#i never heard someone say something so simple yet so true about mike

[pinkeoni]

Yesterday I was infodumping in an eight hour car ride to my lovely friend Luka @luminyan who has never seen ST before, and at one point they said “You know, it seems like Mike’s major conflict is that he wants to be important and heroic but is deeply insecure.” DING DING DING THEY WON EVERYONE ELSE PACK IT UP

[welcome-to-sparkys]

[My] Fanon Ness

I must stress that this was helped made possible by @raglansragdoll Please give them love too!!! Also I know I have requests I'm working on them ^^;;

Full Name: Ness Wilhelm Scott

Age: 23 years old

Birthday: June 26, 1977

Gender: Genderqueer gay man (very closeted and internalized transphobia beginning of story | also period accuracy he wouldn't really state it this way, modern times he'd def have neos and such but that be an au)

Pronouns: He/Him

World building under the cut!

Ness is an absolute nerd. He's currently in college getting his master's degree in business, minor in theatre. He's been working at Sparky's since his freshman year of college to help pay student loans and such. He lives in a quaint, cramped apartment downtown near his college. He likes his coworkers, the gossipy waitresses, and his manager. He's never met the owner, though (🐇).

He loves to be in-the-know. He eavesdrops constantly at work, and it's honestly the best place to gather bits and bobs about the local townsfolk, cryptids, and other oddities. With his flamboyant nature and such a small town, he's also well-known and trusted. The grannies who come every Sunday after church services, crochet, and tip well trade tea for knowing about his personal life. Got a girlfriend yet? How's that degree going? How's your parents?

Though he's stuck his nose where it isn't supposed to be, plenty of times. Back when he was 19, him and a few buddies broke into their school's boiler room because rumor was it's haunted and had a skull of a pilgrim girl. Needless to say, that wasn't true, just a theory even, and he spent the night in the county jail. He's gotten more discreet since then, now preferring to work alone.

He heard about Freddy's soon after and became obsessed. He asked anyone and everyone who would listen about the place. Who owned it? Why did it shut down? After a few months, he started putting some details together. Five children missing so close to the place shutting down, their bodies never found? He could smell a theory brewing.

He's the reason William had to start frequently hiring security guards. Vanessa was usually enough to ensure his prized possession didn't get vandalized or broken into. Well... Until Ness got involved. At first, the gate wasn't even locked. It was just some simple chain. Then he learned how to lockpick. Once the padlock was put in place he "borrowed" the note with instructions from a late security guard.

He always wanted to snag something from the pizzeria. He brought his camera he bought through saving tips and snapped photos of literally everything. He once left with a shard of glass from a pinball machine, but he then got weird feelings about the animatronics. He took notes. After a few months he had several notebooks full of his scribbles, photos, and bits of rubble or memorabilia. His little pencil topper he actually stole from the prize counter inside the pizzeria and is his favorite find.

It got a lot more difficult once Mike got involved. Mike caught him the first night, interrogated him, and threw him out. It didn't deter Ness, and in fact it relit the spark that had started to fizzle out. He grew more determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. He started a blog, documenting his theories and thoughts online. It didn't gain much steam, but he had a few fans from around the country.

Boy was it awkward when Mike came into the diner the first time. Ness hid, for the first time ever, in the back. It worried his coworkers because he wasn't one to avoid meeting someone new. Quite the opposite. Ness did peek, once, only to be met by Mike's ragged, sleep-deprived glare.

They didn't talk the first few times, but Abby was fascinated by Ness. Her "friends" were too, telling her that they recognized the waiter. She demanded and begged Mike to take her to the run down diner again and again, and eventually he obliged.

Eventually, the two warmed up to each other.

Ness went with Mike during the Climax of the film. Vanessa still makes an appearance and gets stabbed, but she's more a background character. Ness, Mike, and Abby get out of the crumbling building by the skin of their noses.

Mike and Abby become regulars, even having "their" table. Ness knows their order by heart, and always has something new to share with Abby.

And then securitywaiter :3

My AO3 | Masterlist

[dreamersdreamloud]

High School Lovers

AN: Planning to make a storyline out of this on AO3

Warnings: Mature

Omega Lena Luthor x Alpha Reader

————————————

First Day of School

Danvers Household

The Danvers, the famous kind family with three dashing Alphas. Eliza and Jeremiah are proud of producing three strong women alphas. The oldest (Y/N) Danvers, the most popular jock in their highschool. You're proud to be the captain and quarterback of the Midvale’s football team. The omegas from all grades adore your looks and muscles but they didn’t stand a chance since you were dating the cheerleading captain, Cat Grant.

Cat dumped you during summer break and your inner alpha felt heartbroken. She left you for Maxwell Lord, the snobby rich alpha with little or none manners. You learned to let go during the summer and focused on getting that athlete scholarship during your last year of highschool and just move on with your life. Recently you became more reckless with your alpha actions, getting into fights, not listening to your parents. You were a mess that your sisters had to watch over you, to avoid getting yourself into further trouble.

The second oldest, Alex Danvers is also popular, known for her smarts for science but also the captain of the basketball team. Alex has always looked up to you as a role model. She basically became a tough looking alpha just like her older sister. But under those tough looks, she’s soft as a teddy bear, as her girlfriend, Sam Arias, declares it.

The youngest alpha in the family is Kara Danvers. The well known ball of sunshine and kindness. People often underestimate the blonde. Her alpha side is not something to be messed with. Bigger alphas would bully the youngest Danvers but they would run for the hills if Alex and you teach them a lesson on what happens when you mess with their youngest sister. Kara loves her sisters so much but she also loves her omega girlfriend, Lucy Lane , for always supporting her.

You're happy that your sisters have girlfriends and glad that they picked the best omegas from your shared high school. You don’t have to worry about the omegas being a distraction to your sisters’ studies. Whenever they’re in heat, they know best to stay away from their alphas and sit out. Eliza is thankful to not worry about being a grandma so soon.

“(Y/N)! Wake up! Mom has been calling you for breakfast!” Alex pounds on the door of your bedroom. You groan and growl at the door.

“I’ll be there!” You yelled back. You’re glad that you have your own room. Unfortunately, Alex and Kara have to share a bedroom. Sometimes you would hear them arguing next door on the stupidest things.

“Agh. First day of senior year here we go.” You said to yourself as you push your blankets away.

***

“Sam! Can you drive a little slower?!” Lena yells at her driver. She doesn’t know why she agreed to ride with her best friend to school if her life is endangered.

“Lena. It’s our first day of being juniors. I don’t want to be late!”

“We’re an hour early! You literally just want to see your girlfriend and ride her dick in the locker rooms.” Lena huffs.

The omega is happy that her best friend is dating a popular yet caring alpha but it can be annoying to watch them tongue each other’s throats in public. Lena wishes she had an alpha to look forward to but ever since she dumped Jack, she hasn’t been able to find another great alpha.

The reason the raven haired dump the alpha is that he would often ask her to have sex. Lena felt uncomfortable and she was only 15 years old at the time and he was a senior. He was the legal age of having sexual intercourse. Lena didn’t like being pressure into having sex so she broke things off and was content when he left for college. Lena wants to pick someone special to take her virginity and hopes to find that someone soon.

Sam ease off on the gas so that her passenger doesn’t contract a heart attack. A muscle car pulls up next to Sam’s car. The car is too familiar to the omegas. They've been seeing that classic black Ford Mustang fastback all summer.

The Danvers sisters are inside that car. The oldest Danvers revs the car again, annoying the two omegas inside their own car. Sam got a bit distracted as she saw the second oldest Danvers giving her certain looks that any omega would like to see. Lena saw that Kara was shaking her head, not wanting to be part of her sisters’ reckless act.

The alpha speeds up and cuts Sam off. Sam honks at the mustang, “Jackass.”

Lena laughs, “maybe if you weren’t so distracted looking at your alpha, (Y/N) wouldn’t have cut you off.”

Sam didn’t park too far from the alphas, they both got off at the same time. Lucy from afar, ran into Kara’s arms and gave her a longing kiss for everyone to witness. Sam didn’t want to embarrass herself like that and waited for Alex to walk over to them.

“Good morning, babe.” Alex lifts up Sam off her feet and Lena gags.

Not wanting to witness their affection, her eyes fall to the older Danvers stepping out of the car last. You wore sunglasses and simple black jeans with white fitted t-shirt. You saw your sisters run to their girlfriends and you just roll your eyes at them. You didn’t bother to wait for them and just make your way inside the school campus grounds to go hang with your jock friends.

“I see that you’re checking out the oldest Danvers.” Sam teases Lena.

“Wait what? Are you seriously checking out my sister, Luthor?”

Lena can’t help to admit that you’re the most handsome looking alpha she has ever seen in this highschool and that she developed a small crush over you since her freshman year. Besides dumping Jack for pressuring sex onto her, she also did it for you. She had this little hope that would be her loving alpha but when she found out that you got together with Cat, she was broken into tears.

“You know she’s single right? Cat dumped her during the summer.” Sam informs Lena.

The raven haired already knew that from Kara. She mentally keeps tabs on the older Danvers and Kara just feeds her information not knowing that she’s helping her. During the summer break, Lena would often visit the Danvers household to hang out with Kara and Alex but you were never there when she visited. You often found yourself helping your father or out with friends during the early morning.

“I heard it first from Kara.” Lena replies to Sam.

“I’m giving you permission to go after my knot head sister.” Alex surprisingly tells her.

“Your sister doesn’t know I exist. Plus why would she want to date a small nerdy omega?”

It’s true that Lena is a nerd but she’s the most popular nerd in the whole school. She takes advanced classes, joins after programs and clubs to help boost her chances into getting into MIT. Lena is sure that you only saw her a few times ever since you met through your sisters and swears that you don’t remember her.

The school bell rings and everyone heads to their first class of the day.

During Lena’s history class, she doesn’t bother to give her full attention since she already knows everything and already did advance research of U.S history during the summer break. At the moment, Lena was thinking how it can be possible to date the oldest Danvers but it can be nearly impossible. Omegas are not known to court alphas. She wonders if she can grab the alpha jock’s attention but since she’s a Junior, she knows that she won’t have any classes with her. Lena nearly gives up on the silly idea. Maybe she’ll just need to move on.

***

It’s nearly the end of the day and Lena is looking forward to her last class, Microbiology. A class where only seniors can take but Lena’s mother, Lillian, helped talk the school board into letting Lena take the class since she already took all the other science classes and passed with A’s.

The raven haired was one of the few to arrive early and picked a seating of her choice. She picks a seat in the back to not draw much attention to herself for the semester. Lena keeps herself but checking her phone while the seniors pour themselves inside the room.

She felt a little lonely for not having friends in this class but she was content that she has classes with Sam and Alex. She also has elective classes with Kara and Winn. A few seniors recognized Lena on the way in and had a short conversation with the only junior in the class. Andrea Rojas, a cheerleader that Lena is friends with, sits before her.

The microbiology teacher who’s also the coach of the football team, starts to take attendance. It goes by alphabetical order and everyone just quieta down to hear their names be called.

“(Y/N) Danvers?!” Mr. J’onn J'onzz says out loud.

Lena’s head perks up and scans the room to find the older Danvers but apparently she’s nowhere to be found.

“Danvers?” Mr. J’onzz calls out again. He scans the room carefully and looks for anyone connected to the missing student.

“Gand! Where’s (Y/N)?”

Mike also known as Mon-El, a football player, answers, “I- um. I actually don’t know Coach.”

“Since she’s not here she better be at practice or else the whole team will be doing suicides for warm-up.” The coach threatens.

Mr. J’onzz is upset that his star player has ditched class but he resumes to take attendance and start the lecture. Lena wonders where the alpha jock went, she hides her phone under her desk and texts another senior she knows. She doesn’t want to text either of the Danvers sisters.

Lena: Mags, do you know where (Y/N) is at?

Maggie: Big D? Nope. She should be in class. Why?

Lena rolls her eyes at the older Danvers’ nickname. She can’t believe people call her that but she blushes on the reason why she earned that name. There’s been rumors going around that (Y/N)’s dick is huge and was exposed during one of the wild highschool parties.

Maggie was the one who started the nickname and decided to nickname all the Danvers sisters as well. She called Alex “Mid D” and Kara “Little D or Little Danvers.” Little did everyone know, all the Danvers have huge cocks and their girlfriends can certify that information.

Lena: She’s supposed to be in my microbio class.

Maggie: Hmm. I’ll look into it

The raven haired locks her phone and pays attention to the lecture again. It was long until Lena’s phone vibrated a text message.

Maggie: So . . Big D is getting a BJ from one of the cheerleaders.

Of course. Lena thought to herself.

“Okay class! This semester I’m going to pair you up with a partner. The project will be about collecting samples from different environments and studying what type of bacteria is out there. The due date is TBA but I suggest you start it early and not last minute. The project is worth 300 points of your grade.” Mr. J’onzz announces.

The teacher proceeds to read of the pairs of students for the project in his clipboard. The students were getting noisy as the pairs were being announced. A few were disappointed in who they got while others were filled with joy.

“Lena Luthor! You’re partners with (Y/N) Danvers!”

Lena looked up quickly when she heard her partner’s name. She sees that half of the class looked at her when they found out that their most cherished alpha is partners with a junior omega who’s known for her genius side. The raven haired caught a few omegas looking at her with disgust but she managed to ignore.

“Fuck.” Lena mumbled to herself. She can’t believe she’s paired off with her long time crush. It can’t be that bad right? She’s close with the younger sisters, doesn’t mean she can’t be friendly and close with the oldest Danvers sister as well. Or can she?

[allsassnoclass]

okay so re: smutless long fics, I’ve tried to compile a list of fics as close to 50k words as possible since that’s the wordcount the anon cited and tbh my friends there really are not that many that I personally have read but I did my best.  All fics under the cut are over 30k and have either been verified good by me or my trusted friends

delete this transmission by @anxietycalling: 67k mashton sci-fi. I reread this one recently and it’s just as amazing the second time around I very highly recommend it

“Yeah,” he says, catching sight of his reflection in the dimly reflective surface and running fingers through his hair to fluff it up. And instead of getting on the mag-train home like he wants to, he catches the northbound train to the greenlawn with Calum. “You know, I think I might not go through with it,” he tells his best friend, meaning his activation. They sit together across from the back doors of the car and watch the adverts for an upcoming showing of ‘Titanic’ at the interactive theater. While Calum sits beside him silently he gnaws on a thumbnail and wonders whether it’s too late to get his money back.

“You can’t go back on it now,” Calum tells him.

And it’s true: His payment has already been processed, the credits removed from his profile. The invoice showed up in his e-net overnight and he’d added it to his encrypted folder. “It’s just - weird,” he says, weighing each of the words on his tongue before he speaks. “To be in charge of another person like that. I don’t want that responsibility.”

I’m a Falling Star by @pixiegrl: 55k lashton fantasy, very cute and sweet

A philosopher once asked, “Are we human because we gaze at the stars or do we gaze at them because we are human?” Pointless really. “Do the stars gaze back?” Now that’s a question.

Or: Ashton’s a shop boy setting out on a adventure to find a star to help grant a wish. Luke’s a star crashed to Earth looking for some help to get back home. They’re both in for more adventure than they bargained for.

I Wanna Sleep Next to You... by milecgv: 54k malum college au.  I read it over a year ago but I’m pretty sure I enjoyed it then

"Cuddle buddies, how can I help you?"

Pausing, Calum thought, he could just hang up. Get over the moment of weakness and face the rest of the night alone. He could do it. But the idea of spending one more second alone, brought a fresh pang of hurt to his heart and really, he couldn't bear it. Before his thought process could spiral out of control, the calm voice repeated itself.

"Um, yeah. I-, I need someone to-" He cut himself off because really, how was he going to phrase this?

Chuckling softly, the man on the other line interjected. "Sir, do you need someone to cuddle you?"

Shit, it was now or never. "Yeah. I-uh, I do." His voice came out so small, and he really hoped the man on the other side wouldn't pick up on how desperate he was.

~~~

Calum gets the opportunity to live out his dreams in New York City but it proves too much for him, and on a lonely night he ends up calling the professional cuddle service he swore he'd never call.

those are the only three completed fics over 50k that I personally can vouch for, but here are a few more longer ones I’ve read and I’ll link some over 50k that have gotten good reviews from my friends after those.

Destination: Perth by onlythevoid: 34k lashton 

The stranger swung into the seat next to him and sighed contentedly. Luke stole a glance from under his hat. It was a boy with light-brown messy hair, reminiscent of surfers Luke saw on the beach in Brisbane - he had a t-shirt on and black jeans, and fade-tint round-frame sunglasses propped on his straight nose.

The stranger caught Luke’s eyes.

“Hey?” The stranger asked. Shouldn’t have looked at him, Luke thought. Too late.

The stranger had set his sunglasses on his head and was peering below Luke’s cap. “Dude. You look terrible. Are you okay?”

Oh, so the stranger was one of those guys. Too friendly and ever-inquisitive. Yes, Luke looked like shit; he’d been crying for an hour at a time, every few hours, and all he’d had to eat in the past two days was some wet broccoli at the hospital and a bag of chips he’d bought that morning in Brisbane, and there were bruises all up and down his right arm from a car crash he wished he’d died in.

Luke didn’t say any of that. He prayed his voice would be steady and said, “Yes. Thanks.”

The messy-haired boy did not seem convinced. After a pause, he offered, “My name’s Ashton, by the way.”

hello, hello by @clumsyclifford: 30k lashton

For one long, blinking minute, Luke stares at Ashton and wonders if he’s hallucinating. Because that’s definitely Ashton. That’s Ashton Irwin, his former best friend from Sunny Days, the show they co-starred on as children.

But it’s also definitely Ashton Fletcher, professional film actor worth many millions, possibly hundreds of millions, of dollars, standing on his doorstep, wind ruffling his hair.

Now for the fics that I haven’t read but can confidently say are good through a rigorous peer review system (aka I have friends who read them/I have read and enjoyed other works by these people)

home is wherever you are tonight by @lifewasradical: 72k lashton. this one is on my tbr, I have only heard good things, and I’ve read other things by Amanda and trust her as a writer

Life has become so mundane in the past few years that there’s very little that sends a thrill up Luke’s spine anymore. It’s that idea that had him saying yes to the idea of moving out here for a few weeks anyways: the knowledge that this was a completely new place where no one knew his name. He could be anyone he wanted to be here, within reason. He wouldn’t be seeing any of these people again after May, so what’s the harm in becoming a new person for a bit? Someone not so bogged down by the shit in their head that they can’t get out of bed some mornings. Maybe this is a step in the direction of the person Luke wants to be in the future anyways.

Or, Luke inherits a beach house on a tiny costal island that needs some work. He didn't plan on falling in love with the guy at the hardware store.

world war series by prettyluke: 58k lashton historical au. Megs really likes this one and I trust her judgement

Even after months of seeing bodies ripped apart by bullets and bombs, Ashton still isn't prepared to be ripped apart by the fragile German soldier who has seen far more than any child should.

and

Luke shows up in Britain after 25 years right in time for World War Two to start, and Ashton has been waiting for someone to yank him from his melancholy since Christmas of 1914.

i’ll keep on fighting (just to make you believe) by @squishmichael: 33k muke I have heard good things about this one, have read other works by Taylor and trust them as a writer, and also I did skim this one when it first came out and it’s good I just need to sit down and fully read while paying attention

“Hi, Mike,” Luke says softly.

Michael might have cried from hearing his voice so clearly, not through a phone line, but instead his smile just gets bigger and bigger until his cheeks hurt.

“Hey, Luke,” he replies before throwing himself at Luke, arms looping around his neck and holding tight.

“Easy there, tiger,” Luke says with a chuckle, but he hugs Michael back.

It feels so different, all the shapes and sizes wrong, yet Michael has never felt so at home, melting right into the hug. Luke still fits so perfectly against him despite everything. Because it’s them, and they’re meant to be, and Michael never wants to let go.

*

In which Luke is finally coming home to Australia for the summer after two years, and everything should be perfect. Michael quickly realizes nothing is.

Under the High Low Lights I See You There by @pixiegrl: 33k lashton 90s bar au. I have heard a lot of good things and I have read and enjoyed Emily’s writing

Luke moves onto cleaning the glasses, sneaking glances over at him, admiring the open blue flannel he’s wearing with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, his chest in the white tank top he’s wearing and the pull of it over his muscles, the acid wash denim pants straining over his thighs. He’s attractive and Luke knows he shouldn’t be looking, shouldn’t be so obvious in his stares, but he can’t help it. The man was made to be admired.

Or: It’s the summer of 1996 in New York City when Luke meets Ashton at his bar. Things aren’t always as they seem.

He Did Ballet by @kaleidoscopeminds: 34k cake. people love this one and meg is a great writer

Like the way he danced, everything in Luke's life was perfectly placed, an allegro exercise all on beat, an enchainment with no mistakes. The last thing he needed was a distraction, something to pull his attention away and make him stumble, like losing your spot during a series of fouettés. He glances back towards the bar and sees Calum still looking in his direction. Luke catches his eye again by mistake for just a second too long and Calum smiles slowly and winks at him. Luke shivers slightly and already feels slightly unbalanced. Calum is definitely not a good idea.

Luke's life is perfectly on track. He is about to get everything he's ever wanted, to become a Principal dancer for the Royal Ballet. He's focused, determined and nothing will get in his way. Then he meets Calum, a smooth-tongued barman with dangerous eyes, and suddenly not everything's so simple.

The Sun Is Burning Down Los Angeles by @burstingsunrise: 40k cake. have heard good things and Molly is a good writer

Calum probably signed a form saying he wouldn’t fall in love with the lead singer of the band. And he really doesn’t want to. What a cliché. It’s just…people get famous for a reason. This guy got famous for all the reasons.

***

Calum moves to LA to work for 5SOS.

[colorfulandblack]

So did you notice how every single song in JATP is dedicated to different character? I'm going to skip all the Dirty Candy cos obviously, and same goes to Caleb's HGC numbers. Bit for the rest:

Now or Never - this is the ultimate and only Sunset Curve song. It's THEM. But also have you read the lyrics?

"Clocks move forward but we don't get older, no" and "When all the days felt black and white those were the best shades of my life" it can be read two way. It's both about 1995 and 2020 and their life and afterlife. It's almost prophetic but you don't know it unless you keep watching the show. Also "we're the revolution that's been singing in the rain" watch out for the rain but cos it's echoed in another song.

Wake Up - so at first this seems to be Julie's song but hear me out. It's not. It was written by Rose, Julie's mom. The lyrics: "And you use your pain, cause it makes you you though I wish I could hold you through it. I know it's not the same you got living to do and I just want you to do it". Rose knew she was going to die and she wanted Julie to keep living. To keep playing music. It's her guidance from beyond the grave. It's precisely why this is the first song Julie sings in a YEAR. Because it's the LAST message her mom left for her. It's Rose's song for Julie.

Bright - this is Alex's song and you can fight me on it. Mind it was written back in the 90s - Luke gives it to Julie because it was one of the songs that Bobby hasn't stolen which means that they either played it before, live when they were alive (which seems sort of unlikely because it has more of a pop sound to it than say Now or Never) or because it was never played to the public before. Because it was private. Now again it wasn't something that was kept a secret either because the band joined Julie on stage and executed the song perfectly and they haven't reversed it before, couldn't have because at this point the boys didn't know they could be seen when playing. They sort of joined last minute. They were standing by and watching Julie to the almost last second. And now the lyrics:

"Sometimes I think I'm falling down I wanna cry, I'm crying out for one more try to feel alive. And when I'm lost and alone I know that I can make it home fight through the dark and find the spark" and "In times like that I doubted myself I felt like I needed some help stuck in my head with nothing left. I feel something around me now so unclear, lifting me out I found the ground I'm marching on" this is Alex, anxious, worrisome Alex who came out to his parents who weren't accepting. And his band was there for him. "I can make it home", home being the garage, his band, his friends. They helped him find his 'ground that he's marching on'. Also, I ain't saying that Alex and Luke dated back in the 90s but they definately dated. Just look at this:

"Life is a risk, but we can take it close my eyes and jump. Together, I think that we can make it, c'mon let's run" and "And rise through the night, you and I, we will fight to shine together, bright forever" WE WILL FIGHT TO SHINE TOGETHER, BRIGHT FOREVER. Shine as in unapologetly being themselves. As being happy and accepted and themselves.

Sure when Julie sings it it's about her incredible talent and trying to get back into the music program but again this song was written back in the 90s. It's Alex's song.

The Band is Back - Reggie's Jam. This is pretty self explanatory and the song might be simplistic and upbeat and very beach, summer like but is not without dept. The boys don't know where they stand with the band. They know they are dead and can be heard when singing and seen when playing with Julie but they are still dead. Now remember this song plays right after the boys leave the studio when Ray talks about his happy times with a wife that died. This hits close to home because well they are also dead. But also the way Ray talks about Rose. So much love and admiration. And now Reggie's parents who were "one fight away from divorce". And on top of that his house is gone so there is no way of him (at this point at least and without Julie's help) to find his family or even to learn if they are alive. This song, Luke says that he knows how to cheer Reggie up. But notice this. It's not something that Luke or Alex sing. No. Reggie is. I'm not going to mention that it is kind of weird that they had a song in the ready that's called "the band is back" as if they had a fallout before or something like that. But this aside, this is a song to remind Reggie that they are still friends and that they are family. The only family they are going to need. And they are going to stick together, life or afterlife.

"Can you, can you hear me?" "Loud and clear!" Is such a simple thing that is used on so many concerts to get the audience's attention. But here is different. Becaus eits reaffirming that Reggie is valid. That his voice is being heard and that he's safe. And by having Reggie sing the song - it's like saying "hey Reg we know this is terrible and it sucks but if you'd like we'll be your family and will me always stick around". By making REGGIE sing it, by making him announce that the back is back together is like giving him a choice. A choice to have Luke and Alex as his family. If Luke sang it it was as if he said: "we're your family" but the way it is it's more like a question: "we will be your family if you'll have us" and of course Reggie would that's why the band is back.

Flying Solo - Flynn's song. One of my personal favourites actually. Nothing much to add really. The lyrics are from Julie's dream box because the boys were looking for the kitchen again and are very personal. Flynn is a constant in Julie's life and by having her sing a song about her best friend, SING (a big change that has happened recently in Julie's life) is letting her in once again, having her in her life when the change happens. Letting her on the secret about the ghost band. And it's also an apology and giving her thanks. Because Julie is so thankful to have Flynn there. "My life would be real zero, flying solo without you"

And one more thing, notice how the boys sing nothing but chorus. On every other song the boys get a line or two to sing on their own, except Luke who is not ready to give up his front man position (which is quite fair since he writes the songs too). This song is entirely BY Julie and sang by Julie but is still a Flynn's song.

Finally Free - this is JULIE'S song. This is her first song playing PUBLIC (yes I know it was Bright but it was different. There was no band then yet.) It's her metamorphosis. The song reflects the change in Julie every time she sings:

"I'm awakened, no more faking so we push all our fears away. Don't know if I'll make it cause I'm failing under, close my eyes, and feel my chest beating like thunder. I wanna fly. Come alive. Watch me shine. " it starts off with noting Julie's life without music and then its restoration of it back in her life. Here is this word again, SHINE. It refers to the same thing just different situation. Sine as being themselves. Being true to themselves and singing their heart out.

"Hands up if you believe, been so long, and now I'm finally free. We're all bright now. What a sight now. Coming out like we're fireworks. Marching on proud. Turn it up loud cause now we know what we're worth" Now this can be applied to the entire band. They are visible again, they can be heard and seen. They are feeling as if they are alive again. But more importantly- remember how Julie couldn't sing in her class? How she choked back tears as she run away and Carrie's bitchy comment (it's not that I hate her but y'know if they used to be friends she must have known that Rose died so low blow). "COS NOW WE KNOW WHAT WE'RE WORHT" She proved to everyone that she can sing. She proved to her friends and family that she is getting better with her mother passing. And most of all that she feels closer to her when she sings. She is free. Free of pretending to be fine so her dad wouldn't worry. Free of bottling up all the fear of singing before Flynn and the inevitable disappointment because her friend knew Julie can sing but didn't to say with her in the music program. She is done proving things to people. She is shining bright and she is free.

Edge of Great - ultimate Juke song or a BAND song. Now let me explain, I love the ship I really do but-there is a but,however, I'm not going to go in about my slight concerns regarding Juke as it is canon so let me just jump into the analysis.

Of course it can be read as a Juke song but also as an Julie and Luke's song separately. "Running from the past. Tripping on the now. What is lost can be found, its obvious. And like a rubber ball we come bouncing back. We've all got a second act inside of us" essentially it's about how they all had their past, their demons to battle but they come together united in music. "This is an interesting little relationship you and I have" Luke said. And he was right. Because their relationship is not physical. Its a bond forged by similar life experience and the pain they draw from joined in music.

Now this bit, this 100% Juke right there: "I believe that were just one dream away from who we're meant to be. That were standing on the edge of- something big, something crazy our best days are yet unknown. That this moment is ours to own cause were standing on the edge of great" this gives me some serious throwback vibes to HSM. Also note how this is possibly the only song where Reggie and Luke don't share the mike. They stand next to each other but just watch Julie instead. Also, I think mentioned in other lengthy post about how Reggie and Alex intentionally poofed out giving Luke and Julie that last harmony moment by the piano.

Now this bit: "We all make mistakes but they're just stepping stones. To take us where we wanna go it's never straight, no. Sometimes we gotta lean. Lean on someone else to get a little help until we find our way." Now listen I mentioned the band. See I know this is the almost acoustic chilling chemistry packed moment when Luke and Julie sing. It's obvious they mean so much to each other. By the lyrics itself. It applies to the entire band. They were there to pick each other up and to provide a shoulder to rest their head on.

But as I said untimalte Juke song.

Unsaid Emily - now this, this is LUKE'S song. Obviously. But it's not only because it's dedicated to his mother. It's like Wake Up. It's the second song that is sang acoustically but just one person throughout. And it gives up such a great insight into Luke as a character.

"First things first, we start the scene from reverse, all of the lines rehearsed" THIS is how much his family means to him. He was going over this moment over and over and over in his head. Thinking what he would say. We saw in the show that he approached his house few times checking on his parents. Possibly hoping to come back but never doing it.

"I should have turned around but I had too much pride" he KNEW his parents were only looking out for him. But he was Luke. His music was EVERYTHING to him. Luke has a very single way of thinking of things. He didn't care, doesn't mean he didn't know, how hard it would be to make it. All that mattered it was his music. And it must have hurt. Because he says that his parents regretted buying him his first guitar. It's obvious that he was close with his parents with his mom so they must have not completely condone him being in the band. They just wanted him to have an option if the band won't work out. But Luke didn't see it like that. Because every time his parents tried to convince him to think about it for a moment to think about his future they were looking out for him but to him it felt like betrayal. Because to Luke it sounded like they had no faith in him, on his talent in his band and their chance or making it big. And it hurts SO FUCKING MUCH BECAUSE HE KNOWS IT. He knows it but as he sings he was too prideful to admit it. To come back.

"No times for goodbyes. Didn't get to applogise" and " conversations in my head and that's just where they're gonna stay forever" it's goddamn HEARTBREAKING because this song was written when he was still alive. He still stalked his house and his parents but THIS indicate that he thought things were beyond repair. Like he wanted to come back and apologise but thought it was too late. Like he would never get a chance to say he was sorry and ultimately he never did. Not until Julie.

"If I could take us back, if I could just do that. And write in every empty space the words I love you in replace and everytime would not erase me if you could only know I never let you go and the words I most regret and the ones I never meant to leave" everything he said was in the heat of the moment. He was hurt. But god, at this point I'm crying don't mind me, he thinks that he apologise would mean nothing. He says that if he could replace EVERY SINGLE WORD with I Love You he would but he think it would be erased. It would never be received. Thay it would dissapear. And ultimately it was. Because he died. He died and never got to say how sorry he was.

This song shows us the other side of Luke. Not only the side that only the band has seen before because I think that noone really saw Luke break down like thay when he was singing Unsaid Emily. He was bottling all of it inside and wouldn't let his friends to help him out. Because I refuse to believe that the boys wouldn't try to comfort him knowing that he was hunting around his parents both when he was alive and after.

And this song makes me ugly sob in every form, written, sang, seen in the show so thanks Kenny for it.

Stand Tall - this is the JULIE AND THE PHANTOMS song. The first one of many. And it's almost as heartbreaking as Unsaid Emily. First of all let's lay out the situation. Julie decides to sing ALONE and UNCERTAIN whether the boys would show up or not. Even if she still believes thay they are still there lingering, fighting to play the Orpheum with her and complete their unfinished business she would still lose them. When they cross over they are gone. And if they don't they will cease the exist in the afterlife. So no matter what Julie does she says goodbye to her family. And she STILL DECIDES TO SING.

"Whatever happens even if I'm the last standing I'ma stand tall." THIS FUCKING MOMENT. This is when the boys are supposed to come in. BUT THEY DON'T. They are still trapped in the HGC so JULIE LITERALLY IS THE LAST ONE STANDING. Because she thinks it's too late. She thinks they boys are dead.

I shit you not I scream everytime the boys appear and Luke flickering gives me a heart attach every single time but it's so powerful in terms of showing how much they mean for each other. When Alex and Reggie break free they are so happy to see Julie but when Luke can't get there quite yet the tension is palpable and I will never forgive Charlie for being the little shit when Luke finally appears exactly on his cue with a shit eating grin like he didn't almost die.

"Right now, I'm loving every minute. Hands down, can't let myself forget it, no cause everything is rushing in fast. Keep holding on never look back. And it's one, two, three, four times that I'll try for one more night. Light a fire in my eyes." This is so bittersweet because she is playing with the band. THEY MADE IT! But also she knows it's the last performance. And it's so powerful because she knows it and she will still keep trying. Keep playing music. Keep creating.

This is the ULTIMATE JULIE AND THE PHANTOMS, BAND UNITED AND TOGETHER SONG

But I want to note the literal chills I get everytime Alex and Reggie get their separate "whatever happens even if I'm the last standing I'ma stand tall" because it speaks VOLUMES. For Alex standing tall is being who he is. Unashamed and happy and loved. For Reggie is being with his family. Doing everything for his found family.

This is incredible performance and on top of that the boys disappear barely finishing their bow. If you listen closely. The second Julie stops singing all the music dies down except for the last line guitar strum, Luke's guitar strum and everything is quiet. You can hear Julie's voice, alone, still echo but that's it. The boys are gone.

+1

House is Where my Horse Is - ok, I know it was a joke cos they are in the rock back and this is country song. But you ever listened to a country music? And I'm not talking about modern stuff but a good old fashioned country ballad. I had a moment of little musical crisis in my life and listened to some songs and honestly they are so bittersweet and full of longing and melancholy. 90% of them are about loss, whether that be of a parent (almost always father and almost always cancer) or love and hardships of life and struggle. And I think it's really interesting to give Reggie, a person who is nothing but optimistic and cheerful this characteristic. Because if anything it only underlines what we have seen before that he is not the sharpest tool in the shed but he's smart. He sees things, and he might get lost in the conversation but he sees everything else. And it's not the fist country song he has written either. Luke says "stop putting your country songs in my journal". It's an occurring thing. I just think it sheds a light a bit on Reggie's character as someone else than the goofball.

[fanmoose12]

"Soo," Hange wrapped her arm around her brother Mike, sitting down next to him. "What is awaiting for us this fine evening? What kind of guests do you smell?"

Mike grinned at her, before closing his eyes and taking a deep inhale, his nostrils flaring with the movement.

"I smell..." he did another inhale. "I smell a bunch of rich men, who aren't nearly as rich as they think."

"Typical for such balls," Hange huffed. "What else do you smell?"

"A dozen of girls, who are desperate to find a rich husband."

"What else?"

"A couple of men and women, who genuinely came here to find themselves a true love."

Hange snickered. "…What else?"

“I smell… I smell someone utterly gorgeous. Tall, blond, with one hell of a jawline and a pair of the bluest eyes I've ever seen."

Hange looked up at her brother, his description was way too accurate, even Mike's nose wasn't that sharp. And sure, his eyes weren’t closed anymore and instead focused on the center of the room, where stood a man, who fitted Mike's description perfectly. He was incredibly handsome, there was no denying that, but Hange was more curious about his short, black-haired companion.

She nudged Mike in his side. "What about his friend?"

Mike spared him no more than a single look. "He's arrogant, selfish little man."

"Mm," Hange cocked her head to the side. Mike certainly seemed to be right. The man was scowling so fiercely at every one, who dared to approach him, that Hange began to wonder why did he bother to attend the ball in the first place. She continued to watch him, her sharp eyes boring into him, when suddenly he turned around.

Their eyes met.

Hange's heart skipped a beat. She felt a blush spread across her cheeks. She raised a hand, giving him a little wave. The man narrowed his eyes, his gaze emanating even more annoyance than his face. He plucked his lips in disgust, as he noticed that Hange was wearing a man’s clothes, instead of a dress.

She hastily looked away. If he looked at her for a second longer, she was sure her heart would jump out of her chest.

"Let's go and introduce ourselves," Mike said, getting to his feet.

Hange pulled him back. "Sit down," she hissed. "Moblit is going to be here soon. He'll tell us about those mysterious newcomers, I'm sure."

"Mysterious?" Mike grinned. "So they've managed to grip your interest too?"

"I'm not nearly as interested in them as you seem to be," Hange retorted. "But I haven't seen them around here, and that's certainly... intriguing."

Oh, that man was intriguing alright. But Hange wasn't ready to come face to face with him just yet.

Thankfully, a couple of minutes later, Moblit did enter the huge ballroom. Hange waved at him with a smile, beckoning her friend to come closer.

“We’ve been waiting for you!” she exclaimed, dragging him down to sit next to her. As soon as he did so, Hange wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She sighed in content. Sitting between Mike and Moblit, two men she cared about most in the world, she felt warm and safe. “So!” she clasped her hands. “Tell us all the juicy gossip!”

Moblit chuckled, scratching his neck. “I don’t really know anything worth your interest…”

“C’mon!” Hange urged. “You always know that kind of stuff. So spill it out!”

“Well, Rico Brzenska just returned from her trip to Scotland….”

“Oooh, little adorable Rico?” Hange gave her brother a mischievous look. “You remember her, don’t you, Mike? Remember, when you’ve danced with her during last year’s ball and you stepped on her f—”

“Don’t remind me,” Mike shuddered. “I thought that glare of hers would kill me.”

Hange laughed, throwing her head back. Mike rolled his eyes, playfully smacking her arm.

“I don’t wish to hear about Rico or others boring neighbors,” he said to Moblit. “Better tell us about them,” he pointed at the two mysterious men from before. “Do you know anything about them? Especially the handsome blonde?”

“The angry shorty, too!” Hange added, pointedly ignoring a curious look from Mike.

“Oh, that’s Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman. I’ve heard that Mr. Smith recently rented Netherfield and Mr. Ackerman came to visit him.”

“Netherfield?” Mike’s eyebrows shot up. “So he’s rich.”

“He is,” Moblit nodded. “And Mr. Ackerman is even richer.”

“That shorty is wealthy?” Hange gasped.

“He may be short,” Moblit agreed. “But the pile of riches he owns is most definitely not.”

Hange whistled lowly, glancing at Mr. Ackerman again. He was still standing next to Mr. Smith, who was talking to some young lady. His stiff posture spoke volumes about his awkwardness. Hange snickered in her sleeve.

“Alright, we’ve heard enough,” Mike announced, grabbing Hange by the hand. “Let’s go and introduce ourselves.”

Whatever protest Hange had was promptly ignored, as her brother started to pull her upwards. Before he dragged her away, though, she reached out and swiftly ruffled Moblit’s hair, promising to get to him later.

 ***

When they came to stand in front of Mr. Ackerman and Mr. Smith, Hange had to admit – up close, Mr. Smith was even more handsome. His blue eyes shined even more brightly and his soft smile would have made even a gal like Hange swoon.

If she managed to look away, of course, from his short companion.

Standing so close to her, Mr. Ackerman looked much more annoyed. However, Hange couldn’t help but notice that he too wasn’t that bad looking. One could even call him handsome, if he would stop scowling so much.

“G-good evening, sirs!” Mike exclaimed way too loudly.

Hange gave her brother a critical look. And as she did so, she barely managed to conceive her laughter. She had never seen Mike so nervous – the poor man was sweating and blushing at the same time! As a good and caring sister, Hange had to step in and save at least some of his dignity.

“We’ve heard you’re our new neighbors!” she smiled brightly. Mr. Smith smiled back. Mr. Ackerman did not. “I’m Hange Zoe and this is my brother, Mike,” she pointed at him and her eyes didn’t miss the way Mr. Smith’s smile widened ever so slightly, as he gazed at Mike.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Mr. Smith took Hange’s palm in his to plant a small kiss there. Then, he grabbed Mike’s large hand and gave it a firm handshake, that lasted only a little too long. “My name is Erwin Smith and this is my friend, Levi Ackerman.”

Mr. Ackerman said nothing for a long moment. Hange started to feel a little awkward, and she was definitely not alone in this, as Mr. Smith discreetly elbowed Mr. Ackerman in the side, mumbling something that sounded a lot like ‘For the love of god, be nice”.

“Why aren’t you wearing a dress?” he asked finally, regarding Hange with cold gaze.

“Oh my, please, forgive him—” Mr. Smith hastily tried to apologize, simultaneously giving Mr. Ackerman a disappointing look.

“I take no offence,” Hange waved him off. “I get that question a lot, actually, and the answer, I’m afraid, is fairly simple – I don’t like them.”

“But everyone else wears them,” Mr. Ackerman crossed hands on his chest.

“I’m not everyone else,” Hange noted with a grin.

Mr. Ackerman didn’t seem satisfied with her answer, as he rolled his eyes, huffing in annoyance.

“I’m afraid, Levi isn’t a very sociable person,” Mr. Smith said with a tight smile. “It’s just a flaw of his character, do not take it personally.”

“You’re staying at Netherfield, right?” Hange swiftly changed the topic. “I’ve heard that it has one of the most extensive libraries in our country.”

“It’s true,” Mr. Smith nodded with a smile that told Hange just how much he was grateful for a change of subject. “The library is simply gorgeous, I honestly can’t stay away from it.”

“Ah, I envy you,” Hange sighed dreamily.

“Hange enjoys reading,” Mike joined the conversation. He didn’t sound as awkward as before. Hange reached to his hand and gave it a firm squeeze. “You can’t imagine how hard it is to drag her away from her books.”

“That’s a feeling I’m most familiar with,” Mr. Smith chuckled. “And if you share my passion for knowledge, please feel free to visit my library whenever you wish. Of course,” he looked at Mike. “My invitation extends to you as well.”

“You’re very kind,” Mike answered, his voice sounding higher than usual. Hange hid her grin. Gosh, her brother had it bad.

“Would you like to dance?” Mr. Smith asked, extending his hand to Mike.

“With a pleasure,” he agreed, taking Mr. Smith’s arm in his and leading him to join the crowd of dancers.

And also leaving Hange alone with Mr. Ackerman. He was still staring at her, his glare not lessening.

“So,” she began, feeling more than a little awkward. “Do you dance, Mr. Ackerman?”

“Not if I can help it,” he answered curtly.

Oh Jesus, Hange thought. He really wasn’t going to make it easier for her. For the first time in her life, Hange didn’t know what to retort. She looked around the ballroom, trying to find Moblit’s face in the mass of dancing guests. As soon as she spotted him, she hurried to join his side, feeling immensely relieved that he didn’t find some pretty girl to dance with. Hange was lucky that Nifa was on her trip in London and couldn’t attend the ball. It would be hard to converse with Moblit, if she was there.

“Why aren’t you dancing?” he asked, as Hange approached him.

“I just don’t feel like it,” she said, taking him by the hand and leading Moblit into a more secluded area.

 ***

They were sitting behind the benches, talking about nothing, when Hange saw Mr. Smith and Mr. Ackerman walking side by side.

Against her better judgment, she strained her ears, listening intently.

“It’s a beautiful evening, is it not, Levi?” Mr. Smith asked with a dreamy smile.

“It is not,” came Mr. Ackerman’s reply.

“Ah, Mike is really handsome, is he not?” Mr. Smith continued, evidently used to his friend’s attitude.

“If you say so.”

“His sister is very pretty, as well. You should have asked her to a dance.”

“Pretty?” Mr. Ackerman huffed. “She is barely tolerable. And not handsome enough to tempt me.”

Hange felt her cheeks burn in embarrassment. She knew she wasn’t the fairest of the fair and she was more than okay with it her whole life. But for some reason, those words struck some cord inside her.

“Don’t listen to him,” Moblit whispered, squeezing her hand in his. “And count your blessings. If he liked you, you’d have to look at his sour face for the whole evening.”

“Just the thought of it terrifies me!” Hange chuckled, smiling gratefully at Moblit. “I wouldn’t have danced with him, even if he was richer than a king himself!”

After that little accident, Hange and Moblit returned to the ball. They danced and laughed with other guests. Hange was enjoying herself immensely.

However, every time she stopped and looked around, she saw that Mr. Ackerman’s cold eyes were following her every move. She was always quick to look away. His intense and yet unreadable gaze unnerved and confused her.

 ***

“Your dancing skills are very impressive,” Mr. Smith told Mike after their second dance had ended.

“Thank you,” Mike mumbled, hiding his burning face behind his hair.

“If you think his dancing is impressive,” Hange cut in, always ready to tease her dear brother. “Then you should have read his poetry. That is most certainly impressive.”

“Hange,” Mike whispered lowly, both as a warning and a plea.

“You write poetry?” Mr. Smith asked, lifting an eyebrow.

“It happened only once—”

“When we were younger,” Hange grinned crookedly, cutting Mike off. “There was this girl Mike fancied. She seemed to fancy him back, and so he decided to write her a poem, as a way of confessing his feelings.”

“Did it work?”

“Oh, it worked just fine,” Hange couldn’t keep in her giggles. “Mike’s poem was so good, that girl never spoke to him again. I’m afraid that my brother once again proved the power of poetry in driving away love.”

“I thought the poetry is the tool that strengthened one’s love, not destroyed it,” Mr. Ackerman intervened. The bored expression on his face didn’t disappear, yet his eyes looked into Hange’s with utmost graveness.

“If we are talking about powerful, lasting feeling, then you are most certainly right, Mr. Ackerman,” Hange answered, her glasses glittering in a bright candlelight. “But if it is just a poor inclination, then a bad sonnet will most certainly eliminate any affection.”

“And what do you suggest to encourage affection?” He made a face at the last word, showing Hange just how uncomfortable he was with personal feelings. This new knowledge didn’t surprise her in the slightest.

Hange’s grin turned into a smug smirk, as she looked Mr. Ackerman up and down. “Dancing. Even if one’s partner is barely tolerable.”

The way Mr. Ackerman’s eyes slightly widened because of her words was the best thing that happened to Hange this evening. She turned around, feeling giddy and cheerful.

‘Take that, annoying shorty,’ she thought, as she made her way through the crowd.

[strangerthingsharrington]

Can’t Fight This Feeling

-20-

A/N - Sorry for the wait, I had writers block for this one, which is why it really isn’t the best. But I wanted to get it out before it got too far away from me!

We were all silently looking around the group after Hopper stormed off. None of us knew what to say or do. We didn’t have a plan. We didn’t have anything. We needed direction, and the guy that should have been taking charge was stomping away from us like a toddler.

Finally Mrs. Byers cleared her throat and brought the attention to her, “Okay, guys, lets just...wait for Hopp to get it together and he’ll realize letting you guys navigate is the best bet. Let’s just...wait him out,” Mrs. Byers suggested with a grimace.

I let out a deep breath and looked up at Steve, who was looking off towards the escalators.

“Steve?” I whispered.

He brought his eyes down to me and let a tiny smile ghost over his lips.

“You okay?” I wondered.

He cleared his throat before nodding slightly at me, “Yeah,” he told me, before putting his arm around my shoulders, “just wishing we could not be getting ready to fight a monster...again.”

I breathed out a small laugh and nodded my head, “Yeah-me too, Steve.”

He hummed, “I’m gonna run to the bathroom. I’ll be right back,” he said, leaning his forehead against my temple for a few seconds, before moving away from me and walking toward the washroom.

I sighed quietly, wishing that Steve and I were preparing for our date rather than being stuck in the mall waiting for a monster to show up and possibly kill us at any moment.

“So...what the hell happened down there?” Jonathan questioned me suddenly.

I looked up at my oldest friend, Jonathan, who had Nancy by his side. He was waiting for me to spill more of my story.

I shrugged, “You gotta be more specific, there was a lot of shit going on down there.”

“Let’s start with the bruises around your neck,” he requested, pointing to my neck, “then we’ll move onto your face with the cut lip, and end at the bruise around your arm.”

I brought my hand up and touched my throat, feeling light pain at the touch before looking down to my arm and saw the large purple and blue bruise that had formed almost all the way around my upper arm.

I sighed, “We told you, Steve and I got taken and smacked around a little. Steve had it worst then me.”

“But are you okay?” he asked worriedly.

I breathed out and smiled lightly, “Yeah, now that I’m above ground and with everyone else.”

He grinned, “Now the real question...what the hell is going on with you and Steve?”

I felt my face redden and I laughed lightly, “What do you mean?” I asked, rubbing the back of my neck.

Nancy giggled, “Oh come on, Louise. He had his arm around you! He just gave you some puppy dog eyes.”

I looked at her uncomfortably, “I mean...look-I dont want this to be weird or anything.”

Nancy scoffed, “Come on...he’s my exboyfriend. It was over months and months ago.”

“And you’ve had a crush on him forever,” Jonathan added in.

I stuck my tongue out and pushed his shoulder while he laughed, “Look, we went through a lot of stuff down there and even this last week...I liked Steve for a long time and then I hated him for a longer time. But he’s...different and he told me he likes me and I like him and-we have much bigger things to be worried about,” I ranted with a sigh.

“Hey,” Nancy said soothingly, “Lou, you don’t have to defend it. I’m not upset, I thought you and Steve looked really cute together. And anyways,” she shrugged smiling up at Jonathan, “I started dating a guy you dated.”

I scoffed but smiled at the two of them, “God, we dated for two weeks,” I laughed with an eye roll, “you guys are, obviously, much better suited.”

“You and Steve probably are too,” Jonathan grinned.

I sighed, “We’ll see,” I mumbled.

“Nanc, can you give me and Louise a second?” Jonathan asked her.

She smiled, “I’ll go check in on Mike,” she said before walking away.

“Lou,” Jonathan began.

“Jon,” I echoed.

He put his hands on my shoulders, “Whatever happened between you and Steve this week...I’m happy he’s finally seeing you for you, without being King Steve the ultimate jerk.

“Look,” he began, watching me intently, “after the shit we’ve been through before this with the gate and everything...Steve has had our backs during all of it. Especially Dustin,” he explained.

I groaned, “Yeah, it’s not hard to see how close those two are.”

Jonathan laughed and pulled me into a hug, I wrapped my arms around his waist, “Come on, be happy that ten year old Louise’s dreams are coming true.”

I laughed and pulled away from him, “You’re so weird.”

“You and me both,” he shrugged, looking down at me.

“Hey.”

I looked behind me and saw Steve standing there, watching his eyes travel from me to Jonathan and back.

“Hey,” I said stepping out of Jonathan’s embrace and walking to stand with Steve.

“I’m gonna check on the kids,” Jonathan said, as I turned to face him when I reached Steve’s side, “glad you helped keep everyone safe, Steve,” Jonathan said with a small grin.

“Wouldn’t have had it any other way,” Steve responded back.

Jonathan nodded before turning around and walking away from us.

I turned to face Steve, “How’s you face?”

A smile flickered across his face, “Sore,” he answered honestly.

“You okay?” I asked him.

He looked down at the ground for a few seconds before looking back up to me with a nervous look.

“You and Jonathan dated before, right?” he asked me softly.

My brows furrowed, “Yeah-why?”

He cleared his throat and looked off to the side, “Look...Lou...I know we haven’t even gone out on a date or anything yet...and I know you and Jonathan are close and everything...”

In an instant it clicked. When Nancy dumped Steve she got together with Jonathan relatively quickly. That must have stung a little bit.

“Steve...are you...worried about Jonathan?” I asked quietly.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, bringing his eyes back to mine, “I mean, I know there’s obviously bigger shit to worry about,” he let out a huff, “I really like you, Lou. I’m not upset about her and Jonathan, and I don’t have feelings for her or anything like that...I dunno,” he shrugged, “I don’t want to mess this up before it even begins.”

“Steve,” I grabbed his hand never breaking the eye contact, “I really like you too. Jonathan and I dated for two weeks forever ago. Jonathan is my best friend, tied with Robin of course,” I said with a small laugh, causing him to smile slightly, “I’ve liked you for a long time...and then didn’t,” I said honestly seeing the sadness in his eyes when I said it, “but this last week...after really getting to know you...I want to see what this is. You’re a really good guy, Steve.”

He grinned at me, “I wanna see what this is too,” he told me squeezing my hand gently, “I’m sorry...I dont want to sound like-I dunno, like I’m whiny or something-“

“Steve,” I smiled, interrupting him, “you’re entitled to feel however you want to feel. And I want to know how you’re feeling so we can talk about it. I’ve told you before, if you ever wanted to talk about anything, I’m here to listen. But I want to just tell you,” I said, placing my unoccupied hand on his shoulder, “Jonathan is the last thing you need to be worried about.”

He grinned and nodded a couple times, “Okay...yeah.”

I looked behind me to see Hop going around the Russians strewn on the ground and grabbing their guns.

I sighed, “Looks like something is going on,” I turned and looked up to Steve, “Let’s go,” I said, removing my hand from my shoulder and walking towards the group again with Steve’s hand in mine.

We walked over to the group, back to where Hop was scavenging guns from the dead Russians around the food court.

“Hey, heads up!” I heard Hop call when we were a few feet away from him and the kids, “You can navigate just from somewhere safe,” he told my brother.

“It’s not that simple,” Dustin insisted holding the walkie talkie in his hand.

“The signal won’t reach,” Erica agreed.

“Not with this,” he said, “you need something with a high enough frequency band to relay with the Russians radio tower. But for that to work, you need someone who has both seen their comms room and has access to a super-powered handcrafted radio tower one preferably already situated at the highest point in Hawkins.”

I rolled my eyes but smirked at my little brother. He always had to puff himself up just a tiny bit to let everyone know that he had the ideas and could put them into motion. Or in this case, he had already put part of this into motion a week ago.

“Oh wait,” he added sarcastically, “that’s me.”

Hopper looked like he was truly done with Dustin’s shit, which, honestly, would only egg Dustin on a tiny bit.

“If you want us to navigate, you got us. But we need a head start,” Dustin said as Hopper watched him silently, “and a car,” Dustin added as an afterthought.

Hopper rolled his eyes and looked over to me and Steve, “Take him to his tower, will ya?” he asked, before digging in his pocket and pulled out a set of key and tossing them to Steve, “Cars right out front.”

I looked up to Steve and saw him grinning at Hopper, “Will do, Chief.”

I looked over in the direction where I had seen Robin previously and waved her over, she jogged over to us.

“Come on, let’s lead these adult nerds through a maze,” Erica sassed before leading the Dustin, Robin, Ateve and I away from the others.

As soon as we walked to the glass doors of the mall and I could see the car in question, I knew Steve was going to go crazy over it.

“Oh man,” he said excitedly, “now this...this is what I’m talking about!” he finished and tossed the keys in the air, catching them a second later.

“Calm down, dingus, we still have work to do,” Robin reminded him.

I looked the car over and rolled my eyes at the license plate, I nudged Robin and pointed it out to her.

“Toddfather?” she asked, clearly grossed out, making me giggle.

“Oh screw Todd!” Steve scoffed, “Steve’s her daddy now.”

I shook my head at him, “Did you just talk about yourself in the third person?”

“Did he just call himself daddy?” Erica asked, disgusted.

I grinned as Erica, Dustin and Robin smushed into the back seat and moved the passenger seat back and sat in it with Steve getting in next to me a second later.

“All right,” Steve called us to attention, “where are we going?”

“Weathertop,” Dustin answered.

“Weather-what?” Steve asked, turning to look at Dustin who was seated right behind him.

“Just drive!” Dustin instructed.

“Okay! Jesus!” Steve yelled.

“Okay, here’s what’s gonna happen,” I began, turning as best as I could in my seat to face the others in the back, “we’re obviously to the hilltop and we’re staying there together until they tell us they need us. Okay?”

“I honestly don’t know where we went in the vents,” Robin admitted looking at the other two next to her.

Dustin waved her off, “Don’t worry, Erica and I will deal with that.”

“A favour,” Steve said from up front, “this has been a wild kinda day, so unless it’s Dustin giving me the directions can we have a peaceful car ride with just the music?”

I turned forward in my seat and looked over st him, “It’s been the longest day of my life,” he said with a chuckle, glancing at me, “I want just a few minutes of calm.”

I grinned at him, “Okay.”

I understood where he was coming from. Just to have a moment of silence and calmness and maybe feel like we don’t have the end of the world a few feet in front of us.

I sighed and sat back in my seat, feeling some of my hairs not being held in by my ponytail fly around as the air whipped by my head because the roof was down.

The cool air actually felt really nice on my face, maybe because we had been stuck under the mall for so long and having actual fresh air was amazing.

“Lou,” Steve said.

I looked over to him and grinned, “Yeah?”

“You good?” he smiled.

“I’m good,” I told him honestly.

His smile grew wider and he grabbed my hand holding it tightly in his.

——

Title credit to REO Speedwagon and gif credit to owner

[stevesnailbat]

Heyyy dude I was reading your stories and can I just say wow your so good! I was wondering if you could do a hate-hate relationship with Steve x reader (just an example) reader or Steve you can choose says if your weren’t such a bitch/asshole I would totally date you and likeee smut after 🤍✨

warnings: smut, Steve being kinda cocky/mean but not really

word count: 2.5K

The knock on her bedroom door was so soft she almost didn’t hear it, but she knew for sure that it wasn’t her dad. Hop wouldn’t knock anyway, he’d just barge in if he needed her.

“You can come in, El.” she called out as she closed the book in front of her, knowing she was going to have to take her somewhere.

El walked in, smiling over at her sister meekly as she made her way over to the bed. She sat down on the edge, staring at her hands that rested in her lap.

“What’s up?” Y/N asked, turning to face El. “You need me to take you somewhere?”

“Mike asked me to come to his house.” El said bluntly, still staring at her hands.

Y/N sighed slightly at her words, dreading the next part of the conversation. If he wasn’t there to do it, Hopper made Y/N give El the parental spiel when she’d ask to go to Mike’s. Y/N knew he meant well, but it sucked for her because it was an awkwardly painful experience for her and El; although, witnessing Hop trying to give the spiel would have been even more painful.

“Alright, I hate this part as much as you do, but I have to ask all of these so Dad doesn’t rip both of our heads off.” she chuckled as she reached for her sister’s hand, making El smile slightly. “Are his parents going to be there and is it just gonna be you and him?”

“His mom is home. The party is playing D&D in the basement now.” El replied, already knowing exactly what Y/N had to hear from her.

“Okay, sounds pretty convincing to me.” she laughed, halfway surprised at El’s quick response as she stood up from her chair to slip on some shoes. “Let’s go, I guess. I’ll tell Dad later.”

As they drove to the Wheeler house, El talked about Mike and what they did that week for the majority of the trip. It was nice to see her little sister finally having some happiness in her life, even if it meant that she had to take her everywhere all the time. Y/N didn’t complain, though. It was hard to say no to the girl and it was even harder to stay in the house when El was upset about not going and Hop was upset about her annoyance.

“They invited you too.” El said as they pulled up to Mike’s house, smiling over at Y/N hopefully. “If you want to stay.”

Like said before, it was hard for Y/N to say no to El. So, she followed El into the basement to see the party gathered around a table while Steve Harrington stood next to Dustin, trying to figure out what was happening while Max explained something to him. Y/N rolled her eyes when she saw the brown-eyed boy, immediate annoyance rising in her chest.

“El! Y/N! Come join, we were just showing Steve how to play so we can show you too!” Dustin exclaimed, motioning for them to come to the table.

Y/N hesitated momentarily, not even wanting to talk to or be next to Steve. Neither of them were really sure why, but they hated each other. She thought he was an entitled ass, he thought she was just plain mean. She caught him glaring at her slightly when she walked in, but she ignored it. As much as she didn’t want to, she stayed anyways, she knew El really wanted her to be there. So, she walked to the table, watching eyes wide as Dustin immediately started telling her what he was doing and what he would do next.

Neither of them would ever admit it, but there was something more than hate between them. Maybe it was love, maybe admiration or maybe just pure lust.

The next hour or so was fine, neither of them said much to each other and listened to what everyone was saying without a word. That was, until Max tried to tell Steve to work with Y/N instead of her for a while. They argued the whole time, never letting the other one finish a full sentence or suggestion. It was amusing to everyone else in the room, but neither of them were happy about the situation.

“You guys would be a cute couple, you know. You’re already bickering like you’ve been married for twenty years.” Max laughed matter-of-factly after they finished the extremely short campaign, making Steve laugh and shake his head in denial.

“You know, maybe I would date you, Harrington. You’ve got the good looks, the nice smile, nice hair. But, you’re an asshole, to me at least.” Y/N said truthfully as she slightly cringed at her own words, narrowing her eyes as she spoke and felt the room go silent. “So if you weren’t such an asshole, maybe then I’d date you.”

“Oh I’m the asshole? I think you should take a look in the mirror before you say that again and you’ll see the true asshole.” he scoffed, rolling his eyes as he ran his fingers through his hair.

“Would you two shut up? You’re both assholes, okay?” Mike snapped, making El laugh as she clung onto his arm.

The two of them rolled their eyes and stayed silent for the rest of the time in the basement, not wanting to annoy the kids too much with their arguing. They knew they were being childish, but they didn’t want the other to win the fight.

Y/N took El home, avoiding the conversation about Steve with her by asking about Mike again on the way home. It was around midnight when Y/N heard a knock on her window, making her jump slightly in her seat at her desk. She made her way over to the window cautiously, holding a pair of scissors to protect herself in case it was someone trying to murder her or something ridiculous. The person on the other side was even more shocking than an intruder, Steve Harrington.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she whispered while opening her window quietly, not letting him come inside yet by blocking the majority of the window.

“I want to talk to you about earlier. Can I just come in, please?” he asked, his tone serious this time.

“No! You were an asshole earlier and I don’t wanna talk to you about anything.” she said crossly, glaring at him from inside.

“I deserve a chance to talk and explain myself. Please? If you say no, I’m coming in anyways.” he replied, watching her shake her head again. “Alright, I’ll just climb over and around you then.”

And he did just that; he climbed through the window by grabbing on to the corner of her desk for leverage, eventually grabbing her waist because she was the closest thing he could balance on. Her breath hitched as he touched her, goosebumps erupting on her skin as butterflies filled her stomach. That first touch sent sparks through her body and was when she realized how badly she wanted him, how badly she needed his touch. Maybe the sexual tension between them was the root of their issues?

“This is illegal, you know. And my dad is literally the chief of police and is sleeping in the room over.” she sneered as she crossed her arms, ignoring the feeling she got from his simple touch on her skin. “And how do you know where I live?”

“I’ve picked El up from here plenty of times. But you aren’t actually going to tell him, I know that.” Steve replied bluntly, smirking at her as he finally stepped all the way into the room. “Anyways. I wanted to talk to you about today.”

“About what? The part where I called you an asshole or the part where you actually were an asshole?” she replied. “Or are you here to call me an asshole again?”

“Yes—I mean no! I’m not here to call you an asshole again, I’m—I’m sorry I did that.” he replied, his tone more sincere as he spoke this time. “I was just annoyed, I guess?”

“About what?” she replied, furrowing her brow as she watched the boy struggle with his own thoughts.

“I don’t know! I’m so fucking conflicted about you.” he confessed, stepping a bit closer to her. “I want to hate you but I fucking can’t because of the things that run through my mind when I see you.”

“What kind of things, Harrington?” she implored, raising her eyebrows as an amused smirk spread on her lips, as if she knew exactly what he was talking about already.

“Things like the fact that I want to this to you every time I see you.” he said, inching closer to her before smashing his lips against hers in a forceful kiss.

There was a weight that seemed to lift off her shoulders as he kissed her first, a low whimper escaping her lips. Her hands went to his hair as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him than she thought was possible. After a moment of passion, she came to her senses and pulled away from the kiss to look at him with wide eyes. She caught her breath for a moment, trying to form a coherent thought through the haze that her mind was in.

“What the hell, Harrington.” she said softly, reaching up to touch her lips as if she didn’t believe what just happened. “Why are you here? To tell me you hate me or to fuck me?”

“I don’t even know why I’m here, but that felt like the right thing to do.” he stated, staring at her as she touched her lips; he was just trying to figure out if what he was feeling was lust or something more than that.

She tried to talk herself out of it quickly, but she couldn’t help the way she was feeling. So, she did the same to him. Her lips pressed against his and she tugged at his shirt, pulling him down on the bed behind her. He climbed on top of her as she led him down, moving his lips from hers to trail along her neck. She moaned as she felt him grind against her slightly, biting her lip quickly once she was pulled back to reality.

“I’m gonna need you to be quiet if we do this, okay? Can’t have the Chief coming in here, can we, sweetheart?” Steve said, a cocky smirk on his lips as his assertive side showed.

“Fuck you, Harrington.” she replied, rolling her eyes at his cockiness.

“Isn’t that the point?” he chuckled while his hands worked at getting her t-shirt off.

It didn’t take long for their clothes to be in a pile on the floor next to her bed, their lips never leaving each other’s as they stripped. He pulled away after hearing her gasp in response to him gripping the hem of her panties. His eyes were blown out with a lustful stare as he peered down at her, as if he was waiting for her to say something.

“Yes?” she said, growing impatient with his stilled movements.

“Do you want this?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern as he spoke.

“Yes. God yes.” she said, unable to hide her desperate tone behind her usual witty attitude as she reached for the waistband of his boxers. “Do you have a condom?”

He nodded quickly, reaching for his wallet that was in his jeans on the floor. His hands were shaky as he fumbled through the wallet, as if he couldn’t find it. An impatient whine came from her lips as she grabbed the wallet from his grasp while rolling her eyes. She pulled the condom from it’s spot and tugged the foil open with her teeth, maintaining eye contact with the desperate boy above her the whole time.

He watched as she stripped his boxers from his waist, eyes going wide in surprise at what was underneath. He couldn’t help but chuckle at her surprise and she rolled her eyes, mumbling something about how cocky he was as she rolled the condom onto his length. After she finished, Steve slid his hand between them to pull her panties off. He slid a finger across her core, making her gasp.

“No fucking around right now, Harrington.” she said, trying to sound cocky to match his attitude. “Just fuck me now.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m getting there, be patient.” he replied bluntly, making her eyebrows quirk up as he lined himself up with her entrance.

A few moments passed before she felt him sink into her, a yelp of pleasure escaping her lips when she felt him bottom out. His lips crashed against hers in an effort to keep her quiet as he quickened his pace. Her nails dug into his shoulder, moaning quietly into the kiss while trying to keep her hips in rhythm with his. He pulled away from the kiss to look down at her, a new feeling washing over him as he did. She locked eyes with him, seemingly feeling the same thing. Neither of them knew what it was, and they knew it wasn’t the time to talk about it.

“I’m gonna need you to keep going, Steve.” she coaxed jokingly, noticing his halted movements as he was lost in thought.

“Right, my bad.” he replied, a smirk appearing on his face as he started again at a quick pace.

She bit her lip to stifle a moan while locking eyes with him, still scraping her nails along his shoulder gently. Steve chuckled to himself as a shiver traveled down his spine from her touch, trying not to get lost in her touch. To distract himself, he slid his hand between them and gently began to rub her clit.

“F—Fuck, if you keep that up, I’m gonna cum soon.” she whimpered softly, arching her back in response to his touch.

“That’s the whole point, right?” he said with a smirk, rubbing his fingers with more intensity and intention as his thrusts sped up.

Before she knew it, she felt her body begin to tense up as an orgasm washed over her. Steve buried his face in the crook of her neck as his thrusts slowed, reaching his climax as she reached hers. After coming down from their highs, the two of them laid together, panting tiredly as they did. Neither of them really knew what to say, mainly because neither of them knew what they felt.

“Does this mean you still think I’m an asshole?” Steve asked, a genuine smile on his face as he peered over at her.

“We’ll see about that, I haven’t made up my mind yet, Harrington.” she giggled, rolling her eyes at his question. “On second thought, maybe I don’t hate you anymore. I’m just not sure if I like you or not yet.”

[twit-moonstar]

i fall to pieces: chapter one - roger taylor x fem!reader

N/A: Hey! This is just the first chapter of this little mini series I’ll do. I was intending on doing a big ass one shot but I can’t force myself to finish it so I decided to post what I have and see if there’s actually any interest on reading this. It’s a 80s Roger x Stripper!Reader, in case the little banner didn’t gave it away. Let me know your opinion and reblog the fic if you liked it <3

N/A2: I edited this myself, so pardon me if there’s any grammar mistake or incoherence! (Doesn’t excuse me but) English it’s not my first languaje.

Summary:  When Y/N, a dancer at the Blue Velvet stripclub mets rockstar Roger Taylor, she’s torn between mistrust and flirting shamelessly but little by little they find a way to each other’s heart.

Warnings: There’s no smut in this bc i’m not up for it but there will be a few references to sex.

Words: roughly 3K

“Bring you ass here, Laura!” exclaimed Coco and you rejected the various shots that Laura offered you before she walked to Coco with a simple gesture of your hand. Applying the deep wine lipstick carefully, you smile in different ways in the mirror to try to get into this persona you had created for the club.

Working on the club night after night was taking its toll over you, and you were in desperate need of a vacation but you wouldn’t dare to ask Mike about it. Your rent was due in a week and you still needed a few pounds to get the amount of money you needed.

Maybe I should go on that date with that guy, Tate, you think. You already know him and how his crushes tended to go for the girl he had put his eye on—The fortunate chosen one would end up with a new shiny pair of brand shoes and a gold bracelet or a diamond necklace, all of that without even sleeping with him. Of course, those who did sleep with him could get a whole lot more but that wasn’t something that you were thrilled for— and he was certainly interested in you.

You walk out of the dressing room. The club wasn’t yet at its fullest, as it was fairly early yet. The lights, however, were starting to get lowered and soon the place would be bathed in blue and red.

“Busy night, Karma?” asks the new barmaid, Matt, you think. He’s been trying to get into your pants ever since he started to work, but you never pay him any attention.

“Not yet, Matthew,” you reply, passing by without looking at him and walking straight to a group of three men drinking beer and watching to one in particular.

They seem delighted with your presence as if you had chosen them for some special reason. By the end of two songs, you’re fifty pounds richer. It’s not the most you can get, but you’re tired and at this point of the week you don’t even care.

You walk to the bar and observe the club. It wasn’t the fanciest place, but it felt cheery enough for you after all this time. Sometimes it scared you how comfortable you felt there but you had to remember why you had started to work in a place like this.

A group of men enters, laughing at some joke probably, and they stumble to one of the black velvet sofas. As a dancer of the well-known Blue Velvet strip club—or as the owner preferred to call it ‘gentleman’s club’—, it wasn’t uncommon to see band members around. The almost-naked girls were beautiful and the alcohol was the good kind if you had the money, who wouldn’t be attracted to come? So when you recognise at least two of them as Roger Taylor and John Deacon, you’re not surprised.

You walk to the pole that’s right in front of them and start dancing, without looking at them at first, just to catch their attention. Bet they’re good money, you through, lucky me.

Much to your surprise, Roger requests for a private dance, just for him. That flattered you; you wouldn’t deny it. Rockstars usually picked someone else—like Ginger, with her long legs and big ass, or Coco, who had straight blonde hair and nice tits.

Of course, you had your charms, but usually, you would give private dances for rich and boring businessmen in suits. Never someone as exciting as Queen’s drummer.

With his blonde hair, mischievous blue eyes, and delicate yet strong features, he was, by far, the most attractive man you had ever met.

Despite your nervousness, you flashed him a flirty smile that he returned as you led him to a private room. He sits down on the black leather couch while you pour him a glass of whiskey.

“You don’t drink?” He says, taking a gulp and licking his lips afterward. You shake your head no with a little smile.

“I don’t drink while working, Mr. Taylor.”

He asked you then to not call him mister, to which you replied with a smile and an amused ‘yes, sir.’

“What’s your name?”

“Karma,” you replied simply, walking to the little selection of vinyl you had to play. “Do you like Pink Floyd? Or maybe Led Zeppelin?”

You know there’s a lot of magazines that gather trivial information like what’s his favourite band, or book, and even actress, but you never bother to buy them. You’re not greatly interested in keeping up with the life of any rockstar, to be honest. You’re quite busy trying to keep up with your own life.

He cocks his head slightly to the side, thinking for a moment before ignoring your question. “Why did you pick it?”

You weren’t bothered by his curiosity, although not many had asked you about it. 

You had earned your nickname in your first week when you slapped a guy when he tried to undress you himself. Whereas some of the girls believed you would be instantly fired, the owner warned you against taking the matter into your own hands next time and let it slide, saying you had to call security next time—unless it was urgent.

To the exception of a few regular clients, who had already heard the story, men usually came to ogle over your body and not to learn anything about you.

“Because I’ll punch anyone who has it coming,” you reply.

“When is that?”

“When someone tries to piss me off trying to get way too handsy when I don’t allow it,” you say with a light and joyous tone. Oh, how you would be happy to throw a punch or two to some idiots that believed that could touch with no consequences because you were wearing little clothes. You had gained pretty much all of your patience just working here.

He took the glass to his mouth again to cover a nascent smile, but you notice the corner of his lips curving upwards. 

It made you smile as well.

Despite the more than a generous tip that Roger gave you, you didn’t think he would come back and were pleasantly surprised to see him again two weeks later.

There was a certain lustful glow on his deep blue eyes, and you would lie if you said that the prospect of having his hands all over you didn’t send a jolt of desire straight to your core.

So you decided to end your dance by sitting on his lap, giving him a proper view of your almost naked tits, and taking his hands to slide them to your ass. 

A little flirting never hurt anyone, you think.

He grinned at you. “You’re not gonna hit me, right, love?”

“Of course not, sir.”

He squeezed your ass and you grinded against him trying your best to follow the rhythm of the music.

“When does your shift end?”

You almost stop on your tracks at the question but you laugh softly instead.

“We only provide dancing services, sir. Don’t let your hands on my ass confuse you,” you replied teasingly, playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck. He doesn’t seem offended by the insinuation on your word’s choice but instead amused.

“I was planning on wine and dine you.”

This time you do stop moving and look at him, slowly getting out of his lap and standing in front of him. The music keeps playing, but you don’t move at all as you watch him carefully, searching for any hint of…

What were you looking exactly? Something in his eyes that gave away his true intentions, probably, since you always guided yourself by your mistrust when it came to people, especially men who were older than you.

“You did, huh?”

He’s obviously only interested in seeing what’s down the skimpy lingerie, right?

But he seems sincere, so you smile. “Fine.”

“Can I get your real name now, love? I think I deserve to know with whom I am having dinner,” he asked, and you rolled your eyes, but smiled, nonetheless.

“Y/N.”

“Y/N.” The way he said your name, like savouring every syllable in his tongue, made your heart give a little jump on your chest. “Nice.”

Despite Roger’s best efforts to impress you and convince you to stay a night at his place, it takes two dates more before you finally agree to do so.

It’s not that you aren’t impressed you have enjoyed very much the expensive wine and fancy restaurants, but you truly enjoy his company and there’s this feeling that if you sleep with him once you will never see him again.

Not that you can see getting involved in a romantic relationship with him, but if you can just spend time with Roger, then you would take the most advantage out of it you could. 

“Sit down, put yourself comfortable,” he says, walking into what you assume it’s the kitchen and you nod.

You observe the spacious place. The walls are painted with a warm cream colour, which doesn’t exactly match the wooden furniture, like the shelving on the corner. You’re surprised to see the great number of books and before you realise you’re standing in front of the shelving, caressing delicately a book spine.

You take one out and look at the cover. On the road by Jack Kerouac. 

“That’s one of my favourites,” Roger’s voice says on your ear and you jump a little on your spot, which makes him smile. “Have you read it?”

“No. I was about to buy it once, but I choose another,” you say, opening a random page and reading whatever it catches your attention.

«"I love love," she said, closing her eyes, and I promised her beautiful love.”»  You smiled. Would it be just a coincidence that you had read exactly that paragraph?

“What’s so funny?” he asks and you read it out loud for him. Roger looks into the nothing, his blue gaze deep in thought. 

“That’s a good chapter,” he says simply and you nod, without knowing what to say. 

Had been reading something like that a too-bold of a movement? You didn’t expect anything from him, you couldn’t have the luxury to fantasize about him. A few dates can’t mean anything, do they?There’s a strange shift in the air, and you hate it. Ten minutes ago you were laughing and whispering silly things on the corridor while trying to open the flat’s door.

“Do you have something to drink?” you say softly.

“You can keep the book if you want,” Roger said and you looked at the book on your hands. It’s in good condition, which means it’s either new or he hasn’t read it that many times, but he said it’s his favourite and you feel a little bad thinking about taking it.

 “Oh, no, that’s fine. I couldn’t,” you say, shaking your head and leaving the book on its place.

“If you don’t want to keep it, you can borrow it.”

“I’ll think about it. Now, what about that drink, uh?”

“Yeah, yeah. You like white wine?”

“Actually, do you have something without alcohol?” you ask, sheepishly, and he nods. 

“Of course. You like Cola?”

You both sit down on the couch, facing each other, and drinking.“Y’know, we have been in three dates but I don’t think I know much about you,” he says and you bit your lower lip softly, which only brings his attention to your lips. He’s making conversation before fucking or is interested in knowing you? Men usually weren’t interested in hearing whatever you had to say, it was the sad truth and you had already gotten used to it. 

“Nothing worth of telling you, to be honest,” you shrug, taking a sip of your drink. 

“That’s a load of crap, and I don’t buy it,” he replies and you smile, before leaving the glass on the little coffee table. Getting closer to him, you finally connected your lips to his. It tastes of wine and the cigarette that he had been smoking earlier while driving.

“Let’s go to your bedroom,” you whisper before deepening the kiss. He pulls apart, getting up and taking your hand to lead the way. Chit chat can come later if he still wants to be around after fucking. 

You’re the first to wake up the next morning so you try to be as quiet as possible as you roll out of bed and go to the toilet to refresh yourself a little. You wash your face, trying to get rid of the eyeshadow under your eye as much as possible, and after you’re satisfied you tie your hair on a loose ponytail. 

You’re already dressed, so all you need to do is get your bag and coat, write him a note or say goodbye if he’s awake and leaves. You open the toilet door and go to the living. Just as you’re putting on your coat, Roger gets out of the kitchen with a water bottle on his hand and smiles at you like he’s thinking gotcha.

“Stay for breakfast?”

“I got things to do,” you lie quickly. Roger raises an eyebrow, probably questioning your answer. 

You’re one to value honesty but right now, you can’t bring yourself to spend more time with him. He’ll start to ask questions and that’s the last thing you want, as much as you like his company.

“Really? I’m starting to think you’re just using me for sex,” he says, with mocking hurt and you try not to smile. 

“That’s a low blow,” you accuse.“What you got?”

“Coffee, toast and pop tarts,” he recites with closed eyes like he’s mentally looking through his cupboard. 

You think he probably doesn’t have a lot of food right now since it’s the last days of the months. You wondered if someone did shopping for him and when was the last time he did? Did he ever do that? Was he able to do it now, being famous and all? 

“What flavour?” 

“Strawberry?”

“I want two,” you demand. Roger just nods with a smile. 

You walk inside the kitchen and sit on a stool by the breakfast bar and observe Roger preparing breakfast. He’s wearing a white shirt and black sweatpants; his hair is dishevelled but it gives him certain charm.

“You slept well?” Roger asks, placing your coffee in front of you. 

“Yeah, I think I can confidently say your bed is the most comfortable I’ve slept in.”

“You’re welcomed in again whenever you please,” he winks, taking a sip of his tea.

“Shut up,” you reply, taking a bit of your pop tart but you’re smiling.

“I’m serious, though, I’d love to repeat that. Dinner included, of course.”

“We’ll see,” you just say.

A long beat happens before you speak again. “Why are you so interested in me?”

“Why shouldn’t I?” he says, sipping on his cup.

You sigh. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t, I’m just saying it’s strange.”

He raises an eyebrow, and his blue eyes are inquisitive, looking at your face like he could find on your eyes the answer to your constant changes between being apprehensive and flirting shamelessly. “Why?”

“Because I- I thought men like you wouldn’t be interested in someone like me?”

“Someone like you?”

“Don’t get me wrong, I think I can be interesting and, maybe, a good company but you could be with anyone you want,” you state like it’s obvious like it’s the kind of thing every man with a highly successful career thinks.

“And I want to spend my time with you, guess it’s because you’re good company,” he states, matter of factly but your expression must give away that you’re not so convinced so he takes one of your hands and interlocks your fingers.

“Look, I like you and as long as you’re willing to entertain my interest on you, I’m gonna keep asking you out.”He looks at your hands for a second before looking up to see you smiling down at him.

“Fine. I like you too, you know?”

“I know,” he replies with a cheeky smile.

“But I gotta go,” you say and he lets go of your hand. 

“Can I pass to the toilet?“

“Go ahead, you know where it is.”

After you’re done, you get out of the toilet to put your coat on and get your purse. However, you’re not exactly sure of how to say goodbye, so you stand awkwardly in front of him, close by the door.

“C’mere,” he chuckles, softly pushing you flush against him and cradling your face to kiss your lips with delicately.

“See ya soon, love.” He opens the door and you step outside on the corridor.

“Goodbye, Rog. Thanks for yesterday, I enjoyed it very much,” you smile.

He grins. “Well, of course ya did.”

“Don’t get too cocky now, Taylor, you lean towards him, your mouth close to his ear. “It wasn’t me begging last night, after all,” you whisper and kiss his cheek quickly, like fearing being seen, and start walking to the elevator.

He watches you with a smile until the elevator door closes.

[motorcitizens]

ive never seen anywhere to watch motorcity with subs? so i went looking and found transcripts of most of the early mc episodes (available in a reply so tumblr doesnt kill the post) but theyre missing a few towards the end. i decided on my fourth rewatch that id transcribe episode 9! whether youre a hard of hearing fan or just want the reference, here you go! let me know if the initials are annoying, ill edit them out.

-I got you with the slash!

-Nuh-uh!

-You first.

-Why me?

-Cuz you're dead anyway.

-There's nothing down here!

-Philip? S- stop fooling around, man. I- I can hear you down there.

-Aah!

[theme]

-The last time I bought anything from you, it took me a week to fumigate the kitchen!

-Okay, the reshcaps were a mistake, you're right about that. But today, I have something extra special...

D- ...then she says, 'that's why I can't eat the sandwich!'

[all laugh]

C- Wait, wait, I got one. Where does a snowman keep his money? In a snow bank! Eh? Get it? Come on, it's funny!

Th- We're searching for the Vanquisher, king of the realm?

T- Oh. I think they're talking about me.

M- Yeah, I have no idea who you're-

Th- There he is!

Burners- Chuck?!

T- [laughter]

R- Hey! You dare insult Lord Vanquisher? I should take your tongue and feed it to the birds.

T- Uh, you can't do that. I need my tongue.

C- Release him, Darkslayer.

R- ... Fortune smiles upon you today.

M- So, Chuck, you wanna introduce us to your... friends?

C- Guys, allow me to present: Thurman the Magnificent, and Ruby the Darkslayer!

Th: We are knights of the kingdom of Raymanthia.

C- It's called LARPing! [...] Live action role-playing? [...] Okay, I have a life outside of the Burners, you know!

D- Sure doesn't look like it.

T- Oh! I get it! Ahahaha!

Th- My Lord, a situation has arisen. The oracle awaits.

O- As you requested, Sam and Phillip were dispatched on a scouting mission early this morning. But we have not heard from them for many hours.

M- What do you mean you haven't heard from them?

O- I fear, Lord Vanquisher, they have gotten lost on the outskirts of the realm.

T- Texas is confused. Okay, now is this part of your little game or is this real?

D- We're standing behind some dude's van who calls himself the oracle. What do you think?

O- I demand silence!

J- I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm with Texas on this one.

O- Chuck! Make em stop.

C- Wait. Is this part of the game?

Th- No. Sam and Philip are really missing.

M- So, this is for real?

O- We need your help.

C- I vow to find our wayward kinsmen.

C- Guys, this is LARPing!

T- Woah. That's it?

C- Each weekend, teams battle for control of the realm. The rules are simple: First, once you step onto the field of battle, you must remain in character. Second, if you must be vanquished: do so with honor. It's neat, ain't it?!

J- The game's already started?

R- If by 'game' you mean a ferocious battle to the death for the crown of Raymanthia, then yes.

O- But we can't win unless we find our friends.

[at the same time]

C- I say we split up.

M- Let's split up.

M- No disrespect! Chuck- uh, I mean, Lord Chuck. What do you think we should do?

C- Ahem! If we split up, we'll cover more ground!

O/Th/R- As you say, Lord Vanquisher.

C- Okay guys. We'll check the warehouse near the old Renaissance center, you guys check the battlefield.

Th- I dunno where that is. Can somebody else drive?

M- So, King Chuck. How'd you win your crown?

O- It happened many weekends ago... Chuck stood as freedom's last hope against Mad Dog the Conqueror. If he were to fall, darkness would reign for yet another long weekend. Mad Dog summoned his dragon to finish off the Vanquisher once and for all, but fate had different plans. It was totally awesome!

C- Naw, it wasn't... that awesome.

D- Little dudes!

J- Sam! Phillip?

D- Where are you?

Guy- Huzzah!

R- Leave this to me!

Guy- The bards shall sing of this day... the day the Darkslayer fell!

R- Someone shall fall on this day... but it shall not be me.

[fighting noises]

Guy- Aha! Tsk, tsk. You've lost your sword!

T- hyah!

R- What are you doing! I had him right where I wanted him!

Guy- You're not playing by the rules.

T- These are Texas rules! [karate noises] Now. We need you to answer some questions.

D- We're looking for two missing kids, Sam and Phillip. Have you seen them?

Guy- I'd rather die a thousand deaths than help the likes of you.

J- Ahem! Forgive us, my liege, but we are but humble squires in search of our kinsmen. Can you help us?

Guy- I've never been one to refuse a lady, certainly not one as ravishing as you. Saw your kinsmen five hours ago, approaching the Dungeon of Anguish.

D- Neat trick.

Th- We're never gonna find them in time. Then the stupid Bardonians are gonna win, think they're all cool with their fancy mustaches.

C- Hey. Buck up there, camper! People said we'd never win the Battle Royale last Fall, but we did. Our friends are out there, and we'll find em! We just gotta keep-

M- Uh, sorry. Dutch just called. Your friends were seen someplace called the Dungeon Anguish?

Th- It's actually the Dungeon of Anguish.

C- It's, uh. Well, it's actually just in the basement right here.

C- Wah, ah! Get it off me, get it off me!

Th- This isn't part of the game!

M- Yeah, well, neither is this!

R- That was. Incredible!

D- What were those things?

M- Don't know. But I'm betting they have something to do with our missing friends. We have to move. [LARPers kneel] Uh, come on. Get up, guys, we don't have time for this.

O- From this day forth, you shall be known as "Mike, the Smiling Dragon."

Th- You just got a great name. Jealous!

C- For saving my life on the field of battle, I owe you a debt of life.

M- That's... really not necessary.

O- Actually, it's totally necessary. The king of the realm cannot rule while carrying a debt of life.

C- As such, I give the crown to the Smiling Dragon!

M- No. No, Please, look, I can't, I just- I was-

C- Mikey, you gotta!

J- Hey guys, check this out! I've never seen that symbol before.

D- That's really old.

M- Way before my time. Maybe Jacob can help.

Th- What if those... things have Sam and Phillip?

R- Never fear. We have the Smiling Dragon. As long as he's our king, we can't lose. Did you see his moves? They were just so- so-!

M- You okay, buddy? Look, if it's about what happened back there, I'm sorry man. I was just trying to help.

C- It's not that. It's just-

M- Just what?

C- Look, I tripped, okay?

M- Um... If that's some kind of LARPer slang, I have no idea what it means.

C- The story you heard. About how I earned my crown? That's not how it really... went down. It was my first real battle. I'd never held a real lance before. I was still getting my balance when Lord Mad Dog summoned his dragon... I ran forward but... I tripped. The lance fell and hit him by accident! I won my crown with a lie. Hey... it's better that you're king now. I was never fit for the post. I've been king for 48 consecutive weekends, and-

M- 48? Woah, you do play this game a lot.

C- Yeah, but... it took less than an hour of LARPing with you for the others to see me for what I truly am... a follower.

M- Hey, a follower couldn't have led his team to 48 consecutive victories. You can't fake that!

C- Mikey... Look, I appreciate your support but we both know I'm no leader. Not when I'm a Burner and not even when I'm here, playing make believe.

M- Here. Take the pin back.

C- You can't just give it to me! The only way I can get it back is to earn it by saving your life. And let's be honest. That ain't gonna happen.

Th- Never seen that tunnel before. You aren't planning on taking us down there, are you?

R- Well I'm going in!

Th- Do you know how much trouble I'll get in if my mom finds out I went down some crazy dark tunnel looking for killer robots?!

O- He's not joking. His mom is terrifying.

M- They're right. This isn't a game anymore. Texas will stay up here and keep you safe while we go get your friends.

T- What! Wait, why me?

M- Because you're the bravest warrior we've got.

T- Yeah, that's true, but come on! Don't leave me with the nerds!

D- What is this place?

O- Booyah! Mutant wolverine. I win!

Th- I could show you how to use that.

T- Save it. Not interested.

O- Why not? You're really good.

T- You really think so?

Th- Here, watch.

T- Hyah! Huh?

T- Mike, Julie! Incoming! We got trouble!

Th- Come on, I just got this!

O- Your mom is gonna be so mad.

J- This isn't working!

M- I'm open to suggestions!

R- A wizard!

Ja- Applesauce!

J- Jacob?

R- Aww!

Bot- The creator has returned!

M- Uh, Jacob? Care to fill us in?

Ja- It started back when Kane and I were partners- before there even was a Deluxe! I was designing our first ever Utility Bot. Its purpose was to make life in Detroit easier and safer. I equipped it with a new AI that would allow the bot to anticipate human commands, but I was the only one the bot seemed to listen to. But if it were ever to escape the lab, there's no telling the danger it could pose. I begged Kane to shut the program down! I always thought he did.

Bot: It began soon after you left us. Kane retrained us! We were instructed to capture enemies of the public and bring them back to Kane's new creation, an Interrogator. But the humans could not control it. Kane sealed the lab. Our new master told us every human was out to destroy us. As such, every human became our enemy. Disloyalty was severely punished. So we waited, until this door finally opened.

M- Our friends went missing this morning. Have you seen them?

Bot- Of course. We took them per our master's instructions.

J- We need to get them back!

[roar]

Bot- Our master has awoken. If he discovers you here with us, he will destroy us.

M- Get the LARPers out of here!

C- I'm not leaving you guys!

R- Our place is here, with our King!

M- This isn't a game! Get your friends to safety.

C- Let's move!

D- Come on!

J- Look out!

[rubble collapses the door]

T- Mike!

D- Julie!

Both- Jacob!

D- We'll never move this stuff by ourselves!

T- Says who?

Th- What do we do?

C- I know a way to get through there! But I will require your van.

Ja- There used to be another exit!

J- Hey, look at this!

M- The kids have to be in one of those rooms. If we can find a way past that thing we can rescue them and get the heck out of here! Think you can buy us some time?

J- Do you even have to ask? Hey, ugly! Over here!

M- Sam! Phillip! Climb up here!

S- You're the new king of the realm?

M- You bet your butt I am. Lord Smiling Dragon, at your service. Now get up that rope, squire!

T- Okay, I admit. It's pretty cool.

C- But is it possible?

D- Sure. But there's no way the three of us can build it fast enough.

C- What if they helped?

D- I know you don't mean the little lunatics that just tried to kill us!

Bot- We cannot get involved. If our master were to find out-

C- He's not your master! You are in Raymanthia. And in Raymanthia, every man- or... freaky little Utiliton- is free! Free to stand up for yourselves. Free to fight back! And free to live! Our friends are down there, and I swear to you on the steel of my blade that even if I have to slay the beast itself, we! will! bring them back!

[utilitons cheering]

T- hwah! Nah, see, this ain't nerdy. This is a level 25 battle ax, okay? Twenty five. Think about it.

Ja- Maybe there wasn't another exit?

M- Stay here!

M- Way to go, Chuck!

S&P- The Vanquisher!

T- Make way for Texas!

C- The beast is absorbing the blasts!

[mike gets got]

C- Mike!

C- Drive! and when I say stop, stop fast! ...STOP!

M- Ha, oh yeah!

M- For saving my life on the field of battle, I owe you my life. My steel is yours to command, since a king cannot carry... I forget how the rest of it goes, here! All hail King Chuck, the Vanquisher!

R- This was the coolest game ever!

M- ... the game. Your win streak. You guys have to go defend your crown!

Th- We'll never be able to muster an attack in time.

T- What if we help.

M- We're yours to command, Lord Vanquisher.

C- For the glory of the realm!

[all yell]

[fatechica]

dance with me (make me sway) - A 2-Year Celebration

It occurred to me a few weeks ago that I was coming up on my two year anniversary in the Mileven fandom - two years to the day since I posted the first chapter of “love you like a love song” - and, when I realized it, I wanted to commemorate it.

The last two years have been an amazing, wild ride. I’ve become a part of a fandom in ways I never have before, I’ve made friends who I know will be with me the rest of my life, and I’ve been happier than I think I may have ever been before, my life fulfilled and enriched in ways I never imagined.

To say that becoming part of the Stranger Things fandom was one of the best things that I’ve ever done would be the biggest understatement ever. You all make my life better and I’m glad to be part of one of the most wonderful groups of people I’ve ever had the privilege of being part of.

To thank you all for letting me be part of this crazy ride, this is for you. This is to all the people who’ve become my friends over the past couple of years, those who have come and gone, those who are still here, and those who are yet to come.

To that end, there are a relative handful of people I wanted to tag: @formerlyjannafaye @milevens @el-borealis @milesfairchild @dustinhendrsn @stevehharrington @elshopper @elhoppers @martygalwrites @dustinsteves @mikewheeler @summer-in-hawkins @serendipitousrambles @milevenhearteyes @elizabthturner @girls-are-weird @thief-and-dragonfly @maplestreet @lovelysheree

I know I’m missing someone, but you all are people I call amongst my closest friends, people I’m proud to say I know and love. Thank you for making all of this something I could never, ever regret.

To that end, I’ve written something I’ve been wanting to write for a while, something that encapsulates so many of my feelings.

(and, for the gc ladies, i’ve written my mileven dancing fic. you check me off the list, now, and you’re welcome.)

Every day feels like he’s living a dream, one he never wants to wake up from. He knows it’s not a dream, though. It took too much hard work to get here – too much blood and sweat and tears, too much back and forth, coming together before being pulled apart, repeating this what felt like over and over again. 

But they’re here now – they made it – and he never has to dream ever again. Because, every day, he wakes up to his dream. Because, every day, he wakes up and goes about his day and comes home to his wife. 

Because every day, Mike comes home to El.

It’s not perfect. Nothing is, after all. Both Mike and El are headstrong, passionate individuals and sometimes things get heated, intense in the wrong way. But the love they feel for each other smooths out all those speed bumps and, more often than not, helps them channel their stronger impulses into something positive. It helps them love each other just that much more, helps them love each other each and every day. 

There’s nothing special about today except that every day Mike spends with El is special, each one better than the last. Each time, he thinks this is it, I can’t be any more in love with her than I am right now. And every. single. day. he falls just that much more in love with El, falls in love with her all over again. 

It’s almost never something big that makes him realize this – the way she smiles at him when he greets her after he gets home, the way she laces her fingers through his as they head up to bed at the end of the evening, the way she laughs and talks and just exists with him. 

Tonight, it’s the way she’s standing at the sink while she does the dishes. He cooked tonight, so by the agreement they came to when they moved in together several years ago, it’s her turn to do the dishes. 

El’s standing at the sink, weight mostly resting on one leg, hair up in a loose bun with wisps falling to frame her face and neck. She’s wearing a loose sweater, neckline slipping down to expose the smooth curve of one shoulder, and a pair of leggings that skim tight to the lines of her legs. One bare foot is firmly planted on the ground, while the other is propped against it, heel resting on her ankle, foot arched almost sensually. 

But, the thing that Mike notices most of all as he walks into the kitchen, the last of the dinner dishes in hand, is the way El is swaying to the music that’s playing. 

El always has the music playing while she does the dishes and today is no exception. Today’s selection is from the local Oldies radio station, airwaves filling the kitchen with the sounds of Big Band and jazz and the Rat Pack. 

The rich sounds of Frank Sinatra are starting to fade out, Mike recognizing the final notes of “Fly Me To The Moon”, as he sets the last couple plates on the counter next to El. Her proximity calls to him with its sweet, siren’s song and Mike’s barely able to set the dishes down before his arms are reaching for her, sliding around her waist as he pulls her to him, body molding to hers. He buries his face against her neck and breathes in the sweet scent of her. The feel of her skin against his is the one of the greatest rushes known to man and he’s like a drug addict, forever chasing the high that he can only get from her. 

El leans back against him, back curving to mirror the lean of his body. “Hi,” she breathes just loud enough to be heard over the running water. 

The feel of El in his arms is the cure for pretty much everything, even if nothing is wrong, and Mike finds himself burrowing deeper into her, holding her tight. He never wants to let her go. “Hi,” he murmurs against El’s neck, head rotating so he can press a lingering kiss on the skin right beneath her jaw.

El shivers at the press of his lips and Mike tries to hold back the grin that threatens to creep onto his face. She’s so responsive – always has been – and it makes him a little eager, impatient, to eventually move upstairs to their bedroom. All things in due time, he thinks as El breathes in deeply. “I’m trying to do the dishes,” she says in weak admonishment. 

“I can see that,” Mike says, losing the battle against keeping the grin off his face. “Don’t let me interrupt.”

El’s breath leaves her in a huffed sigh. “You’re gonna, anyway,” she mumbles. 

That pulls a laugh from him, low and husky, and Mike starts to sway with the music that surrounds them, emanating from the old radio perched on the windowsill above the sink. “You know me too well,” Mike says, still barely above a murmur. 

“Well, it’s only been 11 years,” El says with a barely contained snort. 

“Hmm, good point,” Mike says as he nuzzles into her neck, breathing her in deep, lungs filling with the lingering scent of her perfume, mixing potently with the remaining hints of her shampoo and something that is just so fundamentally El, soft and addicting. He’s been trying for years to figure out what it is and he knows he’s going to spend the rest of his life trying to crack that particular mystery (it doesn’t matter if he succeeds – not at all. All that matters is that she’s here for him to try and solve it.).

The song on the radio changes, starting with a simple piano intro, and Mike’s heart skips a beat as he recognizes the song. His arms untangle from around El’s waist, hands sliding to her hips to pull her away from the sink, soft need filling every inch of him. 

El lets him pull her away from the sink, but not without a soft whine in the process. “Mike, the dishes.”

“They’re not going anywhere,” Mike rasps, a chuckle in his voice. “Dance with me.” 

El sighs, but he knows he has her as she takes his hand, the other sliding up to curve over his shoulder. “Mike,” she admonishes, but it lacks true strength. This isn’t the first time Mike’s done this and it certainly won’t be the last. 

El’s hand in his is warm and wet from the water still trickling into the sink, a little slippery from the dish soap, but Mike thinks it’s perfect as Elvis’ voice begins to croon from the radio. “Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you….”

The look in El’s eyes is warm and rich, amber-flecked irises darting back and forth as her gaze dances across his face. Her cheeks are gently flushed, suffusing the light tan of her skin with the prettiest pink Mike’s ever seen, and her perfect, richly full lips are curved in an enticing smile. God, Mike doesn’t know how he got so lucky. He wonders this every day and he’s never been able to figure it out. The only thing he can chalk it up to is the only streak of luck he’s ever had in his entire life. 

(he doesn’t know this, not really, but it’s not luck. el knows it’s because he was the first person who never judged her, the first person who gave her a home and a name and a place to belong, the only person who’s ever really understood her. it’s a gift she can never, ever repay and she will spend the rest of her life making sure he knows how much she loves him for the simple, yet overwhelming kindness he’s given her.)

But, for the moment, there’s just them, the warm light of their kitchen, and the dulcet, crooning tones of Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” as they sway back and forth in the middle of their kitchen. El’s warm in his arms, smiling up at him like he’s all she’ll ever need, and Mike’s heart resumes its daily attempt to beat its way out of his chest. The feel of her in his arms is everything, more than he could have ever imagined, more than he ever could have hoped for, and he will forever be grateful to have her in his life, to have her with him.

“Take my hand, take my whole life too,” comes the voice from the radio and Mike can’t help but be hyper aware of El’s hand in his, the smooth metal of her wedding band digging into where their fingers are interlaced, a poignant reminder of the promise they made to each other, ‘til death do they part, as long as they both shall live – the way it’s been since he first found her in the rain, even if he didn’t know it at the time. 

He’s leaning towards her before he’s even fully aware that he’s doing it, drawn to her like a moth to a flame, unable to care that he’s permanently and irreversibly caught in her gravity well with no exit velocity. But it’s ok because El’s leaning up towards him, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss that sets his whole soul aflame. Her lips are soft against his, soft and lush and full, like heaven against his. Her kiss is the only one Mike’s ever known and he never wants to know any other for the rest of his life. 

The sound of El’s whimpering gasp as he kisses her sends a warm shiver down his spine, heat pooling low in his belly, and Mike kisses El that much harder, the eternal love and desire he feels for her needing an outlet, one his mouth is more than eager to provide. She kisses him back, lips soft yet firm against his, and Mike’s soul just soars. Every time he kisses her is a little like the first time, pulse racing and skin thrumming, and Mike realizes, as he has every day of his life, that El is the only person for him, the only one he wants for as long as he lives. 

And he’ll never, ever regret it. 

They stand there, kissing in the kitchen as they sway to the radio, bodies pressed against each other like they were meant to fit together. Soon, El will shut off the water and take both of Mike’s hands in hers before guiding him towards the stairs, dishes forgotten as they get swept up in each other. 

But, right now, there’s just them, the gentle music that surrounds them, and the overwhelming love they share for each other. 

For the moment, in this endless moment full of nothing but the love they share for each other, it’s enough. 

And it always, always will be. 

[milasartblog]

Be "Yourself"

Algaron struggled a lot to break free, but spike chains were too strong to let him out. Michael and Cereza were stunned to see Lucifer here.

Michael: Luci!

Lucifer: What are you two doing here?? Algaron is my problem, you should have asked me before going after this psychopath!

Cereza: But you were not there, so we had to do it ourselves! And where have you been all this time??

Michael: Cera, Luci, there is no time for arguements. Better team up for now, discussions later.

But their discussions were interrupted by evil laugh of Algaron, who still tried to escape from chains.

Algaron: How sweet~ The Ruler of Hell himself came to stop me~ How so “angelic” of him~ Maybe your pitful angel told you to do so? Or is it your dear Father?~

The anger escaped from Lucifer as he swang the chain with Algaron to the wall, hitting him so hard that almost broke it. The sound of broken bones can be heard from Algaron’s body as he shouted.

MIchael: Luci, no!! We will suspect a lot of people like this!!

Cereza: Not talking about destroying the whole building!

Covering her head, she and Michael tried to approach to Lucifer, while he moved his chain with Algaron to another wall and to the ground. Algaron growled in pain as tried to get up. Lucifer approached to Algaron and grabbed him by the neck the same way as Algaron did to Cereza. 

Lucifer: Seems like exiling you was the worst decision i did in my life. Not only you killed other demons for your own sake, you also tried to hurt Archangel and one of my demons! What were you trying to achieve by this??

Algaron: Tsk, you didn’t realise it?? It’s all about power, my dear Lucifer~

Lucifer: I’m not your “dear”. And power? Really? Are you yanking my feather, boy?? You didn’t even progressed that much! What you called powers is nothing more than just some spells that will not do any damage to me. 

Algaron: And yet, i managed to hurt a bit an Archangel~ True, it didn’t damage him that much, but it doesn’t matter. The matter is that it still affected you somehow~ Did we become so obliging to angels again?~ Or is it because of being so cared to human souls?~ Or is it all because of the demon’s opinion about you?~ Tell me, Lucifer, what are these souls to you? Or these angels? Nothing, just a thing that can be used for your purpose. We demons manipulate them all years, it’s our nature to do it, to become stronger every year by using their souls for our purpose, to make them our puppets for our desires. And yet, you didn’t do any of it in any year since you became a Ruler of Hell. Maybe there were demon stuff you did in the past, but they were nothing. I kept asking myself what a true demon supposed to be? And guess what, i found an answer~ A “true” demon form~

Trying to keep his anger, Lucifer clenched his teeth, holding Algaron’s neck so tightly, almost breaking it. Michael and Cereza were astonished of how strong and heavily hits were as they approached to Lucifer.

Michael: Lucifer, wait, don’t do any ridiculous actions now! We can still handle it without any other proper damage.

Lucifer: Mike, go away. This is my problem, not yours.

Algaron: Yeah, annoying angel, go away~ This is between me and sweet Lucifer~

Not holding the anger anymore Lucifer faced Algaron to the ground violently, preparing his sharp claws.

Michael: Lucifer, wait!!

Michael grabbed Lucifer’s hand to stop him from doing what he was about to. Cereza stood stunned and shocked at the scene. She has never seen Lucifer like this before: mad, furious, ready to tier appart anyone who stands on his way. Despite the pain, Algaron still smirked evily.

Algaron: C’mon, Lucifer~ Do it~ Show them what a real demon you are~

Michael: Lucifer, no, don’t do it!

Lucifer: Go away, Michael, it’s not of your business!

Michael: Of course it is! It’s not like you to do it. Even when punishing you were not like this. 

With worry Michael kept holding Lucifer’s arm as he struggled to escape. Cereza stood puzzled and frozen. She didn’t know what to do, what to say in this situation. Her mind kept telling her to run, run away, hide, never go out. But something kept her from doing it. Was it a guilt for not telling Lucifer about her plans? Or that because of her this situation happened? Suddenly she remembered the library situation.

“Lucifer: It’s okay, I was not in a hurry. And I’m sorry, Ms Cereza for the punishment.

Cereza: It’s okay, sewing and fixing up librarian clothes for demon librarian is not that big deal.”

She remembered how Lucifer looked at her with guilty. And yet, she found it fair for her. She knew that no matter what Lucifer would not deal damaged to demons, even if they did something really bad. He tried to be “fair” with them. WIth little determination she ran to Michael and tried to help him.

Michael: M-Ms Cereza?

Lucifer: Cereza, go away, i will deal with him myself!

Cereza: Are you so sure about it, Lucifer? 

Lucifer: Don’t make me do this to you!

Cereza: Do what? Hurt me? I know you a bit enough to be sure that you will not do it!

Lucifer: And how can you be so sure about it?? You don’t even-

Cereza: Because true Lucifer will always be fair to us!!

Suddenly the silence covered the building. Lucifer kept facing Algaron to the ground, but his expression...changed. He was paralized by Cereza’s words. Michael and Cereza kept holding his hand just in case.

Cereza: I know i don’t know you enough to understand you, i know that i’m... just a human who barely understand what demon feels. And yet, you know how humans say: one action can change everything. Sounds weird, right? And yet, that day when we met changed my life. I can’t say completely, but...it did. I never was a religious person, but i did heard a lot of scary stories about demon Lucifer. But they’re just simple scary stories. What i saw that day was the demon who just wants to do things what he thinks is right, to have the peace and independence from anyone and yet still care about someone at the same time. A demon, who wants to change the Hell how he sees is right, to make it a place where people can at least escape from unfairness of the life in this world or of God’s “laws”. A demon...a fallen angel...it doesn’t matter who you are, Lucifer. You are “you”. Lucifer we know, Lucifer i know.

Tears started to come from her eyes as she held his arm tightly. 

Michael: Ms Cereza...

He was astonished and amazed by her words. Nobody dared to say a word in this moment. Well, Algaron still tried to mumble something, but his face was buried to the ground that nothing could be understand from his words. Suddenly Cereza and Michael felt an ease on their hands. Lucifer put his hand down, hiding the claws as looked down at Algaron. The horns were hidden, but chains didn’t disappear.

Michael: L-Luci?

He and Cereza looked suspiciously and worried at Lucifer. He seemed...calm? No anger was visible on his face. Instead there was a moment of calm face, then a light smile.

Lucifer: Lucifer you know, you say? Huh, well, you still have so much time to understand me, Cereza. But...i must say you made a great speech on it.

He looked at Michael and Cereza with smile. They couldn’t believe on what they were seeing. Was it really Lucifer standing in front of them? 

Lucifer: Why such look? Like you haven’t seen me like this for centuries~

Michael and Cereza: Lucifer!!

They hugged Lucifer tightly as he almost fell down, but kept holding Algaron’s head with his hand.

Lucifer: Woah woah, guys, chill out, i will not handle three divine beings at the same time. I have only one free hand~

Michael: You scared us like this to death. I thought that you-

Lucifer: Will become like that again? Heh, i would say that it was doubtful, but yeah, it could happen. Still, i’m glad it didn’t. Thank you, guys.

He smiled to them as they smiled back while Cereza dried her tears. Suddenly, Algaron’s mumble escaped from the ground.

Algaron: “Awww, i’m gonna cry”. How about to let me out and we will have a serious fight???!

Lucifer: Oh, don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you. But first, we have other things to deal with, i will deal with you later.

He opened the portal that lead to a prison and threw chained Algaron to prison, closing the portal and hearing his annoying shout of “let me out and fight like a man!”.

Cereza: Umm, are you sure it’s safe to let him go to prison like this? What if he break the chains?

Michael: Luci’s chains are unbreakable for other demons, unless their powers are like ours.

Lucifer: Algaron did changed a lot, but not enough to compete with me. Still, i will make sure he pay for what he did to you two. I’m...so sorry for not coming in time and being closed to myself. I was too selfish to everyone that didn’t even notice what was happening around. I will understand if you don’t forgive me-

Michael: What are you talking about, Luci? Of course we forgive you! It happens to everyone.

Lucifer: Really? 

Cereza: Yes, Lucifer. Even i experienced such change when i was human. And yet, i’m here. Well, as demon of course, but still the same Cereza.

Lucifer: Heh, guess you’re right.

Everyone smiled to each other as Lucifer looked at Michael’s tiered up shirt.

Lucifer: How is your wound?

Michael: Oh, this one? Nah, it was unpleasant, but nothing i can’t handle. It healed up completely. But yeah, i will definitely need to get new shirt for human form.

Lucifer: Well, you can use mine if-

???: There you are, Lucifer!! Prepare to face consequences!

A sudden voice sounded from the distance, but as Lucifer turned around he felt a sudden electricity flowing through his body. Cereza was about to panic, but....nothing serious happened. Lucifer giggled as looked at the one who tried to use stun gun on him - Axel.

Lucifer: And that’s it? It honestly tickles me a lot. But good try, buddy.

Axel: What the-?? How didn’t it work on you??

Lucifer: Don’t forget who i am~

Liya: Lucifer!

Another voice sounded from the distance as Liya ran closer to the crew. 

Liya: We finally found you. I so wanted to tell you that-

The sentence was broken by sudden hug from Lucifer. Liya got frozen for a moment.

Lucifer: I know, Liya. It’s my fault that i didn’t listen to you. I really didn’t mean to hurt you and yet i did it. I’m so sorry. I will listen to you next time. 

She was speechless as stood frozen for a couple of seconds, then hugged Lucifer back. Michael and Cereza smiled as admired the little sceen between guard and his ward while Axel stood confused on how his stun gun didn’t work on Lucifer.

Cereza: But what are we going to do now? I’m pretty sure that police noticed already that something happened in the underground parking.

Lucifer: Oh no worries, i will fix it~ 

Michael: Are you sure?

Lucifer: I made a mess, i have to clean after myself~ 

Michael: Let me at least help you with worried crowd. I will try to calm them down.

Lucifer: Good point. Cereza, Liya, Axel, better go and help Michael, i will handle everything else. 

Liya: Are you su-

Cereza: No time for talking, let’s go.

And together the crew fixed everything that happened in the underground parking. Lucifer used as much powers as he had for rebuilding walls and broken cars while others tried to calm down the crowd. Liya’s manipulation skills were just in handy for such situations, especially when it’s about police.

Couple of hours later, everything was solved and fixed.

Lucifer: Phew, couldn’t imagine that i would made such a mess. Last time it was when there was a train accident several years ago, and it was all because of a dog.

Michael: Well, it was because one human wanted to save a dog, but the time of death was not right.

Lucifer: Indeed.

Cereza: Well, what now? 

Liya: We better come back to Anoli and Nazeel. They probably got worried about us.

Cereza: Well, i have nothing to do, so may i walk with you, umm...?

Liya: Just Liya~

Axel: And Axel.

Cereza: Yeah, thank you. Nice to meet you, I’m Cereza.

Liya: Nice to meet you too~

Michael: Well, i better go back to heaven while Gabi didn’t suspicious anything.

Lucifer: Ugh, he is always like this. Well, i better go back to my world too. After all these things i would like to have a nice nap.

Michael: Yeah, and get the strength back. Well, see you around!

And Michael vanished back to Heaven.

Liya: Well, we will use casual walk for now~ Let’s go?~

Cereza and Axel nodded as said goodbye to Lucifer. He waved back to them as was about to go back to demon world, but stopped for a moment. He put his hand on his pocket and pulled out a feather necklace that was almost burned a bit.

Lucifer: I’m so glad i didn’t do it. True, it’s burnt a bit, but still not completely. And why was i hesitating? Doubting myself? Maybe i just needed a little wise sence punch from a demon.

With a smile he put a necklace back to his pocket and vanished to the demon world, back to his castle.

--------------------------------

And that’s the last part of this story^^ Sorry if no illustrations, just if we did them, it would be much longer to read XD And yet we still hope you will like it^^ Seems like things are getting back to normal again, but how long?^^

Michael, Lucifer, Liya and Axel belong to @wildstarfan and @milasartblog (both me)

Cereza and Algaron belong to @jenny626 and @jenniesart

Okaria et Feria belongs to @wildstarfan @jenny626 and @captainthane

[sunrisespidey]

ceo!tom

pairing: tom holland x reader

summary: ceo!tom falls in love with smoothie-loving intern, y/n

word count: 5.9k im sorry 

a/n: i’m literally never writing shit like this again wtf?? the ending is so rushed and i’m rlly sorry but i got so bored of this i just wanted it out and done with. it was 14 pages on google docs bye 

it’s a different style that i usually write in, but i wanted to branch out so idk let me know what you thought about it?

PLEASE DON���T LET THIS FLOP! I WORKED ON THIS FOR LIKE A WEEK

warnings: swearing, long read, and unedited

masterlist ♡

Y/N’s made a mistake.

Or at least, that’s what she thinks, staring up at the daunting skyscraper that towered before her, with the large Holland and Co. sign glinting under the bright glare of the sun. How had she ended up here? Her, a struggling college student, and yet here she was, interning at one of the biggest business firms in England. It really didn’t add up. It’s all been a blur. She remembers getting the phone call, being told to arrive at, and she quotes, “7AM on the dot, tardiness will not be tolerated”, and it’s almost as though she’s reliving high school all over again, only this time around, her future is actually on the line.

Which is probably why she’d dragged herself out of bed at 4 in the morning, and then proceeded to spend an hour pep talking herself in the mirror. Was it too late to back out now?  She figures if she turns back and leaves, she can probably make it back to her apartment in 20 minutes flat, and then she can call in faking an illness or whatnot. After that, she can stay in, snuggled up to her cat, Dusty, and stay curled up in front of her tv with a warm mug of hot cocoa in her hands and an episode of The Office playing quietly in the background. (This, she decides, smiling internally, is her ideal day.) She’s almost ready to give in, leaning back to book it, the idea of leaving almost too enticing. Instead, she finds herself placing one foot in front of the other. Y/N doesn’t even know what motivates her to take that step forward, the step that began to lead her to those terrifying glass doors, but she’s managed to take a second step, then a third, a fourth, and—

A rush of warmth surrounds her, sending a shiver through her body, and she immediately misses the cold outdoor winds that previously nipped at her ears. Y/N doesn’t think she’s ever wanted to venture back out into the cold winter as much as she does at this moment. Her eyes stay trained on the ground, and she dreads the moment she’ll have to inevitably look up, so she doesn’t. Instead, she studies the marble floors (they’re really nice, she should consider investing in something similar, she thinks), until she hears a voice, practically coated with sugar, pipe up.

“Excuse me, Miss?” Her head whips up, swallowing nervously, and she’s greeted by a lady who looks to be in her mid-twenties with a sickly sweet smile plastered on her face (fake, no doubt, but really, who was she to judge?), head tilted in concern. “Are you lost?”

She considers saying no just to turn back around rather than face the fire, but she steels her nerves and sends her an abashed smile. “Yeah, I am. Would you mind helping me?” And Y/N nearly cringes at her attempts to be polite but continues anyways. “I’m an intern, Y/N Y/L/N?”

She isn’t really listening when the receptionist lady answers, and she knows she should’ve, but she listens to the lady drone on, the same smile that didn’t seem to reach her eyes glued to her face, and Y/N wonders what kind of toothpaste she uses to whiten. Somehow, Y/N finds herself being whisked away and up into the elevator, where she finally starts paying attention long enough to meet a kind woman who she remembers is named Nadine and would be her shadow for her time at Holland and Co.

She listens attentively (or at least she tries), as Nadine gives her a tour of the floor, and she can’t help but wish that she brought along a strawberry smoothie. She ends up so lost in thought that she nearly stumbles into Nadine after she stops abruptly, and Y/N peeks around her to see what’s happened. She’s startled when the noise reaches her ears, and she realizes that it’s a grown man backing away slowly from an office, pleading for someone to rethink their decision.

“Please, Mr. Holland, I’ll do better next time, please—” Y/N hears the slam before she sees it, yelping quietly at the shock of it, the noise still reverberating through the office. Her eyes blow wide, mouth gaping. She hopes she never comes in contact with this Mr. Holland.

Y/N finds that the tour ends quickly after that.

-

It’s not that Tom’s a cruel person.

He doesn’t jerk off to the thought of firing employees — he’s most certainly not a masochist — it’s just that he works with absolute morons. So really, what’s he supposed to do when some twat from accounting screws up some simple numbers that cost his company 10,000 pounds? (it’s not like his company can’t afford it, but the thought still makes a scowl form on his face) The only reasonable choice he can make is to fire the man, and it certainly isn’t his fault if the twit stumbles out of his office blubbering about how he’ll do better. And it definitely isn’t his fault if a cute, smoothie-loving intern witnesses the whole thing, because why does it matter if a bloody intern is afraid of him? (at least, that’s what he tries to convince himself)

(spoiler alert: it doesn’t work)

-

It’s day two, and Y/N thinks she’s made some friends.

She’s promised to bring each of them a smoothie (“They’re the light of my life,” she’d said, “can’t live without ‘em.”), which explains why she’s currently juggling four smoothies, one for herself and each of her new friends and, Sarah, Jacqueline, and Mike, while arriving at work at 6:50 in the morning. She’s so focused on carrying the drinks, eyeing each one with a careful precision that she fails to see the man donning a crisp suit (expensive. Gucci, maybe?), and a stern expression on his face, walking in front of her. She doesn’t realize that he’s been eyeing her the entire time, face softened into an unusual smile, rarely seen around the office. And she definitely doesn’t notice when he stops walking — at least, not until it was too late.

It all happens in slow motion to Y/N. She watches, helpless, as the smoothies in her hand tipped, and as Tom Holland, CEO of Holland and Co., turned around to be met with not one, nor two, nor three, but four strawberry smoothies. His mouth gapes, and hers does too, a quiet but sharp “oh fuck,” spilling from her lips. She stands, motionless, for less than a second before she’s sprung in motion, leaping for the nearest towels, endless apologies spewing from her lips.

This is it. Months of effort to even be considered for this position, and she’s fucked it up on the second day.

Y/N waits, eyes closed, preparing for the inevitable blow of being fired, the humiliation she’d face (god knows the entire floor was already staring at them wide-eyed), but to her surprise, it never comes. Instead, the towels are plucked from her hands, and her eyes snap open to be met with the prettiest face she thinks she’s ever come across, amusement flitting through their eyes.

“Don’t do that again, yeah, love?” And he’s gone, strolling away from her stunned form, so casually that Y/N wonders how he can ignore the smoothie dripping off his suit so easily. The rest of the floor stare after him as well, each of them with eyes blown wide and mouths hanging open.

-

Tom has no idea what just happened.

He’s got smoothie dripping from his suit that — mind you — was quite possibly one of his most expensive clothing investments, and he’s not even that angry about it. He isn’t really sure what had happened. He remembers looking over at the intern, Y/N, he remembers (and god, was she adorable), and then suddenly being drenched in a thick, gooey substance that suspiciously smelled like strawberries. Had it been anybody else, Tom’s sure they’d be out of his company faster than they could blink. But there was something about Y/N that captivated him, and he isn’t sure he’d be able to handle firing her over such a trivial mistake (of course, he’s fired employees over less, but he dismisses that thought). So instead, he’d strolled away as casually and as quickly as he possibly could force himself to act, trying to disguise the red blush that would’ve surely risen to his cheeks and turned his ears a bright, piercing red. His heart had pounded in his chest, so loud he wonders if Y/N had heard it, and as soon as he was out of sight, he’d darted into his office and shut the door.

His heart is still pounding in his chest, and he has no idea how some intern he’s never even said more than three sentences to can have such an impact on him. (Tom almost considers turning to Harrison for advice, but he would prefer not to be called a sap for the rest of his life) So, he strips himself of his smoothie-soaked suit jacket and prays to avoid any future interaction with Y/N.

-

Of course, Tom’s wish refused to come true, because the next morning, walking into the building, he bumps into her again.

Well, not literally. He’s strolling leisurely into the warm building, shooting a tight-lipped smile to the receptionist who always seemed to be showing a ridiculous amount of cleavage whenever he came around when he hears his name being called and the sound of approaching footsteps. Turning around, he crosses his fingers desperately, hoping that it was some other employee — preferably one that didn’t make his heart skip a beat at the mere thought of them.

But he’s still met with the sight of Y/N running through the doors of the building, regardless of his desperate wishes. It only takes a few seconds for her to catch up to his still figure, and when she does, she bends over, panting with her hands resting on her knees.

“Holy fu— sorry, language. M’so out of shape,” Y/N heaves, straightening up and wiping at her head, “you’re so fast, wow—” Tom finds himself unable to respond, head dizzy from her presence. He’s pretty sure if she knew he was taking such deep breaths because she smelled so oddly intoxicating, she’d call him a creep and run away and never speak to him ever again. He thinks she smells like vanilla, which is so common that he wonders how she can make it work so well, and—

“Mr. Holland?” Y/N’s hand waves in front of his face, and Tom snaps out of his daydream to muster up a charming smile for her. “Were you listening?”

Tom hums, nodding his head to show he was interested — a common courtesy. She shot him a suspicious glance but returned his smile nonetheless. “Well,” she started, clapping her hands together, “I brought you something — to say sorry for spilling my smoothies on you yesterday.” Tom doesn’t really know what to expect, but as she reaches into her purse, he’s definitely not expecting her to pull out a small pastry wrapped in a Greggs wrapper, neatly folded into a small rectangle.

“It’s a sausage roll,” Y/N explains, pushing it into his hands, “from Greggs. I just love their sausage rolls, and I just passed one as I was pulling into work, so I thought I’d buy you one as an apology.” At this point, he’s working overtime to not consciously drool over the sausage roll in his hands, because he’s sure that Y/N would run for the hills if she saw him so unprofessional.

So, he musters up a polite nod, a smile, and a: “Thank you, love.” And she takes that as her cue to scurry off, with a wave to the receptionist who’s not so inconspicuously scowling at her, and she’s out of Tom’s sight.

He stares after her until she’s completely out of his sight, and when she’s gone, he breathes a sigh of relief.

He’s got an issue on his hands.

---

When Y/N tells her new friends about the traumatic incident that had occurred the previous day, she finds that they’ve taken to staring at her in awe, because holy shit, you’ve spilt four smoothies on the most temperamental CEO in the business and yet you’re still here. (how reassuring. mind the sarcasm.)

“Are you joking?” Mike stares at Y/N, mouth open so wide that Y/N’s curious if his jaw is achy yet. “If that were me, I would’ve been fired quicker than I could’ve said sorry. And he called you ‘love’ too? Man, you’ve got him wrapped around your little pinky finger.” (Y/N’s sure they’re just saying this to make her feel better — after all, it’s not every day you spill four smoothies on a multi-millionaire CEO)

“I bet Mr. Holland’s got the hots for you,” Sarah whispers, turning her head to make sure nobody important is in earshot (because anything can set Mr. Holland off, really), “you could probably bust up all of his cars and he’d smile at you, babe.”

“Yeah,” Jacqueline butts in, and Y/N sends her a frown because this entire time they’d been talking, Jacqueline had been quietly filing papers (or at least that’s what Y/N thought), only to realize she’d actually been listening in the entire time, “Mr. Holland likes you— like, like likes you.”

Y/N snorts, sending Jacqueline an unamused stare. “What is this, middle school? M’sure he’s just being nice, s’all.”

Sarah scoffs, raising her eyebrows disbelievingly. “Yeah, right, and I’m a millionaire,” she jokes sarcastically, glancing at Y/N with a lopsided grin on her face. “Trust me. Mr. Holland is anything but nice.”

But Y/N can’t seem to believe that. Surely, he wasn’t that horrible, right?

-

Days pass and Tom hasn’t seen Y/N in a while, and although he has to admit that popping out a stiffy in the middle of a business proposal at the thought of her isn’t the most enticing, he’s starting to miss her. (of course, the only interaction he’s truly had with her is the disaster that cost him a fortune at the dry cleaners, but he still admires her from afar in the least stalker-y way possible)

Most employees would find it beneficial to have the least contact with Tom as possible. It’s been a bit of a known fact that when called into his office, chances are, they’d be leaving with their belongings in a box. So when Nadine, her supervisor, tells Y/N that he’d like to see her in his office, (and in a very loud tone, at that, so now she’s got the whole office staring after her as she shamefully trudges to Tom’s office) she’s quite terrified. She’d only heard horror stories about what went on in his office, and she’s really come to love the company and crosses her fingers and toes that he isn’t going to terminate her internship. (maybe, Y/N thinks, Tom changed his mind about the smoothie incident. Or even worse, he hated the sausage rolls)

So needless to say, Y/N is just about ready to piss herself pushing open the door to his office, because she remembers what happened on her first day and she has no desire to receive the same treatment. As soon as she sees Tom, sitting in his office chair sorting a few papers, she’s already immediately blurting out a plea.

“If you’re going to fire me, please just make it quick.” Tom’s face twists into one of confusion, and he chuckles. (my god, was she dense.)

“Fire you?” He laughed, placing the papers to the side. “The opposite, actually. When your internship finishes, I was going to offer you a permanent job here at Holland and Co. Unless you don’t want it?” The grin that he offers her is so cheeky that Y/N considers saying no just to wipe the smile off his face for scaring the shit out of her like that, but she isn’t nearly rich or petty enough to refuse such a huge proposal. So instead, she nods eagerly, holding in a squeal that threatens to burst out of her throat, and thanks him profusely. What Tom doesn’t expect is for her to pull him into a tight hug, and he’s floored. (he realizes that he really enjoys her hugs.) When she’s pulled back, her face has contorted into one of embarrassment, and she mumbles an awkward apology before she escorts herself out of the door.

(Tom’s grateful, because maybe then, she wouldn’t have seen the blush that tinted his tan cheeks a rosy red.)

-

Tom has a problem.

He’s found that he’s got a crush on one of his company’s interns, Y/N. A real, massive, red-faced, crush on her. In fact, he’s found himself looking forward to seeing her when he can — even though he only sees her a handful of times in a month — and yet, he feels an oddly joyful twisting in his gut when she directs that brilliant smile of hers towards him. He’s realized that she’s weaseled her way into his heart and life, and truth be told, he really has no problem with it. Even embraces it, at that.

So yes, he’s got a problem.

-

Tom is absolutely fucking exhausted.

He’s just about ready to go home, make himself a cuppa, and crash in his obnoxiously soft bed. He’s sure that the company is empty by now because it’s well over the time they get dismissed, so he stumbles out of his office before closing and locking the door. Tom scans the room a final time, ready to leave, but his eyes catch a dim light left on in the back, and he rolls his eyes to go check, annoyed at whichever wanker decided to leave the lights on before they left. So he’s certainly caught off guard when he comes across Y/N tapping away at her computer, sat in her little cubicle.

“Y/N?” Tom asks cautiously, brows furrowed. He has no idea what she’s still doing here, especially since she was supposed to leave at five and the sky outside has already darkened drastically.

“Holy fucking shit—” she screeches, her arms jerking up to cover her mouth, “oh my God, Mr. Holland, you scared the shit outta me.” He finds it quite adorable that she’s sitting there, eyes wide, a hand placed on her heaving chest.

“What’re you still doing here?” Tom questions, because he hasn’t known a single person who would stay past the time they were supposed to return home, and he wasn’t expecting an intern of all people to do so at all.

“I was gonna leave soon, promise, s’just that I almost had this done, so I just wanted to stay to finish it.” Tom nods thoughtfully, switching his briefcase from his right hand to his left, and beckons her to follow him to the parking garage.

“Well come on then, I’ll walk you to your car.” And although Y/N appreciates the thought, (a foolish one, to be honest, because what university student can afford a bloody car?) she shakes her head.

“Well, I was just planning on walking home, because it’s not too far, y’know, and—“

“No way you’re walking home at — 9 at night!” Tom scoffs, checking his watch. He’s gotten way too attached to her to let her put herself in any sort of danger, so he proposes the only idea he could think of in the spur of the moment— “I’ll drive you home, darling.”

“I couldn’t ask you to do that, Mr. Holland,” she protests, shaking her head wildly, “besides, I’m sure it’s not even on the route, so—“ He interrupts her yet again, (a repeating occurrence, she realizes) shaking his head.

“Nonsense. Come on, now. The sooner we get you back, the better.” And with that, Y/N watches him turn around, followed by her trailing behind him like some sort of lost puppy.

It’s not long until they arrive in the parking garage, but Y/N sees a stunning Rolls Royce and gushes over it internally. She’s ready to pass it by, wave goodbye at it, (call her dramatic, but it isn’t every day you can admire a sleek red Rolls Royce in person) but instead, they stop in front of it.

Y/N, who experiences an odd sense of deja vu, crashes into his sturdy back in response. Tom raises an eyebrow, amused, and shoots his hand out to steady her. “Thank god you didn’t have any smoothies this time, hm?” Y/N watches as he moves to the driver’s seat, opening the door, but pauses when he catches sight of her frozen figure.

“What’s the matter, love?” He grins, his hand resting lazily on the open door. Y/N stays where she stood, too terrified to even approach the vehicle (because let’s be real, if she fucked anything up, she’d have to sell every single one of her internal organs to pay it back).

“Oh—Oh fuck— sorry, but shit, Mr. Holland, there’s no way you can expect me to get in that car,” she swallows, backing up slightly, “that’s gotta cost more than I would if I sold myself on the black market.”

Tom simply chuckles, and Y/N’s heart sort of bursts at the sound since it’d been her first time hearing the joyous sound. He ducks his head to crawl into the luxurious car with a simple, “Alright, doll, just get in,” and she practically scrambles to the passenger seat. (as reluctant as she was, she wasn’t thrilled to walk the long trek home in the slightest.)

She’s barely halfway inside the car before she’s already cramping herself to occupy a smaller area of space despite the spacious interior. Tom notices at the same time, tilting his head as he watches her cautiously press the seatbelt into its buckle as if she’d shatter the buckle with too much pressure.

“You look like I‘ve just forced you into an airtight box, love.” He mutters casually, placing a hand on the back of her seat to reverse out of the garage, “Loosen up for me, alright? Where am I dropping you off?”

She gives him an address, and he programs it into his phone. “Well, look at that, darling, you’re right on my route home.” (he’s lying, but she really doesn’t need to know that they essentially live on opposing sides of London, because the last thing he wants her to do is to leave and walk home) He can see her exhale a sigh of relief and grin, and that alone is enough for Tom not to feel an ounce of regret about his choice.

-

In hindsight, this was a great idea.

Now, Tom’s not too sure, because she’s got the radio on now, and she’s singing like nobody’s there and it makes Tom’s heart grow three sizes too big. If he’s being honest with himself, he’s starting to fall for her, further than any point of return, and if anyone saw them in that car in that very moment, they’d see him staring at her with the softest gaze anyone had ever seen on the seemingly apathetic CEO in a long time.

It’s when they approach Y/N’s apartment building that something happens. Y/N whispers out a thank you, and she’s almost out of his car, that Tom catches a glimpse of her phone wedged in the cup holders, and he reaches out for her wrist, calling out for her to wait. He doesn’t expect her to unceremoniously tumble back into his car and lap with a squawk from the sudden tug on her wrist.

“S—Sorry!” Tom yelps, a flush crawling up his neck, and it’s then that he realizes how close their faces were. If he were to lean down in the slightest, their lips would meet and— “Your phone! You forgot your phone!”

Y/N never really had the ability to think rationally in unforeseen situations. Which is maybe why she can’t help but lean up and press a quick kiss to his lips, stunning into silence, but it’s not even her fault, truthfully! (it is, but she tries to give herself the benefit of the doubt) She’d never seen him so uncomposed and flustered, and it was honestly the most adorable thing she’d ever seen.

Her eyes blink at her sudden bold attitude, and then she’s scrambling out the car, maneuvering herself in a way that she wouldn’t headbutt Tom, and she’s gone, running into the building with a loud stuttered “sorry!” Tom loses sight of her, still staring after her, dazed, one singular thought running through his head.

Holy fuck.

-

Tom calls Harrison as soon as he gets home. Harrison arrives in ten minutes flat. (“God, you’re such a drama queen. I’m on my way.”)

“C’mon, mate, don’t just stand there and call me a sap, what do I do?” Tom groans, throwing a toy to Tessa who lay on the couch beside his body, staring at him with a peculiarly knowing look, and Tom groans again because even his damn dog knew about his dilemma.

“She probably likes you, you div,” Harrison grins, raising his voice to imitate Y/N. “Mr. Holland is just… so hot! I dream about kissing him every night!”

“Oi, come off it, you dickhead, she doesn’t even sound like that,” Tom mutters, shoving Harrison to the side. “Probably didn’t even mean shit to her, just like, a friendly kiss or summat.” Tom knows it was more than that. If the amorous gazes and gestures were anything to go by, it would be easy to mistake them as head over heels for one other (unfortunately for them, it’s not exactly a mistake to assume they’re goners for each other, because it’s absolutely true).

Harrison shoots him a look. “Yeah, mate, I kiss all my friends too. S’just a normal friend thing, innit? Now c’mon, gimme a nice smooch.” Harrison teases, puckering his lips to make obnoxious smacking noises towards Tom. He’s met with a pillow to the face, and he laughs, throwing his head back. “You’re so whipped, mate.”

Maybe just a little, Tom thinks.

-

The next morning, Tom’s prepared to man up and do something about his hopeless crush on Y/N. He’s got his entire speech planned out, in fact.

He’ll start it off by handing her a muffin. Chocolate chip, to be specific. And then, he’ll woo her with a romantic speech, as follows: “Y/N, I think I’ve liked you ever since you spilled those drinks on me. I’ve been wanting to ask you to dinner for a while now, and the kiss we shared last night was amazing. So, will you go out with me?” (it sounds better in his head, it really does)

But none of that happens, because when he catches her eye, he beelines for her and they both let out a rush of words at once.

“I brought you something—“

“Last night was a mistake—“

Tom stops, mouth drying at her words. “Sorry, what?”

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Holland, that was so unprofessional of me to kiss you. We can just forget it ever happened if that’s alright.” And Tom’s mouth snaps shut, his hopeful words dying on his tongue before they could escape. Y/N stood in front of him, wringing her hands, a smoothie by her side. “I brought you a smoothie to apologize — you seemed like a Berry Blast kind of guy. Hope that’s alright.” She hands him the smoothie, unaware of Tom’s internal battle because damn it all to hell, he so desperately wanted that kiss to mean something to her and no, he never wanted to forget about it. He sends her a pained, restrained smile, accepting the smoothie she holds as a peace offering and tries to retreat to his office.

“Wait, Mr. Holland!” Y/N cries out, running to tap his shoulder, “What were you saying? I cut you off earlier.”

Tom carefully hides the chocolate chip muffin behind his back, shaking his head. “It was nothing, you took the words right out of my mouth.” Tom laughs, and yet the sound is so forced it almost makes him wince. Y/N’s smile drops for the slightest moment before it’s up on her face again.

“Oh, alright then!” She smiles, waving her hand towards him, “Have a nice day then!”

Tom decides he most certainly will not.

-

“You guys are such bloody wankers!” Y/N cries as soon as she reaches her cubicle, “Y’said he liked me! And just now, he told me that he wanted to forget about the kiss too. God, I’m so humiliated! I might as well just go on and die from humiliation now—“

“Okay, babe, chill,” Sarah tries, but to no avail.

“—I can see the headlines already! ‘Intern kisses boss, gets rejected and dies.’ Fuckin’ hell—“ Y/N’s mini-rant is cut off by Sarah’s hand coming to clamp over her mouth, muffling any sound, but quickly yanks her hand back at the feeling of Y/N’s tongue licking a stripe across her palm.

“I’m sure everything’ll be fine, no harm done. He’ll forget about it in two days flat, promise.” Sarah reassures her, patting her back awkwardly.

-

“For fuck’s sake, mate,” Tom grumbles, head in his hands, “you said she was into me!” Tom’s in shambles because as far as he knows, he’s just humiliated himself in front of the girl he’s taken a liking to.

Harrison laughs at his distressed state teasingly, tossing a pen in the air and catching it to cease his boredom. “M’sure she was just doing what she thought you’d want — hope you realize you aren’t the most approachable guy.”

“Fuck off, you div,” Tom mutters, tossing a highlighter at Harrison’s head, “I resent that, mate.”

-

The next time Tom interacts with her, it’s not for at least a month. (he needed the time to shake off his humiliation.)

It’s so similar to the previous time that it makes Tom’s heart clench at the memory of her soft lips on his. This time though, it’s because the weather outside was pouring buckets that flooded the streets and soaked everything in contact. So it’s not even a question of ‘maybe’ before Tom’s already insisting on driving her home.

“Love, there’s no way in hell that I’m letting you walk through that rain,” Tom tells her, already pulling on his jacket. “Now c’mon, what kind of boss would I be if I didn’t drive you home?”

Y/N reluctantly agrees, shutting down her computer and picking her purse up from under her desk. “Alright. But you’ve got to promise me that I’m not a bother, Mr. Holland.”

“Never,” Tom promises, placing a hand on her arm to gently guide her to the exit. “D’you want me to pull the car up? I know it’s raining pretty hard out there, don’t want you to get wet or summat.” He picks up on his unintentional innuendo too late, his cheeks and ears flushing a thorough red blush. “Not—not like that, I mean like—”

“No, no, it’s alright, I can survive a little rain.” Tom’s never been more grateful for Y/N ignoring his slip-up, because he’s sure that if she’d acknowledged it, Tom would’ve stayed red for the next century or so. (get it together, he tells himself, she’s just a girl, and you’re not a virgin, you moron,)

The drive to her place is quiet apart from her loud singing, but the real dilemma comes when they pull up to the door.

“For fuck’s sake, I—ugh.” Y/N groans, hand leaving her purse dejectedly. “I’ve locked myself out. Don’t even have a spare key.” Tom’s headgears are already turning before she can finish her sentence. “S’alright, I’ll just call my landlord and sleep with a neighbour or something.”

“Why don’t you come sleep at my house?” Tom offers, and Y/N is quick to refuse, insisting that she’s already a bother, and she wouldn’t force him to deal with her presence any longer. “I already promised you weren’t a bother, darling.”

When Y/N buckles up her seatbelt again, she’s expecting Tom to just continue down the road, but instead he makes a swift u-turn and drives back down the same road the came from.

“Mr. Holland! You told me my apartment was on route to yours — why’ve we turned ‘round?” She gapes, head spinning to look back through the window towards her flat. Tom gives her a cheeky shrug, flicking his windshield wipers to a higher speed as the rain came down harder and obstructed his view of the road.

“Must’ve slipped my mind,” he mutters, sending her a smile. “Plus, that’s Tom to you outside of work — Mr. Holland is my dad, love.”

-

Tom doesn’t know how he’s gotten into this position.

He’s got Y/N in his arms, sound asleep, wearing his shirt, sleeping on his bare chest, and his mind is still hazy from the kisses they shared that night. He remembers how they walked into his penthouse, and Y/N had gushed over everything inside, (“holy shit, Mr—Tom, you have a fucking fluffy bath mat? I’ve always wanted one!”) and awed over his dog Tessa, (“ohmigod, you have a bloody dog too? You’re like… the perfect man!” and Tom has to admit that he took this in a different way, because he would love to be Y/N’s perfect man.) Tom had set up his Netflix for her to browse as he prepared them both a warm cuppa, and he’d returned to see Y/N and Tessa cuddled up in a blanket he’d brought for her. The sight tightened his chest, and really, everything from there is a blur.

The main part that he remembers is that they kissed. (and oh, did they kiss)

“You’ve driven me bloody insane, darling,” Tom admitted, pulling her in for a kiss that frazzled her nerves and curled her toes. Y/N’d pulled away, gasping for air, and Tom trailed light kisses down the length of her neck, his arms wrapping themselves around her waist.

“What’re we doing, Tom?” She’d asked between kisses that he’d pressed to her face.

“What I’ve been wanting for a long while, love.”

And here he was, her head heavy on his chest, nose tucked into the crook of his neck, and Tom’s never felt more at peace. Y/N blinks awake, yawning softly and blinking blearily before she readjusts herself, pulling her body to lay on top of his.

“You’re my… my pillow now, m’kay?” She murmurs, reaching up to press a kiss to his jaw.

Tom smiles, tightening his hold on the sleepy girl, humming. He’s pushing her hair back to kiss her forehead, and Tom decides that he’s never been happier.

want to be added to my taglist?

everything tags:

@timelock97​ @gendryia @laucontrerasv @megzdoats @tommydaspidey @boredombesson @not-jay-c @its-the-unknownspidey

tom tags:

@bellagrayson-wayne @thorkyriebabes @ynm1505

not on my taglist but i hope will read this: 

@stuckonspidey @hholyholland @bloodredsatan @suckerforparker @afterglowparker

[beaubatns]

–––– song prompts

here is a list of twenty-five of my favourite songs that i think can turn into exciting stories or plot lines. please tag me if you do any of this, because i would like to see your take on the these songs! there are two ways that you can do this; you can simply base your story off the whole song, or just the snippet of the lyrics that i put in this post. have fun!

edit: i put the jonas brothers’ lyric on sam smith’s leave your lover, but it is now corrected!

while we’re young by jhene aiko

–––– baby, while we’re young, i think we should do something crazy. like say ‘fuck everyone’ and just run away from the daily routine. i’m telling everybody you’re mine and i like it, and i really hope you don’t mind, i can’t fight it. you know i cannot hide it ‘cause i am so excited that i finally decided on you. ‘cause it’s been another perfect day with you, wanna lay with you, spend the night with you, then spend my life with you, alright. baby while we're young we should just have fun; we should just do whatever we want and tell everyone that we fell in love with each other, that we found the one in one another.

like a star by corinne bailey rae

–––– just like a star across my sky, just like an angel off the page, you have appeared to my life, feel like i'll never be the same. just like a song in my heart, just like oil on my hands, oh, i do love you. still, wonder why it is; i don't argue like this with anyone but you. we do it all the time, blowing out my mind.

capital letters by hailee steinfeld

–––– but then there was you, yeah, then there was you, pull me out of the crowd, you were telling the truth. i got something to say now, ‘cause you tell me that there's no way i couldn't go, nothing i couldn't do. i want to get louder, i got to get louder. we 'bout to go up baby, up we go, we 'bout to go up baby, up we go. we're blowing out speakers, our heart a little clearer. we 'bout to go up baby, up we go, we 'bout to go up baby, up we go. for worse or for better, gonna give it to you in capital letters.

all the way by frank sinatra

–––– when somebody loves you, it's no good unless he loves you, all the way. happy to be near you when you need someone to cheer you, all the way. taller than the tallest tree is, that's how it's got to feel. deeper than the deep blue see is, that's how deep it goes, if it's real.

the way you look tonight by frank sinatra

–––– some day, when i'm awfully low, when the world is cold; i will feel a glow just thinking of you and the way you look tonight. yes, you're lovely, with your smile so warm and your cheeks so soft; there is nothing for me but to love you and the way you look tonight.

easy by mac ayres

–––– feeling like i'm runnin' away. never had the chance, chance to say: i can say that loving you is easy, i don't need to prove a single thing. somewhere along the way i guess you got under my skin. i put all my cards out on the table, you ain't ever gonna show your hand. iwould rather hold you close than try to understand.

day 1 by honne

–––– you'll always be my day one, day zero when i was no one. i’m nothing by myself, you and no one else; thankful you're my day one. i got lucky finding you, i won big the day that i came across you. ‘cause when you're with me, i don't feel blue. not a day goes by that i would not redo. everybody wants to love, it's easy when you try hard enough.

so close by jon mclaughlin (enchanted soundtrack)

–––– you're in my arms and all the world is calm; the music playing on for only two. so close together and when i'm with you, so close to feeling alive. so close to reaching that famous happy end. almost believing this one's not pretend. and now you're beside me, and look how far we've come. so far we are, so close.

i like me better by lauv

–––– to be young and in love in new york city. to not know who i am but still know that i'm good long as you're here with me. to be drunk and in love in new york city; midnight into morning coffee, burning through the hours talking. damn, i like me better when i'm with you. i knew from the first time, i'd stay for a long time 'cause i like me better when i'm with you.

paris in the rain by lauv

–––– all i know is, we could go anywhere, we could do anything, girl, whatever the mood we're in. yeah all I know is getting lost late at night, under stars, finding love standing right where we are, your lips, they pull me in the moment; you and i alone and people may be watching, i don't mind 'cause anywhere with you feels right, anywhere with you feels like paris in the rain. we don't need a fancy town or bottles that we can't pronounce, ‘cause anywhere, babe, is like paris in the rain when i'm with you.

tightrope by michelle williams (the greatest showman soundtrack)

–––– some people long for a life that is simple and planned, tied with a ribbon. some people won't sail the sea 'cause they're safer on land to follow what's written; but i'd follow you to the great unknown, off to a world we call our own. hand in my hand and we promised to never let go, we're walking the tightrope; high in the sky, we can see the whole world down below, we're walking the tightrope. never sure, never know how far we could fall. but it's all an adventure that comes with a breathtaking view: walking the tightrope with you.

rewrite the stars by zac efron and zendaya (the greatest showman soundtrack)

–––– you know i want you, it's not a secret i try to hide. i know you want me, so don't keep saying our hands are tied. you claim it's not in the cards; that fate is pulling you miles away and out of reach from me. but you're here in my heart, so who can stop me if I decide that you're my destiny? what if we rewrite the stars? say you were made to be mine. nothing could keep us apart, you'd be the one i was meant to find. it's up to you, and it's up to me, no one can say what we get to be. so why don't we rewrite the stars? maybe the world could be ours tonight.

when you look me in the eyes by jonas brothers

–––– if the heart is always searching, can you ever find a home? i’ve been looking for that someone, i'll never make it on my own. dreams can't take the place of loving you. there's gotta be a million reasons why it's true. when you look me in the eyes and tell me that you love me, everything's alright, when you're right here by my side. when you look me in the eyes, i catch a glimpse of heaven. i find my paradise when you look me in the eyes.

can i be him by james arthur

–––– you walked into the room and now my heart has been stolen. you took me back in time to when i was unbroken. now you're all i want and i knew it from the very first moment, 'cause a light came on when i heard that song and i want you to sing it again. i swear that every word you sing, you wrote them for me, like it was a private show, i know you never saw me. when the lights come on and i'm on my own, will you be there to sing it again? could i be the one you talk about in all your stories. can I be him?

so this is love by irene woods and mike douglas (cinderella soundtrack)

–––– so this is love, so this is love. so this is what makes life divine. i’m all aglow, and now i know, the key to all heaven is mine. my heart has wings and i can fly; i’ll touch every star in the sky. so this is the miracle that i’ve been dreaming of. so this is love.

right here, right now by zac efron and vanessa hudgens (high school musical soundtrack)

–––– can you imagine what would happen if we could have any dream? i’d wish this moment was ours to own it and that it would never leave. then i would thank that star that made our wish come true, ‘cause he knows that where you are is where i should be too. right here, right now, i'm looking at you and my heart loves the view, ‘cause you mean everything. right here, i'll promise you, somehow, that tomorrow can wait for some other day to be. but right now, there’s you and me.

the last time by eric benet

–––– the first time i fell in love was long ago. i didn't know how to give my love at all. the next time i settled for what felt so close; but without romance, you're never gonna fall. after everything i've learned, now it's finally my turn. this is the last time i'll fall, in love.

a love that will last by renee olstead (the princess diaries 2 soundtrack)

–––– i want a little something more. don't want the middle or the one before. i don't desire a complicated past. i want a love that will last. say that you love me, say I'm the one; don't kiss and hug me and then try to run. i don't do drama, my tears don't fall fast. i want a love that will last. i don't want a just a memory, give me forever. don't even think about saying goodbye 'cause i want just one love to be enough and remain in my heart till i die.

1000 years by kt tunstall and bleu (tinker bell and the neverbeast soundtrack)

–––– a thousand years is a long long time, even for a star up in the sky. i could count the tears and the long long nights, but i'd rather just remember how you smile. in a thousand years, i know that our love will still be here. so close your eyes, my dear, knowing that our love is going to last one thousand years.

can’t sleep love by pentatonix

–––– tell me, am i going crazy? tell me have i lost my mind? am i just afraid of loving, or am i not the loving kind? kissing in the moonlight, movies on a late night, getting old. i've been there, done that; supposed to be hot, but it's just cold. somebody wake up my heart, light me up, set fire to my soul. 'cause i can't do it anymore. give me that can’t sleep love. i want that can't sleep love; the kind i dream about all day, the kind that keeps me up all night. give me that can't sleep love.

once upon a dream by mary costa and bill shirley (sleeping beauty soundtrack)

–––– i know you, i walked with you once upon a dream. i know you, the gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam. yet i know it’s true that visions are seldom all they seem, but if i know you, i know what you’ll do. you’ll love me at once, the way you did once upon a dream.

leave your lover by sam smith

–––– i don't have much to give, but i don't care for gold. what use is money, when you need someone to hold? don't have direction, i'm just rolling down this road, waiting for you to bring me in from out the cold. you'll never know the endless nights, the rhyming of the rain or how it feels to fall behind and watch you call his name. pack up and leave everything, don't you see what i can bring? can't keep this beating heart at bay. set my midnight sorrow free, i will give you all of me. just leave your lover, leave him for me.

get here by oleta adams

–––– you can reach me by railway, you can reach me by trailway. you can reach me on an airplane, you can reach me with your mind. you can reach me by caravan, cross the desert like an arab man. i don't care how you get here, just get here if you can. you can reach me by sailboat, climb a tree and swing rope to rope. take a sled and slide down the slope, into these arms of mine. you can jump on a speedy colt, cross the border in a blaze of hope. i don't care how you get here, just get here if you can. there are hills and mountains between us; always something to get over. if i had my way, surely you would be closer. i need you closer.

[broadwaycantdie]

Soulmate AU - Newsies (Pride) Month . Day 6

( race ) + ( modern-era ) + ( senses )

a/n: i love this concept so here is my version of it :)

warnings: minimal cussing, mentions of suicide

background: When you’re born you have 4 senses. Everyone has touch, but the rest interchange per person. Some people have sight, taste, and smell but not hearing. Some people have hearing, sight, and taste but not smell. And etc. When you touch the skin of your soulmate you regain that sense. Race was born without sight. He’s never seen the world. He’s now 19 and a lot of his friends have already found their soulmate, while he’s stuck waiting for his true love.

( i like the concept of them staying in the lodging house even in modern-au’s, it’s just nicer and they have more things, like a group home, if you will )

——————————————————————————

“It’s never going to happen. I should just give up on love!”

“Stop being so dramatic.”

“Yeah! Nothing’s impossible Racer.”

Race sat in the windowsill, resting his head against the glass.

He’s been low ever since Albert started hearing.

See, Race always thought Albert was the one but it just hadn’t “sunk in” yet. Which is entirely not how it works. Race was just so in love with Albert he was hoping the rules would change.

After Albert met Elmer everything was different. Albert exclaimed that he heard Elmer introduce himself and the rest was history.

Now all Race could do was hope someone just as perfect would walk right in and touch his heart.

But he’s had 19 years of bad luck.

“You’re never gonna find anyone just sitting around here, waiting.”

“You have to go out and find what you want.”

“You two have absolutely no right to talk. You guys met when you were 8! And now I’m stuck here, 11 years later still waiting.”

It was true.

Mush and Kid Blink met when they were both 8 years old. They ran into each other while playing in the park. Mush gained the sense of smell and Kid Blink was granted hearing. After playing, they went back to their families and explained what happened. They were too young to know but their parents decided it be best if they stay together. They were sent to the lodging house a little bit later and have been together ever since.

The lodging house was a great way for soulmates to stay together. It was full of unbreakable couples. Lots of families sent their children there after finding their partners.

But not everyone there had found their soulmate yet. Some people moved in because they had no where else to go. People like Race.

“Why don’t we go out for a walk?” Mush suggested.

“Yeah! It’ll be good to at least get out of the house, and who knows, maybe you’ll find your soulmate. They could be anywhere you know”, Kid Blink added.

Race didn’t move.

Mush and Kid Blink looked at each other.

“And...if you go out, we’ll buy you lunch.”

Race smiled. Everyone knew the way to get Race out of the house was bribery.

“I’ll go for lunch, but I’m not gonna find my soulmate. I’ve met every person in Manhattan and I still can’t see!”

“Okay, give us some time to get ready and we’ll go out”, Mush said.

They walked out of the room, leaving Race to wallow in his own self-pity for just a bit longer.

The boys devised a plan. If Race had no luck in Manhattan, they’d try every borough, city, state, a country in the world. But they were going to start with boroughs first.

“Okay, so where first?” Kid Blink asked.

“Why not Brooklyn? Mike found Hotshot there. It could be worth a first try. Plus we can take him to Oasis.”

“Babe, do you just wanna go to Oasis?”

“Well yeah, but the rest of what I said is still true.”

The boys went back to Race’s room and finally got him out the door—without saying where they were going.

“This is a long walk, where is this place?” Race asked.

Neither Mush nor Kid Blink answered and just changed the subject. Talking about how the weather feels, how good the food is going to be, how a soulmate could be anywhere. All little hints suggesting they might not be in Manhattan anymore.

After what felt like the longest walk in history, the boys made it to the restaurant.

They sat down at the table and Race needed to know what was up. He questioned the boys left and right and they finally gave up.

“Brooklyn!? What were you guys thinking?”

“Well you said you met everyone in Manhattan, so why not branch out?” Mush replied.

“Well, we made it all the way here and I still can’t see. Looks like your little plan didn’t work”, Race retorted back, annoyed.

“You’re not actually mad at us?” Kid Blink responded.

“I’ll answer that after food.”

They ate and talked for a while with a strong feeling of hope from one side of the table and hopelessness from the other.

Mush and Kid Blink went back and forth trying to get though to Race but he didn’t reply.

He just sat there. Head down, sunglasses on, beanie pulled over most of his curls, and doing anything to drown out their constant disappointment and dissatisfaction in him.

“They could be anywhere, Race! But you’re not letting yourself try! You just sit in your room all day waiting!”

“Stop feeling bad for yourself and start putting yourself out there!”

“The first step towards love is an attempt.”

“It’s like you don’t even care.”

“Do you even want to find this person?”

Race couldn’t take it anymore. He snapped.

“Yes! Okay! I do! I want nothing more than to walk out of here and bump into my soulmate on the street! I would do anything to fill this whole in my chest! Don’t you guys understand that? No, of course you don’t. Cause you two didn’t grow up thinking ‘gee, I wonder when someone will finally love me?’ or ‘why am I so unloveable that even my soulmate avoids me?’ or ‘maybe my soulmate doesn’t want to be found’. You guys never went through what I had to. I can’t stand your guys’ help cause all you do is yell at me for not trying but what about the other person? Huh? I don’t see them coming and looking for me! I’ve done my trying, okay? Nineteen long fucking years of it. I’m done, okay? I would do anything to find this person, but right now...I’m just done.”

He didn’t know what else to do. He had to clear his head. Even if he couldn’t see them, Race couldn’t bare to stay in the restaurant with his friends. Hearing what they would say, feeling the energy shift in the room, it was all too much for him.

Race walked out the front door and sat on the curb outside the restaurant. He sat with his face buried in his knees and his arms wrapped around them. He was crying. He cried mixed tears of sadness and anger. His body wouldn’t do anything else.

Back in the restaurant, Mush and Kid Blink didn’t know what to do. They were in shock. They never knew Race felt like this. He use to be fun and easygoing but his downhill spiral had finally reached rock bottom.

They were so disappointed. But for once, not in Race. In themselves. They never realized how easy they actually had it and how hard it was for other people to spend so much time looking for something they couldn’t understand.

The boys looked at Race out the window, making sure he didn’t leave. They decided to give him some time to cool off. He was better alone these days.

They turned towards each other and talked. Discussing what would happen after this and what they could do to make it right.

They took their eyes off Race.

Outside, Race stood up. He put his hands in his pockets and listened to what was around him. Since he couldn’t see, hearing what his best friend.

He heard the footsteps of people in a hurry. He heard the birds singing their afternoon songs in the treetops. He heard sounds of car engines as they sped by, certainly going faster than they should’ve.

Race decided he wanted to go home.

Or at least somewhere.

He wasn’t stupid. He knew where he was going and what was going to happen, but he didn’t care. He was emotional, delusional, and lost. He had a pain in his chest he thought would never be filled.

He wanted to go home.

So he started walking. Stepping right towards the busy street he heard so well. He was going to cross it whether he made it to the other side or not.

He took a few more steps—hearing cars honking—until he heard the forbidden sound. A car coming his way. He could walk faster, or let fate decide. Was the person driving going to pay attention? That wasn’t up to him.

As the driver got closer and closer, Race couldn’t hear the breaks.

Guess they weren’t.

Closer and closer it got until he finally felt something.

But it wasn’t the car.

The back of his shirt was grabbed and he was ripped backwards onto the concrete he was sitting in previously.

“Woah, hey, are you okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I guess.”

Race didn’t recognize the voice that asked him. It certainly wasn’t his friends.

“Do you always go walking into busy streets?” The boy asked lightheartedly.

“Well not really.”

Race was still on the ground talking to this stranger. He seemed friendly enough, but he was still a stranger so short and simple answers would do just fine.

“Mind if I help you up?” The stranger asked.

“Sure, but I’m gonna need a lot of it. I can’t see—hence the sunglasses.”

“It’s not problem, I got a lot of friends who can’t see.”

The boy told Race to put his arm out and he would grab onto it.

They locked hands and Race felt his heartbeat change. He heart felt warm and his chest fuller.

He got up with the help of the boy and felt even more strange.

He took his sunglasses off and—for the first time in his life—opened his eyes fully.

The first thing he saw was this boy.

They locked eyes and Race started to tear up.

It finally happened.

The boy across from him lifted his hands to his ears and held his face softly.

“Please say something”, he mumbled.

“Hi, my name’s Antonio ‘Racetrack’ Higgins, and I believe we’re soulmates.”

The boy’s face formed into a huge smile. So wide his eyes crinkled and his skin turned pink.

He reached up and hugged Race so tightly. Race gladly returned the favor.

They pulled away and the boy finally introduced himself.

“My name’s Sean ‘Spot’ Conlon, and you’re my soulmate.”

The air around them felt warm and happy.

Race was overwhelmed by seeing everything for the first time. He wanted to explore the world and see everything, but in this moment he couldn’t take his eyes off Spot.

He didn’t want to ruin the moment, but he had to know.

“How did you know what I was saying if you couldn’t hear me?”

Spot smiled shyly.

“I read your lips...I couldn’t keep my eyes off them.”

Race’s eyes moved from Spot’s eyes to his lips and back up again, slowly. And Spot’s eyes did the same thing.

They leaned in close, sharing a kiss. It was passionate and soft. It felt like the kiss of a new life. The happiest kiss Race has ever felt. The only happy thing he’s felt in a long time.

They pulled away and rested their foreheads together.

“I’m so glad I found you, Spot Conlon. I don’t know what I wouldn’t done if you hadn’t come.

“Got hit by a car is what you would’ve done.”

Race could tell why they were paired up and he could tell the rest of his life was going to be fun with Spot around.

For once, he finally felt like he had plans for the future. Plans he wanted to see follow through.

And for once, he could see what everyone meant when they said it would be worth the wait.

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Chapter 2 - The Rogue and The Bard

“Okay, so…You really go play board games with 12 year olds?” Billy asked, raising an eyebrow, not believing what I was saying. “Yes. Dungeons and Dragons, it’s called.” I tried to explain to him. “And you’re…Uh…Part of their ‘Party’ ?” he continued, looking at me in disbelief. “Yes. Mike is the Paladin, Will is the Cleric, Lucas is the Ranger, Dustin is the Bard and El is the Mage.” I smiled, looking at him  as he drove us to school. “And what are you, babe? The charmer of the group? The Fox?” he chuckled, looking at me. “There’s no Foxes in DnD, you, idiot.” Max grumbled from the backseat. “I’m the Rogue…A Tiefling Rogue. That’s why they called me Fox. Rogues are sneaky and sly.” I grinned at him and continued.“I think you’d make a fine Bard. You have charisma, dexterity and strength.” I try to hype him up, but he only smirked at me with a confused look. “Uhm…You can go around and smack people in the head with a lute.” I grin at him, making him slowly start smiling at how weird it sounded, then chuckled. “I’ll buy a lute just for that.” he let out an amused breath before looking back at the road. “Why did they let you in the Party and not me?” the poor redhead pouted. “Would you want me to talk to them? You see, some of them may have some…Issues, but it’s nothing personal. El, our Mage…She disappeared just a few ago and we kinda miss her. I guess they may be reluctant to have anyone else join us because they miss her.” I told her in a soft voice. “Why couldn’t they tell me that in the first place?!” she leaned frontwards, between mine and Billy’s seats, looking at me. “Well…To put it simple, Max…It’s a problem among all ages. We lack one fundamental skill that could solve more than 80% of our problems and that is, drum roll…Communication.” I say dramatically, making her giggle confused. “What do you mean by that? We all talk so much, don’t we?” she asked again, very curious. “Yes, but that’s different. When you talk, you can either hear, just like you do with any noise, or listen, which you only do when you actually use your brain. Thing is, Max…Most of us don’t know how to Communicate. Your problem with the Idiot Party could have been solved very easily if only they were up for communication, but they’re a bunch of silly nerds. Really. Many people pretend to listen, but they don’t and you realise that only when they get busted.” turning to look at her, I smile and pat her head. “I’d say don’t take it personally, they’re just boys, they’re stupid…But I can talk to them. Believe me or not, I know how to make them listen.” “Whoa, really? You can do that?” she gleamed and practically radiated joy. “That’s why they call me Fox, remember~?” I wink at her with a chuckle, before realising we’ve already arrived. “I say, the way things are, my sister’s gonna charm you before I do.” he scoffed, seeing Max skateboard to her classes. “Awww, come on, Billy, don’t be like that. She’s a real sweetheart. I like her around me, just like I like you.” I nudge him slightly, despite not even budging him. “Besides, it’s nice to finally have proper conversations, y'know?” I shrug a bit, looking away. “Say, babe, wanna see me at practice today? You can cheer for me as I beat the shit out of that Pussy Harrington.” he boasted, putting an arm around my shoulder. “I…Hope not literally, but at the game.” I chuckled nervously, looking up at him slightly. “Fine, fine, whatever you want.” Billy raised his arms in defeat in a joking manner. “Billy! That was mean!” I grinned, trying to stifle my laugh. “Now, there, toots, is where you are wrong and you don’t even believe yourself. I heard your sweet giggle.” he poked my cheek, making me blush slightly and look down. “What time?” I asked, sighing, hoping that nothing will interfere. “First class after lunch.” he flashed a charming smile my way. “I guess that can work. Sure, I’ll be there. But, uhm…Apart from the fact that you gotta score…I know literally nothing about Basketball.” I confessed awkwardly. “Well, you got the gist of it. Leave the rest to me.” he winked, putting his shades on his head. “Project, after?” “If you want to, sure!” I smiled

With that, I went on with my daily at classes, and gotta say, time flew by pretty fast, and before I knew it, lunch began and I went outside to eat, just as I always do, listening to music on my cassette iPod. An hour went by fast and I had to go see Billy’s practice match, his team against Steve’s, and for once, I was a tiiiiny bit intrigued by sports. I enter the P.E. room shyly, seeing how everyone was busy doing the warming up, and I sit on the bleachers, opening my book and reading “The Lord Of The Rings”, my absolute favourite fantasy book, before the match began.

“Hey, Black, this place is for sweating, not reading! Give that here!” a voice yelled in my ear, making me yelp, before they took the book from my hands. “Give me my book back, please!” I stand up quietly, trying not to draw attention to myself. “Why are you here? This is hardly a proper place for you.” Steve scoffed, looking at the book. “Psh, what’s this rubbish? You’re really reading this? Nerd.” he rolled his eyes, holding the book above his head, barely out of my reach. “If you want it back that badly, reach up!” he continued, laughing. “Come on, please, give it back! I didn’t come here for trouble, I just wanted to cheer for a friend!” I tried to say, trying to reach my book. “Friend? You? Of all people? Don’t be kidding.” he scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Hey, lookie here, King Harrington! Too afraid to face me and you prefer harassing a girl? You’re such a pussy.” Billy’s voice echoed from behind Steve, as he easily got the book from his hand. “Why don’t cha come on the field and fight someone your size?” he smirked, getting in his face. “I won’t let you win, Hargrove.” Steve sneered, annoyed, before bumping his shoulder into Billy’s and going to field to his team. “So, you came to cheer on me. Guess now I can’t lose, huh?” he smirked, flexing a bit as he took off his shirt. “Be careful out there. If you flex and show off too much, you might forget you’re playing and not trying to find your next hook up.” I smirked slightly, gingerly taking my book from his hand. “Thank you. I appreciate you standing up for me…Again.” I smiled softly, rubbing his arm a bit, as a way to both say Good Luck and Thank you. “Who needs a hook up when I have to charm the pants off of ya?” he got closer to my face, in a teasing manner. “Go fuck them up…Babe.” I whisper lowly in his ear, as the smirk never left my face, and yet, I back down and looked away slightly. “Great, now I’m turned on and it’s entirely your fault.” he shook his head, biting his lip as he jogged to court, ready to start the game.

The game soon started, and while I have to admit I had no idea what was going on, I would cheer every time Billy would score. I think that’s what I’m supposed to do, right?

The whistle blew and Harrington had the ball, dribbling left and right, until Billy came in front of him, looking intimidating as ever, and they seemed to be…Talking? Do people talk during games? They would bump into each other a lot, before Billy somehow threw him to the ground and got the ball, showing off again as he marked yet another point for his team, then turning to wink my way as he saw I was clapping.

What a jerk.

The whistle blew again, one of the shirtless guys was dribbling the ball and Steve was blocking him, but, of course, since he’s the best player in our year, Billy managed to easily secure the ball and dribbled it away from Steve, but then stopped and started taunting Harrington.

“King Steve! King Steve, everyone! I like it, play it tough today.” he got closer to his face, annoying Steve. “Jesus! Do you ever stop talking?! Come on!” Steve tried to make Billy shut up, but to no avail. “What? Afraid the coach is gonna bench you now that I am here? Huh?” Billy laughed as easy going as usual, then dribbled and pushed past Steve and stop ANOTHER point.

This time, instead of looking at me, he went to Steve, offered to help him get up, but told him something in a very intimidating voice and let him fall to the ground again, before coming in front of me, putting his arms on his hips, smirking cockily and panting.

“Liked the show, babe?” he asked, his chin up. “I have no idea what I watched, but hey, I think you won, right? Congrats! It looked like you did all the job, so I guess I know why the teacher likes you.” I clapped my hands in front of my chest, praising him. “Look at her being so cute. Didn’t I tell ya you were melting my heart? Come 'ere, gimme a hug!” he approached me, but I yelped, giggled a bit before stepping back. “No, no, no. Go take a shower first, then I’ll hug you, okay?” I put my hands up to signal him to stop moving, but he only chuckled. “One of these days, I won’t be the only one sweating, babe.” he teased in a low voice, making me blink and tilt my head in confusion. “I…I don’t do sports, Billy, what do you mean?” I smile at him. “You…You didn’t get that, did you?” he sighed, rolling his eyes. “Uh…No, sorry.” I grin awkwardly. “Never mind. Wait for me by the car, will ya? Unless you wanna join me in the shower.” he winked, giving me a charming look. “Okay, I’ll wait you outside. See ya!” I said cheerfully, walking to his Camaro.

However, before I reached the car, I saw Max and Lucas arguing and I ran to them, putting my hands on her shoulders.

“Hey, guys! What brings you here?” I asked, trying to calm down the waters a bit. “Lucas, here, and the rest of his stupid party, don’t understand anything! They act like they want me to be their friend, but then they treat me like garbage!” she yells at him, annoyed. “That’s not true!” Lucas tried to defend himself, but Max refuted with a simple “Yes it is!” “Is this about the AV club meetings?” I went between them, looking left and right. “Yes! They can’t stop keeping secrets from me and it’s so annoying! We’re not in 2nd grade anymore!” she shouted, very angry, making me sigh. “Okay, kids, calm down. First of all, Lucas, I really need to talk to you guys about this. Max deserves to be in the party too, okay? She’d be a great addition. Secondly…Is this about…About Will?” I ask the second question a bit quieter. “Yes, yes it is! Don’t get me wrong, I want Max in our party, but we’re 6 in our party, not only me, and I can’t decide by myself! You, me and Dustin want her, but Will is barely around anymore and Mike declines every time, because of El!” he raised his voice at me, making me smile in annoyance and sign for him to calm down. “Okay, kids, okay, I understand your problems and while I do think Max should be in our party, I think we should talk, the 6 of us…Like, have a REAL talk, because things have gone out of control these days and I wasn’t able to stay in contact with you too much because of school stuff, as you know. Now…Uhm…You should have told me Will wasn’t okay. El is not the only one like that, if you remember. I will tell Max everything that happened to us so none of you will be able to complain again.” I said sternly, looking at Lucas, who widened his eyes. “Wait, why would you do that?! We’re supposed to keep it a secret from everyone! We’re already 6 people and Will’s mum who know these things! You know how words spread! It’s a small town!” he tried to protest, worried, but I only shook my head. “I trust Max with my life and I vouch for her. She won’t spread our secrets, I’m sure of that. She just wants to be your friend, morons. Oh, Max, your brother is here. Let’s go home, shall we?” I asked her softly, leading her to the car. “Sure. Oh, and, you still stink!” she shouted past he shoulder, letting him panic there all alone. “Boys can be real jerks, huh?” I shrugged, rolling my eyes. “Don’t worry, I will show you something you’ll never forget.” “Yes, please~!” she grinned up at me until we got in front of Billy, who looked pretty annoyed. “Hey, King Billy, how are you feeling after such a glorious win? I mean, I think it was glorious, considering how relaxed you were every time you showed off so shamelessly.” I teased him, motioning to Max to get in the car. “With you cheering for me oh so pretty, what was I supposed to do?” he asked, flexing a bit. “Mind if I come over? Or are your parents home? Max asked me to chat and do some girl stuff. Is that okay with you? If not, she can come over at mine?” I smiled at him sweetly. “Awe, come on, toots, stop smiling at me like that, y'know I can’t refuse you. They ain’t home yet, you can come over. But don’t think the little twerp can have you all for herself all day.” he winked in approval, which made me hug him tightly. “Thanks, Billy! You’re the best!” I say, kissing his knuckles before rushing to the passenger’s seat. “Whoa, babe, what was that? Shouldn’t I have been the one to do that?” he asked slowly as he got in his seat, looking at me a bit weirdly. “Does it matter? I think it’s sweet no matter who does it. It was my way of thanking you.” I give him a soft smile as I lean back on my seat, closing my eyes. “Hmm…Hey, toots, can ya hold somethin’ for me?” he asked as he started the car and left the parking lot. “Of course.” I replied absent-minded.

Without realising, something warm softly lifted my hand a bit, and as I opened my eyes, I see Billy’s hand pressed to mine, his fingers intertwined with mine. He wasn’t looking at me, instead, his eyes were fixed on the road, an almost invisible blush gracing his sun-kissed cheeks, making me smile at him. I was debating whether or not I should say something or not, but I settled for just squeezing his hand a bit and turning the music volume a tad higher, which made him grin.

We sang the lyrics to the songs, which made the ride home pretty fast, like usual. When we got out of the car, Max went to my side and dragged me inside, making me chuckle at her eagerness. We both sat on her bed and she looked at me with such curious eyes that she made me want to hug her constantly.

“So, uhm…This is all gonna sound very crazy. It’s gonna be SO crazy that you will think I’m lying, but honestly, out of all those idiots, I’m the person you’ll believe and I’ll show you why, at the end.” I began, smirking a bit at her reactions. “The secret the guys hide is…Like a real life DnD campaign. With the Demogorgon and all that. I know, I know, bullshit, huh? Well, I can’t show you one YET, but by the time I grind some sense into those idiots…Well, I mean, hopefully you WON’T get to see any monster, they are super scary, but like…Basically, there’s this monster that kidnapped Will and got him in other world and uh…We found his body, but this one is the real one, and uhm…Well, we managed to get rid of the monster…I and El, more like, and the way I saw Lucas today, I think something’s happened to Will. Bad enough that maybe the monster managed to find another way here.” I took a deep breath after ranting all that out, making the girl look at me like I just said the Earth was flat. “Okay, okay…So then…Let’s say I believe you. You have no reason to lie, unless you’re schizophrenic or something. First of all, who is this El? And secondly, how did you stop the monsters?” she asked skeptically, but wanting to be proven wrong. “Well…El…El is short for Eleven. She was an experiment who managed to escape and we found her.” I explained to her with a big smile. “You expect me to believe that?” her incredulous look only made me chuckle at her. “Do you know what my real name is…Well, was, actually?” my smile turned into a smirk as soon as she shook her head. “My name was Three. Do you wanna know why?” again, her vigorous nod made me continue my story, as I pulled up my Tshirt sleeve, revealing the “3” tattoo. “Because I, too, was an experiment who managed to escape…That was 5 years ago.” I explained with a chuckle, seeing her mouth agape as she gingerly touched the tattoo. “Whoaa…And what did they do to you?” she asked again, looking as she was going to jump up and down from excitement. “What they did to me…Well, a lot of things. But that’s not the right question, Max. Y'know what the right question is~?” I teased her, before continuing. “What resulted after what they did to me~!” I smirked at her. “What happened? Did you get super powers or something?!” she screamed before I shushed her. “Do you see that notebook on the desk? Well…” I chuckled lowly before I made the notebook come into my hand. “It’s not there anymore, now, is it?” I winked at her when she started cheering and jumping on me. “OH MY GOD, THAT WAS SO COOL! DO THAT AGAIN! DO THAT AGAIN!!” she yelled excitedly, making me open her wardrobe’s door, before slamming it back and then opening the window, making her literally jump and clap at me. “THAT’S SO COOL!! WHO NEEDS WONDER WOMAN, WHEN WE HAVE YOU?! Imagine that! America’s Hero, Katrina Black, otherwise known as The Fox! Oh, look at her, she’s saving the day again! Whoooo!” she made a superhero pose, but I told her to stop in her tracks for a second. “I haven’t really used my powers in a very long time because…Well…It’s not really something you’d want to go out in the open with some people. But…Uhmm…Let me try to make you fly, or, uhm, well, float. Want that?” I asked shifting in a better position so I won’t screw up or anything. “You. Can. Do. That?!” she jaw-dropped, making me blush a bit. “Well…Kinda? Like…Just like how I managed to get the notebook, I can move you in the air. But it’s more difficult so it takes a bit of a strain, so if my eye or nose start to bleed, don’t worry, it’s normal, okay?” I assured her.

Taking a deep breath, I extend my arm towards her and focus, making her slowly raise into the air, moving her left and right as she giggled and pretended to be a superhero or that she was swimming. I couldn’t help but laugh with her, but I had to put her down before a headache would hit me and I could lose focus and drop her.

“Sorry I got you down, I was afraid I might drop you. I can do that again a bit later, if you want.” I cleared my throat, before ruffling her hair. “Is there anything else you want to hear? I should go to your brother and ask him if he’s up for some tutoring. I mean…I was supposed to give him a test yesterday, but I couldn’t come over yesterday, so I told him tomorrow…But I said that not realising tomorrow is Friday and he has a Basketball match, so that’s out of the question.” I scratch awkwardly at my neck. “Say…Do you like my brother? He’s more tolerable to be around since you appeared and…When you’re with us, he’s weirdly nice. Like…I would have never expected him to hold a girl’s hand like that. He’s such a man whore and he’s so violent! …But I guess I kinda get him, in a way. His dad is really…Really…A huge asshole.” she murmurs the last part before flinging herself down on her bad. “Do you…Want to talk about it?” I lean on my arm, petting her hair softly. “If you want to listen…Yeah. Maybe this way you’ll understand Billy better. Who knows, maybe you can tame him or something, I dunno.” she sighed, burying her face in her pillow. “You know…Billy has saved me from bullying twice since you came. And he’s been very sweet with me so far. I…I know he whores around a lot and he’s very violent…And gosh darn it, he flirts with me more than he breathes, I think…But I really appreciated that he didn’t beat up a guy when I asked him to. He had him by the throat, and I begged him not to punch him…And he didn’t.” I confess, putting my head on the pillow next to her. “Woaw…Sure that was my brother?” she chuckled, turning on her side. “Haha, yeah, I promise, it was him.” I grinned softly. “So…So, I don’t really know everything, okay? But…But Billy is afraid of Neil. He’s always screaming very aggressively at Billy and it can’t be a recent thing. And I think he sometimes hits him too. He can’t accept my mum as his mum, which I can understand, but he hasn’t had someone in his life who has been as nice as you are since his mother left him.” she explained, smiling sadly. “Well…To be fair, I was expecting something like that. Childhood trauma usually manifests in two ways…Either like me, or like him. But…But I think…Maybe I can somehow handle this.” I brought her into a hug, which she reciprocated. “He’s been a part of my life all this time and I don’t know him as something more than a violent guy…But can you help him? I know it’s a lot to ask, but…” she trailed off, not knowing what to say. “Don’t worry, Maxi, I will see what I can do. I’m kinda stuck with him the whole year whether I like it or not, so I won’t let him get worse than he is.” I giggled at her, but before she could say anything, the door opened, revealing Billy, his shirt halfway unbuttoned. “There’s so much love in only one room, but what 'bout lil’ ol’ me~?” he slurred in a supposedly sexy way, leaning on the door. “Billy! Remember how yesterday I was supposed to give you that test, but I couldn’t come over? Like, I said I would give it to you tomorrow, but I didn’t realise tomorrow is your match and…And like, you have to celebrate your victory, so I won’t stress you with a test, clearly. But like, you want to take it today, or do you want on Sunday?” I ranted on as I got on the edge of the bed, but before soon, he just chuckled and picked me up bridal style. “Let’s take that test. I’ve been staring at your lips all day, Kitten, and today I’m even more motivated to find out their taste.” he laughed, getting me to his room and gently pulling me on the bed. “Are you sure, Billy? There’s no rushing…I mean, you can have a few days more to revise…And this chapter is not the easiest one, so I won’t blame you.” I smiled nervously, looking away. “Nahhh, s'okay. I was prepared for the one yesterday, so bring it on.” he told me with the most confident smirk in the world, as he sit down on his desk chair. “Okay, so uhm…Yesterday I stood after class with Mrs. Green to create the test for you in a way that it would be structured the same as the final exam is, which is why I couldn’t come over. But…Here you go. You can write in your notebook and I will correct it afterwards, I have the point-grading right here. I’m asking again, Billy - Are you absolutely sure you’re up for it?” I asked him for the millionth time, putting the test in front of him. “Yes, babe, I am. I’m a man of my word. Responsibility and Respect.” he muttered, scanning the test paper. “That sounded a bit robotic…But I won’t ask you about it now. Good luck and focus. You have 2 hours from…Now.” I told him, getting on the bed and doing some improvements to the project.

Two hours passed by faster than the blink of an eye, making me get up and go to Billy, patting him on the shoulder and telling him that time was up. He looked at me since we were about the same height with him sitting down, and in his eyes I could see a certain…Restlessness. Like a fight of emotions was going on, but he didn’t know what to do. I blinked at him twice before cupping his face and frowning.

“Are you okay, sweety? You look upset. Did something happen?” I said in the most gentle voice I could managed. “It’s nothin’, babe, don’t worry for nothin’. Go check my test and tell me if I’m worthy of you or not.” he grumbled, puling away from me. “Billy…If you want, I won’t look and you can retake is on Sunday. It’s okay if you fail from time to time, it’s not the end of the world, you can always try again later.” I try to reach out to him, raking my fingers through his soft hair. “Nah, babe, failing isn’t manly, it’s for pussies. I can’t afford that.” he sneered, gripping his hands into tight fists. “That’s not true, who told you that? To fail is human and it can happen to everyone. It’s not a masculinity meter!…Billy, look at me, please…Billy. Please.” I pleaded again, putting my arms around his neck, but he only got up and went away. “That’s what he always said, okay? So what the hell else am I supposed to fucking DO?! If I don’t listen, I’m fucked! That’s how it’s ALWAYS fucking been! But you wouldn’t get it, would you?! Your parents probably bought you that house so you could stay alone and study at your leisure, their pretty little treasure, and you could fuck everyone you wanted there and nobody would say anything! Why the hell are you even here?! Huh?! It’s only 'cause of that teacher, ain’t it?! And 'cause I’ve always been the idiot to save your weak and pathetic ass! Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if you DID boast that you fucked me!” he raged around the room like an angry tiger in his cage, trapped. “Wh-What do you even know about my life…?” I managed to usher softly, as tears welled up in my eyes and I backed towards to wall opposite of him. “Well, fuck, Katrina, I don’t know, it seems like after today, I know absolutely NOTHING! Care to fucking enlighten me? Care to tell me why are you the high school’s fucking whore?!” he yelled, stomping towards me, which only made me glue myself to the wall, sobbing. “I-I’m not…I’m…Not…I…I…” I choke out, but since I couldn’t say anything coherent, Billy slammed his hands on either side of my face, trapping me, screaming “WHORE” in my face, which made cower and shield my face with my arms. “Don’t hurt me! Please, please, please, don’t hurt me! I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry, please don’t hurt me! I promise I’ll be good, please, don’t hurt me!” I barely managed to squeak out between my sobs, my legs shaking like mad and I could barely breathe.

My ears were ringing from the silence in the room, save for my pitiful sobs, flashbacks flooding my head so much that my throat and lungs were burning like a wild fire. After what felt like hours, he slowly guided me the bed, making me sit down, and by instinct, I let myself fall down and started unbuttoning my shirt, with trembling hands. I didn’t even dare look up to meet his face, but his hands gripped my wrists all of a sudden, which made me meekly raise my gaze a bit and see he was frowning, but somehow, confused.

“What are you doing?” he asked in a low, somehow dead-pan voice. “It’s what you want, isn’t it? Rather than doing it by force, just do it with no violence. I told you I won’t bother struggling, it’s meaningless anyways.” I whispered softly, biting my lip. “Did I say I wanted to fuck you right now?” he sat down on the bed as I cringed at his question, only shaking my head slightly. “Then why did you do this?” he asked, but since he saw I wasn’t answering, he continued. “I’m not mad, I’m not going to hurt you, ever, so just answer.” “I’m sorry I upset you…I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to.” I whispered as he lifted me into a sitting position. “You’re the only one who puts up with me, and if you got angry at me, I deserve it. I’m sorry, so please, don’t get angry at me and leave.” I continued, closing my eyes. “Kat, come here.” he patted his thighs, motioning me to sit on his lap, which I did, but I still wouldn’t look at him. “Kat, look at me.” he said softly, putting his hands on my face, as I previously did to him. “Who hurt you so much, Kat? Tell me. I’m not angry at you and I won’t leave you, either.” he uttered, trying to calm me down. “I…I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled at you or said those things to you. I know they were lies, but I got frustrated. I should apologise, not you.” he confessed, making me look at him with glistening eyes, shaking my head briefly. “Kat, tell me. Please.” he whispered in my ear, making me start to cry again and throw my arms around his torso, crying in his chest, still trembling slightly. “I don’t know, Billy, I don’t know! It’s always been this way! I don’t get it, what did I do wrong? Why does everyone hate me? Do I look that weird? Is my personality that garbage? I-I don’t understand!” I began, feeling him rub soothing circles on my back. “I never had a family, Billy! I’m a runaway freak! I ran from an experimental base 5 years ago! I didn’t even have a name, I was just a number for them! And…And I ran here, and a policeman found me and put me in an orphanage under a name that I made up! Katrina Black, not Three anymore! And…And when I got with my new family, it was no difference than in the orphanage! Always the same thing! Nobody wanted me, I was just a waste of time and I did nothing good to contribute to my family!” I managed to say, clutching his shirt tightly. “Shhh, it’s okay now, Kitten, I’m here.” he whispered in my ear kissing my head. “Don’t be afraid.” “I worked a lot for 4 years, and with the policeman’s help, I managed to get my own little house and a motorbike. Not the perfect family anymore, huh?” I tried to laugh, but it came out more as a choke. “And…And…I…I just…I just wanted my Happily Ever After, Billy…I…I didn’t want to be alone anymore…They faked it…They faked everything just to fool around with me…They pretended to love and care about me…They pretended that they were good and protective boyfriends…But by the time I realised that what was happening wasn’t normal, it was too late and the damage had already been done. And I can’t erase it no matter how hard I try…” I put my hands in my hair, pulling at it in desperation. “I just want to forget all the disgusting things that happened, all the lies I heard, all those hands on my skin…I told you so many times before, no matter how much you struggle, it doesn’t do any good. Well, now you know the story behind it.” as I said that, he gently pulled away my hands and made me raise my head up again, and I could see anger and sadness in his eyes…He, too, seemed to want to cry, but tried very hard to stop it. “Tell me who did this to you and I’ll kill them. I’ll get revenge on them for you. If you couldn’t get out, neither will they.” he growled, looking me in the eyes, but I only shook my head and hugged his neck. “Don’t…Don’t go…Don’t leave…Don’t bother…What’s done is done. Yeah, of course, he only fucked me once, did other super gross things, whatever and now I’m somehow the biggest whore of the high school, whatever. Hey, really, I somehow magically fucked you in your sleep, or something, hell if I know. And if that wasn’t enough, after that first guy, two more came by. 'Know what happened?” I looked at him with a self-deprecating laugh, making him motion for me to continue talking. “The first one made me realise what happened wasn’t okay. Thing is, I told him I wasn’t interested in any fucks. What he did? The next day he started asking me about what positions I liked and stuff. And the next thing I know, he realised that I’m not a virgin, but he is, and says something along the lines of…How did he say it, now…Ah, yes. 'Why do the bad guys always get the good stuff?’. Yeah, like, thanks mate, very smart.” I rolled my eyes, every word completely dripping with sarcasm. “I kinda like it when you finally talk from your heart and you’re not scared of everything around you.” Billy said with a small smirk. “Well, then maybe you should love me by now. The third guy was very sympathetic with me and supposedly very protective of me. Turned out he was high-key flirting with my then-friend, making out/fucking her, all whilst continuing to insult me, but never letting me break up with him. He was a notorious liar. The biggest liar in the world, I kid you not.” I snorted bitterly. “Did they beat you?” he asked in a very low voice. “No…But…They would get overly possessive and jealous and would argue with me big time. It’s not like I have many friends, y'know? Just the kids. And Jonathan Byers, kinda. They would yell at me a lot and get super moody and mean. Hell, even on my birthday. Really…Fuck off.” I scoffed slightly, pouting as I leaned back a bit. “Did you calm down, Kitten? Feeling any better after letting your feelings out?” he caressed my cheek softly, which made me look down and snort a bit, trying to stifle my giggle. “What’s goin’ on, Kitten? Why you laughing?” he asked with a soft smile. “I…Well…It might sound super weird, okay, but…But I can’t stop laughing thinking about it. Just…He…He always boasts around how much of a mess I was because of him, but, like…I literally didn’t even realise when he got inside me and when he finished, like, what the hell!” I started laughing loudly, wiping my tears with my wrists, which made Billy start laughing as well, not having expected me to say something like that. “So my little Kitten can have a sense of humour when she wants to, huh? I never expected you to say any of the words you said the whole day, I swear, you’re surprising me with each day.” he put his arms around me, hugging me tight as I put my arms around his neck and calmed down. “I know I’m a mess, and as I said a million times, I’m sorry that you have to put up with me. But, Billy, if it were after me, I’d have already given you a chance by now, but really, I’m just scared that the whole chaos is going to happen again. And I’m just so tired of everything that I don’t think I could handle another betrayal.” I confessed softly, putting my forehead to his. “I said I was gonna prove you that you’re not wasting your time, and I’m not backing up from that promise. If it’s time you need, we have all the time in the world. I won’t be a shithead again like today. I lost control and it was my fault, I’m sorry.” he promised, looking me in the eyes as he put a strand of hair behind my ear. “It’s okay, Billy. I know you have it rough too. I don’t know the details, but I can sense what’s going on. You don’t have to tell me, but I know your father is a…A douchebag. I’m sorry for using that word. But, really, it’s one more year and you’ll be free of him! You’ll have a scholarship and you’ll be studying at a cool University whatever you wish to study and…And…I…Well…Maybe…Maybe we can…Y'know…We may be able to study in a place close to each other. Maybe even the same city. Hawkins Scholarships are usually more or less addressed to certain Unis in certain states.” I said with a shy smile, which in return, made his features soften up like never before. “Sounds good to me, babe.” he said, before burying his face in my neck, holding me tight as I played with his hair, calming him. “Billy.” I called out after a few minutes, when I felt his heartbeat calm down a bit. “Would it be okay with you if I corrected your test now? Don’t worry about the result, it just means that I will have to explain some stuff better, so it’s no problem. It’s as you said, we have enough time for everything. I don’t want to hold you off for too long since tomorrow’s your match and you should sleep well.” I say gently, making him sigh and nod.

I told him to stay in bed and lean on the bed post before I got up, took the test and a red pen from my bag before hopping next to him, cuddling to his side. We corrected the test together, explaining to him each mistake he made and why it was wrong, how to address the question tasked and so on, and it seemed like he understood and he was aware of his mistakes and how to solve them. It’s true, he didn’t make it to 75%, but it wasn’t too far away from that mark. He was frustrated, but I managed to calm him down and tell him that he will definitely do better next time and that first tests are always so bad. By the time we were done, outside was pitch black and we realised it was already past 10pm, which made me bite my lip.

“It’s okay, I can walk home, it’s no big deal. Just stay here and sleep well, okay?” I smiled at him reassuringly, but he only shook his head. “Just sleep over, I’ll sleep on the floor no big deal.” he proposed, shrugging, making me gasp. “Are you insane?! You, sleep on the floor? It’s YOUR house! Damn it, Billy! I should take the floor! Well…I could sleep in Max’s room, actually.” I realised, but he shook his head. “No, no, no, I’d rather sleep outside than seeing you do either of those two. I said it before, didn’t I? She won’t have you all for herself.” he said, making me chuckle. “You could just say you wanted to sleep cuddled with me, y'know? You liked that hug more than you’d admit in your life.” I teased him with a soft smirk. “Fine, babe, y'got me. So, what band do ya want?” he asked, going to his wardrobe to look for a Tshirt for me to sleep in. “Woaw, always ready to give a girl your band Tees, huh?” I chuckled, hiding my mouth slightly. “Nah, not 'a’ girl. You. Anyone touching my band tees will get burnt.” he smirked, leaning on the door. “Flattering, Billy. D'you have AC/DC?” I asked softly. “Do I breathe air?” he asked very dramatically, throwing the Tshirt at my head, making me laugh. “Thank you. I love the design…Oh, Jesus, how much cologne and cigarettes did you have while wearing this?” I laughed, hugging it too my chest. “Too much, maybe.” he shrugged. “I’ll turn around so you can change. Don’t worry, I won’t peep. Yes, you can kill me if I do.” he chuckled as he turned around, stretching a bit, giving me enough time to change and remain into his Tshirt and lady boxers only, thanking every deity existing that he was much larger than me and the Tshirt went mid-thigh. “Okay, I’m ready. Thank you…And, uhm…This is really weird and embarrassing.” I sighed as I put my clothes neatly folded on the chair. “Ah, fuck, you’re so hot, I knew it.” he smirked, raking his fingers through his hair. “Okay, fine, my turn. But I don’t mind if you watch.” he winked at me, making me hmpf a bit as I got in bed, putting the blanket over my head. “All clear, I can’t see a thing!” I chuckled, giving him a thumbs up with my arm out of the blanket, making him sigh.

It took less than two minutes for him to snatch the blanket from my head and snatch me into his arms tightly to his chest, playing with my hair loosely. I smiled softly and snuggled to his side, feeling warm and safe in his arms and I completely ignored the fact that he was only wearing a pair of boxers. Godamn it, Billy.

With a kiss on my forehead, he muttered in a low, guttural voice a simple “Good night, Princess” before closing his eyes and going to sleep. In return, I could only smile and kiss his neck, being closest to me, and wished him “Good night, Billy” before I let sleep take over my senses.

Chapter 1 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

@klassickb