#el gang family

[alwaysbewoke]

[berryblu-soda]

Thinking abt the oddly functioning server I'm in that started out as a league of legends group and slowly escalated to include the expanded church youth group + their friends

theres 87 accounts in there, no mods, my brother is the owner???? (Boy was like 15 when they made it???? WHY is he the owner???)

how that thing hasn't collapsed or had any real issues is beyond me 😭💥

[heavencasteel420]

Not trying to be mean or catty, but I know it will come off as such so I’m tagging accordingly. The two ways I can realistically* see St*ncy playing out at this point are:

Jonathan dies and Steve gets a repressed bisexual Cat on a Hot Tin Roof thing going with Nancy (aka the Sad Stoncy scenario) (this might actually work eventually if they talk about their feelings).

Nancy gets with Steve because things are too complicated with Jonathan, who has his own issues to deal with and moves away from Hawkins. Only it turns out Steve has some of the very same issues re: not knowing what to do with his life. They’re not all tangled up in complicated family dynamics and ACEs, which should make things simpler, but they’re also harder to address because Steve is just fundamentally not that invested in deriving a lot of meaning from a career/education at this point in his life. He was kind of hoping that being with Nancy would change that, too, so he’s pretty frustrated himself! She tries to encourage him to go to community college or find something to do near Emerson, but he keeps putting it off. Worse case scenario, he gets it into his head that the solution to everything is to get back into his dad’s good graces and take a position at the…business factory? Which is obviously way worse to Nancy than her 20yo boyfriend goofing off for a while. They break up during the summer after her first year at Emerson after having an argument prompted by the movie St. Elmo’s Fire. It’s a relief to both of them at that point.

*Realistically to me personally. I don’t expect the show to share my vision.

[aces-and-angels]

artwork by raghad qanou follow: @rhq2744 verified ✔: no. 221 on el-shab-hussein/nabulsi's sheet

dear moots/lovely lurkers- please read 🖤

raghad has finally reached the very first milestone in her fundraiser! that's right gang, thanks to the continuous support of friends/strangers alike, raghad's family has raised a whopping ✨£5,095✨as promised, here is another beautiful original by miss raghad herself 🖤

for those who haven't gotten a chance to meet her yet, please allow raghad to introduce herself in her own words:

Hello everyone, I am Raghad Qanou, a second-year human medicine student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, or rather, I was like that, before I lost everything, literally everything... Before the 7th of October, me and my family [8 members] were living in our cute house in the Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza, after huge suffering to repair it and return to living in it after it was destroyed in the 2014 war on Gaza. My family and I were forced to leave our home and forcibly move under fire 7 times so far! All this to escape death and hold on to the last shred of hope for a decent life! excerpt from raghad's gfm campaign page (read full story here)

i first met raghad sometime in june after she messaged me here on tumblr. one of the first things she shared with me (besides her name lol) was this piece:

title: waiting for a ceasefire "only hope and art keep us alive here in gaza ...." -raghad qanou

since then, we've been able to chat a handful of times-- i told her how much i loved her artwork and she excitedly shared even more of her work with me

raghad is a talented artist- a loving sister- a diligent student- a wonderful daughter- and someone who deserves a chance to live a life worth living. her whole family does

they continue to suffer through horrific living conditions and rely on y'all to help carry their burden. to reveal yourself so vulnerably to the world is far from easy. so often, we are told to grit our teeth and push through whatever ails us in silence. but this is a type of pain that cannot and should not be felt alone. and it will take everyone to band together so we can begin to heal

raghad's campaign still has a long way to go. to help things move along, i am proposing another art reveal ✨

if we can get raghad to £15K- i will unveil another beautiful piece from her collection of artwork!

as of posting, raghad's family has raised £5,095 / £55,000.

for those able, please consider donating by clicking the link below + share this post so others may get the chance to help out too 🖤

tags for reach below cut (note: sorry gang, ik we're not really moots. if you're here- it's cause i pulled people from a post that promoted a gfm in the past. please let me know if you do not wish to be tagged in future posts. no hard feelings, truly 🖤)

@juneybug @kodigobacktosleep @apocalyptic-dancehall @imnotthepersonyouseek @toonirl 

@kingofthebookcase @kazehita @yonch @pinkdreamscape1 

@king-dail @caseys-soup-corner @shoogachi @killy @missusmousse 

@j0ckhead @whoopsiedaisy20 @squidie-tittie @dreamingamongthestars @trexpel 

@mischief16 @foulharbor @draginfyre16 @tangerinesteve @3amsnow 

@fruitpuddle @wallsong @selkiesmile @suzakus-canon-wife @turquoisewavesstitch

@loutrem @thatlethalsoul @visemes @orange-coloredsky @dweamdoodles

@just-a-girl-0001 @samrobotize @aunty-matter @gamelpar 

@roachie-paradise @queruloustea @ehjane @firebird963 @butchdykekondraki 

@dinofur @cthulhu-with-a-fez @purplenickel @ysngie @paper-mario-wiki

[hairmetal666]

Eddie survived the Upside Down. The bats. Vecna. And after the hospital, the town recovery, the shady government agencies clearing his name, after all of that, he has the best year and a half of his life. A lot of it is due to Steve and Robin. Well. The whole group of them, really, but Harrington and Buckley specifically.

Except that, you know, he survived extra-dimensional horrors and now he's going to die anyway, brought down in his prime by his devastating crush on Steve Harrington.

It's a stupid way to meet his end. Even worse than going at the hands of a demented telepathic wizard named after a DnD monster. Though...it's not like he didn't see the crush coming a mile away. Eddie may not have any practical experience in matters of the heart, but he knows he likes a pretty boy and Steve is the prettiest of them all.

There is no dimension where his feelings are requited, so he flirts and he pines, and knows it means nothing when Steve matches him quip for quip, touch for touch. He keeps getting himself in these situations where he thinks--maybe--but Steve is straight, constantly goes out with pretty, bubbly girls.

The pining may kill him, but he's determined to leave this world with a little bit of grace.

Until Steve's Halloween party.

It's a whole thing. All the kids, the rest of their own group of young adults, plus the Hellfire Boys, and the actual adults. It's a weird mix, but Eddie figures that, well. It's a family thing.

Halloween is his favorite holiday, one he plans for all year, but this year he decides to take it easy, electing to do a take on the vampire gang from The Lost Boys. The party is in full swing when they walk in, Wayne quickly spotting Hopper and making his way to the kitchen, but Eddie doesn't see Steve in the chaos of kids and Jonathan and Argyle's dual Frankensteins.

He grabs a beer from Robin who keeps giving him this look all knowing and sparkling and he doesn't understand it, not until he hears delighted laughter and shouts in the main room.

Buckley squeezes past him, and he takes the moment alone to close his eyes, brace for whatever fresh, unwitting, torture Steve has in store for him tonight.

He steps into the living room and time freezes.

Steve's in the shortest shorts Eddie's ever seen, thick, muscular, bitable thighs on full display. He's wearing a pink sweatshirt, neon fingerless gloves that very distantly Eddie recognizes as belonging to El, and gold hoop earrings in both ears.

Eddie has to sit down.

Wham! Isn't his kind of music, and he finds George Michael grating because of it, but--he's seen men dressed like that in magazines he steals from bookstores in Indianapolis, had wondered if George Michael was gay too. And now here Steve is, looking like a fantasy ripped direct from Eddie's brain.

Before he can make an escape, someone turns on the Monster Mash. The two Frankenstein's lurch into the room and start dancing. The rest of them are quick to follow, even Wayne and Hopper, after some light cajoling from Joyce, Max, and El.

It's silly fun, the perfect way for Eddie to forget about Steve and the way his ass looked in those shorts. They dance and goof around, and Thriller comes on, so they all try to do the dance, him and Nancy laughing until their stomachs hurt with their stiff-limbed moves.

The song switches to Material Girl, making El and Max screech, and the next thing he knows, Steve is in front of him, shimmying along. It's the closest they've been all night and now Eddie can see the faint eyeliner smudged along Steve's lash line. Something low and hot tightens in his core.

Steve grabs his shoulders, pulls Eddie closer. "C'mon, Munson, even you have to dance to Madonna!"

He laughs through his breathlessness, can't believe he and Steve are dancing together, not with Steve looking like that, somehow innocent, sexy, and ripe all at once.

Their eyes meet and Steve smiles all slow and dangerous, knotting up Eddie's stomach with a wild kind of anticipation. He doesn't have time to stop himself feeling it, can only give himself over to the shrinking distance between their bodies, the way Steve is warm and muscular against him.

Eddie's not hearing the music anymore, unaware of all their friends dancing close by. He's hypnotized by the dark heat in Steve's hazel eyes, lets himself clutch at Steve's hip, drag their bodies together. He feels Steve's breath escape in a quick burst, and it's a crash of cold water.

He disentangles himself, rushes out the patio doors. The night air is bracing as it chills his heated skin, his burning lungs. He takes a cigarette out of his jacket pocket, lighting it with a shaking hand.

That was too much. He let himself feel too much; want too much. Got swept away by Steve in makeup and earrings and tiny shorts. On the street, he hears children laughing, music thumping from a passing car, tries to get lost in that instead of his embarrassment. It makes him miss the slide of the patio door opening again. Doesn't realize he's not alone until he hears Steve say, "Eddie? You okay?"

He nods, but doesn't turn. "Just needed some air." He lifts the smoldering embers of his cigarette before dropping it and stomping it out.

Steve stands close enough that their shoulders bump. Eddie forces himself not to flinch away. "What are you doing out here? You'll freeze." It's not all a deflection.

"I'm fine," Steve says. "Sweatshirt." He wiggles the sleeve in Eddie's face.

"Yeah, but your legs, man. C'mon." He pulls his jacket off his shoulders. "At least cover them up a little."

Steve gives him an annoyed smile, but takes the jacket, trying to settle the leather around his legs. It's kind of a losing battle, but it makes them both laugh.

"I'm sorry," Steve says. "For back there. I shouldn't have pushed."

"Pushed?" Eddie feels like he missed a couple of stairs on his way down. "You didn't--"

Steve runs a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I did, Eddie. And Robin said," he sighs. "Robin said to just talk to you but I'm shit with words, so."

"So?" He faces Steve now, completely perplexed about where this is going. "I'm the one who pushed too far."

"Of course you didn't." Steve laughs a little. "I wanted to dance with you. I wanted to be close to you."

Eddie takes a step back, nervous smile on his face. "Is this some kind of weird joke?"

"What? No! Why would it be? I'm trying to say that I like you, man."

"Wha--But you're--"

"Don't--don't say popular or a jock or any of that. I'm--you know who I am, Eddie, better than most people."

"I was going to say straight."

Steve stills, blinking. "I told you I was bisexual."

"You did not!" Eddie yelps.

"I did! After went to see The Lost Boys!" He grabs Eddie's leather jacket. "I said I thought Kiefer Sutherland was sexy!"

"I thought you were being hyperbolic!"

"I wore this for you!" Steve wiggles his naked calf in Eddie's face.

"I don't like even like Wham!"

"You stared at a picture of George Michael in this outfit in one of El's Teen Beats for fifteen minutes!"

"I did NOT!" Except now that Steve's said it, Eddie has a pretty good memory of doing that very thing. "Wait. You were trying to seduce me by dressing as George Michael?"

"Like you weren't doing the same with the whole hot vampire biker thing?"

"I didn't expect it to work!"

He doesn't--will never--know who closes the distance first, but they crash together in a clash of mouths and teeth and noses. Steve's hands fist into Eddie's t-shirt, Eddie yanking at Steve's belt loops, until nothing separates them.

The kiss breaks as Steve mouths along his jaw, down his neck, and Eddie's fucking helpless at the turn of events. Never in his wildest fantasies--

"Stay tonight?" Steve asks, voice muffled against Eddie's skin.

"Are you kidding, sweetheart? I'm going to tear these shorts off with my teeth."

[teambyler]

Mike DOES have a loving family (Byler analysis)

A common explanation for Mike having trouble telling El he loves her is that "he came from a loveless family." Not only is that inadequate -- Nancy couldn't tell Steve she loved him and it wasn't because she came from the same "loveless family." But I also don't think it's true.

Sure, Ted is distant. But Karen is very much emotionally available to her children. So I see this claim to be an instance of Karen Slander(TM).

Look at these moments where Karen made clear that it's okay to show love:

Karen is a loving mother when it counts. She only isn't as involved because she hasn't been included (yet) into the gang dealing with the Upside Down.

Not to suggest that the Wheelers that don't say "I love you," but there are families that don't say it that ARE close, affectionate, loving. It's just known. Similarly, saying "I love you" isn't even an issue for other relationships in this show: not for Lumax and Jopper. That's because their actions show that they love each other. And that's how relationships really need to be evaluated.

So no, I don't think having a "loveless family" adequately explains Mike not being able to tell El "I love you" outside of when her life's at stake. If one does love someone, one WILL say it when that person is pleading for you to say it.

Which El asked Mike to, but he couldn't. And Steve asked Nancy to in s2, but she couldn't. And we know how that turned out.

It's not that Mike can't tell anyone he loves them. Mike has no problem showing love:

-teambyler

[tarjapearce]

[There is no exact timeline, mind you hehe]

PRE-SOCCER FAMILY

Meeting for the first time

Meeting Again

Flirting

First Kiss

Boyfriend Makeover

First time with eachother (Mild +18)

Who Fell Harder

Meeting Miguel's Family

Miguel Meeting Wife!Reader's Family (Drama & Angst)

Break Up (Angst)

Makeup (Angst and Fluff)

The Making Of Gabriella (+18)

Pregnancy Cares with Miguel

Proposal

The Wedding

MAIN EVENTS AND BLURBS

HIGHLIGHTS

Miguel's Birthday

The Making Of Benjamin (+18)

Unlocking Memories

Young Spiders Meeting Miguel's Family

Spider Gang Babysitting Gabi and Benji

Uncle Gabriel Paying A Visit

Girl's Day with Gabriella

Nightmares

Baby Benjamin's First Words

Jealous Wife

Marital Fight

Makeup

Miguel Helping Gabi With School Project

Gabi's Toddler Days

Big Sister, Again

Angry Spanish Cursing with Miguel

Rosie's Birth

Miguel Comforting Mama

Baby Cares with Miguel and Rosie

Gabi's First Period

Benjamin's Pregnancy

Grandma's Visit

Meeting Mama's ex at Costco

Mama Pick up Lines

Welcome Back, Papa!

Introducing Gabriella to Soccer

Miguel's Pick up Lines

Gabriel and Miguel Fight

A series Of First With Gabriella

Conversations between Miguel and Mama

Papa, You're Getting Old

NSFW

Miguel Comforting Wife After A Bad Dream

Possessive Husband Miguel

Miguel Waking Up To A BJ

Needy Mama with a Gentle Dom! Miguel

Mama Pegging Miguel

The Making of Rosie

Miguel and Mama's favorite positions

Miguel Eating out Mama (with a lil twist)

For Science Purposes

GABRIELLA AND HER QUESTIONS

Big Boobs

A Sibling

Big Boobs (Miguel Version)

Milk Jugs

Is Mama ok?

DAILY LIFE BLURBS

Spicy food with Gabi

Gabi's Tamtrum

Mama Is Harassed By Another Man

Gabi comforting a Fussy Benjamin

Miguel Rizzing up Mama

Benji And His Baby Walker

Mama Teasing Miguel

A Little Time Lapse

Cleaning Sunday

Benji Getting A Tummy Ache

Bitter Coffee

Benjamin's "Messy Hair" (Angry Mama)

Sad Movie Night

Questions Related 2 3 4 5 6 7

Go Shave, Papa!

Nothing But Short Short Shirts

Benjamin Cutting His Own Hair

Soccer Family Into Tik Tok

Nude Portrait

Benji Being a Lil Ladies Man

Kiss Cam

Intruder

Sleepy Boys

Benjamin as a 12 year old boy

Baby Benjamin gets injured

Drunk Mama

You're adopted, Benji.

Getting Gabi to Sleep

El Ratón Perez

(Header made by me)

[janedoerising]

All these posts where Danny rips Supes a new one for his treatment of Kon el, conveniently leave out that maybe, just maybe Superman had very real justification to be wary of clones.

Does ANYONE remember Bizzaro?

How about Cyborg Superman?

No?

We’re all supposed to gang up on the guy who probably has some clone related PTSD or at the very least, some well earned paranoia. Why would Clark want anyone like that anywhere near his family or personal life, if he couldn’t be sure of their intentions. For all he knew, Lex made this clone a child ON PURPOSE, so clark would have a harder time fighting him.

And Danny would probably get it, He would understand Superman if nothing else. All of Danny’s clones tried to kill him too, INCLUDING DANNI. He could also understand the feeling of being violated by a creepy billionaire that’s obsessed with them, but thats another can of worms.

And obviously Danny could vibe with Connor, because he too, knows the feeling of being seen as less than a person.

If anyone is to blame here it’s Batman and the rest of the League for setting up both my Super Bois for failure. This clusterfuck of a relationship really could have and should have been avoided by almost everyone in the Young Justice/ Teen titans team and JLA members associated with said team.

One, by acknowledging Clark’s fears as valid and not trying to force Conner on Clark before trust could be established. None of them have an excuse, anyone in the Hero biz has and/or knows someone with an evil double/clone/doppelgänger story of some kind. It just comes with the job.

Two, by not getting Connor’s hopes up for a relationship that may never happen because of Clark’s previous trauma.

Three, let Connor know that he is wanted and there are people there for him, even if not by blood (Batman of all people should know how unnecessary blood ties are in family).

So I guess maybe instead of Danny wiping the floor with Clark, MAYBE, reconciliation might be more his thing. Cuz, you know, he’s been there too.

EDIT: went back try and clean up the post a bit.

[schrijverr]

Honestly, I'm a bit in tears, thinking about Jonathan going on to be a famous photographer, bringing out a book of his early work (late 80s/early 90s) in, like, the 2010s or something and it's just full of queer joy and the queerplatonic family they all made together with the Upside Down gang.

Like it starts with Steve giving Robin a piggy back ride, both laughing their asses off. It's 1989, they had just moved to the big city bc most of the kids had graduated. It's late at night and they went to a Rocky Horror screening. Robin is dressed as Brad, Steve as Janet.

There's a full spread of Eddie on stage, he's shirtless save for a leather harness, sweaty and alive, hankerchief hanging out of his pocket. The next page is him with Steve is his normal clothes in his lap, the rest of the band and Robin around them, all stuffed in a booth in a diner. Nancy and Argyle hadn't been able to make it, but that's okay. It was Coroded Coffin's first big gig.

Argyle has a page dedicaded to him, most of them in the early mornings, sharing the bed with Nancy, the place where Jonathan is supposed to be obvious.

One is Jonathan's favorite, Eddie and Argyle are sharing a joint. They're on the roof, Eddie is gesturing with one hand, holding the joint Argyle is taking a hit from in his other hand. They often had these late nights on the roof, before their lives took off, when insomnia got too band and company was needed.

Nancy and Robin are pictured, they're kissing. They had a short fling in 1987, before Nancy got back with Jonathan and Argyle, and Robin found her current wife.

The wife, back then a girlfriend, is more femme than Robin and there are pictures of their 'wedding'. It wasn't legal, but they didn't care. Robin wore a suit, her wife a dress. There is one page dedicated to the most traditional wedding pictures they took as a joke.

Then the following pictures are more like them, posing with their collection of garden gnomes and taking goofy pictures with everyone, as well as more serious ones.

Jonathan's favorites are the one where Steve is dancing with Robin, her second dance, both having been disowned by their parents. It's obvious they're both crying. The other one is Robin covered in lipstickstains, both her and her wife grinning like madmen, clearly a little tipsy.

There are also pictures from that first summer after Hawkins split open. Nancy on Argyle's shoulders, Steve's on Eddie's, the four of them fighting in the quarry. Robin floating nearby on a floaty along with Max. In the background the boys are jumping down, only held in posed in the air like that by El, who had taken an interest in photography after she realized how easy it was to forget.

There is also thanksgiving at the Hopper-Byers, 1986. Murray is there as well and they're all pushed together on the table, far more people than they thought would survive. Everyone is laughing, because Jonathan is sprawled over Agryle, having tripped in his haste to get seated for the timer.

It's the intimate domesticity that Jonathan has gotten good at capturing that makes the book pop.

Steve, dead asleep, head resting on Eddie's chest, legs thrown over Robin's lap. Eddie is pressing a kiss onto his forehead, Robin is holding his hand. The photo is called: Nightmares

A picture taken by El is in there as well, properly credited. It was taken when visiting Nancy, Argyle and Jonathan in 1991, the three of them are all half asleep, sitting at the table, all wrapped up together, but doing their own thing. Nancy is making notes on a notepad, Jonathan is rolling film and Argyle is doing the crossword in the paper.

There is also one of Coroded Coffin sitting around, crammed into the tiny apartment Eddie, Robin and Steve shared when they first moved out to the big city. They're writing lyrics, obviously mid argument about something. What is noteble is Steve in the background, leaning against the doorframe, looking very fond, dishtowel slung over his shoulders.

Naturally there is also one with all the kids around the table, dice scattered about, Eddie in the midst of a dramatic narration, seemingly oblivious to Steve, smiling dopily and nearly sleep, from where he is draped over Eddie's lap.

There are also pictures of Robin painting Steve's nails, because while Steve knew he'd had to take it off before work, he likes the way it looks.

As well as Steve doing Eddie's eyeliner, because Eddie used to be baby about it, before he got used to doing it before shows.

Will is also in there, alseep in the backseat with Mike, draped over the other guy. They're both in the remnants of cosplay, on the way back from a convention.

All the kids are, though they feature less, having been younger and in different phases of life.

There is a picture of Max and El asleep in Max's dorm when she went to college. Her skateboard is leaning against the wall along with her crutches. Max's hands are in El's hair, it's half braided like they fell asleep before finishing it.

Lucas is pictured with Steve, sweating on a basketball court, what is more obvious is Eddie and Max in the foreground. They're both leaning on their knees, oggling the two players. Max's eyes peer out through thick lenses, but that doesn't hide the moon eyed expression that matches Eddie's.

Another intimate moment that Jonathan captured was Steve, Eddie and Dustin, the three of them in front of a mirror, shaving. Eddie is just dry shaving, but Steve and Dustin both have foam beards, by the looks of it, Steve is teaching Dustin how to shave.

There are also just a few pages dedicated to cheek kisses, both platonic and romatic. They have big grins, soft looks, tears and blood in them. All of them look meant.

One double page is Argyle, Eddie, Nancy, Robin and Steve painting protest signs. There is laughter, but a somber atmosphere too. A heartbreaking point in history to be alive.

The next page is Eddie, Steve and Nancy, the three of them black eyes, Steve even missing a tooth. They're on the steps of a police station, Eddie is giving it the finger, his other arm slung around Steve. Nancy is getting checked over by Agryle, looking determined. Robin is running towards Steve.

Furthermore, it's filled to the brim with pictures of them doing dishes, playing games, backstage with Eddie, Nancy interviewing leather daddies at pride, hands twined together on the dashboard.

Nancy has provided the writing, telling their stories of those times. They might not be able to say it all, but they can say more than back then and their stories deserve a space too. Their interlinked dynamics, their ups, their downs. The family they built together.

Just Jonathan's queer photography of the late 80s/early 90s y'all.

On AO3

[jevilowo]

Part two or something

Eggs and Mari are both trans. Henry was very accepting of this. William is in denial.

Eggs: father I'm a trans dude

Will: don't be stupid you've always been a boy

This is because Eggs and Mari started dressing masc/fem from a very young age and William has shit memory.

Mari and Sammy are identical twins. Mrs Emily divorced Henry and moved to California with Sammy when they were very little so they barely remember each other

Sammy uses he/they pronouns

Fun fact, both Emily twins dye their hair: Mari dyes theirs black, and Sammy dyes his blonde. Both of their hair is naturally brown.

Lolbit has vitiligo: they have pale patches on their face, arms, legs and stomach.

Lolbit and Baby are in a queerplatonic relationship

Foxy wears colour coded scrunchies to let everyone know what pronouns she's using at any certain time: red is she/her, blue is he/him, yellow is they/them. Orange is she/they, purple is she/he, green is he/they. White is any, black is none.

The toys names are: Tina (toy chica), Teddy (toy freddy) and Toni (toy bonnie). Mangle is still Mangle. No one knows Balloon Boy's true name. Not even the teachers.

Tina and Mari were best friends in second grade (they were the only non boys who watched naruto) which is why Mari is one of the populars.

William is the engineering teacher and his inaffectionate nickname is Springtrap. He wears crusty fuzzy yellow suits and everyone hates him except some senior girl called Vanny who thinks he's hot for some reason.

Henry is the principal. His affectionate nickname is Fredbear. William is so gay for him.

No murder

Baby dyed her hair firetruck red at last year's post Christmas play party as a dare, and has kept it that way ever since. She is naturally ginger though.

Foxy and Lolbit both dyed their hair white. Ballora has blue streaks in her hair.

The christmas play they're doing this year is The Greatest Showman, aka the first circussy play I thought of

Freddy is the main character guy, Baby is Charity, Ballora is Zendaya, Foxy is Zachary Efron, two minireenas are the daughters and Bonbon is Tom Thumb

Electrobab is a Bidybab with blue hair. She plays the bearded lady who's name I forgor. They call her Electrobab bc 1. Blue hair like electric 2. To differentiate betweem the other Bidybabs as she is an important cast member.

It's going to be so awkward because THE TRAITOR (Chica) was specifically asked by Handunit to be the swedish nightingale lady due to her mad singing skillz

Handunit is absolutely useless on play nights (violently stressed, lowkey cataconic, seconds from a full on breakdown and only speaks in play lines) so Lolbit assigns him to prompt duty.

Eggs does lights and other technological bullshit, as I said. Lolbit does literally everything else: dragging props around, helping people with costumes, changing backgrounds, general management, warning people when they have to go on, ect.

The band doesn't only include Chica, El Chipe and Music Man: it also has ⅗ of the Merry Melodies (Mr Hippo and Orville are the band teachers and also married) and Trash and the Gang (bottom of the social hierarchy)

That's it til I think of anything else

If I was ever held at gunpoint and told to make a fnaf highschool au, I'd make it about the Funtimes: weird theatre kids who have a strange obsession with clown and circus imagery.

Freshmen: minireenas, bidybabs

Sophomores: Baby, Lolbit

Juniors: Freddy, Foxy, Chica

Seniors: Ballora, Eggs, Mari

Freddy, Foxy, Ballora and Baby are the stars✨. Their funky team name is Ennard. No, Ennard is not a separate character in this AU.

All of them except Ballora fight to the death over who's the best at acting.

Bonbon is Freddy's younger brother who goes to their rehearsals bc their parents aren't home. He usually ends up with a small part in whatever play they end up doing.

Bonbon, Baby and Ballora are also nicknames: Bonbon (Benny) because Freddy dyed his hair blue like the sweet as a prank, Baby (Elizabeth) because she was the first freshman to get a lead role and Ballora (Reena) because she does ballet.

Speaking of Ballora, the Minireenas are freshmen and Ballora fangirls. They worship her every move and are very gay for her. Everyone calls them the minireenas because they dress like Ballora and so look like mini versions of her (get it, like mini Reenas)

Foxy is a nickname too: she wanted to change his name after coming out as genderfluid but hasn't thought of anything good yet.

Lolbit is Foxy's younger sibling who helps backstage. They also do twitch streams there. They have kitty cat ear headphones, but claims they're fox ears.

Handunit (Hank or something) is the play director. He is stressed because no-one ever listens to him, but can and will do a really good angsty teen voice when in a good mood.

They all hate freshmen and so refer to all freshmen theatre kids as Bidybabs (derogatory).

Chica used to be one of them but abandoned them for the band kids (i.e. El Chipe and Music Man. She's in a poly relationship with them). She does backing tracks for the musical numbers now. It's extremely awkward.

Eggs (Michael) is Baby's older brother. He also works backstage, and usually handles the electrical stuff. Lolbit claims they could do it, but they aren't trusted around electronics after the hacking incident.

Baby and Egg's younger brother is an 8th grader. They think it's funny to never call him by his real name so they just call him whatever name pops into their heads first. To avoid confusion, they also refer to him as CC.

CC is best friends with Cassidy, and they call themselves the Golden Duo. The two also hang out with Gabriel, Jeremy, Fritz and Susie.

Mari (Charlie) is Egg's best friend. People call her Marionette due to their emo swag. They use she/they pronouns.

Toy Chica is an alpha bitch, Toy Bonnie is the Twink She Keeps Around, Toy Freddy is a gamer, Mangle is a contortionist, Mari is, as previously stated, an emo and Balloon boy is a cunt. Somehow, they are the Popular Group.

[eddiestightywhities]

𝖘𝖆𝖎𝖓𝖙/𝖘𝖎𝖓𝖓𝖊𝖗

a closeted gay teen from a mexican catholic family growing up in 90s el paso, texas, edmundo diaz met shannon in high school and, in her, found his best friend and soul mate.

after a while, they decided to fake-date, to save eddie from scrutiny and danger—but in the end, shannon was the one who needed protecting; she was murdered for defending eddie, by a knife gang of bigots hellbent on chaos and death, and eddie, in self-defence, killed one of them after they tried to take him out, too.

jailed at 18, eddie did 8 years for manslaughter at the penitentiary of new mexico, where he kept his head down and his record clean, and turned to god in the hope he could save his soul.

when he got out, with no real prospects and no friends or family to turn to, eddie joined the church, and once ordained, moved out to CA to his first parrish, where he met a firefighter named bobby and struck up his first real friendship in what felt like a lifetime.

through this new kinship, eddie was introduced to another first responder: evan 'buck' buckley, who became determined to blur the lines between platonic and something more—setting eddie on a path that would lead him to forever securing a place for his soul in the fiery pits of infierno...

[theqhreator42]

There's something to be said about how every single shootout in the Breaking Bad setting is profoundly pathetic. Shots are almost never well-aimed, the combatants rarely have time to take cover or consider their tactics, people die in grotesque, absurd ways, and everyone always loses.

For me, the exemplar of this style is the final shootout in Breaking Bad (not counting Walt's machine gun gambit in Felina), where Hank and Steve confront Jack Welker's gang alone in the desert. On paper, it seems like a typical heroic climax: Hank and Steve stand up to the gang with no hesitation and prepare for the fight of their lives. The actual outcome, though, is more prosaic: totally outnumbered and outgunned, they are mortally injured without grazing any of the Nazis, and Hank dares Jack to execute him as Walt begs in vain to spare his life. The agents' desperation to preserve their honor by apprehending Walt alone becomes their doom.

Meanwhile, the closest the setting gets to a traditional "final badass duel," the confrontation between Gus and Lalo in Point and Shoot, ends with Gus tripping a circuit breaker, awkwardly ducking behind a bulldozer to pick up his hidden revolver, dumping all six shots at Lalo's general direction, and then collapsing under his own injuries. Lalo's final living act is to cackle at the sheer dumb luck of the situation as he drowns in his own blood, before Gus's minions bury him in the same pit as Howard (in case anyone believed that Howard, Sylvia, Mateo, Fred's family, Cheryl, or any of the other people bereaved by Lalo got a grain of justice here).

Even the final combat scene of the entire setting, the El Camino duel, has little heroism: Jesse wins the duel against Neil by breaking the rules and firing a second gun hidden in his jacket, then frantically dodges Neil's colleague's gunfire, picks up Neil's gun, and shoots wildly at the colleague, who takes a bullet straight in the head and comically falls face-first into a glass display case. We are happy to see Jesse live, but he doesn't improve himself by surviving this fight — he simply survives.

It's one of many elements of the Breaking Bad setting's cinematography that I really admire: the refusal to glorify violence. Every protagonist becomes an accessory or perpetrator of murder at some point, but none of them are improved by it, and it is never pretty, gratifying, or righteous. In a strange way, the rejection of violence as a positive act feels deeply humane.

[aces-and-angels]

MATCH MY DONATION TO SHAIMA/MUHAMMAD

verified ✔: no. 260 on el-shab-hussein/nabulsi’s sheet   follow: @wafans-blog

thanks to the words of those who refuse to listen/respect palestinian voices-- there is now an ongoing effort to discredit every gfm currently in circulation on this site

shaima/muhammad have already suffered the repercussions of these baseless accusations and have lost a $500 donation- money that could have gone towards getting their youngest/most vulnerable family members to safety

the ss above was from my donation that was made ~3 days ago. shaima/muhammad's campaign has progressed since then, but still need y'all to be loud so they can hit their goal. please consider matching my $5 USD if you can. share regardless so others may have the chance to help too 🖤

current stats: $11,039 USD / $80,000 USD

tags for reach (sorry gang- please let me know if you do not wish to be tagged in future posts)

---

@timetravellingkitty @meaganfoster @briarhips @mazzikah @mahoushojoe 

@rhubarbspring @schoolhater @pcktknife @transmutationisms @sawasawako 

@feluka @terroristiraqi @irhabiya @commissions4aid-international @wellwaterhysteria 

@deepspaceboytoy @post-brahminism @junglejim4322 @kibumkim @neechees 

@mangocheesecakes @kyra45-helping-others @marnota @7bitter @tortiefrancis 

@toiletpotato @fromjannah @omegaversereloaded @vague-humanoid @criptochecca 

@aristotels @komsomolka @neptunerings @riding-with-the-wild-hunt @heritageposts 

@ot3 @amygdalae @ankle-beez @communistchilchuck @dykesbat 

@watermotif @stuckinapril @violentrevolution @mavigator @lacecap 

@socalgal @chilewithcarnage @ghelgheli @sayruq @oediex

[undreaming-fanfiction]

I've always loved the Steddie SpideyPool pairing, but after DP3, I'd like to suggest Eddie as Deadpool and Steve as a very messed up Wolverine.

Steve who had hard time coping with failing his chosen family and the punishment of not being able to die and join them. It wouldn't be the X-Men characters, but the whole gang of his kids and friends who took up being heroes to protect their world. Dustin, Robin, Nancy, Max, Lucas...all gone.

So Steve survives on alcohol and moments of self-pity and rage. Sometimes he tries to see if maybe his healing factor got up and left, but no. Still there.

Enter Eddie as Deadpool. He tried dating Chrissy, but they ended up breaking up after she got targeted. He is trying to make a honest living, but fuck, it's hard. Then the TVA thing happens, Eddie panics, brings in a replacement Wolverine who just happens to be Steve.

The movie happens sort of the same way.

And then Eddie drags Steve home and Steve just breaks down. Because in this world, his kids and friends are fine. They are alive. They never got into the hero business, Robin tends to the merc bar that Eddie used to frequent. Dustin tried to join Eddie's temporary group X-Force (yes, he's their Peter), Mike is Eddie's former getaway taxi driver. El ended up in the X-Men and she is mentored by Hopper, but she's safe and thriving.

It's when they're all sitting at Eddie's shabby desk with Wayne and everyone that Eddie and Steve stop bickering. It's the very moment that Max mentions that superheroes aren't as lame as she used to think and she might try becoming one.

The joint "OVER MY DEAD BODY' sounds almost rehearsed. The disjointed rant about why this is such a bad idea doesn't, but everyone's eyeing them with suspicion.

When Eddie reminds everyone to be safe on their way home ("or I'll always order pizza with pineapple for the next DnD, I swear it, Wheeler, you'll wish you weren't born in this century!"), and Steve nods behind him, Max scoffs. "We get it. Go kiss your new crush and don't worry for a minute, yeah?"

It takes Eddie several minutes to register what she said, but by then she's gone.

"A crush?" he spits out. "Unacceptable!"

Steve just stares at him.

"I mean, we saved the world together. That makes us so much more. Right, boyfriend?"

Steve still stares at him, but hey, Eddie's an optimist. What else can Steve do than stab him (been there), slash him (done that), dismember him (they'll get there one day), or break his heart? Maybe the last one.

"Boyfriend, huh?" asks Steve, and his claws stay in for now.

Eddie feels brave and puts his hands on Steve's shoulders. "My calendar and heart are free. So what do you say, baby?"

"That depends."

Eddie still isn't stabbed. "On?"

And fuck, it seemed impossible, but it's there. Steve smiles at him. "On whether kissing you shuts you up."

Laughing, Eddie pulls him closer. "Why don't you find out, big boy?"

[jadeylovesmarvelxo]

Sunset ✨

Sunset was something you looked forward to every day.

Sunrise was something you dreaded.

Fluff and angst, vampire Eddie x reader, 18+ as there are slightly spicy situations.

✨

It's one of those long shifts at Family Video that's dragged on endlessly, you finish at five pm, the time seems to be passing by as slowly as possible.

You're grateful that Family Video managed to survive after the earthquake that should have torn the town apart, if it weren't for El destroying the Upside Down and stopping that grinchy ass looking Vecna's plans then you're sure Hawkins would have ended up as the epicentre for the apocalypse.

Mindless chatter washes over you as you vaguely listen to the conversations of a gang of preteens arguing over which film they were watching for movie night.

Steve and Robin are also discussing the dates that they went on at the weekend and you try to focus your attention on them, oohing and aching at the right moments.

You were happy that Robin was getting on so well with Vickie and that Steve was finally moving on from Nancy, it's just you were finding it hard to concentrate when you knew what tonight entailed.

Robin and Steve didn't know you were keeping a very very big secret.

Everything was pretty much back to normal, Autumn was well on its way and Hawkins looked picturesque as the trees turned various shades of reds, gold and brown. There was a chill in the air and Steve was planning a small party for when Halloween rolled around.

As much as you loved Halloween all that you could think of was tonight and how you wished that it was sundown.

Sundown was something that you looked forward to every day...because of him.

Finally when the clock strikes five you're anxiously shrugging off your work vest, Robin is grinning at you and Steve smirks as you wave goodbye to them hastily, "Looks like someone else has a hot date" he says to Robin.

Well they aren't wrong.

✨❤️

It's dead silent as you rush into your house and straight upstairs to your bedroom. Snuffles the bear isn't in his usual resting place on the bed, instead he's being held by the lone figure who's standing at your window.

Eddie.

"Hi"

All the tension leaves your body as your eyes trail over him, he turns to you and there's a serene smile on his face.

"Princess" his voice is so soft and tender. A whisper in the wind.

His eyes are a mix of brown and the tiniest tinge of red. He's hungry. It must have been a couple days since he's fed.

"I missed you" you tell him as you rush over to him and as much as you desperately want to throw your arms around him, you know that he needs blood. Mostly he feeds himself on blood bags, keeping his hunger sated.

Not that you know much about what he does, he showed up at your window nearly three months ago and almost gave you a heart attack.

He was dirty, covered in blood and goodness knows what else and you rushed to help him, you were so certain he was dead; Dustin was so sure that he was dead otherwise neither of you would have left his body in that...hellhole.

The guilt almost overwhelmed you but you pushed it out of your mind and the red flags that were forming in your mind at how the hell he was alive.

You guided him to the shower and found him some clean clothes that you sneakily borrowed from your dad, the clothes were baggy on Eddie but they were better than nothing.

Despite being presumed dead, Eddie had no injuries, scars yes but no injuries. Maybe it was some freaky Upside Down coincidence, you didn't know at the time what was really wrong.

The next morning Eddie was gone and he didn't return for days to the point you were certain that him coming back was all a dream.

He returned a few days later and it's the first time that you found out what he had turned into. He was covered in blood, some of it coated around his mouth. His eyes were bright red and you saw a hint of fangs.

That's the night you found out he was a vampire.

...

At first he would visit once or twice a week but recently it had turned into...more. Almost every night he visited you now and it was like he had never gone. He was his usual goofy, charismatic self and you loved the time you spent together.

The only other person who knew was Dustin and if Eddie wasn't with you then he was with Dustin, still playing D&D and teaching Dustin all the metal music knowledge he knew.

"I missed you too" his fingers ghost over your cheek and his hand rests on your chest, directly on your heart. His lips meet yours and like the last few times this has happened the kissing heats up quickly, it's all you can do but to pull away reluctantly.

There's a soft growl in Eddie's throat and you soften as he turns away from you immediately. He always gets like this when he's hungry.

"It's okay' you notice his eyes flash with hunger, you can feed" he nods then slowly guides you to the bed, he waits until you're settled before he sits down and kisses you again, lips trailing over your jaw then to your neck.

There's a slight sting as his fangs pierce your skin, he moans and one of his hands caresses your hips, god you shouldn't be so turned on by this but you are.

Blood pounds in your ears and a delicious heat pools in your stomach. Eddie pulls away, chuckles lightly and his eyes meet yours.

"You taste divine sweetheart and I'm guessing you liked that very much?" you nod, squirming with need and he smirks and his eyes darken for an entirely different reason.

He then wastes no time in burying his head between your thighs.

❤️

Much much later you're cuddled into Eddie and trace gentle circles around his tattoo. Your body is entwined with his, a frown on his face as he notices that it's nearly dawn.

Yeah you're trying not to notice that as well, the thought makes your throat feel tight and your heart ache.

He sighs and kisses you softly "I have to go princess" he sounds as disappointed as you are and all you can do is nod. You're afraid if you say anything you might tear up.

Theres a few more long, passionate kisses but pretty soon times up. Eddie groans and kisses your forehead, he then whispers in your ear. "I love you Princess"

Okay, now the tears really do come. "I love you too Eddie" his answering smile makes your heart flutter and with another quick kiss he's ready to leave.

"I'll be counting down the hours until I can see you again sweetheart" he winks and then he's gone.

You lay in your bed full of a million different emotions, Eddie loves you. He loves you. It makes you feel giddy. How you wish he could be here in the sunlight too.

As much as you loved sundown, you dreaded sunrise.

✨❤️

[steddieasitgoes]

@steddiemas Day 21 Prompt: Home and/or Dinner

I honestly think this is my favorite one yet!

Tags: Pre-Relationship Steddie, Eddie Munson Has A Crush On Steve Harrington, Holiday Parties, Overstimulation (the bad kind, not the fun kind), Steve Harrington Is A Sweetheart

wc: 2215 | Rating: G

Read on ao3 | ao3 collection

The holidays were always a quiet affair at the Munsons.

A few gifts, wrapped in week-old copies of the Hawkins Post, placed under a modest tree from Merrill’s. Wayne’s famous (well, famous to Eddie) chocolate chip pancakes in the morning with a questionable amount of syrup and a reheated casserole from Ms. Jenkins down the street for dinner.

No church or family plans, just the two of them, a couple of beers (root beer in Eddie’s case until a few years ago), and whatever movie Eddie had insisted they watch before he turned the TV over to Wayne and the Christmas basketball game.

It was good. Great, even.

Eddie loved his holiday traditions with Wayne.

He did, but sometimes he’d catch sight of Ms. Jenkins welcoming her brood of kids and grandkids into her cluttered trailer or spot Gerald loading the passenger seat of his pickup with toys for his nieces and nephews and wonder what it would be like to have a big family to spend the holidays with.

Turns out, it’s loud.

So, very, loud.

The Hopper-Byers’ new house is bursting at the seams with guests. The entire We Survived The End of the World gang is here along with some guests — Wayne and Ms. Henderson. Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair stopped by for about an hour before excusing themselves to finish up holiday shopping (said in a hushed tone to not ruin Santa for Erica — as if she still believes, Eddie had thought). But mostly it was just the usual gang.

Eddie learned, in the form of Dustin’s “you’re being stupid” voice that it's become a tradition for them. Gathering a week before the holidays to pig out on food and dessert, play games, and exchange presents. Celebrate the year coming to an end and them making it.

As the apocalypse gang grew every year, the celebration got bigger and bigger until they were tripping over each other inside of the Byers house. That is, until this year when Joyce and Hopper got their shit together and finally moved into a decent-sized house on the outskirts of Hawkins. It’s no Loch Nora mini-mansion, but it works for them — even if it's still a tight fit when everyone is together.

Murray, Joyce, and Ms. Henderson are gathered in the kitchen — arguing over when to take the turkey out of the oven and the proper milk-to-cheese ratio in macaroni casseroles. A small radio sits in the corner, attempting to play Christmas music over the static. That’s the con about living farther out, Eddie supposes.

El and Max have claimed a fold-out table on the outskirts of the kitchen where they’ve been decorating cookies for hours, it seems. El’s simple and artistic, Max’s a chaotic mess of spilled-over frosting and candy sprinkles. (Eddie’s stolen one from each and thinks they’re both delicious much to their delight.)

The den’s been co-opted by Hopper and Wayne, and the TV volume turned all the way up (“We can hear just fine! It’s you kids that are making it hard,” Hopper gruffed when one of them pointed out the volume). They’re switching between basketball games while nursing beers and pretending not to hear the argument going down in the kitchen.

Jonathan and Argyle are hiding out in his room — smoking and trying to drown out the noise with whatever record he managed to pick up from the store he’s working at. Eddie thought about joining him, but the scowl he earned from Wheeler Jr. had him changing course.

The rest of them have taken refuge in the spacious basement. It’s too chaotic for Dungeons & Dragons so the boys and Erica have taken to playing an intense game of Monopoly. The threats he’s heard hurled at each other have been clever and downright terrifying. Way worse than anything they’ve uttered at his DM table. Those heathens.

For some reason, Steve’s taken on the role of the banker. Something about Dustin skimming from the top last time he held the role and played. Now, house rules say the banker has to be an NPC, and well, Steve fits the bill. Unfortunately, he seems to be struggling with the math of it all judging by the scoffs and annoyed eye rolls thrown his way. Eddie would go help, but he doesn’t think he’d be much help. Godspeed, Steve.

Nancy and Robin are there too, sprawled out on the couch and lost in their own little world. Occasionally Robin gets up to flip the record on the record player, but mostly they sit together, gossiping and talking about who knows what in hushed voices. Eddie might understand every little thing about dungeons and hobbits, but girl talk? That’s an alien language if he’s ever seen one.

As for him? Well, he’s hovering in the middle of it all. With Steve occupied, he’s taken on his babysitter role of sorts. Racing up and down the stairs to fetch whatever snacks the gremlins demand, rustling Max and El’s hair on the way in, and nodding at Hopper and Wayne on the way out. He narrowly escapes being sucked into being the official judge for the impromptu Murray vs Ms. Henderson pie off and almost makes it up to Jonathan and Argyle’s room before Dustin is bellowing for him.

It’s fun, mostly.

Getting to see everyone relaxed and having fun. A far cry from the last time they were all together like this back in March.

In some ways, it's what Eddie’s always dreamed it would be like. Being part of a big family, a cog in a never-ending machine of noise and organized chaos.

But it’s also becoming a lot.

Lucas is about to put a hotel on Boardwalk that has everyone shouting and throwing their own pieces at his head. Steve’s trying to keep them under control but it's a losing battle. One that pulls Robin and Nancy from their own little world to join the chaos.

And then there’s even more noise.

A crash from upstairs, the blaring voice of Joe Strummer coming from Jonathan’s room, more shouting, Wayne and Hoppers stopping, and giggles from Max and El.

Suddenly all Eddie can hear is noise.

It gets louder and louder and louder until finally, he’s certain his eardrums are going to explode.

Taking the stairs two at a time, he pushes through the chaos going on upstairs (dropped pies and frosting stains and shouting at TVs) and makes his way onto the wrap-around porch.

The crisp cold air is the first thing that hits him. Like an idiot, he ran out of the house without a coat or scarf or hell, even the warm hat Ms. Henderson knitted for him earlier in the month. He shivers, rubbing his hands up and down his bare arm as he tries to take deep breaths, watching as his warm breath twirls in the breeze.

As his body adjusts, so do his ears. He can still hear the chaos going on inside, but it's muffled now. Distant. He can hear himself think for the first time in hours and for once, it’s nice.

The snow is falling in slow but steady flakes, dusting the backyard in the white. Or, it should be white, but the hoard of Christmas lights decorating the house illuminates the backyard in reds and greens. It’s a real Christmas wonderland out there, now.

Reaching into the pocket of his jeans, he pulls out a pack of cigarettes and his trusty lighter. The first inhale of nicotine warms him from the inside out, sending the goosebumps packing as he focuses on his steady and slow inhale and exhales.

At some point he zones out, so focused on the snow falling and the repetitive nature of lifting the cigarette to and from his lips that he doesn’t hear the creak of the door or the heavy footsteps that follow until the intruder is standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

“Figured you might be needing this,” Steve says, hand outstretched with Eddie’s coat.

“Thanks, man.”

They swap, Eddie takes the coat from Steve and Steve takes the lit cigarette from Eddie, keeping it safe while he shimmies his way into the monstrosity that he calls his winter coat. When he’s finally situated in the plaid nightmare, he reaches a hand out ready to take his cigarette back only to find it perched between Steve’s lips.

Oh.

That’s different.

Sure, they’ve smoked together before. Bummed off cigarettes in the ally behind Family Video and in the parking lot of Palace Arcade waiting for the gremlins to be done. But they’ve never shared the same one. Never pressed their lips to the same filter. Felt the dampness of their mouths on their own lips.

“Sorry,” Steve says, lips turning up in a small smile as he removes the cigarette. “Couldn’t help myself.”

Eddie nods, unable to say much else as their fingertips brush when he takes it back. Is it weird if he puts it between his lips right now? Is he supposed to wait a minute? Let Steve’s taste linger for a moment. God, he’s being so weird right now. In the end, he brings the cigarette to his lips and takes the smallest inhale, nearly coughing as the smoke floods his lungs because he’s so distracted by the way the filter feels different now that it’s been in Steve’s mouth — as if that makes any sense.

“You okay? You sort of booked it out of the room.”

“Yeah,” Eddie sighs, before leaning against the banister of the porch. “Yeah, m’good. It just—“

“Got too loud?” Steve supplies, mirroring his position. “I get it. I remember my first holiday dinner. There were a lot less of us in ’83 but shit. It was still so loud.”

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m a pretty loud son of a bitch.” Eddie’s caught off guard by Steve’s snorting. Stealing a glance, he finds Steve lit up in reds and greens, a smile etched on his face so deep he can see the spot where smile lines are going to emerge in the next ten years, catching the way his eyes already wrinkle in the corners. Fuck, he’s beautiful. “But, uh, yeah, I don’t think I’ve ever been in a house that loud before. Not even when I’m fucking around with the Corroded Coffin boys.”

“Well, I doubt that. Your music is very loud.”

“Uh, yeah, ‘cause it's metal, Steve.”

“So I’ve been told,” Steve says, smiling that soft, private smile again.

If Eddie was braver, he’d close the distance between them and press his lips to his. But if this year has taught him anything, it’s that he’s not. Not really. So he lets a quiet fall between them instead. They continue to stand shoulder to shoulder, passing the dwindling cigarette between them despite the pack in Eddie’s pocket being brand new, and watch as the snow steadily starts to pick up.

“You know,” Steve says, then stops.

Eddie turns, watching the gears tick in Steve’s brain as he decides what to say next. It’s magical watching it all pass on his face — the knit of his brows, his pupils dilating and returning to their normal size, letting the hazel shine through. The way his lips open and close like some gasping fish.

“If it ever gets to be too much, you can tell us. Tell me. Hell, I know I need a break after a few hours with those shitheads. Maybe we could come up with a code word or something.”

“A codeword? That’s might nerdy of you, Steve.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Steve says, waving his hand through the air as he bites back a chuckle. “But yeah, a code word. It’d be easier to say than “hey it’s too loud and I can’t think” you know. Plus, it would annoy the shit out of Henderson.”

“Well, then. Count me in. You know I love annoying the shit out of that kid. Gotta keep that ego in check somehow.”

They spend the next few minutes going back and forth trying to decide on a word that could work. Steve wants something common — a fruit or a vegetable. Eddie disagrees, saying it has to be something uncommon so they don’t accidentally say it, but common enough that it doesn’t sound weird casually being dropped in conversation.

They wrack their brain, throwing out silly words left and right until there’s a crash from inside. Their heads swivel in tandem toward the source of the noise. A flurry of shadows passes on the other side of the window as Steve shakes his head and sighs.

“Come on,” he says, handing the cigarette back to Eddie. “If we’re not at the table the minute the food gets served, we won’t be eating. The gremlins know no manner.”

Eddie laughs, stubbing out the cigarette on the ashtray precariously balanced on the banister, “Teaching ‘em manners seems like a job for their babysitter.”

“Nah,” Steve snorts. “Maybe one for their Dungeon Master, though.”

Just as the words leave Steve’s lip, there’s a shout from inside followed by another crash.

“Think it might be a job for both of us, actually,” Eddie laughs. “Together?”

“We need all the help we can get,” Steve says. “Together it is.”