#Takemebythehand-andsetmefree

[honestlydarkprincess]

tagging those in my taglist 🦋

@midnightsbuck, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @hobbitnarwhal, @buckley-diaz-rules, @eddiediazisascorpio, @father-salmon, @daffi-990, @chimneysnumber1fan, @mikereads, @alilypea, @steadfastsaturnsrings, @bigfootsmom, @excuseme-greentea, @dinkiplier, @murder-trio, @devirnis, @kayseany, @underwater-ninja-13, @monsterrae1, @waywardmarbles, @buddieswhvre, @hippolotamus, @mintedwitcher, @hoodie-buck, @shipperqueen6, @wikiangela, @h-ayde-n, @professionalprocrastinator22, @dangerpronebuddie, @loveyouanyway, @weewoo911, @gundiks, @nnebulae, @epicbuddieficrecs, @loserdiaz, @itiswhatis-andwhatitisisgay, @911-mr, @slowlyfoggydestiny, @the-girl-with-the-algebra-book, @saybiwithme, @djdangerlove, @theotherbuckley, @unlifeira, @racing-twinks, @adhdelirium, @proud-to-be-a-freak, @thegeekcompanion, @academydreams, @minthalo, @our-wishes-and-whispers, @danhalen, @greenfairrryy, @bidisasterbuckdiaz, @percyjacksonchase

oh, bi the way

buckley sibling feels || rated: g || wc: 663

Buck knocked on the door, his hands shaking slightly. He blew out a breath and bounced on the balls of his feet while he waited for Maddie to answer the door.

The door opened and Buck felt himself relax as his older sister came into view. “Buck? Hey, I wasn’t expecting you! Come on in.”

Buck followed behind Maddie, closing the door behind him. “I’m sorry to drop in on you without calling, I just— I needed to talk to you.”

“You don’t have to call, Buck,” Maddie said, giving him a soft look. “You know that. Our door is always open to you.”

“Thanks, Mads,” Buck mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous gesture. “Uh, you might want to sit down.”

“Okay, now you’re scaring me,” Maddie said, hesitantly sitting down at the kitchen table. She gestured for Buck to sit next to her but he shook his head and stayed standing. “What’s going on, Buck?”

He swallowed roughly and let out a shaky sigh. “I need to tell you something. I— I, uh, kind of only just realized this? It’s new. Very new and I’m— I don’t— I don’t know how to say it.”

Maddie watched as he paced in front of her. “Hey, Buck, look at me. There’s nothing you can’t tell me—“

“I think I’m bisexual,” Buck blurted out, cutting her off.

It was quiet for a beat and then Maddie gave him a gentle smile, standing up and holding her arms out. “Come here.”

Buck folded himself into her arms, making himself smaller and letting out a shuddering breath.

“Thank you for telling me,” Maddie whispered, stroking her hand up his back. “I know that wasn’t easy and I’m so proud of you, Evan. I really am.”

“Thank you,” Buck mumbled, squeezing her tight. He still felt shaky, adrenaline in his veins. He’d known that Maddie would be nothing but supportive but coming out was still scary as hell and she was one of the most important people in the world to him.

“Let’s sit on the couch,” Maddie said, nudging him towards it. “You’re shaking.”

Maddie led him to the couch and they sat down, Buck leaning his head on her shoulder. Her arm came around him and her fingers settled in his hair, playing with it gently and making him relax even further. They sat like that for a while, with Maddie just calmly carding her fingers through his hair and Buck waiting for his racing heart to settle down.

“Have you told anyone else?” Maddie asked when Buck finally settled.

“No, I wanted you to be the first,” Buck admitted shyly.

Maddie squeezed him closer, pressing a kiss to the side of his head. “I’m honoured.”

“Do I have to tell the others?”

“You don’t have to tell anyone you don’t want to,” Maddie said firmly. “If you want to tell the team, I know they’ll be more than supportive but if you aren’t ready there’s absolutely no rush, Buck. You decide when you’re ready. If at all.”

“Thanks, Mads,” Buck mumbled. “It’s not that I don’t want to tell them— or that I think they’ll be unsupportive— it’s just…it feels like a big thing and I don’t want anything to change. I hate change.”

“I know you do, but just remember you don’t have to do anything you aren’t ready for, okay?” She moved so Buck had to look her in the eyes. “This is something that you control. When and if you’re ready, the team will be there to support you. They’re our family. Everything will be okay.” “Will you be there?” Buck asked, looking at her with wide eyes. “When I tell them?”

“If you want me to, I’ll be there in a heartbeat,” Maddie squeezed his hand, giving him a bright smile. “You can count on me.”

“I know,” Buck smiled. He held his hand out for her to lock her pinky with his. “I always can.”

read on ao3

[billy-the-hurricane]

I really love trans! Billy or trans! Steve. IDK if that’s your thing but if it is I just want some trans boi content 😅

Heya! Sorry for the delay darling 😅

So I'm not part of that community, and I don't want to appropriate it in fear of being accidentally disrespectful, but I defo have some headcanons ^u^ ((shout-out to my best friend, who is ftm and helped me come up with them))

It's a modern time au, simply because I'm absolutely not informed on how transitioning worked in the 80's 😅

So it's Steve. Even if Billy was, it's really sad to say, but he definitely wouldn't be able to transition until his twenties because of Neil and it makes me too sad to think about it >.<

But Steve, Steve is always home alone. His parents never stick around and never were there for him. They didn't see all of the struggles he's been through to find who he really was, and Steve honestly didn't even tell them for the longest time. He only did when he had to have his parents legal agreement to get on hormones that he said anything, and even then, he only told his mother. She's been quite confused about it, but supportive still and went with him to get testosterone for the first time, and helped bringing it up to his father. It was.. Harder to make him accept this for sure, and John even refused to call Steve by anything else than the name he was given at birth for the longest time. It obviously hurt, but his father has never supported him, he grew used to it.

Later, he had his top surgery done by an amazing surgeon, and once fully healed, it looked beautiful, better than he could have hoped for. He was now comfortable going into the collective showers with his teammates as long as he kept his underwear on (body dysphoria is a bitch), and although the others found it weird, they thankfully didn't end up questioning it.

When him and Nancy got together, he set the record straight early on and told her he was trans, which she was totally cool with much to Steve's relief.

When him and Billy got together, Steve was nervous to tell him. Much more than for Nancy. Because Billy said he was a 100% gay and all that. And Steve didn't know if it meant he would be okay with all of his body or not. He knew some people were not really open to it. He told him at the quarry. They'd made up a while ago, became friends before curiosity caught them both and a kiss followed another one night. And since they became more or less a thing, Steve had to tell them before things went any further. At first, he thought he broke Billy, because he completely paused, and for a moment Steve thought it meant Billy was indeed not into it. Harrington muttered an apology and tried to get up before Billy pulled him back down and kissed him. Whispered that "it doesn't change a thing" and Steve was happy. He felt loved and cared for.

[fangirlforlife97]

Thanks for the tag @buddiextarlos!!!! ❤❤

List 5 or however many shows you want to that make you feel better and that you very much enjoy:

1. Hannibal

2 & 3. 9-1-1 & 9-1-1: Lone Star

4. Being Human

5. Love, Victor

6. This Is Us

7. Killing Eve

8. Sherlock

9. Virgin River

10. Young Royals

Etc!!!!

Tagging: @mcdannoxo1 @storiedpath @weareinastormoffuck @hannigramislife @digirhetgirl @takemebythehand-andsetmefree @palefireonthewesternshore @angelofmusic22342 @destielvcockles @buddie-mcdanno @buddieforlife And anyone else who wants to participate!!??!! 🤗

[singlethread]

Sr for tags, please interact with this post if you would like to be added or removed

@poughkeepsies @takemebythehand-andsetmefree @fckthtgetmoney @classical-memeician @folk-fae @l1wolf2588 @bee-notes @drivemysoul @swiftiebuckleys @jakeperalta @tolerateit @loveyourownsmiilee @calliopeos @wandiinha @lucydonato @youreonyourownkid @ilostyou @jobairdxx @evcndiaz @eddiescowboy @rogerzsteven

Rated T | 6.12 Coda | Words: 2,372

The Taste I Can’t Get Out of My Mouth

Summary:

"I know a lot about weather and freak natural disasters but I never knew that the sharp taste of metal could be a warning sign that lightning was imminent" and since that bolt struck him Buck hadn't been able to escape it; the constant reminder of how it felt to almost lose Eddie, the way his blood had tasted in his mouth.

Or the one where Buck is left with a strange side effect after getting struck by lightning

Coda to the conversation Buck and Eddie had in the kitchen after Buck had fallen asleep on Eddie's couch in 6.12

Read on Ao3

[43laney]

Answer the questions and tag 20 people you’d like to get to know better!

Thanks for tagging me! @ravens-words 

Nickname(s): Laney

Star Sign: Virgo

Height: 5'3

Time: 7:35 PM

Birthday: September 20

Favorite Band(s): COIN, The Band Camino, The Wrecks

Favorite Solo Artist(s): Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Halsey, Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, and girl in red 

Favorite Food(s): mac and cheese and chocolate in pretty much any form

Favorite Colors: light blue, light purple, seafoam green

Last Thing I Googled: apple emoji list

Last Show I Watched: 911 lone star

Last Movie I Watched: i think it was Spider-Man: No Way Home

Lucky Number: 2

When Did I Create This Blog: last year, maybe in may?

Do I Have Any Other Blogs: yes, but i don’t use it anymore

Do you get asks: i don’t, but i would love to!

Why did I chose my URL:  i love both 911 shows so much and figured my url conveyed that

Blogs who follow you: @carlosreyess  @doublel27  @reversedscene @ravens-words @takemebythehand-andsetmefree @awkwardlonerkid @problematic--archer (was i supposed to tag people here or list them? i have no idea, i’m sorry if i did this wrong)

Dream trip: i would love to go to Spain 

Instruments: i can play approximately two (2) duets with my mom on the piano, and have forgotten everything about the other instruments i learned as a kid

Average hours of sleep: usually between 6-8 hrs

How many blankets do you sleep with: 1 or 2

Tagging (no pressure): @reversedscene @carlosreyess @doublel27 and anyone else who wants to do this!

[a-jynx]

𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸𝚏 𝚆𝚎 𝙼𝚎𝚝? |

“Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck on a Ferris wheel. One minute I’m on top of the world and the next I’m at rock bottom.” ~ Love Simon

Official Tags; @harringrovetrashh, @myboyfriendsteve, @trashmouth-hargrove, @greys, @gideongrace, @bakausagiwithwings, @yikesharringrove, @negativenuggetz, @panikyu, @lostnoise, @turtlesmultimusehub, @hrngtons, @may-the-moon-love-me-back, @memes-saved-me, @trashycatarcade, @jackhargrove, @amidstardust, @your-pretty-bambi, @ifuwannabemydingus, @crybbybilly, @harringrovisms, @dyslexicdyke22, @littlewonderlandd, @madformadderton, @bisexual-cupcake, @froggish-lesbian, @strangergrove, @billysdanglyearring, @silentlylovingyourwork, @kaamilama, @thevipsupersecretsupperclub, @ilasssstuff, @ihateitheredude, @lostnoise, @stranger-steeb, @bewires, @stevefuckingharrington, @ghostofjellyfishforgotten, @irishbeings, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @jai-ah, @thesummerof84​, @steve-bambi​, 

I hope you guys enjoy the official fic! <3 

_____________

“Robin, this is stupid.” Steve hissed, watching as the app finished downloading onto his phone. Robin shushed him, slapping his hand away and setting up his email and password - he’ll have to change it later.

   “Trust me, Dingus, you’re so going to thank me for this later!” She grinned, stretching her legs across the sofa, her feet landing on his lap as he scoffed, shaking his head. She typed away at his screen, the tip of her tongue poking out of her lips while her brows knitted together. Steve blinked, looking back to the TV playing some movie they decided on, it was free movie day on one of the channels, so why not? However, they ended up finding themselves lost in conversation thanks to the strawberry wine Robin had bought.

   “Hey, Dingus, what’re we looking for here?” She kicked as his thigh, making him scoff while rolling his eyes.

“I… Hell, if I know, Robs. Really it’s fine, can we please delete this app now? You had your fun.” He pushed as she snorted, sitting up and flinging her legs onto the floor as she shouldered next to Steve, showing him his newest app addition; GayWay.

   “Are you kidding me!? After all this hard work I just completed? As if.” She scrolled all the way, showing one of Steve’s Instagram photos they had taken not even a week ago. Scrolling down he could see a few more, one shirtless - rare occasion - one with him smiling, and one that showed him cooking, how Robin got that, he had no damn clue.

   “Holy shit.”

“Told ya I was a god at making gay profiles.” She smirked, shrugging as she placed her hands behind her head, grinning as Steve thumbed through his profile, frowning slightly at the description she had typed up.

   “The biggest bottom to have ever bottomed, are you fucking with me?” Steve gaped as she arched a brow, shaking her head.

“Nope, face it, dingus, you’re a bottom-”

   “I didn’t even know I was gay until like three weeks ago! What do you mean ‘face it’!” He laughed, shoving her over as they both busted out laughing, only for it to cease as a few loud dings came from his phone.

“Oooh~ look who’s mister popular! Ten messages within two minutes of having the profile, damn, I am good.” Robin reached up, patting her back as Steve began to look through each message; cringing at each one and practically gagging when one asked if he was free, and if so he wouldn’t be for long.

   “These are all horrible! Besides they’re all from older men, I’m not looking to be a sugar baby.”

“And this could hurt, how?” Robin frowned as Steve rolled his eyes, deleting each message, only for more to roll in.

   “Because I’m not… I don’t want money, or just dick, I want an actual relationship.” Steve mumbled, shrugging a shoulder as Robin’s lip twitched down. She reached over, snatching his phone and turning it off before tossing it onto the loveseat.

“Robin-”

   “We - mainly you - don’t need to worry about all that right now, alright? We’re supposed to be having movie night and getting drunk, but we’re not, so let’s change that!” She smiled, patting his shoulder before pushing up from the couch, walking towards the kitchen with a sway in her step. She’d always been a lightweight. Steve rose as well, snatching his phone and slipping it into his pocket as he followed after her, grinning as he rounded the kitchen corner to see her dumping the last of the wine into two large glasses.

   “To being gay,” she smiled, lifting a glass and setting the purple-ish red-stained bottle down as Steve picked up his own, smiling as they clinked the glasses together.

“To being… Gay.” He licked at his dry lips, lifting the glass and swallowing down the bittersweet liquor. It painted his tongue and swirled down his throat as he lowered the glass, staring at the painted sides, flicking his tongue out and licking up the few drops that smeared across his lips.

   “Hey, seriously though, dingus, don’t feel forced into that whole app, okay?” Robin muttered as Steve looked up, squinting at her as she swirled some of her wine around, smacking her lips together before looking at him. “I just wanted to help.”

“You are just by being here, Rob. I mean, you’re the only person who knows about my little…” He paused, frowning as he sighed. “My little problem.”

   “It’s not a problem, Steve. It’s who you are, or at least a part of who you are. You’re learning to accept yourself, and that’s okay.” She gave him a soft smile, making his shoulders drop gently before nodding, a soft smile tugging at his own lips.

“Thanks, Robin, seriously…”

   “It’s not a problem, dingus. Now,” she paused, swallowing down the rest of her wine and setting the glass into the sink with a clink; Steve following suite. “Let’s get this movie night going!” She rounded the corner and plopped back onto the couch as Steve leaned against the kitchens’ archway, frowning.

Problem. That’s what this all of this was starting to feel like. A problem that had no solution in sight and it fucking sucked. Steve frowned at his own thoughts, reaching up and scratching at the back of his head with a groan. Maybe I should’ve just kept it locked away and kept thinking it was wrong. Strange.

   He jumped at the feeling of his phone buzz again. Reaching down, he tugged it from his back pocket and unlocked, not bothering to stare at the notifications before blinking at the number of messages that suddenly pilled up into his private messages. However, one stuck out like a damn sore thumb.

Billh_rgrove;

   Biggest bottom to have ever bottom? And I thought I heard you liked being on top.

Steve blinked, his mouth running dry as he stared at the message. Swallowing thickly as he opened the app, staring at the message and the taunting, blinking cursor as his thumb hovered over the keyboard.

   “Dingus! Let’s go- what happened?” Robin frowned from the couch as Steve looked up, his lips parted as he shook his head, grinning as he closed his phone and slipping it back into his pocket before moving towards the sofa, settling into his usual spot as he waved off her concerned look.

“Nothing, just another thirsty asshole.” He laughed as she chuckled, still her eyebrow was cocked but she turned back towards the movie. Steve thought she could hear his heart pounding against his ribs, he couldn’t hear the movie over his own blood and heart as they invaded his ears as he tried to focus on the show in front of him.

   Jesus. What has he gotten himself into...? 

“I can’t believe you’re actually signing up for this,” Max snickered while glancing over Billy’s shoulder, making him shrug inward, growling.

   “Piss off, shitbird! None of your business anyway.” Billy growled, holding his phone close to his chest. Max rounded the kitchen table, smirking at him as he rolled his eyes, chewing at his lip. She moved into the small kitchenette, moving around and grabbing things for her breakfast as Billy frowned, spooning some of his cereal up and into his mouth, chewing at it thoughtfully when Max suddenly spoke.

“Seriously though, why are you signing up for that?” She asked, moving to pour herself some orange juice, looking back at him as he scoffed, turning off his phone and lifting his mug, sipping at the bitter coffee.

   “I’m not… Listen, shitbird, this doesn’t mean anything.” He bit as she held up her hands in defense, the stupid smirk never leaving her face. She settled into the chair next to him, making him arch a brow and glared at her.

“I never said it meant anything. I mean, everyone downloads a gay dating app at some point in their life.” She shrugged, blowing at her oatmeal before taking a large bite. Billy sneered at her, mocking her slightly before opening his phone again and finishing his profile.

   “Billh_rgrove? You just took the A and Y out of your name.”

“No shit, Max.” He deadpanned, side-glancing her as she rolled her eyes, tucking a piece of fiery red hair behind her ear as she ate at her breakfast quietly. Billy rolled his tongue over his dry lips, frowning as he stole glances at her before sighing. “Listen… I just… I’m looking, alright? This whole hick town doesn’t have-”

   “Options?” Max tested, taking another bite as Billy smirked, reaching over and ruffling up her hair as she groaned, moving out of his reach.

“Right. Options.” He grinned, sitting back and scrolling through the possible matches that popped up on his possible interest list. A lop-sided smile tugging on his lips as an odd amount of dick-licking promises came pouring into his DM’s. Scrolling through, he sent winky faces to ones that piqued his interest, however, scrolling down his interest list, he came across a good-looking man. Deep brunette hair scrapping his forehead, large doe-like, chocolate-colored eyes and the pinkest tinted lips on a man Billy had ever seen. He looked almost fake.

   “Whose that?” Max asked, leaning into Billy’s shoulder, making him scoff as he shouldered her back, rolling his eyes.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for school?” He frowned, arching a brow while his lips were pressed into a thin line. Max’s blue eyes widened as she shoved her chair back, the legs squealing angrily against the tile flooring. Billy couldn’t help but laugh as she rushed towards her room, watching as her long, red braid flying behind her.

   Turning his attention back towards his phone, he chewed on his bottom lip before clicking on the brunette’s profile. Steve_TheDingus. What sort of username is that? Billy scoffed, scrolling through the photos while biting on his lip before clicking the small envelope. He rolled his tongue over his teeth, grinning as his thumbs worked over the small keyboard, humming to himself as he hit send.

   “Billy! I can’t find my skateboard, have you seen it?!” Max shouted, stumbling into the kitchen, her hands fiddling with her hightops laces before slamming her feet down and holding onto her backpack.

“Did you leave it at El’s house?” He asked, angling himself to see her as she opened her mouth, only for it to snap shut.

   “Shit.”

Billy scoffed, pushing back his own seat and slipping his phone into his jean jackets’ pocket, snatching his keys from the ceramic bowl of Susan’s. “Come on, shitbird, I’ll drive ya.” He shouldered her to where she stumbled in front of him, his steps following as they exited the house. The doe-eyed brunette still locked into Billy’s mind.

------------

“Why does that name sound familiar? Like, scary familiar?” He murmured, shelving the newest movies. His brows knitted together as he thumbed through them, settling on his calves as his thumb dragged over the plastic-wrapped cover.

“Hey, earth to dingus,” Robin leaned over the counter, poking at his cheek. Steve flinched, blinking as he dropped the DVD in his hands, huffing gently. “What’s up with you? You keep mumbling to yourself and you’re getting weird looks from the customers.”

   “Nothing. It’s just… Nothing, never mind, it’s stupid.” He sighed, sitting back and rising up from the carpet floor as Robin arched a brow, frowning. She moved around the rack of movies, crossing her arms over her chest with an even more prominent pout.

“It’s obviously bothering you because you keep muttering to yourself.” She pointed, as shrugged with the shake of his head. His fluffy hair falling into his eyes, making him huff up and blow the ends out of the way. “Does it have to do with the app?” She murmured, making Steve blink as he slightly shrunk in on himself.

   “Oh, my God, it totally does. Did something bad happen?” She sat up, her lips parting in shock before reaching forward, dragging him close. “Something did happen?” Her eyes searching his as he shook his head quickly, his eyes growing wide.

“No! No, Rob, nothing happened. I just… I thought I knew someone on there and it freaked me out, okay? Nothing bad happened.” He slipped away from her, crossing his own arms over his chest, frowning.

   “Steve, seriously? It’s been three days since we’ve gotten you that app and that damn thing seems to be the only thing taking up your thoughts lately.”

“Only because I get notifications every two seconds! And like I said, I thought I knew someone on there-”

   “So what? There’s probably a lot of Hawkins hidden gays on there.” She scoffed, waving her hand slightly, moving around, snatching the stack of movies from the floor next to Steve’s converse. Shuffling through the DVDs with little interest while Steve blinked, his lips falling open with a frown.

“Then, why aren’t you on the app?” He pouted, leaning against the counter as Robin arched a brow, looking at him through her long lashes. Setting the stack down, she huffed out a laugh, smirking at her friend.

   “Because I’m not a desperate buffoon.”

“You’re the one who signed me up for it! And you somehow knew about it, so, who’s the desperate buffoon here?” Steve huffs, jutting his lip out more with a pout as Robin rolls her eyes, frowning.

   “You. Because, here you are, three-days later with it still installed.” She shot, smirking as Steve’s mouth fell open, quick to try and defend himself, however, his voice fell short in his throat. Robin couldn’t help but grin as he scoffed, flinching when his phone vibrated from his jean pocket. Slipping it from there, he swallowed thickly at the text alert.

Billh_rgrove What’s wrong, princess? Don’t like being top anymore? Want to try being a little bottom for once?

Steve_TheDingus

You’re such a crude joke. Why are you still messaging me?

   Billh_rgrove

He speaks! Where’d you go, sweetheart? Missed you.

   Steve_TheDingus

You’re sickening, besides I’m at work, shouldn’t you be doing the same?

“Steve, Dingus, who the hell is that?” Robin peered over his shoulder, making him hiccup as he held his phone close to his chest, frowning at her.

   “Just a guy.” He murmurs, shrugging gently. The sentence felt like bile in his throat, the words wormed up from his stomach and tried to gag him. Yet, here he was slinging the world around freely - it made him feel sick.

“Steve? Hey, you’re getting teary-eyed.” She whispered, stepping closer, gently grasping his shoulder as he frowned, closing his phone with a huff.

   “I’m fine.”

“Stop saying you’re fine when-”

   “Hey! I’m not paying you two to just stand around, get to work!” Keith abruptly yelled from the back, making Steve flinch. Robin merely frowned before yelling a compliant “okay!” Back to him.

“This conversation isn’t over, Dingus. We’re talking about this.” She pointed, snatching the stack from the counter and leaving Steve to dwell in his thoughts - turmoil. He huffed, turning his phone on with pinched brows and pursed lips, re-reading the messages before typing out the three words he’d never thought he tell someone on a dating site…

   Steve_TheDingus

Leave me alone.

_________

The words echoed in Billy’s mind. Leave me alone. Leave him alone? Yeah, fucking right. Billy couldn’t help but scoff as he pulled up to the garage, huffing to himself as he climbed out and started towards the office. His stomach knotted in on itself. He wasn’t actually going to keep up with this… Princess, right? No. No! He wasn’t going to be some… Man in waiting, right?

   “Hargrove! You’ve got a few customers waitin’ on ya, let’s get a move on, yea?” Rodney shouted from the garage, making him roll his eyes, smirking. He didn’t wait on people, they waited on him. That’s how it goes.

Billh_rgrove You don’t want to be alone, Princess. That’s why you’re on this little app - I can read you as a book split open in front of me.

He hit send with a shit-eating grin forming on his lips; he knew. He understood what… Steve needed. Why he was searching on a gay app so suddenly. Maybe it was a prank, maybe it was a joke, but right now? He seemed to be taking it all pretty damn seriously, so Billy would be right behind him.

_______

Steve_TheDingus

   You’re disgusting. You don’t know anything about me, Bill.

Billh_rgrove

   Oh, please, you love that! And I know enough

Steve_TheDingus

   You don’t know what I love. Oh, really? What do you know?

Billh_rgrove

   You live in Hawkins, Indiana, you graduated two years ago, you’re twenty years old, and apparently still discovering yourself because you’re denying yourself of being… Open? But, I learn more as we go, Princess.

Steve_TheDingus

   Jesus, you’re a fucking stalker!

Billh_rgrove

   Nope. I can just read.

Steve blinked at the message. What? He can- his breath caught in his lungs as he exited the messages and clicked his profile, grimacing at the bio.

   Steve_TheDingus

Bottomest bottom to ever bottom.

Hawkins, Indiana 20

“Jesus, I’m so going to kill Robin.” Steve hissed as Dustin came rounding the corner, the Party trailing behind him. Clicking off his phone, he tossed it into the cupholder as they all piled into his BMW. “God, did you guys rob the convent store?”

   “Don’t be such a mom, Steven! We used our hard-earned cash!” Lucas grinned, squashing himself next to Will while Mike snuggled himself into the door, trying to tuck his long legs from cramming themselves into Steve’s back.

“From mowing lawns? Good on ya, Lucas. At least one of you work for your pay.” He mumbles, eyeing Mike and Dustin as they pretended to not notice the motherly glare. “Anyway, am I taking you guys back to Mike’s or Will’s?”

   “Neither!” Will spoke, grinning into the rearview mirror. “We’re meeting Max at the arcade.”

“Wait, Max? Who’s Max?” Steve shot, furrowing his brow as all the boys groaned, making him shrink down into his seat slightly.

   “Y’ know? Max?” Dustin emphasized the name, making Steve arch a brow and scoff.

“Dustin, I don’t know who you’re talking about just because you emphasize their name.” He rolled his eyes as Dustin gaped, rolling his own.

   “To be fair,” Lucas spoke up, making Steve glance up through the rearview mirror. “Steve has been working a ton.”

“Exactly! Thank you, Lucas.” He beamed as they pulled into the arcade parking lot. They all clambered out, grinning as they popped open their drinks and snacks, chattering as they walked towards the darkened building. Steve grinned, only for it falter, watching as the group stopped greeting a fiery redheaded… Girl?

   “Dustin, who’s that?” Steve shoulder the curly-haired boy, making him hum.

“That’s Max, short for Maxine but do not call her.” He warned, his eyes wide while Steve frowned, blinking as they walked up to the chattering group.

   “Is there security now, or what?” Steve flashed a friendly grin as the girl spun, meeting his eyes with large blue ones - they seemed… Oddly familiar.

“Who’re you?” She spat, arching a thin brow and pursing her lips as she crossed her slender arms over her chest; eyeing him. Studying him.

   “Steve, local babysitter for these hooligans.” He smiled again, relaxing, trying to show that he was just there, not a threat.

“Steve? Well, it’s uh… Nice to meet you, I guess.” She flashed a quick smile before glancing back to the boys, smirking. “I didn’t know high schoolers needed a babysitter.” Steve couldn’t help but snicker when all of the boy’s faces fell. They all began to spat out about how they didn’t need one, Steve was just tagging along. Max and Steve merely laughed as they lead the group inside, Steve finding himself a place to settle in while the party rushes around, playing the old games and the newest ones added to Keith’s place.

   Max and Lucas came over, settling across from him as he sipped at his soda, scrolling through his messages. He’d left Bill on read and he didn’t feel like trying to apologize… Just didn’t have the damn energy to try and fight back with the flirty asshole.

   “Anyway, I can’t stay for long,” Max abruptly spoke, making Steve glance up from his screen, noting how close Lucas and Max were sitting. “My brother is picking me up-”

“Brother?” He asked, cocking a brow as the two teens looked to him.

   “Uh, yeah, I’ve got an older brother. He’s only in town for a little while, at least until the Hawkin’s Festival.” Max shrugged, sipping at her strawberry Fanta. Steve blinked, nodding with a hum.

“Where’s he from?”

   “Why does it matter?” She shot back, furrowing her brows when Lucas gently nudged her, giving her a soft look. Her thin brows slowly relaxing as she sighed. “It’s nothing against you, Steve, but... He’s not exactly someone like you should get friendly with.” She mumbled, finishing her drink while Steve did as well, scoffing at her words.

“What do you mean, ‘someone like me?’ I’ve dealt with a ton of shit, so, whoever the hell your brother thinks he is, I can handle him.” Steve gently spat, going to move out of the booth, only for Max’s hand to shoot out, snatching his wrist and making him sit back down slowly.

   “I didn’t mean it like that, Steve. I just… He’s hard to understand. He doesn’t get that you can’t just flirt with everything that walks and get your way with it.” Max sighed, releasing his wrist with a frown as Steve sighed.

“I know you didn’t mean anything by it, Max. But, seriously, I’ve dealt with worse.” Steve muttered, thinking back to his phone, which has yet to go off. Strange. Usually, Bill is blowing up his phone asking where he went… Wait, why does he miss that?

   “I highly doubt it. But, to answer your question, he’s from California. He came down since his dad passed and he just wanted to be here, I guess, surprising since he hated his dad.” Max huffed, seeming to hold a grudge against her brother’s father as well.

“You don’t sound fond of him yourself, Red.”

   “I’m not. I’m sort of happy the bastard croaked. He was a dickhead and he deserved what got to him.” Max spat, her blue eyes narrowed with hate as she tapped her fingers against the wooden top, making Steve’s frown deepen.

“Well, if you didn’t like him, then I’m glad to have never met the bastard.” Steve shot her a soft grin, showing his teeth as she blinked, looking at him with a gentle smile.

   “Hey, Lucas, could you go get me another drink?” Max suddenly asked, turning to the boy who flinched, blinking as he flashed a lop-sided smile.

“Uh, yeah, sure!” He chuckled, sliding out of the booth, flashing her another grin as Steve chuckled, shaking his head gently.

   “Alright, Steve, I know we just met and shit, but… You seem really familiar.” She plopped her chin into her palm, staring at Steve, who went wide-eyed before released a breathless laugh.

“You’re kidding, right? Because I thought the same thing about you!”

   “But, where?! I haven’t met you until today, and yet you look so… Familiar.” Max’s voice trailed as she looked at Steve, his head ticked to the side and his lips pursed with pinched brows making Max blink and her lips part. They both jumped at the sound of a car horn blaring from outside. Max looked up through the window, coughing as she quickly got up, gathering the little stuff she had with her before turning to Steve.

“I’ll see you later, babysitter. Make sure they get home on time, got it?” Max shot him a large smile, as he mirrored it, smirking as he waved behind her, watching as she darted outside and climbed into an electric blue Camaro. Steve narrowed his eyes, he could see the bunch of blonde hair from the windows’ being rolled down, he could also see the caramel-toned skin resting against the steering wheel.

   “That must be her brother... Damn.”

“What’re you staring at?” Steve jumped when Lucas came back, a strawberry Fanta in his hand when his brows furrowed. “Where’d Max-” his question was easily answered by the rev of the engine and squealing of wheels against tar from outside. “Go. Let me guess, brother?”

   “Yeah, I guess. Hey, you go round up the others. I got stuff to do-”

“It’s only been an hour!”

   “Hey, I never said I would stay for long, but I said I would bring you guys. So, either get them and let’s go, or you’re all walking home.” Steve bit, scooting out of the booth as Lucas frowned before turning on his heel and rushing to get the rest of the party. Steve watched as he disappeared before pulling out his phone, staring at the blinking cursor before allowing his thumbs to glide over the keyboard; forming something into a sentence.

Steve_TheDingus

   So, you’re allowed to know everything from my bio, but I can’t know shit from yours? Seems kind of mean, Bill

Steve hit send, a knot forming and a bubble gurgling in his stomach, feeling it pop and spread a slight shiver across his body as the party came into view, making him smile as he slipped his phone away, holding up his car keys with a smirk.

   “This is a new low for you, Steven! Ditching us for - wait, why are you making us leave?” Dustin glared, pouting as Steve rolled his eyes, reaching forward and ruffling up the teens’ hat and hair as he growled and pulled away.

   “I have some stuff I need to get done.” Steve shrugged, twirling his keys as they all exited the building, walking towards the car. Everyone climbed in, making Steve grin to himself when he felt his pocket vibrate. He was going to change his feelings; one text at a time.

________

“Who were you sitting with?” Was the first thing out of Billy’s mouth as Max clambered into the Camaro. She glanced at him, shutting the door behind her before shrugging with a grin.

   “Party’s babysitter,”

“Seriously? You’re all freshmen in high school, why do they need a babysitter?” Billy couldn’t help but scoff out a laugh. Max rolled her eyes, fighting back her own grin.

   “I mean, he’s pretty cool,”

“Don’t tell me you’re gonna fuck the babysitter-”

   “EW! As if, he’s way too old for me!” She gagged, rolling her shoulders with a huff as Billy smirked, slipping out a cigarette from behind his ear, sticking it between his teeth as Max continued to blabber on about ‘he’s too old! And besides, I’m pretty sure he’s gay-” and that had Billy slamming the brakes.

   “Max!”

“What!?” She went wide-eyed, her hands still in front of her and pressed into the dashboard.

   “You... You can’t just go around saying that you’re pretty sure someone’s gay!”

“Why not? His phone kept buzzing the same way yours does-”

   “That doesn’t mean he’s… Are you seriously guessing some guy’s sexuality based on how his phone vibrates?! Maxine, I thought you were better than that.” Billy shot as she sat back, scoffing at him.

“I’m - Okay, first off, I am better than that, asshole. Second, I only know he’s gay because I’ve seen him on that dating app you installed!” She fired back, seething as Billy blinked, his mouth parted enough for his cigarette to cling to his wet lip. Max sat back, huffing with a pout as she turned to look out the window. “I’m not like most people in town, Billy…” She mumbled, curling into herself as Billy sighed, pressing the gas gently to start moving the car again.

   “Yeah… Yeah, I know Max.” He whispered back, his voice slightly muffled from the unlit stick. “I know.”

Once they arrived home, they separated, not speaking of the app, nor the “gay” babysitter, none of it once they stepped foot inside. The feeling of Neil’s presence still inked itself into the walls around them; Billy could feel nausea and constant anxiety welling-up in his chest, just preparing him for his dad to appear. Even with the man dead, his conscious still tells him he’s there. He’ll appear and ruin everything, just like he did in Cali.

   He jumped at the feeling of his phone vibrating from his pocket, pulling it out, he grinned his princess has finally answered.

Billh_rgrove

   Well, what do you want to know, princess?

Steve_TheDingus

   Anything? Maybe everything…

Billh_rgrove

   Alright, I’ll give you a small taste… I’m 20, I live in California but I’m stuck in a hick town for some… Festival my sibling is in.

Steve_TheDingus

   So, a 20-year-old surfer boy who’s a good brother? Cute.

Billh_rgrove

   I’m anything but cute, Steven.

Steve_TheDingus

   You traveled halfway across the states to be here for your sister because she’s in some hick town festival? That’s pretty cute, Bill. Besides, that sounds like my hometown.

Billh_rgrove

   Shut it, princess, or I’ll make you. And oh, yeah? You do live in a little hick town, don’t you?

“Billy! I need to get to Mike’s house!” Max suddenly yelled, making Billy groan as he threw his legs over the side of his bed, opening his door to a stressed redhead.

   “Why?”

“You need some insider information-”

   “What’re you talking about?” Billy leaned into his doorway, frowning as Max huffed, rolling her eyes as she abruptly shoved in back into his room, making him growl as she shut the door.

“I’m talking about operation babysitter! I’m hooking you up!” She threw her arms up, dropping them only to cross them in front of her chest as Billy stared at her, brows furrowed and lips parted. He settled onto his bed, resting his elbows against his knees with a frown.

   “You? You’re hooking me up with the babysitter?” Billy merely snorted, rolling his eyes in the process. “That’s hilarious, Max-a-million, but let’s be serious-”

“It’s Steve!”

   The bedroom grew abruptly tense. Both siblings staring at one another with wide-eyes and an agape mouth. Max’s eyes were filled with terror as Billy’s filled with… Glee?

“What’d you mean?” He breathed, slowly standing from his bed as Max, swallowed thickly, her lips twitching to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. “How do you know about him?” Billy slightly growled, stepping closer as Max stepped back.

   “I… I just - I recognized him, alright! I… That day you messaged him, I saw his profile picture and… And I recognized him back at the arcade, but I didn’t mention you! I didn’t mention the app or anything to freak him out.” Max quickly added, waving her hands to try and save herself from a heavy yelling session with him.

“What do you get out of this?” Billy glared, his arms crossing over and ticking up a brow. Max blinked, grinning as she took a step forward, realizing Billy meant no true harm.

   “Nothing except you being happy, plus gives you another reason to come to Hawkins.” She shrugged, smirking when Billy blinked, frowning before sighing. He returned to his bed, settling there as she clapped her hands together, grinning. “Besides, he’s an actual sweetheart and I think he’d be good for you.”

   “Who says he’d be willing to even give me a chance.” He scoffed. Max couldn’t help but frown. She moved across the room, settling next to him and gently shouldering his, making him look at her.

“Hey, he’d be an idiot to not give you a chance, Billy.” She grinned, as Billy flashed her a small grin before reaching over, tugging her into a tight side-hug before reaching up and messing her hair with a ruffle. “Hey!”

   “Alright, shitbird, what’s your little scheme here?” He smiled, settling back onto his bed as she huffed, rolling her eyes and fixing her hair with steady hands.

“Well, the festival is in town,”

   “No shit.” He rolled his eyes.

“Anyway! With the festival being in town, that could help us! You could try and invite him,”

   “Max, he’s made it pretty obvious that he has little to no care about this festival. I mentioned being in a hick town for my sister to go to a festival and this… God, he’s lucky he’s gorgeous because he didn’t put two-and-two together.” Billy groaned, flopping backward onto his mattress when Max rolled her eyes, leaning over her brother.

“Hey, genius, the party owes me a favor, so I can have them convince Mr. Babysitter to drag their asses to the festival that night. But, you have to work with me, deal?” Max sat back, allowing Billy to sit up as she stuck out her hand. He eyed it for a moment before slapping his palm against hers, shaking it once.

   “Yeah, alright, shitbird… I’ll work with you, but how do we know that this “party” isn’t going to be a total ass about setting up gay men?” Billy dropped his hand, frowning at the mere mention of people being angry about “gays entering their town.”

“They won’t, okay? And if they even try to, I’ll give them hell for it.” Max shrugged, grinning as she stood up before nodding for him to follow, which he did. “Now, come on, I need to get to Mike’s so we can throw this plan into action.”

________

   “So,” Mike begins, making Max and the rest look at him. They had gathered in his basement, El unable to attend since she was behind in Ms. Bridges’ class. “Why are we gathered in my basement when we’re supposed to be at the mall?”

“Because you guys owe me a favor.” Max shrugged as Mike scoffed, glaring at her while the others shrugged as well.

   “For what?!”

“Back two weeks ago, the public pool.” Max tested, arching a brow as Mike’s protest slowly died. She nodded once, glad for him going quiet. “Anyway, I need help. I’m setting up my brother with Steve.”

   “Wait, what?!”

“Steve’s not gay!”

   “Really?”

All of the boys jumped at her, making her frown and huff. Everyone stood around her, circling with constant questioning and slight anger in their voices as she rolled her eyes, shoving past them.

   “Are you guys serious right now? I thought you’d all be helpful not… Homophobic!” Max growled, folding her arms as they all went wide-eyed, shaking their heads as their words spilled over, sputtering and stammering.

“Now, wait for a second-”

   “It’s not like that, Max!”

“Woah, Woah, Woah, we’re not like that-”

   “Alright, shut it!” Max yelled, scoffing at them as she shook her head, frowning more.

“How do you know Steve’s gay?” Will asked, frowning at his friends as Max huffed, dropping her arms from her chest.

   “I … Billy has been talking to him on a dating app-”

“How do you even know if it was Steve? It could’ve been any brunette!” Dustin argued, stepping closer to her as her brows twitched and knitted together. She opened her mouth, only to go quiet when Lucas stepped in front of her.

   “Leave her alone, Dustin. She’s just trying to be a good sister.” Lucas growled as Dustin took a step back.

“Or, maybe she’s trying to help Billy force his sexuality onto Steve!” Mike suddenly added, stepping up to Lucas as Max grabbed his bicep, growling at Mike before she waved her hand around, stepping around her boyfriend’s body.

   “Are you fucking with me?! Billy is practically in love with Steve, and you should see how he gets all smiling and happy just from messaging him over that stupid app, and these idiots have no idea who each other are, even though they graduated together and have fallen in love!” She breathlessly laughed, a small smile on her lips as she looked up, seeing the boys all looking at her. Max cleared her throat, pursing her lips as she stepped next to Lucas. “So, please, help me.”

   The party grew quiet, no one spoke and no one dared to move until Dustin cursed under his breathe. He took a step towards her, suddenly hugging her tightly before leaning back, a toothless grin soothed her as she mirrored the smile.

“If you think it’s the right call, then I think it’s the right call.” He smiled as Max’s smiled widened, she shot forward and latched onto him as Lucas and Will suddenly added themselves to the group hug. They each stepped away and looked to Mike, who stood there with his arms crossed before he huffed.

   “Okay! Okay, fine, yeah… Count me in.” Mike sighed, as the rest fist-bumped the air as Max clapped her hands together smirking. “So, what’s the plan?”

“So, here’s the plan.”

_________

Shitbird

   Okay! Get to flirting, loverboy.

Billy    Shut it. Let’s hope this works.

Billy swallowed thickly, not waiting for Max to text back as he opened the dating app, frowning as he began to text out something - anything that could hopefully pique Steve’s interest…

   Billh_rgrove

How do you feel about festivals?

   He hit send. His heart throbbed against his ribs as he watched the three dot-filled bubble pop up, then away, back up, and away - the pit sitting low in his stomach grounded itself and growled against his soul.

Steve_TheDingus

   Oh. Well… They’re not my favorite thing? I mean, it’s all overpriced, greasy foods, the rigged games, it’s all just one large money trap. But, supposedly they can be extremely romantic, with its stupid Ferris wheel and firework shows at the end of the night…

Billy blinked, his lips splitting into a wide grin. Flicking the tip of his tongue over his bottom lip, he began to type.

Billh_rgrove

I can agree there… But, uh, if I didn’t know better, it almost sounds like you like that rom-com gooey shit, princess.

Steve_TheDingus

   Oh, please, anyone would like that rom-com gooey shit, Bill, even you! Hell, I feel like I would only like it if I were to go with you… But, we both know that shit won’t happen. But it would be a blissful thing.

Billh_rgrove

   Well… What would you say if I asked you to go to one? And if we met?

The bubbles popped up again, disappearing again, appearing again, disappearing and reappearing - it made Billy’s chest and stomach ache with a dull roar. His hand gently shook as he sucked at the cigarette butt, glaring at the glowing cherry as the sun sat in front of him, the cool air wrapping around Hawkins while the Camaro sat quietly in the road.

   Steve_TheDingus

I would say… You’re insane, Bill, completely and utterly insane. But, I would ask where and what time? Because this is apparently some gross rom-com gooey shit

   Billy felt the world burst into a million colors around him; the cooling air became electric as his breath caught in his throat. His blood rushed through his ears, his heart thundered against his ribs and the large smile that split across his face made Billy feel as if he were on top of the world, and he didn’t plan on coming down.

Billh_rgrove

   Hawkins Festival, Ferris wheel, 9 o’clock sharp. Don’t stand me up after getting my hopes up, princess

Steve_TheDingus

   I’ll see you there on top of the world, Billy boy. And like I could stand up someone like you.

Billy shut off his phone, sitting in the seat next to him before sucking down the last of his cigarette, flicking the butt to the asphalt with a grin plastered to his lips. His ocean eyes glanced at his clock, the blocky red numbers flashing, 7:40. He had a few before he would rise onto the top of the world with his princess right next to him. Sighing happily, he turned on the Camaro before arriving at Mike's house, his heart pounding in his chest when Max came sprinting out.

   “So? How’d it go?” Her eyes were big - bright - as she leaned in, grinning as he flashed her a large smile.

“Get in. Brother’s got a date at nine sharp.” He winked as she climbed in, holding up her fist for him to pound, which he accepted with a small smile. “Your party ready for this?” He glanced at her as he pulled away, frowning as her face slightly fell before replacing it once more with a grin.

   “They’re fine. They said they’ll help us.”

“You don’t sound too sure…” He trailed as she shrugged, humming some.

   “They were worried for Steve,”

“Because of me?” He shot, making her huff out of her nose, shaking her head. The kinked up hair around her face swept and brushed gently against her cheeks as she looked out the window, rolling her eyes slightly.

   “A little? They remember you from year ago, Billy, what would you think if the guy who threatened to beat Mr. Babysitter’s face in and then tried to fight Lucas?” Max scoffed when Billy side-glanced her, his own frown deepening.

“That… I was an asshole back then, alright? I mean, would you have been if your father beat you everyday for being a faggot-”

   “He’s gone. So, the asshole you is gone, too, right?” Max whispered, her voice slightly shaking as Billy came to a slow stop in front of their house. They sat in the gentle rumbling from the Camaro’s engine, the sun was steady in sinking to the earth. Billy sighed, reaching over and mussing Max’s hair, grinning as she shouted out a protest and batted away his hand.

“Yeah, shitbird… Asshole me is gone.”

   “Good. Now, come on, we need to get you ready for tonight!” She yipped, punching her fist into Billy’s shoulder, making him growl as she quickly ran out and towards the house, making him roll his eyes.

_______

“I can’t do it! I can’t do this, I… The entire town is going to be at the festival tonight, and he’s wanting to go now?! After all the shit he’s put me through-”

   “Dingus, breath!” Robin grabbed his shoulders, dragging him to a stop as he frowned, his eyebrows knitted together with worry lacing his features. She gave him a soft smile, patting his shoulders before giving them gentle, comforting squeezes. “You’ll be fine, alright? Nothing is going to happen to you or him. Hopper is going to be there with Joyce, and besides, I know you still have that nailed bat in your trunk from last year’s Halloween party.” Robin smirked, making Steve snort as he nodded, reaching up and gripping her wrist gently.

“But what happens if I mess this up, Rob? I… I actually like him, even after all the shit, I like him.” Steve breathed, his heart in his throat and he swore Robin could hear it by the way she gently released him, her lips breaking into a large smile.

   “You’re not gonna mess this up, Dingus, okay? With how highly Heather speaks of him now, there’s no doubt that the moment this boy lays eyes on you that he’s not going to fall ten-times-fold.” She winked, making a hasty pink settle over his porcelain skin while heat crept up his throat.

“I can’t believe you got a girlfriend out of helping me find a boyfrie- partner.” Steve stumbled, swallowing as Robin gave him a small smile, nodding with a shrug. She was too proud of herself.

   “What can I say? A matchmaker like myself deserves some good gay love too! Now, hurry up and find an outfit! It’s already 8:30 and I’m not about to let you be late to your first rom-com gooey shit date!” Robin called, exiting his room with a wave of her hands, only to pause and answer her phone with a soft “hello,” which broke into a small giggle and “hi, babe” following it.

Steve couldn’t help but smile at her back, watching her shut the door with a quiet thump as he sighed, settling on his bed and staring at the small closet, containing a few good outfits. “Alright, what to wear, what to wear, what to weaaaar,” his voice trailed off as he flopped backwards, rubbing his hands over his face as a deep groan erupted from his throat. Sitting up, he threw his legs over the edge of the bed before striding towards his closet, pulling out his best ass jeans and just a simple long sleeve, he nodded once. Slipping on the clothes, he stepped into his bathroom, grinning as he noticed the slight glow he had. He looked… Happy. Excited.

   “Dingus! Come on, we gotta go!” Robin shouted from downstairs as he scrambled, slipping on his white converse before shrugging on a simple lightweight jacket, rushing down the hall to see Robin standing with a dark haired girl.

“Heather’s driving us.”

   “Oh, so you’re the girlfriend! Nice to meet you,” Steve grinned, slipping out his hand as Heather grinned, shaking his hand.

“And you’re Dingus, nice to meet you as well. Now! Let’s get going on this festival date!” Heather grinned, wrapping her arm around Robin’s as Steve grinned, smiling at how happy the pair looked. They trotted ahead, holding each other as they piled into Heather’s car, Steve obviously opted for the backseat, his smile never faltering as his eyes glanced over the girl’s hands linked together.

   “Are you two having your own rom-com gooey shit date tonight or something?” He teased, plopping his chin into his palm as Robin scoffed, her cheeks turning rosie while Heather merely smiled, giving Rob’s hand a small squeeze, glancing to Steve in the rearview mirror.

“Let’s go with or something.”

   Steve grinned, he found himself doing that a lot more now… He didn’t feel the twist of hatred in his gut, nor the welt of guilt swelling and growing in his chest as he thought about Bill, the anger he’d roll in and break down while holding his pillow close. No one knew. No one would ever know because if they did, he’d be weak.

“Dingus! Hey, you’re not getting cold feet, right?” Robin asked, turning in her seat to look at Steve. His face broke into a grin, a little forced, but other than that, normal.

   “Never.” Robin gave him a look; an arched brow, pursed lips, and a look of ‘are you sure?’ Resting in her eyes.

“I’m serious, Rob, I’m good.” He nodded as she nodded once, turning back as Heather turned up the radio, leaving them in a light trance of comforting Dodie. He rested his elbow against the window, watching as the town grew darker, the street lights flickered to life. He sighed, this was his rom-com gooey shit moment and he wasn’t about to let it get ruined from the personalized homophobic nature that had swelled and rottened his brain from the inside out for the past twenty years. It was his time. And he was more than ready.

_______

   “What am I supposed to do if he doesn’t show up! Or what if he thinks I’m someone else? And just leaves me there? What… What if he’s disgusted?” Steve mumbled, nibbling at his thumbnail as Robin gently sat him in the Ferris wheel seat, it gently rocked as he sat, making him tense gently. Hopper had made a few… Calls and got the Ferris wheel rented out for Steve and his date, as long as he and Joyce could get an opportunity on it later.

“Steve, Dingus, Steven, what did I tell you earlier?”

   “He was going to fall ten-fold…?” He mumbled as she grinned, patting his cheek gently before pinching at the bridge of his nose, making him huff.

“That’s right, and he is! He’d be an idiot to not fall for you, so, Heather and I are just going to be walking around but we’ll be here the moment you get off the ride, alright?” She shouldered him as he snorted, nodding gently.

   “You’re talking to me like I’m five.”

“Well, I am technically you’re lesbian mother, so,” her voice trailed as Steve shouldered her, making her chuckle before standing back up.

   “Robin! Hey, it’s nine! Come on,” Heather rushed up, grabbing her as Robin waved, a quick “good luck!” Being thrown over her shoulder as they ran off. Steve felt his heart thump against his chest, hammering at his ribcage as he huffed out a breath. Tugging out his phone, he thumbed through the messages. The beginning started out… Rough. Steve didn’t know what he wanted - he didn’t want anything to do with Bill. He wanted to be “normal”. But, then Bill started showing his colors. Started letting Steve know him, understand him and Steve did the same. The late night text, the late night “help me, please”, and the drunken text asking if the other would run away after they met. Each conversation burned Steve’s throat because… He wanted this. He wanted him and Bill to work out.  

“Jesus, I’m in too deep…” Steve murmured, running a hand down his face with a groan as the crunch of autumn leaves came closer, making him glance up. The sun had set, leaving Hawkins dipped in the flickering street lamps, the rainbow light's glittering around him from the other rides and stands.

   “Uh, can… Can I help you?” He muttered, feeling his heart in his throat as he looked up, squinting some as the figure sucked on whatever was in their mouth before the bright cherry of a cigarette made Steve shiver.

“Depends. Can I sit?” He flicked out, making Steve gulp as he slowly unlatched the gate, watching as the stranger flicked the cigarette butt, smothering it into the mist soaked earth. Steve cleared his throat, gently stuttering.

   “I… I mean, sure? I was waiting on someone though.” He whispered the last part, feeling his heart gently break as he glanced at his phone, 9:30. Jesus. He thought sickly. I really am an idiot.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.” The stranger shot him a large grin before settling in next to Steve, pressing their shoulders tightly together. His jean jacket rubbed against Steve’s lightweight, it whined as they settled in, the man latching the gate closed as Steve felt his heartbeat pick up, stammering and slamming into his ribs as he glanced towards the man, who shot him another large, and somehow comforting smile.

   “You… Know?”

“Names Billy Hargrove, princess, and I do believe I asked you for a date at the Hawkins Festival, on the Ferris wheel, at 9 o’clock sharp.” The blonde - Billy - grinned as Steve’s lips fell open, his voice caught in his throat as they began to go backwards.

   “Hargrove? As in Hargrove that tried to beat my ass back in senior year of high school, Billy Hargrove?” Steve all but growled as Billy blinked, a sheepish smile breaking across his face as he nodded gently.

“Listen, Stevie,”

   “No! No, you listen here, you fucking dickwad, why in the widespread of hell would you ever think this would be okay?! Leading me on, letting me open and let you get to know the deepest part of me when I don’t even understand it myself?! What kind of sick fucking game are you playing here-”

Billy slammed his lips into Steve’s, cutting off his rant easily. He fought back, leaning away, but Billy followed, both of their hearts pounded and wretched against their ribs as he slowly let Steve escape, swallowing thickly as his eyes fluttered back open; meeting the large, doe-like chocolate colored irises, the same ones that he tried to bloody and bruise way back when.

   “Steve, you… You have every right to be angry at me, but - but I want you to know that I do want to know you! I want to know the parts of you that no one else does and I want to be the one to help you understand the parts of you that you don’t quite understand yet,” Billy trailed, swallowing as the ride rounded, still going as Steve blinked, staring at him with parted lips and wild eyes, frantically looking into Billy’s. “I’m sorry for what I did senior year, okay? I… My life was shitty and I became the largest asshole to everyone because I was scared. I was scared that I would never amount to anything, and that my piece of shit dad was right. Right that I was just another faggot that would end up dead in a back alleyway, and I’m sorry.” Billy whispered the last part, barely hearing the carnival music anymore from the blood rushing in his ears and the humming of his heart against his sternum.

Suddenly, Steve reached out, slamming his fist against Billy’s chest, making him groan and cough, gripping the area with a groan.

   “Okay, I deserved that.” He sputtered, only to be silenced as Steve grabbed the ears of Billy’s jacket, tugging him close and slamming their lips together. Billy sighed into the sweet kiss, attempting to ignore the dull pain that settled over his breastbone. Their lips moved together, dancing as the ride came to a slow roundabout once more - their last ride.

“That’s for being a dickhole back in high school, and that second one? That one was for letting me in. But,” Steve trailed, his hand slowly moving down and resting on top of Billy’s, gripping it gently. “I want to stay in, if you’ll let me?”

   Billy pressed another kiss to Steve’s temple, followed by a cheek, then nose, and then lips. Smiling as he leaned further into Steve’s side.

“Do you remember what I asked you?” He breathed against Steve’s neck, grinning gently as Steve chuckled, somewhat curling against Billy’s side.

   “About us meeting?” He murmured as Billy nodded.

“Y’ know I actually live in California, that’s a little bit far, ain’t it?” He whispered, angling himself to look into Steve’s eyes, which were slightly watering as he squeezed at Billy’s hand.

   “Yeah, it… I bet it’s beautiful though.”

“Come with me.” Billy spoke quickly, making Steve practically snap his neck to look at Billy. His eyes were bugged and lips parted as he huffed out a small sigh, licking at his bottom lip gently before turning and swallowing thickly.

   “Bill, Billy… I just - what about the kids? Or, or Robin? Hopper and Joyce? I… I can’t just up and leave them.” Steve whispered, his voice shaking as he stared into Billy’s bright, blue eyes. Billy flashed an innocent smile before gently grabbing both of Steve’s hands before the Ferris wheel came to a slow stop, and Steve felt tears well-up in his eyes. They climbed out and there stood… Everyone. The kids, Hopper and Joyce, Robin and Heather - all of them stood around the Ferris wheel, sad smiles on all of their faces.

   “Guys? What’s… What’s going on?” He murmured, wiping gently at his eyes as the party rushed forward, wrapping their arms around his waist, making him sniffle gently as Billy stood off to the side, whispering to Max.

“It’s okay, Steve. It’s okay that you go with him, you guys belong together.” Will grinned, small tears dripping down his cheeks as Lucas and Mike nodded, all smiling at him as they gently untangled themselves from him. Dustin stood there, his lips trembled while his eyes stayed glued to his busted sneakers.

   “Dustin? Hey, are you-” Steve grew quiet when Dustin slammed himself into his stomach, wrapping his arms tightly around Steve’s shoulders. A shuttered sigh leaving his lips as he sniffled against Steve’s shoulder.

“God, I don’t want you to go, I don’t want you to, but you deserve to get out! You deserve to get out of this small ass town and be happy.” He broke down, tears cascading down his cheeks he pulled back staring at Steve, who smiled sadly, reaching up and messing with Dustin’s ball cap and hair, sniffling.

   “I… I won’t be gone for long, alright? I’ll come visit, and… And you and the rest of the party can come visit us.” Steve grinned, shooting a look to Billy, who nodded with a large smile on his lips. Steve turned back to the sad party, smiling at them. “I’ll expect updates on anything, got it? And I’ll… I’ll try and call every Friday to see how you guys are, or if you need anything,”

“Steve! They’ll be okay,” Robin appeared next to him, smiling as she sniffed gently, stepping up and wrapping her arms around his neck as Dustin took a step back, disappearing into the festival with the rest of the party. “We’ll all be okay, you can always come see us, Dingus.”

   “Oh, yeah? And you’ll be able to handle Scoops without your Dingus around?” He tearfully laughed as she grinned, shaking her head.

“Yeah… Yeah, I’ll be able to handle it, maybe it won’t be as fun, but… I can do it.” She murmured as he nodded, sighing through trembling lips.

   “I know you can. I’ll miss you, Rob.”

“You pity me, Dingus, but… Fuck, I’ll miss you, too, Steve.” She gave him a tight hug, before stepping back, disappearing with Heather into the carnival. They both waved behind them, as he sighed, wiping at his face gently. Steve glanced up to see Joyce and Hopper saying good-bye to Billy, then walking by and giving Steve a quick squeeze and murmuring “be safe” as they moved towards the Ferris wheel.

   Billy walked up, wrapping an arm around Steve’s waist while pressing a soft kiss to his temple.

“Fuck, I’m going to miss them…” Steve sighed, snuggling himself close to Billy’s side as they turned and began walking towards the parking lot. Billy sighed, nodding as they rested their shoulders against each other, Steve entwining their hands as they swung gently between the boy’s bodies.

   “Yeah… I think they were the only good thing that came out of Hawkins, Indiana.” Billy scoffed and chuckled when Steve elbowed his ribs, making him scoff.

“Asshole, you realize we’re walking out of Hawkins, Indiana, right?”

   “Princess, I said they were the only good thing,” Billy’s voice trailed as they stopped at the Camaro, Steve leaned against the cold metal, grinning as Billy caged him there. “You’re the best goddamn thing to have ever happened to me.” He leaned in, pressing his lips to Steve’s as his hand trailed down from the roof, caressing Steve’s side and thumbing at the skin that peeked out from underneath his long sleeve and jacket.

“Jesus, you really do make this the cheesiest, shittest and gooeiest rom-com ever.” Steve giggled against his lips as Billy smiled, nodding some.

   “Only for you, princess… Only for you.”  ________

[stubbornness-and-spite]

I have a question for people who wanted to be tagged in my Julie and the Phantoms fic with Bobby’s letters. Which of these would you prefer for the format? I’m going to decide myself based on what I think will work best for the story, but right now it could go a few ways and I’m curious if anyone has a preference

A) Each letter is its own chapter

B) Each chapter is 1-3 letters long based on how well the letters go together

C) I wait until I finish all of the letters and post it as a one-shot

Taglist(let me know if you want to be added/removed - there were a few people who I wasn’t sure if they wanted to be on the list or not)

@alex-mercerss @sunnyrye @never-saygood-bye @sammy-stan @charlieschickens @apolloandfamily @samandgrizzvisser (can’t tag you for some reason) @sunset-bobby @juulieandthehimbos @cantputitintowords @takemebythehand-andsetmefree @mordai-temoni (can’t tag you for some reason)

[wr0temyway0ut]

Taglist 2 below the cut

@bisexualreginaldpeters @this-is-a-name-dont-worry @not-afraidofhurtinganymore @takemebythehand-andsetmefree @slytherhoes @kikikiwi27498 @floating-in-the-blue @boggie-brainrot @cathair-inmy-quesadilla @sunnysbright @peter-parkerson @enby-chaos-fox @fireflyingaway @sapphossidechick @goingwiththewind @slitherynchiken @goodomensgurl @luperael

Content Warnings: Car accident

Get Famous - a Julie and the Phantoms SMAU

Part Five

Masterlist

Taglist in reblogs, ask to be added or removed!

[yikesharringrove]

Nb Steve as requested by @takemebythehand-andsetmefree

Happy Pride!

Here is a link to my post about Harringrove for BLM, and here is a link to Writers/Artists Against Police Brutality

Here’s also a link to the Masterlist of Harringrove for BLM coutesy of @harringrovetrashh

Thank you all for organizing, participating, and donating.

-

There is an instance where Steve gets misgendered, not by malicious intent, but it still happens, so take care of yourselves, don’t read if that could harm you.

-

“I think I’m a girl.”

This revelation wasn’t totally shocking to Billy.

Steve loved pretty things. Could be found more often than not jamming around in a little skirt, lots of makeup. So Billy just said

“Okay, Baby. Then I love my gorgeous girlfriend.”

And that was so sweet and all, but to Steve it still didn’t, it felt just as bad as boyfriend.

“Actually, maybe not.”

-

“I think maybe there’s something wrong with me.”

They were in Steve’s bed together, Steve laying practically on top of Billy.

“What makes you say that?”

“Parts of me feel like I’m a girl, and parts of me feel like I’m a boy. But all of me hates both of those options. I mean, I love looking like a girl, but when you, when you said girlfriend, Bill that felt just as fucking bad as boyfriend. I think I’m broken.” Billy shifted around until Steve was looking right at him.

“You are not broken. You are beautiful and amazing and confused. But you are far from broken. There’s more in the world than girl and boy. You can be anything, anyone.

“Back in California, I knew all kinds of people. I had friends all along the trans umbrella. I had a friend who was a trans guy, but preferred presenting for feminine. I had androgynous friends that presented however they pleased. I had friends who identified as no gender, or all the genders. I had a friend whose gender identity would change on any given day. Gender is fucking fake, and if you’re not comfortable with whatever you were assigned at birth, make something new for yourself.”

“I think that I’m somewhere in between. Not a woman, but not a man.” Billy grabbed the notbad next to Steve’s bad, drew a horizontal line across it.

“So basically, think of gender as a spectrum. Over here you’ve got women. This includes trans women, who are women that were assigned male at birth. One the other side you’ve got men, which includes trans men. In the middle, you’ve got nonbinay folks. Nonbinary is an umbrella term that just means these people live outside of man and woman. This includes agender people, who have no gender, and people who identify as more than one gender, like bigender or pangender. All along the scale you have people who are genderfluid and genderflux, whose definition of their own gender may slide along the scale at any given moment. You also have people that identify as demiboy, or reversely, demigirl, people that only identify partially as boy or girl, respectively. There’s also the idea of being transmasc, or transfem which are people who were assinged a gender at birth, but identitfy more with the other, without completely identify themselves as trans. So a person assigned male at birth who doesn’t consider themselves a transwoman, but more comfortably identities with feminity as a concept.”

He held out the drawing to Steve.

“There’s also different pronouns, and this isn’t even touching the intersex scale. Gender is so fucking whack, Sweet Thing.

“There’s a lot of different ways to play with it, and each person is so different. You can identify one way and present in a way that isn’t stereotypical to how you identify. And no one can tell you you’re wrong. Because you’re not.”

Steve was studying the drawing with wide eyes.

“Pronouns?”

“Like how I was assigned male at birth, and identify as male, so I use he/him pronouns. People along this scale can use whatever pronouns feel best. Some people use they and them so that they aren’t being gendered, and there are other gender neutral pronouns, like ze/zir and ve/ver.”

“But I mean, they is like, it’s plural.”

“Nah. They has always been used as a gender neutral pronoun. Plus, if it feels best, it can mean whatever the fuck you want it to.”

“So I could, I could like, be a them.”

“If that feels good.”

“Use it for me. Let me see.”

“Okay, um, I was laying in bed with my significant other, Steve and they were asking me questions about gender identity and expression. Afterwards I made them a cup of tea and cuddled them all night.” Steve’s eyes opened back up.

“Bill, that’s, fuck, that’s it.”

“They?”

“They. That felt, it felt good. I didn’t, I don’t even know.” Billy squished them tighter to himself.

“I’m glad, Baby.”

“So, does that make me nonbinary?” Billy just looked at them.

“Does it? You tell me, Sweet Thing.”

“I think so. Nonbinary. So like, maybe transfem? But I think I would be more agender”

“If that’s what’s true. You can call yourself nonbinary and leave it at that, or you can take as many labels as you feel fit. It’s your identity. Fuck with it as you see fit.”

Steve was worrying their lip.

“And you don’t mind?”

“Mind what?”

“That I’m not, not a guy.” Billy pressed a kiss to their forehead.

“‘Course I don’t min. You’re still you. You’re gender doesn’t matter to me at all. As long as you’re happy and comfortable and safe. That’s what matters to me.”

-

Steve needed to tell the party.

They spent so much time with the gaggle of kids, and kept getting fucking misgendered. Not that it was their fault, they didn’t know Steve was using different pronouns now.

“Look, I know those little Gen-Z’ers aren’t gonna care. I mean they see me in makeup and dresses and shit all the time, but this feels, big.” Billy was driving them over to the Byers’ place where all the kids were waiting. “But, but what if they take it wrong. What if they just think I’m this confused girl or something. Or they say I need to make up my mind.” Billy reached over to grab their hand.

“If they do, I’ll punch ‘em out. One by one. Fuck them kids.”

But they all took it so fucking well, it was actually anticlimactic.

“I mean, it’s pretty obvious you don’t conform to a gender binary.” Dustin hadn’t even looked up from their campaign as Steve fucking came out. “But like, thanks for telling us. And trusting us. You’re pretty brave I guess.”

Steve rolled their eyes.

“Thanks. You’re all so sweet and sensitive. I was shitting myself on the way over, and none of you are even fazed.”

“Yeah, I saw this coming.” Lucas rolled one of his dice.

“Do you want to do it again? We’ll all pretend to think you’re disgusting and call you a freak or something. Would that be better?” Mike had a challenging look on his face. Steve just slumped into the couch.

“No. Whatever. It’s fine.” They were actually pouting.

“What, you wanted like, a Lifetime movie moment? Where we all cry and say that we love you regardless and pretend we literally all didn’t see this coming?” Mike rolled his eyes.

“I mean, a little pomp and circumstance would be nice. Accepting myself and coming out to you all was a bunch of breakdowns in the making.” Dustin threw himself dramatically onto Steve’s lap.

“Oh! Oh, Steven! My sweet dear loved one! This is shocking news! But my love for you will never crumble! If anything, it is fortified!” Steve just laughed and shoved Dustin off their lap.

“Brat.”

-

“Can I just get a cheeseburger and fries?” The peppy waitress was twirling her ponytail, batting her eyes at Billy like Steve wasn’t right fucking there.

“Of course. Anything else for you?” She pat her eyes. Billy just blinked at her, completely dead-eyed. He gestured to Steve.

“Sorry, Girl. Didn’t see you!” She tried to laugh it off. Steve’s blood went cold.

“I’ll get the same please.” Her eyes widened at the sound of Steve’s voice, still deep, still masculine, despite the light blue dress, the pretty makeup.

“Oh, sorry. I’ll get that right out for you boys.” She shot away, embarrassed. Steve let their head fall onto the table.

Billy ran his fingers through their hair.

“Two for the price of one misgenderings.” They muttered into the table. Billy was gently scraping his nails into their scalp. “That was like getting kicked while down Jesus.”

“I’m sorry you have to deal with that. I’m sorry I can’t totally understand how shitty it makes you feel.” They sat in silence for a moment until Billy tugged on their hair as the waitress approached with their food. She set it down cautiously.

“Could we get some ketchup, please. And they’re gonna want mustard.” Steve smiled weakly at him, they way he overemphasized using they.

“Um, of course. Anything else?”

“Could you grab them another water?” It was just less than half-full, but Billy couldn’t be stopped.

The waitress just blushed, filling Steve’s water and placing ketchup and mustard on their table with a little enjoy.

“Bill, she didn’t mean to.”

“Yeah, but she still did. And I wanted you to stop feeling invalidated.” Billy shoved the burger in his mouth.

Steve just smiled at him, told him he ate like a pig.

[honestlydarkprincess]

tags pt. 2 💕

@takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @hobbitnarwhal, @buckley-diaz-rules, @father-salmon, @daffi-990

@chimneynumber1fan, @mikereads, @evan-privileges, @steadfastsaturnsrings, @bigfootsmom

@excuseme-greentea, @kinnards, @justfangirlinghere, @buddieswhvre, @loveyouanyway

@weewoo911, @911-mr, @slowlyfoggydestiny, @danhalen, @suenami3, @underwaterninja13

@monsterrae1, @watchyourbuck

think pawsitive

buck x tommy & ember the cat || rated: t || wc: 1.4k

Buck thinks Tommy wants to break up with him, but Maddie and Ember think he's getting a little ahead of the evidence. Tommy sets the record straight.

read on ao3

[fiddlepickdouglas]

@tired-eyes-cold-as-ice @readyrogueone @julie-n-phantoms @trevor-wilson-covington @reggie-with-eyeliner @arsonissexy @youdontfindityoumakeit @freeshawarmas @soisindependence @fallenangelsofthursday @blush-and-books @willexxmercer @a-chaotic-ananas @lordwormius @violethoneyb @different-snowflake @epicmusicplays @heresmytale @floating-in-the-blue @sunsetcurvecuddles @chickwiththepurpleguitar @alexspinkhoodie @heartsick-stranger @steampunkhell @moony221b @iti-iskuna @saintjimmeh @takemebythehand-andsetmefree @midnight-corvid @spookiest-sapphic @willexmagic @williexmercer @blueskiesandstarrynights @loveable-sea-lemon @thisbandisb4ck @spicysnekbean @strugglingatart @taylorswiftrulestheworld @bisexualreginaldpeters @epilepticreggie @lukesorangebeanie @lukeslostsleeves @secretly-of-course @homeinabookshelf @cheesecakediscourse @1neverendingstories1 @bowtiesareavenged @willex-n-waffles @till-our-stars-collided @witchofthemidlands

Chapter 27!

TW: anxiety-induced panicking, violence

Alshfjsksndjs y'all I'm just happy to finally post another chapter

Taglist in the reblogs 💕❤

[a-jynx]

𝒮𝒾𝓁𝓀 & 𝒟𝒾𝒶𝓂𝑜𝓃𝒹𝓈 |𝒞𝒽. 2 | 𝒢𝒶𝓎 𝒫𝒾𝓃𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒯𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈

“Darling, don’t ever be too shy to dance your heart out.”

| Official Series Tags |

@trashmouth-hargrove, @harringrovetrashh, @greyspilot, @lostnoise, @myboyfriendsteve, @stevefuckingharrington, @negativenuggetz, @awickedplacethisis, @ihateitheredude, @emobiscuit, @billysdanglyearring, @hartigays, @mychemicalobsession514, @garlicglue, @splicedthoughts, @reddielover1994, @trashycatarcade, @gohan111111, @wingedbears, @withoutmonsters, @tracy7307, @geraltxfrivia, @elsb-hrngtons, @big–yikes, @gideongrace, @thesecondbraincell, @mythicalbeyotch, @gaia-is-sucktastic, @kingofno-whereville, @magniloquent-raven, @pointeful, @converseandciggarettes, @brieflyhauntedwhispers, @harringroveismydaddy, @froggish-lesbian, @geesebeef, @thevipsupersecretsupperclub, @silly-lioness, @wizzhaniyfa, @harringrovehell, @billyisabottom, @harringrovewhorexx, @steveharringtonsass, @itscaebutgay, @married2pizza24-7, @banamalik, @wizzhaniyfa, @tiggermay, @baconspice, @hmg621, @oldwanderingsoul, @feralfuckingqueer, @3m0t10n4lbirb, @theoncomingstormvictory, @kingofno-whereville, @pieceofcrumbcake, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @moonimagines​, @cadodraws​, @dracula-incarnate​, @lovebillyhargrove​, 

 | You can be added or removed from this taglist, as it will be the taglist for the complete fic! (If a mark is through your name, Tumblr wouldn’t let me tag you!) |

______________

“Last to arrive, yet last to leave,” Billy smirked as the Harrington family came from the dressing room. Maxine and Carter grinned, rushing towards him as he crouched wrapping his arms tightly around the two, hugging them close. “God, Maxie, you got so big!” He ruffled her hair as she made a sound of annoyance. 

“I’m still the same Maxie!” She nodded once as he mirrored it, standing he met Hendrix, who flashed him a small smile before hugging him close as well. 

“And where’d my little Drix go!? I swear just last weekend you were down to my hip.” Billy chuckled as Hendrix joined in, shaking his head, rubbing the back of his neck. 

“Nah, come on, Billy! Y’ know I turned eighteen a few weeks ago.” He shrugged as Billy nodded, squeezing Hendrix’s shoulder. 

“Of course I know like I’d forget,” Billy smirked, his attention drawn towards Steve, whose eyes were practically glued to his phone. Each time it buzzed in his hand, Steve’s brows would deepen into a crease while his lips tightened into a frown. Billy easily mirrored the action. 

“Are you guys going home?” He murmured, making Steve turn his attention away from his phone. 

“Uh, no… We have to go get Carter’s costume made up for her solo this weekend. Which we’re leaving for Friday morning, right?” Steve asked, his eyes looking everywhere but Billy’s own. He frowned at the poor guy, whatever had taken place this morning riled him - startled him and he was staying on his toes. 

“Yeah, we’re leaving Friday morning, eight sharp, alright?” Billy flashed him a kind smile, nodding as the Harrington tribe nodded back, all wandering out as Billy gripped Steve’s shoulder, causing a noise to escape his throat. He watched as Steve spun to meet his gaze, eyes wide as he stumbled to meet Billy’s eyes. 

“Are you sure you're alright?” He asked his hand heavy on the soft shoulder of Steve’s shirt. Steve shrugged, gently leaning away from Billy’s touch, glancing back to his phone before clearing his throat. 

“Fine. I’ll see you Friday, alright?” Steve said a tight smile as he shouldered past Billy, his hand stretched out in front of him and his eyes glued once again to his phone. Billy frowned, rolling his eyes as he followed, closing and locking the doors as Max came barreling out of the acro class. 

“Max? What’re you - what happened?” 

“Uh, Simon Jones may have just twisted his ankle trying to tackle a double back flip and he may have landed on it sideways.” She huffed out a chuckle, rubbing at her neck before rounding the counter, rushing back to her class with Billy in tow. 

“Are you kidding me?!” He hissed out through clenched teeth, grabbing her elbow with a huff as she snapped her head around, her thick braid smacking him. 

“What?” 

“I thought we agreed that the Jones kids weren’t allowed back into acro after the last incident.” He groaned, rubbing his hand down his face, attempting to ignore the slight sting on his cheek and jaw from the thick braid. Max cracked a small smile, using her free hand and rubbing at the back of her neck. 

“I know, but uh… This may be a bad time to mention I might have added Taylor and Shaw to the competition doing an acrobatic routine.” She hissed as Billy’s eyes widened, his lips pressed into a thin line. 

“You added them without consulting me first?!” He hissed, rubbing at his face with both hands, groaning into his palms as Max flashed him a grin. 

“Lily paid me extra for lessons! I wasn’t about to turn down a customer in your business, dickwad!” 

“Okay, shitbird, I don’t care that she paid for extra lessons, that’s awesome honestly, but you need to talk to me before you even think about adding kids into the competition that is this weekend and they haven’t learned one dance.” 

“Well, she may have paid me a little extra… To put her kids in the competition…” Her voice trailed as Billy’s face fell, making him hiss and groan before facepalming with a huff. 

“Isn’t that a bribe?” He mumbled, as she shrugged, stepping backward and pushing into her classroom, Billy quickly followed to see Simon laying on the floor, his brothers’ sitting with him. 

“Miss Mayfield! Mr. Hargrove!” The class broke into a quiet stammer as Max rushed over, putting the ice on Simon’s ankle as he sat up, grinning sheepishly at the teachers. 

“Hi, Mr. Hargrove-” 

“Simon… Si, come on, I thought we talked about this,” Billy sighed. 

“I - I know! I know we did, but I’m ready!” Simon grinned, waving for his brothers’ to help him up, only to have Billy wave them off. He squatted down to Simon, grabbing his shoulder with a small smile. 

“I know your mom wants you all in the comp this weekend, but you can’t just… Join in and expect yourself to be an expert, especially when you haven’t even learned the dance the group is doing.” Billy mumbled, hoping to keep the embarrassment down for him. He hated having to talk down a student who had clear potential… Simon slowly nodded, frowning as Billy helped him up. Taylor grabbed the ice pack as Shaw stooped underneath his other armpit and helped him hop towards the locker room, not wanting to strain his already hurt foot. 

“Thank you boys.” Billy nodded as they sat Simon down, a huff leaving him as the other Jones boys nodded, mumbling to their brother before walking back into the classroom. Billy sat next to him, reaching up and ruffling up his shagged hair with a grin as Simon huffed, a smile already on his lips. 

“You have potential here, Si, but you need to make sure you can trust yourself first. Trusting your body to know what to do - muscle memory - to get it down and protect yourself while dancing. You can’t… Well, you can’t dwell too much on the movements.” Billy shrugged, glancing towards the young boy who was frowning, yet nodding along. 

“So… I need to trust my body, not my mind?” He mumbled as Billy snorted, nodding. 

“Exactly. And don’t worry, it’ll take time for you to get, trust me, I took years to finally get it. So, all I can say is you’re doing better than me at your age.” Billy grinned as Simon’s face lit up, a large smile breaking across his face. 

“Wait, really..? How long did it take you to… Become good?” He murmured, glancing at Billy. He couldn’t but snicker. 

“It took a couple of years, I only started dancing because of my mom. She was… Graceful. Beautiful. I dreamed of looking as fluid as she did while she danced.” Billy smiled, feeling the weight in his chest grow before huffing. “My father hated it, however. Believed it was… Distasteful for a man to dance. Believed it was-” 

“Gay?” 

Billy blinked, swallowing thickly and tipping his head left-to-right with a shrug. Simon’s brows furrowed as he sighed. 

“I wouldn’t say gay, but… He thought it was wrong for a man to dance, especially in ballet. He saw dance as a woman’s hobby, not a sport or… Competitive. Just that it was dainty and-” 

“Mr. Hargrove!” The door shot open, revealing Taylor. “Our mother wants to talk to you.” He frowned as he moved forward, helping Simon up as Billy stood, stooping down some and catching his shoulder underneath Simon’s armpit. 

“Let’s get you to the front.” He mumbled as they started towards the front, Simon hobbling between them as Lily, Mrs. Jones, came rushing over. Her hands gripped Simon’s face, holding him as she held back sobs. 

“Oh, my poor boy! Look at you, you can’t even walk by yourself anymore!” She gushed, pulling him forward as Taylor and Shaw stood to the side, snickering as Simon held his middle finger up behind his mother’s back, making Billy join in on the laughs. 

“Mrs. Jones-” 

“You! This is all your fault!” She snapped, still holding onto Simon’s face, using one hand to wave at Billy, making him fight the urge to roll his eyes. 

“Mrs. Jones, I can promise you Simon will be fine-” 

“Of course he will! I’m taking him to the best doctor in California and then I’ll be finding the best lawyer to sue you for injuring my son!” She growled, wiggling her French tip nail in his face before he patted it away, frowning. Dread already building in his chest. 

“Mom!” Shaw gaped. 

“Mom, seriously that doesn’t need to happen!” Taylor reasoned, walking towards her. 

“Can you let go of me, please?!” Simon snapped, gently shoving himself up and away from her as he shook his head. “There’s no reason to sue Mr. Hargrove!” 

“You got hurt!” 

“Because I didn’t trust myself!” Simon spat, glancing to Billy, who smiled some and nodded, making Simon grin before turning back to his mother. “I… I didn’t trust myself and I got too caught up in my mind. Then, I fell on my ankle. But don’t blame Mr. Hargrove or Ms. Mayfield for something that’s my fault!” Simon huffed, swallowing audibly as Billy took a step closer, grabbing his shoulder and giving it a comforting squeeze, turning his attention to Mrs. Jones. 

“Lily, you know I love your kids. I love having them here and them representing my company. But, please, don’t make the entire studio suffer because Simon missed a step.” Billy urged, stepping forward as Taylor and Shaw stepped around him and their mother, grabbing Simon and helping him out the front doors. Lily glanced towards her boys before turning back to Billy, huffing with a roll of her eyes. 

“Oh… Alright. Fine. Just because my boys seem so fond of you, and… You’re just such a good role model to them.” Lily gushed, stepping towards Billy, leaning into his chest as he fought off a grimace, chuckling before nodding. 

“I… I love your family, really, Mrs. Jones.” He emphasized on her name, causing her to stumble back while clearing her throat. 

“Well, then, you should join us for dinner Monday! After we win the competition!” She grinned, leaning close, only for him to shuffle sideways. Praying that someone would strike him down as she followed him around the counter, making him grimace as she gripped his wrist, making him groan. 

“I - Lily, truly I couldn’t intrude like that-” 

“It’s not intruding if I invite you, silly.” She giggled, brushing the tips of her manicured nails against Billy’s arms. Goosebumps lumped up and caused him to shiver as Max came around the corner, skipping to a stop as she cleared her throat. 

“Mrs. Jones, maybe you should get Simon to the doctors?” She asked, frowning as she crossed her arms over her chest, rolling her eyes as Lily stepped away, blinking as she giggled nervously. 

“Oh, of course… I’ll call you to let you know what the doctors say.” She winked, backing away and sashaying out of the studio as Billy groaned, flopping back into the wheeled office chair. Max snickered as she leaned against the counter, smirking as Billy rubbed down his face, looking at her with pouted lips. 

“And you think,” she started, making him arch his brow. “She would take the hint with our.. Repeating theme.” She nodded towards the tack board. Multiple colored flags hung there, along with a plaque up about respecting everyone and their own choices; leave your beliefs at the door, we’re here to dance. Competition dates, birthday cards, thank you cards, flyers and offers just taped as everyone was in such a rush to actually tack it. 

“Some people are oblivious even to the most obvious of things…” Billy huffed, leaning back in the chair as Max rounded the counter, sitting on the lip of it with a shrug. 

“You don’t show it too well around the other parents.” 

“What’re you talking about..?” He glared. Max sighed. 

“I’m talking about your gay pining thoughts!” She spat, swinging her leg around as he narrowed his eyes, scoffing. 

“My gay pining thoughts? What are you talking about!” 

“You’re acting as if I have closed up the studio with you. And if I’m being honest with you, everyone here has already placed bets on whether it's going to be you or Steve that makes the first move-” 

“Woah, woah, woah, wait a second, Steve’s married-” 

“Unhappily.” Max added as Billy gaped, rolling his eyes. 

“Happily or not, he’s still married! I’m not… I’m not going to be a homewrecker.” He huffed, feeling his chest tighten at the mere thought of Steve continuing in his situation… The kids being taken away… Steve being lost onto the streets of South California. 

“I heard they may get a divorce.” Tommy suddenly quipped, causing the siblings to jump and turn to see him wiping at his forehead. Billy quickly frowned and stood as Max leaned against the upper lip, frowning as well. 

“What’re you talking about, Hagan? Reagan and Steve have been married for… Years. Why would they get a divorce?” Billy shot, testing it as Tommy shrugged, leaning against the wall next to him. Holding up his hands in defense. 

“I’m just telling you what I heard.” He murmured. Billy frowned and scoffed, shaking his head, causing a few curls to escape his bun. 

“Yeah? And who’d you hear it from?” 

“One of the moms - Tammy? She mentioned Reagan texting her saying, and I quote, ‘Steven hasn’t been fulfilling my needs as a husband!! I mean he does nothing around the house except play with those snot-nosed brats and take Carter to dance! He’s a disgrace and he honestly doesn’t deserve me.’” Tommy quoted at the end as Billy and Max both shared a look. Nobody, at the Hargrove Studio, liked Reagan. She was banned from the property unless Steve had business to attend and couldn’t drop off the kids himself. 

“She… Reagan texted that to Tammy?! She talked about Steve like that, seriously?! He’s a better father than half the… The assholes that the women here are married too!” Billy bit, snarling and baring his teeth like some wild dog as Max held back her giggle, nodding along with him. 

“You’re getting heated, Billy.” Aubrey murmured, walking by with a few new costumes in her hand as Billy felt the heat rush up from his chest. 

“I - No, I’m not. I just… It’s shitty for a wife to be talking about her husband that way! Especially when he is kind enough to take care of the kids while she’s gone literally all day!” Billy growled, backing up and flopping down into his chair again, crossing his arms over his chest as Tommy and Max shared a glance. 

“Bill, why don’t you take the night?” Tommy suggested, making him frown. 

“What..?” 

“Yeah! Take the night off, you’ve been here all morning, and I’m pretty sure you’ve been here all night too.” Max grinned, scooting off of the edge and patting Billy's shoulder. Tommy nodded, dragging off the towel with a smirk. 

“See, even Max-a-million agrees! And she rarely agrees with me.” 

Billy rolled his eyes, shrugging off Max’s hand and taking a step away from them, causing them to share a look as he moved back towards his classroom. 

“Listen, I get you both are just looking out for me, but I can’t just take the night off! I mean, I need to get the costumes organized-” 

“Done.” Aubrey pipped in, walking by with a few of said costumes in hand, Billy felt heat rise up. 

“Okay, uh, thank you Aub, but what about the older kids list? I mean, they don’t know-” 

“Tommy and I already went over that today. That’s what we did at the beginning of our classes.” Max shrugged, crossing her arms over her chest with a slight smirk. Billy blinked, trying to fight back to the urge to scream. 

“Fine, awesome, yeah great but what about..” His voice trailed as he sighed. “Let me guess, whatever I continue to come up with, you guys have already covered?” He tested, slightly glaring at his sister and crew, who all grinned, nodding. 

“Perfect… Fine, yeah, I’ll go home but I’m getting here early tomorrow so we can leave!” He growled as Tommy grabbed his backpack, shoving it into Billy’s arms and pushing him towards the glass doors. 

“Go get some rest, Bill, I’m serious!” Tommy called after him, closing the doors and making it clear he locked them behind Billy with a shake of them. He rolled his eyes, flicking his middle finger over his shoulder before walking towards his lightening blue Camaro. Tugging open the driver side door, he tossed his backpack into the passenger seat, starting the car with a groan. 

__________

Pulling into his assigned parking spot and flicking off the engine. He sat in silence, his hands flexed against the steering wheel. His eyes flickered around, noticing the few decorative bushes swaying against the gentle California breeze pushing against them. The bright yellow street lights shining down onto the sidewalk, the iron stairwell shone dully. 

Inhaling deeply, he sighed out of his mouth, pulling the keys out and grabbing his backpack, he tugged it onto his shoulder before climbing out, slamming it shut with a huff as he trudged up to his apartment. A smile broke across his lips as he pushed open the dark oak door, a loud mewl and small patter of paws echoed as he closed the door and hung his bag up, his keys clattering into the small ceramic bowl. 

“There’s my little girl!” Billy stooped down, fighting back a grimace as he scooped up the small ball of black and white fur, grinning as she began to purr against his calloused palm. “Hi, Moo-Moo,” he grinned, adjusting her body to rest on his shoulder as he moved through the apartment, listening to the purring in his ear as he sat her on the counter, barely glancing when she jumped down and ate at her bowl. 

He flinched as he bent at his knees, pulling out some left over Panda Express and huffing as he placed the Styrofoam box in the microwave. Pressing a few buttons, Billy opened his medicine cabinet, frowning as his hands grasped three different prescribed pill bottles. The pills rattled against one another as he pressed them open, sighing as the chalky white pills stumbled and fell into his hand, taking one from each as he popped them into his mouth, quickly swallowing them with a huff. 

A gentle meow came from besides him, making him smile softly as he screwed the lids back on before placing them back in the cabinet, patting the counter as she pounced up, rubbing against his hand as he grinned. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, sweetpea.” He murmured to her, causing her to meow as he rolled his eyes, opening the microwave and grabbing out his grilled chicken chow mien, snatching a fork out of the drying rack and moving towards the living room, Moo-Moo following close behind. Settling into the bright blue sofa, Moo-Moo curling up next to him with a soft purr in approval. He grinned, propping his food on his lap, holding it with one hand while the other rubbed against her head. “You’re so lucky you’re cute.” He mumbled, reaching forward and turning on the TV, allowing whatever channel it turned on to continue to play. 

He settled in, eating the chicken with a smirk, barely registering what the TV was droning on about as he chewed thoughtfully before swallowing and sitting there. Was Tommy right..? Is Reagan planning on leaving Steve? Is she taking the kids..? No. No, she wouldn’t do that. She’s not going to leave him after nine years! They… They have it good. Tommy was just bluffing. Right…? 

He huffed, snapping shut the box and glancing at the clock. 11:30 PM. Jesus. Billy stood, disturbing Moo-Moo, who mewled angrily as he turned off the TV and moved towards the kitchen, stuffing his left overs back into their original place before flipping off all of the lights, scratching at the back of his head as he swayed down the hallway. Stopping to lean against his bedroom’s doorway, staring into the dark room. Moo-Moo ran between his legs, hopping onto his queen size bed, lowering herself onto the dark blue comforter with a loud purr. 

“How come I bought you a bed, yet you decide to still sleep in mine..?” He questioned, shaking his head as he reached up, releasing his curls from the messy bun, sighing as the tension vanished. Cracking his door open, he kicked off his copper lined tights, hissing at the pain as his knee began to throb and ache. Tossing them into the dirty pile, he tugged open his side table's drawer, pulling out the numbing cream with an annoyed huff. 

Popping open the cap, he squeezed out a good amount before splatting it onto his knee area and huffed as the tingles began to work through it, making him hiss as he smear it around before wincing and fighting back the urge to scream. Peeling off his old tank, he smeared off the extra cream off of his hand, huffing before tossing it into the dark with a growl. 

He shifted himself further onto the bed, laying down as his fur friend crawled up, pawing at his chest gently making him chuckle as he rubbed his knuckle against her head, making her purr loud against him. 

“You care too much, Moo-Moo.” He whispered into the dark, closing his eyes slowly as his thumb caressed the soft swirled black and white fur ball snuggled closer to his cheek, making him sigh with a smile. “But at least you care.” He sighed, leaning into the warmth with a quiet mumble as they lulled each other to a soft sleep..

[a-jynx]

Silk & Diamonds is now on AO3!!!

@trashmouth-hargrove, @harringrovetrashh, @greyspilot, @lostnoise, @myboyfriendsteve, @stevefuckingharrington, @negativenuggetz, @awickedplacethisis, @ihateitheredude, @emobiscuit, @billysdanglyearring, @hartigays, @mychemicalobsession514, @garlicglue, @splicedthoughts, @reddielover1994, @trashycatarcade, @gohan111111, @wingedbears, @withoutmonsters, @tracy7307, @geraltxfrivia, @elsb-hrngtons, @big–yikes, @gideongrace, @thesecondbraincell, @mythicalbeyotch, @gaia-is-sucktastic, @kingofno-whereville, @magniloquent-raven, @pointeful, @converseandciggarettes, @brieflyhauntedwhispers, @harringroveismydaddy, @froggish-lesbian, @geesebeef, @thevipsupersecretsupperclub, @silly-lioness, @wizzhaniyfa, @harringrovehell, @billyisabottom, @harringrovewhorexx, @steveharringtonsass, @itscaebutgay, @married2pizza24-7, @banamalik, @wizzhaniyfa, @tiggermay, @baconspice, @hmg621, @oldwanderingsoul, @feralfuckingqueer, @3m0t10n4lbirb, @theoncomingstormvictory, @kingofno-whereville,, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @moonimagines​, @cadodraws​, @dracula-incarnate​, @lovebillyhargrove​, 

[honestlydarkprincess]

tags pt. 2 🦋

@saybiwithme, @the-girl-with-the-algebra-book, @nnebulae, @gundiks, @shipperqueen6

@wikiangela, @h-ayde-n, @professionalprocrastinator22, @dangerpronebuddie, @waywardmarbles

@kayseany, @devirnis, @dinkiplier, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @hobbitnarwhal

@buckley-diaz-rules, @father-salmon, @daffi-990, @chimneysnumber1fan, @mikereads

@alilypea, @steadfastsaturnsrings, @bigfootsmom, @excuseme-greentea, @watchyourbuck

@underwaterninja13, @monsterrae1

until you're feline better

buck x tommy & ember the cat || rated: t || wc: 1.1k

It's Tommy and Buck's six month anniversary and they're supposed to go out on a date, but Tommy has a bad headache. Buck and Ember take care of him.

read on ao3

[honestlydarkprincess]

tagging thee taglist pt. 1 🌻

@excuseme-greentea, @bigfootsmom, @steadfastsaturnsrings, @mikereads, @daffi-990, @father-salmon, @eddiediazisascorpio, @buckley-diaz-rules, @hobbitnarwhal, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @dinkiplier, @kinardbuckley, @devirnis, @hoodie-buck, @h-ayde-n, @mintedwitcher, @wikiangela, @shipperqueen6, @nnebulae, @the-girl-with-the-algebra-book, @saybiwithme, @sd2006, @loserdiaz, @iced-coffee-jesus, @djdangerlove, @hippolotamus, @theotherbuckley, @unlifeira, @racing-twinks, @adhdelirium, @thegeekcompanion, @academydreams, @minthalo, @greenfairrryy, @bidisasterbuckdiaz, @bisexualbuckleyy, @zeejeebee-blog, @monaeesstuff, @darkrose6578, @maygrantgf, @bekkachaos, @moonlightperseus, @blorbodiaz

welcome to the club

buck & hen || rated: g || wc: 908 || read on ao3

Buck rang the doorbell to Hen’s house and took a deep breath. He was nervous but since coming out to Maddie and Bobby, he wasn’t as anxious as he might have been. He was ready, he was going to tell Hen today.

Hen opened the door with a look of surprise. “Buck?”

“Hey, Hen, uh, can I come in?” Buck asked, biting his lip as he played with his hands.

“Yeah, of course,” Hen said, shaking off the surprise and stepping to the side, gesturing for him to come in. “If this is you wanting to get day drunk again I’m afraid I’m going to have to take a rain check, I have to pick up Denny in two hours.”

“No,” Buck laughed, proud that his voice was only a little bit shaky. “That’s not it at all.”

“Okay, then what brings you to my door?” Hen asked, taking a seat at the table and nodding for Buck to do to the same.

Buck swallowed, taking a seat and folding his hands on top of the table. “I came to tell you something. It’s something I only recently figured out and I’m telling you guys one by one which feels like the right move but also it’s been terrifying as fuck. So far I’ve only told Maddie and Bobby and that’s because Maddie’s my older sister and Bobby asked me about it, y’know?” He rambled, unable to stop now that he had started. “And I know it would be ridiculous to think that you would think differently of me because,” Buck gestured vaguely. “but I don’t know, you’re like a sister to me and this is really scary and—”

“Okay, okay, slow down there, Buck,” Hen interrupted, putting a calming hand on his. Buck let out a shuddering breath. “Now, I think I know where you’re going with this, but take a deep breath and continue.”

Buck followed her instructions, letting her steady presence anchor him. He felt his heart slow down and he closed his eyes, inhaling and exhaling. “I’m— I think— well, actually, I know—“ He cut himself off, huffing when the words refused to tumble out. “I’m bisexual.” He said finally, forcing the words from his lips.

He stared at his hands as he waited for her answer.

“I was wondering when you were going to figure it out.”

Buck’s head shot up and he stared at Hen in shock. “You knew?”

Hen shrugged slightly. “I’ve always had a feeling but I was never one hundred percent sure.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked.

Hen laughed quietly. “Buck, I can’t tell you how to feel or how to identify. Sure, I had my suspicions but they were always just that.”

“Yeah, but I might have figured it out earlier if you had told me,” Buck grumbled, pouting slightly.

Hen gave him an amused look. “This was always something you were going to have to figure out on your own, Buckaroo. And now that you have, I can say welcome to the club.”

Buck smiled widely, his cheeks hurting. “Y-Yeah, I guess I am part of the club.”

“Now,” Hen gave him a mock serious look. “Who is it?”

“What do you mean?” Buck asked even though his cheeks flushed. He had a feeling he knew what she was asking.

“Who made you realize it?”

“Uh,” Buck briefly considered lying and claiming it just came to him but if he was being honest with people he might as well go all the way. “It was Tommy. He kissed me.”

“Work Tommy? Tommy Kinard?” Hen asked, surprised. The surprise only lasted a few seconds before she said, “Yeah, you know what, that makes sense.”

Buck laughed, his cheeks bright pink. “Yeah, he, uh. He’s something else.”

“Well, thanks for telling me, Buck. I know that it’s not an easy thing to do,” She reached over and squeezed his hand again. “I’m very proud of you.”

“People keep saying that,” Buck said, ducking his head to hide the tears that sprang up in his eyes. “I don’t know if I deserve it.”

“It’s not an easy thing to do, Buck. Being open and honest about yourself is terrifying, even when it’s people you know who will support you,” Hen said gently. “So yeah, I’m proud of you and you should be proud of yourself.”

Buck felt his throat go tight as he got choked up. “Thanks, Hen,” He whispered. “That means a lot.”

“Anytime, Buckaroo. Anytime.”

And when Buck got to work the next time they had a shift together, Hen came up to him, hiding something behind her back. “I have a present for you.” She handed him a little bag and after giving her a curious look, Buck looked inside.

In the bag was a rolled up bisexual pride flag, a pin, and a fridge magnet. Immediately Buck felt like he couldn’t breathe, emotion choking him up. “Hen…”

She shrugged. “It’s not much but I know how much it meant to me when I got my first flag, so I hoped that I could be the one to give it to you.”

Buck tugged her into a bear hug, his throat too tight to get the words out, so he hoped that she felt just how grateful he was through their hug. God, he loved his family. Hen hugged back just as tightly and Buck knew that she had gotten the message loud and clear.

[honestlydarkprincess]

tagging those from my taglist 💕

@midnightsbuck, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @hobbitnarwhal, @buckley-diaz-rules, @eddiediazisascorpio, @father-salmon, @daffi-990, @chimneysnumber1fan, @mikereads, @alilypea, @steadfastsaturnsrings, @bigfootsmom, @excuseme-greentea, @dinkiplier, @murder-trio, @devirnis, @kayseany, @underwater-ninja-13, @monsterrae1, @waywardmarbles, @buddieswhvre, @hippolotamus, @mintedwitcher, @hoodie-buck, @shipperqueen6, @wikiangela, @h-ayde-n, @professionalprocrastinator22, @dangerpronebuddie, @loveyouanyway, @weewoo911, @gundiks, @nnebulae, @epicbuddieficrecs, @loserdiaz, @itiswhatis-andwhatitisisgay, @911-mr, @slowlyfoggydestiny, @the-girl-with-the-algebra-book, @say-bi-for-me, @djdangerlove, @theotherbuckley, @unlifeira, @racing-twinks, @adhdelirium, @proud-to-be-a-freak, @thegeekcompanion, @academydreams, @minthalo, @our-wishes-and-whispers

smile at me like you smile at him

buck x eddie || rated: t || wc: 1.8k

Buck hadn’t planned on doing anything to show his displeasure at the sudden friendship between Eddie and Tommy, despite the fact that it sent hot, furious jealousy coursing through his veins. Really, he hadn’t. It’s just…well, he was just going for the ball during their basketball game…unfortunately Eddie happened to get pushed out of the way in order for Buck to get said ball.

Or, the one where Eddie gets hurt playing basketball. 7x04 Speculation/What If.

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