#Love Drunk

[eksgirl]

Forever craving you…

[we-could-call-it-love]

Forget the alcohol, let's get drunk on each other.

[yungcoochiee]

the luv of ma life actually 🎀💕

[rottenroyalebooks]

Love Drunk - 0.1

Pairing: Eddie Munson x older sister!Harrington reader

Also includes: Steve Harrington x sister!reader (siblings)

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Summary: Y/N Harrington left Hawkins as soon as she turned eighteen with her boyfriend to follow her dreams of being a Rockstar. Three years later, she returns to Hawkins alone and scarred. Now, she has to repair her broken relationship with her younger brother, all while trying to prevent herself from falling for a cute metal head who plays at the Hideout, where she works.

Warnings: None.

Next ->

Driving back to Hawkins, Indiana, was the last thing I thought I would do.

I wouldn't say I liked this hellhole and got away as soon as possible. I never wanted to see the all-too-familiar roads and trees filled with bad memories.

Why did I come back here if I hated this place so much? My life fell apart underneath my feet, and I had no choice.

The drive was long and taxing, but I had a caravan from the 60s that still worked beautifully, so I didn't have to stay in any motels. I left California with a few boxes of my possessions and my black and white Saint Bernard Baxter, and we hit the open road together. It was a long trip, but eventually, I pulled into the driveway of my family home, which was pitch black.

Being late into the night, I was not surprised that the house was dark. I pulled my van into the backyard so it wouldn't be seen by anyone who drove by. I turned my van off and climbed into the back of my caravan, grabbing my travel bag and waking Baxter up so he wouldn't be sleeping outside in the cold.

I tried the back door, but it was locked, so I had to grab the spare key that was always kept underneath my mother's favorite garden gnome. I scoffed, showing the key to Baxter, who tilted his head. "See? They're predictable."

Once I unlocked the door and returned the key to its hiding place, I crept into the kitchen slowly, with Baxter trailing behind me and lazily trudging around. I poked my head into the garage, seeing it bare of any cars, and scoffed, "Nobody's home? They're probably away on business again." I pulled myself back into the house and closed the door.

I started thinking about my little brother Steve. He must have been nineteen, probably off at some fancy university far away from this town. Good for him.

I found my way to my old bedroom, letting Baxter in with promises of bedtime, and closed the door behind me. The room had barely been touched, though my parents were never home enough to care about what had happened. My bed was a mess, my posters were still on the walls, my desk was nearly covered in junk, my old makeup lay on the dresser, and my records were still in a box I had put together.

Sighing happily, I put my backpack on a chair and watched as Baxter jumped onto my bed, making himself as comfortable as possible. I sat on the bed next to my nightstand, which held the phone I had begged my parents to put in for me. I picked it up, hearing the dial tone and beeping as I pressed one of the few numbers I had memorized.

I pressed the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing. Finally, after a few rings, there's a male voice coming from the receiver, "I swear to god, somebody better be dead if you have the bright idea of calling me at three in the fucking morning."

I held back a laugh, "Jim! Hey, it's Y/N,"

I could almost feel his mood lighten, "Y/N? I never thought I'd hear your voice again! How've you been, kid?"

"Could be better. it could be worse. I'm back in town wondering if the pub needs a bartender."

He hummed lightly, "Luckily for you, Paul retired two weeks ago, and I've been having trouble finding decent help. You got any experience bartending?"

I smiled, thankful that he didn't push my return further, "I was a bartender for three years. I kept my nights busy."

"Perfect, you're hired. Can I go back to bed now?"

Giggling, I nodded, knowing he couldn't see me, "Yes, yes, sorry for calling so late. Goodnight, Jim." I placed the phone in the receiver and began stretching, getting myself ready to sleep.

My peace didn't last very long as my door swung open, revealing none other than my little brother, who wasn't so little anymore, welding a baseball bat in his hands. I jumped slightly and held my hands up in surrender, "Whoa, whoa! Steve?"

He stared at me, his features melting into a look of surprise, "Y/N?" He kept the bat high up in the air.

The two of us spoke in unison, "What are you doing here?"

"I asked you first, twerp."

He looked at me with an exasperated expression, "I'm literally the one with the bat."

I scoffed, crossing my arms over my chest as the adrenaline died down, "I have an attack dog. Don't make me sick him on you."

He glanced behind me, looking at Baxter; smirking, he just looked back at me as he lowered the bat, "Oh yeah, he's an attack dog alright."

I looked over my shoulder and turned to look at Baxter, who laid there unbothered; passed out nearly dead to the world. If it weren't for the slow rise and fall of his upper body, I would have thought he was dead.

"I could be facing an actual murder right now, and you would just be blissfully aware until you woke up to see my dead body."

Steve sighed, "N/N, what happened?"

I turned back to him, "I'm back in Hawkins. Mom and Dad don't need to know. Hopefully, I'll find a place of my own soon. Trust me, you'll barely know I'm here."

He just stared at me, his expression unreadable as he contiplated my words. He grew a lot since I last saw him. His hair was shorter back then. He was shorter. He's no longer the scrawney kid I had to protect in my senior year, when he was merely a freshman.

I probably looked different, too, but in other ways.

"I should probably get some rest, I have an early shift." He awkwardly ran a hand through his hair. I nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, kid. We'll talk later,  I want to know everything I've missed." I smirked, grabbing the covers and pulling them over my legs, "Hit the lights on the way out?"

He chuckled lightly, nodding, "Yeah, goodnight, Melody." He baked out of the doorframe, flipping the lights off for me before closing the door, leaving me to stare up at the ceiling; which still had the glow in the dark stars on it.

Baxter rolled over a bit, cuddling into my side as we got comfortable in my bed.

[lindyloosims]

This is the story about an ordinary girl who took a gamble and left her home town with her best friend in tow. She had a dream, and she had the courage to follow it, regardless of the outcome! Whether or not she fulfils that dream is anyone's guess. But this is also the story of a handsome young man who had a dream too! He wanted to be a successful artist, he wanted to be in a famous band with his brother and best friends! Now he finds himself chasing that dream, sacrificing his two year relationship with a girl he thought he loved…until he found out what love really is and how it feels, now he will learn that the heart is not a toy, and that feelings that are so intense can tear your world apart and turn it all upside down.

This is the story of Lainie Robertson and Dexter Maloney. But it's not just about them, it's about the people around them too, their friends, relatives and lovers! This is how it all began, one touch and Pandora's Box was opened…

Chapter One, Part One:

"We really did pick a great time to move in Lain!" Roxy Harmon chuckled to her best friend, "Snow tonight apparently!"

"Oh well, these little things are sent to try us!" Lainie Robertson smiled and surveyed the dilapidated bistro she was honoured to be standing in!

"This is never going to work Lainie!" Roxy eyed the surroundings and winced at the sight of torn wallpaper on the walls showing the bare wood behind it.

"Relax Rox, this is so going to work! Just you wait and see! Once we've got it spruced up we can open and business will pick up! There isn't another diner for at least 2 miles! Have faith friend, have faith!" Lainie seemed too excited to listen to reason, this was going to be a dead loss! The landlord even said it, but Lainie always had a way of turning mud into gold! She'd never let Roxy down yet…but there was always a first time!

It was a lot of work, but if anyone could do it, it was Lainie! She had managed to secure a loan to purchase everything she needed to create her own little diner, "Lainie's"! This had been her dream since she was a child and her grandmother taught her how to bake her first sponge and roast her first chicken! Lainie saw potential…

…where Roxy saw a disaster!

But over twenty years of friendship had to count for something! Going through high school and university together, comforting each other over doomed relationships and failed exams. Sticking together through thick and thin. Roxy owed her friend that, especially after she saved her life! They didn't talk about it, but Roxy had never forgotten…and she never would!

"Aaaaaaachoooooooo!!!" A young blonde sneezed in the cold street as the much predicted snow fell and lay thick on the ground. Selena McLean stood in that street every night, waiting to catch a glimpse of her heartthrob, Dexter Maloney! She and her friend Erin Daley had followed Deadly Nightshade since the beginning. They were an indie/rock band doing the rounds in every club and venue in Moonlight Falls, sometimes beyond. There were no limits to Selena's devotion, Erin on the other hand was a bit more sensible…

"Selena honey, I think Dex had other plans!" Erin's teeth chattered as she tried to speak. Selena just smiled at her friend, her teeth chattering too and her lips turning blue, "Come on, let's go home. We can see Dex and Ash another day eh? We're going to catch our deaths out here, I didn't bring a coat and this snow is pretty heavy!"

"But Erin that's the point!" Selena's squeaky voice chirped. Erin gave her a puzzled look and replied;

"I don't follow…"

"Well the plan is to catch pneumonia and Dex finds me lying in the snow, he scoops me up and rescues me! I get to sleep in his bed for a few days as the doctor says I can't possibly be moved and by that time he'll have fallen completely and utterly in love with me! See???"

"Oh honey, you're a special kinda crazy aren't you? And that's why I adore you!" Erin smiled and shook her head as a car stopped outside the block of flats and then began to slowly drive by.

Erin rubbed her arms to get a little warmer and pleaded "Now can we please go home?"

"Alright, I can see Dex tomorrow!" Selena gave in, still cheery over the thought of seeing Dex the next day!

When the boys arrived home from their gig, Dexter spotted Selena outside his abode and ordered his best friend and band mate, Andrew Mitchell, to slow down and try to stay out of her sight! "Just go round the block one more time!"

"What the hey Dexter???" Drew cursed under his breath, tired and cold and wanting very much to get into his nice and warm bed.

"Please Drew! I'm really not in the mood for them tonight!"

"Okay, but you owe me!"

"I'm goin' to bed! I've had enough of this drama from both of you!!!"

"Well goodnight then Drew, jeez PMS much?" Ashton, Dexter's older brother laughed under his breath as Drew left the brothers to unpack their gear. After having to go round a further three times, Drew was in a very bad mood and stomped into his room without a civil word to either of them.

"It's not working is it Dex?"

"No, no it's not! We want different things and…you want things I can't give you!"

"I love you so much and I'd give up everything for you! You just don't give a damn about me and I can't live like that Dexter!"

"No, no you can't!"

"Is that all you have to say? It's over and you don't even bat an eye???"

"I…don't know what you want me to say Rosalie…"

"Say you love me!!! Dexter???"

Dex had recently split up with his girlfriend of two years, Rosalie. She wanted him to give up the band, he wanted to get more gigs and even a record deal if they could. She wanted to get married, he wanted to focus on his music and his painting. He thought he loved her, she knew she loved him. He knew he should feel bad about the break up, but he didn't…and that made him feel bad!

This was having an adverse effect on Dexter's painting. All he could draw lately were stupid still life paintings! It made him mad and frustrated, his walls were adorned with his masterpieces and he'd planned to cover his entire room, but one wall was bare. It wasn't going to fill up any time soon! Usually if he painted in his underwear, he got better results…not this time!

Another strawberry later and Dex heard raised voices coming from the living room which was a miracle as Drew and Ash were jamming!

A young woman had let herself into the boys' flat, Charlotte Kennedy put her hands on her hips and pouted, trying to shout over the drums and guitar, "You boys are making too much noise!"

"Aww Char, you're a poet and you don't know it! Wanna write us a song?" Ash chuckled and continued to batter his drums.

"I'm trying to think! Keep it down!"

Drew piped up "Come on Charlotte, go with the flow, relax…why don't you have a go on Ash's drums! Very theraputic, just imagine it's his head!"

Ash pouted and yelled "HEY!!!" still drumming away.

"Hey guys? What was I saying again?" Drew sniggered at Charlotte's forgetfulness and gave her a wink and in his sweetest voice replied;

"That we were sounding good!" Charlotte gave him a puzzled look in return.

"Was I? Oh…but keep it down!"

"Um I don't think I would say that but…okay if you say I did Drew then…no I would never…" Charlotte was a very kind and caring person, if a little kooky! She lived alone with her cats, Mr Fuzzickles and Mrs Ubercutes, she had been married but was now divorced. The boys often wondered if she'd been this kooky all along or if it was the split that made her that way.

"Oh goody here's Dexter come to greet you in his pants again Char! What a treat!" Ash shook his head and giggled at the sight of his younger brother in very little clothing strolling towards a visibly shocked Charlotte.

"OH MY GOODNESS!!! DEXTER MALONEY!!!" Charlotte gasped and tried to look anywhere but at Dex.

"What?"

"Put on some clothing at ONCE!!!"

"Uh this is MY house? Go back to yours!"

"Noise and nakedness, it's just too much! I'm calling Mr Grimes and having you…told not to be noisy and naked!"

"Okay, off you go!"

"Yes I will, goodbye! What?"

"Maybe you could help me get dressed Charlotte? Something that you would approve of huh?" Dex gave her his cutest smile as she blushed and shook her head, her beautiful streaked hair flailing into her eyes.

"You boys are unbelievable!!!"

"Oh come on, you love us!" he grinned cheekily at her and batted his blue eyes. Dexter knew just how much charm to use to make women weak at the knees and lost for words.

"Just stay clothed and quiet, you hear?" Charlotte's face turned crimson and she flapped her arms as she turned and left muttering away to herself.

"Yes Ma'am!" Dex saluted her and headed to his room to put some clothes on.

With their possessions packed and waiting outside the flat upstairs, the girls surveyed the old bistro once more. "Are you sure about this Lainie?" Roxy gave her oldest friend one more chance to change her mind…

…but Lainie was determined, stubborn and totally adorable once she got an idea into her head! And when she got an idea in her head that was a crazy idea, Roxy always followed her even though there was a very big chance of failure, she would go down fighting with her! So when she replied "Yes Roxanne, I've never been more sure about something in my life!" it was good enough for her!

"Then I guess we do this thing! All or nothing right?"

"All or nothing girl!" Lainie grabbed hold of Roxy and hugged her tightly…

"Thank you!" she looked Roxy in the eyes sincerely.

"For what?"

"You know, for always supporting me!"

"Is it even a question?" As Roxy stepped back, she felt her foot crush something on the floor, it was sticky and squishy…

"Ewwwww what was that???"

"Just…don't look, let's go unpack!"

Ash found Dex crouched down outside their flat engrossed in some activity downstairs. Two pretty young women were arguing over cases and boxes, Ash came to the conclusion that they'd rented the flat above the old bistro. It had stayed empty for months since the landlord's wife had found out about his bit on the side living there. It was nice to see new people in the building, such attractive people of the opposite sex. He could tell that young Dexter was thinking the same thing the way he was silently observing the girls. "What's occurring little brother?"

"Nothing, just…having a bit of alone time!" Dexter replied in a hushed voice.

"Uh-huh! Alone time!"

Ash gave out a small laugh and softly kneed his brother in the back, "So, why don't you go talk to her?"

"To who?" Dex tried to sound nonplussed.

"Oh it's like this eh? Well she won't see you from all the way up here so why don't you go and offer to help her carry her stuff in?" this wasn't like Dex, he usually had a way with the ladies, talking to them was easy for him. Ash always found it hard to get a conversation going when he really liked a girl. Making friends, no problem, asking her out? Whole different ball game! When Dex didn't answer him he kneed him again and almost knocked him through the bannister, "What's the matter? Why won't you go introduce yourself?"

"Because dear brother I am quite happy to observe from up here! There is no need for me to introduce myself! I'm just hanging out!" Dex let out a huge sigh and continued to watch the two girls moving in and squabbling over suitcases. It was obvious to Ash that Dex had a thing for one of them, so why hadn't he made a move?

End of Part One.

Next⏭️

[dolores-hazy]

Unflappable

Speakeasy muffled

Left the password at the door

Yet barred entry

It changed, everything

Bootleg black heart market

Sold one and got back pennies

Warped and corroded

Carotid arteries clogged

Heavy artillery decorating

Erstwhile mysterium distillery

Trigger happy punch drunk

Someone once dared speak of love

Danced a whole marathon through

Until I only sang the blues

Dry rot dropped me through the floor

Putting pieces back together

Takes trial and error and reminders

That certain reminders must go

Down the garbage shoot

Pulverized to dust and blown away

Yesterday is no more, tomorrow

Will be here before long...so long

Crashed tin lizzies cause fizzy dizzies

And I'm not tipsy on you anymore

Inspired by this ask prompt from @iamraineyy

[gravity-falls-fanatic89]

Living in a little domestic bliss:

Me, standing in front of the mirror, feeling gross about my pear shape body in a blah bra and panties, grabbing and sucking it in: "Sigh."

Stan comes out of the bathroom, adjusting his bowtie and prepping for the day. He stops, and sees me feeling dejected about myself.

"What's wrong sweetheart?"

I turn to him, and bawl a little, "I just feel really gross, and so ugly, and like a frumpy pear!"

His eyebrows go up, and he comes up to me, his meaty hands taking my hips into him, and towering over me. His cheap cologne and hints of mint just get me buzzed even with tears in my eyes.

"A pear? A frumpy pear? Doll, you got a 'pair' of hips that could make me drop dead when you sway. There ain't a damn thing wrong with ya, ya hear me? I ain't no trophy myself, but you make me feel like I won the lottery legally when I'm looking at you. Don't forget it."

He moves his hands to my face, and wipes my tears, and kisses my cheekbone, and then swoops to my sides, kissing my hips.

"Those were for good measure, beautiful."

He smirked as he left the room, and left me in a puddle of emotions and confidence, and love drunk. I looked in the mirror, and appreciated the boost. I smiled, feeling lucky, and thinking about getting lucky later.

[flowerandblood]

me: I love you

him: *gasping and throbbing aggressively, shocked like every day*

[swiftiesam13]

My dad is a big fan of Taylor's first 3 albums (especially Speak Now), but didn't keep up much after. Recently, he's been saying how he wants to catch up, so I've been getting everything I could find on CD (his preferred form of physcial media) that we didn't already own, for his birthday last Thursday

@taylornation @taylorswift

[1introvertedsage]

Terrified. Can I even handle this? Maybe it’s the pace. Time seems to be speeding up. Or everything is happening too fast. As prevalent as instant gratification is. I tend to flow better in the ease and tranquility. Rushing head first into me. Like some love drunk bird. A sudden sense of infatuation. Without sounding absurd. Just say the words.

It’s like you’ve read my mind Before I said it. Now can’t imagine where this thing Could be headed. One thought of you - you’re back and pressing on my line. Heart’s feelings seemed to have flooded out my mind. Take it slowly maybe I just Need a little time. Checking back to my note stack I saw the signs.

12.00p 05.2024.07

[eksgirl]

Forever intoxicated on you my King…

[tetsunabouquet]

Basic Instinct Chapter 10

A/N: Just a little bit of fluff of Akashi being lovedrunk after the date. Masterpost

Akashi arrived home, still on cloud nine. The date had gone over so well, he could hardly believe it. The two of you were dating, truly, dating. He felt as if he could float. His father wasn't anywhere in sight. Good, he did not want his father to disturb his happy bubble. He went up to the staircase, wanting to go up to his room when he saw Fujioka standing above. "Welcome home, young master." "Fujioka-san!" Akashi greeted, with a warm smile upon his face. "I take it your confession went well. Congratulations," the butler smiled back at him, and Akashi once again felt grateful for the older man. It felt so nice to have someone be happy for him once he came home. "It did. Our first date went spectacularly well, it's a shame it couldn't last longer," Akashi sighed, missing you already. "Young love is such a sweet thing. I remember the first time your father took your mother out for a date. When he and his driver dropped her off at home, she spent the first half hour just sighing at the door, as if she couldn't part her mind off of the event." Fujioka smiled at the memory, and Akashi's own bright smile softened upon the mention of his mother. 'I wonder if y/n is still staring at her door, or out of her bedroom window into the direction I left.' "I am truly happy for you, young master. Now may I suggest a bath and relax after a day of racing emotions?" Akashi nodded, wordlessly drifting his way to the bathroom.

When he woke up that Sunday, he realized he had overslept. With a yawn, he came out of his bed and reached for his phone.

Good morning, I hope you slept well - A

As he send out the text to you, he couldn't keep himself from letting out a dreamy sigh. Yesterday truly had been amazing. He felt happy, knowing he could share his precious first time ever doing things with you as he explored things his father had kept from him growing up. With you at his side, he felt alive. Akashi felt himself practically bouncing off the staircase to go to the kitchen, in order to ask for breakfast. As he asked his cook for two simple pancakes, he started thinking about tomorrow, when he could see you again. He wondered how he should drop the news you were dating. Should he just tell everyone, or subtly hint at it with subtle displays of affection? He kind of wanted to boast to everyone you were his girlfriend now, though. He felt like the luckiest guy in the world, to have you as his own. After carelessly shrugging down his pancakes, he decided to go for a ride with Yukimaru, wanting to tell his best friend all about his succesful date. His tall, white coated friend had his eyes light up at the sight of Akashi and he smiled. "Hey Yukimaru, everything went well with y/n, just as I hoped. So you'll get to meet her soon enough." Akashi cooed with pride, stroking the horse's long nose. Yukimaru whinied softly, almost sounding genuinely enthousiastic. "Yeah? You're going to have to try really hard if you want her for yourself." Akashi teased and Yukimaru grunted. Akashi was grinning as he mounted the horse, and they galloped through the field behind his house, enjoying the scent of the green grass, the trees. He truly couldn't wait to ride with you.

As he went back to the kitchen for lunch, he looked at his phone, noticing a message from you.

I did, thank you! I had a wonderful time yesterday x o x o -Y/N

Akashi smiled at the message, and with a grin he typed back,

Me 2. So, my beautiful lady, what are you up to? - A

It was as Akashi was half-way digging into his lunch that he felt his phone vibrate, and impatiently he immediately checked.

Busy with my volunteering job. I'm wrapping up small gift sets for this elementary school in a very poor district. Things like pencils, cute animal themed erasers, that sort of stuff. - Y/n

Akashi smiled at your answer, his heart melting into a small puddle inside of his chest. 'She has such a lovely, big heart. I doubt I'll ever get over how wonderfully sweet she is.'

I love how you try to do so much for children in need. Your heart is such a pure thing, I am grateful it is mine to love. - A

With his lunch abandoned, all he could do was stare at his phone, awaiting your answer. Thankfully, he did not have to wait for long.

Stop it! I'm practically swooning right now, and I am supposed to be working! I'll see you tomorrow at school, my sweetest prince x o x o - Y/n

And as Akashi texted you back, promising to see you tomorrow, a warm smile passed over his face. This was real. The two of you, were really real. You were his, and he was yours. Talking to you over text, flirting so casually, this was his reality now. Perhaps he was losing his mind all over again, but Akashi couldn't stop himself from screaming out of joy. If the servants and his father cared or disapproved, they wouldn't let him now. Everyone just allowed Akashi to stay in his bubble. Whatever Fujioka had done to convince his father, it had worked tremendously. Akashi felt free to explore the sensations he felt, and whilst it scared him a little, he would not trade it for anything in the whole wide world.

[rottenroyalebooks]

Love Drunk - 0.2

Pairing: Eddie Munson x older sister!Harrington reader

Also includes: Steve Harrington x sister!reader (siblings)

AU: No Upside Down.

Genre: Angst, Fluff

Summary: Y/N Harrington left Hawkins as soon as she turned eighteen with her boyfriend to follow her dreams of being a Rockstar. Three years later, she returns to Hawkins alone and scarred. Now, she has to repair her broken relationship with her younger brother, all while trying to prevent herself from falling for a cute metal head who plays at the Hideout, where she works.

Warnings: None.

<;- Prev Next ->

I didn't sleep at all that night.

I wasn't sure if it was the nerves of being in my childhood bedroom after so many years or the looming anxiety of recent events following me to Hawkins. Still, either way, I couldn't sleep soundly like Mr. "I probably wouldn't wake up if you're screaming bloody murder," Baxter.

After a few hours of tossing and turning, I gave up, turning to one of my old books for comfort until Seven O'clock rolled around and Baxter stirred awake, making me close my book dramatically, "I knew Saint Bernards were a sloth-y breed, but come on man!"

He just stuck out his tongue as he panted,

I removed the covers from my legs and climbed out of bed, "Alright, let's go. You need to go outside, and I need to make some food." He perked up at the mention of food, jumping off the bed as I made it and waited not-so-patiently by the door.

I opened the door, followed Baxter down the stairs, guided him to the kitchen, and let him outside through the sliding doors. I opened the fridge and hummed, looking through it for something to cook.

I grabbed the egg carton and the gallon of milk, deciding to make some eggs and bacon for breakfast. It was the easiest thing to do in the morning.

I found the bacon and took out some slices, hearing someone walk into the kitchen.

"You're cooking?" Steve's voice met my ears, a joking tone erupting, "Are you really my sister, or are you a clone that was sent to kill me in my sleep?"

I turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow at his low blow, "I've been cooking since I was twelve, remember?" Then, I turned back to the pan to focus on what I was making, "I made you dinner all the time until mom hired that Nanny who made amazing lasagna."

I heard him snap his fingers in recognition, "Yeah! I remember her. They fired her after I turned thirteen; they thought we could start caring for ourselves."

I scoffed, "Yeah, leaving us all the time with a credit card was a great idea. I bought so much booze with that thing; it was ridiculous. Want some breakfast?"

He made a noise of acknowledgment, and I nodded, turning my body to talk to him, "So, catch me up on the fantastic life of Steve Harrington."

Steve chuckled lightly, running a hand through his hair, "Well, I was pretty popular in high school after you left; I was captain of the swim team and then became a babysitter to some incredible kids." He spoke so fast that I couldn't get a word in, "After graduation, I met my best friend working at scoops ahoy, a nearby mall until it burned down, and now my friend Robin  and I work at the family video."

I hummed, "No furthering your education? You have a chance not to follow in the footsteps of your big sister, you know."

"I'm taking some time off." He scratched the back of his neck, "I honestly don't know what I want to do."

I shrugged, stirring the eggs in the pan as they cooked, "That's fine! We all go through life at our own pace; for example, I'm right back where I started. This is just a setback." I turned around and put the eggs and bacon onto a plate before walking to Steve and placing it in front of him.

He mumbled a thank you as I gave him utensils, and I returned to the stove.

I remembered that I didn't see his car anywhere when I pulled in during the early morning hours, "Hey, where's your car? I thought Dad would take you to pick one out on your sixteenth birthday."

When I was sixteen, Dad did the same for me. I saw an old 65' Caravan at a junkyard my friend's dad owned and became obsessed with the thing. He found one in good condition and bought it for me; mom was apprehensive about letting her sixteen-year-old daughter drive around in a Caravan, but I still have it.

He took a second to respond, "The break-line snapped, I have a friend who is a mechanic, and he's fixing it up for me."

I hummed, "Need a ride to work? The caravan is old, but she still runs beautifully."

His lips formed a thin line, glancing down at his food before nodding, "Can we pick up Robin too?" 

"Yeah, that's not a problem."

"Cool, let me go call her." He stood up with his plate and moved to the other room quickly.

♡♡♡

It was an awkward silence.

I knew getting to know the brother I hadn't spoken to in three years wouldn't be easy, but I had hoped we'd be more civil than this.

"So, any girlfriends?"

I heard him scoff, "No, I dated Nancy Wheeler for a minute in school, but that ended, and she's now dating Jonathan Byers."

I rolled my eyes, "You talk as if I know these people."

I graduated when Steve was finishing his time in eighth grade, and as soon as I got my diploma, I ditched town with some less-than-lovely company. I wrote him a goodbye note and left.

"You would've known who they were if you stuck around."

I was taken aback by that response, "Whoa, dude -"

"I mean, you didn't call or write or come visit. You just left a note on my bed, and I never saw you again."

I kept my mouth shut and let him continue his speech.

"Mom and Dad were pissed, by the way. Tried to go to the Chief of Police about your "disappearance," but since you were eighteen and clearly stated you didn't want to come back, there wasn't anything they could do." He huffed, running a hand through his hair.

"Turn here."

I followed his instructions.

"I was worried about you until I heard from a repeat senior that you had skipped town with Ryder Daniels, who everyone told you was bad news, but for some reason, you loved him enough to run to god knows where with him."

There was a beat of silence, "Are you done?"

He paused, sighing lightly, "For now."

"I get you're upset, but this town is suffocating," I pulled up to the address he had given me.

"Then why come back?"

I saw a cute girl with short brown hair exiting the house, and I turned to Steve, "Get in the back."

He whipped his head to me, "What, why?"

"You know how to sit in the back, and she doesn't."

"But I'm comfortable -"

"Just get in the back, Steve."

He groaned, unbuckling his seatbelt, and climbed into the back of the campervan. He sat on the dining bench where Baxter loved to sit during rides and got comfortable as Robin opened the passenger door.

I smiled at her, giving her a once over, "Welcome to the Van; you get the music selection in the glove box."

"Please pick something decent; I can't stand the music she picks." Steve groaned, and I rolled my eyes.

"I-I'm Robin," She said, buckling her seatbelt as I drove off.

"Y/N." I greeted, watching her from the corner of my eye as she opened the glove box and picked through the selection of music.

"So, are you Steve's new girlfriend?" She asked me, and I jumped, nearly driving us off the road.

Steve and I started gaging dramatically in unison. Both were equally disgusted with the question.

"God, no," Steve said, shaking his head.

"Gag me with a spoon! No, like I'm his sister." 

Robin whipped her head around to look at Steve, "You have a sister? And she's crazy hot?"

I smirked, "I'm the attractive sibling."

[lindyloosims]

Chapter Two, Part Three:

"I'll come by tomorrow and see how you're getting on!"

"That would be nice. And then why don't we all go and see Charlotte? I think she could do with more visitors, she strikes me as a kinda lonely person!"

Dex smiled, she was so sweet! "She is, and you're right, we should!"

"Goodnight Dexter!"

"Night freckles!"

"I'll let that slide just this once pretty boy given that I'm so exhausted! But do not call me freckles!" she smirked.

"Okay, I'll stop calling you freckles when you stop callin' me pretty boy, deal?"

"Freckles it is then!" her smirk grew into a wide smile, "See you in the morning!"

As he watched her descend the stairs, all he could think about was "I'm never gonna be able to tell her!" and it made his heart sting as he clenched his fists digging his fingernails into the palms of his hands drawing a little blood, why couldn't he just say it? Tell her he liked her…a lot! Even when he was arguing with her he wanted to shut her up by smothering her lips with his own, take her in his arms and feel her close. Her scent lingering around him made him go crazy, he just wanted to hold her, he needed to touch her but was so afraid that if he did he'd break her! He had every chance to tell her everything, he'd done it loads of times before with so many girls! "Hey how ya doin'? how about you and me go out sometime? I think you're cute so give me your number!" it worked, it always worked!!! A wink and a smile, so easy to do…so hard to do with Lainie, why? It was a question that had haunted him since he first laid eyes on her, and he wasn't going to find the answer any time soon!

Lainie felt a warmness surround her entire body, Dexter was cute…for a pretty boy! She felt so embarrassed over her outburst and how mean she was! She guessed that tiredness did that to you. The thought of Dex and the boys coming to help with the refurbishment of the old bistro felt like a weight lifting off of her shoulders! And the fact that she got to ogle Dexy made it ever so appealing! Yeah she had a crush on him, so what? It was just a fantasy! A guy like him could never fall for a girl like her! He was handsome, sexy and talented and she was…frumpy, clumsy and grumpy! But there was no harm in her lusting after him, was there? Secretly of course, she didn't want his ego to get any bigger did she?

Dexter wondered if she'd ever see how much he liked her. Without him having to spell it out. Some unspoken gesture he could make that would cause minimum embarrassment. Could his reason for keeping quiet be the fact that he was…falling in love?

Lainie always thought that if someone was constantly flooding your every thought every waking minute of the day…then they were something special. And she had to admit that Dexter occupied her mind quite a bit! He turned her head and he touched her hand so tenderly the day they met, that touch changed her. Dexter spoiled other men for Lainie, they couldn't compare! He smelled gorgeous, he was well groomed and well dressed even in a holey Nirvana vest! He was just perfect, and she was hardly a supermodel! No, Lainie would focus on her diner and leave Dexter Maloney in her dreams at night!

Dexter watched Lainie go into her flat and close the door without even looking back up. As he stood feeling useless for not speaking up, a voice made him jump, "You like her…don't you?"

"Charlotte, I'm really not in the mood for this right now!"

"Well it is after 2, I've been reading! It was nice to do that in silence once you'd stopped your infernal racket! And you really really like her don't you?"

"Char!"

"She's a lovely girl! I was hoping she'd stop by and talk to me like she promised but she's been busy! Mr Fuzzickles told me!"

"You should tell her how you feel! I think you'd make a beautiful coupling Dexter, I really do!"

"Well there's the rub huh? I can't!"

"No such word as can't! Cannot maybe, I was reading all about this! You see there's this girl, and she's in love with this boy, he's equally in love with her or…wait…no that was a dream! And in the dream you were the boy and Lainie was the girl and…"

"CHAR!"

"What I mean is, you two are each other's destiny! It only takes one of you to take the plunge and say "I love you!" easy yes? And ever so romantic!"

"No Charlotte, it's really not that easy! Believe me, I tried!"

Lainie instantly fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, and Dexter Maloney flooded her thoughts as a smile spread across her face.

And when Dexter finally went back inside the boys' flat, his brother and best friend were waiting in anticipation, "So?" Ash demanded rather too excitedly.

"So what?" Dex gave him a puzzled look as he headed for his room.

"You snog her then?" Drew winked at him.

 "Grow up you guys! Can't two adults of the opposite sex have a platonic relationship without you two turning it into something...sordid and seedy?"

"Not really Dexter, your reputation precedes you!" Ash chuckled softly.

"I'm going to bed! Goodnight children!"

"He snogged her!" Drew nodded and smiled.

"The old Dexter maybe, but he's not so cocky nowadays Andrew if you hadn't noticed!"

"Do you think it's got something to do with me and Jeremy? Do you think he misses him in the band?"

"No! Don't even think that!"

"Ash, it's my fault he walked out! I…I'm sorry!"

"I know, Dexter told me. He's not mad, not at you! And breaking up with Rosalie has got a lot to do with his new attitude believe me!"

"Still, he was close to Jeremy and I…drove him away!"

"Look it wasn't your fault Drew! He was gonna walk anyway and he was a little punk! I told Dexter that from the start, but you three were always as thick as thieves, well…I could always tell that you had your reservations over Jeremy!"

"You know Ash, you always did know me better than anybody, even Dex! When I'm with you guys I no longer feel like an only child, I feel like I have two brothers who'll look out for me through thick and thin. But you, you treat me the same way you treat Dex, and I appreciate it!" Drew looked down at the carpet, the guilt still lingering in the back of his mind. He knew Ash didn't blame him, but what about Dex? He always managed to see past Jeremy's moods and cruel attitude. Then losing Rosalie made Dex even less interested in the band, especially now he had to play keyboard and sing!

"I'm off to bed, try and forget about Jeremy! So we were a foursome, and now we are three! It matters squat bro!" But Ash's words were no comfort, Dex formed the band and Drew felt like he'd destroyed it, and that was something he would have to live with!

When Lainie woke up that morning and got dressed, Kev was still there! She told Roxy to stay away from the diner and focus on getting rid of him. Mickey had done a wonderful job with the decorating, now all Lainie had to focus on was where her furniture was to go! Her counters and tables…then have her kitchen re-built!

As she looked around, about to meet Dex and the boys and head up to Charlotte's, she smiled to herself and exclaimed "This is all mine!" things were going to work out! Her dream was taking shape! One step closer…

So that's chapter two! Next chapter we'll learn a bit more about "Jeremy" and Lainie goes on a blind date *gasp* and it's not Dexter! Much to his annoyance and disgust! Kev continues to come between the girls and Ash clashes with a certain couple of dedicated groupies!

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