#from the look of it you are already doing a great job!

[dazedantics]

Mark doesn't like pair projects.

It's not that he's better at working alone. He'd much rather have one or more people there to help get the job done since he isn't exactly the brightest.

But every time the teacher starts, "Alright, this next assignment you're gonna be in pairs." He'll sit there, gripping his worn pencil praying to himself, "please pick our partners, please pick our partners," over and over.

He isn't often so lucky.

See, Mark doesn't have any friends in this class. Or in general. So he never has the luxury to make knowing-eye-contact with that one person he knows will always partner with him for anything.

If only William were here. Then he wouldn't have to look so obviously nervous as the seconds pass.

He'll sit at his desk pretending to be busy. Mussing with his notebook, digging through his backpack, fixing his shoelaces, a weak ploy that buys him some time for someone to hopefully come over and pick him first. Or at least enough time for everyone else to pair, the moving bodies distracting the teacher away from him starting the work. Alone. In the back of the classroom. The far back where he goes unnoticed as usual.

He thought the stares the pairs next to him give, whispering as he slumps into his chair to further get out of sight, were bad enough. They knew him as the lone weirdo at this point.

But lately his tactics of laying low have failed as his teacher started asking you to invite him to join your group.

You're kind enough about it. Smiling and taking his hand as you lead him over to your desk. Neither you nor your partner mention how the teacher told you to talk to him. And he doesn't bring it up either.

He's grown a little relieved actually. Still does his lingering-by-the-backpack thing until you come and drag him over. But at least he has the peace of mind knowing he won't be solving all these confusing packets alone.

But then you start bringing your stuff over to sit at his desk instead. Setting out your notes, reading over the instructions and asking him where you should start.

"We can split up the research part to make this faster. And it's a bit like that last assignment we had, so I'm pretty sure we could just paraphrase what we already wrote there instead."

He looks over your shoulder, searching for your usual partner, thinking they're about to come and join you. But they don't.

Okay, weird. Maybe they're just not here today?

"It's due by the end of the week, so we could take turns bringing it home for the artsy parts?"

He's a bit too distracted by the sight of your friend elsewhere in the room, working with their own partner already.

"Mark?"

"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah. Sounds great. Um ... let's start?"

You work on the project together and it's not so different from doing it in a group of three. Just glad to have someone to split the work with, he decides he doesn't need to ask why you chose to go to him first this time.

Until you start going to him again. And again. And again.

You even choose to sit at the desk next to his once the teacher does that "pick your own seat" thing every quarter.

Then he just has to ask.

He watches you as your scrawl on the poster board. Hand nervously scratching his neck, biting the inside of his lip, foot tapping before he speaks.

"Why are you here?"

"Hm?" You finally look up from your work.

His stomach feels jittery. He fears for his phrasing in case you suddenly realize you had enough of him and decide to punch him in the gut.

"You know. Like ... why are you sitting with me? Don't you want to be working with your friend?"

You pause, pencil hovering above the page. "Do you ... want me to go away?"

What? He didn't just accidentally push you away from him, did he?

"No, no! It's not that at all! In fact, I'd love it if you didn't leave me ever. I mean- not like that! I just mean that, uh, you just- you never bothered to partner with me before? You know, if the teacher is making you stick with me for some reason, you really don't have too. And um, you haven't been around your friend much recently? Since you're with me."

He wasn't sure where to look as he awaited your answer.

Your sudden smile made his gut churn even more. Was that a condescending smile or?

"Well, the teacher did ask us to at first. But, you're actually kinda cool. I like working with you. And my friend has been busy trying to flirt with their crush. And I dunno about you, but I'd rather not be stuck as the third wheel for any situation." You chuckled.

His stomach seemed to be flipping. Was he feeling sick?

"So is that why you've been acting nervous this whole time, or are you really always like this?"

He cleared his throat, shifting to sit up straighter. "Um yeah, no. I, uh, that's ... that's all I ...," he sniffed. "Um, so problem five?"

You laughed again, scooting closer and placing a hand on his paper to shift it toward you.

You didn't seem as painfully aware of how close your soft hands were to his plain ones.

"What don't you understand about it this time?"

He was aware you'd gone over this certain problem over ten times already, but he was positive he wasn't going to be able to focus on it any better now that he had a whole slew of new questions to flood his mind.

You think he's cool?

Well, if you think that good about him now, what other good things do you think about him?

Do you think about him a lot when you're at home?

Could you start to?

[wchswift]

── 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞

pairing! joel miller x f!reader

→ summary! after Ellie makes it clear, again, that she wants nothing to do with Joel, you follow him out of the barn and try to comfort him. → contents! post-winter dance scene, hurt/comfort, softness, emotional intimacy, established relationship. → word count! 764

Joel’s boots hit the snow hard and fast, like he could stomp out the ache in his chest if he tried hard enough. He hadn’t meant for things to go sideways. Hadn’t meant to snap. But he couldn't just stay there after Seth treated her like that. Saying that to them, thinking he was within his rights. Protect first, explain later.

Only Ellie didn’t want protection anymore. Not from him.

You watched it all. Ellie and Dina, hugging and kissing each other like the world was finally something light again. Then Seth happened—the way he looked at them, the way he treated them with poison.

The awkward shuffle of the crowd after Joel shoved the old man hard, words sharp and biting. Ellie’s face tight with that tangled mess of hurt and pride. Her words still hung in the air even now, heavy and biting—“What is wrong with you?”

You saw Joel flinch like she’d slapped him.

“I don’t need your fucking help.”

You let him walk off at first. Gave him space. But when he didn’t stop, didn’t slow, just kept disappearing into the dark like he meant to walk clear out of Jackson—you followed.

He didn’t hear you at first. Not over the wind. Not over whatever storm was raging in his head. But when you called his name, soft and sure, he paused.

“Joel.”

He didn’t turn around; he just let out a shaky breath, white in the cold air.

“Not a great party,” you offered gently, stepping closer.

He huffed, a joyless thing. “Didn’t come for the party.”

“No. I figured that.”

Silence stretched between you. Just the crunch of snow beneath your boots as you joined him, close enough to share the cold.

“She’s angry,” he said finally, voice low. “At me. Can’t blame her.”

“She’s a teenage girl,” you said quietly. “They stay angry at the people they love, Joel. It’s part of the job.”

“She don’t want me anymore.”

The words hit you hard. Not just because of the sadness in them, but because of how sure he sounded. Like it was a fact. Like he was already packing up that little piece of his heart and tucking it somewhere deep, where it wouldn’t hurt as bad.

You reached out, touched his arm, gentle.

“She does want you. She just doesn’t know how to say it when she’s mad.”

Joel’s eyes flicked to you finally. They were red-rimmed, jaw clenched so tight you could hear it grind. And beneath all that anger and shame was something raw—something splintered.

“You ever think maybe I’m just… bad at this?” he asked. “At all of it. Being here. Being with people. Keep screwin’ it up.”

You moved closer, your hand still on his arm. “Joel, if you were bad at it, you wouldn’t care this much.”

He looked down. His shoulders sank under the weight of whatever guilt he’d carried into that barn and out of it.

You reached up, brushing your fingers lightly along his jaw. He didn’t flinch—just closed his eyes like he needed that contact to breathe again.

“She needs time. But she’s not gonna stop loving you overnight. And neither am I.”

That last part slipped out like a secret, quiet but certain.

His eyes snapped open. He looked at you like you were some kind of miracle he didn’t know how to believe in.

“You love me?” he asked, like he’d never heard those words said to him like that before.

You smiled softly, thumb brushing the corner of his mouth. “Yeah, I do.”

Joel swallowed hard. His hand came up, covering yours, rough fingers trembling just a little.

“I don’t know what to do with that,” he admitted. “Don’t wanna lose her. Don’t wanna lose you either.”

“You won’t,” you whispered. “You’re not gonna lose either of us.”

And right there in the dark, surrounded by snow and silence and the distant echo of laughter from the barn, Joel leaned forward, rested his forehead against yours. No kiss. No words. Just two people holding on in the quiet.

You stayed like that for a long moment, until his breathing calmed. Until some of the weight lifted.

Then you took his hand, laced your fingers through his.

“C’mon,” you said. “Let’s go home.”

And for the first time that night, Joel let himself follow.

𖤐 reblogs and feedback are appreciated! requests are also welcome, ty!

⛥ main masterlist.

lina's notes: After watching the first episode of season 2 and already knowing what awaits us in the next chapters I had to write this!! This is my first time writing for Joel or any of Pedro's characters. I don't know if I'll write for him again but I love him so much and I just wanted to give him a little comfort :((

[babyleostuff]

⸻ how the hip hop unit helps you study

scoups

your typical dad trying to explain math homework 

cheol really tries his best. he does. it’s just the way in which he tries makes you want to rip out your hair, cry, and run away. because he’s so stubborn he’ll act like he knows the topic so much better than you, even if he has zero clue what it's truly about. will tell you that he read an article online and that he is 100% correct. so even if you ask him to simply read the terms from your flashcard, nothing more, just read, so you could revise the topic, he’d act all: no, but actually! and if you try to tell him otherwise, he’ll just start arguing with you. and we all know how petty this man can get if someone disagrees with him. 

3/10 experience 

too bossy 

too stubborn 

gets frustrated in 0.0001 second and starts pouting 

will tell you that you don’t love him anymore

wonwoo

drops anything to help you out, no matter what you need help with

you need to buy something for your project? he’s already at the store. you need more paper for your flashcards? he’s out chopping wood all nara smith. you need to read a hundred pages of boring articles? let me do it for you! come on, jeon wonwoo, the acts of service man himself would do anything to help you out. even if it means sitting by your side for hours in complete silence, because you need emotional support. even if it means watching numerous youtube videos on topics he cannot even comprehend. even if he has to rewrite the damn book by himself, he will do it. such an encouraging, supportive, sweet, and genuinely helpful study buddy!

100/10

chops wood 

attempts to make study snacks 

will become an expert in the topic you don’t understand, so he can explain it to you 

makes the prettiest flashcards

mingyu

the one that takes it a bit too seriously 

you need help studying? do not worry, here comes kim mingyu with his fake glasses. he’s clearly excited that you need his help, but for some reason he treats it as this super important mission impossible that requires all of his brain cells, as if he’s the one to study. and don’t even try to mention that it’s not that serious, because he’ll get offended. you’d think he’d be all “one kiss for one correct answer”, but no. for some reason turn into this strict, annoying teacher, acting all smart with you. mingyu just takes his job a bit too seriously. similarly to cheol, at some point he will start to act all smarty pants with you, and yeah, you’re smart mingyu, but? let’s calm down a bit, yeah? 

6/10 experience 

you actually manage to revise your material with him 

looks good in glasses 

acts like mr know it all 

falls asleep/gets hungry fifteen minutes into revising

vernon

gets so into the topic that your studying turns into a lecture 

which to be honest - great way to revise your material. vernon is just so curious about… basically anything that even if your topic is as interesting as watching paint dry, he’ll get so into it and ask if you could elaborate. thus, your study time turns into lecture time! and i know he’s the greatest listener too. could sit there for hours and listen to you talk, because - 1. he gets to listen to you, and 2. learns new random facts, which he can use as a party trick later on. and if there’s something that you yourself do not understand, vernon does anything he can to educate himself on said topic, so he can explain it to you. 

11/10 experience 

genuinely interested 

at the end of the night will know more than you 

you get to experience the POV: you’re an academic professor  

great way to spend quality time

[etherealeowyn]

"Like Real People Do" - Joel Miller x Fem Reader

Fluff

Word Count: 770

Just because Joel and Y/n don't have the ranch they've been dreaming about, that doesn't mean they can't share sweet moments together like the world hasn't fallen into complete chaos.

Y/n’s fingers flipped through the stack of vinyl records, her eyes scanning every single one, trying to find the perfect one to slow dance to. The woman had never danced with anyone before, and when she told Joel that it had always been her dream to slow dance with someone in the kitchen, he ultimately agreed.

Y/n wasn’t sure at first if he would, but little did she know, a piece of Joel’s heart had been yearning to experience soft and sweet moments like that with the woman he loved.

Before falling asleep, they’d share their dream about the ranch they’d live on together, and the quiet life they’d spend with one another. Even though they didn’t have the ranch, Y/n would still come up with ideas about what she and Joel could do to experience a small part of their dream.

“I found the perfect song!” Y/n exclaimed, grabbing the record and hugging it against her chest excitedly.

“Which one did you pick?” Joel asked, getting up from the couch and following her into the kitchen.

“Like Real People Do by Hozier, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this song,” the woman giggled, as she took the record out of the sleeve and placed it delicately on the record player, placing the needle between the edge of the record and the first groove.

“I like that one too,” Joel responded, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, before the woman found a place between his arms.

Once the music began playing, her arms draped around the man’s neck, and his hands rested on the small of her back. Neither one of them said a word; rather, they just looked into each other’s eyes and studied all the emotions behind them.

Joel’s eyes were brighter than usual, and Y/n could tell that he was genuinely happy. It wasn’t the kind of fleeting happiness that came and passed with the blink of an eye, it was the kind of moment that would be forever etched in their memories. The one thing they’d always think about when they needed to cheer up or escape from the incessant tragedies of the infected world.

The soft yellow glow emitted from the light fixture in the kitchen fell upon Y/n’s features, and Joel couldn’t help but notice the way it made the whole situation feel like a dream. As if the woman he was holding on to was too good to be true.

She was one of the only people he knew who could see the good in every situation and make the most out of small moments of joy. Before her, he never would’ve pictured slow dancing in the dilapidated kitchen of his piece of shit apartment in the Boston QZ, it sounded ridiculous. But now, he would never be able to look at the small room without being reminded of Y/n and how it felt to hold her in his arms.

Almost every area that used to torture him to look at was revitalized by her presence, and he would never truly be able to express just how much he appreciates Y/n for changing his life for the better. Though that doesn’t mean that he wouldn’t try.

“Have I ever told you that you’re the most gorgeous woman I have ever seen in my life?” Joel spoke; his words were slightly louder than a whisper.

“Joel, my love, you tell me that every day,” Y/n replied with a bit of a laugh, causing him to smile down at the woman.

“Hey, I’m just making sure you know how special you are, especially to me,” he said, the edges of his eyes crinkling from the smile that spread across his whole face.

“Don’t worry, I already know,” she responded, blushing at his comment. “And I hope I do a good job making sure you know just how special you are to me.”

“You do a great job, honey,” Joel started, pausing for a second before saying, “In fact, you do such a great job that for the first time in a long time, I feel like I’m worth something.”

“You’ve always been worth something, you might not have recognized it, but you were. You just needed someone to show you. Luckily, or unluckily for you, I’m the one you’re stuck with that’ll be the one to show you,” Y/n chuckled, tilting her head slightly as she did so.

“I’m lucky that it’s you,” he said, his body halting all movement as the music faded into nothing. “And I’ll always be lucky that you decided to take a chance on me.”

[jeanscowgirl]

don't try this at home.

toji fushiguro x reader, modern au, toji has the same job, reader should NOT be doing this, toji fushiguro x widow!reader

warnings: smut, mentions of death, mentions of exes, mentions of murder, modern au, fingering, oral b!receiving, penetration, hair pulling, brat reader for a second, dom! toji, idk what else, this is kind of crazy

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

You didn’t wanna get back into the dating scene after your husband was brutally murdered. The case was never solved. you never found out who took away the love of your life.

Your friends badgered you about going out and meeting guys, you just couldn’t fathom the idea of it. Which led one of your friends to create a dating profile FOR you.

They set up the entire Tinder profile for you adding whatever pictures they thought looked the best. According to them you got a few matches but you didn’t care. You wanted nothing to do with it.

Until…

One night, you had just gotten home from being out with your friends. You were drunk. So, you logged into the Tinder account using the email and password your friends had given you.

There were a few messages, all weird pick up lines that you didn’t care to answer. You scrolled through your matches, wondering why your friends would even swipe right on some of these guys. Then, a new message appeared.

Toji Wow, you’re gorgeous sweetheart

You cringed at the nickname. You don’t even know this guy. But, you were drunk so you decided to entertain him.

Y/n Thank you, you’re not too bad yourself.

You clicked on his profile.

He was not bad at all. He was gorgeous. Black hair, great body, tall. The list could go on.

Another message.

Toji What’re you up to?

You responded to the message, and kept responding. You didn’t want to admit it but you really were enjoying talking to him.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･⋆.ೃ࿔:･⋆.ೃ࿔:･⋆.ೃ࿔:⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

After about a week of talking to Toji, he had asked you on a date. You thought about it, you really did. But, you still couldn’t bring yourself to say yes.

That didn’t stop him though. He continued to talk to you every day. He seemed to genuinely care, he seemed really interested.

Another week or two later, Toji asked again.

You agreed.

You both decided on a casual restaurant, nothing too fancy. You wore jeans and a nice shirt, cute but comfy.

You were terribly nervous, you hadn’t done anything like this since the death of your husband. But, it had been three years and maybe it was time to explore just a little bit.

When you arrived, you saw him sitting at a table already. He was even more attractive in person.

You sat down, introduced yourself and then you both immediately hit it off.

He was funny, kind of blunt, and super flirty.

You both asked questions about each other and the date was going well. Then you decided to be a mood killer, “I should probably tell you just before you get too comfortable, I’m a widow. My husband was killed three years ago,”

Toji kind of stared blankly, “Oh. I- Uh,”

“Wow, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have even brought that up. I just wanted to warn you,” Punching yourself internally for bringing that up on the first date.

“No, no. I’m sorry for your loss, what was his name?” Toji asked.

“Alec Kylan”

Toji dropped his fork and just stared at you.

You stared back, confused at his reaction, “Is everything okay?”

“Y-yeah, I’m sorry. That must’ve been hard to deal with.” Toji manages to get out.

Unbeknownst to you, you had just named one of the many people Toji had been sent to kill.

He didn’t tell you that though. He just continued on with your date as usual.

The date went well before you decided to go your separate ways for the night, both agreeing to go on a second date soon.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･⋆.ೃ࿔:･⋆.ೃ࿔:･⋆.ೃ࿔:･

A few weeks and a few dates later, you’re sitting on Toji’s couch in his apartment.

You’re cuddled up next to him in shorts and a t-shirt. Some show is on the TV, you’re barely paying attention.

Tojis hand is on your thigh, just caressing you. You’re getting turned on by this simple touch and Toji takes notice of your slight squirming.

He moves his hand closer up your thigh, to the hem of your shorts. He tugs at them and looks at you, asking for permission to take them off.

You look up at him and give him a nod. Instead of proceeding though, he chuckles and stands up.

He reaches a hand out to you, and as you go to grab it, he picks you up and tosses you over his shoulder.

With one arm wrapped around your torso, he carries you to his bedroom and throws you onto his bed. Yes, throws you.

“Take em’ off”

You don’t listen.

He scoffs, “Alright have it your way.”

He takes off the shirt that was hugging his muscles perfectly to reveal the most built body you have ever seen. He climbs on top of you, hovering.

He leans down to start kissing down your neck while messing with the t-shirt you refused to take off. With no warning, he bites down on your neck softly, definitely leaving a mark. The sudden feeling causes you to let out a small whimper which makes him smile against your skin.

He lifts up your shirt, “No bra? Knew you were gonna want this,” pulling it off of you completely.

Staring at your bare chest for maybe a second, he leans down to start kissing you all over again.

Starting at your boobs going all the way down your stomach. He finally reaches the waistband of your shorts. And with no warning, he takes them off in one motion.

Toji’s mouth immediately on your pussy, wasting no time. Eating you out like he has never eaten a meal in his life.

“F-fuck Toji calm down!”

This makes Toji do the exact opposite. He plays with your tits with one hand and with the other, he inserts two fingers into you.

“Oh my god, please”

He doesn’t slow down. He is pumping his fingers into you at an insane pace. You’re almost crying from the pleasure.

He pinches your nipples earning another moan out of you.

Sucking your clit and still fingering you, you were on the verge of cumming, and it's almost like Toji knew.

“Toji, please I-”

He pulls his fingers out, “Not yet, doll” He puts the same fingers into his mouth, licking off your juices.

You can see his bulge through the grey sweatpants he’s still wearing. He takes notice of this and slightly laughs, taking them off. His cock is huge, bigger than you were expecting.

He’s standing up but points to the ground, “Come here,”

You don’t listen. Again. Strike 2.

He grabs you by the hair and forces you to look him in the eyes, “Come on, don’t be a brat sweetheart,”

He lets go, and tries again.

You kneel in front of him, “Suck,”

You spit on his cock before putting it into your mouth.

“Fuck baby, you’re good at this,” he moans.

He grabs the back of your head, but doesn’t push.

You take more of him, moaning around his dick.

“Good girl, fuck you’re so good,”

His hands in your hair, this time he does push, making you gag, but that just turns him on even more.

Controlling your movements from the back of your head, moaning more profanities at you.

“Nnngh- I’m gonna fuck- Im gonna cum baby,”

And he does, in your mouth.

“Swallow.”

You do.

“Good girl, get back on the bed.”

You listen again.

He flips you over, your back facing him.

He’s holding your hips, rubbing up and down the sides of your body. You’re getting antsy though. You try to scoot back into him, hoping to get what you want.

SMACK

“Wow, needy slut huh? Can’t go a few minutes without something inside ya?”

Another, SMACK

“Was just tryna appreciate your body Ma. So fucking impatient,” And with no warning at all, he slams his cock into you.

“FUCK!”

“Yeah? You asked for that doll, sorry”

He is fucking you so good, you have never been fucked so good.

Nope, not even by your late husband.

“Damn sweetheart, pussy was made for me and me alone,”

His cock is stretching you out. He’s hitting your cervix. He is doing everything right.

“Toji, you feel so good, please,”

“Please what baby?”

You’re a whimpering, moaning mess.

“H-harder,” You say in between broken sobs

He listens.

He starts pounding into you at an inhumane pace. You can’t take it.

He pulls your hair back, forcing you to look at him.

“Who’s fucking you so good, huh?”

“Y-you T-toji!”

“That's right Ma, not that silly ex husband of yours right?”

“N-no!”

That was odd to say…

He lets go of your hair, your face no longer looking at his.

“That's why I killed that son of a bitch.” He mutters under his breath.

You weren’t sure if you heard him correctly. He was fucking you too good for you to notice. Besides, he couldn’t have been the killer…right?

It doesn’t matter, you can’t think. Toji is pounding into you so hard, you can’t think straight.

“T-toji, I ah think I’m getting close,”

“Cum for me sweetheart,”

And you do, you cum so hard, the best orgasm you maybe ever have had.

Coming down from your high, Toji pulls out of you gently.

He grabs a towel to clean the both of you off.

“Toji, what was that you said uh a few minutes ago?”

He continues wiping the both of you, “What do you mean?”

“Uh, did you say something about my ex husband?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about doll,”

He lies down next to you, kisses your forehead, opens his arms for you to lie in them, and then quickly falls asleep.

You had no idea you had just been fucked by and now lying in the arms of the same man who killed your husband.

[ooooo-mcyt]

It's such a shame the Secret Soulmates thing is so often portrayed as Grian being selfish or vindictive for no reason because I think the actual events leading up to Grian's decision to seek out BigB are way more interesting than just "Grian's a selfish cheater". So like, because it's not covered much, I'm just going to detail the entire narrative from Grian's pov leading up to his decision to go to BigB.

For the first part of the first episode, Grian actually really seems to be romanticizing the idea of soulmates. Multiple times, he describes his search for his soulmate as "looking for love" and he hits everyone he meets with almost excited anticipation.

The moment Grian and BigB first look at each other is surprisingly romantic? I mean, it feels like what you'd expect from someone meeting their soulmate, from someone who just knows.

BigB and Scott finish testing if they're soulmates, and BigB is mid sentence when he turns around and look at Grian, and BigB just stops mid sentence and goes "Oh", which Grian echos (also when bigb looks at grian, grian holds his shield up for a good few seconds which just gives me the image of him hiding behind it and peering over the top which is uncharacteristically shy for grian but also really cute). "Are you ready?", BigB asks, and he waits for Grian to give him the go ahead before hitting him.

And..nothing. They aren't soulmates. BigB sounds disappointed. Grian sounds almost distraught, "I was so sure- I've never had such a broken heart in my life."

Shortly after Grian's soulmate takes significant damage. Everyone present rushes to give him food, though Grian would later credit BigB specifically with the very warm sentiment of having "saved" him.

And Grian's first meeting with Scar is..different.

Grian already doesn't seem to want to be Scar's soulmate, doesn't want to be teamed again, for one reason or another. And Scar..doesn't make it easier. Grian tries to talk to him, as the realization sets in, tries to say it, that they're soulmates. Grian does say it. But Scar isn't listening. Scar actively talks over Grian to brush Grian off, walking away while Grian is trying to grapple with the fact that they're soulmates.

Scar doesn't notice. Grian said it, mind you, in plain English- "Scar I think we're soulmates"- and Scar heard him, Scar responded to him, Scar just wasn't listening. Scar doesn't look for his soulmate, and he doesn't figure it out either for the rest of the episode. Grian tries to tell him twice more, and twice more Scar isn't listening. The first time, Grian calls after Scar twice as he's running off, "Scar I need to tell you something", but Scar doesn't turn around. The final time, Grian literally forces Scar to look at him and drops dripstone on their heads. Scar somehow still doesn't see him. Grian demands Scar look at him, actually look, this time, and finally, with great effort, he manages to get the point across.

One of Scar's first questions is "do we have to live together?", and Grian responds that it would be nice to, a sentiment Scar doesn't immediately echo. Grian pulls Scar along, back to the base Grian got working on by himself earlier.

At the start of the next episode, they have a disagreement. Scar brings home some pandas without consulting Grian, and Grian reacts very negatively, making a no pandas in the house rule and prompting Scar to help him with work instead. Grian specifically delegates the job of getting oak wood to Scar while Grian continues working on..everything else..himself. And after a bit of procrastinating from Scar, he does go to do his "chores" as Scar describes them.

Except that Scar doesn't actually.

Well, I mean, he does do the "chore" Grian gave him, but while he's out, he takes a break to think of a way to punish Grian, coming up with the idea of using powdered snow to hurt Grian as a punishment for Grian not letting the animals in the house and making Scar do a "chore". Grian doesn't technically know Scar did this on purpose, but with tick damage being a very distinctive type of damage that you usually would have to do on purpose to take as much as Scar did, I wouldn't be surprised if Grian figured it out.

It's at this point, that Grian decides to go to BigB. And it doesn't feel like he's just doing it for shallow reasons or to be mean, it fully checks out.

Because Grian's not happy with Scar at this point!

Partially because Scar himself doesn't seem interested in Grian at all, wouldn't listen to Grian to the point of talking over and brushing him off when Grian tried to tell him, and didn't want to live together after finding out. For Grian, who genuinely did seem to have a rather romantic view of soulmates at the start of the first episode, it probably kinda sucked to have his soulmate look past him like that. I can't fault Scar for not being particularly interested, but just because Scar didn't do anything technically wrong doesn't mean Grian's not allowed to be unhappy.

And then there's the other problem. The one I see surprisingly few fans talk about in regards to Scar and Grian. "Why does everyone else get a real partner except me?", Grian asked shortly before deciding to go to BigB. It's a sentiment we get from Grian multiple times. He says being Scar's partner is like babysitting, like having a toddler, Scar doesn't feel like a partner, he feels like a source of emotional labor who has no interest in lessening the burden for Grian. And. Yeah. Grian has good reason to feel like Scar makes him do all the labor in their relationship. I mean, Grian needed to get very pushy to even get Scar to agree to help build their shared base, Grian had to do the job of managing Scar on what specific task to do, Grian gave Scar a very small job comparative to the work Grian was doing around the house, and Scar still complained and found a way to punish Grian (the powdered snow) for "making" him do "chores" and not wanting animals in the house.

Which isn't to say Scar is bad or malicious or something, I love Scar, hell, I love Desert Duo, I think they work very well together in a lot of cases, but I think there is very much a labor imbalance- both in actual work and in emotional labor- here and it's understandably upsetting for Grian.

And in comparison, BigB looks..wonderful, to Grian?

BigB wanted him, for starters. They both felt it, the previous day. Scar kept looking through Grian, but BigB's eyes met Grian's and they both felt something. BigB seems considerate too. Grian feels like he has to pull teeth to get Scar to help him with the house (and then gets punished for it), meanwhile BigB is the one who "saved" Grian the previous day, jumping to give him food, not to mention the considerate gesture of BigB checking in to make sure Grian is ready before hitting him for the soulmate check. And, well, Grian clearly likes BigB.

Grian wasn't just going to someone else to be mean to Scar, and he didn't go for BigB just because he wanted someone, Grian was- validly!- unhappy with Scar (who didn't seem to want to be together much either) and actively liked BigB and thought he'd be a good partner.

Also, Grian very notably announces that he's defying destiny and asserts that he has a choice in who to be with, which adds a thematic layer of personal agency to the whole thing too. You get the impression Grian was mostly with Scar because he felt like he had to be, because the universe tied them together. But here Grian considers, for the first time, the thought that maybe it's okay to be with someone he wants, and who makes him happy, instead of resigning himself to be with the one he's 'supposed' to be with just because he's 'supposed' to.

(this idea of agency in who you love is relevant to double life as a whole, as i've made many posts about, but also is relevant to desert duo specifically. as much as i think they really cared about each other in third life, grian was also with scar because he was supposed to be for most of the season. being with scar had always, up to that point, been something grian was obligated to do, something grian didn't feel he had much choice in. so grian finally asserting here to the audience that he has a choice feels very relevant thematically.)

[after-the-end-times]

Collars Don't Come From Hot Topic

Rating: M 🖤 Words: 1,630 🖤 Tags: Accidental Subspace, Non-Sexual Subspace, Established Realtionship, Established Dom/sub dynamics, Future fic - 90s, Steve takes care of Eddie @subeddieweek Day 3 Prompt -Accidental Subspace Ao3

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Eddie was working on a short story when Steve got back from his weekly trip to the mall with Robin.

Every week they would get to the mall before it opened to walk with the old people; they got to have a specific time set aside to chat and Steve was able to make sure Robin was getting some exercise.

"Got you something!" Steve sang out, swinging a black bag toward Eddie.

"Oooh, I love getting stuff! Gimme!" Steve plopped the bag on the table beside his notebook, white jagged lettering on the bag, Hot Topic.

He dumped the bag sideways, a black band of leather sliding out, a choker.

"I saw it and thought it'd go with a lot of what you wear. There were different ones, but the leather would go with your jacket and the silver matches your rings! The girl who checked us out said it was a good one."

"Looks cool, I like it!" Eddie took it off the cardboard and held it up to Steve who took it as Eddie pulled his hair out of the way. "Buckle it for me?"

From behind, Steve lifted it over his head, placing it snug against his throat. He'd seen a lot of people wearing these lately, mostly punks and goths, but for Steve he'd wear it happily.

"How's that feel?" Steve asked, hooking a finger between the necklace and Eddie's throat. "Not too tight?"

Eddie tested it out, moving his head around, breathing deep.

"Nope, feels good. Thank you for thinking of me." He tilted his head back, Steve leaned down a peak a kiss to his lips. Eddie grinned mischievously, "Especially, since I know how you and Robin get when you're in gossip and chat mode."

Steve laughed and booped Eddie's nose. "Never too caught up to remember you, babe."

Eddie grinned, a blush gently heating his cheeks. He glanced back to his notebook and back up to Steve, "So, what was on your List of Housework to get done today, on this fine Saturday?"

"Need to mow and then prune back the bushes that have gotten a little too out of hand. You wanna help?"

Normally, Eddie didn't do much of the yard work, unless something was a two man job, but today felt different. "Sure."

Surprise flashed across Steve's face for a moment, before splitting into a grin. "Great! You can hold the lawn bags! Dumping the grass is a bit easier with an extra set of hands. Grab your gloves from the tool closet and meet me out front."

Steve left out the side door, heading for the mower in the shed. Eddie stood, moving to grab his gloves without a second thought.

He met Steve out front, who handed him two lawn bags, "Open one of these. I dump out the mower's bag twice for the front yard, so just stand here and I'll bring it to you."

Eddie nodded and worked on opening the bag, which turned out to be a little more difficult than he realized, ending up halfway inside the bag before bringing it down in front of himself.

Steve had already gotten the mower running and was two back and forth's into the yard.

And Eddie waited.

It was a nice day out, warm with a slight breeze, comfortable even in the shade of the house.

Steve finished half the yard and unhooked the bag from the mower, carrying it over to Eddie.

"Alright, open it up. I need to get this bag fully into it so nothing falls out." Eddie followed the directions, hooking the paper bag around the mower's bag. "Good. Might want to cover your mouth and nose with your shirt, the grass can go flying."

Eddie held the bag with one hand, pulling his t-shirt over his nose with his other.

"Good. Don't want your allergies acting up, baby. Alright, there we go. I'll just get the rest of the yard, then we can go to the back yard, yeah?"

Eddie nodded, standing beside his bag, holding it so it wouldn't dump.

Steve walked back to the mower, glancing back at Eddie quizzically, giving him a little wave. Eddie smiled back.

And he waited.

The wind whispered across his skin, feeling cool and refreshing. The birds chirped in the trees around him.

Steve finished the yard, pushing the mower over to Eddie, they repeated the earlier process, before heading to the backyard.

The back was technically bigger, but over the years they'd laid gravel and bricks to make a fire pit area and deck space, so there was about the same amount of grass to mow as the front.

Steve asked Eddie to open the bag and Eddie did.

Steve pointed to a shady space by their shed Eddie should stand to be out of the sun and Eddie did.

Steve mowed.

Eddie waited.

"Baby?" Hot hands slide up his jaw, cupping his face. He blinked. Steve was standing before him. "Hey, there. You back with me?"

Eddie blinked at him.

"Ok, that's ok. Let's go inside, get some water. Worked up quite a sweat out here. Come on."

Steve turned him toward the house, placing a heavy hand on his lower back to guide him to the door.

Inside, Steve sat him back at the chair he'd been writing in earlier.

Eddie watched as he stepped over to the cupboards, pulling out two glasses, then grabbed the pitcher of cold water from the fridge, setting them on the table near Eddie.

Steve sat beside him and poured the water, holding a glass up up Eddie's lips. Eddie blinked at him once before his eyes slipped closed and he drank the water Steve slowly tipped for him.

Steve set the glass aside once he finished it all and took Eddie's hands in his, rubbing the backs with his thumbs. Eddie took a deep breath.

Thoughts were flitting around his mind, too quick to grab on to. He tilted his head questioningly.

"Baby, I think you slipped into your floaty headspace while we were working."

Eddie's eyebrows pinched in confusion.

"Think it might've been the choker. I can take it off, maybe that'll help?" Eddie whined, jerking a hand from Steve's to cover the front of the choker, eyes wide with worry.

"Ok, ok, that's fine, baby. You can keep it on." Steve held his hand out, Eddie placed his back in it, Steve continued to rub the backs. "Don't worry, I'm not taking it from you. Just wanna take care of you. Why don't we take a little break from yard work? Come on, I'll put a movie on."

Steve stood, holding Eddie's hands so he'd follow with him. He sat Eddie on their couch, going over to pop a movie in, and then sitting back beside him, wrapping an arm around him.

As the movie played, Eddie's thoughts became a little firmer. He tilted his head to look at Steve, who felt the shift and met his eyes.

"Hi." His voice felt hard to push out. He rubbed his cheek on Steve's shoulder.

Steve slid his hand into Eddie's hair. "Hey there, babe. You coming back to your body a bit more?"

Eddie hummed, mmhmm.

"Good, that's good. You hungry?"

Eddie thought about it, tilting his head and pursing his lips so Steve would know he was thinking about it. He nodded and hummed out a uh huh.

"Alrighty. Let's pause this and go make something. Come on." Steve stood, holding out his hand for Eddie to take, and then pulled him up.

Accident or not, Steve used a tad too much strength and Eddie stumbled, falling into Steve's arms. He giggled, smiling up at Steve. Steve grinned back.

They walked into the kitchen hand in hand. Steve stood Eddie against the counter where he could keep touching him while he made them something to eat.

They sat back in the living room with their food and the movie playing. Little by little, Eddie felt more solid. By the time the movie ended and their empty plates sat on the coffee table, Eddie was able to think again.

He turned to Steve, speaking low, "Do you really think it was the choker?"

Steve turned sideways on the couch to face him. "Yeah, babe, I do. It's the only thing that makes sense. I was thinking about it and it is kinda like a collar collar, you know? I know we decided that a collar wasn't something we were interested in, but...maybe we should rethink that."

Eddie nodded. "Yeah. I mean, maybe not immediately, though? This seemed to work pretty well."

He touched the front of his choker gently, just his fingertips brushing against it.

Steve smiled at him. "Ok, not yet then. However, if we want one for an actual, harder scene, we're going to look at the proper collars, ok?"

"Yeah, ok, sounds fair." Eddie nodded and then hesitated, looking down as if he could see the necklace. "Can I keep this on, though? For today at least?"

Steve leaned over, smiling, and kissed him gently. "I bought it for you, it's yours. You wear it as long as you're comfortable."

Eddie smiled back, leaning in, asking for another kiss which Steve happily gave him.

"Can we watch another movie?" Eddie asked, guilelessly, knowing they still had yard work to do.

Steve laughed at his blatant attempt to get out of going back outside. "Yeah, babe, let's watch another. You pick this time."

Eddie hopped up excitedly, feeling rejuvenated after floating away for so long. He popped in a movie, swung by the chair to grab the blanket, and plopped back down against Steve.

At some point they would need to talk and reassess their dynamic and interests, but that was for another day.

Today was for yard work and movies.

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[slut4abs]

Vi meets your parents for the first time except, things dont go wonderfully.

CW: VixFem!Reader, reader has religious parents, they are immigrants, homophobia, angst, maybe part two???

AN: SORRY YALL THIS IS MY FIRST EVER WRITING AND VERY SELF DIVULGENT IF YALL HATE IT IM SORRY IF YOU LIKE IT UM.. lmk .///.

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"I'm like... 75% sure this will go well, babe. So don't even worry about it!..." You murmured to a nervous, sweaty Vi.

Today, she will be meeting your parents. And no, it's no biggie- only that, she's metting thE PARENTS OF THE GIRL SHE'S BEEN IN LOVE WITH FOR MONTHS.

No big deal.

But of course Vi was nervous, she had to make a good first impression. She had to make sure she was the perfect girlfriend tonight (not that she wasn't already, but she often gets in her own head). She would be polite, uber punctual, and ever so graceful. Now, you knew your parents would love her, I mean, who wouldn't.

And no, you weren't worried about them disliking her one bit. What you WERE worried about, however, was your parents' mindset.

You had been out for a while now, loud and proud and unashamed. Everyone knew about it, you would scream it from the rooftops. Everyone knew, including your parents. Your orthodox and quite religious parents.

Being the chill 21st century parents they were trying to be, your parents weren't actually too strict. They let you wear whatever, do whatever and honestly, you loved it. However, they ARE after all 1st gen immigrants, who cared deeply about their religion, but above all, you.

That's why you thought it would all go well. Smooth sailing. Maybe with a small bump here and there.

.

.

.

Vi made sure to dress as sharply as possible, busting out her year-old dress shirt in an effort to impress your parents. She trembled as she rang the doorbell, though you tried to soothe her by rubbing your thumb against the back of her hands as you held hers tightly (a little nervous yourself).

They invited you in as you greeted them enthusiastically, motioning Vi to follow suit. You guys all arranged yourself around the table as you and your mum began to serve the food. And for the most part, it went well. Your parents were impressed with what Vi was doing in life, managing both Uni and a demanding apprenticeship as an enforcer in Piltover. And she was polite and charismatic, funny but respectful. You were beyond overjoyed that your parents seemed to love her.

Until, you and your parents left Vi at the dining table to put away the dishes, squeezing into your parents' tight kitchen. "She seems lovely, dear..." your mother started, and your eyes lit up immediately.

"Actually yeah, Mum, Dad, I need to tell you guys someth-"

"Well she kind of looks like a.. lesbian.." your dad continued, interrupting you mid-sentence. Your heart drops.

"C'mon be nicer.. What we mean to say is, she's sweet and all but.. we don't think you should be around people like that, honey..." Your mother held your hands gently, as if she couldn't see your heart shattering in your chest.

"People like what. Mum." you bit out, trying not to let them get to you and knowing they would come around eventually.

"It's just that," your dad started, "you have a very bright future sweetie. Soon you'll graduate Uni, ready to set off and find a great job and maybe evn your future husband-"

"Dad-"

"All I'm saying is, people like that don't usually get far in life. It isn't easy being.. one of them."

"I don't understand, i thought you loved her." You started to raise your voice,not realising Vi standing by the door right behind you.

"And we do, it's just that-"

"No mum.. i. I've heard enough. You've said enough. I thought that after all these years, you guys would finally come around and understand that this is a part of me. That that girl literally carries a piece of my soul in her hands and takes care of it so gently, that i couldn't imagine as much as breathing without her. I'm not being quirky or playing a prank, you should know that, because i love you guys too damn much to do that, but right now I'm just hurt. I- I think we're gonna leave now. Sorry.." You turn around, shocked to see Vi appear behind you, a grim look on her face and a million things dancing around in those damn misty eyes.

"I hope I'm not overstepping but... I know how much your daughter loves you. She won't tell you this, but she works extra hard on all her assignments to make you proud, she goes to sleep a little early on Fridays so she doesn't have to face the homesickness, she has a picture of your beautiful family on her desk and she... I don't know, I think she's beautiful and hard-working and gentle. And I understand if you think I'm not good enough for her, hell, i don't think i am either, but please. Never doubt how much she loves you and everything she does for you." Something shifted, your parents eyes grew softer but they did nothing to ease the tension in the room. Wordlessly and frankly hopelessly, you and Vi trudged back to you car.

.

.

.

"Soooo... that.. could've went worse.." Vi started, obviously noticing the tightness in your shoulders.

"FUCK VI, I don't get it! I've been perfect. I've never misbehaved or disrespected them because i know how much they do for me. I'm getting good grades, I have a loving partner who's also doing amazing in life, why.. Why can't they just..." Tears begin to stream down your face slowly, the heaviness in your throat fracturing your sentences.

"It's okay babe.. Let's just, head home for now." She sighed, hand in yours, softly rubbing her thumb against the back of your hand as you approached your shared accommodation.

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Part Two???

[lareinita]

Doctor who? Chapter I

Evening! So I tried my best putting a start of an idea to paper - obviously, this is fiction and I do not intend to picture someone in false light. Let me know what you think and if you wish the story to continue?

The Opium in Barcelona. The evening’s young, just after 11 pm. Present for now, are only the little ones hyping the newest hip hop beats to press away their stressful school week.

It was wild in a club like this, tons of different lights, crowded dance floors and a variety of drinks to chose from at several bars. Usually, one would not think about finding love, someone true and adorable, who you would spend years of your life with in a place like this. Sometimes, Karma plans differently though and surprises you with not just a short-term treat but an actual cheesy love story…

Alexia.

Alexia Putellas. La reina. Queen of Barcelona, is not one to lose it completely on a night like this, but in order to worship another great win, she agreed on joining the team to celebrate. Her and Irene decided to drive together, targeting the club directly, since the the kids of the team seemed to be eager to pre-drink at one of the girl’s places before throwing themselves into the night.

Getting into the facility easily (there have to be some advantages of being popular footballers), they approach the main bar in the middle of club right away. It's quiet, still some spots left to sit down and enjoy one or two drinks. As the two take their chance to get a quick refresher, they only notice a few couples lost in deep conversation ... or other activities, around them.

“Hi, can we get an Old fashioned and a Gin tonic, please?” - Irene orders, already looking forward to letting out some steam and spending some quality time with her second family.

Vibing to the fancy music in the background while waiting for their order, she suddenly notices a completely absent Alexia hovering next to her. She’s almost losing her eyes on a special target or rather ... a special someone. Nudging her carefully, Irene tries to confront her friend about the delicate situation: “Hey, are you okay, Ale?”

“Sí, yeah, just …” - “... undressing that girl over there in your mind?”, Irene finishes with a smirk.

“Oye, callaté!” Alexia grumbles. Grabbing her drink, she leaves to join some of the girls from the team, who have meanwhile arrived and occupied a quiet, more private area of the club.

Noelle.

Working in Barcelona after graduating seemed like a very good idea. Reconnecting with her birth country and finally being able to put her crazy language skills to good use, drove her to the eastern coast of Spain, into a new chapter of life.

After only two weeks of a grueling induction period at her new job, it seemed almost impossible to get used to so much work, so much drama and most of all, so much responsibility.

Needing to get her mind off stress and self doubts, it seemed to be a great idea joining a few work mates partying in a very prestigious club. Although being on call, Noelle wanted to at least have some fun and be around people, who did not desperately demanded attention for severe health issues.

Since The Opium was quite popular, the group decided to get in early, in order to secure a nice seating area. Talking to another newcomer at the Vall d���Hebron, Noelle was nursing a Sprite at the bar, when she, out of nothing, noticed a familiar looking woman staring her down. She was stunning. Blond hair falling loosely around her strong face lines, her clear eyes making her very, very attractive. “Chica, what’s with your side eye? Are you planning on hooking up with someone?” Thalia asked shamelessly. “No. I just like the looks of that woman over there. I’m not sure, but I think I've seen her somewhere.”

Thalia couldn’t even catch a glimpse at the blonde, because moments later, she almost fell over her own feet, seeming to be startled by her friend. Slightly embarrassed she rushed towards a group of women sitting in one of the more private areas of the club.

"Well, so much for hooking up with someone", Noelle whispered to herself. Focusing on the ongoing conversation again, she lost track of the swarming glances, Alexia continued to give her across the club.

Alexia.

About an hour later, the team was in overdrive, joking around and laughing in order to celebrate the joined achievements! "Pina!" a very tipsy María blurted out. "I dare you to get a bottle of vodka from the bar and to not pay for it!" "What? You know I love this game, but how am I supposed to do that?" She answered surprised. "Guess you have to come up with something," Mapi answered with a mischievous grin.

Being successful, only god knows how she did that, Pina returned with her treasure and the group started drinking shots and playing along with the game until it was Alexia's turn to master a dare.

By now, a couple of the girls have noticed her sneakingly watching a pretty woman a couple of tables away. So Jana took her chance to shove her captain in the direction of an adventure:

"Ale, I dare you to invite someone not from our team to have a drink with you! How about the hot woman, you've been staring at since we got here?"

Smash. Jana had busted her. She hated this.

But maybe, this stupid game could be a chance to approach the attractive brunette after all. Alexia downed one more shot of vodka. She took a deep breath and moved towards the bar, looking confident as always - but inside, she felt absolutely helpless, having no clue how to impress her teammates and more importantly, approach her person of interest.

She slid on an open seat, mind racing in order to make a plan, when it hit her. She remembered watching one of those stupid romances with her sister the other night and pulled an idea she had been impressed by since: "Sorry, um, do you by any chance remember, what the girl over there ordered throughout the evening?", she motioned carefully to the group of strangers, Noelle being one of them. "Yeah, she's keeping it clean tonight, she ordered a couple of soft drinks", the bartender answered right away. "Could you prep a coke then and maybe offer her, bill's on me though." Alexia asked politely, but very satisfied with her move. "Sure, no problem!" With a wink, he was on his way to the dark haired woman.

Noelle.

Enjoying the ease of the night, Noelle loosened up more and more, forgetting about the actual chaos in her brain. Suddenly, one of the bartenders came over and placed another ice cold coke in front of her.

“Gracias, but I didn’t …” - "Someone at the bar seems to be very interested in you", the bartender said excitedly, motioning in Alexia's direction. Everyone just stared. The group was silent for a moment, before they erupted in excitement. "What the ... It's her, she was starring at you earlier, remember?" Thalia shot. "How'd you do that", someone else through in.

"Gosh, relax, she's probably just playing it cool in front of her friends. Just another nice Spanish women, like everyone in this town!" Noelle tried to downplay the situation, completely unaware about who just send her that drink. "Noie, you know who that is, don’t you?" Ruben, another intern, asked stunned. "She looked familiar, but i could not remember her earlier..." - "Noie, that is Alexia Putellas - Queen of soccer, Barcelona's golden girl! How can you not recognize her, tonta!", he tried to make his friend aware of who just randomly offered her very personal meet and greet.

Awareness kicking in slowly, Noelle felt her cheeks flush, heat slowly creeping up her neck. Thank god, that it was dark in that club, only strobes and neon lights allowing contours of the crowd. Otherwise, every single person in this hall could have seen her glow from excitement.

Should she really head over to that superwomen in front of everyone watching? Within seconds she decided to play along. She stood up slowly, walked towards the blonde, her entourage whistling and cheering in the background. The closer she got, the better and indeed, sharper was her watch for that stunning superstar. "Hey there", she started hesitantly. Alexia smiled, almost shy as she answered "Hola bonita. Um, I did not think this would actually work…" "Well, I guess you got my attention now"!

The music was blasting through the club, bass thudding deep and the rhythm of the current song inviting more and more people to move on the dance floor, which was packed by now.

Conversation between the two women at the bar was flowing easily, both of them ignoring their friends watching and teasing from their respective seats.

"So, you live here, or are you just visiting Barcelona?" Alexia asked genuinely curious. "I just moved here a couple of weeks ago, found a good job after graduation. But to be honest, this city is crazy - beautiful and charming, but also very overwhelming! I have experienced so much new stuff in such a short time, I have to admit, I'm gonna need a while to adjust. Haven't even found a new apartment yet."

"Well maybe you just need a good guide! You know, someone, who knows all the good places, away from the crazy mainstream..." Alexia answered. "Coincidently, I happen to know someone, who would be willing to offer some time for a new resident in Barcelona", she added smirking.

Getting over the usual small talk, they really hit it off, talking more about the city and popular spots, but also about food and restaurants, which made Noelle really looking forward to not just be successful in Barcelona, but also to maybe actually building a life here. With Alexia present, she even spent some quick thoughts about building a life with a partner, which would fulfill her personal life-dream pretty accurately.

Time passed quickly.

"Ale, would you excuse me for a minute? I really need to um, you know ..." - "Sure, you know where to find me". The minute Noelle left the bar, half the team raced to their captain, dying to hear about the obviously tingling situation between the two women. "Capi, you hitting it off with the beautiful girl!" - "Yeah, phase 2? Are you gonna kiss her?" - "She obviously likes you, Ale, you need to do something! Take action!"

"Chicas, chicas, calm down! It's so comfortable with her. I'm not gonna destroy that by becoming all touchy!" The women continued shouting out moves, that Alexia was supposed to play and started betting about how far Alexia would push this night. They knew their friend well, so they also were aware of Alexia not having had dates or hook ups for months now and they wished nothing else but satisfaction for her…

Through all the craziness in the group, Alexia felt her hand being pulled and notices the slim figure of her interest.

Being very, very close to hear ear, Noelle whispered: "thought I should rescue you out of this madness", chuckling in the most adorable way. "Dance with me?"

With that bold move, Alexia felt herself heat up. This beautiful (still) stranger leading her onto a steamy dance floor with some really hot rhythms playing loud and suggestive. Letting herself being pulled into the crowed, away from the curious eyes, Alexia didn’t notice her hands moving completely on autopilot, finally resting on Noelles hips. Her curves felt so freaking good under the footballer’s fingertips. They swayed together, even synching their bodies, both aware of how comfortable this felt.

A slower song started to play, when Noelle took the chance to move her fingers up Alexia’s arms, resting them behind her neck. There were no words needed, both knowing they were drawn to each other.

Alexia surely thought about going further, glimpsing at some very kissable looking lips from time to time, only to then loose herself in that beautiful laugh with the cute dimples once again.

Disturbing the pink bubble, these two were in, a quite strong buzz arose. A phone? Her phone. Maybe a wing-friend, checking if she was alright?

She felt Noelle sigh deeply, and saw her reaching in her back pocket. Taking in the situation, Alexia also noticed her hands being very, very close to the girl's back pockets - that was okay, was it? She hadn’t shown any discomfort…

Not even looking up from her screen, Noelle started moving quickly. “I am so sorry, I have to leave. Now.” She let go of the footballer’s body, leaving her feel cold and alone all of the sudden. Alexia reacted, chased her through the crowd, watching her new “friend” looking for her group. Arriving at their table, two other women were already grabbing their things, saying quick goodbyes to the remaining and moved towards the door - followed by an almost overwhelmed Noelle.

“Wait” What’s going on, don’t leave now!”, Alexia grabbed her arm, holding her back and tried to get the slightest explanation for the sudden rush.

“I’m sorry, I can’t - I …” - “Noelle, move it!” An almost angry looking woman screamed in their direction.

And with that, she was out of sight. Alexia was literally perplex - not having the tiniest idea, what just happened.

With an almost cowered posture, she made her way towards the remaining girls of her team. Not saying a single word, she let herself fall next to Irene, who noticed her friend’s discomfort immediately.

“Tía, what happened? Where’s your girl?” - The table went silent, everybody waiting on a statement. “She’s gone.”

“Gone? What do you mean?” - “Have you done something?” - “Did she do something?”

Alexia, obviously overwhelmed by the interrogation, only brought out a “no, no, she didn’t do anything wrong, just had to leave suddenly.” - “Do you have her number at least?” a speechless María asked with wide eyes.

“No.”

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼🔼 my beloved throuple😍

🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏🤏 for the final push or whichever you are most excited about if you've already finished 😘

🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬🔬 adult Chris finally getting what his grandparents are like? Please???!!!!!🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻❣️❣️❣️❣️🙏🙏🙏

I'm so sorry I only have throuple left for you!

102 for 🔼:

---

“Wow,” Shannon says. “Cute baby.”

Chris nods. “I guess. Kind of squashed looking.”

Shannon chuckles. “That does tend to happen.”

“Skylar has three younger siblings now,” Chris says.

“That’s a lot,” Shannon observes. 

Chris nods. “Yeah, but he finally got a brother, so he’s happy.”

“Oh, well that’s a nice, even split.”

“Yeah,” Chris agrees. “If you have another kid, make it a boy, okay?”

Shannon coughs. 

What the hell?

“Chris, uh… We’re not really planning on that, exactly.”

It’s not like they’re planning against it, either. Just, well… Not even a discussion. 

Chris shrugs. “Just saying.”

Christopher has no idea the bomb he drops in Shannon’s brain. Because he just walks away from the conversation like it’s nothing. No big deal. Not monumental at all.

Shannon thinks about it. She can’t stop thinking about that. Would they have more kids? No, right? That’s crazy. Because they never… They were never the type of people who sat down and dreamed of a big family. Well, okay. Actually. Buck probably does that frequently. But Shannon and Eddie… They… Well, they never even chose to have kids. They just decided not to not have them. The choice to conceive one on purpose? Alien concept. 

Would she want that? She doesn’t know. Because, realistically, say Eddie and Buck even did, she’s the one doing the hard part. So does Shannon want it? And if she did, is it even smart? How can she tell if it’s something she would want, versus something she’s just craving right now because she’s feeling insecure about her kids? 

But then again… She hasn’t ever regretted her children. Things got hard with Christopher, but it was never Christopher. Jane was much easier of an experience, and she’d done well. Thrived, even. She’d loved that, having a baby with someone who was actually there, even if they weren’t together at the time. What might it be like to welcome a baby with two someones who are actually there, and they’re all together?

Shannon feels a dangerous surge of curiosity and wanting. 

In the end, she has to shove it away. Whatever the answer is. It doesn’t matter whether or not she wants it. It’s not even a good time to think about it. Eddie is just getting back into a good place. Shannon is building a new career. Buck… Well, okay. Once again, it probably would be great for Buck. But still. Two of three of them aren’t in a good place for that kind of change. 

So Shannon tries not to think about it. As much as possible, she tosses the thought away like a crumpled up paper ball. She definitely doesn’t discuss it. 

iv.

Everyone’s got something going on. Something self-improvement related. Eddie with his mental health. Shannon and her new job. Bobby and Athena are finally taking a vacation. Hen is almost done with the coursework part of med school. Maddie and Chim are buying a house. Everyone is up to something. Buck… Isn’t. He just isn’t.

[fruitbowlsngoals]

It's a whole mess as if taking care of one kid on his own wasn't enough now he's got two who are so stressed and worried that he's doing his best to make sure they at the very least do the bare minimum to take care of themselves. Mark is basically burning the candle on both ends, he could totally do both. He's actively trying to "help" William and Ashe recover information about what's happening to Dakota and Vynce while working with Overlord , it does take a lot of money to have three people in a house. However when he's not working jobs he can totally make sure they're both taking breaks and chilling out.

OOO Mark ending up on Hartawa and finding a clearly moping Tide would be so OW. I can totally see Mark getting upset, like grabbing Tide by the shirt and yelling at him more concerned on why he abandoned William in his care and just quit especially after getting Ashe involved.

Having more than one tail would have to be awful! He'd have to relearn balance, and I can absolutely see them making him even easier to read than he already was. Also the doctors butting a muzzle on Dakota to keep him from hurting himself and the other doctors... Vynce would be pissed , he absolutely does not agree with the doctors doing that at all. However If they did take a more natural approach shark Dakota? Or maybe rather than sticking to one animal they mix multiple?

It's definitely really hard to separate them Dakota is the only one Vynce has tabs on and Dakota keeps turning up hurt (so does he but that's not an issue to him). Honestly I can see them having such a hassle because neither of them want to let go of the other or leave. They're both so attached to each other it only makes sense. One of the doctors has to realize they're only going to get so far with separating them , and that it's not going to be easy to keep separating them. One of the doctors that pities them suggests the idea under the guise that it would make them easier to work with and that they won't panic as much, nor would they have to sedate them both as often. I cant even begin to describe how stressed Vyncent has to be , there's always been some level of pack bonding and they other two are missing, Dakota is hurt and he doesn't know how anything might turn out . He's probably overthinking the outcome a lot, and it definitely doesn't help when he and Dakota are separated because he's worrying about what's happening and how hurt Dakota might be when they see each other the next time.

Dakota feeling guilty :( , it's a reasonable response but Ow- they're in the worst possible situation knowing that the worst outcomes are possible it's going to feel like he's got so much blood on his hands :(

Oh his heart , Dakota .. the technology that keeps him alive and made him a hero being used to help villains thrive and kill has got to be an awful thought... Slowing his heart would also probably feel awful, he'd be slow lethargic, the only upside is it would probably hurt his bones less. But he'd feel miserable like constantly being sick, I imagine they both probably get sick often with all the experimenting. I think sedatives for Vynce just hit really hard , especially around the beginning. Depending on the strength it would probably be enough to keep him out for days at a time , but like you said once he starts getting used to it and his body adapts ( and maybe some help from the Greats) sedatives are probably less effective. It definitely feels like sedatives would run through Dakotas system fairly quickly, and it probably took a lot of trial and error to find a decent amount of sedatives to keep Dakota under for basic procedures, so I can see a lot of slip ups where they give him too much and it leaves him feeling worse than when they started.

I think Mark wouldn't want to get their hopes up especially if he's helping them look, he has information but he can't be sure how accurate or up to date any of it is. William would be the one to snoop and find something, he absolutely would and then there's a whole argument between William and Mark, about why Mark has been hiding this information from them, maybe Ashe gets involved too.

Au idea/random thoughts:

What if Dakota and Vyncent during the overlord fight weren’t able to escape. What if instead William dragged Ashe out of there before he could sacrifice himself and left Dakota and Vyncent bc they told him to save himself :3. Idk what would’ve happened to Tide, Summer (I think summer was there???), their counselor, and Mark, but maybe they got out somehow…? Anyway- Dakota and Vyncent stuck with the Overlord and taking the brunt of the Overlords anger about them meddling in his affairs <3.

OUGH SKETCH THIS IS TASTY

(I don't actually remember if summer was there but fuck it we ball)

Oh- William and Ashe having to cope with losing their friends, their team , the people they cared about! I don't think either of them would take it very well ..

I think Mark would've been most focused on getting Ashe out, that's his kid man :( . However I can see Tide frantically trying to get to Dakota and Vyncent but being too late . Tide has an awful trend of losing people he considers family. The Counselor Mr. Wilson (I think?) actually getting out and worrying about the students he lost. Summer trying to help Tide recover them

I don't even know what Overlord would do! To Dakota and Vyncent maybe we get something similar to the actual amalgam island one shot or the two of them end up in a situation like Mark where they have to work it off

[after-the-end-times]

Fellowship of the Babysitters

Rating: T❤️Words: 3.7k❤️Tags: No UpsideDown, Getting together, The older teens are Actual Babysitters, The Party are 10yo's, Gay Steve Harrington, General concern for 80's homophobia, Lots of eye staring and banter, Children unknowingly asking invasive questions For @steddiebingo Squares: Babysitting, Company, Arcade Ao3

“Do you have a job?” Dustin asked, looking up at Steve from the dining table. He’d just finally grown tall enough to not need a booster on the chair anymore and had grown even more precocious because of it.

“Yep!” Steve said, putting Dustin’s lunch down in front on him. He ruffled Dustin’s growing out curls, “I get to hang out with you! Best job I could ever have!”

“Do you have friends?” Dustin said around his mouthful of sandwich. “I have lots of friends!”

Steve chuckled, “Yep, I have friends. You’ve met Robin, remember? Well, she’s my best friend in the whole world!”

Steve went to clean up the kitchen from breakfast and now lunch. He had already eaten his sandwich while Dustin played earlier.

“Do you have a girlfriend? Will’s brother has a girlfriend; they hang out all the time. Mike says they’re really annoying.”

Steve hesitated a moment, but kept a smile on for Dustin. “I used to, but not anymore. And that’s ok! Sometimes people don’t have girlfriends and that’s fine. Everyone’s different-”

“Can I play with Will and them today?” Dustin interrupted, blithely unaware of Steve’s attempted after-school-special speech. “At school, Mike told us he got a new toy we should go over and see.”

“Yeah, I can call and see if we can set something up today.” Steve sighed in mild relief and wiped the counter down, brushing crumbs into the sink. “Maybe we can even swing by and rent a movie? How’s a movie afternoon with popcorn sound?”

“Oh! Can we go to the arcade too? It’s been forever since you took us.”

“Well yeah, that’s because I need another adult with me to watch you all.” Steve chuckled, walking back over to plop down in a seat across from Dustin. “Can’t take all of you there by myself, now can I?”

“Can’t you just ask Will or Mike’s babysitters? They can help watch us!” Dustin clasped his hands under his chin while wiggling in his seat, pleading his case hard. “And we’ll be on our best behavior! Pleeeease!”

Steve laughed at his antics, “Ok, ok. I’ll ask when I call about meeting up. Not promising anything though! Just in case, be prepared for just renting a movie and going to play.”

“Yes!” Dustin pumped his little fist in the air, excited and bouncing in his seat. Steve couldn’t help smiling. He loved when he saw his own mannerisms show up in Dustin and the other kids, it was so cute and made him yearn for a day when he could have kids of his own.

“Oh yeah! There’s a new kid at school that wanted to play with us. Can she come too?”

“Sure, more the merrier. You get her phone number so I can call her parents up?” Dustin looked at him, then shook his head, curls flying.

“Oooook, what’s her last name? We’ll just look them up. Oh wait, they just moved here? Welp, they won’t be in the book yet. Ok, did she mention where she lives? Maybe we can swing by and just ask.”

“Her name’s Max! Annnnnd I think she said she’s in Forest Hills!”

Steve chuckles, “Ok, we’ll swing through, see if there’s a moving truck or boxes out for trash. If we find her great, if not, maybe get a phone number from her at school on Monday.”

-

20 minutes later, Steve was driving Dustin through Forest Hills looking for any sign that screamed We Just Moved In!

Turning a bend, Dustin started pointing at a girl playing outside, yelling “That’s her! That’s Max! We found her! Go faster!”

Steve drove slowly up to the mobile home where Max was chalking on the cracked pavement. He parked and Dustin flung himself out of the car to rush over to Max while Steve went to the door, leaving them to it.

He knocked a couple fingers against the side of the screen door and stepped aside. After a moment he saw movement from inside the dark screen. “Hi there, I’m Steve Harrington. I’m watching Dustin, he’s Max’s class? He wanted to know if Max can come play with him and a few other kids. I can give you their parents’ phone numbers. We might stop at the arcade for a while or just play at Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler’s for the afternoon.”

The figure inside didn’t respond after Steve finished his speech. Waiting a few more seconds, Steve decided no response was probably a no. “Ok, well thank you for your time. We’ll get out of your hair.”

He headed down the steps, walking back toward Dustin. “Hey, bud. I think we’re gonna have to pick another day to play, ok?

“You didn’t ask her babysitter if she could come though!” Dustin pouted, standing up and putting his tiny fists on his hips.

“I did. They didn’t say she could come with us. And I’m not going to just pluck a kid off someone’s driveway. That’s how we end up in jail. And I can’t take you to the arcade from jail, can I?”

“You didn’t ask, though!” Dustin stomped a foot, Max standing off behind him. “He went home to get lunch for Max!”

Sudden concern for Max rolled through Steve, her babysitter went home? “Ok, and where’s his home?”

Dustin and Max turned to point across the narrow street, the door swung open to reveal Eddie Munson carrying a plate of sandwiches and chips. Eddie saw them and went on Babysitter Alert, walking more briskly their way.

“Hey man, what’re you guys up to over here?” Eddie said, faux pleasantly, the universal tone for trying not to upset the kids while silently asking Steve, who are you and why are you near my kid. Steve could respect that.

He stepped forward, with a little wave. “Eddie! Hey. I’m watching Dustin and we swung by to see if Max wanted to come play with some kids from her class today. We might hit the arcade if I can find another adult to help watch them, but they’ll probably just play at the Wheeler’s house for a few hours. I told all this to the person inside, but I didn’t get a response. You think it’s ok for her to come with us?”

Eddie looked at Steve and Dustin, walking over to Max. Handing her the plate of food, he crouched down to eye level and asked, “How ‘bout it? You wanna go play with these kids? You don’t have to. We can just keep drawing here.”

She looked up at Steve and back to Eddie. “I wanna go. Can you come too?”

“I’ll definitely come with you! The arcade’s fun, lots of games to try out! Maybe we can stop next door and grab a movie, too? How’s that sound?”

A cautious growing smile crossed Max’s face, getting bigger as the afternoon of fun became more real. Suddenly, she started for Steve’s car. “Let’s go!”

Steve put a hand out. “Woah woah, we can stay here til you finish your lunch. Looks like Eddie made you some good stuff there. Dustin, why don’t you start helping picking up the chalks while she eats? Then we can leave once she’s done.”

Max heaved a sigh, but went over and plopped down on the ground with her plate, while Dustin ran back over to pick up the chalk. Steve was happy he was still in his Wanting to Help phase. He dreaded the day he would have to start being stern about cleaning and helping.

Steve glanced at Eddie who’d moved to stand next to him. And who was apparently already looking over at Steve, heat rushed to Steve’s cheeks. It felt like Eddie could see right through him.

“Hey, sorry if I overstepped there,” Steve said. “Didn’t mean to babysit your kid.”

That seemed to snap Eddie out of whatever reverie he was in. “Nah, nothing to be sorry for. I’m glad she’s excited. Not a lot of kids around here her age to play with, so thanks for inviting her. And for stopping to pick her up?”

Steve chuckled, rubbing his neck with a hand. “Ah yeah, Dustin said he invited her to play this weekend, but then didn’t get a phone number or parent name. The only thing he knew was that she lived here somewhere, so we just swung through, hoping to see some signs of moving in. I was hoping to get her parents’ phone number, but I’m not sure whoever’s inside wants to give it out.”

“Yeah no, her mom’s a bit out of it most of the time. But you can have mine? If you want? For setting up play dates, of course.”

Steve sent him a crooked smile. “Of course.”

A pink flush spread over Eddie’s cheeks and he pulled at a curly lock of hair.. “You look really familiar; did we go to Hawkins together? Since you already know my name and all.”

“Oh! Wow, sorry about that! Yeah, I was in the class under you!” He reached a hand over, Eddie clasping it in his warm hand to shake. “I’m Steve. Harrington. Dustin’s babysitter, after school and every other weekend, while his mom works. You watch Max, I take it?”

“Yeah, a bit. Even when her Mom’s around, she isn’t really around, you know? So, I watch over her when I can. Not sure if it’s officially babysitting if I don’t get paid for it, but yeah.”

“Hm, well if you ever do want to get paid for babysitting, some friends and I have, like, a group? Club? Companybusiness, type thing. Whatever want to call it, where we share resources about what families need babysitters and recommend each other to families if we’re busy. Sometimes we arrange play dates to make certain babysitting gigs easier. Most of us have taken some CPR classes at the rec, too. I can teach you some basics if you want? So yeah, if you want to join us, just let me know?” Steve pulled in a breath, letting out a breathy chuckle. “I should really get that spiel down better if I actually want to recruit other babysitters, huh?”

Eddie smiled over at him. “Nah, I got it. So, like, a fellowship of babysitters, huh? You all work together for a common goal? That’s rad.”

Steve barked a laugh, looking over at Dustin who was helping Max eat her chips. “Fellowship, huh? Yeah, I like that. You get that from that cartoon movie? The kids were really into it last summer, watched it until I thought the tape would break.”

Eddie quirked an excited smile over at him, “Well, it was a book first, but yeah the movie’s fun. So, the kids like that kind of stuff then? You must have some pretty cool kids there.”

“Yeah, they’re really great.” Steve said, looking fondly at Dustin. He coughed, trying to cover the sad lilt that had crept in there and spoke toward the kids, avoiding Eddie’s eyes. “Hey bud, if you guys are just about done, we can head out.”

“Yessss! Let’s go!” Dustin popped up, running for Steve’s car. Steve chuckled and opened the car door just before he would’ve bounced off it. He watched him pull the seat belt across his lap before shutting the door.

Steve turned to Eddie. “You wanna follow us? Or I can drive?”

Eddie gave him a long shrewd look, before smiling and walking around the car. “You drive. Come on Max, this side.”

She came around and handed him his plate. He put in on top of the car while he got her in. Once she was seat belted in, he walked the plate back to his house, setting in on the porch and jogging back to the car.

“Alright!” He knocked his knuckles on the roof twice. “Let’s get this show on the road! Next stop- uh, where are we going?”

Steve grins at him over the car. “Gotta meet up with the rest of the fellowship first.”

Eddie threw his head back laughing, dimples on full display, curls spilling down his back. Steve swallowed hard, bewitched, unable to look away.

Eddie stepped back, still grinning and pulled his door open. “Alright big boy, first stop, Rivendell!”

-

After confabbing at the Wheeler’s, they piled all the kids into the cars and drove over to the arcade, releasing the chattering children to run free with handfuls of coins.

Nancy and Jonathan sat on a bench, getting to spend some time together while also keeping an eye on the kids. Barb sat on a bench next to Nancy and pulled out a book.

Leaving Max to play on a machine with Dustin on one side and Lucas on the other, Steve wandered over to the main counter, Eddie following behind.

“Steven Marie! Why?” Steve went for a hug when Robin came around the counter, but she started swatting at his shoulder. “I told you, this isn’t a daycare. You can’t just bring four, ugh five, toddlers to run around!”

Steve laughed, “And this is why you’re not part of our fellowship of babysitters, Robin. They’re not toddlers, they’ll be in middle school next year! Look at them! Soon they won’t even need a babysitter anymore.”

Steve felt that same old sadness he kept at bay trying to creep in. Hoping no one could tell, he sent Robin a crooked smile, quipping, “Besides, I think we could take them if they started something.”

“Hey, man,” Eddie reached out, setting a warm hand on his shoulder, “Dustin seems to really love you. He might want a babysitter longer than you think.”

Steve looked at him, getting caught in his eyes, Eddie’s thumb sweeping back and forth. “Thanks, man, I appreciate that.”

“Eh hem.”

“Oh!” Steve gestured at Robin. “Eddie, this is Robin, my best friend. Robin, Eddie. He watches Max, the redhead over there.”

Robin leaned against the counter, smirking at Eddie. “So, you got recruited into Steve’s whole babysitting club he’s got going?”

Eddie leaned a hip against the counter, hands in his pockets, keeping his eyes on Steve. “Yep. You know, kids aren’t so bad when they’re as cool as these ones.”

Steve smiled at him, warmed by his words. He didn’t even know this guy, not really, but for some reason he really cared what he thought. Or maybe he just had a weakness for pretty guys with expressive eyes.

Robin groaned, head falling back. “But their hands are always sticky!”

Eddie looked at her then grinned at Steve. “Not a kid person, I take it?”

Robin grimaced, mumbling to herself about icky sticky children, while Steve laughed. “Nope. We became friends scooping ice cream and then I horrifically betrayed her by going into babysitting instead of joining her here.”

Eddie laughed, dimples showing, eyes dark and crinkling. He was beautiful, Steve wanted him.

He felt a pencil poke his arm and looked over at Robin. She opened her eyes wide, telling him to stop gazing at Eddie like that.

He raised an eyebrow back telling her to leave him alone, he was in love and distraught.

Her eyebrows fell flat over her eyes, then do something about it.

He rolled his eyes and huffed a breath, looking away, noticing Eddie watching them like a tennis match.

“That was fun. You guys do that a lot?” Eddie grinned.

“No,” Steve said.

“Yes,” Robin said at the same time. Steve flicked a glare at her, she smiled back innocently.

“Steeeeve!” Robin flinched and Steve turned toward the shrill sound of Dustin calling his name. “It’s my turn! We agreed to take turns and Mike’s hogging the machine!”

Steve knocked his knuckles against the counter. “Welp, duty calls.”

He walked around the bank of arcade games, finding Dustin shoving at Mike who was clamped onto the front of the game. Jonathan and Nancy came over from the other side and together they were all able to calm the situation and get the kids cooperating again.

Steve backed away, turning around and running right into Eddie’s chest with an oof. Eddie grabbed his upper arms, steadying him; Steve’s hands automatically grabbing onto Eddie’s hips. Steve sucked in a breath, blinking wide eyed at him.

“Hi,” Steve breathed out.

“Hi there.” Eddie smiled, hands sliding down his arms, falling away from Steve’s hands. “Wanna sit? Keep an eye on them from over there?”

Steve nodded. “Sure. Lead the way.”

They sat on a bench with a clear view of all the kids. They weren’t touching, but Steve could feel Eddie’s heat along his side as if they were pressed together; Steve wished they were pressed together.

Hereallyneeded to gently suss out if Eddie was even into guys first. “So-”

“You wanna-”

Steve smiled, huffing in amusement. “You go.”

Eddie looked over at him, catching his eye, smiling small and nervous. “You think you might want to hang out sometime? Without the kids, I mean? We could go walk around the mall or something.”

Hope flared within Steve, sending his heart fluttering, heat warming his cheeks. But, he needed to be sure. He knew his face betrayed his nerves, glancing around the arcade, hands gripping the bench, before looking over at Eddie. “Do you, uh, happen to know Dorothy?”

Eddie grinned at him, eyes lighting up. “Oooh yeah, we’re really good friends.”

Steve let out a breath of relief, tensed shoulders relaxing, belly erupting in butterflies. “Yeah? That’s great, really great. Then yes, I definitely want to go to the mall with you.”

“I look forward to it,” Eddie said, eyes crinkling. His eyes were so pretty and dark, bottomless, Steve could live in them forever.

Steve flinched away, startled out of his reverie when something touched his hand.

Looking down, he saw Eddie’s hand resting on the bench and he realized what had happened; joy, and embarrassment at ruining the moment, flushed through him. He looked at Eddie and put his hand back down, hoping Eddie would try again, his belly tightened in anticipation.

Eddie smiled, small and private just for him, and he felt Eddie’s pinkie brush his, slow and on purpose. He felt so brave and daring, even with just his friends in the Arcade. They were still two men sitting in Hawkins, Indiana, touching, practically holding hands for all to see.

Steve kinda loved Eddie for it. He made a promise to himself that he’d wait until at least the third date to tell him.

The kids ran up then, unknowingly interrupting their perfect, amazing, transcendent moment, wanting to go rent a movie and go back to the Wheeler’s.

The kids ran off with Eddie, Jonathan, Barb, and Nancy corralling them toward the door. Steve quickly ducked over to Robin. She was gleefully waving bye to the kids when Steve ran into the counter, slapping his hands down.

“Robin. Call me when you get off tonight. We need to talk,” He said walking backwards toward the door, opening his eyes wide telling her something happened with Eddie!

Her eyes widened in surprise as she whisper yelled, “What?! When?!”

He mimed a phone at his ear, laughing as he ducked out of the door, her outraged shriek cut off by the door closing.

He caught up to the group inside Family Video, the kids running down the animated movie aisle, chattering about which ones they wanted. Eddie looked up at him over the wall of videos, smiling at him, he nodded over at the arguing kids and shook his head in shared amusement.

Dustin ran over, bonking off of him, and held up a movie. “Can we get this one? We got it before and remember no one was scared? Max is picking one too, but she’s taking forever ‘cause she’s never been here before. Are you sure Mike’s mom has popcorn? ‘Cause there’s some over here that says it’s like the popcorn at the movie theater!”

Steve chuckled, plucking the movie out of his hands. “Why don’t you go ask Nancy? She should know if they have popcorn at home, right?”

Steve smiled to himself as Dustin ran off, zigzagging through the aisles toward Nancy. He was always so amazed at how much energy that kid contained.

Eddie and Max walked toward him, Eddie wiggling Max’s video selection to show they were ready. Steve waved at Barb, indicating that they could heard the kids toward him, that they were ready to go after he paid for the movies.

-

It was always a bit of a production getting the kids back in their cars, but they were all finally on their way back to the Wheeler’s for their promised movie afternoon. Eddie rode with him again, though it felt different than their drive there, Steve so much more aware of Eddie sitting near.

At the Wheeler’s, the kids poured into the living room, grabbing all the blankets they could find and claiming their spots on the couch and floor. Steve popped in Max’s movie first, made sure they were all watching, and joined the adults in the kitchen. Nancy already had a bag on the stove, starting to pop.

Steve leaned against the counter beside Eddie, making sure their arms oh so casually brushed against each other. Eddie smiled over at him, leaning a little more against Steve’s side. Warmth flooded his belly, he was so excited to see where this would go.

“Take these out. And the drinks, here.” Nancy interrupted their smiley staring, shoving bowls of popcorn in their hands. Steve blinked over at Eddie who shrugged back, pulling a small smile from Steve. Eddie took Steve’s popcorn bowl, so he grabbed the pile of cups and pitcher of kool-aid, and they headed into the living room.

The kids were all, surprisingly, still focused on the screen and didn’t even clamor for the snacks, just accepted them quietly, eyes never wavering from the tv.

Eddie grabbed his wrist loosely, gently pulling him over to an open spot on the couch. They fell onto the couch. sitting flush against each other, making it look like an accident.

After watching the movie for a few minutes, Steve leaned in close, whispering in Eddie’s ear, “This is nice.”

Eddie looked over at him, eyes dark and knowing, and whispered back, “Yeah, really nice.”

Grinning, Steve leaned harder against Eddie’s shoulder, turning forward to watch the movie. He looked around the room, realizing this was one of the happiest moments of his life; surrounded by children he loved and sitting flush against someone he could have a future of happiness with. Oh, he couldn’t wait.

[katerinaaqu]

I agree it is closer to modern Greek too to mention the translation of the word "xanthos" as "blonde" but ancient greek colors are not always so cut and clean so oftentimes it means just "fair haired" or "blonde" or can be "reddish" or "auburn" till reddish brown. Basically it is a factor that means "shiny" on occasion so I guess it is up for interpretation although yeah in modern Greek there is no doubt that "xanthos" means "blonde" but ancient Greeks loved to make even our lives difficult! Hahaha! Not at all. Proteus and his prophecies are a very interesting kick starter plot. He was even told on the fact that his brother died and that he might hurry back to offer his respects in time (plot twist he never did) but it is also different from source to source! Hehe but yes Proteus basically spilling the beans! XD

Yeah calling it a "dream" is like I guess a bit far fetched but one can also say it was "a vision" or something. Either way it seems to be vague enough at times for people to not have all information but barely enough to go by. And it is Menelaus's stay in Egypt that is elongated too that might add to the vagueness. Given how he later traveled back to his homeland (at least the version of the story that Euripides takes for his own play as well although of course Homer doesn't FULLY elaborate on the fact) to get to offer his respects to his brother's tomb before coming back to Sparta. At that time in-between his return many things in theory could have changed or mentioned. Oftentimes of course you need to consider information as plot devices. Menelaus is not revealing it to us because the information was insegnificant before or because Menelaus was inconsiderate. It is offered to us now because the trip of Telemachus was important to the plot (I had made a small analysis in the past) and we are only in the Odyssey just now. The viewer has heard before on Odysseus being trapped and wishing his return so now we have the confirmation so the listeners can hear it again. In one way it is like "for those who arrived just now to my performance, here is where Odysseus is, we'll get back to him later" Of course from modern point of view who is used to go to the cinema and watch one film this seems obsurd and one can say "why couldn't you just say so?" but if you think of it as a moving performance outside where people gathered up to listen to someone and more and more get added up in one way we can see why it is repeated there. In this way both Telemachus gets the important plot device to go to Sparta and get information on the war and the horse etc which the viewer gets but also pitches in more people and tuns them in the plot.

Hhahaha no problem at all I definitely see where you come from. Ancient Greek texts in general and Homer in particular are very expressive. But honestly I do not see it THAT much different let's say than Dreamworks Sinbad when Sinbad gets emotional and says to Marina "we dreamt to join the navy together and defend our country together!" like I see it as a very strong feeling of closure but I definitely understand where you come from and many people who make that joke! Hehehe it is always a shock to discover ancient texts isn't it?

Yeah he did hehehe and arguably he never was the sharpest knife in the box either but for sure the whole thing was already overwhealming enough especially the way that his life was settled up (Menelaus and his brother were even exiled because of Aeguisthus and they were struggling to get their kingdom back then the whole Helen business happened and they went away from home at a war for a decade and then they quarreled and the last thing they said to each other before separation was undoubtedly cruel words and then he found out the tragedy and all. The dude didn't have much slack either hahahaha)

Hahahahahahahahaha right?! Lol

You are right that is definitely a logical assumption but of course one could say that one vague piece of information is equally harmful because it increases the agony without easing much the information. Menelaus heard from Proteus he was prisoner before. Was he still prisoner? In one essence the family also had the prophecy that Odysseus would come back in 20 years (which was also what frightened Odysseus and tried to avoid the war altogether) so in one way the family HAD something to go by. Just set the clock to 20 years and he will be back! Hahaha the thing is again the vagueness of prophecies or information didn't help much either. For starters "20 years" is also a phrase that simply could mean "way too long" so people didn't know and even if they did after so long they lost hope. Even if it WAS predicted for Odysseus to be back eventually they just lost all hope regardless of the prophecy so a vague piece of information wouldn't help either. They held hope for 7 extra years after the end of the war was reported. When Menelaus finally got home after 7 years as well that roused suspicion that Odysseus wouldn't come back and if the prophecy was still in to be fulfilled then they assumed that "20 years" simply meant "too long" and that if he came back after way too long he would be useless as a king anyways because of his age. Or rather what if the "he will come back after 20 years" meant as a corpse? Hard to tell hahahaha but when Telemachus called upon the council and the new prophecy came that Odysseus would return, still didn't do much good either. Telemachus was still not perfectly convinced, Penelope was as depressed as ever and the suitors didn't pay attention to the prophet.

As for Telemachus not kicking them out sooner that is not possible for many reasons. One he was not of age of maturity yet (Odysseus left an order to Penelope to rule in his place until his son grew a beard and then he would rule back), two even if he had started his quest sooner that wouldn't have changed anything for Odysseus still would come back after the 20 years were done. In fact the plot was set so nicely thick that the trip of Telemachus happens at the same amount of time that Odysseus tells his story and comes back to Ithaca so when Telemachus comes back, he finds his father waiting and the two of them join forces to get the suitors out of the palace. Telemachus arguably didn't need to leave that specific time out of the palace because Menelaus didn't grace them with a warning sooner but because it was time for Odysseus to return and Telemachus would meet his father away from the palace in a quiet place AFTER he too had explored around. In one way Telemachus having heard the random piece of information that at some point his father was prisoner in one place wouldn't change that plot.

Telemachus for once needed confirmation that Odysseus was his true father and he needed to hear more than just that. Otherwise they had the vague prophecy of his return to go by. He needed to escape from the toxic environment of his home while being removed from danger and the trap of the suitors AND at the same Time Odysseus was set to return home. Homer could easily have made Telemachus say that "I heard once upon a time a friend of my father's saying that he is trapped somewhere" but the atmosphere wouldn't massively change. The songs the bard was singing were also giving vague informations on the returns of others and the sad fates that befell them and yet the idea of melancholy and worry never left anyone. And yes you are absolutely right. Him asking him in person was much more impactful, we get to see Menelaus in person AND on top of that the cognitive trip of Telemachus matches the cognitive trip of Odysseus.

Hope any of it makes sense! ^_^ Calling me a scholar is definitely an honor! I would consider myself just an enthusiast at this point given how despite my university education never have I had the chance to use it in an extensive degree! ^_^ Oh not at all! Hahahaha I believe everyone can tell it was a joke and a sarcastic remark like everyone makes those! It is great to keep things moving which is why I tried to reply in a more light-hearted manner as well! But you certainly opened a wide field of amazing conversations and very valid questions!

Telemachus is so much stronger than me for real. Cause if I had traveled for days, by sea AND land, arrived at the palace of my father's friend and my mother's cousin to humbly ask if they know anything about my missing father and instead of just fucking telling me already, this mf started a monologue about how gay he is for my dad and about the time he captured a God that granted him wishes three, I'd already be telling him to Hurry The Fuck Up. IT'S BEEN TEN YEARS, I DON'T HAVE ALL DAY.

But if the same motherfucker then turned around and told me that he had known FOR YEARS NOW that my dad is trapped on an island AND THE MOTHERFUCKER DIDN'T TELL ANYONE!!!! NOT A SINGLE LETTER!!! I would have already strangled Menelaus with that fucking blond hair of his in front of his wife and children, unhelpful son of a bitch.

[daily-hanamura]

[dkettchen]

oh also in other news, I had my revision top surgery today and it went well!!

I keep fucking having to remember like omg right I had surgery today bc it was such a tiny revision so it's like the babiest surgery I've had to date compared to its "I can't straighten my spine" and "I can't fucking breathe" predecessors 😅

[deus-ex-mona]

series i’m gatekeeping from my family vs series i’m ✨ok✨ with my family knowing i’m into: