#dustins soooo done

[theosconfessions]

if youd like to read the stephens from the beginning you can over here:)

if youd like to read the stephens continued you can over here:)

@ohsosims

eloise: whys your face hair whiteeeeee,daddy?

cade: yeah whys it white?

dustin: because daddy is aging...just like you two are..and sometimes when you get older you start to look a little different.

eloise: are you going to go bald like grandpa:

dustin: eloise, that is your father. not your grandpa. and grandpa rue would be pretty upset at you for calling someone else that you know that. you know how much he lovesss being your grandpa?

cade: so much

dustin:yeah so much babies

theo: they insulting me again?

dustin: heyyyyy hey. yeah it depends on how you look at it. cade please stop hanging off of me

cade: noooo! pick me up!

dustin: baby not right now. i have to talk to daddy,okay?

eloise: pick me up next!

theo:dear god

[secretlovezz]

Whiplash

Eddie Munson x Fem!reader

Summary: you've been avoiding Eddie like the plague and he's desperate to figure out what he's done to deserve it.

Warnings: hurt/comfort?? idk, kissing, fluffy ending, pining, idiots in love, use of y/n, she/her pronouns used for reader, reader is a crybaby ig idk she reacted how I would soooo, lmk if i missed anything!

Wordcount: 2010

A/N: Not really proofread and kind of written in a rush cause I wasn't feeling it about halfway through so sorry if you can tell 😞

You weren't there... again.

Your absence from your usual seat to the left of Eddie leaves him in a deep state of confusion his eyebrows furrowing in thought. This was the fifth day without your presence at his side, almost an entire week without your voice giddily telling him about the book you were reading or a new recipe you've tried, almost an entire week of being deprived of that perfect little gleam in your eyes when you looked at him rambling about something you enjoyed, and his heart ached in deprivation.

And because of this, he could with full confidence say you were avoiding him- but as to why he had no idea.

Eddie's silent at the lunch table staring at nothing in particular, and though the guys -especially the freshman- had finally learned to normalize Eddie's peculiar-ness and oddities this new silence and bleak aura had them surprised. He was stuck in his head racking through everything that's happened in the last week that could have possibly scared you away from him.

He thinks about the time he asked you for help with his math homework, but that couldn't be it considering that definitely was not the first time he'd asked and definitely was not the first time you'd happily agreed to do so. He reminisces about when he'd come to visit you during your shift at the local library in boredom playfully bothering you as you re-placed books onto the shelf.

He thinks and thinks and thinks but nothing comes to mind for your sudden evasion.

"Dude, you think any harder and steam will come out of your ears," Gareth rolls his eyes at Eddie, "What the hell's wrong with you anyway?"

Eddie leans back in his chair and dramatically throws his head back to look at the ceiling, his hair flows behind him and moves as people walk by, "She's avoiding me."

Dustin's head snaps up, still chewing his food he inserts himself into the conversation, "Who? Y/N? I just talked to her last period, she seemed fine," He shrugged.

At that Eddies head pops back up, eyes locking with Dustin's in a way that leaves the younger boy cringing, and the crease between his brows intensifies, "So she's still talking to you guys but not me?" He starts to pout a little by the end of his question.

Everyone sends looks to each other before slowly nodding and Eddie's forehead loudly makes contact with the cafeteria table, the guys wince in response.

"Well... have you tried- I don't know, asking her about it?"

The glare sent in Mikes direction after his question almost makes him apologize. Eddie heatedly scratches his head and groans in irritation; he'd tried more than a handful of times to get ahold of you, tried more than enough times to just hear your voice again but nothing worked. When he waited by your locker you would walk the other way, when he called you, you hung up as soon as you heard his voice, and worst of all you would throw out the little notes he sent you in class as you walked out and away from him once again.

"Duh! Of course I have," Eddies reply is laced with annoyance and frustration, "But I can't ask her anything if she keeps running away- I mean come on! She won't even look at me, man." His voice is soft and emotional when speaking his last sentence, He runs his hand over his face weakly and suddenly he feels like he's being pitied. He doesn't want that.

He hastily moves to pick up his things, thrusting the items into his little lunch box with more force than necessary with a pout on his tired face before standing from his seat and angrily walking away across the cafeteria, from the table and the others. They all sigh when he makes it past the cafeteria doors and after a silent moment Jeff is the first who speaks up, "So- When do you guys think they'll get over themselves and finally get together?"

《----------♡

When the last bell rings after what feels like years to Eddie he's swiftly making his way out of class and out of the building, but now what time would usually be spent merrily walking to his car and making plans to see you during the weekend was spent instead making his way into the woods strolling past trees and going to the little picnic table placed in that clearing he visits every once in awhile.

He stares at the ground and his feet as he treads, kicking rocks, stones, and branches on the way.

Eddies just about there just a few trees away from the clearing before he hears footsteps other than his own a little ways ahead of him he pauses head finally lifting to look in front of him and waits to see who appears.

To his surprise you pop into his vision and his round, brown eyes widen. He goes to take a step forward his body automatically and urgently trying to get to you, desperately needing to be near the drug that is you, but he stops himself to observe.

You sit at the table and pull a book out from the satchel bag at your side and a humorous huff leaves through his nose, his face relaxing and lips curling up at the sight of you doing something you often enthusiastically spoke to him about before realizing that its a book he does not recognize, that you had started a new one, and you hadn't told him like you usually would have. The thought wipes the smile from his face in an instant and his brows furrow for the nth time that day.

He steps forward and does not stop himself this time, sauntering toward you almost as angrily has he had left the cafeteria without your knowledge as you are already too engrossed in whatever new story you were traveling into. When he sits across from you at the table you feel it shift with the added weight and at last realize that you are no longer alone.

When you eventually look up, placing your thumb in-between the pages you were reading to keep your place, your heart drops at the sight of the frustrated man in front of you. You try to move away but he quickly grabs your wrist urging you to sit back down, you look at him again and the anguish written on his face makes you find your seat.

Your gaze moves to your lap and Eddie doesn't let you go too afraid you run away again.

Eddie is the one to break the stifling silence, "Talk to me... please?" The sound of his voice makes your heart ache so guiltily it hurts, "Just- Just tell what I did wrong- tell me so I can fix it."

Though your mouth opens to respond nothing comes out and your eyes gloss over with salty tears. Eddie's hold on your wrist moves to your hand gently cupping it in his calloused palm while his thumb moves to continuously swipe over your warm skin.

Your cheeks warm at the intimate contact and it only makes your eyes well with my tears reminding you of why you were ignoring him in the first place.

"When you-," You struggle to get the words out of your closing throat but Eddie still listens patiently, "Last time... you- you did something. It wasn't a big deal to you- but um... to me it- it meant a lot and that's kind of the problem."

The brunette across from you leans in closer and tilts his head in confusion, "What did I do?"

You glance to the side in embarrassment but Eddie's thumb taps you twice to bring your attention back to the conversation, "Talk to me Princess; Tell me what I did so we can go back to normal, I miss my best friend."

You didn't want to go back to normal.

For the first time in days your eyes connect with Eddie's and you take in a shaky breath at the sight of his enchanting eyes. "You uh- you kissed me..."

Now he's confused. He had kissed you? When? He's sure he would remember finally getting to kiss you.

Your free hand travels to your cheek and it all clicks for him, the pieces falling into place. He can't help but let out a chuckle of amusement; you were right- he had kissed you, kissed you on your cheek, that is, a sweet little peck against your skin. His laughter dies out when you rip your hand from his, the tears in your eyes spilling over.

Eddie stands and rounds the table to you, "Hey hey I- I'm I shouldn't have laughed. Don't cry, sweetheart." His hands place themselves on your elbows as your hands move to cover your face. He starts to feel like that little kiss really did more than he had thought.

"Did it make you uncomfortable? I won't do it again I promise," You shake your head at his words, "Talk to me, baby."

"Don't do that! Don't call me those names if you don't mean it," Eddies eyes go wide at your outburst and his mouth opens to speak but you beat him to it, "you- you kiss me and call me those names and I- It's just too much... I like you too much."

All too quickly Eddie is forcefully removing your hands from your face and cupping your cheeks thumbing the tears from your skin, "I like you too much too."

"Don't be mean Eddie."

He connects his forehand to yours, both of your eyes closing at the closeness, "M'not, would never joke about that." His soft pink lips brush gently against yours as he speaks and your breath hitches. Your lips part slightly and your cold breath fans Eddie's face. "How can I show you I mean it hm? How 'bout... a real kiss?" He mutters. You nod all too briskly for someone who was just crying and it makes Eddie smile.

In the fullness of time Eddie presses his lips to yours and when he finally gets the taste of your lips on his he realizes he's waited entirely too long to do this despite being willing to wait an eternity for you. He's been starving for the absolute goddess that is you, now getting to satisfy that hunger digging in with no resistance and sliding his tongue past your lips flushed against him. The ache he had felt without you there fading once and for all as you kissed him back. Your hands atop his squeeze as a noise escapes the back of your throat and Eddie kisses you deeper at your audible reaction. He wants to consume you, wants to keep you so close you never leave his side, he needs it- needs you and makes sure it shows in the way he kisses you.

When he pulls away your both panting for air, Eddie's grin is smug on the top of your head and your arms are wrapped around him.

"I can't believe you made me feel like shit for an entire week just cause I gave you a lil' kiss on the cheek," Eddie mocked trying to get a quick quip in.

"Shut up! It totally freaked me out."

His loud cackle echoed in your ears and you smiled, pulling him closer and pressing your nose into his skin. Eddie's arms moved to wrap around you as well and his large hands snake around you also trying to squeeze you impossibly closer. He presses a fast peck on your cheek, then your temple, and then the top of your head. Eddie takes a deep breath inhaling the scent of you- memorizing it.

"Promise you won't do that to me again. Don't leave me alone like that again."

"I won't Eds, I promise."

"Besides! What are you going to do without me here being oh so entertaining huh?"

You laugh, "I have no idea."

[scoopstomyahoy]

i’ve seen a couple lavender marriage stobin posts, but what about lavender dating stobin?

they’re both way too young to get married — robin’s parents especially would be shocked, and, well, steve’s parents would just be shocked by his choice. but maybe when robin goes back to school after summer ‘85, all the girls in her grade are asking how she possibly landed steve the hair harrington.

and she’s soooo sick of it. she’s sick of telling someone that they aren’t dating and getting asked the same question by another girl the very next period. she’s sick of the way they treat steve like a prize to be won and not a human being and let’s be honest, a dingus. and she’s sick of the way everyone is scandalized by the thought of him dating HER because at some point, it kind of just hurts her feelings!

and she goes on a rant one day in front of a whole group of people about how basically, none of them ever stood a chance with steve, because they didn’t see who he really was and they didn’t treat him the way he deserved to be treated and she could totally land a hottie like him if she actually wanted to, for the record, and that she’s sick of everyone harassing her over it and making her (and steve) feel like zoo animals behind thick glass.

and everyone is staring at her, and oops, she didn’t say they were dating, but these normies wouldn’t understand the concept of platonic soulmates even if she tried to explain it. so they all think she’s dating steve.

“everyone thinks we’re dating, steve,” she grumbles when he picks her up from school that day. and, well, she wonders what could possibly have given them the impression that they were dating, when he picks her up from school like he does every day, and tosses her a little candy bar, the kind she likes, probably because he saw it at the gas station and thought she’d want it and just. bought it. because he loves her.

steve looks at her. “uh, yeah?”

because this is not actually news. dustin has been convinced they’re dating for months, and she’s been complaining about the kids at school for weeks.

“no, like, they really believe we’re dating now.” she cringes. “uhh. i might have said something that implied we were.”

steve snorts.

“not on purpose!” she cries.

steve snorts again. “doofus.”

“shut up, dingus. it’s a problem! i was, you know, defending your honor—” a third snort “—and i just didn’t deny our relationship like i normally do, and everyone took that as— admission.” her hands fly around her as she talks.

steve is silent. she looks at him. he’s thinking. hard.

“well,” he says, “that wouldn’t be… the worst thing. right?”

“what.”

“i just mean, if we were dating—”

“LESBIAN, steve!” robin points to herself.

“i know! i know, jeez-us. if everyone thought we were dating, like, actually, that could solve some of our problems.”

“explain.”

“like, i keep striking out, but that’s ‘cause i’m not really interested in hooking up with girls who aren’t looking for anything serious anymore. and you said i should try to be single for a while, ‘be comfortable with my own company’ or whatever—”

“it’s healthy!”

“sure! yeah, whatever! so i could be single with you, and you, you could, you know, you’d be a little safer. i could be your… goatee.”

“beard.”

“that.”

“although, i don’t know, maybe for lesbians it is a goatee.”

“rob, we’re getting off topic. my point is, we could… we could be dating.”

robin considers it. “you want to fake date.”

“not like, actually fake date. like, i’m not taking you to the diner and sharing a milkshake with two straws after we see the latest john hughes.”

“steve, we have literally done exactly that.”

“oh. right.”

“wait,” robin says, “wait wait wait. we have literally done exactly that.”

“right,” steve says.

“steve, are we…. are we already fake dating?”

it’s steve’s turn to consider it. “wait, are you the reason i keep striking out?”

“hey!”

“kidding!”

anyway. they talk it out a bit more, and robin warms up to the idea. because steve isn’t wrong, she would be safer if people thought she had a boyfriend. she had never dated a boy before. and dustin might lay off of steve for a little bit if steve admits he was right. (steve groans, loudly, at the idea of ever admitting to the little genius that he’s right.) and they don’t have to make some huge announcement to the world, posting it on the school’s bulletin board for everyone to see.

but maybe robin would stop getting weird looks in the locker room if she had a boyfriend to prove people wrong.

[atopvisenyashill]

staying in the north because that’s home

we’re doing theon chapters next lads it’s about to get very sad in here. also theon has more chapters so this one is a little longer. tldr on theon’s adwd arc:

FIRSTLY I kept track of his reek rhymes it goes leek bleak meek leek squeak cheek leak weak freak sneak wreak peek freak shriek meek peek weak sneak

Secondly, just for reference, his chapter names are Reek I, Reek II, Reek III, The Prince of Winterfell, The Turncloack, A Ghost in Winterfell, and Theon. When I saw “Theon” I genuinely cheered out loud.

I like these chapters a lot because there’s a lot to analyze without (at least to me) being all that plot heavy. They just like, go to a wedding then hang out at Winterfell. Meanwhile Theon is losing his mind and also connecting spiritually with a nine year old.

I think it’s soooo funny that everyone is like “oh that Tully Temper” as if the northmen aren’t just as unpleasant as cat hoster lysa edmure and blackfish lol. like these are the bitchiest people in the world omg.

let’s goo

we are just opening with eating a alive rat let’s get into this shit.

kyra story is horrifying. the characterization for her is interesting as she introduces us to ramsay's little most dangerous game playground - ramsay truly sets her free to give her a headstart and she realizes she won't be able to find her way home on her own so she goes to the one person she knows is both skilled enough to help and likely willing to help, which is theon. but theon in that moment is still just steeped in his selfishness; he's almost more angry at kyra for not splitting up so he could get away than at ramsay for hunting them down and gruesomely murdering her.

Ramsay was clad in black and pink—black boots, black belt and scabbard, black leather jerkin over a pink velvet doublet slashed with dark red satin. In his right ear gleamed a garnet cut in the shape of a drop of blood.

the DRIP omg once again angry that the Northerners all wear the exact same ugly outfit when we could have gotten THIS

THEONSA QUOTE

but also his "she is only a girl" about arya marrying ramsay....that hurt me too

No. I never thought we would. They’re dead. Lord Wyman had them killed. That’s what I would have done if I was him.

first of all - i love this evil little kid lmao

second of all - i love that he very pragmatically is like "yeah those bitches should have realized they were gonna get got"

third of all - kinda love that he hangs around talking to theon. as i've been thinking about who will get the twins at the end, I think what's interesting here is that Little Walder, the "stupid" one, is the Frey that latches onto Ramsay while Big Walder, the "smart" one, seems to talk to everyone there, more intent on gathering information than purposefully currying favor with any one person, even from lowly, broken little Reek.

After the scratch the Young Wolf gave Lord Rickard, that may be somewhat less true than formerly. Be that as it may. Lord Stannis has taken Deepwood Motte from the ironmen and restored it to House Glover. Worse, the mountain clans have joined him, Wull and Norrey and Liddle and the rest. His strength is growing.

so we’re at Winterfell. This is how it shakes out-

WINTERFELL, STARK LOYALISTS: Manderly, Hornwood, Cerwyn, Tallhart, Locke, Hothor “Whoresbane” Umber WINTERFELL, BOLTON LOYALISTS: Bolton, Frey WINTERFELL, SHADY GROUPS: Ryswell, Dustin, FF Flints, Stout WITH STANNIS: Mors “Crowsfood” Umber, Mountain Clans (First Flints, Wulls, Liddles, Harclays, etc), Mormont, Glover, possibly WW Flints as well? IN THE WIND: Reed, Karstark, Skagosi

just listing that here so i have it somewhere.

"Has my bastard ever told you how I got him?” That he did know, to his relief. “Yes, my … m���lord. You met his mother whilst out riding and were smitten by her beauty.” “Smitten?” Bolton laughed. “Did he use that word? Why, the boy has a singer’s soul."

this one hurt my feelings. Especially in conjunction with Roose's "don't make me regret the day I raped your mother" and the way that's the comment that really gets under Ramsay's skin - I think he much prefers to tell himself that Roose was simply ~overcome with lust~ for his mother's beauty rather than Roose thinking she wasn't even worth the time it took to rape her

"You could be my man." "I'm no one's man."

screaming

interesting how both Barbrey and Wyman distrust Maesters

"And be quick about it. If she’s not wet by the time I’m done disrobing, I will cut off that tongue of yours and nail it to the wall.” Somewhere in the godswood, a raven screamed.

that's Bran btw

“Please,” he murmured through his broken teeth, “I never meant …” The words caught in his throat. “Save me,” he finally managed. “Give me …” What? Strength? Courage? Mercy? Snow fell around him, pale and silent, keeping its own counsel. The only sound was a faint soft sobbing. Jeyne, he thought. It is her, sobbing in her bridal bed. Who else could it be? Gods do not weep. Or do they? The sound was too painful to endure. Theon grabbed hold of a branch and pulled himself back to his feet, knocked the snow off his legs, and limped back toward the lights. There are ghosts in Winterfell, he thought, and I am one of them.

THAT'S BRAN TOO. GODS WEEP AND THEY WEEP FOR YOU AND JEYNE THEON!!!!

The girls were glad to see him. They knew him by his smell. Red Jeyne loped over to lick at his hand, and Helicent slipped under the table and curled up by his feet, gnawing at a bone. They were good dogs.

i'm curious if this will come up again - that Ramsay's dogs know Theon (because he sleeps with them) and they seem to like him, and they're fairly well behaved despite being raised by Ramsay.

The gods could not kill Bran any more than I could. It was a strange thought and stranger still to remember that Bran might still be alive.

screaming

so there's the murdery mystery plot. what's interesting to me here is that once we get to the Prince of Winterfell, Theon stops referring to himself as Reek (until Ramsay rapes Theon & Jeyne on their wedding night). But in the Turncloak, he goes back to being his usual prickly self; he's picking up on what people aren't saying, he starts with his "jeyne jeyne rhymes with pain" as a substitute for the reek bit, and even when he's doing the reek bit he's not just using random words, he's using insults for himself - meek, weak, freak, etc. By the murder mystery, he's straight up snapping at people, interacting with people, actively lying for no real reason, and he seems to start really resenting the idea that he'll have to go back to being Reek. There's a level of barely concealed rage more an anything but it's not directed at the people around him, it's directed at Ramsay for the first time and it's directed at himself.

anyways, there’s this clear shift as Theon starts breaking out of the brainwashing effect the torture has on him but it's not a shift into being mentally well it's just a shift back into being Theon Greyjoy and that means prickly, and that means weird magic stuff too.

The poetry. of theon’s chapters starting with his thoughts on kyra, mad at her for needing his help, to theon lying to get jeyne out of there, and grabbing her before he jumps, without even a thought in his head about leaving her behind.

[penny00dreadful]

Somebody To Love - Part 4

Hey so AO3 went down and that kinda sucked BUT it did allow me to get some writing done soooo... here you go!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5 Part 6 AO3

The two children Steve had sent to replace him were god damn menaces.

Well, maybe not children but they were still so goddamn young.

And they didn’t let him get away with anything. Standing over him with their arms crossed and twin looks of disapproval on their faces like the god-damn Men in Black of babysitters.

He wasn’t, like, under house arrest or anything. He was still able to get his fix whenever he wanted. He was still able to drink himself into oblivion, but they didn’t handle him with as much care as Steve had.

He had numerous opportunities to go out and get laid six ways from Sunday as well but… he wasn’t really feeling it.

Though he refused to pinpoint why.

“You know, this would have never happened if you’d just show me the list.” Eddie crossed his own arms, trying to put as much petulant haughtiness into his tone as he could muster, lying where he landed in the grass of his back garden with his pants around his ankles. At least his underwear had stayed on.

This time.

How did he get there?

Didn’t matter.

That tree was out to get him. Fuck that tree. That tree was no longer his number two favourite climbing tree. It had been bumped down to number eight to go along with the tree that dropped an apple on his head like he was Newton and the tree that had covered him in sticky sap that took forever to get off.

The woman, Max, who perpetually had her red hair in a long braid down her back, cocked an eyebrow at him. “I don’t ever remember telling him he couldn’t see the list." She said with an air of nonchalance, looking over at her co-babysitter. "Do you, Dustin?”

“You know, I think you’re right, Max." Dustin matched her tone. "I think Eddie just assumed he wasn’t allowed to see it and ran with it.”

“Hey, fuck you, man." Eddie pointed up at him. "You're supposed to be on my side. Nerds of a feather.”

"I'm on the side of the truth. Like any good scientist."

"You're a babysitter."

Dustin shrugged. "And I have hobbies."

Max rolled her eyes. “Pull your pants back up like a good little boy and I’ll show you the list.”

“I could fire you on the spot, Red, don’t test me.”

She bent low, placing her hands on her knees so she was looming menacingly over him.

“Do it." She grinned down at him. "I fucking dare you.”

Eddie scoffed. "Whatever." 

But he did still stand, bucking his pants back up.

Despite everything he was loath to admit he really liked those two. They didn't take any of his shit and they treated him like a human person rather than some mythical celebrity they had to bow and scrape to.

He held his hand out expectantly.

“Oh, we don’t have it on us.” Max said, her eyes glittering with malicious glee. “It’s on the kitchen counter.”

“Fuck off 'it’s on the kitchen counter.'”

“No, it is.” Dustin nodded. “We put it there last week.”

“We’re keeping a running tally for how many times you’ve walked past it.”

“I think we’re up to fifteen now?”

Eddie did not stomp his foot. “That’s so not fair! You know I’m off my meds!”

“You’re off your meds because of the amount of recreational shit you imbibe. That’s on you." Dustin poked him in the chest. "Maybe if you were sober for five minutes you’d have noticed it.”

Eddie turned his back on them and started to make his way towards the house. They might have had a point as to why he was off his ADHD meds but Eddie was a stubborn fucker so he’d never admit it to them.

He snatched up the list that he genuinely only just noticed for the first time because it was pointed out to him and eagerly read through Steve’s recognisable handwriting.

It was a lot shorter than he thought it would be but also it kind of covered everything?

Make sure he keeps himself alive.

Don’t let him do stupid shit.

Don’t let him kill himself with:

Alcohol poisoning.

Drug overdose.

Some super fucked up STD.

Eating shellfish by accident again.

Chasing a balloon into traffic or whatever.

If you have to put him in a protective bubble, do it.

Max, if he gets mean, get meaner.

Dustin, if he tries to worm his way out of listening to you by claiming to be ‘cool’, remind him of the time he wore a plain black suit to the Met Gala-

“Okay!” Eddie shouted into the kitchen around him, slamming the list back down with a smack. “Low fucking blow, Steve!”

“I mean, it’s true isn’t it?” Max pointed out, pulling herself up to sit on the counter.

“Listen,” he ran a hand through his hair, keeping his volume high, “It was one time and it was my first Met, I was nervous, alright?! Plus! It wasn’t even a plain black suit, it was Chanel, hello??” He waved his hand around. “It had accessories??”

Dustin leaned his elbows on the counter and rested his chin in his hands. “Steve wore yellow.”

“Yes, I know Steve wore yellow-”

“He wore a beautifully cut little yellow suit with a cape and he wasn’t even there as your plus one,” Max smirked, “he was there as your assistant and he was still better dressed than you.”

“Alright-”

“Rhianna complimented him. Said great minds think alike.”

“She was in nothing but a cape so-” Eddie threw his head back in offence. “Whatever, good luck keeping up with me, children. I’m gonna go find some prawns or some scallops and you two,” he pointed at each of them in turn, “can explain my big fat puffy face to Steve when he gets back in a few days.”

Neither of them were even remotely phased.

Eddie was practically rattling by the time Steve was due to fly back in from… wherever he’d been. Even though he probably wouldn’t see him immediately.

Like, the guy had his own home to go to, his own stuff to get reacquainted with.

His own platonic soulmate to reunite with.

So why would he call over? Steve had his own life. He had no... no obligation to come see Eddie immediately.

And that was fine.

Eddie would see him tomorrow, more than likely.

So it was no big deal.

It was fine.

It had been nearly a month since they’d spoken. It was the longest stretch of time they’d gone apart in… Jesus nearly ten years?

And Eddie had handled it fine. 

He had been so normal about it.

It wasn’t like he’d been missing a limb.

It wasn’t like half his heart had been ripped out and shipped off on a plane to wherever.

Wasn't like he'd been thinking about Steve every day, every night, every spare fucking moment he had.

Why would he?

He was... it was all... everything was fine.

He was sitting in his basement studio, plucking a stream of consciousness on his guitar that sometimes crystallised into something coherent and sometimes was something that was stuck in his head.

He looked like a ratty mess, the same worn out pyjama pants and band tees that had been with him ever since he lived in a trailer park in rural Indiana.

They were comfort clothes more than anything at this stage.

His hair… he couldn’t be dealing with his hair right now, it seemed to be out to irritate him on that particular day. Every time a strand brushed against his neck or his cheek it made him want to crawl out of his skin. He’d yanked it violently up onto the top of his head, but each repeated, frustrated shoving of a stray strand back into the bun just caused more to fall out.

He was trying desperately to distract himself but his blood was itching for… something.

He hadn’t had a good fix in a while, he wanted to be sober and clear headed for when he saw Steve again but the heightened anxiety really wasn’t helping the situation. He didn’t usually get so twitchy when he was sober, but then again, he couldn’t really remember the last time he’d been actively trying to stay away from everything. 

And maybe that shocked him a little more than it should.

Maybe it scared him just the right amount.

But it could easily be a losing battle because there were hidden nooks and crannies everywhere in his house holding some kind of mind altering substance in them. Even on the couch in his studio he could probably reach down in between the cushions and pull out a baggy of pills he'd forgotten down there at some point. He didn’t even know what half the pills he found dotted around were anymore, they could be sugar for all he knew but they were there and they wouldn’t stop whispering to him.

He wasn’t even conscious of what he was playing. It was only when he realised he was muttering lyrics to himself that he figured out what was living in his brain and automatically spilling out around him.

Somebody (Somebody) Ooh, somebody (Somebody) Can anybody find me somebody to love?

Eddie softly snorted to himself, a little self deprecatingly. Oh, the irony, he thought, especially considering-

“That’s my favourite.”

Eddie whipped around to see Steve fucking Harrington leaning against the door of his studio.

He looked, well, there was no word for it other than glowing. His skin was darker, his hair a touch lighter, the dusting of freckles over his nose had exploded in volume and pigmentation and he looked good. He looked so good. 

More than that, it was like he’d brought the sunlight back with him because he’d clearly been somewhere sunny, maybe on a tropical beach somewhere. Somewhere that suited him as a person.

It was like the smell of the ocean entered the room with him.

“Stevie!” Eddie shot up from the couch, discarding his guitar a little carelessly before all but throwing himself at him, arms and legs wrapped around him, clinging on for dear life. “You’re back! You’re here!”

Steve stiffened up momentarily, unusually, before relaxing into it, holding him tight. “I’m here.” He muttered softly into Eddie’s neck.

“Tell me everything sweetheart, how was it? Where did you go? What was it like not to have to run around after an overgrown toddler such as myself-?” Eddie pulled away with a smile, back on solid ground but his grin faltered when he noticed Steve’s own smile had an almost sad tilt to it.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” He shrugged off Eddie’s concern. “Went to Hawaii. It was a good time, I’d recommend it to you but I don’t know how well your skin would be able to take that much sun.” He laughed. It was almost performative. He wouldn’t meet Eddie’s eyes anymore. “Met some people. Had some fun. You know, vacation stuff. How were Dustin and Max, could they keep up with you?”

Eddie swallowed and tried not to let the cold wash of emotion completely pull him under. “You- you met some people, huh?” He was going for light. He really was going for light, but it came out just a touch too shaky to really pull it off.

“Yeah.”

“What kind of people?”

“I dunno, people. You know, vacation people.”

Eddie nodded and tried to shove everything, everything he was feeling far, far away. He had no right to feel so heartbroken, he didn’t.

Steve was… he deserved to let loose.

And if that meant meeting some people while away on vacation, that was none of Eddie’s god-damn business. After all, it was nothing compared to what he’d been doing to Steve for years.

“Right.”

Steve frowned at him. “What’s with the face?”

“What face?”

“That face.” He circled his finger around Eddie’s head. “You look like I just killed your dog.”

Eddie shook his head. “Did you find what you were looking for? Out there?”

There was a pause.

“I thought I did.” Steve crossed his arms. “I thought I had… escaped it, I suppose? But,” he sighed, “I think I know now it’s going to be with me forever.”

He looked up again, fixing Eddie with that same sad smile, like Eddie couldn’t see right through him, like he couldn’t tell. But how long had Steve been looking at him like that and how many times had Eddie not seen it?

Steve had thought he'd escaped him.

Or escaped his soul-crushing and unrequited love.

But was it even unrequited?

Last month Eddie would have been sure the answer was an unfortunate yes, it was unrequited.

But now he wasn't so sure.

The last month without Steve had been torture.

Steve had left on vacation to escape Eddie's effect on him, had met up with vacation people and thought it had worked...

Then he came back and...

Eddie needed to sit down.

He dropped himself heavily back down on the couch and put his head in his hands.

“Sounds like some kind of tragic love story.” He muttered into the space between them.

“Yeah.” Steve’s voice was soft. “I think it is.”

Eddie looked up at him, heart breaking in two just from how resigned to his fate Steve sounded and Eddie could feel it. He could feel it, like he knew, like he felt the same, like he’d been… for all this time…

“What were you escaping?” He asked, his voice smaller than he was used to hearing it. It was a dick question, it was a hard question to even get out but he had to know.

He had to be sure.

Because if he was sure then maybe…

Steve looked at him with his big sad eyes and his resigned posture and defeat written all over his figure. “Please don’t ask me that.”

“Stevie-”

“No. Please, Eddie. I… I can’t.”

“Why?” He pushed the word out into the air like it had personally offended him. “Why can’t you just talk to me about this? Why can’t you tell me? We tell each other everything. You’ve never hidden anything from me.”

Steve laughed, some cold, sad, biting thing. “Eddie, I've been hiding this thing from you for years.”

“But, please, Stevie, I need to know. I need you to tell me. Because, I don’t know. Maybe-” Eddie reached out, trying to grasp at Steve’s hand but Steve pulled back violently.

Like Eddie could burn him with just a touch.

“Don’t. Just- I can’t tell you, you know why I can’t tell you!”

“No, I don’t!” And Eddie really didn’t. Why was this so hard, why was it so hard for him to just… admit it?

“Because!” Steve stood in front of him, sudden and frantic, like a man who’d been clinging onto his last threat of patience and sanity and had just lost his grip, hands in his hair and staring at Eddie with wide glistening, pleading eyes. “Because I’d have to leave! I couldn’t stay if I did tell you! It would- it would be unethical and unprofessional-”

“Stevie, you know you’re more to me than an employee.”

“Yes, I do, but…” Steve deflated all at once, the very soul inside him crumpling under the weight of everything. “But what would happen if I did tell you?” He whispered, swallowing around a lump in his throat. “We’d try to continue on as normal but now there’s this thing hanging over every interaction we have from now until forever and you’ll start to get uncomfortable and it’ll be a thing. And you’ll never be able to look at me as just a friend anymore and I’ll get so distracted I won’t be able to do my job and I’ll have to go, for both our sakes and that would kill me, Eddie. I need you in my life like I need fucking air, as fucked up and infuriating as you are, I need you in my life.”

“But,” Eddie was making a valiant effort to will away the lump in his own throat. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d ever felt so unsure about something, like every word had the power to destroy if he picked the wrong one. Like everything around them was ready to shatter like a Prince Rupert’s drop if touched the wrong way. “What if that doesn’t happen? What if… what if we gave it a go…?”

Steve somehow slumped even more, dragging his hands down from his hair to cover his face, another laugh breaking out of his lungs that was clearly mingled up with a sob. “That would be even worse.” He murmured. 

“How could that possibly be worse?! Would it really be so bad to be in a relationship with me?”

“Yes, Eddie!” Steve hissed, glaring at him with red, shiny eyes. “Yes, it would! Because I know you. You don’t do relationships. Any ones you have had you’ve imploded before they go anywhere past semi-serious and I cannot do that. I cannot be given a taste and then just have to go the rest of my life without it because you got bored or self-destructive or realised it wasn’t what you wanted, that I-”

Steve abruptly cut himself off and dug the heels of his hands into his eyes again. “I can’t do it, Eddie. If I just became another notch… I don’t think I’d ever recover. It would destroy me.”

Eddie put his own head in his hands again, ignoring the jerking movements of his bouncing knee. The worst part was that he couldn’t disagree with what Steve had said about his attitude with people, about how he treated those he was with. 

He couldn’t even be angry or defensive about it because it was true. It was so true the both of them knew it was plainly factual, there was no point arguing.

Anyone he’d ever had a relationship with before, he’d either dropped once the shine had worn off, or shoved away using cutting words or sunk himself so deep into drugs and alcohol it was a miracle Steve had ever been able to drag him out.

Because it was always Steve dragging him out. It was always Steve listening to him bitch and moan about how love was for fantasists, no one was ever happy in relationships, having to cut themselves down by half to accommodate someone else, how he’d never catch himself in that trap for as long as he lived, how he’d swear off ever chaining himself down to bullshit monogamy again.

Until the next pretty face or bouncy ass walked by.

Of course Steve would think that about him. Eddie thought that about himself. Believed it about himself until very, very recently, when even the thought of Steve leaving his life forever sent a cold spike of dread and desperation through him.

“Okay,” Eddie rubbed his face. “But, what if… How do I- what if I prove it to you?”

Steve inhaled deeply then exhaled harshly toward the floor and dragged his hands away from his eyes. His face was blotchy and wet and miserable, his eyes were raw red and resigned. 

“Prove what?”

“That I…” Eddie dragged a hand through his hair, gripping on tight. “That I want to be serious about this. That I- if I get a chance, if you give me a chance to have you, that I’m going to keep you. Forever.”

Steve shook his head. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Eds.”

“I’ll keep it.” Eddie raised his head, meeting Steve’s eyes again and trying to will his sincerity across the room. “I’ll always keep it with you. If you love me like I suspect you do, I’m gonna work every god-damned day to keep that promise. Because I think I’ve been in love with you for just as long-”

“Please,” Steve’s voice cracked, harsh and painful sounding, “don’t say that if you don’t mean it-”

“I mean it.” He clasped his hands in front of him, almost begging Steve to hear him. To understand just how serious he was. “I swear on everything I hold dear, I mean it. I swear on my guitar I mean it.”

Steve looked so… he looked so hurt. Like everything he’d been hiding from himself, everything he’d been hiding from Eddie for so long, for years was all coursing through him at full force.

Steve crossed his arms over his chest and considered him.

“I’ll think about it.” His voice was quiet, but it wasn’t so despairing as it had been.

Eddie stood. He wanted to get closer, he wanted to wrap Steve up in his arms and never let go, he wanted to make it better but he didn’t dare move any closer.

“What do you need?”

“I don’t know. I think right now I just need a little time. And space. Again. I might have to extend my vacation just for a few more days. To get my head on straight.”

“Yeah, of course.” Eddie exhaled, rubbing a hand over his forehead. “Whatever you need, baby.”

A wounded, painful sound was pulled from Steve’s throat against his will and Eddie flinched backward.

“Jesus, shit. I’m sorry. Fuck, I’m sorry.”

Steve just shook his head, not meeting his eyes anymore. 

“Dustin and Max will be back tomorrow morning.” Steve didn’t raise his eyes again, keeping them firmly on the ground as he picked up his bag.

Eddie could only whisper out a small ‘okay’. He felt like if he said or did anything else, Steve might shatter into a million tiny pieces and he couldn’t- he wouldn’t let that happen.

The same way it had happened a month ago, Eddie watched Steve leave the room, staring at the door long after he’d gone.

But even though it was the same this time, it was also different.

Because now he had a terrible hope building in his chest.

Now he had work to do.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 5 Part 6 AO3

It was Chanel, hello?? It had accessories??

An idea of Steve's yellow suit

And, of course, Rhianna's iconic cape

This is the video I watched to visualise Eddie playing away in his basement studio. Watch it and let your mind wander 🤭 (specifically 1:23 is the part Eddie is playing in the fic)

@lifeisnotsobadonceyoustopcaring, @child-of-cthulhu, @sweetwaterangel, @anaibis, @katytheinspiredworkaholic, @littlewildflowerkitten, @hallucinatedjosten, @estrellami-1, @gregre369, @stxrcrossed186, @novelnovella, @imhereforthelolzdontyellatme, @hellowhatthehellisgoingonhere, @thesuninyaface, @messrs-weasley

[manic-pixie-aquarius]

Soooo I haven't been active on here but here's a snippet of a short story I started writing last month! Idk, lemme know if any of you find it interesting bc I'm thinking of refining it and then putting it on Ao3

It's mostly from Mike's POV but switches to Will's at one point too. Takes place in a theoretical post-s5 Snow Ball? And this is post Mileven breaking up so Mike is reaaaally deep in his pining over Will and the painting hasn't been fully addressed yet bc things just got back to normal and everyone's tryna have fun

Here:

I must look like a sulking idiot sitting here at this empty table while all my friends are having fun, but I can’t bring myself to enjoy the moment, there is still a lot on my mind and I can’t believe everyone is acting like nothing happened. Max and Lucas are dancing together again and after the song ends El comes back to dance with Dustin. 

I feel eyes on me. 

“Don’t feel like dancing?” Will asks me. 

I look up, startled that I didn’t hear him coming. I just nod no. He takes a seat next to me. 

“Me neither” he says with a scoff. 

I smile, maybe for the first time tonight.

“I’m honestly too tired after all that setting up” he continues. 

“It looks nice” I say, taking in my surroundings as if I haven’t done so already multiple times tonight. It does look neat. 

Will smiles.  

“So, what about you? Why are you here? Dustin and Lucas seem to be having fun over-” he looks back to where they were dancing earlier but now Dustin and El are dancing alongside Lucas and Max.  “oh” he says, then gives me a reassuring look, “sorry.” 

I shake my head, “it’s okay.” 

Some girl approaches us and we both look up. 

“Um, excuse me I was wondering if you’d like to dance” she says reaching a hand out flirtatiously towards Will. 

“Oh! Uh, sure” he says, and gets up, and they slow dance to a slow song. 

Hey, if we can solve any problem 

Then why do we lose so many tears? 

Oh and so you go again 

When the leading man appears 

I do another scan of the room and everyone is dancing, some couples kissing, probably for the first time. Jonathan is very reluctantly dancing along to the song because Nancy has forced him to. Ew, romance. I have to focus on something else. I look to the punch table and see Robin and Vickie talking, laughing. Everyone is having a good time, its honestly sickening. I can’t help but look back at Will and suddenly the lack of emotion I’ve been dealing with all day turns into a pit at the center of my stomach as We Belong by Pat Benatar plays. I have to go. I get up and rush through the crowd and push the double door to the gym maybe a little bit too aggressively because some couple on the other side of the door have these offended faces and the guy says, “what the heck?!” and he has bright pink lipstick marks on his face. But then he sees the tears in my eyes and decides to leave it alone. I walk towards the bathroom. 

“Why didn’t you do something?” his girlfriend squeaks. 

“Did you see his face? Probably got rejected. Babe, you know how I feel about that, you rejected me a year before I got these sick guns” he says and flexes. I roll my eyes and then as soon as I get into the men’s bathroom, I cross my arms on the sink and put my head down and start to cry, hoping nobody else is in here. I hear a toilet flush and someone walks out of the stall, great. At least it’ll be a stranger and not one of my friends. 

“Wheeler?” I hear in a familiar voice. Steve. I try to stabilize myself before lifting my head. I look up to him and he says “ohh, shit.” 

To Be Continued...LOL (I have a lot more written and the next part is my favorite because it's Steve giving Mike advice but...you'll have to wait)

[longtallglasses]

who's gonna write the stranger things/byler/lumax amazing race competition reality show au???

like byler is marketed as the nerdy childhood best friends team, “we've already gone on much crazier quests together when we were ten so this race is gonna be a piece cake!”

the whole audience at home picking up on their insane chemistry like... 👀

they're the clear front runners from the start because they hardly need to talk at all to get things done, work so quickly on their feet, mike is a crazy good strategist, and they’re always on the same page. and ToTally side eye other teams that are a mess, judgy shared smirks and eye rolls.

I know mike would be taking the whole thing soooo seriously while will is like :) ☺️ as mike figures out all the clues in seconds. even better if in this universe they already know lumax so mike is extra competitive bc he wants to beat them.

lumax is the loud and funny bickering couple, (also *cough* the couple everyone is attracted to) either freshly newlyweds, or just engaged. they have a million moments in the show where something goes wrong and they look at each other like 'wtf?!' 'this isn't my fault!' 'well you said we didn't have to worry about water!' they still would somehow manage to pull through and do okay

they are more 'secret planners' being sneaky that the audience is also blindsided by some of their actions. they excel best at the physical challenges that’s where they don’t need to check in w the other, but sometimes also really surprise everyone with their smarts.

also 100% love being sabateurs!!! very excited to fuck over another team if they can. if it airs at a time of social media people would be making comps of all their little zingers, one liners, and banter.

and simply bc i think this would be SO funny is dustin and mr. clarke as a team. teacher and ex-student team. the science guys! however despite being super smart a lot of their skills and knowledge aren't translating to most of these practical challenges and obstacles (mr. clarke more than dustin).

they don't do the best communicating with locals and stuff of the like, but people LOVE to watch them, i just have this vision of mr. clarke having to sky dive or crawl through some dark cave and freaking out, while dustin yells at him to keep going. instant comedy gold to the folks back home. dusitn for some reason still refers to mr. clarks AS mr. clarke.

they would also be the team hit with every detour task, slowing them down so much, dustin is so irate every time while mr. clarke is like weirdly overtly optimistic bc he's really there to just have fun. (like yes a steve/dustin team would be great too but i think i'd rather a steve/robin or a robin/nancy team alongside these)

[rocknrollbabe14]

Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’

Soooo since I’m in a bit of an emotional drought right now (just dealing with some personal stuff) I decided to share a snippet of a story I had been working on and that’s been sitting in my drafts for 2 years since ST came out 😂😂😂 Some Steve x Reader x Eddie because they’re in a love triangle. If you want it continued let me know. 🤷🏻‍♀️😅

You hurried into the gym for the weekly pep rally for the Hawkins Tigers football team. Each grade was in the bleachers, ready to cheer on their team. It was a good way to boost morale and get out of last period a few minutes early. The band always played pep music in the stands during football games before and after preforming the half time show. You had to be at the game tonight as you were a member of the marching band.

During marching season, you were a Majorette—wearing the cute uniform and twirling the sticks as your best friend Eddie Munson teased you. You imagined Eddie would be skipping the pep rally as he could care less about sports. He would much rather invest his time in his Hellfire Club, selling drugs occasionally, or playing with his band at the Hideout.

“Ready for tonight?”, Robin asked loudly over the crowd.

Robin was a good friend and fellow band geek, the term most people referred to members of the band as. She was one of your only girlfriends.

“Definitely.”, you smiled as you grabbed your batons.

The Drum Major counted off each pep song, you doing your routines to each song as the band continued to play, the football team parading around, hyping up your classmates. You scanned the crowd to see if there was any sign of Eddie. There wasn’t. You did see Dustin Henderson and Mike Wheeler, freshman members of his Hellfire Club. The band would end with the fight song. After that, it would be decided which grade would win the spirit stick. You were brought out of your daze when the Drum Major counted off the fight song, beginning to twirl. It was muscle memory.

It had became second nature to you. You had been doing it since freshman year. The senior class of 1986 won the spirt stick, causing you, Robin, and the other band seniors to be quite thrilled. Robin was crushing madly on your fellow band member, Vickie. It was a big step up from Tammy Thompson. The pep rally ended, dismissing all grades from the gymnasium. You picked up your batons and met up with Robin before you both walked back to the band room.

“Eddie miss the pep rally?”, Robin asked as she brushed through her short hair.

“Apparently. He’s not into that, Robin.”, you smirked.

She snorted playfully. You all had about two hours to grab something to eat and be ready to rehearse tonight’s marching band show and the pep band music. After the games, Eddie would pick you up and take you home. You were surprised he would even come to the school long enough to do that. You and Robin grabbed lunch together as always, her rambling on about Vickie.

“Did you see how cute she looked today?”, Robin sighed, stirring the fry in her ketchup.

You smirked. “I’m not the best judge of that.”, you chuckled.

It was cute to see Robin so flustered and worked up over her crush. You could understand. You had secretly been crushing on Eddie for a while, however, he never seemed to reciprocate the feelings. You’d sometimes try and flirt a little here or there, but Eddie would brush it off with a laugh. You’d never admit to flirting with Eddie. You didn’t want to ruin your friendship if he didn’t feel the same.

The other day had really almost done you in. Dustin and Mike were talking about some cute freshman cheerleaders. It was harmless or so you thought. However, Eddie’s words rang in your head and ever since, you couldn’t get them out no matter how hard you tried. “What I’d do to have one night with that.” The worlds he used as Chrissy Cunningham passed by. Your heart sank deep in your chest, quickly realizing you didn’t have a chance with Eddie. He was more into the blonde, cheerleader type.

Before you could turn around, it was time to get dressed in your uniform and prepare to march to the stadium. It was the thing you all always did on Friday nights. Your uniform was a short one piece leotard with your school colors: green, gold, and white. Robin always told you how cute you looked and any boy would be lucky to date you, however, there was just one boy you wanted—Eddie Munson.

The night went on, you going through the motions. It was time for the half time show. Robin smiled at you as her friend and former student at Hawkins High, Steve Harrington came over to chat. He was most of the girls dream when he was in school. He had the perfect hair, played sports, and reeked of confidence. Robin assured you, however, he was just a “dingus”. It was time to go on, each of you taking your correct spot on the field. The Drum Major counted off, you smiling with your pearly whites.

Your movements came natural, remembering and performing each move with grace. You felt all the eyes on you. Little did you know, the eyes you found most important were on you too. He was just under the bleachers, peeping out just enough to see you with a cigarette hanging lazily out of his mouth. He took a puff of it, watching you in that tight little skirt. If you only knew how he felt and what he thought about.

You ended the performance, striking the last pose perfectly. The home crowd cheered before the Drum Major counted off once more, allowing you all to march off and exit the field. You went back into the stands, preparing to take a break for the third quarter.

“Steve!”, you heard Robin shout, instantly catching your attention.

“You did great out there.”, he encouraged her.

“Y/N, come here.”, she eyed you.

You reluctantly stepped up a couple bleachers, almost tripping and falling, Steve catching you easily, making eye contact with you, smiling at you.

“Y/N, you know Steve Harrington.”

“I do.”, you smiled easily.

“Steve, you know Y/N.”

“Yeah, you were a sophomore when I was a senior, right?”

You nodded. “Yeah, thanks for catching me.”, you laughed nervously.

“It’s not a problem, just be careful. Wouldn’t want a pretty girl like you to get hurt.”

Robin shot him a disgusted look. “Steve, was that supposed to be a pick up line?”

Steve blushed before running a hand through his hair. “Was it that bad?”

You giggled easily. “I appreciate it, Steve. Really.”

His smiled remained, becoming softer and almost serious. “Are you doing anything tomorrow night?”

“I’m sorry?”, you asked, almost nervously laughing.

Steve laughed nervously in response, shoving his hands in the pockets of his old letterman jacket. “Are you doing anything tomorrow night?”, he repeated.

“Oh no—no plans.”, you smiled, finally realizing he was trying to ask you out.

“Would you maybe wanna do something?”

Robin watched, mouth gaped open before it turned into a smile. Before the whole Chrissy comment, you wouldn’t have really considered going on a date with anyone else. But that had changed your whole perspective.

“Sounds good. Robin can give me your number.”, you smiled.

There was a chill in the fall wind, causing you to shiver slightly. Your outfit was short and skimpy. You rubbed your arms as if that would conduct a little electricity to warm you up.

“Here.”, Steve said as he shed his jacket, holding it out for you to wrap up in.

You eyed Robin, carefully obliging, letting Steve help you into his jacket. It was significantly bigger than you, but you instantly felt warmer and were no longer shivering. Robin smirked at you as you turned back to face her and Steve. Little did you know, other eyes were watching this unfold—Eddie Munson.

“Thanks, Steve. You didn’t have to do this.”, you blushed at him.

“Really, I don’t mind. It looks good on you.”

If Robin could have gagged, she would have. Steve was one of her best friends—if not her best friend but even his bad pick up lines were hard to watch. Somehow, he was managing to sail right through. You all made small talk as the third quarter clock counted down, Robin and you both taking your respective places back in the stands. The band continued to play pep music, Hawkins was winning against its rival.

The fourth quarter passed quickly, leaving just a few minutes on the clock. As the football team ran the field, the clock counted down further. Hawkins had the ball, the quarterback running for the field goal. Everyone was cheering loudly in anticipation of another touchdown. The quarterback passed the colored goal line, Hawkins side of the stadium cheering as the band counted off the fight song.

You watched the time fade from the fourth quarter, the game ending. Hawkins had won. The band began packing everything up to take it back to the high school. Steve walked behind the band, eager to continue talking to you and Robin. Members of the band were busy packing everything up. You finished up a few minutes early, noticing Steve was waiting to talk to you. Maybe this was how things were supposed to be.

“Hey.”, Steve breathed easily.

“Hey.”, you smiled.

“So tomorrow, right?”

“Tomorrow, for sure.”

Steve smiled, taking a hand through his hair. “I wrote my number down.”

You took the piece of paper, smiling. “Thank you, Steve. I’ll call you tomorrow. I promise.”

“Sounds good, you got a ride home?”

“I do. Oh! Let me give you your jacket back.”, you went to slide it off.

“No, no. It’s too cold. Keep it”, Steve insisted.

You smiled, knowing what it meant when a guy gave a girl his letterman jacket.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.”, Steve smiled.

Steve held his arms out, offering you an embrace. You allowed him to take you into his arms. The scent of his cologne off his jacket and himself hit your nose. It almost made you weak in your knees. You both pulled back, staring into each other’s eyes. The chemistry was there.

“Hey—time to go home.”, Robin interrupted you both.

Steve usually gave Robin a ride. Eddie give you a ride. It was just how thing were going,

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Y/N.”, Steve smiled.

“Okay, be careful Steve.”

“You too, Y/N.”

Robin and Steve exited the school, you not far behind. You immediately saw Eddie’s van parked out front. You walked in the cool fall air to his van, hearing him unlock the door as you approached. Eddie immediately eyed you up and down as you sat down in the seat.

“How was the game?”, he almost deadpanned.

“It was fine, we won.”, you smiled.

Eddie nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. “So I take it you don’t need my leather jacket?”

His voice was laced with jealousy—or at least you thought it was. His knuckles had a tight grip on the steering wheel. His brown eyes finally looked over at you, flipping back between the road and you.

“Not tonight.”

He chuckled. “You’re wearing Harrington’s jacket.”

“How do you know it’s Steve’s jacket?”

“His name is across the back.”, Eddie responded back, taking one finger across the back of it. You felt his finger trace along your back, sending chills down your spine.

“He saw I was cold and gave it to me.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, trying to be playful. “Okay, a guy doesn’t just give a girl his letterman jacket if he doesn’t want to get serious with her.”

“It’s going to be one date.”

The smile faded from Eddie’s lips almost immediately. “So you agreed to a date? With Harrington?”

“I don’t see what the big deal is.”, you crossed your arms, leaning back into the seat.

Eddie laughed sarcastically. “He was the biggest douche in high school. Like he thought he’s God’s gift to women. Did you not learn anything from Wheeler’s mistake?”

If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought Eddie was becoming jealous. He was trying to play it off and be funny, but there was something else laced in his words. You looked out the window as Eddie drove through the heavy traffic leaving the high school. It was one of the many pains in his ass when he picked you up from the games. But he was willing to do it for you.

“Maybe he’s changed. He’s been graduated two years now.”, you defended, looking back at Eddie.

Eddie huffed in response before laughing sarcastically. “Guys like Harrington don’t change, sweetheart.”

You rolled your eyes at Eddie’s response, feeling yourself becoming increasingly agitated. He was really one to talk considering he had made that statement about Chrissy. You were holding back saying anything about her.

“You don’t know that, Eddie.”

[atmilliways]

Wrong On The Money (29)

part 29 of ?? | 1108 words | Teen+

Blackmail fic on Ao3 | on tumblr

Summary:

It takes five seconds of the door closing behind Eddie as he’s wheeled off for his last round of tests before being released from the hospital. Steve counts.  “Soooo,” Robin prods. “You’re moving in with the Munsons. How . . . did that happen?”

29.

It takes five seconds of the door closing behind Eddie as he’s wheeled off for his last round of tests before being released from the hospital. Steve counts. 

“Soooo,” Robin prods. “You’re moving in with the Munsons. How . . . did that happen?”

He runs a hand through his hair—which feels horrible because hospital shampoo leaves a lot to be desired. (And he’s not even allowed to shower because of the bandages, he has to wash out of a glorified bucket.) “Oh, you know. I saved Eddie’s life, and my parents suck, so. . . . And Wayne’s cool with it.”

“That’s good.” She cocks her head thoughtfully to one side. “So you and Eddie are getting along? I was a little worried you two would be at each other’s throats in here, but I stand pleasantly surprised.”

“Yeah, well. . . .” Steve sighs. Might as well broach the subject of his recent self-discoveries now. “I like him,” he admits. 

Robin snorts. “I wouldn’t go that far. You know I would never assume—”

“No, I mean I like him Robs.” He runs his hand through his hair again, fuck the texture. “He’s got this ‘fuck what people think I’m going to be whoever I want to be’ attitude, and he’s good with the kids—He protects the kids. I’m pretty sure all his walking on tables shit at school is stuff he plays up to draw attention away from kids like Dustin and Mike. His uncle got sick at the end of last year and he . . . did everything he could think of to take care of him, just like he stood his ground to protect Dustin from those bat things. He’s loyal, and he’s funny, and intense, and . . . okay, he’s a huge nerd, but he’s. . . . I don’t know. I like him.”

It’s rare that he surprises Robin into complete silence, but he’s done it now. She sits back in her chair, opening and closing her mouth a few times as though chewing on whatever it is she’s considering saying. . . . Wow, Steve thinks, he’s inspired her to think before she speaks. New record.

Finally she says, “Just to be clear, is this a—” she looks around the room, but it’s still empty aside from them and the door is still closed “—bathroom floor conversation?”

“Uh, only if you mean that not literally. I don’t feel like getting up. Unless you count the cath—”

“Stop.” She shoves a hand against his face, doubly interrupting him. 

“They took it out after the fever broke—”

“No part of that sentence made me want to learn more, dingus!”

They bicker back and forth for a while, and it’s comforting. Normal. Enough to get his mind off the itch of his healing wounds and the room’s other occupant for a little while, until inevitably . . . well, circling back to talk about the room’s other occupant. 

It’s a relief to be able to talk about it. Steve isn’t used to being so in his head about a crush. With a girl, he would be flirting up a storm by now (“Maybe it’s better that you’re not,” Robin comments with a snort, and Steve knows she’s thinking of the You Suck tally at Scoops), laying the groundwork for asking her out. With Eddie, though. . . .

“He’s obviously not a girl,” Robin agrees, “but that doesn’t mean you can’t flirt. Well—try to flirt. It’s not like your penis stopped him from calling you Big Boy in front of god and the entire party.”

Steve groans. “Please don’t say penis.”

“If you get to say boobies, Steve, I. . . .” She stops, wrinkling her nose. “You know what, I don’t need to say it more than necessary. The point is, I’ve made my point.”

Outside the room there’s a clang of metal, as though someone nearby has dropped a bedpan. Steve’s eyes dart to the small window on the door; shapes move on the other side of the glass, a child that’s either laughing or crying carried past by a parent.

“No,” he sighs, turning his attention back to his best friend. “The point is, there is no point. Sure, I like him, but . . . nothing’s going to happen.”

And Robin doesn’t get it. He knows she doesn’t, wouldn’t, couldn’t—not without the full context, and he doesn’t feel up to that yet. Coming out to his platonic soulmate was easy, but that? Steve doesn’t think he can take her screeching at him right now. And it is definitely screech worthy, he knows that, but. . . . 

There are some things even Robin doesn’t get. 

Like being a reformed asshole, and needing to make up for it. She’s always trying to tell him that he has made up for it—by wanting to change and actually doing it, by protecting the kids, by being her best friend even though she’d been sure she was unlikable in a lot of ways for a long time before Starcourt, take your goddamn pick, Steve. But he’s pretty sure there’s a difference between correcting the behavior going forward and paying penance for his actions in the past. 

Eddie had been desperate to save his uncle. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been working himself to the bone trying to scrape together the funds every other available way; teenage parties had been cranked up to eleven all over Hawkins for months with how hard he was pushing, and Steve had noticed the grime under his fingernails from some part-time manual labor job somewhere. So the blackmail, in Steve’s book (even if this is all the concussion-related brain damage talking), is excusable. 

Steve’s excuse for being a douchebag had been . . . what? His parents didn’t care about him very much? He never had a good role model, never had to work too hard for anything he had? He’d picked shitty friends and a shitty crowd to hang out with, and let popularity get to his head and make him a selfish jerk? That’s all bullshit. 

Robin argues with him of course, because that’s kind of their shtick. She lays out a case for Eddie clearly being into him too. Points out that with Eddie he wouldn’t have to make up explanations for the scars and the nightmares and the nail bat in his trunk. And the kids, of course—the kids all loved Eddie, that whole D&D nerd thing had charmed them long before Steve (as far as she knew) had even met the guy, and who knew that was Steve’s taste in guys but hey, she's surprised, not judging.

“Nothing’s going to happen,” he repeats, unmoved. 

He doesn’t voice the thought that even if he could have Eddie (which he doubts), he wouldn’t deserve him. Not like that. 

Being friends is fine.

[stevie-petey]

OKAY LETS DO THIS

first of all the fox and the hound bit was way too early on the chapter to hurt me this much you had no right

now onto the actual content, robin, nance and eddie making sure bug was somewhat comfortable and not Bleeding Out during their stay on the upside down was absolutely cute :( yk they all care about her AND eddie barely even knows her

speaking of which, the moments with eddie were really sweet plus if i recall correctly you mentioned once that you dont care that much about eddie and yet you wrote him in perfectly that's actual genius writing ngl

nancy being with bug while they were vecnad is probably my favorite part of this cause they may not notice often but they do need and rely on each other soooo much it's beautiful

last but not least 🥺🥺🥺🥺bug's teary eyes when talking to dustin she cried i crode we all suffered ! youre great at this !!!

- 🪄

critically injured bug is my favorite bug to write because poor girl was about to pass out and was just like oh god how embarrassing. i love her. and everyone taking care of her <333

and i dont care much for eddie BUT its a relief you think ive done him justice <333 hes fun to write, i fear im starting to like him the more i write him (the same happened with jon n nancy except i always liked their characters i just didnt love them how i love em now).

nancy and bug being vecnad at the same time i felt like a prophet coming up with the idea. i always knew bug would have visions and come face to face with vecna, but i struggled coming up with how or when she would have the visions. then nancys come and i was like. what if i did a double vision ??? it made perfect sense after that. nancy is a huge part of bugs insecurities and fears, a lot of bugs trauma resides in part because of nancy, so vecna would 10000% pull them in TOGETHER !!!! and torment them with the other ugh :((

and your tidbit about nancy and bug relying on each other: ur absolutely right. its why i also did the double vision because not only is nancy bugs biggest weakness, shes also someone bug loves and admires so so so much.

thank u for reading <333

[shares-a-vest]

Writing Patterns

I was tagged by @eyesofshinigami @klausinamarink and @spicysix Thanks for the tags everyone! I have soooo much writing from all you lovelies to catch up on yayyy 💖💖💖

Rules: List the first line of your last 10 (posted) fics and see if there’s a pattern!

Going with ficlets and drabbles for this one seeing as I haven't written anything over 1k since Christmas.

Eddie should have known it was a mistake to visit Family Video on his lunch break. (Lips)

“Steve? Hey, Steve?” (Hospital Blankets)

Wayne barely gets in the front door to shuck off his shoes before Scott is right next to him, haphazardly attempting to remove his winter coat. (Prompt: A warm cup of tea)

Just as Steve walks into the living room, Dustin all but slams his fist on the table, causing the thing to give a loud warning creak. (Prompt: Possessed)

“Steve!” (Prompt: Napping)

Eddie shuffles closer to Steve’s still sleeping form, his partner’s snores only a soft whir as he lies peacefully on his stomach, his strong arms spooning his pillow. (Mrmphf)

Eddie splutters away, swatting at his face. (Eddie vs. Valentine's Day Crafts)

It’s probably too much, Steve thinks as he pulls into the Buckley’s driveway a solid hour before Robin estimated she would be back. (Prompt: Reunion)

“Eddie!” Steve grumbles, attempting (and failing) the shrug his boyfriend off him from where he is splayed across his back. (Prompt: Missing an important phonecall)

Steve groans when he reaches the front glass doors of Family Video and realises his best friend has already opened up. (The Mysterious Case of the Missing Doorknob)

Okay, so I either start short and sweet OR cram waaay too much into the first sentence. But one thing's for sure, I will mention a character's name – most likely first!

No pressure tags (and I know this game has been going around, so feel free to ignore if you have already done it): @momotonescreaming @steventhusiast @vecnuthy @kikidoesfanfic @sidekick-hero

[iamnotawomanimagod]

5 artists you like and 5 artists you want to get into?

I've been listening to more folk/bluegrass/indie/twangy shit lately, lol. Current rotation includes a lot of Big Thief, The Dead South, Paris Paloma, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and Dustin Kensrue.

I just started listening to Chappell Roan and I really like her! I need to find time to sit down and listen to the whole album she did in 2023. I also want to check out more of Dua Lipa's stuff, b/c I've always enjoyed her singles but never really explored further. Juliet Ivy is another one, I love her song "we're all eating each other" and want to see what else she's done. I also want to do a deeper dive on NoSo, because their voice is soooo nice and soothing.

Thanks anon!! <3

[unclewaynemunson]

For the character game:

Dustin Henderson

Jane/El Hopper

2 of them??? Thank you so much <3

Dustin:

favorite thing about them: his smile is the cutest thing ever

least favorite thing about them: that time he raised a hellbeast that ate his sweet kitty :( mews deserved better

favorite line: "I'm on a curiosity voyage and I need my pedals to travel."

brOTP: Steve & Dustin iconic duo

OTP: I don't really have one?? I'm not really invested in him and Suzie sorry.

nOTP: again, i don't really have strong opinions on dustin's love life i guess :') I do like him being the token straight of the whole extended party so basically any m/m ships won't really do it for me in dustin's case.

random headcanon: he looks up to eddie and steve because they both remind him of his dad, who passed when he was little. eddie has the same nerdy interests and steve has the same affection-hiding-underneath-grumpy-exterior attitude

unpopular opinion: is it an unpopular opinion to literally not care at all about his relationship with Suzie? It's not like i have something against her, it's just not it for me, I'd honestly see him rather single than with Suzie.

song i associate with them: i feel like i'm obliged to say never ending story here ;P

favorite picture of them: I know i'm not being very original here but i just love this one soooo much he's such a cutie

El:

favorite thing about them: her loyalty to her friends

least favorite thing about them: nothing, she's an angel and has literally never done anything wrong in her life

favorite line: "Friends don't lie."

brOTP: Max!!! I love how she taught el to have carefree fun and grow into her own person. their friendship means everything to me

OTP: i don't think i have one, i think i like the idea of her not being in a relationship and finding out who she is without being tied to one person in particular. friendship > romance in el's arc to me!

nOTP: Mileven ugh

random headcanon: she really enjoys making things. joyce teaches her to sew and knit, hopper helps her make her own furniture, will encourages her to paint, etcetera. they all help her to lean into her creative side more. it's very therapeutic for her and helps her calm down.

unpopular opinion: i actually liked the episode where she went to the city and found her sister. it gave her some background and was extremely important to shape her as a person and give her some agency over her life for the first time ever. I hope we'll see Kali back in s5 to get some closure there!

song i associate with them: Wild things by Alessia Cara, bc it's about friendship and embracing not fitting in

favorite picture of them: this whole scene was so powerful and a great full-circle moment to her whole arc. still gives me chills.

[whysamwhy123]

WIP Word: nervous

Vamp!! Thank you so much for sending this in! This pops up in two of my unfinished messes so here goes!

1)

Dustin fidgeted in his seat. It was stupid, really. He was used to being in fire-and/or-fistfights where his life was on the line - he shouldn’t be nervous about an interview. But he was. He needed this job - well, he needed the credits - and it had been a long time since he’d done anything like this.

(Ahh, the big dumb sci-fi AU that I desperately want to write but have barely started and it would be soooo long and self-indulgent and hard to write and no one besides me would really care and *pained noises of frustration*)

2)

Suddenly, he got up from his seat and hugged him, clapping him on the back while Daniel sat there motionless.

‘’It’s okay to be nervous, really,’’ Ricky said. ‘’But trust me, it’s gonna be great!’’

Daniel wasn’t sure if he was supposed to hug Ricky back or not. Regardless, he didn’t think he could. He couldn’t move his arms from his sides.

(Hoooo boy, the context to this one... *nervous laughter*)

[ghosttownwherenoonegoes]

Happy Valentine's Day, lovely! 💙💙💙

Happy Valentine's Day, angel!!!🫂💖

I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO LOOK FIRST OMF DARTY BABY

HE'S SO CUUUUUUTE AND SMALL AND HE SMILES WHEN DUSTIN FEEDS HIM NOUGAT AND HE RUNS TO HIS HUMAN FOR PROTECTION HHHHH I CAN'T OMG HI BABY DARTY😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏 the bestest most special-est most adorable-est demobaby EVER😭😭🥺🥺🥰🥰😍😍💖💖

And ERI BERI AND KOALA HHHHH PLEASE 😭😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏🫂🫂🫂🫂💖💖💖💖 I LOVE OUR NAMES SOOOO SO SO SO MUCH 🫂🫂🙏🙏😭😭😭😍😍🥰🥰💕💕💖💖

I can't thank you enough for this, Christina!!! You were wise to wait to send it😂😂😂 thank you thank you thank you thank you THANK YOU for such a gorgeous Valentine's Day card😭😭😭💕💕💕🫂🫂🫂🥺🥺🥺🥺I appreciate you hugely hhhh thank you🥺🥺🥺

I have something for you in the works as well which I'm hoping to get done tomorrow!!!!👀 Take good care of you, I love you soooo so much!!!🥺🥺😭😭🫂🫂💕💕

[wench-and-jezebel]

Stranger Things Reaction: The Vanishing of Will Byers

Wench (@scripted-downfall) reacts: A Flashback Series

See this link for context

I ain't never seen an elevator whose doors are this slow to close, I'm sorry

I mean, I guess flickering lights might interfere with elevators, but still

Oof, elevator closing wouldn't have saved him anyway.

YOUNG DUSTIN IS SO CUTE!  MY GOD, HE'S ADORABLE!  I mean, not saying anything against him nowadays but he's so adorable here!!!

Okay, I'm sorry, but, from a DM standpoint, if the players are already guessing what "surprise" monster is coming, that's kinda unfortunate.  Like, they were already bickering about whether the demogorgon were coming before Mike (I think?  idk, DM kid) played his surprise thing

The surprise was well done --- I'd've added something after "that didn't come from the troglodytes"... instead of "That came from something else" I'd've said, "That came from whatever the troglodytes were running from", but it was still well done --- but them knowing the surprise already is still iffy storytelling

They’re all so smol!?!?!? Babies

NOOO NANCY WAS SO MEAN!?  DUSTIN GOES UP ALL CUTELY AND OFFERS HER A PIZZA SLICE AND SHE SLAMS THE DOOR???? RUDE!

Dustin = current beloved of the show

Wait, hold up.  Will just crashed his bike because of a creepy thing standing in the middle of the road, and said thing (about which I'd forgotten the first time) looked like Vecna.  Were they setting this up early, or am I making this up? 

Oh, or maybe not; apparently the Demogorgon was humanoid.  I must have been mixing it up with a different creature... maybe some of the zombie dogs in Resident Evil.  I thought the demogorgon had flower-teeth-face-things... idk

So weird seeing future regulars be listed as “also starring” or something like that

Okay, Hopper looks kinda like shit

alskdjflakdfj Okay, but Will's mom getting on Johnathan is a bit uncool

Dustin continues to be adorable

Well, shit, Steve… that's an entrance

"I'm stealthy, like a ninja" aslkdjf;alksdfj BUDDY Steve, you are not 

Nancy looks so different.  Well, they all do, but still

Well, at least I'm not the only one thinking Hopper looked like hell

Wait, hold up aslkdjflakjsdf CHRISSY CARPENTER?!  Someone had a girlfriend named Chrissy C and decided to run with it

Oop- biohazard, that always goes well

NOT THE DUCT TAPE

Hello there, Eleven

She's awfully calm and trusting for someone in a lab for ages (re. her walking in without any haste whatsoever)

I find it kinda hard to believe that he could see her over that counter when she’s soooo tiny, but oh well

Them geeking out over the radio is so cute

I love Mr. Clarke so much

The Australian accents too

Hopper already done with this shit

Mike’s looking pretty damn laser-focused, just saying.  If they’re all best friends, then why is he so serious compared to the others, hmmmmm?  *cough cough* Byler *cough cough*

"After school, you are all to go home and stay there" Yeah, right.  Hopper, buddy, when does that ever work

I love Joyce so much

El is very… yellow. I'm sure her being in a yellow shirt that looks too big for her and is all ill-fitting while she doesn't look comfortable there at all has nothing to do with Mike's color being blue and Will's being yellow and her and Mike having a thing, of course not. *cough cough* Byler *cough cough*

Wait, that’s right; she’s nearly nonverbal… how tf can she talk so much/well in the s4 flashbacks?

kasjdf I love that scene… she telekinetically turns off the fan and then just goes back to her fries like it was nothing

Oh, look, the Byers’ phone is yellow

Hopper acting like the doorknob hitting the wall is conclusive; buddy, she just said she had two boys, and I’m willing to bet that door gets slammed a bunch

Oop- flickering light and broken wood

Mike’s very… impassioned… about Will’s wellbeing *cough cough* Byler *cough cough*

Oh, Ted.  *sigh*

Not Mike being very.  Concerned.  About Will. *cough cough* Byler *cough cough*

ldkflaksdf Not Steve trying and failing to sneak into Nancy's house.  Yeah, bud, you're sure as shit a ninja, mmmhmm, of course

Also.  Knowing what I know from the future.  “Steve trying and failing to sneak into Nancy’s house” is kinda really sad.  Nancy might be pissed at her parents for putting her on house arrest, but it is at least them caring about their kids, so what's it say that Steve's easily able to wander around?

Oof, this poor dude.  I remember what happens to him and he deserved betterrrr

WAIT HOLD UP Steve's actually helping her study asld;kfja;lskdjf;alkfd

alksdjf;lakjsdf not Johnathan blaming himself for Will going missing and Joyce being all "don't do tht to yourself it wasn't your fault" after ragging on him for it less than an episode ago

The yellow phone is back

Eleven!  Dun dun duuun!

Ep 1 is done!