#cemetery boys Luca

[arson-the-ace]

Post-Cemetary Boys, Julian desperately wants his friends to give Yadriel a chance, considering how rough their first meeting was. Luca and Flaca are willing, Rocky and Omar are reluctant, but they give in eventually. They all do some stupid shit and when they all go to Rio's afterwards, he's trying to interrogate them, and Yadriel is hesitant but he stutters his way through an explanation, which is complete bullshit btw, his ears burning and unable to make eye contact, but he saves all their asses and Rio just looks at them all but they nod in agreement to what Yadriel says, and that's what gets them all to trust him because he was able to lie right to Rio's face

[carpe-astrae]

Every book I read and rated 5 stars this past year!

-All Our Hidden Gifts (Caroline O'Donohue, urban fantasy)

-The Language of Thorns (Leigh Bardugo, folktale anthology)

-Six of Crows (Leigh Bardugo, fantasy)

-Cemetery Boys (Aiden Thomas, queer supernatural romance)

-Crooked Kingdom (Leigh Bardugo, fantasy)

-Cafe con Lychee (Emery Lee, queer romance)

-The Secret History (Donna Tartt, psychological fiction/thriller)

-The Gathering Dark (multiple authors, folk horror anthology)

-In the Time of the Butterflies (Julia Alvarez, historical fiction/magical realism)

Girl, Serpent, Thorn (Melissa Bashardoust, fantasy)

-The Mary Shelley Club (Goldy Moldavsky, thriller)

-A Scatter of Light (Malinda Lo, queer romance/coming of age)

-The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Neil Gaiman, dark fantasy/magical realism)

[lordfarquaadsfring]

I'm BEGGING for someone to listen to me as I info dump about how Julians whole family is nerodivergint

[hawkinsbnbg]

Steve was a ghost who haunted his best friend.

Steve had died in that interrogation room under Starcourt and now, he was stuck haunting Robin Buckley who might as well be his shortest heartbreak and long-lost twin.

The problem was she couldn't see or touch him.

No, she could hear him just fine, but physical contact was just impossible.

Steve, however, didn't care much so long as he had someone there to listen to his daily monologues. It was fun.

They bickered most of the time and while Robin always seemed sad that she couldn't hug him whenever he told her about his parents or how lonely he used to be before her, Steve was just happy with what he got.

Because even in death, he wasn't alone, and that was enough of a gift to him.

Then, the day his funeral was held, Steve was thankful that he had convinced Robin to attend considering it was how he reunited with the kids.

They all saw him.

A thing that Steve would never take for granted.

Robin didn't know what to do when they flocked around her and bombarded her with question after question, demanding to know why she was the one who got the privilege of being haunted by Steve.

"A privilege?" Robin burst into a laugh, giving them a ridiculous look.

"Of course, to think you've been haunted and actually having real conversations with a ghost every day is a revolutionary step into the spiritual science field," Dustin narrowed his eyes. "And I am very disappointed in you, Ms. Robin Buckley, for not telling me right away!"

"Just say you're jealous that Steve doesn't haunt you." Max rolled her eyes.

"You say it as if you're not jealous yourself!" Mike scowled at her.

"No, I'm not, you delusional nerd!" Max scowled back.

"Hey!"

"C'mon guys, don't fight," Lucas frowned and sighed in exasperation.

Noticing the odd looks from other people at the cemetery, Robin herded the kids into Steve's car that he had given her as a keepsake.

Once they were safely away from prying eyes, Robin clapped her hands to gather everyone's attention.

"Children!" She then continued under their curious gazes. "Steve-o here said he really appreciates that you munchkins care so much about him. But sadly, he can't leave my side. Like literally can't so if any of you want to see him, you can always seek me out whenever you see fit."

"Why are you saying all of this?" Mike squinted at her.

"Because Steve can't talk to us, obviously." Dustin responded haughtily, earning an eye roll from the other boy.

"Bingo!" Robin did a fist bump with Dustin.

Then, she held up a finger at them. "And before you ask, I can't see him. Or touch him."

She watched the kids look at the passenger seat before nodding at her.

It must be Steve who confirmed the truth, she thought.

As they went back to discussing Steve's incorporeal state, Robin had a feeling that she had unknowingly adopted a gaggle of troublesome ducklings who were going to give her grey hair very very soon.

"C'mon Robbie, it's a Halloween party," Steve begged. "Let's go have some fun! Don't your heart ache to watch your bestest friend rotting in sorrow while eating pumpkins?"

"First of all, I've never ever met anyone who uses 'heart' and 'ache' like that," Robin blew at her freshly painted nails.

"Well, now I'm your first. Didn't people always say special always come late?"

"I don't even want to correct you on all of that," Robin huffed quietly at Steve's goofy chuckle. "And no, Dingus, you don't eat pumpkins. Or if you do, I don't care."

"Please, Robbie, I just wanna have fun," Steve sighed dolefully. "It's been a long time ago since I went to a party." He sighed again and even sniffled a little.

When Robin groaned, a big grin stretched on his lips.

"Just this time." She narrowed her eyes at him, or precisely speaking, at the spot where she assumed he was sitting.

Sometimes, when she made a wrong guess, Steve would just move over to where her gaze stopped and continue talking her ears off.

"I promise you're gonna have so much fun, Robbie." Steve ruffled her hair even if his hand always passed right through her. It was still one of his hard-to-get-rid-of habits anyway.

By the time they arrived, the party was already full-blown and swarmed with people.

As Robin struggled her way through the crowd, Steve just walked beside her with barely any difficulties.

He bet she would curse him so much if she saw how comfortable he looked right now.

But then, his little moment of joy was cut short when he bumped into someone whose lips literally knocked against his.

As cliché as it might sound, he certainly felt the electricity running through his body from that single accidental kiss.

And belatedly, a realization dawned on him.

He had bumped right into someone.

He, a ghost, had bodily collided with a living human.

Shocked, Steve stepped back and was at a loss for what to do next.

Then, a shaky voice shook him out of his trance.

"Harrington?"

Staring into those scared Bambi's eyes, Steve clenched his jaw and forced himself to not panic.

"Munson."

[wynnyfryd]

the kind of charm we need

written for @steddiemicrofic september prompt ‘charm’ + 548 words | rated T | pre-relationship, fluff, flirting, boys being dumb

🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄

“‘Not the kind of charm we need,’” Steve mutters derisively to himself for the tenth time that day as they pull up to the cemetery curb.

“Yeah, yeah,” Dustin sighs, “your time and talents are sooo wasted on us, Steve, we get it.”

Max glares at him from the rearview like she agrees with Dustin, then shoves out of the backseat and slams the door shut behind her without a word.

Shit.

Steve watches her climb the hill, guilt rolling through his guts. Fuckin’ Nancy. There are bigger problems here.

Like, for example, the metalhead fugitive having a nervous breakdown in a boathouse.

“Oh, my god,” Lucas says from the backseat as the walkie crackles to life, Eddie’s quivering voice calling out for ‘Dustin? Anybody? Hello??’

He passes the walkie up to the front with a look like he’s debating whether or not to just smash the thing to pieces on the asphalt instead. “Can you maybe use your charm on Eddie before I murder him?”

“He’s in distress!” Dustin cries.

“He’s on my last nerve!”

“Seriously, anybody?? Please!”

“Oh, Jesus Christ, give me that.” Steve yanks the walkie out of Lucas’ hand, hauls himself out of the car — leans in to tell the two shitheads to stay put and shut up before he closes the door.

He leans against the driver’s side, head throbbing, body sore. Can’t tell if he’s too young or too old for this shit. He pushes the talk button with a begrudgingly slow press.

“Steve Harrington’s babysitting and distraction service, how may I help you? Over.”

“Stevie!” Eddie whoops, sounding genuinely thrilled to hear Steve’s voice. Steve knows he’s just excited to hear anyone’s voice, but. Hm. “Goddamn am I glad to- wait, where’s Henderson? Sinclair? Are they—?”

“They’re fine,” Steve assures before the creep of hysteria he hears can fully take hold. He kicks his heel against the front tire. “They’re waiting in the car. I’ve been instructed to, like, charm you into calming down, or whatever.”

“Charm me?” Eddie’s voice lilts with interest. Steve can almost see the smile, the way he licks across his front teeth.

“Just a— well, not a joke, but, like…” Steve trails off, gives up trying to explain. Nance has this way of making comments that cling like cactus spines. “Never mind.”

“No, no,” Eddie says. “Go on. I’m ready to be charmed.”

And maybe it’s the way Eddie says charmed like a snake scenting the air, or maybe it’s the stress of the day; maybe he’s finally having his own little mental breakdown as a treat, because for some insane reason he leans into whatever this is, pitches his voice all low and slippery and asks, “What are you wearing?”

Silence for a moment, and then Eddie cackles, the noise so loud it overwhelms the little speaker in the walkie, bursts of laughter breaking through the static noise. Steve finds himself laughing, too, a slow thing that builds and builds, swells inside him like blown glass until he’s warm and bright all over.

“Jesus,” Eddie breathes when he finally calms. “You’re— you’re ridiculous. Shit, man, I really needed that, you have no idea.”

Steve smiles to himself. Bites the inside of his cheek. Not the kind of charm we need.

No, but someone might.

🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄🪄

note: i am aware that this is canon adjacent (which is to say that i meant for it to take place in canon but i didn’t feel like rewatching the scene for total accuracy so like, canon can bite me it’s close enough)

[deliciest]

(Pouty Miguel bc I've been neglecting this blog for so long...) Hey guys! I've been working on an original comic project, and I'm planning to start sharing it online soon! The first chapter is already finished and I'm currently working on chapter two. Soooo I'm really excited about it! Miguel writes horror novels, or so he says, Lucas works as a delivery boy in his parents' pub. One night they'll sneak into a cemetery to do an investigation… that will end up with unexpected results... I've already shared some drawings and comics about them! They're already under the hashtag #fullmoonpanic! now!

[nothoughts-onlywomen]

proof that lumax is NOT bones

ok look, i know we’re all freaking out a bit right now (see here for context), but i feel i have tangible proof that lumax will have a satisfying ending come s5.

1. she was listening to his game

i don’t know if we fully acknowledge how meaningful this is. max doesn’t go to lucas’ game because there’s a big crowd and she’s very depressed. BUT she knew the game meant a lot to him. even earlier in the episode she was the one who explained the tournament to the boys. she doesn’t care for sports (except skateboarding obviously), but she cared for lucas enough to know what was going on. and she cared enough to listen to the game on the radio even after the fact.

2. her letters

tell me she didn’t write some sentimental shit to him in that letter. we have yet to see what was in it, but my guess is that whatever’s in it, max will get a chance to say some of those things aloud. like if she wrote “i love you” or something to that effect, it’ll show growth for her character to say it aloud to lucas. which brings me to…

3. the cemetery scene

the entire point of this scene was to show that lucas doesn’t only want the good parts of max. he wants ALL of her. even the sides of herself she views as ugly. and even as max is struggling to just TELL lucas how she feels, lucas is letting her know it’s okay. he just wants her to talk to him. all this is the crux of what i believe will be one aspect of max’s arc next season. learning to SAY how she feels. especially to lucas.

4. THIS moment

another reminder that LUCAS IS THE ONLY PERSON WHO MADE MAX SMILE OR LAUGH LAST SEASON. this is another aspect of the lumax arc that i think is important. lucas makes max FEEL things, which is why the whole thing terrifies her. one of max’s reckonings in s5 will be with her own feelings. and if she ends up permanently blind or disabled, those feelings might explode out.

5. “i see you now. i see you.”

apart from the cruel irony we’ll get if max ends up permanently blind, this again echoes the idea that lucas sees max for exactly who she is and loves her completely. even in her darkest moments.

6. rv scene

lucas is the impetus of max’s HAPPIEST MEMORY. i mean writers don’t do that shit on accident. her happiest memory is KISSING HIM. that won’t change overnight.

7. cute as shit notepads

they have mutually agreed to go on a date again. you think the duffers would leave us hanging on that? have they ever let us down before? mike told el in s1 they would go to the snowball, and they held onto that shit until the end of s2.

8. fuck vecna

here’s my prediction for the “going left” that caleb mentions. while i don’t think they’ll break up or not be together in the end, i do think that vecna will possess her and use it to physically attack lucas. like i get the feeling they’re going to pull a mockingjay on us. this scene foreshadows that. she’ll be clawing at him and he’ll just be holding her off looking devastated. cue waterworks

9. i don’t even want to talk about this scene

why would they have max die in lucas’ arms if we WEREN’T getting s5 lumax in some capacity? lucas’ trauma from that will have ripples in s5, leaving him vulnerable to vecna’s attacks. because he now has that something haunting him.

10. and finally…

ok COME ON. the duffers even posted a bts picture with this in it. combine that with the other bts we’ve gotten so far? i'm not worried.

max's arc in s5 will be about connection with her loved ones. namely, her finally being able to break through her own walls to tell them how she feels. and both her and lucas' arc in s4 will lead up to that eventual conclusion. which is why we're getting our damn endgame.

[minipax]

Ok so the titles we got are...interesting (both in the two languages that i manage, spanish and english) so i will give my opinion of each one of them

The crawl (in spanish is the mission): Ok so in this case I think the english title beats the spanish title a lot, I think this episode title fits so well for the start of the season because our protagonists will need to crawl another form to beat vecnas ass and probably in the process it will revealed another danger more major than vecna and probably the mind flayer too (because like dustin said vecna is like a five star general of the mind flayer what if the mind flayer is also a five star general of the thessahyldra or something more big?). Probably this episode will be a setup of the lives of the characters after the time skip and the principal mystery of the season

The vanishing of ***** wheeler (in spanish this title doesn't change): This is quite obvious, this is the episode that will parallel s1 ep1. I like to think that mike and will are going to be the first ones to notice the absence of holly since we got the bts of both of them with her and mike will be the one to announce his family this (but they won't believe him at first until 24 hours pass, i said this bc we all know that karen and ted don't pay to much attention to their kids haha).

The turnbow trap (the same as the previous title, in spanish doesn't change): honestly this is an interesting title and i don't know what to say about the title or what will we see in this episode, the only theory that comes to my mind is that this is the episode where will will start to have visions of the upside down or his time in there (similar to his visions in s2) and probably will find that holly is there and communicate this to mike after their campaign in the picnic table of eddie.

Sorcerer (in spanish is wizard): Nothing relevant to say about this, this is my favourite title so far and is definitely the will byers episode, we probably get the most of him and his time in the upside down in s1 and obviously the miwi flashbacks.

Shock Jock (in spanish is electroshock): The most rare title of the list i think, I feel the same as the turnbow trap, don't know what to say. I think the only relevant thing that will happen is that max will wake up from her coma but she will be still vulnerable and mike will probably start having visions (mike getting vecna'd) but he won't tell this to will or anyone until is too late. Also this title reminds me a little to Holly, Jolly.

Escape from Camatzotz (in spanish is the same): This title gives me a lot of DnD vibes, and i think this is the episode where mike gets vecna'd and we get insight of mikes mind. I think that in this case we'll get a parallel of lumax in the cemetery in the episode of Dear Billy and probably will catches mike after he escapes the mindlair of vecna similar to lucas doing the same with max (this will probably be the most intimate moment of byler before the kiss in the next episode). The original party are going to go to the radio station to plan something to rescue holly and save hawkins and after we probably have the nancy and mike heart to heart that we see in the bts.

The bridge (in spanish is the same): Considering that now that the portals of vecna are open I think these will not be secure to go to the upside down so will, mike and the rest are going to dig tunnels that they are going to use to go to the UD. So the bts of will and mike in the field is going to happen here. After digging a lot, they enter to these tunnels and go to the UD to rescue holly. Also in this episode we will probably have Robin noticing byler and also another heart to heart from our boys mixed with a little confrontation from mike to will saying why did he lie about the paiting and this probably will escalate to the final confession from will and mike processing this information and kissing will. This kiss will probably open a bridge that will facilitate the other characters to go in and out from hawkins to the UD.

The rightside up (in spanish is this side): Nothing much to say either this will be the episode of the final battle and is probably that this episode will be 2h long or more like the final episode of s4, so a lot of shit will happen here. Also I think the title of the episode is more iconic in spanish but it functions well incredible in both languages.

[jadedlavendergemini]

Rage built up

A/n: just a drabble I had thought of based off some bts pics for season 5. Basically reader is still upset over Eddie’s death and has a hard time keeping herself in check.

It had been the same for weeks since your encounter with vecna and Eddie’s death. You felt nothing but cold and numb. Your friends tried to help by trying to include you in activities and conversations but nothing worked. At the end of each day you would just curl up in bed and cry, your grades were slipping and every night you watched endlessly through your nightmares of Eddie’s death over and over again.

When you weren’t with your friends or in school, you’d find yourself at the Hawkins cemetery with a bucket of soap and water and scrub away at the graffiti that would always wind back on his headstone.

You knew you weren’t the only one grieving Eddie’s death though, Dustin was also upset but he hid it well. He was trying to carry on Eddie’s legacy with Hellfire Club. And while he would always remind you by saying “Eddie wouldn’t want you to mope around.” Or “No one deserved to know Eddie the way you or I did.” None of it made you feel better.

So you kept quiet. You endured the constant reassurances from your friends that everything would be fine and that he loved you. But it wasn’t enough to make the pain go away.

So here you were now, sitting with Nancy and Robin at a table closer towards the back of the lunch room. Nancy and Robin conversed with each other as more of your friends appeared. Mike, El, Dustin, Lucas, Will and Erica took their seats at your table.

The Hawkins cafeteria was loud as per usual. Students were seated at their normal tables and chatted or laughed.

You were staring off into space, trapped between memories of having lunch with Eddie in his van or out at the picnic table when El’s voice pulled you out.

“Y/N,” you turned to your left where she sat next to Mike. “Are you alright?”

You just nod and before you can respond with a simple “I’m okay”, a cocky yet familiar voice can be heard nearby.

“She’s still crying over her serial killer boyfriend,” Chance’s laughs along with Andy and two more basket ball jocks walking by your table.

“That’s enough, douchebag.” Robin says, glaring at the dark haired boy.

“Maybe I’d be sad too, if he wasn’t such a freak who murdered my friends.” Andy chimed back as he and the other boys made their way to the normal jock/cheerleader table.

You looked down to your lap where your hands are clenched into fists, fighting back tears. You had endured your fellow student’s bullying for the past weeks.

El’s hand wraps around your left hand in an attempt to hold it comfort but you jerk from your sister’s touch. Suddenly you feel rage, like a fire burning in your chest.

Standing up, you snatch Nancy’s lunch tray and empty it onto the table.

“Y/N, what the hell?” Nancy exclaims as you clutch the now empty tray in your hands and make your way towards the jocks.

You ignore your friends calling your name as you march towards Chance who has his head turned, laughing at one of Andy’s stupid jokes.

“Hey Chance,” you speak loud and clear. And when he turns to face you… WHAM! The cafeteria is quiet as the only sound that can be heard is plastic smashing his face. You let out shout and slam the tray against his face again. By the third time, you had caught his forehead with the edge and a small amount of blood can be seen.

Before you can land another blow, someone’s arms are wrapped around your waist pulling you back. But your vision is blurry from tears and you throw the tray blindly back in Chance’s direction. You continued to try and reach towards the boy in attempt to claw and punch him but you’re held back and you scream in frustration.

“Y/N stop!” Lucas is the one holding you back. You recognize his voice but still try to fight him off.

“She’s fucking crazy!” You hear one of the jocks yell.

Slowly you stop resisting knowing Lucas won’t let you keep beating the shit out of his ex- teammate. When he slowly loosens his grip, you find yourself standing above a freaked out Chance who is covering his face on the floor, terrified that you’ll continue with your rampage.

Your breathing is heavy as you’re tired from all the movement and tears fall freely. You look around to see all the other students are staring at you, mouths agape and eyes wide. You turn to see your friends still at their table but standing, worried gazes on you.

Before you can gather your thoughts on what you just did, you run. You ran through the cafeteria doors and into the hallway. The students who weren’t in the cafeteria to witness your wild behavior stare in your direction.

You push past them and make your way into the girls bathroom and find it empty. Looking in the mirror you only see someone you don’t recognize. Your hair which was tied into a ponytail is frizzy and out of place, your eyes are red and puffy and your face is red.

You slump down to your knees onto the dirty floor and let out a sob. You couldn’t recognize yourself anymore. Your emotions, your thoughts, even your actions. Your body continues to rack with sobs and heavy breathing, you don’t even hear the door opening.

You flinch when you feel a hand gently rest on your back. You look back to see Nancy, Robin and El kneeling next to you.

“Y/N,” Nancy’s voice is soft and comforting but you continue to cry. You try and let out a breath but it comes out like a choking sound. She doesn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around you in a hug. “Hey, it’s okay.

“I- I’m sorry.” You cry out. “I didn’t mean to hurt him-“

“He deserved it,” Robin states. “You don’t owe him an apology.”

“Y/N,” you lift your wet eyes to your adopted sister who reaches a hand to your shoulder. “It’s okay to let it out. I know how you feel.”

“No, no you don’t.” You sob. “They treated him like a monster. But he fucking saved them. And I- I loved him.”

Before El could respond, the bathroom door opens and the girls find themselves at the attention of principal Higgens’ secretary. She’s stares down at you with her glasses at the bridge of her nose and her hands on her hips.

“Hopper,” she addresses you coldly. “Higgins’ office. Now.”

—————————————————��—————————

You sat across from the principal himself as he lowered his gaze at you, which only made you shrink more into your chair and stare intensely at your hands.

The door opens and Higgins stands tall at the sight of your father entering the room. “Chief Hopper,” he gestures to the chair next to yours.

Jim takes a seat next to his eldest daughter and places a strong hand on her knee. “What happened?”

“According to our Hawkins Basketball team, everything was peaceful, students were enjoying their lunch period until…. That is your daughter Miss Y/N,” he points his skinny finger at you. “Assaulted Chance with a plastic lunch tray.”

Jim chuckled. “A plastic lunch tray, okay. And the damage?”

“Just a scratch on his forehead, but Chief, if I may, this still counts as an assault on another student. Now if his family chooses to press charges-“

“Oh I’m sure they won’t. Did Y/N tell you why she did it? I mean did you even bother to ask her why she felt the need to assault this kid?”

Higgins clears his throat before returning his attention to you. “Miss Hopper, why did you feel the need to violently assault one of your classmates?”

You finally move your eyes up to meet the principal’s dark ones and quietly spoke. “He was teasing me about Eddie Munson. He called him a serial killer.”

“Well, Miss Hopper-“

“Eddie wasn’t a serial killer! He didn’t harm Chrissy or Patrick or Fred or ANYONE! You HATED him. So you let all your students just bully him and you LET Jason Carver create some angry mob against him and even told them that he should be found DEAD.”

By then you were out of your seat, fists clenched to your sides and eyes brimming with tears again.

The principal just stood there brows raised and eyes glancing at the chief for some assistance.

Jim stands up and wraps an arm over his daughter’s shoulder. “Okay, look, Higgins. I don’t think this is going to happen again, alright? I’ll take her home, we’ll have a long discussion about what happened between her the kid and maybe I’ll even get her to apologize. Let’s just not start the whole pressing charges BS, the kid is gonna live to see another day.”

“Mr. Hopper, I NEED to make an example for the other students-“

“Expelling my daughter from school on her senior year won’t do any good. She’ll be back on Monday, attitude changed and hopefully her grades.”

And with that he led you out of the office and to the parking lot where his beat up chiefs jeep was parked.

After hopping in and sitting in silence for a few minutes, the talking finally begins.

“So a lunch tray, huh?”

You nod.

“Y/N what’s going on? I know you’re upset about Munson and what you said back there was true about the bullying and name calling, but assault? Now look, I can handle that kids parents if they do want press charges, but you need to talk to me more.

“I know I wasn’t around for a bit but I’m here now so just talk to me. You’re upset about Eddie? I can handle that. You feel like what? Depressed? I know all about that feeling, kid.”

You remained quiet until you didn’t. “Every night I have the same nightmare. Eddie dying in my arms, telling me that he loves me and there’s blood everywhere. And then I wake up and he’s gone. If I could just hold onto him just a bit longer or maybe if I could’ve saved him-“

“Y/N, I never thought that once Eddie was a bad kid. Sure, his old man was a scammer and a thief but Eddie was different. I know he just wanted to get out of this town and do whatever it is he wanted to do. But you know what really made me believed that he was a good guy?”

You look into Jim’s old eyes. “He died protecting you, my daughter. Even if the rest of this shithole of a town doesn’t know it, he helped save them.”

“Don’t shut your friends out, definitely not El because you need them, kid. Trust me. If you wanna cry, you cry and let them hug you, you want to hit something, I have old bat somewhere in the cabin and I’ll let you go to town on some trees. But just leave those ungrateful students alone. Let them think what they want. Because as soon as you graduate, you can go and do whatever you want, just like Eddie.”

You nod your head while wiping your tears. “Thanks dad.”

“Anytime, kid. But promise me, no more beating up basketball players!” Jim couldn’t help at laugh at the thought of his eighteen year old daughter beating up a jock.

“I’ll try,” and for the first time in forever, you smile. Not quite large but one that could pass as a smirk.

[duckprintspress]

Great Reads for Latinx Books Month!

May is Latino Books Month, and here we are as always with some of our favorite books! We asked our usual book recommendation list contributors for their favorite books starring latinx characters, written by latinx authors, or – most often – both! The Duck Prints Press creators who contributed to this rec list are: Terra P. Waters, Sebastian Marie, Nina Waters, Shadaras, May Barros, Annabeth Lynch, Neo Scarlett, Tris Lawrence, and an anonymous contributor.

Sordidez by E.G. Condé

The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes

The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl

The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas

Two short stories in our anthology She Wears the Midnight Crown:

That Danger Would Seem Sport by Sebastian Marie

Are you in love with the squid? by D. A. Hernández

Juliet Takes a Breath: The Graphic Novel by Gabby Rivera

Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova

The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

Postcolonial Love Poem by Natalie Díaz

The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Ann Older

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

The Last 8 by Laura Pohl

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales

Honorable Mentions: Several of the books on last week’s Speak Your Language Day recommendation list also fit the theme for this list! These books are:

Where We Go From Here by Lucas Rocha

Here the Whole Time by Vitor Martins

This Is Our Place by Vitor Martins

Journey Home by May Barros

Favorite by May Barros

Golden Hue by May Barros

View this list as a shelf on our Goodreads account!

See a book you want to read? You can check out this list, and our other recommendation lists, on Bookshop.org – and make us your regular Bookshop.org affiliate bookshop!

[a-babe-without-a-name]

ST5 things

a list of stuff I'm noticing from the ST5 bts video, for myself to look back on when it comes out. Some are obvious things, others I'm really digging for. Not including the Dustin cemetery situation I posted about before.

Castle Byers duh, I hope this is sad

Dustin is sitting in Eddie's spot at the lunch table

Joyce with the kids + steve! (+ dustin with a bloody nose.)

Back in the tunnels

Bikes, Bikes, and More Bikes

Twinkies?

Karen is probs gonna be a bigger part of this season? I mean, her BABY is being stolen, so valid

The boys are so tall now, oml

Linda Hamilton, so maybe some terminator references?

Mike in his own house this season lol

Obviously the picnic table

Holly has such a sitcom looking room and something is happening in the kitchen of the house, maybe that's where she get's taken? Why is vecna after her though?

New character! Erica has a friend, I am excited about this. They're in a barn? So farm stuff

Jocks in the graveyard, definitely beating up Dustin and vandalizing Eddie grave. If you watch close, Dustin is standing behind one of the duffer brothers, so yes, he's definitely getting fought

School projector, maybe in school or radio station basement?

Nancy and Mike time!! Probably looking for their sister

Robin and Joyce!!! Mother is mothering this season

Murray!!

A ground gate again, ground looks farm like, maybe it's near the barn where Erica and her friend are?

Mike and Lucas time, running through empty hall, could be anything

Steve is IN the upside down

Steve driving with Jonathan in the back seat in looks like, I'm assuming Nance or Robin in the front

At the picnic table, Will is having a vision or sensing Vecna or something. He's walking away from the group while they fuck around, so something weird. Looks very similar to Chris looking at the tree during her vision

Duffer Bro mimes something come up off the ground at Will, so maybe demo dogs? Or something simialr?

Full beard Hopper screaming with a hunting rifle. Does not bode well.

Someone getting TOSSED

Dustin with Steve, Nancy, and Jonathan, we've all seen this

Older guy with a gun, reminiscent of the Russian in season 4. Maybe and Owens guy?

Vecna fully vecna'd up

Will falling form the top of a tree BUT he looks to be wearing the same clothes as season 1? He's in the red and yellow vest and plaid shirt. Maybe I'm misremembering but this is a familiar outfit

El in the upside down. She's in a weird outfit? It's like gym shorts over tights and a sweater? Maybe it's the fashion?

that is all, bye

[deke-rivers-1957]

Deke's Path To Peace

AN: I've had this story idea for a while now. I just can't look at Deke without thinking "this boy had trauma." If you have any requests feel free to send them in.

"Fire! Fire! Everyone out! Out!"

I wake up gaspin for air and see boys runnin out of the room. I don't even think before runnin too. I can smell the smoke but I keep runnin until I find some bushes to stop in. I can see the orphanage burnin to the ground. It's so horrible I start runnin again. I feel so scared that I don't even realize I'm in a cemetery. I trip on somethin and fall to the ground. I look up and see a tombstone.

"Deke Rivers: He was alone except for his friends who missed him."

There's somethin about it that connects to me. I didn't know who this Deke was but I feel that he and I were the same by bein as lonely as me.

"I'll find some friends. Maybe I can make your name a name worth rememberin."

I yawn and lay down right by his grave. I don’t want to be Jimmy Tompkins anymore. I’ll just bury him here and wake up as Deke Rivers.

"Good night, Jimmy Tompkins."

I look up at the sky and see a lot of stars. There's a very nice breeze that helps me fall asleep. The next mornin I wake up and realize I can't just stay here.

"Ok Deke. Time to find somethin to eat."

I find my way out of the cemetery and start walkin. After not even an hour I start feelin scared about bein lost. Then I see a sign.

"Next town 5 miles away."

I sigh then start walkin again. I'm feelin tired from not eatin.

"Hey now. Where did you come from son?"

I turn around and look spooked to see a man comin towards me.

"Where're your parents?"

I fidget with my hands a little.

"I. I don't have any."

"I see."

I find the courage to look up at him.

"Can I ask you somethin?"

"What?"

"Is this town far from the orphanage that just burned down?"

His eyes widen.

"Oh you're from un-incorporated Allen. This is Lucas. Such a shame the orphanage burned down. Everything's so chaotic nobody can tell if all the children made it out. All the records of those poor kids're gone."

I realize just how serious this fire was. I don't have anything to my name anymore.

"What's gonna happen to the kids who made it out?"

"They're all being sent throughout all of Texas. Allen simply doesn't the money to rebuild it."

I don't wanna go back to be sent away like all those other kids. I wanna stay here if I can.

"Do you have a place to go boy?"

"Yes I'm goin to my aunt's house."

"How far is it?"

I don't like lyin but I don't think I have a choice here.

"Oh it's not far. Just a few miles up the road."

"You mean up in Fairview?"

I nod but I feel very nervous. I don't want this man to ask anymore questions because that'd mean havin to lie more. My stomach starts growlin and I feel embarrassed.

"Alright. I'll tell you what. I'll buy you breakfast. Then you can go on your way."

I start smilin and nod my thanks.

"Thank you sir."

I follow him to a diner and he orders a plate of bacon and eggs for me. I really needed the food and it tastes way better than anythin. I ever had at the orphanage.

"Thanks again for the food."

"You're welcome. Good luck finding your aunt, kid."

I get out of my seat and wave as I leave the diner. As soon as I get outta his line of sight I start feelin nervous about what's gonna happen to me now.

Time Skip

The next 5 years have been rough. I'm I think 16 years old now and I've been wandering across Texas to avoid police puttin me back into the system. I've been livin on scraps and whatever spare change I can find. I'm just so lonely and want somethin to go my way.

"Well this equals 50 cents. I can probably buy somethin to drink."

I manage to find a bar and decide to head inside. I know it's run down but I don't have that many options.

"What'll it be boy?"

I try not to shudder at bein called boy since it makes me feel like I’m still a child at the orphanage. I just look at the bartender.

"Umm. I only have 50 cents. Do you have anythin inexpensive?"

"Yeah. I got something for ya."

"Thanks."

I look around the bar and nobody wants to deal with me. It's mostly older men drinking heavily. The bartender doesn't seem to mind me so I decide to take a seat and wait for my drink.

"Bottoms up kid. A club soda."

I look at the drink confused. I've never heard of a club soda and I don't even know if it's alcoholic. Either way, I'm thirsty and decide I might as well take a drink.

"Thanks."

I never tasted anythin like this but I'm still goin. When I finish I try to count my coins to pay for it.

"Ah don't worry about it. It's on the house."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah."

I'm not used to anyone bein nice to me. I'm actually a little suspicious of this bartender now.

"Well uh. Thanks again for the drink."

"Don't mention it. You're gonna get a lot more out of this soon enough."

I start to feel nervous but try not to show it. I try to leave the bar when I suddenly feel dizzy. As much as I try to keep my balance I end up falling to the floor and pass out. I don't know how long I've been unconscious but I wake up in a random bed.

"Ugh. Where am I?"

A man comes in the door and I feel scared again. I don't know where I am or what even happened. I don't want anyone to hurt me.

"Oh aren't you a cute one."

I start to shiver. I'm not used to having anyone compliment me. People usually ignore me.

"Listen doll face I get it. You're done on your luck and need money."

I just look at him as he's making me even more nervous.

"Well yeah. I do."

"Now believe me you'll be making a lot of it."

My heart starts beatin fast.

"You mean like a job?"

"Oh I wouldn't call it a job. You won't even need to do anything but look wonderful."

I don't feel any better after hearin that. What could he possibly mean by "looking wonderful"?

"Do you. Do you mean like a model?"

"You can call it that."

Even though I should feel relieved by that, I also feel a sense of helplessness. All I can do is accept my fate. I have nowhere else to go.

"Ok."

Time Skip

These were the worst two years of my life. This man broke me. I've been robbed of my youth and my innocence. I've had to do such unspeakable things just to have food to eat. Money doesn't even matter because I can't leave the house. What's worse is that no one even cared about my situation. Every man and woman I've been with didn't even care about me.

"Good news. The boss is going to meet with you."

I don't even say anythin as I'm lead to the boss' room. I have nothing in me anymore. The boss looks at me and I just know things are going to be worse.

"Your services are no longer needed honey. I'm letting you go."

Somehow I feel so frustrated. I've been nothing but this monster's sex slave. He made me think I was nothing more than a pretty face. Now I have nothing!

"This will get you to Missouri sugar. You can buy a guitar and use that pretty voice."

I look at the money. $50. That's all I'm worth?! Even though I take it I'm just so bitter.

"Just where am I supposed to go in Missouri?"

"Plenty of places to go in Kansas City doll."

Ah tense up but say nothing.

"Fine. I'll take my chances then."

I practically run out of the building. I don't even pay attention where I'm goin as I run. I'm just like I was about 11 years old: just runnin away until I end up lost in the middle of nowhere. That's when I stop to breakdown and cry. I just wasted so many years of my life only to be violated by everyone I've ever met. The only thing I can do's try goin to the police.

"Alright Deke. Time to man up and tell the police what happened."

I get up and try to find a police station. I'm lucky that one isn't too far away. I walk inside and see the officer at his desk.

"Um excuse me. I'd like to report a crime."

He takes the cigar out of his mouth.

"What's the crime?"

So I explain my whole story in full detail. I end up fallin into the chair and sob as I get up to what happened to today. The whole time, the policeman looks at me and puffs his cigar. Once I finish talking he sighs and looks at me with pity.

"We've had complaints before. This has been an ongoing investigation for the past couple years. The bar you mentioned unfortunately went out of business 6 months ago. Unless you know how to get back to the house you were in or any names you might've heard, there just isn't anything that we can do about it."

I look at him good and hard. He doesn't look like I'm a disgusting person for having experienced this.

“No. I can’t. I just ran off as soon as he said he was lettin me go. I didn’t pay attention to anythin like the address. I just wanted to get out of there as soon as I could.”

I feel like such an idiot. I look up at the policeman and take in his face. He genuinely feels terrible that I was hurt.

"Ok. Now what I can do is ask if you have any papers?"

"Papers? Oh. No. I don't have any papers sir."

The policeman groans and puts out his cigar.

"How old do you think you are now?"

"I guess I'm 18 years old."

He looks right at me.

"Of course you are. That's going to make this a little difficult."

He pulls out a blank birth certificate.

"Ok. We've had plenty of safe haven babies brought here without any papers. So my job's to make 'em papers so they can get stuff done in the world."

I just watch him get his pen ready.

"Why did you say that about my age?"

"Because unless you have proof of your age, you could still be viewed as being part of the system. So it's best I fill this out now while you still have ambiguity on your side."

"Oh. I guess it does make sense."

The policeman picks up his pen.

"So. Name?"

"Oh. Deke Rivers."

I watch him write it down. Him easily accepting that as my name on one hand feels great. On the other hand, I feel like I betrayed my birth parents by getting rid of the only thing I have of them. But I know I can't be holding onto that anymore. This birth certificate is how I can make a new start.

"Assumed date of birth?"

"Um. Let's go with July 7th, 1935."

The policeman writes that down. Somethin about that date just feels right.

"I know you're an orphan but do you have any clue on who your parents are?"

"No sir. All I ever had was my birth name."

He sighs.

"I'll have to put it down as unknown. As for place of birth, I'll have to put it down as right here in McKinney, Texas. You can get this registered with the state."

I can only nod. I'm just amazed that after all this time, I finally have paper to my name.

"There you go. I can take ya to the courthouse. That's where you get your state ID card. You'll need that for a lot of things in life."

"Oh. Yes sir!"

I start to feel hope that my life is finally coming together. I follow the policeman to his car.

"By the way, do you feel like you need to go to the hospital from what happened?"

I really think about it. I think about doctors and nurses pokin me. Then I shake my head.

"No sir. I think I'll be ok. Thank you for helpin me get my papers situated."

He nods and drives me to the courthouse. I walk with the policeman up to the man at the counter. By the time we finish all the paperwork, it's 8 pm and I'm hungry. The policeman drives me to a bus station and hands me a sandwich.

"Here you go, Deke. This'll hold ya over while you wait for the bus to Kansas City."

"Thank you sir."

I start to eat the sandwich and I almost cry. It's a warm BLT with the perfect amount of mayonnaise. I'm so thankful that this nice officer's taking his time to stay with me until the bus arrives. It makes me feel so cared for.

"Well there's your bus."

I look up and see the bus stop.

"Thanks again for the sandwich."

I shake the policeman's hand.

"Good luck Deke. I really mean it."

I smile and mouth thank you as I go to board the bus.

"One way trip to Kansas City, Missouri."

I nod and pay my bus fair. The doors close behind me as I take a seat at the back of the bus. It's gonna be a long trip and I wanna get some sleep. I don't know what I'll do once I get there but for now I'll just get some sleep.

Time Skip

"Hey pal get up. It's the end of the line."

I yawn and stretch as I wake up. I can't believe I slept through the bus ride all night. Now I'm scared of what I'll do next. Either way I have to get off the boat and count how much money I have.

"$45. At least it's somethin. I can get breakfast now."

It's just my luck that there's a diner just down the street. I step inside and take a seat in a booth. A waitress hands me a menu.

"Passing through stranger?"

"Uh no ma'am. I'm plannin on makin a new start here."

She pulls out her notepad and pencil.

"Now then what can I get ya honey?"

I close the menu.

"Well uh what do you recommend?"

"We have a steak and egg special for only $3.99. It's your choice of egg and comes with a side of hash browns and a fruit bowl."

I think it over and it sounds like a reasonable amount of food for only $3.99.

"Alright, I'll have that then with sunny side up eggs."

She writes it down on her note pad.

"What do you want to drink?"

"Just some coffee please."

She pours me some coffee and sets down some cream.

"Be out in a minute darlin."

She takes the menu and I try not to shudder at the pet names. I'm not in that house anymore.

"Order up."

I look up when I hear the bell ding. My waitress comes up to me with my food.

"Enjoy your meal. You can pay when you're ready darlin."

She sets my bill down and pours some more coffee.

"Thanks ma'am."

She walks away and leaves me with my food. I start with my steak first. Somethin tells me I'm gonna need the protein. I take a look at my bill as I eat and I see that it's only $4.75. I try to figure out what I oughta tip my waitress and decide to use a $5 for the bill. That'll give me a quarter in change and I can just use that with $1 as her tip. This is the first time I've ever had to figure out a tip so I hope what I'm giving her's enough.

"Uh ma'am here's the money for my bill. Keep the change."

"Thank you. Hope you come again."

I nod as I go back outside. I wander the streets for a couple hours and try to give the appearance of knowing where I'm going. I stop at the crosswalk and see a pawn shop across the street. There's a guitar up for sale in the window. I cross when it's safe to do so and talk to the owner.

"Excuse me sir, I saw that guitar in the window. How much is it?"

"Well how much ya got?"

I don't like havin to lie but I really need to save my money in case I can't get a job right away.

"I've only got $5."

"Tell ya what. If you watch the store while I'm out to lunch, I'll let you have it free. It's a wooden piece of junk so I was about to throw it away. You'll be doing me a favor."

My eyes widen. I'm gettin a good deal. I look around the store and feel that it's safe enough to watch it alone.

"Ok I can do that. Thank you, sir."

"Alright pal we got a deal. I'll be back by 1."

I smile as I go behind the counter. The owner leaves and I'm alone in the store. I count how much money I have after the breakfast and realize I have $35 left. I put it away and try to figure out how to make it last as long as possible. I hear the door open and see the owner come in.

"Well the place ain't burned to the ground. I'd say ya filled your end of the deal. Any customers come by while I was gone?"

I smile as I come out from behind the counter.

"No sir. I came a close eye on things the whole time. Nobody came by."

"Alright then the guitar's yours. If you wanna make it a career your best bet's to start with the Country Club Plaza. It's one of the hottest places in town."

I grab the guitar and shake his hand.

"Thank you for the advice, sir. I'll be on my way then."

I walk out of the pawn shop and try to find my way to the Country Club Plaza. Along the way, I become a street performer so I can build up some money. By the time I get to the Country Club Plaza, I end up having a total of $50.

"Alright, Deke. Time to give it your best shot."

I walk inside to try talking with the owner.

"So you're a guitar player?"

"Yes sir I am."

He looks through his papers.

"I have an afternoon group coming in a half hour. You get one song as an audition for the opening act. If I like what you do, we can talk about your pay in my office."

"Thank you sir."

I go backstage and start to practice my best material. I'm still not the greatest guitar player, but I make up for it with spirit.

"And now ladies and gentleman. Before we start our main show, I'm auditioning a new act for one song. Let's give a round of applause for Deke Rivers."

He turns to me as if to say "you're on kid." I get on stage and look out into the audience. I start to sing one of the only songs I know. It's a very lively song that the audience mostly loves. I can barely hear someone saying I'm not Hank Williams but I don't feel discouraged.

"Bravo, bravo."

I'm glad the audience loved my song, but the owner comes up to me not looking happy at all. He drags me backstage and grabs my guitar.

"Get out!"

"But. But they liked my song."

He starts pushing me out the door.

"I will not be having this devil's music in my club!"

I try to get my guitar back but he keeps it out of my reach.

"Get out! Get out! Get out!"

I end up outside on my butt as the owner closes the door. Once again, I've been rejected just when I thought I found the right job. I sit down at the nearest bench. I know I still have $50 but that can't possibly last forever.

"Excuse me son."

I look up and see a man come up to me.

"Yes sir?"

"I was in the audience during your song. I'm very sorry about getting kicked out like that."

I can only sigh.

"You don't need to be sorry. I wish I knew what I did wrong with the owner."

"Yes I didn't want to rub it in. What I did want to do is offer you a job."

I don't want to get my hopes up but I look up at him.

"As a singer?"

"Well no. Not as a singer."

I sigh and rub my face. I start talking to myself when I hear the man sigh.

"I know a guy in St. Louis who works at a junkyard. He's been complaining about an old Ford Model A taking up space. If you're up to it, I can send a telegram that you'll help him."

I look up at him and see that he's serious.

"Oh. Yeah. I. I can help with that the best I can."

"Splendid. I believe Howie's willing to give it to you if you can fix it."

My eyes widen at that. I've never had a car before. If Howie does want to give it away, I'd love to have it.

"I'd love to do it. Do you have the address?"

"Oh yes I'll write it down. By the way do you have money to get there?"

I realize that things went wrong by lyin. So I decide to tell him the truth even if it means not havin as much money.

"I have about $50. Will that be enough to get to St. Louis?"

"Oh yes. The train can take you there easily."

He hands me a piece of paper with the address.

"Thank you sir. I really appreciate it."

"No problem at all. I best be on my way to send that telegram. Good luck."

I watch him leave as I decide to take the chance and call for a cab. I just hope my luck will change for the better.

Time Skip

As soon as I get to St. Louis, my boss Howie's already waiting for me at the train station. Even though I never met him until now, he's holding a sign with my name on it.

"Hi. Are you Howie?"

"That's right. Are you Deke?"

I shake his hand.

"Yes sir. I appreciate this offer."

"I have lunch at the junkyard. My car's just outside the station."

I nod and follow Howie outside and get into his car. The drive to the junkyard wasn't long at all. I immediately get to work after eating lunch. Even though I don't have any experience working on cars, Howie's surprisingly very patient with me. After only a couple weeks, I managed to get the hang of going through the trash.

"Deke I'm taking stuff to the scrapyard. You're on break while I'm gone."

"Thanks Howie."

He drives off with the truck while I spend my break drinking a coke. I look over the Model A when a couple garbagemen come in and unload some trash.

"Howie off to the scrapyard again?"

"Yeah. He just left about 5 minutes ago."

They look over my work.

"How's the car coming along?"

"It's comin along. I still got a long ways to go, but I hope I'm gonna get it runnin at some point."

They start gettin back in the truck.

"Well you know what to do. Good luck."

"Thanks. I'm sure I'll get it done soon enough."

They leave and I get back to the shed for some tools. I hear Howie come back and I see him holding a bag.

"Eat up, Deke. We got a lot to look through today."

I grab a sandwich out of the bag.

"Thanks for the sandwich Howie."

I start eating while I look over the pile of trash that we need to get through. I can tell by lookin at it, this is gonna take a while.

"Well Deke what do you think?"

"I think there's gotta be somethin we can use for the car here. We just gotta keep diggin through this pile until we find it."

When we finish our sandwiches we open up the first trash bag.

"Alright be careful now. Can't have you getting tetanus."

"Oh yeah I'll be careful."

By the time the sun goes down we manage to get through the entire pile. Howie goes into his office while I wipe the sweat off my face.

"Alright Deke it's pay day. Come get your cut."

I walk into the office as he hands me some money.

"We had a great week with the scrapyard. Made a lot of money on the metal."

"Thanks Howie. Today was a pretty good day. I found a couple spark plugs and some hoses too. Maybe if we fix them, we can use it for the Model A."

"Alright then we can work on it tomorrow. I'll see you in the morning. You know where the key is."

I wave as I go to the garage and grab the key to my room. Thanks to Howie lettin me stay here, I've been able to save another $20. Even though it's only a wooden shed with nothing but a cot in it, I'm very thankful to have this room at all. This has been my best job yet. Maybe I can dream about driving a Model A. Either way as soon as I lay down I fall asleep.

"Bang. Bang. Bang."

I wake up early the next morning to Howie knocking on my door.

"Deke there's a storm coming. We gotta get the car into the garage."

"Alright I'll try gettin it into neutral."

I go over to the Model A and try to start the ignition. I managed to get it done.

"Howie I got it!"

"Good now keep the wheel steady while I push."

Since the garage isn't that far we easily manage to get the car into the garage.

"Howie I'm nervous about shuttin it off now. The engine sounds like it's runnin perfectly for once."

Howie listens to the Model A as it runs.

"I'd shut it off so we can work on the brakes after breakfast. Once this storm passes we can give it a test run to the gas station."

"Alright I'll shut it off. I can't believe we're this close to gettin this car fixed."

I shut off the engine. It sounded good shutting off so me and Howie rush back to his office for breakfast.

"I think this storm should pass soon. A heavy rain like this usually does."

"How do you think the brakes'll work if we drive it today?"

Howie thinks it over as he makes some eggs.

"I'll take it slow on the brakes. If it can't handle wet conditions it'll start to skid."

I nod as he hands me a plate.

"Thanks. I'm so excited that we might've actually done it."

"I get it. You spent a lot of time helping me work on it. It's always worth the effort if you can get it to work."

As soon as we finish eatin the sun starts to come out.

"Alright Deke grab a towel. We need to make sure the brakes are as dry as possible."

I put the plate in the sink and grab a ratty towel as we head back out to the garage. As soon as we make sure the brakes are dry, Howie gets in the driver's seat.

"Get on in. I'll take her to the gas station and see how she runs."

I climb into the passenger seat. Howie starts the ignition and I'm relieved to hear it start smoothly again.

"That's a good sign."

"Now let's test this on the open road."

Howie starts to drive us to the gas station and back. The whole time I'm shakin like a leaf. When we make it back to the junkyard, Howie turns off the engine.

"Well Deke you did it. She runs like a dream."

I start beamin.

"You really think so?"

"Sure. For this car's age it's as smooth as can be. So long as you don't slam on the brakes, there's not a thing wrong with it."

I can hardly believe it. I actually fixed this car. I did it.

"Now then I have a question for you."

"What is it?"

"Do you have a driver's license?"

I start to feel very nervous. I hope this isn't a trap but I have to be honest since honesty got me this job.

"No sir. I never had the chance to get one. Do I need anythin outside of an ID to get one? I have one from Texas if that helps."

"Alright then I'll help you get one. After all you're gonna be keeping this car."

I look up at him.

"You mean it?"

"That was our deal. You fixed the car so you get to keep it. You saw that I have plenty of cars here already. This is just taking up space."

I shake Howie's hand.

"Thank you. I'll do my best."

"That's all I can ask for Deke."

After many months I finally get my driver's license. Howie let me drive us back to the junkyard after buying me dinner and takes me to his office.

"Well Deke, I'm gonna have to let you go."

As much as it's sad to be jobless again, I feel good this time. Howie's done so much for me. I knew this job was only temporary and managed to make the best out of it.

"I understand. Thank you for everythin, Howie. There is just one last thing I wanna ask you."

"Oh? What is it?"

"Is there anyway you can help me last the winter? I only have $120 saved and I don't know where to go next."

Howie thinks before countin out some money.

"All I can do is give you, your final cut of the scrapyard trip totaling $30. I also have an address for a motel at the edge of town. I know it isn't much but it's a start. I'll even let you stay the last night here so you won't be wandering around in the dark."

I take the money.

"Thank you so much."

I wave as I go to the shed one last time. I’m gonna miss this place but I know Howie’s done his best. That’s all I can ever ask for as I fall asleep in my cot one last time.

Time Skip

When I leave the junkyard after my last free breakfast, I buy a road map and get a room at the motel.

“Alright Deke. Time to figure out how to get back to Texas by car without dyin.”

After spendin 2 days at the motel, I figure out a rough idea on where to go. I also decide to take the financial hit and get myself some new clothes.

“Excuse me how much would it cost for a couple shirts, jeans and these shoes?”

The man behind the counter rings it up.

“That’ll be $15.”

I sigh since it could’ve been worse. I pay him the money and immediately put it in a bag.

“Have a good day.”

“Thanks you too.”

I head back to my car and start driving south. I’m already down to $100 and I haven’t even left St. Louis yet. It's not the most ideal situation, but I gotta sleep in my car if I can. Food wise I’m managin to get by. I get somethin to eat when I stop for gas.

“What’ll it be man?”

“I’ll take some chili if you got it.”

The man takes out a metal bottle and pours some in.

“This here’s a thermos. It’s reusable so you can keep it when you’re done with the chili.”

“Sounds good. How much?”

“$5.”

Only $90 left but if this keeps hot things hot I’ll need it.

“I’ll take it.”

I give the man the money and he gives me the thermos. I head back to my car start driving again. Once it gets dark I try to park where I’ll be covered from any snow.

“Ok let’s try this chili.”

I open the thermos and somehow I can see steam comin out. I take a drink and realize it’s still warm.

“Wow. This’ll keep me warm for a while.”

And it did at least for tonight. The next few nights I wasn’t as lucky. One night there was such a horrible storm that I thought I was going to die.

“It’s ok. You’ll get through it. You’ll get through it.”

I end up bein just fine. As soon as I get to Texas I end up in a small town called Delville. It’s not McKinney or Fairview but I’ll take it. I find that I have about $5 left and decide to spend it on food. Now that it’s spring and I’m in Texas I don’t need to worry about stayin dry.

“Howdy all.”

I turn and see a short chubby man come in just after I find a table.

“Howdy.”

He turns to me and sits down at my table.

“Ah ain’t seen ya round these parts. What’re ya here for?”

“I just came back from a long trip up north and I'm just tryin to get myself situated. Is that alright?”

“It sure is. Can’t help but check out the swingin antique outside.”

I look outside and see that he means my car.

“Oh that’s mine. I got it up north in St. Louis a while back and I just spent a few months fixin' her up, bringin' her back here. It took awhile, but I managed to get 'er fixed up real good.”

“Ya mean that’s yer car? Shoot ya got a pretty good deal then.”

After talkin with this man while we eat I start to feel comfortable around him.

“Mah name’s Teddy by the way.”

“My name’s Deke.”

We shake hands.

“So where do ya plan on stayin Deke?”

“I don't know. I didn't really have a plan for that. I was just gonna figure somethin out. You live around these parts?”

He gestures up the road.

“Sure do. Ah work for the Highway Brewery Company.”

“Wow. For how long?”

“Been workin there the past 5 years. It’s a livin and ya get to travel all across the county.”

That sounds like fun to me. Maybe this is how I can make friends like Teddy. I see him look at the clock.

“Well time to start walkin home. Ah got work in the mornin.”

“Oh. Yeah I gotta get goin to.”

The waitress comes by with the bill and I start to pull out my $5.

“Ah don’t worry about the bill. It’s on me.”

“You don’t mind payin?”

“Heck no. You’re the first guy that’s really listened to mah chatter since Ah’ve been comin here so it’s the least Ah can do.”

Teddy looks at the bill and goes to pay it.

“Thank you, Teddy. This ain't somethin' I'm used to.”

“No problem.”

We head outside and I see Teddy startin to walk home. I realize I can’t do that when he’s paid for me.

“Hey, Teddy, wait up a minute.”

“Yeah what’s up Deke?”

I take a deep breath and sigh.

“I was just wonderin if you would let me drive ya home. You got your job and everything, and I don't wanna disrupt that. And it’s the least I can do when you paid for me.”

“You’d really do that? Well if you’re sure then alright.”

We get in the car and I start drivin him home. By the time I find his house it’s too dark to really see anythin.

“Hey thanks for the lift. Now since it’s so late and all Ah was thinkin that ya should just room wit me. Ya don’t have anywhere to go so it’d be wrong for me to let ya be wanderin round by your lonesome.”

I admit I gotta agree with that.

“Ok you’re right. I appreciate ya lettin' me stay with ya.”

He gets out of the car and starts to open his door.

“Now Ah know it’s gonna be small so Ah hope ya don’t mind sharin a bed.”

“Oh, that's no problem for me at all. As long as it's a roof over my head, I'll be more than grateful.”

We head inside and Teddy’s right about it bein small. But it’s still bigger than the shed at Howie’s junkyard. I look up and see Teddy takin off his shirt. Suddenly I’m not in his bedroom anymore but in… that room…

“Deke? Ya awright? Why were ya lookin at me like ya saw a ghost?”

I shake a little and see Teddy in front of me again.

“Yeah. Sorry I was just reminded of somethin.”

“Oh Ah don’t sleep in the buff if that’s whatcha mean. Jus had to change outta mah work clothes.”

He lays down in bed.

“You got anything to change into Deke?”

“Oh. No these are my sleepin clothes. The only other clothes I got are my business clothes so to speak.”

“Awright then. Ya wanna take off your shirt go head. Ah don’t mind.”

I know Teddy doesn’t mean what I think he means but I can’t help but feel a shiver. I take off my shirt and lay down with my back turned to him. I just can’t handle him starin at me like they back-

“Hey man why ya so tense?”

I take a breath and slowly turn my head.

“Sorry I just ain’t used to this sorta thing.”

“What do ya mean?”

I take a full look at Teddy and realize he just doesn’t think somethin awful like what I’m about to say can ever happen. So I tell him in a way that he can understand.

“Oh. Ah think Ah’m puttin together what yer sayin.”

I can’t even look at him. I’m so used to bein judged and I just know it’s gonna happen.

“Well Ah’m just a normal guy Deke. Ah ain’t gonna be touchin ya while ya sleep.”

I look up at Teddy and for some reason I believe him.

“Yeah. I know. I was just rememberin what happened back then.”

“Ah think Ah get it now. Just try calmin down so ya fall asleep.”

I start by layin down next to him. After takin some deep breaths I feel myself dozin off. I think bein with Teddy helped me out because I wake up curled against him. I start to feel scared when I hear him wakin up.

“Mornin Deke.”

He gets up as if nothin happened.

“Morning.”

“Listen Ah gotta get to work. Yer free to whatever’s in the fridge for breakfast.”

I sit up and put my shirt back on.

“Alright thanks.”

“No problem Deke. Where do ya plan on workin?”

I remember that I never figured that out myself.

“Oh. I was thinkin of lookin around town after breakfast and see what’s open.”

“Awright then. See ya later.”

I wave as Teddy leaves to go to work at the Brewery. I make good on trying to get a job and look around town before heading home. I figure that if I’m gonna stay here I should at least make dinner.

“Deke Ah got good news for ya.”

I look up from the stove.

“Really? What’d you hear?”

“Tomorrow ya got a meetin wit mah boss.”

I turn the gas off so I don’t burn myself.

“Your boss?”

“Yeah Ah took yer car today and the boss liked it so much Ah told em it was yours. Gives the company a classic look. So he said he wanted to meet wit ya tomorrow.”

I can barely stand so I sit down in the chair.

“Y-You really got me a meeting with the boss… over my car…?”

“All ya gotta do is drive us to the brewery and go to the boss’s office.”

I can’t even believe it that Teddy managed to make it happen for me. I hope it’s not some type of trick.

“Thanks a million Teddy. You did me a real favor.”

“Ah don’t worry about it. It ain’t like you ain’t returnin the favor makin me dinner like this.”

I look back at the stove top.

“Oh.”

I get out of my chair and finish cookin. After makin two plates I sit back down at the table.

“Thanks Deke.”

We start eatin and I ponder how this will work out. In the end it ended up bein exactly what I needed. Even though it was a bumpy road I made a good friend in Teddy. I end up meetin a nice girl named Susie and become one of the biggest names in the music industry. Lookin back I know I had a sad, horrible beginning but now I finally lived up to the name Deke Rivers. I can sleep peacefully now as all of the pain I experienced is gone. Finally I’m at peace.

Tagging: @arrolyn1114, @peskybedtime, @smokeymountainboy, @vintagepresley, and @thelonelyheart.

[atmilliways]

Wrong On The Money (25)

part 25 of ?? | 653 words | Teen+

Blackmail fic on Ao3 | on tumblr

Summary:

“You had a really bad fever, you’ve been sleeping it off for a day and a half,” Lucas adds unprompted. Probably because Steve hasn’t asked. “The bites got infected. Fair warning, Robin is really mad at you for letting that happen.”

25.

The first person Steve sees upon waking is Lucas, bruised all to hell. 

“It’s okay,” Lucas says quickly, standing and moving closer. “Steve, it’s okay! Vecna’s dead. You’re in the hospital, everyone’s here, everyone’s fine.”

Steve looks to his left and sees Eddie, asleep in the next bed over. “Ed,” he mumbles with a sluggish tongue. 

Brown curls, denim, cigarette and weed smoke, Bambi eyes, tattoos, exaggerated movements, and big words. Red on Steve’s hands, the taste of blood. He isn’t supposed to be so still.

Lucas falters, then rallies. “He’s gonna be okay. You got him out, Dustin told me all about it.”

Reassured by those words (and the steady beep of machines from that side of the room), Steve looks back at Lucas. “Max?”

Piercing glares, skateboard wheels on concrete, and the threat of a lawyer that he knows is a bluff but caves to anyway. Hanging in the air above the cemetery, crying after she falls. If that monster crumpled her like tissue paper, it’ll break Steve too.

Wincing, Lucas tells him. About Max’s broken arm, and the fight with Jason, and Andy tackling Erica in the park across from the Creel house. About Dustin’s sprained ankle. About Mike coming back with the Byers boys and some guy named after a sweater pattern in a pizza van, and Joyce turning up with an emaciated Hopper and that sarcastic conspiracy dude a day later. 

He promises not to tell anyone that Steve cries at hearing Hopper is alive after all. 

“You had a really bad fever, you’ve been sleeping it off for a day and a half,” Lucas adds unprompted. Probably because Steve hasn’t asked. “The bites got infected. Fair warning, Robin is really mad at you for letting that happen.”

Day and a half my ass, Steve thinks, because despite all that sleep he feels exhausted. But everyone’s okay. . . . They even got someone back, and that’s a fucking first. 

“And I didn’t even have to get a concussion this time,” Steve says with a smile that falters just as much as Lucas’. He feels shaky, fragile, and hates it, because he doesn’t want to break in front of one of the kids. 

Lucas offers a strained grin. “Guess I inherited that along with your basketball skills.”

“No, seriously? You’re stealing that from me too, Sinclair? It’s like nothing is sacred anymore.” 

And he’s trying so hard, but he’s so tired. He’s trying to sound light but his voice breaks in the wrong direction when the inflection is supposed to come out light and a little sarcastic. 

“You okay?” Steve whispers around the lump in his throat. The answer is obvious, he has eyes, but he wants to give the kid the option of how seen he wants to feel. These kids never seem to get any choices in all this shit, beyond survive or don’t. 

Lucas spends a moment looking everywhere but at him, but then—“No.”

So Steve motions him over, does his best to give Lucas the kind of hug he always needed after everything was over, but never got until the third time around gave him Robin. Because he gets Lucas’ desire to fit in, to appease the popular crowd in the hopes of being allowed to just be—except it’s never enough, you either wake up and get out or stay in and lose sight of who you wanted to be in the first place, and at least Lucas handled that part better than Steve had. He gets the way Lucas worked so hard to protect Max and his sister, protect all the people in his life who matter, and mostly succeeded but came close enough to failure to fuel the nightmares. 

And he’s so, so proud of the kid for not trying to fake being fine now that it’s over, as though what happened didn’t still matter and what he’d done, what he’d sacrificed was nothing.

[justrainandcoffee]

Vendetta is not over (Luca Changretta x fem!oc)

Part 1: Ada Shelby.

And there's only two left.

Masterlist - Prologue

Summary: Almost 25 years ago, a black woman visited the Garrison. She was Luca Changretta's wife. Arthur Shelby remember that day very well because from that moment he lived his days thinking about her and the promise of death. He knew that she wasn't lying. Those black eyes... No matter what Tommy says. Vendetta is coming for them. Killed, one by one. And the first one is his sister Ada.

Warnings: Murder.|| Finn died in the second world war.

Words: 2.5k

1950

Mr. Changretta for his men. Just The Musician for the outsiders. That was his nickname, because the young man was a talented saxophonist. His mother, people said, was an extraordinary singer. Both passionate about jazz and blues. When he was a kid and accompanied her to her shows he always wanted to play an instrument and at the age of nine, his mother bought him his first saxophone and took classes with a prestigious friend of hers. Over a decade later the kid, now a man, was still playing music as a hobby.

His work was one very different.

The Musician's slender fingers, touched his sax the same way he pulled the trigger. With extraordinary precision.

"Don't give these bastards a second chance, Fabrizio."

"No, Mr. Changretta."

"Good boy, Fabrizio."

The Musician let out a sight before lit a cigarette. The lighter illuminated his face a brief second. His new white shirt was the only thing visible in that almost dark room. His skin was dark, same as his mother, he's tall -really tall- and thin. He never knew his father, but his mother always said to him that Luca was equally elegant as he was.

The Musician had a mission.

Kill the Shelbys.

One was dead. Sadly. The less important. The youngest one perished in war. His source in England told him that the news were devastated for the once numerous clan.

The Musician had three names now. Ada Thorne, Thomas Shelby and especially: Arthur Shelby.

His mother was against of killing a woman, but it just happened that Ada Thorne wasn't just a woman. She was the head of the Shelby company. And despite she was over 50 years old, Ada Thorne was dangerous like her brothers.

The Musician knew that her son was now living in France. Karl Thorne was a collage teacher but had no contact with his mother. His half sister was there in New York, married to a man and pregnant of her first child. Elizabeth Younger was a beautiful black woman a bit younger than him.

As far as the Musician knew, John Shelby's children were dispersed around Great Britain, minding their own business. Raised by Esme Lee, the once kids, grew up far away from the Shelbys business. Same as Billy Shelby, Arthur's son, who was now a priest something that Linda was proud about.

The cigarette smoke helped to create a mysterious atmosphere around him. Augustus Caesar Changretta, also known as, The Musician, smiled.

He had to go home. His wife was waiting for him. His beautiful, beautiful… Elizabeth Younger.

He loved her. She's sweet and tender. For her, he was just a saxophonist. A saxophonist named Caesar Young, his mother's last name. 'Ces', for her.

Little Elizabeth knew, that her husband was about to kill her mother, Ada Thorne.

The war is part of the past. For almost five years now.

Arthur left the cemetery. Finn Shelby didn't survive the battle. Being too young between 1914 and 1918, the boy didn't know about the horrors that him, Tommy and John had to witnessed.

"He was forced to kill for the Peaky Blinders, it's the same" his mind said to him.

Arthur tried to ignore that voice. He didn't expected another war two decades later, but humanity never learn. So, Finn went to fight for his country. Like millions of men. Like many other millions, Finn returned inside a coffin.

Of five Shelby siblings only three remained alive. He saw his face reflected on a window. He was old now. Finn was a still a young man. Poor Mary and the kids.

Lizzie left Tommy, Linda left him, Esme and Mary left the family. Freddie died ages ago. Love and Shelby apparently weren't compatible.

Arthur planned to go to London to see Ada. Maybe the next day, now he needed to rest.

On the corner of the street, he saw a young handsome black man. He was playing the saxophone for some pennies. He was really good.

The blood of Luca Changretta will chase you.

Those words returned to his mind. Changretta's wife warned them about a black man, Luca's son, seeking to revenge his father. Adelina was her name? Alina?

Aveline.

Aveline Changretta. The tall and beautiful black woman. The one who swore that Vendetta wasn't over.

For a moment the saxophonist and Arthur stared at each other. If it wasn't because he was playing the instrument, Arthur could've sworn that the young man was smirking.

_

"It was him, brother. It was him."

Arthur was in front of Tommy. Both men now had grey hair and wrinkles on their faces. Arthur was 62 years old now and Thomas, 60.

"You don't know that, Arthur. World is full of black men."

"I fookin' know! Why don't ya believe me?"

"You've been paranoid about a black kid the last 20 years or more, Arthur. Nothing happened, eh? We're still here. People always threatened us, no one succeeded."

"No one of those were a black woman with cold eyes talking about Changretta like that, either. Tommy…"

"Arthur, stop! I'm busy! That life it's part of our past. Women are impulsive, maybe she forgot. Maybe she married another man and have other kids. When back then I sent people to investigate, they found nothing. So, calm down!"

"Ya are underestimating this, Tom. Don't tell me I didn't warn ya. I'm goin' to visit Ada tomorrow."

"Ok. Maybe a a little trip will help you to think something different. London is full of black men, don't think that evry single one of them is his son."

Arthur didn't respond. He knew that Tommy was pretending that nothing of his past happened. He was a member of the parliament and wanted to be Prime Minister. He was a busy man. But the things they did… Arthur left his brother's office and went to the streets again. That corner where he saw the saxophonist, was now empty.

"I wish I'd be there with you," Elizabeth said. "I miss England. Isn't a coincidence that you have the opportunity to go there, Ces?"

The Musician was in his hotel bedroom speaking with his wife by phone. On the table was a gun and several bullets.

"It's a coincidence, my dear. But planes aren't safe for pregnant women. The air pressure…but I'll be back soon."

"Will you go to visit mom? I can call her and tell her about it."

"I don't know if I'll have time, Liz. But if I can, I'm going to pay a visit to her. I need to know my mother-in-law, sooner or later, after all."

"She's nice, Ces. People say that she's severe and some fear her, but she's nice. Don't ask Karl, tho. Their relationship is quite different."

"I'm sure of it. I'm going to sleep, Liz. It's late here. Love you."

"Bye, Ces. Rest well."

He hanged the phone and stared at his reflection on the mirror.

"I'm already planning to visit your mother, my dear," he thought.

It happened that the first time visiting his mother-in-law, it was going to be the last time, too.

The Musician smiled.

Arthur went to London the next day as he had planned. Good thing about cars now that they increased their speed considerably. Their old cars from decades ago had nothing to do with those made after the second war.

God bless the 50s.

London was the same as ever. Chaotic, noisy, polluted. People barely paying attention at those in front of their noses. Men reading newspapers sitting in benches, women walking their dogs, kids running…

Ada lived in a new house. This one was smallest than the previous one considering that she lived alone there. No one of her children were there anymore. Sweet Elizabeth even was pregnant. When Arthur knew the good news was extremely surprised. Where time went? Ada was about to be grandmother? How old was he, then?

Arthur knocked on her door and his sister opened. He always had a soft spot for her, she was still the little girl who was born in that old house in Watery Lane.

Arthur also noticed how small was his family now. There was a time where it was easy to mistake Karl and John's kids when all of them were running around. Arthur didn't know where they were. Fuck, he didn't even know where his son was, only he was a priest.

All of them put distance between them and their fathers. And mother.

Who could blame them? They killed. They tortured.

"Arthur!" Ada's voice brought him back again to reality.

"Ada."

"Get in. I just finished a call with Tommy. Same as ever."

"Yes. I know. He's just too old now to change."

"Talk to me about that," she said closing the door behind her.

Arthur never noticed that a black car was following him from the moment he left Birmingham. He never never noticed that a young man was standing in front of Ada's house. Neither did she. Far away in time were those days where she was hyper alert about everything and everyone around her around her.

The Musician felt his heart beating fast. But he was a patient man. If his mother was capable of waiting 25 years for this moment, he could wait a couple of hours.

.

"Are you sure?" Ada asked when at night Arthur was ready to leave her house after spending there the whole afternoon.

"Yeah. I need few drinks and then I'm going back home. Good to see ya, Ada."

"Same, Arthur. Take care right? Don't do nothing stupid."

"I'll be fine," he said hugging her for the last time.

One more hour passed. Arthur was in a pub very similar to the Garrison he owned once. The tv there was showing a contest show. Three men and a woman were participating. But he wasn't paying attention, he was thinking about other things.

"The blood of Luca Changretta will chase you."

Why was he so obsessed with it?

The black saxophonist. He couldn't stop thinking about him, even when he had seen plenty of street musicians before.

Aveline Changretta was in his mind. Smiling at him. And so was Luca. He could see the Italian man so clear like he was right in front of his eyes.

Vendetta.

Ada was in her car. She was looking for some papers she had forgotten inside it. The street was empty but the lights inside the people's houses were on. Families at that time used to enjoy tv programmes or they just were reunited to listen to the radio.

"Ada Thorne?"

A deep male voice made her shiver. And Ada was a woman who feared nothing. Through the opposite car window he could see a black man wearing a hat. He was smartly dress.

"Can I help you?" Under her car seat was a gun. She just needed to extend her arm and grabbed it.

"No. I'm just here because my father was killed by your brothers, long time ago. I just wanted tell you why I'm going to kill you…"

.

A woman occupied the seat next to his in that pub and asked for a Martini. Arthur didn't look at her, until her black hand brushed his. Arthur looked at her and his heart stopped.

"Hello, Mr. Shelby. So long… how are you?"

"The fook are ya' doing here?"

"Enjoying the night, like any other person."

Aveline smiled but Arthur didn't. She looked older, clearly the time passed for everyone, but she was still beautiful. Arthur remembered that she was tall but not that tall. Her lips were red as her dress. A white fur coat was over her shoulders.

"How life treated you, Mr. Shelby?"

Arthur didn't respond. He was staring at her, trying to read her thoughts, but Aveline was just smiling.

"I'm good," she continued "I kept singing, I learnt to play the piano… I raised my child…"

.

Bang. Bang

Two shots and Ada Thorne was part of the past now. She had time to grabbed her gun, but The Musician was faster.

He put a match in the fuel tank. The car started to burn immediately. When the neighbours could understand what was going on and go out, The Musician wasn't there anymore. But they saw a shadow.

In that street, in front of that white house, a car was burning and inside it was the only Shelby sister. Dead.

.

"It's a beautiful night, Mr. Shelby," Aveline said. "In other times, I used to go out and sing in front of a bonfire. By the way, Arthur… how is your sister Ada?"

Her smile was tremulous. Arthur stood up immediately. His brain was screaming Ada's name.

"Fook ya! Fook ya, ya bitch!"

No one listened to the conversation. The only certain thing was that people at the bar just saw a white man yelling at a black woman sitting there.

Aveline looked at Arthur ran out. There was a ghost of smile on her face.

Next day was a nightmare. Tommy went to London as soon as he knew what happened.

Police was asking them about the night before. Tommy was far way. But Arthur… As far as the police knew, Arthur was the last person who saw her alive.

"I didn't kill my fookin' sister!"

"Easy, Mr. Shelby. No one is blaming you," the detective in front of him was a black man in his forties. "You say a black woman is behind this?"

"She is! She fooking is!"

"But you don't have any proof. And witnesses say that you yelled at black woman last night."

"Are ya implying that I'm a fooking racist?! My sister is dead and ya say I'm a racist!!" Arthur stood up abruptly.

"I didn't say it. And please calm down or I'm going to arrest you."

"Fook ya," he said once last time.

One hour later, the detective ended the questions and finally they let him go. Still, he was a suspect.

Tommy was at Ada's house when Arthur returned. As always, his brother didn't express any emotions and that was what Arthur found more annoying. Their sister had been killed like a dog, or worse, and he was there cold as ice.

"What do you want me to do, eh? Scream at a police officer? Yell at God? To throw a tantrum?"

"I fookin told ya! I fookin told ya! The Changrettas! I saw her fookin last night! And now Ada's dead!"

"I heard you insulted a black woman. It's the only thing I know."

"You too? Ya fookin' too!! It was her, Tom! It was his wife!"

Tommy lit a cigarette and sat down in Ada's sofa. She was in the morgue now. Once the autopsy was over, police will give them her body.

"I called the cemetery," Tommy said "we're going to bury her in a good spot. There are trees there."

Arthur was crying.

"After the funeral I'm going to make some calls and see if there's a place where Mrs. Young is staying. Hard, considering her last name is quite common."

Tommy stood up again and patted his brother shoulder before going to Ada's office searching one of her bottles of whiskey.

Alone in that room, the man made of ice, cried too.

.

Very few people went to her funeral, three days later. Karl's flight landed that very day and for the first time in years he saw his uncles. Neither of them talked to each other and after it, Karl left England this time forever.

Police didn't have any news and Arthur was still the main suspect, but they didn't have any proof. And the black woman Arthur talked about was nowhere to be found.

Tommy knew he needed to focus but he was tired. The last person who deserved to die was Ada. She wasn't part of the business like the rest of the Shelbys. But her last name…

A vinyl record was over his table when Thomas Shelby arrived from the cemetery. Nothing but the silence received him. His mind was still processing the death of his sister. Tommy could read the legend:

"Mafia Records. Black Hand vol I"

There was a short message next to it "listen to me."

Tommy put the vinyl on his record player.

He could hear a soft music and a female voice humming. Then, she started singing. Her voice was indeed beautiful… except for the lyrics:

"Thomas Shelby, Thomas Shelby… are you there?

Thomas Shelby, Thomas Shelby… you're next."

[ladykailitha]

Happy Wednesday!! Could I have soulmate au pls?

WIP Wednesday! Make me write!

Snippet

Dustin and Lucas glanced at each other and then each held out their hand to Steve. He took each of their hands and allowed the two boys to haul him to his feet.

“How close do you think you have to be to stop it from burning?” Dustin asked Max.

Max shrugged. “My mom and Neil aren't truemates so I don’t know for sure. But a hell of a lot closer than cemetery to the lake.”

Dustin nodded. “Would Skull Rock be close enough?”

“Or even just driving past the lake might work,” Lucas suggested.

Steve hugged them both. “I’ll visit him tomorrow, we just need to get everyone else together to discuss what happened to Max.”

They all nodded.

[meljwrites]

For Hollyoaks 3, 17 for both Dillion and Lucas

3. NOTP?

Tbh there are so many, like excluding abusive relationships like Frankie and JJ, I guess John Paul and Carter, like that is one I see a lot of people shipping but as someone who experienced Lucas's storyline before their relationship, and obviously after Carter losing his mind, I feel like John Paul should have known better. Like the scene where he's like, something suspicious is going on between my ex who has tried to practice conversion therapy on me and one of the teenage boys who seems to be struggling with his queerness. guess I'll make out with him.

But also I get that was kind of the point, and then there was the scene in the pub where everyone was like john paul you have to be joking you were doing what with that guy???

I'd be curious to know what other ships people have spicy opinions of 👀

17. What's a book, movie, or show you think Dillon and Lucas would like?

Oooooh good question. I feel like Lucas would enjoy the scott pilgrim comics/movie/show, that's like one of the only things I could picture him reading. He would also enjoy gritty fantasy like six of crows, daughter of smoke and bone, cemetery boys, and the starless sea, but he is also very much the brand of teenage boy who calls reading lame, so maybe when he's older/dillon influences him into being a better person.

He'd also love other edgar wright films, like cornetto trilogy.

I feel like Dillon would like Holly Black books, like he would eat up coldest girl in coldtown and cruel prince. Also Casey McQuiston, like One Last Stop would be one he rereads a lot. He's also definitely a heartstopper enjoyer. And the graphic novel Laura Dean Keeps Breaking up with me.

Dillon seems like the type to enjoy sappy romances like Notting Hill and Red White and Royal Blue and probably a bunch of obscure indie films like Jongens, and he'd show Lucas and Lucas would end up sobbing. Also Dillon likes anime, like look at him you know I'm right.