#definitely belong together and are together

[gilbertscurls]

Stuck With You ➵ Matt Sturniolo

Matt sat cross-legged on the couch, flipping through channels as he waited for you to come back from the kitchen. You had insisted on making popcorn for your movie night, though he knew you’d likely burn it or set the microwave to the wrong time, like always.

“Hey, Matt, do we put the popcorn on one minute or two?” your voice called from the other room.

He smirked to himself. Called it.

“Two minutes, but stop it early if it starts slowing down,” he yelled back, leaning into the couch with a grin.

“Right. Got it,” you replied, your tone filled with your usual confidence despite the fact you always asked the same question every time. He shook his head, already anticipating your probable victory over yet another microwaved snack.

Moments later, you appeared in the doorway, triumphantly holding a large bowl of popcorn. “Success! No burnt kernels this time,” you announced, plopping down next to him, your head resting against his shoulder.

“I’m impressed,” he teased, draping an arm around you. “You’re really stepping up in the world.”

You laughed, shoving a handful of popcorn into his face. “Shut up. I’m practically a chef.”

“Uh-huh, sure,” he chuckled, stealing a piece of popcorn from the bowl. “Master of all things microwaveable.”

You settled into their usual spots, your feet tucked under his legs while you scrolled through the endless sea of romantic comedies on the streaming service. He already knew which one you’d pick; you had a habit of rewatching the same movies over and over, and tonight would be no different.

“Ooh, let’s watch The Proposal again,” you said, your eyes lighting up as you hovered over the familiar title.

Matt groaned playfully. “Again? Haven’t you seen that movie like… fifty times?”

“Only like ten,” you corrected with a smile. “But come on, you know you secretly love it.”

He sighed dramatically but clicked on the movie anyway. “Fine, but I reserve the right to make fun of every cheesy line.”

“Deal,” you grinned, cuddling closer as the movie began.

The opening credits rolled, and soon enough, you were lost in the predictable but comforting story of romance, witty banter, and happy endings. Every so often, you would mutter along with your favorite lines, your voice a soft echo of the characters on screen.

Matt wasn’t really paying attention to the movie, though. Instead, his mind kept wandering to how normal this all felt—how natural it was to have you here, your head against his shoulder, your legs tangled with his, as if you’d always belonged there.

“You know,” you said during a lull in the movie, your voice casual but thoughtful. “I’ve been thinking…”

“Uh-oh,” he teased, nudging you lightly. “That’s dangerous.”

“Shut up,” you laughed, poking him in the side. “I’m serious. I’ve been thinking about us.”

His heart skipped a beat, though he kept his expression relaxed. “Yeah? What about us?”

You sat up slightly, turning to face him. “About how we’re always together. Like… we spend more time together than most couples I know. And we’re not even sick of each other.”

Matt raised an eyebrow, trying to keep the mood light despite the way his chest tightened at your words. “Speak for yourself. I’m definitely sick of you.”

“Liar,” you grinned, lightly smacking his arm. “But seriously, it’s kinda funny, isn’t it? How we’ve just… become this. Like we’re stuck together.”

Matt’s eyes softened as he looked at you, the playful banter fading for a moment. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “We kind of are.”

You smiled, leaning your head back against his chest. “Well, I guess there are worse people to be stuck with.”

He chuckled at your words, his chest tightening at the thought of being stuck with you. Stuck with your sass, your clinginess, your endless chatter.

Stuck with your love for cheesy romantic comedies, your inability to cook anything that didn't come from a packet, your habit of stealing all his hoodies.

He was stuck with you, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

tag list: @stuwniolo, @sturnobsessedwh0re, @matts-myloverboy, @imjusthereforthesturniolosmut, @lizzymacdonald06, @asherrisrandom, @sturniolowhore69, @faith5drpepper, @emely9274, @psychologyloverfr, @lovetaylorrussellgrr, @conspiracy-ash, @helpimateenagerinlove

[trippinsorrows]

ltye: my little girl

authors note: roman being soft with his youngest (as of this oneshot). we love to see it. this is dreamland based.

*gif belongs to @romanreigns*

words: 3k

warnings: fluff galore, some angst

It happens every so often. Not a ton, but definitely on more than one occasion.

Where the house is empty sans the pets and one or two children.

Typically, it occurs over a weekend where there’s some type of overlap between the older kids' extracurriculars. This time, it’s Lina having a volleyball conference out of town, Leya tagging along to go support her sister, Tama attending a football camp, and Koa and Kai at some type of weekend tech training for kids. Roman doesn’t really understand what that last bit entails, but they, along with the rest of the family all have their security details with them, Jacob with the girls, and Zilla and Lance with the boys. They’re safe, and that’s all that matters to him.

However, with everyone else gone. That just leaves him and his youngest. 

Little Ms. Aroha Reigns.

The same little girl who’s currently using her equally little hands to try to shake him awake. “Daddy.” The dichotomy of her trying to keep her voice down while also wanting to wake him up makes him smile a little. “Daddy, you gotta get up.”

He knows he does, but a part of him wishes she would have slept a little longer. Her tiny body curled against him, as she’s always scared to sleep in her room by herself when her siblings are away. It’s too quiet in that wing of the house for her, hence her sleeping with him and bringing Coco with her. 

But, Roro is up now. There’s no going back.

Roman groans quietly and rolls onto his back, opening his eyes to see her staring down at him, just as alert and awake as all the outdoors. 

She's clearly pleased at her wake-him-up victory. “Daddy, you’re up!”

He chuckles. “I’m up, but why are you up?”

She pouts, and his smile reappears. “Cause we gotta make breakfast.”

“We do?”

She nods happily, informing him like he doesn’t live there. “Mommy always makes breakfast.”

She’s not wrong about that. Roman can only recall a few times where his wife hasn’t gotten up early just to ensure their family starts off their day the right way with full stomachs. He’s tried to tell her countless times that she doesn’t have to, but he sees it’s something that brings her joy. The cooking, but specifically, the cooking for them.

So, he leaves her be, and obviously, the importance of this now tradition is something that’s been burned into his youngest child’s head. 

Roman clears his throat and rubs his eyes, asking, “whatchu’ want us to fix, baby girl?” 

With raised fists of excitement, she shouts, “sparkle pancakes!”

Roman laughs a little. “Daddy knows how to make regular pancakes.” One of the few meals he’s learned how to prepare over the years. The Tribal Chief knows his place when it comes to the culinary arts. That’s all Solana. Definitely not him.

Again, there’s that pout. “Regular pancakes are boring.” Her eyes light up. “I’ll show you how to make sparkle pancakes! Mommy taught me.”

Another not surprising thing. Similar to Leya, Aroha has shown an interest in cooking and baking, often wanting to help her big sister and mom when it comes time to prepare food. 

Aroha has clearly set her mind to this being the plan, thus her trying to shove on him to get him moving. “Come on, daddy!”

Roman gives one more heavy sigh before sitting up, scooping Aroha up with him as he climbs out the bed, seeing Coco still sleeping away.

“Hygiene first, kiddo.” Roman carries her into his master bathroom, setting her on the counter as she grabs her toothbrush from her little section of stuff he already set up for her. Together, they get teeth brushed, faces washed, and Roman does a lazy bun with his hair but focuses on getting her ponytail just right as she talks away about all of the “fun” things she wants to do with him this weekend.

He doesn’t mind. Roman can’t recall the last time it was just the two of them, so he’ll do whatever she wants—within reason—to make this weekend special for her.

After letting the dogs outside and putting out their breakfast, Roman and his youngest get started on their own. He lets Aroha lead, allowing her to walk him step-by-step through her unsurprisingly detailed tutorial. Even the parts that are no-brainers, because she clearly enjoys feeling like she’s the one teaching him. 

She does get a little heavy handed with the sprinkles, probably more than Solana would approve of, but Roman also knows his daughter. Knows that while she may be on a bit of a sugar rush for a part of the day, when she crashes, she crashes hard. 

She’ll be knocked out for the night when all is said and done, so he’ll just give her the now.

And they sit in the living room, using trays to share their breakfast together, Roman having to ‘force’ her to drink orange juice instead of the chocolate milk she could finish all on her own if left alone.

Kid has a sweet tooth like him.

Grabbing the remote, he asks right as she sticks her fork into her stack of two pancakes, “whatcha’ wanna watch?”

Her eyes squint as she deliberates over this very important question, finally settling on, “Inside Out!”

Roman smiles a little. That was one of his guesses. “Which one?” Of the four films, he knows she doesn’t really have a favorite, but it’s still worth asking.

She lifts her index finger, answering with excitement, “the first!”

Roman nods. “The first it is.” 

Navigating to Disney Plus, selecting Roro’s profile, he hits play on the film that’s already in her watchlist. Settling back on the sofa beside her, the two eat together, Aroha taking time in between bites of food to explain certain things. If she doesn’t end up doing something with animals, he can see her being a teacher. At seven, she’s pretty damn good with explaining stuff. 

Aroha’s adorable giggling is music to his ears as she points at the TV. “That’s you, daddy.” 

Roman looks up at the TV from the phone that he was using to send a quick check-in text to the rest of his family when he’s met with one of the scenes of Anger, well, being angry.

He scowls, disagreeing. “That is not me.”

“Yes, it is,” she laughs, climbing off the sofa and moving in front of him to provide a demonstration. “You get all angry like this,” Roman laughs as Aroha attempts to provide an example of how Roman turns up his face when irritated, disgusted, or….angry. “Kids! Get down here now!” The laughter continues as she clearly tries to mimic him. “Roro! Time for bed! Koa, Kai, time to get off the games! Tama, Lina, Leya, come help bring in these groceries!”

Roman shakes his head as she climbs back on the sofa, on her knees, looking up at him. “That really me?”

Aroha shakes her hand. “Mommy says you can be a grump, but I don’t know what that means.” She finishes with a confused look, shrugging indifferently as she refocuses back on the film. 

Thinking, probably overthinking, about what she said, Roman finds himself hitting the pause button a few minutes later.

She turns to him with a frown. “Daddy?”

“Aroha…..” Roman angles his body toward her. “I know….I get angry sometimes, but you know it’s never at you, right?” Because that’s something Roman has always done his best to be mindful about, not losing his temper with and on his kids. They might frustrate him from time to time, because they’re kids, but he would never want them to be scared of him.

That would kill him.

“I would…..I would never yell at you or your siblings or your mom like that.” It’s a bit difficult for him to explain given her young age, but he has to try. Has to make sure she understands that she’s always safe with him. 

“Daddy, you’re never mean to us.” She says it so sweetly, like she almost can’t believe he would even ask such a thing. “You’re the best daddy ever.”

Feelings. So many feelings. Things he used to shield and shove away like they were something to be embarrassed of. But, falling in love, becoming a parent, it’s all made him realize that there’s nothing wrong with them. They’re normal and okay to have.

And he has a bunch of them festering with such kind, genuine words from his daughter. Roman pulls her into his side, kissing the top of her head. “thanks, kiddo.” It’s all he wants in life. To do right by her. By all of his kids.

By his family.

“You’re welcome, daddy.” She peers up at him, in all of her randomness, asking, “can I do you hair?”

Roman smiles and laughs, not sure where it’s coming from but obliging her, nonetheless. “Sure.”

She cheers and climbs off the sofa, running off, probably to get the ‘supplies.’ He takes the opportunity to check his phone, seeing missed texts from his wife. 

Solana: We’re good, my love. 

Solana: I’d ask how you guys are doing, but it’s not needed.

Solana: She’s with her favorite person. And vice versa. ❤️

Roman chuckles as he types out a reply. 

Roman: I’ll probably take her out in a lil bit.

Roman: Dogs need more food.

Solana: You wanna take her to the pet store with you?

Solana: Well, send me pictures of the latest pets. 😉

Roman shakes his head. 

Roman: I’m not getting her anymore pets, babe.

Solana: Lol. Okay. 🙂

Roman readies to reply and defend himself when Roro comes back in the living room with one of her sparkly backpacks as she directs him to sit on the floor. He climbs down, as Aroha hops on the sofa behind him and gets to work.

He hits play on the movie as she takes his hair down and does a lot of probably unnecessary brushing and combing, all the while explaining her actions. As always, he just lets her do her thing, playing into and supporting her along the way.

They stay like this for the duration of the movie, after which Roman asks the unnecessary question as to if Roro wants to go with him to pick up more food for Coco and Max. It’s a no-brainer, because the way that little girl rushes to get dressed and is ready to go in less than fifteen minutes should be studied.

So, after cleaning the kitchen and Roman throwing something on, he’s out the door with his mini-me who talks almost the entire car drive, not that he minds. He remembers times like this with Leya and Lina.

It goes by so fast. He just wants to enjoy the here and now.

Wants to revel in her being cute and little for as long as he can. 

But, it’s that cuteness that’s about to get him in trouble and eat his words as soon as they’re about to checkout at the pet store when Aroha passes the animals.

The bunnies. 

She gasps, letting go of his hand, rushing over to the small selection. It doesn’t bother him that much, mostly and largely because he had the entire store cleared and has security stationed around the place. Inside and out.

He never takes any chances when it comes to his kids. Especially little Roro.

 “Look, daddy!” Roman walks over, leaving the cart unattended to see the two small bunnies that have caught his daughter’s attention. “They’re so little….”

“They are.” He knows where this is going. Knows exactly where this is going, a part of him wishing he had listened to Solana. Taking her here with him maybe wasn’t the best idea. 

With sadness in her cute little voice, she realizes, “they’re here, because….because they don’t have a home.” 

“Not yet,” he answers, taking her other hand, giving a gentle squeeze. “But, they’ll get one.”

With hopeful eyes, she looks up, asking that question he was dreading. “Can they come home with us?”

Roman shuts his eyes.

Damn.

“Baby…..” He sighs, trying to explain in as calm and gentle voice as possible. “We already have the dogs and Nala.” Nala being the kitten his animal loving child found and rescued, hiding in her room for almost a week before being discovered.

The memory makes him chuckle a bit. That was….something else. 

Aroha’s frown deepens as places her hand up on the glass, looking at them before gazing back at him with those big, sad eyes. Solana’s. She has her mothers eyes. “But, everyone needs a family.”

And it’s that single sentence that seals the deal.

An hour later, Lola and Thumper are the latest additions to the Reigns household, Roman spending more than what was necessary to get all of the supplies Aroha wanted for her latest “little babies.” 

The smile on her face is more than worth it for Roman, however, as he sets everything up in her room for the bunnies. 

And it’s even on her face as she finds him a little later in the day, plopping her body on top of him as she takes a nap, needing a respite before tackling the rest of the day. 

But, it’s as she sleeps peacefully on top of his chest, her little lips partially open, breath escaping and chest moving up and down as she holds onto him that Roman reflects.

47 seconds. 

That’s exactly how long Aroha went without breathing when she was born. 

Roman has really only ever experienced fear a couple times in his life, most of which have revolved around his family. His wife. His children.

But, the day that Aroha was born, the minute Solana welcomed her into the world and instead of being met with the sound of their daughter's wails, thus officially making her grand entrance into the world......they were met with silence.

Aroha didn’t cry. She didn’t cry, because she wasn’t breathing.

And it’s those 47 seconds that stretched and felt like fucking hours as the labor team went to work on their not even a full five minutes old daughter.

Roman will never forget the sheer terror that set in the minute Solana realized what was happening. “She’s not breathing.” With her medical background, it was both an easy and horrifying thing to realize. “Why—why isn’t she breathing? Something’s wrong.”

The reason, that they would find out later, being something called Birth Asphyxia. The cause having something to do with Solana not having enough oxygen in her blood during childbirth. To this day, he doesn’t truly understand fully. But, at that time, he wasn’t concerned with why his daughter wasn’t breathing.

He just wanted her to be okay.

Aroha was rushed to the NICU where she received the best care money could buy, including some type of whole body “cooling” treatment that was apparently significant in her care. But, at seven days old, they conducted an MRI that revealed slight brain damage. As a result, Aroha received early intervention PT and OT, which was something Roman didn’t even know existed until then for such a young child. 

However, it was effective, because while Roman and Solana were advised Aroha may need to continue therapy up until her first few years of her life, their fighter of a daughter ended up beating the odds, cleared and meeting all milestones on time by five months of age.

It was the biggest relief and blessing they could have ever asked for, but Roman can and will never forget the devastation he felt trying to comfort Solana as they had to return home without their baby girl. It was rough, trying to spend as much time in the NICU with her while still being available and present for their other children.

The day they finally got to bring her home remains one of the happiest days of his life.

And now, at age seven, she’s a happy, healthy child who continues to not only meet all milestones but presents with intelligence that bypasses what’s expected for her age.

But, most importantly, she’s alive.

And that’s why Roman knows and is well aware of the fact that he might let Aroha get away with some things she shouldn’t, agrees to things that he doesn’t have to, says yes when he maybe should no.

The thing, however, is that none of that could be an option. It could not be an option because she couldn’t be here right now.

She could have died, but she didn’t. His little girl is a fighter, and he’ll always love her just a little bit harder just because of it. 

Grabbing his phone, careful not to disturb her, Roman sends Solana the picture Roro used his phone to take of her "babies."

He then adds the caption.

Roman: She named them Thumper and Lola.

Solana texts back not even five minutes later.

Solana: 😂😂😂😂

Solana: Told you.

Solana: They are cute......

Roman: I guess.

He can practically see his wife rolling her pretty eyes through the phone.

Solana: But, you know we're gonna have to get the boys those lizards now, right?

He does, and while he's not exactly thrilled about it, he knows it's the right thing to do. Knows that it's unfair to grant Aroha's wish, but not Koa and Kai.

Roman knows all too well what it's like to feel like the less favored of his siblings, and he'll be damned if any of his kids will feel that way.

Ever.

Roman: I know. I'll take them next weekend.

Solana: Good.

Solana: Girls said to tell they love you. I love you too. ❤️ Give my baby a kiss for me.

Roman: Love ya'll too. I will. ❤️

Roman sets his phone back down on his nightstand and chuckles as Aroha adjust herself on top of him, smacking her little lips a little as she sighs in her sleep.

Roman kisses the top of her head, one arm around her, holding her closer for as long as he can.

[himasgod]

King Deshret x Reader II

Where Cyno, through the eyes of Hermanubis, begins to have all the memories about the Queen, you, and King Deshret

KING DESHRET X READER I!

SCENARIO: Currently, Cyno has visions about Hermanubis, a person very close to the Queen, you, and King Deshret, living through her entire story in pain first hand, stories that torment Cyno every night.

(I'm definitely loving this a lot. I loved the first part, and I love this one even more. Should I another part about the relationship between Reader and Hermanubis? I love them so much. Thanks as always to sailorstar9 for her amazing idea for this request and I love you all, enjoy!)

(And just to remind you, there will be a third part posted on my profile on Friday the 15th!)

VII.

The nights after receiving the second fragment of Hermanubis were a silent torture for Cyno. He would close his eyes, hoping for rest, but instead he would be drawn into a whirlwind of visions so clear that he seemed to live in another time, in another skin. Through the memories of Deshret's faithful priest, he witnessed a past he had never imagined.

He found himself walking through the halls of the palace under a sky tinted red at dusk. Through the eyes of Hermanubis, Cyno watched as the Queen, you, stood by the throne, your gaze fixed on the horizon of the desert that stretched beyond the palace walls. There was a mix of determination and melancholy in your eyes, a longing for something you could no longer reach.

Hermanubis watched you from the shadows, sensing a loyalty that went beyond duty. You were the light that had guided Deshret through his darkest moments, the anchor that kept him steady when his ambitions threatened to consume him. But now, your dear Hermanubis could see that light slowly fading.

Cyno felt Hermanubis’s anguish, his thoughts mingling with his own. How could a king who promised to protect you, a man who shared his dreams with you, have become so lost in another’s promises?

VIII.

One night, in one particularly vivid memory, Cyno felt the gentle desert breeze caress his face as you and Deshret walked together beneath the starry sky. Deshret, wrapped in his regal attire, spoke passionately of his visions of a kingdom that would challenge the celestial gods. But this time, your responses were slower, less enthusiastic than before.

“Deshret,” you whispered to him with a softness that contained all the love you had shared, “do you still remember the day you promised me that nothing would come between us?”

The king stopped and turned to you, his eyes shining with an almost feverish intensity.

“I remember, my queen. But now…” his words trailed off, his gaze distracted by a thought that no longer included you. The silence that followed was deafening.

At that moment, Cyno felt a lump form in his throat, a sharp pain that he could not attribute to his own feelings, but to the echo of the anguish Hermanubis had experienced upon seeing you. The priest had seen how, in that instant, your heart broke silently, but you said nothing. You simply nodded, letting your tears get lost in the darkness.

IX.

The memories became more and more painful. The palace, which had once been a haven of love and warmth, was now a place filled with shadows. Since Nabu Malikata’s arrival, the air had changed; there was a fragrance in the air that did not belong to the desert, but to the lush gardens she brought with her.

Cyno, still seeing it all through Hermanubis’ eyes, noticed how you struggled to maintain your composure as Deshret spent more time with her. The Goddess of Flowers had a grace that seemed to enchant everyone around her, and despite your best efforts, you couldn’t help but feel the connection you once shared with your husband fading away.

One night, in a vivid memory that made Cyno shudder, Hermanubis approached you in the palace’s private garden. The flowers you used to tend to had been neglected, a reflection of your own inner state. You stood alone in the palace gardens, your face hidden under a veil to hide your tears. You, the strong and resolute queen, were kneeling on the ground, your hands shaking as you tried to hold back your tears.

Hermanubis, ever respectful, approached without making a sound. But you, sensing his presence, spoke to him without turning around.

“I am fading, Hermanubis,” you whispered, your voice barely audible above the murmur of the wind. “My love means nothing to him anymore. His eyes only seek her… and I…” you paused, as if afraid to utter the words that would bring your pain to reality, “I don’t know if I can be here anymore.”

Hermanubis closed his eyes and took your hands, kissing your knuckles softly as he whispered a prayer to try and calm you down.

“You know, Hermanubis?” you whispered, your voice broken and barely audible, “If there was a next life… I wouldn’t want to see him again.”

Those words fell like a sentence, a whisper that pierced Hermanubis’s soul… and, through it, Cyno’s heart. The pain Cyno felt in that instant was heartbreaking. It was as if the weight of centuries of desolation and resentment was seeping into his mind.

What kind of pain drives a person to wish never to meet the being they once loved more than themselves?

X.

Cyno continued to witness the events that followed. You went to the Great Dendro Archon, Rukkhadevata, to beg her to help you disappear from history, faking your death so you could start anew in adistant land.

The Archon and your friend, moved by your grief, acceded to your wish. In a secret ritual, your death was faked. And so, with tears in his eyes, Hermanubis watched as you faded into the night, leaving behind the realm you once called home.

XI.

When Cyno awoke, his hands were shaking. He had spent entire nights reliving the Queen's desolation, feeling the love you once had for Deshret turn into a hatred so deep that you did not even wish to see him in another life. Those words were a dagger still stuck in his mind.

Back in the actual Sumeru, Cyno could not stop the memories from mixing with his own emotions. He found himself in front of the statue of Deshret, looking at it with new eyes.

"Were you really a wise king?" Cyno murmured, his voice full of disdain. "You abandoned what held you most dear for an illusion of grandeur… and in the end, you weren’t even able to keep the simplest promise: to be there for those who needed you."

“I’ve seen the price of your ambitions,” Cyno snapped. “I saw how she loved you, and how you condemned her to oblivion. Her last words, King Deshret, were that if there was a next life, she would never want to see you again. Can you live with that?”

The silence that followed was as vast as the desert itself. Even the great Deshret couldn’t escape the weight of the words of the woman he had loved and betrayed.

Here is my masterlist, in case you are interested in any more of my work or want to send me a request <3

[hippiegoth97]

Into the Fire: An Eddie Munson x Reader Story Pt. 33

Collage by me :)

Master List

Part 32

Tag List: @keikoraven @ar-jupiter @alcielo1438 @cairro-xx @stolen-in-moonlight

@micheledawn1975 @janiejenn @rafeyscurtainbangs @melodymunson @spacedoutdaydreamer

@veemoon @sariahs-stuff @feral-pumpkin-energy @comeonatmebruh @munsoneightysixx

@morgthemagpie @josephquinnsfreckles @jenniquinn @userchai @cometzombie

@spookybabey @daggerdaggerkitten @nina6708 @sanctumdemunson @yourdailymemedelivery

@person-005 @slowandsteddie @gri959 @elegantkoalapaper @letitgoandletlive

@loserboysandlithium @costellation-hunter @leelei1980 @h-ness1944 @pretendthisnameisclever

@ohmeg @stalactitekilla @hellfirenacht @birdysaturne @oneforthemunny

@prettyboyeddiemunson @eddievanmunson @msgexymunson @rattkween86 @violetpixiedust

@bimbobaggins69 @angel-munson @eldermayfield @munsonsbtch @bimbogorewhore

@mediocredreams @bloodibambiidoll @taintedcigs @ali-r3n @emxxblog

Content Warning 18+ Only, Minors DNI: swearing, smut, unprotected sex, angry/aggressive sex, use of restraints/gags, masturbation, squirting, praise/degradation, mentions of violence/abuse, mentions of vomit, crying, anxiety, angst, mentions of sexual coercion/ignoring consent/sexual assault, angst, mentions of abuse, heavy kissing, grinding, squirting, dirty talk, fluff

Word Count: 16.1k

divider by @strangergraphics

Part 33.1: Sex As a Weapon

Friday, September 1st, 1989

"Fuck, right there, Eds. I'm gonna cum..." You moan as Eddie rams his cock into your pussy in the shower of your new apartment. You've got your legs wrapped around his waist and your back against the wall, clinging to him for dear life as you wait for your orgasm to take hold.

You'd spent your first night here together last night, making a pile of sleeping bags and blankets in the living room since you haven't been able to buy a mattress yet. You've brought over all the gifts you received at the party you threw, and boxes of your other belongings are piled high in the bedroom and other living spaces. Arwen has made her new home here as well, her litter box set up in the bathroom and food and water bowls in the kitchen. She's adjusting well already, having made your nest of random bedding into her napping spot.

You still have a lot to do in order to consider this move a success, there's more things to buy and unpack, not to mention you need groceries and cleaning supplies of your own. There's only so much you can get away with taking from your mother's house. But you'll get there, one step at a time. Right now, though, you're focused on getting off with your boyfriend for the first time in days.

"C'mon, sweetheart. Let it all go for me. I've missed that pretty face you make." Eddie says lowly, watching your expression twist in pleasure as you're about to lose control. He holds onto your thighs with all his might, thrusting you hard into the tiles. He's right on the edge with you, his stomach tightening. He's been craving this for days, unable to think about anything other than your perfect pussy.

"FUCK!" You cry out, keeping your eyes locked on his as you cum. Your insides clamp and pulse around his dick, bringing him down with you when you soak him in a flood of arousal.

"God...dammit." He murmurs, the words barely able to escape him. His hips buck into you recklessly, his load coating your walls in thick spurts of white. Your thighs tremble as you ride this out, and many uncontrollable moans and gasps leave your lips. "Jesus." Eddie pants, his head falling forward to rest on your shoulder. He continues to hold you up until you've both calmed down, and he presses a light kiss to your wet skin. "I've definitely missed that." He says, still catching his breath.

"So have I, love. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I swear, I was gonna burst if we waited much longer." You reply, patting his shoulders for him to pull out and put you down. He takes the hint, lifting his head up to watch carefully so he doesn't drop you. He slowly pulls his cock out of your spent cunt, the both of you groaning quietly at the loss. If you didn't have a shift at the theater in an hour, you'd probably go for another round. He sets you on your own two feet, and you give him a gentle kiss before pulling away entirely. You still have all your washing up to do, and you're definitely going to need a decent breakfast after your activities.

"Oh, I know, princess. You could hardly keep yourself from staring at me at work all week. I'm surprised I didn't catch cold from you undressing me with your eyes!" Eddie laughs, reaching for the shampoo he'd brought from the trailer last night.

"Oh, please. Like you weren't making 'fuck me' eyes right back at me the entire time!" You retort, jabbing him in the ribs with your elbow as he rubs in his lather.

"Ow! Be nice!" He yelps in faux-agony.

"Or what?" You ask in a dangerous tone. Eddie looks at you a moment, before grinning ear to ear. Little fucker.

"Or else, I'll get on my knees, and eat that pretty little pussy of yours until you're begging me to stop." He answers, every last word absolutely dripping with lust. And given how hard and fast your desperate morning fucking was, you know full well that he means it.

"Don't threaten me with a good time, Eddie." You giggle, shaking your head at his filthy mouth. You pick up your own shampoo bottle, squirting some of the fruit-scented liquid into your palm.

"You're lucky Biggs would have our heads for being late, babydoll." Eddie smirks, letting your brattiness slide. For now.

You finish washing up, refraining from touching or kissing each other, challenging as that is. You're very grateful that this new shower of yours is more spacious than the others you've been intimate with Eddie in. It'll keep you from brushing up against each other, and inevitably losing focus on the task at hand. Once you're all clean, you get dressed and say goodbye to Arwen for the day before heading downstairs to the parking lot. You hop in the van, and get some drive-thru, scarfing it down ravenously on the way to the theater.

The second you arrive, you notice Murray standing in the lobby, waiting for you. "Hey, you two. You got a minute?" He asks, straightening out his tie as he speaks.

"Uh, yeah. We can talk in the office." You answer, pointing out the door to the breakroom to your right. You walk past Jamie and Mr. Biggs on the way, though they don't look surprised to see your lawyer coming into the back areas. "We'll be on the clock in a sec, Biggs. I hope that's alright." You address the old man, and he nods.

"That's fine, anything you need." He says, before instructing Jamie to head out to man the ticket booth. You, Murray, and Eddie go into the office, closing the door behind you.

"Okay, what's this about, Murray? Bad news?" You ask, already becoming anxious about what he might have to say. Did the case get thrown out? Did the Hagan's skip town, biding their time to escape after they unsurprisingly made bail shortly after their arrest?

"No, no. Nothing like that. I just want to remind you of the court date, and to make sure you're ready for this. I know we've practiced over and over, and you've both done great. But once this thing starts, it becomes real. And that can shake even the most level-headed people. I know you're both anxious about it, and I need you to understand how important it is that you stick to what we've worked on, and control your emotions." Murray explains, giving Eddie a pointed look at his final words.

"We know, Murray. You've made that more than perfectly clear." Eddie snips, putting his arm around your waist defensively.

"Look, I know I sound like a broken record here. But it is imperative that nothing goes wrong on our end. Otherwise, the case goes out the damn window, and the Hagans are free to keep tormenting you. And given how...zealous they've already proven themselves to be, imagine how much worse it's gonna get, now that you've pissed them off." Murray doesn't even pay Eddie's attitude any mind, he's far too grave to squabble about poor manners.

"We know what's expected of us, and we don't intend to screw it up. I'm more than aware of what Tommy is capable of, and I'm not letting that bastard walk after all he's done to me. I am not gonna be his victim anymore." You reply, your voice full of strength and resolve. You are going to do everything in your power to put Tommy and his awful father away. You refuse to back down, and you refuse to let your fear get the best of you.

"Okay, good. Keep that fire, Y/N. You're both going to need it. I'd better let you go, I'll see you again in a couple weeks. If you need anything, you've got my number at the hotel." He says, giving you a weak smile. He can see it in your eyes, you haven't been sleeping well. Probably nightmares, he guesses. It's very common so close to an upcoming trial, especially for someone like you. He only hopes Eddie is looking out for you, and that your anxious nature won't cause you to blow it.

"Sure thing. Thanks, Murray." You reply, and the man goes out the door, leaving you two in the office alone for a minute. "Well, that didn't make me nervous at all." You say sarcastically, letting out a shaky sigh. You cross your arms and bite your lip, your mind beginning to run amok inside your head.

"It's gonna be fine, babydoll. Murray wasn't trying to scare you, he just wants us to be ready. And we are. 'Kay?" Eddie says comfortingly, putting his hands on your shoulders. He rubs your arms, trying to bring you back to the outside world.

"I know that, Eds." You nod, though you still avoid his gaze. You don't want to think about all of this now, not when you're meant to be starting your shift.

"Sweetheart, look at me." He says, drawing your eyes to his. "It's gonna be fine. I promise. I'll be with you every step of the way, and so will all of our friends. I know you're scared, and so am I. But if we do our job, he won't be able to hurt you anymore." He speaks firmly, and calmly, doing his best to put you at ease. You play the iron-willed woman pretty well, but he knows you better than that. The dark circles under your eyes, the bad dreams you'd been having last night, the panic attack you had once he'd shaken you awake to bring you out of it. He's so worried about you, and he's sure things will only get worse as the trial draws closer every day. All he can do is dry your tears, and love you with all his might, in an effort to cancel out the horror playing out inside your head.

"I know, Eds. I'm trying to keep it together." You sigh, guessing Eddie's expressing concern over last night. You didn't want to think about that either, or even talk about it. He could barely get a word out of you when you started hyperventilating, and cowered in the corner of your apartment. You threw up in the kitchen sink once you could stand up, leaving you sweating and cold while Eddie tried to talk you down. You haven't had an attack this bad in months, and you dread having another one any time soon. Or worse yet, in the middle of the courtroom. You'll no doubt be labeled unreliable and unstable if that happens.

"I know you've got a lot on your plate, angel." Eddie pulls you into a hug, holding you close with his strong arms. You bury your head in his chest, taking some deep breaths to calm down. You've got a long shift waiting for you after you're done here, and you don't want to be fixating on all this bullshit the whole time. "I love you so much, Y/N. I swear, I'm always gonna be by your side through anything and everything." He coos, though he sounds sad and concerned in every word. You certainly don't blame him, you wouldn't be sure how to handle him if the roles were reversed. But he's trying his hardest, and that's all you can ask him to do.

"I love you too, Eddie. And I hope you know I'll never take your support for granted." You reply, muffled against his torso. Things have always been so hard for the two of you, and you've still managed to stick by each other through all of it. You know you can make it through this, too. All it takes is a bit of patience. You're going to kick this trial's ass, despite the very thought of going on the stand making you unbearably nervous. You let out a small sigh, squirming your head to look up at him now. "We'd better get to work, babe. It's gonna be a long day."

"Yeah, I figured as much. But I'll make it worth your while when we get home, princess." He smiles, giving you a gentle kiss before you go your separate ways for work.

Friday, September 15th, 1989

A couple of weeks later, you're walking towards the courthouse, holding Eddie's hand tightly as you ascend the steps. It's been a hell and a half to get to this point. Many sleepless nights, followed by even more anxious episodes. It's a miracle you've managed to keep your breakfast down today, and you still haven't stopped trembling from the attack you had before getting into the car when Mom picked you both up.

Your shoes click beneath your feet on the floor of the building once you make it inside, forming a chorus with those of Eddie, Murray, and your mother. Your little 'team' is dressed as professionally as you possibly can be, all pencil skirts, slacks, and blazers. You make your way to the courtroom, with Murray leading you through the bustling bodies grasping briefcases and stacks of files that zip about the lobby to various offices and Judge's chambers.

"You doin' okay, love?" Eddie asks quietly, speaking in your ear as you continue to walk. You're gripping his hand much harder than usual, like he's the only thing keeping you from slipping through a crack in the floor.

"Yeah. I'm fine." You answer shortly, lying through your teeth. You know damn well you shouldn't be doing that, but you can't get through this if you don't shut certain parts of yourself down. At the very least, while you're inside this behemoth of a building full of people you don't know.

"You're gonna do great, princess." Eddie says, letting you do whatever you need to get through this. He doesn't care for you hiding away again, but what's the alternative? If you don't keep yourself in one piece, this whole thing falls apart. You're just protecting yourself, he can understand that well enough. He squeezes your hand comfortingly, drawing your gaze to him. You exchange a small smile, both of you doing your very best to keep your shit together.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is." You freeze in place when a certain familiar voice pierces your eardrums. You don't want to look in the direction it came from, it'll only lead to trouble. But showing fear now will probably bite you in the ass later. You swivel around on your feet, facing the voice that came from behind you.

"Tommy." You address him dryly, finding him accompanied by his father and another man in a very expensive suit. He must be their lawyer. You probably shouldn't be talking to him at all, you know that. But he's started it, and it doesn't hurt to show him that you're much stronger than he anticipated.

"What do you want, Hagan?" Eddie asks, pulling you closer to him as he speaks. His arm goes around your waist, keeping your body safely pressed against his.

"Not much. I just want to wish you luck in there. You're definitely gonna need it. I'm sure this won't take long, and by the end, my old man and I will be walkin' outta here scott-free." Tommy replies in an arrogant tone. He's so confident that the trial will go his way, despite all the awful things he's done.

"Keep dreamin', asshole. No jury will let you off after all the shit you've pulled." Eddie bites back, and you put a hand on his chest to tell him to back off a little. Aggression will not work in your favor.

"We'll see about that, freak." Tommy smirks, flicking his eyes back to you. "And if things go our way, babygirl, I may just find it in my heart to take you back." He says smugly, licking his lips. His words make your stomach turn, your breakfast threatening to make a reappearance.

"Oh, please! I'm literally pressing charges against you, and you still think you have a chance? God, you're even more fucking deluded than I thought!" You laugh in disbelief, utterly shocked that he's somehow still chasing after your affections. But you know all he truly wants is to own you, to control you. And you refuse to let that happen.

"Alright, alright. Break it up, let's get in there. You shouldn't be talking to my clients, Mr. Hagan. And your counsel should damn well know better." Murray cuts in, thankfully calling this ridiculous conversation to an end. He narrows his eyes at the man, who Murray has told you goes by the name of Gary Keegan.

"My client was only trying to extend an olive branch. To perhaps prevent this unnecessary trial from taking place, Mr. Bauman." Gary sneers, patting Tommy on the shoulder to prompt him to follow in the other direction.

"Kinda defeats the purpose of hiring a leech like you, then. Doesn't it, Gary?" Murray yells back as Tommy's little group walks away. "God, I hate that pompous fucker. We'd better get inside, we're gonna be late." He ushers the three of you into the doors of the courtroom, leading you to your seats. You'll be called up to the stand when it's your turn. But for now, you'll sit in the back, while Murray sits at a table near the front of the room by himself.

You notice your friends and coworkers sitting around the room, and they give you little nods and waves when they see you. The only person missing is Dustin, who unfortunately can't be here. He's too busy settling in at Caltech, but he's prepared a written witness statement to be read for the court. So, he's still here for you in that small way. You lean into Eddie while you wait for the trial to start, needing him to be your rock at this moment. You're still trembling like a leaf, and you refuse to let his hand free from yours. Your palms are sweating profusely, but he doesn't seem to mind.

The Hagans and their lawyer come in shortly before the judge does, taking their seats at the table opposite Murray's. Tommy turns around in his chair, giving you a little wave with his fingers while grinning. Ugh, this asshole doesn't know when to quit. You gag at the sight of his freckle-smattered face, and this time, you don't think you can hold it in. You immediately drop Eddie's hand, standing up to quickly and inconspicuously get out of the room before you blow chunks everywhere.

"Y/N?" Eddie softly asks after you, wondering where you're off to. You wave him away, holding your other hand over your mouth. You rush toward the doors, pushing the heavy wood out of your path. You shuffle along the corridor to the nearest trash can, just barely making it before you feel the vomit spewing from your lips. You grip the sides of the can, burying your face to hide yourself away as best you can. You can feel multiple sets of eyes looking your way as you puke, and it's only making things worse. A firm hand comes to rest on your back, and you immediately recognize it from the thick rings on its fingers. Eddie. "It's alright, sweetheart. Just let it all out. You're gonna be okay." He coos, stroking you gently until you're eventually finished.

"I'm really not, Eds. I don't think I can do this." You sob, still hiding your face as you spit the remaining bile out of your mouth.

"Yes, you can." He insists, but you shake your head.

"I can't." You clench your teeth, your throat stinging from the stomach acid, and your tears. You stare down at your regurgitated pancakes, and the empty coffee cups and takeout boxes that sit beneath them. You can't let go of the trashcan, you can't look Eddie in the eye, and you can't go through with this trial today. Or maybe ever. You're not strong enough, even if you thought you were before. You're just a scared little girl again, and that's all anyone is going to see.

"You can, princess. You have to. Not for me, or to teach Tommy a lesson, or anything like that. You need to do this for yourself. To face your fears, and do what's right. I know you have it in you. You're so smart, strong, and brave." Eddie tries his best to set you straight, to help you realize that you have nothing to be so afraid of. You sigh, lifting yourself out of the garbage to face him. He takes hold of your hands, stroking them lovingly with his thumbs. "Look, if you really don't want to do this, we don't have to. But I think we both know that Tommy deserves to pay for what he's done. The choice is still ultimately yours, though." He finishes, giving you a meaningful look.

"You're right, Eds. It is my choice." You pause, seriously thinking it over, before nodding. "I can do this." You swallow hard, wincing at the sour taste on your tongue. Maybe Mom has a mint in her purse.

"That's my girl. C'mon, let's hope the judge isn't in yet." Eddie gives you a warm smile, and a light peck on the lips. You both go back inside, taking your places beside your mother just as the judge comes in. The bailiff orders you all to rise, announcing the 'Honorable Judge Virgil Thompson' who will be presiding over your case. A graying man in a long, black robe enters the room. He climbs up to his seat above the rest of you, getting himself comfortable before the trial begins. You're given permission to sit once again, thankful you no longer have to stand. You're feeling a little weak and dizzy, now that your stomach is empty. Eddie offers to get you some water, which you quietly nod in response to. He takes a little while to find some, but you're too spaced out to notice how long he's been gone until he eventually returns with a plastic cup.

You whisper your thanks, sipping slowly at the ice-cold water. Murray and Mr. Keegan finish their opening arguments, and it isn't long after that you're called to the stand. You knew you were going to be up first, Murray's told you so who knows how many times. "Shit." You mutter under your breath. You finish the rest of your drink, the cool liquid graciously calming your nerves and uneasy insides.

"You're gonna be okay, Y/N. We're all here for you." Eddie encourages you, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. He lets you go, a reassuring smile resting on his face. You walk up the small aisle toward the front of the courtroom, allowing the bailiff to escort you into the little box you're meant to sit in. You take a seat in the wooden chair, smoothing down your skirt and clearing your throat. You're sworn in, promising to answer every question directed at you as truthfully as possible. Murray gets up, and seeing his face calms you down even further. It's just like practice. You know what questions are coming, and how to answer them. I can do this.

Murray's line of questions goes exactly as you expect. He asks you about your history with Tommy, the aspects of your relationship, what came to pass between you these last few months. You answer him concisely, and with the utmost confidence. You're feeling good, if not a little tired. As simple as sitting in a chair and answering questions is in theory, this whole ordeal has made you consistently exhausted. You do your best to avoid Tommy's gaze, though he repeatedly attempts to catch your attention. Pouring water loudly into his glass from the pitcher on the table, dropping his lawyer's pen on the floor, scooting his chair across the floor too hard. He's trying to intimidate you, but he's an idiot if he thinks it's gonna work.

Next comes the thing you've been dreading the most. More than Tommy taking the stand and dragging both you and Eddie through the mud, more than the jury taking way too long to make a final decision, more than a potential mistrial. It's Gary's turn to ask you every nasty little thing he likes, within reason, in an attempt to discredit your claims against your ex. You swallow hard as Murray sits down and Mr. Keegan stands up to take his place. The man is middle-aged, with gray patches on the sides of his dark brown hair, dressed head to toe in the finest suit money can buy. You're not even sure where the Hagans would find a guy like this, outside of a slick procedural television show. He comes up as close to you as he possibly can, bearing an awfully smug grin, his overused aftershave burning your nostrils in his proximity.

As is expected, Gary goes to every deep dark corner one possibly can in a cross-examination. Murray ends up objecting quite a few times, most of which are thankfully sustained. The judge grows rather annoyed with Mr. Keegan throughout his questions, which helps you feel a bit better about putting yourself through all of this. The defense's strategy clearly isn't working, as Mr. Keegan just can't keep himself from becoming argumentative and badgering towards you. All it's doing is gaining you more sympathy with the jury, and it doesn't hurt that a couple anxious tears have fallen from your eyes every so often since you've been put up here.

Despite Gary's numerous efforts to break you down, you're quite composed and careful overall. Though every passing second up here feels like an eternity. You cannot wait to be finished, and to let the rest of the trial run its course. Because once you step down, it's out of your hands. And the thought of allowing the rest of the witnesses to speak for themselves, while you just sit back and watch sounds like such sweet relief for you.

"No further questions, your honor." Keegan says grumpily, finally signaling the end of your time on the stand. He's visibly upset that you did not give him the reactions he was fishing for, nor did his tricky phrasing cause you to slip up a single time. If things keep going this way, you have no chance of losing.

"Thank you, Ms. Henderson. You may step down." The judge says to you, and the bailiff holds the box open for you to step out. You nod up at the man, unsure if you should say anything to him, like a 'thank you'. But nobody tells you any different, so you just go back to your seat, the weight of today lifting away from your shoulders with every step. Tommy glares at you as you walk past, but you don't even meet his eyes. You just smile, knowing he'll see that he couldn't break you, no matter how sleazy his lawyer is.

"Great job, sweetheart." Eddie says once you return to his side.

"You did so well, sugarpuff. I'm proud of you standing up for yourself." Mom adds, reaching over Eddie to take your hand.

"Thanks, that shit was harder than I thought it would be." You sigh in relief, leaning your head onto your love's shoulder.

The remainder of this day in court is spent working through a few more witnesses, all of which support your side in the best possible way. Everyone knows what they have to do to help you. Tell the truth, and what they have seen happen between you and Tommy to corroborate your claims. The court hears from Robin, Steve, Jamie, and Mr. Biggs, as well as Dustin's written statement. You never realized just how long court actually takes, or how unbelievably boring it can be, even though this whole thing pertains to you personally.

After what feels like an eternity, and you've almost dozed off a few times, the judge calls for a weekend recess. The trial will resume on Monday, with Eddie taking the stand first thing. The jury clears out, as well as the judge. Everyone else slowly files out, and Murray meets back up with you once you're in the busy halls once again.

"You did great in there, Y/N. I think we're looking pretty good right now." Murray says with a grin. He's very pleased with how today has transpired, though he's particularly ecstatic about Gary making an absolute ass of himself. That cocky bastard never learns his lesson, one can only get away with being that sleazy when a win for the defense is a sure thing.

"Thanks, Murray. I really appreciate all your help." You reply while leaning into Eddie to stay upright. You need food, and fast.

"Please, I'm just doin' my job." Bauman chuckles. "I'll see you all on Monday. Have a good weekend." He says.

"You too, man." Eddie says with a smile. Murray walks away towards the parking lot to locate his car. He needs a stiff drink after all the work he's put in today.

"Well, who's up for Denny's?" Mom asks, practically reading your mind. You've been passively thinking about food periodically throughout the trial, your mind following the imaginary scent of sizzling burgers and melty cheese. You want fat, and grease, and salt more than you ever have before. Your mouth waters at revisiting the thought.

"Yes, please." You and Eddie say at the same time. Mom laughs at your hunger-ridden expressions, and you all leave the courthouse without another word. You pile into the car, making the quickest route to the restaurant. A waiter quickly seats you once you arrive, and you immediately pick up your menu once you've sat down.

"So, how's the new apartment treating you?" Mom asks, her eyes trained on the different flavors of French toast.

"It's great! I've gotta call Angie and thank her for the new mattress. Sleeping on the floor was starting to kill our backs." You answer happily. You were surprised to come home the other day to see a delivery truck from the Serta store outside your apartment building, with two bulging men attempting to deliver a queen mattress and box spring to your unit. You saw on the receipt that it was ordered and paid for by Angie, and you knew immediately that Mom must have told her about your big news. You hope you'll get to see her and the kids over the holidays or something, it's been a while since you've seen them last.

"Best make sure you do. I've spent too many years teaching you proper manners, sugarpuff." She says, somewhat lecture-like.

"I know, Mom. I wouldn't dare besmirch the mountains of wisdom you've bestowed upon me." You say sarcastically, rolling your eyes a little.

"Cool it with the fifty-cent words, Y/N. There's no need to have an attitude." Mom replies sternly.

"Be nice to your mother, princess. Or I can tell her how much fun we had breaking in that nice new bed of ours." Eddie chimes in, making Mom giggle at his toying words.

"Ugh, stop ganging up on me! I had to sit through hours of absolute torture today." You whine, utterly annoyed at these two finding pleasure in pushing your buttons. You love them both to death, but it's no girl's dream to have her boyfriend and her mother on the same side.

"I'm just kidding, sweetheart. You know that. I also know you get pretty damn grumpy when you're hungry." Eddie chuckles, pulling you into him to press a kiss to your forehead. He's only playing around, though he understands you're probably not in the mood for it. "We'll get some food in you soon, 'kay?" He says sweetly, and you nod, forcing yourself to relax a little. The trial is done until Monday, so you don't have to worry about it right now. The waiter comes around to take your order a moment later, and you rattle off what you want, wasting no time at all in setting your meal in motion.

"So, what's it like having the house all to yourself, Mom?" You ask your own question now. You do wonder how she's holding up, you're not sure she'll adjust well to being an empty-nester.

"Oh, you know, it's..." She pauses, putting her hands up as she isn't sure what to say. "It's different, I guess." She adds, though you can see she's not exactly ecstatic about it. You don't say anything else, waiting for her to possibly clarify herself. "It's quiet, that's for sure." She laughs wryly, almost tearing up.

"Oh, Mom. I'm sorry." You say sadly, reaching your hand across the table to rest on hers.

"No, no. It's fine." She sniffles, shaking her head. "I knew the day would come, where you and Dusty would go out on your own." She pulls away from you, digging in her purse for a tissue. She finds a crumpled up one, unfurling it and raising it to her eyes. "It's an adjustment. That's all." She insists, dabbing away the tears that have welled up in her ducts.

"Well, we could have dinner together once a week, if you want. Wayne could come, too. It could be our new family thing." Eddie suggests, taking you by surprise. He hasn't brought up his uncle much these last few weeks. You suppose he's been more focused on keeping you sane, which you feel a bit guilty about now.

"That would be wonderful, Eddie. Thank you." Mom gives him a warm smile, trying her best not to start crying again. You've really picked a good one with Eddie, she thinks he's perfect for you.

"It's the least we can do." Eddie smiles back at her, wrapping his arm around your waist to pull you closer. He's been by your side all day long, and yet, he's still missed you terribly. You've kinda been in your own little world lately, he doesn't blame you in the slightest. It's nice to have you back on the ground, though. Safe and warm in his arms, sharing a nice meal with him and your mother after an unbelievably long day. He certainly hopes the weekend allows you to come back to him even more, with less bad dreams and panic attacks getting in the way.

"How's Wayne been doing?" Mom asks after blowing her nose and tossing her used tissue back in her bag.

"He's been alright. I haven't been talking to him as much as I'd like, I've been so focused on the move and the trial. But the meds are working really well for him, he hasn't had any more episodes." Eddie explains, his voice bittersweet. He's so happy to be living with you, finally stepping all the way into the waters of adulthood. But he feels bad that Wayne is all alone in the trailer now, his uncle isn't exactly a social butterfly.

"Well, I'm glad he's feeling better. And I'm sure he'll love your idea, Eddie." Mom says kindly, just as your food arrives at the table.

The three of you dig in, the conversation falling to the wayside. Your mind can honestly only focus on one thing at a time at this point, after listening to endless droning and questions for hours on end. You gradually perk up with every bite you swallow. It feels so damn good to have some food in your belly again. It doesn't take long for your plates to become completely empty, and the waiter brings the check around shortly after. Mom drives you and Eddie home, giving you both a tight hug in the parking lot before you head upstairs.

"Goodnight, kiddos. I'll be around again on Monday to pick you up." Mom says, pulling away from your squeezing embrace.

"Night, Mom. See you then. Drive safe." You reply, very much looking forward to falling into your bed once she leaves. Your feet are killing you in these stupid heels you've been wearing all day.

"Night, Claudia. Thanks for dinner." Eddie adds. Mom gets back in her car, pulling out of the lot to leave you two alone. "C'mon, babydoll. Let's get upstairs." He says softly, leading you by the hand to your apartment. He puts his key in the lock once you reach your unit, and you walk ahead of him to get inside. Arwen comes to you immediately, meowing loudly while weaving between your legs as you walk.

"Hey, Arwen. We missed you." You coo to her, stopping to pick her up into your arms. She's pretty much fully grown now, so she's a bit heavy to hold compared to how she was as a kitten. You cradle her close to your chest, stroking her ears the way she likes. She melts into you, purring loudly. You continue walking toward the bedroom with Arwen in your arms, with Eddie following close behind. You put the cat down on the bed so you can change out of these stuffy clothes, going to the closet to hang it all up as you take it off. Eddie comes up behind you, his hands finding your waist, and his lips softly locating your neck.

"I forgot to tell you how sexy you look in these clothes, princess." He says lowly, gently bringing your hips back into him, where you can feel a distinctive bulge in his slacks pressing into your ass.

"You look pretty damn good yourself, Eds. Gives me an idea of what you'll look like at Nancy and Jonathan's wedding." You reply with a smile, unbuttoning your blazer, and then your blouse underneath. His teeth latch onto your throat once the top button of your shirt is undone, which would cause you to moan if you weren't so tired. "Eddie, not tonight." You say, sounding so very disappointed in yourself for turning down sex.

"Baby, please? I've missed you all day." He politely insists, soothing the hickey he's left on you with his tongue.

"We were in the same room the whole time, love." You retort, though his warm, wet mouth is feeling pretty damn good right now.

"You know what I mean, Y/N." He says seriously, turning you around in his grip to face him. He's not wearing that usual sly expression he does when he's trying to seduce you, he actually looks quite sad.

"I know." You nod, realizing how far away you've kept yourself from him today. You've been by his side the whole time, but it felt like millions of miles between you. "I'm sorry." You add with a sigh, pausing your undressing to put your hands on his shoulders.

"It's okay, babydoll." He gives you a small smile. "You know...I can do all the work if you want." That signature smirk returns to his lips, tempting you to give him anything he wants.

"Eddie, I love you. But I'm exhausted. I can't imagine I'd be very fun right now." You answer, though you can't help feeling guilty for telling him no.

"That's okay. Can I at least get a kiss?" He asks innocently.

"I think I can manage that." You giggle, bringing your face closer to his. Your lips meet, and his tongue immediately worms its way into your mouth. You moan quietly at him exploring you the way he always does. The way that makes your knees go weak without fail. His hands venture downwards, grabbing your ass roughly. As nice as this all is, you don't think Eddie is exactly listening right now. You know it's been hard for him these last few days, you've barely had any time for yourselves with how busy you've been. "Eddie." You pull away, giving him a warning look. You can tell he's pushing your buttons, pulling out the tricks to make you cave.

"Please." Eddie begs, raising a hand to cup your cheek. He knows he should give it a rest, you've already rejected him twice. But he wants you so badly, and to help you feel better after the rough day you've had. He's also been feeling rather frustrated lately, all the stress has been getting to him more than he thought it would. He can sense it in you, too. The underlying aggravation bubbling to the surface. You've been short-tempered and moody, and crying a lot. You both need this, he can feel it.

"Fine! Since you can't take 'no' for an answer. Take off your clothes and lay the fuck down." You nearly shout, maybe playing rough with him can ease the intense anger you're feeling at this moment. You squirm out of Eddie's hold, almost scowling at him as you do so. You turn away, continuing to undress. You frustratingly take off your jacket and blouse, haphazardly hanging them up in the closet. You kick your shoes off, and unzip your skirt.

"We don't have to do this if一" Eddie starts to apologize, realizing he's overstepped this time. He wasn't meaning to disrespect your wishes, or make you upset with him.

"Just shut up and do what I asked." You cut him off. He wants this so bad? Then he's sure as shit gonna get it.

"Okay." Eddie says softly, undoing his necktie.

You don't dare look at Eddie as he undresses, you just might slap him for pressing you on this. You don't really understand why you're doing this at all, you should've kept strong and said ‘no’ a third time. But you didn't. Because as much as he's pissed me off, I actually want to fuck his brains out. Having him inside me feels like the answer, the one way to bring me back down to earth. You sigh at your own thought, shoving your skirt and stockings down your legs to get them off. You hang up the skirt, leaving the pantyhose on the floor for now. You face Eddie once more, finding him completely nude on the bed, his cock stiff and already leaking precum. You climb onto the mattress, and straddle his thighs. You reach over to the bedside table to pick up the handcuffs resting there. "Hands up." You order, your eyes piercing his with lustful rage.

He does as you ask, lifting his hands together above his head. You click the cuffs in place, a little too tight. "Shit." Eddie hisses.

"You've been a bad boy, Eddie." You say flatly, almost glaring at him as he lays underneath you. He gazes up at you in fear, wondering how rough you're going to be with him. You grab hold of his mouth, squishing his lips together. "Say it." You command, getting a little wet at the power you're exerting over him.

"I've been a bad boy, sweetheart." Eddie answers as best he can within your grip, his cock twitching at how dominant you are. His heart pounds inside his chest, curious what your next move is going to be.

"That's right. You didn't listen to me when I said no, did you?" You question him sternly, reaching your free hand down between your bodies to take hold of his cock. He groans at the sensation, which hitches up into a whine when you squeeze him a tad too hard. "Answer me!" You shout in his face, making him flinch.

"I-I didn't listen. I'm sorry." Eddie stutters, becoming simultaneously more afraid of 一and turned on by一 you with every passing second.

"Have you learned your lesson, baby?" You ask darkly, eating up every pathetic expression and noise he makes. He's completely at your mercy, and you can tell by his dick dripping onto your hand that he's enjoying his punishment. He nods at you, but he needs to use his words. "HAVE YOU?" You shout again as you dig your nails into his shaft a bit, just enough to get him to cooperate. Your pussy throbs at the perfect little cry of pain he emits in response.

"Fuck! I've learned my lesson, Y/N! I swear! I'll never disobey you again!" He practically spews the words out, wanting the sting of your nails in his cock to stop. You let him free from the vice that is your angered hand, and he sighs in relief. "Jesus christ." He breathes, he's really set you off this time.

"Good boy." You coo, lowering yourself over him to give him a hungry kiss. Your lips mash harshly against his, your tongue quickly defeating his own for dominance. While you attempt to devour him with your mouth, you reach behind your back to unclasp your bra. It comes undone easily in your hand, and you clumsily slip the straps down your shoulders to toss it away. You carefully bite down on Eddie's tongue, making him gasp against you. You lift yourself up on your knees, having to end the kiss to maintain your balance. You pull off your panties, letting him see how wet you are. Your arousal glistens in the lamplight, making his eyes widen.

"Can I taste you, baby?" Eddie asks with need, licking his lips at your delicious pussy on display.

"Sure." You answer with a mischievous grin. But instead of positioning your cunt over his face, you look down at your damp panties that are still clutched within your hand. You give him a smug look, and bring the silken fabric up to his lips. "Open that pretty mouth for me, Eds." You command, still smiling so unbelievably wide. He doesn't know how to respond, but his mouth opens up to accept your underwear inside it just the same. You shove them past his lips in a big bunch, making him gag.

"Mm." He tries his best not to choke, his saliva wetting the fabric even more then you already have. He gets a small taste of your sweet nectar, but it's not nearly enough.

"How's that taste?" You ask teasingly, earning a glare from him. "I'd watch the attitude if I were you." You warn him once more, but the fire burning in your eyes tells him it's his final one. He sighs, giving you a sorry look and a nod. "That's better. Now, I'm gonna take my time with you. I think it's only fair that we do things my way, since you can't behave yourself." You speak to him, a very one-sided conversation. It's more like you're talking at him. There will be no negotiation, no input from Eddie whatsoever. You're going to use him how you want to, and he's going to lay there and take it.

You lean over for the small drawer in the nightstand, pulling the little knob to open it. You take a look inside at your collection of toys, settling on the vibrator Eddie bought you for one of your anniversaries. Stiff, silver plastic, with a black base where the battery goes. It's simple, but very effective with its singular speed setting. You pick it up, showing it to Eddie as you scoot backwards to the other end of the bed. "Mmm." Eddie tries to speak through the panties in his mouth, begging for you to let him loose so he can show you just how sorry he is. But it's no use.

"Sorry, Eds. You're just gonna have to wait." You say simply, shrugging your shoulders. You position yourself on the edge of the mattress, and spread your legs nice and wide. This way, he can see everything, while being unable to do anything about it. He moans at the sight of your dripping pussy, as well as your gorgeous body positioned for his viewing pleasure. Or is it torture?

You twist the bottom of the vibrator, and it buzzes to life. You turn it downwards in your hand, bringing the slightly pointed end toward your cunt. The tip of the toy brushes over your clit, making your thighs jolt at the powerful stimulation. "Fuck." You gasp. You focus your gaze between your legs, and purposely press the toy against your sensitive bud. You moan loudly, eyes falling shut for a moment. It feels so good, and you're getting extremely wet already. You open your eyes again, finding Eddie staring you down. He's watching your every move, his dick unbearably hard. "Do you wish it was you making me feel this good, love?" You ask, slowly moving the toy up and down your slit.

"Mhm." Eddie replies, nodding his head.

"Mmm, so do I, baby." You whimper, sliding the vibrator inside your throbbing hole. "Oh my god...Eddie." You whine his name, unable to help yourself. You've been trying to punish him, but your desire is starting to overwhelm your mind. You pump the toy in and out of yourself at a careful pace. You let Eddie hear all your needy moans and curses, occasionally looking to see how much more red the tip of his cock has become. The delicious vibrations fill you up completely, your insides twisting to form a writhing ball of bliss.

"Mmmf." Eddie mumbles, the fabric of your panties completely soaked through with his spit now. He's struggling to keep them from going down his throat, or getting stuck to the roof of his mouth.

"Do you want me to take the gag out, Eddie?" You ask, pausing your self-pleasure for a moment. He nods frantically, and you sigh. "Alright, but you better behave yourself." You pull the vibrator out of your cunt, and crawl over to take the panties out of his mouth. You toss them on the floor, and Eddie swallows hard.

"Thank you. I almost swallowed those." He says, very grateful that you didn't let him choke to death.

"And what a shame that would be." You reply flatly, returning to your previous position. You resume your actions, wasting no time in pushing the vibrator back into your slick pussy. "Shit." Your walls throb around the plastic, eating up the powerful buzz.

"Are you enjoying yourself, sweetheart?" Eddie asks, drawing your eyes to his again.

"Yes." You sigh blissfully, picking up the pace a little. A loud moan escapes your lips, making Eddie's cock twitch again. Every sound you make drives him insane. He's so goddamn hard, he might just explode. He wants to feel your lips around him, or be buried deep inside you. But your persistence in getting yourself off tells him he's not receiving anything of the sort for quite some time.

"I can see how wet you are, baby. Fuck, I wish I could touch you." He says desperately, his mouth watering at the drips of arousal spilling out of you with every thrust of the vibrator.

"You should've thought of that before ignoring my wishes, love." You reply, keeping his gaze. His words draw you closer to the edge, your heart recognizing that unbelievably horny and adoring tone of his that you love so much.

"I know, angel." He says apologetically, his eyes flicking downward.

"Look at me, Eds." You command softly. He does as you ask, and you give him a small smile. "Talk to me, baby. Help me cum." You speak lovingly, requesting his assistance. You can't possibly stay mad at him, not when he's so genuinely sorry for what he did.

"Gettin' close already, princess?" He asks, a light smirk forming on his face. He keeps himself in check, still following your orders. He messed up, and he'll gladly pay the price to make it right.

"Uh-huh, it feels so good." You whimper, pulling the toy out of your pussy to focus on your clit a little more.

"I know it does, baby. I can tell by those beautiful noises you're making." Eddie speaks sweetly, admiring your shallow breaths and twitching thighs. You're so close, and he can't wait to see you make a big mess. "Can you come here, sweetheart?" He asks politely, as an interesting idea has popped into his head.

"Why?" You question, a little too focused on your oncoming orgasm to think about moving.

"I want you to cum on my face. Please?" He pleads as you're just about to lose it.

"Okay. Since you asked nicely." You grin, scrambling over to kneel your pussy directly above him. You keep the vibrator at work on your bundle of nerves along the way, hitting some very nice angles as you do so. "Fuck, I'm so close, Eds." You moan, peering down at him in this position. He takes you all in, and you're the most wonderful thing he's ever seen. Your glistening cunt just inches away from his hungry mouth, the toy you're clutching in your palm to stimulate your clit. Your free hand grasping the headboard to keep yourself upright, and your beautiful face twisting in ecstasy while you let out such vulgar noises.

"That's it, babydoll. Damn, you're absolutely perfect." He coos lustfully, wishing he could stroke your thighs, or bury his head between your legs. But he'll be a good boy for you and wait his turn.

"Oh, god...I'm almost there, Eds." You whine, the waves of pleasure rolling over you in preparation for the oncoming tsunami.

"C'mon, sweetheart. Make a mess all over me." Eddie encourages you as best he can, eagerly awaiting the taste of you on his tongue.

"You're such a filthy boy, baby. So desperate to taste my cum." You chuckle through your moans.

"Only for you, princess. I love being your little cum-slut." He doesn't fully register what he's saying, but he doesn't really care. He's too needy for some semblance of contact.

"You'd better open wide then, Eddie. FUCK!" You cry out as you lose control, your eyes rolling back into your skull. Your thighs tremble, and your nails dig into the headboard. A gush of juices rushes from your pussy, splashing loudly onto Eddie's face.

"Holy shit." The warm liquid covers him entirely, running down his neck and chest and soaking his hair. He tries to swallow what he can, but most of it goes everywhere but his thirsty lips. Despite not getting his fill, what he does get is more than enough to make him blow his load. His cock has been aching and dripping all over the place since you started this little game, and having you drench him has finally sent him over the edge. He gasps quietly, his hips jolting upwards as his cum spurts out in thick ropes that land on his stomach and thighs.

You move the vibrator away from your pussy, twisting the bottom to shut it off before dropping it on the bed. "Jesus christ." You pant, struggling to continue kneeling above Eddie as your high subsides. You gaze down at him, finding him completely covered in your release with a massive smile on his face. "I take it you had fun?" You ask, noticing he's looking a little...extra happy.

"I did, princess. I always do when I'm with you." Eddie answers sweetly.

"You came, didn't you?" You question accusingly.

"Well, you didn't tell me not to." He shrugs.

"I don't suppose I did. Looks like we won't have to keep going, then." You get down off the bed, calling an end to your playtime. You weren't going to leave Eddie hanging, but you see no real reason to continue. You both got what you needed, so you're done. You dig around for the keys to the handcuffs, and let Eddie out once you find them. "I'm gonna take a shower." You say flatly, heading for the door.

"Yeah, we should definitely clean up." He adds casually, standing up to follow you. You stop in your tracks, turning around to face him.

"No." You shake your head. "I'm gonna shower alone." You insist, and the hurt reads all over Eddie's face.

"Baby, I一" He starts. You don't even know what he's going to try to say, but you don't want to hear it.

"Just stop, Eddie. Please." You step closer to him, taking hold of his hands for a moment. You look deep into his eyes, trying to keep yourself from crying. You need him to hear this, because you're only going to say it once. Once. "Look, I know you didn't mean to pressure me, Eddie. I know you don't have any bad intentions towards me, alright?" You pause, needing him to understand you aren't thinking poorly of him. "But when I say 'no', I fucking mean it. It does not mean that you ask me again. It does not mean I need you to convince me. Even though I wanted this, I still said no. Because I've had a shit day, and I'm fucking exhausted. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Y/N. I'm so sorry." Eddie says sadly, nodding his head while choking back tears.

"Good. And if you ever do that again, you will lose me. No more chances." You drop his hands without another word, resuming your path to the bathroom. You close and lock the door behind you, needing to shut the world out for a moment. You know Eddie won't try to bother you when you said you need to be alone. It's just an extra measure to help you feel safe. You go to the shower to turn on the faucet, and sit on the toilet while you wait for the water to warm up.

You space out for a bit, not even realizing you're crying until you see the small puddle of tears forming below you on the tile floor. You're feeling...strange. Like you're sad, and angry, and ashamed of yourself. You never thought Eddie would push you like this, you feel betrayed. You know he didn't mean it like that, he's just so used to you melting right into him every single time. He made a mistake, and he's probably beating himself up about it right now.

Despite all of this, you can't help being reminded of how Tommy used to do this to you. He'd beg over and over, not hearing your numerous answers of 'no'. He'd paw at you endlessly, regardless of how many times you'd swat his hands away. And at worst, he'd get angry and push you against the wall, demanding you give him what he wants. It always felt like the final opportunity to willingly give it, before he'd take it for himself. So you did the only thing you could to have some semblance of control. You caved, you let him in. And the entire time, you were just waiting for it to be over, keeping yourself somewhere far away so you didn't have to see or feel any of it. You suppose it's a good thing Tommy didn't have nearly as much stamina as Eddie does, it made things far easier to disassociate from.

You sob as quietly as you can, stepping into the hot water to wash this all away. You try to calm yourself down as the water soaks your expended body, Eddie will worry if he sees that you've been crying. You can never tell him any of the things you've been thinking about just now. It'll crush him to hear that in this one unfortunate misstep, he became your awful ex.

Part 33.2: Cover Me

Saturday, August 16th, 1989

"Sweetheart, you've gotta get out of bed." Eddie says softly, shaking your shoulder through the thick comforter. It's almost noon on Saturday morning, and you refuse to get up. He's usually all for staying in bed and cuddling, but he hasn't even gotten that. You barely said another word to him after you finished your shower last night, and you've curled up on your side of the bed with your back to him all night. No goodnight kiss, no spooning. Nothing. He knows you're awake, because every time he tries to take the blanket off of you, you snatch it right up again and bury yourself deeper into it.

"Just leave me alone. I don't feel good." You say finally. You've been avoiding saying anything to him at all, for fear of breaking down entirely.

"Can I get you anything, princess? I can make you some soup or something." He offers, wishing he knew what was wrong. Sure, he knows he royally fucked up last night. But he thought it was resolved once you'd laid it all out for him.

"No." You manage to squeak out the word, a fresh batch of tears breaking free from your eyes. You can't hold yourself back anymore, you've already staved off many bouts of sobbing throughout the night for fear of waking him up. Your body shakes as muted cries fall from you, and the facade is shattered away.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Eddie asks, unsure what to do. He didn't mean to make you so upset. He didn't mean to hurt you. He feels awful, and he wants to make it all better. He'll do anything to understand. He climbs back in bed, carefully rolling you over onto your back to look at him. He expects to find your face, but he's met instead with your hands bunching the blanket to continue hiding yourself away. "You're scaring me, princess. I dunno what's wrong. Just一 please, talk to me."

"I can't, Eddie. You don't understand." You sob, clutching the covers with all your might as he tries to pry them away. You don't want to do this. You just want to be left alone.

"But I want to understand, Y/N. I can't do that if you don't tell me what the problem is." He insists, choking back his own tears. His heart aches with worry for you, you've never been this bad before. You're completely shutting down, breaking into teeny tiny pieces. And he's unsure if he'll be able to put you back together this time.

"I can't do it, Eddie. I don't want you to feel bad, or to hate me. Please don't make me do this." You cry harder than you ever have before, desperately wanting this all to go away. You want to take back the awful thoughts that have plagued your mind all night. You want to take back the mental comparison you made between Eddie and Tommy. You wish so badly to just go back to normal and pretend it never happened.

"Y/N, I promise I could never hate you. Please, talk to me. I can handle it, whatever it is." Eddie begs, a couple stray tears rolling down his cheeks. You've never sounded this distressed, so...terrified to tell him what's making you so upset. He's becoming a little afraid of what you might say, but he won't rest until he fixes this. He stops tugging on the blankets, and carefully lays down beside you on the bed. He gently wraps his arms around your cocooned body, pulling you closer to let you know that you're safe with him. "Please, baby. I love you so much, I just want to help you." He sniffles, and your heart sinks at the sadness in his voice. Now you've made him cry, and you haven't even said the awful, terrible thing yet. "Please." He whispers, his breath stuttering as he waits for you to answer him.

"Okay." You blubber, though you truly don't want to do this. Your stomach is doing somersaults, unsettled by your strenuous sobs. You slowly, painfully tell Eddie about how his actions last night reminded you of Tommy. You stay hidden in the blanket as you speak, unable to look him in the eye. You can only imagine the pained expressions on his face, which makes you feel sick.

Eddie doesn't say anything, listening in shock as you liken him to that disgusting asshole. Part of him wants to be angry at you for saying these things, part of him wants to scream and shout about how he would never treat you the way Tommy did. But the sheer agony in your tone as you admit these things to him, how much it must kill you to even think and feel them at all...he realizes that you're right. He pushed you, when he shouldn't have. He ignored your wishes, putting his wants over your needs. In his stupid, selfish moment, he was no better than Tommy fucking Hagan. And that thought makes him wish he could take it all back, or go back in time and kick his own ass for making you feel this way. He sits in silence for a moment once you're finished, soaking in every last word.

"Fuck, Y/N. I'm so fucking sorry." He says finally, fully breaking down. He squeezes you tight, burying his head against your blanket-clothed neck. "I swear I'll never make you feel like that again, baby. I promise. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." He's almost babbling now, heartfelt apologies pouring out of him uncontrollably. His body shudders against your own, the two of you now trembling together in a bundle of limbs.

"Eddie..." You start, trying to wriggle your head out of your defensive nest. You manage to get your face free, speaking again. "Eddie, it's okay." Your words draw his head up to look at you. You spend a moment gazing at each other, finding red, splotchy skin and wet, puffy eyes, as well as trembling lower lips. You're both a complete mess. "I know you didn't mean to make me feel that way, love." You say as sweetly as you can, still crying so hard that your throat hurts.

"But I should've listened to you, Y/N. And I'm sorry that I didn't. I'm a total asshole for that." He replies, just as broken apart as you.

"It was a mistake, Eds. You know better now. And as much as this has sucked, I'm glad I told you how I felt about it." You say, trying your best to calm yourself down.

"I'm glad you did too, sweetheart. I don't ever want you to hide when you're hurting. Even if I'm the reason for it." He gives you a weak smile, leaning in to give you a kiss. You happily take it, letting the sadness slowly wash away as his lips move in sync with yours. He pulls away after a moment, the both of you sharing a loving glance. "You know, you're pretty adorable wrapped up in a blanket like this. Well, besides the tears." He chuckles, wiping his face and yours.

"Really?" You ask with a giggle.

"Yeah, you're like a cute little caterpillar." He teases, finding amusement in how silly you look with nothing but your face poking out of the bundle you're currently encased in.

"Ugh, you're such a dork sometimes!" You laugh, wriggling against him to somehow get even closer to him than you already are.

"Says the one resembling an insect!" He retorts with a cheeky grin. You stick your tongue out at him, having nothing better to reply with. "Better put that back in your mouth, sweetheart." He warns.

"Or what?" You egg him on, which probably isn't the best move considering you're trapped in his grasp.

"Or I might just bite it off!" He chomps his teeth dramatically, lowering his head to bite at the blanket while making goofy growling noises.

"Eddie! Quit it! You're being ridiculous!" You squeal in delight, giggling as he playfully nips at every part of your head through the covers. "Eddie! Ah!" He continues on, biting away until you're both red in the face from laughter.

"You hungry, angel?" Eddie asks once you both calm down. It's so weird, you started off this day so sad, and now you're playing around together like you usually do.

"Mmm, yes. Starving." You answer, your stomach growling at the idea of food.

"Well, c'mon then. No more sulking in bed for you." He stops holding you, instead pulling the blanket open to reveal your sweat-soaked body. All the crying and laughing has left you overheated, along with Eddie keeping you close in his arms. You finally get out of bed for the day, following your love to the kitchen. You hop up onto the counter, watching him go to the fridge to scrounge up something for lunch.

"You ready for court on Monday, Eds?" You ask, plucking the subject out of the air as you can't think of what else to say.

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Eddie replies, pulling out some ham, cheese and mayo for sandwiches. He hasn't eaten today yet either, he's been too busy worrying about you. He tosses the items casually on the counter, opening the cabinet for a couple plates. He meets your eyes for a moment, finding a doubtful expression on your face. "I'm gonna do fine, Y/N. I've been over it with Murray a million times. I'm not gonna blow this, because you need me." He says seriously, a bit annoyed at your uncertainty.

"I know, baby. I don't mean anything by it. It's just...when you're actually up there in front of everyone, it's really overwhelming." You explain yourself, hoping he's not insulted. Despite your mish-mash of anxiety and confidence, the overall experience of testifying in court is unlike anything else you've been through. It makes you feel...exposed. It's like every question cuts you down the middle, pulling open thick layers of flesh to reveal all the nasty bits pulsing away inside for everyone to see.

"I'm well aware, sweetheart. It's not exactly my first rodeo." Eddie replies, no particular tone in his voice. He's too focused on spreading mayo on slices of Wonderbread, and thinking about what you said earlier. He understands that fixating on it isn't a great idea, but it's more that he wants to make damn sure he never makes the same mistake. I can't ever forget the pain in her voice, and I can't ever make her sound like that again, he thinks to himself as he closes the sandwiches with the final pieces of bread. "Here we are, late breakfast of champions." He jokes, sliding one of the plates over to you.

"Thanks. And I'm sure you're gonna do great. Then, once you're finished, we don't have to go back there until the verdict." You reply sweetly, picking up your sandwich and taking a large bite.

"So, what shall we do today, angel?" Eddie asks while chewing.

"Well, I've actually got a couple assignments to catch up on." You answer, and he rolls his eyes. "It'll take a half hour at most, Eds. Then we can cuddle on the couch and watch TV."

"Okay." He sighs, taking another bite. He doesn't want to leave you alone for a single second. He can't quell his desire to shower you with endless love after what he's put you through. To put this desire to good use, he hatches a plan. He'll take a little trip to the store while you're doing your homework, and come back with some things to cheer you up. You finish up eating, and Eddie puts the plates in the sink. He walks you over to the couch, where your textbooks and other school items rest on the coffee table before it. "Oh, I've gotta get some smokes from the store. Do you want anything, sweetheart?" He asks casually.

"Um, I dunno...tampons, I guess?" You shrug as you sit down and open one of your books.

"Almost that time again, huh?" He questions.

"Yep. Same as always, Eds. Do you know what kind to get?" You continue to look down at your textbook, locating the assigned questions you need to answer.

"Of course, angel. Anything else?"

"A kiss before you go?" You raise your head to give him a warm smile.

"You can always have one of those, babydoll." Eddie grins, stepping closer to you. He leans down, pressing a brief kiss to your lips. "I'll be back soon. Don't have too much fun without me, bookworm." He chuckles lowly, standing upright to head for the door.

"I won't." You giggle, returning to your class work. You hear the door to the apartment open and close, and the place falls silent. Arwen is napping in her cat bed, and there's nothing else to hear except the scratching of your pencil against the open page of your notebook. It does feel a little too quiet without Eddie here, but at least you'll be able to focus on getting the work done. As much as you love him, he can be very persistent in distracting you. You don't really mind, it's nice to feel desired and wanted. But you have no intention of flunking your senior year of college just so Eddie can make you cum for the millionth time.

You use the sliver of time that you have to yourself to your advantage, finishing your work in half the time you originally anticipated. Now you can sit back, relax, and wait for your rambunctious boyfriend to come home to you. You lay down on the couch, pulling the light blanket resting on top of it over yourself. You'd been ignoring it before, but you're feeling pretty damn tired. Staying up all night trying not to cry will do that to a person. You settle in, resting your head on your arm and closing your eyes. A short nap is definitely needed after your little ordeal.

"I'm back, princess. I've brought something special for you." You hear Eddie's voice speaking softly to you through your slumber. Your eyes flutter open, finding him sitting on the very edge of the couch with a plastic bag in his lap.

"I don't think tampons are really all that special, Eddie." You say with a sleepy laugh.

"I agree. I did get you those, but I also brought these." He replies, bringing a bouquet of pink daisies from behind his back.

"You're too sweet, baby." You say sweetly, sitting up to take the flowers in your grasp.

"That's not all. I also brought you some chocolate." He pulls out your favorite candy bars from the bag, setting them in your lap. "And some vanilla chapstick, your favorite." He puts the little tube of balm in your lap as well, smiling wide.

"Thank you, Eds. This is really thoughtful." You give him a small kiss, expressing your gratitude. He went out of his way to brighten your day, one of the many reasons why you love him so much.

"Here, let me put the flowers in some water. Lay back down, angel. I know you're tired." Eddie continues to dote on you, practically leaping off the couch to put the daisies in a tall glass. You do as he kindly instructs, putting the candy and chapstick on the table first. You'd hate to squish or melt any of it. You close your eyes and listen to him running the faucet and fussing with the flowers, hearing his footsteps return to you. "There we go. Wanna make some room, baby?" He asks, taking off his shoes.

"Of course, I need some snuggles from my perfect boyfriend." You coo, scooting towards the back of the couch to let him in, making grabby hands afterwards.

"I try my best, princess." He grins, wasting no time in joining you under the blanket and pulling you close to him. "I really missed this last night, Y/N." He says, sounding rather sad about it.

"So did I, Eds. I'm sorry for hiding away again." You say apologetically, nuzzling your head against his chest.

"It's okay, love. I definitely earned it this time." He replies calmly, letting old habits slide for the time being. He gently strokes your hair, listening to the light hums you let out in response. "You got all your work done?" He asks in a whisper, recognizing your body relaxing against his as you start to drift off again.

"Mhm. In only fifteen minutes." You almost mumble, struggling to stay awake to maintain this conversation.

"That's my girl." He says proudly, letting you float away to dreamland. He wouldn't mind a small nap himself. But he wants to hold you close and keep you safe more than anything else. So he'll just lay here with you, listening to your deep breathing like it's the most beautiful music in the world.

Eddie proceeds to spend the rest of the weekend and remainder of the trial making amends. He starts off strong by making your favorite meals every single night. Lasagna, chicken pot pies, stir fry, the list goes on. He's on his very best behavior on Monday, testifying calmly and confidently without a single hint of attitude to be found on his person. He does far better than you've ever seen him before. Eddie keeps it in his head that he can't let Tommy hurt you again by walking out of the courtroom a free man. No amount of pointed questions or snide comments from Gary Keegan slips him up, he's like an entirely different person up there. Like his usual hot-headedness has been surgically removed. You'd find that a bit eerie, if you didn't absolutely need him to perform in such a way.

Once Monday is over and done with, Eddie doesn't stop the love-fest. He gives you your peace and quiet to do your schoolwork every afternoon, and then rewards you with the best head you've ever had once you're done. You certainly reciprocate, and yank him down the hallway to your shared bed practically every night. But he lets that be your decision entirely, expecting nothing in return for his affections. There's plenty of tender intimacy on top of everything else, too. Forehead kisses, constant snuggling, and every pet name imaginable falls from his lips at all the perfect moments. It's like he knows exactly when you need his kind words the most, and it melts your heart into a puddle every time.

Friday, September 22nd, 1989

Then the time finally arrives, the day you've been waiting for 一and dreading一 ever since you pressed charges against Tommy Hagan. Verdict day. The jury has just finished deliberating after a very long four hours. You've been in classes most of the day, waiting for the call to come through. The phone rang the second you walked in the door to the apartment, and Murray told you to rush over to the courthouse immediately. You practically pulled Eddie out the door by his ear, eager to see this thing finally come to an end. You hopped in the van, and found everyone making their way inside the building at the same time. The entire Hawk staff, your friends, your mother. Everyone promptly found their seats, eagerly awaiting Tommy's sentence.

And now, here you sit. Waiting for the jurors to return to the room, waiting for the judge to take his place. Any minute now. Your heart pounds in your chest, and you fidget nervously with your fingers. Eddie keeps his arm wrapped around you to help you stay relaxed. "What's taking so long?" You whisper to him, avoiding Tommy's deathly stare. He's been attempting to intimidate you again from the second you walked in here, but you refuse to acknowledge him at all.

"I'm sure they'll be out soon, angel. Just relax. They'll convict the son of a bitch, and his shithead dad. Then, we'll be done with it. Once and for all." Eddie speaks to you quietly, hiding his own anxiety. He knows you've both done exceptionally well on the stand, as have your numerous witnesses. But there's still a chance that the Hagans could be found innocent, despite all the odds. The justice system is funny that way.

"Okay." You reply, just as the jurors are led back into the room. The bailiff orders you all to rise, and the judge enters. You sit back down, and the final scene of this fucked up drama plays out.

"Has the jury reached a verdict?" The judge booms, and the juror closest to him stands up. She's a middle-aged woman, in a floral-print dress that goes to her ankles. Her hair is a vibrant red, styled in a thoroughly hair-sprayed coif. She appears to be a housewife, a woman who might be sympathetic to your plight. That's a good sign. Right?

"We have, your honor." The woman says, handing off the decision her and the rest of the jury have made to the bailiff. The bailiff then gives it to the judge to look it over. He opens the folded piece of paper, and nods in approval. He doesn't hold any particular expression, so you cannot glean any hints from his face. He hands it back, and moves things along. "Will the defendants please rise?" He instructs. The Hagans stand up, along with their lawyer. Your heart lurches as the time draws nearer. It's now or never, justice or no justice. Which has the jury of Tommy's peers chosen? "How do you find the defendants?" The judge asks, addressing the female juror once more. She turns her head to look at Tommy and his father as she speaks.

"We find the defendants..." A dramatic pause, something you assumed only happens on TV. The woman swallows hard, which makes you nervous all over again. Did they let him off after all? Are they robbing you of justice? Are you going to live your life in fear of the Hagans now? You grab hold of Eddie's hand, squeezing it hard as you wait for this unbearable freeze in time to pass. "We find the defendants guilty on all charges." The woman finally says, to which almost the entire room erupts in cheers and applause. All your fear and anxiety falls away, leaving you feeling weightless.

"Order, order! Settle down! We're not done yet!" The judge shouts, banging his gavel to get everyone to shut up. The noise dies down, and he takes a moment to say his piece. "I want to say something to you, young man." The judge says, pointing to Tommy. "And I hope your father hears my words just as clearly. I hope you know that not only does the law find your repeated attacks and abuse on Ms. Henderson deplorable, but society at large does not find your actions in any way acceptable. You may have found it beneficial for you, to a point, hiding behind your money and your privilege to get away with some truly ugly behavior. I shudder to think if there's any other young women you may have done this to, or how many this court has potentially saved from your wretched hands. I hope you think long and hard about your choices from the comfort of your prison cell. Then perhaps when you are released, you'll know how to treat your fellow men and women respectfully. Court is dismissed. And I'll see you both at sentencing, where I have absolutely no plans for leniency."

The judge bangs the gavel one last time, effectively putting the final nail in the Hagan family coffin. Jack and Tommy are taken away, looking utterly defeated. You're surprised they're going down without a fight. Though you suppose they were so confident in being found innocent, that they haven't come to terms with the possibility of this outcome. They're led through a door on the left side of the courtroom, on the way to be locked up until their sentencing hearing. You have no intention of attending said hearing, you won't have to worry about the Hagans for a very long time.

"We did it, Y/N!" Eddie cheers, standing up from his seat. He picks you up, spinning you around in his arms.

"We really did, Eds!" You reply with a happy giggle, pressing a kiss to his lips. The courtroom begins to clear out around you, but Murray and your friends stay behind to check in on you.

"Well, I think it goes without saying that this went extremely well." Murray says once he approaches your group.

"Thank you, Murray. We really couldn't have done this without you." You say kindly, leaving Eddie to give your lawyer a hug.

"It's no trouble at all. It's rewarding enough to see a bastard like Tommy behind bars. And to make Gary Keegan squirm in his overpriced suit." He chuckles, briefly returning your embrace.

"I'm so proud of you, sugarpuff." Mom says. "And you too, Eddie. I know this whole thing was really hard for you both." She adds, giving Eddie a bright smile. She's so grateful for him helping you through all of this, who knows what you would've been like trying to do this all on your own.

"Thanks, Mom. And thank you, all of you, for helping us. It means the world, really." You address the group as a whole, overcome with joy. Tears start springing from your eyes, though these ones are far more happy than you've had in a good while.

"And we'd do it a thousand times over again if we had too, Y/N. That's what friends are for." Steve says on behalf of everyone, gaining many nods and murmurs of agreement.

"Alright, well. We'd better ship out, they need the room. But, it's been a pleasure, and I'm very happy with how this worked out. I wish you all the best, and I'm always around if you need any other help." Murray brings this little powwow to a close, gently ushering all of you out of the room.

"We'll see you tomorrow night, Y/N. Should we bring anything?" Robin asks, referring to the housewarming party you're having at your apartment. It's just a small get-together, really. But Robin and the others have insisted upon it. They want to see your new place, and have a little drink to catch up.

"You can bring whatever you want. It's no big deal, really." You answer casually.

"I'm definitely bringing some wine, then. You look like you could use a drink...or maybe a few." Nancy says, drawing light laughs from your group as you make your way out of the courthouse.

"You've got that right!" You exclaim as you descend the steps toward the parking lot. You and Eddie say goodbye to everyone for the day, very much looking forward to going home and resting. The drive home is quiet, but you feel extraordinarily happy with the result of the trial. Tommy got what he deserved, and he won't be able to hurt you or anyone else for a very long time.

"You feel like celebrating, sweetheart?" Eddie asks as he unlocks the door to your apartment. You can hear Arwen mewing on the other side, her ears trained to recognize the jingling of keys as a signal of her parents coming home.

"Yeah, I'd say we've earned it after all the bullshit we've been through." You answer, following close behind him once he opens the door. The cat mews even louder once she sees you both, weaving between your legs and begging to be picked up.

"Aw, did someone miss her daddy?" Eddie coos to Arwen, hoisting her up to give her some snuggles. She nuzzles her head against his neck, purring incessantly.

"She's definitely got separation anxiety. I always feel bad leaving her here all alone." You say, giggling at the adorable display before you. Eddie gives the cat scratches behind her ears and on the top of her head, making loving little noises at her with pouty lips while he does so.

"She's a big girl, she can handle it." Eddie replies, letting Arwen back on the floor when she starts to squirm. It seems she's had her fill, wanting to pace around the floor instead of cuddling. She's grown more finicky about constant attention lately. It could be from adjusting to the move, or her becoming an adult cat. She's not a baby anymore, that's for sure.

"I know. But her little kitty cries kill me every time." You say softly, putting yourself before him. You put your arms around his shoulders, pressing your body against his.

"How do you feel, angel? Now that Tommy is getting his, I mean." Eddie asks seriously.

"Relieved, for sure. I was worried we'd be dealing with them for the rest of our lives, honestly." You laugh dryly, realizing how sad that notion is.

"There's more, though. Isn't there?" He continues, knowing all too well when you aren't telling him everything.

You nod, resisting the urge to roll your eyes. Nothing gets past him. "I guess it doesn't feel real yet, in a way. Like I'll wake up tomorrow and the trial isn't over. Or the verdict didn't go our way." Eddie doesn't respond, giving you an odd look. "It's stupid, I know." You shake your head, minimizing your feelings.

"It's not stupid, Y/N. This whole thing has been surreal, and fucked up. But I think after you sleep on it and see tomorrow that it really did happen, you won't feel that way anymore." He assures you, putting his hands on your waist.

"You're probably right." You give him a small smile, leaning up to kiss him. He meets you halfway, humming quietly at your warmth. "On another note, you mentioned something about celebrating?" You ask breathily between kisses, your eyes meeting his for a moment. Lustful hunger burns within your pupils, your sliver of a smile growing into a grin. He nods, his expression quickly matching yours. "C'mon, then. We've only got all night." You say gleefully, taking his hand to lead him down the hall to your bedroom. You push him back onto the bed once you enter the room, straddling his lap once he's settled on the edge.

"Someone's eager." Eddie chuckles, grabbing large handfuls of your ass. You moan quietly at his touch, rolling your hips against him out of reflex.

"Can you really blame me, baby? Things are finally going our way, and I don't want to waste a single second of that." You reply, moving Eddie's hair aside and lowering your head to kiss his neck. You nibble on his flesh, drawing a low groan from his lips.

"Fuck, neither do I, sweetheart." He sighs, grabbing your ass even harder. You can feel him growing underneath you, his stiff cock rubbing against your pussy through your clothes as you continue to grind.

You slowly work your lips upwards, leaving open-mouthed kisses in your wake. You pull away once you reach his chin, speaking in his ear. "Mm, I am gonna fuck your brains out, Eds." You say seductively, biting on his earlobe. You keep teasing him with your words, drawing more little groans and grunts from him. "Gonna make you cum with my mouth...and my pussy...and maybe even my ass, if you're a good boy for me. Over and over until you're begging me to stop." You practically moan in his ear, spouting off every last way you plan to drive him wild. You're turning yourself on with your own verbalizations, arousal spreading quickly through your panties.

"God, I love it when you're extra slutty for me, babydoll." He says, noticing just how needy your movements on him are becoming. You're desperately marking up his neck, and practically riding him through your clothes. He leads you to move faster in his grip, his cock twitching at the pretty noises you let out.

"Baby, I need you..." You whimper, quickly becoming extremely riled up. You have the intense desire to tear off his clothes, but you're also far too comfortable in your current position.

"I need you too, sweetheart. But I want you to make yourself cum first, just like this. You deserve a head start." He says sweetly, ushering your head away from his neck so he can kiss you. He presses his lips to yours, slipping his tongue in your mouth a second after. His kisses are heavy and forceful, turning up the heat.

"Eddie..." You whine between kisses, your high beginning to build. You're absolutely soaked inside your jeans, the friction rubbing against your clit with every motion.

"I bet you're fuckin' soaked for me, aren't you?" He asks, wishing he could see for himself. But the easy slide of your crotch against his own will have to be evidence enough for the time being.

"Uh-huh. Just for you, baby." You answer, gasping when you find a new angle to hit your bundle of nerves even better than before. You're building up faster now, nearing the edge earlier than you anticipated.

"Such a filthy girl...already makin' a mess in those sexy little lace panties of yours...I've been thinkin' about pulling them off with my teeth all day...from the second you put them on this morning..." Eddie speaks in a low growl as he takes a turn to mark you with love bites. His tone makes your pussy throb, driving you to increase your rhythm.

"Getting c-close, Eds..." You whimper, your nails digging into his shoulders. You can hardly contain yourself now, moaning and keening as you writhe on top of Eddie's lap. Everything feels so good, and you don't want it to stop.

"That's my good girl. Keep goin', sweetheart." Eddie encourages you, mesmerized by the helpless sounds falling from your lips, and the little jolts of your thighs as you chase your high. He can't wait to hear you cry out his name for the thousandth time, knowing it'll still sound like the first.

"Fuck, baby. Please touch me...I want you." You beg as your orgasm grows closer, frantically grabbing behind you to take one of his hands away from your ass. He tightens his grip to stop you, and your eyes snap to his in annoyance. "Eddie, please!" You whine, but he just shakes his head at you.

"Gotta do it yourself, princess. And then I'll give you whatever you want." He says with an evil grin. He can't resist torturing you when you're this needy, especially when you beg so shamelessly.

"You're such a dick sometimes." You grumble, coming up with a new idea. If he won't touch you, then you'll just have to do it yourself. You reach for the button of your jeans, opening it with a clumsy hand. But before you can pull down your zipper, Eddie smacks your hand. "What the fuck?" You gasp in surprise, growing more frustrated now. Of course he won't let you touch yourself either, that would be against the rules.

"Sorry, angel. You can't use your own hands, either." He politely scolds you, smirking wider at your narrowing eyes.

"Fuck you." You burn, making an attempt to reach inside your pants anyway. But once again, Eddie prevents you from doing so. He quickly and harshly restrains your hands behind your back, your grinding hips the only movement you have left.

"You're not listening, Y/N. You cum like this, or you don't cum at all. Understand?" He warns through clenched teeth, letting you know he's very serious. You have to follow the rules, or you don't get to play anymore. Untamed lust burns in his eyes, commanding you to obey him.

"Okay." You groan, so unbearably frustrated you could just cry. But you do as he says, rolling your pelvis again and again to make yourself cum. Your moans grow louder again, your bliss peeking over the horizon after this brief distraction. Eddie keeps holding your hands tightly, not risking you taking another opportunity to misbehave.

"That's it, love. Ride my lap like a good little slut. I want you to soak through those fuckin' jeans for me." He says darkly, holding your gaze the entire time. You're just seconds away from falling over the edge, and he can see it all over your face. Your brows furrowing, your eyes threatening to roll back into your skull, your gorgeous mouth agape and releasing filthy noises. "C'mon, babydoll. Cum for me." He says softly, this simple command being more than enough to set you off.

"Eddie!" You cry as your orgasm takes over. Your legs begin to shake, and euphoria washes over you. Your eyes fall shut, and your juices rapidly soak through your jeans, even managing to get Eddie's wet as well.

"There ya go, sweetheart." Eddie coos. He lets go of your hands, and you immediately reach forward to grab hold of him as you come down. You wrap your arms around him, keeping him close as you catch your breath. "You did so well for me, baby." He says, putting his arms around your sweat-soaked body. He kisses your dampened hair, sighing deeply. "I love you so much, Y/N." He says sweetly.

"I love you too, Eds." You reply, swallowing thickly. You pull back from your embrace, giving him a sly look. "My turn now." You chuckle darkly, shoving his chest so he falls back onto the bed. You are gonna pay him back double for torturing you the way he has. And you're both gonna love every single second of it.

To be continued...

[rosemelon82]

lao mao x lao k

[theoldkyokodied]

The Allegiance of the Ascended Vampire and the New God of Magic

[justaz]

lol arthur realizes with the other knights after watching merlin flirt and being hit with a wave of deja vu: holy shit you asked me out

merlin and the rest of the knights around a campfire after leaving a village bc lancelot and leon somehow started a brawl in the tavern: ???

arthur points at merlin: after valiant! you asked me to buy you a drink! you were asking me out!

merlin is busy cooking dinner and confused out of his fucking mind: what???…..valiant….oh the knight with the snakes.

gwaine who was slightly tipsy now stone cold sober and sitting up straight against a tree: wait. explain. what do you mean merlin asked you out??

arthur snaps his fingers as he recalls the memory: i apologized for sacking you and you said that if i bought you a drink we’d be even.

merlin now remembering how he had stumbled into camelot, picked a fight with a pigheaded bully which quickly turned homoerotic and flirtatious, and continued their teasing-flirting for days before merlin shot his shot and asked the prince out only to be rejected: oh yeah, i forgot i did that…..wait, you mean you didnt realize what i was asking?

arthur: no?? we argued everyday, how was i supposed to realize you were asking me out??

merlin now abandoning the dinner and staring across the camp at arthur while the rest of the knights watch their back and forth like a game of tennis: to you we were arguing, to me that was very much flirting. i thought you were flirting back so i decided to ask you. then you rejected me

arthur, mentally beating his past self up for fucking up their chance: i didn’t reject you!!! i just didn’t realize what you were asking me. how was i meant to? we fought every chance we got

leon, nudging elyan, glee and excitement riling through him: its happening!!! its finally happening!!! seven long, grueling years is finally paying off!!!

merlin, realizing the misunderstanding and acknowledging the fact that he wasn’t rejected, his flirtations just weren’t noticed - realizing he still has a chance: oh…oh i see. arthur, my dear, our fights were extremely flirtatious. need i remind you of what you said? “do you know how to walk on your knees? would you like me to teach you?” or “i could take you apart with one blow”

arthur, mental capabilities at an all time low: m…my dear….?????????

merlin grinning devilishly as he realizes that his flirtatious persona he had hidden away after falling head over heels for arthur can make a come back: that is what i called you. should i call you something else? say…mine?

percival gags in elyan’s ear: cheesy

elyan hides a laugh: at least they’re finally getting somewhere. better than the hopeless pining

arthur, flushed from head to toe: ah uh no um im uh

merlin thoroughly enjoying himself: oh come now, your majesty. use your words.

[jayninjago]

When the (formerly) unconcious robot whose ‘Ice Emperor’ programming you accidentally enabled while rebooting him is kinda cute so you strike him a deal he cant say no to

[funkinmadnesss]

@hollowsart

Poor guy can’t catch a break ú_ù

[wurmwizzard]

two toads and a warm old man

[whenthegoldrays]

and like, despite the deliciously shippable couples it has, Twinkling Watermelon is not a romcom, it’s a fantasy coming-of-age. the theme is family, the main relationship is between Eun Gyeol and his father and while their respective romantic storylines are crucial, they’re not central.

which is nice, on the one hand, because it offers a slightly different (and beautiful) kind of story, but then because instead of being [main couple] > [second couple] it’s [son and dad] > [son’s gf and mom], it ends up letting down Eun Yoo and Cheong-ah a bit and leaving their resolutions a bit rushed / open ended (you know, like how in other shows you’ll see the second couple standing together at the main characters’ wedding but no actual, solid resolution).

so the final scene of the show is primarily a bonding moment and a resolution for Yichan and Eun Gyeol, and you don’t get much of Cheongchan and a very quick last-moment wrapping up of Euneun (and like. what happened to our girls in the years in between?? we need answers!)

[the-knife-consumer]

Forgot just how upsetting gloomed korok forest is

[skitskatdacat63]

This might be massively controversial but modern F1 starts with the end of Michael's reign to me, like 1980-2004 I think of as classic and pre-1980 as vintage

I guess the shift in the sport after Ferrari's domination just feels like a natural end of an era to my brain, and things pre-Piquet/Prost/Senna feels vintage

NO GRACE YOU'RE SO RIGHT!!! EXACTLY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

No because that's exactly how I categorize them in my head too!! Like what you said about how modern f1 starts in 2005, exactly!!! That's why I list my fav seasons as 2005-2013 because that to me is an era in it of itself! The end of Ferrari domination really does feel like a distinct turning point. Kind of closing the book on all those drivers to me I guess, like yeah they existed in the sport after that point, but then all of the drivers dominating debuted in 2000 and beyond.

Anything pre-80s is pretty unknown to me so it's kinda hard to put that into categories bcs it feels so distant, other than Hunt-Lauda of course haha, so that's vintage. And then 1980s-2004 is classic, which is honestly so apparent when you talk to older fans(When I started talking to my brother about f1, he'd always laud that era as the peak.) Honestly I'd mark the Prost-Senna era(with all the other drivers from that time like Piquet/Mansell/etc) as different from post-1993, because it feels like a whole new group of drivers. I think the 90s are like the 2000s in that way, like mid-decade it feels like a new group of drivers take over if that makes sense? Tbh that's every decade, but 2010s it doesn't feel like that as much and it's weird to me because 2010-2013 feels completely different to 2014-2019, one domination directly to the next y'know.

For me personally, I guess I do it both by eras like vintage/classic/modern, but then all the drivers are grouped in my head by debut year. In terms of debut year, pre-80s is vintage, 1980-1999 is classic, and then after that I group modern f1 drivers as: 2000-2005, 2006-09, 2010-14, 2015-19, 2020-now. I could go on a whole ramble about how I view all those different groups 😭 I even made a color-coded guide for myself :,)

[byanyan]

ok so i maybe started working on a new multi and i'm once again squinting at my muselist as i realize how weird my variety in muses is

[yesyourstalker]

Ikkan: warabie wake up!

Warabie:mmmmmm.. what? I thought it was our day off?

Ikkan: it is. Get up and get dressed

Noji: we have to go to church!

Warabie: church!?!

Ikkan: yeah. Our dad wants us to go at least once while we're here

Warabie: ugh ..really? You guys don't seem like you're the... Religious type

Noiji: we're not religious. It's just something we do

Ikkan: we only go just to catch up with other people in the town you know and just talk to each othr while listening to service

Noiji: I like going to church, learning a lesson of the day, singing solms, talking to our neighbors and then we have a nice dinner with everyone.

Ikkan: it's only an hour sermon.

Merv: boys hurry up! Hope you have your Sunday. Best on. Cirrina sweetheart, oh look at you! The dress fits perfectly

Cirrina: I didn't think I'd look cute in this, but I like it. Though it does look a little dated

Ikkan: you kept my old clothes?

Merv: we weren't just going to throw it away. We keep all of your clothes yours too Noiji. We have all your things in boxes

Noiji: why?

Merv: just in case we had another baby. we didn't want to buy all new stuff....... I didn't want to buy new stuff... Shimi do you have the dish?

Shimi: yeah... warabie get dressed we need to leave in 15 minutes

Warabie:.*sigh* .. . Mr Kane do you have any dress clothes that I can fit in?

_______________________________________________

Pastor: so Pikaia looked to Cod still wet from the salt water he emerged from. He looked upon them and asked what his purpose was and why he was here. Cod looked down with nothing but love and said to Young pikaia 'I give my children of the Sea no purpose, no goal and no reason' meaning?

Church: "we are free we"

Pastor: yes we are free to roam and grow and make our own choices. But with those choices comes with?

Church: "effects and consequences"

Pastor: yes. So let's turn to Gideons 12:44

Warabie: what page is that?

Ikkan: here...[flips]

Pastor: I bring up choices today because that is what we will be discussing today the act of choice and the reasons behind those choices. This lecture will start with a squid named malamar..............

Cirrina: *sigh*

Octoling: I know it seems boring now. But give it a couple more minutes and it'll start to get interesting. father Berg is a really good storyteller

Cirrina: ugh I hope so..

Octoling: You're not from around here are you? hehehe.....

Cirrina: no.... I'm here to visiting... I'm just working on my grandpa's farm

Octoling: Kane is your grandfather? That's pretty neat he delivers milk to our shop week

Octoling mother: bayou! No talking during the sermon!

Bayou: sorry ma.... Talk more during dinner. My name is bayou by the way

Cirrina: name's Cirrina

Bayou: Nice to meet you Cirrina

[Hour later]

Pastor: malamar looked upon Cod with tears of sorrow. 'why! Why? Why have you abandoned me so? why have you forsaken me for so long? for I have done all that you've wanted me to do. I was kind, I was generous, I've given to the poor and I fed the hungry and yet you still turned your back on me for why?

Cod stared down at their lost child and they said 'for you've only done those not out of kindness, not out of generosity but for a reward. If it wasn't for my desire to help those who were not able to help themselves you would have walked past them if I didn't vocalize my dismay seeing my children in pain you would have done nothing.' malamar looked on cod dried and frail with nothing else to say forced to work another 100 years...... alright so that's the end of our sermon. Let's all catch up with each other.... I see some new faces and some old ones. Let's all talk to our neighbors.

_______________________________________________

Old lady: look at you so handsome just like your father.

Old man: just lik em ye gott yea long nek an evythig. Why havnt yav fixed ya beak yet? Looken odd whit it ben off centered. Ya need ta gu to the dentist. Cant be looken lik that at yur age

Noiji: aww come on... I like my beak

Old lady: ohhhh is your twin still in school? I heard they dropped out poor things

Noiji: he just graduated actually...... ikkan come on and say hi to the Flanigans

Ikkan: hi Mrs Flanagan

Old lady: well look at you! Ya so tall....nice broad shoulders too

Old man: too tall fa music tel yu that! Yu coud be a hell of athlete ya coud. 3 pointers and such If it wasnt for yur klutzy and awkward demeanor

Ikkan:...............

Old lady: oh he's so quiet like usual

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Pastor's wife: so how's living in haddaido? I'm sure you're sick of the city.

Merv:ehhh it has its charm. I like the food and environment. Noiji really likes it there. it's more...it's more technologically advanced. I can barely use my shell phone he's making music with one.

Pastor's wife: how's your wife? I haven't seen her in a while? Has she retired yet?

Merv: nope she's currently on vacation right now. Having her own......girls trip

Pastor's wife: hmm

Merv: hmm

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Pastor: how did you enjoy the sermon?

Shimi: I actually quite enjoyed it actually it was very eye opening. I haven't been in church since I was a boy

Pastor: well we're open to more volunteers if you're welcome to join us every Sunday

Shimi: well I might invest in that

Warabie: since when you were a religious type dad?

Shimi: hush up and help setup the table ....... I would like some advice tho father.

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Bayou: so you actually use real weapons?

Cirrina: yeah

Bayou: and you don't.... die?

Cirrina: no the weapons aren't powerful enough to kill you. It's just to...... splat you

Bayou: Does it hurt?

Cirrina: it really depends on the weapon. Some hurt more than others, guns like splattershot or a dual weapon they can leave small marks sometimes. Charges, surprisingly aren't that bad. Depending on how far away they are it can feel like a pinch when you're hit. The worst ones are brushes and rollers, I got a headache after someone splatted me with a carbon roller

Bayou: and you do that for fun?

Cirrina: yeah it's more of a sport where I live I'm actually the captain of my turf war team so hehe

Bayou: you must be really good I've never picked up a weapon before. We're actually not allowed to have them here. We don't believe in the glorification of warfare or the mimicry of violence

Cirrina:....oh..... that's cool..... I mean I wouldn't say it's violent It's mostly just painting...... Trying to get most coverage

Bayou: oh yeah Yeah yeah I understand heh I just meant as a culture and our history in krillarney we don't really want to be reminded of those events......... yeah........

Cirrina:.. yeah I get that uhheh. .. . ........

Bayou: I like your tentacles. I like the ink color. Is it natural?

Cirrina: yeah actually this is my natural ink

Bayou: It's very beautiful. It reminds me of a sunrise

Cirrina: (blush).........thank you. I like yours too is it. It's a nice, deep blueish purple. It's a really pretty color

Bayou: oh thank you...

Pastor: dinner is ready!

Bayou: come on they're serving roasted snapper.

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Friend 1: hello

Cirrina: hey girl

Friend 1: oh my cosh Cirrina! How's your trip abroad? What's the food like? How's the fashion? are the boys cute?

Cirrina: That's why I called you.....so there's this guy

Friend 1: I'm listening

Cirrina: He's super cute. His tentacles are like a dark bluish purple, he has a really nice smile....huuu...he smells like vanilla and honey! ahhhh! he's so charming I could die! He said my tentacles look like a sunrise

Friend: a romantic ohhhh and he likes you?

Friend 2: I thought you were dating Paul!

Cirrina: I'm not dating Paul!

Friend 2: well you said you liked Paul!

Cirrina: I can't like two guys?!

Friend 2: not when you know I like one of them!

Cirrina: how is that my problem?!

Friend 3: how tall is he

Cirrina: around 4'11

Friend 3: ohhhh he's short hehehe you should send a picture of him later

Cirrina: what are you guys even doing anyway

Friend 1: we're at Cassidy's place.

Cirrina: ew why are you at her place..... she's such a catty bitch

Friend 3: We're planning on seeing ink-fast together. Are you still going?

Cirrina: I don't know I still need money for tickets

Friend 1: well you better hurry up ticket sales start at the end of the month and they're probably going to be sold out by the time you get back. We might just go without you

Cirrina: (scoff)

Friend 2: so just being clear you don't like Paul?

Cirrina:...... Nina.......... I have to go. I need to go feed some calves

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Ikkan: morning babe... yeah I'm about to head in for today. You found a best man?............oh she's a nice choice. Yeah I asked her why?.........well you should have asked first not my fault you procrastinate.....hehehe..... you'll be fine..... I'll see it on our wedding day. Yeah love you too..... yes.... I'm alone........... Neta......stop....*sigh*..hehe..... I'm wearing a black tank top and briefs. No I'm not the purple ones..... I'm wearing the Mr shrug ones........... what do you mean I ruined the vibe?!? Hehehehehe I'm hanging up... oh really what are you wearing?........take a pic, let me see........................ that's worse than what I'm wearing!........ because it has a hole in it!...

Warabie: HEY IKKAN!!

Ikkan: *gasp*. .. warabie knock! Cod!

Warabie: I.... I..... just wanted to ask.....if you're.... you're still planning on marrying Neta..... .. If.....if.... you're not willing I'd gladly take him..... I'd-I'd-I'd gladly take him if you don't want him

Ikkan: are you drunk?

Warabie: also what am I wearing as a groomsmen? Do we have to match? Can I pick out your suit? No offense but you have terrible taste

Ikkan: warabie go to sleep......how much did he drink?

Noiji: just 2 and a half pints he's a real light weight...... I put your two in the fridge

Ikkan: hm...... yeah I'm still here it's just warabie being a jackass..........*sigh*....... You know what we can do. We can watch a movie like we used to do... Long distance movie night........ yeah I'm heading down stairs...... You got finnflex open?..... All right, I'm all set up too...... Let's put you on speaker......

Neta: All right, I got you on the speaker too. What do you want to watch? I was thinking of "the kraken 2 sunken ship"

Ikkan: they don't have that on finnflex krillarney.

Neta: fuck. what do they have?

Ikkan: mostly documentaries

Nets: do they have wahoo land documentary? A big dream with with even bigger lawsuits?

Ikkan:.......... yeah

Neta: let's watch that one I heard someone actually fell off one of the coasters

Ikkan: wait we actually perform there in the grand opening I think Murasaki is in this.

Warabie: can I watch with yooooooooou? *Boop*

Ikkan: No fuck off

Warabie: I don't like it when you're so mean to me!

Ikkan: and I don't like it when you hit on my boyfriend but we can't get what we want all the time can we? Go upstairs!......... sorry

Neta: It's fine. I have my own personal nuisance with me

Mahi: why are you up so early! It's 5am!

Neta: Don't you have like college to go to or some shit? Leave me alone. I'm on a date!.... Okay, let's watch the documentary

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Mahi go home already @fish-at-fish-fish-resort

[steddie-there]

Just another bit of my Steddie wip Holding Out for a Hero (ETA: new name - I'd Fall For You Twice). It rapidly got away from me, as this particular story has been wont to do 😅 (over 18,000 words and counting!)

Eddie’s curled up on the couch in the living room, afternoon sunlight slanting warm across his shoulders and onto the notebook on his lap. He’s sketching a new tattoo design, a baseball bat studded with nails surrounded by winding vines and a fucked up monster bat. Steve’s quiet steps shuffle into the room and Eddie raises his cheek for a kiss but doesn’t look up from his work. There’s a moment of nothing and Eddie smirks, knowing Steve is rolling his eyes, but then he feels the press of lips against his skin and he sighs happily.

Steve settles next to him on the couch and it’s quiet for a while.

“Hey, Eds, I, uh, I have something for you.” There’s something about the way Steve says it, the uncharacteristic nervousness, that has Eddie tearing his eyes from his notebook and focusing on his boyfriend.

Steve is holding his hand out toward him, fist clasped tightly around something Eddie can’t see. He tilts his head sideways, studying the outstretched hand before he meets Steve’s eyes, questioning.

“Oh, come on, just hold out your hand. It’s not anything weird, I promise,” Steve says, rolling his eyes, any hint of nerves gone now.

Eddie has to bite back a giggle because, out of the two of them, Steve is not the one who drops weird things into people’s hands. No, that would be Eddie. Like two days ago, when he caught and handed Steve a tiny frog while they were walking through the woods behind Loch Nora. Or the leaf with a ladybug crawling across it a few days before that.

So he holds out his hand, palm up, and blinks when something silvery plinks into it. Then blinks again as he stares at the item now resting in his palm. His eyes widen.

It’s a ring. A class ring. Steve’s class ring.

Eddie blinks. Blinks again. The inside of his chest has gone all fluttery and his breath hitches a little and, as usual, the soft squeeze to his heart melts the connection between his brain and his mouth.

“Isn’t it a little early in our relationship for rings, Stevie?”

Steve opens his mouth. Closes it. “I - no, that’s - that’s not what I - I just wanted you to have something of mine! I thought, you know, this might - work. The best. With your - your style,” he babbles, gesturing to Eddie’s multitude of rings.

There’s that squeeze to his heart again. Not just because of the gift and the thought that went into it, but because a flustered Steve is an adorable Steve. And a very teaseable Steve.

“Why, Steve Harrington, are you asking me to go steady?” Eddie asks, mischief in his tone as he bats his eyes playfully up at Steve.

“Eddie!” Steve splutters, blush spreading up his cheeks. “You know what, never mind, I’ll just take it back, clearly this was a bad - “ he reaches for the ring as he speaks, but Eddie clutches it to his chest possessively.

“Nope, this is mine now. No take backs. You’re stuck with me now, whether you like it or not.”

It has the desired effect of making Steve snort a laugh and murmur, “That’s why I gave it to you, ya dork,” as he runs a hand through his hair.

They’re quiet for a moment, Eddie turning the ring this way and that, admiring the way the clear stone set in the middle catches the light, Steve watching and pretending he isn’t still feeling a little self-conscious.

Finally, Eddie glances up at Steve from under his lashes. “Put it on me?” he asks, uncharacteristically shy, as he tentatively holds out the ring.

Steve smiles, the one that lights up his whole face, that makes Eddie feel like he’s looking directly into the sun. He takes the ring and Eddie’s right hand and slips the band onto the middle finger. Then he brings Eddie’s hand to his lips, presses a kiss to the ring, and oh Eddie might actually combust now.

He tugs a lock of hair over his mouth, trying to hide the blush he can feel rising up his neck. But Steve just grins knowingly. With one last, lingering press of his lips to Eddie's hand, he drops it in favor of gently tucking Eddie's riot of curls behind his ears, even the one he's trying to hide behind.

"There you are," he murmurs, eyes locked with Eddie's. He gently cups Eddie's cheeks, runs his thumbs across the skin under his eyes like there’s something precious there, like Eddie is something precious. And all Eddie can do is stare into those honeyed eyes, his lips parted and heartbeat kicking up more than a few notches.

Steve’s grin turns soft and he presses a gentle kiss to Eddie’s lips before leaning their foreheads together. Eddie’s eyes slip closed, needing that illusory barrier to settle his jumping pulse. It still all feels so new, is so new, but that’s not what has his breath catching in his throat. Because, despite the newness and despite the fact that it is still totally incomprehensible that Steve wants Eddie, of all people, he can’t deny how right it feels to sit so close to Steve that their breath is mingling and their hearts are beating in sync.

For just a moment, Eddie can see them in his mind’s eye, sitting exactly like this - but they’re older, gray in their hair, crow’s feet at the corners of their eyes, and laugh lines framing their mouths - and he wants so desperately that he doesn’t even think before he’s pulling back, hands going up to his neck.

Steve frowns, a question forming on his lips, but then Eddie is yanking the chain with his guitar pick over his head and holding it out to Steve. He swallows, takes a breath. “I want you to have something, too. Something of mine.” Something of me, he doesn’t say, but it’s there between them anyway.

And now it’s Steve’s turn to just stare for a moment, for his breath to stutter in his chest. He gingerly takes the pick from Eddie’s fingers, holding it like it’s made of crystal and not just plastic, and slips the chain over his own head. 

“This is the one that you used in -” he starts to ask, voice hushed.

“In the Upside Down, yeah,” Eddie answers, just as softly.

With quiet reverence, Steve runs his fingers along the smooth edge, then just brings the pick up to his lips and holds it there for a moment, his eyes distant.

That squeezing sensation seems to have taken up permanent residence in Eddie’s chest. He can’t take his eyes from Steve and he knows if he opens his mouth now, he’ll say something wrong or crazy or too soon, too fast. Something like I love you or marry me or I wish I could climb inside you and live there forever. But he’s also terrible at stopping himself from doing anything, so he opens his mouth

and laughs.

Immediately, he claps his hands over his mouth because he didn’t mean to do that, it’s precisely the wrong reaction to the most romantic moment he’s ever experienced in his entire life. Even saying “I love you” would have been better than this. Because he’s laughing and Steve is looking up at him with a flash of something in his eyes and his shoulders are shaking and oh dear god, I’ve completely fucked this up, haven’t I? and if he could bury himself in the couch cushions he would, because he cannot handle the hurt he knows he’ll see in every line of Steve’s body, because Steve is… Steve is laughing, too.

Steve is laughing, too?

Eddie stares at the other boy, at his mouth stretched wide around his laughter, his face lit up with relief and mirth and joy and love and sheer astonishment - all the emotions Eddie feels swirling in his own burst of laughter. And then he’s laughing again, too, and they’re leaning into each other, giggles spilling past their lips even as they press them together and cling to each other’s shoulders to stay upright.

They laugh until their stomachs hurt and then keep laughing, quiet giggles escaping every so often as they kiss and hold and breathe each other in. They’re so immersed that they don’t even hear the front door open or Robin’s voice calling to them from the entryway. They don’t notice her step into the room and stop and stare at the manic picture they make. They have absolutely no clue she’s even there until she says, “Hold up, are you two high?”

They look up at her, blinking like deer in the headlights, before Steve catches Eddie’s eye and they dissolve back into gales of laughter.

“You two are so weird,” Robin mutters, dropping her bag on the coffee table and heading for the kitchen. If she has to deal with them the way they are right now, she needs a snack.