#anyway. yes it’s another eddie coming out fic don’t look at me

[capseycartwright]

have been tagged in many wip wednesdays and seven sentence sundays the last few weeks i haven’t replied to, so instead here is a tidbit thursday

Eddie Diaz is fourteen years old the first time he thinks he might be gay. He remembers the moment so clearly – he was lying in bed, curled up under the covers, and the thought struck him like lighting – sudden, and seemingly out of nowhere, sending a shock down his spine as he lets the thought wash over him.

He remembers thinking it – Eddie doesn’t quite remember why the thought came to him, though. He thinks maybe it was because Carson from his third period math class got a girlfriend – Emily, who played soccer for their school team - and had proudly boasted to everyone before the bell rang that he’d kissed her for five whole minutes and Eddie was sort of confused as to why you’d want to do that when he’d much rather see what it was like to kiss Carson, and –

Oh.

Fourteen-year-old Eddie didn’t know a lot of gay people. He knew they existed, in a mythical sort of way, like Sophia was convinced unicorns did, but he wasn’t sure he’d ever actually met a real-life gay person. He’d only ever heard about them – from movies, and television shows, and the way his parents murmured in quiet voices about what a shame it was that Mrs. Garcia’s daughter, the one who had moved to New York for college, was a lesbian now – she’d have found a good husband if she wasn’t that way inclined, his mother had lamented, and his father had nodded his stoic agreement, offering his hope that Isabella Garcia would change her mind and settle down with a good man, in the end.

People were gay, Eddie knew – but at fourteen, he had the distinct impression that he wasn’t supposed to be one of them. Ramon Diaz had old-fashioned ideas about who his son was supposed to be – the only Diaz boy in a house of girls, Eddie’s job was to be the man of the house when Ramon would travel. Eddie was supposed to be strong-willed, and he was supposed to keep his emotions to himself, and he was supposed to be a man. Never mind that he was still a child – Eddie was supposed to be a man, and the kind of man his father expected him to be, wasn’t a gay one.

Eddie was fourteen when he wondered if he could be gay, and he was fourteen when he took that thought and buried it as deeply as he could.

tagging @clusterbuck @hattalove @doeeyeseddie @thatbuddie @mellaithwen @sibylsleaves @henswilsons @littlespoonevan @roy-kents and anyone else who wants an excuse to post a wee bit of fic!

[medusapelagia]

23 Meet me at Skull Rock

written for @steddieangstyaugust (prompt: Skull Rock) and @augustwritingchallenge (Prompt:Musician ), @aug-kissed (prompt: Using Tongue) Rating: Mature Relationship: Steve/Eddie TW: no one Words: 1403

(Did Tumblr eat my fic... AGAIN?! Yes! It did! But now I'm smarter and I have copies! Lol XD)

The car is parked down the road, hidden behind a thick bush and a big tree, the same place Steve used every time he hung out at Skull Rock. Nobody could see it from the street and that gave him all the privacy he needed.

Steve has been to Skull Rock so many times by now, but every time was different from the time before.

There was a time when he was still King Steve and he used to come here with the girl of the week. There was a time when he was just Steve, and he drove Nancy here just to look at the stars and intertwine their fingers. There was a time when he was a warrior, ready to fight, and he came to save a friend.

But this time...

This time is different from all the other times.

This time is a goodbye.

Eddie hasn’t really told him, but when he asked him to meet at Skull Rock Steve immediately got it. The road is close enough to the highway. They can share a joint, drink a beer or two, and then Eddie will drive his car far away from Hawkins. From the place that was never home to him. And Steve will remain. Because his roots are deep and strong and he can’t move. Not when the boys are still there. Not when Robin has promised to take a year off to help him figure out what he wants to do with his life. Not when his parents finally came back to take care of him even if he doesn’t need it anymore.

“My liege! Come! Sit down! I already started a fire and brought some s’mores.”

Steve sits on the ratty blanket Eddie has laid down on the ground to protect his royal ass from the bumpy rocks, grabbing a marshmallow and stabbing it with a stick, roasting it on the flame.

Crackers and chocolate are waiting for him at Eddie’s side when he puts the hot candy out of the fire.

“So, you’re going to try?” Steve asks, squishing the marshmallow between the crackers and the chocolate.

“I have nothing to lose,” Eddie mumbles, his mouth full of crackers and some chocolate dripping down his fingers.

“Musician. That’s a cool career.”

“That’s the dream: playing my songs in an arena full of people who sing along with me. And there are other benefits. Like groupies, free stuff, and money. So much money.” Eddie adds in a dreamy tone.

“Yeah. It sounds, nice.”

“I know I’m dreaming big, but you should try it sometime. It really changes your day.  And even if I won’t make it, I will be far from this stupid town anyway, so that’s a plus. In a big town like Los Angeles, I could get lost in no time. No more angry parents threatening me or Wayne, no more slashed tires. No more spray paint on the trailer. Yeah. It sounds like Paradise.”

“The boys?”

“Jeff is coming with me, he is going to attend college in California anyway, And next year Gareth and Frank will graduate too so we’ll be reunited. And maybe we’ll finally make it big. If not, there are so many bars where we could play. I'm not worried at all.”

Steve nods quietly while inside him his feelings are bubbling like a hot soup. He reaches out to grab another marshmallow, and his hand bumps into Eddie’s. The metal head smiles brightly, “Didn’t know you had a sweet tooth,” he says, offering him the bag to grab another candy, but that seems to be Steve’s breaking point. He drops the bag of candies, not caring about ants or other insects, and pushes Eddie with his shoulders to the ground.

“Tell me to stop,” he whispers on Eddie’s lips, “tell me you don’t want this and I’ll leave.”

Eddie’s eyes have always been big, but right now they are huge pools of chocolate brown staring at him in astonishment.

He doesn’t ask Steve to stop, he doesn’t push him away or scream against him, he grabs the back of Steve’s head with one hand and drags him toward himself. Eddie tastes like chocolate and candies with a hint of cheap beer, that’s what Steve will remember about his first kiss with a man. His hands are strong and his long slim fingers are curling on Steve’s back, urging him closer, and closer. They’re chest to chest, Steve practically crushing Eddie with his body, and then Steve’s tongue pushes a little bit harder and Eddie grants him permission to kiss him deeply. Their tongue meets halfway, as if they couldn’t wait to finally touch each other. Steve’s tongue twirls and moves faster into Eddie’s mouth and Eddie follows his lead, obediently. It’s not so different from kissing a girl, the only difference is Eddie’s chapped lips and a hint of beard growth brushing against Steve’s chin, but Steve doesn’t startle at the realization that he’s kissing a man. He just makes himself softer and kinder, not wanting to leave Eddie with a bad memory of their first kiss.

Steve doesn’t know how long they keep kissing, he hasn’t made out for so long in months and he’s somehow surprised when he finds Eddie straddling him, their hard dicks brushing one against the other behind their jeans.

But then Eddie retreats, crawling backward on the blanket.

“What was that?” he asks, cleaning his mouth with the back of his hand, and Steve knows he fucked up, he really did.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“Is that so? I don’t know what I was thinking?! You fucking kissed me, man!” Eddie yells, “You… you stole it from me!”

“I didn’t steal anything.” Steve replies tiredly, “I kissed you, I made a big mistake, and I’m sorry. Shouldn’t have done that.”

“No, you should have not!” Eddie insists, and now he’s standing, touching with his fingertips his plum lips, “Why did you do that?”

“I don’t know Eds. I wanted to, okay? You’re leaving anyway, why does it matter? It’s not like you have never been kissed before!” Steve sighs, brushing a hand through his hair, and then the realization hits him. “It wasn’t… it wasn’t your first kiss, right? You… you have all those dirty magazines you bought in Indy, you always talk about that stupid hanky code. You… you have never been kissed before.” Steve whispers, pinching his nose, “Listen, man, I’m sorry, ok? I didn’t mean it.”

“You didn’t mean it? Thank you, Steve! That makes things so much better!” Eddie complains, his arms crossed in front of him, “Hey Eddie, I stole your first kiss because I was drunk and sad. I don’t even like boys but you were here so I just did it. Sorry. But we’re fine right?” Eddie yells, mocking Steve’s voice.

“That’s not… It’s not like that, ok? It wasn’t…”

“It wasn’t what? An experiment? A test?”

“I do like you, moron!” Steve finally yells and his voice reverberates in the quiet of the woods, then he lowers his tone, “I do like you. I have liked you for quite a bit but I never gather the courage to say anything. And now you’re leaving and I won’t see you again, and maybe you’re right, I’m sad and drunk. But I did mean it, Eddie. It wasn’t an experiment. I swear.” Steve almost whispers, avoiding staring at Eddie in the eyes. 

The metalhead is still standing in front of the fire, his silhouette dark and ominous.

“You did? You really meant it?” Eddie asks, and this time it looks like his crossed arms are pulling him together instead of shielding him.

“I did. I do.”

Very slowly, Eddie sits back on the blanket, “I’m going to leave anyway,” Eddie reminds him.

“I know. It’s the right thing to do.” Steve agrees.

“But maybe… you and Buckley could think about joining me next year. Or the year after.”

Steve reaches out with one hand, caressing Eddie’s arm.

“I’d love to.”

“So… maybe we can try again? Practice makes perfect, you know?”

Steve chuckles, “Yes. Yes, we can. Come here, babe.”

They kiss until the sun rises and when they get back to their cars Eddie’s last promise is that he’ll call him as soon as he’ll find a place to stay. And if Steve is already waiting for Eddie's call, sitting next to the phone, is none‘s business.

[corroded-hellfire]

OMG Wait for thé As You Wish baby Eliza idea fics I was thinking about something like this: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRTyDcC5/

All of the Munson family is on the floor lined up and cooing at baby Eliza to crawl/walk towards one of them to see who she favors more.

Eliza Munson is now an obsession of mine. I love her almost as much as Eddie does. @munson-blurbs and I had so much fun (as we always do together) writing this and having the little Munson family get weird and have fun 🩷

Words: 1.2k

[As You Wish masterlist]

“Come on, Eliza,” Luke says with a sigh. He pulls out the chair next to her highchair and plops down in it. “Why won’t she just eat it?”

“Would you want to eat strained peas?” Ryan asks, brandishing the label on the baby food jar at his little brother. “It probably tastes worse than normal peas.”

Luke hops up and dips his pinky into the jar. He sticks it in his mouth and immediately pulls it right back out. His face scrunches up in repulsion and he makes a gagging sound. “Yep. Definitely worse.”

“Don’t make that face in front of her!” Ryan chides. “She’ll never want to eat it!”

But the little giggles from the highchair have both boys turning to look at their sister. Her big eyes are focused on Luke as he makes his face of disgust. 

“You think that’s funny, huh?” Luke says, leaning in towards the nine-month-old. “You like when I make silly faces?” He puckers his lips together like a fish, which has Eliza giggling even harder. “You love me so much, don’t you?” Luke swore he’d never cave in and use the baby-talk voice that everyone else uses with his sister, but that didn’t last very long. Now he uses it almost every time he talks to her. 

“All right, Eliza,” Ryan says, bringing a small spoonful of the unappetizing green baby food up towards her lips. “You gonna have some food now? Have some yummy lunch?”

“Don’t lie to her,” Luke says, making Ryan roll his eyes. 

“Don’t listen to him,” Ryan tells the baby. “Gonna open up? Yeah, there you go.” Eliza holds her tiny mouth open long enough for Ryan to feed her the peas. Eliza makes a face at the unpleasant taste on her tongue and smacks her lips together a few times, but she doesn’t spit it out. 

“Yes!” Ryan cheers. “I did it! I got her to eat her vegetables.”

“Well, yeah,” Luke says with a scoff. “Because I made her laugh.”

“She laughs at anything. The other day, I unzipped my coat and she laughed so hard that she farted,” Ryan retorts, bringing another small spoonful of peas to his sister’s lips. 

Luke pouts, sticking his tongue out at Ryan. “You’re just jealous because I’m obviously her favorite.”

“Ha! In your dreams.”

“Wanna bet?”

That’s how you and Eddie find your three children sprawled out on the family room floor. Luke and Ryan are on one side, and Eliza’s on the other. 

“C’mon! Come over here!” Ryan calls out, motioning the baby towards him. “You can do it, Eliza!”

“Do I even wanna know what you two are up to?” Eddie asks, smirking at the boys. 

“Trying to see which one of us is her favorite,” Luke casually replies, as though this is a normal occurrence. 

“Ah, well, at least you’re not training her for some sort of horse racing thing with babies,” Eddie laughs, scratching at the stubble on his chin. “Anyway, don’t worry about who her favorite is.”

“She loves us equally,” you remind them with a patient smile. 

But Eddie rolls his eyes playfully. “Uh, no. I was gonna say that they don’t need to worry about it because I’m clearly the favorite.”

“Ha!” you bark out. “Remember whose body housed her for nine months and produced food for her. I literally gave her life. Therefore, I should be the favorite.”

“You should be,” Eddie says, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes, “however, you’ve neglected to account for the fact that she’s a total daddy’s girl.”

Ryan’s next to speak up. “Well, I’m the one who named her. If you left it up to Luke, we’d be calling her Squidward.”

“Only if she was a boy!” Luke protests. “Besides, I make her laugh the most. She knows I’m funny, so I’m her favorite.”

Eddie turns to you. “I think there’s only one way to settle this,” he says with a shrug. 

“I think so,” you agree. Turning towards the boys, you motion for them to scoot down so that you can get down on the floor next to them. Eddie scoops up Eliza from where she’d wandered over towards the toy box in the corner of the room. He straightens the tiny black Metallica shirt she’s wearing and sits her down in the middle of the room. 

“Here we go,” he says, pressing a kiss to her head before coming over to get on the ground next to you. “Okay, on the count of three, everyone start calling for her. Ready? One, two, three.”

“Come on, baby!” you call, making grabby hands for your daughter.

“Eliza! C’mere to Daddy, baby girl!”

“Hey, hey, Eliza!” Luke coos. “Over here!”

“You know you love your big brother Ryan! Come here!”

Eliza stays seated in her spot, her eyes roaming over her four family members, wondering what in the hell they are doing. She’s seen some weird things in her nine months, but never this. 

“Luke, stop making funny faces. You’re distracting her!” Ryan says.

“I’m trying to get her to come over here!” he responds. 

The baby finally pushes herself into a crawling position and starts to move. The four older family members practically hold their breath as they wait to see in what direction she’s headed. Eliza veers to the right, headed towards Eddie. Her father lets out an evil, triumphant laugh and grins as she gets closer. 

“That’s right, baby. Show them Daddy is your favorite.” But then her movements pause, and Eliza begins to head towards her mother.

“Yes!” you say, encouragingly. “That’s my sweet girl!” You shoot a smirk over your shoulder at Eddie. “You were saying?” 

Eliza starts crawling towards you, but Ryan starts drumming his hands against the carpet and that catches her attention. Her course once again changes, and she heads towards her brothers.

“No!” you say. “Don’t betray me! My only daughter!”

“Uh, mine too, ya know,” Eddie says from the other side of you. “Eliza, remember who always sings you to sleep.” He launches into the chorus of “Enter Sandman,” headbanging while the little girl giggles. 

Your heart sinks as Eliza starts towards him, but she immediately stops crawling when she hears the knock at the door and sits back on her diaper-padded bottom. 

“That must be Wayne,” Eddie says. He’d invited him over for dinner, and the older man never turns down an opportunity to see his grandkids. “Come in!” he calls out, not moving from his spot on the floor. 

The doorknob twists as Wayne enters, heavy-footed in steel-toed boots. His gaze is drawn immediately to the five of you on the floor. 

“What on God’s green Earth did I walk into?”

Luke’s the only one not remotely embarrassed. “Trying to see who Eliza loves the most,” he casually explains. 

Before Wayne can formulate a response, the baby does an about-face and crawls directly to him. She sits at his feet, making grabby hands and whining so he’ll pick her up. 

“Huh,” Wayne says with a grin. “Wouldja look at that.  Seems like Miss Eliza chose me!”

The rest of you groan and grumble, erupting into a chorus of not fairs. 

“Does this mean that Grampa Wayne is her favorite?” Luke asks, unable to hide his envy. 

Wayne laughs, tickling his granddaughter’s feet. “C’mon, you didn’t need a competition to know that!”

Eliza claps her hands together clumsily in agreement. 

“The princess has spoken,” Eddie begrudgingly agrees. A glint of mischief flickers across his deep brown eyes as he looks at his uncle. “Unfortunately, the prize is changing her diaper. And, uh, she’s really been into prunes lately, so…” he claps a hand on Wayne’s back. “Congrats!”

[nburkhardt]

Whooooo wants another silly with Steve as a little shit fic?

The idea comes when Eddie rushes out of his house to go to band practice. It makes him smile at the plan forming in his head and the excitement and gasps he’ll get tomorrow.

The next morning is spent making sure the bags are packed and that he’s wearing his basketball jacket to complete the look.

He’s giddy with excitement as he drives to school, putting one backpack on his shoulder and carrying the other once he’s parked. Walking towards the school with a smirk in place. There’s already gasps and whispers as he enters through the doors. He casually makes his way towards a row of lockers, the opposite side of his own and leans against one and knocking on the open one next to it.

“Man, it’s not even eig- Stevie!” Eddie slams his locker shut and beams at him.

His smirk fades into a smile, “Hi lovely” he whispers mostly due to the other students clearly spying on them, “You forgot this yesterday”

Eddie looks confused and he lifts up the bag, “your backpack?”

He hears more gasps and poor attempts at whispering, there’s even sounds of a book dropping. It brings him joy, making him wiggle the backpack again. “Don’t play dumb, Teddy-baby, you know this is yours”

That time he doesn’t whisper, he’s actually a little loud.

Eddie’s eyes widen and his eyes flicker around them before settling back on him, an unsaid question on his face.

It softens when it’s answered by a nod, “yeah, yeah you’re right. My backpack, you got yours?”

Steve so happy that they’re actually learning to communicate while silent, he smiles back and stands straighter to turn away. Showing off the backpack. He looked in the mirror before leaving the house, it is a big contrast to his letterman jacket. What makes it even better is, since the straps are loosen and long, his name is visible over the top.

“Ye-yep, looking perfect, Sunshine boy.” It comes out pitchy and Eddie clears his throat shaking his head before throwing his arms around him, “always, sweet boy”

Steve brightens and looping his arms around him, keeping him close and loving not only the warm of the hug but also the gasps and loud gossiping around them. That brings him joy at the chaos. Eddie seems to enjoy it too by the laughter coming from him.

“Of all the ways to reveal our relationship, honey”

It brings Steve to a blush, he tightens his arms around Eddie and turns his head to press a kiss to his cheek, enjoying the blush that creeps up.

“Thought it would be fun, let everyone know who belongs to me”

~

The edible I took is definitely hitting because this isn’t make much sense anymore but it’s SILLY AND SHORT.

Facts ya don’t need but I’m now thinking about: Steve and Eddie have only been dating for a few weeks when pulls this. It’s also a modern au because I don’t wanna think about the 80s. They still in high school and Steve is wearing Eddie’s backpack that he painted on. There’s the hellfire logo, because he’s obsessed with it. There’s also pins and patches all over it, even a ice cream cone and sailor hat, along with cheer pom-poms (am I spelling that correctly? Idk) ANYWAY. Steve’s backpack is a basic blue, with some doodles from Eddie and Robin. Because of course Robin is there, she’s Steve’s platonic soulmate.

It’s also inspired by my brand new loungefly I got 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Under the cut with the tag list 🫡

@spectrum-spectre @itsfreakingbats @mysticcrownshipper @artiststarme @thereindeerlady @justforthedead89 @ronniescontinuum @freyaforestafay @littlewildflowerkitten @estrellami-1 @gregre369 @zerokrox-blog @bookworm0690 @flustratedcas @carlprocastinator1000 @marvelmwah @solliesolesito @navnae @i-less-than-three-you @grimmfitzz @strangersteddierthings

THE BACKPACK! Clearly not what I’m talking about Steve wearing but it’s glorious and perfect.

[donationwayne]

WIP WEDNESDAY

tagged by @disasterbuck

He lights up when Bobby and Athena arrive with Harry and May in toe. May sits behind the booth in Buck’s chair and happily eats cupcakes, paid for by Bobby. Harry on the other hands goes in search of Denny and Chris on the playground. Bobby gives him a hug and Buck smiles big and wide. “Thanks for coming!” “Hey, baby.” Athena says, looking over his table. He leans down to allow her to place a kiss on his cheek. “Hey, ‘Thena,” He glances over at Bobby who is inspecting the display. “Why don’t you just call her mom already?” May asks with a catty grin, tossing a cupcake wrapper into the trash. Buck is saved from responding by the appearance of one of the counselors. “Hello, you two must be Mr. Buckley’s parents. Its so nice to meet Chris’ grandparents, I’m glad you two are already getting so active in the school. We love our little community.” May from her spot behind the table appears absolutely delighted by the turn of events. Buck isn’t sure who is more shell shocked: himself, Bobby, or Athena. Athena recovers the quickest, “That’s us.” Buck feels a bit like a teenager all over again while Athena and Bobby talk about Buck’s accomplishments, or lack there of in front of the table of sweets. “You’re the talk of the bake sale, people are raving about those cupcakes.” The counselor tells him and Buck feels himself blush in embarrassment. “Anyways, just wanted to introduce myself, thanks for coming out tonight.” “Where’s Eddie?” May asks, around a mouthful of cupcake, now unimpressed by the havoc the counselor had wrought after the lack of drama. “Also if anyone asks about ages, I’m just going to tell everyone Buck had a teen pregnancy.” “You’re worse than Hen and Karen,” Buck threatens throwing a napkin at her head. “I take that as a compliment. Now, where’s your fiancé?” “Wandering,” Buck says, ‘He went to check on Chris earlier but he hasn’t come back yet.” “He abandoned you, are you sure he’s the one?” May teases and Buck comes around the table to attack her. She giggles and screams when he throws her over his shoulder and heads towards the doors where he knows there’s a fountain. A few of the other parents and staff look at them fondly. He holds her over the fountain while she scrabbles to hold on to him, apologizing and shouting and giggling. When the return they’re both wiping away tears of laughter. That’s the moment Eddie chooses to show back up. “Hey Cap, Athena!” Buck turns and sees Eddie closing the distance, there’s a smudge of strawberry something on his cheek like maybe he’d been off eating sweets not created by Buck himself. “Are you cheating on me with another pastry? Is that what took so long?” Buck accused teasingly.

Hello, this fic won't be out for roughly forever but this is mostly what I've been working on. This is my first sneak peak at the big bang fic I'm working on!!!!

If you want to be tagged when it finally releases please let me know!!!

Context: Buck is working a bake sale at Chris' school. Eddie and Buck are faking as fiances so Eddie could get Chris in (was it necessary? No. Did they do it anyways? Yes.)

Anyway, have a scene of a Buck and May siblingism.

Its the end of the day already so I won't tag anyone but if you wanna do it please tag me so i can see!!!!! <3

ALSO IF THERE IS TYPOS PLEASE IGNORE THIS IS DRAFT ONE BABY

[spotsandsocks]

Fuck it Friday

Here we go- a bit of self promo putting a touch of F in your Friday with one of my E fics that I was quite pleased with. 😏

Tagged by @jesuisici33 @hippolotamus @heartshapedvows @disasterbuckdiaz @daffi-990 @wikiangela @loserdiaz with wonderful snippets

Coming Home 8.5K first kiss to first time (sequel to I Missed You 11k an angsty little number where Buck leaves for several months until Eddie finds him and finally tells him how he feels but can be read alone) A bit from each chapter to tempt you in

Chapt 1 😚

“Buck we can’t.” Eddie doesn’t sound completely convinced.

“Why?” he tries not to whine

“Because if you kiss me I’m not going wanna stop and we’re at work.”

“I’m not, not back yet.” Eddie considers this a persuasive argument.

“One kiss Eds, please”

Eddie groans, moves infinitesimally closer then pulls back again, head thunking against the wall. His pupils are blown he’s panting and they haven’t done anything.

“We’re waiting.” he says but he lifts his hand and runs his fingers slowly over Buck’s parted lips. Buck closes his eyes and chases after them, catches Eddie’s hand by the wrist, if that’s all he gets he’ll take it. He pulls his hand to his mouth and kisses the palm, drags his lips up to a finger and slides the tip into his mouth.

Chapt 2 ☺️

Chris is already sat on the bed, he pats the spot next to him and Eddie eyes narrow suspiciously, half amused, half concerned.

“Everything ok?”

“Just sit down Dad”

“We need to talk.”

Eddie frowns, well that is a worry, few conversations that start with that end well. “We do?”

“Yes” Chris sounds serious. “It’s about Buck.”

Eddie sits down a little harder than he intended, oh God what if Chris has worked it out and disapproves, he never thought of that. Chris loves Buck so much he never thought he’d be unhappy if they got together. He keeps the nervousness out of his voice when he asks the tentatively, “What about Buck?”

“I don’t want him to go away again.” Some of his anxiety fades, that’s somewhat reassuring at least.

“Neither do I” Eddie reassures him quickly “but I don’t think he will bud.”

“He was sad before but he’s not anymore.” Eddie can’t work out what Chris is trying to say to him.

“No, I think he’s happy to be back.”

“With us?”

“Yes.”

Then Chris gets to his point.

“With you?” Chris fixes him with a look far more penetrating than a preteen should be capable of.

“Um” Eddie’s horrified to feel his cheeks start to go red.

Chris nods thoughtfully, taking his father’s embarrassment in his stride “That’s what I thought.” Then he follows up with a crushing statement, “Dad, why are grown ups so silly That makes him laugh and he bumps shoulders with his son, “no idea.”

Chris has another question, “Denny asked if I can go to his for a sleepover tonight. Can I?”

“That’s a bit short notice Chris” Eddie’s reluctant to agree and anyway he’s already asked Carla to babysit tonight while he’s out with Buck.

“Denny said it was his mom’s idea so it’s fine.”

“Was it now?” he mutters and thinks about his meddling friends fondly.

Chapt 3 😏

Buck pulls away to breathe deeply, mutters his name in a reverent tone with his eyes closed. Eddie’s dizzy, he doesn’t think he’s ever been kissed quite like that, like he was the oxygen necessary for Buck to breathe.

He thinks its finished but then his lips are taken again, harder, faster and he’s being moved backwards until he hits the door of the fridge with a thump. Eddie meets the fire from Buck eagerly, hands coming up and burying themselves in his curls. He tugs slightly and Buck groans, kisses him harder, presses then closer together. He can feel the aching hardness between his legs matched by Buck, pressed up close like this there is just enough friction to tease but not satisfy.

The kisses were a lot but then Buck shifts to his neck kissing downwards, when he bites lightly into the muscle Eddie cries out and his knees actually do stop working he slides a little down the refrigerator door. Buck stops to laugh his breath tickles and Eddie’s squirms. Buck bites again making him gasp once more.

“Like that huh?”

“Take a guess.”

“Nuh huh we said we’d talk,” he’s peppering more kisses along his skin “you gotta tell me these things Eds, I gotta know what feels good”

“You, you feel good” he’s arching back against the door, pressing himself harder against Buck, giving him more access to his neck. Buck hums a pleased little noise. When Eddie looks at him he’s blushing.

“Yeah?”

Eddie pushes his hip forward again to prove it and Buck takes a stuttering breath at the pressure against his cock, eyelids fluttering shut.

Eddie licks his lips “Wanna go somewhere more comfortable?”

@monsterrae1 @rogerzsteven @shortsighted-owl @mysteriouslyyounggalaxy @hippolotamus @buddierights @stagefoureddiediaz @thekristen999 @like-the-rest-of-la @the-likesofus @thewolvesof1998 @wildlife4life @spaceprincessem @eddiebabygirldiaz @exhuastedpigeon @hoodie-buck @honestlydarkprincess @underwater-ninja-13 @elvensorceress @bekkachaos @giddyupbuck @housewifebuck hope I didn’t forget anyone

[hairstevington]

STWG April Fool's Swap!

Hi friends! The discord hosted an event where each of us got assigned one person and two prompts. Then, we chose one of the prompts and wrote something for April Fool's! This is what I came up with. Have a very Normal day, folks! @strangerthingswritersguild

Prompt: Steve and Eddie find an injured animal and do their best to fix it up. Maybe Wayne gives them a hand :) (written for @jaytriesstuff )

Warnings: This fic is as fluffy as the bunny they save

Word Count: 1.1K

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“Steeeeeve.”

Ah yes. Steve’s favorite way to wake up -  while being not-so-gently shaken by his boyfriend. 

“What,” he muttered into the pillow. 

“There’s a reeeeeally cute bunny outside,” Eddie whispered.

Steve rolled his eyes. “Seriously?” he whined. “You’re waking me up for that? Dude.”

“If you go outside and see it, you’ll understand why,” Eddie continued. “And! The poor thing is wounded! Come on, Harrington, you love taking care of things. I know it’s your kryptonite. Put on pants and come see this adorable, scared, injured little bunny rabbit with me.”

Steve sighed. Eddie was right, actually, but what got Steve out of his bed was more so the knowledge that it wasn’t a choice. Eddie would keep annoying him about it until he obliged, so…

“Fine,” he groaned, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Why were you outside anyway?”

Eddie smirked, triumphant. “Well, you see - your parents have the nose of bloodhounds, and I’m not about to get you into trouble for your room smelling like cigarette smoke again….”

Steve remembered that. His parents were gone a lot, so Eddie stayed over a lot, and he smoked like a chimney. On colder nights, he tried smoking out the window, but…

“Oh,” Steve said as he slipped a pair of jeans on. “That’s actually, uh, yeah. Okay. Thanks.”

Eddie put his palm delicately on Steve’s cheek. “I’m not a monster,” Eddie told him. Then, he lightly slapped Steve on that same cheek - eliciting another eyeroll. “Okay, let’s go.”

-

God dammit. The rabbit was actually really cute.

Steve crouched down beside it in the grass. The little guy was breathing fine, but it seemed to be soundly asleep. “What do you think happened to it?” he said.

“Him,” Eddie corrected. “He’s a dude.”

Steve contorted his face into confusion as he turned to Eddie. “How do you know that?”

Eddie shrugged. “I’m more than just a pretty face, great hair, and massive talent, Steve.” After Steve stared blankly at him, Eddie continued. “Okay, so maybe I don’t actually know for sure, because I’d have to like, reeeeally inspect him to know, but I’m pretty confident just from, like, the vibes.”

This was one of those times where Steve could not believe he was in love with this man. It was also one of the times he knew exactly why he was. Eddie had a way of making both those feelings happen simultaneously, all the time. 

“I named him Drugs,” Eddie added. Then, he grinned. “Drugs Bunny.”

Steve closed his eyes and put his head in his hands. “Jesus Christ,” he mumbled. “It’s perfect.”

“He’s perfect,” Eddie corrected.

Steve let his hands drop back down and stood up straight again. He looked at Eddie and smiled. “Yeah, right,” Steve said. “He is.”

-

Well, they weren’t gonna bring an injured wild animal back into the Harrington house, that’s for damn sure. Whether or not Steve’s parents ever found out, the risk was enough to make him woozy. So, naturally, Eddie and Steve wrapped the bunny in an old t-shirt and gently brought him into Eddie’s van, where he sat on Steve’s lap in the passenger seat while Eddie drove slower and more carefully than he ever had before.

The Harrington house was the wrong place for this project, but Forest Hills was a free-for-all.

“Shit,” Steve said as they approached the trailer. “Wayne’s home.”

“Shh,” Eddie replied, nodding towards the bunny. He opened the door as gently as possible, then mouthed - Leave him in here.

Steve had no idea what was going on, but okay sure. He was already this deep in it, what’s a little more?

They left the car doors open and walked into the trailer, where Eddie immediately started calling for Wayne and opening cabinets. 

“What are you boys up to now?” Wayne asked as he approached from the hall. 

“Eddie found a wounded rabbit outside,” Steve explained as Eddie continued to rummage around. “Now, we’re co-parenting.”

Wayne chuckled. “Sounds like my boy,” he said. “Alright, kids, I’ll bite. What’s wrong with the rabbit?”

“We don’t know,” Steve responded. 

“Well, you’ll probably have to call the vet if it’s domestic. If it’s wild then a rehabilitator is your best bet.”

“There’s rehab for rabbits?” Steve asked, surprised. 

“Oh, sweetie,” Eddie said, a look of endearment on his face. 

“Why are both of you experts on this?”

“Well,” Eddie began before turning to Wayne. “You wanna take this one?”

Wayne sighed. “Yeah, alright,” he said. “So, my sister, you know. Eddie’s mom. She was a veterinarian. Loved animals more than she loved me, I think.” He chuckled. “Anyway, we did this kind of thing a lot with her.”

“We’re kiiiiind of famous in the animal community,” Eddie added. “If only my dad hadn’t made the Munsons famous for other shit.”

Steve noticed how neither Eddie nor Wayne seemed particularly sad about this fact. He figured the both of them had accepted their place in this world, and didn’t care much what other people thought about it.

That was an attribute Steve was still working on. 

“Oh,” Steve said after a moment. “That’s really sweet, honestly.”

Eddie started gagging and making dramatic choking noises. “Don’t say that,” he demanded. “I’m not sweet, I just got a heart, that’s all.”

“Eds,” Steve countered. “You have a small rabbit in the passenger’s seat of your van, bundled in your shirt, and you’re currently making some kind of habitat for it.” Steve gestured to the box Eddie was prepping, which seemed ridiculously large considering the size of the animal, but whatever. “I hate to break it to you, but you’re a softie.”

Eddie stuck his tongue out at Steve.

“Oh, that’s where he is?” Wayne intruded. “The van?”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah, I figured it was quiet and dark enough in there,” he explained. “Come on, let’s go get him settled.”

The three of them walked out to the van and peered in through the open car door, only to find that the bunny was now sitting on top of the shirt, perfectly awake and happy, nose twitching. 

“Hooooly shit,” Steve said. 

“It’s an Easter miracle!” Eddie exclaimed.

“I thought you said it was wounded,” Wayne pointed out.

“He was,” Eddie clarified. “I mean - I thought he was. He was just - he was lying there looking all sad, and -” He fell deep into thought for a moment before continuing. “Huh. I guess he was just being dramatic.”

Steve chuckled. “Oh, now I see why you love him so much. He’s just like you.”

Eddie laughed, then leaned over and put his face next to the bunny’s. “I mean,” he said, “the resemblance is there, right?”

Steve nodded with another light laugh. “Yeah, the resemblance is there, cutie.”

And that, my friends, is how the Munsons ended up with Drugs.

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A little taglist moment for my Steddie shippers! Sorry I missed a bunch, I haven't used my taglist in a long time :')

@paintballkid711 @abraca-fxckyou @allbimyself26 @jellybabiesforall @allbymyselfexceptformycactus @lillemilly @missmagillicuddy @eyeslikewildflowers111 @callmesirkay @eds-trashmouth @wrenisflying @itch-my-b0nez @disastardly @dangdirtydemons @val-from-lawrence @swimmingbirdrunningrock @suddenlyinlove @eddielives1986 @thefailcollection @superduckmilkshake @smolbasilboy @carlprocastinator1000 @throwbackthrowaway @mandapandamonium @bleach-the-kitten @steddieonbigboy @atrustfulplace @geekyfifi @depressed-gays-of-marvel @thereindeerlady @carlyv @introgamer @infrogulous @sad-sad-tomato @pokopippitypop @carlajim98 @brassreign @steddiegarbage

[storiesbyrhi]

Angel of the First Degree - Chapter 16: Fireworks

Eddie Munson x Chubby!Reader 4459 words Series Masterlist

Warnings: Anxiety; fatphobia including internalised; drug use; bullying; body issues; discussion of body function and fluids; period shame/stigma; disclosure of sexual assault (chapter 2); disordered eating and thoughts of food; shitty/abusive/critical parents; porn magazines; smut; reference to suicide (specifically Virginia Woolf’s); no beta; grief/mourning; verbal fighting; meat (turkey)… for the vegans; warnings updated each chapter

Synopsis: When Eddie Munson finds you in the midst of a panic attack, it is the beginning of something. A fic featuring body and sex positivity, Eddie in a dress, soft small moments, scary big truths, and all the usual special feelings you’d expect from one of my stories.

Chapter Summary: 1986 comes to an end, and Dustin just wants a beer.

Author’s Note: I remind you that this story has no beta, so forgive typos if ye will.

“That’s a very specific question from someone not currently enrolled,” the voice on the other end of the line said. He wasn’t amused, perhaps annoyed at the perceived misuse of his time.

“I know, but my-”

“Yes, you said,” he interrupted, then sighed. “There is a precedent. A student can petition to change the allowances of a scholarship. It happens on a case-by-case basis,”

“Yeah?” To Eddie, it felt like a win. “And, ah, how does that… process… start? What would the student have to do?”

Eddie had his pen and paper ready.

…

“Why is Gareth taking me?” you asked.

“Because he’s secretly your favourite,” Eddie replied nonchalantly.

“You’re my favoruite,”

“Well, yeah. Besides me. And, I got some shit I gotta do.”

He meant deal drugs but he used to be so much less secretive about it. You wanted to ask him more questions. You wanted to tell him that he used to be so much less secretive about it. But those thoughts were totally at odds with your ‘pretend everything is fine’ psyche. Ultimately, you trusted Eddie. If he wasn’t telling you where he was going, you probably didn’t want to know anyway.

Eddie dropped you off at Gareth’s house, where you hugged the red flannel-clad boy on the sidewalk and kissed his cheek. It made him blush and glance at Eddie nervously. Eddie just grinned at his friend and ruffled his fluffy hair.

Eddie pulled you into a hug and tucked a twenty dollar bill into your back pocket. “You two kids have fun, yeah?” he joked, getting back into his van.

You turned to Gareth. “What do you know?”

“What?” he squeaked.

“How come it feels like you’re babysitting me? Why’s Esther busy today too?”

Gareth was unprepared for your interrogation. He shrugged, hesitating. “I don’t know, man… Eddie said you’re throwing a party. I said he better get the good fireworks,”

“Right… But why isn’t he taking me?”

“He has shit he’s gotta do…” Gareth looked at the ground and then back up. “Also the guy that sells them is… weird. Like imagine Dustin if he was fifty and had spent time in jail and also thinks aliens are coming,”

“Dustin does think aliens are coming,”

“Yeah, well. He’s weird. Eddie freaks him out,”

“Why?”

Gareth sighed. “I don’t know! You ask him why when we get there. Maybe you guys can bond over being super paranoid.”

You playfully pushed his shoulder and walked up the driveway. “Whatever. I get to pick the music.”

…

Eddie parked down the street a little and waited. If routine was anything to go by, your father would be at work, but it was the holidays, so he needed to stake it out to make sure. Coming face to face with that man would only lead to carnage.

Eddie caught sight of your mother when she came out the front to check the mail. She stood at the letterbox, flicking through the envelopes. When she had gone back inside, Eddie waited another few minutes, then got out.

Before he made it to the front door, it opened and she stood there with a confused look on her face. “Is she okay?” were the first words out of her mouth.

Eddie wanted to be cruel. He wanted to tell her how you were thriving away from her. You catch more bees with honey than vinegar though.

“She’s fine,” he answered, standing on the doorstep with his hands in his pockets.

They looked at each other. Eddie thought she would ask more questions. How could she not want to know about how? How your birthday and Christmas had been? When he realised she would not speak unprompted, he got straight to business.

“She needs all her paperwork and shit,”

“Paperwork?”

“Yeah. Like her birth certificate and anything else important. She’s an adult. Legally entitled to it all,” Eddie said firmly, delivering the words without any aggression.

“Why didn’t she come?”

Are you fucking kidding me?

“I’m asking real nice,” Eddie replied.

Your mother looked behind Eddie, and up and down the street. He wondered if she was checking to see if the neighbours were watching. Oh, how she’d hate to have a scene.

“Wait here.” And the door was closed.

It was a relief that she didn’t protest. Well, she could have still been inside calling your dad, but she wasn’t. She was in his study collecting the bits and pieces. Between your mum and dad, all the household paperwork was fastidiously filed.

While it was a relief, it also disappointed Eddie that she wasn’t putting up a fight. Your mum seemed as disinterested in your life as most people were in his.

“Will you tell her-” she began to say as she handed Eddie the folder.

“Tell her yourself,” he cut in, turning and leaving as quickly as he’d come. He didn’t look back. 

Eddie’s next stop was picking up Esther and Dustin, but he took a longer route and gave himself time to breathe and think.

…

“This is not a shop,” you pointed out the obvious.

Gareth carefully turned onto the driveway of a clearly private property. You wanted to add that it looked like the kind of place one of Eddie’s grainy grindhouse horrors would be filmed, but then you saw there were a couple of cars parked at the house and people milling about.

“Yeah, I don’t know how legal this is,” Gareth replied, and you really shouldn’t have been surprised.

It took a while for Gareth to park; he had only recently been allowed to drive without an adult supervisor. He checked his mirrors a lot. “Good job,” you praised when he cut the engine.

“Fuck off. You’ve been hanging around Eddie too long. Used to be a nice girl,”

“Nice girl?!” you squawked then cackled.

Anyone who knew what was what in Hawkins drove just beyond the city limits to that house. A guy who everyone called Bam sold fireworks all year round. Nobody asked where they came from. Nobody haggled over prices.

While you and Gareth looked over the selection, some laid out on card tables and others in piles on plastic tarps, you kept stealing glances over at Bam.

He was older than Gareth’s guess – mid-60s at the youngest. His hair was snow white and looked like it hadn’t seen a comb in years. You wondered if he was named Bam because fireworks go snap, crackle, pop, BAM… or if it came from somewhere else.

Bam was watching you back, and when you and Gareth went up to him with cash in hand, he narrowed his eyes at you.

“I’ve seen you ‘round town,” he said as he chewed on tobacco leaves. “You’re with the Munson kid.” It was definitely an accusation. “Bad breed.”

Before you could say anything, Gareth held out the cash. It was more than necessary. “Here. Thank you.”

You looked at Bam with a frown.

“You got something to say, girly?”

“Nope. She doesn’t! Come on. Let’s go,”

“You don’t know shit about Eddie,” you spat at Bam.

The old man’s face stayed neutral.

Much to Gareth’s relief, you turned and followed him back to the car. “Jesus Christ. You know he probably owns half the guns in Hawkins? You really are as bad as Eddie.”

…

Meanwhile, sitting at the kitchen counter of the trailer were Eddie, Esther, and Dustin.

“How’d you get all this?” Esther asked, looking over the documents Eddie had been collecting.

“She already had a lot of it. Got some from her mum, and, ah, stole copies from the school office,” he replied.

“You talked to her mum?”

“Barely. Asked for this and left.”

Esther nodded. She was impressed.

“So, ah, we can do this, right?” Dustin questioned. “It really seems like something she’s meant to do herself,”

“Yeah, well, she can’t. Alright?”

“Can’t you just tell-”

“No!” Eddie took a breath; he hated when he rose his voice at the freshmen. “No, Dustin. I can’t just tell her about this. Any of it. I fucked up bad. I gotta fix it in a big way,”

“It’s okay. We’ve got this, Eddie,” Esther reassured him. “Between me and you, we know her. We’ve got all this. She’s with her favourite. It’s all good,”

“What? Aren’t I her favourite?” Dustin frowned.

“Nah man… you’re like, fourth maybe,” Eddie said with a wicked grin.

“What?!”

“Yeah… It goes Gareth, then little Mayfield over the road there. Then probably, what’s his name? California? Will? Your friend Wheeler doesn’t shut up about. Then you,”

“WHAT? What the hell am I even doing here then?!”

Eddie chuckled as Dustin threw his hands up in defeat.

“We need you!” Esther said. “Well… We need you… to call Suzie…”

…

“She tried to fight Bam!” were the first words out of Gareth’s mouth as soon as Eddie appeared in the doorway of his bedroom.

You were sitting on the bed reading while Gareth worked on something at his desk. Eddie snorted when his friend immediately sold you out.

“You snitch!” you yelled, then jumped off the bed to greet your boyfriend. Eddie opened his arms for a bear hug. “Hi,”

“Hi, angel.” Eddie held you. He looked over at Gareth. “Go okay?”

“Yeah. He recognised her,”

“Death by association?” Eddie guessed.

Gareth nodded. “Yep… Um, everything’s by the front door. I’ll walk yous out,”

“Nah, man. I’ve got it. Thanks. We’ll see you at the party, alright?”

You said goodbye to the little drummer boy and collected the fireworks on your way out. Eddie loaded them into the van, humming happily as he went.

Halfway home, you pivoted the conversation back to Bam. “Why does he hate you?”

“Why does anybody in this shitty town hate me?” he dismissed.

“Because they don’t know you,” you answered honestly.

Eddie glanced at you. “Yeah. There’s that. But there’s also my dad.” He said the word like it was unclean. “Not exactly Prince Charming, ya know?”

You nodded, understanding. “We got some cool stuff,”

“Yeah? All we need now is like, snacks?”

Snacks and a bunch of newly recorded mix tapes. You and Eddie were throwing a little trailer park New Year's party, and it was going to be awesome.

…

“Guess what I found!” Wayne called as he climbed out of his truck. He had gone looking for his fishing gear that a buddy of his let him keep in his shed. “Forgot about this.”

You and Eddie were on the couch on the trailer porch, wrapped in blankets and enjoying a rare mild December afternoon. Wayne came over and dumped a box, its contents visible and mostly of the hunting/fishing variety.

“Must have put some other shit in here for safekeeping,” Wayne said, holding up a plastic container filled with photos.

“Hol-ly-shit,” Eddie whispered, getting up immediately.

While Wayne packed for his annual New Year’s trip to Patoka Lake, you went through the container photo by photo. Eddie looked more like his mother than his father, with his wild smile and bouncy curls. Wayne looked like a real cowboy when he was younger, dressed with a little more pizazz than you knew him for. And baby Eddie, well that little thing was Bambi-eyed from the beginning.

“Don’t burn the place down while I’m gone, yeah?” Wayne joked but in that way that told both you and Eddie he was deadly serious.

“Don’t let John drown in the lake… or shoot someone…” Eddie joked back.

“Give him some credit… Worst he’ll do is get a fish hook in the cheek when he’s casting.”

You winced at the thought while Eddie laughed.

After hugs and more warnings, Wayne was off and you and Eddie finished looking at all the photographs.

“Soooooo…” Eddie said, throwing himself onto the couch in the lounge room.

You put the kettle on for tea. “So?”

“What do you wanna do tonight?”

Narrowing your eyes at him with suspicion, you shrugged. “What do you wanna do tonight?”

He grinned, lopsided and coy. “Second to last night of the year… Everyone will be over tomorrow, so technically, our last night alone for the year…”

“Yeah?” You leaned against the kitchen bench, well aware of where Eddie was taking the conversation.

“Maaaaybe, if you, you know, wanted to… You could get a little cute… for me,”

“Cute? Define cute,”

“Um, well… fluffy tail… little collar…”

After cheesy pasta bake and The Goonies on VHS, you took a long shower only to be interrupted by Eddie, asking you to wash his hair. He was naked and sitting cross-legged in front of you before you had a chance to finish saying, “Fiiiine. You’re lucky I love you.”

Eddie remained naked after the shower. He figured it offered some vulnerability on his part, although he wasn’t self-conscious. With Van Morrison crooning on vinyl, and the bedroom lighting reduced to only what broke through the curtained windows, you folded your legs beneath you and sat on your knees.

Gently, Eddie put the collar around your neck, fastening it and letting his hands brush down your neck and along your shoulders. When the ears went on, Eddie’s pupils blew. You held out your hands and he dressed you in the cuffs.

When you had thought about that moment, you had predicted it would be a little bit silly. Playful and light-hearted. But that’s not how it felt. The tension was thick, hot, and humid. Eddie’s eyes danced from the heart-shaped tag on the collar to your wrists, across your thighs and how they spread as you sat. The softness of the pudge of your belly. The fluff of the ears and the fuzz of pubic hair. He wanted you so badly and completely that it made him a little bit dizzy, his fists curling around the blanket under him.

Eddie was trying to pull himself together. He was meant to be leading you through this, not making you guess what to do or say next. In his head, he was saying, ‘let’s start there’ but it was like his tongue had disappeared, disallowing speech entirely.

All he could do was kneel opposite you, locking you in place with a folded leg on each side of you. He held your face in his hands and ran his thumbs along your mouth rougher than usual. You were taking slow, measured breaths but his breathing was shallow and you knew that look in his eyes.

Yes, he could have been leading you better, but you weren’t lost. You weren’t scared or nervous or alone. He kissed you hard, not letting your head move. He would have eaten his way down your throat if you’d let him.

Eddie kissed you and kissed you until you squeaked a warning that you needed oxygen. While you gasped it in, he decided he’d be fine without it. He moved his lips to your neck, holding the back of your head, fingers tangled in hair. Melting, you put your hands on his shoulders to stay upright, then shook when you felt his other hand disappear down between your legs.

Something was shaking inside you. Fizzing to life. Without thought, you asked in a tone Eddie had never heard, “Am I a good kitten?”

He froze, your skin between his teeth, and his fingers dipped inside you. Eddie’s jaw went slack and he pushed against you with his forehead, unable to silence the banshee screams of euphoria in his head. All he could do was nod and push deeper and harder. You knew it was an undignified and wholly enthusiastic ‘yes.’

The night was just getting started.

…

“Absolutely not.”

The group of freshmen erupted into a chorus of groans and whines.

“I bet you were drinking at our age!” from Dustin.

“Who made you king of the beers?!” from Lucas.

You sat on the couch next to Esther and watched the exchange. Eddie was sitting on top of the cooler he’d filled with ice early in the afternoon. Jeff and Esther’s BYO drinks had been chucked in there, along with the beers Eddie’s picked up for Gareth and Gene.

“You’re letting them drink!” Mike screeched, pointing at the bassist and guitarist through the window. They were out on the porch with Jeff, working out how to best set up the fireworks without getting anyone maimed or arrested.

“Fuck, Wheeler, you’ve got the body of a hummingbird. All small and jittery,” Eddie teased, motioning at Mike. “Half a bottle and you’d be on the floor. Out before your girlfriend even gets here.”

At the mention of El, the mysterious girlfriend, Mike shut up.

“Oh,” Eddie said, picking up on it. “Is that what all this outrage is about?” He laughed. “You wanna impress your girlfriend with your big man drinks?”

“Shut up,”

“She lives with Byers, man… That drowned cat could keep up with Cheech and Chong. I don’t think she’s gonna be amazed that you can drink beer.”

Mike threw his arms up and sulked off down the hallway to go sit with the others. As he exited the trailer, Max walked in.

“Max!” Dustin and Lucas called in unison.

She looked like a deer in the headlights.

“Max, tell Eddie to give us a drink,” Dustin said.

She made a face that was just so Max. Before she could do much more, Lucas had taken her hand and dragged her off into Eddie’s bedroom.

“Leave the door open!” Eddie called after them.

“Gross, dude,” Dustin mumbled.

“Gross? No, no this – RUBBERS ARE IN THE TOP DRAWER – is gross,”

“Eddie,” from you, along with a flicked bottlecap.

He pulled a sad face at you, then turned his attention back to Dustin. “Seems you’ve lost the battle, brave knight,”

“No. No, I haven’t. What if… What if we do a deal,”

“I’m listenin’,”

“A wager,” Dustin announced, just as dramatic as Eddie.

“Go on,”

“When El and Will get here, they will be escorted by Jonathan,”

“Yeah, I know,”

“Ah! But, do you know who else will be in their party?”

You and Esther watched this back and forth, glancing at each other. “Does he even care if they drink?” she whispered to you.

“Eddie? No. I think he even brought extra. He’s a softy.”

She snorted. “Wouldn’t let him hear you saying that in public,”

“Oh, his cover story is that they’re gonna try shit, so may as well be around him so he can keep an eye on them or whatever,”

“Wow… That makes this-” She pointed to Eddie and Dustin. “-even funnier.”

Eddie tilted his head. “No, Dustin, I do not know who else is in their party,”

“A fourth. A partaker in the… whacky tobaccy,”

“Oh my god,” Eddie laughed, covering his face with his hands.

“And I would bet clear and safe passage to the treasure, that you will be caught in Sir Argyle’s friendship spell,” Dustin finished.

Eddie sat up straight and looked at him. “Let me get this right. You get a beer if I make friends with Byers’ friend?”  Dustin nods. “That’s dumb. I make friends with everyone. I’m a friendly guy.” Dustin and Esther both giggled. Eddie looked at you. “I’m friendly?!"

“You’re not… not friendly?” you offered.

“Whatever! Fine. If Byers’ friend’s not a weird little dude slinking around with his camera, then fine, you get a beer.”

Dustin cheered and ran outside to tell Mike the good news. Eddie grinned at you and Esther on the couch, pleased with himself.

A little later, erratic car honking could be heard, followed by the squeaking of breaks. Will jumped from the car first, his childhood friends bundling him up in a group hug. Max ripped out the trailer to pull El, a girl that appeared perpetually lost, from the car and into an embrace.

Jonathan Byers looked the same as he did when he walked the halls of Hawkins High. You’d never spoken to him, despite him taking photos of the cheer squad for the yearbook. He looked awkward as he got out of the car, glancing around the trailer park like he’d just woken up.

“My dudes, my dudes! Where’s the party?!” yelled a long-haired guy with a smile as wide as his face. “We brought the goods!”

Argyle.

Maybe the only person who could make a first impression as impactful as Eddie.

He jumped onto the small porch where you’d all set up the small shindig. He came bearing pizza and a plastic bag filled with cans of soda and chocolate bars.

Eddie almost flinched in surprise when Argyle turned to him and yanked him into a tight hug.

“Oh, man, it’s good to finally meet you! King of the castle! The little ones are always talking about you!”

Argyle spent enough time at the Byers’ house to hear Will talk about the things Mike and Dustin told him over the phone. He knew all about the metalhead named Eddie, who walked on school tables and wrote the best D&D campaigns.

“Yeah, hi, man.”

Argyle let Eddie go but maintained a hold of his shoulders. He looked at Eddie seriously and said, “Now I don’t know your pie order, but I said to myself, he’s a man of taste, he’s gotta know about pineapple on pizza. He’s gotta know it’s schmakin',”

“Pineapple?” If you knew any better, you would have said Eddie was struggling to keep up.

“Pineapple! Oh, fruit on your pizza is gnarly, you say? Well, I say try before you deny.”

Eddie was wide-eyed and everyone else had stopped their own conversations to see how the meeting of an unstoppable force and immovable object would play out.

Argyle waited for a reply.

You saw the smile twitch on Eddie’s lips before anyone else. He was grinning wide within seconds. “You had me at pie, man!”

They hugged again and Dustin could already taste the cheap beer.

…

Despite the cold, Forest Hills came alive on New Year's. It was maybe the residents’ favourite holiday, or at least drawing for first with July 4th.

The fireworks you and Gareth had bought ultimately were pooled together with everyone else’s. Some guy supposedly named ‘Skunk’, who had a face tattoo of a dolphin (Eddie said it was meant to be a shark) worked harmoniously with the little old man who kept everyone’s grass neat with the help of his beloved and fancy whipper snipper. Together, they set small ones off on the hour, then fussed around with the bigger ones in the leadup to midnight. “Good job, Mr Skunk,” could be heard periodically.

Hellfire Club’s freshmen did drink their beer, but only Dustin liked the taste. Max could stomach it, at least. The rest kept sneaking little pours out onto the grass in an attempt to empty their bottles quicker.

Eddie didn’t notice because he was in a deep conversation with Jonathan and Argyle. They smoked Californian weed. When Eddie and Jonathan got to the stage where all they could talk about was you and Nancy Wheeler, Argyle literally somersaulted away from them, finding Corroded Coffin a far more interesting group.

The closer it got to midnight, the more the lovers of Forest Hills disappeared away from the barbeques and parties. Mike and El disappeared into the wooded area, and Max and Lucas went back to her trailer, tiptoeing by her passed out mother and locking themselves in her room. Jeff and Esther stayed by the bonfire Hacksaw Henry started, cuddled up together and in their own world. Even Jonathan took the Byers’ rental car to go surprise Nancy at a party being thrown by Steve Harrington.

Dustin, Will, Gareth, Argyle, and Gene were on the Munson’s trailer porch, sitting in a circle eating snacks and playing some sort of weird hybrid of poker and cheat. You stood in the door, leaning against the doorframe. Everybody was happy and in the moment.

“Angel,” Eddie called, his arms snaking around your waist as he came to stand behind you. Dipping his head, he pressed it against the base of your neck.

“Hi,” you whispered.

“Hi,” he mumbled back. “You good?”

“Yeah… Yeah. Just thinking. It’s been nice to have everyone together.”

It wasn’t a casual design to host New Year's. Eddie had pulled all the kids and young adults together, had them surround you for a colourful send-off for the year that was.

“Mmmmm,” Eddie hummed. “Do you wanna come up to the roof? Best seat in the house,”

“The roof? Is that where you disappeared to just before?”

Eddie led you around to the back of the trailer. He had borrowed someone’s ladder, and once you climbed up it after him, you saw he’d set out a blanket and some pillows.  

“You warm enough? I can get you-”

“I’m good, Eddie,” you said, sitting down.

Eddie laid on his back, you cuddled into his side. His guitar pick necklace was as safe around your neck as you were in his arms.

“Got any New Years' resolutions?” you asked, unsure if you were making a joke or genuinely curious.

“Ahhh, not really. Cut back on the smokes. Get a job. All the usual shit… You?”

Truthfully, you were terrified of 1987. You hadn’t properly processed the end of your schooling life, and though you weren’t consciously aware of it, you regretted burning all the college correspondence. You didn’t know who you were or what you were to become. The only thing anchoring you to calmness and happiness was the life you shared with Eddie, and by extension Wayne.

“Probably should get a job too,” you replied meekly.

Alternatively, you could have seen it as the first time you were free to just exist. That’s what you told yourself daily.

A sudden shift in the atmosphere indicated the arrival of 11:59 pm.

Skunk yelled, “TEN!" The proceeding numbers could be heard across the trailer park. Different groups held different times, some off by milliseconds, some by whole seconds.

NINE.

EIGHT.

SEVEN.

“I love you, angel.”

FIVE.

“I love you too.”

THREE.

TWO.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

You kissed under the fireworks, the hues changing Eddie’s skin from milky to pink then blue then yellow. You held each other tight, foreheads pressed together and eyes squeezed shut. The night sky was clear, and quickly the constellations were clouded by exploding stars and shapes.

Below you, Gareth tried to identify which fireworks he’d picked out while the rest of the guys watched in silence. All the lovers held hands and all the people who lived in Forest Hills Trailer Park wished for better things ahead.

You buried your face in the softness between Eddie’s neck and chest, breathed deeply, and tried to work out why it felt like you were saying goodbye to something you never had.

Next Chapter: Glory

End Note: My friends, we are mere weeks away from the resolution of this story... Start to prepare for the end.

Fic Taglist: @ajeff855 @b-barnes04 @nerd-squad-headquarters @word-wytch @harrys-tittie @munsonsmel0dy @sidthedollface2 @eddiethesexy @bardicfrustration @orpheusredux @munsonsgirl71 @a-time-for-wolvess @eddieswifu @rosaline-black @thegirlwhohides @emotionaldreamer @e0509 @briasnow-blog @kiyastrf94 @erinsingalong @rainylana @mrsdollardog @tayhar811 @chickennug90 @b-irock @nana90azevedo @eddiemunson95 @akiratoro420 @thescarletangelsstuff - did you change your url??

Eddie Taglist: @solomons-finest-rum @ruinedbythehobbit @munsonlives @sweetpeapod @depressooo-expressooo-blog @thorfemmes @hawkins-high @corrodedhawkins @grungegrrrl @lilzabob @mymoonisalways-in-scorpio @averagemisfit03 @ches-86 @ilovecupcakesandtea @onehotgreasymechanic @hazydespair @lacrymosa-24 @mel-the-fangirl

[comfort-writing]

Crayons and Cassettes

Chapter 4: The Hawkins Elementary School Christmas Recital

You are a kindergarten teacher. Eddie’s daughter, Sage, is in your class. Sage has a Christmas Recital and Eddie finally works up some nerve.

warnings: this fic will be 18+ in later chapters- minors DNI!! no use of y/n. (please let me know if I missed anything)

a/n: let me know in the comments or my asks if you want to be added to the tag list!

word count: 3.2k

Chapter 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 || 11 || 12 || 13 || 14 (coming soon!)

The rest of your week went by relatively smoothly.

Thursday passed with minor incidents, like a kid losing their tooth, and Friday was actually pleasant. You felt like you had Eddie to thank for that. You were able to take as many hot showers as you wanted, within reason of course, and you got to do your dishes.

However, there was the looming problem of these stupid giddy feelings you’d developed. You really didn’t mean to. But god, you couldn’t deny how you felt when he was just genuinely kind to you. When he’d picked up Sage on Thursday, he’d asked if you’d had a better day today, and when you said you did, he beamed as unabashedly as a kid and said that he was happy for you. Friday, he asked if he would be getting music to listen to soon, and when you said yes, he said he couldn’t wait. He practically left you reeling when he just casually said “Later, gorgeous” as he pulled away from the car line. The following Monday, you have him an old Eagles album to listen to, and he accepted, complimenting your outfit before leaving.

Weeks went by like that. The two of you would exchange music to listen to, and he would compliment you in some way or another, then that would be it. You enjoyed the routine of it, and, over time, you stopped feeling like a giddy idiot and just accepted it as what you two did. While your feelings didn’t necessarily go away, at least they weren’t getting out of control.

One cold Saturday in the first week of December, you decided to head to the record store while you were in town. You’d needed to pick up groceries anyways, and the two shops weren’t far from each other. You’d wanted to pick up a few new tapes, and return the one Eddie had given you on Friday.

Eddie was in the back of the store by the record shelves, taking inventory and chatting with someone you didn’t recognize when you walked in. He hadn’t noticed your presence, so you walked over towards the cassette section and started browsing, oblivious to the conversation happening in that corner of the store.

“Dude, just ask her out. It’s not that difficult. And the worst thing she could say is no, so it’s not like you have a lot to lose.” Steve whispered, careful to not let any patrons in on their conversation.

“Yeah, I guess, but she’s my daughter’s teacher. It could make things awkward. Not just for us, but for Sage. And I don’t want her to have to deal with the consequences of any of that.” Eddie whispered back.

“Look, dude, I get it. Now that I’ve got my own little kiddo on the way, I kind of understand how you feel. You want to do everything in your power to protect her happiness. But sometimes, you get to be a little selfish. You can think about your happiness too, you know? She’s only her teacher for a year.”

“Should I wait for the end of the school year? Would that make the most sense?”

“Well, maybe? But by then she could meet someone else. So if I were you, I’d just-“

“Shhh! Shhhuuut the fuck up.” Eddie panicked, flailing his hands to cover Steve’s mouth, finally having noticed that you were in the store. He watched you for a moment, realized that you hadn’t heard their conversation, then let out a sigh, “She’s here, dude. What do I do?” He worried.

Steve peeked around the shelf and spotted you, then turned back to Eddie, “She’s pretty. I say go for it.”

“Right now?” He asked, a bit shocked.

“No, not this second. Just go talk to her. See where the conversation leads. But dude, I’d do it soon if I were you because if I wasn’t in the happiest marriage on the planet, I would totally ask her out. And I’m sure there are a lot of guys in this town who have that same thought and are not married. Hell, Robin might scoop her up if you aren’t fast enough.” Steve mused. He received a punch in the arm for that comment.

Steve rubbed his arm and walked away, pretending to browse around so he could eavesdrop on your conversation. Eddie took a deep, steadying breath and made is way over to you, trying to seem casual.

“Hey there, teacher lady.” He smiled, leaning back on the wooden cassette bins.

You looked up and smiled softly at him, holding a few tapes in your hands, “Hey, Eddie. How’s it going?”

“Ah- pretty good. Same old, same old, I guess. How about you? You need any help finding anything today?” He kind of wanted kick himself for sounding so customer-service-y.

“I’m good. And I don’t think so, I’m just browsing. But,” you said, digging into your purse, “I do have your tape to return to you.” You smiled, handing it over.

“What did ya think?” He questioned expectantly.

“Honestly, it wasn’t my usual style, but I liked it. That one song with the heavy bass line was really good.” You smiled.

“I thought you’d like that one.” He said, proud that he was getting to know your music taste. “Got any recommendations for me?”

“No, not yet. I was hoping to find something today.” You chuckled.

He nodded in response, looking over the tapes you were holding. He was slowly seeing more metal creep into your purchases, which made him happy.

“Oh, by the way, are you coming to the Christmas concert next Friday?” You asked.

Eddie raised an eyebrow, “What Christmas concert?”

“I sent Sage home with a flyer explaining it. She may have forgotten to give it to you. But, the entire kindergarten class will be singing Christmas songs and I think there’s some recorder playing as well. You’ll probably leave with a migraine, but I know Sage would love it if you were there.” You smiled.

Eddie smirked, “If Sage is singing I know I’ll have a headache.”

You laughed quietly at that, “Very true. But still, she’s very excited about it. You should come. It’s next Friday at 4:30 in the cafeteria. I’m sure Wayne would love to come too. It’s open to everyone.”

He nodded at that, “I’ll be there.” He paused for a moment, looking over to Steve from across the store who wiggled his eyebrows at him, egging him on. Eddie shot him a glaring look, then looked back at you. “She’s doing good though? Still behaving and whatnot?”

“As always. She’s a good kid, Eddie. You’ve done a great job.” You reassured him.

He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand nervously, “Ah- well I try.”

“It’s evident. You’d be surprised how many parents really don’t put effort into raising their kids.” You picked up another tape and read the song list, setting it on top of your little pile that you had accumulated.

“Yeah… Well, I’ll leave you to it. Let me know when you’re ready to check out.” He said, walking back over to Steve. You turned and continued your search, missing the way Steve looked at Eddie like he wanted to smack him upside the head for not making any moves.

Once Eddie was close enough to whisper to him, Steve sighed, “Dude. You’re an idiot.”

“Shut up… I know.” Eddie groaned.

You thought wrangling 26 kindergartners was a feat up until now. Trying to get all three of the kindergarten classes to stand on risers without falling over, starting a fight, or crying was a new challenge for you, even with the other two teachers and the elementary music director’s help. It took nearly an entire half hour to do so.

Once all the kids were settled, the music director stood in front of the kids and you made your way to the piano that had been wheeled into the cafeteria. She had begged you to play, because one, you knew how to, and two, she needed to direct the kids and mouth all the words to the songs. Luckily, you were a pretty good piano player and had no qualms with helping out where ever Mrs. Messerli needed you.

“Alright, friends,” she said over all the commotion, “Are we ready to practice one last time before your parents show up?” She asked. The answer was a very loud, resounding yes from the kindergarten class. As the other two kindergarten teachers cleaned up the cafeteria and set out the snacks and coffee, you began to play the Christmas carols the music teacher had been working on with them. Once she felt happy with their performance, she had all of them sit down on the risers, waiting for parents to arrive.

At 4:00, parents began to trickle into the cafeteria and sit at the lunch tables. Mrs. Messerli asked you to play some Christmas music as they came in, to which you obliged, playing quietly as the noise in the cafeteria grew.

Eddie and Wayne walked in and found a seat relatively close to the little stage in the cafeteria. Eddie quickly found Sage, who smiled and waved excitedly, to which the two of them waved back at her, showing that they were there. Eddie scanned the room and found you sitting at the piano. He didn’t know you played. Huh.

At 4:30, you finished the song you were playing and Mrs. Messerli made a sweet speech about how happy she was that all of the parents could make it, how proud she was of the kids for working so hard on this concert, and that there were snacks in the back of the room. She nodded to you, then turned to direct the kids. You began playing the first song, smiling as you listened to your students sing with their whole hearts, even if none of them could carry a tune.

The rest of the concert went as planned: children singing off pitch, a wonderful rendition of jingle bells played terribly on recorders, and the last song including hand motions and little dance moves. The parents clapped enthusiastically at the end, because each parent was truly proud of their child. The kindergartners took their collective bow, and were dismissed to their parents.

Sage ran up to Eddie and Wayne, smiling so hard her eyes and nose crinkled, “Poppa! Daddy! Did you see me?” She asked, landing in Eddie’s arms with a thud.

Eddie laughed and picked her up, resting the small girl on his hip, “I did, Sage! You were a real rockstar up there!”

“You reminded me of your old man.” Wayne chuckled, ruffling her hair.

“Did I do so good?” She asked hopefully, reveling in all the praise. She was such a ham.

“Yes, baby girl. You did great. So metal.” Eddie smiled, giving her a hug that was tight enough to make her wiggle to be put down. He laughed and obliged, noticed that her shoe was untied, and bent to tie it for her.

“You want to spend the night at Poppa’s house? I picked up your favorite movie aaand I can make pancakes.” Wayne suggested. He’d cleared it with Eddie first, of course, but he wanted to see if Sage was up for some Sage and Poppa time.

Sage looked up at Eddie, “Can I?” She asked, giving her best puppy dog eyes.

Eddie pretended to ponder the idea for a moment, “Hmm… I don’t know.. did you make your bed this morning?” He asked.

Sage nodded enthusiastically, “I did! I promise I did!”

Eddie rubbed his chin, feigning that he was thinking really hard about it. “Hmm… okay, but as long as you save me a pancake.” He said, sticking his hand out for Sage to shake in their little deal.

She shook it, promising that she would, and raised her arms so Wayne could pick her up. Wayne gave Eddie a wink and rubbed Sage’s back, “I’ll bring her back after lunch tomorrow.” He reminded him.

Eddie nodded, “Alright. You guys go on ahead. I’m going to see if they need any help cleaning up.”

Wayne nodded. He hadn’t seen his son interact with you at all, but if he had, he would have known instantly about how Eddie felt about you. He could always tell what he was thinking, which had proved to annoy Eddie at points.

You were helping Mrs. Messerli pack up the sheet music and music stand when Eddie walked up. “Do you guys need any help putting things away?” He asked.

You looked over and saw Eddie, sans Sage. Before you could say anything, Mrs. Robinson was interjecting, “Yes, please. Could you help us roll the risers backstage?” She asked.

You looked to him and nodded, “Yeah, they’re pretty heavy, so we will take all the help we can get.” You agreed. The two of you walked to the stage and worked on rolling them to the small backstage area. “Where’s Sage?” You asked, curious that she wasn’t with him.

“Ah, she’s spending the night at Wayne’s. He needed some grandpa time.” He smiled, loving that they were so close.

“Ah. That’s nice.” You struggled, setting down the riser with a sigh of relief. You walked back and helped Mrs. Messerli bring another riser backstage while Eddie helped Mrs. Robinson.

The work got done quickly, and the last thing to do was to wheel the piano back to the music room. Mrs. Messerli offered, but you insisted that she head on home to see her kids. The other teachers had already left, so it was up to you and Eddie to roll it back. The two of you were on opposite ends, slowly starting to roll it through the elementary school.

“So, I had no idea you played piano.” Eddie started.

“Really? I thought I had mentioned it.” You replied.

He shook his head, “Nope. If you had, I would have teased you more about the rockstar thing.”

You chuckled, “I guess so. But yeah, I’ve played since I was a little girl. I actually almost went to school for music, but decided to go into teaching instead. Figured there would be more career opportunities that way. And I found my love of teaching through giving piano lessons when I was a teenager.”

You kicked the door to the music room open and walked in backwards, parking the piano in its usual spot in the room, clicking the wheel stops so it wouldn’t roll around.

“Can you play something for me?” He asked.

You raised an eyebrow, “You heard me play like, 30 minutes ago.”

“Yeah, but I want to hear you play without the chaos of nearly 50 kindergartners singing along.” He said honestly, “I didn’t actually get to hear you play for real.”

You shrugged, “Sure, why not?” You pulled up the piano bench and opened the lid, “Any requests?”

He thought for a moment, “Just play what you’re comfortable with.” He sat next to you on the piano bench, ready to hear anything you’d play for him.

You took a moment, then began playing Beethoven’s Sonata No. 14, ‘Moonlight’. It was your favorite piece to play- it was somber and beautiful. You had always felt like it told a story: you’d always imagined a woman in a white dress dancing in a beautiful garden under the light of the moon, longing for.. something you could never place.

As the song came to a close, you let the last note linger for a minute before sitting back and looking at Eddie, “That’s my favorite one to play.” You whispered sheepishly.

He looked at you amazed, like he just found this other side to you that he’d never seen before and thought it was the most amazing thing. “That was… wow.” He whispered back.

You chuckled off the awkwardness you felt. You’d played in front of people before, but it never felt this intimate. “Thanks. It’s a lot different than your music.” You noted.

He didn’t move from his spot, “Yeah, I guess so. But it was.. beautiful. I’ve heard the song before, I think.”

“Yeah, it’s a pretty popular classical piece.” You said, closing the lid of the piano.

“Let me take you out. On a date.” He blurted suddenly, like he wasn’t expecting himself to say it either.

You looked over at him, “What?”

Eddie stood from the bench, thinking for a moment. “Yeah. Uh- I think you’re really cool. And I think it would be fun, ya know?” He said, trying to justify his little outburst.

You had to remain calm. If you weren’t aware of the whole situation, you would have immediately said yes. But you knew better. “Eddie..” you said quietly, “I can’t..”

His face fell a little, but he tried not to look too disappointed. He waved a hand dismissively like it was a silly thought to have, “Ah- pssh- yeah. I mean it was just a stupid idea I had and I-“

You interrupted him before he could go any further. You didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “Listen, Eddie.. it’s not like I don’t want to. I just… it’s unprofessional. I don’t think we’re even allowed to date our students’ parents per the school’s policy.” You whispered.

He stopped, then raised an eyebrow, acting all cocky now, “So you want to, is what I’m hearing.”

You groaned and rolled your eyes, knowing the theatrics were about to ensue. “Yes, Eddie, I do.” You replied bluntly.

He smirked, leaning on the piano, “So, we date in secret. No biggie. Nobody would know if neither of us say anything.” He suggested.

“This is Hawkins we’re talking about. You could sneeze and someone would overhear from two doors down and your big sneeze would be the talk of the town within five minutes.” You said flatly, “And you’re not exactly a subtle person.”

He nodded, “Fair, fair… so.. what do we do?” He asked, hoping that this wouldn’t be the end of things.

You thought for a moment, taking everything into consideration. “Wait?” You suggested.

“Until Sage is out of kindergarten? That won’t be until May.” He almost whined.

You shrugged, “I mean, yeah. I guess so? It’s really the only option if I want to keep my job.”

Eddie sighed and nodded, “Okay.. Could I possibly offer you a job at the record store?” He teased, but kind of hoped you’d take him up on it.

You laughed, “Unfortunately, I will have to decline that offer. I love teaching.”

“I know. I know you do.” He chuckled, “Okay, fine. We wait. Just don’t go running off into the sunset with some other dude before May because I would be extremely offended.” He said, clutching his nonexistent pearls.

You ran a hand through your hair, smiling up at him, “I don’t plan on it.”

The call Eddie made to Steve that night was definitely an interesting one.

Tag list: @mcueveryday @bebe0701 @emma77645 @edsforehead @manda-panda-monium @nina211544

[bifuriouswaterbender]

WIP Wednesday

First one of 2024 and last one before I go back to work! I'm not feeling awesome today, but I'd still like to get a good amount of writing done.

As always, credit to @kedreeva

Here’s how it works:

In a reblog (or new post w/ rules attached), post up to five (5) filenames of your WIPs; not titles, file names.

Post a snippet from one of them. Snippet must be words you wrote in the last 7 days. We’re posting progress here. If you haven’t made any, go make some and come back to post!

After you’ve posted, people can send you an ask with one of your file names. You must then write 3 sentences in that file. If the filename is one you can't share from (for example, an event fic), write 3 sentences on it anyway, and then 3 more on another to share.

That’s it! You can invite others to join in, or just post. If you tag me in your post, I will send you an ask request! Also, if you send me an ask, I'll look on your page to see if you'd like one back. This works best when we help each other!

If you’re reading this, you’re invited!

If you see someone posting a WIP Wednesday Game snippet, send them an ask! Make them write.

Filenames

Reverse Big Bang 1 (Secret Project & Top Priority)

Reverse Big Bang 2 (Secret Project)

Chrissy Woke Up Ch 8 [1-7]

He's All That Ch 9 [1-8]

Merman Eddie

Why yes, I did add a second Reverse Big Bang project this week. I've stepped in as a pinch hitter for one of the projects I'd been considering originally!

Snippet: Once again, most of my writing this week has been in projects you can't see and/or already posted in two Steddie Microfic entries. Here's a bit from Chrissy Woke Up.

Steve licked his lips and seemed to be considering his words carefully. “I can’t be him. I wouldn’t want to be him. Hell, I don’t think Max would want me to be him. She doesn’t need a brother. She doesn’t need me.”

Chrissy doubted that.

“But I try to be there for her anyway.” He let out a shaky breath. “She’s never really had anyone to look out for her, and I don’t know that she really wanted it now. Still, she trusted me, and I…” Steve blinked furiously, and Chrissy tactfully looked away. “I let her put herself in danger.”

“You didn’t let her do anything,” Chrissy said, surprising even herself. “Max made that decision for herself. There’s nothing you could have done to convince her otherwise.”

“Yeah,” Steve said, although he didn’t sound convinced. “Lucas is beating himself up over it.”

“You both want to protect. That doesn’t mean you failed when someone gets hurt.”

[mrsnancywheeler]

thank u for feeding us with billy dunne content, we were truly starved of fics for him <3

your blurbs about being his on and off again gf has me imagining how exhausting it must be to be fighting with billy, getting back together, seeing him with another groupie, and the cycle repeats

and you are having one of those fights. it’s no different than the other ones, but you’re exhausted. why aren’t you enough? And this could be early into the relationship, so you just start crying. you don’t mean to cry. In fact, you’ve been holding it for so long. But maybe he just said something that struck a nerve with you, or the more you argue the more frustrated/tired you got of holding it all in.

so you’re standing there crying, wiping your tears and sniffing softly. maybe billy had his back turned towards you in frustration when you started crying, so he didn’t immediately notice. but when he noticed the room got quieter and he hears you sniffing he turns around and just stands there.

tbfh, i don’t see him instantly being apologetic. he might just stand there for a while before going to comfort you. he’d hug you and whisper sweet nothings and maybe just be like “let’s stop fighting,” bc of course he’s not going to apologize. you both know nothing’s gonna change after this, and you’ll always come back to him. Because he’s billy freakin dunne

(bonus points if this is all happening in a hotel, and eddie is in the room right next to yours. so he heard everything. when he sees u next morning, eyes all puffy, all he can think about is how he can treat you so much better. and maybe billy notices how he’s staring at you, so he pulls up closer or drags you away lol)

yes ofc pookie, he's my man, I love him sm, I'm happy to feed the crowd 💋

some nsfw mentions, drugs, alcohol, arguments, toxic relationships things

literally so exhausting, which makes me think of something else that I can talk about later, but anyways like you don't think you've been able to go more then three maybe four months max without having a big blow up fight, and ofc there's smaller fights in between.

but this time you feel like you're losing touch with reality because you'd just been out for a couple of hours, ate dinner with a friend, picked a couple things up from the store. you knew billy was in one of us moods and had been for a hot sec, but when you get back to your hotel room you open the door to find him, on the bed, doing drugs with some groupies who've clearly been feeling him up.

they look at him, and you, back to him, and you, he's smoking a joint without a care in the world and you make a gesture for them to leave. with an eye roll from one of them, they're leaving, you can see the hickies, he's so fucking disgusting. one of the girls is walking past you and you smell and unmistakable scent, "oh my god, are you wearing my fucking perfume? what the fuck, billy." you look back at him who says nothing as you shut the door behind them, quickly finding your perfume without the lid on and fixing that problem asap.

"what the fuck, baby, I can drink with whoever I want too, it's my hotel room. get off my ass."

"I'm not on your ass, all I asked about was my perfume!"

"oh my god!" you start throwing blankets off the bed, pulling off the sheets. "what the hell are you doing?"

"it's fucking disgusting, billy. have at least a little fucking decency next time." he's getting off the bed which only allows you to take off the rest of the bedsheets.

"I didn't do anything, we were just having a drink. you're my girl, you know that." he's such a liar and you can feel how much your heart is racing as you pick up the phone, dialing up room service. asking as politely as you can for new sheets even though your voice is shaking. a flash of something lacy catches your eyes, and you instantly know the pair of panties isn't yours. there should be more hesitation when you go to pick it up, but there isn't. and you're on it the moment you hang up the phone.

"fucking disgusting!" you throw it on the pile of sheets.

"I didn't ask anyone to do anything, I didn't do anything! can't even smoke a goddamn joint anymore." he's making you feel hysterical, like you're the one unhinged, but you're not the one who constantly has other women draped over you everytime you're upset. "what do you want me to do when you're not around?"

"am I supposed to just wait around all the time? what do you want from me?" you're exhausted, this is so tiring, but you should have expected that. he was a rockstar, and no one was perfect.

"need you to be there for me! you've got one job, if you can't do it I'm sure I can find someone else who can!" a knock on the door interrupts everything, it's housekeeping. there's an awkward silence of you taking the new sheets, giving her the old, leading her out the door. billy does a line in the silence and you resent him for it, how can he just keep going when you're trying to get through to him. as she leaves you see eddie. he's just standing in the hallway and gives you an 'are you okay?' look and you hate that he knows you so well.

"stay in your lane, eddie." billy is suddenly behind you, closing the door, arm extended over you.

you turn around, back resting on the door, hands rubbing your face. "billy, what are we?" there's a beat before he tries to kiss, you like that'll answer anything. maybe he's hoping since it's only been a few months, only a few fights it'll fix everything. you let him for a second before pulling away, hand resting on his chest. "billy."

then he's yelling again, "you always act like you deserve more from me, you're a fucking groupie, and you don't have to be the only one." you dodge around him, grabbing a bag, throwing your stuff into it. "pulling that shit again doesn't change anything, you can't expect me to have the same spot waiting for you when you come crawling back."

"you can't expect me to want you back when you call because nobody does it for you like me." you've thrown is some shirts, some pants, anything you can.

he's closer to you now, face barely inches from yours. "anyone can wear your perfume and be just as much of a leech as you are."

you're shoving him away from you, "fuck you!"

"it's the only thing you're good at." his smirk is fucking sickening, and even more so that his hair so messy makes him look so sexy.

"you're the worst, billy." your voice is a lot weaker now, he's always so harsh with his words. your chest hurts.

"that must be why you're so desperate, so fucking jealous. there will always be girls just like you." he's going to take another line and you can't hold back anymore. you feel the warm tears streaming down your face and give up on zipping the bag to cover your face. it's too much, you just want to feel secure in your relationship, whatever type of relationship this may be. and you are whenever he's not being like this.

you're lost in the silence of the sobs racking through your chest, it's embarrassing to be crying like this in front of him, it makes you feel young, weak, not mature enough to be with billy dunne but once you've started you can't stop anymore. you don't know how long had passed when his arms are around you, letting you cry into his chest instead. "c'mere baby, let's not fight anymore." he reeks of whiskey and cigarettes, but it's weirdly comforting. "let's go get some ice cream, I'll show you some stuff I've been working on, don't like fighting with my girl." you know that soon enough he'll be all drunk again, pissy, tell you how replaceable you are, but right now he'll make you feel like that's not true and so maybe it's worth it.

and the next morning you're eating breakfast in the hotel lobby and eddie is sulking. looking at you as he thinks about how you deserve to not be told how you mean nothing and then briefly made up to. you deserve to really be loved. he keeps looking at you and billy sees it. sees the way eddie stars at you, how eddie has always stared at you, and he despises it. because despite everything you're his, his inspiration, his muse, and he's pulling you from standing up into his lap. and you're laughing, asking what he's doing before he kisses you.

"just kissing my girl."

[ladykailitha]

WIP Wednesday Game

It’s WIP Wednesday, time for a little accountability, sharing your work, and getting a kick in the pants.

Here’s how it works:

In a reblog (or new post w/ rules attached), post up to five (5) filenames of your WIPs; not titles, file names.

Post a snippet from one of them. Snippet must be words you wrote in the last 7 days. We’re posting progress here. If you haven’t made any, go make some and come back to post!

After you’ve posted, people can send you an ask with one of your file names. You must then write 3 sentences in that file. If the filename is one you can't share from (for example, an event fic), write 3 sentences on it anyway, and then 3 more on another to share.

That’s it! You can invite others to join in, or just post. If you tag me in your post, I will send you an ask request!

If you’re reading this, you’re invited!

If you see someone posting a WIP Wednesday Game snippet, send them an ask! Make them write.

My only problem is that I tend to file name what the title is so I can find it easier, so...here’s what they were called before I titled them.

"File" Names

Lick to Claim

The Fallen

Werewolf Steve

Omega Escort Steve

Snippet

Robin came back out and waggled her eyebrows at Steve. “Damn boy, you were dressed to fuck.”

Steve’s blush darkened and he tucked his hands between his legs. “Was not.”

“A crop top and booty shorts?” she questioned. “If that isn’t your slut outfit than what is?”

Eddie frowned. “Hey, hey. We don’t slut shame in this house. Nor do we victim blame.”

Robin blinked at him in confusion and then her face cleared, her eyebrows shooting up in shock. “No, no! That wasn’t what I meant! I was being... supportive? Excited for him? Because he was out to pull doesn’t mean he was down to fuck whoever asked. Steve is a choosy bastard that way. That’s all I meant. I swear!”

Eddie gave her the side eye, then looked to Steve. Steve nodded, indicating that yes, that’s what she meant.

Eddie sniffed disdainfully, causing the guys to laugh.

“I’ll allow it,” he said haughtily.

Robin laughed. “Stevie, you’re in good hands.” She turned to the guys. “I can take anyone home if they need to be back sooner rather than later.”

***

I didn't get as much writing as I wanted to this week do to being severely ill. But I did get some done.

As always send in as many as you want as often as you want.

The game runs from 8am-11pm MST.

[burnthatbridge]

Rachel!!! Tell me:

📝 a fav fic quote

😱 a fav moment in a fav fic (spoilers!)

🤪 wild card! ramble about something!

🫶🫶🫶

📝 a fav fic quote

I know this is probably a fave quote of a lot of people’s and I am being so unoriginal, but I adore the below from Leave the Light On (I’ll Be Coming Home) by @hmslusitania:

“You don’t remember your own name but you know you’re in love with me?”

“My procedural memory is still intact,” Eddie says. He shrugs. “I didn’t forget how to breathe either.”

Often my fave quotes are funny ones rather than romantic/serious/poignant ones, but this one literally took my breath away the first time I read it!

😱 a fav moment in a fav fic (spoilers!)

If it weren’t you asking me this I would 1000% be saying the truck scene after their night out at the bar in maybe love won’t let you down (Buck saying he wants to kiss Eddie, Eddie saying what if he did, the pain of it, the longing 😭) but it feels like cheating somehow to say that when it’s from your fic (oh look, I’ve said it anyway 😇)

So, I’ll give you another one:

woke up the girl who looked just like you, i almost said your name by @hoediaz is hilarious and amazing all round but I love especially the first scene where Eddie is with a guy that is a little bit too similar to Buck, because it’s from Chim’s POV and is impeccable and so, so funny. (I also love the very end of this fic, also for Chim related reasons!).

🤪 wild card! ramble about something!

I actually don’t know what to say (which is a bit ridiculous since I’m a known rambler 😅) so instead I think I’ll use this to answer the two above asks again but for non-buddie/9-1-1 fics (yes, I know it is hard to believe but, I do actually have other fandom interests outside the weewoo show 😂).

A long-time fave fic quote of mine, from the Teen Wolf Sterek fic all you’re giving me is friction by drunktuesdays, is:

Derek sat in an armchair near him, watching a game on the flat screen TV he hadn't wanted, and now would be taken from him over his dead body.

I don’t know what it is about this line that tickles me so much, but I found it incredibly funny when I read it the first time and I frequently smile just remembering it.

And then, a fave moment in a fic would be from the end of the GoT braime fic Traveling Far by astolat when:

[Spoilers!!! - Tywin finds out where Jaime is and sends Tyrion to retrieve him - presumably so that he can force him to take a wife and produce an heir. Turns out, that’s already taken care of… on both accounts! I love Tyrion’s surprise when he arrives to find that Jaime is quite the opposite of the miserable he imagined him to be and (even though I am 100% not a fan of Tywin) I love even more the moment when Tyrion goes back to give his father the shockingly good news!]

fic ask game

[eriquin]

WIP Wednesday Game

It's that time again. Original post here.

Here’s how it works:

In a reblog (or new post w/ rules attached), post up to five (5) filenames of your WIPs; not titles, file names.

Post a snippet from one of them. Snippet must be words you wrote in the last 7 days. We’re posting progress here. If you haven’t made any, go make some and come back to post!

After you’ve posted, people can send you an ask with one of your file names. You must then write 3 sentences in that file. If the filename is one you can’t share from (for example, an event fic), write 3 sentences on it anyway, and then 3 more on another to share.

That’s it! You can invite others to join in, or just post. If you tag me in your post, I will send you an ask request!

If you’re reading this, you’re invited!

If you see someone posting a WIP Wednesday Game snippet, send them an ask! Make them write.

File names:

Crown of Thorns

Nightswimming (Steddie Bigbang)

The Prophetic D&D Game

Time Travel

The Third Task (draft)

Progress Chart (screenshot from Tuesday)

Snippet and tag list under the cut.

Snippet from The Prophetic D&D Game:

“I don’t know,” Eddie said, wiggling in his seat. “I mean, I could, but it’s a lot of work. I didn’t really think you guys would like the murder-mystery one.” 

“No, it’s great,” Jeff said. “Even though you dropped a Lord of the Rings reference in the first sentence of backstory.”

“What? Where?” 

“Kiteshire?” Jeff raised his eyebrows. 

“Shire is a perfectly valid suffix for a town.”

“For a sleepy farming village, yes,” Gareth said. “Not for a castle town. It was square one for Eddie-DM-Bingo.”

“Man, fuck off, Gare. I hate that you made those. I’m not that predictable.”

“Also a kite is a kind of hawk,” Grant said, not looking up from the character sheet. “So that’s square number two. Pun on Hawkins, again.”

“Oh my god.” Jeff leaned back in his chair and laughed. “Is it really?”

“He’s getting better at it though,” Grant said. “Remember Kestrelton?”

“Or Ospreyburg,” said Gareth.

“Or Buzzard Bay,” said Grant.

“Yes, yes, I abuse the library bestiary on a regular basis,” Eddie said. The other three boys looked at each other for a beat and burst out laughing, and Eddie had to let his head thump against the table when he realized what he’d said. “Christ, I’m just glad the little sheep weren’t here to hear that.”

Tagging: Fuckit, tagging everyone who has made it onto my writeblr list: @2btheanswertothequestion, @artaxlivs, @atmilliways, @disastardly, @fiore-della-valle, @hellsfireclub, @greenlikethesea, @inairbinad, @kedreeva, @lady-lostmind, @lorifragolina, @momotonescreaming, @nburkhardt, @patchworkgargoyle, @redbirdblogs, @riality-check, @scarcrossdlvrs, @scoops-stevie, @sidekick-hero, @spicysix, @steves-strapcollection, @stobinesque, @gigglebug

[spotsandsocks]

Home Wanted 6K Rating G/T

Written for @ronordmann reverse prompt challenge stage four. Thank you Ro for inspiring me and love love love the cover art,

Milestone prompt and I chose married Buddie getting a pet. Thought it would be a silly fun fic when I started but it turned into something that touches a bit more on Buck’s issues about being Christopher’s dad, where he fits and how Eddie sees all that and finds a way to make it better. As always with me we end up with soft and fluffy family feels by the end.

“Christopher! Come on! Bucks waiting.”

Eddie turns to Buck who's not exactly ready himself, he’s trying to find the right jacket to go with his outfit from the extensive selection in front of him, so he’s talking to the back of his head,  “You’re sure you're ok to do this? I can take him later.” 

Buck finally decides on the right look and slips his chosen jacket on leaning forward as he does to kiss Eddie’s cheek,  “no babe it’s fine, I said I’d take him to get that new book today and it’s on the way so we can do both, save you a trip.” 

“Ok, and you know what you're getting?” Eddie trusts them, he does, but he feels, the need to check anyway, just in case. They do have a history of going off track while on errands.

Buck rolls his eyes affectionately and affects a long suffering tone, “Yes, I’ve been told exactly what we need by both you and Christopher.” Buck’s grin is directed over his shoulder so Eddie knows Chris must have finally turned up, apparently teenagers don’t hurry.

Buck reaches out and grabs Chris’ jacket and hands it over and Eddie takes in the sight of his husband and child. He loves them unconditionally, that goes without saying but he can’t shake the feeling there’s trouble brewing on this trip.

“Ok,well don’t get distracted” he warns, trying to keep the frown off his face. The comment is mostly directed at the older Buckley-Diaz but he includes Chris for good measure, he’s probably the one that’ll be distracting Buck after all.  “I know what you’re both like and… ” Eddie narrows his eyes, first looking at his son then over at Buck but it’s Buck he’s talking to when he says, “don’t let this one con you into getting anything we don’t need.”

“Dad!” Chris protests, the picture of innocence “I wouldn’t do that!” 

“Yeah Eds he wouldn’t do that” Buck winks at Chris and Eddie lifts his eyebrow and hums suspiciously at the pair of them.

Buck chuckles and steps forward and suddenly there a hand sneaking around his waist and he’s pulled in close for another kiss, this time soft and gentle on his lips, and that’s something that would distract him if it wasn’t for Chris’ presence and his suitably grossed out voice in the background. Eddie just knows his face matches his tone.

“Ew, please! Aren’t we meant to be going somewhere?”

Eddie smiles against Buck’s lips, he’ll remember this trick for when he wants to get Chris moving next time.

Buck lets him go and he takes a moment to look into the blue eyes he loves so much, he’s just so ridiculously in love with the man, you’d think a few years together would have reduced the effect of Buck’s face, eyes, smile, kiss but no, he’s still a lost cause, in fact some days he thinks he loves him more than ever. 

Under Eddie’s  gaze, Buck gets a look on his face, soft and warm and he tilts his head, reading his husband’s expression and thoughts perfectly, his eyes crinkle up as he smiles and then Eddie gets another soft little kiss on the tip of his nose and he swears he melts a little and has to fight the urge to sway closer, he’s only a few years off 40 for god's sake not a love sick teenager. 

Buck bites back his grin then mouths “love you too.” Then he turns and looks at Christopher who’s standing there impatiently. Eddie looks too and finds his son looking extremely unimpressed by the sappy behavior of his parents.

“Can we go now?” Christopher says in a delightful display of irony.

“Oh course” Buck replies straight faced, “so sorry to keep you waiting.”

Chris chooses not to reply but his eyebrow twitches in a way Eddie recognises from the mirror.

This time Buck’s wink is for Eddie “See you later sweetheart.”

A few hours later Chris has his book, and a second one and Buck has two new autobiograpies he didn’t know he wanted till he saw them on the shelf. They’ve reached the second stage of their mission; to find a suitable gift for Gabrielle’s rabbit because ‘something fun for Blackberry’ is apparently what Chris’ friend wants for her birthday present.

Entering the pet store that also acts as an animal rescue shelter Buck’s not entirely sure what kind of things you can buy a rabbit. He’s soon filling in this hole in his education as he browses the aisle of rabbit associated accessories he never knew existed when he realises Chris has wandered off. A moment of panic hits him then he spots his curly head over by a sign that says ‘Homes wanted’

He heads over.

“Hey buddy, don’t wander off on me, I was worried.”

Chris half turns “Sorry Buck but look.”

They look together through the glass window at where Chris is pointing. Chris tears his eyes away and looks up and Buck knows he’s in trouble. 

“She’s called Jupiter. Isn’t she cute.” It’s not a question. 

He can see the future flying at him fast, he tries to head it off.

“Sure, she’s she’s real cute Chris but…” 

Chris, a master at his craft interrupts quickly. “She needs a home Buck, it says so.” 

He looks to where Chris points, it’s a small sign next to the enclosure and it does indeed say Home Wanted in large capital letters.

“Chris” he tries to add a warning note to his voice, aiming for something both parental and stern, Eddie’s excellent at this voice, him not so much, his eyes stray back to Jupiter’s twitching nose and whiskers. She is cute. 

Christopher sensing weakness, keeps going.

“The sign says she got hurt, that’s why she has a limp.

Oh no, Buck thinks, she has a limp. He looks again, and yes the little creature does indeed have a slight limp when she moves.

A voice comes from beside him says.

“Dad said I could have a pet.”

He’s already shaking his head but Christopher strides forward with his arguments. 

“The sign says they’ve been here for months, homeless Buck, homeless! Nobody wants her. She's so small and cute. Why wouldn’t anyone want her?”

The last sentence sounds sad and confused. Chris looks at him expecting an answer and Buck wishes very much Eddie was here. He’s not sure he’s up to this double challenge of saying no to the obvious request coming his way or explaining why Jupiter is homeless. He tries anyway.

“Well not everyone can look after pets Chris, even if they want to try.”

“Is it because of her leg?” His eyes go wide “or did her leg get hurt because they didn’t look after her right?”

Chris looks back at Jupiter and reaches out to gently place his fingers against the glass, and as if she can tell she’s got an advocate there’s suddenly little paws and a nose pressed against the glass where Chris’ fingers rest. 

Buck looks at that and his heart sinks. He strongly suspects Jupiter knows what she’s doing. 

“Look! She likes us!” Christopher sounds delighted, he pauses thoughtfully.

“I’d be good at looking after her,” and after that leading statement Chris looks him dead in the eye and waits.

“Chris.” That really doesn’t sound like Eddie being firm, that sounded like a man falling at the first hurdle. 

“Dad said I could have a pet.” Christopher repeats his previous claim.

“I think your dad meant when he was with you.” 

“But you're with me Buck, isn’t that the same thing?” 

For a brief second Buck suspects Chris is playing him but the look on his face is open and genuine, he can tell Chris means that, he really does and Buck’s heart swells. He loves this boy so much, counts his blessings every day that Eddie and Christopher came into his life. That he gets to think of Christopher as his son and that Chris sees him as a parent. That he’s part of Eddie’s family.

And families do have pets. 

And Eddie did say he thought Chris was ready for a pet, he was there for the conversation.

Chris is still looking at him. Waiting, all big hopeful eyes. He feels a little helpless, but he can’t let himself get carried away. He had to be sensible.

Chris is right though, Eddie did say. They made a list and everything. Jupiter scratches at the glass. Shit. He can’t walk away and break two little hearts. 

He gets out his phone and calls his husband, prepared to plead Christopher and Jupiter’s case, maybe he can persuade him, maybe he won’t need persuading. 

He keeps looking at Jupiter as Eddie’s phone rings out.  She may not be quite what Eddie expected from their trip out today.

A second failed attempt to get hold of his husband means he’s on his own. 

Chris is waiting. Jupiter’s waiting. Shit shit shit. 

continue on AO3

[roosterbox]

Fic Rec Friday 3/1/2024

Title: not everything becomes bullshit (not with you)

Rating: General Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: Gen, M/M

Fandom: Stranger Things (TV 2016)

Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley & Steve Harrington

Characters: Steve Harrington, Eddie Munson, Robin Buckley

Additional Tags: Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Trauma, Eddie Munson Lives, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, theyre a mess, Miscommunication, ya know the bullshit thing?, yeah - Freeform, that, thats the trauma, along with his damn parents, Healing, Cuddling

Summary: bullshit: n - stupid or untrue talk or writing; nonsense.

The thing with Nancy comes up with Eddie during an argument and Steve cannot seem to handle it.

———

For this, the last fic rec Friday (of this particular batch anyway), let’s take it back to the start. Back to the beginning of my newest obsession. So here you go - the first Steddie fic I ever bookmarked.

I went into this with next to no knowledge of the context surrounding it. I didn’t know about the whole bullshit thing, didn’t know shit about Family Video, or Vecna, or anything. Heck, I didn’t even know what their voices sounds like (almost still don’t in Eddie’s case - I’ll get to S4 eventually!). But the emotions, man. The emotions just drew me in. The dynamics. Even from this story, going in like 90% blind, I got the sense that I would latch on to Steve Harrington like a dog with a favored toy, and would never let go. Ever. Welp, here I am over a year later, still not letting go of my babygirl.

This fic easily established for me one of my favorite Steddie dynamics. That being emotional wreck!Steve and comforting!Eddie. Everything I’ve seen canonically makes Eddie seem like a great source of comfort. He looks like he’d give great hugs, you know? And Steve just deserves to be able to let himself go, emotionally speaking. That boy has been through A Lot in three or so years - either let him get therapy, or let him cry. Maybe both.

There aren’t very many other characters in this, other than Robin of course. Which is kind of as it should be. And that’s another aspect that I had no context for (still don’t, technically; S3 will continue! Soon!) - her platonic with a capital P relationship with Steve. There’s only a few crumbs of it here, but they are delicious. Also, yet another Steddie fic trope I love pops up here: Robin being extremely protective of Steve when she thinks that Eddie might have wronged him. It’s subtler here than I’ve seen in other stories, but that girl would go feral on a motherfucker for Steve’s sake. I adore that about her.

And let’s not forget that this fic features something else that I adore but rarely see in angsty fics - COMMUNICATION. A huge part of adding drama to relationships in fiction (in RL too let’s be real) is a distinct lack of communication. People keep secrets or dance around what they mean, when just SAYING SOMETHING straight up would solve so many fucking problems, lol. And while this may start out with typical miscommunication shenanigans, the shift when they realize that, no, we need to actually talk about this, is just too good. There’s even a line in the narration that says “communication is key and all that jazz, right?” YES, BOYS. YES. Talk to each other.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the COMFORT in this emotional hurt/comfort story, is out of this world. I can deal with my Stevie baby being put through an emotional wringer as long as someone, preferably Eddie or Robin, is there to comfort him in the end. To remind him that, yes, he is loved beyond measure, and that he deserves said love. How lucky for me (and him) that this fic has comfort in it from both of them?

Just a beautiful, simple little h/c gem of a fic. Steve needs a hug, and he gets several of them. Perfect.

———

Next Week: Nothing! Zip! Nada! Null! This is, officially, the last of these fic recs I’m doing.

FOR NOW

Thanks so much for reading this, and for reading the fic if you do!