#and argyle’s like first of all it’s a normal commune

[heavencasteel420]

Not trying to be mean or catty, but I know it will come off as such so I’m tagging accordingly. The two ways I can realistically* see St*ncy playing out at this point are:

Jonathan dies and Steve gets a repressed bisexual Cat on a Hot Tin Roof thing going with Nancy (aka the Sad Stoncy scenario) (this might actually work eventually if they talk about their feelings).

Nancy gets with Steve because things are too complicated with Jonathan, who has his own issues to deal with and moves away from Hawkins. Only it turns out Steve has some of the very same issues re: not knowing what to do with his life. They’re not all tangled up in complicated family dynamics and ACEs, which should make things simpler, but they’re also harder to address because Steve is just fundamentally not that invested in deriving a lot of meaning from a career/education at this point in his life. He was kind of hoping that being with Nancy would change that, too, so he’s pretty frustrated himself! She tries to encourage him to go to community college or find something to do near Emerson, but he keeps putting it off. Worse case scenario, he gets it into his head that the solution to everything is to get back into his dad’s good graces and take a position at the…business factory? Which is obviously way worse to Nancy than her 20yo boyfriend goofing off for a while. They break up during the summer after her first year at Emerson after having an argument prompted by the movie St. Elmo’s Fire. It’s a relief to both of them at that point.

*Realistically to me personally. I don’t expect the show to share my vision.

[steddieas-shegoes]

Request:hard of hearing Steve who realizes that the party are doing their best to accommodate him by learning ASL, using subtitles, etc and he is overwhelmed with joy about that bc nobody else seems to be doing it. Robin, Jonathan, Nancy, Eddie, Argyle & Wayne go to ASL classes with Steve. And just being supported the whole time

MY LOVE! This one's a bit on the shorter side because the struggle is real with words today. I still feel like it gets the emotions across that Steve feels about the party loving him and supporting him, which is what's most important. That post-vacation depression is hitting me so so hard. Enjoy! - Mickala ❤️

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The hearing in his left ear went first. It wasn’t a slow and steady loss of hearing so much as one day he could hear fine, the next sounded like water was blocking it, and the next he couldn’t hear at all.

No doctor could explain what happened, and they’d assumed it was just a delayed reaction to the head trauma he’s experienced.

They recommended he prepare for hearing loss in his other ear.

They said it so casually, like it was fine and something easy to handle. Like he wasn’t panicking at the fact that he wouldn’t be able to hear anything.

He started learning sign language, late nights sitting with Robin as she worked through VHS tapes from the library with him and Eddie.

He didn’t tell anyone else at first, didn’t want to scare them or make them feel like they had to treat him differently.

But they noticed.

They saw the way he turned a certain way when they were talking, leaning his head subtly so his right ear was facing towards conversations.

They saw his hands moving in fluid patterns when he thought they weren’t looking. El was the one who pointed it out, her own limited experience with sign language just enough to figure out he was practicing basic sentences.

They saw how he kept touching his left ear, like if he touched it, maybe his hearing would come back.

So they went to Robin, all of them, begging her to teach them sign language, begging her to keep it a secret from him.

But even Robin didn’t really know much, and all she knew was self taught, so they struggled after a few lessons.

Eventually, Steve had to tell them.

He could tell some of his hearing in his right ear was going, though at least it was happening much slower.

He sat them all down, Eddie next to him holding his hand, Robin on the other side with an unreadable expression on her face.

And when they all already knew, he felt Eddie squeeze his hand, felt tears run down his cheeks without his permission as everyone surrounded him in a group hug.

Within a week, they all signed up for ASL classes in Indy, Eddie and Nancy driving everyone, everyone chipping in for gas even though Eddie offered to pay for it.

As if that wasn’t overwhelming enough, knowing his chosen family all loved him enough to learn an entire language just to be able to communicate with him, they all started figuring out subtitles for movie nights.

Dustin, Eddie, and Jeff figured out a system that let Steve feel the actual note changes of Eddie’s guitar instead of just the same vibrations through the whole song.

They kept a whiteboard in every room, called it Steve Sharades (“for the alliteration!”), and used it as a message board when they weren’t sure of the signs for certain words or phrases.

He was thankful for that when he woke up one morning to near silence.

Just a slight buzzing in his right ear.

When Eddie said good morning, he only knew because he read his lips.

He cried, he felt lost, scared, alone.

But only for a little while.

His family had been preparing for this, had taught themselves how to still give Steve as much of “normal” as they could.

That night was dinner with Wayne, who had been warned about this possibly happening, and probably got a warning from Eddie while Steve was in the shower earlier.

When they arrived at his trailer, he pulled Steve into a hug, arms tightening until he could barely breathe.

He could feel Wayne’s heartbeat against his chest, felt ihs hands on his back, wide and strong, holding him together.

When he pulled away, he started signing as he spoke so Steve could read his hands or his lips.

All okay, son?

Steve sobbed, but nodded.

Wayne had learned sign language, too.

Steve turned to Eddie to hug him, knew he was the one responsible for teaching Wayne secretly.

Steve told them both he loved them, showed them in every way he could, too.

Just like they showed him.

[theapangea]

Missed You Too

Missed You Too

Steve Harrington x reader

Summary: You finally kiss Steve.

A/N: Ok this is one that I posted on AO3 after the end of the last season. Obviously I had to write something good for Steve because they do my boy so dirty!! HE IS NOT SOMEONES SECOND CHOICE!! Hope you enjoy my loves <3!!

The past week was a blur. You didn’t expect your first college spring break to end with you racing back to Hawkins to see the aftermath of what Venca…? One…? Henry…caused. You didn’t want to entirely believe that the Upside Down still existed, that the gate was still open after you all fought so hard to close it time and time again. That’s why you chose to leave Hawkins in the first place, moving across the country to get away from the horrors of that small town. 

But when Jonathan, Will, and Mike show up at your door, pleading for your help to find Eleven, you couldn’t just turn your back on them, not then, not ever.  

You didn’t even know that Joyce, Eleven, and the boys moved to California shortly after you did. No one bothering to stay in touch, mostly you didn’t bother to stay in touch. Almost like you intentionally separated yourself from the people you were closest to. You would never admit it, blaming the lack of communication on school. 

The truth was, you didn’t want to be part of Hawkins anymore. You didn’t want to fear for your life. The scar that Hawkins left on your soul made you paranoid, made it hard for you to live a normal life. Always looking over your shoulder, always ready for a fight. 

The drive back was like riding a bike, you could drive it blind folded if you had to. Everyone thought it would be best if you drove the last bit as Jonathan was barely able to stay awake at this point. The tall, full trees lined the only road in and out of Hawkins. Car after car rushing to escape the town as disaster stuck only nights before. 

Passing shelters, destroyed homes, police and media, all lining the streets trying to make sense of the situation. If only they knew the truth. 

The car swings around the curb, braking suddenly outside of the Wheeler house. You never thought you would be here again, at least not in this lifetime. Pausing, white knuckling the steering wheel as you hear the van door slide open. Mike, Eleven, Will, Argyle and Jonathan exiting the vehicle to be reunited with loved ones again. You take your time getting out of the pizza van, not sure if you wanted to see them, not sure if they wanted to see you .

Finding yourself staying by the van with Argyle. He was new, didn’t know about Hawkins and was thrown into this mess similar to how you all were. How could he continue to want to be part of this? Your gaze drifts down, your chest heaving rapidly. Your feet glued to the ground, unable to move from your spot. 

Closing your eyes, trying to regain a sense of self. It shouldn’t matter that you left then, it should only matter that you are here now . Some relief washing over as you repeat that you are here now, you are here now, you are here now. The held breath releasing as you scan the scene in front of you, the warm breeze picking up making you draw the wild strands of hair behind your ears. 

You watch as Mike hugs his mom, her eyes tender and soft, thanking the gods for him to be returned safely, stating how he is never allowed to leave home again. Her hands never leave his body, afraid that if she lets go then he will disappear without a trace again.

Jonathan approaches Nancy, both unsure of their relationship, both yearning for a solution - but still they hug, the sweet embrace almost made up for the long, angry phone calls and the absence spring break trip. 

Jonathan told you all about his Nancy problems, hoping you would be able to help. He didn’t like your answer of honesty and communication, joking how you were never honest with your true feelings for a certain Hawkins boy. Quietly commenting that you should have made a move a long time ago to get him to move on from Nancy. 

After all this time, you couldn’t believe he was still hung up on her. But maybe he was supposed to move on. Move on to someone who he spent all his time with, to the person he’d drop by at their house unannounced, to the girl who was so tired of the neverending nightmares that she did everything she could to move as far away as possible. Even if it meant breaking the heart of the person she was supposed to end up with.

And there he was…

Boy, was he a sight for sore eyes. The green-blue sweater with the rolled up sleeves to the washed out blue jeans hugging his hips in all the right places. The way his hair was so delicately placed, too messy to be considered neat, too neat to be considered messy. His eyes heartbroken, full of pain and anger. Full of every ounce of love that he is willing to give away in a heartbeat. Your soul aching for him. 

His hand placed on the back of his neck, clearly hurt from the unfolding scene between Nancy and Jonathan. Robin’s hand pressing gently on his back, guiding him away. 

You weren’t surprised that he still had feelings for her. A little annoyed, yes, but not surprised in any way. He would always talk about her, the way she laughed and talked and smiled. And it made you so angry back then. Realizing that the anger never left. 

He hasn’t noticed you yet, his eyes fixated on the ground. Probably hoping to finally disappear. You feel the same. You were two passing ships in the night too afraid to let the other one know you were there, constantly turning off your lights, constantly dropping your sails.

The situation between you both was left pretty rocky. You could never decipher the tension between you both, was it love or indifference? Steve was always there for you and even supported your decision to leave Hawkins, even if that meant never seeing you ever again.

You promised to call each other once a week, which did happen until once a week turned into once a month and once a month turned into dozens of missed calls on both ends. Leaving you both hopeless and alone. Both trying to figure out adulthood without the comfort of a childhood friend.

Before pushing your body away from the car, you look over at Argyle for some sort of friendly relief. After hearing Jonathan complain about you never making a move on Steve, Argyle has been constantly encouraging you since. To not wait for any guy to make the first move, to create your own future. You were surprised at his wisdom.

His kind smile helps ease your nerves as your feet move one in front of the other, your heart beating so loud you can hear it in your ears. The drowning noise of your blood rushing through your body almost makes you want to turn around. Run away like the first time - but you were tired of running. Tired of the ‘what if situation’ that danced between you and Steve. This was your moment and there was no way you were going to turn back. Not this time.

Walking down the driveway, Mrs.Wheeler silently thanks you for helping bring Mike back home safely. Her hand lightly squeezes yours as you pass. Your lips curl, barely a smile forming as your mind is elsewhere.

Nancy watches as you walk by, her body still wrapped in Jonathan’s arms. Her mouth barely parted, maybe she wanted to say something but immediately regretted his decision to make any comment. The strong bond between you both broke when she started to date Steve…then Jonathan. You were civil with one another but you’ve barely spoken a sentence in the past three years. Neither of you wanting to resolve your years-long battle.

Robin’s and Steve’s gaze are on you. Stopping right in front of the pair, realizing you didn’t have a plan once you got to this point. Robin instantly beaming that bright smile that you missed so much. Her hug was intentional, like she was trying to squeeze all the events of this past week out of you. Cleansing you of all the horrors. Your arms wrap around his waist, pulling her deeper, knowing you needed her in that moment. Her comfort washing over you, giving you the strength you so desperately needed. She releases you, arm's length away, her smile inviting and safe. 

Your eyes shifting to Steve. Swearing in that moment that he was smiling but immediately covering it with a cough and a snatch on the nose. 

She squeezes your shoulders before walking away, giving you and Steve a little alone time. Even if that alone time was in front of half your friends.  

“Hey.” You exhale, the tension growing between the two of you. The air suddenly still as his eyes studying your face, his fingers twitching every so slightly. 

In one swift movement, grabbing your wrist, pulling you in for a hug. The instant smell of his cologne filling your head, making you dizzy with the smell of home. No words needed to be spoken between the two of you. He was just glad you were safe, finally in his arms.

You missed him. 

Not just this past week, but for the past 8 months. He pulls you in closer, his body finally relaxing against yours. The breath of fresh air was everything you both needed, everything you have ever wanted, and everything you will ever need. 

In this moment, you were his and he was yours. Everything was right with the world. All the trouble of this past week washes away, your minds clearing, seeing a future with only the two of you. 

You both pull back, speaking in a silent conversation. Neither of you know how to respond in this situation. Both of you felt the buzz, the electricity, the love. 

After all this time, it felt like you never left. The feelings for Steve came crumbling back down. You thought this was your chance, your only chance . Your body makes the decision for you, as your hand wraps around the back of his neck, pulling him down to meet your lips.

Your breath instantly intertwines with his, every inhale pulling him closer and closer. Your other hand balling up into the soft fabric of his sweater as he deepens into you. His hand catching your cheek, his lips soft and warm, gentle yet demanding. The craving of his touch on your skin sends heat waves throughout your body. 

He takes his time, wanting to remember this moment. All the uncertain feelings, all the unfinished conversations, crashing down all around you both. Kissing him was the only way you could tell him everything you had kept in for all these years. 

He pulls back, resting his forehead on yours, pure eyes as he whispers, “I missed you too.” 

~~~

I hope you enjoyed!! thank you for reading and supporting me

[d0v3uae]

okay, i was just rewatching season 4, and i realized something, remember this scene in the airport right in the beginning of the series? Mike says “i handpicked those for you in Hawkins” most likely he got those from the field that we also saw in the end of this season, and the one of the very first scenes in season 3. now, i was watching the very last episode, and the very last scene, and i noticed when el was walking forward, she picked up dead flowers, specifically the same colors Mike got her as a gift back in the beginning (yellow and purple). this means the fall/deadness of their relationship, because as we already know, they are NOT on good terms. i mean i really tried to like their ship, but i just cant see it without being toxic, and having communication issues for example: El felt the need to lie about her life and Lenora, and how she had friends, and everything was good. why would she need to lie? shouldnt they trust each other and tell each other things like this? And back in the beginning when Mike tells Lucas that they dont want to be popular, and the airport scene when El says that she wants burritos for breakfast, Mike says something like “really? no i mean i trust you,” that scene to me meant that Mike was very awkward, and not acting like himself. and not to mention but Mikes outfit was not himself AT ALL. Argyle says “oh no its a shitty knockoff,” meaning again, that mike is acting like someone hes not in front of his girlfriend.

now, i wanna talk about the roller rink incident, because there is a LOT more stuff going on then what it seems. so basically Mike and Will are fighting while trying to find El, and Will says “well what about us?” and Will DID NOT mean this romantically, but Mike took this romantically?! Will meant it as “Ok i get it, you have a girlfriend, but what about our friendship?” Mike took it as romantic, which is why he said “We’re friend! We’re friends!” and the fact that he said it two times is also insane, and his tone of voice when he said it was so tense almost. when people in other shows/movies say they are just friends, they most if the time end up as an endgame couple. for example: the office, Jim and Pam, they both had crushes on each other throughout the first seasons, but oh look they were an endgame couple, and even got married. what im trying to say is, Mike took it romantically, when Will didnt.

And another thing with this fight, is that as soon as Mike said “We’re friends” the song “in the closet” started playing, and some people think “oh its because Els in a closet” which yes, in a way, but it was an employee’s shed. and also this song started playing RIGHT AFTER Mike assured that they were “just friends” little sketchy right? And i also just wanted to point out that after Mike said that, he saw Wills face and immediately knew he made him sad, and we can see the tension in his face almost disappeared.

now right after the skate incident, El, Mike and Will were all standing there in a triangle if i may point out, but anyways, we can see Will reacted normally, he said “oh my god..” but Mike reacted very aggressively towards it. and the camera pans over to El sitting alone at a table, and Mike and Will are right next to each other. really quickly, i wanna point a few things out. when angela takes el onto the rink, we can see Mike not care, hes just like “meh” but Will knows, so he stands up and says “oh no” which directly after he says that, he stands up so quickly, but this is weird for me. because Mike can sense when something is wrong with Will, but not El. because we see that when angela comes over to the table they are sitting at, it is very tense but Mike doesnt really notice, but Mike notices when something is wrong with Will almost IMMEDIATELY. and this is proven back in s2. so Will is closing his locker and Mike says something like “come on” and Will looks worried or even tense, and Mike immediately notices, because he says “what” many times and not to mention in his soft voice that he only uses for Will. so i think this means Mike understands Will and Will understands Mike.

i think this might be foreshadowing to the break up to Mike and El in season 5. so, once again. BYLER ENDGAME!!

[heckyeahponyscans]

Thoughts on G5 MLP Make Your Mark Chapter 5, Episode 1: Cutie Blossom Bash

Summary: Misty's friends take her to Zephyr Heights for the Cutie Blossom Bash, a celebration for all the ponies who've gotten a cutie mark in the past year. The only one not excited about the celebration is . . . Misty.

Thoughts: Great episode, and I'm glad we get to see how the others got their cutie marks! (So Misty getting swooped into the air by magic as it happened WAS above and beyond how it normally goes.)

It was so nice seeing Argyle again and I liked how he was lingering right next door to make sure everything went well with Sunny's lemonade stand. When the two ponies started fighting, he frowned and started to move around to the street, but Sunny defused the conflict before he got there.

My impression from the G5 movie was that Queen Haven didn't invent the "royals can fly" lie, she inherited it, and that matches up with Zipp's flashback, since I would expect a more massive reaction she was the first pegasus in living memory to (seemingly) fly.

Something interesting about G5 is that cutie marks are both super important (acting as a magical power up) and very understated. Like, I don't think the show ever turned to the audience to explain what they are, nor are there any Cutie Mark Crusaders running around . The information is introduced through context clues, especially with Misty wanting a cutie mark so badly.

(Sidenote, but in my mind cutie marks are 'natural' magic, similar to a seed sprouting, which is why they didn't disappear during the dystopian period. Dalmatians are born white and get their spots later, I imagine a cutie mark is something like that.)

It also seems to matter less what a cutie mark actually shows and waaay less job / talent related. Although even in G4 it was more like a Rorschach test than anything else. Rarity's symbol isn't a sewing needle, it's jewels; Cheerilee has flower symbols and says it symbolizes "the bright smiling faces of [her] students".

I didn't mind G4's cutie marks being job-related, I think it's fine to have a fictional utopia where everyone finds their dream job and their work is like a fun hobby instead of a tiresome chore. (Especially in kids' media.) But I do like G5's take better, where they symbolize who you are more than what you do. As Queen Haven says, it's a step towards becoming "your best, most authentic self."

Speaking of cutie marks, a butterfly is perfect for Misty because, as she realized in this episode, it symbolizes her growth and ability to change.

As Megan said, "When you look at a caterpillar it's ugly to the eye, but remember a caterpillar becomes a butterfly." Thank you Megan.

A lot of this episode was about Misty's anxieties, which I found very relatable because I had terrible social anxiety that I didn't really get a handle on until I was in my thirties. (Don't ever stop working on yourself or feel like you are "too old" to be happier, whether you are thirteen or eighty-three.) It was great seeing Misty expressing her feelings and vulnerabilities to her friends.

It really drove home that although Sunny is a protagonist, Misty is THE protagonist of MYM, the character who grows and changes the most.

Misty's terror and embarrassment aside, the Cutie Blossom Bash events were very, well, cute! I like that it's a communal celebration of all the ponies who got their cutie marks and the silly little flags they carry. (And I like Seashell getting even more of a spotlight, retro ponies represent!)

Overall this is one of the top episodes for me so far.

Random thoughts:

They remembered that baby Sunny didn't have rainbow in her hair . . . but forgot to scrub Mane Melody from the background of one of the shots with Argyle. Whoops!

During the brunch with Queen Haven, it struck me that she is the first kind-hearted mother figure that Misty has ever experienced. (Well, since she was a tiny foal anyway.)

Argyle's color scheme reminds me of G3 Seaspray

When Zipp starts to tell her cutie mark story, Pipp interrupts and Zipp sarcastically mouths along to Pipp's words, great little touch

Izzy got her cutie mark "on the eves of the Translucent Moonstone Moon"

I think I know where Gertrude, Opaline's beloved mane brush, went; Misty gave Gertrude to Pipp as a get-well present in "A Little Horse"! With all my heart, I hope Opaline doesn't seek revenge due to her big evil plans being spoiled, but rather over this hairbrush.

Since I already had the toy of Misty I knew her mane would change color, but I figured it would be due to magic or something, not hairspray. Love the excuse Misty came up with about the magic shrub.

Opaline legit laughs behind her hoof like an anime villain, what a treasure <3

[hessolivagant]

God, this scene tells me a lot about how mike is feeling. Mikes micro expressions from el to will, is so??? Mike seems to have some conflict going on but we don’t exactly know what it is yet, which i 100% think is going to be addressed in s5. All of the looks, heart eyes and speeches are all going to add up to mike being a gay man. I know that Will isn’t going to be used for his queerness to help a straight relationship. This will ruin all three characters arcs, it would not make sense and it would also be harmful to the queer community:(

Mikes arc: this is based off my interpretation of mike and what i think his conflict and how he’s going to end up in s5. His conflicts are his queerness and his internalized homophobia that causes him to push everyone away while also watering himself down to the standards of “normal” mike is actually a gay man who loves to play dnd with his friends, he also loves star wars and writing :) but his father makes fun of him a lot, he was bullied in middle school, and he is associated with the “occultists”(dnd group💀) at school, he’s pretty much been outcasted his whole life for being different, so of course the poor boy is gonna have internalized homophobia and he going to repress who he actually is to impress el and to seem straight. He even pretended to not gaf about dnd but immediately after s3 he joins a dnd group, clearly he’s pretending to be someone he is not. At the airport he’s wearing his silly little outfit, and argyle points out that it’s a shitty knockoff, which is a double meaning. The clothes are knockoffs of ocean pacific and mike is a knockoff of himself. He was pretending the entire day. So his conflict is pretending he’s normal. Even though he stated in the first episode(with his gay montage) that he doesn’t want to be normal but then he turns around and does this? Interesting.

Mike and eleven: why i think mike and el won’t be endgame, mike won’t have his arc of being himself again and he’s gonna repeat the same thing his parents did(nuclear family) which is boring as hell and also ew? Why are we romanticizing this possibility?? Mike changed for el, mike changed to impress el. He also feels inferior to el and he’s said “i love you” twice to her for the past?? 4(?) years(I don’t remember I don’t pay attention to milkvan) mikes arc would be useless if he was just pushed into this other than, accepting himself and being who he was in s1 and s2 where he didn’t feel the need to pretend.

Mike and will: will, doesn’t pretend to be someone he is not. He’s still in the closet but he’s still himself. He doesn’t want to pretend to be anything else whilst mike is pretending. Mike needs will to fulfill his interests and accept who he is. They need each other to be themselves and they need each other in general because they love each other. If mike ends up with will, we will see our beloved s2 mike. And we will see a more interesting version of mike than mike with el.

Mikes s5 ending: none of us know but one thing i do know is that he’s gonna have his gay little moments, and i want it to be NOTICEABLE. I want people to be like “ohhh, okay that makes sense” LMAO YK?? Also byler kiss!! I’ll take anything, as long as they kiss and confess to each other. I don’t think theyll pull a reddie or all of us bylers are going to riot💀 so i want mike and will alive, they deserve a happy ending.

Also in s5 i want mike to be with another queer character where they open up, like robin orr vickie(?🤨) or maybe even just a conversation with will. OR SUPPORT, ANYTHING FOR THE POOR BOY😭😭 el could be like “mike, ik what you are” and it would work. Please, he needs comfort 😢

(Im in class and my teacher has been showing us monkey photos for like 30 minutes, so um😭???)

[scotianostra]

On March 16th 1309 King Robert the Bruce convened his first parliament, at St Andrews.

After the Declaration of the Clergy in February the King was starting to establish himself as the recognised Monarch of Scotland, this was a significant point in his reign.

By 1306, when Robert I seized the throne, there might have been some expectation that the prominent role for the community of the realm in the government of the kingdom that had arisen since 1286 would continue. Yet no king voluntarily accepts limits upon his powers, and Robert I restored royal authority, removing the ability of the community to play a significant role in the formulation of parliamentary acts. The king used the rhetoric of community and parliamentary authority that had evolved since 1286 to give his actions a façade of broad support that they often did not have. Parliament became a tool for creating documents designed to validate and augment the king’s authority by the public display of support for his kingship.

I’ve said it before, most recently with the post in February on the Declaration of the Clergy, these were tools used to send a message to England that the Scots were functioning normally, propaganda tools. The same tools are still being used nowadays, only in a modern way, you just have to look Ukraine and President Zelenskyy, with his daily updates and speaking at other countries parliaments via video links, he is sending out a message to the Russians that Ukraine is still functioning, much in the same way Scotland let other countries know that we continued to repel the English Usurpers, Edward I’s death two years before must have been encouraging for Bruce, Longshanks son was certainly not a warrior like his father. The most famous piece of propaganda we sent out was The Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, although the first of note from Scotland was The Lübeck letter in 1297.

The Bruce was still trying to unite the Scots against their common enemy, the meeting of parliament, therefore, was a useful means of engineering declarations of support for the king, or of manipulating collective decision-making. At this time, the Scottish magnates sent a letter to King Philip IV of France in response to his request for assistance in a crusade. The Scots replied expressing their support for Bruce as king, reminding Philip of Scotland’s devastation by war, and promised help when peace was achieved.

The letter reads:

“Letters: by the magnates of Scotland to Philip IV, king of France.

To the most Christian and triumphant prince and reverend lord the lord Philip [IV] by the grace of God illustrious king of the French, William, earl of Ross, Malcolm, earl of Lennox, William, [earl of Suther]land, and the communities of the earldoms of Fife, Menteith, Mar, Buchan and Caithness, the heirs of which are in ward, likewise the communities of all the other earldoms of the kingdom of Scotland [except]† [D]unbar; Edward de Bruce, lord of Galloway, James the steward of Scotland, Alexander de Argyll, Donald de Islay, John de Menteith, Hugh, the son and heir of the earl [of Ross]†, Gilbert de Hay, constable of Scotland, Robert de Keith, marischal of Scotland, Thomas Randolph, lord of Nithsdale, James, lord of Douglas, Alexander de Lindsay, Alexander de [Fraser], [William] Wiseman, David de Barclay, Robert Boyd, barons; and also all of Argyll and the Hebrides and the inhabitants of all the kingdom of Scotland recognising the fealty of the lord Robert by the grace of God king of Scotland, all [… … ….] Your credence having been revealed to us in writing, and having been fully understood [by us], in the full parliament of our lord the king solemnly held not long ago at the city of St Andrews, impressed upon our minds the joyfulness of [your] devot[ion] [… … ….] For we conclude that your majesty’s mind is devoutly disposed to take on the business of the Holy Land, to prosecute which all followers of the Christian faith justly ought to strive and with humble devotion incline their hearts [… … …,] we saw that it was contained [in your letter] that your royal grace considers and calls to mind the treaties between the kingdoms of France and Scotland, made long ago and confirmed; also the losses, harms and injuries which the inhabitants of the kingdom [… … …] have suffered in many ways hitherto. The particular and special affection which, in that credence, you say you have towards the person of our lord Robert by the grace of God king [of Scots … …] [whom] justice and truth and the grace of the King of Kings has raised up as our prince and leader, cheers our hearts above all else. We therefore noting, with heartfelt feelings, the aforesaid, as we are bound in duty to do [… … …] [?commend] your right royal devotion towards the business of the Holy Land, and for the affection which you have towards our lord the king, and we return thanks as best we can to your majesty for restoring the liberties and rights of the kingdom of Scotland, praying to God that ‘by the bowels of mercy of Jesus Christ’ that you may bring to fulfilment the devout purpose which you have conceived in your mind, trough our Lord’s inspiration in relation to the aforesaid, with holy desire, and efficacious eagerness and a safe outcome. May your royal majesty deign to take note, with pious mind, that in the exaltation of Christian princes the name of Christ is extolled and the Catholic faith strengthened. If, therefore, the standing of our lord [the king whom] we say unanimously is [… … …], is exalted and the kingdom of Scotland returns to its former free condition, the tempests of war having been quelled and secure peace having been granted, then your royal highness will be able to have as supporters to achieve the end of your desire, the service of God, and to come to your help, not only our lord the king aforesaid, but also the inhabitants of his kingdom as best they are able. And as [evidence of] the aforesaid things [… …] clearly these letters sealed by our seals were commanded to be sent patent to your highness. Written and given at the city of St Andrews in Scotland 16 March 1308 [1309] and in the third year of our lord King Robert’s [reign].

I know it’s not an easy read, but I have taken this straight from the web page of The Records of the Parliament of Scotland here https://www.rps.ac.uk/trans/1309/2 . Check the side bar for more records from 1308, when an assembly was held and William, earl of Ross, recorded his act of homage to Robert I before an assembly of prelates and nobles.

The second photo is a Letter by the magnates of Scotland regarding the right of King Robert I to the Crown of Scotland, 16 March 1309, an extract reads:

… we see it contained that royal gratitude reflects on and brings back to mind the alliances formerly existing and maintained between the kingdoms of France and Scotland and the losses, sufferings and trials which the inhabitants of the kingdom have hitherto so much endured. Our minds are cheered, above all, by the extraordinary and peculiar affection which… you say you have for the person of lord Robert, by the grace of God our lord king, who has been raised up as our leader and prince by right and truth and by the justice and grace of the King of Kings. We therefore… [?commend] your royal devotion for the affairs of the holy land… and for the regard you have towards our lord king, and we return all the thanks we can to your royal majesty for the restoration of the liberties and rights of the kingdom of Scotland.

… If therefore… the kingdom of Scotland [be] restored to its original liberty, the storms of war extinguished, the security of peace granted… your highness may have at power not only our lord the king aforesaid but also the inhabitants of his realm.

[berenwrites]

Beyond the Battle - Chapter 4 - Stranger Things - Steddie

Beyond the Battle­: Action & Consequence

Click here for All Posted Chapters

Summary: Steve hits things with a bat or gets hit depending on who you ask. He definitely does not have anything to do with the psychic stuff. That is El’s domain. However, as Vecna is defeated, the rules change.

Pairing: steddie (Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson)

Other Relationships: Steve & Robin, Steve & Dustin, Eddie & Dustin

Rating: Teen

A/N: Multi-chapter story, updated regularly. Honestly not sure how many chapters it will have yet because it's still a bit hand wavy in the middle, but definitely more than 12. Thank you to my beta for find my mistakes and to all those who read/like/reblog.💖 Follow #st:beyond-the-battle for updates.

Also on AO3

Chapter 4. Home

Hawkins was once again open for business. It had been three days and the army had cleared all traces of Vecna and the Upside Down from the streets of the town. The rifts had closed, leaving weird scars on the landscape, but it all looked healed. Bits were badly damaged, but other parts had barely been touched and the population who hadn’t just upped the first time and had been evacuated when the Upside Down started to properly invade, were being allowed back to their homes.

Steve was dropped off by an army van outside his house on a sunny spring afternoon. It looked just the same, having been completely untouched by Vecna’s machinations either the first or the second time. Given where Barb had died, he had thought it might have been damaged, but Vecna’s sacrifices seemed to have changed all that. Even his car was sitting where he had parked it before they had gone incognito to deal with Vecna.

Robin’s house had been unscathed as well and her parents had welcomed her back, having just returned themselves. Dustin had been picked up by his mom. Lucas and Erica had been taken home as well, as had Nancy and Mike, and the Byers plus Argyle, Hoppe and El had all been in the same place anyway. They all had a cover story for why they hadn’t been part of the evacuation like everyone else, but there was no one at home for Steve to tell. He’d managed to get a couple of very short phone calls through to his parents’ machine, where he’d let them know he was fine and not to worry, but communication with the rest of the planet was up and down at the moment.

All he wanted was a long hot shower with all the fancy products in his own bathroom, to climb into his softest, most comfortable clothes, to lounge around doing nothing for a while, and to forget that the Upside Down existed.

It felt like a lifetime since he had last been home, even though it had been only seven days. When the evacuation order had come through and the army had started moving everyone out whether they liked it or not, they had grabbed everything they might need and regrouped at Hopper’s cabin. In Steve’s head it seemed like a different time.

Pulling his keys from his pocket, he walked up to the front door and let himself in. Inside it smelled a little stale from having no one in it for a week, but, other than that, it was weirdly normal. To look at his house no one would ever know Hawkins had been at war with another dimension. He had the sudden urge to fill the place with people, but that would have to wait. Everyone needed time to settle back into their lives.

Heading upstairs to his own room, he threw the few things he had onto the bed and headed into the bathroom. He was on autopilot as he stripped off the army fatigues he was wearing and turned on the hot water. The bat bites and road rash that littered his skin were healing well, so he was pretty sure he didn’t have to worry about them as he climbed under the spray.

The labs had had decent showers, but the comfortable familiarity of his own space helped the tension flow out of him. Refusing to feel guilty, he luxuriated in the hot water and the expensive products on the little shelf. It felt a little like finally washing away what was left of the terror and danger of the last few weeks. The loss was still there, but he was refusing to think about that.

Once he was clean and dry, he pulled on an old pair of sweats, a shirt that was so well worn it was almost see-through and was done with it. Padding downstairs with bare feet, he walked over to the phone. However, when he picked it up, all he got was a beeping. The phone lines were low priority compared to other amenities that a lot of the town didn’t have back yet, and every time they went to fix something the phone company seemed to break something else. It was hit or miss if calls were possible or not.

Abandoning the idea of trying to call his parents again, he wandered into the kitchen. Some of the fruit in the bowl on the counter had turned while he was gone, so he got rid of that, but almost everything else was fine. He was going to have to stock up at some point, but that could wait a day. Other people would probably need to do the same and they’d have to go out of town to do it, so he’d call around in the morning to check.

After making himself a cup of tea, he headed into the living room, turned on the TV, and curled up under a blanket. The western was mindless and enough to keep his thoughts from spiralling as he sipped his drink. They’d all been on high alert for longer than was good for any of them, and Steve knew he needed to decompress. It would probably take weeks, but he was going to do his best. He’d be no good if anyone needed him and he wasn’t back on top form.

Steve hadn’t even realised he was falling asleep, but he had to be dreaming. There was no other reason he could think of that his mind would be conjuring up the Void as Will had called it. It wasn’t like El needed their help anymore.

“Harrington?” said a weak and confused voice.

Turning so fast he almost fell over his own feet, he found himself staring at a huddled, all too familiar figure.

“Eddie?” he asked.

“The one and only,” Eddie replied, looking up at him with weary eyes.

“You died,” he said, even though he knew this was a dream.

“Yeah, I got that,” Eddie said. “Ass-face decided it would be fun to bring me back, use me as part of his army. Think I thought it was fun for a while too until the bastard finally died. How did you manage that?”

“El,” Steve replied and found himself stepping closer as Eddie groaned and dropped his head.

“El? Is that the girl with the superpowers?” Eddie asked, sounding exhausted.

“Yeah,” Steve said. “She went through some real shit to get them back. Saved Max when Jason almost screwed up our plan, then saved us all four days ago. Are you okay?”

He moved even closer.

“Pretty sure not, Big Boy,” Eddie replied, lifting his head with what seemed to be an incredible amount of effort. “Think I’m dying again. What he put in me to resurrect me is fading away. When it goes, I go.”

“No,” Steve said, crossing the final distance between them.

He knew it was a dream, but it didn’t make any difference. Losing Eddie again wasn’t acceptable, even if it wasn’t real.

“Sorry, sweetheart, don’t have much say in the matter,” Eddie said, leaning into him as Steve knelt down. “Don’t even have enough strength left to feed.”

“To feed?” Steve asked.

Eddie smiled before opening his mouth to show off long fangs.

“Bastard made me a vampire,” Eddie said, head falling against Steve’s arm. “Not as metal as advertised, in case you were wondering.”

Since 1983 when he’d found out monsters were real, Steve had had his share of nightmares, but none of them had been like this. This was just so unfair.

“Feed from me,” he said, holding out his wrist.

He could not let it end like this, even if it was just his subconscious. He refused to watch anyone else die, even in his dreams.

“No,” Eddie said, trying to pull away from him.

“Eddie,” he said, refusing to let go, “you can’t hurt me, not here. Take what you need.”

“How do you know?” Eddie asked, looking at him with red rimmed eyes, deep brown fading to bottomless black.

“Because I’ve been here before,” Steve said, because dream logic didn’t have to make sense.

“You don’t know what I am,” Eddie countered yet again.

“You’re Eddie,” he replied, “you fought with us, you died for us, that’s all that matters.”

Eddie’s dark gaze flicked to his wrist, then back up to his face. He did his best to set his expression with all the determination he was feeling.

“Do it,” he said.

The red around Eddie’s irises intensified. When those eyes left his and stared back at his wrist, Steve knew he had won. Keeping himself very still, he waited as Eddie slowly reached out, long fingers wrapping around his wrist. Eddie did not look up again, slowly leaning forward until Steve could feel the other man’s breath on his wrist.

He wasn’t sure what he expected, but the pain of the bite only lasted a moment, or at least he only noticed it for a moment. It was like something clicking as Eddie’s fangs punctured his skin. He couldn’t really explain it, had no frame of reference for what he was feeling, but something inside of him moved. Something sat up, took notice, and aligned with Eddie.

What landed on him heavily was fatigue. As Eddie drank, Steve could feel the energy draining out of him. It was like a gruelling workout, even though his was just kneeling there. The even stranger thing though was he knew it wasn’t Eddie. Eddie was taking his blood, he could feel it, but the rest, that was him. The bite made the connection, and he was feeding his strength through it.

He could feel Eddie strengthening, even as he was weakening, but he would not let it stop. Only when he could no longer hold himself up, sagging against the other man, did he finally give up.

Eddie reared back from the bite, breathing hard.

“What did you do?” Eddie demanded, sounding much stronger and more than a little pissed. “Harrington, what did you do?”

“Healed you,” Steve replied, not that he understood it himself.

It was a dream, he didn’t need to understand. He could feel himself slipping, but he couldn’t stop as he crashed onto his butt in the water.

“Steve,” he heard as he closed his eyes and let go.

He opened his eyes to his living room, noticing by the light he had slept at least a couple of hours. So much for sleep helping though, he felt wiped out. With the imaginations of his unconscious mind still floating in the back of his head, he turned over and pulled the blanket up over his shoulder, closing his eyes once again. He didn’t dream.

It wasn’t until he woke again later, hungry and a little cranky, he noticed the blood on the blanket and dried around his nose. He made a mental note to ask El or Will when the side effects of being party to El’s powers would stop, and was just glad he hadn’t gotten any on the couch cushions.

End of Chapter 4

Chapter 5

[steddiealltheway]

Part Ten of Alone Together. Part One. Part Nine. AO3 Link.

All Steve needs to do today is get Eddie’s guitar, wrap it, and then he can worry about delivering it on Christmas. Should be simple, right? 

Wrong. 

A bit before one, there’s a knock on Steve’s door because apparently that’s something that happens on what seems to be a daily basis. He opens the door and finds the whole group in front of his house. “Please don’t tell me you’re Christmas caroling again.” 

They all start pushing past him inside. Eddie pats him on the shoulder as he walks by and says a quick hello. It makes the other’s unexpected drop by worth it. 

Steve turns towards the others as they start putting gifts under the tree. Nancy and Robin run outside and come back with more wrapped presents. Steve stands back as everyone starts gathering around in a circle on the living room floor looking at him expectingly. 

“What the hell is this?” Steve asks. God, he hopes they’re not trying to pull some Hellfire cult prank on him. 

“It’s our Christmas Eve Christmas,” Dustin says as if he should know what that means. Steve just stares at him blankly. 

There’s a sigh from Eddie before he says, “Raise your hand if you told Steve that we were celebrating Christmas today.” No one raises their hand. “Great job guys,” Eddie says, running a hand over his face. 

The teens begin arguing about how they though that Dustin had told him, and he turns it around on them about how he thought someone had already told him. It continues for a few minutes before Steve shuts it down saying, “Alright, alright. You’re lucky that Eddie and I already wrapped your gifts.” He goes to sit down next to Eddie, but the kids start to protest. “What?” 

The kids look around slightly embarrassed and hesitant to say whatever they’re about to when El speaks up, “Dustin said you would be handing out our presents for us to open so we wouldn’t have to decide.” 

Steve sighs and rests his hands on his hips. “You’re lucky it’s Christmas,” Steve says mainly to Dustin. He goes over to the tree and looks around at all the presents and settles on gifts from Nancy and Robin first since they won’t mind being the first couple not to be opening presents. 

He hands them all out and finally grab his and Eddie’s then makes his way back to his spot. No one moves to open their gift yet. “Please, open them all at once, I don’t want to awkwardly stare at one person at a time or have anyone do that to me,” Robin says. 

Everyone starts tearing wrapping paper and flinging it everywhere. Steve even joins in on the chaos, not remembering a time where he could make such a mess during Christmas in his own home. He snorts when he sees what Robin and Nancy got him – a book on communication. He glances towards Eddie whose cheeks are slightly pink. He holds out his present – a couple’s game to get to know your partner better. 

Steve nudges Eddie and says, “I wouldn’t mind getting to know you better, Munson.” 

“Biblically?” Eddie jokes. Steve laughs without care, he’s just happy that him and Eddie seem to be back to normal. 

The rest of the gift giving goes well. All the kids love their presents from Eddie and Steve, and Steve is glad to find that Eddie also doesn’t have his gift ready just yet. 

Jonathan gets out his camera and starts taking pictures midway through almost like he forgot – honestly, Steve is surprised that he hasn’t been taking pictures for the past week because it had seemed like Jonathan was always carrying it around after the whole Vecna crisis. He had said something about wanting to capture more memories from the good times. And Steve couldn’t agree more that this was one of the good times. 

He and Eddie get matching mugs reading, “World’s Best Mom” and “World’s Best Dad.” Eddie argues that Steve has to be the mom with his mother hen instincts, and Steve is only slightly offended when Dustin confirms that Eddie is right.  

At one point, they get one present for the both of them from Jonathan and Argyle. Steve insists that Eddie opens it – just so he has an excuse to watch him. Eddie cracks the box open after dramatically tearing off the paper and immediately closes the lid. His eyes go wide, and he immediately turns red. 

“What?” Steve questions as Eddie stares at the box like it’s somehow scarred him. 

“This is not kid friendly or appropriate,” Eddie says, voice slightly higher than before.  

Steve snatches the box out of his hand saying, “Come on, it can’t be that bad.” He opens the box. He closes it. 

It’s that bad. He turns slowly to look over at Jonathan and Argyle. Argyle winks at them and says, “Don’t knock it until you try it.” Jonathan nods next to him enthusiastically. 

“Do you think they got their boxes mixed up?” Eddie whispers to Steve. 

“I don’t know if that would be better or worse,” Steve says honestly. He looks back at Eddie who slowly breaks out into a smile. Steve giggles. Eddie bursts out laughing, and Steve joins him. Steve cradles the box to his chest and runs away to the kitchen to keep the kids from getting to it. 

He’s hiding it in a cabinet when he hears footsteps behind him. Steve quickly closes the cabinet and turns to find Eddie in the kitchen entryway. “Hey,” Eddie says.  

“Hey,” Steve says with a soft smile. 

“Listen, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about. You see-” 

Shit. Steve catches sight of the clock. It’s already three and he wanted to leave by two since the store is almost an hour or more away. And who knows what the roads will be like during Christmas Eve. “Sorry, Eddie! We’ll talk later. I have to go!” Steve says, patting his shoulder and running past him. 

He finds the others in the living room and shoots them a quick, “Hey, I need to go, I’ve got an appointment. Stay as long as you like and help yourself to the fridge. I’ll be back in about three hours or so give or take, so don’t feel like you need to wait up for me. Merry Christmas!” He’s definitely going to regret allowing them free access to his fridge, but he needs to leave. 

He finds Eddie by the front door holding out his jacket, gloves, and a scarf. God, Steve thinks he might just love him. On his way out the door, he presses a quick kiss to Eddie’s cheek – friends do that, right? 

-:-:-:-:-:-

Steve wishes he would’ve brought someone along with him. The trip to the shop was fine. In fact, it was really great. He and the kind lady, Cassidy, had gotten to talking and she lightly kicked some sense into him after finding out that he and the future owner of the guitar weren’t dating. 

“You really love them, don’t you?” Cass had asked him. 

Steve had nodded and sighed ranting about how there’s no way they could love him back. 

“I somehow doubt that,” she had replied then searched around the store for something else. She came back with a guitar strap saying, “Take this as my Christmas present to you, on the house.” 

Steve had looked at it and noticed although it looked plain, under one part of the strap there was a message: I hope to stay here forever and always. It cheesily would rest over Eddie’s heart whenever he wore it. It was perfect. He had thanked her profusely and wished her a very merry Christmas. 

The drive back was the worst part. With an hour plus of alone time, Steve’s mind was going absolutely berserk. Would Eddie hate him for the gift? Was it too much? And what was Eddie going to tell him before? Maybe he had been uncomfortable about the fact that every couple had given them some type of romantic couple gift. 

Maybe he should just keep the guitar strap in the back of one of his drawers. Shove it in there once he gets back home. Yeah, that’s exactly what he’ll do. He can just say the guitar was from him and Dustin. That’ll work. No sappy stuff if Dustin is involved. 

They’re just friends. And maybe he’s in love with Eddie, but he’ll get over it. Eventually. In a long time. A very long time. Christ, what is wrong with him? Maybe he should tell him how he feels. 

He can’t. He can’t ruin what he has with Eddie now no matter what. Not talking for a little over a day had been torture, so he can’t lose him forever. 

So, he won’t. There. It’s final. He will not tell Eddie about his feelings. And then he’ll just drop the guitar off or something noncommittal. He’ll put some space between them until New Year’s Eve when the kids will insist on doing something. But until then, nothing. 

He nods and pulls into his driveway. He parks and gets out of his car then slowly turns around. Eddie’s van is still parked on the street. Shit. 

So much for space. He’ll just... kick him out, play the old “I’m not feeling well” card which isn’t too far from the truth. But it’s more emotionally than physically. 

Steve walks in and resists the urge to call out, “Honey, I’m home!” although it really would be a great joke. The house is strangely quiet, so he does call out, “Eddie?” 

“In the living room!” Eddie yells back. 

Steve shrugs off his jacket and takes off his extra layers along with his shoes. He walks to the living room to find Eddie picking giftwrap off the floor and stuffing it into a trash bag. Steve’s heart races. “Isn’t the mom supposed to clean up?” Steve teases. 

Eddie snorts but continues what he’s doing. Steve joins in on tidying up the place thankful for the help. Once everything is back to what it was before, Eddie collapses on the couch. “Why is cleaning so exhausting?” he asks dramatically. 

Steve sits next to him and says, “Probably because you don’t have enough practice doing it.” 

Eddie gasps, “How dare you? I cleaned up most of this place without an incentive.” 

“Are you sure I’m not the incentive?” Steve flirts easily. 

Instead of the usual flirtatious response, Eddie just clears his throat and sits up. He turns to Steve and looks almost... scared. Maybe he’s just nervous, but Steve doesn’t know why he would be. “Steve, I was going to talk to you earlier...” 

Oh no. This sounds bad. Steve shifts and angles himself more towards Eddie, preparing for the worst. 

“I wanted to tell you that I... I have...” Eddie shakes his head with a laugh and looks down at where he’s fidgeting his rings. “Jesus H. Christ, this is worse than the bats. Anyways, I wanted to tell you that-” he looks at Steve and swallows. “Tell you that I have... an idea,” he finishes lamely as if that’s not what he meant to say at all. 

“An idea?” Steve questions. He nearly claps Eddie on the shoulder to try to encourage him to just get out whatever he’s so stuck on, but he’s pretty sure any sudden movement would send Eddie into fight or flight mode. 

“I thought that you could spend the night at my place and spend Christmas morning with me and my uncle. No one should be alone on Christmas,” Eddie says, thought rushing out, but it still feels like he was supposed to say something more. 

Steve gives Eddie a moment to say anything else on his mind, but Eddie just sits in silence looking at Steve expectantly. Steve thinks about the offer and the space he’s supposed to be putting between him and Eddie. There’s no way he can do that. “I’d love to,” he answers. Fuck.  

Eddie gives him a tight smile instead of sighing in relief like Steve had expected him to. Yeah, there’s definitely something else on his mind, but he’ll pry later... after New Years. 

Steve hurries to pack an overnight bag since the clothes in his car are probably going to be freezing. Speaking of in his car... “Hey, Eddie, your gift is in my car so don’t look. Also, do you mind if it’s not wrapped for tomorrow?” 

Eddie shakes his head with a small smile. “As long as you don’t mind that yours is not wrapped either. Also, there might be a few more things to it that will have to be added later.” 

Steve tries to rack his brain to see what that could mean but he comes up blank. He just nods and says, “I can’t wait.” 

When Eddie walks out to his car, he dramatically shields his eyes from Steve’s car saying something about how he doesn’t want to know what it is as he sprints off to his van. Steve laughs and gets into his car only to find the guitar strap still sitting in the front seat. Well, there goes his plans of stuffing it in a drawer. 

The ride to Eddie’s is quick, quick enough that Steve doesn’t have enough time to change his mind and turn the car around. When he parks outside of the trailer, Eddie is waiting for him by the front door. “Give me a minute to finish up your gift – it’s in my room,” Eddie says as he goes through the door. 

Steve nods and waits on the couch in the living room, but once Eddie is out of sight, he springs up to look at the mug collection then the small amount of pictures Wayne has up that weren’t destroyed after the gate opened. 

A few minutes pass by before Eddie comes out of his room to signal for Steve that it’s safe to go in now. Steve goes in and stifles a yawn. “I don’t know why I’m so tired when it’s not that late,” Steve says and plops down on Eddie’s bed, running a hand over his face. 

“It’s the kids, they have this ability to drain the life out of you in no time,” Eddie jokes, but maybe he’s onto something. “Don’t worry, I’m tired, too. I’m going to head to the bathroom and get ready to go to bed.” With that, Eddie leaves the room, and Steve wonders if he should already start moving his stuff to the couch. 

After a few minutes of debate, Steve reluctantly gets up and drags his feet towards the door. It swings open. “What are you doing?” Eddie asks, and Steve can smell the mint toothpaste. 

“Going to the couch,” Steve says because it’s the obvious choice. 

“No, you’re not,” Eddie says, dragging Steve back to his bed. “It’s Christmas Eve and no one is sleeping on that uncomfortable thing. Besides, you need to clear the area for Santa,” Eddie says with a smile giving him no room to protest. 

“Of course,” Steve laughs and grabs a few of his things and heads to the bathroom. It all reminds him of when they spent the night at the Wheelers. 

By the time he gets back to Eddie’s room, he’s already curled up under the covers, lamp beside his bed offering the only light in the room. Steve crawls in the other side and keeps a careful distance away from Eddie. 

“Goodnight, Steve,” Eddie whispers. 

“Goodnight, Eddie,” Steve replies suddenly feeling like there’s no way he can fall asleep like this. He tries and drastically fails. Eddie doesn’t appear to be moving too much, so Steve hopes that maybe he’s asleep. 

“Steve?” Eddie questions quietly. Definitely not asleep. 

“Yes, Eddie?” Steve asks turning towards him. 

Eddie rolls towards him. He wants more than anything to reach out and tuck a strand of hair behind his ear. Eddie bites at his lip a moment then asks almost too quiet for Steve to hear, “Can you come closer?” 

Steve immediately does but still puts a bit of space between them. He continues to stare at Eddie who looks back at him like that wasn’t enough. And in the spirit of Christmas, Steve rolls onto his back and holds his arm out, inviting Eddie into his space. Eddie tucks into his side immediately, and Steve experiences the most wonderful déjà vu. 

He runs a hand up and down Eddie’s back and feels the rise and fall of his chest even out. Steve tries to match the rhythm as well and finds himself easily drifting off. So much for putting space between them, but it makes it a very merry Christmas Eve. 

Part Eleven.

Tag List <333:

@eddiesbabe95 @hagbaby420 @grtwdsmwhr @mightbeasleep @saramelaniemoon @bidisastersworld @spectrum-spectre @henderdads @wrenisflying @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @strangerthings1983fan @haluton @silversnaffles @thosemessyvibes @fandemonium-takes-its-toll

[bylertruther]

hi! what are your sexuality headcanons? for byler and any other characters! :) feel free to go into depth if you'd like 💛

hello!

cracks my knuckles. i got u, brother 🫡

will: gay! he loves boys and wants to kiss them and marry them and make his own place in the world with one. he has always known this and has never had the privilege of not knowing this. he is Very Gay and the love he feels for one boy in particular makes him feel like he isn't a mistake at all.

mike: gay gay homosexual gay of the homotron 6000 variety. "whether you love what you love or live in divided ceaseless revolt against it, what you love is your fate" sums it up perfectly. he can't escape his heart and the truths it holds, no matter how hard he tries sometimes. following it is instinctive and the best thing he's ever done, yes, but it can also be very hard to adjust your eyes to the light after living in the dark for so long.

el: i don't think she's too keen on labels. she's sure of her attraction to women, feels safer with them and has always thought they were pretty, but she isn't totally sure of her attraction to men. sometimes she thinks she does like them, sometimes she thinks maybe she just expects herself to or wants them to like her (which isn't the same thing). it all just depends on the person. she doesn't want to rule anyone out. show her love and maybe she'll show you some in return, too. i also hc that max was her sapphic awakening hehe. she made her feel so loved, so seen and cherished, that she wondered for the first time if she could love a woman like that. her answer to that of course was, well... why not?

dustin: this post. overly enthusiastic straight ally friend that vows not to get married until everyone can get married. would 100% wingman for you unprompted. tries to set everyone around him up and talks about their love lives with the same ease that he talks about his own. love is love and all that shit, you know.

lucas: "straight" but with a hint of unearthed bisexuality in him. he assumes everyone thinks people of any gender can be handsome and pretty. he's a devoted, kind, and attentive person, so his platonic and romantic crushes aren't too distinct; and as such, he's just never caught on and no one's ever assumed anything either. mike gushes to him about will and lucas is just like "??? and this is a big deal, because...? 🤨 we all have eyes, mike." mike gets so caught up in lucas thinking will is attractive + his resulting slightly possessive outburst that he forgets to focus on the "lucas thinks men are attractive, too" part. i mean, he grew up around mike and will, fell for a tomboy, and erica jokingly calls jason his boyfriend. that boy has bi potential, but is living in blissful ignorance. (max sometimes wants to burst his bubble, but decides he'll get there on his own someday. ...eventually, maybe.)

max: bisexual! she doesn't mention it, but if you somehow assume she's straight then tbh that's on you at this point. (tomboy gnc max from s2 you will always be famous.)

jonathan: jonathan talks a lot about bowie, likes his music, is way too passionate about being a "freak", doesn't care to be normal and isn't, gets called queer, and has always encouraged will to be true to himself. he's either the best straight guy on planet earth + best honorary member of the lgbt community + the best straight gay icon or he's pansexual but quiet about it because it's not exactly like he's a hot commodity so he mostly just doesn't really focus on it. he has bigger fish to fry anyway.

argyle: mr "try before you deny" with his rainbow socks that humbled mike immediately after he broke will's heart is undoubtedly pansexual, too. why do you think him and jonathan bonded so fast? birds of a feather flock together, man.

nancy: sorry, but she's straight.

steve: also straight. i have eyes, okay? joe is not leaning in to the fruitiness of his male scene partners lol.

robin: lesbian dyke lesbian lesbian lesbian dyke lesbian lesbo lord 9000. she loves women, she wants to kiss women, she wants to date women, and she also likes boobies. a lesbianic lesbian of the lesbo variety of lesbians.

vickie: bisexual!

murray: i feel like he's Above it all. you have to be THAT bitch for him to even think about thinking about you like that. you have to be on his Level. you have to be Built Different. you gotta have real eyes that realize real lies. he's a malewife girlboss self-sustaining icon. he doesn't Need u. he has to Want u. you have to bring something to the table that he hasn't already set out. so, like... already, his options are very limited, because he's operating on an entirely different level, playing a whole other game. so, like, technically... bisexual, i guess. but he just hasn't found anyone that does something for him that he can't do himself. so, like. .. no-sexual... ? bye-sexual...? he doesn't care—about your gender, you, or playing games. bring the heat or stay out of the kitchen tbh.

[tirednerd2012]

Jonathan is the type of brother that would say he likes something when he really doesn’t just so he knows he can share with his brother. He did this a lot on his birthdays growing up when his mom would make him a cake, insisting something like strawberry cake being his favorite when he really didn’t like it. But will liked it, and so did his mom. Little things like that, he still put everyone before himself.

Will later found this out when they’re older and planning a small surprise birthday party for Jonathan. So now he’s on a mission to figure out what treats and things Jonathan would actually like so he can have what he wants on his birthday. He uses Nancy, if he used El or Hopper he would continue his lie. Nancy is fully on board cause she is excited to help plan this party anyway.

YES! Growing up, he and Will always had similar birthday parties because Jonathan told Joyce that he also loved strawberry cake and chocolate ice cream. Jonathan always liked what Will liked and Joyce tried to question it a few times, but he stood firm on it to where Joyce believes that he actually likes it.

On Jonathan's 19th birthday, the first one back in Hawkins since Vecna happened, Will decides he wants to do something special for his brother. Jonathan had always put everyone before himself and Will wanted to give him a surprise party and a special project Will had been working on for months. He sits down with Nancy and tells her how he wants to plan the party and the two get to work because yes, they want to give him something special.

It's Argyle that brings up the fact Jonathan doesn't like strawberry cake. Will and Nancy are at the table planning everything out while Jonathan and Steve are helping rebuild the town. Parts of Hawkins remained untouch by Vecna, but the areas that the earthquake hit took a toll on the community and everyone was working together to fix it. Argyle stopped by the house to pick up some things for Joyce when he sees the plan and says it.

"What do you mean he doesn't like strawberry? He's had it every year for his birthday..." Will sounds both confused and a little hurt by the concept of Jonathan lying to him.

"Oh, no. He only gets strawberry because it's your favorite," Argyle informs them and Will isn't too surprised by the fact Jonathan lied about it so Will could have his favorite type of dessert. Argyle then stops because he's somewhat stoned but knows he shouldn't have said that because Jonathan would be so upset to find out Will knew. But birthday celebrations were really the only time the Byers family could scrape the money up to do something special, so of course Jonathan wanted to make his brother and mom happy.

But Will isn't having it. He wants his brother to have a day where it's only about him. He tells this to Nancy and Argyle, who agree, but Argyle brings up the fact that Will can't be the one to confront him because Jonathan will still insist that he likes those things to spare Will's feelings.

"We also have to be discreet because your brother is one of the biggest overthinkers I've ever met. He'll figure this out if we're not careful," Argyle says. "I know his actual favorite is chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, but that's all I know about what he likes."

Nancy is the one to set out on the mission to figure out everything Jonathan likes. Steve helps, too, because there's no way Jonathan would ever expect Steve to be in on the plan. Nancy grabs a drink with him at a gas station and the two plan on going on a drive alone, so instead of the Coke he normally grabs with Will, he grabs a Dr. Pepper instead. Nancy makes a mental note of this and the two drive around before parking by a lake close to the outside of town, but they're still in Hawkins.

Steve says he needs to get some new clothes after the whole Vecna situation, and asks Jonathan to come along with him to Indianapolis for the day because he needs to pick something up for his dad anyway but hates making the drive alone. Jonathan agrees after making sure Will and El are going to be okay with him gone for the day (last time Jonathan left for a day, Will got possessed so he has issues with just up and leaving. But Vecna's gone now, the threats are gone, Will can feel it, and he assures his brother he's going to be fine.

It's in the Indianapolis mall that Steve learns Jonathan's go to food is a cheeseburger and fries, something simple and fast, yet good. Steve once again makes note of this and then brings up the fact Jonathan's 19th birthday is right around the corner. Jonathan says it's just another day, and he's just glad they made it through this year alive. Steve agrees because it still hits them occasionally that they made it out, but others weren't so lucky. And it hits them because there have been so many people they couldn't save. And they had been so close to dying on so many occasions.

They both take time to reflect how much they've changed and how much those around them have as well. Jonathan mentions that he'd been meaning to get back into photography but just hadn't had the time nor energy lately, which is sad because now that the world was finally safe, he'd like to get back into his passions.

Later, he and Argyle hang out. Jonathan doesn't really smoke weed anymore, but he does get the contact buzz of hanging around him and he enjoys Argyle's company. Argyle had stayed in Hawkins, no one but the two of them knowing that he didn't really have any family in Lenora anyway, and had been welcomed to the Byers with open arms. Even Hopper was warming up to the kid who did everything he could to save Hop and Joyce's kids.

Argyle knows Jonathan's favorite snacks from all the times they went to the store after a smoke session. But he's the one to dismiss all Jonathan's wonders about what Will and Nancy are up to. He notices them talking more than they did before, and Argyle says they got closer while he was in the coma, which isn't untrue. They leaned on each other a lot during those unknown times. They both also blamed themselves for what happened to Jonathan, Will for not being able to save him and Nancy for not being able to kill Vecna with the bullets. Jonathan takes all of that in, not too surprised by that but he wished it wasn't true, but his mind isn't anywhere near his birthday so Argyle keeps it that way. Besides, he always thought Jonathan had the right to know.

The day of comes and Hopper breaks out the grill. Murray helps, too, insisting that Hopper can't be as good of a cook as him and "we aren't ruining the damn kid's birthday over you not knowing how to make a burger, Hop." Joyce and El make the cake together, a tradition that had been El and Jonathan's, but this still seemed special to them. Will and Steve set up the decorations while the other party members set up the snacks. Argyle is getting the ice cream ("how did we forget the ice cream, Will?" "it was your job, Argyle!") and Nancy is with Jonathan, having a small celebration just the two of them. It's nothing major, just lunch at the park (the same park they got caught in by the government, but that's besides the point), and just curling up together in the car.

It's the first time in awhile Jonathan feels completely at ease. Nancy tells him happy birthday and kisses him. They hold each other for at least an hour, in no rush since the party still has to be set up, but they're also just enjoying each other's company. After the move to Lenora and everything that's happened since, neither of them take the moment for granted.

When they do make it back to the house, it's quiet and Jonathan panics for a moment because since El and Will have become a chaotic duo, they are never quiet. Nancy seems to be fine, though, not worried at all as they make their way in. Everyone jumps out and yells surprise, giving Jonathan a mini-heart attack as Will and El run up and hug him.

It's a small party, but everyone Jonathan cares about is there, so it's nice. Murray and Hopper are at the grill. They both wish him a happy birthday and Hopper actually hugs him. Jonathan returns it and smiles because they never get to bring out the grill, but he loves cheeseburgers, even when Murray and Hopper are arguing about how to make them right. He also notices his favorite snacks and drinks at the table instead of the normal Coke and things that he makes sure are there for Will and his mom.

Then El and Joyce bring out the cake and after the candles are blown out, Jonathan helps Will cut into the cake to see it's chocolate, not strawberry. He's thrown off until Will sees the confusion on his face and says that today is about Jonathan and he deserves to have his actual favorites. Joyce hands him a plate with vanilla ice cream on it and the cake, and Jonathan just smiles.

For gifts, everyone pitched in and got Jonathan a new, nice, professional camera. Steve made sure to buy extra film and Nancy got him a camera case for it. Hopper, Murray and Joyce paid for a good chunk of the camera, but everyone wanted to go in on it. El picked out two new photo albums for her brother that she thought looked nice and Will brings his gift out last. It's the project he had been working on for months, one that he never let Jonathan see, but he did show it to Nancy. It's a painting of the Byers-Hopper family and Nancy, based off a picture of Nancy and Jonathan and then a family picture. Jonathan has tears stinging his eyes as he looks at it and just thanks Will, saying it's amazing.

He goes out the next day and buys a frame for it to ensure nothing will happen to it. But he spends his birthday celebrating with his family and friends, and everything feels right.

He later thanks Will for putting so much effort into his birthday and apologizes for lying to him about those little things, but Will brushes it off, tells Jonathan happy birthday and that he loves him.

[finnicus-gayicus]

More because I need it and I'm on a roll (PT 2)

Steve Harrington was laying on his bed in his room, trying to flip through a magazine. It had been five years since Vecna attacked. Five years since the Upside Down carved its way into Hawkins. Now the hole was mostly filled. The town was starting to thrive again. The earthquake was now but a tragic memory, a memorial statue had been built in the town center in front of city hall. Most of the buildings had been rebuilt, and a few new ones were even added. It almost seemed like everything was finally going back to normal. 

Almost. 

Max was still in a coma, her mother fighting tooth and nail with the doctors to keep her on life support. Lucas only came to visit occasionally now, stopping by every few months during his breaks at college, but according to Dustin he still called Max's mother every day asking for updates. He, Dustin, Mike, Will, and Eleven were now adults, most of them having left Hawkins. The only ones that stayed behind were Will and Dustin. Mike and Eleven decided to leave as soon as they were 18, and with help from Hopper and Mike's parents they were able to go to a community college a few towns over. Eleven still insisted on visiting every weekend, dragging Mike along so she could see her friends and continue her search for Max and Vecna. Lucas was going to college in Chicago, trying to make it on the Chicago Bulls basketball team. Nancy was living in Boston now, working as a news reporter after earning her degree, while Jonathan moved to California to live with Argyle, as far as Steve knew. The two of them had ended up breaking up just before Nancy moved to Boston to go to school, and Jonathan wanted nothing to do with this cursed town. Dustin was studying at a community college a half hour away, despite Steve's efforts to convince him to go to a decent school and study radio communication. He still lived with his mom, and tried hanging out with Steve on the weekends. Will was a recluse, locked up in his room constantly and not talking to anyone besides Joyce and very rarely Dustin. He wouldn't even talk to Steve when he tried to visit a handful of times. Robin and Steve decided to rent a house in Hawkins, Steve unwilling to leave the kids here. Steve was inching closer to 25 now, and he was now the manager at their local grocery store. He still tried to keep his hair the same, tried to keep a cool and calm and confident demeanor, but he couldn't miss the side eyes he'd get from former classmates and teachers, all of them disappointed that he hadn't made anything of himself. 

Steve sighed and tossed the magazine onto his bedside table, laying back and staring up at the ceiling. He had tried to move on with his life. He'd had a handful of girlfriends, though none of them very serious. They never had the chance to be. After spending one night with Steve they'd leave soon after. His night terrors kept waking up every potential future partner. He couldn't help it, though. With memories ingrained into his head from the Upside Down, memories with the demodogs and demobats and that fuckin demogorgon, memories of that god-awful Mind Flayer. Those thoughts plagued his dreams, kept him from sleeping. He woke up at least once a night from a nightmare, each one different but the same. They all ended with someone he loved being ripped apart. 

The first dream had taken place in the Upside Down, the first victim being shredded by demobats had been Nancy. Then it was Robin being ripped apart by the Mind Flayer. Then Dustin being devoured by the demodogs. Even Eddie had made appearances in his nightmares. Those dreams had always hurt the most. Eddie was actually gone. He had found Eddie's body next to a distraught Dustin. His skin had been cold, his once big, chocolate brown eyes now glossy with unshed tears as he had been staring off into the distance, seeing nothing. Steve had wanted to bring Eddie back to the real world, but they hadn't been able to lift him up to the gate. Plus, if they had stayed for much longer, the air would have affected them. He remembered once listening to Hopper talk about how the air in the Upside Down was toxic and would slowly corrode your lungs. They had to leave him behind, left to rot in that awful place. 

Steve sat up and sighed, wiping his eyes as he thought about it. Eddie Munson and him had become unlikely friends in the short amount of time they actually hung out. Eddie had liked to poke buttons, especially Steve's. At first Steve had tried to be annoyed, but Eddie had a very unusual charm to him. And there was something about the way that Eddie would look at Steve, his big doe-like eyes almost staring into his soul, that made Steve feel… weird. Not a bad weird, but weird in general. He couldn't help but wonder what would've happened if Eddie had made it back, if he'd survived. Would he and Steve go their separate ways, only interacting to deal with Dustin or any of the other gremlins? Or would they have actually hung out, bonding over beer and weed and cigarettes. Maybe even more…

Steve shook his head, trying to rid himself of that thought. That stupid thought that had seemed to glue itself to Steve's brain for the last five years. He couldn't help it. Eddie had awoken something in him, something that Steve wasn't aware of. Maybe it had been Eddie's flirtatious teasing, maybe it was seeing Dustin look up to Eddie so much or how much the kids all seemed to love him, maybe it was his bravery or that goofy grin he almost always wore. Something about Eddie "The Freak" Munson had wormed its way into Steve's head in the place where he should be thinking about women. He'd talked to Robin about these thoughts before, and she had explained to him what bisexuality was. The clarification sort of helped Steve, although it did fill him with anxiety. If Eddie had been there, maybe Steve would've been able to talk to him about it. Maybe touch him, hug him, kiss him…

But Eddie was gone. He couldn't come back, no matter how hard Steve had wished he would. There were too many maybe's, too many what ifs. None of them would have any answers. Maybe that's why he hadn't been very heartbroken every time a girl broke up with him because he'd wake them up screaming. He was heartbroken for different reasons. 

Steve got up from his bed and made his way through the dark house to his and Robin's bathroom, closing the door before flicking on the light. He stared at himself in the mirror, wearing just blue boxers and a white shirt. He stared at his neck, at the ugly scar. His neck, although faint, still had the bold scar from when he'd been attacked by the demobats. The thick white line that wrapped around his throat was soft, smoother than the rest of his skin. He hated that one. People around town assumed that he'd tried to hang himself. Staring at his neck with pity, sorrow, or even downright disgust. He lifted his shirt just a bit, enough to display the two matching ones on his sides, just above his hips from where the bats had dug into him. The skin there was also soft, smooth, although so much more prominent. Way worse than the one around his neck. The skin felt sensitive still, and sometimes he'd wake up from phantom pain, feeling as though he was still getting munched on and asphyxiated. He frowned, glancing at the little clock that Robin had put in next to the sink. The little arms read 3:23 in the morning. He groaned to himself, not looking forward to the work day. 

He left the bathroom and then went back to his quiet, cold room. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep, not unless he'd had either weed or alcohol in his system. Weed helped him sleep better, but the last thing he wanted was to become dependent on any kind of substance. He needed to stay frosty in case something happened. Granted it had been years with no signs of Vecna or any other creatures from the Upside Down. No, the last thing he remembered hearing about anything from the Upside Down was from Dustin, about five years ago to the date. 

Steve was sitting by his pool, beer in one hand and cigarette in the other, staring at the diving board. His vision was a bit blurry, the calm water seeming to ripple despite the lack of wind. 

Barb. 

She died there. 

Even with this knowledge, however, he couldn't tear his eyes away from the diving board, away from the pool. He took a drag from the cigarette, letting the hot embers just a little too close to his fingers. But he didn't move, instead exhaling the smoke and taking a sip from his nearly empty can. It was the last one from his six pack, but he had another inside. 

If Barb hadn't died, hadn't been dragged into the Upside Down by the demogorgon, Nancy would've never found out about the Upside Down, then Steve would've never known about it. He and Nancy would still be together, Jonathan would still be the class weirdo, and everything would still be normal. 

Except, if they hadn't learned about the Upside Down and the demogorgons, Will would've died there. 

If they hadn't learned about the Upside Down, he wouldn't have been close with Dustin and the other kids. 

He probably wouldn't be as close to Robin. 

He wouldn't have met Eddie. 

Steve groaned, flicking his cigarette into the pool before getting up, finishing off his beer and heading inside. As he rummaged through the fridge for his other six pack the phone began to ring. His parents weren't in town, and he didn't feel like explaining why he was drunk off his face on a work night. So he let the phone ring. 

He had grabbed the case and broke one free of the ring when his phone started ringing again, making Steve growl a bit. Why couldn't they just leave him alone? It wasn't even that late. 

He cracked the beer open and took a few swigs before heading to the mounted phone, answering after the fourth ring. "What-"

"Steve!" Dustin had all but screamed into the receiver. Steve held the phone away a bit, wincing at the loud intrusion. 

"Henderson! Why the fuck are you yelling?" Steve had demanded. "It's late, don't you have school tomorrow?"

"Steve, it's important, I promise!" Dustin had insisted, his voice sounded scratchy and he was breathing heavily. 

Steve rubbed his eyes with one hand while balancing the phone on his chin and shoulder. "Why are you up this late on a school night? Can't it wait until tomorrow-"

"It's Eddie!"

Steve froze, eyes wide open but still blurry. He felt a lump in his throat at the mention of Munson's name. "What?" 

"It's Eddie, I think." Dustin had begun explaining to Steve about what he had just witnessed, something about lights, but Steve was too intoxicated to focus properly. 

"Dustin, dude, slow down. What about Eddie and lights?"

"Jesus Christ Steve, focus! I think Eddie is trying to reach me from the Upside Down! He's using Morse code to say 'SOS'. Remember how you guys did it in Nancy's room from the Upside Down with that light toy?" Dustin was getting too excitable, talking way too fast. 

"Yeah, yeah I remember. But like, how do you know it's Eddie? You saw him…" Steve had trailed off, not wanting to say it. 

"Who else would it be, Vecna? Why would he need my help?" Dustin had demanded. 

Steve set the beer can down and sunk to the floor, the lump tightening in his throat. If what Dustin was saying was true, that meant that Eddie could somehow still be alive in the Upside Down, trying to find a way back. 

A way back…

"Dustin, dude, how could we help him?" Steve had asked softly. 

"Uh, we go back to the Upside Down? Obviously?" He had said it like it was a stupid thing to ask. But there was a problem. 

"All the gates are shut, though. They're just craters now." Steve had pointed out, grabbing his beer again. 

"We can get Eleven to open up another gate! Then we can run in, grab Eddie, and be back ASAP!" Dustin had sounded so hopeful, so excited. It sounded like an easy enough task, and for a moment Steve felt hope surge through his chest. He barely cracked a smile before a thought struck him hard, making his face fall. 

"Dustin, we can't do that." He had said, voice barely above a whisper. 

"Steve, it'll be a real quick job. In and out, with Eddie in tow." 

"No, Dustin, we can't." Steve's voice was hardening a bit, some authority coming to it. "We can't just ask Eleven to open another gate, what if we don't bring just Eddie back? Plus where would we hide him?" 

Dustin faltered for a moment, so Steve continued. "Eleven opened that gate by accident. Plus, if she opened another one, what if Vecna got through?" 

"So you're saying we should just let Eddie die? Is that what you're saying, Steve?" Dustin sounded angry now. 

"Dustin, look, I want Eddie back as much as you do. But we can't ignore what could happen if we open another gate." 

Dustin was silent on the other line for a moment, before Steve heard him take a deep, shaky breath. "I just… I just want him back, Steve." 

Steve heard a soft sob on the other end, and it made his heart crack a bit. "Dustin-" 

"I know. I know. But he's alive, I feel like we have to do something. We have to at least try, you know?"

Steve was quiet, tears slipping down his cheeks while Dustin sobbed on the other end, the feeling of hopelessness crashing over him as he took a staggered breath. Eddie was alive, he was stuck in another dimension, alone, probably afraid, begging for help. 

And there was nothing Steve Harrington or Dustin Henderson could do. 

The memory made Steve's heart squeeze, his chest feeling tight as he sat on the edge of his bed. Eddie was no doubt long dead by now. There'd be no way to survive down there, unless he ate the demobats or any of the other creatures. Most likely he'd been hunted down and devoured by a demogorgon or a pack of the demodogs. The thought hurt. Eddie was a nice dude, he was completely innocent in Chrissy's and other people's deaths. According to Dustin, anyone who got to personally know him would've loved him. And Steve could agree with that sentiment. 

Steve glanced at his record player, then at the stack of records he had next to it. He stood up, deciding that sleep definitely wasn't happening tonight, and grabbed the one from the very top of the pile. In a sort of way to remember Eddie and as a tribute, Steve had been listening to a lot more music that Eddie liked. The album he grabbed was Metallica's newest. It was a simple black cover with a little snake in the corner. He popped it on and set the hand of the player down, listening as quiet metal began filling his room.. He still wasn't necessarily a huge fan of it, but it was a way to make Eddie feel closer. An homage to his memory. 

Steve laid back down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as Nothing Else Matters played, losing himself in the melody. Knowing Eddie he would've mastered this song already, despite it only coming out two weeks ago. Steve closed his eyes, trying to remember Eddie's face. Over the years his face began blurring, the only thing being prominent were his eyes and his mouth. That infectious smile, how his cheeks and eyes crinkled when he smiled wide.

What Steve wouldn't give to see that smile. Just one more time. That's all he needed. 

He was so absorbed in his sorrows that he almost didn't notice the ceiling light flicker. His eyes shot to it; watching, waiting. A minute passed, and the next song began playing. Steve's eyes never left the light, and as he slowly sat up he took a soft breath. 

"Eddie?" He whispered, ever so softly. 

The ceiling light buzzed again. Steve nearly jumped in his skin, his throat squeezing hard. Tears pricked in his eyes as his eyes widened. "Eddie, Eddie if you're there please give me a sign. 

The light flickered again, glowing brighter before dimming. The tears fell down his cheeks, a choked sob wracking his body. "Eddie, holy fuck, you're still alive?" 

The light blinked again. It had to be him. It fucking had to be Eddie. "H-how the hell?" He looked around his room, leaping up and grabbing a pen and paper. Then he glanced up at the ceiling. "Ok, here's what's going to happen. I'm going to say a letter, blink the light if I get it." 

The light stood still, unmoving for a moment. Steve cleared his throat and began. "A."

The light instantly flickered. Steve wrote down the letter. 

He continued through the alphabet, pausing to write a letter whenever the light demanded. Metallica played in the background, completely ignored by Steve. By the end of it, Steve had a five lettered word. He glanced up at the light. "Is that it?" 

The light remained bright. Steve glanced down at the paper, staring at the word. 

ALIVE

[lettercastauthor]

Spider-Barista: Part One, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Extra Whip

AU Summary and Warnings: Tony Stark survived the snap that killed Thanos and only lost his arm, Steve Rogers has returned from his brief time travel escapades after realizing he’s not as straight as he thought he was, and his feelings for Tony went far beyond friendship. Tony, Steve, Peter, Rhodey, Pepper, and Nebula are in a polyship and were living at Stark’s private New York residence located somewhere in the city “near all the action,” also close to Peter’s school. Peter, 18, is finishing senior year. Recently, Pepper and Morgan Stark have left for upstate New York to begin Morgan’s private school. Overprotective “auntie” Nebula joined them due to her own safety concerns, leaving the boys to fend for themselves. Unknown to everyone, Tony is having a secret sciencey-fling with Bruce Banner, kept private for shy Bruce’s sake. Aunt May is on a cruise in the Bahamas.

Tony has offered to pay for Peter’s college, but Peter is being stubborn and wants to earn it for himself, so he gets a job at the local coffee shop and quickly finds a love for the job. In fact, he loves it so much that he begins to neglect his Super-Hero duties. At first Tony is supportive of a break from the dangerous life of saving New York on the daily, despite Cap’s urging Peter to take on bigger baddies and hone his skills. But they both soon realize Peter’s interest in coffee is mainly tied to a cute customer who comes in on Peter’s every shift. Unbeknownst to Peter, this customer lives a double life. This will be a serial story, updated when I have time. There will be NSFW content, each section that includes NSFW content will be marked accordingly so the reader can choose to enjoy the story while skipping the lewd parts should the desire.

Everyone in this story is 18 or older.

Tl;Dr: Adult Tom Holland Spider-Man is working as a barista post-blip. He’s in a polyship with Tony, Steve, Rhodey, Pepper, and Nebula. He has a crush on one of his patrons and is neglecting his heroic duty. There’s NSFW stuff in here. 

Part One: “Pumpkin Spice Latte, Extra Whip”

Warm yellow sun pierced through the sepia tinted windows of the coffee shop. It was a nice clear day. The taxi cabs sat bumper-to-bumper, the people hurriedly walked the sidewalks like a fashion-show runway, carrying their coats over their shoulders on this uncharacteristically warm November afternoon. A flash of green dashed through the crowd of customers as Peter Parker raced round the back entrance of the counter to clock in. His apron whooshed around him as he stopped at the register, punched in his employee ID number, and jumped into the flow of things, watching the front door intensely as he worked the hot bar with lightning speed. 

Customers loved Peter. He was quick, he never messed up a drink, and he always served with a smile. Pete’s co-workers loved him because whenever he worked, everyone got higher tips. The manager liked him because he always showed up for every shift, but she felt he could be better at the cleaning part of the job; she made sure to mention that in his quarterly review. Right on time, five minutes after 2:00 p.m., Peter’s favorite customer walked in. He told all the customers they were his favorite, but this one in particular was actually his favorite. 

The bell chimed and a man walked in, brown coat draped over his arm, gray knit sweater hugging his broad shoulders and chest just tight enough to portray a hint of modelesque musculature. This was Jamie. Jamie always wore a steel-blue tie, pulled tight around his white collared button-up shirt. Today, he sported a pair of well-fitting khaki slacks, brown oxfords, argyle socks. Clothing tells you everything about a person in New York City. Jamie’s clothes told Peter this: that Jamie had a job in the city, a real job, the kind you do in an office that looks over the hustle and bustle of the commoner’s everyday lives. Or so Peter imagined. He looked like most New York businessmen, but to Peter he was the definition of heaven. He was also unattainable. Peter rarely worked the register, due to being what the manager called “too friendly.” All his chatting with the customers slowed up the line. Unfortunately, Pete’s normal position at the bar fixing drinks kept him behind a wall of glass and noisy machines. The barrier made it near impossible to communicate effectively with customers.

His only chance was at the passthrough area, where he would set each hand-crafted beverage and call out the name of the customer it belonged to. Jamie changed up his drink often, which both frustrated and intrigued Peter. He wanted to be able to make Jamie’s drink quick enough that he could have a second to drop him his number on a napkin, but by the time Peter learned Jamie’s drink (usually three or four shifts), it was usually too late. He’d switched it up again. But Peter liked that about him, too. Jamie clearly liked to try new things. It was a good sign. 

So, as Jamie placed his order, Peter rushed to fill it before the payment was even processed. Today, Jamie ordered a pumpkin spice latte with extra whipped cream. Pete lucked out. He could make that drink in his sleep! Since the seasonal drink made its yearly debut in September, he was making hundreds of these each day. As he steamed the milk, Jamie looked over and gave him an easy smile. The light danced off his brown skin, his eyes twinkled. Peter felt his cheeks tingle with blush as he returned the grin. Milk frothed and mixed with the pumpkin spice flavor, the drink was almost complete. The payment processor beeped its approval to Jamie, and Peter raced to put the extra whip and autumn seasonings on the drink, meeting Jamie at the passthrough counter and carefully putting the lid on the cup.

As Jamie reached for the drink, Peter slipped a napkin toward him. “Don’t forget your napkins, Mr. Jamie, sir.” He’d written his number on it this morning, in preparation for this very moment.

Jamie smiled again, “Thank you, Peter. I’d hate to get coffee all over my suit.”

“You’re welcome, sir.”

Jamie took the napkin and left without showing signs of having seen the number written on it. All Peter could do now was wait. Waiting was hard. The time ticked by slower than usual today, but finally it was closing time. Peter helped clean up the floor, sweeping, mopping, and wiping frantically. His co-workers joked about him having a hot date, but when Peter blushed they realized he might actually have a hot date! So they pushed him for answers as to who the mystery guy or girl could possibly be. 

“I don’t have a date, guys. It’s just that I - uh - I have school in the morning. You know, senior year and all. Gotta finish strong,” he said.

At this, Tammy the night shift manager, bursted out with her typical hyena-cackle laughter. “Okay, sure Pete, you have school on a Saturday. Dumbass, it’s Friday night. If you didn’t have a date tonight I would be worried. You need to loosen up, Peter. You can’t just stay single forever!”

Peter’s co-workers had no idea he was actually dating, like, five people, so he just grinned and laughed, “I guess you’re right! Well I have to go now, goodbye!” He clocked out and dashed out of the store as quickly as he came in. As he walked home, green apron hanging over his shoulder, visor flipped backwards, he turned on his phone and waited impatiently for the messages to load. One-by-one they came in.

Aunt May: “Just arrived at the port in Jamaica, having a lovely time on the cruise!”

Cap: “Peter, please remember to do your laundry tonight. Your room smells like feet.”

Mr. Stark: [sent you a picture message]

Ned: “LEGO building party tonight at Josh’s, are you coming? 10pm.”

Pepper: “Morgan says hi!”

MJ: “LOL You look so funny in that coffee uniform.”

But nothing from a mystery number that could possibly be Jamie’s. He responded to the messages somewhat halfheartedly, then descended the subway stairs to take the train home. Headphones in, he thought about Jamie’s smile as he was ordering. His chest felt tight again, blood pumping, music blasting. He daydreamed until his stop, then took the headphones out for his walk home. He entered the tall apartment building and took the elevator up to the top. Nothing but the best for Tony Stark and his family! The penthouse smelled of a home-cooked meal. It was Cap’s turn to cook, so they were bound to have a feast. Rhodey was setting the table and greeted him first.

“Peter! How was work?” He laid down the last fork at the big oval dining table.

“It was good, I made some tips today!” Peter put on an extra layer of cheer to compensate for the disappointment of not hearing from Jamie.

“That’s great, Pete.” Rhodey was Peter’s metamour, Tony being their shared partner. Occasionally there was tension between them. It wasn’t jealousy, but they were known for calling each other out on their bullshit, and Peter could tell Rhodey’s bullshit detector was going off.

But before Rhodes could say anything, Steve Rogers walked in carrying a turkey pot pie. His kiss-the-cook apron, denim cut-off booty-shorts, and crab-claw oven mitts really made for a unique kind of vibe far and away from the Captain America the rest of the world saw. The daisy dukes certainly showed off America’s Ass in the least wholesome of ways. Peter and Rhodey both gulped, eyeballing that thicc snack as Cap bent over the kitchen table and set it at the center. The pot-pie didn’t look too bad either. Both had been interested in Steve for quite some time, but were not sure how to approach that, since he was so newly out of the closet.

“Where’s Tony?” Steve asked, pulling the oven mitts off and reaching back to untie his apron.

“I don’t know, I just got home,” Peter shrugged, heading up the loft stairs.

Steve turned to Rhodey and asked, “What’s up with the kid? He seems off.”

Rhodey wrapped an arm around Steve’s waist and pulled him close, “Don’t you ever take that apron off.” He grinned, then released Steve and headed to the kitchen to grab the green beans and bread rolls. Steve stayed stuck there for a moment, trying to control the blush that spread across his face before going upstairs to check on Peter and find Tony.

Since Peter’s room was down the hall from Tony’s workshop, Steve decided to stop there first. He poked his head in and spotted Pete sulking at his desk, staring listlessly at his phone. Pete didn’t notice him, so he observed and admired for a minute before knocking and entering. “Hey Pete, don’t you have laundry to do?”

Startled, Peter jumped up and threw his phone under his bed. “Yes, that’s exactly what I came in here to do, laundry.” Frantically, he searched for the laundry basket. Unable to find it, he quickly picked up some of his dirty clothes and balled them up in a pile in his arms. Once his hands were full, he used his toes to pick up the boxers and socks that littered the floor.

“Pete…” Steve tried to get his attention.

“I know, Mr. Rogers it smells like feet in here…”

“Pete… well, I mean yes it does but Peter—” he stepped in front of the teen. “Peter, stop.”

“What?” Peter was clearly upset, though his face wasn’t visible behind the pile of clothing that filled his arms.

“Put the laundry down.”

“But my room smells like feet…”

“Peter.”

“Fine,” he dropped the laundry on the floor, then plopped defiantly on the bed. “What.”

Steve sat gently beside Peter. “Pete, you’re upset.”

“I am not upset, I’m fine.”

“Did you have a rough day at work?” Steve scooted closer, leaning into Peter. He smelled sweetly of coffee. Peter said nothing. “You can tell me, I’ll keep a secret.” He wrapped a reassuring arm around Peter’s shoulders.

The young man looked up at him, eyes red from both tiredness and emotions. “There’s a guy.”

“A guy?” Steve had only come out of the closet three months ago. He could feel the blush coming back to his cheeks. He glanced toward the door, secretly hoping Tony would come in and fix everything. Tony could always fix anything, especially Peter’s broken heart.

Pete sniffed. “He’s a customer. His name is Jamie.”

Suddenly suspicious, Steve perked up. “Is he the reason you turned off your police scanner and keep picking up extra shifts at the shop?”

Peter rolled his eyes and sighed. “You have no idea. How hot. He is. Like, he walks in the room and I can’t breathe. And he doesn’t even know I exist beyond that I am some guy in a green apron who works at a coffee shop.”

“I know what you mean, sport, but you so many of us here who adore you, you know?”

“I know, but…” Peter stopped and suddenly realized what Cap was insinuating, “Wait a second… Mr. Rogers are you saying you’re—?”

Just then Tony knocked on the door. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”

Steve stiffened up and suddenly there was a whole 12 inches between him and Peter. “Hey Tony! Peter had a rough day at work. I told him he needs to do his laundry… ah… dinner is ready, bye!” Steve bolted out of the kid’s room and down the stairs before Tony or Peter had a chance to respond.

“What’s his deal?” Tony asked, sitting down in the warm spot where Steve’s butt just was.

“I think… actually I really don’t know, Mr. Stark.” Peter stood to pick up his clothes.

“Hey, kid, come here for a second.” Tony pulled Peter back onto the bed and pinned him down, his mechanical hand caressing Peter’s cheek. Peter had a momentary flashback to that day but shook it out of his head. He focused on Tony’s piercing eyes.

“You are clearly not okay. And from what I heard, because you know I hear everything that goes on in this house, it has to do with some boy at work?”

Peter rolled his eyes. “It’s nothing…”

“Yes, that’s absolutely right, it is nothing. Hey. Look at me, kid.” He waited until Peter turned his head and made eye contact. “Whoever this guy is, maybe he’s cute. Maybe you even gave him your number on that little napkin from breakfast, but in the end when you’re like us, like you and me and Cap and Bruce, you just can’t date civilians. It never works out. They don’t understand the pressures of the job... or worse: they get killed. Ask any super hero you’ve ever met.”

“But you and Pepper—”

“Yes, Pepper is a special lady who also does the super hero things from time to time. Pep and I have a kid together, but there were years of turmoil before Morgan was born. Stick with what you have, dating outside our kind will only make it hard for you in the end.”

Peter sighed. “I guess… you’re probably right. He’s just so handsome, I… there’s something about him.”

“Pete, I’m not saying don’t go knocking on that door, I’m just saying… be safe about it.”

***NSFW INCOMING. Look for the 3 asterisks at the end of this passage if you wish to skip the naughty stuff.***

Peter glanced up at Tony, feeling flush. Thinking about Jamie, feeling the weight of Tony pressing down against him, it had all started to become a little too much. His hard-on strained against the fabric of his black work pants. “Tony, I…”

“I know, kid,” Tony went in for a kiss. They were still eager and new, Peter only having turned 18 less than three months ago, but the kiss was so familiar and comforting. Tony pulled back and smiled, unbuttoning Peter’s pants. “I don’t want you thinking about that guy anymore. It’s just you and me in here, alright?” He pulled out Pete’s member and rubbed a finger at the base of the head.

“Yes, Mr. Stark, sir…”

“It’s Tony.” He palmed Peter’s cock, then slowly stroked.

Peter could only whimper in response.

“Good boy.” He released Peter. “Get naked for me, I have something I want you to try on.” Tony left the room to grab the skimpy maid outfit from his bedroom closet while Peter disrobed and hastily threw his dirty laundry in a pile in the closet. 

As Peter cleaned, he muttered to himself, “I really should have listened to Cap and done this last week… Where’s that fabreeze?”

Meanwhile, Tony bumped into Steve on his way to their shared bedroom at the other corner of the massive loft. “Steve, what’s up with you today?”

“What are you talking about?” Steve feigned coolness.

“Do you have a thing for Pete?”

“Who? Pete? The kid? Nah. Not me.” Steve sped up, walking quicker toward the bedroom, but Tony caught up with him easily.

At the doorframe, he stopped him, cornered him, pushed him back against the wall. “Steve, I want you to join us.” His lips were so close to Steve’s. Steve quivered.

“Join you?” Steve chuckled nervously, turning red again. “Tony, even if I liked him, how could I handle both of you at once?”

“Yep, that’s it you’re coming with me.” Tony gripped Steve’s forearm tight with his bionic hand and pulled the protesting Captain back toward Peter’s room. The maid outfit could wait for another day, but breaking Steve in with another young buck had to happen someday... and today was as good as any!

By the time they entered the room, Peter had made it spotless. Not a single smell of feet to be found. Tony and Steve both knew he had probably just shoved everything in his closet, but the bed was made and the desk was cleared and the room smelled nicely of linen fabreeze. Peter was nude, sitting on the bed, waiting patiently for Tony to return with some outfit or other. He was shocked to see Steve Rogers standing in the doorway beside Tony, looking shyly down, cheeks frosted rose.

“Mr. Stark… you said you wanted me to try something on… D-do you want me to try on Mr. Rogers?” His voice broke a bit.

Stark sighed. “Kid, how many times do we have to tell you? it’s Tony. And Steve. And... there was a change of plans. Remember how I said it would be only you and me in here?” Pete nodded, swallowing hard as he saw Steve’s growing erection through the tight daisy dukes he’d donned to prepare dinner. “Well, now it’s you and me. And Steve.”

“S-steve, sir, I would love that... it’s just…” Pete had never seen Captain America be so shy. “I think your dick might ruin me…”

Steve glanced at Peter. Tony glared at Steve. “Say it, Cap. Go on! Tell him.”

“Peter.” Steve was looking at him lustfully, passionately now. “I want you. I want you to take me. I need you... I need you inside of me.”

Peter gave a breathy sigh. Partly from the way Cap’s words made his own dick throb, and partly from relief that he wouldn’t have to try to take the horse-sized dong that seemed to be endlessly growing in Steve’s shorts. He stood, approached Steve, and smiled. “I would like that very much.” He glanced over at Tony, unable to hide his surprise and apparent elatedness that Steve was in fact a bottom, and also that his dick really was that huge.

*** End NSFW Section***

So, that’s it for now! What do you think of part one? Do you like the partition for the SFW vs. NSFW content? What do you think will happen next? Part 2 takes place the next day. It will be coming soon! Probably tomorrow, or next week, depending on when I find time between work and school.

[berrynooboos]

Click the pictures to make them larger, also you can click [UNEDITED] to see unedited screenshots.

I’ve been working on this for basically the whole month of august. I wanted to do something huge. Not only as a followers gift, but as a couple other things. One as a thank you for being there for me while I was at my lowest point this summer. So many of you donated, or even reblogged to GoFundMe, and that means to world to me. Without all your help, I would not have made it to this point here in all honestly, the funds helped me survive and I just can’t thank you enough. No amount of stuff I upload will ever be enough, but I want to try anyway. The last reason being the fact that I wanted to do something big to welcome myself back. Which isn’t as cool as a reason as the first but you know xD.

First I have a whole bunch of clothes for you! Most of which are TM-AM, Three of which are AM only, and then a single outfit for PU, CU, and AF.

From left to right, top to bottom;

@rented-space‘s 3T2 Celeb Casual Vest in two floral patterns and colors -  I originally was going to have these be a default replacement, which is why there is only two, but for some reason they aren’t defaulting, so here they are instead! TM-AM

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@rented-space‘s 3T2 Not So Chilly Scarf in 40 patterns - I wasn’t going to do 40, it was originally going to be like only 20, but then I went searching, and found a whole bunch of unicorn patterns, and well... I have a bit of a Unicorn problem xD. TM-AM

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

MissTiikeri’s Male Crop top in 20 patterns w or w/o lace undershirt - This was one of the first things I made, which is why the previous top was only going to be in 20 patterns. I liked @furbyq‘s idea of having an undershirt, but didn’t want to copy completely, and wanted something more Berry’s style. So I made lace undershirts to go with them! Though I realized that might be too femme for some, so they also come without the undershirt. AM Only

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@deedee-sims Sweater Drape in 40 Patterns - I’m a sucker for shirts like this. With the tied sweater. Makes me think of *coughdreamdaddycough* So it comes in the same patterns as the not so chilly scarf. TM-AM

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

MDP’s 4T2 Sweater Knit in 23 colors - This is the first one that comes in my TS4 Crystallum colors. I figured those would be a nice set of rainbow colors to use. Each has a white undershirt. TM-AM

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@rented-space‘s 3T2 Romantic Robe in my crystallum colors - The robe is the main color, while the shorts are in another of my crystallum colors. Any of the clothing that comes in dual colors will share the same color combo. As in, if the clothing is in Rose Quartz, the other part of the clothing is always going to be in Light Azore. I don’t know if any of this makes sense. xD AM Only

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@deedee-sims‘s Townlife Hoodie in my crystallum colors - I love this hoodie. It looks so comfy. I was happy when I found that @linasims2 converted it to toddlers. TM-AM

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@rented-space‘s 3T2 Trend Sweats in my crystallum colors. - This one comes in solids and dual colors. The shoes of which are always white. AM Only

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@deedee-sims‘s Positive Thinking Shirt in my Crystallum colors - I was using this one for a default as well, but the default I was trying to recolor, the same thing happened as the Celeb Casual Vest. They were the same file, so I don’t know what’s wrong with it. So instead I made this a full set. TM-AM

[UNEDITED]

@rented-space‘s Lukaz Layered Tee in my Crystallum colors, and a random saying for each - I had originally only made them in my colors, but decided I needed to spice them up. So I threw a couple of random words or sayings on them to add a little flare. TM-AM

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@rented-space‘s 3T2 Start-Up Chic in argyle patterns in my Crystallum colors - I thought this top would look really cute in argyle patterns, and I was right. It’s that perfect dose of being a little nerdy, but being kind of stylish as well. xD TM-AM

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@rented-space‘s 3T2 Luke Nightshirt in my Crystallum colors - I love this nightshirt, and had wanted to recolor it for a while but never got around to it. But finally I have! CU only - Pajama Section

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

@linasims2‘s Townlife Hoodie w/ Shorts - This is the PU conversion of the townlife hoodie I mentioned above. It comes in the same colors as the TM-AM version. PU Only

[UNEDITED]

@deedee-sims Peasant Wedding Dress in my Crystallum Colors and Floral patterns - Normally I don’t do many female clothes, as the TS2 community has far too many colorful female things already, but this dress is beautiful. So I just had to slap a floral pattern on it, and recolor it. Mama Pumpkin looks beautiful in it. AF ONLY - Formal Section

[SWATCH] [UNEDITED]

[DOWNLOAD CLOTHES]

Next I have accessories, makeup, and skins!

Daislia’s Fox ears in my Otherworld colors to match my hair recolors - I love these giant ears, so naturally I had to recolor them. I’m not sure what ages they work for, but I have a feeling it’s AU only.

[DOWNLOAD] [UNEDITED]

Fairy wings in 70 galaxy prints - Because I don’t have enough things in galaxy prints apparently? But I think these came out really pretty. Who doesn’t need Space Fairies right???

[DOWNLOAD] [UNEDITED]

@lilith-sims‘s Delicate Lips in my Otherworld Colors  @furbyq‘s Midnight Creeper Lips in my Otherworld Colors 

Kiwi’s Colorpoint Nose/Ear Blush in my Otherworld Colors 

[SWATCH] 

Eltaninz Galaxy Blush in 90 Galaxy Prints

[SWATCH] 

Eltaninz Smooth Sailing Blush in my Otherworld Colors

[SWATCH] 

Mass Effect Andromeda Species Face Masks converted to TS2 - All credit for these goes to Bioware, all I did was extract them and make them fit on the TS2 faces. I didn’t make a swatch for these, but you can see what each one looks like on my TS4 conversion of them HERE.

[DOWNLOAD MAKEUP]

Finally, I recolored @lilith-sims Honey Skinblend with Freckles in my Otherworld colors. Some of them didn’t translate well into skins, but I made them anyway, I still think they look cool. They are geneticized, and townified. They are sorted with the default skins, as that is how my game is geneticized. The numbers range from 0.02 to 0.99

[DOWNLOAD]

Meshes should be included for everything that needs them, if I forgot anything please let me know, and thanks again for all the follows!

[scotianostra]

On March 16th 1309 King Robert the Bruce convened his first parliament, at St Andrews.

The sources for parliament’s early history are not good, many records probably being an unfortunate casualty of Edward I’s attempted conquest. For this reason reconstructing how and when Scotland’s parliament came into being will probably remain a matter of debate.

By 1306, when Robert I seized the throne, there might have been some expectation that the prominent role for the community of the realm in the government of the kingdom that had arisen since 1286 would continue. Yet no king voluntarily accepts limits upon his powers, and Robert I restored royal authority, removing the ability of the community to play a significant role in the formulation of parliamentary acts. The king used the rhetoric of community and parliamentary authority that had evolved since 1286 to give his actions a façade of broad support that they often did not have. Parliament became a tool for creating documents designed to validate and augment the king’s authority by the public display of support for his kingship.

I’ve said it before, most recently with the post in February on the Declaration of the Clergy, these were tools used to send a message to England that the Scots were functioning normally, propaganda tools. The same tools are still being used nowadays, only in a modern way, you just have to look Ukraine and President  Zelenskyy, with his daily updates and speaking at other countries parliaments via video links, he is sending out a message to the Russians that Ukraine is still functioning, much in the same way Scotland let other countries know that we continued to repel the English Usurpers, Edward I’s death two years before must have been encouraging for Bruce, Longshanks son was certainly not a warrior like his father. The most famous piece of propaganda we sent out was The Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, although the first of note from Scotland was  The Lübeck letter in 1297. 

The Bruce was still trying to unite the Scots against their common enemy, the meeting of parliament, therefore, was a useful means of engineering declarations of support for the king, or of manipulating collective decision-making. At this time, the Scottish magnates sent a letter to King Philip IV of France in response to his request for assistance in a crusade. The Scots replied expressing their support for Bruce as king, reminding Philip of Scotland’s devastation by war, and promised help when peace was achieved.

The letter reads:

“Letters: by the magnates of Scotland to Philip IV, king of France.

To the most Christian and triumphant prince and reverend lord the lord Philip [IV] by the grace of God illustrious king of the French, William, earl of Ross, Malcolm, earl of Lennox, William, [earl of Suther]land, and the communities of the earldoms of Fife, Menteith, Mar, Buchan and Caithness, the heirs of which are in ward, likewise the communities of all the other earldoms of the kingdom of Scotland [except]† [D]unbar; Edward de Bruce, lord of Galloway, James the steward of Scotland, Alexander de Argyll, Donald de Islay, John de Menteith, Hugh, the son and heir of the earl [of Ross]†, Gilbert de Hay, constable of Scotland, Robert de Keith, marischal of Scotland, Thomas Randolph, lord of Nithsdale, James, lord of Douglas, Alexander de Lindsay, Alexander de [Fraser], [William] Wiseman, David de Barclay, Robert Boyd, barons; and also all of Argyll and the Hebrides and the inhabitants of all the kingdom of Scotland recognising the fealty of the lord Robert by the grace of God king of Scotland, all [… … ….] Your credence having been revealed to us in writing, and having been fully understood [by us], in the full parliament of our lord the king solemnly held not long ago at the city of St Andrews, impressed upon our minds the joyfulness of [your] devot[ion] [… … ….] For we conclude that your majesty’s mind is devoutly disposed to take on the business of the Holy Land, to prosecute which all followers of the Christian faith justly ought to strive and with humble devotion incline their hearts [… … …,] we saw that it was contained [in your letter] that your royal grace considers and calls to mind the treaties between the kingdoms of France and Scotland, made long ago and confirmed; also the losses, harms and injuries which the inhabitants of the kingdom [… … …] have suffered in many ways hitherto. The particular and special affection which, in that credence, you say you have towards the person of our lord Robert by the grace of God king [of Scots … …] [whom] justice and truth and the grace of the King of Kings has raised up as our prince and leader, cheers our hearts above all else. We therefore noting, with heartfelt feelings, the aforesaid, as we are bound in duty to do [… … …] [?commend] your right royal devotion towards the business of the Holy Land, and for the affection which you have towards our lord the king, and we return thanks as best we can to your majesty for restoring the liberties and rights of the kingdom of Scotland, praying to God that ‘by the bowels of mercy of Jesus Christ’ that you may bring to fulfilment the devout purpose which you have conceived in your mind, trough our Lord’s inspiration in relation to the aforesaid, with holy desire, and efficacious eagerness and a safe outcome. May your royal majesty deign to take note, with pious mind, that in the exaltation of Christian princes the name of Christ is extolled and the Catholic faith strengthened. If, therefore, the standing of our lord [the king whom] we say unanimously is [… … …], is exalted and the kingdom of Scotland returns to its former free condition, the tempests of war having been quelled and secure peace having been granted, then your royal highness will be able to have as supporters to achieve the end of your desire, the service of God, and to come to your help, not only our lord the king aforesaid, but also the inhabitants of his kingdom as best they are able. And as [evidence of] the aforesaid things [… …] clearly these letters sealed by our seals were commanded to be sent patent to your highness. Written and given at the city of St Andrews in Scotland 16 March 1308 [1309] and in the third year of our lord King Robert’s [reign].

I know it’s not an easy read, but I have taken this straight from the web page of The Records of the Parliament of Scotland here  https://www.rps.ac.uk/trans/1309/2 . Check the side bar for more records from 1308, when an assembly was held and William, earl of Ross, recorded his act of homage to Robert I before an assembly of prelates and nobles.

The second photo is a Letter by the magnates of Scotland regarding the right of King Robert I to the Crown of Scotland, 16 March 1309, an extract reads:

… we see it contained that royal gratitude reflects on and brings back to mind the alliances formerly existing and maintained between the kingdoms of France and Scotland and the losses, sufferings and trials which the inhabitants of the kingdom have hitherto so much endured. Our minds are cheered, above all, by the extraordinary and peculiar affection which… you say you have for the person of lord Robert, by the grace of God our lord king, who has been raised up as our leader and prince by right and truth and by the justice and grace of the King of Kings. We therefore… [?commend] your royal devotion for the affairs of the holy land… and for the regard you have towards our lord king, and we return all the thanks we can to your royal majesty for the restoration of the liberties and rights of the kingdom of Scotland.

… If therefore… the kingdom of Scotland [be] restored to its original liberty, the storms of war extinguished, the security of peace granted… your highness may have at power not only our lord the king aforesaid but also the inhabitants of his realm.

[limitededitionsanderssidesblog]

Speech Impediment - Chapter 13

Ships: logicality, prinxiety, platonic dlamp, remceit/sleepceit

Summary: The second semester of his first year of college begins, and the rest of the gang finally gets to meet Remy.

AO3 - Here

Chapter One Previous Next

The moment Dexter realized he didn’t require math to graduate he dropped his calculus class. Since he was majoring in English Literature and receiving a Bachelor in Creative Writing, he was exempted from taking a math course. Oh how he wished he would have read the fine print at the beginning of the year and not have wasted his time with that hellish subject. Once he had made the choice to stop taking calculus he decided what the hell and dropped out of biology too, never really being interested in it in the first place.

So, now with two empty spots in his schedule, Dexter had chosen to take poetry with Virgil, and psychology. He would later learn that he and Virgil would have different poetry classes, but for the moment that was his main persuasion to take that class. While he wasn’t much of a poet, the class offered him the creative liberty he wanted, so it was the obvious choice. And the psychology was for his psychological horror novels.

His class schedule was shifted around this semester for two reasons. The obvious one being the change in classes, and the other was the fact that his parents had told him to get a job just a few minutes before they boarded their flight.

For... pretty much ever, his parents had discouraged him from getting a part-time job, since it would most likely mean that he’d have to communicate with customers, which he wasn’t too fond off. But after their most recent visit they had both decided that it would be best that he start working before he sought after an actual career, no longer letting him mooch off of their bank account. Dexter had located a few possible job openings where talking would not always be a necessity, such as the Downtown book store, Anne’s Bookshelf, the City Library, and his University’s Library. 

Okay, so maybe he just wanted to work around books, but not much talking happened in those places because most of the patrons were either reading or working. The most he’d probably have to do is shush someone, give directions to a genre section or look up a book. Shouldn’t be too hard. He had already filled out multiple online applications and was simply waiting for a response.

But that was for later, at the moment he had to focus on his first class of the day, which was in fact anatomy, yet another class he was taking for the sake of making his horrific gore novels more realistic. The class started at nine thirty in the morning, one hour from now. He had been lying awake in bed for the past ten minutes, still uncommitted to leaving his warm bed for the freezing domain just outside of his blankets. Patton had already turned on the heater when he had gotten up earlier, but he still didn’t want to move.

“Are gonna get up soon?” Patton asked from the bathroom door, currently brushing his teeth as he spoke, white toothpaste foam dripping from his mouth and staining the front of his shirt.

“Ugh!” Dexter groaned loudly, “No!”

“Okay, kiddo,” Patton giggled, going back inside the bathroom to rinse out his mouth.

Dexter heaved an unnecessarily heavy sigh, kicking his blankets off unceremoniously, and jumping up to change. Just as he had predicted, the room was frosty and unpleasant, nipping at his exposed skin as he changed into out of his yellow and white polka dot pajamas and into a pale yellow button up with a black argyle sweater-vest over it; and of course black slacks, he only owned like six pairs. He joined Patton in their small bathroom and pulled out his hairbrush from the bathroom drawer, fixing his bedhead, and then brushed his teeth.

At about eight fifty, when both of the had finished getting ready, Roman and Virgil met up with them outside their door, both looking tired and lacking sleep. They headed out together, carpooling in Patton’s minivan to meet up with Logan at their cafe. Somehow the five of them had managed to have almost all their classes around the same time that semester, besides a few exceptions. So, Logan had devised a plan for them all to carpool together to save both gas and money, while also not producing as much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 

They all met up with him at the shop, which he had walked to, ordered drinks and breakfast, then climbed back into the minivan to head to their classes, splitting off there in the parking lot.

Dexter paced himself to his class, careful not to slip on any hidden or visible ice, sipping his herbal tea and nibbling on a blueberry scone that was overly sugared and ridiculous large, like most American things were. He had five minutes to spare when he arrived to class, and nearly half the seats were already taken. Looking through his options of open seating, Dexter sat his belongings and his person down in the back right corner, far from other students and a good, close, distance to the door. 

Since he was a bit early, he resolved to play a short horror game on his phone until the professor started the session. It was a cheap copy of Slender, but it was entertaining enough. His professor, Dr. Hernandez, was as punctual as usual, demanding their attention the moment the bell signified the start of class. Dr. Hernandez was quite a strict teacher, not putting up with any talking, lack of effort, or arriving late.

That’s why, when there was a knock on the locked classroom door, everyone in the room was astounded that there was already someone late on the first day. Dr. Hernandez grumbled since he had to stop only five minutes into the lesson. He opened the door only slightly, prepared to give the student his “I don’t care that you woke up late, you’re not allowed in” speech, but the student beat him to it.

“I’m sorry professor! I had some trouble finding you’re classroom and had to ask my old teacher for directions.” He all but shouted at their professor.

“Let me guess, you’re the new teacher’s aid?” He presumed aloud regarding the newcomer.

“Yeah, sorry I’m late.” He said noncommittally, leaning against the door frame. Dr. Hernandez grimaces for a second, and then steps aside for the teacher aid to walk in.

“Normally you would sit in the front, but since you weren’t here on time, like you were supposed to be, most of the seats are already taken.” Which was true, the only two spots that were currently avaliable being the one to Dexter’s left and the one in front of him. “Just pick any that’s open.”

With that, the professor returned to his seat and began talking again immediately, leaving the aid standing at the door. It was only when the student stepped completely in that Dexter recognized him as that one guy from the coffee shop that he had managed to embarrass himself in front of. What was his name again? Richard... Randy... Ron? Remy!

Remy scanned the room for said open seating and looked pleasantly surprised when he noticed Dexter in the back corner, with the only vacant seats being next to him. Remy walked with such a confident disposition and swagger that he could have easily mistaken him for Roman. Claiming the seat to his left, the man dropped his messenger bag on the table and threw himself into his seat, practically hanging half of his body off of the chair. Dexter took note of his leather jacket and ripped, white shirt, styled with a pair of black distressed jeans and heeled leather boots. Everything about him seemed to radiate a cool vibe. Dexter looked down at his own sweater-vest and blushed, feeling significantly less cool.

“Hey. Psst. Heeey!” The man called hushedly beside him. Dexter opted to ignore him, upset with himself for the way he was dressed in comparison to the other, and also not wanting to get in trouble with the professor. However, Remy opted to retaliate by choosing to poke him in the arm repeatedly.

Dexter sighed and gave in, “What don’t you want, Remy?” He asked undertone.

“You remember my name.” Remy smiled brightly. “What’cha doing in this class?”

“Not studying anatomy, uncertainly.” Dexter replied, turning his attention back to their professor, who was currently pulling up a slideshow presentation and directing them to take notes on the vital organs. Dexter reached into his bag to pull out his notebook and pencil, but nearly dropped both on the floor when Remy decided to speak again.

“Ah, I still love the way you talk.” He exhaled dreamily, resting his cheek on his left palm, leaning his body into the desk as he stared sideways at Dexter.

Dexter tried and failed spectacularly to hide the blush that was creeping up his neck from pure shock and embarrassment. He didn’t say anything back and kept his head down, covering his face with his hand out of Remy’s line of sight, focusing solely on the lecture. Nearly a minute passed by and Dexter had began to believe that Remy had disregarded his discomfort, but was taken aback when he heard him utter a small apology.

“I’m sorry, that was rude.” Remy said sheepishly, appearing to have regret his actions. Dexter smiled slightly at this, feeling some of his doubts dissipate, but not all of them. 

“It’s not alright, I’m just used to compliments.” Dexter tells him, slightly forgetting about the lecture.

“Well then, you better used to them babe.” Remy smirked cheekily.

And cue Dexter becoming a blushing mess again.

The two of them didn’t speak for the rest of class, Remy thankfully allowing him his space to work and listen to the, rather dull, lecture. That didn’t mean that the other didn’t make his presence known however, constantly doing thing such as tapping his fingers on the table, repeatedly crossing and uncrossing his legs, or looking over Dexter’s shoulder at his notes, to remind him that he was still there. Dexter wasn’t sure yet if this was endearing or annoying.

Probably more annoying.

When the two hours were up and they were free to go, the two of ended up walking out together. His next class was at twelve thirty, in an hour, purposefully giving him a bit of time to grab a bite in between classes. So, just as Logan had previously planned, Dexter made his way to meet up with everyone to grab lunch at the campus’s cafeteria. Ironically, Remy also had some free time until his next class at one o’clock and was going to head there for lunch, so he decided to accompany Dexter there. He didn’t entirely mind the company, but he did mind how openly... kind he was.

Am I reading too far into this? Was this a friend thing he didn’t know about? Patton was quite clingy and nice to everyone so maybe, is that what Remy was doing, just being nice? Should I tell him that I’m asexual, would that make him back off?

“Only if you want me to.” Remy responded honestly.

What the fuck?! Did I say that aloud?

“Yes you did.” He chuckled, swinging his body around so that he was walking backwards in front of Dexter. “So do you want me to back off? I know we don’t really know each other that well, I don’t want to push it.”

“Um, no, I- well, maybe just a lot.” Dexter answered, shyly rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.

“Okay then,” He smiled, flipping the sunglasses that he always wore up to give him a wink before quickly bringing them back over his eyes. Once he did this he noticed that Remy actually had two different colored irises, the right one brown and the left being grey. Dexter felt his breath escape him when he saw this. “I’ll back off a tad.” Dexter simply nodded back, too amazed to say anything. 

The rest of the walk was easy enough, with a simple conversation on why they were each in anatomy flowing between them on their way to the cafeteria. Dexter learned that Remy actually wanted to be a surgeon but was falling behind on credits, so he became a teacher’s aid to catch up on them so he can graduate in time to be able to go on to medical school next year. It was also then that he learned that the other was actually twenty-three, which was even older than Patton, the oldest in his group of friends. In turn, he was asked of his reasons for being in anatomy, to which he gave the simple answer of it being for reference for another class. Perhaps Remy notice his discomfort while answering, because he didn’t ask Dexter to elaborate, and for that he was grateful for.

Soon enough they made it to their destination, which was half empty of student patrons. Dexter swiftly located his friends, sitting in the far right corner by the window, all looking to have already grabbed some food and were happily eating. Patton noticed him and waved.

Dexter gave a small wave back and looked at Remy, who was looking back expectantly through his tinted glasses. That’s when it dawned on him that he had never actually invited Remy to eat with them.

“Erm, would you hate to eat with us?”

Remy’s shoulders fell in what appeared to be relief. 

“Sure thing, babe.” He smiled, grinning wider when Dexter rolled his eyes and led the way over to his friends.

The others noticed the newcomer instantaneously even before he made it to the table. Each taking to Remy differently at first glance.

“Goodbye guys,” He greeted them somewhat awkwardly, “Everyone, this isn’t Remy. We aren’t in class together.”

Whatever previous conversation the four were having must of burned and died because none of them said anything straight away, apparently not expecting Dexter to bring someone into the group. Unsurprisingly, though, Patton spoke up first, offering a smile and a hand to Remy.

“Heya Remy! I’m Patton Sanders, this is my wife Logan-“

“I’m his boyfriend,” Logan interrupted, hastily putting a stop to the long trail of introductions by Patton that probably would have mirrored the one Dexter had received back when they all first met. “Logan Winchester, physics major, Patton here is an art major. And these are our close friends, Roman Sanchez and Virgil Black.”

Remy exchanged a handshake with each of them.

“Might I inquire how exactly you met our dear Dexter?” Logan asked.

Dexter shifted somewhat awkwardly, everyone else giggled, but their lovable stoic nerd just ignored them. Logan’s mom mode had been activated.

“We met at a coffee shop a few weeks ago, actually,” Remy answered him, resting an arm on Dexter’s small shoulder, leaning into him ever so slightly. “but I’m the teacher’s aid for his anatomy class.” Dexter’s head began to spin with the looks his friends began to give him, there eyes boring into the strange guy’s arm on his shoulder. Had Remy completely forgotten the discussion they just had a few minutes ago? 

Taking a step to the side, he detached himself from Remy’s bodily contact and from his friends’ gazes. 

“I’m not going to grab something to eat.” He said shortly before fleeing the scene, desperately wanting to get away from whatever tension was brewing.

...

“So... Remy was it?” Virgil voiced icily, glaring at the newcomer, “What are your intentions with our friend?”

Remy didn’t seem at all deterred by the emo’s tone or his murder worthy eyes, calmly pulling up a chair from the table next to them and taking a seat.

“Well I was hoping to be his friend, if that’s alright with you.” Remy replied simply, albeit a bit cockily. 

“I’m not so sure that I am.” Roman said next, “Not by the way you treated his personal space when he was clearly uncomfortable. You are aware that he’s asexual, right?”

Remy’s relaxed character fell slightly at Roman’s words, his grin dropping into a frown. “He was-” His words failed him, “He mentioned it earlier, I did’t mean to upset him.”

“Well you did nonetheless.” Logan cut in abruptly, “So as a warning, I suggest that you respect those boundaries.”

“We’ll let you hang around Dexter for now, but we’ll be watching you.” Virgil joined in, finishing the, rather threatening, conversation.

...

When Dexter came back a minute later he did not missing the obviously stressed atmosphere, but chose not to comment on it. The rest of lunch wasn’t so bad though, talking became easier once Patton got going on about some cartoon that was coming out and the time was quickly used up.

Dexter’s next class was Creative Writing, which was in the same building as Virgil’s, who had Poetry at the moment, so the two walked together. He didn’t know what class Remy had next, but he did know hat it was on the opposite side of the campus, so they had to say goodbye here. Dexter offered a small handshake to say goodbye.

He may have been imagining it, but Dexter could have sworn that Remy had been hesitant when taking his hand, pulling away as if he had touched fire.

.

.

They’re just a little overprotective and he’s just a bit clingy.

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