#can't believe they were gonna do all this and then never bring Eddie back again

[eddiesmustache]

[marcellaasblog]

My Maid.

Modern Eddie x female reader

Main masterlist

Eddie munson x maid reader

Summary: You needed the extra money really bad. Your best friend Sidney shows you a way she makes money and how you can too,but there is a dirty little twist to this job.

Warnings for whole series:angst,smut, fluff,alcohol, smoking,p in v, daddy kink,digrating kink, pervert Eddie, insecure reader,dom Eddie,shy reader, jealous Eddie, Sidney is two face.(I believe that's all)

Author's notes: If their is incorrect spelling I'm truly sorry and I will fix it when I get a chance to.

Part 2 // part 3 // part 4 // part 5

Part 1

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Since moving to a big city money has been tight. your best friend let you move in with her knowing that you,her childhood best friend, was struggling with financial things.

She understands your struggles. She was once there too when she decided to move away from her parents.

Sidney's apartment was beautiful. It had so much open space, so many windows and beautiful views coming from the balcony.

Damn must be fucken expensive.

You didn't know how the hell she could ever afford this place living in such an expensive city. You didn't wanna be a bother and ask her but you needed to know. Maybe she could help you.

You felt bad that she was spending so much money on you.you also felt like shit that you couldn't afford anything or even pay her back cause she never let you. she was like your little sugar Mama spending as much as she wants on you. She never complained or made you feel bad about your low income situation. She wanted to help you but she didn't want to scare you off or make you look at her in a different way. She waited for you to ask ,she knows you're curious on how the hell she can afford all this shit. So she wanted to wait but she didn't know how long she can hold it in for.

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You both came back from a girls night. That was the most fun you ever had. Sideny didn't let you pay for anything you even asked if you could leave a tip but nope she didn't let you again for the millionth time.

You made it back to her penthouse safely holding y'all's hills in your hands.

"There you go your home now sid" You tell as you lay her tired body on the sofa.

"Thank you so much for keeping me safe babe." She slurred as she slowly sit up on her couch

You put your purses on the countertop as you drop yours and sindy's hills by the front door.

"No problem, it's the least I can do, since you keep on spending money on me." You giggle heading to her refrigerator to grab both of y'all water.

"Y/n for the last time stop feeling bad I don't mind spending money on you,you're my best friend plus I'm not going to let you struggle. What kind of friend would I be to do such a thing like that to you?" She pokes her chest.

"I know sid I just feel shitty right now,I can't find a place to afford I have no money to my fucken name because I HAVE NO JOB!" Sidney's eyes widened at your sudden meltdown,you didn't mean to scream at her but everything was just piling up on you all at once you let your Insecurities take over your thoughts.

Sidney huff as she slowly walks over to you grabbing the water bottle out of your hand setting them down on the island. She brings you into a hug feeling tension all over your body as she hears your little sobs coming from you as you apologize to her.

She wasn't gonna let you feel like this anymore she hates seeing you cry.

"Y/n look at me."she asked as you slowly rose your Head away from her shoulder. She saw how red your face was and how red your eyes were.

"Look I can help you okay but you got to promise me to not judge me or look at me in a different way okay?" You nod at Sidney as she wipes your tears away.

"The reason I can afford shit and have all this crap is because I run a little business,well it's something like that but it pays good and it keeps me on my feet."

"Are you a drug dealer?" You asked, she giggled at your confused face expression."

"Oh god no, it didn't work out the first time.' she said sarcastically, making you giggle.

"Wait really?"

"NO! I ju- nevermind look what I do in something different."

"Are you a sex worker?"

"JESUS,let me finish lady!."

"Sorry, continue , please."

"Thank you!,like I said it's way different but it pays well but you have to be comfortable doing this okay because you might attract a couple of freaks. You gotta be careful." Sidney takes a deep breath letting her mind turn off so she can continue.

"I'm a topless maid."

You look at her as if she had a third eye."A fucken WHAT?"

"A topless maid." She bit her inner cheek.

"So you're telling me you go to to people's houses and get paid to have your tittie's out while you clean,is that what I'm hearing?"

She nods her head " yeah pretty much."

"So your telling me I can have my tittie's out and some old fucks will pay me?" You are stunned how the hell have you never heard of this before.

"Yup."

"Wow, that 's something new." You flabbergasted

You can see the worry on her face as she looks up at you."Hey I'm not judging you it's just I never heard of it that's all.

"Yeah it's not really spoken about as much,but hey it makes you hell of money."

"How much money are we talking about?" You're in your investigation mode trying to get out all the good secrets from your friend.

"It depends. I charge my client $300 an hour.

"$300 an- BITCH WHAT $300 A FUCKEN HOUR TO CLEAN WITH YOU TITS OUT!"

"yup people love tits what can I say." You needed to know how the hell she did it and you weren't gonna waste your time.

"Teach me." She smirked at you,as she leaned on her refrigerator Crossing her arm on her chest."

"Really!?"

"God yes I need the money at this point I'll do anything, maybe even become a stripper or a fucken drug dealer for all I care." She bites her lip trying to hide her excitement.

"Great, then it's settled. I'll take you to my 2 o'clock appointment I have and show you how it's done." You're excited but a little frightened.

"Gross I don't wanna see your tittie's Sidney."

"Oh calm down you're just going to be there for training and then if you like what I'm doing we can start you off with something small."

"Oh okay cool yeah then I'll go." Sidney up and down and excited.

"Hell yeah, let's make you some money girl."

"Yeah yeah, let's get to bed already then,it's almost 4 in the morning." She groans forgetting she had to wake up early.

"Fuck you right,i forgot I had an early shift.I swear if I wake up with a bad hangover Eddie is gonna be pissed that I had to reschedule again and he is annoying as it is idon't need his bickering again" She makes a groaning noise grabbing her purse and water you make sure the doors are closed and locked and the windows are covered. You both walk into the hallway ready to separate into your rooms.

Sidney stops you before you can open your room, her guest bedroom.

"Hey y/n." She asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for not judging me,it feels nice to be appreciated for what I do." You smile at your friend.

"Hey I would never judge you as long as you're happy about what you do there is no judgment here." She wraps her hands around your frame giving you a big squeeze.

"Thank you y/n,that means a lot." You kiss the top of her head melting into her huge.

'`No problem, but get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning.'

"Alrighty, I love you y/n."

"I love you too ,sleep well." She smiled at you as she skipped into her room almost falling on her face. you laugh as you enter your room.

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You asked yourself if you really wanna do this.

Was being topless worth the money Sidney was making.

Hell yeah it was, and you weren't gonna miss this opportunity

You never know, maybe you will like it .

Your just hoping that this Eddie guy isn't some wired old pervert.

But only tomorrow could tell.

[acesartemis]

day three of @tommykinardweek -> supernatural creatures

for @dark-alice-lilith

“So, do you believe us now?” Tommy growls a bit after the question due to his current ... figure. He still can't hardly believe it and the fur is quite literally staring at him in the face. 

A whine follows the question from a butterscotch-colored furry figure next to him the size of an honest-to-God, come-to-life Direwolf. Tommy leans over to give Evan a reassuring kiss — lick? — to the side of his face.

A human, hysterical laugh bubbles up from Eddie. “This — somehow — y'all are somehow messing with me. I knew those clams weren't — it's got to be — what bruja did you piss off?”

Tommy doesn't even curb the instinct to bare his teeth at the man. He could easily eat him, if he wanted to. Thankfully he didn't—at least not in that way.  Instead, Tommy decides to head-butt Eddie so hard he falls over. “I knew we should have called Hen.”

Eddie rights himself, still snickering. He clicks his tongue and actually pets Tommy's head and when his hand moves just right by his left ear, Tommy wants to downright howl in pleasure. He's saved the embarrassment by another head forcibly knocking into his—Evan was never one to be left out.

The human of the trio laughs again, only this time it's fond. “Okay, okay. I can't forget about you, Buck.”

Evan positively beams as Eddie gives his ears a scratch, tongue lolling out and everything. It's absolutely adorable. “So, if we're stuck like this... What do we do now? We... don't really fit in a car.”

“Or a house,” Tommy chimes in. He resists the urge to scratch himself with his back... paw. He would not be caught dead doing something so… undignified, even if it were only in front of Evan and Eddie. Especially in front of Evan and Eddie.

“Wait, I got it,” Eddie says with a clap. “I wanted to surprise you both with a ski trip over the holidays, but this… whatever, is more important.” 

He pulls out his phone, typing away with his thumbs. “Okay, so Bobby knows we’ll be out for the weekend. Annnd I texted Lucy to let your Cap know.

“This is so weird; I can't believe I’m gonna suggest this, but… I’ll drive and you two just,” he gestures at their wolf forms, “follow… by running, I guess? ‘Cause I don't think even my truck bed will fit you both.”

“Might as well make the most of it if we’re stuck like this.” Evan nudges Tommy’s snout with his own. “Race ya?”

Tommy gives his boyfriend a playful nip. “You're on.”

🐺🐾🐺

Twin blurs of butterscotch and gray follows Eddie's truck for hours as asphalt and metal and glass give way to grand trees in a breathtaking kaleidoscope of yellows and oranges and reds as they enter the Sequoia National Park area.

Eddie pulls up to a grand private cabin. The land is secluded and, Eddie remembers with a snort, “pet-friendly”. Thankfully a former Army buddy of his pulled some strings so that they could crash for however long this event lasted.

The man follows the path behind the cabin on human legs, happy to find the quaint back area to sit. The sun would be setting soon, bringing with it the chill of the night.

As he watches his boyfriends lope back and forth, legs long and strong and sharp jaws playfully nipping at each other, Eddie is struck with envy. Sure, this was a fever dream incarnate and Eddie still couldn't quite believe the two beings—now howling as the moon and stars come out—were real, there was a part of him that yearned to be out there, wild and free, with them. But he wouldn't let himself dwell on the dark path that was bound to take him on and just relaxed, snapping photo and video proof if this wasn't all just in his head.

—It would be just like his head to think up a grand concept and just... leave him out of all the fun—

Stop that.

Enjoy.

🐺🐾🐺

It was no surprise to anyone that Tommy tired out first. Being an actual wolf matched Evan's nigh-insatiable energy to a tee.

As the younger of the two continued his mission of sniffing every tree about the place, Tommy trots over to their third, grinning a wolfish grin, and gives Eddie a large, slobber-filled lick-kiss. The man startles a bit, his eyes adorably droopy.

“Sorry, didn't mean to wake you.”  He sidles over to Eddie, laying out next to him. Eddie's fingers find their way into his fur, akin to his fingers scratching through his or Evan's curls when they're lucky enough to get a quiet night together.

“Buck still... wolfing around?”

“Duh.” 

They share a laugh. Tommy tilts his head at him, frowning at the sight of Eddie clutching his hoodie to his body. They hadn't planned for this impromptu trip, much less the weather. LA nights got chilly, but not like this. “Why don't you go inside?”

“And miss all the fun? 'M fine!”

A low whine rumbles in Tommy's throat and he nudges Eddie with his head. “We'll be fine out here, what with the fur and all. The last thing we need is an Eddie-sicle.”

Eddie huffs, “It's not that cold.”

“And you’re not in protective Army fatigues anymore, either,” Tommy counters. They both knew intimately what desert-cold was, and this was far from it. But now all Eddie was geared with was a hoodie. Tommy also knew Eddie had a stubborn streak that would rival a bull when he wanted.

“C’mere, then. I’ll keep you warm.” If Tommy still had his human brows they’d be waggling.

“Hell no!”

“C’mon, aren’t I soft?”

“Yes.”

“And oh so waaarm!”

“Nuh-uh.”

“Evy, come heeeere,” Tommy calls, deciding to bring in back-up. “Eddie’s cold and won’t snuggle!”

Evan literally bounds over at the call, obedient as ever, tail wagging and tongue hanging lopsided out of his mouth. “Snuggles?!”

“Dammit, Buck, don't you dare!” Eddie warns but is blatantly ignored in favor of Evan (gently) body-slamming Eddie to the ground with his mass in a chaotic mess of kisses. Tommy gleefully joins in, wrapping his larger body around Eddie in equal parts protection from the elements and to ensure he doesn't escape. Eddie tries to wrestle Evan off of him to no avail.

“Okay, okay fine,” he relents with a fake pout, but Tommy is delighted to feel him snuggle back into his fur while Evan shifts to lay his head over Eddie’s body. They cocoon him thoroughly.

The trio are silent after that, taking in the breathtaking view of the clear starry night sky.

They are awoken by their shivering hours later, blessedly three humans again, only now two of them are naked. They high-tail it to the shower.

[apomaro-mellow]

Rock and Rule 4

Inside the club, music was blaring loud enough to pound Steve's ears. He hoped it was enough to get Creel's goons off his tail. And maybe he'd have enough time to get a drink. He kept his head low and the minions passed right over him. He let out a breath and ordered something at the bar. Just a quick drink and then he was finding the next bus, train, or plane to Hawkins.

"Hey, is that Eve!?", a voice shouted above the music. Then Steve felt someone grab his arm and make him turn.

"Holy shit! I've seen you on the posters! You're gonna be in Vecna's next concert, yeah?"

When Steve imagined getting noticed in public, it was usually due to his or the band's talents. Not from having his face all over town on someone else's posters.

"Um, well, don't hold me to that. Plans change", Steve said, trying to turn away, lest he garner anymore attention.

"Dude, lemme buy you a drink. I'd love to talk shop. You gotta know Lord Vecna himself, right? God, I've listened to him for years..."

Steve rubbed at one of his temples as this guy kept talking. He got up to go. Forget quenching his thirst, he had to get out of here right this second.

"Hey, I wasn't done talking. You're gonna introduce me to Vecna, aren't ya? Come on, you owe me after the drink."

Steve felt his arm being grabbed again and was just about to swing at this man when he was suddenly released. Then he heard a familiar voice.

"Learn to take a hint, chump."

Steve turned so fast, he might've broke his back. Eddie! The guy bothering him looked ready to talk back but then he saw the rest of the band behind Eddie and thought better of it.

"Whatever", he said while sulking off.

"Eddie!", Steve didn't give him a moment to think before embracing and kissing him.

Eddie's hard expression instantly melted as he fell into the kiss as easy as breathing. It took about ten seconds for him remember what he was doing here and why. He pulled off from the kiss but didn't take his hands off of Steve's waist that had mysteriously appeared there.

"You've got some answers to question."

"Huh?"

"I think he means you're got some questions to answer", Jeff clarified.

"We can talk, we just gotta go first", Steve said.

"Right behind ya", Gareth agreed.

The moment they said so though, large hands grabbed them from all around. Steve tried to shout for his boyfriend as they were ripped apart but a hand covered his mouth. He fought and he saw Eddie, Crash, Gareth, and Jeff struggle as well but the hands on him were like iron. He couldn't let this happen. Not again. Steve headbutted his captor and that loosened the hold just enough for him to lunge forward.

That was all he was able to do before something hard cracked against his skull and the world went black again. "It's time for your curtain call, Eve."

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

Eddie felt like he was seeing red as Steve was taken again. He and the rest of the band were thrown into the alley next to the club. And there, Henry Creel was waiting.

"You four are quite persistent. But Steve belongs to me now. Or rather, Eve does."

Crash's face scrunched. "Eve?"

"What's your deal, man?", Jeff questioned.

"'Eve is very appropriate, considering he will bring the downfall of man." Henry had his hands behind his back like he was talking about the weather.

"You're insane", Eddie said. "And a hack and a total sellout and I can't believe I ever listened to you!"

"I think you all just need a little trip", Henry said.

"I'm not smoking whatever messed with your head!" Eddie geared up and tossed a punch only for Henry to disappear like smoke. When he looked around he saw that he was no longer in the alley, but a void, completely alone.

"You misunderstand. But soon everyone will realize", Henry's voice floated through the air.

The gong of a clock sounded and Eddie felt his stomach drop.

"I'm going to send you all back to that town you all love so much."

"Fuck Hawkins and fuck you!", Eddie shouted.

"Oh no, you love Hawkins. You would never wanted to leave it. It's your home after all." Three more gongs went off and the world went completely dark for Eddie.

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

Steve was in fact awake in time for the concert, finding himself dressed in a flowy, white loincloth that just barely kept his modesty. His arms were tied above his head and he was strapped to a beam that kept him upright. His immediate thought brought him back to the screaming blonde woman in King Kong. Steve didn't want to know what sort of creature he was being sacrificed for as the crew did sound checks.

He thought he could fight against Vecna's wishes but right before the show started, a collar was locked around his throat. He heard the crowd getting antsy from behind the curtain and tried biting his tongue but the lights on the collar lit up and notes were forced from his throat.

"Aah ah aah", he vocalized like he was warming up as the band behind him got into place. Vecna was at the ready as well but Steve couldn't see him from behind.

It was his voice but it wasn't him. It was like he was being possessed. Steve wanted to cry. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Just as the show was about to begin, all of the lights when out. He could even feel the collar power down. Steve waited there, tied up, as the techs tried to figure out the problem.

A storm had knocked out the power and there was no hope of it ever coming back on for the evening. Steve felt relief for only a moment. A storm wasn't enough to stop this monster. Henry was already making moves to take the next leg of the concert to Hawkins.

Part 6

[e-mmygrey]

History Must Repeat Itself - Chapter 10

Author's note: Season 3 is peak Steve Harrington humour and I'm always here for it. Robin Buckley lives in a special place in my heart and I'm sure all of yours. She better be safe in season 5 lol

Maya Hawke is such a beautiful human - I've seen her in concert and MAGICAL. Anyways, enjoy. lol

5.9k words

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The Start of Summer 1985

          The school year ended a few days ago, meaning all seven kids were headed to high school in the fall. Steve and Billy graduated. No more Hawkins education for them. The rest of us high schoolers were going into senior year. That thought made me feel old and I was grateful for two months to prepare myself for it.

A huge party was being thrown to celebrate the outgoing seniors tomorrow. One last shebang. But for the incoming freshmen, none of the parents were arranging anything. And as the big sister for one of them, that made it my job. Well, for my sister and her friends at least. For the last week, I'd been planning a party in secret. All of the kids' parents were called and they were prepared (and a little excited) to throw their kids out of the house at 11:30 on Saturday morning.

Of course, the party wasn't happening at my house. The kids had proven they could demolish any cleanliness I had too easily and there wasn't a pool in my backyard. Who had a pool and a giant house with a kitchen that seven kids could fit in?

"I can't believe you convinced me to let you do this here," Steve grumbled, lugging in the groceries we'd just bought.

"As if they're not going to be here all summer," I reminded him, putting the three tubs of ice cream into the freezer.

"Ah, but you forget, my dear Jess, Starcourt Mall is a bus ride away. It's new and shiny with a plethora of greasy food. Little old me only has a pool and a big tv."

I rolled my eyes at him. "Yes, but you're Steve Harrington. Those children are absolutely in love with you and they're going to get bored of the same stores over and over again that they can't afford." I placed the pre-cut fruit into the fridge. "Well, except for Scoops Ahoy, of course. I plan on bringing Madison there every day."

I began opening the toppings for the ice cream sundaes, when I felt Steve step up beside me. I glanced at him, before pouring chocolate chips into a small container.

"Every day? Really? Wow. You gonna miss having me so accessible, you're going to come visit every day?"

"I could be visiting Robin. Madison does really love Robin," I pointed out, scrunching my nose.

Steve leaned closer, his breath against my ears. "I'm sure we could find a use for the ice cream if you were coming to visit me instead."

I looked up at him through my eyelashes, ignoring the heat burning my face. "Steve Harrington, are you hitting on me?"

He reached behind me and I felt him tug on the end of my bandana. "Jess Connors -"

His words were cut off by the sound of a door opening. His eyebrows connected, stepping into the hallway with a direct view to the front door. I glanced over as I put the veggies tray into the fridge to see Steve's back straighten and his expression drop.

"Mum. Dad. I didn't realize you'd be coming home today."

He disappeared down the hallway. The tenor of his father's voice floated down the hall and a wave of anxiety rolled through me. I'd never met Steve's parents. I don't know how many of his friends had. 

Footsteps thudded down towards me. Anxiety bubbling, I glanced down at my outfit. I was wearing an old pair of denim jeans that I'd hacked the legs off. My shirt was an absolutely huge Iron Maiden shirt I found at a thrift store outside of town. It was originally going to be a gift for Eddie but never made it to him. It was my style and covered anything that could be scandalous but I had a feeling it wasn't their look. As Steve rounded the corner with an apologetic look on his face, I reached my hand back to adjust the bun I'd created at the base of my skull.

"I'm sorry," he mouthed as his parents entered behind him.

"This is Jess Connors," Steve introduced, standing next to me. "Jess, these are my parents."

I rubbed my palms against my shirt, the anxiety crashing. I rounded the island and held my hand out to his mother.

"Mrs. Harrington, nice to meet you." She shook my hand with a hint of a surprised on her face before I moved to his father. "Mr. Harrington."

Stepping back, I hid behind Steve slightly. I slid my hands into the front pockets of my shorts. I could see where Steve got his good looks from. Once upon a time, his father was handsome. I don't know if it was work or being a miserable person but something in his life had begun scrubbing it away. His mother, with well manicured blonde hair and lack of wrinkles for having an eighteen year old son, definitely kept herself looking young. She was ridiculously pretty too.

"What's happening here? Have we burst in on your party plans?" Mrs. Harrington asked. She tried sounding light and humoured, but I could read the judgement in her eyes.

"We're having a pool party for the graduating middle schoolers," Steve said as I started going back to the chip bags. I needed to make myself busy because his parents made me want to throw up with anxiety. I don't know the last time I felt this way around adults.

His father chuckled condescending. "Middle schoolers? Really, Steve? You've lost that many friends since you quit the basketball team, you're holding a party for children?"

I paused, peering at Mr. Harrington. His look was predatory towards his son. It was a look I'd seen on Billy's face when he'd locked on a target. The nausea left my stomach and defensive anger replaced it. Steve hesitantly opened his mouth to answer his father, but I beat him to it.

"Actually, Mr. Harrington, my sister is in that graduating class. Since your son is so great, he's letting me host it here. And all the kids love Steve so much, it's mixed with a graduation celebration for him too. Because since you know, he graduated high school."

My tone was snippy, I knew that. The Harrington family was all looking at me. Steve had a hint of a smile on his face, grateful for my words. His mother's face was neutral, but his father was annoyed. I met his father's stare for a minute, before turning to Steve.

"I'm going to start grabbing the soda from my trunk. Can you do water balloons and paint balloons? The kids will be here." I glanced at my watch. "Hopefully in half an hour."

I smiled at him, placing my hand on his back as I passed his parents. I didn't give them a look.

"And is she going to college in September?" Steve's father ask as I got to the front door.

"No, she's going into her senior year."

"So, like I said. No friends your own age."

I walked out the front door without shoes on. I couldn't listen to the rest of the conversation. Steve told me a couple times that his parents were a lot. They had to be if they left their son alone more than they saw him. He told me they'd started leaving him in the house by himself for longer than a night in the sixth grade. I almost didn't want to believe him, but now? There was no doubt.

I grabbed two cases of regular Coke, much to Lucas' impending dismay. None of us understood how he could so happily drink the new crap. I tucked one under my arm and grabbed the smaller case of Diet Coke for Robin and me.

"Whoa, whoa, watch how much you're grabbing there." Steve grabbed the case from under my arm. He grabbed the case of Sprite with ease. As Steve closed the trunk, I watched him. He peeked at me, before wrapping his hand tighter around the case.

"What?"

I tilted my head, staring at the small details of his face. I'd only known Steve for nine months, but especially after the night of the Snow Ball dance, we spent a lot of time together. I could read him a lot easier.

His cheeks began to heat. "Jess, if you don't stop staring at me, I'm going to drop these cases and kiss you." He smirked. "So tell me why you're staring."

I ignored his flirty comment, as I often did.

"I'm really proud of you, Steve Harrington. You're amazing. You need to know that," I said, walking back towards his house with the cases of pop. Thankfully, Steve had left the door ajar and I could just push it open.

"That girl must be a really great lay because Steve is throwing away a perfectly good day he could be working," was the first thing I heard as I walked into the house. I purposefully made my footsteps hit the ground harder. His parents stopped talking as I entered into the kitchen. I gave them a polite smile, dropping the cases onto the island.

"So, Jess. Steven says you're going into your senior year. What are your plans for afterwards?"

I stuck my tongue between my back teeth as I put the cans into the fridge. The principal didn't even call him Steven during graduation. I returned my expression to a neutral one as I faced his parents again.

"I won't be attending college for a few years," I told them as Steve came in. "My mother works in Indianapolis full time and I take care of my sister. I don't plan on letting her leave Hawkins High until she graduates. I'll be working until she's done."

"That's very nice of you," Steve's mother said, her hands clasping together. I could see in her eyes that she genuinely meant it.

I shrugged absentmindedly. "My mother moved us around a lot. I'd like the idea of my sister not having to change schools midway through high school like I did."

"What school did you go to before?"

I glanced at Steve. He indicated towards the backyard with his head and I nodded. I didn't like that he was leaving me alone with his parents, but we had to finish getting ready. I wasn't letting them throw our day off. I turned back to his parents as I started opening the chip bags. They both stood at the end of the island. His father had removed his jacket and tossed it onto the counter, his arms now crossed. Neither of them were going to help.

"We lived in Seattle before coming here. I've lived in eight states and gone to nine schools now."

I pulled out the metal bowls from under the counter. Mrs. Harrington seemed surprised I knew where it was. It dawned on me that I'd been inside their house more than they had in the last few months. I couldn't even remember the last time Steve told me his parents were home.

"You're a very travelled individual. Much more than Steven," his father said. "Where do you want to go to college?"

I cleared my throat. "I've changed my mind quite a few times over the years. Washington State would be nice, but so would any college in New York. It just depends on what the money situation is."

Through the sliding screen door, Steve swore after a short rush of water. I smiled to myself, grabbing a couple bowls.

"Excuse me," I said, walking out of the house. Honestly, it didn't matter if his parents had tried continuing the conversation. I wasn't giving them any semblance of control.

"Well now I know why she's with Steven if that's her situation," his father said, not even waiting until I was out of view. I wanted to drop the bowls and punch his father in the face. Steve didn't deserve parents like this.

Laughter bubbled out as I caught sight of Steve sitting on the ground, pants covered in water. I put the chips on their designated table before walking over to him. Steve looked up at me with puppy dog eyes.

"Can I just fill the paint balloons? The kids can fill these up if they want."

I bent in half and kissed his head. "Yes, Steve. We'll just toss them in the pool." I ruffled his hair. "The kids I mean."

Steve chuckled. He grabbed my hand as I started walking away. He tugged on my fingers and I crouched beside him.

"I'm sorry my parents are here. They're leaving soon. They said they've got lunch at the country club with some friends and going to Indianapolis in the morning."

I ran my hands through his hair, pushing it back into its natural position. I tilted my head, smiling at him.

"You can stay with me while they're here if you want. Madison would love it, especially if you bring ice cream home."

The door slid open beside us, and through the corner of my eye, his father stepped out. Without warning, I leaned forwards and placed my lips against Steve's. I moved my hand through the rest of his hair, resting it on his jaw. Steve kissed back almost immediately, his hand tightening around mine. I moved my head away from Steve.

"You deserve the world, Steve Harrington," I whispered, standing up.

"Steven," his father said in a sharp tone. We both turned. "Your mother and I are getting changed then leaving. We will see you tonight."

His father disappeared without another word. I looked at Steve, raising my eyebrows. He shrugged and got back to the balloons.

"I'm going to grab your radio and cassettes, okay?" I said, walking backwards to the door. "And I have presents in my car that I want to grab."

Steve's head snapped up. "Were we supposed to get gifts?"

I smiled at his panic. "No, you didn't. I just bought two and then realized I couldn't leave everyone else without one."

Steve exhaled, relieved he hadn't messed up. I sent him a wink and walked inside the house. Heading for the front door, I grabbed my keys off its unofficial hook. All eight presents were wrapped and held in two fabric bags. I knew I needed to hide them in the kitchen because if the kids (and Steve) found out presents were for them, I wouldn't hear the end of it and the house would be destroyed much faster.

          Walking back into the house, I came face to face with Mr. Harrington. He stepped to the side, indicating for me to walk by. I gave him an awkward smile of thanks, going towards the back of the house.

"Oh, Jessica?"

I paused, turning on my heels. "Uh, it's Jess actually. Legally."

"Well, Jess then. I'd like to say you seem to be a good influence on Steven. It's what he needs if he's going to go anywhere since he barely scraped by graduating."

"Your son is very intelligent and a good human being," I said. "I'm very proud to be around him to see where he'll go."

Mr. Harrington slid a hand into his slack's pocket. "Steven needs to be pushed, much more than you think he does. Don't let whatever charm and cleverness he thinks he has fool you."

I bit down on my lower lip, considering my next words but Steve's father chose what direction they would go in.

"Don't let him get you pregnant without marriage and a prenup. He'll take whatever he can from you and suck your talents dry."

I took a deep breath. "Mr. Harrington, I wouldn't imagine insulting you in your own home. So." I put down the two bags I was holding and opened the front door.

I took a step over the threshold and turned back to the man. "Like I said before, Steve," I enunciated how he preferred his name being said. "Is a beautiful, good hearted, smart and kind human being. Whatever you twisted him into thinking he should be when he started high school isn't who he is anymore. Steve knows how to take care of the people he loves and he does it selflessly, which he obviously didn't learn from you. I have watched Steve help my sister do her homework for hours and through levels of frustration." Mrs. Harrington appeared from the base of the stairs. "My sister didn't give up because your son has patience and understanding. So no, Steve didn't do well in high school but he graduated and you should be proud of him for that. I know I am. And you know what? If Steve did knock me up, which he wouldn't because he's responsible, I would be thankful to spend at least eighteen more years attached to him. Somehow you raised a gentleman, and honestly I don't know how."

I released a huff of breath and stepped back into the house. "So that's what I have to say even though you probably didn't take any of it to heart." I walked past Steve's parents and picked up the present bags. "I hope you have a good lunch. It's supposed to be a beautiful day."

As I walked the rest of the way towards the kitchen, I was sure I'd throw up. I couldn't believe I said that to his parents. I'm surprised they didn't throw me out right there. I dropped the bags onto the island, planting my hands on the edge and took another deep breath. Holy shit.

The front door slammed shut and I sighed, turning to open the cupboard beside the fridge. I gasped, jumping at the unexpected person standing behind me silently. Steve leaned against the fridge door, hugging himself. His eyes met mine, and my heart broke at the tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Oh, Steve," I whispered, wrapping my arm around his neck tugging him close. A soft sob rattled through him as his arms tightened around my waist. My hand ran through his hair, letting him feel his emotions freely. I didn't want to think about the last time his parents made him cry.

           A rumbling approached outside the house and I knew it was Jonathan's ancient car, likely with Nancy's right behind. I moved my hands up to hold his jaw to see his face. His hands adjusted to grip my hips. The tears disappeared when I wiped them away.

"Are you going to be okay?" I asked in a quiet voice.

Steve nodded, sniffling. I ran my hands through his hair. It had become a comforting technique for both of us.

The back gate creaked open and a storm of voices entered the backyard. Time to get this party started.

"Will you go grab your radio and cassettes?"

He nodded again, his shoulders shuttering with a sigh too. He placed a kiss on my head before I walked out into the backyard. Seeing everyone outside, I waved and held up a finger. Standing at the back door, I watched Steve go up the stairs.

"Okay, hang it up," I whisper-yelled. Nancy and Jonathan ran over to the 'Happy Middle School Graduation!' sign I'd made for the kids. They attached a '& High School Graduation, Steve!' sign too. I made it yesterday and dropped it off at Nancy's. 

Madison ran a graduation cap and gown we'd bought second hand and decorated with gold glitter, over to me. I held the cap and she had the gown open. We stood on either side of the door, listening to Steve come down the hallway. He could see the kids standing in a clump, looking through the screen door. It wasn't natural, but I really couldn't expect subtly from fourteen year olds.

"What the hell are -" Steve asked, stepping through the doorway. I stuck the cap on his head and Madison did her best to toss the gown over his shoulders.

"Happy graduation!" we all cheered, throwing our hands in the air. Jonathan snapped a quick photo of a very surprised Steve Harrington. A grin formed on Steve's face, his eyes flickering around the backyard to the kids, Nancy and Jonathan, the new sign. I couldn't help giggling over his expression. I pressed my hands together in front of my mouth, trying to contain my grin. Steve looked down at me. The grin on his face tightened and his nose began to scrunch. Oh no. I knew what was coming. I wrapped my arms around his waist. Steve's arms wrapped around my shoulder, his head tucking into my neck. The heat of his breath intensified and I felt the tears. My own tears began to fill my eyes. I looked over Steve's shoulder. Nancy's hands were across her mouth, Jonathan's arm around her shoulders. El and Madison both looked like they were going to cry too. Dustin had a little smirk on his face.

"Do you want to go inside for a minute?" I whispered.

Steve shook his head, sniffling and wiping away the tears off his face with an uncomfortable chuckle. He adjusted the cap on his head, turning back to the kids.

"If any of you assholes ever bring this up, atomic wedgies for all of you," Steve said, pointing at the group. There wasn't much threat in his voice. The kids all began snickering, nodding their heads.

"And by the way, happy graduation!"

And with that, the party started. All of them took off their normal clothes to reveal bathing suits underneath. Nancy came inside with me, bringing the beers for the four oldest kids. As I hid the presents where I'd wanted them, I explained to her what happened with Steve's parents. She nodded.

"I've only met them once. I wish I'd had the courage to say something. He really doesn't deserve it and I'm proud of you," Nancy said, wrapping her arm over my shoulder with a short squeeze.

           Back outside, Steve had lost his graduation gown to El, now running around the backyard with her arms spread. Mike smiled after his girlfriend, laughing at her antics. The rest of the kids were in the pool, playing games that required a little supervision as to not end with someone drowning. Steve and Jonathan sat on the loungers, being that supervision but they were talking to each other, smiles on their faces. It was something I wouldn't have expected once upon a time.

Nancy and I sat on the chairs with them. Nancy handed the beer to Jonathan while I pretended to ignore Steve. He nudged me with his elbow. I mimicked the action, taking a drink of beer. He rolled his eyes in response.

We let the kids burn themselves out a little bit. I knew they were ready for the big activity I planned once Jonathan started taking pictures of Dustin and Lucas, asleep and drooling on the grass. I grabbed the stack of shirts from inside the house, telling them to all line up against the fence. Nancy helped me hand out the shirts. I'd called everyone's parents to get the right sizes, because teenage boys grow like weeds. I used fabric paint to write their names and 'graduate 1985' along the collars.

"Okay, everyone put on your shirts," I instructed. Steve took the paint filled balloons from inside the shed.

"So, the plan is the girls are going to stand with us and we're going to throw the balloons at you guys," I explained. "And then we'll switch. And finally, we'll all soak Steve." I looked at my friend, a grin on my face. His eyebrows raised, having no idea that I was including him.

And that's how it went. The girls had way too much fun, roping Nancy and I into throwing the paint balloons too. Poor Lucas's hair got significantly covered in paint, especially when Max ran over and smashed two balloons over his head when the boys had turned to get the backs of their shirts covered. Of course, that targeted Max once the girls lined up against the fence. The first throw from all four of the boys went directly at her. El looked shocked after her first hit, and I realized she'd never experienced water balloons before. Madison threw threats out freely at the boys the closer they got to her head with the paint. We couldn't help laughing at the dramatics of the girls' screams.

Finally, Steve stood in front of the firing squad. I made all the kids line up, one at a time to take a shot at Steve. However, I didn't tell them Steve would get a shot at them individually after. With visible excitement, Dustin insisted on being first which was a little scary. Steve's hands unconsciously placed themselves over his crotch. Dustin's hit went straight into the centre of Steve's chest, forcing out a 'omph'. Mike and Will both went next, and lucky for Steve, neither were very athletic. Max and Lucas were after and I swear Steve's face went three shades lighter. The throw that had us all on the ground laughing with tears down our faces, was El. The first balloon we gave her, it popped in her hand, scaring her a little. She got the hang of it and threw the next one. Much like her boyfriend, El wasn't athletic and the balloon hit Steve right in the nose. Jonathan was insistent on getting a picture.

I was laughing too hard with tears streaming down my face that I missed Steve sneaking up on me. Arms wrapped around me and a scream burst from my chest. I gasped and tried to fight away from Steve as he ran with me across the backyard.

"Steve!"

After a moment of free falling, I was enveloped by the water. Coming to the surface, I wiped the water away from my eyes. In front of me was a grinning Steve Harrington. I shook my head with a look of annoyance.

"You're ridiculous," I said, treading water. Steve got a look on his face that made me swim backwards towards the shallow end. He shouldn't be allowed to act on his thoughts in front of children. I didn't get very far though. Steve, the stupid lifeguard that he was, was in front of me again in a second. He lifted me up and I squealed.

"Steve, your shirt! You're going to ruin it!"

He sighed loudly, dropping me again. Steve peeled off the graduation shirt, along with the t-shirt he'd had on underneath. My heart clenched at Steve's refined torso. Like I said, stupid lifeguard. I smirked at him as he stepped forwards. Behind his head, I could see Dustin lead the other boys towards the pool with their own shirts discarded. As Steve placed his hands on my hips and began to lean his head down, the boys leapt into the pool with war calls. They grabbed Steve and yanked him into the deep end. I was grateful he hadn't been holding me too tightly or else I would've gone under too. Wanting to get out of the wet clothes, I got out of the pool. The girls and Jonathan were sitting on the loungers, whispering amongst themselves.

"I'm going to change," I told them.

"I'll come with you," Nancy said, placing a kiss on Jonathan's cheek.

"What's on your mind, Nance?" I asked, looking at my friend who'd been silent the entire walk through the house. Her gaze flickered to my face as I grabbed my bathing suit. 

"Steve likes you," she said. "And I'd really like to see you two together."

I weakly smiled at Nancy. "It's an interesting situation, but I'm glad to hear you want the best for him."

"I know you've both got a lot of things going on, but I think you two would be good."

I smiled at her again but didn't say anything before making my way upstairs. With my mind stuck on planning the party, I'd forgotten to bring a change of clothes and there was a breeze outside.

I walked into Steve's bedroom, his scent wrapping around me. It was always cleaner than I expected. Changing, I realized I hadn't brought anything to wear over top my swim suit. His open closet caught my eye. My finger ran along his shirts and I picked a burgundy button down shirt. I pulled my arms through the sleeves and took a deep smell of the collar. I could lie in his bed and fall asleep. Hanging my wet clothes over the shower door, hoping they'd be dry by this evening.

Passing through the kitchen, I grabbed the presents. I couldn't wait any longer. Walking out to the backyard, Steve was still being tackled in the pool by Dustin. The others had ended their assault, sprawled across the concrete tiles and grass, stuffing their faces with junk food. Peeking at the pool, Steve was treading water and staring at me. His mouth was open a bit. My eyebrows twitched at his expression. I carried the bags over to the loungers, sitting beside El and Mike.

"Sorry Steve, I forgot extra clothes. I took this from your closet," I called to him.

"Yeah, yeah, cool. No problem," he stuttered out. Dustin grabbed Steve's head and the pair went under water again. I held boxes to El and Mike.

"I got you guys some graduation gifts," I said, before calling the others over. Will dropped himself beside me and I handed him a present that was bulkier than the rest.

"Try and open them one at a time," I barked. "I want to see your faces."

El was the first to get her gift unwrapped. She looked confused at the hard cover book in her hands.

I smirked. "It's a book on how to learn sign language. It's how people who can't hear communicate. I thought you'd enjoy learning it."

El's mouth opened with a smile as she flipped through the pages. From the centre of the book, a gift card fell out. It was for Starcourt Mall.

"I got one for you, Max, and Madison. I'll take you guys out to get some clothes for the summer."

El threw her arms around my waist. "Thank you."

I smirked, kissing her on the head. Mike was the next to rip his present open.

"Presents! Why didn't anyone tell me there were presents?" Dustin called, rushing out of the pool.

"You were trying to kill Steve, that's why," Madison answered, holding her present. It was kinda obvious that hers was something rolled up. Dustin ran up, covering all of us in water.

"Oh cool, new dice! And a notebook?"

We all started laughing at his excitement with a question mark at the end.

"It's a notebook designed to create a campaign. Eddie helped me find it," I explained.

"Holy crap, thanks!" Mike said, flipping through the pages.

"Can I go next?" Max asked. I nodded, grinning. They were being a lot more polite than I expected. She pulled a cardboard box out of the gift bag, Lucas looking over her shoulder.

"Oh my god, a repair kit. And new wheels? Jess, seriously? This is way too much."

"Shut up, Maxine. Just take it and say thank you," I told her, rolling my eyes. The redhead wrapped her arms around me before sitting back down.

"Basketball socks?" Lucas looked at the large pack I'd bought him with confusion.

"I know you were considering trying out for the team next year, so I thought you could use these. The guy said the company is backed by a couple of NBA players. Also, if you ever need rides to and from practices, let me know," I said. "Oh, and inside the socks are special customized dice too."

Lucas's mouth hung open, understanding the gift better. He smiled at me, bashfully. "Thanks."

"Is this for my hats?" Dustin asked loudly, holding up the metal contraption. I didn't even hand him the present, having taken it straight from the bags.

"Yeah, I figured you'd want a good way to hang them all and give you some extra space."

"And I got dice too!"

Steve took the box from Dustin, reading what it says inscribed on the inside.

"Henderson, did you even read this?" he asked the younger boy. Dustin took the box back from Steve. A smile grew on his face as he read the words I got on all 4 sets of dice I'd bought.

"Thanks Jess."

I smiled at the curly haired boy then down at Will beside me. Unlike his friends, he'd waited with utter patience. I nodded and Will took the tissue paper from his bag delicately. I looked up at Madison and nodded my head at her too. Might as well open them at the same time. I felt the seat shift behind me, Steve peering over my shoulder.

"An art kit?" Will looked at Jonathan first with wide eyes, then at me.

I shrugged. "This is what you'd need for grade nine art at Hawkins High."

Will leaned into my side. "Thanks."

I wrapped my arm around him. "You're welcome sweetie."

Jonathan smiled, mouthing 'thank you'. The kit was expensive and Nancy had shared that Jonathan was worried they wouldn't be able to afford the good brands that everyone else would get.

"Oh sick! Thanks Jess."

Not turning it since all the other kids ran around her to see, Madison was holding a map of the USA. Everywhere we'd live was marked, almost like a flight route. Where Hawkins was, there was a graduation cap. I smiled at her when she looked over the map.

"I promised you, no more moving," I said. "And I meant it."

Steve's head rested against the back of my shoulder, and the scent of his shampoo wafted over me mixed with chlorine. I turned slightly, my mouth brushing against his hair.

"I have one for you too."

"You do?" he asked, sitting up. He looked like a child. I nodded, pulling out the last little bag. I held it out to him, but as Steve went to reach for it, I pulled it back.

"Look, don't freak out or think you have to get me anything next year, okay?"

Steve nodded slowly and I gave it to him. Ignoring the babble of the kids, Steve took out the smaller of the two presents. Cracking open the box, Steve's eyes widened and mouth fell a little.

"Jess, holy crap."

"I know you've been wanting a fresh start in some aspects and I thought a new watch would help."

He took the accessory out of its case. The band was black leather with a wide face. I thought it was stylish. Not completely different from the one he wore, but it was more mature.

"What's on the back?" Will asked. I didn't realize he was paying attention to the exchange. Steve turned the watch over. He silently mouthed the words. 'S, Your life is better than high school. Xx - J '. Steve's lips pushed together and his mouth set off to the side. He looked like he might cry again which was a little satisfying but I did feel bad since he'd probably never cried this much in his life.

"What else is in the bag?"

I turned and saw that everyone was watching. I suddenly was overwhelmed by a warmth of discomfort. Steve began pulling out the larger present, his eyebrows scrunching.

"Dummies Guide to Nerds," Steve read the title.

Max started laughing next to me. "Is that why you took Eddie with you to Indianapolis?"

I nodded, chuckling. "Yeah, that and for his special place to get the dice." Steve looked a little offended. "I'm sorry, I thought it was perfect. Now you can understand what the hell Dustin talks about."

Steve put the book down gently with disinterest, but looked back at the watch. A smile grew on his face.

"It's perfect," Steve said, looking up at me. "Thank you."

I grinned at him. Steve placed his hand on my face and rested his lips against the other cheek. My face heated up at the intimate action. I dropped my head against Steve's shoulder to hide the obvious blushing, watching the kids start sharing their presents.

"I hope Eddie didn't touch my present. I'm going to have to burn it all."

I rolled my eyes. "You're fine, Steve. Be careful, you're turning green. It's not a good look."

Steve's body shook underneath me, laughing.

[theha1rarch]

🔥 - i'm evil ... so ... steve

( send the fire emoji for an unpopular opinion )

oooh boy oh-ho-ho, okay buckle in everyone - this is gonna be a long ride -

1 - gonna go ahead & get this one out of the way ... steve would in no universe, under any circumstance, in any way - shape - or form ... date fucking b.illy h.argrove. i really feel like i don't need to explain this one but yeah thanks, he would never. he wouldn't even CRUSH on him (eddie is his one & only (canon) bi awakening thank you!!!)

2 - steve is not an asshole. he can be bitchy, he was a douche in school & definitely not the greatest person - but he is not an actual mean person. like - maybe if he was in a bad mood or in a fight with someone, he could say something really mean - but it's not something he'd do normally. like he's not just some giant asshole who treats people like shit

3 - steve wouldn't accept anyone being an ass to nancy. he wouldn't accept robin shunning her bc of their past. he forgave nancy a long time ago & expects other people to as well. just because she hurt him, if he forgave her - they need to as well. after all it's HIM she hurt & it's not like it was done intentionally

4 - steve isn't stupid. he struggles with learning & school, yes. he's not the most booksmart, yes. but he's not fucking stupid. he's not some braindead idiot who can't tell right from left. he might not always spell things right, he might not know big words but acting like he's a five year old child who's never been on the planet earth before is a bit much. not to mention he canonically showed off his smarts SEVERAL times. everyone forgets if it wasn't for him, they never would've figured out the russians were working at/under the mall

5 - steve being in love with nancy still, or again, in s4 was lazy & stupid writing & never should've happened & makes no sense. he was canonically over here & trying to move on a season before. literally admitted while on TRUTH SERUM that he wasn't in love with her anymore. it literally shows no growth for him to just reduce him back to a shipping box & have him revolve around nancy again. especially when nancy herself has moved on & is in a happy relationship

6 - everyone claims steve is the d.uffer bros favorite, but he is NOT. he might be a fan favorite but the duffers don't give af about him. they wouldn't have done above if they did. they wouldn't continuously put him through hell & back if they did. he's literally a marketing ploy to them/st in general/netflix. they know everyone eats him up & uses those stupid 'steve harrington has to live' or whatever type marketing things to bring in the money

7 - calling steve a 'fan favorite' is even a bit of a stretch because genuinely most people only like him because he's hot. or bc joe is. & they crush on him & think he's attractive & the whole babysitter thing does it for them. or they also just think of him as 'haha goofy stupid funny hot guy who gets beat up all the time'. that's how most people outside of the actual steve stans see him, people don't give him depth - including the writers themselves

8 - FOR ST/CANON/80S VERSE SPECIFIC - i genuinely don't think steve would know what being bi was or that 'liking both' is an option or whatever without meeting robin. or another 'already have figured out they're queer' person. like i just simply don't think he'd just have that already known without some help. like - maybe he could know he liked guys for certain ships getting together pre-robin & all but i don't think he'd know the details of stuff already without a queer person in his life

9 - slight usfw but probably one of my most controversial, in the steve/steddie/st fandom at least, STEVE IS A SUB, & HE'S ALSO A BOTTOM. THAT'S ALL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

10 - this is going to be the most controversial thing i've ever said on this blog bc it's going to surprise & shock the fuck out of so many of you & no one's going to believe i'm actually saying it but .....................

steve should've died in s4 instead of eddie. NOW HEAR ME OUT - obviously there's no universe where i want steve to die & this is ONLY IF someone 'had' to die. but i think it should've been steve. steve is a character that's been around since s1, who was - in fact - supposed to die in s1. we know him, we love him, but we've got to watch a life for him play out on screen before us. maybe not the best life. but still. he was canonically in a good place by the end of s4, for the most part. like generally seemed happy & all. he gave that whole speech to nancy that literally screamed a 'i'm about to die' speech. it would've been sad as fuck, but i think it would've been a better narrative. to watch a character we've gotten to know & have at least four or more so years with die. & it still would've given dustin the whole 'losing older brother type figure' situation. we'd get to watch the characters grieve someone we actually knew, not someone we only knew for nine (eight? idk i'm tired i forget how many s4 eps rn) episodes & most of the characters barely knew -. it would've been a lot more impactful & shown that the duffers weren't afraid to take risks & actually kill off their mains & show us no one was safe. & then eddie could've stepped into steve's role & wouldn't have lived such a short time & would've shown that the duffers could break out of their 'we're gonna kill off this character you just me this season' trope ...

[ghost-proofbaby]

and therein lies the issue, friends don't try to trick you, get you in the phone and mind twist youuuu!! These two are such reputation vibes and I love it so much 😍 I actually love that song as well, but I don't think many other people do.

Full disclosure, I would have put money on Eddie bringing in the big guns and asking Nancy to bring her back. But its Steve! And he didn't even ask! And it needed to be Steve. This was a great choice. He started the whole thing, it's right that he came full circle with them as well. And then him straight away offering himself as the bad guy and telling her to just fix it, he's so precious.

I like that she doesn't immediately spill every detail to Steve, and even when she does say something, it's not the ins and outs, she keeps their time mostly between them and it's so important. because their entire time knowing eachother has had their group in the background and they need some time of their own that's private. Just like their (hopefully) eventual relationship will be 😊

Him explaining that he had no expectations with his confession, starts getting a bit dramatic in his own head again, and then she's so blunt just shutting him up 🤣 it's gonna be their whole dynamic. And again with the chapstick comment, she's a menace just as much as him. Love it.

And then, yea it's great they're being all smart and sensible and mature and taking some time apart and yepyepyep but the hopeless romantic in me did wonder if she'd go back in, even just for a minute. but then the image of them both batterd and sat staring at the open door, like the end of an action film at the edge of the blast zone or something, that was epic. Scene of the crime. Yellow tape. Do not cross. The works. He's either gonna want to move like yesterday or stay there forever and I can't decide which. Amazing 🖤

Can't wait for Steve's interaction with them face to face, can just see him coming in all Captain America thinking he fully saved the day from his phone call convincing her to go back, and them both just chasing him down the stairs 🤣

p.s. I'm so satisfied finally hearing the other side of Eddie's call with Nancy. I mean, we all had an idea, but still so satisfying 🖤🖤

i am so glad someone else thought of that song!!! when i wrote that line i took a quick break just to sigh deeply because i really can’t escape her 😭 and they are very reputation coded!! since starting i’ve always firmly believed they were very speak now coded in the beginning, and slowly became more reputation coded as their story continued lol (can you imagine a non swiftie reading this like ???? what???) i also very much love that song. it’s so fun and the lines about toasting her friends, baby, and mama are so satisfying to me.

i definitely almost had eddie call nancy first to be completely be honest. but, just between you and me, i think eddie reached out the way he did very strategically. he knew she was upset, dealing with a lot, and he also knew she’s in the groupchat. calling nancy risks jonathan finding out, which risks everyone finding out. he knows that reader is closest with steve, that steve was always going to be the one coming to pick her up at the end, so he called him for her benefit.

and also between you and me, eddie is feeling the same way as reader. he doesn’t want to give up that privacy quite yet. if he called nancy, she’d complete her best friend duties of asking for details, making sure he was okay, etc. and he isn’t okay but he doesn’t want to explain why.

and oh gosh, i’m really glad someone else saw the cinematic vibes of that moment because i was worried people would be like “why are those idiots not going back in” 😭 they’re on neutral ground there, and yes, that apartment is definitely tainted to eddie now, but he’s definitely leaning more towards never moving. especially when it’s not all quite ruined yet. if reader had left and it had all been on bad terms? oh yeah he would have wrecked that place.

and… yeah, steve better watch his back. he gets his karma next hour. (already wrote the scene. poor dude learned his lesson.)

i figured we all knew what went down but.. just for good measure <3 and because it was too cute to have a parallel of the way nancy forced that admission out of eddie in the beginning, and then steve did the same to reader. ultimate wing (wo)men truly

[sevensoulmates]

Once again I'm rambling about 911 because now I'm thinking about the parents storylines but specifically Chim's parents and Buck's parents.

I have to believe they're going somewhere with this. Maybe setting up for a larger plotline that's setting Buck and Chim up for disappointment. Maybe for Chim his parents stay longer and he thinks oh shit maybe they'll wanna move here and I can have my dad back and his parents are like no. We're staying in Korea. And Chim is like right. Okay. We still aren't ever gonna be close, but at least we won't have such a large rift as no-contact. I can live with that. Not exactly forgiveness but a mutual understanding and a moving on.

For the Buckley parents idk. Maybe he starts to ask them about Daniel (the real Daniel since he met a fake Daniel in his dream) and his parents shut down again and refuse to talk about him. Proving the Buckley parents were trying really hard to move on and be there for their living children but in the end they couldn't. Maybe it's just Buck accepting that the past happened, his parents didn't give him what he needed as a child, but they'll be able to be there for their grandchild and they can co-exist peacefully even without having the close parental relationship. I will take co-existing peacefully with his parents and having his real family with Bobby/the 118/Eddie and Chris.

Or they could possibly go the Ali route with his parents suddenly disapproving of his job because they now know the realities of the danger and trying to control his life (ie. Rearranging his apartment). Showing that the Buckley parents didn't parent him the way he needed as a child and they aren't parenting him the way he needs now as an adult. At this point Buck just requires guidance when needed, reassurance that he is loved and support that he can make his own decisions (like how Bobby is doing). He doesn't need micromanaging like it seems he's going to be getting from his parents.

It also seems to me like Buck gets his "fixer" tendencies from Margaret. She seems the type of person who can't sit down and has to be making sure everything is perfect all the time. I think being around her all the time won't be good for Buck's journey to understanding his self worth and accepting his own imperfections as simple imperfections rather than reasons he's unworthy of love.

I'm really not sure if I would call either of their storylines right now "redemption arcs". I think it's more overcompensating now that there's something mutually bringing them together (Jee-Yun). Things are too perfect right now. The other shoe is bound to drop sometime before the end of the season. Are both sets of parents likely going to turn evil? No. More than likely they'll continue on as they are. Trying hard to make up for their shitty parenting in the past, and in the end I think they'll all be forced to reconcile with the fact that they'll never have the close relationship they might've wanted in the past but that they can live with having their parents as visitors, people who exist in the peripheral of their lives, getting a second chance to do right by Jee instead. And Chim and Buck will eventually come to understand that that's okay. Because they already have their real parents (The Lee's for Chim and Bobby for Buck) and their current families that they've made for themselves.

[whatislife1babydonthurtme]

Things in Stranger Things season 4 (Volume 2) which did not make sense, were forgotten or simply pissed me off.

❗️Spoilers obviously❗️

The whole town was convinced that there was a cult going on and people got up looking for Eddie and seemingly the rest of Hellfire Club because they were convinced it was a cult. Did they just give up? They never showed up again. Also the parents didn't bring this up at the end when everyone was reunited.

Why did Mike believe that the painting was for him and El when he clearly read the letter that said Will was painting it for someone he likes. Additionally, how the fuck did Mike not notice his supposed "best friend" sobbing in the car right next to him? You can clearly see him look in Will's direction but he just doesn't do anything.

Is the police just... dead? Where are they? Why are they not actively going after Jason's crew

Where is Owen? Is he alive? Why did he say that he could get El back in Hawkins in 2 hours tops if the Cali crew said it would take all night to get back, was he gonna call a private jet or something??

Where is the military? They went to that lab and then were never heard of again.

When Nancy was Vecna'd, she was in the laboratory. Why???? She had nothing to do with that place. Why wasn't she robbed from facing her own fears and traumas at the start of volume 2? Also when she got stuck in front of those doors which were blocked off by planks, they were push doors. Why did she rip off all of those planks if she could've just pushed the door and crawled in between those planks. Maybe I'm getting something wrong here but that just seems like such a hard thing to miss while writing the script...

Why did only Jason and his buddy go to Lucas and Erica when he had a whole team? Were the other guys just watching tv?

Vecna survived being transported to another reality and being hit by lightening so much that his skin peeled off, but can't handle Steve and Robin throwing a molotov at him? Or a shotgun? Really?

Did they leave Eddie's body in the upside down? Why is nobody mourning him besides his uncle and Dustin? I thought Mike, Lucas, Steve, Nancy, Robin and even Erica cared.

So El can bring people back from the dead now? That's not telekinesis, that's Mary Sue magic. What's next? She can share her powers with anyone she wants and then they can make people fly with the jerk of a wrist?

We still don't know why the upside down is stuck on the moment Will was taken. With the way this was brought up in volume 1 it really seemed like this would be answered in volume 2. But of course not, because Will Byers just kept getting sidelined in every way possible.

How come it was leaked that 5 people would die in volume 2 but the only important characters who died were Brenner (papa) and Eddie. Max died but she was brought back to life because apparently Eleven can do that now. That's not 5 is it? Or did they count the people in that helicopter who were trying to shoot Eleven?

Were we supposed to care about Brenner's death???? With how the cemra kept focusing so much on him? I was glad to watch him go!!

The timeskip of 2 full days in the middle of the climax???? Wtf was that??????

Mike being a complete asshole to Will these past 2 seasons was just for no reason then? He is JUST an asshole??

Were Robin, Nancy and Steve just choking on those vines for like 15 minutes or was the time where Eleven struck Vecna actually a lot shorter than that?

They actually forgot Will's birthday, I hoped they were just joking but they really forgot. He was the only character with a canon birthday within the series (until they talked about Dustin's) but clearly they care so little about Will that his entire existence is forgotten.

Wasn't the upside down toxic? Why is everyone just fine inhaling the shit?

The queerbait. No, gay people didn't bait themselves. Netflix, the Duffers, and the actors were actively promoting Byler and hyping up Will's sexuality when in reality Byler is just doomed, not just as a romance but as friendship as well. And Will did not explicitly come out to anyone. People are STILL in denial that he's gay and that's exactly why you make characters come out instead of keeping it "up to interpretation wink wink"

Will calling Mike the heart of their group yet Mike's the one who broke their party up the most.

Mike saying he instantly fell in love with Eleven when they met, as if he didn't tell her to shut up, go away and stop being weird back then.

Mike saying his life started on the day he met Eleven, the same day Will went missing, in his face. When Mike said before that the best thing he had ever done was befriend Will in kindergarten.

So did Vecna create the Mind Flayer or did it already exist? Cause if Vecna created it that's so goddamn lame and it adds no new mystery.

The continuous stereotypes and suffering/deaths of outcasts, poor people, queer people and people of color. One black character plays basketball and the other is a sassy one-liner. The brown guy is a funny weed man with barely to no relevancy to the plot. One lesbian gets a lazy background ship with a girl who is an exact copy of herself and the gay character is living in a painful unrequited love story and used as fuel for the main straight couple, without even being given a canon coming out scene. All this while the straight couples get together and have tons of moments together. Eddie who is poor, is seen as a cultist, dies and nobody besides 2 people mourn his death. Max, another poor character who had already lived through trauma and abuse, dies, gets brought back to life, is now comatose, probably crippled, and maybe permanently blind.

Will's endless suffering. He just can't ever be happy can he? Wtf is wrong with the writers...

Did the Russian crew just end up at Hoppers cabin like that in 2 days? No problems whatsoever? Wow that's convenient.

Hopper hugs Mike but not his new stepsons?

Not one, not two, but three jokes about Hopper once having been fat because he's lost weight in the prison.

Comments had some great additions and I came up with some more too so here's more:

Nobody showed up to Lucas' game when he had a very valid reason to want to play, and it was never brought up again. They all stood him up.

Eddie's death was so rushed and predictable. I saw it coming as soon as he said his whole "I'm a coward I run away I'm not a hero" speech. It's typical "I'm a coward so I'll die a hero" foreshadowing which is overused and just horrible. And in the end he didn't even save anyone, it was completely unnecessary. Eddie deserved to live.

Eleven not being able to win the final fight until she got validation from her boyfriend. Why was she not allowed to do this by herself?

The military watching the pizza van drive off and then do nothing about it? I thought they were experts at tracing and tracking, but nope, they just gave up after Eleven escaped the underground lab.

Just the Cali crew being sidelined so much when they once were such interesting characters (besides Argyle)

Steve saying he always loved Nancy and never moved on despite him telling Robin in season 3 that he didn't like her anymore. Let Steve move on and stop having Nancy jump from boy to boy, hurting them both in the process.

Just a nitpick but the sound design was so overly dramatic at times? Like Brenner LITERALLY snapped a pencil and the sound design was like ☄️💥🔥

Tell me what I missed cause I'd love to add it on this shit list.

[ashwhowrites]

Can I please request a fic based on ‘complicated’ by avril lavigne like maybe one of them (eddie or reader) is with a new crowd and starting to change or leaving the other person. Or not wanting to be seen with them. Im hoping for it to be hella angsty, happy ending or not is up to you 🫶🏻🫶🏻 thank you and i absolutely love everything you’ve written 💗

Sure, let's give it a go!

Thank you so much💕 I'm happy to hear you love my work :)

⚠️it's gonna hurt- ending is left open to a possible happy ending?

Chill out, whatcha yellin' for?

Lay back, it's all been done before

And if you could only

Let it be, you would see

I like you the way you are

When we're drivin' in your car

And you're talkin' to me

One-on-one but you become

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE HERE!" Eddie screamed.

Y/N and Eddie were going at it again. She noticed that her boyfriend was changing into someone else. He got roped into the popular crowd, leaving her in his dust like she was nothing.

"stop yelling! And just listen to me." She demanded but Eddie refused to listen to her.

"NO I'M NOT GOING TO LISTEN. IM NOT A LOSER ANYMORE. THIS IS THE NEW ME AND I'M BETTER THIS WAY." She rolled her eyes as he screamed again.

"you are not better this way! If you would open your goddamn eyes you'd see that I fell in love with my Eddie! Not this Chrissy prototype she created. I like you the way you are when it's just me and you, singing in your van. You talk to me like we used to. We talk about music, your campaign and goof around. Where did that go? Now all you want to talk about is the next party. Becoming friends with fucking Jason? My Eddie would never stoop that low."

"what is up with this "your Eddie" I'm still me just better!"

Somebody else 'round everyone else

You're watchin' your back like you can't relax

You're tryna be cool, you look like a fool to me, tell me

Why'd you have to go and make things so complicated?

I see the way you're

Actin' like you're somebody else, gets me frustrated

"you become this asshole around everyone else. You watch your back to see if they are near before you even talk to me! I'm your girlfriend and you only seem to care when it's just us. You're trying to be cool like them but you look like a fucking idiot Eddie! Why did you have to make this so complicated for us?"

She left slamming his van door that night. Part of her just giving up at finding the old Eddie and bringing him back.

Her Eddie never hurt her like this. Never made her doubt herself. He used to listen to her, respect her and love her

Now this new Eddie ignores her in public. Not bothering to even look in her direction while he's with his new friends.

~~

Eddie showed up unannounced at her house that night. Hope filled in her that finally he understood where she was coming from.

"What do you want Eddie?" She sighed as she opened her window, watching him crawl in.

"figured I'd give you a chance to apologize to me."

She couldn't believe her ears.

"excuse me?" She scoffed out, eyes staring daggers into her boyfriend's head.

"well? You completely shit on me for making new friends for no reason."

"oh my God Eddie you are in such denial! I am not saying sorry for shit. I'm the one who deserves an apology. I called you out on your shit because you have been a fucking asshole to me. Ever since you became friends with Chrissy, you've thrown me to the side. Only loving me when it's just us alone. But the second we are in public, you ignore me. Like I'm all of a sudden not worth being seen with you? You put yourself on a pedestal and look down on me." She cried. Feeling so frustrated that her boyfriend just wouldn't listen to her.

"well maybe If you quit with all the nerdy clubs and stopped being so embarrassing I'd show you off like Jason does with Chrissy." He snapped.

Quickly realizing the mistake in his words. The apology she deserved on the tip of his tongue. The anger left his body as he watched his girlfriend break down even further in front of him. What was he even doing this for? To be cool?

"embarrassing wow. Glad to know how you truly feel about your fucking girlfriend asshole. Don't worry, I won't embarrass you anymore because I'm done with you and whatever relationship we had hanging on a thread. Why don't you flirt your way with the cheerleaders who used to mock you for the same clubs I stayed in. At least I can be myself and have people accept me. I'll continue to pick up your slack in YOUR hellfire club. Not like we need you anymore anyways. Get the fuck out of my house" she snapped. Pushing his heavy body towards the door. Using all her strength to push his body that refused to move.

"no I fucked up. Please don't make me leave. I'm sorry. I'm sorry okay? I was wrong so fucking wrong." He tried to plead, but she kept shoving him harder and harder. He didn't want to break up, he didn't want to lose her. Selfishly he thought he could be in the popular crowd and still hold on to her.

"GET OUT!" she screamed over and over. Crying harder when his body just wouldn't fucking move. Her dad came running up the stairs hearing her scream.

"what's going on?" He asked, eyes watching as his daughter sobbed, trying to push Eddie but he wasn't moving. Staring at her with tears in his own eyes. He was losing her. He couldn't grasp that.

"dad make him leave please." She begged, dropping her hands. Giving up as her arms burned.

"please sir. I just need to talk to her.". Eddie tried to plead to him. Her dad always loved Eddie. Saw him as a son, they even became friends who watched sports together. Eddie saw him as a second father figure in his life. Shit, was he going to lose that too?

"Eddie I'm sorry, but I need you to leave." Eddie shook his head as her dad grabbed his shoulder.

"No baby please. I'm sorry! I didn't mean anything."

"yeah? Well I meant everything I said."

She slammed her bedroom door as her dad finally got Eddie out.

Eddie wiped his tears as he made his way to the front door.

"Eddie?" Her dad said quietly.

Eddie turned to him, anxious in his eyes.

"I'm not sure what is going on between you two, but I don't appreciate seeing my daughter cry every night. Either man up and fix things or let her go. I like you Eddie, and I believe you are a good guy. I believe in you doing the right thing."

~~

Eddie barely slept that night, hating that every time he closed his eyes he saw her crying.

His eyes landed on the stupid Leatherman jacket Jason gifted to him. A stupid piece of clothing that got to Eddie's head.

He allowed himself to get sucked into being accepted by the wrong people.

He hasn't been to hellfire in months, ignoring all his friends all together. Ditching them for Jason and the basketball team. All the people he took under his wing to protect, he ditched for the exact people he needed to protect them from.

Eddie never felt so disappointed in himself.

~~

He walked into the school with a fresh mind. He could either stay with the popular kids, who used to make fun of him and his friends. Or go back to the people that loved him unconditionally for who he truly was.

"Jason?" He said as he walked up to him. Jason turned around with a smile

"Eddie my man! How are you?" He asked, hugging him slightly.

"pretty shitty. Kind of got dumped last night by my girlfriend." Eddie choked out. A bitter smile on his lips.

"what Y/N? She did you a favor. Do you know how many babes on Chrissy's team have been wanting a piece of you? Now you are single and can easily pick any of them, or a few. I won't judge." Jason winked, patting Eddie's shoulder, walking away.

Eddie felt sick to his stomach. Jason talking as Y/N was just so easy to replace and not think about. Like a cheerleader would solve his problems.

~~

The news of the breakup traveled fast. Eddie had girls coming up to him every second.

"Eddie! I hear you are in a band. What do you play?" A girl giggled on his arm.

Eddie tried to ignore her and focus on the assignment in front of him.

-

It happened all afternoon. Countless flirting, touching, and waves. All from girls who never gave him the time of day before becoming one of Jason's followers.

Eddie ignored all of them. Searching for Y/N, just wanting a second to talk to her again.

Eddie was digging his locker when he felt a body up against his back, arms around his waist. Eddie turned fast to see another cheerleader standing there with a huge smile.

"um hi " he said, trying to unhook her arms from his body but she held her death grip.

"hi Eddie! So I've been waiting ages for you to realize Y/N was too much of a loser for you. Like leading that weird hellfire club? Who would even make that?" Eddie could tell that this cheerleader had no idea Eddie was the old leader. That Eddie himself was a loser that she thought Y/N out to be.

"but back to my point, how did you two even get together? You are like so out of her league. Can't believe she even thought you'd stay interested in her that long. What do you say to me though? I think I could show you a really good time"

Eddie wanted to puke at how forward she was. Wanting nothing more than to see what Eddie had between his legs. Still trying to unhook her arms. His body was getting too hot. He could feel himself sweating. He felt like a piece of meat to all these girls. Their eyes devoured him. He missed the look of love in Y/N's eyes when she looked at him.

He didn't want to be seen as sex on legs.

He wanted to be seen as someone worthy of loving.

"Eddie?" She said, bringing him back to her. Still hooked on him with her head on his chest, staring up at him.

Eddie wanted to look around for help but his eyes caught a body, ready to beg them for help his mouth shut when he saw who was staring at him, at them.

~~

Y/N could feel the heat in her bones, the tears in her eyes and her throat burning as she choked back tears.

She broke up with him last night and he already had his hands on a girl who was wrapped around him. She shook her head in disbelief. That sure didn't take him long. She scoffed at herself for even thinking he would regret anything. He was so full of shit, probably wanted to look good in front of her dad.

She gave him one last look and marched down the hall.

Eddie Munson was dead to her.

~~

Eddie quickly screamed after her, "BABY WAIT!"

The girl looked at him confused and turned her head to see Y/N running down the hallway.

"LET ME GO!" he screamed. The girl panicked at his loud voice and dropped her arms.

Eddie slammed his locker and ran as fast as he could after her.

"PLEASE JUST WAIT. THAT WASN'T WHAT IT LOOKED LIKE."

He practically smashed into her, not noticing she stopped.

"Eddie can you please just leave me alone?" She sighed. Tired of constantly being hurt.

"no baby I can't. Okay? You were right. I joined the popular crowd because I wanted to feel seen. And now I hate it. They don't see me the way you do. They don't know anything about me. I'm an asshole, selfish and an idiot. You never embarrassed me. I spent the last few months embarrassing myself. And what we had was way more real than Jason and Chrissy. He shows her off because shes a cheerleader, not because he's in love with her. Not like I am with you. Please is there anyway I can fix this?" He begged

"I don't think so Eddie, I'm sorry but I can't forgive you. You left me behind, you left all of us behind. Maybe once I see you changed back to the old Eddie, I'll think about it but right now, no." He accepted her answer with a heavy heart. She walked away from him again and he let her this time.

He needed to work on himself. He needed to find his old self, the one she fell in love with. And the second he does, he's finding his way back to her.

Tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @slightlyvicked @micheledawn1975@ago-godance

[familyvideostevie]

Hi bestie all I’m thinking abt is bee girl spending Christmas with Steve and all of her new friends and by then she really knows all of them and it’s softness 🥺

man have i been saving this one! here's a little taste of christmas in the no good at waiting au with bee girl and steve having a christmas movie marathon with all of their friends!

fluff, [0.8k],a no good at waiting one-shot | au masterlist___

"I can't believe you've never been here," Will says, mouth half-full of popcorn. He looks a little sheepish, then swallows. "I guess we spend a lot of time at New-Bee's when we hang out with you." You're both standing in the Wheeler's kitchen, arms full of snacks to bring down to your friends for Christmas movie night.

"Eddie said that you guys play DnD here still, right?"

Will nods. "Yeah, our own campaigns. This is where we started playing back when we were really young. We do Hellfire at school, though." He's a good kid, first to volunteer to help you carry everything back down. The only reason Steve isn't up here helping you is because he's the last one to arrive -- his task is getting the tapes from the video store in town.

"Lucas told me that you just finished a really good one, right?" you ask him.

"He won't admit it, but it was the best one yet," Lucas says from the basement door. "You guys were taking a long time. Do you need help?" You're about to brush him off but then the doorbell rings.

"That's probably Steve," you say. "Here, take this down and we'll be right there." Lucas takes the candy you're holding and he and Will head down the stairs.

"Coming!" you holler at the front door. When you pull it open you're greeted with a scowling Steve who brightens at the sight of you.

"Gonna let me in?" he says. "It's cold as shit out here. All my best parts are gonna freeze off."

You beckon him inside and laugh. "Nah, your nose looks fine." His smile turns back to a scowl and you can't help but kiss him. "Hi," you say softly.

"Hi yourself," he says back, kissing you again, this time a little slower. "Everyone else here already?" You nod.

"Just got the snacks together. What tapes did you snag?" He holds out the plastic bag for you to take. He strips off his coat and hat and toes off his boots as you look through it.

"A Christmas Story, White Christmas, The Snowman...Gremlins? Steve, really?"

"Just watch, honey, they're gonna vote for that one. Trust me." You reach out to fix his mussed hair.

"Guys, stop making out and bring us the movies!" Robin calls up the stairs. Steve rolls his eyes and heads down, you on his heels. What you find in the Wheeler's basement warms your heart. There are too many of you for the couch and the chairs, so everyone is sprawled out on blankets and pillows, too. Robin has claimed an armchair for herself, Eddie leaning on her legs in front of it. Jonathan and Nancy are on one corner of the couch and Mike and El on the other. Dustin and Will are in another corner entirely, talking about something DnD related, and Lucas and Max are throwing M&Ms into each other's mouths on the armchair they're squeezed into together.

Your little family. You love every single one of them so much. And the boy in front of you is no exception. It feels like you love Steve more and more every day.

"Finally!" Dustin cries. "Alright, it's voting time."

What ensues is the most serious display of democracy you've ever seen. When the vote swings for Gremlins, Steve sends you a look, eyebrows raised like I told you so. He pops the movie in the VCR and sits next to you on the piece of the floor you two have claimed for yourselves. He raises his arm and you move into his side, breathing him in. He smells like his loft -- detergent and aftershave and something earthy.

"Having fun?" he whispers. His lips brush the shell of your ear and you shiver. "Sorry I was late."

"S'okay," you whisper back. "Can I stay at yours tonight?" Not an out of the ordinary ask by any means, but you haven't seen him all day and you really want to hold him tonight. You seem to spend most nights there these days, anyway. But you secretly think that he likes you asking, likes you reminding him that you want to be around him all the time.

"Why, you think you're gonna get lucky?" he teases. El's socked foot pushes on his shoulder as she hushes him. He sticks his tongue out at her.

"Am I not?" you say, softer this time. Even in the dark of the basement you see his cheeks heat. Steve Harrington, cocky until you flirt back, and then he folds. He kisses your temple, nose in your hair. His hand runs up and down your arm and you settle your own on this thigh.

"Nah, it's me who's the lucky one," he says against your skin. You shush him before El can kick him again and rest your head on his shoulder. You're both lucky, you think. You get to have this forever.

[harrowharkwife]

"it should hopefully buy us a bit more time." 👀? this is not the first time (ha!) that the idea of 'buying time' has come up this season. just food for thought.

may bringing her boyfriend darius by as a surprise, her parents not knowing who to expect, thinking she was bringing a friend or a roommate but instead she brought her partner.

"no, this is all wrong. you've got Schipp International sitting next to ZenithPro. / the donors are seated exactly as you asked, sir. i wrote down all your instructions verbatim. / welp, you must have heard wrong. we all make mistakes, just put RevitaThon next to Post-Everest and we should be fine." schipp/ship, right by zenith? the seating charts being wrong and needing tweaking. revitathon- like, revived, revitalized, rescued, brought back, made new again next to POST-EVEREST. as in, just beyond the mountain peak. or, in storytelling terms, the climax. the ship (buddie) can't be at its zenith (peak, glory days, its brightest) just yet. just move the buddie comeback/revival to right after the big plot climax and we should be fine. Y'ALL. THIS IS IT. especially after that very loaded dialogue from karen in tomorrow, about the programmers "finding the exact right series of maneuvers to make the robots do exactly what we want them to do" and "we need to make sure every single piece of this mission is in perfect shape to give it the best chance of success."

"what are you waiting for? just fix it." us, lol!

"i fantasied about it so many times, you have no idea. but this time i think my subconscious actually made it happen." manifestingggggg

"i'm just saying, i thought we were past the whole keeping secrets phase."

"sometimes talking about your dreams makes it seem all too real. sometimes the fantasy is better than the reality." this paired with earlier lines from animal instincts, "probably knew it'd make for a good cover. smart kid" and "sometimes half the thrill is thinking you're getting away with it." y'all.

"no idea. he's not spilling, i don't feel like pushing."

"i can't believe we're doing this. i know. we're finally about to live our fantasy. this is gonna be so much better than a plane. everybody does a plane. this is legend." you Cannot tell me these lines aren't the writers getting hyped about being able to say they made buddie happen, how groundbreaking it would be. this happening, overhead but hidden and out of sight, while the firefam talks about first kisses? and secret crushes? and said first kisses making you realize you've been looking for love in all the wrong places, and ignoring the perfectly good option that was right under your nose, because you'd just never considered it before? yeah, no, this was loud. especially combined with a line from earlier this season that was something like "we've been working on this mission for five years now. if we don't do something big, we'll get left behind."

"that sounds traumatizing. / illuminating, actually. i realized i was kissing the wrong suarez. his sister martina was more my speed." just like how eddie was originally written for the girl buckley sibling, but the writers + jen realized her brother buck was more his speed?

"i don't know why i tell you guys anything."

"keep young people too distracted to see what's really there." i'm incredibly iffy/hesitant on including this one, considering who said it 😬😬😬😬😬 i highly doubt it's foreshadowing, and that scene/plot was about may & darius & athena, and important social commentary on incels, above all else. i only mention this line bc when i was going through the script it reminded me that there's been a general theme so far this season in terms of weird one-off dialogue lines referring to buying time, element of surprise, paying attention, distractions, secrets, etc. i don't think it's all a coincidence, not with this show. not when the season pilot was literally titled "let the games begin." nope.

"listen, may, fantasy or not, there's no room for error in these situations."

"great. so we lost the element of surprise, too." you guys i cannot begin to explain how much this made me go 👀🚨🛑🧨⁉️ ESPECIALLY after an earlier dialogue line this season where maddie said "you just learned how the element of surprise can shift a listeners focus and make them pay attention"

"he knows that his options are running out real soon."

"-roll cold. no lights, no sirens." secrecy, and element of surprise, AGAIN

"i understand. not everyone's built for my pace." not everyone's willing to stay tuned for this slow of a burn, and i think they get that, but they're not willing to compromise on their storytelling and rush things just to satisfy the audience. this is a good thing!

"so how long are we gonna be able to convince ourselves that this is a sustainable way to live? / as long as we need to. when the right dream house presents itself, we'll know. but in the meantime, this is a pretty great fantasy, too." LMFAO this one is pretty self explanatory. when the time comes, we'll know, but in the meantime this is still a good story. this is especially juicy paired with all the back and forth re: buck, and happiness, and when you're "truly at ease," you'll know.

"so how long do you plan on standing guard out here? just until they get inside."

"all those milestones start to seem like a stupid fantasy. / looks like that fantasy's turning into a reality. how's that feel? / pretty damn good." you guys. it's happening.

"bobby: with everything may and darius have been through, i don't mind waiting for dinner, but how much longer? (does this not sound like us, talking about buddie and the shooting and the will?) athena: i think they're almost done." (‼️‼️‼️)

"there is nothing quite like being young and in love. or just in love." we ended the episode on "in-love". and not young love, either- stable, mature, deep, true, adult love. hm.

all this, in one episode. y'all this ep was fucking loud.

[imtheiliad]

No. 10 "please. please just listen to me." For Buddie for the romantic confession prompts 🥺

also for @xjustonemoremiraclex who requested #26 as well :) coma!buck is real to me, hollywood coma/ medical inaccuracies, and i promise it's not as angsty as it could be~enjoy~ 10. "please. please just listen to me." 26."please...say something."

Eddie never thought he'd come that close again. Sure there was the truck, and the embolism, but so much has changed since those things. And he knows that Buck has been in his shoes three too many times since then, well, not exactly in his shoes he doesn't think. Unless his best friend had been in love with him for the past 3 years. Yeah, who's he kidding himself with that one. So he sits in the hospital for far too long, Maddie and Bobby are the ones that force him to go home the most often. He brings Christopher a few times. and sometimes life cannot be avoided. And he hates that. It feels weird to be navigating the world without Buck at least smiling brightly somewhere in it. But he sits in the chair, and the nurses know him by name, and they never question who he is to Buck. And he talks to him. Tells him about the calls they've been on, what Christopher's science projects are, and the grade he got on the short story for English class. It's been three weeks, and Eddie is getting desperate. "Please. Please just listen to me. We need you. Not just all of us as a unit, we do, but," he pauses and swallows past the burning lump in his throat, "I need you, Buck. So please, if you can hear me, come back to me, listen to me tell you that you don't need to go. The world is so much brighter with you in it, we are better off because of you. I am. Please, I can't do this again. I can't lose another person. Not you. Especially not you. And I can't regret not saying this to you at least once, so I-" Buck's hand twitches in his, and he snaps his head up to Buck's face where his eyes land on blue that is dulled but still holds that sparkle that is indelible. "Please...say something. I'm not gonna believe it until you do." Buck just stares past him at the tray where the water pitcher and glass have been waiting. "Oh! I, yeah. I got it." Buck pats his hand to tell him it's okay and thank you. Eddie waits nervously as Buck downs the entire plastic cup, asks for another one and finally clears his throat. "Were you really going to just do what I thought you were going to do?" his voice is fragile and a half raspy whisper. "What do you think I was about to do?" Eddie does not squeak. "I think you were going to do something ridiculously stupid. So stupid in fact it pulled me out of a coma because I know we deserve better than a cold, artificial hospital room. You deserve better. And I want to be wearing better clothes." Eddie sits there processing each word carefully, "So you..." Buck nods, "and you want to..." Buck nods again. "Turns out coma dreams can be very enlightening." Buck smiles and Eddie smiles back holding Buck's hand like he's afraid to let go.

[redheadspark]

Hey!!! Can you please do

2. “ i’m here for you, always will be. ” and

10. “ we’ll make it together, i promise. ”

With Eddie? Can't wait to see what you come up with!

A/N: Aww this is a cute one! Thanks for the request my love!

Together

Summary: You and Eddie share a moment together in the RV as you on the verge of saving the world from the Upside Down

Warnings: Just a slight angst and major fluff mix fest!

The ride in the RV was silent, dead silent.

You were sitting next to Eddie, the both of you were far too gone in your now heads with what was about to come. Your leg was tapping next to Eddie's, his hand clenching your own between the pair or you as his rings on his fingers were almost engraving against your soft skin along your knuckles. It was the only grounded thing that you could rely on, everything else seemed fleeting.

To see, first hand, what the Upside Down was like and how dangerous it was, it scared you to all the way down into your gut. It looked like Hawkins, but it was scarier and darker, filled with death and something more sinister. Robin, yourself, and Eddie were the only ones who haven't encountered a place like that before. Yet Steve, Nancy, and a cluster of freshman made it seem like it was another part of their lives, was it? But now you were about to take on the demon-like being that lived in the Upside Down, the being being that killed Chrissy Cunningham and two others behind her, to save the world.

Pressure much?

The being, Vecna as he was called by Dustin, was more powerful and filled with evil than any other monster you've ever read or seen. But it was killing people left and right, and because of him killing Chrissy, Eddie was thought to be the murderer. You knew your boyfriend would never hurt a fly, he was too kind and had the bad boy image for years. But you knew deep down his heart was far too fragile and tender to do such a thing, so you were willing to do anything to clear his name.

But to fight off some kind of demonic and almost space being that were killing kids in a veracious and sinister way? That seemed a bit much.

"Babe?" Eddie asked next to you, making you look over at him as he looked dead head at the wall of the RV, seen him gulp a bit as he spoke again, "I just wanted to say...thanks,"

"For what?" You asked, not understanding him.

"For believing me, and knowing I didn't kill Chrissy," He explained as he sounded a bit uneasy himself, "And for coming with us to kill this....demon beast thing....You didn't have to, you know,"

You heart sunk to hear that from him, every after all he went through.

"What are you talking about, Eds?" You asked with a readied eyebrow, Eddie looking at you as you cocked your head, "Of course I'm gonna come with you and help you. You're innocent, and we're saving the world. It's heavy to think about....and digest...but we are saving the world and we'll prove you're innocent!"

Eddie could only watch you as you brought your joined hands up and you kissed the back of his hand, you seeing out of the corner of your eyes Robin watching with a small smirk on her face as you were focusing on Eddie and bringing in some ease.

You hated that everyone in Hawkins thought of him as a murder, as some sick freak because of his demeanor that he would use all the time. They only saw there surface, never wish to dive deeper and comprehend all that he had within himself that was good and kind and simply....Eddie.

"I'm here for you, always will be," you reassured him softly, leaning your head over to rest it against his shoulder, "I have been since you accidentally got gum in my hair my freshman year and asked me to join Hellfire Club,"

Eddie touched your head with his, his hair tickling your nose and neck as one of his arms went around you. It almost sounded like you were sealing your fate with him, maybe leaving it out into the open incase you weren't going to make it out since it seemed like there was such a slim chance that you would survive. Maybe you were going to die down there, surrounded by darkness and death. But maybe, just maybe, there was a chance that you could make it out alive. That Eddie could be the hero he never thought he could be in his life.

He deserved to be the Hero.

"We’ll make it together, I promise," Eddie said against your forehead, almost sealing it against your forehead as the RV went on down the road. You had to believe Eddie, even at the end of the world it felt like you had that small moment with Eddie. From the first time he called you and told you he was on the run, to being in the RV with a group of kids and a fever plan to take down evil, you were in over your head. But it didn't feel too bad with Eddie by your side.

So you were going to make it together, and you weren't going to break that promise anytime soon.

The End.

Reassurance Prompts Found here

[sickofthistoxicshit]

So I’m just a spectator for your fandom. I don’t watch the show nor care too not really my taste. And a part of me honestly thinks you’re still being baited by the show. Be that as it may I still think you all have a very good chance of going canon and it’s based on one fact, Buck and Eddie have not had a true serious love interest since in bucks case when the show started and in Eddie’s case 5 years ago.

I’m going to cite three examples of popular “queerbait” ships that were never going to happen because of what I pointed out above.

Swan Queen - a fanon ship between Emma swan and the evil queen regina. Emma’s actual love interest Captain Hook was introduced in s2 and you can tell that was the route they were going on so they never truly made any remarks or showed in the show that SQ ever had a chance.

Merthur - now for this one I personally do absolutely believe they were queerbaited especially cause the endgame romance didn’t hold a candle to merthur. Be that as it may the character that ended married to one part of the ship was introduced in the first season and was a main character. The actual romance did not start till season two.

Mcdonno - the one that buddie is compared to. The best friends from Hawaii 5-0 that much like buddie were always there for each other and were each others deepest relationships. However one half of McDanno was involved in a will they won’t they romance with a character named Catherine since season 1. And this relationship was up and down for 10 seasons until they got together in the end. This was another thing of shippers getting their hopes knowing full well who someone was gonna be paired with but they got their hopes up and dashed. McDonno never stood a chance because of Catherine.

now notice the trend all these have that buddie does not? A serious love interest introduced in the first seasons of a show. Has not happened to buddie and right now we are in the middle of season 6. It is way too late to introduce a serious love interest for either one of these men and the audience just accept it. It would be poorly written, forced and unnecessary and there will be huge backlash. They had three seasons at least to introduce buck and Eddie with serious endgame love interests. Hell they both had relationships I believe in s4 and by s5 both relationships ended so again I ask…it’s way too late to do anything but buddie.

Look, I'm not particularly fond of the term queerbaiting, but your ask is interesting so I had to respond.

I personally never watched once upon a time, so I can't comment on that.

But I have watched Merlin, and it was pretty clear from the beginning that merthur will stay a fanon only thing. We all knew where this will end and there was no real chance for merthur to begin with.

Mcdanno, God, they fit so well. They were the very definition of old married couple. But this would never have turned canon either, because Steve right off the bat was introduced as "Uncle Steve." And the amount of "pal" and "Brother" were used so often that it was clear that this was going to stay fanon too. (So sad though)

Especially with the amount of times we saw both Steve and Danny have serious LIs throughout the show, not to mention the mythological significant others (Rachel and Catherine) that kept popping up. - I am still unbelievably upset with the fact that after all the times Cath screwed Steve over, the writers decided to bring her back for that last scene. So no "queerbaiting" there either.

Now, as for buddie, I agree with you that at this point, their only play is buddie endgame, for all the reasons you listed and more. Buck was never uncle Buck, brother was uttered one time only, and that was at the very beginning, and Buck is somehow "his Buck" (Eddie’s words when referring to Christopher’s presence at Buck’s loft). - Not to mention that unlike Steve and Danny, they very rarely talked to each other about their current gfs.

They indeed both had LIs but it was weak at most, no real connection, no smile inducing build up to a good relationship scenes, nothing. - I get my hetero "I believe in young love" thrill from other shows lol

I mean in both Station 19 and Chicago fire, even when I shipped a character with someone else, the writers made us like the current relationship, by endearing it to us.

It doesn't happen in 911. All women were a poor imitation of the real deal.

So is there a chance showrunners are screwing us over? Maybe.

Is it going to make me stop believing that buddie can and will happen? Absolutely not.

A little anecdote: I was watching 3x09, the famous kitchen scene, and my younger cousin, who never in his life watched that show, turned to me and asked: "Are they together?"

So, if a complete stranger can make that immediate deduction based on one scene, I'd say I like our odds.

[ranger-rai]

Business Tactics pt.1

"A Ranger Story"

(This idea came to mind, and since drawing talents are limited, writing seemed like the next best choice)

“Can you believe this weather?!” Rai exclaimed as he tapped the steering wheel of the car. The vehicle was certainly too nice to be his, and his usual attire was forgone for a suit that was quite nice. His hair was messily slicked back to complete his more formal look.

“Mm-Hmm.” Jo retorted back to him, her face expressing disdain while framed by her equally messy-styled curls. Her gray business suit betrayed her lack of enthusiasm and made her look equally as formal as Rai.

Usually, these two rangers would be wearing their dirty work uniforms, and certainly driving smaller , more beat up vehicles made to pass over rough terrain and through mud. Today, however, was one of the rare occurrences where both were required to don clothes far more stuffy than their own personalities and drive a car that was a bit too out of his price range.

The car belonged to Jo, apparently it was her “Casual Car”, Rai questioned it the first time he saw it, but he had become used to it over time so he stopped asking, especially since he got to drive it.

Jo enjoyed driving through the forests and dodging branches and rocks, she didn't enjoy following traffic laws however, so she usually gave Rai that privilege for days like these.

“How're you feeling today?” Rai asked, glancing over to his boss who looked like she wanted to meld into her seat.

“Nauseous. We’re gonna have to cancel and never do this again.” She shot back as she rubbed her eyes.

*Shake shake shake* 

She side eyed her employee who was holding a bottle of chewable stomach tablets, “Pinap Berry Flavored.”

“Don't worry, I’m prepared for anything we might need at one of these things. We’ve done these corporate negotiations so many times that I think I’ve cracked the code.” Rai explained and he turned the exit to Jubilife City.

“Yeah, that's why I bring YOU while ‘Rage Face’ and ‘Chuckle Nuts’ get to stay back and clean.” Jo confirmed as she took a couple tablets.

“They can be pretty helpful with this kind of stuff too, ya know, if you're just a little patient with them.” Rai defended as they braked at a stoplight, allowing some pedestrians and their Pokémon to cross.

“Minnie stormed out of her meeting, and I quote; 'All of this corporate crap and they can't figure out what color pen to use,' Jo growls. "And Eddie couldn't stop chuckling when someone used the word 'Buttress' while we were deciding if they should demolish a rehabilitation center!” She slid her hands down her face.

“Point taken.” Rai responded as they began to park outside of a tall office building. The window to building ratio was certainly built in favor of widows.

“These things take forever. They don't even offer lunch, and you know its a stupid tactic to make you want to agree with them faster.” Jo snapped, letting her inner conspiracy theorist peek out and voice her frustration.

“You know these meetings are super important. Large organizations who want to develop in occupied or reserved areas need to discuss with us if they prove any threat to the local Pokémon population.” Rai explained as he turned the engine off.

“However, I will not allow us to go hungry this day!” He reassured his boss as he opened up his jacket to reveal his pockets filled with little bagged snacks and jerky. He had been to several of these meetings to know how hangry Jo could be when she gets a tinge of hunger.

“You truly are the best of us.” Jo smirked back as she pinched one of his cheeks like a proud aunt, prompting Rai to swat her hand away with a chuckle..

—-----

The rangers were going over some of their notes as the elevator ascended to the designated floor. 

An up-and-coming distribution center wanted to develop on some land near the Eterna City/Mt. Coronet area. This was a pretty big no-go as areas near Mt. Coronet were essentially off-limits, and the rangers already had the support from Gardenia of Eterna City's Gym and local officials. 

“Why are we even here? Everyone already told them no!” Jo grumbled as she stuffed the papers back into her folder.

“It’s pretty much a formality at this point. They probably aren't from around here so we just need to explain to them why everyone has said no, and offer them some alternatives.” Rai assumed, watching the numbers grow as they reached their floor.

*ding*

The elevator sounded, and the metallic doors slid open to reveal an office space with a few too many glass walls and doors for their tastes.

Passing through the first set of doors brought them to a receptionist desk.

“We have an appointment.” Rai stated as he showed his Ranger badge and ID, with Jo noticing a small tray of Jelly Beans on the counter, snatching a few, using the sugar to take the edge off this stressful day.

"Of course! They should be with you soon, see yourselves to the third office on the left," the polite receptionist informs.

The duo walk down the hall to see a row of conference rooms, not too uncommon for them at one of these  types of meetings. Rai, however, just couldn't get over how much glass was in this place. There was a complete lack of privacy, and it made him feel uneasy.

Through the rows of meeting rooms, there was only one other serious meeting happening, with the other rooms seeming to be used by individuals or small groups to get some work done. 

They had finally arrive at Room 3, Jo swinging the door open with a bit of force, but not enough to hit anything. Her frustration was clear.

Rai caught the door on the back swing, stopping it from smacking him in the face when he notices a logo on the glass.

He examined the door and the logo presumably belongs to the company they were about to meet with. The symbol seemed to invoke a trio of the colors Blue, Yellow and Red, and each of three beastly silhouettes were represented by one of the types of water, electric, and fire respectively.

“Hey Jo, do you actually know the name of the company we are meeting with?” Rai asked, a slight tinge of concern coming from his voice.

“Uhh, lemme see…Three’s…Tres…sumth'n like that…'' Jo responded, losing interest as she rubbed her eyes once again.

“Trios." A new voice chimes in, surprising both Rai and Jo. The former jumped back a bit, putting him completely inside the room, allowing him to get a full look at the owner of the voice.

“Sorry for the surprise, I just thought it would be appropriate to introduce myself and the company. I am Damian, and it is a pleasure to meet you.” The young man formally introduced himself. He appeared to be around the same age as Rai, however his skin was surprisingly pale, allowing for his light blue hair to somehow stand out more. He was dressed both professionally and rather stylishly; with his white button up shirt looking like it cost more than most people make in a month, and his suit's vest being incredibly textured with what could only be described as a regal pattern.

“Oh, um, hi! I’m Rai, local-”

“Oh, I am quite familiar with who you are. A Local Pokémon Ranger with quite a few notable accolades under your belt, and very impressive for someone your age.” Damian cut Rai off with what sounded like both a praise at Rai’s skills and at the same time it was a judgment of his character.

“And you must be Joann-”

“Jo,” she corrected him with a hard look and a stern finger pointed at the young man.

“Jo, of course. Director of Operation at the ‘Ranger Base’. It is a pleasure to meet you.” Damian welcomed her, in his professional manner.

“Yeah, look, we really don't need to bother too much with names, okay? You were already denied permission to build in your requested area and for good reason. That area is right in the middle of residential areas, public roads and protected lands for both wild Pokémon and historical areas. That’s four major reasons why you need to take your company and-” Jo barked, trying as hard as she could to end this meeting as quickly as possible before being cut off by the pale young man.

“Oh I'm sorry this isn't my organization.” He cut in, putting a stop to Jo’s rant.

“Well then who the hell is in charge?” Jo snapped as she stood up from her chair.

*Ping*

Damian checked his phone to see what was the source of his new notification. Reading it for just a moment before sliding it back into his vest pocket to respond to the increasingly agitated Ranger.

“Not to worry, she is arriving as we speak.” He stated as he turned towards the hallway from the elevator.

“She?” Rai questioned as they turned towards the elevator as the doors opened.

They watched as a woman emerged from the twin doors and made her way down the hall towards their room.

“Pokémon Rangers, allow me to introduce-'' Damian announced as he held the door open for this woman. She sticks out easily in a normal crowd, her maroon business suit and dress, black briefcase, and her most defining feature, her long hair that was somehow messy, almost fluffy, while being well styled. 

“I can take it from here Damian. I'd like a Lumiose Roast please.” She cut off her apparent assistant who simply nodded before swiftly walking off to what they assumed was a coffee shop they were unaware of.

“Thank you both for coming out today, My name is Sui, Owner of Trios Distribution.” She explained as she walked around the long table, taking her seat near the window side, pushing a button on the wall that caused the transparent windows to tint, reducing the sunlight in the room.

“Please. Have a seat.” She invited them as she set down her briefcase, flipping up the locks, and opened the case, sifting through them for papers and files.

 “Yeah that won't be necessary. Not only us but local officials have rejected your request to develop in the area you requested. Now if you want some suggested areas, Ranger Rai here would be happy to email you some alternatives, right?” Jo responded, pushing the chair in front of her back in, still trying to get out of this meeting as quickly as possible. However, when her attention was on Rai, she noticed his usual cheery and professional manner was much more stiff and uneasy, and this began to worry Jo.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did our email state that this was a request?” She responded as she pulled out a file before closing her briefcase.

As the case was closed, Damian shuffled back in, carrying a cup on a saucer, placing it to her side on the table.

“You see this meeting was less of a ‘request’ and more of a heads up.” The business woman explained as she pulled out a pair of reading glasses as she opened the file and glanced over the pages before setting it down and sliding it across the table.

Jo slapped her hand on the folder, catching it from sliding off of the table. She didn't even bother reading it as she simply handed it to Rai, who was still silent during all of this.

“Heads up huh? What, are you going to just start building wherever you like? Because that's what we in the business would call ‘illegal’. Jo snarked back, still feeling uneasy about this woman.

“Nothing illegal here. As you know, if a business or organization desires to develop in Sinnoh, they must go through the correct channels to get approval, including the local Pokémon Rangers and any local authority figures in a nearby town. It’s a pretty annoying process. However there is an exception.” She explained as she picked up her coffee to take a sip.

“Now I know you're lying lady. The only other way someone can develop on land without getting approval from authorities is by owning land or property.” Jo retorted, starting to sit up in her chair, feeling that she might actually need to do her job today.

“Exactly. We have ownership of a small business just outside of Eterna City, and we felt it was time to finally expand and change up our approach. Isn't that right Rai?” The woman smiled as she took a sip from her cup, her eyes peeking up at the increasingly frustrated Ranger.

Jo looked up at her employee with confusion and concern as her face began to twist into anger as he read over the files, she could swear she heard Rai growl at some point.

Rai took the file and slapped it down on the table, the sound echoing so loud that it caught the attention of a couple other meetings going on.

“What kind of sick game are you playing Sui?!” Rai exclaimed as he directed a wave of frustration at the business woman. 

“No games, just business. A growing organization needs a strong foundation, and I just happened to know a great dig site. It's really nothing to get too worked up about, Rai-Rai.” She smirked to the Ranger, who became frustrated at the name.

Jo’s eyes were darting between her employee and this worrying figure. She had to admit that she was definitely awake today, as gears were turning in her head.