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twinkletoes-rp · 5 years ago

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Princess Tutu College AU Ch. 4 - “Fourth Position”

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“You should talk to someone,” Fakir says out of the blue, between bites of his vanilla swirl. “About the bullying, I mean.”

Ahiru’s mouth is full of her double-fudge banana split, so she pauses and tilts her head, raising an eyebrow questioningly. She has an ice cream mustache, and Fakir can’t help but chuckle helplessly fondly before motioning to her lip so she knows. With someone he’s closer to, like Mytho, he might reach over there himself, but…he doesn’t think they’re on that level yet (he’s doing his best to hide his blush just thinking about it). She moves to wipe it off, smiling at him a little more in thanks, and he softens.

How could anyone bully this girl? Not that he has much room to talk in others’ eyes, but his intentions were to be helpful. Unlike those girls today and Melody’s before… That reminds him, he needs to talk to Melody after this, maybe tomorrow if it gets too late. Honestly, though… Ahiru doesn’t have a mean bone in her body. All she ever does is her best to help people and be there in any way she can, even those who might not deserve it. Hell, she is the one who got Mytho to smile and laugh and be human again when he couldn’t, despite years of trying…! It just…doesn’t make sense to him. None of it.

Ahiru swallows, beaming at the flavors before she turns her attention back to Fakir. “So, what did you mean, ‘talk to someone?’”

Coming out of his thoughts, he looks up at her, absently working to carve out the perfect spoonful. “You know, like one of the school’s guidance counselors. Someone you can talk to about what the bullies are doing and how it makes you feel.” She’s looking at him like she’s wondering why in the world she’d do that, and he sighs. “You were confused and hurt today when they accused you of being stuck up, right? And when they brought me into it…” that still makes him clench his fist, “…it made it worse, right? It added sadness and even more hurt to the mix.” She blinks, and it makes him look away, cheeks red. They’re both quietly wondering when he learned to read her half as well. His voice is low and shy when he speaks up again. “I just mean, if you’re hurting…you should have someone to talk to…” His other fist clenches now, voice dropping even more and somewhat tight with frustration. “If I can’t help, then…”

“But you do!”

His gaze snaps to her, eyes wide. She’s standing up all of a sudden, leaning on her bandaged palms on the table, expression adorably earnest, the emotions in her bright blue eyes lit up all the more by the setting sun. In this moment, she looks almost…ethereal. He doesn’t think he’s ever seen her look so beautiful. The thought makes him blush, but it’s true. He wishes he could take a picture and show her the next time she gets down on herself.

“I mean it! Really!” She must think his silence means disbelief. Before he can correct her, she’s already charging ahead. “You defended me with Melody! You came to my defense with those girls today! You patched me up after it all! You didn’t have to do any of that, but you did it anyway! You don’t even have to be helping me do better in my classes, but you are!” She smiles at him widely, softening, and he’s not sure why, but seeing her like this, while she’s exalting him and looking so, well, pretty…it’s doing things to his heart he doesn’t understand.

Sighing gently through her nose in calming some, she sits down again. “I’m just saying…” She reaches across the table to rest her hand on his and squeeze without hesitation. He starts, eyes widening and cheeks coloring even more. His heart’s beating quickly in his chest, and that increases when he sees the light blush across the bridge of her nose. What the hell is wrong with him? “You help me more than you give yourself credit for, Fakir. And I want you to know, I really, really appreciate it. Hopefully you know that already, but just in case,” she bows her head low, “thank you very much, for everything. The extra lessons, protecting me…” she straightens and gives him a sweet, tender smile he’s never seen from her before, but would not mind seeing again, particularly if he’s the cause, “…but most of all, for being my friend. You’re the best.”

Fakir is pretty sure he’s forgotten how to speak. He’s also pretty sure he’s on fire and his heart’s going to burn itself out in a moment or two. But he doesn’t want to leave her hanging or make her think he doesn’t appreciate what she just said – on the contrary, he thinks that’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to him – so he takes a shaky bite of his ice cream to give a shock to his system. Luckily, it works, and he’s able to breathe again. Thank goodness.

Taking a deep breath, he smiles for her in a way that’s so soft, it makes her throat constrict, and after fighting off the moment’s hesitation, he reaches over to hold her hand on his. “Thank you. That…” his smile grows, and Ahiru can feel her ears burning, “…I’m glad I could help you that much.” Squeezing her hand, he stands up. “You don’t have to thank me, though. It’s the least I can do.”

Ahiru blinks at that, knowing there’s more to it, but not sure what he could mean. Least he can do for what? Is he still talking about how he treated her before? She thought his training was his penance for that… But if he means something else, she can’t imagine what. But before she can think on it more, he’s gently drawing her to her feet and nodding the way they came. “We should head back. It’s getting late, and even if we got lucky and didn’t get caught missing curfew last time, I wouldn’t make a habit of it.”

Filing her confusion away for later, she picks up the rest of her sundae and nods, handing him what little of his swirl he has left. “Okay!”

It’s quiet on the way back, at least for the most part. She asks a few questions about the guidance counselors, and it turns out, he knows quite a bit. She wonders why, if he’s had any reason to see them, brow furrowing in concern. But then, she remembers their first day, when Mytho fell from the second story window saving a baby bird and almost died, and she thinks she understands. She’s almost surprised they didn’t send her, too, come to think of it, being directly involved…but it was a really busy time for everyone, so she’s not shocked she was accidentally overlooked.

“You know…” she looks at him when he speaks up again, quieter and more hesitant this time, keeping his gaze straight ahead so he doesn’t lose his nerve,“…if you’re nervous about going alone to see the counselors, I…don’t mind going with you. They probably won’t let me sit in on the appointment with you since that’s supposed to be confidential, but I can wait with you until your name’s called.” Suddenly realizing how that might sound, like he doesn’t think she’s brave enough to go on her own or something, he throws caution to the wind and whips to face her, hoping she can’t see his embarrassed flush. “I-I just mean, if—if you want and if—if it would make you feel better...!”

Ahiru’s eyes widen, she blinks, and then she beams, fists pumped at half-mast. “Wait, really?! You really wouldn’t mind?” He’s about to remind her he just said that when the sheer brightness of her beam blinds him. She gives a happy sound, almost like a quack. “Oh, thank you, Fakir! I’ve never talked to a counselor before, so I was really nervous, but I didn’t want to sound like a baby!”

There’s a happy spring and skip in her step now, and he watches her for a second before chuckling helplessly and shaking his head. “You’re welcome.” He reaches out to catch her wrist, and she stops, tilting her head questioningly. “But being scared doesn’t make you childish. It makes you smart. If you’re not afraid, you might get cocky and make mistakes. Besides, you were going to do it anyway, right? Just like you’ve stayed at this school despite everything that’s been thrown at you?” She nods, but she still looks confused, and he finds himself softening again. This girl… “That makes you brave, Ahiru.”

Realization starts lighting her eyes, and he’s glad. Actually, now that he thinks about it, from the time he first started to notice Ahiru while she worked to help Mytho open up again and all she’s done until now…she might be the bravest person he’s ever met… Huh…

When he looks over at her, she’s beaming again, singing a little song to herself as she skips along, and he falls into step at her side, a content smile on his face.

Once they reach their dorm, Fakir’s digging out the key when Ahiru bumps his shoulder with hers. He glances at her, eyebrow raised. She’s grinning brightly, hands clasped behind her back. “Thank you for today. The ice cream was great!” She rocks back and forth on the balls of her feet, humming happily.

Fakir just breathes a laugh and smiles right back. “Don’t mention it. I enjoyed it, too.”

A few days later, as promised, Fakir accompanies Ahiru to the guidance office. It’s pretty quiet, a bright and early morning in the middle of the week, but their classes were canceled today due to Cat-sensei being out sick, so they decided to take advantage of the time. Fakir helps her get set up, and then they go wait. It’s not long before a door opens a few doors down and the strangest woman Ahiru’s ever seen pokes her head out. “Ahiru Arima?”

In her nervousness, the redhead shoots out of her chair so quickly she stumbles, but pays that no mind as she throws her hand in the air. “P-present!”

Fakir is quick to smother his would-be laugh while the woman barely bats an eye before ducking back inside her office. “This way, please.”

“Ah! Right!” Ahiru turns to Fakir with a grin and a small wave. “Thanks, Fakir! See you back home!”

With that, she hurries inside the room, shutting the door behind her. Fakir, for his part, rests his chin on his palm with a soft smile. He might as well get comfortable. He’s not sure how long this will take.

On the other side of the door, Ahiru realizes the woman who’s supposed to be her guidance counselor is even stranger-looking than she first thought. Mint green hair in an unusually curled, defying-gravity style, she’s probably the palest person Ahiru’s ever seen. Her makeup is also…interesting, almost clown-like, only a little prettier and less unnerving, and that’s not saying anything about her clothes. They’re like something out of a circus. Honestly, all together, the woman seems almost…doll-like, or maybe like some kind of marionette from a puppet show. It’s weird, but that’s honestly the most accurate description she can think of.

Not that any of that’s a bad thing, of course! At least it makes her interesting! And for all she knows, maybe it’ll make her a better counselor! Why else would they have her here first thing in the morning?

The woman seems to have been observing her, too, in between putting a record on her player in the corner of the room. Setting the needle, she sits down again just as the music starts to play. It’s a lively tune, fun and almost carnival-like…but it also sounds…sad and eerie somehow? Huh… So she has an odd taste in music, too… It fits her, though!

“My name is Edel, and your name is Ahiru.”

Ahiru jumps in shock. “W-wait, how do you know my name?!” ‘Edel’ silently holds up a folder with ‘Arima, Ahiru’ written on the label. The girl blushes. “O-oh…”

“Your incident report says you’ve had trouble with bullies recently.”

Remembering the reason for her visit, Ahiru slumps a bit, her good mood dampening. “Y-yeah…”

“May those who accept their fate be granted happiness. May those who defy their fate be granted glory.”

The aspiring ballerina snaps up to look at her, interest piqued. “Huh?” She tilts her head. “Is that a quote from somewhere? What’s it mean?”

“You are only experiencing this bullying because you are trying to deft your fate, are you not?”

Somehow, that didn’t help. She’s even more confused now. “‘My fate?’”

She looks back in the folder for Ahiru’s scores and teachers’ comments. “Your teachers and fellow students referred to you as the worst dancer in the school. You even did yourself.” She puts the file down. “But you still keep trying, still dance, still pursue your dream, like the flower bud determined to bloom even without sun to nourish it.” She nods toward the door. “Recently, though, it seems you found a sun that helps to push back the dark clouds and encourage your natural growth.”

It takes a good few moments for Ahiru to wade through the metaphors and all, and she still doesn’t really get the ‘fate’ and ‘glory’ stuff, but she flushes brightly when she figures out the end. “W-wait, are you talking about Fakir?!” Edel nods. “Qua—?!” She throws her hands over her mouth.

“Stories are better with supporting characters.”

Forgetting her panic for a second in her sudden confusion, Ahiru stares at the woman for a beat or two before a soft “Huh?” pops out.

“Stories have their main characters, but they’d be nothing without their supporting roles. Main characters struggle and break, and if there’s no one there to pick them up when they’re at their lowest, the story will end prematurely. All stories have to end, of course, but if they do before their time?” She holds her index finger. “That, Ahiru, is what they call a tragedy.”

Ahiru feels like her head is spinning. She’s even more lost than before she asked. Maybe she shouldn’t have asked at all. Is this…actually supposed to be helping her…? “I don’t understand what you’re saying, Miss Edel…”

Edel doesn’t say anything in return, only because the record’s reached its end. She gets up to change it, and while she does, Ahiru keeps thinking. Hmm… Maybe…? Could that…? Well, maybe, but… Geez, this is weird. Is this what guidance counselors are always like, talking in riddles?

All at once, though, she thinks she gets it, and she sits up straighter, snapping her fingers with a big smile. “You mean that Fakir and I are meant to be friends, right? We’re both characters supporting each other!” She doesn’t call him a supporting character or herself a main one on purpose. He’s way too good to be secondary character material, and there’s no way she’s good enough to be a main. So, she’s keeping it neutral. “And all that stuff you said about glory and fate before? You meant I should keep fighting, right? Fakir will help me, and we’ll find glory – and hopefully happiness, too, since that’s important – together!”

Feeling more confident and assured than she has since the incident with Melody’s friends, Ahiru doesn’t give Edel the chance to reply before she’s leaping out of her chair and running for the door. Hand on the doorknob, she turns back with a bright smile, bowing low before she forgets herself. “Thank you so much, Miss Edel! You’re really good at this!”

Edel blinks for a moment, then smiles and waves. The door slams in Ahiru’s excitement, but the woman doesn’t mind. Gaze falling to the folder on her desk again, she lets her thumb graze over the name. No one’s ever said anything like that to her before…

Outside, Fakir jumps a bit at Ahiru slamming the door, worried for a moment that maybe something went wrong or the counselor was a jerk. But he’s relieved in the next moment to see her beaming face and a light in her eyes that hasn’t quite been there since the incident the other day. Standing, he glances toward Edel’s door. “I take it it went well?”

She nods with an affirmative hum. “It was great! She was really strange, and she talked in riddles, but she helped me out a lot!”

Fakir isn’t sure what to make of most of that, but he’s not going to question it as long as she’s smiling. “That’s good. I’m really happy to hear that.” He inclines his head toward the main desk. “You can make another appointment to see her at the end of the week or next or whenever you want, if you feel like it. Seeing her regularly might be a good idea, at least for a little while.”

Ahiru thinks for a moment, but it’s really not a hard decision. Edel’s already really helped her, so knowing that she can come see her whenever she needs it? She’s definitely on board! Fists pumped at half-mast, she nods firmly. “Mm hmm!”

While she’s filling out the paperwork, Fakir standing by if she needs help, he does a double-take when something out the window catches his eye. Melody is walking by, a few books in her arms. She looks lost in thought. Hopefully, she’s feeling guilty for what her friends did to Ahiru the other day or maybe even afraid of what he’ll do when he finds her. Wouldn’t that be appropriate? Whatever the case, Fakir knows he can’t pass up this chance with classes out.

Turning to Ahiru, he does his best to hide his anger at Melody so it doesn’t poison his small smile and make Ahiru worry or think she did something wrong. “I’m going to take care of something. You can head back to the dorm when you’re done, and then we can get some practice in, if you want.”

Ahiru finishes filling in her last line and then turns to raise an eyebrow at him, but he’s already nearly to the door. She doesn’t even have time to ask what he’s talking about. “Ah—o-okay! Good luck!”

He waves, and then he’s gone. She’s so confused…

Fakir knows where Melody’s headed, he’s heard her talk about her schedule to her posse enough times, so he waits in the hallway a few doors down from her study group’s meeting room. Some people might find this creepy, but he calls it using what he has to his advantage. When Melody rounds the corner and sees him, she stops in her tracks and narrows her eyes suspiciously. “What are you doing here, Drosselmeyer?”

“Why did you send your clique to pick on Ahiru?”

She flinches a bit at his icy tone, but she’s not stupid enough to miss the red-hot fury underneath. Her glare hardens. “What are you talking about? When?”

“A few days ago, not that it matters. They ganged up on her in front of one of the practice rooms and pushed her down so she hurt herself and called her conceited. Then they brought me into it and claimed I called her ‘hopeless’ when—” He cuts himself off, looking away and clenching his fist while he works to control his ire. Melody swallows, looking him over. She’s beginning to notice a pattern with Fakir—or maybe, since it’s only happened twice so far, coincidence would be the better word for it (though she has no doubt it’ll turn into a pattern soon enough). He only gets flustered to this extent when that Ahiru girl’s involved. He sighs roughly through his nose, shoving his bangs from his face. “They took it out of context.”

He clenches his other fist and pushes off the wall to face her fully. “They hurt her,” coming closer, he points at her furiously, “and I want to know why. Was it revenge? Are you that much of a petty coward?” He’s not giving her room to answer or argue, he knows that, but he’s too pissed off, and luckily, she’s smart enough to know that interrupting him would only stoke his fire. “More than that, did you really think I wouldn’t find out?”

She waits a few seconds to make sure he’s really done, and then she’s glowering right back. Its heat is nothing compared to his, but it might be enough to sear a leaf or something. “I didn’t ‘send them’ to do anything. I didn’t even know they did anything until now. I’ve been busy with study groups. Ever since that day in class where you told me off, I’ve left her alone. Sure, my friends wanted me to get back at her, but I’m not dumb enough to go up against you.”

She’s not just saying that either. She doesn’t think he’d hurt her, not really, he’s still a gentleman, more or less, but he does have influence of his own, being one of the top dancers in the school and mostly well-liked for being such a loner. He could still get her punished, maybe even get the headmaster to call her parents, and they wouldn’t take this lightly. They only let her go here because she convinced them it would be best for her ballet career. She can’t afford to be that stupid. “If they bullied her and hurt her, I’m sorry. I’ll talk to them. But I had nothing to do with it.”

Fakir isn’t sure he should believe her, but he doesn’t get the feeling she’s lying either. Sure, she’s a little nervous, but not enough for a liar. She’s less combative and sassy than usual, which does confuse him, though. Maybe after their little tussle in class the other day, Cat-sensei chewed her out and threatened her with disciplinary action or something. He searches her face, but the feeling he gets doesn’t change. Finally, he sighs. “All right. I believe you. But I want you to know that I reported your friends to the school’s disciplinary officials, and if they keep it up, I will go to the headmaster.”

He starts walking back the way he came, but stops at her shoulder. “Thank you for keeping your word.” Then, lower, more warning, right beside her ear, “But I would tread lightly from now on. All of you. Ahiru Arima is off limits.” A heartbeat. “Remember that.”

With that, he continues on his way. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I promised Ahiru some practice.”

#Princess Tutu #Princess Tutu fanfiction #College AU #Fakiru #Fakir x Ahiru #Any feedback would be much appreciated #Thanks so much for reading Feel free to reblog #First time writing Edel so please be honest with how I did with her - obvs used some important quotes from show but rest is mine #Also 'Arima' is apparently Ahiru's fanon last name and I love it so that's why I used it here

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deepweboutlxws · 6 years ago

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Indefinite Hiatus Notice

I’ve been wanting to put this post off for as long as I possibly could, but due to recent events, I really don’t have a choice anymore.This account will be on hiatus, and I don’t know how long that hiatus is going to be. This hiatus is also extended to all of my other accounts, including @modern-mythos-rp , @project-foundation-rp , @mr-and-mrs-rational , and even my personal, @oppyrational . Being me, you know I don’t like leaving you guys any news without a full explanation. You guys deserve to know what’s going on as my followers and as my friends. But I’m letting you know that below this cut, there’s going to be a long explanation��about me and about a lot of personal things. Some of this content may be really sensitive or potentially triggering, so if you don’t want to read it, that’s fine. I’ll understand, but you guys deserve an explanation. I am in no way asking for pity, sympathy, or anything like that. I only want to convey to you guys, what’s happening.

For personal reasons regarding my safety, I go by either Oppy or V, online. I’ve said before that this is because I have people that look for me online with actively harmful intent. Including my own family. A lot of you know me as someone who does their best to help others and make people happy. I love art, I love writing, I love meeting new people, discussing things, and interacting with others, even if I am a bit shy about it all. But offline, I live in fear. And I don’t mean to exaggerate, but I live feeling like I’m under a dictatorship. I live in an abusive household. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, and I’m not going to beat around the bush.

My father is a 71-year-old former Vietnam War vet. He’s made up for what he was forced to wrongly do and wrongly believe and made amends. It’s not him, I’m worried about. It’s my mother. Since the day I was born, my mother has despised me. I’m convinced she didn’t even want me. Ever since she managed to take custody of me again when I was 12, she has done nothing by beat me, insult me, demean me, humiliate me, and use me. If I ever needed help, she was never there, and she made it so my father rarely was. She cut off communication with the only family that actively was supporting me. She refused to listen to me when I told her I was struggling. If there was ever an intense workload in the house, it was completely my responsibility to do. If something isn’t done, it’s my fault, even if it wasn’t my job to do. If something goes wrong, it’s because of me. She quite literally took my childhood from me, by abandoning me when I was young and forcing me to be stuck in the horrific loop that is the adoptive care system. I’m in my senior year of high school, I’m almost 18, and I’m still treated like I’m nothing more than a slave child. If I try to stand up to her, she’ll use any card she has against me. Her Catholic faith in “always loving your parents”, the threat to lock me away from everyone, the “my house my rules” card. It’s almost as bad as her treatment of me directly.

She refuses to believe that there’s something wrong with me. I was medically diagnosed with schizophrenia and told that medication was ineffective after it almost comatosed me, but she didn’t want to hear a word of it. She didn’t accept me when I came out to her, she constantly pokes fun at my physical appearance without even letting me try to do something as simple as cut my hair, and at times she coddles me, while at others, she tortures me. My achievements and my passions mean nothing to her, but if I so much as drop below a 90%, she holds it above and threatens to isolate me from the only people that care about me. I remember my first year of high school, I failed my first semester of geometry. I begged for a tutor or to go virtual, but she dismissed it, saying it was a lack of effort on my part, and punished me for it. She knew I struggle immensely with math. The end of the year came, and had it not been for my teacher and guidance counselor intervening, I would have failed completely. There were many times where I was punished with a lack of food for days. It threw off my schedule so much that even now, I found myself struggling to wake up with an appetite. This was particularly during middle and early high school, and it even manifested with me self-harming. It was a habit I dropped quickly after realizing it didn’t help. I was never diagnosed, but I felt at this point I was beginning to develop anxiety or depression, and it only got worse when my hallucinations became vivid and powerful over me. I began having suicidal thoughts and even attempted to kill myself several times throughout middle and high school. She threatened me with taking my phone and looking through it. It terrified me, knowing full well that she would have access to all of my private conversations, and I knew if she saw me venting to my friends and not her, it would be hell. I’d never been fond of resetting my phones, but she left me no choice. She had periods where she would smother and spoil me, and I thought things would change for the better, but I was wrong. And not a day goes by that she doesn’t hold her “gifts” over me like a debt.

Tonight, it’s all escalated. Tonight, she asked me what social media I had. I was an idiot for thinking maybe she’d respect that I’d grown up and was more responsible now. I was wrong. The second I mentioned Tumblr, she went off on me. She ranted how dangerous it was and how I was still and naive child who shouldn’t have it, refusing to listen to me when I said I managed my accounts specifically to avoid seeing awful content or talking to human traffickers/predators, and used it mostly for art, writing, and talking with friends. She used every card she had, “mother/police know best”, “my house my rules”, “I told you could never have it”. She even used my past (from when I was 13 nonetheless) and acted as though I wasn’t a completely different person from four years ago. She threatened to go through and deactivate my phone, to kick me out, to harm me physically or have me taken to jail, to euthanize my dog, to kill my turtle, tell my friends to stop talking to me. I knew most of it was bluffing, but the idea of her disconnecting me from all of my friends or beating me was a threat I knew all too well was real. She left, and now the mere sound of her footsteps has my anxiety through the roof. She’s planning on going through my phone and setting parental controls on it, so she can have more control over me than ever before, and monitor my every move.

To say I’m paranoid is an understatement. I live in fear, I live under a dictator in my own home. I know there’s no other way to say it. I know this abuse. And I know there’s nowhere I can go. She’s watching everything I do now. She’s listening to every word. I know that I won’t be able to feel safe using open social media sites like Tumblr for a long time. But I’ve found a loophole I can use. I’m going to use the hotspot on my phone to power my old tablet after I’ve reset it. Tumblr and most of my other social media is unavailable on it due to iOS updates on limited hardware, but I’ll still have my Discord. If you would like to try and keep in contact with me, I have a server available in my links, or you can contact me privately. The server link is https://discord.gg/AzMV9u . My current username is Tank Paladin#0564. I’ll be available for chats and for roleplays and plotting on there only until this hiatus is off. I don’t know for sure how long I’ll be in stealth mode, my approximate guess is a year but I’m really praying it’ll be less than that. If you would rather not join the server, that’s okay, I completely understand.

I thank you all in advance for the love and support you have shown me thus far. I’ve had a lot of fun on here with all of you, and I hope I’ll get to see all of you when I get back one day. Stay safe and take care of yourselves. - V

#announcement #hiatus notice #important #personal

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sardonicnihilism · 4 years ago

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A Biography of the Woman Who Never Was

Part 3 The Young Adult

Chapter 1

Shannon sat across from the counselor and looked at her blankly. She was smartly dressed in an outfit that was too professional to be casual and too casual to be professional. Her hair was long and black, with streaks of silver, tied into a smart bun. Her glasses hung around her neck. She had small, gold plated, earrings but no other jewelry except her wedding ring. She wore just enough makeup to be noticeable but not so much it made her look cheap or gaudy. She was basically white bread made flesh.

"Hello Shannon," she said in the dry, emotionless tone you would have suspected, "what do you want to talk about? "

"Aren't you supposed to ask me about my childhood?" Shannon asked back sarcastically. "That is how this whole thing works right?"

"It can." The counselor's tone never changed, nor did her blank expression. "I have been filled in with a lot of your information from your mother. Your going on sixteen, smart student, good grades, attends church regularly, had issues with the law, you cut yourself, sexually assaulted as a small child, "

"OK, fine. Enough," Shannon cut her off. She squirmed in her chair with embarrassment and shame.

"Alright. So, as I asked before, what do you want to talk about?" Stacy coolie replied.

"Sure, alright. I'll talk. I started cutting myself because I thought it was better than cutting up the local animals like I was. I've tortured and mutilated countless of cats, squirrels, birds, bugs. I enjoyed it. The more I could make them scream in pain, the better I felt. It just got too hard to hide the bodies," Shannon said as nonchalantly as she could. She studied Stacy's face but it remained unmoved.

"Do you derive a sexual gratification from this?"

Shannon began to squirm again. She hated talking about sex and dating with other people. Even though Stacy was a counselor, she was a counselor with the church and she couldn't risk it. She would eventually come to see the absurdity of freely talking about killing animals but balking at discussing sex.

"No!" She answered sharply. She squirmed a bit more before going on. "I hurt. All the time. I feel nothing but rage and sadness. Hurting, killing those animals allowed me to get some of that out of me. It was like a relief valve that I opened up.

"After a while, I couldn't do it anymore. I saw in what I was doing to them as bad as what the world was doing to me. Instead of feeling release, I felt worse. I felt like I needed to be punished.

*I started out punching myself on the thighs. The bruises were naturally hid. The cutting came later. I found when I hurt myself, some of the emotional pain went away. So that became my new release."

"And why do you think that is?"

"I guess because it makes the emotional stuff physical and physical wounds heal?"

For the first time Stacy showed a reaction, her eyebrow slightly lifted. "That's very insightful Shannon. Not many adults have that level of self awareness."

Shannon shrugged. "Knowing doesn't help me not do it. Just like being fat doesn't keep me from over eating. I'm just doomed I guess. Or maybe God is testing me. Maybe he's punishing me, or getting me ready for greatness. Refining me in fire."

"So you believe in God?"

This question really took Shannon aback. Stacy not only worked for the church but was the wife of the pastor's son. Maybe this was a test she thought.

"Yeah! Don't you?"

Stacy's face cracked just a little again. For the first time, she looked to be the uncomfortable one. It was only for a microsecond though.

"No. I don't. Not in the Abrahamic one at least."

Shannon was stunned. How could she say that? "Wait. You're, "

"The pastor's son's wife. I know. I love my husband but that doesn't mean I share his beliefs."

"So why work for a church?"

"I want to help people. While not as lucrative as a private practice, it's far more affordable to my clients. That's why."

"Oh," was all Shannon could say. She felt as though the veil of reality itself had been torn asunder and she was now seeing things no one was meant to see.

"Are ok with that?"

Shannon simply replied, "I don't think my approval matters."

"I'm not asking for approval, I just want to know if you'll be comfortable with me as a non Christian. "

"Yeah, sure, of course."

"Do you have any likes? - any hobbies?" Stacy had fully pivoted back with no effort.

"I like horror and monsters. Heavy metal as well. I want to be either a writer or a musician when I grow up." Shannon felt too off guard still to put up her walls again.

"Do you play an instrument?"

"Not yet. My mom said she might try to get my a drum set for my birthday. But money's tight. My," Shannon paused, looking both confused and frightened, "a relative, my mom's sister, Kathy, said she would help pay for it."

Stacy made a note of some kind before continuing with her questions. "That sounds good. What about writing? Do you have any stories written?"

"A few. I draw a lot too." Shannon bent down and took a notebook from her back pack and gave it to Stacy.

Inside was drawing after drawing of monsters and demons. Some were quite pedestrian looking, but some were truly misshapen abominations with impossible anatomies. One Drawing was of a creature with three legs, two dedicated heads, a face on its front or middle leg, one arm, and wings. This was labeled *Darkness*. Another looked like a cross between a dragon and a fish labeled *Dagon*.

"Oh, you read Lovecraft I see," Stacy said as she turned the notebook around so Shannon could see what picture she was looking at.

"Who?" Shannon asked confused.

"Dagon. You drew him. From the Cthuhlu Mythos by H.P. Lovecraft."

"I thought Cthuhlu was from a Metallica song?" Shannon responded, still confused.

"You said you were in to horror right?" Now Stacy was becoming confused.

"Sure. Stephen King, Dean R. Koontz, Freddy, Jason. I never heard of Lovecraft before. And he's not Day-gon but Dag-gon. Short A sound, not long." She said while pointing at the picture. "He sort of looked like a dragon but not quite, so when I named him, I just dropped the R from dragon to make Dagon." Shannon was quite pleased now with her linguistic whit.

"Amazing. Well, Lovecraft wrote about creatures who looked like your drawings here. Including a story called *Dagon*. You might want to check him out." Stacy then thought for a moment and asked, "Are you racist?"

Shannon was legitimately offended. "Fuck no! I hate racists!"

"In that case, you might not want to read his work after all."

For the rest of the session they talked about horror books and films. Shannon knew Stacy was just trying to win her trust, but it felt nice just to talk to anyone about things she liked. She was also now bound and determined to read Lovecraft.

#dark #fiction #sad #lgbt stories #slice of life #drama

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toomanybandstocare · 2 years ago

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because there’s one side of the story that hasn’t had it’s chance to speak. and she deserves her moment to defend herself ;)

i feel like i should warn you...but there's going to be another part to Heartbreaker...oop

No. No. Why….why must you do this?

I can’t fucking wait

#camp halfwit letters #camper billyslittledolly #counselor mythos notice

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spicynbachili2 · 6 years ago

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Scary Games to Play on Xbox One This Halloween

So, you drew the brief straw and bought positioned on sweet obligation, leaving you at residence ready for trick-or-treaters to reach on the lookout for a candy deal with — what an ideal time so that you can go to a few of our favourite and scariest video games to play on Xbox One! From survival horror to post-apocalyptic wastelands, there’s just a little one thing for each horror fan to be discovered under, lots of which can be found on Xbox Sport Move and assist Backward Compatibility. Now shut off the lights, flip up the amount, and set out on a spooky journey… in the event you dare! Shortly, earlier than the subsequent spherical of tricksters arrive in your doorstep.

Resident Evil 7: biohazard (Xbox One X Enhanced)

The latest entry within the Resident Evil franchise delivers not solely one of the realistic-looking chapters, however ranges up from its leap scares and campiness to downright horrific and terrifying encounters with the residents of the Baker mansion. As Ethan Winters, you’ll enter the creepy property in search of solutions to the disappearance of your spouse, solely to return face-to-face with essentially the most vile and ruthless household molded after these present in horror movie classics like “The Hills Have Eyes” and “The Texas Chainsaw Bloodbath.” Their antics and conduct will all make sense ultimately, in addition to the overarching connections to the RE franchise itself as soon as the credit begin to roll after this hellish journey. – Mike Nelson

Little Nightmares

If you happen to scare your self with how a lot you’re keen on Limbo-likes, Little Nightmares is the stuff of screams. As a toddler captured on an enormous ship and doomed to turn into delicacies for its grotesque clientele, you run – normally from left to proper, however extra usually from upsetting monsters that leapt out of Tim Burton’s nightmares after he fell asleep watching Swedish marionette theater (once more). This creepy enterprise by way of creaky crawl areas proves as soon as extra that the most effective horror comes from a easy premise, like: “What if cruises had been even worse and there have been cannibals?” – Ludwig Kietzmann

Slender: The Arrival

If being stalked by a creepy monster in the midst of the woods with nothing however a flashlight and camcorder wasn’t terrifying sufficient in Slender: The Eight Pages, simply wait till you strive Slender: The Arrival. With a brand new storyline and improved visuals, the official online game adaptation of Slender Man takes survival horror to a brand new stage. Like the unique recreation, Slender: The Arrival begins with one easy mission: Acquire all of the lacking pages with out getting caught. However every web page collected solely ratchets up the issue, finally making Slender Man practically not possible to flee. – Lisa Eadicicco

Useless House (Backward Appropriate)

All of it begins with a misery name. Whereas Useless House takes its sci-fi cred critically – the hero is known as Isaac Clark – rigidity and leap scares rule the day as you slowly discover the deserted mining spacecraft USG Ishimura. Thought that hallway was clear? Not anymore! However Useless House’s intriguing, slowly unfurling a backstory retains driving you ahead by way of a sequence of unlucky and horrifying, even grotesque occasions. Whether or not you favor the tense and atmospheric unique, the extra bombastic Useless House 2, or the expansive Useless House three, all can be found on Xbox One through Backwards Compatibility and included within the EA Entry vault. – Jeff Rubenstein

Among the many Sleep

Once you’re a toddler, the world feels prefer it’s continually in one among two states: both every thing is superb or every thing is terrifying. In Krillbite Studio’s Among the many Sleep, the main focus is firmly on the latter, presenting a world that’s directly acquainted and hauntingly nightmarish. Accompanied solely by a stuffed bear named Teddy (which emits mild into the murky setting if you hug it), you play a toddler that’s navigating his home in quest of his mom. Issues aren’t at all times as they appear although, with every setting feeling increasingly more indifferent from actuality. Ultimately, Among the many Sleep is much less a horror recreation and extra a rumination on the challenges of life, however that doesn’t make it any much less scary. – Will Tuttle

The Evil Inside 2 (Xbox One X Enhanced)

Issues are going actually badly for Sebastian Castellanos, and never simply because his dad and mom named him after a designer champagne label. In The Evil Inside 2, he willingly re-enters STEM, a digital world that’s identical to “The Matrix,” besides it’s a simulation derived from ��Twin Peaks” and one has to decide on between the blue tablet and a cup of screaming milk. With actuality out for the rely and freaky multi-mouthed monsters all over the place, The Evil Inside 2 is a shocking, atmospheric seesaw with hold-your-breath stealth on one finish and bullet-counting battles on the opposite. How will we not have you ever with atmospheric seesaw??? – LK

Alien: Isolation

Not solely is your complete recreation dripping with authenticity, treating its supply materials with the utmost care because of unimaginable world element and sound design, but it surely additionally continues the legacy of getting a Ripley again on the middle of the Alien mythos. You play as Amanda Ripley, daughter of Ellen, desperately in search of solutions to her mom’s disappearance from the primary “Alien” movie (considerably required viewing). The thriller slowly reveals itself over time on board Sevastopol station, as soon as a extremely populated hub in deep house which has given strategy to lawlessness. Better of all is the title character who exists as an at all times studying, listening boogeyman that’s ready within the shadows so that you can give your self away. This can be a horror gaming expertise you don’t want to overlook. – MN

Oxenfree (Xbox Sport Move)

A bunch of garrulous teenagers sneak out a wooded island after darkish and uncover mysterious phenomena in a cave. What’s the worst that may occur? Properly… Oxenfree’s model of slow-building dread and X-Recordsdata-eque creepiness are the best “scary recreation” for individuals who aren’t into extra hardcore horror. Greatest performed in a single (prolonged) setting, Oxenfree is price a second playthrough (or at the very least a visit to YouTube) to see alternate endings, as issues can finish fairly in another way, for higher and for worse. Bonus: no recreation earlier than (or since) has nailed the movement of pure dialog higher than Oxenfree, all of the extra cause I’m trying ahead to Evening Faculty Studio’s subsequent title, Afterparty. – JR

Resident Evil four

What hasn’t already been stated about this Shinji Mikami basic? Unfaithful issues, in all probability: Like the way it lures you in with a household barbeque, nestled in a humble Spanish villa. There’s an intimate meet-and-greet with everybody on the native church. The townsfolk don’t even like chainsaws and their pitchforks are purely meant for stabbing … wily produce! You catch a whopper of a fish, dispense some headache reduction and assist a person good his intense Wolverine cosplay. There aren’t any decapitations in any respect and each time somebody screams in regards to the “Los Plagas,” they’re making a spirited suggestion about that new dental clinic. – LK

Friday the 13th: The Sport

Ch-ch-ch-ah-ah-ah, ch-ch-ch-ah-ah-ah. If you happen to acknowledge that music, there’s a great probability you spent a while within the 80s and 90s peeking by way of your fingers as serial killer and hockey masks fanatic Jason Vorhees hunted down nubile camp counselors within the woods round Camp Crystal Lake (and, in a single case, outer house?!?). In 2017, developer IllFonic gave gamers the possibility to step into Jason’s boots, in addition to these of his prey, with the discharge of Friday the 13th: The Sport. This asymmetrical multiplayer title discovered one participant (as Jason) looking down as much as seven others in a gory model of hide-and-seek, with the advisors in a position to work collectively in an effort to beat Jason’s otherworldly looking powers. That includes dozens of memorably over-the-top kill animations by grasp particular results artist Tom Savini, Friday the 13th: The Sport may really be higher than a number of the films (we’re taking a look at you, “Jason Goes to Hell”). – WT

Layers of Concern (Xbox Sport Move)

Because the online game equal of a portrait with eyes that observe you across the room, Layers of Concern has, effectively, precisely that. It makes you witness to the whole meltdown of a superb painter, crushed by a stroke of tragic luck, left unable to discern between occasions on the canvas and people in his head. If you happen to hate doorways disappearing and rooms respiratory and rearranging themselves in upsetting methods, you must play this – and perhaps contemplate shifting out of your clearly haunted home. Plus: As a scary recreation sans fight, Layers of Concern makes for a great palette cleanser. – LK

Left four Useless (Xbox One X Enhanced / Backward Appropriate)

This practically decade-old co-op zombie shooter is all about working together with your crew to beat swarms of the Contaminated – as a result of surviving the zombie apocalypse is not any enjoyable alone. Seize your shotgun and prepare to mow down the subsequent mob of frenzied mutants earlier than it’s too late. Simply you’ll want to be careful for these Boomers and their zombie-luring bile. And even higher, this Halloween you’ll be capable to fend off the hordes with an unprecedented stage of element now that Left four Useless is Xbox One X enhanced. – LE

Soma

It doesn’t take lengthy in your time in Soma so that you can notice that navigating your method by way of an deserted and slowly crumbling underwater analysis station is the least of your considerations. It’s the mysterious and creepy machine inhabitants who stalk you thru the hallways when you search to grasp how you bought right here and what you might be. And why do all of the machines assume they’re individuals? With an exquisite sci-fi bend on the fears of merging humanity with expertise, Soma just isn’t solely one of many creepier video games you possibly can play, but in addition one of many smartest with some nice philosophical factors to ponder with an ending that may go away you speechless. – MN

Condemned: Prison Origins (Backward Appropriate)

There was a time in my life once I trusted mannequins. That each one modified with the 2005 launch of Monolith’s Condemned: Prison Origins for Xbox 360. In a recreation crammed with memorable setpieces, none was extra terrifying than the deserted division retailer crammed with mannequins in varied states of undress (and dismemberment). As you progress by way of the extent, beating the sport’s deranged derelicts in a visceral first-person perspective with no matter melee weapons you could find, you’ll discover rooms filled with deserted mannequins. All’s effectively and good (effectively, pretty much as good as it may be if you’re preventing to remain alive and clear up the thriller of who’s pinning murders on you) till you discover one thing out of the nook of your eye: did that model simply transfer? I actually don’t assume I’ve ever screamed as loud as I did the primary time one lastly lunged at me. – WT

Metro 2033 Redux (Xbox Sport Move)

Not solely an incredible technical achievement on the time of its unique launch, giving players one of the distinctive and atmospheric settings in gaming, Metro 2033 launched us to an epic post-apocalyptic journey that mixes equal components of stealth, survival horror, and first-person shooter fight. Oh, and a solid of darkish characters and a well-paced story that retains you shifting by way of the chilly metro tunnels of Moscow in a bleak, miserable future. The Redux model cleans up the unique launch and enhances the graphics for the present gen, making it the quintessential model to play. – MN

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toomanybandstocare · 2 years ago

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HAHA you nerds now you get see my anime rot and deal with it. all the atuff i reblogged are easily the fics that live rent free in my mind and i have reread for months.

anyways i’ll hopefully post something of my own this coming week. but it depends on holiday, internship on board, grad app, and my last days at the restaurant. i am tired and in pain :)

#counselor mythos rambles #counselor mythos notice

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toomanybandstocare · 1 year ago

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Hey there Mythos!!

BIG congratulations!!! Getting to know you has been excellent!

For your celebration, my I request a Platonic Summer of Fun??

Thank you, my friend!

₊‧°𐐪♡𐑂°‧₊ - Summer of Fun

Who I would ship you with plus a little drabble. @art-of-the-twistedstitcher / @twistedstitcher27 requested a platonic summer of fun, and once I thought of Fives sitting next to you at your work bench it just clicked. Thank you for celebrating with me, an dI hope all is well! <3

Pairing: ARC Trooper Fives & GN! Reader

Genre: Hurt/Comfort

Length: 824w + 269w

Warnings: Term of endearment (Kairtep = desperately brave of heart), Barely edited - I have been exhausted but still wanted to work on a request

Counselor Notes: I may have inserted myself a little in this with how it feels to be a creative and how we show our emotions through our work, but I hope you still enjoy <3

-> Celebration Announcement Post <- -> Celebration Masterlist <- -> Camp Resolute Masterlist <-

Lofi softly hums through your Coruscant apartment as you pad across the cool tile flooring to the kitchen. Paintbrush between your teeth, you dump out the murky paint water from your water jar and replenish it after swishing out paint residue. Warm sunbeams stream through the windows and cover your latest painting in a soft glow when you walk back to your work area in the living room. As you settle back into your seat, you steal a glance at the chronometer by your holo-tv on the opposite side of the living room. He should have been here by now. Unease creeps across the back of your neck as you force yourself to focus on your project once more.

Brush bristles scratch over the canvas. The aroma of paint brings a sense of comfort when you lean in closer to get a better look at a detail spot. Going through the repetitive motions, you feel a wash of excited nerves flow through you every time you sit down to capture a moment of your creativity. Leaning over your workstation to grab a new paint to smear on your palette, you take in your work in progress with a heavy heart. The emotions that overcame you as of late stare back at you, and a growing wave of catharsis wash over you as you're finally able to let it all out.

Lost in your own world, you don’t hear the entry door hiss open nor the careful footsteps that quietly approach you. It’s not until you smell the light scent of campfires and evergreen trees do you realize that Fives has finally arrived. Bringing your attention to reality once more, you drop your paintbrush into the water jar and turn your head. Shock shoots through you when Fives’ profile is mere inches away from your face.

Heart hammering, you lightly kick his shin. “Kriffsake, Fives. You scared me. Haven’t you ever heard of giving someone a warning when you sneak up on them?” you breathe out. Even managing to calm yourself, your skin still stings with nerves as you take in Fives’ serious expression. Following his gaze to your painting, curiosity nips at the back of your mind. What does he see when he is faced with your vulnerable work?

It feels like hours before Fives slowly leans back to stand up straight once more, but you notice how his expression only hardens the longer he looks at the canvas. Your stomach knots, and you hesitantly ask, “Everything alright? You look like you went back to the battlefield there”.

“Is this how you’re feeling? Right now?” Fives lowly questions. His voice quietly rumbles with concern as his expression softens with care as he looks at you.

Your stomach drops, and you break away from his gaze. The warm regard and ripples of worry in his eyes make you feel vulnerable. Like he’s truly seeing you for the first time. “It’s better to put my emotions somewhere rather than letting them run wild in my mind. Sometimes I have to think about what I’m trying to express in my art. Sometimes it feels like a tap was turned, and all my emotions pour out when I sit in front of a canvas or journal,” you softly explain. Shrugging your shoulder, you look up at him with a tired smile. “Even when everything feels overwhelming, there’s a sense of peace knowing that someone might come across my work and relate to it”.

Fives slowly nods and tilts his head before relaxing. Grabbing the bag of your favorite take away meal from the side table, Fives rests his other arm around your shoulders. “Think we need to do some catch then,” he softly expresses. “Feels like I may have missed something while I was gone, and I want to hear all about it if you’d like to talk about it. Or we could put on that holo-film that always makes you cry laughing,” Fives offers. His tone is lighthearted, but there’s an underlying reassurance that he’s here however you need.

Rising from your seat, you stretch your arms over your head to relieve your shoulders from the tension building. “Do you have time? We could do both,” you say with a groan of relief as you drop your arms.

“Always have time for you, Kairtep,” Fives reminds you. Guiding the pair of you to your couch, Fives attentively listens to your life updates as he sets up the take away food on the coffee table while you look for the film.

Coruscant glows from the skyscrapers’ illumination as the two of you share stories, laughter, and solemn moments of silence. As the night grows later, you find yourself able to relax more than you did just a minute ago. Even though it can be difficult navigating life with so many unknowns thrown at you, you find comfort that Fives will always be there every step of the way.

You’re an extremely creative and passionate person who channels their emotions into their work. Every interaction you have and every piece of art that you create is filled with love.

Everyone would think that you and Fives would be complete opposites, but the two of you complement each other very well. He finds that he’s able to channel his emotions into his athletics. If he’s full of energy, you can always find him rounding up a group of brothers for a game of soccer. When his body and mind ache from the latest mission, Fives goes to the local yoga studio to stretch and take time to himself. The two of you just channel your emotional energies through different outlets, but it’s a shared understanding between the pair of you.

Fives is so intrigued by how you’re able to capture such human experience in writing and artwork that he often asks to join you while you work on your latest project. Ever respectful of your space and work style, he sits near you and rests his head on your workbench to watch you continue your latest project.

He’s an extremely emotionally intelligent person. The minute that he picks up on a change in your mood, Fives keeps a careful eye on you. He never asks what’s going on right away to see if he can figure out how to help you first, but Fives won’t waste too much time where your wellbeing and happiness is concerned. If he can’t figure it out quick enough, he will check in on you and ask what he can do to support you.

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toomanybandstocare · 2 years ago

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Hi! I just wanted to tell you how amazing the Isolation fic is, I know it was from awhile ago but I still go back to read it fairly often. The feeling of not being seen is something that really resonated with me and to have Billy be the one to notice meant a lot, I know he’s not everyone’s favorite but I really have a soft spot for him. Anyway, this is my long winded way of saying thank you for writing it and it’s still on my mind often!

hello, camper!

thank you for the kind words <3

i also really struggle with not feeling seen or heard. the summer after graduating college was wrapping up and i didn't have a job in my industry, my friends are spread out across the country, and i feel like my parents don't hear what i actually need sometimes. so turned to writing and i wanted to start getting used to sharing my work with others, because it has always terrified me. but then it felt isolating because my writing style, as i continue to develop it, isn't what the typical reader insert style has been.

so messages like these always make my day, and i am so glad you found a work that you felt like was written for you.

isolation + its sequel and the coffee shop series (both billy focused) pop into my head frequently, and i hope to come back to them if i feel the spark to write for ST again.

i have the hugest soft spot for billy as well. i think he could have had such an interesting and complex character arc if he was given the opportunity for a redemption arc. to me, he is an example of what's happens to people if they don't have the support group needed to encourage them and love them as they are. billy falls into this role of the aggressor and playboy, because that's what's expected of him and all he has known in his home life.

with isolation, i wanted to explore what the beginning of that redemption arc would look like and how he would struggle to live with the consequences/guilt of his past actions. because of that understanding of feeling like the odd one out of the friend group, only billy recognizes it within reader. reader looks at him with the same expression he looks at himself in the mirror with.

phew- bet you weren't expecting such a long response huh? i was just happy to share part of my thought process. if you ever want to chat more, about billy or about everyday life, feel free to claim an emoji! i'd love to talk to more cool duderinos.

Counselor Mythos, out!

#camp halfwit letters #camper ask #anon ask #counselor mythos report

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toomanybandstocare · 2 years ago

Text

{I Don't Believe in Love, Queensrÿche}

Pairing: Best friend!Eddie Munson x GN, in love!Reader, slight Steve Harrington x Reader if you squint

Genre: Angst, Heartbreak

Warnings: couple of swears, drug use (just weed), angst, unrequited love, heartbreak

Length: 2027w

Series Program | Camp Upside Down Masterlist

“You’re in love with him,” Steve whispers almost like he’s afraid. What did he have to fear when you have everything to lose?

Stood frozen, unable to tear your eyes away from the new couple in the living room, your heart screams for the arms of your best friend. To finally return home after another year of sparse letters and scattered phone calls. Eyes stinging as you watch your love embrace someone else. Wondering if the stress of your final year at college drove the two of you apart, once known as the inseparable duo, or if it’s because he was accepted by the girl of his dreams at long last. Clutching the soda can as if it’s your last grasp on reality, you force out the breath caught in your throat to try to alleviate the burning in your chest. Pain scorches your insides leaving stinging pin pricks along every ticked off nerve in your body. Engulfed by a brew of overwhelming emotions - a concoction of devastation, anger, and numbness mix in the empty mold of your heart. Leaving you only to drown in the radiance of the couple’s happiness and tender care.

The chain around your neck quickly coils closer and tighter to suffocate any noise that tries to escape with your response.

“If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t be wearing his ring on a necklace that has a typewriter key of my first initial,” you choked out, “I wouldn’t have kept a piece of him next to my heart and soul, if he was truly just my best friend”.

Steve had slowly made his way next to you and firmly wrapped his arms around your trembling body. He takes you in- looks past the brave face you put on and sees the broken lover desperately trying to hold on. Never has he seen you look this hurt in the number of fights you had encountered against the Upside Down, and Steve is terrified that you’re about to shatter before his eyes.

Eyes darting from your blank stare to the couple who had become the center of all attention, Steve so desperately wants to take away your pain. To take you away from the cause. If he held you any tighter - any closer - you would have thought you were at death’s door.

But that love, isn’t it? It lights up your entire world in a beautiful glow. Love is all consuming as it spreads its reach from fleeting thoughts to endless daydreaming.

Until it’s soul crushing. Until it erases absolutely every other meaning of your life. When its warm touch suddenly blazes, and you’re left with memories that burn.

“We can leave. We- we can get out of here. I’m so sorry,” his voice cracked. As if he’s personally responsible for your heartbreak. As if he’s holding Chrissy so tenderly in his arms, rather than Eddie.

Taking a deep breath to extinguish the flaring hurt spreading through your system as best as you could, you redirect your undivided attention to meet Steve’s pain expression with your teary eyes. You stitch up a smile, “It’s okay, Steve. I would have to be naive to think no one would notice him after all these years and finally fall for him. Even a place like Hawkins can’t turn a blind eye to the stunning beauty that is Eddie Munson”. Sniffling as Steve delicately wipes away a stray tear, you choke out, “Eddie Munson, my best friend. Light of my life”.

Absorbed as you pull away from his safe hold and sculpt a new deflective mask, Steve watches as you lock away your heart. He wants to scream. He wants to get down on his knees and beg you to stop rebuilding your walls. Steve wants you to reach out to him - to someone, to anyone - and allow him to help you grieve while learning to move on. He wants you to rip off the guise you have too quickly thrown back on to bury your emotions under a perfect smile and deflective chuckle.

With what could have looked like gleaming excitement to anyone else, you look him right in the eye. “Ready to join the rest of the group, Steve-O?”

He breathes out a half hearted laugh and looks at you with a pained look. “I feel like I should be the one asking you that. To check if you're ready and okay to head over.”

“Then get a grip, Harrington,” you joke, “I want to catch up on missed time with everyone”.

Taking his hand, you walk towards the living room and take in the comforting familiarity that mixes with unknown terrain. Dustin, Will, Mike, and Lucas sit on the floor in front of the couch with character sheets strewn amongst them. Sat behind them and arguing over stat choices, Eddie bends over to get a better look. Chrissy sits on the end of the couch with Eddie’s arm securely wrapped around her as she watches the boys in amused confusion and laughs at their banter. Robin and Max join in the argument from the other side of the couch only to spur on the boys further with the joke suggestions. An almost picture perfect memory.

Across from the main group taking up the couch, Jonathan and Nancy sit on the love seat. As the pair of you approach, they turn to swiftly include you in the ongoing shenanigans with welcoming smiles only to freeze taking in your drastically different attitudes. Jonathan opens his mouth to try to say something, but the words can’t form a coherent thought when met with your plastic smile. Nancy looks to Steve in hopes of an answer only to be met with his hard stare. Seeing the couple openly share their affection, they knew it would only be a matter of time for you to realize why you had to ask them about your best friend rather than hearing from him yourself. The two of them swiftly move to opposite sides of the couch to make room, and Steve perches on the back of the seat with his legs spread enough for you to sit between them on the seat. Keeping his gaze locked and as calm as possible, Steve clasps a hand on your shoulder and rubs gentle circles with his thumb. Nancy immediately puts her hand on your knee leaning over Steve’s outstretched leg to be closer to you, and Johnathan turns to face you better.

If you were going to seal yourself off then they were going to come at your walls from all sides. But they were going to do it on your terms. If you just wanted a night in with your friends, they’ll be damned if you didn’t get that.

Johnathan reached into his backpack at his feet and pulled out a few cassette tapes and a metal tin. “I remember you liked The Clash, right?” he mutters fumbling with everything as he looks for the right tape. “I just got my hands on a copy of Cut the Crap. We could steal the stereo for a bit- I highly doubt they’ll notice the music selection improvement based on how long they’ve been at this,” he jokes.

“Yeah, that sounds fun,” you respond dazed and distracted by the shiny tin, “I got a chance to to listen to it with a buddy back at school- I think you’d like him -before I came back. But, ah, what’s that?” you point to the tin.

He sheepishly looks between you and Nancy while rubbing the back of his neck, “It’s- it’s my stash tin. Couple of pre-rolls”. He hesitantly holds it out to you, “Want to step outside for a bit?” Nancy sighs knowing that it would probably help. Steve merely squeezes your shoulder, silently trying to convey that he would be here for you. That it was okay if you wanted to sneak out and he would take care of you.

You nod, standing up almost mechanically like you were going through the motion of actions. Jonathan reaches over to press a kiss to Nancy’s cheek as you softly smile at Steve’s serious expression. You shrug, “Helps shut off the extra voices and thoughts up here,” tapping the side of your head. “S’not a habit and won’t become one,” you breathe out and notice his gaze slightly soften.

You look at Johnathan, who stands up from his hushed conversation. Making your way out of the living room and back into the kitchen, you stop abruptly when your siren’s voice calls out your name. You can’t help turn to face his twinkling eyes.

“Are you doing a kitchen run?” Eddie asks with a glint of playfulness. You raise an eyebrow, “Why? Too comfy to get a refill yourself?” you tease. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Steve choke on his Coke while trying to hold in his laughter. Because, fuck, you are not holding anything back even if you choose to hide the truth behind those words. “Unfortunately for you, bud, we’re heading out back for a minute. Fresh air or something,” you chuckle.

Eddie’s eyebrows crease together, and he notices the tin in Johnathan’s hand. Meeting your gaze again, “Since when did you start smoking? You never wanted to in the past”.

“Yeah, in high school. You try new things in college. Stuff happens. People change,” you wave your hand in indifference.

“You said you wouldn’t smoke- seemed pretty set with that and only helping out people get their fix if they were going through something,” he huffed. Everyone’s eyes were bouncing between the two of you as the tense static of unease settled in the air.

“Maybe I became one of those people,” you pause, letting the words hang in the air and sink in. “Or, maybe I need something to help distract myself from the DJ’s poor selection tonight,” you tease.

He gapes at you as everyone bursts into chuckles and laughter. “I have phenomenal taste, thank you very much. We basically have the same taste, you little shit. You can’t say that,” he laughs though slightly still on edge.

You wink and turn back to make your way further into the house hoping to get out before another near catastrophic conversation starts.

“Oh, when you come back, I want to properly introduce you to Chrissy,” he shouts.

Walking as fast you can without damn near sprinting, you slide the glass door open and set out onto the back deck. The two of you wander to the lounge chairs and recline looking up at the starry night sky.

Johnathan takes out a joint from the tin and pulls out a lighter from his jean pocket, pausing to think, before handing them to you. “Don’t isolate yourself,” he quietly begs, “Please”. Focusing on the temporary warmth of the lighter, you take a deep inhale. The first hit of many to come. Jonathan stares at you, taking in your calm expression watching the stars flicker above.

“Have you ever heard of a band called Queensrÿche?” your voice wavered. You couldn’t bring yourself to meet his hopeful gaze.

“No, I don’t.” He sat up and fully turned his body towards you.

“I’ve been fucking with them lately. Seems to speak to my soul. Got a tape of theirs that we could throw on.” you choke out after another hit.

He lit up. You weren’t shutting them out. “Yeah, yeah! We can- we can put it on. We’ll raincheck our Clash listening party. What’s your favorite song by them? Is it included on the tape?” Jonathan has only had a few hits, but he isn’t going to call you out for stealing the joint. He isn’t going to risk you shutting in again. You’re smiling again- it looks genuine to him. You’re working through the pain- not hiding.

You hum and take another hit before handing him the joint. When your fingertips meet, you peer over to him. He looks so happy and proud. So glad that you’re engaging. Squeezing your eyes shut, you shift your focus back to the dark expanse of the sky.

“Yeah, it’s called 'I Don't Believe in Love’”, you confidently state.

#eddie munson imagines #eddie munson angst #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson fic #eddie munson x you #stranger things imagine #stranger things imagines #stranger things x reader #stranger things x you #eddie munson x reader #best friend!eddie munson x heartbroken!reader #eddie munson x yn #stranger things fic #camp halfwit bulletin post #counselor mythos notice #counselor mythos post #reader insert

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toomanybandstocare · 2 years ago

Text

{With or Without You, U2}

Pairing: Platonic(ish)! Steve Harrington x GN, Platonic(ish)! Reader, Best friend! Eddie Munson x Heartbroken! Reader

Genre: Angst, Heartbreak, Learning to move on

Warnings: couple of swears, depictions of anxiety symptoms, mentions of depression, pet name (babe), heartbreak, trying to move on, slight jealousy, angst, unrequited love

Length: 1942w

Series Program | Camp Upside Down Masterlist

Counselor Notes: Thank you so much for the love on p.1 of this! I really wasn't expecting the reaction I received, and it meant the world as I'm coming back to creative writing. Much love to each ot you campers! <3

Your nose grazes across his cheek bone. His left hand squeezes your hip as his other presses against the small of your back, pulling you as close as he can. Your chest heaves to push any and all amount of oxygen through your burning lungs. The sound of blood washes over your ears, deafening anything the sweet boy tries to say. Gasps break past your chapped lips allowing salty tears to catch on the rips and cracks.

You couldn’t do this. The pain nearly broke you that night. But this? You teeter on the edge of shattering. Pieces of you to never be found again or never truly fitting comfortably again.

Panic dulls all your senses and weighs down on your bones.

“Come on, babe. I know you can hear me, Come back to me,” Steve quietly rasps against your ear, “Please”. He dances his fingertips from the small of your back, gently pressing on the tense point against your spine, and grazes them down your arm to take your hand in his own. Bringing it to his lips, Steve locks onto your welling eyes. As soft and fleeting as a butterfly, he presses small kisses onto the pads of each of your fingertips. He then presses a tender kiss that sends sparks through the palm of your hand.

“Breathe with me. Just breathe with me- I know you can do it,” he murmurs, moving your palm to rest against his cheek. “It’s just us, babe. Just you and me”.

You break from his heavy gaze and turn your attention to the flickering stars above. So distant, yet ever present as they look down on you.

Feeling like you were pushing through water, you move your hand from Steve’s hold and place it against his chest. Your entire focus shifts to the sawing breaths as you try to match with Steve’s collected ones. Pants and tiny sniffles echo in the parking lot, muffling the giggles and chatter of groups as they enter the roller rink.

“That’s it, babe. Take your time, “Steve murmurs again, pressing himself closer. His heart pounding against your palm despite keeping a steady, deep breath. “I’m here- I’ll catch you. Come back to me. Please?”

You may have his heart in the palm of your hand, but he grounds you to reality. A month of settling back into the mundane Hawkins routine had become what felt like an eternity of social isolation. Every phone call to the trailer park was answered by a giggling school boy apologizing and promising another time to hang out, or the sound of a concerned uncle asking if you were okay only to flood you with more tears. Group plans fell through in favor of couples pairing off on their own, or the kids hiding in the Byler’s basement to plan their own summer campaign. Except Steve. Steve never left you.

He dragged you out of bed after two days of radio silence from that first hang out of the season. After a week of stale air sitting in your room and clothes moving from unpacked suitcases to piles on the floor, he just about threw you into the shower, so he could tidy up your safe haven. So he could make you feel welcomed in your own home.

The two of you had countless arguments spanning over the course of the month as Steve tried to bring you back to the land of the living. You yelled and protested, tooth and nail, to stay in your catatonic safety net. If you didn’t leave its walls, then you wouldn’t drown from the unyielding flood of heartbreak. Even through all the stinging sobs, hair pulling deflections, and hoarse pleads, Steve stayed by your side.

He wasn’t leaving until he got his friend and right hand comrade back- doing what everyone else seemingly had no time to do. To share and enjoy in your missed company.

“Hey,” he gently taps his finger tips against your jaw bone. A flurry of tingles linger under your skin. “I know they’re beautiful, and I can see you mapping your story in the stars- but could I see those stunning eyes again? I miss getting lost in them”. He softly cranes his neck to try to regain your attention.

Slowly, you stop searching for your answers in the stars only for time to all but freeze when you meet the radiant hues of sunshine, twinkling from the moonlight, in Steve’s umber eyes. His smile beams when the pair of you reconnect, and he takes you in for a moment. “You got this. And,” he holds your wrist to send a comforting squeeze, “I’m right there beside you”.

He steps back a bit, still gently holding your hip as he points towards the entrance to the rink. “We are going to walk in there, heads held high,” he steadily grows in enthusiastic volume, “and we are going to have the time of our lives making fools out of ourselves.”

An astonished laugh pushes past your sealed lips as you look at him in disbelief. Steve is all for pep talks and motivational speeches, but one without an air of royal confidence? He might just be spiraling as hard as you at this rate. “You can’t be fucking serious right now. The love of-” your voice rising so your defense can be heard.

“Ah, ah, ah,” he jumps back, holding his hands out to stop you. Not even realizing, you stumble to take a step and follow. A smile creeps past your guard and breaks across your face. What the actual hell has gotten into him?

Steve excitably points at you in uncontrollable joy, “Yes! There! Just like that”. Rushing back, he grabs your arms and holds you in an electric embrace.

Like two magnets, neither of you can fight the connection pulling you together. As far as either of you are concerned, it’s only the two of you on Earth. No one else around. No else to break your bond.

Resting his forehead against your own, Steve breathes out, “It’s just you and me, babe. It’s just us- no pressure to look good or to fake it. It’s your time to let go and enjoy yourself”.

A heavy ache forms in your chest when Steve moves away and holds out an outstretched hand. Dizzy from the whirlwind of emotions and slightly high from the warmth he left buzzing where he held you, your stomach plummets at the invitation to the next stage of heartbreak.

Shakily pushing out a breath, your peer up from his hand and nearly take a step back from Steve’s beaming expression of encouragement.

“ ‘S just us?” you whisper.

“You and me- against all this bullshit ‘young love,’” he boasts.

Bouncing on your toes, you nod in determination as you grab Steve’s hand and run into the unknown. The two of you wildly laugh while pushing and pulling at each other. Not a care in the world about how others see you. It’s just you and him.

The two of you dash and stumble into the rink, entangled in each other’s hold. The pair of you can barely collect yourselves from the fit of laughter and childlike joy you’ve fostered.

Only for your secret world to be breached. “Guys, over here! Christsake, what made you this late?” With Johnathan’s joking welcome notice, the sounds of the roller rink break the spell wrapped around the two of you. The scraping of skates, beating music, and flashing lights make you wince.

Not letting go of your gaze, Steve calls back, “Be there in a sec- gotta finish this conversation real quick”.

Steve squeezes your hand, “So what’s it gonna be, babe? Lousy, overhyped ‘young love’? Or the time of your life with this catch?” He chuckles and points to himself.

Enthralled by the guy holding you, no one else could win your attention in that moment. There is no other competition. It’s just Steve. And, maybe Steve is onto something? For fuckssake, Steve has been there since the moment all meaning left your life. Yet, a guy this caring still hasn’t met someone who can see past the social crown atop his head. Even if it didn’t shine as bright as it once did, that’s all people would note when complimenting him.

He meets your stare with a look of teasing inquiry. How much longer can you put your life on pause for a man, no a fool, who doesn’t even spare you a second thought now.

“Come on,” Steve tilts his head to the side with a playful smirk, “I know I’m good looking, but at this rate you might as well buy a guy dinner first”. He waggles his eyebrows.

Gagging as you push him away, you turn to see the table your friends sit at. Eddie securely wraps his arm around Chrissy’s shoulder on one side, and the back of Nancy and Johnathan’s heads lean against each other across from them. One chair at either end of the booth.

Pin pricks building in your waterline, you whip back to look at Steve. “Fuck, ‘young love,’” you huff and make your way over. Steve falls in step right beside you- his proud presence fills the once empty spot of another’s. He fist bumps the air spreading his excited energy to you and overpowers the nervous one beginning to fester through the tips of your toes to the crown of your head.

Taking a seat at the head of the table and between the couples, both of you greet them kindly. Nothing like the giddiness bouncing between the two of you.

“The hell man?” Steve whines, “Where am I supposed to sit, huh?” He quickly steals a vacant chair from the next table over and seats himself between yourself and heartbreak. Settling himself in the tight squeeze, Steve shoots you a wink before sitting upright.

“So what took so long for you two to grace us with your presence? Did big boy over here need to fix his hair?” Eddie jests, easily sending the table into a fit of giggles.

Before Steve can protest, you rush to defend him. The nervous adrenaline rush coursing through you pushes you over the edge at long last. “No, actually,” you let out an anxious, airy chuckle. “There was a song that I really wanted to share- listen to, so we just got caught up in our own little world for a bit”. You smile softly at Steve’s own- noting how it grows into a sincere one. Not the stage performance either of you use to hide behind around everyone as of late.

Eddie stiffens at your response. He’s the person you share music with. The hell happened to that? Eyes darting between your fidgeting figure and Steve’s confident, relaxed posture, Eddie chews on his bottom lip. Watching Harrington casually drape an arm on the back of your chair.

A shock of electricity strikes your shoulder and spreads like a wildfire through your body when Steve brushes his hand across your shoulders to readjust his position. “Yeah, it was out of my usual taste, but I really enjoyed it. What was the name again?” he hums.

Barely even registering Eddie’s scoff, you blink and try to break from Steve’s comforting pull. You grip the edge of your seat, recentering around the cold, solid metal biting into your palms.

Still feeling Steve’s intense gaze, you look around the table practically buzzing. Taking a deep breath as you subtly poke Steve’s thigh, and he pushes it against your own. It’s just you and him.

“‘With or Without You’ by U2,” you nervously share.

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toomanybandstocare · 2 years ago

Text

{Pictures of You, The Cure}

Program: Moving on is so much fucking harder than everyone lets on. Even you do try to work through your feelings and still hang out with your best friend, the new addition to his life can't let you truly feel like you have a place in his life anymore. It's just another night crying in the arms of the one person you stayed with you through it all.

Pairing: Best friend! Eddie Munson x GN, Heartbroken! Reader, Platonic(ish)! Steve Harrington x GN, Platonic(ish)! Reader

Genre: Angst, Heartbreak, Learning to move on

Warnings: couple of swears, pet name (babe, dove, missus referring to Chrissy), references to weed, allusions to sex (nothing graphic), heartbreak, trying to move on, slight jealousy, angst, unrequited love

Length: 2316w

Series Program | Camp Upside Down Masterlist

Counselor Notes: Again, thank you so much for the love on the last two parts! <3 I think there's going to be one more part as the finale, and it's probably going to hurt.

Camper List: @girlsvvish @darklingbrekksov @couseland @thoughtfulsweetsharmony

The familiar engine hum and musky scent of lingering THC and nicotine should have welcomed you as you sank into the beat-in passenger seat. Instead, the cacophony of wistful scents now clash with an unbearable ring that vibrates through your skull. Swallowing deep breaths to hold yourself together, the heavy aromas sneak into your system and longing squeezes your airway.

Your lost home on the road, once littered with cigarette buds and cassette cases, now proudly brandishes a green ribbon tied on the rear view window. A varsity cardigan hastily thrown into the back seat when Eddie picked you up that afternoon.

You fidget and sink deeper into the seat, wishing it would swallow you whole and spit you back into the safety of your home, as you take in the new addition to the van. Eyes focusing on your fingers wringing together in your lap, bouncing to his knuckles rapping on the steering wheel, and landing on a polaroid of the future you pined for.

A photo of a young woman, wearing the iconic devil baseball tee, lays on Eddie’s bed and holds his Warlock guitar. You used to dream for the day he would use it to serenade you. Securely tucked onto the main dashboard, it solidifies your place in Eddie’s life.

You pull your gaze away to watch the blurring tree line outside the side window and rapidly bat the runaway tears trying to escape their confinement. He really didn’t have a clue, did he? Or maybe he’s just cruel enough to ignore your pain to hold onto the fading memories of a best friend.

Scoffing at the sudden remembrance of all the promises to hang out, you quickly cover up your contempt with a cough.

“You okay? Got some water in the back seat if you need it,” Eddie reaches behind your seat with one hand on the wheel.

You roll your eyes and grasp his arm with little emotion to stop him. “I’m fine, Eddie. Just some dust,” you pause and send him a slight shit eating grin, “Or maybe it’s the fact you never air out this goddamn van. Nearly got hit with a wall of your stench.”

He barks out a laugh and moves his arm out of your grasp to point at you, “Don’t talk about her like that. You know you love her just as much as I do- hell, I even remember saving you from close calls with curfew when you lost track of time at parties.” Eddie playfully slaps your thigh, leaving a faded fuzz in its spot when he puts his hand back to the wheel.

“Yeah, sure,” you wince at how hoarse your voice sounds. Gulping, you try to even out your speech, “I swear I’m being fucking hot boxed from just the accumulated smell of weed.”

Pulling into the turn off for Lovers Lake and parking the van so the back faces the water, Eddie squints at you in dramatic thought. Comically sniffing the air and then pulling his jacket up to his nose, he pauses and slowly turns to look at you. Eddie moves slightly out of his seat and over the center console to invade your space. Tucking his head against the base of your neck, everything stops for a moment. His curls burn with their soft tickles against the column of your throat. The long missed proximity jumps your heart into a frenzy. Oxygen stops as it concentrates in your lungs to feed the fire rushing in your veins. His deep, warm gaze connects with your wide eyes.

“I think it’s just your rank attitude, dove,” he jokes.

The light headed buzz bursts with the flick of his finger hitting your forehead.

Your jaw drops as you watch Eddie climb out of the van and close the door without a second glance. Fumbling with the latch, hot waves of anger wash over your body. He better have something to numb every ounce of pain he’s caused, whether unintentional or not. Nearly falling out of the van, you march to the back and open your mouth ready to unleash hell.

Whirling the corner, all words dissolve on your tongue and leave a melancholy taste.

Eddie sits on the back ledge, bundled in the blanket the two of you used to build sleepover forts. Next to him, a cooler packed with each of your favorite drinks and snacks.

Eddie watches in giddy excitement as you recognize each piece of his surprise. The polaroid camera you gifted him after Corroded Coffin’s first gig sits in his lap. Opening the blanket bundle, Eddie invites you to join him, “We got a lot to catch up on, huh?”

A searing nervous glee stings as it concentrates on your lash line. You stumble into the embrace you long yearned for and shake your head. “I’ll let your little attitude comment slide. But, only because you got the watermelon ring pops.”

With ease, the two of you settle into lost routine and share stories of the past few months. The scowl scarring your face slowly smoothes into a sincere smile.

Your grin grows as Eddie animatedly recalls how Gareth managed to get stuck on top of a wire fence when they were on the run from a busted house party.

Laughter dances with the descending sun. A staged gasp slips past your aching lips as Eddie reenacts the final moments of the club member’s characters against Vecna.

The tension locked across your shoulders snaps when you throw a nerd for your friend to catch. With the dull collision of his head against the van’s wall, watching as the candy bounce off Eddie’s chuckling form, your heart fills with childlike joy.

Searing flashes blind you from noticing darkening sky and the pom poms tucked behind the back seat. The whirligig gears grind along with shared giggles. Terrible selfie attempts with half a face missing and secret candids piles between the reunited friends.

Whispers sing with the cricket symphony as you and Eddie point out the constellations hanging above. His arm outstretched behind you, so he can hold himself up and direct you to the new one he learned. The scent of worn leather and cinnamon cloud your mind.

You can’t help that Eddie holds your attention better than the unforgiving night sky. The deep hum of his sleepy voice depicts far more happy stories than what the stars have in store for you.

Stopping mid sentence, Eddie looks to the owner of the fervent gaze bruning into the side of his face. Catching you mid-stare, an amused smile forms across his expression as you jump a little. If he can distract you from whatever is causing you so much turmoil, then he’s happy to steal you away from reality for a bit. Pushing onto the forest ground, he stretches to release the growing ache settling in his arms and ruffle his hair to help him wake up.

Unable to stop your eyes from following the rise of Eddie’s band tee, you can’t look away from the faded scratch marks spanning the expanse of his lower muscles. Written declarations of commitment and adoration to a lover that would never be you.

Breaking your gaze and shuffling through the photos laying in your lap, tears silently stream down the side of your face and slip onto the smiling Eddie staring up at you.

“Ready to head back, dove? I gotta get back to the missus- promised we would watch a movie tonight,” Eddie calls from the front seat. The sappy tone of admiration slaps you back to reality.

You slowly push away the lukewarm blanket and place the polaroids on top. Not taking a single one. “Yeah, just making sure we got everything,” your airy response wavers.

Lumbering into the passenger seat, the engine’s hum comes to life as well as the numbness resting in your bones as Eddie shares his date night plans. His rambling, that you once adored, now scratches the back of your mind like nails on a chalkboard. Originally feeling slightly guilty, you now feel grateful for making your own movie night plans.

As he pulls into your driveway, the distinct pang of jealousy flares in Eddie’s chest as the sight of a well known burgundy BMW. Swallowing the bile lump solidifying in his throat, he turns to face you to inquire why Harrington’s car is here. A cold freeze halts his actions when Eddie witnesses you wiping your eyes and withholding sniffles.

The coolness of hard, metal rings sizzles against your flaming cheeks. Softly, your watery, defeated expression is forced to meet the concerned gaze of your best friend. Eddie gently rubs his thumb against your puffy face, “Hey, what happened, dove? I thought we had a good time. A nice walk down memory lane.”

A sob racks through your crumbling form, and you weakly push Eddie’s hand away. You can catch your own tears. He doesn’t get to wipe away the tears he caused.

With a wobbling smile, you release a wispy chuckle, “That’s exactly it, Munson. I just really miss you.”

Eddie leans his forehead against your own, constricting your lungs at the closeness. “Dove,” he calmly cooes, “I’ve missed you too. So much- you have no idea.”

Another broken sob escapes from your sealed lips, and you force out a light laugh to follow. If he really doesn’t know what he’s doing to you, then you won’t let him in. As Eddie reaches out to hold you again, you turn away noticing the porch light flash before the van. Like a moth to a flame, a relieved breath frees itself from your aching lungs. Steve’s tense stance leans against the porch pillar.

Meeting Eddie’s strained expression, “Thanks for today. I miss hearing from you.” You wrap your trembling arms around his neck for a quick hug.

Eddie tightly holds you as close as he can. An unnerving sense of anxiety shoots through him. Every shaky breath that slips from you hits hard against him. The trembling fingers pressing into his neck pierce through his heart. What happened to you? When did the inseparable duo refer to you and Harrington rather than the pair of you?

“We have all the time in the world now. We’ll get through this together, yeah? It’s you and me, dove. Whatever you need, I’m just a phone call away, and I’ll be on my way in a heartbeat,” Eddie promises.

“Thanks, Munson,” you whimper, “You have no idea what that means to hear you say that.”

With a final hug of the evening, you clamber out of the van and hurriedly walk to your awaiting home.

Dragging yourself up the porch stairs and tripping on the slightly shorter one than the rest, Steve catches and pulls you into his safe hold. He waves back to Eddie’s van, not sparing a glance at the still parked vehicle, and tucks you under his arm. The scent of warm vanilla mixed with Earthy undertones clears the lingering hold on your mind from the uncomfortable smell of cinnamon and leather.

As Steve guides you into your house and up to your room, he lists off the movies he brought and what take out places still deliver this late. His voice desperately tries to sound collected as he watches you visibly shrink and curl into yourself.

“Babe, I’m right here,” he holds you in a tender embrace, “Please, don’t lock me out again. I’m here to catch you. I will always be here for you to come back to.”

Dazed, you nod slowly. Processing his words. Memories of identical, past situations flood your mind. Steve held you as sobs choked you after the night out at the roller rink. He’s never left. He’s still here. He’s here now.

You deeply inhale through your nose, the stinging in your chest fizzing out as you push it out your mouth. It’s just you and Steve.

“Can we get pasta and cake from Enzo’s? And watch The Lost Boys?,” you whisper.

Your voice so quiet, Steve has to lean closer to make sure he doesn’t miss your pleading request. “Yeah, of course,” he softly promises. “Want to start it now or wait for when the food gets here?”

You wade past Steve to your desk area and search for a particular cassette. “Can we listen to The Cure while we wait? I’m sorry- I haven’t asked you about your day. How was it? Any particular bad movie picks from customers? Or was it mostly just love-sick Robin rambling about Vickie?” you weakly joke.

Popping the cassette tape in the player, you turn to see Steve already laying relaxed on top of your bed comforter. Mirroring his posture, you lean against the foot rail of your bed, to be able to face him, and clutch a pillow to your chest. The warm scent of vanilla mixes with the remnants of your signature scent that you sprayed on earlier in the day.

Steve sends you a sympathetic look that turns into a weak smile as he chuckles. “Sounds perfect. I was wondering when you would hit this phase of heartbreak- I was worried I’d have to force you to listen to them when I drive you around,” he jokes. The sympathetic look shifts to a soft smile of pride when you allow for your tears to freely fall and let out a watery laugh. “Oh,” he exclaims, throwing his hands into the air. “You will not believe the argument this group had over their movie night,” his voice returning to a lively volume, “It had me and Robin in stitches by the time they left. Christsake, it was a mess. I’ll tell you about it after I call in for food.”

Reaching for the phone on the bedside table, he gently grunts, “What’s the song of the night then, DJ?”

“‘Pictures of you’,” you weakly hum.

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toomanybandstocare · 2 years ago

Text

{Argyle}

Blister in the Sun

Program: Argyle is something of a s'mores connoisseur and takes pride in his skills. But he easily can let it get to his head. Luckily, you're his favorite distraction. Pairing: Argyle x GN! Reader Genre: Fluff

Tainted Love Series - On Pause

Program: Argyle is a ray of sunshine that envelopes everyone in his warmth and softness. Everyday, you have the privilege to bask in his light and enjoy the high his shares. When thunder heads roll in and cloud your senses, one night tips you over the edge of no return and shatters everything you so dearly care for. Pairing: Best friend! Argyle x Best Friend, GN! Reader -> FWB! Argyle x In Love, GN! Reader Genre: Angst, Some Fluff, IDK about NSFW yet

Headcanons

What I think their DnD class would be based of playing for a year and character vibes. What they would wear to a Halloween party and how they would spend the night. Hobbies they have from ones that I have enjoyed some time or another in my life. Fall activities the older kids like to do as a friend group. What movie I want to watch with them and how we watch it. What clothing item would I steal from them to keep/wear. Favorite fall candle and a memory they look fondly back on. How they express their love: love languages. How they feel loved: love languages.

{Robin Buckley}

Headcanons

{Johnathan Byers}

A Groovy Kind of Love

Program: Finally able to celebrate graduating college, the two of you seek new adventures in beautiful Acadia. Freezing tides bring you closer together as hopeful dreams are shared. A future home where your childhood friends can come visit and where a new family can find comfort. Pairing: Johnathan Byers x GN! Reader Genre: Fluff

Blurbs

Hammock musings about the future while camping.

Headcanons

{Billy Hargrove}

Cherry Pie

Program: Summer's coming to an end with the Hawkins town fair under way. While every typical couple seems to be excited about the ferries wheel or the tunnel of terror, you and Billy have your eyes set on the demolition derby. Adrenaline and pride course through veins watching Billy in his element- even if it scares the shit out of you. Pairing: Billy Hargrove x GN!Reader Genre: Fluff/Suggestive (IDK it's a demo derby, it's gonna be messy but I think it's cute)

Tom's Diner

Program: Exhaustion blankets you as you work through your shift at the local diner. The same faces tiredly greet you for their usual order. A static hum scratches the wrong side of your brain from the broken radio. Until a newcomer sits at the countertop with captivating blue eyes that make you stop. A brewing countertop crush. Pairing: Demo Derby! Billy Hargrove x Server, GN! Reader Genre: Fluff

Cover Me

Program: The diner rush is never fun, but it brings in good money. It seems as if everyone is in a dark mood from the roaring storm this evening, and two patrons can't seem to keep it to themselves. Even though you desperately try to ignore the insults and harsh words, Billy isn't letting it fly. Tonight or any other night. So, the two of you create a little countertop ritual to bare with the shitty coffee. Pairing: Demo Derby Driver! Billy Hargrove x Server, GN! Reader Genre: Fluff Sequel to Tom's Diner

Isolation

Program: It's never us. Never a friend group. Never a sense of connection. Just them and you in the same room. Billy just happens to catch a glimpse of your lonely self when it's too late to grab onto you. Before you disappear from their lives with no note. No phone call. Nothing. Pairing: Billy Hargrove & GN! Reader Genre: Angst

Doubts Even Here

Program: News of your disappearance and last known where abouts have folded into the city police reports. After a call into the station and a reunion with the former Hawkins police chief, nothing sits right in Billy. Not the lax reactions of your friends to the news. Not city sheriff's quick accusations. Certainly not the woman of his nightmares at the steps of your apartment. What happened to you? Pairings: Billy Hargrove & Missing, GN! Reader Genre: Angst and Mystery Part two to Isolation- recommended to read that ficlet first.

Blurbs

Nickname sweetspot when all of your boys call you similar petnames.

Headcanons

{Steve Harrington}

Fascination Street

Program: Halloween night invites trick and treats of all kinds. Though the small town of Hawkins still celebrates, the reigning fear of the past four years of murder cannot be forgotten. Absolutely smitten by his partner, Steve hopes to spend a sweet night alone together at his house. However, the night takes a turn when things get too freaky. Pairing: Steve Harrington x Slasher, GN! Reader Genre: Angst, Horror/Slasher

Look So Good in Blue

Program: You've found a home in the arms of another. Sure they may not belong to who you originally imagined and daydreamed about, but they hold you safe and sound while pushing you back to your old self. Laughter and child like joy finally lights up the Harrington household, one rainy night. Pairing: Platonic(ish)! Steve Harrington x Platonic(ish), GN!Reader Genre: Fluff, Requested Warnings: Couple of swears, thunderstorms Counselor Note: This is a one off from the Heartbreaker Series under Eddie's section, but it can be read on its own.

Sweet Child of Mine

Program: It's summer and you have no where to be. To be quite honest, there's no where you'd rather be then held close in Steve's arms. Hidden in your own little world and enjoying each other's presence on a sunny, summer afternoon. Pairing: Steve Harrington x GN!Reader Genre: Fluff

With or Without You

Program: It's time to move on. Just about everyone else could easily go about their days, but it felt like there was nothing left. Until Steve Harrington decided to crash your pity party and push you back into reality. Pairing: Platonic(ish)! Steve Harrington x GN, Platonic(ish)! Reader, Best friend! Eddie Munson x Heartbroken! Reader Genre: Angst, Heartbreak, Learning to move on Counselor Note: Part Two of The Heartbreaker Series under Eddie's section, but can be read on its own.

Blurbs

Nickname sweetspot when all of your boys call you similar petnames.

Headcanons

Taking a shower with Steve and just cares for you with so much love and attention. Bad food days happen, but when you let Steve in, he does everything in his power to support you how you need. What I think their DnD class would be based of playing for a year and character vibes. What they would wear to a Halloween party and how they would spend the night. Hobbies they have from ones that I have enjoyed some time or another in my life. Fall activities the older kids like to do as a friend group. What movie I want to watch with them and how we watch it. What clothing item would I steal from them to keep/wear. Favorite fall candle and a memory they look fondly back on. How they express their love: love languages. How they feel loved: love languages.

{Eddie Munson}

Good Times Roll

Program: Eddie is the type of boyfriend who will do absolutely everything for you in order to make you happy. But he's also a little shit who can't get enough of you. Pairing: Eddie Munson x GN! Reader Genre: Fluff

Heartbreaker Series

Program: Coming home from college should have meant you had all the time in the world to hang out with your best friend. Coming home, you should have been greeted with a hug and promise of summer fun. Coming home, you found the love of your life finally got the girl of his dreams. Instead, heartbreak greeted you with open arms. Pairing: Best friend!Eddie Munson x GN, in love!Reader, Platonic(ish)! Steve Harrington x GN, Platonic(ish)! Genre: Angst, Heartbreak, Learning to move on

Need You Tonight

Program: Finals are stressful enough as a new college student, and your boyfriend doesn't seem to be making it any easier. He just wants a little love, but he needs a reminder that he can't just grab and beg for it. So now, you're left revising your lessons while teaching Eddie a little lesson in patience. Pairing: Eddie Munson x GN! Reader Genre: NSFW, Requested

Somebody to Love

Program: A lazy day in, hidden from the world. It's the perfect excuse, as if you ever needed one, to fall further in love with Eddie Munson. But one little quirk of his makes you skeptical of some of his habits. Pairing: Eddie Musnon x GN! Reader Genre: Fluff, Requested

Super Trouper

Program: An unlikely friendship becomes Eddie's safe haven. But this shitty little town has fed him lies and hurt him day after fay, leaving him with thick skin and impenetrable walls. Even after finding comfort in your Sunday getaways, Eddie thinks it too good to be true letting anxiety get the best of him. Until you give hims a peace offering: matching friendship bracelets and a smiling promise. Pairing: Platonic!Eddie Munson x Platonic!Reader Genre: Hurt -> Comfort, Probably?

Blurbs

Hellfire's Captain Munson of the seven seas. Hellfire's Crew and their roles on the ship. Nickname sweetspot when all of your boys call you similar petnames. Nose kisses make Eddie flustered.

Headcanons

What I think their DnD class would be based of playing for a year and character vibes. What they would wear to a Halloween party and how they would spend the night. Hobbies they have from ones that I have enjoyed some time or another in my life. Hellfire's crew alongside Captain Munson, Shepard of Lost Souls. Fall activities the older kids like to do as a friend group. What movie I want to watch with them and how we watch it. What clothing item would I steal from them to keep/wear. Favorite fall candle and a memory they look fondly back on. How they express their love: love languages. How they feel loved: love languages.

{Nancy Wheeler}

Just What I Needed

Program: The last day of vacation calls for a take out, sunset dinner at the beach. Through the course of the night, both lovers desperately just want to show their devotion to their partner. Whether it's capturing memories on film or sharing a soda pop. Pairing: Nancy Wheeler x GN! Reader Genre: Fluff

Headcanons

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