping and Steve shuffling the deck, there was a knock at the door.

“Probably Jonathan and Argyle,” you said, about to get to your feet, but Eddie was closer to the door so he made it there first.

It was not Jonathan and Argyle. On the doorstep was Jason Carver, flanked by his friends. He seemed taken aback to see Eddie.

“What the fuck are you doing in my girlfriend’s cabin, freak?” he snapped.

“I’m in my friends’ cabin, actually,” said Eddie. He didn’t back down, so Jason shoved past him to get in. Steve was on his feet immediately, blocking Jason’s path. You couldn’t help but notice that he’d positioned himself between Jason and all the girls in the room.

With considerably less grace, you got to your feet too.

“What’s your problem, man?” asked Steve, raising both hands placatingly.

Jason glared back at him. “Stay out of this, Harrington. I’ve been hearing whispers around camp that guys have been coming and going from this cabin a lot. I’m not okay with my girlfriend hanging out with other guys without telling me.”

“Without your permission, you mean?” you snarked back at him.

His gaze fixed on you then. You felt like he was trying a bore a hole right through you with his eyes. “I never said that.”

“Regardless. Chrissy isn’t only person in this cabin. We’ve all been hanging out with our friends in the evening. Chrissy hasn’t done anything wrong.”

“Oh, so all of the guys are here to see you, are they?” He scoffed, looking you up and down. “Running a train on Y/N every night? I gotta tell you, it doesn’t surprise me that you turned out to be a massive sl-”

Jason didn’t get to finish his sentence, because Steve launched himself at him, pinning him to the wall.

“You keep your damn mouth shut, Carver,” he growled at him. Chance and Andy began to advance on Steve, but you stepped into the space between them. You could feel Eddie coming to stand at your other side.

“You need to get out of my cabin, right now,” you said.

Jason glared at you. “Or what?”

“Or I throw you out,” said Steve, redoubling his grip on Jason’s shirt. “You don’t get to just come into the girls’ cabins without asking, even if your girlfriend is staying there, asshole.”

Jason shoved back at Steve, who stumbled back, letting go of his shirt. Straightening up, Jason dusted himself off, a look of disgust on his face.

“I’m here because Chrissy has barely been talking to me, and now I know why. All you little satanic freaks have been poisoning her mind.”

“Jason.” Chrissy’s firm tone cut through the air. The room fell deadly silent. “They’re not freaks. They’re my friends. You need to leave now. I can’t date someone who acts like this.”

Jason’s face went white as a sheet. “Baby, wait-”

“Don’t ‘baby’ me. It’s over, Jason.”

His brow furrowed. He pushed Steve aside and made for Chrissy. “Baby, please, let’s talk about it.”

You stepped into his path. “She said it’s over, Carver. Move on.”

“This is none of your business, slut.” He barged past you, knocking you off balance. Steve caught your arm so you wouldn’t fall, and Eddie stepped in front of Jason. Steve was poised, ready to fight, but you put out a hand, trying to calm him.

“I’m not trying to steal Chrissy away from you, Carver,” said Eddie. “She doesn’t want you here anymore. So you should get lost.”

Jason looked over his shoulder at his friends for backup, but they looked uncertain. “We don’t want any trouble,” said Patrick. “Maybe we should leave?”

“I’m not going anywhere without Chrissy.”

“Jason… We should go.”

With his friends backing away, Jason didn’t seem so tough anymore. Both Steve and Eddie were taller than him, and it was clear that if it came down to a fight, Patrick, Andy and Chance weren’t going to get involved.

He glared at Chrissy, and then at Eddie, before turning on his heel and walking out the room. The door slammed behind him, making the whole cabin shake. You let out a shaky sigh of relief.

Behind you, you heard a strangled cry. You turned to see Chrissy with her hands over her face, shoulders shaking. Eddie knelt down beside her and put a tentative hand on her arm.

“It’s okay, he’s gone, you’re alright,” he said, and she shook her head, moving her hands. She was laughing. It was a strange, hysterical laughter, but it was better than her crying.

She wiped a stray tear away with the back of her hand and said, “I’ve been wanting to do that for weeks.”

Nancy put her arm around her and squeezed. “Proud of you.”

A moment later, there was another knock on the door. You tensed, but this time, it was only Argyle and Jonathan.

“I just ran into Carver and he told me to fuck off,” said Jonathan, sitting down next to Nancy. You watched Robin’s eyes dart between them.

“Thought you were gonna get schmacked,” said Argyle, grinning hazily.

“I just broke up with him,” said Chrissy, and then she giggled.

“I’ll cheers to that. Sounds like you’re in need of a celebration.” Argyle pulled out a little baggie of weed, some rolling papers and a grinder. Eddie not so subtly sat down next to him.

“You okay?” Steve murmured to you. “Thought Carver was about to start swinging.”

“I’m okay. Are you okay?”

“Wouldn’t be my first fight,” he said, smiling at you.

“I reckon you could actually take him.” Unlike Jonathan. Unlike Billy. You hadn’t been present for either of those beatdowns, but you’d seen the aftermath.

“Thanks for your faith in me.”

*

On the last evening of camp, after a day of activities, there was a party for the kids. The cafeteria tables had been rearranged to make space for a dance floor, and the whole place was decorated with streamers that you and Chrissy had spent hours meticulously putting up.

The tables were laid out with pizzas and soda, and a stereo had been brought in to play music. Nancy had been in charge of putting together a mixtape for the party; Eddie had also volunteered, but had been overruled.

Even though it was for the kids, it was fun. You ate pizza until your tummy hurt, sitting on the sidelines with Eddie and Chrissy, watching the kids doing their ridiculous dances in the middle of the open space.

Jason sat across the cafeteria from you with his friends, watching Chrissy instead of the kids that they were supposed to be chaperoning. It surprised you that Chrissy didn’t seem all that bothered by it. She just sipped on her soda and clapped along, encouraging the kids to dance.

You even managed to persuade Erica Sinclair to dance. Despite her confidence, she was pretty inhibited. She was afraid of seeming ‘uncool’ for even a second. So you stood up with Eddie and Chrissy and did a few ridiculous dance moves of your own, until you noticed her out of the corner of your eye, challenging her older brother to a dance off, the winner of which was highly contested. Mission accomplished.

Once the kids had all been sent back to their cabins – full of food and sugar and caffeine – the counsellors had a celebration of their own. Your ‘party cabin’ wasn’t big enough for everyone, so you gathered in a big clearing in the woods.

Argyle brought the weed, while Eddie had managed to source a crate of beer and a couple of bottles of vodka. Nancy had squirreled away the leftover soda from the kids’ party, which meant you could have mixed drinks. Steve and Robin had built a campfire, bickering about it the whole time. Even so, it turned out pretty well.

The staff had all turned in early for the night (though you suspected they may have been having their own party in Hopper’s office) and as such, you weren’t worried about getting caught. There was no music – no one wanted to risk drawing the attention of the campers – so the air was filled with the sounds of people talking and the campfire crackling.

You were glad to see that, while Jason’s three friends were here, Jason himself was not. You imagined that he was sulking in his cabin, pining over Chrissy. Good.

There was a big, smooth-looking rock at the edge of the clearing. You squatted down and dug your hands under it, trying to lift it. It was heavy, so you only managed to get it about a foot off the ground before one side tipped to the ground again.

“Need a hand?”

You looked up to see Billy standing over you. You straightened up immediately, letting the rock fall back into its original position.

“It’s fine.”

“Come on.” He gave you a half-smile. “Where were you trying to put it?”

“Near the fire.”

“Okay.” He bent down and heaved the rocked into your arms with considerably more grace than you had. His arms and abs clenched with the effort. “Show me where you want it.”

Feeling a little embarrassed, you led him back over to the fire and pointed to the spot you’d been eyeing up (close enough to feel its warmth, but not close enough to be bothered by the smoke). He lowered it into position and even straightened it up for you. You had a perfect little bench for one.

It was a warm night, so you slipped Steve’s hoody off your shoulders and lay it down on the rock for you to sit on.

Billy cleared his throat awkwardly. “What are you drinking?” he asked.

“Uhh… vodka lemonade?”

“Alright.” You watched him walk over to the tree that the drinks were being stored under and grab you a cup.

Normally, you weren’t sure you’d trust a drink prepared by Billy Hargrove, but you had just watched him make the whole thing, step by step. Besides, you knew that Nancy, Robin and Chrissy would never let you wander off with Billy even if he did slip something in your drink.

“What was the point of me bringing this all the way over here if you’re not even gonna sit?” he asked, gesturing at the rock good-humouredly. He had a beach chair under his arm and a can of beer squeezed in the crook of his elbow. “Or you could sit on this. It’s actually designed for sitting.”

“I prefer the rock. It’s more rugged.” You sat down and he passed you your cup. With a hand now free, he unfolded the beach chair, sat down and cracked open his beer. As he took a sip, you watched a bead of condensation roll down his chin.

His attractiveness was undeniable, but it was at times like this that you realised that he was beautiful. If he hadn’t treated you so badly for all these years, you probably would’ve thrown yourself at him that night at the cafeteria, in spite of your feelings for Steve. Unlike Steve, you were sure that Billy liked you.

But in the real world, Billy had spent years finding little ways to poke and prod at your insecurities, chipping away at your self-esteem. Had he liked you back then? Or did saving his life make him see you in a new light? Was his bullying all some kind of strategy to make you feel like you couldn’t do better than him, or had he been in denial, taking out his confusion at his own feelings on you?

It didn’t matter. He was an asshole. An apology, a drink, and moving a rock weren’t enough to make up for years of ill-treatment. Could you like him in the future? Maybe, but there was a lot more work to be done before that.

Steve had been an asshole once, and now you were head over heels for him. It stood to reason that, if people could change, your feelings about them could too.

“Are we gonna talk about what happened that night at the cafeteria?” you asked.

“I’m gonna need more beers before that.” He started to stand up, but you grabbed his forearm, and he froze.

“Sit down and start acting like an adult for once.”

He met your eyes and slowly lowered himself back into his chair. “What’s there to talk about? I got the message. You hate me.”

“I don’t hate you, Billy.”

In spite of everything, you found it hard to hate him. You knew that he’d moved out of his dad’s house as soon as he turned eighteen, and at that point, he’d changed. He wasn’t nearly so violent and volatile as he had been.

Of course, you’d never witnessed it yourself, but there had been rumours about his dad. That he’d hit him. And sometimes Billy would come to school sporting a shiner, and he’d tell everyone that he’d got into a fight, but you hadn’t been quite sure.

Maybe people are all products of their environment. Steve was only ‘King Steve’ in high school, surrounded by adoring admirers who were too sycophantic and cruel to tell him when he was being an asshole. Without those admirers, he was kind and caring and sweet and protective.

Maybe Billy was Billy because of his dad. But that didn’t change anything. He’d still done everything he’d done. He’d still tormented you for years and beaten the crap out of Steve and threatened to hurt Lucas for dating Max, and probably a lot of other stuff you didn’t know about.

Maybe someday he would stop being the boy who did those sorts of things. But he would always be the boy who had done those things.

“I don’t hate you. I just don’t want to date you. You’ve spent years making me feel like shit. How could anyone build a relationship out of that?”

Billy sighed. “I know I’ve fucked up. I know I have. But I’m trying to make it better.”

“Well, keep trying.” You took a deep swig of your drink. You were pleasantly surprised to find that Billy had even put ice in it.

“Alright, you don’t want to date me. How about we just have some fun? I could show you a real good time.” He leered at you, but you now saw this for what it was. He was falling back on a defence mechanism, acting like a perv to try and push you away. Or maybe he just really wanted to fuck you. Either way you leant back in disgust.

“No thanks. I’m not interested in having a ‘good time’ with you.”

“Because you’re in love with Harrington.”

“This has nothing to do with Steve!” you snapped, far too loudly. There was a lull in conversation as people turned to look at you. Your face was hot, from the fire, the booze or the embarrassment, you weren’t sure.

“You should probably tell him that. He’s been staring at me like he wants to kill me for the last five minutes.” Billy took a sip of his beer and nodded towards the edge of the clearing. You followed his gaze and saw Steve leaning against a tree, crushed beer can in his hand. When he saw you looking, he quickly looked away.

“I’m man enough to know when I’m beat. I hope he makes you happy,” said Billy. And with that, he stood up and patted you on the shoulder.

You realised with horror that he was walking over to Steve. Steve visibly tensed, but Billy just said something to him, jerking his thumb over his shoulder at you. Steve looked up and your eyes met. While you were looking at Steve, Billy tossed his beer can on the ground and walked off into the trees.

You had told Billy that none of this had anything to do with Steve, but you wondered if you had been wrong. Steve had been a constant presence this camp season, always there to feed you that little bit of hope that maybe you had a chance with him.

If you had truly believed that nothing could ever happen with Steve, if he hadn’t showered you with compliments and carried your trays and lent you his hoody as well as a hundred other little kindnesses, would you have let Billy kiss you?

There was a time when you had felt desperate to be loved. Billy had fueled that, with all of his insults and teasing that made you believe no one desired you. Maybe in another world, you would’ve been desperate enough to let him kiss you, and fuck you, and take whatever else he wanted from you because that’s all you thought you were worth.

But in this world, there was Steve. Steve let you know that it was okay to hope for better. To want someone who made you feel like you were worth wanting.

A moment after Billy disappeared, Steve pushed himself away from his tree and walked towards you. Your heart was starting to speed up. You drained the rest of your cup nervously.

“You want another one of those?” he asked you.

“Sure. Vodka lemonade, please.”

“I know. I watched Billy make it for you.”

He took your cup and went over to the drinks. Your eyes scanned the rest of the party, looking for your friends. Chrissy was smoking a joint with Eddie, Argyle and Jonathan. Her hair, normally tied back in a tight ponytail, hung loosely around her shoulders. She looked happy.

You looked around for Robin and Nancy, but couldn’t see them anywhere.

As Steve slid into the seat next to you, you asked him, “Have you seen Robin?”

He looked around and then leant closer to you. “She snuck off with Nancy a few minutes ago, after I told her to stop being such a dumbass about it. She had to take a couple of shots, but she did it.”

“You know about Robin?” you asked in disbelief.

“I’m the first person she told.” He grinned at you, looking proud. That surprised you. You knew that her and Steve were close, but you couldn’t imagine her confiding something like that in him. You supposed you knew them both less well than you thought. “And a couple of weeks ago, she told me that she’d told you too. She’d been so nervous, but she said you took it well.”

“Robin is my friend, no matter what.”

“Good. ‘Cause she’s my best friend, and I can’t be spending time with anyone who’d hurt her.”

“I’ll cheers to that,” you said, mimicking Argyle as you clinked your cup against his beer can.

“So, I see you gave Billy the bum’s rush.”

“I was nice about it!” you protested.

“Nicer than he deserved, I’ll bet.” His fingers tapped against the arm of his chair. You wanted to put your hand on his, but you were nowhere near drunk enough.

“He, uh… He tried to kiss me a few weeks ago. I didn’t let him.”

Steve swallowed a sip of beer, his Adam’s apple bobbing with the motion. After a moment, he said, “Good.”

“Why’s that good?” you asked, hoping that you knew the answer.

“Because he’s an asshole.” Your heart sank a little, but then he said, “And you deserve better. You deserve someone who makes you feel you could tell them anything. Someone who won’t turn around and use your insecurities to hurt you.”

“Uh-huh. You got someone in mind?” You had almost finished your second drink now, and you were starting to feel a little bold. As Steve opened his mouth, a wave of anxiety overcame you, and you got to your feet. “I’m gonna go get another drink. You want one?”

“Sure.”

You expected him to wait for you, but after a moment, you realised that he was following you. As you poured a more generous helping of vodka into your cup, he said, “Can we talk? Somewhere more private?”

Afraid of what might come out of your mouth if you spoke, you just nodded.

You followed him through the trees, wondering how the fuck he managed to navigate through the thick foliage, until the two of you emerged into a familiar clearing. The big wide stump was waiting for you, looking enticing under the moonlight.

Steve didn’t sit down though. He took a big swig of his beer, swallowed, and then said, “I’ve been kinda messed up over you all summer. It’s been a long time since I felt this way about anyone.”

Your heart stuttered. Under the moonlight, his eyes were big and dark and bright as they stared into yours.

“Robin said I was being an idiot. And a hypocrite, because I was always telling her to shoot her shot with Nancy. Every time I was alone with you, I’d get so close to telling you how I felt, and every time, I clammed up. I was scared to make a fool of myself, which is stupid because I’ve been making a fool of myself in front of girls for years. Just ask Robin. She used to keep a tally of all the times I struck out. I wasn’t scared to put myself out there. But with you, it’s different. I was just so terrified that you’d turn me down. So I chickened out, every time.”

“Steve…” you breathed, unable to believe what you were hearing. Steve Harrington had thought you would turn him down. The world was upside down.

“But then you rejected Billy and I thought that maybe… well, maybe you might like me too? Even though every time I got close to you, you’d end up backing away. You were always the one who left first.”

“Because I was scared,” you said. “Scared that it was all a joke. Or that you were just being nice. Scared that I’d get too close and become too clingy and you’d think I was a gross creep or something.”

“I’d never think that.”

“Steve…” His name came out as half a laugh and half a sigh of relief. “I’ve had a crush on you since, like, fifth grade.”

The invisible bar that had been holding you at arms’ length from him seemed to collapse, hitting you right in the stomach. Steve crossed the distance in one stride and cupped your face in his hands. He kissed you, and you felt like stars were bursting inside you.

It was a sweet, gentle, chaste kiss at first, but you were a little tipsy and a little horny from the way Steve was touching you, so you kissed him back sloppily, licking at the inside of his mouth.

He responded in kind, hands touching you everywhere, trailing kisses down the column of your throat as you gasped for breath. He manoeuvred you both until your butt was pressed against the tree stump, his hands sliding up the outside of your thighs until they reached the hem of your shorts.

You kissed until you ran out of breath, and then you leant your head back, letting Steve nibble and suck at your neck. The moon stared back down at you, almost full. You wondered if the moon was making you crazy, or if it was just Steve making you feel like this, desperately grinding on him in the woods.

You hooked one leg over his hip, tugging him closer.

“We need to stop,” he panted, fingertips sliding up under your t-shirt. “Or else I’m gonna have a problem.”

“Feels like you already have a problem.” And it was true that you could feel him through his shorts, half-hard and pressed up against your leg.

He stilled. “As tempting as the idea of fucking you in the woods is,” your stomach swooped at the suggestion, “I want to take my time with you. Somewhere where no one is going to interrupt us.”

You swallowed and nodded. “Okay.”

A smile flitted across his face. “When camp is over, do you wanna go out with me?”

“Yeah, I really do.”

When you finally managed to drag yourselves away from each other, you helped each other straighten your clothes before heading back to the main party.

Nancy and Robin had re-emerged, sitting on a log by the fire, thigh to thigh and both looking very giggly. Nancy’s hair was messier than you’d ever seen it, and you thought that maybe you could see the trace of a hickey on Robin’s neck.

Your eyes met hers, and she stared at the way Steve’s arm was slung casually over your shoulder. She grinned at you, and you grinned back.

You passed by Eddie, who looked at you both with wide eyes and an excited smile. He was about to say something, but Steve raised a hand.

“Don’t you dare,” he warned, and Eddie raised both hands in surrender.

Steve’s hoody was still on the rock where you left it. You tried to offer it back to him, and he looked positively offended by the suggestion. He picked it up and draped it over your shoulders, and then sat down on the rock himself. You were about to sit in the chair beside it when he tugged you down to sit sideways across his lap.

“How are people gonna know you’re my girl if you’re not wearing my hoody?” My girl.

“Well, I think the fact I’m sitting in your lap right now might be a clue.”

“You’re so smart,” he said, grinning at you dopily. You couldn’t help but giggle. “My girl’s so smart.”

---

Notes:

Thank you for reading <3

[callme-dickmaster]

Sweetheart - (eddie munson x reader)

Ch. Seven - Because of Her

summary: steve and nancy's story seemingly comes to a close while y/n finds out burgers are a great bonding food. cw: 18+ (minors dni) this is obnoxiously long, unfortunate use of y/n, always projecting yes i am, language, inhaler use, feelings of anxiety and guilt, stancy breakup, burger bonding -i think thats all- author's note: this chapter and the ones coming make me smile. don't worry ya'll we're like halfway there. this turned into an accidental slow burn :/ sorry. love you <3

Series Masterlist

To say Nancy was a little confused would be an understatement. Steve brought her home, but he didn’t pick her up. And he refused to look or speak to her. Y/n was also acting strange, but Y/n was kinda strange herself so nothing too out of the ordinary.

Y/n gave her a stiff smile and a forced goodbye before running outside to Billy’s car. With the five minutes she had between second and third, she ran full force to the car, dug in the trunk, grabbed her spare outfit, ran back into the school, changed as fast as she could, and ran into third period with two seconds to spare.

Y/n leaned against the wall, panting heavily, and holding her chest. She dug in her bag for her inhaler and puffed on it as she sat next to Eddie.

“Fuck!” she panted, leaning on her elbows.

Eddie pat her back lightly, laughing once she could properly breathe. “You never told me you have asthma!” Eddie giggled, nudging her arm. Y/n smirked, “I don’t.”

Eddie gave her a deadpanned look and she smiled sweetly, pulling out a mini-Hershey’s bar before popping it in his mouth as he went to speak. Eddie chuckled around the chocolate before eating it.

Y/n was fidgety all class. What if Nancy finds out? Will she hate me? Will she freak out? Would she tell everyone I’m a slut or something? Shit! I never should have done that!

“Y/n!” she jumped at Eddie’s voice, “You ok?” he asked, genuine concern on his face. Y/n couldn’t handle the fucking tension anymore. It was driving her crazy. She had to tell someone. Even if it was Eddie fucking Munson.

“I slept with Steve!” she blurted. She pulled her lips up into a thin line, giving him the most anxious look Eddie had ever seen. “W-what?” Eddie breathed. “I-I slept with Steve… Harrington,” Y/n replied. Eddie smiled and his jaw dropped. This was too good. “No. Fucking. Way,” he said. Y/n cringed and nodded, hiding her face in her hands. “Dude, that is fucking hilarious! No way you let Steve hit!” Eddie exclaimed, hitting her shoulder. “Yeah… I did,” Y/n sighed, looking like she would rather be anywhere else but there.

Eddie let out an excited laugh, jumped up, and did a lap around the back of the class before he sat right back down. “This is great! Y/n, I’m sorry, but this is golden!” Eddie laughed. Y/n groaned, dropping her head down. “Promise me you won’t tell anyone? Please?” she asked, holding out her pinky. Eddie smiled softly, linking their fingers together with a nod. Good. Eddie left it alone and didn’t bring it up the rest of their time in third.

Though, Y/n wasn’t completely off the hook with Nancy. While Eddie Munson thought it was great, Nancy personally didn’t think it was very funny. She hunted down Steve in the gym and had him call a time-out so they could talk.

“Where were you this morning I missed first period!” she exclaimed. Steve shrugged, trying to put Y/n’s advice to some good use. He deserves better.

“I figured Jonathan would take you,” he replied. “What are you talking about?” Nancy asked, pure confusion on her face. Steve scoffed, “Jesus, you really can’t handle your alcohol… You remember going to Tina’s party last night, right?” Nancy sighed, “Yes…”

I deserve better… I deserve better…

“And then what?” Steve prompted. Nancy practically rolled her eyes as she recalled the previous night’s events. “You got mad at me because I was drunk… and then you took me home,” she said. Steve actually rolled his eyes, surprising Nancy at this newfound attitude towards her. “See, that’s where your mind get a little fuzzy. That was your other boyfriend, that was Jonathan!” Steve said, holding the towel over his neck.

Nancy looked side to side nervously. “I-I don’t understand…” she stuttered. Steve shrugged, “It’s pretty simple, Nancy, you were just telling it like it is…” he mumbled. Nancy scrunched up her nose, “What?” Steve shifted his weight, “Apparently uh… we killed Barb? And I don’t care, ‘cause I’m bullshit… and our whole relationship is bullshit, and pretty much everything is just bullshit, bullshit, bullshit. Oh yeah! Also, you don’t love me!” he replied. “I was drunk, Steve! I don’t remember any of that!” Nancy exclaimed incredulously.

“So that makes everything you said… it’s what? Just bullshit too?!” Steve replied, groaning in annoyance at Nancy’s ‘yes!’ Enough was enough. One man can only take so much. “Then tell me!” Steve replied, “Tell you what?” Nancy snapped.

Really girl?

“You love me!” Steve begged. He was trying so hard, but it’s even harder to try in a one-sided relationship. He waited for her to say it. Nothing… Absolutely nothing. “You can’t even say it. Well, don’t worry about it because while Jonathan was tucking you in, Y/n took me home,” Steve said. “What does- yeah, that’s great. I’m glad you guys are friends or whatever…” Nancy scoffed.

Steve looked at his feet with a smirk, “Yeah, we went to mine and hung out… You know, studying,” he sneered. Nancy’s stomach dropped. “Y-what?” she gasped.

“Yep. She taught me a lot. She’s a great teacher. Taught me a lot more than what she showed me in bed. She taught me that I deserve better! She helped me see all the little manipulative; status-climber shit I missed when you were leading me on! So, you’re free to go fuck around with Jonathan or whatever weird shit it is you guys do… because I’m done. I can’t do this anymore,” Steve said, shaking his head as he started to walk back into the gym.

“S-s-so, that’s it? Just… break up because of that? Because of her?” Nancy stuttered, looking like she might cry. Steve scoffed. He didn’t care anymore…

“Yeah. Because you’re the one who’s bullshit… Not me,” he said, walking back into the gym with his head held high. He couldn’t wait to tell Y/n later.

Y/n was still nervous for the inevitable talk she and Nancy would have but spending time with Eddie was a nice distraction. Neither one of them ended up going to fourth period, too distracted with their game of “20 questions, but neither one of us can remember what question we’re on so we’re just gonna talk until we run out of ideas” to go to class.

“Shit! We missed fourth!” Y/n sighed, looking at Eddie’s watch. Eddie groaned, checking the time too. “Fuck! No lunch? Damn!” he sighed, hitting his legs. They sighed; mad they missed lunch. Y/n slowly grinned mischievously, an idea popping into her head.

“You like Burger King?” she asked, Eddie being completely distracted by her painted black lips being poked by her tongue. “I do like Burger King!” Eddie smiled. “You got gas?” Y/n asked. Eddie shrugged, starting up the van and nodding in confirmation. Y/n smirked, “I’m buying if you’re driving,” she said.

Eddie grinned, throwing the van in drive, and zooming out of the school parking lot. Y/n honestly didn’t care. Eddie was turning into a bad influence on her, but it wasn’t like she really had to try super hard in school. She took all the easy classes, so she didn’t have much to worry about. So, she didn’t mind missing one or two of her last classes of the day to hang out with her cute new rocker friend.

She jumped out of the van the second he pulled up to a stop in the parking lot. Eddie laughed, putting it in park and following behind her. Y/n smiled up at him when he joined her in line and looked back up at the big menu.

The cashier sent her and Eddie a weird look but took their order as nicely as he could talking to Eddie “The Freak” Munson. Y/n let Eddie go first, smiling weakly when he stepped back to let her order. He stood right behind her, shooting a glare at the older guy that had been staring at them (her) since they walked in. Eddie took her hand to pull her over to a jukebox the restaurant still had from the sixties.

Y/n gasped excitedly, nearly shoving her face into the glass as she quickly ruffled around for some coins to put into it. She smacked a song button, smiling brightly as Things We Said Today by The Beatles crackled out of the speakers. Eddie furrowed his eyebrows, half expecting Ozzy or Black Sabbath to bang out of the old thing. Shaggy smiled timidly, “Sorry, I know it’s not the coolest, but I love The Beatles. Gotta start somewhere right?” she asked, sitting in a booth.

Eddie shrugged, nodding as he sat across from her. “So, what music do you like?” Eddie asked, twisting his rings around. He knew she wouldn’t say something lame like Madonna or whatever. With a look like that, she had to be cool. Eddie was hoping he was right.

“Oh, I like just about everything. I mainly just listen to Ozzy and stuff like that. Pop is okay, but it’s not metal at all so, it’s kinda lame,” Y/n shrugged, fiddling with her own jewelry as she spoke.

“Hell yeah! You like Iron Maiden?” Eddie asked, bouncing his leg. Y/n grinned, nodding happily now that they could talk about something she knew a shit ton about. Eddie smiled, knocking his rings on the table.

“I was convinced for the longest time that my parents named me after the dude on all the covers, but I was around way before Iron Maiden,” he snickered. Y/n shrugged, "My mom wanted to name me after a Beatles song," she huffed. Eddie snorted, jumping up to grab their food when their name was called.

"I don't remember a Beatles song named Y/n," he said, passing her burger and fries. Y/n scoffed, "I wish! No, she would've if my dad would let her, but I got the name I got," she laughed, biting into a fry. Eddie smirked, picking the onions off his sandwich, and taking a bite. "I like Y/n more. It fits you better," he said.

Y/n and Eddie giggled and subtly flirted with each other. Eddie ended up liking her more and more and Y/n was just happy she had someone like her to talk to. Someone she could talk to about metal bands and weird stuff and not be laughed at. She liked Robin and Steve, and Nancy was cool too, but they would never really get her like Eddie could. Because Y/n used to be "The Freak" in California.

taglist: @sisgotdemons @tlclick733 @deafeningmoontragedy @marjoriea13 @playfuloutcast @twosluttychains @leetaeilsnecktattoo @lil-quinnie @razzles-bottom-lip @originalstar1 @yessargeantbarnes @bebe0701 @shotgunhallelujah @uselessastheginlasagnaa @mynameismothra @niragis-right-hand-rabbit @shecagobaby @moviefreak1205 @munsonmunster @chonkzombie @sadbitchfangirl @screaming-blue-bagel @urdad-hot @kjaxm @xxaestheticboyxx @ok-boke @coffeeaddictednymph @ohmeg

<3

[i-promise-i-am-not-on-drugs]

Allllllll right, 08×02 rewatch rambling, let's go!!

This episode is going to make me emotional, I know that all ready.

1) Hopper and the scientists (+the demodogs ig)

Hopper: You sure 'bout that glass?

Bro was so real for that--

2) Mike and Bob

My boy's so smart :3

3) Demogorgons (+dead scientists ig)

Yay, death! :D (/j)

4) Mike, Will, Joyce, and Bob

I already said that and I'll say it again: Mike's so smart, I love my son.

And here is the famous "Ur Mom!" scene lol-- (sorry)

Alright, more seriously, seeing Will like must have been mildly traumatizing for Mike and Joyce don't you think? :(

Also, that one shoot of Mike slapping his hands on his ears to not ear Will... Poor boy must have felt so guilty, even if he knew it was the best thing to do. :((

5) the camera room (or something)

Holy cow.

Alright, I'm going to talk about my boy!! :D

Because there's never enough opportunities to talk about Mike's traumas <33

Imagine being Mike Wheeler, a 12 year old boy who's best friend is being possessed by some supernatural monster that is trying to murder everyone and everything around it. And now, you're locked in a room with lots of adults that you know very little to nothing about (except Joyce), and you're seeing in live people being killed and devoured by some other supernatural creatures that are also trying to murder and eat everything and everyone around them. AND, on top of that, all lights just went off for no apparent reasons. Also, you're feeling extremely guilty of all this because you think you could've prevent all of it from happened, if only you asked your best friend to have a sleepover with you a year before that. And how easy would've that been? It's not like you couldn't have done it, you just "weren't in the mood" that night, so of course it's your fault Michael!!--

Anyway. You got me. :)

6) the Mayfield house

Ew, Neil.

I still dislike Billy, but even this guy doesn't deserve to be treated like that. :(

(He was looking pretty good too! I like his eyes.)

7) Dustin, Lucas, Max, and Steve

I love Dustin and Lucas's fight honestly, it really shows how important the rules and honestly are for the party. (Also shows how different their's and byler's fight was--)

Also,

Max: No, no, no. Hey, guys, why are you headed towards the sound??

No because she's so real for that honestly, they were pretty dumb here ToT

8) the Lab

The way Mike's nerdy brain most likely know some BASIC and Hopper doesn't even know what it is lol--

Also, I'm like 80% sure that Dr.Owens know BASIC (at least enough to do what they were talking about) and just didn't want to go on a suicide mission. ._.

Anyway, I already feel sad for Bob help me :((

9) Stoncy, Lumax, and Dustin

Jonathan and Nancy were flabbergasted to see Steve here lol--

Also, Max must be so confused like "...Who are these people again?"

9) Bob

Poor man would've been traumatized as hell if he was still alive. :(

10) Stoncy and the kids

Why are you so agressive Dustin? Poor Jonathan was doing the same thing as you did! ToT

11) Bob (+others)

He's so smart he's so smart I'm so sad AAAAAHHHH!! :(((

NOOOOO, don't forget the guuunnn!!! ༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽

(Also, Dustin's "I did it! :D" was so cute lol)

12) Hopper, Mike, Will, and Joyce

They way they were so fucking lucky to get out without seeing any Demogorgons ToT

13) Bob and Owens

JSJISIZKKSMMCXLZRQZRWDTXLFJVUVGUCGDJWSURWWURXFIUGCPUVUPGFCYSWEAQRZSIFYPVUIBPIPHIYCXDTUSRWZUOCYBIPPNNINUHLCFTWZZAAYEXTCGUVVUPUOGXTESRZXETEOCUBBPGCRTWZWRZVUP!!!!!! This scene is so nerve wracking it's killing me!! And I already know how it ends!!!! ToT

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGJHHLJDTLUTDDRULLXUULHFLUTDOYRSOGYOGOYGIYLUXTIDYFDIYDYI I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THIS STUPID HANDLE IS THE ONLY REASON WHY BOB DIED AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!

༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽༼⁠;⁠´⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠۝ ⁠༎ຶ⁠༽

(and also because he's a slow runner, but let's not ruin the mood.)

14) Joyce, Hopper, Mike, Will, and Jancy

(⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠෴⁠ ⁠༎ຶ⁠)

The way Mike runs to hug Joyce and push her to the car (⁠╥O╥⁠)

15) Everyone

BE FAST Y'ALL

16) "Bob"

I did NOT need to see that by the way. The 3D model thing is making me a bit uncomfortable.

17) Everyone

Hopper: I AM THE POLICE--

Lmao.

Joyce :(((

Mike trying to lift the other's mood while still being in shock of seeing so many people (INCLUDING BOB) dying in front of him :((((

The kids are so intelligent I love them <33

MIIIIKKKKKKEEEEEE BABY YOU'RE SO SMAAAARRRRTTTTTTT!!!

And you're also going to HATE your own idea in approximately 15mins. Yahoo.

Stancy... Yeah no. Break up already please.

Lucas and Dustin's talk ToT

Honestly I feel like Mike's trying to push Max away because he's scared that if he lets her actually be in the party, it would mean that he takes responsibility on her (because he's the paladin yk), and he doesn't want that because he feels like he's already failing everyone on that part. He doesn't want to feel responsible for someone else's life turning even more shitty.

Also, he's probably trying to not "remplace" El. (Survivor's guilt, yk?)

Jonathan and Joyce... I guess they're never escaping this realistic VS optimistic thing. :(

(I'm going to call this patched up place "interrogation room'' because yes.)

18) Byers house (Dustin, Nancy, Steve, Lucas, and Max)

Max: Yeah but.. But if he finds us?

Lucas:... Judgement day.

I mean, you can say it like that.

19) Interrogation room (Will, Joyce, Jonathan, Hopper, and Mike)

Mike bitting his nails off and hiding his hands under his armpits to try to comfort himself.. :((

Also, the light are flittering!! Will's powers??

MIKE'S EEEYYYYESSSS AAAAAAHHHH (⁠༎ຶ⁠ ⁠෴⁠ ⁠༎ຶ⁠)

Joyce's monologue is just making me so happy... Imagine a little 8 years old Will, drawing his huge rainbow ship with this new(!!) 120(!!!) crayon set. He must have been so happy. :')

Jonathan's monologue toooo... My babies. :(

I really want to see them make castle byers honestly.

(alright, time for the big deal™)

THE WAY MIKE WAS ALREADY CRYING WHEN WE SEE HIM FOR THE FIRST TIME AND HOW WILL'S EYES START WATERING TOO I CAN'T APKXKDJSIDOZJJZODKFJBFKZOZIJ TOT

Also, can we talk about how Joyce and Jonathan had shoots of other people's faces during their monologue, and Mike absolutely didn't? It's just him and Will. MikeandWill, WillandMike, always.

Also, the way Hopper was just standing there like "🧍" LMAO--

He say the morse code though!! Good job Hopper!!! (IT'S THE HAND THAT MIKE WAS HOLDING AAAJKDKSPODJLDKEKZODJNDKQOSJDBJSODKFJJSODKDJZJKAK)

20) Everyone (-Will)

Steve: What's that?

All the kids: Morse code.

Lmao--

21) Interrogation room

(vibbing with "should I stay or should I go")

All of those little monologues are so sweet ToT💕

I especially love the truck one, Will is literally the kindest, sweet, most adorable little boy in the world, and I love him so much.

22) Byers house

Holy hell, phone murder.

23) interrogation room

Yep, they're cooked! Baked as bread!! Fried as chicken!!! :'D

24) Everyone

(MIKE HOLDING A CANDLE HOLDER LIKE A SWORD LMAO---)

Max: Is it dead?

Well I mean, I hope so--

ELEVEN BABY YOU'RE BAAAAACCCCKKKKK!!!! I love you my girl.

Bro the long mileven eyes contact is making me almost uncomfortable, the both look high help ToT

Annnd, here comes the end of this episode!!! I'll probably do the last one tomorrow.

It was nice to write everything down like this, tho I don't think I'll be doing it while rewatching ST3 and ST4 because it's very time consuming. (This episode is 48 minutes long and I've been here for literally two hours help me out ppl)

I really like this episode, but I do think that if the last one was very plain, then this one was extremely crowded. Still loved it tho!! :)

Alright, thank you for reading my rant lol, have a nice day/night/whatever!

[blamemma]

Not sure if you answered this before but based on your latest bookish asks, what are your top book recommendations? 😌

i have definitely answered this before but cannot find it anywhere in my books tag oops so i dont think i ever tagged it correctly but oH NO a chance for me to talk about my favourite books what a shame???!!!!! anyway book recs under the cut x

ok so i'll try and do this succinctly cause i can talk about good books for hours and hours and what made me so enamoured with them so ok lets go.

bewilderment by richard powers - go into this knowing nothing apart from it centers around a single dad and his son who is concerned about animals and the climate crisis. do not google more about it, do not look for spoilers, just let powers take you on this slow journey of a father and son and all that comes with that....thrust it into the arms of my flatmate with these same words and he kept on asking me questions because he couldn't work out some things in the book and then one night at about 12:30am i get a knock on my bedroom door cause he finished it and we talked for hourssss about it.....just please....read it

at swim, two boys by jamie o'neill - no one is surprised to see this here, maybe look up some of the trigger warnings if there are things you avoid in books for this one, but yeah, two boys, dublin, in love with each other but not acting on their feelings, learning how to swim and forging a bond so strong :)) still thinking about it still aching

the seas by samantha hunt - i think she's under 200 pages?? if not only slightly over.....quick fast paced weird read about a fucked up girl who believes deep in her heart she's a mermaid, flew through this one, really weird concept that was explored thoroughly well

the idiot by elif batuman - i often forget about this one because i read it during the hazy depressed days of first year uni but i know it shaped me, i know it clawed at me, and i know i really want to re-read it soon....a good book if ur lost in ur twenties i think xx

drive your plow over the bones of the dead by olga tokarczuk - much like bewilderment, dont google this one for more than the synopsis and let urself wade through the first 50 pages cause god from there....chefs kiss....a feminist murder mystery fuck YES (and thats a really simple description of what it is)

crossroads by jonathan franzen - aight so you take a heavy religious family with a pastor for a father but ooft the father is cheating on his wife and the son is addicted to drugs and the daughters had enough of her family and is in love with someone she shouldn't be and the mothers done some questionable shit in her past......yeah thats MY kinda family saga....each chapter follows a different member of the family and through these lil snippets u really start to see the inevitable breakdown of a family that on the outside looks perfect

babel by r.f. kuang - look, i gotta give it to the tiktok girlies here......they're onto something here......devoured this beast of a book like there was no tomorrow and went through a full array of emotions with all the characters.....superb book, truly deserves all the hype its been given

(lol reading back through all these and i think what we can comfortably say is i LOVE a sad book keep ur happy emotions away from me)

HONORABLE MENTIONS GO TO: mayflies by andrew o'hagan; the death of vivek oji by akwaeke emezi; shuggie bain by douglas stuart; my brilliant friend by elena ferrante (can not yet recommend the full quartet because i've only read the first two....but yeah.....good shit)