#cyndy writes

[bunni-bun]

feeling completely insane and having Too Many Thoughts earlier so i'm dropping this here and running, don't look at me lmao.

enjoy cuz i never finish anything and this is a literal miracle cuz i had to get it out of my system.

“There's darkness in the distance

I'm beggin’ for forgiveness

But I know I might resist it”

-Daylight by David Kushner

There are times when he feels smaller than he wants to.

He thinks that he can be brave about it this time, he can fight and bite and kick and stab and claw his way out. He thinks that this bloodshed will atone for the heartbreak, for the sin of leaving.

It doesn't. It never does.

The walls here are cold, dull, and listless. There are ghosts between the bars of the cell, in the shape of dark eyes and a small, loving smile. Sometimes, the hands of the ghost run down his arms, softly, barely there, in a caress meant to sooth him from the nightmares. Sometimes, the ghost whispers that he loves him and he pretends that it's real, just for a moment.

When he wakes up again, the ghost is gone and the ache in his chest is more pronounced but he fights it down, swallows it whole and buries it under the ratty mattress of the cell, with the book that he borrowed from Zong Yi.

At night, he welcomes the darkness again, welcomes the ghost again. He wonders if the man the ghost belongs to is still alive, or if this ghost is real, haunting him in the only way that they can have each other. He doesn't think about it too much tonight, he's too tired. He lets his eyes fall shut and tries not to cuddle the ghost at his side.

* * *

There's an emptiness in this space now.

He didn't realize how big a space could be without someone to fill it with life, with spirit, with love.

There's no one who really stops him from drinking himself into a stupor again so he takes another shot, whiskey burning as it goes down, a little easier now. He's used to it now, that burn. It's the only warmth he gets now, in this empty room. It's the only thing he has left.

He lets himself fall back into the bed (their bed?) and he lets sleep take a hold of him once more. At least in dreams, he can hold onto hair the color of daylight and eyes sharper than a blade to his throat. He doesn't have to worry about the emptiness beyond this dream, this room. He can stay here for a little longer, feeling a soft but firm touch to his cheek.

Dreams are all he has in the dark, they're all that's left here. He doesn't have the courage to go and see the real thing and maybe that's for the best (it's not). He doesn't know if either of them can take it. He doesn't know anything anymore.

So he dreams, of tangled sheets, of biting kisses, of soft gasps. Of tears on his cheek that are not his own. Of the desperate need to show love but not knowing how. Of the only person he's ever loved leaving. Maybe this is a nightmare again. He wonders if the other feels the same.

And he lets the ghost of that touch win as he falls asleep without another thought this time.

* * *

“This lust is a burden that we both share

Two sinners can't atone from a lone prayer

Souls tied, intertwined by our pride and guilt.”

When they're together, they try to ignore the four years spent apart.

They don't think about the darkness, the ghosts, the dreams. The nightmares.

They hold each other in the quiet of the early morning, lights all out in the garage but the door open to see the stars or the clouds as a storm approaches. They spend a lot of nights like this, in the quiet, not saying anything as they stay beside each other and think. They wish they could be mind readers sometimes, just so they don't break the moment by speaking.

Instead, Ai Di lays his head on his shoulder and Chen Yi rests his head on top of his boy. They don't say anything, even when they both reach out to hold each other’s hand. They should talk about it but they won't. They can't.

Later in the night, when he's gasping in his shoulder and biting marks into flesh, Chen Yi tries not to think of the time when this was a ghost’s call and not the real person in his lap. He lets Ai Di bite, claw, fight for the love that they both need, even in this moment of lust. He fights back, pushing and grabbing and kissing away the air between them so they'll suffocate here. It's the only way they can forgive each other.

When they lie in bed, sweating and spent, hands intertwined, they still don't talk about it. But they both know that the other wants to beg for the ache to stop, for the pain to end, for that forgiveness that they've already given each other but refuse to accept. So they stay wrapped in this darkness, this quiet.

Sinners like them don't belong in the daylight, but that's alright. The night will hide them, will hide their faults, will hide their feelings. Maybe one day, they can talk about it. But not now.

[lattea-cakeezz]

a/n, self insert writing for me and me only(/J) after I had one thought about tattoo artist! Venture hhhhhhhh

(I blame a certain friend for encouraging me to finally post self ship stuff on here…. You KNOW who you are. ily sev 🫶 )

Warnings: Mentions of nudity(I think?) and tattoo needles. Other than that, self indulgent fic that I tried to make as fluffy as possible with a bit of tension ehehhhuhuhe,,,

Oneshot is under the cut! (And the gif, look at em go my little silly blorbo)

Was Cyndy really about to do this? Walk right in and ask for something to be inked permanently on heyr body(Despite the fact it'll be well hidden)? Looking up at the tattoo studio building, standing just outside of it, it seemed shey was.

And why wouldn’t shey? No judgemental parents and friends meant no one was trying to hold heyr back, and it wasn’t like shey didn’t want to get one, shey really did.

It’s just now that shey was standing at the door of the tattoo studio, it felt nerve wracking. Especially when shey was going in alone. Heyr friends and even heyr mom had insisted they tag along, for moral support and encouragement, but shey knew they wouldn't exactly want to see heyr topless for heyr tattoo.

Trying to brush off the worst case scenarios that will most likely not happen from heyr thoughts, shey finally made heyrself push the door open. The bell atop the glass door jingled loudly as Cyndy entered the empty tattoo shop, pursing heyr lip nervously as shey looked around the waiting room area.

The walls were decorated with photos and drawings of various different tattoo designs, all ranging in size and extravagance, and the black leather chairs against the walls looked comfortable enough at least. And it smelled clean, which was surprising but still a good sign.

Looking back over at the front, shey spotted the front desk. There sat a woman who seemed only a few years older than heyr and once shey walked over, she perked up and smiled, purple hair almost bouncing as she moved.

She was quick to greet heyr and after Cyndy mentioned already calling ahead of time for a certain tattoo artist at the shop, named Sloan, she handed a form for Cyndy to fill out while shey waited. Shey couldn’t help but glance at the tattoos sprawled along her arms, wondering to heyrself just how painful it was to get her entire arms covered like that.

Cyndy gently sat down against one of the leather armchairs in the waiting room, now being left alone in the waiting area as the purple haired woman strut off to the back to get the artist. After quickly filling out the form and leaving additional contact info, shey glanced around the room once more, leg jutting up and down the longer shey had to wait on the leather chair.

It was really happening. Heyr first tattoo… Shey felt a rush of excitement yet unease wash over heyr all at once. Now a little voice in the back of heyr head wished shey had brought a friend along for support.

The artist seemed eager and friendly enough when shey had contacted them though, sending them heyr measurements and even the tattoo design shey had made for heyrself. So hopefully, they were just as outgoing as they were online.

It wasn’t long before shey heard the sounds of footsteps approaching and when looking up, shey was met with someone practically covered head to toe in various permanent ink tattoos, the one catching heyr eye being the flames around their neck that ran down to who knows where, as well as a piercing on the edge of their eyebrow. Shey was almost at a loss for words from their appearance. Is this Sloan…?

Their smile was friendly and revealed a chip in their tooth as they raised their hand up to offer a hand shake. Shey also couldn’t help but take notice of their toned arms. And the way they looked so cool... And so attractive.

‘Get a grip, girl!’ Shey quickly thought bitterly to heyrself in order to quit heyr staring as shey brushed a strand of hair out of heyr face.

“Heya, you must be my client! It’s great to meet you!” They greeted heyr, voice energetic and lively. When Cyndy returned the handshake, their grip catching heyr by surprise, shey smiled back with a nod. Their friendly nature immediately put heyr at ease.

Enough for heyr to not notice the way they looked heyr up and down almost slowly, just as entranced as shey was by appearances alone, eyes lingering on the piercings along the bottom corner of heyr lip and the way heyr dirty blonde hair cascaded over heyr shoulders.

“Yes, uhm, I’m Cyndy.” Heyr voice snapped them out of their short daze and they gulped, grin back on their face in an instant. An attempt to brush off sappy feelings.

"Great! Just follow me to my room in the back and we’ll start with getting ready for the tattoo.” They gestured for Cyndy to follow them and they both walked through the waiting room and to a different room.

Once inside and closing the door behind them, they turned back to heyr with the same grin on their face.

“I already have everything set up, so just take a seat and we can get started.” Shey heard them pulling on black plastic gloves as shey sat on the long leather chair in the center of the room, making heyrself somewhat comfortable.

“So, I know you said it was a rib tattoo you wanted over the email, and the design you sent looked great! I was surprised you made it yourself, it looked so good!” Their grin turned cheeky, speaking in a lighthearted tone. “You sure you’re not a tattoo artist yourself?”

Cyndy fought back a smile from their compliments. “Who knows, maybe someday you’ll have competition.” Shey jested back, earning a dramatic, fake gasp from them. They both had a good laugh from their banter before going back to the task at hand.

“Alright, I just need to know the placement for where you want it and we can get started!”

At their words, shey chewed heyr lip nervously. Shey felt somewhat embarrassed mentioning where shey wanted it to be done, and didn’t mention it when shey contacted them via email. A stupid decision on heyr part.

“So… I don’t know if it’s something you do or are comfortable with, but I want the design, um,” shey paused to gesture under heyr bust with a cupping motion. “Under these. Like, along the underside.”

Sloan seemed surprised for a moment, eyes widening and a blush darkening their cheeks, before snapping back to being as professional as they could.

“A-Ah, so, basically a sternum tattoo then…? That explains why the design was curved downwards...” They chuckled to themself as they pulled out a picture of the tattoo design they had printed, before looking at heyr with a creased brow. “If this is your first tattoo, you sure you want a rib one? I’m not trying to stop you or anything, it’s just that they’re pretty painful!”

Cyndy huffed. Shey’s heard that warning before numerous times, both from friends and countless anonymous people online. But it didn’t deter heyr in any way. “I think if I can handle braces, I can handle getting tattoos.” Shey spoke in a lighthearted confident tone.

This made Sloane let out a genuine laugh, a sound that made Cyndy’s face feel warm and flushed.

“Haha, fair enough! But if it gets too bad, let me know and we can take a break, okay? You’re my only client for today so we have all the time you need!”

They felt the urge to place a hand on heyr leg in a gesture of reassurance, but stopped themself before they even could. It would most likely be seen as unprofessional. And damn did shey make it hard for them.

Giving them a nod, as well as feeling comforted by their concerns, they both had started discussing any adjustments towards the design as well as improving it so that it showed in the middle of heyr cleavage as well. And after a few minutes of more discussion, questions, and looking over measurements, it was time to stencil the design onto heyr body.

Sloan glanced at heyr eyes and gulped silently. For some reason they felt nervous about doing this part with heyr.

“Um, well now you’ll have to change so we can do the stencil and tattoo. Are you prepared, or do you want to… borrow something?” They asked, gloved hand rubbing the back of their neck almost nervously.

Cyndy perked up, a blush blooming across heyr cheeks again. Sloan couldn’t help but find the rosy color cute.

“Right, uhm.” Shey reached down for the bag shey brought in with heyr. Opening it up, there was a button up sweater, water, several snacks, headphones, and something else Sloan couldn’t see very well.

“I looked online and a lot of people said to bring stuff for breaks and to keep me distracted, and something to wear so I don’t get cold but so you can still work, so… I think I’m prepared.” Shey rambled and gave them a smile before remembering something, brows raising for a moment.

“Oh yeah, and-“ shey pulled out the mystery item. “Nipple coverings, to hopefully make it feel… less awkward.” Shey fidgeted with the package,

Sloan blinked, staring at the bag for a moment before looking back up at heyr. Shey really did come prepared… and damn was it cute! Quickly snapping themself out of it, they gave heyr a lopsided grin.

“Well, that makes it easier for me, actually! And good on you for preparing yourself! I can just, uh… turn around, and let you change, just let me know when you’re done!” They faced the corner of the room, arms stiff by their sides as they kept babbling. “No pressure… at all.”

“Let me change already.” Cyndy spoke jokingly and even snickering at the fact they actually stopped. It took heyr a few minutes to change and figure out how to work the coverings, cursing quietly under heyr breath(which made Sloan bite back a chuckle), and once shey was done shey spoke up.

By the time they had turned around, shey was sat back down on the chair, shirt discarded and sweater hanging open. The sight of heyr bare skin and covered breasts were surely testing their professionalism. And unfortunately for them it seemed painfully clear to Cyndy, who started feeling shy under their fixed gaze. An awkward cough from heyr was enough to snap them out of it.

Gulping and grounding themself, Sloan gestured to the chair as they went to grab stencil tools, cursing themself for the stutter in their voice as they told heyr to lay back in the chair.

As they started working the stencil onto the transfer paper, hunched over just a tad, Cyndy took this moment to take in their features once more. When focused like this, their expression seemed more relaxed.

Apart from the slight pout of their bottom lip that Cyndy found cute.

Shey knew it's weird to be staring, especially towards someone shey had just met, but shey couldn't bring heyrself to look away from the attractive artist.

Looking over the design once more, Sloan felt intrigued by the rune-like lettering. “So what’s the story behind the design? Looks a lot like runes.” They piped up to start small talk. Both to put their client at ease and to stop getting distracted. Cyndy perked up at this, blinking as shey snapped out of heyr daze.

“Oh! Well… It’s kind of nerdy, but it’s from a game I really love and have played for years. It’s the dragon language from Skyrim.” Shey explained nervously, always afraid to gush about heyr interests. But luckily for heyr, Sloan turned to heyr with a twinkle in their eyes.

“Hey I’ve heard of that game! Well of course I did, since it’s kinda popular… I’ve never played it myself, but I’ve seen a few things about it here and there,” They smiled. “But that's so cool! I had no idea about the whole... Dragon language thing from it!”

There was a pause in the conversation as they turned to heyr, moving to spread the paper under the curves of heyr bust. Their eyes turned heated for a moment as shey brought heyr hands to move them up before glancing back up at heyr eyes under their lashes.

"So, if it's a languange, then what does your tattoo mean?" They asked as they pressed against heyr skin gently. The eye contact made heyr blush, as if their hands weren’t mere centimeters away from heyr breasts. Shey pursed heyr lips for only a moment in thought, letting a soft hum sound from heyr throat.

“Well, the letters spell out ‘Brit Dovahkiin’. Which means ‘Beautiful Dragonborn’,” shey wasn’t wrong, they couldn’t help but think to themself. “I guess it’s like… something personal to me. Like a nod to Skyrim and something that’ll make me happy when I look at it.”

As shey murmured, they watched heyr speak with softness in their gaze, thumbs rubbing against the skin over heyr ribs. The strokes over heyr skin felt soothing and shey relaxed in their hold.

"That, and doing something like this could bring some excitement in my life."

With a snort, Sloan nodded as if in agreement. A few minutes of silence passed before they peeled away the paper. Glancing down, shey could see just part of it

"If it'll make you happy, that's all that matters," they grin at heyr, chipped tooth shining. "And I think it looks pretty badass on you so far!" They took notice of the rosy blush blooming across heyr face, never tiring of how beautiful it looked, their grin softening.

But now it was time for the hard part. For Cyndy, at least.

They stood up only for a moment to move the metal cart over by the chair, glancing up at heyr. Shey took a deep breath at the sight of the needles and ink, already imagining the sight and feeling of it piercing heyr skin. Sloan’s hand hovered over one of the needles as they seemed to sense heyr unease. “Nervous? Don’t flake out on me now!” They teased, giving Cyndy a grin that made heyr let out a snort of laughter.

Their gaze softened though. "But seriously, let me know when you're ready. Want you to be as comfortable as possible here.”

The flurry of butterflies just from the look in their eyes alone made it hard for heyr to relax, taking a few breaths to soothe the beating of heyr heart.

The pain of the tattoo was only a part of the process and Cyndy knew it would have to be over with sooner or later, cute tattoo artist or no. Stalling would only make it more unbearable.

"No no, I'm ready. I can do this."

They grinned. "'Atta girl!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(I'm gonna do this in two parts since this is getting a little long, hhhhhh and now I go hide in a hole until I make part 2…….)

[teacakeezz]

I have a crazy totally hypothetical question; if I were to…. Write a selfship one shot involving Venture from overwatch on my writing account, would anyone be interested in reading it…..

[video-killed-the-internet-star]

Here’s some Cynffany angst for you all

[chamomileteainabuttercup]

in terms of developing shared interests I think a surprisingly easy one for Steve and Eddie would be the WWF, as it was in the '80s before cutting a deal with the panda fanciers; Steve appreciates pro wrestling from a more jockish perspective (he will argue any time that it is a real sport) while Eddie comes to it from his weird drama kid angle (he adores the larger-than-life personas of the wrestlers and always cheers for heels).

they are adamant that getting pizza and watching WrestleMania counts as a really good date night

[thebreakfastgenie]

Anyway this is a Josh Lyman Noel song to me but it's also a great blorbo song:

[Verse 1: Billy Joel] Everybody's got a million questions Everybody wants to know the score What you went through It's something you should be over now Everybody wants to hear the secrets That you never told a soul before And it's not that strange 'Cause it wouldn't change what happened anyhow But you swore to yourself a long time ago There were some things that people never needed to know This is one that you keep, that you bury so deep No one can tear it out

[Chorus: Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Both] And you can't talk about it 'Cause you're following a code of silence You're never gonna lose the anger You just deal with it in a different way And you can't talk about it (No, you can't talk) And isn't that a kind of madness To be living by a code of silence When you've really got a lot to say

[Verse 2: Billy Joel] You don't wanna lose a friendship There's nothing that you have to hide And a little dirt Couldn't hurt no one anyway And you still have a rage inside you That you carry with a certain pride In the only part of the broken heart That you could ever save But you've been through it once, you know how it ends You don't see the point of going through it again And this ain't the place and this ain't the time And neither's any other day

[Chorus: Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Both] So you can't talk about it 'Cause you're following a code of silence You're never gonna lose the anger You just deal with it in a different way So you can't talk about it (No, you can't talk) And isn't that a kind of madness To be living by a code of silence When you've really got a lot to say

[Bridge: Billy Joel] I know you well enough to tell you've got your reasons That's not the kind of code you're inclined to break Some things unknown are best left alone forever And if a vow is what it takes Haven't you paid for your mistakes?

[Verse 3: Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper] After the moment passes And the impulse disappears You can still hold back 'Cause you don't crack very easily It's a time-honored resolution 'Cause the danger is always near It's with you now But that ain't how it was supposed to be (No, no, no) And it's hard to believe after all these years That it still gives you pain and it still brings tears And you feel like a fool, 'cause in spite all your rules You've got a memory

[Chorus: Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Both] But you can't talk about it 'Cause you're following a code of silence You're never gonna lose the anger You just deal with it in a different way But you can't talk about it (No, you can't talk) And isn't that a kind of madness To be living by a code of silence When you've really got a lot to say

[Outro: Cyndi Lauper] 'Cause you can't, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah now, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Woo, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah

[gleefulpoppet]

For the @gleedrabbleblog week #29 challenge.

“Blaine! You’re so ridiculous!” Kurt giggles, quickly glancing at his husband, who makes exaggerated hand movements and overdramatic facial expressions as he audaciously sings to him with the radio. His hair flying wildly from the rolled-down windows.

“If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me Time after time If you fall, I will catch you. I'll be waiting Time after time...

“Come on, Cricket! Sing with me!”

Kurt laughs, shakes his head, makes a microphone with his hand, and sings along when they reach the red light. 

“If you fall, I will catch Blaine. I'll be waiting…”

[butterflyinthewell]

This Piccolo statue of what he would look like live action got me to pull out an old fic and do a total rewrite that is very much in progress…

(The statues are from TSaber dot com)

My old Believe fanfic where a magic talisman lets me travel through my mirror to meet Piccolo, who is freaked out at seeing himself on my shirt. He demands to know where I came from, so I show him. He steps out into our world and ends up looking FUCKING BEAUTIFUL.

Only thing I did different is describing his eyes as dark charcoal gray, but they can look paler gray if he shrinks his pupils, which of course he can control at will.

He doesn’t have crow’s feet at the corners of his eyes, his equivalent are folds that appear around them instead. So when he smiles, his eyes and cheeks crinkle a bit. His smiles always look sorta mean, that’s just how his face works.

He has a snaggle tooth, one tooth by his upper left fang that bends inward. It makes his smile really charming.

His fangs are huge, but the rest of his teeth are small and crowded together because he has more of them than humans do.

His skin is thick and has a texture like leather.

In the fic, Piccolo is not happy to discover he’s made up, but learns to live with it. It helps that I tell him he’s not lines on a page when he’s standing in my room.

He bumps his head on at least one doorframe in my house, because Tall Guy Problems.

It’s a shameless self insert.

I’m totally gonna learn to use ki, fly and all that, and I talk about how doing all that feels.

We’re gonna fight a villain together.

Piccolo takes me to the Hyperbolic Time Chamber to train for this fight, and the first thing I do when I step out onto the white void floor is pass out from G-LOC. 🤣

There’s a lot more that I’m not telling. 😉

[teashopwritingzz]

Hello everyone!

I’m coming back to this account real quick to mention I made a new writing account. It’s @smplypancakewritingzz and like this account, it’s also cafe themed! But this time, a pancake cafe! I can’t wait to start writing again for my new hyperfixations and(if you take the time to follow that account) I hope I’ll see some of you guys there! ^^

(Just a warning though that the games I’m writing for are strictly +18, so if you have no age in your bio or if you’re under 18, you’re getting a block from that account, sorry!)

[vcnusians]

reintroducing CYNDI PALMER.

[bunni-bun]

every day, i thank the lord that taiwan let louis and leo kiss boys cuz they deserve that 😌 nat and roy are darlings and also i love them all dearly

[arting-it-out]

[lattea-cakeezz]

So quick little thing. This is a writing blog for my other account, teacakeezz! I’ve made a few in the past before to write for fandoms and dabble in x readers, but the motivation burnt out everytime.

So I decided I’m sticking with writing stories and oneshots for my ocs and self ships(self insert x character, oc x oc, etc.)

I don’t really mind if people follow or like my writings or not, I just made this so I could post my silly writings on here! But if you do take the time to read my things, thank you and I hope you enjoy em 🫶

[whitetiger1249]

Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Barbie (Movie 2023) Rating: Not Rated Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Characters: Stereotypical Barbie, Weird Barbie, Physicist Barbie, President Barbie, Writer Barbie, Doctor Barbie, Reporter Barbie, Lawyer Barbie, Journalist Barbie, Beach Ken (referenced), Gloria (referenced), Sasha (referenced) Additional Tags: Why are the Barbies characterized by actress/actor?, It's GIRLS NIGHT!!!, Sleepover with Girl Talk!, more like: cry & divulge secrets & debate, Weird Barbie knows what's up, Group convos are hard to write, Stereotypical Barbie gets to pour her heart out with the other Barbies Series: Part 1 of looks so alive (turns out, i’m not real) Summary:

All the Barbies get together for one last sleepover and girls night post the attempted Ken takeover and the attempted coup to turn Barbieland into Kendom.

With Gloria and Sasha asleep upstairs in Sterotypical Barbie’s (SB) queen bed and the fact that Barbies always woke up perfectly no matter how late they stayed up, meant that it was finally time for SB to dish on all the details about her adventures in the human world.

Like . . .

“Did all the human girls and women give SB a big hug and thank her profusely for fixing all of womankind’s problems?”

“What’s up with the patriarchy?”

“What was crying like?”

And more!

[megxplryxb]

Romance is Dead, Isn't it?

Pairings: Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

Notes: Sweet and fluffy, little bit of angst. Based around Valentine’s Day because I’ve had this is in my drafts for a minute.

The smell of cheap, overused aftershave and five dollar bouquets, currently lingered throughout the aisles of Family Video. Loved up couples filling the store, holding hands, whispering sweet nothings and pressing kisses to their lovers blushing cheek as they scanned the shelves of the romance section.

Love heart decorations hung from the ceiling, pink foil curtains draped over the entrance and Cyndi Lauper’s Time After Time blared from the speakers while you completed sellotaping the balloons you’d only finished inflating ten minutes ago. You weren't exactly sure why Keith was making Valentine's Day such an extravaganza this year but you were absolutely hating every second of it.

February fourteenth had never been kind to you. Not when you were ten years old and the card you thought had been from your childhood crush was actually written by your Mom. Not when you were fifteen and you went to the movies with Jackson Taylor, who made up a rumour that he had gotten to second base with you and definitely not last year, when Derek Cooper had taken you out for dinner, only to be caught by his girlfriend that he had surprisingly forgotten to mention.

Yeah, Valentine's Day could suck it.

“If one more person asks if we have another copy of Sixteeen Candles, I swear, I won't be held responsible for my actions.” You warn, jumping down from the step ladder with a loud huff.

“Yikes, what’s gotten your panties in a bunch today babe?” Robin questions with a teasing smile on her face as she serves the next customer.

“My panties are not in a bunch thank you very much. I'm just saying, what kind of moron waits until Valentines Day to rent the most sought after romcom?" You ask, taking a gulp of water in an attempt to erase the taste of rubber from your mouth.

Fake laughter echoes from the other side of the store where some girl has been flirting with Steve for the past fifteen minutes. You'd noticed her outside before she walked in, glossing her lips and pushing her boobs up just enough to get the attention she was obviously desperate for. She's annoyingly pretty, with perfect hair and sun kissed skin and when she raises her well manicured hands to rest on his bicep, you can’t help but grit your teeth at them.

"Is he planning to do any work at all today?" You point, rolling your eyes as Robin looks over at her other best friend and then back to you with a frown. She can sense the irritation in your voice and she knows why, even if you would never admit it. The signs have been there for quite some time and she wonders how much longer you can keep up the charade of not having feelings for Steve Harrington.

"Hey Dingus! A little help over here?" Robin demands, directing him to the queue of customers waiting for assistance at the counter. Steve nods his head, apologising to the girl who makes sure to write her number on his arm before waving goodbye.

“Yeah, thanks for calling me over, I've been trying to get away from her for like, the last ten minutes.” Steve breathes a sigh of relief, gesturing for the next customer to approach.

“Yeah, you really looked like you were being held against your will there, Harrington.” You scoff bitterly, stacking up a pile of returned tapes.

“Seriously, did you guys not see me trying to signal for help when she started touching me? I mean come on, desperate much?" He jeers, shaking his head.

"She did seem disgustingly eager." Robin interjects, scrunching her nose.

"Since when has that ever stopped him?" You reply, motioning towards Steve, who seems a little bit offended by your words.

"Jesus, why does it look like Cupid came all over this place?" Eddie chuckles as he enters the store, getting his jacket caught in the foil curtain, almost ripping it off of the door.

“Hey, careful Munson, don’t mess up my masterpiece!” You warn, carrying the tapes into the back as he slowly untangles himself.

"Because dear Edward, it is the day of love and romance!” Robin squeals excitedly, clapping her hands.

“Can you tell she has a date with Vickie tonight?” You tease, her cheeks turning pink at the mention of her new girlfriend.

“Alright, way to go Buckley.” Eddie high-fives the girl who couldn’t contain her happiness.

“We’re just going to the movies but I’m so nervous! Like, what if I make a total doofus of myself around her? She might not be as accepting of my clumsiness as you guys. I could fall up the steps when we’re walking to our seats or choke on the popcorn or…”

“Robin relax, you’re gonna give yourself a heart attack.” Steve interrupts, hearing the conversation from the till. His eyes meet yours, both of you sharing a disapproving look at your friend’s lack of confidence in herself. It was something you often discussed between yourselves, trying to figure out ways to help her see just how great she really was. Robin had always been good at hyping other people up, telling them how awesome or pretty they were but it was a completely different story when it came to herself.

“Steve’s right, you need to chill out. Vickie’s already heard you doing god awful karaoke, not to mention witnessing you hurl all over the bathroom floor at the Hideout and she’s still drooling over you. The girl is putty in your pretty little hands.” You jokingly reassure with a smile and it seems your light hearted words put her somewhat at ease as she takes a relieved breath.

“Hey, do you guys have a copy of that new movie with Molly Ringwald? Sixteen something?” Eddie shouts from the romance section of the store earning a scowl from you.

“Shit out of luck Munson, we’re totally sold out.” Steve replies, the curly haired metal head letting out a dramatic groan as he walked back to the counter, causing some of the other customers to flinch.

“Didn’t take you for a romcom kinda guy Eds.” You mock as he gives you a toothy grin. “Sweetheart, if it helps me get laid by the end of the night, I’ll watch anything.”

“Ew, gross Eddie, I really don’t need visions of you and Chrissy getting it on.” Robin shivers in disgust.

Although you share the same sentiment as your best friend, you can't help but think how nice it is that Eddie finally found someone that truly loves him for who he is. You couldn't remember ever seeing him so happy and a little part of you was jealous that you didn't have that with someone too.

"Harrington, did you get a tat dude?" Eddie quizzes, pointing to the digits on Steve's arm. You're taken out of your thoughts upon hearing the question directed at your coworker. Steve's eyes fall to you for a brief moment but you busy yourself with some paperwork, trying your best to pretend you're not paying attention to them.

"Oh, um no man, just a customer earlier, gave me her number." Steve brushes off with a shrug.

"Sweet, you gonna call her?" The hellfire leader interrupts and you hate yourself for wanting to know the answer too.

"God no, she was way too forward." Steve says, shaking his head, hoping that would be the end of the conversation as you relax again.

"What's wrong with forward? Come on man, it's Valentine's Day, call her, ask her out." Eddie encourages, wondering why Robin was shooting him a killer look as Steve shifts uncomfortably.

"Actually, I kind of already have a date tonight." He states, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. The relief you felt moments ago, quickly vanishing, being replaced with a gut wrenching feeling in the pit of your stomach. Steve had someone and it wasn't you. It would never be you.

“You do? Since when, why wasn’t I informed about this?” Robin quizzes suspiciously.

“I don’t have to tell you everything, Robin.” He huffs, rolling his eyes.

“Do we know her?” Eddie smirks and you wish you were anywhere else right now.

“Maybe you do, maybe you don’t.” He answers coyly before serving the next customer.

“So what about you sweetheart, who’s the lucky guy that’s taking you out tonight?” The metal head grins, raising his brows suggestively.

You see Steve and Robin turning their heads, attention on you as Eddie waits for your response. For a moment you consider lying, trying to think of a name and a place just to save face on being the only one without a date for tonight and maybe a little part of you wanted to see what Steve’s reaction would be too. But Robin already knew you had no plans, she had probably already told Steve the same.

“There isn’t one.” You answer, looking down at the ground, wanting it to swallow you whole.

“Bullshit, every time I’m in here there’s a guy asking you out.” Eddie spits, frowning at your response.

He’s right, guys do ask you out. It’s not like you were some sort of prude who never had a sex or never went on dates but lately, you just hadn’t been feeling it. Not when your heart belonged to someone who didn’t even know they had it and until you could get over Steve Harrington, it wouldn’t be fair to start something with someone else.

“Yeah, just not the one I actually want.” You reply, refusing to look Steve’s way as you walk to the back.

You figure now is a good time to take you break, needing a moment away from your friends to regain your composure. The restroom door locking behind you as you drop to the floor, tucking your knees into your chest. How had you gotten here? How had you been so stupid to fall for your friend? How had you allowed this to happen?

You secretly wondered who Steve’s date could be, knowing there was a number of viable contenders. Was it the brunette from last week who asked him to explain how The Lost Boys wasn’t a Peter Pan spin off or the blonde that always laughed at his jokes even when they weren’t even funny. Or maybe it was the raven haired girl who openly discussed her recent porno rentals with him every week.

One thing you knew for sure, it certainly wasn’t you.

The sound of footsteps brings you back to your shitty reality and the sudden knock on the bathroom door has you standing on your feet again.

“Hey, it’s just me. Are you ok?” You hear Robin ask from the other side. You straighten yourself up, wiping your clothes down before unlocking the door to face your friend.

“Yeah of course, why wouldn’t I be?” You question, doing your best to give her a reassuring smile but she sees right through you.

“I honestly didn’t know dingus had a date, I would have told you if I did.” She mutters nervously as you shake your head.

“Why? It’s not like I care what he does.” You state as Robin gives you an unconvinced glance.

“Babe, it’s me you’re talking to right now, no one else. You forget I used to be the master at hiding my feelings, so I know all the signs. You’re totally crazy about him aren’t you?” She quizzes, as you shrug your shoulders. There was no point in hiding it from her anymore, she could read you like a book.

“I’ll get over it.”

“Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?” She suggests as you let out a bitter laugh. “Did you not just hear what he said out there? He has a date, Robin.”

“Yeah but maybe if—”

“No. I’m not telling him alright? So please, just drop it.” You beg, letting out a deflated sigh.

Robin decides not to push you any further, realising you didn’t want to talk about it right now but you know this won’t be the end of it and eventually you’d have to answer the many questions you were sure she was going to have, taking a mental note to purchase alcohol before you talked about your feelings for Steve with her. But for now, you were grateful that she was leaving well enough alone so you could get back to work and pretend that everything was fine.

The remaining hours went by painfully slow, the romance section almost bare and you were counting down the minutes before you could go home to your bed and shut out the world while you waited for this shitty day to be over. Once the store got a little quieter, Steve offered to man the counter while you did Robin’s make up in the back, helping her get ready for the long awaited date before her girlfriend picked her up.

By 7:45, you were left with Steve and Keith who had been in his office doing paper work since he ordered you to decorate the store earlier. Steve had noticed you were quieter than usual, trying his best to joke and make light conversation but all he was met with was one worded answers.

“It was really cool of you to do Robin’s make up, y’know?” You hear Steve mumble as you restock the confectionery stand.

“That’s what best friends are for, right?”

“Yeah of course but you saw how nervous she was all day and I think you helping her out by making her look all pretty and stuff, just gave her the confidence boost she needed for tonight. I just thought it was really sweet of you.” He compliments, a warm look on his face that has your frosty demeanour melting.

“Alright, I’m done for the day. You two ok to lock up?” Keith asks, dousing himself in cheap cologne as Steve shoots his boss a glare knowing it was his night to close.

“No, not really. I have a date.” Steve argues as Keith grunts unsympatheticly. “You’re not the only one lover boy.”

“Online chat rooms don’t count, Keith.” Steve fires back as you try not to laugh at the expression on your boss’s face.

“You want to be out of a job, Harrington?” Keith threatens, looking less than impressed.

“No, but I really need to—”

“That settles it then, you two will lock up. Happy Valentines Day.” He smirks, throwing Steve a set of keys before exiting the store.

“What an asshole!” Steve groans, throwing the keys on the counter, putting an irritated hand through his signature hair while his plans hang in the balance.

“Now I get why he wanted me to decorate so badly.” You mutter, thinking back to how you spent the first couple of hours of your shift, blowing up balloons and getting sticky tape stuck in your hair. Keith was loved up like the rest of your friends. Cupid had gotten another one.

“Do you actually believe he has a date?” Steve asks, frustration still apparent in his voice as you nod your head, groaning.

“As much as it pains me to say yes, given that I myself don’t actually have a date, when have you ever seen him put on cologne?” You question as Steve lets out a heavy sigh.

“Good point. I hope she stands the son of a bitch up though.” He grins playfully and you can’t help but smile back at him. He was so breathtakingly beautiful and you kind of hated him for it.

“Hey, look at that, I finally got a smile out of you.” He teases, poking at your cheek as you lightly push his hand away.

“Steve, quit it.” You giggle as he shakes his head.

“Not a chance, you’re just so pretty when you smile.” He admits, cupping your face momentarily, locking his eyes with your own and your breath hitches as his warm hand rests on your face, his thumb carefully caressing your cheek and you hope to god you’re not blushing right now. Your eyes wander to his lips, pink and plump and a little chapped from the cold weather Hawkins was currently experiencing and you couldn’t help but wonder what lucky girl would get to kiss them later on.

For a moment as Steve gazed at you, you considered telling him everything. How you’ve been crazy about him since you worked at Scoops Ahoy together, falling hard for him when you saw how kind he was to the kids he watched over, knowing he wasn’t the same selfish guy you’d known in high school. Steve Harrington was selfless, brave and caring and as you looked into his caramel coloured eyes, all you wanted for him was to be happy because that’s what he deserved more than anything, even if it would never be with you.

“Steve…”

“Yeah?” He whispers, looking at you in a way that made your knees weak.

You knew this was your chance to tell him, the perfect night to admit your feelings but previous Valentine’s Day disasters prevented you from saying what you really wanted to, afraid Steve would have to let you down gently or worse, laugh in your face.

“You should go home and get ready for your date, I’ll lock up here.” You swallow hard as he finally removes his hand from your face, seemingly taking him out of his own thoughts.

“Oh, no I couldn’t ask you to do that.” He replies, shaking his head.

“You didn’t ask me, I offered.” You reassure, feeling guilty for how you had treated him all day.

“Are you sure?”

“I wouldn’t have suggested it if I wasn’t. The place is quiet now anyway and there’s only an hour left. Plus I’ve been looking forward to destroying all those damn decorations all day.” You joke, attempting to hide the sadness you were currently feeling from him, terrified that you’d break down in tears if he stuck around much longer.

“You’re amazing, you know that?” He grins as you playfully roll your eyes at him. “So I’ve been told.”

“Got any advice for a successful Valentine’s date?” He questions, grabbing his car keys as you let out a sarcastic laugh.

“You’re really not asking the right person. I don’t think I’ve ever had a good Valentine’s experience. Why are you so nervous anyway, you’ve been on hundreds of dates?”

“Yeah I know, but I really like this girl, like a lot. More than I’ve ever liked anybody and I really don’t want to mess this up.” He sighs and you wonder if he can hear your heart smashing into pieces.

“Wow, she must be really special.” You breathe as he nods his head looking like a schoolboy with a crush.

“Yeah, she is.” He admits and it’s like a fresh bullet to your chest.

“Well then I hope she knows how lucky she is. Any girl who can’t see what an amazing guy you are would have to be a complete idiot.” You reply honestly, almost certain you see a hint of pink in his cheeks.

“Thanks, honey.” He whispers, before walking towards the exit, the nickname causing your brain to short circuit. Honey.

“Steve?”

“Hmm?”

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, pretty girl.” He grins, walking out the door as you feel a tear slide down your cheek watching his car pull out of the space, taking your broken heart right along with him. A heavy sigh escapes your lips, cursing under your breath, pondering if you were really doomed to face every February fourteenth in utter misery.

The last hour of your shift had gone by quicker than expected, having no customers during the final thirty minutes, giving you plenty of time to dispose of the shitty decorations that had mocked you throughout the day. When you finished vacuuming the floor, you wondered how your friends were fairing on their dates. Had Eddie gotten through a rom com without passing out? Did Robin make it up the steps of the movie theatre without falling? Was Keith really on a date with an actual woman? Had Steve already managed to get his new girl into bed?

That last thought made you want to throw up.

At 8:50 you decided to call it a night, dreaming of your warm bed and the cheese pizza you were going to order the minute you got home, wanting nothing more than to wallow in self pity. The money had been cashed up, the shelves were organised and you figured you had earned the extra ten minutes after everything you had endured today. Once you grabbed your handbag and jacket from your locker, you did a final check of the place before clocking out, switching the open sign to closed before you shut the door behind you, turning the key in the lock and pulling the shutters down, thankful you were off for the next couple of days.

As you tossed the keys into your bag, pulling on your jacket to prepare for the short walk to your apartment, you noticed a familiar maroon BMW parked up and Steve Harrington leaning against the hood, holding a bouquet of flowers.

“Steve?”

“Hey you.” He smiles, eyes sparkling in the glow of the moonlight.

“Is everything ok?” You worry, wondering if something had happened to one of the kids or your older friends.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. Why wouldn’t it be?” Steve reassures as you let out a sigh of relief.

“Well for starters, aren’t you supposed to be on a date right now?” You quiz, confusion apparent in your tone.

“I was just waiting for her to get off work actually, I’m picking her up here.” He smirks confidently, pushing himself off of the hood.

“You’re meeting her in the Family Video parking lot? Isn’t that a bit creepy?” You tease, raising a brow at him, trying not to focus on how good he looks in a grey sweater that you’ve never seen on him before.

“Well yeah, I guess it would be a little creepy if she didn’t work there.” He jokes, hoping he’d given you enough clues to figure out the rest for yourself. When your eyes begin to widen, mouth parting as you try to speak, he knows the penny has finally dropped.

“Steve I—”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, pretty girl.” He grins, repeating the same words he'd said earlier, handing you the prettiest bunch of daisies you’ve ever seen and it’s not until his fingers brush yours that you realise it isn’t a dream. Steve Harrington was here, waiting for you.

“These are for me?” You ask, breath catching in your throat.

“Of course they are, who else would I get them for?” He teases as you try to hold back tears.

"Steve, I…I can’t believe you got me daisies. they’re so beautiful.” You smile, suddenly feeling very dizzy.

“I know I probably should have gotten you roses but I know you hate all that traditional valentines stuff and last summer when we took the kids to the park and you made Max and El daisy chains, you said they were your favourite.”

“You remember that?” You blush looking up at him as he nods. “I remember everything about you, honey.”

Your stomach is doing somersaults now, palms sweaty and shaking with the way he’s looking at you and it takes everything in you not to kiss him silly.

“Did Robin know about this?” You quiz, wondering if you were going to have to murder your friend tomorrow for letting you go through a shift thinking Steve was going on a date with someone else.

“Are you serious? You know she can’t keep secrets. I couldn’t take the risk that she wouldn’t telll you. Plus, I was afraid she’d never let me live it down if you rejected me.” Steve jokes, flashing his pearly whites at you. How could you ever reject him?

“I don’t understand, if Robin didn’t tell you, how did you know I had feelings for you?”

“Not to sound totally arrogant but I’m not completely stupid. I see how flustered you get around me sometimes and how jealous you get when a customer tries to flirt with me, like today. But mostly I’ve seen the way you look at me and then I knew for sure—cause it’s the same way I look at you.” He whispers, his warm hand cupping your cheek.

“And how exactly do you look at me?” You challenge, swallowing hard as his lips inch closer to yours.

“Like I’m totally crazy about you.”