#i hope someone throws milkshake at him

[banrionceallach]

JFC it looks like Niall Boylan might get elected as MEP.

Dublin, how could you do this?

[buckyalpine]

A little longer

HI MY BEAUTIFUL 🐚ANON!! I adore this so much, I adore YOU so much, as always, your requests are everything!! 

Warnings: So so much fluffy fluff, angst if you really squint till your eyes go cross-eyed and blurry

-

"It's been decades. Not even a couple years. Almost a century. You probably shoot dust. Or whatever your bionic ass reproduces with"

Bucky contemplated throwing his half finished milkshake at Sam's head while they both scarfed down burgers from a late night diner after a taxing mission. Sam was pestering Bucky yet again about his nonexistent social and lack of a love life, a topic he seemed to get high off of. 

“For fucks sake Sam-”

"You need to get out more man, at least start dating. You don't need a whole girlfriend but a few dates wouldn't kill you. Or maybe it would, since you're what, 106?"

Bucky groaned, rubbing a hand over his face, his patience wearing thin. Dating wasn’t for him, not because he didn’t want to date but because he wasn’t sure who would even date him. He’d only just gotten comfortable talking to Sam though he’d never openly admit he actually enjoyed their conversations. He wasn’t exactly the most approachable, Peter had once told him he had a resting bitch face, whatever that meant. He wasn’t the most tech savvy unless it involved doing something illegal. He had a plethora of devices that could take down the US government at the push of a button he secrecy hoarded under his bed but God forbid someone ask him to pose for their Instagram story.  

Talking to a pretty girl was a completely different story. What would he even talk about? His time before the war involved a lot of nursing an injured or sick Steve back to health. After the war and his time in Hydra, he didn’t really have time for himself. He liked plums. The hobbit. He was thinking about getting a cat. Bucky internally groaned, maybe he’d find a girlfriend at the retirement home down the street; at least they’d have things in common. 

Sam cocked an eyebrow while Bucky narrowed his eyes at him. Usually he’d respond with a grumpy pout or complete silence but today his exhaustion had caught up with him. He debated on how to get Sam of his back, a dim, flickering, half broken bulb going off in his sleep deprived brain. 

"I already have a girlfriend Tweety bird"

The deafening silence that followed that statement made it clear both men were aware that was a lie. Sam snorted, shaking his head while they both finished they food, slapping a $50 on the counter before leaving. He looked at the super soldier, deciding not to press into the issue further for the night but he definitely wasn’t going to let it go that easily. 

5:30 AM

The buzz of his phone jolted him awake, the faint sound of the TV still playing in the background. Bucky felt around for his phone, tossing his sheet off, sitting up from his place on the floor seeing Sam’s caller ID light up the screen. 

“What are you doing next Saturday” Sam sounded unusually chipper, a hint of a smirk in his voice, a suspicious amount of enthusiasm for such an early hour. 

“Why” Bucky groaned, rubbing sleep from his eyes, going back to lying down. 

“Were having a cookout over the weekend, you should come”

“You woke me up to tell me what could have been a text message?” Bucky asked incredulously, closing his eyes, ready to let sleep free him from such a ridiculous conversation. 

“Ooo, white panther knows how to text now” 

“White Wolf” Bucky grumbled, regretting every telling Sam the name he had been given in Wakanda. “I’ll come if you just let me go back to sleep” 

"Alright, but bring your girl too"

There it was. 

He could feel the shit eating grin Sam was giving him over the phone, eye brows wigging up and down, all his perfect teeth out. 

“Whatcha say Barnes?” 

Sleep had disappeared into thin air as Bucky shot up, mentally kicking himself for the nonsense he’d gotten himself into. He fiddled with the corner of his sheet, hoping to find an out. 

"I thought you only invited family" 

"Hey, anyone that you're allowing within 3 feet of your personal space might as well be considered family" Sam snorted, not believing a single word Bucky had said the night before. The conversation moved on to a different topic, easing some of Bucky’s nerves. A whole hour had passed and Bucky was sure he was in the clear until-  

“Back to the matter at hand, you bringing her or not?” 

“Why are you like this, does being Captain America always come with the caveat with also being a pain in my ass, I’m not going to-”

Bucky was about to refuse until a knock at the door pulled him away from the conversation, the scent of fresh pancakes wafting through the door. He pulled himself up, a smile tugging on his lips, knowing exactly who was on the other side, not needing to check as he untangled himself from the sheets. 

His sweet neighbor. 

Bucky wasn’t religious and he wasn’t a big believer in a higher power but there had to be something out there when people like you existed. Whenever Sam asked him why he stayed in the dingy little apartment that barely had windows and a closet for a bedroom, he’d insist it was because he preferred a small space and was still getting used to living a normal life so he wasn’t ready for another move just yet. 

The part he always left out was that his dingy apartment came with an absolute angle that lived next door. Kind hearted. Sweet. An absolute darling. You were one of the first people he’d interacted with when he moved in. All the nerves he had about living alone and growing accustomed to a regular life melted away the first day, when you came over with a plate of fresh cookies. 

He felt like a little boy whenever you were around, having the biggest crush on the prettiest girl on the playground, his mind going to mush whenever you smiled at him. But it wasn’t a crush. Nope. No....? No. He narrowed his eyes at himself before making his way to the door. 

“Buck? Did your tongue rust-” 

“I’ll uh-I’ll think about it” He mumbled before cutting the call, a bashful smile on his face as he unhooked the chain and swung the door open. “G’morning doll” 

“Good Morning” You grinned, handing Bucky the plate which he gratefully accepted, his stomach rumbling between the butterflies that fluttered in his tummy. “I heard you get in last night, didn’t think you’d have time to do a grocery run or cook anything” You handed him a bag of fruits and vegetables, two of those bags full of plums. His favorite. 

“You didn’t have to do all this” If his cheeks grew any warmer he would’ve sworn he was running a fever. And he didn’t get fevers. 

“You’re out saving the world, I think getting you a few groceries is the least I could do. So, how’s the new Captain?” You had never met Sam in person but hearing enough stories from Bucky told you all you needed to know. No one else was better suited to take on the shield than him. 

“A pain in my ass even if he means well” Bucky smiled shaking his head to himself. “He’s been pestering me to get out more...start dating” He mumbled the last part, wincing. He’d fought off aliens, gone to battle alongside a tree and a talking raccoon, survived being help captive by Hydra but being boyfriend material? His flirting game was as strong as pre serum Steve's right hook. 

“Well, handsome solider like you, shouldn’t be too hard to find you a date” You felt your own face heat up as soon as the words left your mouth but wasn’t like it was a secret. There was no way he would have had trouble in the dating department; aside from being one of the most beautiful people you’d laid your eyes on he was also the sweetest. Bucky was nothing but a gentleman and with a pure and soft heart and if you didn’t get your shit together and control the way he made you weak in the knees-

“Not the same ladies man I was in the 40′s doll” He chuckled, blue eyes sparkling at your compliment, “Either way, I got myself into a mess with that” He smiled sheepishly while you cocked your head, urging him to continue. 

“Well, I sort of lied to get him off my case” Bucky blushed, rubbing the back of his head, his the pink on his cheeks deepening at your cheeky smile. “I-I told him I already have a girlfriend but as you can see-” Bucky waved into his empty apartment that showed no signs of human life, “-it back fired immediately because he's invited my nonexistent girlfriend to a cookout this weekend. In Louisiana. With all his family. And friends”

Bucky let his head hit the wall with a dull thump, cursing himself for putting a foot in his mouth. Sure he could just come clean and say he lied. But that would mean admitting he lied and that was worse because then Sam would give him shit for that, plus try to get him out more and- 

“What if- what if I went with you?” Bucky’s head shot up, blinking in surprise at your words, wondering if he heard you correctly. “I could pretend to be your girlfriend for a day, get Cap off your case. Only if you’re comfortable with it though”

“Really? You’d do that?” You giggled at his lost puppy expression, his eyes lighting up when he realized you were being serious.

“Of course” You smiled sincerely,  “I’d be happy to! Just let me know what time to be ready at and I’ll be all yours” 

All his.  

The little boy in his was running around in circles, his heart beating too fast for the rest of his body to keep up. The thought of you being his girlfriend for a day was more than he could ever dream of. Of course it was only pretend and he’d wouldn’t dare push for more; not when you deserved the world. At the very least, he wouldn’t have to deal with Sam’s nagging. 

Problem solved. 

*****

This was a bad idea. 

A bad, bad idea. 

Bucky had gone through at least 4 outfits, debating between an array of Henley’s, before settling on a blue one when he remembered you complimented it because it was blue like his eyes. He picked up his razor and then immediately put it down when he remembered you once said you liked the scruff on him.  Even if this was just pretend, every single part of him was on edge as if this were a real date. As soon as his enhanced hearing picked up your soft footsteps padding down the hall, he was right by the door, nervously chewing his lip. 

Bucky blinked, his heart nearly giving way at 106 years old when he saw you make your way down the hall towards his apartment. You were in a flowery sundress, with a large cakebox in hand, your sweet perfume already making him dizzy. If Sam didn’t kill him for lying, the crush he had on you would be the next thing to take him out. 

"You-you look beautiful"  And sweet. And adorable. And delectable. 

An angel.

You looked like an angel. 

"Thank you, you look good too Sarge" You looked down at Bucky’s chest instead of meeting his eyes, unable to look at his pretty face. His adorable face. Handsome face. That dimple on his chin. Blue eyes. Pink lips. Fuck, you had such a big crush on him. 

It was going to be an interesting day. 

*****

Bucky parked the car at Sam’s place, which wasn’t too far from the lake where everyone had gathered. Part of him was almost sad they had made it on time; the car ride over with you ending faster than he’d liked.  

“He wasn’t kidding when he said he only invited family” Bucky snorted, seeing all of Sam’s relatives there along with his closest neighbors, many of whom he’d met before. He took the cakebox from you, slipping his hand into yours, smiling when you gave him a reassuring squeeze. You both made your way over, hand in hand, your heart skipping a beat each time someone greeted Bucky, every single person over joyed that he’d finally met someone to call his. 

He made his way over to the grill where Sam filliped a few burgers; the new Cap grinning when he saw you both. There was no missing the sparkle in his eyes when he looked down to your hand in Bucky’s, noting you were was holding his metal one, no longer covered by gloves. 

Interesting. 

“You’re lookin’ good” Sam wiggled his eyebrows at Bucky, loving the way the soldier rolled his eyes, trying to brush off the way his cheeks were dusted pink. 

“This is y/n, my girlfriend” Girlfriend. Bucky loved the way it rolled off his tongue with ease, not feeling an ounce of hesitance. The word previously feeling so foreign to him now felt so natural when he had you by his side. And holding your hand. And hearing your laugh. And-

Relax Bucky, it’s just for a day. 

“I’m Sam, and it’s very nice to meet you” He pulled you into a hug, still curiously eyeing Bucky, genuinely unable to figure out where he’d managed to find a sweetheart like you. 

“Thank you for the invite” you giggled as he gave you a light squeeze before letting you go, inspecting the cakebox Bucky handed to him. He grinned at the fresh strawberries that decorated the cake, shamelessly plucking one off and popping it into his mouth. “Strawberry shortcake. A little white wolf told me it was your favorite” 

“Well if the big bad wolf likes you then I like you cause he doesn’t like anybody. You must be special” Sam mused, a part of him wanting to be skeptical but there was nothing, absolutely nothing made up about the Bucky was looking at you. He gazed down at you as if you’d hung the moon and stars right in his room, an utterly lovesick puppy. You felt your cheeks heat up, burying your face into Bucky’s side while he chuckled, pulling you closer to him and pressing a kiss on top of your head. Damn right, she’s special. 

You both made your way over to mingle with the rest of the crowd, have no trouble at all playing the role of an utterly in love boyfriend and girlfriend. Bucky didn’t miss a single chance to press little kisses on your cheeks, every so often pecking your nose. His hand never left your waist, always holding you close to him, his face occasionally buried into the crook of your neck. 

You played your part almost better than he did, gushing over what a gentleman he always was to you, stayed tucked by his side, nuzzling under his chin, occasionally actually getting lost in his soft scent of laundry detergent, his cologne and something distinctly him. You made the elderly ladies giggle and blush each time Bucky did something adorable, proudly showing you off to everyone. 

He didn’t even let you eat without being the most perfect doting boyfriend. You’d both served your plates, finding a nice spot to sit under a shady tree; Bucky sat on the large lawn chair, secretly happy there was only one. You were about to walk off to get another when he tugged your wrist and pulling you back. 

“C’mere, I wont bite” Bucky grinned, surprised with himself as he pulled you onto his lap with ease. You let out a squeak, your nose bumping against his as you plopped onto him, lips nearly brushing his. 

“Smooth, Barnes. Remind me again, how you don’t have a girlfriend” You let out a breathless laugh, screaming to yourself on the inside that this was fake. He was playing the role perfectly, that was all. So fucking perfectly. 

Why was he so perfect. 

Bucky smirked, kissing your shoulder, letting you relax against his chest, wondering if you’d feel his heart hammering against his ribcage from how flustered he actually was. He easily maneuvered you so you sat comfortably across his thighs, his arm still securely around your waist. 

When was he ever this smooth. 

If anyone else was this close, he’s run for the hills, but now he was contemplating tossing you over his shoulder and running to Sam’s house, the guest bedroom was upstairs and two doors to the right-

“Well I’ll be damned, he really does have a girlfriend” Sam shook his head while Joaquin snorted, both men looking at you and Bucky with heart eyes while they sipping their beers from the docks. 

“You think they’re faking?” Joaquin nudged Sam’s shoulder, watching Bucky now fed you a piece of cake, still keeping you on his lap, sneakily kissing the cream from the corner off your lips between bites. You’d giggle every time, feeding him a strawberry, squealing when he’s playfully bite your fingers. 

“You can fake a lot of things but not the way he’d blushing and giggling like a toddler in a candy store” Bucky played with your fingers, intertwining them with his hand, his nose scrunching as he laughed at something you said. 

“It’s nice to see him like this” Joaquin had seen grumpy Bucky, grouchy Bucky, angry Bucky, scary Bucky, sleepy Bucky, just about every Bucky on the planet, but this? This was a first. Love struck Bucky. Charming Bucky. Happy Bucky. Simpy Bucky. Sappy Bucky. Giggly Bucky. Playful biting Bucky. Ready to get down on one knee if you’d let him, Bucky. 

“Steve always said he was a charmer, he wasn’t lying”

They couldn’t take their eyes off the way the corner of Bucky’s eyes crinkled each time he smiled or the way you’d instinctively lean into him when he spoke. He’d tuck your hair away from your face, his hands lingering on your cheek for a second longer, giving them a glimpse of the man from the 40′s before the war,  youthful and innocent, his heart full of hope, a smirk that would make his best girl swoon; the both of you in your own little world. 

“He looks happy”

Sam had seen people look happy before. They’d smile but their eyes would be empty. They’d laugh but their voices were hollow. They’d look like they were on top of the world while sitting at rock bottom. The way Bucky’s eyes sparkled, his boyish laugh, the way he’d nuzzle into you, trying to be closer to you than physically possible, was more than just looking happy. 

“He is happy”

Bucky had completely forgotten about pretending with you, lost in how perfectly you fit in his arms. You had taken up your role very seriously, telling him how utterly handsome he was, never missing moment to peck his scruffy cheek or card your fingers through his short soft locks. You intertwined you fingers with his vibrainium ones, busing your lips against his cool knuckles. 

At some point in the afternoon, he’d slipped his jacket off and wrapped you up with it as evening crept around the corner. Not a single person doubted the nature of your relationship; at least four of Sam’s uncles had told Bucky to propose soon. 

You don’t meet a girl who makes you this damn giggly just anywhere, Sergeant. Hold onto her. 

****

Just when he thought he couldn’t fall for you more, you had fallen asleep in his arms, contently snuggled up in his jacket as the sunset over the lake. Most of Sam’s family had gone back home, a few close relatives still hanging around the boat, sipping on coffee. Bucky couldn’t help but wrap his arms around you, softly kissing your forehead; he could get used to this. Cuddling up with you after date nights. Hearing your laugh. The softness of your lips. The way your hand always found itself in his metal one without hesitation. 

Fuck he wished this was real. 

You stirred slightly, a content sigh slipping past your lips at the feel of his kiss. Nothing felt more comfy than being wrapped up by the super soldier, his solid arms holding you close. You didn’t want to wake up, wishing you could sleep forever if it meant you’d be this close to Bucky all the time. The day felt like a dream; the exact dreams you had when you thought about your sweet neighbor. How it’d be for him to call you yours. To Be his girl. To make him smile. To make him laugh. 

If only it wasn’t just for a day. 

“You have a nice nap, baby?” Bucky smirked as you blinked awake, stretching on his lap like a cat before snuggling against him again. “My pretty girl” 

“Why wouldn’t I when my boyfriend is the comfiest spot to sleep on?” You teased, bringing your hand up to toy with the chain of his dog tags. Bucky chuckled, tilting your chin up to meet his eyes, kissing your nose. There was no one around you both, though neither of you seemed interesting in dropping the act just yet. 

“You fit perfectly here, doll” He grinned, blushing when he hesitantly pulled you a little closer, your arms moving to wrap around his shoulders, resting on the back of his neck. 

“I think I like it here” You sucked in a breath as he rested his forehead against yours, bringing his hand to cup your cheek. His nose gently bumped against yours, his warm breath tickling your lips. 

“Me too” He closed the gap between you both, pressing his lips to yours sweetly, savoring every bit of your softness. He couldn’t help but deepen the kiss as you parted your mouth letting his tongue lace with yours while your hand made its way through his hair, tugging on his short locks. Bucky let out a groan, letting his hands drop to your waist, kissing you for as long as he could until you both needed oxygen. 

“Maybe we can pretend for a little longer?” Bucky broke away, panting, his forehead still pressed against yours. You giggled between breaths, peppering kisses across his face. 

“Just a little longer?” 

“Maybe- maybe forever?” He looked at you with his classic puppy eyes, his heart bursting when you pulled him in for another kiss; forever. Forever sounded good. 

A few years later

“So, you finally gonna admit I made this happen?” Sam whispered while Bucky snorted, shaking his head. 

“Not gonna happen” 

“C’mon, I made this happen, I caused this” 

“You caused chaos” 

Sam scoffed in fake offence, taking a sleepy Becca from Bucky’s arms while the soldier went to go check on you. “Now when do I get to meet my second God child?”

“In a few hours” Bucky stretched before making his way back to your room, smiling at your resting form. He carefully laid down beside you, letting his hand splay across your tummy; in just a few more hours there would be a little Samuel Grant Barnes in the world. 

“We’re really good at pretending” You murmured, make Bucky chuckle, taking your hand in his and kissing the ring that sat on your finger. 

“Maybe just one more baby after this? Really convince them, Mrs. Barnes?”

*

“Uncle Sam, tell me a bedtime story?” Becca pouted, having been at the hospital for hours, giving Sam the exact same face Bucky gave you. Her little bottom lip jutting out, big (y/c/e) eyes blinking up at him. He grinned, settling her on his lap before he made a thinking face before asking what she’d want to hear. 

“What kinda story, Beccs, an animal story, a super cool falcon story or Captain America story or a flying Falcon Captain America story?” 

“The chaos daddy said you caused” She giggled while Sam nodded, taking a deep breath before starting. 

“It all started when your daddy said he had a girlfriend...”

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[scoops-aboy86]

Realize You’re Living (Secret Admirer pt 5)

Steddie Week 2024, July 5: Reunion / exes to lovers or getting back together / Wasted Years by Iron Maiden

Sorry. Not for the delay in posting, I just think I'm gonna get yelled at for reasons.

wc: 2815 / rated: T / set between seasons 2 and 3 / also on ao3

There isn’t time to send Steve another letter before Friday. 

There isn’t time, not through the mail, and there’s no way Eddie is risking physically putting something in the Harrington’s mailbox himself. That would mean running the risk of someone finding out, and that still ignites an old fear in the most primal part of his brain that screams at him to run. No matter who it is. 

On the other hand, standing Steve up for their phone date is not an option. The very idea makes his insides freeze over. They’ve both had to reassure each other that they want to continue this epistolary romance, Jesus H. Christ—there’s been too much hot and cold already to pull something like that. 

Eddie rolls over on his bed to lay face down and screams into his pillow. It's like they’re in a relationship, except Steve doesn’t even know who he is. It's absurd. An absolute clown town of his own making.

Okay. Okay, no, he can do this. (Can he?) All he has to do is relax and stay calm until tomorrow night. He’ll call at 10:30 on the dot and play Steve some Iron Maiden or something, maybe a little Dio, a smidge of Black Sabbath, throw in a dash of Judas Priest… Basically play the guy a mix tape, live. 

He whips his head up and all but dives for his side table, looking for the tin where he keeps his weed. It’ll help him chill out enough to come up with a song list. And he needs all the chill he can get. He’s lost his mom to cancer, his dad to addiction and prison, and his childhood home with them—he refuses to lose Steve if he has even half a chance of actually having Steve. Because if this whole secret admirer thing is going where he hardly dares to hope it is, this could be the most important mix tape of his entire goddamn life. 

Steve spends all of Friday so on edge that Robin starts threatening to drop banana peels in the circuit he keeps pacing behind the counter. 

“What is with you today, dingus?”

He stops, tapping his foot restlessly and removing his hat so he can rake a hand through his hair. “Nothing, nothing, I… have an important call tonight, is all. I think.”

She raises an eyebrow at him. “Oooh, is it a pretty girl?” she teases.

“Maybe,” he mutters with a halfhearted shrug. He really still doesn’t know, and it doesn’t seem likely he’ll find out tonight. “I’m not even sure they’ll call. It’s… kind of a blind date sort of thing.”

“A blind phone date?” Robin looks like she doesn’t know what to do with that, which. Fair. “Is that a thing?”

Steve shrugs again. He goes back to pacing. “It might be. I’ll find out tonight I guess.”

She gives him a minute before butting in again, spraying more Windex on the display case to get the lunch rush’s grubby child fingerprints off the cool glass. “...Is this because of the board?”

Again, Steve stops. “What?”

“The You Rule / You Suck board. Have I accidentally degraded your confidence in yourself so much that you’ve turned to blind dates as an alternative to trying to seduce any and every girl who walks in here?” 

Her tone is flippant, but because they’ve been on better terms recently—especially since Steve started offering her rides (and let her take control of the tape deck after that time she threatened to throw all of his Wham! tapes out the window)—he decides to take it as a genuine question. 

“No. Well—No, it’s more the hat than that. It messes up my best feature, you know?” He runs a hand through his hair again, fluffing it up more, then slumps against the back counter next to the milkshake blenders with a sigh. “It’s kind of a pen pal thing. We’ve been talking for a while but we haven’t met, but… I think it might be going somewhere good.”

Robin stops her bored polishing of the display case, only half of the afternoon rush’s smudges and fingerprints wiped away, to laugh with a slight shake of her head. “Oh wow, King Steve is a romantic. Who knew?”

“Not me before junior year, that’s for sure,” he scoffs honestly. 

She studies him thoughtfully for a moment. “Makes sense. Kind of lines up with something I heard the other day, when—”

But then they’re interrupted by a couple strolling in for some ice cream. Robin rushes through cleaning the rest of the glass so as to get out of their way, and Steve scoops and rings them up while she moves on to wiping down tables, conversation forgotten. 

Eddie’s finished his playlist and his plan is to call early. Not too early, just… a minute, five minutes tops. His uncle leaves for work before 10, so he has plenty of time and he’s buzzing with nervous energy. 

Way too much nervous energy to carry into the Big Call tonight. 

By the time Wayne is out the door, Eddie’s already started on rolling a joint and rereading Steve’s letters from start to current. If he’d been smart he would’ve written out copies of his own for a more complete read, that in depth analysis his English teachers never shut up about… but alas. 

Usually his memory is pretty good, especially when it comes to his own work. He also hadn’t expected this to go on as long as it had; not really. But now he can hardly imagine what it would be like to know Steve only from a distance anymore and that… colors things. Fuck only knows what he’s remembering wrong because of a simple difference in perspective. 

Because Steve has let him in, Eddie acknowledges as he lines the weed up on the paper. He’s written things about his home life, about his old friends, and definitely about his injuries over the past couple years (though oddly enough never much about what actually caused them) that Eddie would bet good money that no one else knows, if only because Steve doesn’t seem to have anyone else to tell. Maybe those kids he babysits (begrudgingly but genuinely dotes on, Eddie’s seen it from a distance). But really, how much can you realistically talk to a thirteen year old? Eddie remembers being thirteen; he hadn’t listened to anyone for shit. It was a miracle Wayne hadn’t just released him into the woods like a wild animal. 

And all Eddie’s been doing is pulling Steve close, while steadfastly keeping him out. God. 

He licks the joint to seal it, lights up, and keeps rereading. 

Steve is standing by the phone in his kitchen watching the second hand on the clock. How it sneaks around the clock face, slow but steady, until it laps the 12 line and it’s 10:31. 

He slumps back against the kitchen island with a groan. That had been an absolutely excruciating minute, and he’s staring down the barrel of another fifty-nine more until he can reasonably give up hope. Because anything under an hour is just running late, right? Something could have come up, something unavoidable like… family coming home unexpectedly, making a private conversation impossible. 

… Okay, maybe that was a stress dream he’d had last night about his parents, but something like it could happen to anyone.

10:32. The second hand barely makes it past fifteen this time before the silence is split by the shriek of ringing in the otherwise silent house. Steve multitasks, jumping out of his skin and lunging to answer the phone at the same time.

“HelloHarringtonresidence, thisisStevehowcanIhelpyou?” he rushes out. 

There’s no response except breathing on the other end of the line, which would be creepy if it weren’t exactly what he was hoping for. 

(Eddie is pressing a hand over his mouth, keeping in an equal parts amused and disbelieving laugh at how Steve had answered the phone, all flustered and cute and overly formal in an automatic sort of way that suggests an ingrained habit. From what he knows about Steve’s parents, he’s not terribly surprised, but it’s still such a delightfully dorky greeting.

And it seems like Steve really was waiting by the phone for his call, which makes Eddie want to fucking dance.)

“Is that you?” After a second, a light bulb goes off in Steve’s head and he adds, “Oh. Uh, tap once for yes, twice for no?”

It takes a few seconds, but then he hears a single tap against the plastic of the other receiver. 

(Smart, Eddie would tell him if he could. If he dared. He sucks hard on the last of his joint before letting the smoke billow from his nose like a dragon and putting it out in the ashtray by his bed. Maybe he mashes it in a little harder than necessary, blaming it for being late even though that’s really just another one of his bad habits at this point.)

Relief breaks over Steve like a wave. “Oh my god, it’s you. You’re the, um, my secret admirer?”

Tap. 

(Yeah sweetheart, it’s me.)

Steve does a little bounce on the balls of his feet and pumps his fist, too giddy to feel stupid about it with no one watching. “Holy shit. I mean, t-thanks for calling. Sorry, my parents make me answer the phone like that.” 

Nothing. 

(Eddie is smiling. Beaming, really. I figured, he imagines saying. At first it makes his heart feel full just thinking about it, but then has to stop that line of thought before his anxiety conjures up all the ways Steve Harrington, until recently Hawkins High’s resident ladies man, might react to the surprise of being on a phone date with a guy. Jesus, how is he high and still so nervous?)

“Right, you can’t answer. I mean, you can, if you want, but you don’t have to. This is, this is to see how I like your music.” Steve rubs awkwardly at the back of his neck. “Did you want to play something for me now, or…”

Tap. 

(All the tapes are on standby, spread out in chaotic order around the second-hand player he got last year after Wayne’s old one crapped out on him. Eddie cranks up the volume as high as it’ll go; he’s used to it, the neighbors are resigned to it, and Steve won’t be able to hear it well enough to count through the phone otherwise.)

The first song starts, and Steve twists the phone cord between his fingers as he stands in his kitchen and listens. There’s a heavy beat and a noticeable bass line, even over the phone, nothing like the pop rock he usually listens to. But…

“… I definitely didn’t hate it,” he says once the last notes fade out. 

(Eddie is vibrating as he hits pause and ejects the tape, elated, a few of his worries already soothed. Steve doesn’t hate metal. That doesn’t necessarily mean Steve will like him, but it’s got to make the odds at least a little better, right? He wants to say fuck yeah or I love you or, fucking… shriek wordlessly or something, but presses his hand over his cotton-dry mouth instead, hard enough that his gums ache a little.)

“It kind of reminded me of AC/DC? Like Back in Black, or Hells Bells.”

(They’re not one of Eddie’s favorites, didn’t even make the playlist. But they’re harder rock than he expected Steve to be familiar with, and suddenly he has a wild urge to know what the guy thinks of You Shook Me All Night Long.)

“One time, the radio played Big Balls in the car and my mom literally clutched her pearls and said, ‘I don’t think he’s talking about ballroom dancing, Richard!’” 

(Eddie grins as the funny little falsetto Steve put on for the impression fades into a rich laugh, like he’s so tickled by the memory that he can’t help it. There was probably some appalled, classic white-anglo-saxon-protestant-sucking-on-a-lemon expression on her face that he’s picturing, while Eddie can only imagine. It’s okay, Eddie is too busy wanting to pour Steve’s laugh into a bathtub and soak in it.)

Tap. 

“Yeah, really not,” Steve agrees, his cheeks almost aching from smiling so wide. He feels lighter than air just knowing he’s on the phone with the person who’s been writing to him the past couple months, knowing he’s proving that they’re genuinely at least a little bit compatible. “So, what’s the next song?”

It goes on like that. Steve doesn’t know the artists or albums or track titles, but figures that Secret Admirer will fill him in with the next letter. There are a couple of songs that are more shouting than singing for his taste—“I like songs I can sing along to once I know the words, you know? Really belt out in the car after a long day, or something,” he explains, and gets a yes tap in response. 

(Eddie has to improvise. Instead of another WASP song, he reaches for an Iron Maiden tape he’d put aside as a half-assed backup and scours the track list, trying to decide… Ah, that one. He pops it in and turns the volume down for a second so he can check that he’s fast forwarding to the right spot on the tape.

This one’s for you, sweetheart, he thinks, lighting a second joint—not for nerves this time, but just for fun. He leans back and lets the smoke fill his lungs, fill his mind, send him floating off to whatever time of that big house Steve is curled up in so he can spiritually throw an arm around the other guy’s shoulders.)

Steve likes the instrumentals in the intro of this one. He doesn’t really track the words at first once they start—usually doesn’t, on a first listen-through, with so much new to take in. But he starts catching on to the shape of them by the first of what turns out to be the chorus. 

So understand Don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years Face up, make your stand Realize you're living in the golden years

Too much time on my hands, I got you on my mind Can't ease this pain so easily When you can't find the words to say, hard to make it through another day And it makes me wanna cry, throw my hands up to the sky

So understand Don't waste your time always searching for those wasted years Face up, make your stand Realize you're living in the golden years, hey!

He listens, slowly untangling himself from the long phone cord and taking a seat on one of the stools at the kitchen island. When the song finally fades out and he hears the far-off click of the tape being stopped and taken out, he asks hopefully, “It’s about seizing the day, right?”

Maybe they’re building up to telling him who they are, or at least giving him a little more. 

(Eddie freezes, not expecting Steve—who had told him he didn’t get things on the first try—to venture any insights. Especially on a song that hadn’t been on his list, a last minute change-up that he’d picked with the transformation from King Steve to just normal guy Steve in mind and how Steve seems so hung up on apologizing for the douchebag he used to be. 

Or at least, used to be on the outside. Every day, Eddie gets a little less sure that persona went much further than skin-deep.

A tiny sound curls out of Eddie’s throat, a barely audible, inquisitive hum. Something that says please, keep going. He knows Steve has heard it because of the quick intake of breath over the line.)

Steve clutches the handset so hard that his knuckles go white. It’s the first sound, the first crumb that Secret Admirer has given him that’s really them, not a tap on plastic or other people’s music. Too quiet to make out any distinguishing features, but it’s something. 

It feels like everything. 

“You could, you know,” Steve says softly. “You could… make a stand? If you told me who you are, or just anything more about you, I… I really like you. I know for sure that I want to know you. Maybe that makes me a romantic sap, but it’s true. What if we find out we could have our golden years right now?”

(Eddie is freaking out. The mellow of his high isn’t helping anymore, all the floaty syrupy hopefulness of it stripped away. Oh fuck oh balls oh shit, shit, shit!

He’s hyperventilating, knows Steve can probably hear it, and he’s nothing but a goddamn coward in the end.

He can't do this.)

There’s a single clunk, and then all Steve hears is dial tone.

Tag list: @hotluncheddie @lawrencebshoggoth @sofadofax @tangerinesteve @steviewashere

@cryingglightningg @theresebelivett @sleepy-steve @rozzieroos @lunaraindrop

@just-my-latest-hyperfixation @wheneverfeasible @swimmingbirdrunningrock @yesdangerpls @matchingbatbites

@ihavekidneys @p0lybl4nkk @grtwdsmwhr @cheesedoctor @whalesharksart

@thetinymm @envyadams-vs-me @practicallybegging @imhereforthelolzdontyellatme @dauntlessdiva

@nerdyglassescheeseychick @fuzzyduxk @chaosgremlinmunson @greatwerewolfbeliever @goosesister

@dolphincliffs

[storiesfromafan]

I HAVE REQUEST!!!! Fall rides with Benny! Reader hears about a really good cafe 5 towns away and she runs into the vandal bar to drag Benny out and forces him to take her to the cafe cuz she wants to try the customizable milkshakes “WE DONT HAVE IT IN OUR DINER, ITS A MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE”

I believe I kept to the ask, only changing a few things and adding more fluff haha. I hope you like this!! 😊😊 It took me a little while, but finally got my head around it lo.

If anyone wishes to request, feel free too~

Fall was your favourite season. From the comfy, warm clothes to the all the food and drinks to the mark the season. Give you a good hot chocolate on a cool day, while either wrapped in a cosy blanket or knitted sweater. Today was a cosy sweater day with some slacks and flats. And you had been catching up with some of your girl friends over some hot chocolate at a local diner.

While catching up, one of your girl friends was telling you about the day trip she’d taken with her boyfriend to an amazing diner five towns over during their stop off. She recalled how warm the town had been, and the diner. Which she said had such delicious food and snacks, along with amazing drinks. You were hanging on her every word, knowing you had to visit this place and its cafe.

“And they had customizable milkshakes!” She gushed. “I mean, you could have just about any combination!”

And with some more positive words from her, you were sold. You had to go, hand to get one of those milkshakes. But the obstacle was getting Benny to take you. Sure, you could say you wanted to take a ride and just miraculously stumbling across the town and cafe. But you know you couldn’t play Benny like that, he’d see right throw you. So, you know you will have to be up front with him, possibly beg him. Which happens more then you think. Yet, you think he would give you the world if you asked, he just enjoyed prolonging giving in. Your begging and the face you pulled was so cute to him.

After your catch up ended, it was late afternoon, which mean Benny would be at Grand and Division. So off you went, determined to get him to agree to a day ride so you could try a milkshake five towns over. But with every moment of your journey, you began to think maybe it was a silly request? Like, who travels five towns over for a milkshake? Unfortunately, you had made it to the door of the bar. Well, no turning back now.

Pushing the door open you slipped into the bar. Greeted by the sight of only a handful Vandals – Johnny, Brucie and Benny being the three of them – and the barman. Usually Benny would be playing pool, but you were surprised to see him sitting with Johnny and Brucie towards the back of the place. He was facing the door, and he spotted you before you even noticed him. The way he smiled at you warmed your heart, the look of love in his baby blues causing butterflies.

Two months of dating, and after the second week you knew you were a goner for Benny. For him, it was not even a week. Your relationship has been an intense one, something you had never experienced before. And at times it frightened you, but as soon as Benny holds your hand or wraps am arm around you, that fear retreated till the next time.

Crossing the room, you walked over to Benny with a bright smile. You greeted Johnny and Brucie, before turning to your boyfriend. Who had been looking up with you, his arm moving up, hand going under your sweater to rest on the skin of your lower back. You looked down at him with a matching warm smile.

“Hi...” you greeted Benny softly.

His smile widened, teeth on display as he replied “hey".

Without another word, Benny used his hand and moved it to your waist, before moving you to sit on his lap. Of course in your surprise you let out a small squeal, which both Johnny and Brucie chuckled at. Johnny was happy to see Benny with someone like you, a nice girl who could tame the young Vandal, yet didn’t change him.

“Geeze, can ya stop with the cutesy stuff" joked Johnny, sitting back in his chair with his cigarette. “Makes me sick".

Benny chuckled, turning to the older Vandals. “Whatever old man". And he wrapped his arms around you, holding you close. “Thought you’d be happy for me".

They chuckled. “Yeah kid, we sure are" was Johnny response before taking a drag of his cigarette.

They talked a little longer, while you sat there half listening to the men. All the while you were trying to decide if you would ask Benny about the day ride. With every passing moment you were thinking not too. Benny noticed how you weren’t fully present, which told him you had something on your mind. And when both Johnny and Brucie left the table, did he finally have the chance to find out what was up with you.

“Alright sweetheart, what’s goin’ on?” Benny had moved you around so he could see your face.

The way he was focusing on you, made you blush a little. His strong gaze on you, a flicker of worry flashing in those baby blues. “Well...you see, I caught up with a few of my girl friends...” you began.

Benny nodded, a sign for you to go on.

“And Fran, she was tellin’ me about this diner, five towns over. How they have these customizable milkshakes...”

He hmmm, a small smirk on his face. “And ya want me to take ya, right?”

Slowly you nodded. “Yes please".

“I dunno...” Benny said, teasing tone. “We got milkshakes here at the local diner".

“They don’t do customizable ones Benny" you practically whined. “We don’t have them in our diner, it’s a must have experience!”

Chuckling at your childishness, Benny took a hold of your chin and turning your face to him. Looking into your hopeful eyes, Benny knew he couldn’t say no to you. “Alright sweetheart, we will go tomorrow. Happy?”

You smiled brightly, moving to wrap your arms around his neck and planting a hard kiss to Benny's lips. “I’m always happy with you" you answered, before going in for another kiss.

The next day, Benny picked up in the morning. Thankfully it was a nice day for a ride. He’d zipped up your leather jacket before helping you onto his bike, instantly you wrapped your arms around Benny’s waist. You both enjoying the closeness the bike gave you. It didn’t take long to ride through town and out the other side. Benny’s body heat helped with the cool licking of the wind that rushed past your face.

The ride was a long one, factoring in pit stops along the ride. When you finally arrived at the town, you smiled taking in how fall had really came to the place. The trees leaves were yellows, browns and oranges, and many lining the ground having fallen from the branches. The houses were warm and homey, many having small families. And the diner you had come all this way for, looked like any other diner you’d been to before. But this one was special, an exciting milkshake that you hoped lived up to the hype.

Parking the bike in their parking lot, Benny cut the engine before helping you off the bike. He then followed shortly after. Once your legs and backsides were feeling less numb, Benny took a hold of your hand before leading you into the diner. The bell rang as Benny opened the door for you, you walked in before he followed you and closed the door. You both got a few unsure looks, but you never let it bothered you.

Leading you over to a booth, Benny let you get in first before sliding in next to you. Resting his arm along the back of booth seat, you pulled a menu up so you both could look over it. Of course the milkshakes were the first thing you looked at, after all its the reason you were here. Next was food, as poor Benny was starving, and you were gonna make sure your baby was fed right.

With your orders taken, you both settled in, waiting for your order to arrive. Benny looked to you, smiling at your excitement. He would never deny you if this was the reaction he got. Leaning in, Benny placed a chaste kiss to your temple. You smiled, turning to your boyfriend before leaning in and giving him a quick kiss of thanks. That of course started him leaning in for more kisses, until you turned away and he moved to kissing your neck. It tickled you, making you giggle. You tried to stop him but Benny wouldn’t have it. You were both like teenagers.

It only stopped when your food and milkshakes arrived. You grabbed your customised milkshake, mixing (flavour) and (flavour) together. And it was perfect. Like you could drink it for the rest of your life perfect. From the pleased sound from Benny, he must have liked his milkshake too. Content with a few sips, you moved on to your burger and fries, as did Benny. While eating you both talked about the trip there. When finished your food, you went back to your milkshake, savouring every last drop. Eventually you paid the bill, treating your boyfriend as he brought you both here.

Exiting the diner, it was now afternoon, and you had a journey of a ride back. Benny made it down the few stairs before you. You stood there watching him, as he pulled out his cigarettes and lighter, but upon realising you weren't behind or beside him, Benny turned back to you, a confused look upon his face.

“Ya alright sweetheart?” He asked, putting the items away, just in case.

You smiled contently at him, stepping down a step as he moved to stand before you. “Of course baby" you cooed.

Benny loved it when you called him baby or any pet name, though he won’t admit it in front of the guys. You placed your hands on his shoulders, enjoying the feel of the denim vest against the palms of your hands. Before moving to cup his cheeks, the stubble softly stabbing your skin. You leant up a little – being on a few steps higher then Benny helped with his tall frame – and placed your lips on his. It was a soft, warm kiss. Showing your doting boyfriend just how happy you were right now.

Pulling back you caressed his stubble with your thumbs. “Thank you Benny for bringin' me here. I know it’s a silly reason, but I appreciate you doin' it for me".

Placing his hands on your hips, Benny drew you closer, now nose to nose. “I’d do anythin' for you sweetheart. I wanna make you as happy as I can".

You giggled. “Just bein' with you makes me happy, baby".

“Same here" he sighed contently. Then an idea hit him. “If we’re so happy sweetheart. Then let’s get married, yeah?”

Now that surprised you. Your two months boyfriend had just proposed to you. And though things were good, yet moving a little fast, you knew your answer. Benny waited with baited breath. He’d wanted to ask you for a few weeks now, but there never seemed to be a right time. Until right now.

With a deep breath, the sweetest and adoring smile crossed your lips, eyes sparkling. “Of course Benny!”

In his excitement, Benny wrapped his arms around you, pulling you off the stairs and swung you around. You laughed as he moved you both around, before planting your feet on the ground. Benny then leant down and planted a lasting kiss to your lips. Happy to have made you happy with a milkshake, and now ecstatic that you are going to be his Mrs Cross.

[justsomeoneintoomanyfandoms]

Hello!

If its cool, may I request a fic with Caelus, Dang Heng, March and Gepard all hanging out and Sampo starts to flirt with intoverted!reader after they take off their usually oversized jacket to reveal themselves wearing a formfitting turtlekneck. After a bit, reader sighs and looks at them, amused and exasperated, and says "listen, I have the sex appeal of a croissant. If your looking cake, your better off going to the bakery over there" reffering a bakery just across the street from where the group is standing in Belabog. I'd think their reactions would be funny.

Thank you!

Hi Anon! Thank you for your request! Sorry it took so long. I'm so bad at writing flirting so hopefully this isn't too bad; it is a bit short but I hope you like the fanfic!

Fandom: Honkai Star Rail

Characters: Caelus, Dan Heng, March 7th, Gepard Landau, Sampo Koski x introvert! gn! Reader (platonic)

Word Count: 0.4k (467 words)

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

Upon taking off your oversized jacket, revealing a fitting turtleneck, Sampo can't resist flirting with you. But you’ve got a few choice words to throw back at him.

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

“Woah…looking good there.”

You paused in folding up your jacket as you turned to face Sampo. “Sorry?”

You were hanging out with Sampo, Gepard, and the three from the Astral Express; Caelus, Den Heng, and March. It was a warm day in Belabog and it was too hot to be wearing your usual oversized jacket. You had removed it in favour of your fitting turtleneck which would be much cooler. Apparently that had garnered the attention of one of your companions.

Sampo leaned forward from where he was sitting on the edge of the fountain. A sly smile stretched across his lips. “I said, you’re looking good. Not often one gets a glimpse of someone so beautiful.”

Gepard rolled his eyes. “Really, Sampo? It’s not like you haven’t seen your fair share of people you’d deem attractive.”

“Yeah but that turtleneck?” Sampo gestured to your form fitting top, “Pretty hot if you ask me.”

You turned away, unsure of how to react.

“Aw, come on. Don’t hide your beauty.” Sampo was insistent.

“Don’t make them uncomfortable.” You looked up at Caelus gratefully. Out of everyone there, he seemed to be the one who best understood your introverted tendencies.

“Certainly not my intent.” You looked across at Sampo who was leaning back with his hands raised. When he saw you looking at him, he smirked. “Looks like I’m not the only one who can’t help but stare.”

You sighed. Enough was enough. “Sampo, listen. I have the sex appeal of a croissant. If you’re looking for cake, you’re better off going to the bakery-” You waved a hand in the direction of the bakery, “-over there.”

Immediately, chaos erupted around you. The milkshake March had been drinking sprayed across the ground in front of her as she choked on however much of it had gone down the wrong pipe. Caelus was laughing, tears in his eyes as he rubbed March’s back. Gepard was attempting to smother a laugh. Even Dan Heng was fighting back a smile and he attempted to pass off his amusement as exasperation.

Perhaps the best expression was Sampo who was looking back at you with an expression halfway between dumbfounded and abashed.

March had recovered from her coughing fit. “That was amazing! Oh my goodness.”

“I certainly wasn’t expecting that.” Caelus was wiping the tears from his eyes, trying to compose himself.

Dan Heng was still trying to smother his smile but every time his eyes met yours, his efforts would fail and he would be forced to quickly compose his face again.

Gepard leant across to place a shoulder on Sampo’s shoulder. “She got you there.”

Sampo was still staring at you. Then, suddenly, he smiled, teasing mirth glimmering behind his eyes. “And just when I thought I couldn’t like you any more…”

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

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[highdramas]

hey bae!! can i pls request a fluffy steve harrington imagine, s3/s4 er’s with the fake dating friends to lovers trope? ty!!

eeeee i loved this!!! i drew some inspo from to all the boys i've loved before <3 love a shy reader moment!!! thank you for sending and i hope you enjoy [wc: 3249.] <3

--

you don't know how the letters got out. how the hell would the letters have gotten out?

you're going through things to get rid of in preparation of going to college-- sure, you were just going to school in indianapolis, but it was better than staying this hell hole of a town even one second longer-- but the hatbox was gone. no, not gone. worse. it was empty.

the expletive you let out has your father screaming from down the hall. "what did i say about language?!"

"sorry!" you squeak as you continue to throw clothes over your shoulders, furrowed brows. "no, no, no..." you groan and cover your face with your hands. this is cruel. god is a cruel, petty thing, you decide.

haven't you been good? you volunteer at the humane society. you never got detention in high school. you'd never stolen anything. you liked to think that you were a good person-- quiet, maybe. introverted, definitely. shy more than anything. and, well, that's how you got into this debacle in the first place.

a hopeless romantic by nature, you could never fathom truly confessing to the loves of your lives. especially considering all of those loves definitely did not feel the same way towards you. i mean-- was king steve going to have a crush on you? no way. which was why it was easy to write your love confession on the page, seal it up, address, stamp, and all-- and place it in the hatbox to never be seen again.

until now.

"honey--" you hear your mother call from downstairs. "someone's asking for you on the phone."

"who?!" you yell back, gripping the banister.

"steve harrington."

your blood goes cold.

you would take ten extra volunteer shifts at the humane society if it meant that all of this would go away.

you shuffle downstairs and take the phone from your mom, leaning against the wall, glancing from right to left as if he was really there with you. "hello?"

"and his hair-- he has the most gorgeous hair i've ever seen. i want to run my hands through it and--"

"STOP!" you run your hand over your face and squeeze your eyes shut. "oh my god, literally, please--"

"oh, c'mon. i'm giving you shit. you know, this whole letter is really sweet. you're a good writer. and sending right before you go off to college? bold move. i respect it." steve's voice has the warmth of a smile embedded into it. you can picture him on the other line, the crisp strawberry stationary in his big hand.

you don't know why you had picked strawberries for steve. it seemed fitting at the time.

breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, you say slowly, "that wasn't meant to get to you. and, for the record, that was written, like, three years ago."

"wow. you wound me. well, either way, really boosted my ego. i figured i would come by and thank you in person. you live off church street, right? the little green house?"

stammering, you can barely get a word out before he says, "okay, cool, i thought so. see you in ten."

and he hangs up on you. just like that.

it reminds you exactly why your crush on king steve went away in the first place.

--

steve makes it to your house in eight minutes. he comes right up to the door and knocks, and when you open it, frantic and frazzled and with your sweater on backwards, he looks you up and down.

"your tag's sticking out." he tucks it back in for you. "and... it's backwards."

"i realize that now."

"great."

for a moment you're just staring at one another. then steve cracks a smile. "c'mon. can i get you, like, a milkshake or something? you look a little shaky, some sugar would probably--"

but everything goes silent. because approaching your door behind steve is ryan stewart, holding a letter of his own.

"fuck," you hiss under your breath, eyes darting to steve.

"woah, she curses! cool. i always thought you were super uptight, you know--" his words are cut off when you take him by the face and bring him to you, your lips crashing against his. it's slightly awkward; you're mostly kissing his top lip and your noses are crushed together a bit. but his hand finds a home on your waist and you feel his fingertips grip into your skin slightly. when you pull away, you can feel the fire on your face. and when you look over steve's shoulder at ryan, you feel a sick sort of triumph.

"milkshakes sound great, steve," you say the words loud enough for ryan to hear and you wrap your arm around his, calling over your shoulders to your parents that you'll be back soon. the look on steve's face is nothing short of befuddled, but when he turns around and sees ryan stewart standing there with a letter in hand, something seems to click into place.

he shifts your position from an awkward arm lock to a natural draping of his arm across your shoulder. he offers ryan a smile that says-- hey, can i help you? "hey, stewart," he says, nodding his head at him as he walks by.

ryan opens his mouth to say something but steve has already shuffled you into his car. he even opened the door for you. by the time the two of you are inside and steve is driving away, ryan has barely turned in his spot.

silence fills the car. you touch your bottom lip and you feel steve's eyes on you. "well," he begins. "your technique could use some work, but not a bad kiss, all things considered."

dumbfounded where you sit, you slowly glance over at him to see him wearing the biggest smirk imaginable.

and some of your lipstick.

you groan and cover your face with your hands, a muffled, "i'm sorry." getting out. barely. all you can hear is his laughter and when you drop your hands, you can't help but admire just how pretty he looks when he's laughing.

"you don't have anything to be sorry for. a pretty girl kissed me? wow, what a hardship." steve looks over at you. "i'm more curious as to what ryan stewart did to make you kiss me like that."

crossing your arms over your chest, you look out the window. "okay, well-- remember when i told you about the letters?" he nods his head. "well, like i said, you're not the only one who got one. you, ryan, eddie munson, and a boy from summer camp when i was twelve. instead of risking embarrassment and putting my feelings out there, i wrote the letters. and i always felt better when i did."

steve is quiet for a moment before he says, "that's sorta sad, and doesn't answer my question, really."

you roll your eyes and continue. "well, ryan's letter was different than the other ones. it was... a heartbreak letter. ryan and i had dated for six months last year but wanted to keep it a secret. from everyone. and then he ended things with me and got with someone else. prom king and queen." your head falls back against the headrest. "so i wrote how i felt. just like i always do. and you know what? you getting your letter, fine. eddie? he'll be nice about it. the boy from summer camp? who knows if he even got his. but that letter getting out..." you shrug, feeling meek in all the worst ways. "i didn't want him to feel sorry for me. or think that i'm sad and hung up over him, because i'm not. and you were... right there. and i wanted him to see that someone else would kiss me. in public." you press your lips together. "i realize that also sounds sad."

"it does, but not because of you. it sounds sad because ryan is a total dickhead." steve pulls into the parking lot of the diner and he turns and looks at you. "i think i have an idea."

--

"this'll never work."

"it'll absolutely work," steve says with a grin. "it'll make ryan jealous as hell, and remind girls what they're missing when they're not going out with me. i mean, it's basically foolproof. and at the end we go our separate ways with no ill will for one another. c'mon-- give credit where credit is due."

you slide your milkshake closer to yourself and take a long sip. "well, how long do we do this for?"

"you're moving away in three months for school. that seems like a good chunk of time, don't you think?" steve leans forward on his forearms. "look, i know i say a lot, but you don't have to do this if you don't want to. it was just... an idea." he shrugs and you don't know if you've ever seen steve so... sheepish before.

"no. no. it's... it's a good idea, unfortunately." you pause. "but there's going to need to be rules!"

"rules! rules, we can do rules. easy. what rules are you thinking?"

"well... how much time are we going to spend together? how much will we kiss? we're gonna have to go out in order for people to see about us and hear about us, so where are we gonna go? what about--"

steve's hand reaches out and covers yours. it's warm, and calloused slightly. like he's a star baseball player. "we'll figure all of that out. i promise." his thumb swipes across your skin. "contrary to popular belief, i do know how to date someone. how to make someone feel... special." he peers at you. "i can do that stuff for you, too. you know--" he clears his throat. "to make it all more believable."

breathless, you nod your head. "yeah," you smile. "believable."

--

you and steve harrington were the absolute talk of hawkins, indiana. one month into this... experiment and everyone had an opinion, everyone had a comment. even the kiss in front of ryan had become public knowledge. ryan told one person, one told another person, who told five people... and suddenly, after feeling mostly invisible through your high school career, you feel very visible. almost uncomfortably so.

but steve is a good partner in it. there's a reason why you wrote him a letter those years ago-- maybe even then you had seen something in him that other people didn't always recognize. regardless of the bravado, you always felt like there was something... soft about him. a soft underbelly that few people ever got. and now, you know that you were right all along.

because after a day at park, rolling around in the grass and reading to steve and looking around to see who's watching... he could be anywhere else. but he's here, at your house, with you. watching grease.

"your hair kinda reminds me of danny's," you say with a smile. you reach across the couch and run your hand through it; in the weeks that you've been putting on this ruse, you've gotten extremely comfortable around steve. that part is not fake. not one bit. "i like it."

steve smiles and settles further into your couch. "well, does that make you my sandy?"

"i guess so." you scrunch your nose up. "but i never really liked sandy's ending. i mean, why should she change herself to fit in with everyone else? she knows who she is. i never thought that was fair." you scoot a little closer to steve, subconsciously. you'd both agreed that no one could know about your arrangement, especially not your parents. so you supposed that sitting close to him on the couch wasn't that weird.

even if your parents weren't home.

"it's not fair. sandy was cute before the jumpsuit." steve shrugs his shoulders and looks over at you. there's a silence as you two stare at each other. "i'm cool with you being my sandy," the corner of his mouth turns up and he opens his arms. "c'mere."

"steve-- my parents aren't home, we don't have to--"

"it's not for anyone to see. you don't like to cuddle?"

you huff and settle into his arms, your cheek squished against the strong plane of his chest, your legs stretched out across the couch. "of course i like to cuddle."

"that's what i thought."

you both fell asleep like that. you're awoken by steve's gentle touch, brushing your hair from your eyes and shaking your shoulder. "hey-- hey, baby, we fell asleep."

you grumble but don't make any moves to get up any time soon. you feel steve's laugh on your cheek more than you hear it. "alright, you leave me no choice--" you groan in discontent when he slips out from under you. but then he's scooping you up into his arms.

steve takes you up the stairs and into your bedroom, laying you down gently. he pulls back the covers and tucks you beneath them. your eyes flutter open to find him watching you with a lovely smile. truly lovely-- it's the smile that gives you butterflies. "you can't stay?" you whisper, and if you were fully awake, you'd be mortified for asking such a thing.

"don't want to get you in trouble." he pushes your hair back and kisses your cheek, your forehead. "i'll come by in the morning, take you to breakfast. how's that sound?"

you nod your head and yawn. your hand rubs at his arm, a matching smile on your own face. "okay."

"okay," steve whispers. he leans forward and kisses your cheek again. "sweet dreams. see you in the morning."

--

you're not sure how three months went by so quickly.

you also don't know how to reckon with the fact that they went by so quickly because you loved every single moment of them.

it wasn't just that steve was a good fake boyfriend-- steve was just a good person. a good friend. every moment that you spent around him, you wanted to bottle that moment up and live in it forever. he was, whether you wanted to admit it or not, your favorite person.

ryan was an afterthought. none of this was for him, anymore. this... it was all for steve.

"where should i put this one?" steve asks, holding up a box labeled books. "you have, like fifty books boxes. do you even get a bookshelf in your dorm?"

your childhood bedroom is in tatters, picked apart and almost all packed up for your drive tomorrow. you'd be staying at steve's tonight prior to your drive. an occurrence that wasn't all that rare, anyway. you always slept side by side, and it always ended with his strong arms wrapped all around you.

steve and the kids would be there for your send off. another wonderful addition to bringing steve into your life-- the kids that came along with him. dustin was your favorite, but you weren't going to tell that to the others.

and while three months ago, you couldn't wait to get out of hawkins... you don't feel that same excitement now. you're still excited, definitely, but... you have something that you're going to be missing, now. you hadn't exactly planned for that.

you have someone who you'll be missing.

"i can always make room for books," you say, turning your nose up at steve. "you can set it there," you point to another stack of boxes. "thanks for helping."

"'course. that's what a boyfriend's there for."

silence falls over the two of you and you think that steve realizes what he said, because he suddenly goes rigid as he sets the box down with the others. "i mean-- like, a friend. a boy that's a friend. and also your fake boyfriend. i--" he sighs and rubs his face. "fuck."

setting down the tape in your hand, you turn your attention more fully to steve. his hand drops and he meets your gaze and for the first time, you can see everything written all over his face. like he's dropped a mask that's been hiding his real, true feelings. or maybe you'd just been too blind to see it. "say that again."

"a boy that's a friend?"

"no. before that."

he pauses. "that's... that's what a boyfriend is there for?"

you nod your head slowly. "is that... is that how you view yourself? with me? my boyfriend... for real?"

steve's cheeks start to go pink. "i mean... i know you're my best friend. and i know that i fucking love being around you. and i know that... i know that shit started to get a little blurry for me. probably a few months ago. i-- you know, i just... i don't really feel like i'm pretending anymore." he blinks and you can see the nerves on his body. it's what leads you to cross the room towards him and take his hand in yours. "is that... is that what you want?"

"steve," you whisper. "you got a letter in the first place because when i was fifteen i was crazy about you. and i think... i think i've always been a little crazy about you. so... yes. that's what i want."

gentle fingertips trace down your jaw. "i guess not much changes, anyway." he smirks a little. "we've been dating for..."

"three months. two days." you shrug your shoulders as his eyes widen. "i pay attention, i guess..."

steve laughs and he brings you in by the waist, burying his face into the crook of your neck. "that's my girl." he goes quiet. "i'm gonna miss you. i was always gonna miss you, but... you know, indianapolis isn't far. i'll come and visit. you'll come home for holidays. we'll... we'll be fine."

your fingers run through steve's hair. "i'm gonna miss you too. what you said earlier? about me being your best friend? you're mine too."

he squeezes your waist and it wrings another smile out of you. steve makes you hopelessly lovesick, in the best of ways.

--

steve ended up driving up with you, helping you set up your dorm alongside your parents. and after you shed your tears when your parents left, after you anxiously paced the floor anticipating the moment that steve would have to leave. "hey, hey, hey," steve finally says, stopping your movements. "i have something for you before i go."

you open your mouth and he shakes his head. "no, no. let me do this." from his back pocket, he procures a letter. complete with your dorm address and a cute stamp in the top right corner. he holds it out to you. "i want you to read this when you miss me most. not tonight-- tonight, i want you to go and have fun and make friends. your roommate seems cool. i'm talking, like, october." he pauses. "can you do that for me?"

your eyes shine with unshed tears. "steve..." it's practically a whimper. you look up at him and you say, "i love you."

wrapping himself around you, his hand rubs your back. "i love you too," he whispers into your ear. "never loved anyone like this before."

butterflies swarm in your stomach. and you still don't know how those letters got sent-- but you've never been so thankful for fate working its magic than you are for that letter being sent, and bringing steve to your doorstep on a warm may afternoon.

[xiudaddyhadmelike]

Sehun as your boyfriend

- i’m back (i’m posting this and disappearing again for a year)

The Beginnings:

He’d be so awkward in the most endearing way, running his hands through his hair and fumbling around you.

I think he’d ask you out in the first week of knowing you, he’s a busy man has no time for waiting around.

Plus he’d be worried that someone else would catch your attention if he waited too long so...

Would probably ask one of the boys to talk to you first, have them hype him up and see whether you might be interested.

He thinks this is very clever and discreet but funnily enough you know what’s up when Chanyeol starts talking about Sehun’s shiny hair and his family’s long history of genetic health.

He strikes me as a bowling man. First date would definitely be bowling and then maybe heading to a latenight diner splitting a milkshake omg

After dating a while:

Orange cat dad, definitely. I will not explain.

He’s very patient, always willing to listen to anything on your mind - even if it’s about him.

His relationship with you would help him to mature.

I hope you’re patient too though cos this is still Sehun, man is goofy.

A lot of childish teasing, stuff like turning the lights off when he leaves the room or leaving the door open forget what I said about maturity actually

Not the jealous type. He thinks you’re the most gorgeous person in the world but you also know how to handle yourself if anyone tries to rizz you up.

Most he’ll do is throw an aggressive side-eye their way.

Loooves to treat you. That necklace you admired? Here you go. The restauarant you want to try out? Already booked a table. The vacation spot you’re desperate to visit? Get ready the plane leaves tonight.

On that note, he is the opposite of an airport dad, pack his passport for him and get him one of those toddler leashes head empty no thoughts

For your anniversary he’d do something lowkey and romantic, driving you both out to the countryside with a big blanket and spending the night stargazing together.

Habits and other shit:

Always goofin, would consider back and forth banter as flirting, you’ll have to be able to keep up with the sass.

This might lead to little spats here and there but since they’re not serious you can make up quickly.

If it ever came to real arguments he’d need to leave for a while to clear his head, take a walk with the dogs before coming home to stutter an apology.

He struggles to communicate seriously sometimes but he always wants you to know he adores you.

You’d both get into hiking, especially with having the dogs. They’re a great way to spend time together, productively but still somewhat intimately in remote hiking spots.

Speaking of intimacy, he loves to cup your chin and pull you away from whatever your task is for a soft kiss, and then he goes back to his day afterwards. Does this multiple times a day, it still melts your heart.

He might be a little messy to live with but he makes up for it by doing things like grocery shopping, cleaning the cars, and other out-of-the-house chores.

He’s not clingy in the traditional sense, but he wants to be around you all the time. You both often end up sitting together silently doing your own thing, like together-alone-time.

Dates:

This man loves any kind of beverage, so be ready for coffee dates, bubble tea dates, bar dates. Give him a yummy drink and you his yummy s/o and he’s happy.

Maybe more active dates, like skateboarding or paddle boarding in the summer.

Gym dates.

As previously mentioned, bowling. Idk he strikes me shoot me as a very competitive person and so it’s the perfect activity for him.

*NSFW warning minors go away with peace and love*

Sex:

He’s usually a pretty collected person, very in control of his actions and words.

Not when it comes to you though >:)

When it comes to sex, he gets desperate and messy, leaving clothes all over the apartment and kissing you like he craves you mm cos he does

Loooves to use his fingers on you, he gets a little cocky being able to get you off with just one hand.

Favourite position is definitely doggy so he can really grip your hips. He can also smack your ass, pull your hair, pin you down, just a great many positives in this position.

This man can move those hips so best believe he’s got the stamina to keep going for a looong time.

Equally, sometimes he gets overly excited and desperate for you and he cums early lol i stand by that this is a compliment

Dw though, he’s got long fingers and an eager tongue.

A lot of groans, light moans, dirty talk is a must telling you how good you take him omfgfg

Loves to shower together afterwards

All in all, a relationship with Sehun would be the definition of young, dumb and in love. He values you more than anything else in his life and will always go out of his way to spoil you where he can, knowing that you do the same for him. It’s truly like dating your best friend, and you cherish every moment.

[starsreminisce]

Some e/riels really want to make Elain the mean girl that they are

Well, here goes nothing...

Let's get one thing straight: Elain isn't going to march up to Gwyn and start a hair-pulling, milkshake-throwing, passive-aggressive showdown. Gwyn hasn't done anything to deserve that treatment. She can't help it if both Az and Nesta treat her differently from Elain. Elain's issue isn't with Gwyn. It's with Nesta. And now, we're seeing Elain push back against Nesta's overprotectiveness, especially when she volunteered to search for the trove.

Some fans seem to want Elain to become this vengeful, "mean girl" character, shedding her good-girl image to match Azriel's demeanor. But Elain's version of "mean" could cut Azriel to the core.

There's a kind of meanness that comes with laying bare someone's flaws—not to hurt, but to finally express what's been bottled up for too long. There's a meanness in honesty, too. Sometimes, you have to draw the line and speak your truth, even if it stings.

People don't suddenly grow claws. They've always been there, waiting to be wielded when necessary. And in SF, it looks like Elain's reached that point, where others are deciding her truth for her.

Sure, some fans are hoping for a Villain Elain, but it's ironic how we're demonized for standing up for ourselves or wanting to take up space. I think Elain's journey will be more about asserting herself and saying, "I need you to hear me."

But Nesta cut her off, seething at the pity about to be thrown her way. “Look who decided to grow claws after all,” she crooned. “Maybe you’ll become interesting at last, Elain.” Nesta saw the blow land, like a physical impact, in Elain’s face, her posture. No one spoke, though shadows gathered in the corners of the room, like snakes preparing to strike. Elain’s eyes brightened with pain. Something imploded in Nesta’s chest at that expression. She opened her mouth, as if it could somehow be undone. But Elain said, “I went into the Cauldron, too, you know. And itcaptured me. And yet somehow all you think of is what my trauma did to you.” Nesta blinked, everything inside her hollowing out.

Azriel struggles with criticism—we've seen it time and time again. That's why I doubt Az and Elain could work out. Elain is starting to call people out, and Az tends to freeze up when confronted. If Elain were to challenge Azriel over his objections to her searching for the trove, would it lead to a productive conversation? Their conversations could easily turn icy, as we've seen with Feyre's orders to him as his High Lady.

But there's someone who handles criticism well—or at least, better than Az.

My nails dug into my palms hard enough to hurt, but I remained seated on the bedroll as I bared my teeth at him. “And that’s why you’re here. Not because it’s right and he’s always been wrong, but just so you can get what you think you’re owed.” “She is my mate and in my enemy’s hands—” “I’ve made no secret from the start that Elain is safe and cared for.” “And I’m supposed to believe you.” “Yes,” I hissed. “You are. Because if I believed for one moment that my sisters were in danger, no High Lord or king would have kept me from going to save them.” He just shook his head, the candlelight dancing over his hair. “You have the gall to question my priorities regarding Elain—yet what was your motive where I was concerned? Did you plan to spare me from your path of destruction because of any genuine friendship, or simply for fear of what it might do to her?” I didn’t answer. “Well? What was your grand plan for me before Ianthe interfered?”

Lucien faced Feyre's accusations head-on when they clashed over priorities. He didn't deflect; he engaged. He was ready to hash it out, even when Feyre wasn't. Lucien could have abandoned her, returned to Tamlin, but he stayed. There was no bargain between them, so he had a choice—and he chose to stand by her.

I'm eager to see a showdown between Elain and Lucien about their bond. How will Lucien react when Elain claims he's entitled to her? And how will Elain respond when Lucien says he's done all he can to stay out of her life?

It promises to be a cathartic conversation, especially now that Elain's been rejected twice—presumably because of their bond.

[klefansklaroline]

@shawnspoems -hey idk if this is where we submit requests or not but if so could you maybe do a damon x nonbinary reader friends to lovers fic where reader is in love with damon but never goes for it bc they feel ike they'll never compare to elena so one day they're being distant and damon keeps pestering them and finally they just let everything out??

Pt 2

I am so sorry for the wait, had huge writers block but here it is and I hope it reached what you asked for! And I will definitely be doing a part 2 soon for this

Damon Salvatore x non-binary!reader

Warnings: bitchy Caroline, cursing, shitty grammar most likely, unedited, angst, and that’s it i think

word count: 1724

~~~~

“Damon?!”, Caroline exclaims, looking at you with a perplexed expression

You shush her quickly, looking around the grill at anyone that looks familiar before nodding

“Yes Damon”, you say

make it more obvious than it already is Caroline

“Ew”, she gags with a shake of her head, “sorry y/n but he would never go for someone like you”, she shrugs, taking a sip of her milkshake

You frown as you tilt your head

“What do you mean?”, you question, trying to hide your hurt and disappointment

“Do you not see it?”, she raises an eyebrow

You slowly shake her head, urging her to continue on silently

“Elena, y/n, Elena”, she stretches out her name

You sit back in your seat as you think back on the times you all spent time together and realize that she is right

It was always Elena

“Ladies”, speaking of the devil, Damon walks over with a smirk on his face

“Ew”, Caroline makes a face and gets up, “I’ll see you later, y/n”, she says and walks out the grill

“Bitchy much?”, Damon raises an eyebrow as he takes Caroline’s seat and finally lays his eyes on you

Those perfect eyes, so pretty…

“Why so gloomy?”, Damon raises an eyebrow as he stares at you

You clear your throat and shake your head, leaving a tip and gets up

“I have to go, I’ll see you later Dam”, you say and quickly rush off

Damon blinks and shrugs, “weird”

~~~~

You finally noticed it after maybe months of being blind. You realized the way he looks at her, the way he talks to her, even the way he treats her. Like she’s made of glass and she needs his protection.

Even when he talks about her to you, you hear it all and that’s enough for you to try and throw your feelings out the window and distance yourself.

Not like he would care, right?

~~~~

You watch, from a distance, the way Damon and Elena are talking. How close and secretive like, they are. It made you wonder, what exactly does he see in her that he can’t see in you?

You feel selfish, Elena is your friend and you’re thinking about all this negative stuff. But sometimes, it’s better to be selfish, you know?

“Ugh why don’t you just talk to him, you guys are friends”, Caroline comes up next to you

“Yeah friends, and friends only”, you shake your head, “you even said it yourself that he will never go for someone like me”, you add

Caroline rolls her eyes, “i was just messing with you, y/n. Damon goes for anyone”, she says

“Yeah anyone as in Elena”, you sigh, glancing over at them, to see Damon already looking at you with a raised eyebrow

Oh shit

You nervously look away, “i gotta go”, you rush out, grabbing your stuff quickly and starts heading over to the grill’s doors

“Hold on”, Damon says and goes after you

what the hell were those two talking about

“Oh no no no”, Damon speeds in front of you, “what were you and Blondie talking about”, he gives you that intense stare that you avoided

You shake your head, “none of your concern”, you say trying to walk away only for him to grab your arm quickly

“It is my concern when I am brought into that conversation, what did she mean by I go for anyone?”, he asks again but more specific

You shake your head, pulling your arm away, “It was a stupid conversation now can I go?”, you look over at him for the first time that you both started talking

“What’s going on with you, hm?”, he says which makes you raise an eyebrow

“I don’t understand nor do i have a care right now”, you sigh

Of course you understood and of course you cared

“Stop with the bullshit, y/n”, he narrows his eyes, “you’ve been distancing yourself from me and we rarely hang out, what’s going on?”, he asks

“Nothing, bye Damon”, you finally pulled your hand away and walked off, feeling his intense stare in the back of your head

~~~~

For most of the week, that’s all Damon had done. Anytime he seen you trying to leave, he would be quick to stop you and pester you into telling him what is wrong. Usually always ends up with him never getting a direct answer and instead getting some attitude off of you instead

He even tried texting you but he was either left on delivered or seen

It irritated him to no end and on top of that, the conversation you had with Caroline seemed to be the icing on the cake for sure

Why was he brought up in your guy’s conversation and why did you seem so disappointed?

“Penny for your thoughts?”, he heard his little brother say as Stefan walks into the living room

“What are, Klaus?”, Damon raises an eyebrow

“It’s what happens when your forced on a trip with him”, Stefan shrugs, “but seriously, what’s up?”

“What are you talking about”, Damon looks over his shoulder

“You are real quiet, in thought maybe?”, Stefan questions

Damon debated on wether to ask him about it

Fuck it

“Have you noticed anything different about them? y/n”, Damon asks

“No, not really”, Stefan shrugs, “they seem fine to me, why?”

“They have become so distant with me, very weird not gonna lie”, Damon shrugs, “any time I tried talking to them, they always push me away”, he says, “Even weirder is that Caroline and them had a conversation and I was brought into it”, he adds

Stefan raises an eyebrow, he never seen his brother so so stressed about a situation like this, it surprised him

“Set something up”, Stefan shrugs, “catch them off guard, your good at that”, he adds before walking away as Damon nods slowly

~~~~

You walked out the market with some bags in your hand, walking towards your car and to the back, opening your trunk. Once you settled and situated your grocery bags, you closed it and turned around, letting out a loud gasp when Damon appears in front of you

“Fucking christ, Dam”, you gasp, putting your hand on your chest, “don’t do that damit”, you shake your head

“Why have you been ignoring me”, Damon says with a sarcastic smile as he stares deep into your eyes

You knew he wasn’t compelling you, he was the one who gave you vervain anyways

“I can’t do this right now Damon”, you shake your head as you start walking to your door car in which he quickly covers

“Yes you can, cmon don’t be shy now”, he says with a little smirk that doesn’t really reach his eyes

“Get out of my way”, you groan

“What was the conversation you and blondie had, about”, he says instead which makes you immediately shake your head

“You are so annoying”, you growl, trying to shove him away

“Gosh you know I wouldn’t have to be if you would just tell me the dam truth”, Damon pouts

You were getting irritated and annoyed the more he kept pestering you. It only left you with an option that you really didn’t wanna use but if it meant he moved away and stopped talking, so be it.

You reached into your bag and grab a spray bottle that’s filled with vervain and spray it in Damon’s face

Damon let’s put a shout with a groan, immediately stumbling away and grabbing at his face

“Y/N”, he hisses, snapping his head towards you as you quickly get in your car

“You were getting annoyed”, you shrugged and started you car, before driving off

~~~

You finished up with putting your groceries away and started to make your way upstairs

You kinda felt guilty for doing Damon like that but it seemed like the only thing to get him to shut up and move away and plus you did do it before. Prior to the situation as of right now

Once you walk into your room, you almost let out a yelp when you see the man himself, laying down on your bed

“That wasn’t very nice of you, you know?”, Damon says as he plays with one of your stuffed animals you have on your bed, “These are for kids by the way”, he points, pointing at your animal

You glare and snatch it away from him

“What the hell do you want Damon”, you growl as you set your stuffed animal on your dressed

“Answers, y/n, answers”, he growls back suddenly now in front of you

You close your eyes, feeling it burn with tears and your frustration reaching its breaking point as Damon continues on about how you have been ignoring him and distancing yourself and everything that you have done to him

“…I am honestly hurt, y/n/n, i would have never expected anything like this from yo-“, he is cut off short

“I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU DAMON”, you shout out as you finally reach it, “I HAVE BEEN IN LOVE WITH YOU SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS FRIENDSHIP TO NOW. I HAVE BEEN IN LOVE WITH EVERYTHING THAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME AND FOR WHOEVER THE HELL YOU PLAYED NICE TO”, you sob as you now start pacing, “IVE DISTANCE MYSELF BECAUSE I REALIZED THAT YOU WILL NEVER FEEL WHAT I FEEL FOR YOU. IVE REALIZED THAT I WILL NEVER BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR YOU BECAUSE”, you bite your lip, stopping your pacing and finally looking over at him, “i realized am nothing like Elena…nor will I ever be Elena”, you whisper

Damon stares at you, his eyes slightly widened and his mouth slightly open

He was shocked. He never seen you like this nor has he ever realized that you felt like this towards him

“Y/n…”, he whispers as he raises his hands up towards your face only for you to slap it away

“No…just go Damon, please”, you avoid eye contact

Damon thought about it

Should he? Should he leave you to comfort yourself and give you some time or should he stay and keep damaging you even more?

He nodded slowly, walking towards your window and hops out

Leaving you in deep sorrow

[bewilderedbunny]

Line cook Eddie part 3!

Hi friends! I was not expecting to write this so soon after part 2, but I'm rolling with it. Hope you enjoy it!! 💖 (the word counter I used says this is 666 words, thought that was cute) Flirty fluff, light sexual innuendo, cursing, sort of a bit of angst but not really. Eddie x fem!reader but feel free to switch the pronouns if you'd like ☺️ I had to include ABBA in this because I am a Mamma Mia! fan first and a human being second.

Credit to @delishlydelightfuldividers for the divider 💕

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 4

During a morning shift, a middle-aged man comes into the diner. He's a bit quiet but polite. He has his "please and thank yous" down pat. You check up on him during his meal and ask how everything is.

"Wonderful, my compliments to the chef." he says.

You smile and say, "He'll be so excited to hear that."

The older man looks up at you and says, "I would mention to him to cut back on the salt a bit. He has done a number on my blood pressure enough as it is." as he says that you feel an arm wrap around your shoulder.

"Hey pops. Was my girl good to you?"

You realize this must be Wayne, Eddie doesn't talk about him often but when he does it's with adoration.

"She was great. It's good to put a face to the name since you're always talkin' 'bout her."

Eddie laughs, a little too loud and you giggle at the pink on his cheeks.

One day during your break you step outside to get some fresh air. You can hear Eddie talking to someone near the dumpster.

"You like that, sweetheart? Look at you. You're just the cutest thing I've ever seen." Your heart aches, aren't you supposed to be the cutest thing he's ever seen? You know he's a big flirt with everyone, but you thought you were special. You quietly creep around the corner and when you finally see him you want to cry. He's squatted behind the dumpster feeding chicken to a scruffy little cat while rubbing its back. It's not even scraps from a customer's meal, this son of a bitch cooked a chicken breast for a kitten who, upon further inspection, reminds you of Wayne with its greyish fur and blue eyes.

He walks you to your car after your shift. He started doing it one night the two of you were working and hasn't stopped. Even when you're leaving before him, he walks you out and then goes back inside.

"I'm in a band, y'know?" He says, drying silverware. He's facing you and has his hip pressed against the counter.

"Oh yeah? An ABBA cover band?" You joke.

"How'd you guess? We do a cover of "Chiquitita" that'll knock your socks off."

You stop rinsing cutlery and look at him.

"I know you're kidding, but I love that song."

"Yeah?" He says, turning away from you. He's known it's your favorite for weeks. You were humming throughout your shift once and he spent the following day at the record store trying to figure out what song it was. He eventually went up to an employee and hummed it to them until they could help him find it. He bought the goddamn ABBA record.

You lightly flick him with water and he acts like you've just waterboarded him, stumbling around and gasping for breath. He reaches toward the faucet and flicks you back, he throws more water than you had and you gasp, "You're getting me wet!" His eyes get huge and he starts to giggle. When you realize why you giggle right along with him.

You come in for your dinner shift one day and notice a stack of papers at the register. You pick one up and see a sketch of a fire-breathing dragon. The dragon is guarding various food items like pancakes, milkshakes, burgers, and fries. All of the papers are copies of this drawing and next to the stack, there is an old box of crayons. You ask your coworker what this is, and she says Eddie brought them in this morning to give kids something to entertain themselves with while they wait for their food. You can't wait to hand them out and you save any colored in pages for the next time you have a shift together so you can show him what a hit they were.

Thanks for reading ���💖

[imyourbratzdoll]

omg I love luke but cant find any fanfics of him! maybe more luke smut+fluff? reader comes to the diner and annoys luke while he's working so he takes her upstairs and asks why she's being a brat then spicy stuff? If you're not up to writing this, or if its out of your comfort zone, no problem, I get it. :) 💕

hello, I agree that there's nothing on luke. he's so underrated, haha, and it sucks. I hope you like this, and I apologise for taking so long.

summary - reader is a little brat and likes to piss luke off while he's at work, he decides to teach her a lesson.

warning - smut.

the gif I use isn't mine, divider by @newlips

“Luke! Lukeeee!” Y/n whines, her cute little nose scrunches as she stares down the burly man. She begins to kick her legs back and forth, swirling the straw around the now-empty milkshake glass. Y/n smirks when she thinks of something. She slowly takes the straw out and spins to where Luke is standing. The man stands tall as he takes someone’s order. The way he looks in his jeans and flannel causes her cunt to throb. “Luke! You better give me attention! Or I’mma throw this!” When he continues to ignore her, Y/n shrugs.

Whispering to herself, “well, no one can say I didn’t warn him.” She holds the straw up, aims before launching it toward him, and watches as it bounces off his head. Y/n throws her hands up, “Yes!” Before her eyes widen, she gives Luke a bashful smile as he turns and glares at her, taking long strides to where she is sitting, grabbing her by the bicep, and dragging her to his room upstairs, not before leaving his cook in charge.

“Hey! Hey! Calm down, buddy! Careful with the merchandise! I’m fragile!” Y/n’s words fall on deaf ears, Luke’s brows furrowed, and the usual scowl on his face is now more prominent. The moment they enter his room, he lets go of her, slamming the door closed before turning and glaring.

“What the hell was that?! Do you not see I’m trying to run a diner?!” Luke stalks forward, his blue eyes pierce through Y/n’s as she proceeds to back away. She feels terrified but incredibly horny, as her knickers are entirely soaked, never having seen Luke get this mad. “Why are you being such a brat today? Do you really need my attention all the time?” The moment she’s backed into a corner, Luke gets close enough that they feel each other’s body heat. 

“I–I”, Y/n gulps, her mind too jumbled being so close to him. 

“What? Now you know when to shut up?” He growls, grabbing the small woman and lifting her, so her legs wrap around his waist. He takes her over to his bed and throws her onto the soft mattress before climbing on top. “Are you going to be a good girl for me? Or should I punish you for how you were behaving?” Y/n shakes her head as she whines softly, her hands grabbing and gripping whatever and wherever she can, eyes pleading as her plump lips are pouted.

“I wanna be your good girl, only ever want to be your good girl.” She leans forward and places a passionate kiss on his lips, a moan falling from her mouth when she feels him grind his bulge against her core. Their lips move in sync with each other. Luke reaches down and quickly unzips his jeans, pulling out his throbbing member. His thick, veiny hand moves under Y/n’s dress and pulls her knickers to the side, directing the tip of his cock to her slick folds.

A whimper falls from Y/n’s lips when his tip catches her swollen clit. Her small hands grip his back as he directs his cock to her entrance and pushes in. Her mouth falls into a silent moan, and her eyes roll to the back of her head. The feeling of him stretching her out feels like heaven. Luke thrusts deep inside Y/n’s tight cunt, grunting as her walls squeeze him. “You feel good, sweetheart. I don’t think I’ll last long with you squeezing me like that.” 

“P–please move!” She moans when Luke begins to pound into her. The sounds of skin slapping fill the room as he leans on his elbows, staring down at his girl before looking between their bodies and grunting. His balls tighten as he watches his thick member thrust in and out of her tight cunt, the base covered in her cream as she pulsates around him, her nails digging into his back as she cums. “Fuck! Luke!”

He falls forward, capturing her in a kiss as he pounds into her until his hips begin to stutter, his balls tighten, burying himself deep into her cunt. Luke lets go, and spurts of his thick white cum fill Y/n up. There’s so much that it begins to flow out of her and onto the sheets. Luke slowly pulls out. He gets up and grabs a warm damp towel, cleaning himself and Y/n up before bringing her into a deep kiss. 

“You ever be a brat again, and it won’t be like this next time.” Luke leaves Y/n lying there, fucked out, as he heads back down to the diner.

thank you for reading!

feedback and reblogs are greatly appreciated.

[shyxcherry]

Drinking Games 2 | San

summary: when you need an easy way to make money during your last semester of college, your friend gets you a job at a local bar. you wish that didn’t include the cute singer who won’t leave you alone, but when do things ever go your way.

pairing: Singer!San x Bartender!Reader

genre/warning: fluff, angst, smut, unprotected sex (wrap it before you tap it)

Word count: 8.4k

note: finally a second part. i hope you enjoy!

"Order for table three."

You put the coffee pot back on its stand as you turn to look at Reggie. He placed the two plates on the window seal. He also placed a small basket of fries. You looked up at him.

"I told you I'm going to fatten you up. You need to get some meat on those bones.

You let out a small laugh as you grab the two plates. "Thank you."

"Anytime."

You bring over the plates to table three. You place their plates down before refilling their drinks. After making sure all of your tables didn't need anything, you grabbed the fries and told the other woman working with you, Jisoo, that you were taking a break before she leaves for the night.

You make your way to the small employee room. There were a few lockers for people to put their things in. There was also a fridge and microwave. You sat back in your chair as you flipped through the TV channels. You settle for some movie that you've seen a million times. You start to eat your food as you watch the movie.

It has been two weeks since you had been fired from Red's Bar. You had spent a week looking for a job, but no one wanted to hire you with your schedule. That was until you walked into this place.

Loves Diner.

You had spent the whole day begging someone to give you a job with no success. With swollen eyes from your breakdown in your car, you entered this place for some food. You tucked yourself away in a far corner so no one could see your frustration. You scrolled through your phone for any possible jobs when someone sat down in front of you.

"Here you go my dear."

You look up to see an older woman sitting in front of you. She looked like she had stepped out of a 1920's movie. Her long hair had faded to white as it was pulled up in a bun. Her dress was red and black as it flared out. She also had bright red lipstick on.

You looked down to see that she had placed a vanilla milkshake in front of you. "I'm sorry, but I didn't order this."

Her wrinkles grew as she smiled at you. "I know. Whenever my grandkids are sad, these milkshakes always cheer them up. It's the grandma in me."

You look at her for a moment before sliding the milkshake towards you. You take a sip of the milkshake before looking up at her. "I see why. This is a pretty good milkshake."

"It's my mother's recipe." She told you. "Now, why don't you tell me what's bothering you."

You didn't want to talk about it, but the way she looked at you made you spill everything. From college, to San, and even getting fired from your last job. You spent a half hour giving her your life story, and not once did she interrupt you. She listened intently. She even wiped away a couple of your tears as they fell. Once you were done, you apologized for throwing all of that at her. Even if it felt good to get it out.

"You don't have to apologize, my dear." She told you. "I'm going to tell you a story. You see that man over there?"

You turned to where she was pointing. You saw an older man talking to some of the customers. He was matching the woman who was sitting in front of you, Leslie. His red shirt was tucked into his black pants. He also had a pair of black suspenders.

"Is that your husband?" You asked.

"It is." She answered. "We have been married for 43 years."

"Wow."

"We had met in a restaurant quite similar to this one. I was a worker, and he had come in with all of his friends. Back then, we had worn roller blades to get around." She laughed at the memory. "He had walked out in front of me. I tried to stop, but almost fell backwards on my bottom. He rushed forwards and caught me. The rest is history."

"So, you recreated this restaurant because of that?" You asked.

"Not quite." She answered. "It's very similar to your story. Leonard's friends had dared him to ask me on a date. When I had found out, I wasn't very happy."

"I know the feeling."

"He tried to apologize in every way imaginable. Flowers, candy, you name it. I had finally agreed to talk to him, and he brought me here. It was abandoned previously, but he had bought it and turned it into the place like where we had first met."

"Did you forgive him after that?"

"I did." She answered. "I could tell how sorry he was. I also knew how much he loved me. Just like San loves you."

You look down at your shake. "I know he does, and that's the hardest part."

"It will all work out my dear." She rubbed at your hands. "Wait for him to do some grand gesture. One that proves he's really sorry and doesn't include fighting anyone."

You laugh at the end of her statement. "Do you really think we'll work this out?"

"I do." She answered. "You just need time to heal. And until then, you have a job here."

"Really?" You asked her. She nodded her head at you.

"I will work with your schedule. You're going to get through this."

"Thank you so much."

You had work almost every weeknight since then. She paid you more than Red did which you greatly appreciate. She also worked with your schedule better than anyone has. If she knows you have a test coming up, she won't allow you to work that previous night, so you can study.

You could never find a way to repay her for all she has done for you. Even though you try, she won't allow it. She's just a kind woman who wants to help, and you couldn't be anymore grateful for that.

The next few shifts at work you were on your own. You didn't have a problem with it. It was mostly quite on weeknights. Except for Friday. You'll get a lot of teenagers, but it's nothing you can't handle.

Reggie had cleaned up the kitchen and left for the night. Normally he waits, but his kid had a recital. You weren't going to let him miss that. You had your phone blaring music as you wiped down the counters. You were singing along until you heard someone come in the front doors. You cursed as you forgot to lock the doors.

"I'm sorry, but we're closed for the night."

"Damn, I was really hoping for a milkshake."

You turn to look as you recognized the voice. There dressed in all black was a now blonde Wooyoung. He stood at the door with his hands tucked in his pockets. When your eyes met his, he smiled nervously at you. This was the first time the two of you would have a proper conversation without San.

"What do you want?"

"Can we talk?" He asked.

You weren't really close to any of San's band members. You had heard the most about Wooyoung though as him and San were close. You thought he was nice from the few times you met, but that changed after you watched that video. He was the one who started the who bet.

"Why?" You asked. "So, you can rub it in my face that you won?"

Wooyoung let out a sigh. "No. Things got out of hand, I'll admit. But I feel like I needed to tell you what happened since you won't listen to San."

"Can you blame me?"

"No." Wooyoung answered. "But unlike him I not going to take no for an answer. I'm not leaving until we talk."

You raise your eyebrows at him. You thought about saying no, but you remember San saying whenever Wooyoung has his mind set on something, he's not going to stop until he gets it.

“Whatever.” Wooyoung walked over to the spot in front of you before taking a seat at the counter. You leaned back on the counter. “How did you even know I work here?”

“I have my resources.” Wooyoung answered. You stared at him before squinting.

“Hongjoong?”

“Hongjoong.”

You let out a small laugh. “That’s the last time I tell him anything.”

“I mean. You did tell the one who was the most against you two turned into the biggest supporter of you and San.” Wooyoung smiled.

You shrug your shoulders. “Point taken.”

“San’s really struggling over your breakup.” Wooyoung admitted. “We’re having to drag him out of bed to perform. He’s not interacting with the crowd like he used to. He’s also forgetting lyrics to the songs he wrote. It’s getting bad.”

You look down as you listen to him. “I understand. My grades are starting to slip because I can’t focus anymore. Between that and my tuition, I don’t think I’m going to graduate on time.”

“I’m sorry (Y/N).” Wooyoung apologized. You could tell that he meant it, but it still hurt. “I would have never made it into a bet if I knew. As much as I love San, I didn’t think he was capable of a love like yours.”

“So why did you?” You ask.

“I don’t know. We always make stupid bets. I thought this one was no different.” Wooyoung answered.

“You didn’t think it would hurt me or your best friend?”

Wooyoung shook his head. “Like I said, I didn’t think he was going to get attached to you. When I did see it though, I realized what mistake we had made.”

“Was that before or after you had gotten your money?”

“San broke off the bet after your first date.” Wooyoung answered. “I never got any money.”

Your eyes widened at Wooyoung’s confession. San hadn’t told you this. Though he never got the chance to as you never let him speak. You now realize that may have been a mistake. At least now you had a chance to know everything.

“What happened Wooyoung?”

“After your date, San immediately made his way to mine and Mingi’s apartment. He told us that he wasn’t going through with the bet anymore. He said he would pay us to make us shut up, but he didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.” Wooyoung started to explain. “Of course, Mingi and I threw a fit. We thought it was because he knew he was going to lose, but that wasn’t the case at all.”

“What was it?” 

“He was already starting to fall in love with you.” Wooyoung answered. “We listened to him go on about you for a while. About how you were different than anyone he’s ever met. He said if he could listen to one sound for the rest of his life, it would be your voice. After that, I felt like we had no choice but to agree. I couldn’t stand to see him get hurt.”

“So, the rest of our time spent together wasn’t under the bet?” You asked.

“Correct.”

You let out a sigh of relief. In a sense, it made you feel better. You were still hurt that the only reason he pursued you was because of that bet, but it wasn’t the reason why he stayed with you so long. 3 months may haven’t seemed that long, but for you it was. Your and San’s relationship was something you never thought could happen to you. It was like the sappy stuff you read about that normally grossed you out. It was entirely different when it’s you and him. You feel some of the anger fade away. Maybe you could find yourself to forgive San, but you still had some doubts.

“I just wished he would’ve said something, you know?” You tell him.

“Would you still have been mad?” Wooyoung responded.

“Probably.” You answered. “But I would have rather him tell me then to find out from a video. Why do you guys record it anyway?”

“We didn’t.”

You raised your eyebrows. “Then who did?”

“That’s what San was trying to figure it out.” Wooyoung answered. “He ended up bribing the security guy to let him watch the cameras. The only ones who entered the locker room was you, Hongjoong, and Red.”

“Hongjoong wouldn’t do something like that.” You spoke up. Wooyoung nodded.

“Exactly, so we knew it had to have been Red. I had never seen San that mad, and we have been friends since we were kids.”

You were scared to find out the answer to your question. “What did he do?”

“He didn’t fight him which really shocked me.” You let out a sigh of relief. You didn’t like the idea of him fighting. “San questioned him. At first, he refused that it was him. That was until San threatened to quit.”

“Why did he do it?”

“I know Chae told you about the girl they hired before you.”

“The one that became obsessed with San?” You asked.

Wooyoung nodded. “That girl was Red’s niece.”

“You’re lying.” 

“I swear.” Wooyoung told you. “She went to Red upset at what San did. He wasn’t happy, but he didn’t want to lose us. Because we’re great and all.”

“So, he waited this long to have his revenge on hurting his niece?”

“Well, he was the one who slashed San’s tires. He thought that was make him feel better, but it didn’t. He said the more he saw San with these other women, the angrier he got. He recorded every session to find something to hurt San with.”

“He waited until we got close before hurting San.” You concluded. Wooyoung nodded at you signaling you were correct. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of something so messed up. Are you still working there?”

“Yes, but only for one reason. San’s trying to buy out Red for the bar.”

“Are you serious?” You asked. He had never told you that.

“We had played in that bar since we had formed Purple Rose. That was our first gig. The place is special to us, and none of us want to see it trashed by Red.” Wooyoung answered.

“I hope you get it.” 

“I hope your there to see it.” Wooyoung told you.

“I’m not as upset as I was before this conversation.” You could see Wooyoung start to get hopeful. “I still need some time to heal.”

Wooyoung was upset before he realized what you said. “That’s not a no.”

“It’s not.” You had a hint of a smile as Wooyoung jumped out of his chair in excitement. 

“I will take this meeting as a success. I’m going to leave before I say anything to make you change your mind.”

You laugh at Wooyoung’s statement. “Thank you for talking to me.”

“Be sure to tell San that I’m the reason you got back together.” Wooyoung said as he walked out of the door. You walked behind him to lock the door and turn out the lights.

“Not gonna happen.” 

You heave the giant metal door open before you slipped inside. You were inside the place you hated the most. The financial building of your college. This is where you have to come to pay your tuition. You pay some out of every paycheck, but it seems like the numbers never go down. Damn interest. You take a seat as everyone was busy assisting someone else. You scroll on your phone as you wait for an empty window.

It's been almost two weeks since yours and Wooyoung’s conversation. The longer you waited to talk to San, the harder it got. You wanted to talk to him. You really did, but you just had too many things on your plate. You just hoped that San would wait for you. You couldn’t blame him if he didn’t though. You only had one month left of college. Finals were in 3 weeks. You hoped you could hold up until then without falling apart. You are one surprise away from a breakdown.

“I can help whoever’s next.”

You look up to see an empty window. You put your phone in your pocket as you walk up to the counter. “I’d like to make a payment.”

“Student ID, please.”

You place your bag on the counter and pull out your wallet. You hand her your ID. As she looks you up, you pull out the small paper you keep in your wallet. It had all of your deductions and how much you owed. If you had done the math right, you finish paying off your tuition with a week to spare. The only reason is Chae told you not to worry about the rent for this month. You tried to argue with her, but she wouldn’t listen. She said you could make it up by taking her on a ‘date’ to a fancy restaurant she had been dying to go to after you graduate.

“(Y/N), correct?”

“Yes ma’am.”

She looked at the computer in confusion before looking up at you. “I don’t see any balance on here. Did you pay it off and not realize it?”

“There’s no way. I still had $1,800 left on it.” You answer in confusion. Did she pull up the wrong student?

“When was the last time you paid on it?” She asked.

“Two weeks ago on the 25th.”

You watched anxiously as she typed away on her computer. “It says that the last payment was made two days ago.”

"That's impossible." You muttered.

No one you knew had access to your account. You went over your account with the woman once again just to make sure she had yours pulled up. You should be happy about this. You could graduate now that your tuition was paid off. It just made you feel anxious for some reason. All of these questions were going through your head. What if someone deposited their money into your account by accident? Unless someone was doing this from the good of their heart, you couldn't think of anyone who would pay for it.

"Is there any way I could find out who paid for it?" You asked.

"I don't know." She answered. "I've never had this happen before."

Despite your nerves, you laughed at her response. You watched as she got up and walked away from you. After a minute, a different woman walked over to you.

"Good afternoon." She greeted. "My name is Sooyoung. I was the one that helped the young gentleman with the payment. I remember because we don't have this happen very often."

"Gentleman" You asked.

"Yes. He said that you were an angel and had helped him through a lot over the past few months. He was a real cutie."

Your heart felt like it stopped when she said angel. The was only one person who has ever called you that. San. Why would he pay for it? He knew that you didn't want any help. Everyone did. Even if you did, you were stubborn. You felt like you had to do everything yourself.

You pull out your phone and pull up a picture of San. "Was this him?"

"It was." She recognized him instantly. "He was a real sweetheart."

"Thank you for your time."

You picked up your bag before walking out of the building. You pulled your hood over your head as you exit the building. You speed walk as you make your way back to your car. You open the door before sliding in, throwing your bag in the back seat. You were glad no one was around as you placed your face in your hands as you let out a frustrated scream.

Was this the grand gesture Leslie was talking about?

You couldn’t wrap your head around San doing something like this. Even though you should have seen it coming. When you were with San, he had gotten you to open up to him. That included both good and bad. You remember him holding you all night as you cried about your money struggles. He had begged you to let him help you, but you always said no. You felt like you could do it yourself. That was until San outed you one night. 

Your parents told you that you would never survive on your own. Not without them. They have since apologized for that, but you still remember. You didn’t want to feel like a burden to anyone else like how you once did with your parents. San understood that, but he still wanted to help you. He tried to convince you that just because he helps you doesn’t make you a burden. You wouldn’t have to pay it back which also upset you. You knew that everyone was only trying to help you. But it was hard to ask and receive help when you haven’t had it in so long.

You walk into yours and Chae’s shared apartment. Chae was sitting on the couch waiting for you as she always did when you went to pay your tuition. You always came home upset as the numbers never seemed like they were going down. You would always go to her and let out your frustrations and fears. You felt like you were never going to graduate. Chae always did her best to erase those worries. Even if it involved holding you all night while you cried. You would never find yourself a better friend, and you always made sure to tell her that.

“How did it go?” Chae asked hesitantly. You just stood there for a moment after kicking off your shoes. After not answering her, she lifted up the edge of the blanket. You threw your bag onto the floor as you ran to her arms.

She hugged you tightly as you cried. This time it wasn’t because you felt like you were going to graduate. This time it was because you were going to graduate. All of those sleepless nights of studying would finally pay off. All because of San. You didn’t know how you were going to repay him.

“Was it that bad?”

“No.” You sobbed. You pulled away from her and wiped your tears with your sleeve. “My tuition is paid.”

Chae’s eyes widened as she jumped up. “You finally paid it off. I’m so proud of you! I knew you could do it. Even if you are a stubborn bitch.”

“That’s the thing. I didn’t pay for it.” You told her. She looked at you in confusion.

“Then who did?”

“San.”

Chae finally understood your tears as she sat back down onto the couch. 

“What the hell am I supposed to do?” You asked.

“Graduate.” Chae answered. You looked over at her. “That’s what San wants, or he wouldn’t have paid for it.”

“But what about San?” You asked.

“What about him?”

“Wooyoung said that San had been saving up to buy the bar.” You told her. “What if he can’t buy it now because of me?”

“I want to say that isn’t your concern anymore, but that wouldn’t be the case because you still love him. And it’s obvious that he loves you back. He paid your tuition even though you said you hated him.” Chae answered.

“I also said I never wanted to see him again.”

“Is that true?” Chae asked. You shook your head as you looked at your lap. 

The two of you have had this conversation many times since you and San had broken up. Of course, Chae was on your side. She always was. Even when you were wrong. That also meant that she didn’t believe you when you went on your drunk rampages about him. Screaming that you never wanted to see him again. That you wished you had never met him. All things that she knew wasn’t true. She also knew that you knew that they weren’t true. You were just lying to yourself and to her. She knew you wanted to stay strong, but you can only stay strong so long before you break.

“No.” You answer. “And I don’t know what to do about it.”

“What do you want to do?” Chae asked. You sighed as you flopped back on the couch. Chae laid the cover over the both of you as you thought about your options.

“I am still upset over everything, but I’m not mad anymore. I feel like I can forgive him now that I have had time to think everything over.” You told Chae. She listened as you ranted.

“(Y/N), you know he’s sorry, or else he wouldn’t have paid your tuition. He also sings your favorite songs every night at the bar.” 

“Does he really?” You ask her.

She nodded her head. “Last night he played (Y/F/S). It was funny listening to all of the drunks try to sing along with him.”

“My finals are coming up. I feel like that needs to be my main focus. I feel bad not saying anything to him though.” You admit.

“I’m sure he’ll understand. He’s waited for you this long. What’s two more weeks?

“I feel like a proud parent.”

“Shut up Chae.”

The two of you get out of the car. Today was finally the day that you felt would never come. You were graduating college. All of the pain and tears were finally worth it. You were finally going to walk across that stage and get your degree. Your parents were going to watch you do something they never thought you would.

“I can’t help it. All of the struggling paid off. I can finally be your sugar baby.”

You laughed as the two of you made your way to the auditorium. You left her side as you made your way to where you were supposed to go. You didn’t know where Chae was sitting, but you easily found here by her yelling. 

You watch as everyone along with you graduated. You prayed that you wouldn’t trip right as you walked across the stage. You smiled as you grabbed the degree and walked off the stage. You looked over to Chae. You smile as you see her hold her phone up. She snaps a picture before yelling loudly.

“That’s my best friend!”

Your cheeks turn red as you make your way back to your seat. You sit down and wait for everyone else to be called. You listen as they thank everyone for coming. You did the traditional cap toss before everyone started to celebrate. You push through the large crowd as you looked for Chae. You barely had time to register as you were nearly knocked down by a hug.

“I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you. I don’t think I would’ve done it without you.” You tell your best friend. She slaps you before fanning her face.

“Don’t you dare make me cry.”

You look around, stopping you spot a familiar face. “Mom?”

Your parents walk up to you. This is the first time you had seen them in 3 years. They seem nervous as they smile at you. Your father decided to speak up first.

“I’m very proud of you (Y/N).”

You look at him in shock. “You are?”

“We both are.” Your mother spoke up. “You stood up for what you believed in and look at you now. A strong, beautiful woman. I’m sorry it took us so long to see that.”

“Thank you.”

You are shocked once again as your mother pulls you into a hug. You take a second before you hug her back. When she lets go, your father also hugs you. It felt weird to be around them again. They had caused you so much pain when you had told them what you wanted. They had basically disowned you.

“We’re going to be in town for a few days. Can we meet up for dinner?” Your mother asked. Did she want what you think she wanted? “I know we hurt you, and it will take a long time for your forgiveness. But we want to try to earn your forgiveness and trust once again. For good this time.”

She was right. They hurt you, and it would take a long time to forgive them. That’s if you forgave them. Even if they were your parents. If there’s anything you learned, it’s to be the bigger person. And if they were willing to try to fix their mistakes, who were you to stop them. You would continue to try to fix your relationship with your parents, but only if they were willing to put in the effort on their side. And by the looks on their faces, they were willing to.

“How does tomorrow sound?” You ask.

You parents smiled at the thought of spending time with their daughter finally. They didn’t think it would happen with the pain they caused you. They knew they had no one to blame but themselves, so they were happy you were willing to try to forgive them.

“That sounds great.”

You bid your parents goodbye. You look over to Chae who had the same look of shock on her face. You stared at her until something caught your attention. You watch as someone pulls a hood over their hair before walking away from the ceremony. You couldn’t see their face, but you did see the familiar streak of red in their hair. You were then shaken from your spot.

“(Y/N).” You look back to Chae. “Are you okay?”

You nod your head. “I’m fine. I just thought I saw someone I knew.”

“Well, you did just graduate with these people.” You slap her as she points out the obvious. 

“I thought I saw San.” You admit. You watch her face. You knew she was trying to hide something. “What did you do?”

“Why do you automatically think I did something?” She asked.

“Did you?”

“No.” She immediately answered. You looked at her before tilting your head. “Okay. Maybe I sent San an invitation to come to your graduation.”

“Why did you do that?” You weren’t upset at her. You just wanted to know.

“Because he has been messaging me to see how you were doing these past two months.” Chae admitted. You would be shocked, but you already knew this. She was horrible at keeping secrets. 

“I know that. I was just waiting for you to finally admit it.”

“No, you didn’t.” Chae answered.

“You admitted it when you got wine drunk last week.” You told her. Chae let out a groan.

“Did I really?”

“Yeah. You also admitted that you threatened to hit him with your car.”

“Damn drunk me.” You laugh at her. “You’re not mad, are you?”

“No. You were only looking out for me, but if you’ll excuse me, I have to go.”

“Where are you going?” She asked.

“Sans.” You answered. Chae squealed before pushing you away from her.

“Then what are you waiting for. Go! We’ll celebrate later.”

You knocked on San’s apartment door. You knew what you came here to do, and that was listen to San's side of the story. You want to see if it matched Wooyoung's. If it did, you could finally see yourself forgiving him. If it didn't though, this would be the last time you would ever see San.

You were about to knock again when the door opened. You looked at San who was clearly shocked to see you. "Angel?"

You looked closely at San. This was the first time you'd seen in in two months. You didn't feel pain anymore when you looked at him. That was until you see how much of a mess he was. His hair was damp and sticking in every direction. He looked like he had been sweating. He shirt was wrinkled, and his pants were loosely on his hips.

As much as you wanted to look at him, a wave of anxiety washes over you. He doesn't look like he was just at your graduation. He looks like he was busy with something else. Were you wrong about everything?

"Am I interrupting something?"

San furrowed his eyes in confusion. That's when he remembered how much of a mess he looked. It must look bad in your eyes.

"No." He quickly answered. "I was about to take a shower. There isn't anyone else. Not since you."

Your heart fluttered at his last sentence. You could tell he was nervous by his constant running his hand through his hair. It was cute. You bite your lip to keep yourself from laughing, but it didn't work. You let out a small laugh as you walk past San and into his apartment.

"I never thought I would see the day you would be nervous. Especially over a girl."

"Can you blame me?" San asked. "This is the first time you've talked to me since; you know. I don't want to mess it up."

"Like you did when you made that bet." You asked. You watched as his face dropped. You decided to apologize. "Sorry, I'm being petty. That wasn't the full reason I can here."

"Why did you come here? Not that I don't mind, but the last time we spoke, you said you never wanted to see me again." San watched as you sat on the couch. He wanted to sit next to you. He wanted to hold you like he had been dying to do these last two months. For obvious reasons, he didn't do that. He sat on the chair across from you.

"I did, didn't I?" You mumbled. "A lot of things have changed over the last two months. One of those changes being my anger towards you."

"So, you don't hate me anymore?" San asked. For the first time you looked into his eyes. San felt like his heart had stopped beating.

"San, I never hated you." You told him. "I hated your stupid actions, yes. But not you."

"How don’t you hate me?"

"Do you want me to hate you?" You asked. You laughed when he jumped up.

"No! Please don't hate me. I'll do anything."

"Calm down, San. I'm not going anywhere." San could feel the hope build up when you said that. He hoped he didn't misinterpret it. "The reason that I came here is because I'm finally ready to talk about everything that happened between us. I have questions, and I want answers. Honest ones."

"I promise to be completely honest with you." San held up his pinky, something he always did to you. You smiled softly as you wrapped your pinky around his. He let go of your hand before standing up and walking towards the kitchen.

"What are you doing?"

"If we're being honest, we might as well loosen up properly." San answered. You assumed he meant alcohol.

"Only if its-" You stopped your sentence when San held up your favorite wine. The only kind you would drink. "Trying to earn some brownie points I see."

"For you always."

San poured the two of you a full glass of wine. You tucked your feet underneath you as you sipped on your wine. You knew that San was waiting for you to start the conversation. You were just trying to figure out how. You decided to just start from the beginning.

"Is the only reason you talked to me because of that stupid bet?"

"No." San answered. "I would've talked to you regardless. You were and are still the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I would've done anything to try and make you mine."

You looked up at him. "If that's the case, why didn't you tell me about the bet?"

"Because I'm an idiot." San took a long sip of his wine. "I thought it would ruin everything. I didn't think that you would trust me when I said that bet didn't matter to me. Only you."

"I can't say that things would've been fine, but I don't think I would've been as mad if you would've told me yourself." You told him. "The way things played out was very confusing. I felt torn because I knew that you had cared about me, but I also felt like you had used me."

A hand gripped yours as San moved next to you on the couch. "I will never be able to forgive myself for the way I made you feel. I never wanted to hurt you. I know I broke your trust in me, but please believe me when I say that I never used you."

"I know that now." You told him. "I also know you cut the bet off after our first date."

San looked at you in shock. "How did you know that?"

"Wooyoung." You outed his best friend. "He also told me that you cried like a baby."

"He told me he would never tell anyone." You laughed at San's outburst.

"I was joking about that. Did you really?"

"No." He quickly answered. He pouted as you continued to laugh, even though he loved the sound. "Stop laughing"

"I'm sorry. You're just so cute."

You watched as San looked down at his lap. "I should be the one apologizing. I am so sorry for this whole bet situation. I didn't want to let you down. I'm not sorry for loving you. You were the best thing to ever happen to me."

"Were?" You asked. "You say that part tense like we're through."

"Aren't we though? You said so yourself."

"San, look at me." You tell him. He continues to look at his lap. "Please, San."

You could see the tears in his eyes as he looked up at you. You placed you hand on his cheek as you wiped away his tears. You felt like you could spend the rest of your life telling him how much you cared for him, but you knew of a better way.

You leaned over and pressed your lips to San's. He instantly responded to you. You could taste the tears as you poured all of your emotions into the kiss. You leaned your forehead on his as you pulled away.

"Why did you do that?"

"Because I love you."

You let out a sound of shock as San pulls you into his lap. His hands wrap tightly around your waist as he buries his head in your neck. You softly rub his back as he cries into your shoulder.

"You shouldn't. I hurt you."

"It would be different if it didn't affect you this bad." You answer as you play with his long strands of black hair.

"But-"

"San, do you love me?"

San pulled back to look at you. You almost edited cooed at his puffy face. He looked so cute. "So much. I just want to spend the rest of my life making you happy."

"Then say it back."

"I love you, (Y/N)."

You smiled as you gave him a quick peck on the lips. "I love you, San. I just want to forget everything that happened."

"Really?" San couldn't believe what he was hearing. Instead of responding, you pulled him into another kiss. This one more sensual than the others.

San pulls you impossibly closer as he deepens the kiss. All of your past worries and stress melt away as San kisses you. It was just you two. The way it was supposed to be.

You let out a sigh as San pulls away from your lips and makes his way down your neck. You grip his shirt as he sucks on a tender spot. He was making sure to leave a mark. He wanted to make sure that everyone knew that you belonged to him. And he wasn’t going to mess that up again.

As you pull his shirt over his head, he pulls away from your neck. You throw his shirt to the side before reconnecting your lips. You slowly run your hands down his chest, feeling every muscle clench underneath your fingertips. You stop right below the waistband of his pants making him groan in anticipation.

Before you could go any further, San's hands tightly grip your thighs before lifting you up. You kiss down his neck, leaving a few marks like he had done to you. You feel him squeeze your ass as he sits on the bed with you in his lap.

"You're going to be the death of me."

You laugh at his statement before pecking his lips. Apparently, it wasn't enough for San as he chased after you as you pulled away. You get off of his lap before kneeling in front of him. His words were mumbled, so you couldn't understand him as you unbuttoned his pants. He holds his hips up as you slide his pants down his legs.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

You look up at him. You haven't given him a blow job yet. Only a hand job. He always wanted to make you feel 100% comfortable during your time together. He always gave you pleasure. Now you were going to return the favor.

Instead of answering, you grab his semi hard shaft before licking a strip along it. You watch as San throws his head back in pleasure as you place his head in your mouth. You softly suck, looking up at him to see if you were doing it right. You had no experience in this. As bad as it sounds, you were just going off of the videos you had watched.

San's hand strokes the side of your face as your eyes meet his. "You're doing so well, Angel."

You test yourself as you fit his length in your mouth. You fit as much as you could, and you wrapped your hand around the rest. You slowly bob your head up and down his length. You could tell that you were doing good by the sounds that were coming out of San's mouth.

You didn't know what to do with your other hand until you remember what you had watched. You softly grab his balls before giving them a small squeeze. A rather loud moan comes out of San's mouth. You look up at San to see him staring down at you. He swears he could come just from the look you were giving him.

"Are you sure you've never done this before?"

You pull away from him. Your hand tortures him by continuing to move slowly across his shaft. "No. Am I bad?"

"Quite the opposite." He answered. "I don't think I've ever seen a prettier sight. You've almost made me cum twice already."

"Really?" San nodded before pulling you back up into his lap. You tried to continue what you had started, but he stopped you with a kiss. "You don't want me to continue?"

"As much as I do, I only want to cum inside of you. Is that okay Angel?"

"Yes."

"And you're going to be a good girl and let me, aren't you?"

"Please." You beg him.

"Then let's get these clothes off."

You get off of San's lap, so you could take off your clothes. You watch as San props himself on a pillow to watch you. You felt a blush form on your face as you slowly take off your clothes. Just because you were nervous doesn't mean you couldn't tease him.

After you had shed all of your clothes, you crawled back into San's lap. San instantly responded to your kiss. He easily slipped his tongue past your lips, exploring the inside of your mouth. You moaned as he pulled away from you.

"Angel, I think you're sitting on the wrong spot."

You looked at him confused. "What do you mean? Where else would I sit?"

San leaned close to you, his lips brushing against yours. "My face."

"Oh." Your face turned red as you understood him. San laughed at your response as he kissed your forehead.

"You don't have to if you don't want to."

"I do. It's just- What if I hurt you?" You ask.

"You won't. I promise." You sit up as San scoots down the bed. "If you want to stop at any time, let me know."

You position yourself to where your heat was directly over San's face. His hands gripped your thighs as he pulled you down onto his face. He wasted no time licking a strip up the center of your heat. You let out a moan as he eats you out like it's his last meal.

"Oh my God, San!"

"Does it feel good?"

He sticks two fingers inside of you making you grip his hair in pleasure. San let out a groan as you pulled his hair. He loved it when his hair was pulled. He had told you that, but you hadn't done it before. You were always scared that you would hurt him.

"S-so good." You moan out.

If San felt like he was on cloud 9 before, he was in heaven when you rolled your hips in pleasure. He knew you didn't realize you were doing it by the way your eyes were screwed shut. His name was coming out of your mouth in small chants. He knew you were close. The louder you got, the closer you were.

You felt a familiar knot rise in your stomach. "San, I'm close."

"I know. Cum for me."

As soon as San said that you released with a loud moan of his name. Your hand untangled itself from his hair as you brush your hair away from your face. You lifted your leg and sat on the bed before your legs gave out. San wasted no time pressing kisses all over your face as you recovered.

"Are you okay?" San asked.

"I don't think I've ever came that hard." You panted out.

Once you had come down from your high, you pulled San into a kiss. Your back landed on the bed as he hovered over you. Your legs wrapped around his waist pulling him down closer to you. San felt himself grow impossibly hard as his shaft brushed against your heat. You yourself had moan at that.

"Please, San." You beg the man above you.

"Please what, Angel?"

"Fuck me."

"With pleasure." San gave you one final kiss before reaching over and grabbing a condom. That was until he realized he didn't have anymore. "Shit."

"What's wrong?" You asked.

San buried his head in your neck. "I don't have any condoms."

"It's okay, San. I trust you."

San looked up to meet your eyes. He saw no hesitation or fear in your eyes. Only love and affection. He pulled you into a sweet kiss before pulling away.

"Are you sure?"

"I am." You assure him. "I love you, San."

"I love you too. So much."

"Then make love to me."

San pressed his lips to yours as he slowly pushed inside of you. It wasn't as painful as your first time together, but it had been two months since you two had sex. San knew that, so he took it easy until you said otherwise. Your nails scrapped down his back as you adjusted to his size.

"Are you okay?"

You waited a minute before responding. "I'm okay. You can move."

San kissed your cheek as he pulled out before pushing himself back into you. San loved the way you felt against him. Your legs wrapped around his waist. Your hands tangled in his hair. He felt like you were made for him. He wouldn't mess this up again.

You let out a soft moan as the pain drifted into pleasure. "San, can you go faster please?"

"Anything for you."

You throw your head back has San picked up his pace. He took the opportunity to place kisses along your neck. He could tell that he was starting to get close by the way he sped up. He was starting to become sloppy. But he wouldn't cum before you.

San reached down to rub your already swollen clit. You buried your head in his neck as he brought the two of you closer to your highs.

"S-San, I-I'm close."

"I know baby. I am too."

San watched as you came first. You let out a loud moan as you came to your high. San watched you in awe, completely unaware of his own high until it was too late. He didn't want to come inside of you, but he couldn't help it. The way you clenched around him. San let out a moan of his own as he released inside of you. San placed his head on your chest as the two of you caught your breath.

"I love you." You spoke up first. San looked up at you with a smile.

"I love you more."

You let out a whimper as San pulled out of you. He pulls you into his side. You threw your leg over him as you cuddled into his side. The two of you were covered in sweat, but you didn't mind. Especially when San kissed you sweetly on your head as he pulled the covers over you.

"San, can I ask you a question?" You speak up after a moment of silence.

"Of course."

You prop your head up on your hand so you could look at him. "Why did you pay off my tuition?"

"I could see how much you had worried about it. You always told me not to worry, but your eyes said differently. I wanted to help you, whether we were together or not." San explained.

"But what about the bar?" You asked. San looked at you in confusion.

"What about it?"

"Wooyoung told me that you were saving up to buy it."

San let out a scoff. "Did he tell you all of my secrets?"

"San."

"It did take a portion of that away, but that's not going to stop me. I will own that bar." San told you.

"I can help you." You tell him. San shook his head.

"I'm not taking your money."

"Will you take my knowledge?" You asked. San was confused once again. "I did just graduate with a degree in business and finance."

"We'll take about that later, okay? All I want to do is to take a shower with my love and spend the rest of the evening together."

You smile and kiss his lips. "That could be arranged."

"I love you, Angel."

"I love you too, San."

[spicywhenspeaking]

If I'm There: Chapter Seven

read from part one

Noah X OFC Natalie

Noah and Natalie meet in high school and developed a relationship through their love of music and art. Falling in love, innocent and young, they think nothing can keep them apart. However, sometimes in the pursuit of your dreams the things we love the most get left behind.

warnings: depreciations of sex, cringe fluff

hope y'all enjoy! its a long one!

★☆⭐︎★☆⭐︎★☆⭐︎★☆⭐︎★

The next day we wake up early before my Mom gets home from work to go hang out at Noah’s house. On our way we stop at a coffee drive through to grab drinks, I get a vanilla iced coffee and he gets a chocolate frappe. “Isnt that just a milkshake?” I tease him. “It technically has coffee, plus its delicious, also…..dont judge.” He mock’s offense. 

I laugh and we get the drinks, continuing our way into his neighborhood, its a sunny day so I just threw on a simple sundress and my sandals this morning before leaving my house. I had to reluctantly give Noah his shirt back, “I promise I will give you a stack of shirts once we get to my house, deal?” I take the deal as I fully intended to nab a few to add into my wardrobe. 

We get to Noah’s house and he rushes me excitedly into his room and I laugh at his enthusiasm “what’s got you acting all giddy ? It’s all that sugar from your milkshake huh?” We turn to enter his room and he turns on the lights, he always uses the lamps, never the overhead light, preferring the warm light the lamps create. He laughs at my milkshake comment and replies, “nooooo, it’s not that. I’ve been working on this song and I forgot to bring my guitar yesterday, I’ve been wanting to show it to you so-“ he takes my shoulders and angles me to sit on his bed “sit here and enjoy” he winks and sits in his desk chair and picks up his guitar. 

He shakes the nervousness out of his hands and begins to strum a soft melody “it’s not finished, but it’s something I’ve been working on. I wrote it thinking of you” he explains sweetly. 

There are scars that'll never ever show themselves

You get when you're left alone too long in Hell

They tried to keep in the secrets that you wouldn't tell

But they just stripped you for parts you had to sell

My breath catches as he continues.

Well, if I'm there to catch you when you fall

You'll have a friend down in Hell after all

And if you're there to catch me when I fall

Then maybe Hell ain't so bad after all

He continues strumming and looks up to see tear’s gathering at my lashes, putting the guitar down he comes to kneel in front of me. Raising his hand to gently wipe the tears that fall he says “I didn’t mean to make you cry Nat, I sorry- I didn’t think-“ I stop him from rambling with a kiss “that was beautiful Noah, I don’t- you thought of me when you wrote this?” My breathy voice gives away my surprise. 

“Yes” he responds back resting his head against mine holding me closely by the with a gentle grasp against my neck. “You’re always on my mind and” he pauses and takes a deep breath “Natalie, I’m in love with you, since I saw you sitting all yourself in study hall, the beautiful lonely girl, the smartest girl I know, the most talented” he kisses me “my Natalie.”

I’m frozen for a moment before I throw my arms around him in a bone crushing hug “oh Noah” I cry “I love you too.”

He wheezes out a short breathe “how are you so strong?” I loosen my grip and laugh “oops, sorry” i shrug sheepishly “have I never told you I was in karate until last year?” He laughs “that explains how you flip me over so easily last night.” At the mention of last night I blush remembering the details of our first intimate night together, Noah noticing my blush stands to sit next to me on the bed “are you okay with what happened? last night I mean?” He quietly questions. I turn to look at him and lean my head on his shoulder “Noah, last night was perfect. The way you treated me? You’re the exact reason I waited to do that with someone I knew I could trust.” My words reassure his concerns and we continue to sit leaning against each other in comforting silence for a few more minutes before I break the stillness. “I think I’m going to apply for a job at the coffee shop” I say. “I’ll need to start saving money for after graduation, that’s if I get into any of the school I applied to.” He lightly knocks into me with his body “like you’d get denied anywhere, those school would be insane to reject you.” He wraps his arm around me and squeezes me tightly for emphasis. I smile at him and laugh lightly “that’s sweet of you to say, but art schools are competitive, I sent my best work and I’ll brag on myself that it’s good but so are of a lot of other kids” 

“I’m sure it will all work out Natty, just trust and I’ll always be here for you so when I’m a big famous rock star you’ll be taken care of forever.” I can’t help but laugh. “Oh yes” I mock fan myself “ my dream of being a professional groupie, don’t worry big shot, when you’re big and famous you’ll always have me to bring you back down to earth.” He smiles and kisses my lips lightly “bet on that. If I can even make it big.” I laugh, “Of course you will Noah, and I’ll be right there, number one groupie.” 

Noah leans over his kisses me deeply as we fall backwards onto his bed. Previous conversation forgotten the kiss heats up and clothes begin to shed again. A few minutes later we are both panting as Noah pumps hard thrusts in and out of my throbbing core. “Oh shit” he pants “I can’t- I won’t- nghun” he stills and his face contorts into pure bliss as his hips snap against mine and still. “Fuck, I’m sorry I didn’t think I would be that quick…you’re just so tight-“ he pants breathlessly “it feels too good” /pant/ “so really it’s your fault” he jokes lightly “but don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you.” Before I can respond Noah is sliding down my body and then without warning he is attacking my clit relentlessly, sucking and licking at it until I’m writhing and grasping at his soft blue comforter that’s covering his bed. “Noah, fuck” I rasp out and he then adds two fingers pumping my already oversensitive cunt and I sobbed out the shockwaves of my orgasm. “Oh my god” my voice comes out like a choked whisper. “Not a god, just Noah is fine.” I light heartedly push at his head where it rests against my thigh. Running my fingers through his hair I sign contently he looks up from where his head is resting and says in a sweet soft voice “I love you so much, you’re everything to me.”

We clean ourselves up and get our clothes back on a couple minutes later, not before taking Noah’s shirt and slipping it into my bag “I believe they call this the girlfriend tax? I’m here to collect.” He laughs and tosses me two more shirts to put away with the other “here take these as well.”

We hang out at Noah’s for a few hours and then he takes me to the coffee shop so I can turn in my application. The manager is behind the counter and after looking at my application asks if i can come in to interview tomorrow. “Um, yes that’s perfect!” Excited and nervous about the interview we shop around and Noah leaves with a new CD, he plays it on our way to Nick's house, they’re practicing for a gig they have this coming weekend. Noah says he’s going all in on this band he’s starting. They’re looking for the rest of the members but they’re taking any gig they can this summer and really committing to making this work. 

Natalie: I’m really nervous about this interview tomorrow. 10:50

Noah: You have nothing to be nervous about baby, youre gonna absolutely kill it. 10:52

Natalie: ugh, its just this could be really helpful for saving money and i’d rather die than work the vacation bible school again. 10:54

Noah: what? You dont want to be around the sugar fueled youth? They are our future you know. 10:57

Natalie: lol, you always make me laugh XD thnx for that. 11:00

Noah: but srsly, youre going to be great tomorrow. I’ll pick you up after your interview and we can hang after if you want? 11:02

Natalie: thank you :) hmm do i want to hang out with my hot boyfriend? Obvi. 11:02

Noah: sweet ;) 11:02

Natalie: I’m gonna head to bed! Goodnight Noah! Love youuu! <3 11:03

Noah: Love U 2! 11:04

Noah was right, I totally aced my interviewI start working at the coffee shop making decent money, especially in tips. I make some friends at the shop, Ashley, Hunter and Maggie. Maggie is a senior at my school and Hunter and Ashley graduated last year. They’re all really nice and come with me to some of Noah and Nick's Shows. They end up playing all the time, almost every weekend I’m helping them load their equipment in and out of bars and clubs. It’s a lot of fun actually. 

On one of the hottest days after a long afternoon of Nick and Noah practicing in the garage the three of us decide to drive to the river for a swim. We drop by my house first so I can run up and change, I pick out a black and green bikini that I bought with Maggie last week, we’ve been hanging out too and we actually get along really well. I pack a bag with a change of clothes and grab three beach towels and a bag of chips for a snack.

The river is refreshing after being in Nick's garage. I’m standing in the water up to my knees, easing my way in the cool water. Noah is already dripping wet and comes to stand next to me, leaning over to say “you know it’s a lot easier if you just get all the way in and get it over with” he flicks some of the water off his fingers at me. “Hey! I’m just trying to get use to it, it’s colder than I thought.” Next thing I know I feel Noah’s cold arms coming up from behind me in a tight hole, lifting me off the ground “come on Natty, we’ll do it together!”

He laughs as I squirm and halfheartedly protest “OH MY GOD NOAH! You big oaf put me down!” I squawk reaching down to smack his butt. “Okay, if you insist” I hear him say before we’re both falling towards the deeper water and I can barely manage to get out a loud “NOAH!” before we’re submerged. I break the surface of the water and see him looking at me with a huge smile “much better Natty” he whispers swimming closer and I wrap my legs around his waist “you’ll pay for that on later mister.” He leans forward and kisses me, tickling my face with the hair that’s fallen into his face. “Oh and how will you punish me, my love?”

I hear Nick heave an exaggerated gag before he yells “get a fucking room!” We all laugh and I look at Noah tapping my finger against my chin I think. “Hmm what is an appropriate punishment for such a crime?” And and idea pops into my head, “okay, I think you should jump off the rope swing” I say with a devious smile “easy” he responds quickly. “Naked” I finish and Noah’s eyes bulge and Nick busts out in a deep laugh. “Oh you are cruel, but I will accept, it fits the crime.” With one last kiss he swims to the shore, drops his trunks and holds himself with his hand to preserve whatever is left of his modesty and climbs the tree to the rope swing. With one hand, it’s not easy but he manages, taking the rope in hand he pushes off and falls into the water, hands flailing and package on full display. Nick and I sound twin wolf whistles as he pops his head out of the water. Later with his pants back on, the three of us dry out on a grassy hill before packing up and heading back out. Noah drops me off first and we share a longer than necessary goodbye kiss at my front door. “Bye” he says against my lips “love you.” I smile and look up at him “love you too,” I reply and he heads back to his car. 

This has been quite literally the best summer ever and with school starting next week I start getting all of my stuff ready for my final year, senior year is here at last. I’m working on a new drawing when I hear shuffling coming from Kyle's room, but that’s weird because Kyle is supposed to be with our dad. I walk out of my room and across the hall to where his room is, the door is open, so I step into it and see a familiar face unpacking a large leather duffel. 

“Hey Sis” Kyle turns to greet me with a smile that reminds me of his younger self. 

☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎☺︎

Hope ya enjoyed!!! xoxoxox

Next chapter here!

taglist : @lma1986 @cookiesupplier @notingridslurkaccount

[webslingingslasher]

29 and 26… make me hurt i know you can do it 🥲

based on this prompt list

Peter has never made you cry. 

Ever. 

Not even when you were the maddest at him, not even when he would snap at you when he dozed off in class after being up all night, not when he canceled plans six times in a row with you, not ever. 

In fact, Peter had done everything possible to keep you from crying, he would pull funny faces, his go to was to stick his index fingers in his mouth and pull the corners of his mouth for a cheesy grin. He would dance for you, and it always made you laugh because Peter was good at everything, except dancing. 

He has always shown you love and care so deeply how couldn’t you fall in love? 

And how could you not think he loves you too? 

Because he always cuddles close to you, always kisses your cheek when he hasn’t seen you in a while or you do something good, he could pull you in with an arm over your shoulder and press four or five kisses in a row only pulling away when you can’t stop laughing and beg for breath. Peter would hold your hand while you jumped over a puddle, he would always give your first bite of ice cream or a milkshake, he would throw his gloves at you whenever you forget yours, he showed you love and care. 

How could he not mean it? 

“Can I tell you something?” 

“Of course, what’s up?” 

Peter turned from his game, you had been doing some reading while he played with some online friends, it was domestic things like this that told you it was mutual. You both hung out for a while then wanted to do separate things so you parted while in the same room, that’s what couples did, right? 

“I have to tell you something I’ve been thinking about for a while, like a long while.” 

“It sounds important, is it?” He was asking if he should stop his game and give you his enitre attention. 

“Yeah actually, pretty important.” You let out an anxious laugh. 

You weren't that nervous, you knew what he would say. It was obvious you were both thinking the same thing.  

Peter pulls from his game, takes off his headset and spins so he’s facing you. 

“All eyes on you, dear.” 

You smile, you wonder why you were nervous. 

“I’ve been scared to bring this up but I think we’re on the same page, I mean, actually I know we are.” 

Peter nods slowly, he doesn’t see where this is going yet. 

“I feel it every time we hang out or when you kiss me on the cheek, and when you dance badly to make me feel better and every time you make me feel not so alone in this big world.” 

Peter’s eyes widen, he sees where this is going. He wants to shut it down before you embarrass yourself. 

“Hey, hey, hey. Let’s slow it down, Y/N,” 

“No! Cause we need to talk about it, I know you feel it too. I know you do, I see it in your eyes and I feel it when we hug. I know you know what I mean.” 

Peter winces, he wants you to stop. He doesn’t feel the same at all, he’s just your best friend. He’s always been your best friend, and only your best friend. He knows he’s touchy and loose around you but that’s because he’s known you for years. 

“Y/N, stop.” 

“Seriously, Peter. I think I just need to say this, I,” 

“Y/N, I don’t want you to embarrass yourself, seriously. You should stop.” 

You turn your head confused, “Peter, I’m falling for you.” 

He closes his eyes and shakes his head, he blows a heavy breath through his nose, he stays silent. He didn’t want to hear it, he didn’t want to know it was true. He always kind of guessed it but always hoped you would never admit it, he wishes you would’ve kept it inside forever until he dated someone and you eventually move on. 

“Peter?” 

He doesn’t move, he doesn’t say anything. 

“Peter?” Your voice cracks. 

“Peter!” You shout the words, tears coming to your eyes. 

How could you have read the signs wrong, he always acted like he loved you as much as you did. 

He was ruining this, he was supposed to say yes, say me too, say i earn for you, anything, he was supposed to say anything. 

“Peter, c’mon.” You sniffle, a tear drops. 

You shudder, he’s never made you cry. 

“Peter, please. Please, Peter.” Tears flowing heavily, breaths unsteady, you reach for the door. 

You sent out one last request. 

“Please… Say something,” 

He doesn’t move, he doesn’t speak, he doesn’t even look at you. He’s ghosting you in real time, you were watching him ignore you, he was pretending you weren’t even here. 

When he stays unmoving you’re unsure you’ll ever hear from him again. 

You try once more. 

“Peter?” 

You wait, then shut the door. 

Tears never stopped. 

[deceptive-daydreams]

California Dreamin’

Chapter Two - Milkshakes & Sunburns (18+ ONLY)

Ch. 1 | Ch. 3 | Ch. 4

Modern!Eddie AU - In which Eddie travels to California searching for something more out of life. And then he meets you.

Warnings: mentions of drug use and alcohol, reader being insecure, mentions of a deceased parent, eventual smut in future chapters, let me know if I missed any :)

8.8K words

Eddie x Reader, Friends to lovers, Slow burn

<;- Prev | Next ->

Note: So I got carried away and just kept writing. Also got a bit discouraged but that’s ok cause I kept writing anyway 😅 I’d love to know what you guys think about it. I’m trying to better myself as a writer and I figure the only way to do it is to write what I want and post it even if I’m scared. Also it’s like a fanfic so who tf cares it’s just fun.

Masterlist

The mornings in summer were cool and a blessing before the hot California sun seized the rest of the day.  Birds chattered in the distance and lawn mowers hummed, giving off the scent of fresh cut grass.  The smell of bacon and the clatter of pots and pans snaps Eddie out of his slumber.  

Wiping drool from his mouth, he sits up throwing the sheets off of himself, his unruly curls sticking up in every direction, bangs smashed to each side of his temples.  

Stretching with a deep groan, he swipes up his shirt off the floor and tosses it on.  In the last few days he fell into routine with the household.  Breakfasts at the table rather than in a rush on his way out the door,  assigned chores, and of course a phone call to Wayne every other day, providing him updates on how he’s been doing so far.  

—

Wayne had been worried about Eddie prior to him leaving Hawkins.  His nephew wasn’t doing so well or at least that’s what it looked like in between all the drinking, smoking, and restless nights, hearing Eddie in his room every evening, doing anything but sleeping only for him to emerge in the morning with purple eye bags and bloodshot eyes.

It got to a point that Wayne didn’t know what to do anymore and god forbid, he wasn’t going to let his nephew, practically his son, drink himself to death.  Smoke himself out of reality.  Disappear right before him.  

Wayne was never one to bring up emotions or ask for help but he sure as hell wasn’t going let this continue.  Cringing at the thought of asking for any type of help or advice, he forced himself to call up the one person who might understand and be able to offer a smidge of hope to him.  Maybe tell him that his nephew isn’t too far gone and that he can get out of this rut.    Anything.

That’s when he called up Marlene, one of his oldest friends.  “Mar, I just don’t know what I’m sposed’ to do.  He’s walkin’ around damn near lookin’ like a corpse.”  He explains through his flip phone.  She suggests getting him professional help, therapy, something.  Wayne sighs, shaking his head.  “Y’know we don’t got the money for that.”  She then offers something that Wayne sees a glimmer of optimism in.  

She brings up an idea to have Eddie come stay with her, as long as he needs.  “He should get out of there, it won’t help if he has to be faced with harassment every day.  I think all the drinking and drugs provide him an escape.  If we get him out of there it could help.  He could find something out here, figure himself out.” She says.  Wayne is hesitant not because he doesn’t trust Marlene but he doesn’t trust people.

People have always made Eddie feel like the freak, the outcast, the murderer’s son.  Everywhere he went he was met with unforgiving stares, individuals whispering about him as he walked by, men of the town would even start fights with him.  Just to assert their dominance over him as if to say “know your place”.  Although they wouldn’t always win, Eddie was lean but he was strong.  Growing up in the trailer park had its perks and being able to pummel someone to the ground when he needed to was one of them.  

Wayne knew Eddie could hold his own physically but mentally he knew it destroyed him.  Being held to a standard that his father set when he was only seven stuck with him, Wayne knew even if Eddie never talked about it.  Refused to talk about it.  

So when Marlene awaits an answer on the other end of the phone, all Wayne can think about is how wrong it could go should someone out in California figure out Eddie’s past and treat him how he’s always been treated.  But then he envisions how right it could go too.  Eddie could start fresh, he’d have Marlene and Jocelyn and wouldn’t be completely alone, experiencing something other than Hawkins all by himself.  All he knew his whole life was Hawkins AKA Bigot Central.

He agrees and from there, he has to prepare to bring up the concept to Eddie.  It would only work if he was on board.  The idea of conveying his worry to Eddie in words was terrifying.  Munson men didn’t talk about feelings.

That evening when Eddie stepped into the trailer after work, kicking his heavy oil covered boots off, Wayne sat up from the couch.  “Ed, I need to talk to you.” He demands, gesturing to the spot next to him.  Eddie gives him a suspicious stare, pulling his hair out of the low bun he sported.  He slowly makes his way next to Wayne, plopping on the couch, the springs squeaking in protest.  

“Now, m’ not gonna get mushy with you but here’s what I will say.” Wayne starts.  “What you been doin’ lately ain’t good for you.  Drugs, drinkin’, work, repeat.  Comin’ home all banged up and bleedin’.” He explains, blue eyes staring straight into Eddie’s.  “Wayne we don’t need t—“ “I’m talkin’, son.  And you’re gonna sure as shit listen cause it’s what’s good for you.” Wayne is firm with his words.  Eddie’s lips press into a tight line as he waits for Wayne to continue.

“I get it, this town hasn’t been good to ya.  But that don’t mean you get to act like a goddamn college kid every night.  I figure there ain’t really any way to stop you but I talked to Marlene—“ “You called Marlene!  Why the fuck—“ Eddie is cut off again.  “She thinks it’d be good for you to stay with her for some time, however long you want.  Get away from these people, figure yourself out without havin’ to confront a mob everywhere ya go.”

“Wayne I can’t even afford to live in this shit hole of a town, how am I gonna pay rent out on the west coast!  Are you trying to set me up for failure!?” Eddie seethes, hands grabbing at his curls in distress.  Wayne feels hurt by his insinuation at first but comes to the conclusion that Eddie is scared, having known nothing but this small town his entire life.

Wayne closes his eyes and exhales.  “Ed, we’re tryin’ to help.  Marlene isn’t chargin’ rent, you just gotta help out.  Y’know chores.  Earn your keep.  She wants to help.  She knows how these people can be, she experienced it firsthand too.”  He says.  “I’m not charity—I-I’m not—“ Eddie struggles to find words.  “You’re family to her, Ed!  Remember!  Her and your mom, they were there for each other and that also means she’s there for you too.” Wayne voices, attempting to keep the emotion to a minimum.  Eddie’s big brown eyes soften and he slumps back against the couch.

He has no words and he refuses to go into this territory.  He can’t.  Without another sound, he stands up and heads to the bathroom, slamming the door to signify that this conversation is over.  

Wayne feels defeated and hopeless.  The rest of the night carries on, he eats one of his TV dinners on the couch watching Jeopardy like every other night.  Eddie is still in the bathroom, the sound of the shower is heard from where Wayne sits, the pipes singing through the walls.  Eventually the water turns off and minutes go by.  Eddie emerges from the bathroom, curls dripping and a towel around his waist.  He focuses on Wayne with intensity before softening his features ever so slightly.  “I’ll go.” He states before padding off to his room.  

He’ll never admit it but the smallest smile graces Wayne’s face.  

—

 Downtown is much busier than back home.  Cars are constantly speeding past, traffic builds up at the lights, and there’s a man selling fruit on the corner.  Eddie has witnessed so much in so little time as he walks along the damaged sidewalk.  So far he’s handed his resume to four auto shops.  Jocelyn assisted him in creating one that would stand out and highlight his skills.  

He finishes handing in the last copy to one more shop before they hire him on the spot, letting him know he starts on Monday.  Things are okay, things are going to be okay, he reminds himself through his doubt. 

On his way out he bumps into something, another body, shorter than him.  You let out a small chirp as you attempt to enter the shop but instead collide with something firm. 

“Sorry-“ you both say simultaneously.  You look up to find none other than Eddie Munson, now grinning down at you.  He smells like tobacco and something wood-like you can’t quite put your finger on.  It’s nice.  His curls are as wild as when you met him a few days ago.  “Hey.” He greets you, his eyes have a twinkle in them and you’re in a trance.  “I was just—“ you begin to stumble over your words.  “Something wrong with your car?” He asks.  “Y-yeah it’s making all this noise and I put off taking it in so… that’s what I’m doing…now.” You awkwardly answer.  

He leans in toward you before quietly saying “I could take a look at it.  If you want.  I won’t overcharge you unlike some—you know maybe we should talk outside.  I don’t wanna get fired when I haven’t even worked a shift yet.” He ushers you back out the front door of the shop, the air conditioning vanishing as the heat takes back over.  “You sure?  You don’t have to.”  You fiddle with the car keys in your hand.  

“Yeah it’s no problem.  You can drop it off at Mar’s and I’ll take a look at it when I get back.” He assures you.  “Wait, did you say you work here?” You backtrack.  He’s squinting at the sunlight as he answers.  “Yeah, just got hired actually.  Just don’t tell em’ I stole one of their customers.” He raises his brows and gives you a stern look although you can tell he’s playing around.  “Noted.” You agree, your face feeling hot and it’s not just from the sun.

There’s a silence among the two of you, you awkwardly shuffling your feet on the concrete.  “Not gonna lie, I don’t have shit left to do til’ Monday.” Eddie breaks the silence.  “So I could just take a look at your car now.” He admits.  With that, he follows you in his van back to Jocelyn’s house.  Meanwhile, you’re giving yourself a mental pep talk the whole way back, simultaneously scolding yourself for being so uncool.

—

Condensation drips down the tall glasses of lemonade as you carry them out from the house to the front yard where Eddie’s head is tucked beneath the hood of your car, the mid-afternoon sun blazing.  

Except when you left a few minutes ago to get him and yourself something to drink he was wearing a shirt.  Now he’s all sweaty, tattoos littered along his torso and chest, his hair in a low bun with some strands escaping to frame his angelic face, and his happy trail on display.  His rings are discarded on a small workbench he found next to the house that he had dragged over.

He’s gorgeous, lean but not pumped with muscle.  His arms aren’t bulging but the flex in his bicep when he moves his arm a certain way does things to you.  He has a rag hanging out of his back pocket, covered in grease.  The image before you is nothing like you’d ever seen before.

You try and shake the thoughts forming about him in your head, setting the glasses down on the workbench.  “Mar made some fresh lemonade with the lemons out back, so I brought you some.  Hope that’s okay.  Or I could get you water instead.” You watch as he tinkers with something in the engine, his tongue poking out the side of his mouth in concentration.  

“No, no, that’s perfect.  Thanks—fuck.” He grunts out of frustration.  “I’m gonna need to get a new part for your car.  Sorry about that, Peach.”  Peach?  “Probably not gonna be able to use it for a couple days til’ I find what I need.” He finishes.  You nod in understanding.  “Why—why Peach?” You ask timidly.  He shrugs.  “Just seem sweet is all.” He smiles and glances at you for a brief moment as he messes with something else in the engine.  “Like a peach.”

“Jocelyn’s got a nickname too.” He continues, voice somewhat muffled since he’s hovering over the engine again.  “Oh?” You urge him to complete his thought.  “Yeah, fuckin’ grumpy ass.” He turns to you, a playful smile tugging at his lips.  At this you laugh.  “Do you know the shit she’s given me in the short time I’ve been here?  Almost beat me to a pulp for taking too long in the bathroom. I mean Jesus Christ.”  Eddie’s rolling his eyes dramatically.  “She has a way with words.” You state, watching as he finishes up and closes the hood.  

His hands are covered in black streaks, some sneaking their way up his forearms as well.  “Well, so do I.” He says, taking the rag out of his back pocket and wiping his hands off.  As he turns his face to the side you can’t help but notice a little silver hoop earring dangling from his ear.  

There it is again, that hot and heavy feeling.  You feel your cheeks starting to tint pink and you can only hope that he doesn’t notice.  “But I’ll—uh let you know when she’s done.” He taps the hood of your car twice with his hand.  “If you’re okay to leave it here.  Really wouldn’t recommend driving it home at this point.  Could’ve fallen apart on you at any moment, Peach.” He enunciates the nickname with a grin.  This is so embarrassing, you can’t stop the color from taking over your cheeks, can’t even look him in the eye with how charming he is.  

“Yeah, no for sure.  It’s not like I drive to work anyway.” You say crossing your arms nervously.  He grabs his shirt from the workbench, draping it over his shoulder before grabbing the glass of lemonade, taking a long gulp.  And god, how could he look so good doing the most mundane things?

“Well I’m gonna go get cleaned up.  You need me to drive you home or are you gonna hang here?” He asks.  “I uh, think I’ll just hang out til Jos gets home.  She should be here soon.”  You take a sip from your glass.  Eddie gulps down the rest of his lemonade, some of it escaping the glass and trickling down his chin and to his chest.  Why was everything he did so erotic to you?  

“Thanks for the lemonade.” He says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, a small smile appearing.  His face is flushed from the heat, lips a pretty shade of pink.  You can’t seem to respond before he’s sauntering back into the house, leaving you a flustered mess in the yard.

—

You’d been waiting around for Jocelyn in the garage for around an hour before texting her, asking her where she was.  Her college classes should have ended already.  She responds letting you know that she was at the library with a study group, not sure how long she’d be.  

Sighing, you kick your feet up on the coffee table.  Guess you were going to have to find something to do with your evening which wasn’t uncommon.  You always hung out at Jocelyn’s even if she wasn’t there, busying yourself with playing with the dogs or helping out Marlene, even working from your laptop.  

Jonathan would probably also be at the study group which meant Argyle would follow him and Will and El wouldn’t be coming around tonight since he was their ride.  In a way, you felt like everyone had a pairing or a group.  Jonathan, Argyle, and Jocelyn were always on campus together, always exchanging inside jokes from classes or something that happened that day.  Will and El, while they were a little bit younger, both being 19, they were also taking courses at another campus a few cities over.  And then you just had work.

Sometimes you couldn’t help but feel that your decision not to go to college hindered your social life but it wasn’t even that.  Everyone was around all the time regardless of their class schedules.  If they weren’t at their classes they were almost always in the garage.  It had to be the dynamic set out from the very beginning.  

You were the quieter one, the more soft spoken one, the tie breaker if Jonathan, Argyle, and Jos got in an argument over something and couldn’t make a decision or if Will and El were bickering about where to eat.  Your role was essential when Jonathan and Will got into disagreements however those never seem to end seeing as they’re brothers.  Something in you just felt that while Jos was considered your best friend, you just weren’t bonded to everyone in the way that they were bonded to each other.  Will and El were inseparable but it didn’t feel that way with yourself or anyone in the group. 

It wasn’t to say you didn’t feel loved by your friends because you did.  There was just something missing, a void that wasn’t being filled no matter how hard you tried.  No one would ever notice but you were drowning in self doubt and lacked the confidence to swim back to the surface and ask for help.

In the distance, the sky is fading into hues of purples and pinks, a cotton candy mess of clouds consuming the skyline.  The day is coming to a finish as the city just beyond the view of the reservoir glimmers like a jewelry box.  You can just barely see it from where you’re sitting but it's still hypnotizing.  Life still continues even into the dark of the night, the hustle of people working their night shifts prominent among the millions of lights in the distance. 

“Hey, where is everyone?” Eddie strolls into the room, breaking you from your provoking thoughts.  His hair is damp and he’s wearing a black muscle tee and some black basketball shorts.  Some small tattoos are scattered throughout his legs.  His curls look fresh and not as frizzy as before and he smells faintly of aftershave.  Not the gross kind that’s too strong but just a subtle scent.  

“Class, I guess.” you mutter, taking your legs off the coffee table and sitting up straighter.  “I was just gonna get going.”  Before you can stand up Eddie is slumping onto the couch next to you, a beer in his hand that he had just grabbed from the fridge in the kitchen.  “I don’t bite y’know, Peach.” he pops the cap to the beer off and tosses it onto the coffee table as he takes a sip.  You shift uncomfortably, unsure of how to answer.  “You’re just gonna leave the second I sit down?” he continues, brow raised, offense in his voice.  “Well I uh–no–”  his eyes narrow and then travel across your face as you stutter before he displays a huge grin.  “I’m just fucking around, don’t let me tell you what to do.  I was just gonna chill out here for a little bit.  If that’s cool with you.” he settles back into the couch, resting his head against the back of it.  

“Yeah, it’s basically your house isn’t it?  At least while you’re here, like you live here.”  you manage to say.  “I mean, it seems like you basically live here too and you’ve been here longer so you have the authority to kick me out if anything.” he mentions.  You just nod in response, focusing your sight on a rip in your denim shorts rather than his face.  

You don’t know where it comes from but before you can even think your mouth is already running.  “Have they shown you around yet?  We could like–take a walk and I could show you around the area…I don’t know.”  you offer.  Mentally, you’re now kicking yourself because why would he be interested in hanging out with you for the night?  Why would he entertain the idea when he was probably waiting for everyone else?  

“Let’s go.” he smiles, finishing off his beer and throwing his shoes on.  You’re surprised by his answer, not because you think he would just simply tell you no but because you’re you and he seems enthusiastic if anything.  But you’re boring and that enthusiasm won’t last long, you know it.  That’s how it usually goes, right?

Eventually the gravel is crunching below your heels as you walk alongside Eddie down the driveway.  The air is dry and it's still warm despite the sun no longer hanging in the sky.  Eddie’s hands are shoved in his pockets and as you sneak a quick glance at him from the corner of your eye, you notice a chain with a guitar pick dangling from his neck, the jewelry reflecting off one of the street lights as you approach the road.  

“Do you mind if I smoke?” he asks, pulling out a carton of cigarettes from his pocket.  You shake your head in response as you decide to veer off to the right, the street crumbly from not being maintained for a while.  Eddie follows your lead.  “Been trying to quit so I only let myself have one a day.  You smoke?” he questions, you hear the lighter flickering before he inhales as you keep your gaze on the broken asphalt beneath you.  The scent of tobacco soon fills your nose.  You take slow steps in rhythm with him, lazily shifting from one foot to the other.  “No, I don’t.  Never tried before.  Cigarettes, at least.” you say.  

He just nods in understanding.  “I used to smoke so much, we’re talkin’ like chain smoker.  Shit was nasty.  But I’ve been trying to cut back and quit.  Mostly been smokin’ weed.”  he explains.  “Well you’re gonna love what Jonathan and Argyle smoke.  The stuff you find out here is unreal.” you tell him.  You almost frown at the thought.  It seems like so far you have had the opportunity to hang out with Eddie one on one more than anyone else but you’re certain that will change and once again you will be on the backburner.

“Good cause I’m gonna need it.” he laughs.  You haven’t gotten very far, the house still a couple yards away behind you as you both had been leisurely making your way along the street.  He clears his throat, cigarette hanging in between his fingers, there’s a look in his eye.  You can’t quite pinpoint what it is, maybe a bit mischievous?  “I don’t mean to hijack your tour or anything but let's go over there.” he chimes in, pointing to the reservoir, the concrete part at the opposite end of the field.  There is a ‘no trespassing’ sign displayed a few feet away and a sparkle in his eyes as he looks from you to the sign and back.  

You’d crossed the field a few times in the past to sit on the part that appears to be like a dam with no water to block.  No one’s ever said anything but you feed into Eddie’s antics.  “If we get caught–”  “I’ll go down for the crime, don’t you worry.”  he smirks, throwing the cigarette butt on the ground before stomping it out and then picking it back up, putting it back in his pocket.  You give him a questionable look before he elaborates.  “Bad for the environment…”  You can only laugh in response.

—

The city stares back at the two of you, lights sparkling as a treasure chest filled with gold and jewels would.  You stand on the concrete dam overlooking the sight before you.  Eddie’s eyes are filled with wonder, huge pools of honey taking it all in.  “Can I be honest?” he says next to you.  “Sure.” you respond.  “I’ve never seen something like this before.  I mean I’ve seen a city before but it didn’t look anything like this.”  he says, his stare remaining in front of him.

“That’s fair, Indiana’s a lot different than here.” you say.  “A lot different.” he emphasizes.  He sits himself down on the ground, bringing his knees to his chest.  You join him, sitting criss-crossed.  Eddie finally tears his gaze from the city, shifting it to you.  “So tell me about everyone.” he says.  “What do you mean?  You’ve met them.” you respond.  “Yeah but what’s everyone like?  I’ve only known them for like less than a week.”  he elaborates.  “Well, you know Jos.  She’s my closest friend.  And then Will and El are like the twins around here.  They’re always together.  El acts like Jos’s little sister and she’s a party animal once you get her started.  Will’s shy around new people but he’s super funny.” you explain with a small smile.  Eddie’s full attention is on you, listening intently.  “And then there’s Jonathan and Argyle, they’re complete stoners.  Will is Jonathan’s brother if they didn’t tell you yet.  Sometimes they don’t tell new people they’re brothers and wait to see how long they can go without telling them, it’s super weird.  Argyle is super chill, he’s usually up for anything.”  you finish.  

Eddie tilts his head to the side.  “What about you?” he asks.  His voice is quiet, almost as if he could disrupt the calm atmosphere you two created.  You stare down at the ground, fidgeting with a pebble.  What about you?  What was there to tell about you?  Not much, you decide.  But he wasn’t going to make this easy and you knew that.  

“I’m just me.” you sigh, giving him a sad smile.  His face falters at this.  “Yeah, you’re you.” he says intrigued.  “Tell me about you.” he pushes.  What were you supposed to tell him?  I have deeply rooted emotional trauma which makes it hard for me to get close with others?  No, he would run for the hills.  “I’m–” you try again, unable to find the words.  “I have to get home.” you could punch yourself for the words that involuntarily left your lips.  You panicked and now you’re going to regret ending the night early.  

“Do you really?” Eddie challenges you, almost as if he can read you like a book.  His eyes are burning a hole in you.  It’s hard to look at him because you know you’re lying and he knows it too.  “Yes.” you lie again.  He looks at you in speculation and sighs, giving in as he stands up.  You follow, dusting your legs off.  “I can drive you then.” is all he says.

Now you worry that you’ve angered him, that you pissed him off and now he’s never gonna interact with you again other than when he’s forced to when everyone else is around.  The fear that you’ve ruined another good thing because you couldn’t get over yourself bubbles within you.

Eddie walks in front of you, making his way down from the dam along the slope of concrete and onto the field, you’re not far behind.  He’s giving you the silent treatment, you think to yourself.  You barely even know him and he’s already done with you.  That is until you hear his voice speak up as he glances behind at you, a smile on his face.  “Thanks for trespassing with me.”  He’s not mad?  “No problem.” You respond confused.

The two of you make your way back to Jocelyn’s in a quiet but comfortable silence, now that you know he’s not mad, or at least not showing it.  Approaching the open garage, you hear voices laughing and bantering.  Everyone must be home.  Sure enough, you and Eddie walk into a room full of your friends.  “Heyyyy!” Jonathan greets from the couch he’s melted into.  His eyes are bloodshot and a grin seems permanently etched into his face.  Looking at Jocelyn and Argyle also attached to the couch, Jocelyn cuddling a pillow to her chest, you realize you just missed their post class smoke sesh.  You’d usually be a participant had you been around but you don’t mind.

Will and El are seated on the cushioned bench on the other side of the garage doing homework.  Will seems reluctant to participate but does so anyway as he shuffles through the flashcards he’s holding.  Highlighters are scattered among the binders littered on the floor next to them.  Will offers a “hey” while El greets you with a “hi” and a wave.

“What’s up?” Eddie asks as he plops himself next to Jonathan.  “Where have you brochachos been?” Argyle questions looking between you and Eddie.  Jos gives you a quick look as if something’s up but you return a stern one back to her so she drops it.

“I was showing him around and he wanted to see the reservoir.” You explain.  “Why the hell did you wanna see that out of all things?” Jos just about yells at Eddie with a puzzled look.  “It said no trespassing so you know I had to.” He smirks.  “Fight the man, dude.” Jonathan fist bumps Eddie.  “Thanks?” he responds.  

“So, Eddie The Wise…” Argyle begins before Will chimes in.  “Hey!  It’s Will The Wise!”  Argyle chuckles mischievously.  “I love riling that little dude up.  His eyes get all big and he starts freakin’ out, it’s classic man.” He laughs a little harder than necessary.  “Whew!” He wipes the tears of laughter from the corners of his eyes while Jos and Jonathan laugh along with him.  “Anyway, how are you liking Californ-i-ay?” he asks.  

“Can’t complain so far.” Eddie replies, and you swear he shoots a glance at you for a brief second.  “Peach has been showin’ me the ropes.” he jokes.  So he definitely glanced at you.  “Who’s Peach?” Jonathan questions, confusion evident in his features.  Eddie gestures to you with a tip of his chin, his lashes are casting shadows over his rosy cheeks, no doubt sunburned from being outside more than he’s used to this past week.  “She’s too nice to everyone!”  Eddie explains.  Jos, Argyle, and Jonathan all share a look, Jonathan wiggling his eyebrows before shrugging it off.  You shoot each of them a glare as you speak up.  “I’m gonna head home now, it’s starting to get late and we have a long day tomorrow.” you remind them of the trip to the beach that was planned.

Eddie drove you home that night just like he did the first time just days ago.  And hopefully there would be many more, you think to yourself.  If you were lucky enough, if you were strong enough to let him in.  If that was even his intention.

–

“Sunscreen, towels, sandwiches, drinks, and where is my…” El lists off the necessities until she’s looking around puzzled, lips in a pout and eyebrows scrunched.  “My book!” she yells as Argyle mindlessly flips through the pages while he leans against Eddie’s van, back doors wide open as Jonathan is tossing in an umbrella.  El snatches the book from Argyle’s grasp, tucking it into her canvas tote bag hanging off of her shoulder.  “I wasn’t gonna hurt it!” Argyle defends, shoving his hands into the pockets of his bright teal swim trunks.  Scoffing and rolling her eyes, El makes her way back to the house to gather anything else they may have forgotten.  

Eddie passes her through the doorway carrying two beach chairs.  “Good morning, Sunshine!” he just about shouts in her ear.  She flinches, her bangs momentarily falling into her eyes.  “Good morning?” she responds as he continues walking.  “If I have to be up early and ‘get glad’ as Mar says, then so do you!” he sing songs from down the driveway.  She waves him off before making her way into the kitchen where you and Will had been making the rest of the sandwiches for the day.

“You won’t catch me making a bologna sandwich, I’m not doing it.”  Will cringes as you’re handing him the container of meat, all processed and packaged in perfect circles.  “Well I’m working on the turkey ones.” you whine, dropping the container in front of him, returning to your task of smothering mayo along the white sandwich bread.  “And I’m working on the peanut butter and jelly ones.” he puts on an exaggerated frown.  “Will, you’re literally on your last one.” you argue.  Will starts to mimic you in a high pitched voice.  “Oh my god, I’ll do it!” El chimes in with annoyance, dropping her tote bag on one of the chairs near the table, making her way next to you at the kitchen island.

“Who even requested bologna anyway?” El questions as she steals the butter knife from you to slather some mayo on the bread.  You give her a glare but she pays no mind so you drop it, grabbing another knife from the drawer.  “Who do you think?” Will finishes off his last PB&J, pushing the pieces of bread together and packaging it in a sandwich bag and then into the small red cooler on the counter.  “Argyle.” El seethes as she pulls a piece of the over processed meat out of the container, a disgusted look on her face.  They didn’t hate each other by any means but he knew how to push El’s buttons and she did nothing to hide it.

You finish off the sandwiches just as Jocelyn stampedes down the stairs wearing her black denim shorts which used to be jeans but she cut them at the knee and a cropped white band shirt, showing off a hint of her torso.  “Let’s go, losers!” She grabs her sunglasses from the counter and heads toward the door.  “Be safe!” you hear Marlene yell from the top of the stairs.

Everyone meets up at the end of the driveway, piling into the van with the beach essentials.  There are no seats in the back so you just grab a spot where space is available.  Eddie drives and Jonathan calls shotgun.  The engine is rumbling to life and before you know it you're on the road, only a 30 minute drive around the mountain and through the coastal cities.

–

The air is more crisp than inland and it's still overcast since it was still early.  Families walk along the sidewalks, dads carrying foldable lawn chairs and pool toys, moms herding the kids while carrying diaper bags and other miscellaneous items.  The chatter in the car was continuous throughout the whole drive, the seven of you leaving no room for silence.  Except for of course when you all stopped for a mandatory gas station run, leaving everyone with their selected snack and drink before heading down to the beach.  It was a ritual you all had.

The parking lot comes into view and so does the open ocean along with the sand you couldn’t wait to dig your toes into.  The water is a deep blue compared to the lighter blue of the sky.  You spot the pier and the little diner at the end, hoping you’d get to treat yourself to a milkshake later on.  Eddie had to circle the parking lot a few times before actually finding a spot.  “It’s baby’s first beach trip!” Jos yells as she crawls toward the front of the van, slapping her hand on Eddie’s shoulder.  He rubs his shoulder, putting the van in park and not even a second later everyone is rushing out of the van.  

You can hear the waves smacking the shore, smell the salt in the air, you can almost feel the cool water against you as you play in the waves and even taste the saltwater when you get hit in the face by one that was bigger than you estimated.  But first you have to help with carrying everything from the van down to the sand which is the worst part.  But not as bad as having to lug it all back at the end of the day.  You opt to carry one of the smaller coolers and some towels, everyone else finding something to carry.  It was nice having so many people though, you didn’t have to make multiple trips.  Unlike the time you, Jocelyn, Jonathan, and Argyle went to the beach and overpacked, the four of you had to make two trips out of it between the beach toys, a tent Argyle insisted on bringing, chairs and food, among other things you can’t even remember.  

The shore was populated with families and groups of people seeing as it was a Saturday in the beginning of Summer.  The sand was warm, almost hot on your feet.  Jonathan managed to point out a spot that would fit your group perfectly among the crowds.  It was a little ways down from the pier but not too far, complaints were still heard from Jos and Argyle though, they just wanted to drop everything and run into the water.  Towels were laid out, the coolers were set in the sand near the foldable chairs, and a colorful umbrella was propped up.  Everyone claimed their respective spots to lay out for the day in between swimming and playing in the sand.

El situated herself on her towel underneath the umbrella, pulling out her book as she laid back.  You decided on a faded Star Wars towel, setting your bag on the corner and pulling out some sunscreen to apply to your face and body.  Will held his hand out for some as he claimed the towel right in between you and El.  You obliged, squeezing the bottle of lotion onto his palm as you spread it along your cheeks and nose.  Jonathan and Argyle were already throwing a frisbee back and forth, not even shedding their shirts yet.  Jos sat in one of the beach chairs with her shirt discarded in her back pocket, now sporting a neon orange bikini top with her sunglasses sitting comfortably on her face while she basked in the sun.

With another glance around at your friends, you can’t help but notice one is missing.  That is until you shift your gaze toward the water where Eddie is already standing just before the very shallow part where the tide rises up and down.  The sun is starting to overtake the overcast morning, bringing with it a bright Summer day.  There’s a slight breeze and with it, the occasional mist of sea water.  His curls are dancing with the wind as he overlooks the water.  He hasn’t even taken his black converse off yet, wearing a ripped up black muscle shirt with ‘Metallica' across the chest and black swim trunks.  

You avert your gaze as he begins to turn back around toward the beach towels.  You remember what Jos said in the car and gather that he’s probably never seen an ocean before.  He kicks his shoes off and lifts his shirt over his head, tossing it at Jocelyn’s face and yelling “come on!” before running back down to the water, this time stopping until it's at his waist.  Jos throws the shirt down on the chair next to her, tugging her shorts off and then running to the water as well.  She reaches Eddie and without hesitation, pushes him forward, sending him face first into one of the waves.  You laugh to yourself at the sight but when you don’t see Eddie resurface for a few seconds your heart drops.

Suddenly he pops up from beneath the water, shoving Jos into another oncoming wave which causes her to lose her balance and land ass first as the water rushes over her.  Their shouts and giggles are muffled by the sound of the crashing waves as well as Will chattering next to you about some new movie he wants to see.

With courage, you decide to join them inviting Will and El as you stand up and discard your shirt and shorts.  El declines, too engaged with her book but Will agrees and follows.  The water is ice cold and shocks your body as you take your first steps along the wet sand into the water.  But in contrast to the hot sun blazing from above, it also feels refreshing.  As you approach Jos, a splash of water meets your face causing you to gasp.  “Shit, sorry!” Eddie apologizes.  “Yeah sorry, Peach!” Jos emphasizes the nickname, this brings a blush to Eddie’s face but he’s hoping the sun has already burned him enough to cover it.

Scooping up some water with your cupped hands, you toss it at Jos but it does little damage since she’s already been engulfed in the waves and you’re still halfway dry.  She starts doing the same, cupping her hands and flinging the water at you, your skin slightly stinging at the cold shock.  “Jos, it’s cold, it’s cold, okay—okay!!” You surrender, throwing your arms up in front of you to shield yourself.  “Get in dummy!” She splashes once more.

Eddie is standing near you, pulling a piece of stray seaweed out of his curls, his face wrinkled in concentration while his torso is glistening with seawater, sparkling even as the sunlight beams off of him.  His chest and arm tattoos are on full display and you subtly try and take them in, your attention drifting to the black widow just below his collarbone.  As you scan over the artwork, Jocelyn is now peeking behind Eddie at you, gesturing that she was going to push him yet again.  Except this time she pushes him straight into you.

The next thing you remember is slimy skin on skin, the sand scraping against you as your back crashes against it along with some making its way into your swimsuit bottoms, and the loss of breath from the impact of another body on top of you.  Eyes scrunched shut and hands clenched, you realize just who is on top of you can you can’t seem to face reality.  The tide continues rolling in, covering everything but your face, however you did manage to ingest a large mouthful of seawater on your tumble down, leaving you with a salty aftertaste and sand particles wedged  in between your teeth that you might still feel in a few days.  

Exhaling a deep breath, you convince your eyelids to flutter open and above you is none other than Eddie, arms on either side of your shoulders and stomach touching yours, a little too intimate for your comfort.  His large deep brown doe eyes are looking directly at you with surprise in them, seaweed still hanging from one of his curls.  You could swim in his eyes if the world around you paused and he allowed it.  

“Um—“ you begin, slowly sitting up.  He takes his weight off of you and starts to back up on his knees.  “I’m—she pushed me—I’m so sorry.” He stumbles over his words while running a hand through his tangled hair, his fingers getting caught.  “No it’s okay—“ “Here.” As he stands up he offers you his hand which you now notice is naked without his chunky rings.  His grip is firm but somewhat gentle, you could feel that he was trying to be careful.  As his fingertips graze your wrist while he pulls you up, you note that they are slightly rough, most likely calloused from playing guitar and his work as a mechanic.  

“Thanks” you mutter almost under your breath, brushing some of the wet sand off of your legs.  Eddie still appears to be flustered, his stare not once leaving the water in front of where he’s standing.  Everyone else seems to have already moved on from Jocelyn’s stunt, continuing to play in the waves as you recover from the awkward interaction.

Jonathan sneaks behind Will, a beach pale in hand while he silently fills it with water and then dumps it over his head with a maniacal laugh.  They’re now the center of attention as they wrestle in between the waves.  You’re thankful since it seems no one is going to mention what just happened.  What was an innocent joke to Jos and your friends was actually a huge embarrassment in your eyes and your heart was still racing at any attention it may have brought to you.

—

Everyone took a break from crashing into the waves and messing around in the sand to eat lunch when the sun reached its peak in the sky.  El started passing around sandwiches, asking each person what kind they requested for the day before delicately handing it to them along with a bag of potato chips.  Jonathan tossed beers to Eddie and Jos, offering one to yourself and Argyle but the two of you declining.  Argyle opted for a more natural substance whereas being under the influence of anything in public made you anxious.  

By this point, Eddie’s shoulders, face, and torso were as red as a lobster since he neglected putting on any sunscreen.  Everyone else's faces were sun kissed and slightly pink but nowhere near as bad as Eddie’s wicked sunburn.  Your skin felt warm even being sat in the shade of the umbrella, taking Will’s spot next to El.  Tan lines began forming, your hair was filled with sea salt, and it officially felt like Summer with the smell of coconut suntan lotion and hotdogs on a grill nearby filling your nose.

Will and El finished off their sandwiches and raced towards the water and not long after everyone else was wrapping up and scarfing down the last bites of their lunch.  “I’m gonna go grab a milkshake from the diner, anyone want me to bring anything back?!” You shout as you throw your clothes on, not even bothering to button the denim shorts since you’d be back in the water soon enough anyway.  “We’re good!” Jonathan shouts back with a thumbs up just as Argyle dunks him underwater.  

“I’ll tag along if that’s cool.” You hear from behind you, not even realizing Eddie had still been lounging in one of the beach chairs with a beer held between his fingers.  “What, so you can get even more burned?” You joke as you fish some cash out of your bag.  “Ha.  Ha.  Very funny.” He deadpans.  His hair is twice as big as it normally is, the seawater giving him some added volume and his curls are extra coiled.  Freckles are starting to appear more prominent along his nose and dusting just under his eyes along the tops of his cheeks.  He almost looks like a surfer, the ones who are out every morning waiting to catch the biggest wave and you wouldn’t guess that he was from a small town in Indiana just by looking at him.  Except for the fact that he has a massive sunburn, that’s what gives it away.

“Let’s go.” You nod toward the pier, sliding your sandals on.  He throws his muscle tee back on but leaves behind his shoes, opting to walk all the way to the pier barefoot.  “The grounds gonna get really hot.” You warn him as you start making your way over.  “Psshh I grew up barefoot, especially in the Summer, I’ll be fine.” He waves you off.  

The walk to the pier took about five minutes and you smiled to yourself every time Eddie let out a “shit!” under his breath.  He may have underestimated the power of the California sun on the sidewalk that runs alongside the beach.  Reaching the pier, you step onto the dark wood and head for the diner at the very end.  Men are fishing on either side as you pass by, their poles resting against the railing.  

The diner is small and can only seat so many people on the inside.  It appears to be older with the wallpaper peeling and the cushions of the stools coming apart, the foam peaking through.  Despite this, it’s as popular as ever.  Every table is filled and the counter is fully occupied as patrons sip on their milkshakes and stuff themselves with burgers and fries.  You can smell the grease from the kitchen, your mouth watering even though you’d just eaten.  But the idea of a cookies and cream milkshake is far more enticing at the moment, creamy and delicious, your go to treat.  

“Hi, what can I get you?!”  The cashier behind the counter greets you with a grin.  She’s a small enthusiastic woman with her sandy blonde hair clipped up and wearing a t- shirt with the diner’s logo on the chest.  Sandra, her name tag reads.  “Just a cookies and cream shake please.” You request kindly.  “Make that two.” Eddie slaps down a $20 on the counter.  “Oh you don’t have to—I wasn’t expecting you—“ “Already done.” He smirks as the cashier counts out his change, handing it back to him.  “I’ll have those out in a few.” Sandra says as she returns to the kitchen window, shouting out the order for two milkshakes.

“Why’d you do that?  I have money—here.” You try to place the cash in his hand but he just crosses his arms, hiding them from view.  “Consider it compensation for knockin’ you over earlier.” He chuckles.  You huff out of frustration, returning to people watching throughout the diner as you wait. 

—

Walking down the pier with your milkshake in hand, you and Eddie slowly make your way back.  The afternoon is just now shifting into golden hour and with it, Eddie has never looked more gorgeous.  At least in the little time you’ve known him.  The sunlight brings out new hues of caramel from his irises, a swirl of golden honey and a hint of molasses evident in them and while his skin is bright red he still has a glow to him.  Lips plump and pink, he wraps them around the red straw while he enjoys his shake.  

“So I’ve never been to the beach before.” He pipes up while he stares at a fisherman reeling in a large catch.  “And while it should suck cause this sunburn hurts like a bitch, it’s been fuckin’ cool.  Your friends are cool, y’know that?” He asks, dipping his finger in some whip cream from the top of his shake and licking it off.  You can’t help but feel insecurity bubbling to the surface within you.  Your friends are cool.  Which meant that he didn’t include you, right?  “Yeah.  Yeah they’re pretty great.” You agree with your best smile.  

“Yeah it’s way different than back home.  It’s kinda like no one really gives a shit what I look like or how ‘scary’ I am.” He uses finger quotes.  “Scary?” You ask.  He nods as he gulps down some more of his shake.  “I won’t get into it but let’s just say Hawkins is probably the worst place to live if you’re me.” He explains simply.  “Actually… It is the worst place to live.” He decides.  “I’m glad you’re liking it here at least.  Are you planning on staying then?” You question as you come to a stop at the pier railing, deciding to remain there until you finish your shake.  The horizon is now transforming into a burnt orange as the sunset just barely starts, still enough daylight left but the sun is slowly making its way down, bringing with it hues of pinks, purples, and oranges.

Eddie gazes out into the ocean before him, his shake now finished as he tosses it in a nearby trash can and rests his forearms on the worn down wood of the railing.  “Dunno yet.” He says honestly, his eyebrows raising slightly as if to question himself.  “There’s no plan.  Just trying to figure shit out.” He admits, a melancholy undertone to his words.  You take in his body language, his shoulders sunken in some kind of defeat and a barely there pout to his lips.  “I think we’re all in the same boat believe it or not.” You try to offer him some comforting words with a sympathetic smile.  He doesn’t give up much more to you as he returns a small smile.  “I think we should get back before they leave us here.” He chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.

But you know.  There’s something darker lurking below his surface.  But who are you to want to uncover those parts of him if you can’t even offer those parts of yourself to anyone?  Why should you be so curious as to what darkness clouds over him when you can’t even confront your own?   

Eddie Munson was unknowingly making you question everything you knew.  And whether that was a good thing or not was something you couldn’t determine right now.  

~end~

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Masterlist

[yourimagines]

Young Nick x Reader with size kink and dirty talk!

If you're comfortable thanks!🖤

😳🥵🤭🙈

It’s fine

* English is not my first language I apologise

* Triggers: 18+, smut, Size kink! Swearing and a bit of fluff

Y/N POV

I was laying in bed, watching a movie as Nick was downstairs partying with a few friends. ‘You sure you wouldn’t mind? I can ask Nina if she wants to come and hang out with you?’ ‘No I’m fine, I’m just not in the mood right now.’ That was our conversation a few hours ago as he said friends were coming over to celebrate his win. Normally I’m there with him, celebrating his wins but today…. “Babe?!” Nick yelled from downstairs. “Yes?!” I yelled back. “You want sum take out?!” “Yes please!” I heard someone walking up, it was Nate. “We’re going for take out, what you want?” He had his hands tucked away in his tap out hoodie. “Fries and a milkshake.” He nods. “Okay, see ya.” He turns around and leaves “See you later, close the door behind you…please.” He listens and closes the door behind him.

Nate gave me my food a hour ago, I was getting bored and hoped the party was over after the take out but I still heard them downstairs. I tried to sleep but my mind was going off to Nick, how he looked before and after the fight. Looking good, so tall and muscular….my hand went carefully under the sheet’s as I started to fantasise about my boyfriend, how he would tower over me, his large hands grabbing my hips. My fingers went to my clit as I started to please myself. I tried to not moan or make any other noises as I laid there, fingering myself with my eyes closed and head thrown back, mouth slightly open.

Nick POV

“If you guys don’t mind I’ll go to bed, it’s pretty late.” I was standing as the guys all sat or better lay on the sofa, totally wasted. “No, go to your girl, she probably all ready sleeping.” ‘I hope not tho…’ “alright, I’ll see ya guys in the morning then.” Nate nodded and grabbed a few blankets for the guys. “See ya.” I nodded and walked upstairs. I carefully opened my bedroom, not noting if she is awake or not. I walked in and saw her pleasing herself, moaning softly my name. “Nick..” I smiled and carefully locked the door. “Ohh fuck…” she mumbles and I carefully walked over to her, smirking at her. “You need some help?” She jumps from my sudden appearance, she jerk her hand away and her face became red, as she did something wrong and got caught. I chuckled and joined her in bed, crawling on top of her. She was embarrassed, looking away from me. “It’s okay baby don’t be embarrassed…” I caressed her cheeks as I placed a knee between her legs, slightly pressing some pressure against her throbbing pussy. “Nick…” she whines softly. “What?” I said with a smile on my face. She reaches over and slides her small hands under my sweater. “I still don’t know what you want baby.” I said as I softly kissed her neck. “You…Nick I want you…” she says as her hands roamed around my chest. “You want me?” She nods and kissed my chin. “Please….?” “Only because you’re asking so nicely.” She smiles and placed a view small kisses on my chin as I slowly took off her clothes. “Let me see my beautiful girl.”

She lay underneath me, completely naked as she pulled my sweater off and threw it away to the side. Her small hands went over my chest. “You’re perfect.” She says as her cheeks turned a bit red. “You like that huh? Me covered in bruises and shit.” She giggles and played with the strings off my joggers. My hands went to hers, covering her hands with mine. “Let’s not tease me, you know I don’t like that after a fight…” she nods and I threw my joggers off, throwing it to the side. She looks down, biting her lip. “You like what you see darling.” She nods and rubs my arm. “I want you.” She softly says as she reached down to my bulge in my shorts. She slowly pushed it down and my hard cock jumped out. Her tiny hand wrapped around it and started to pump it up and down. “Baby…” she looks up with her innocent big eyes. “Yes?” “Lay down for me.” She stopped and lay back down on her back. I threw my shorts off and moved on top of her, sliding my middle finger between her folds, she lightly grasped and I pushed my finger in. “Nick.” “I know but I need to stretch you out baby.” She bites her lip as I stretch her a bit more out.

“Nick please let me come..” she whines as I pulled out my wet fingers out of her soaked pussy. “Don’t worry about that, you will…” I kissed her head as I pressed my tip against her folds, teasingly pressing it against her. She moans and rubs my arms. “Nicky please…” I bite my lip and nodded and pushed myself slowly in. She gasped and squeezes my arm. “You’re so big…” “fuck… you’re so tight.” Her eyes got watery and I carefully moved. Feeling her tight walls squeezing around my big cock. She shook her head. “Nick please stop… it’s to much.” I slowed down and leaned more closer to her. “Baby, I know it hurts but you’re my good girl, I know you can take me…relax I won’t hurt you.” I caressed her cheek and she slowly nods. “Just…don’t move that fast.” I nodded and slowed down even more for her, I moved my hands down to her breasts, massaging them with my large hands. “I fucking love you, you’re so tiny compared to me.” “I-I love you too Nicky, I love you’re so…huge.” I smiled and rubbed her nipples. “So fucking horny for me huh, because Of our size difference huh.” She nods. “I love that Nick, just touch me please.” I smirk down at her. “So dirty minded…” I caressed her cheek.

She starts to moan softly and I sped up my pace. Her hands roamed around my chest as my hands traveled down to her hips. “I told you, you’re my good girl.” My hands squeezed her hips and she arched her back, causing me to hit her sweet spot. “Da-Nick…” I smirked down at her. “Say it baby, say what you want to say…” “Daddy…” she moans as I pressed my hand on her lower stomach, feeling my dick inside of her. “You like that huh, me fucking you and stretching you out.” She nods and grabs my arm. “Yes…” I raised my eyebrows. “Yes daddy.” “Such a good girl for me.” She moves her leg around my hips, pushing herself closer. “Oh fuck..” I mumbled, I grabbed her smaller hands and pinned them down next to her face. “Nick please…don’t stop.” “Baby, I thought I was Daddy.” I slowed a bit down and she whines softly. “I’m sorry, please daddy.” I immediately sped up again, I nuzzled my face into her neck, softly biting her shoulder. “Always so good for me, taking me so well, almost like a slut.” She shook her head, not liking those dirty words. “I’m not a s-slut… I’m just always horny for you.” I kissed her neck. “I know baby, my horny little girl.” I sucked on her skin, leaving marks behind. “I think I’m gonna come…” I felt her pussy clenching around me. Her hands got free and the immediately moved to my back. “You wanna come?” She nods. “I need your words…say it.” She moans and grabbed my shoulders. “Please Daddy, I wanna come.” “You want to come on daddy’s dick?” “Yes please..” I shook my head. “I don’t think you deserved it.” Her eyes got big. “But I’m your good girl? P-please.” I loved they way she was begging, her big eyes looking at me, pleading for mercy. “Okay baby, make daddy proud.” Her hands grabbed my shoulders, digging her nails into my skin, making me bleed and she came all over me, her legs started to tremble, her eyes rolled back and a moan escaped from her. Her tight pussy pulsed around my hard dick. “Fuck baby, you always make daddy proud, suck a good girl.” I slammed my dick into her. “Look at you, so fucking beautiful…” her boobs jiggled around and I felt my high was coming and nuzzled my head in her neck. “Fucking beautiful…you’re so beautiful.” I moaned and released my sperm in her. “I fucking love you baby.” She tiredly smiles. “I love you too Nick.” I pulled her smaller body close to my chest and started to caressing her back. “It’s okay to close your eyes baby, you did so well.” She nuzzled her head against me and closes her eyes. ‘She’s so small…she’s perfect for me.’