#in late celebration of third life’s third anniversary

[pigin-is-so-rad]

“When Scar fell, so did the first drop of rain.”

The moment he died, the desert was brought to life for the first time since the beginning.

The smell of petrichor had never brought a more bittersweet sense of relief, nor a heavier sadness.”

[pshcomforts]

➳ afterglow | psh. — requested

non!idolsunghoon x olderfem!reader (feat. mark from nct)

“tell me this love is worth the fight”

synopsis: you forgot a special celebration with sunghoon, leading you guys to argue.

warnings/content: written in third pov. angst to fluff! slightly suggestive at the end (but nothing happens). age gap! (sunghoon’s 21, and reader’s 23). cursing! not proofread. sunghoon doubts himself :(

comments, likes, and reposts are appreciated :)

word count: 3.5k

a/n: message request.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡masterlist⋆.✧˚

current song playing: afterglow by taylor swift

↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺

1:28 ───────|──────────── -2:14

tick. tick. tick.

the clock ran faster within each minute y/n glanced back at it.

a sigh left her throat as she focused back onto her computer — typing in data to keep the files updated.

the girl worked an office job in her early twenties. it wasn’t as ideal, but for a paid internship, she had to take it.

months had passed since she started the job, and whispers of a promising position had been hinted each day she walked in.

and since then, y/n’s attempted to keep her score of being a trusting employee on a streak by staying past office hours.

she was a workaholic, if you will.

but who could blame her? the pay was good, and the work was her field of interest.

however, today was not one of those days she was willing to stay late for.

it couldn’t.

today marked her 1000 day anniversary with her boyfriend, park sunghoon.

her lovely, patient boyfriend who was younger than her by two years. the boy was in his early twenties, barely getting the hang of life with college.

a few significant dates had already been missed with the internship in the way, so she couldn’t possibly miss this one.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

a quick buzz formed in y/n’s pockets, allowing her to take a swift glance at her phone.

⇢ ˗ˏˋ 1000 day celebration with hoonie ੈ♡˳ ࿐ྂ

she groaned out a sigh as she felt a sudden pressure weigh in at her heart.

“just a little longer,” her voice mumbled before staring down at the time.

[ 4:37pm ] — it beamed.

just a few hours left and she’d soon be in sunghoon’s forgiving arms.

“hey y/n,” a deep voice called out to her, snapping the girl out of her guilt-eating thoughts.

she turned to her superior, mark, who was wearing a friendly smile.

“yeah?” she tried to sound cheerful.

“i know you get off soon, but with your hard work noticed, i was wondering if you could help out with a little more paper work?” he uttered with puppy eyes. “it’s just.. the way you file and organize suits how i usually go in on it. would it be okay?”

y/n froze in her tracks, conflicted with her options — leave work as planned for the important date with sunghoon, or further impress the manager for a permanent job.

“it wouldn’t take long, would it?” she chewed her cheek, lips almost bleeding with how much she awaited for an answer.

mark gave a light chuckle. “no, i wouldn’t make you stay too late, y/n. you always do that to yourself.”

the girl awkwardly laughed in return, murmuring empty words of how much effort she was willing to put in for the company before he left her with the paperwork.

her original plan of leaving early from such an exhausting shift had taken a pause as she huffed at the amount of files in front of her.

“shouldn’t take too long..,” she tried to reassure under her breath.

in seconds, y/n dove into the piles of paperwork — attempting to finish on time.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

[ 6:48pm ]

time was slipping through her fingers and the girl wasn’t even noticing it.

minutes passed within each time she glanced back at the clock, irking her to go quicker.

she had to finish on time, she just had to, at least before 9:30pm.

[ 8:21pm ]

coworkers around were now finishing their shift, leaving their cubicles to clock out for the night — leaving y/n with a few others.

“come on, i’m almost there.” she whispered to herself, sweat nearly dripping down her face with how much work she was powering through.

“good night, y/n!” — a few workers would beam to her, causing her to give a quick wave before going back to her job.

[ 9:18pm ]

the whole building was nearly abandoned now. the only remaining employees were mark, y/n, and about two more workaholics.

she was almost done. almost.

with such little time left, panic began to exude in the girl’s body.

“12 more minutes.. please,” she sighed.

a quick glance to the time was made before she decided to shut down every time displayed in front of her.

it was risky, but looking at the clock would only emit more anxiety to finish.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

soon enough, the filing job had run its course, and y/n was done.

“finally!” she beamed, stretching out every bone in her body.

her tired eyes glanced everywhere for the time before she realized her method of avoidance from earlier.

“did i make it..?” she questioned, but with every nervous breath she took, it was obvious she had no hope she did.

slowly, the girl lifted her phone to check the time.

[ 10:03pm ]

her fatigued body froze at the bright screen before feeling it defrost with a shiver to the spine.

she felt her breath get heavy as she searched for a message from sunghoon — just anything that may ease the guilty pressure on her heart.

but nothing.

no messages, no calls — nothing.

y/n bit her teeth together, clenching her jaw in regret.

sunghoon had been looking forward to their 1000 day celebration, and she failed him.

a shaky sigh left her throat as her hands fisted in shame.

“hey y/n,” a voice spoke from behind, causing her body to tense.

“oh, hey mark.” she murmured back, mind still flooded with sunghoon.

“you’re still here? i got your files, you’re good to go,” he responded. “by the way, i really appreciate your work here. i hope the ceo considers you here long term.”

y/n sighed in relief as a reply, body taking its final hit of exhaustion from sitting all day.

“you’re a great worker,” mark continued with a polite smile.

a few rewarding compliments remained to run through his mouth, allowing her to get a slight ego boost.

she beamed a smile towards him, truthfully forgetting about how much she had failed sunghoon.

“i hope to see more of this from you soon, y/n. we’re the last here so i gotta lock up.” her superior uttered to her.

the girl nodded her head before gathering her things and leaving for the boy to do as he said.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

the drive home from work was quiet.

y/n was worn out from the constant piles of paper work and to be quite frank, all she wanted was some peace and quiet.

the only thing that ran through her mind was how much mark had sweet talked to her about her work skills.

it was promising to hear all of that, and she couldn’t wait to tell it to her boyfriend — her boyfriend who waited hours for her.

but her energy was still wearing thin. every muscle movement she made in the car caused an aching bruise to form.

so when she arrived home, her hands slowly creaked the door open.

a sigh left her throat as she entered in.

everything was quiet and sunghoon couldn’t be found until she glanced to her left. the boy was sitting on the couch in silence, eyes lost in a daze and face blank with no expression presented.

then it hit her.

her blameworthy actions came back to guilt her once she found her person stiffly sitting down.

y/n took a gulp. she was the older one, but she knew how he was during arguments like these. she knew he was one to stay silent just to keep his emotions together.

“hoonie..?” the girl nervously mumbled, almost a whisper to his ears.

sunghoon only stood with a click to the tongue, jaw firmly clenching as he walked to the kitchen.

the atmosphere was quickly filled with tension in how much he ignored her.

“hoon?” she called out once more, only to get a slight glance back as a response.

the boy continued to gulp down some type of beverage, actively letting her presence go unnoticed.

y/n groaned in return, watching his petty efforts become the consequences of her own actions.

but truth be told, she was tired.

she was working all day, back to back with no break whatsoever and all she wanted was to get some sleep.

“sunghoon,” she sighed. “please, i’m sorry. i’m exhausted and work just kept pulling me back. my superior wanted me to file more before my shift ended and i-“

“work this and work that, that’s all we’re gonna talk about isn’t it?” hoon angrily spat, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. the boy ignored the mention of mark with how pissed he was.

✩ ‘fighting with a true love’ ✩

all y/n could do was pause at his outburst.

“i’m sorry, sunghoon, i’m tired and-“

“and i was waiting for you all day to come home for our celebration.” he cut off once more, teeth biting down to mush away the heart aches.

✩ ‘is boxing with no gloves’ ✩

sunghoon finally turned after softly slamming the drink down onto the counter. his darkened eyes met hers, burning holes before quickly tearing up.

“i know..,” she bit her lips, shutting her eyes to avoid her heart breaking at his gaze. “i’m so sorry, sunghoon, i am. i just couldn’t leave, staying after hours just promised me a permanent position. please understand, this is what i’ve been working for.”

hoon scoffed. “are you in a relationship with me or your work?”

she exasperated a sigh before walking to the living room and slumping down on the couch. almost instantly, her body felt the soft, cushioned seats that welcomed her — allowing her to feel drained again.

“please, hoon, i’m tired-“

“that’s how our arguments always end, doesn’t it? you forget a date of ours, then you come home and you say you’re tired, then we’re fine the next day.” the male ridiculed, walking to the living room as well. “when is this gonna stop, y/n?”

“sunghoon..,”

“no, you’re saying you’re tired but i’m the tired one.”

y/n sighed as she sat up, body becoming depleted of energy. “i’m sorry but this internship is worth everything right now, and i’m doing so well with making an impression.”

“worth everything?” sunghoon reiterated with a shaky tone. “even our relationship?”

✩ ‘chemistry till it blows up, till there’s no us’ ✩

“what? no, hoon, that’s not what i meant.”

“is that what our relationship means to you?”

she looked up to his eyes that were inflamed with betrayal. “this job defines my future, sunghoon. this job is what i’ve always wanted, can’t you see that?” a hint of irritation was made present in her voice, showing that her sleep deprivation was irking her to be annoyed.

sunghoon sniffled, quickly wiping away a few tears so his girl wouldn’t feel troublesome. “i see that, y/n, i see it very clearly. i feel like i never see you anymore, in fact. you’re barely here.” his tone was firm, hinting that he was reflecting the energy back.

“this job is for our future too, sunghoon. i’m working to get a good position for financial stability.” y/n uttered, feeling her droopy eyes threaten to close. her mind quickly recalled back to their slight age gap as she felt the weigh of carrying it all on her shoulders.

“our future? you really think there’s gonna be a future with us when i never see you anymore?” the boy murmured, fists clenching with every word that left his mouth.

he hated what he was saying, but it was the truth.

however, her heart still dropped when she processed what he had uttered.

“you don’t think there’s a future with us..?” she took a particularly harsh gulp as tears finally streamed down her cheeks.

“you’re never here, y/n. how can there be a relationship if it’s only one person putting effort?” sunghoon responded, tears taking its fall for him as well.

the two stayed quiet.

no more raised voices and no more hushed words.

they both had reasons to be mad at each other, but they couldn’t see the others point.

y/n didn’t know what to say. her reasonings were being constantly repeated, but it seemed like it wasn’t going through his head — same with him.

“hoonie.., i’m sorry that i’m not there a lot but, i.. i’m just trying really hard to impress my superior and it’s-“

“your superior?” his soft voice squeaked. “mark..?”

the girl raised her head to peer up at him, only to find his thick brows slightly scrunched while his lips were molded into a frown.

“yes,” she sighed. “mark.”

“you stayed late on our 1000 day celebration with mark?” he uttered, voice weakening at the thought.

“yes, but mark’s just my superior. he has to be there when i work late.”

sunghoon scoffed, shaking his head with a low chuckle. no words could be formed with how much jealousy was seeping through him.

“sunghoon.”

he turned his body away from hers as a response, jaw tensing with every envy thought that she unintentionally spent their 1000 day celebration with mark.

“park sunghoon,” y/n firmly called, causing him to look at her. “you can not seriously be jealous right now.”

“jealous that he got to have time with you, and i didn’t? ridiculous.” he let a small puff of air slip by his lips before gazing back at her.

at this point, the girl was completely worn out. she wanted silence, and this argument was bringing her to her limit.

“you really can’t be jealous of mark. i’m your girlfriend, he’s a coworker; and i’m only there late because of how hard i’m working to secure this job, to ensure our financial stability.” she repeated, voice slightly raised as her patience wore thin. her body was begging to rest, and she didn’t know how much longer she could take this quarrel.

sunghoon stayed quiet, considering his choice of words before mumbling, “how much does he make?”

they locked eye contact and y/n instantly saw his teary, red eyes that begged for reassurance.

“what?” she softly asked, word almost incoherent with how much her heart shattered at his gaze.

the tall male shamed his head away, tears painting his cheeks more as he reluctantly croaked — “nothing, never mind.”

“hoon-“

she stood, body barely standing on its own,

but her boyfriend walked away with a murmur — “good night.., gorgeous.”

he still said her favorite nickname even through all of this.

before y/n could say more, sunghoon had already disappeared from her sight — walking into their bedroom without another word.

she sighed whilst sitting back down onto the couch. her boyfriend had just built a barricade around his feelings, shutting himself out to push her away and she wasn’t sure on what to do.

✩ ‘i blew things out of proportion now you’re blue’ ✩

but if he needed space, then she was gonna give it.

✩ ‘why’d i have to break what i love so much?’ ✩

so she settled down onto the couch, situating between the extra pillows and blankets kept in the closet to not disturb him any further.

it wasn’t as snug as her bed with her favorite boy, but it’d do for now.

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆

[ 12:52am ]

y/n was half asleep on the couch now after having dreaded doubts about their argument.

her body faced away from the opening side, giving her no possible way of catching sunghoon if he were to get up for a bathroom run.

she felt cold and stiff without him. nothing would be able to comfort her as much as his embracing warmth could.

the girl softly sniffled, feeling tears well up in her tired eyes while attempting to go to sleep.

as her heart laid heavy with her, sudden feet movements were heard from her opposing side — hinting that her boyfriend had gotten up.

she figured that it was most likely for a quick bathroom break but when she felt his arms suddenly engulf her into his chest, the weighed feeling was relieved of her.

his soft breaths against her neck only acquired the way he couldn’t sleep without her.

“sunghoon?” y/n faintly whispered against him.

“we’re still mad at each other but i just can’t sleep alone tonight,” he hoarsely said back.

a smile curled onto her lips as she turned her body to face him. the boy’s eyes were closed but she could still find traces of tinted red all around.

✩ ‘it’s on your face, and i’m to blame’ ✩

“hoonie.”

✩ ‘i need to say’ ✩

slowly, he fluttered his eyes awake with a quiet sniffle in his nose. he raised his brows ever so slightly as a response, shattering her heart in the process.

she leaned in before placing a soothing kiss on the tip of his nose.

“let’s talk,” y/n uttered, lifting her drowsy body up to sit.

sunghoon softly groaned. “it’s late, baby.” he said in a low, attractive voice.

“i know, but i want us to talk this out so we can go to sleep without any worry.”

she pulled her boyfriend up so he could sit up as well.

he exhaled a heavy sigh of his before letting the quiet atmosphere take over for a second.

“you deserve someone who can provide more,” he broke out, causing her gaze on him to immediately soften. “someone who isn’t just a lost twenty-one year old figuring out life, someone like mark.”

sunghoon felt tears spark at the rim of his eyes once his confession was let out. “you shouldn’t be..,” he paused, throat closing at his reality check. “you shouldn’t be with someone like me. i’m still a college student and.., you just deserve better.”

y/n instantly felt her heart drop with his worried doubt. she let the boy stream down tears so he could cry it out and once he did so, she muttered — “hoon, please look at me..,”

but he avoided her stare, just for a second so he wouldn’t break down again. and when he finally looked at her, she embraced him into her arms.

she wrapped herself tightly around him, hinting that she wouldn’t ever leave like he said.

the male hugged back, arms clinging around her waist as he quietly sobbed a little more.

when y/n pulled away, her hands quickly cupped his cheeks — making him look at her with his eyes that were sparkled from the tears.

“you’re doing enough, sunghoon.” she confirmed with a sniffle. “everything you’re doing is enough. i don’t need or will ever want mark, i like working like this because it gives me motivation, and i love you.”

✩ ‘i’m the one who burned us down’ ✩

her last three words were emphasized before she contently sighed and continued — “i’m sorry that i stayed late on our anniversary. i shouldn’t have because i know this day was important to you too. i’m really sorry.”

✩ ‘but it’s not what i meant, i’m sorry that i hurt you’ ✩

the boy pressed his lips together to form a bread smile. “i’m sorry too, you’re a hard worker and that’s what i love about you. i shouldn’t have said those things earlier.”

y/n wore a half smile, shaking her head afterwards to say, “i know my work schedule is difficult with yours but we’ll make it through this okay? we always do because nonetheless, this is my life and i love that you’re in it.”

the girl placed a sweet and reassuring kiss on his cheek as she said, “you’re my boyfriend and i intend to keep it that way until we hit another chapter.”

✩ ‘i don’t wanna lose, i don’t wanna lose this with you’ ✩

sunghoon’s last tears dropped for the night as he pulled her into a crying kiss.

his lips touched hers and he immediately felt relieved. a quiet groan slipped by his lips in the process, allowing y/n to smile into their kiss.

his hands firmly cupped her cheeks while hers were entangled into his messy hair.

his thick brows were deliciously scrunched together in satisfaction before they both pulled away.

“another chapter, hm? want to start that right now?” the boy teased with a grin.

“sunghoon!” she shouted back, allowing her boyfriend to chortle out laughter.

“i’m kidding!” he flashed a wide smile at her before murmuring, “i’m tired anyway.”

y/n playfully rolled her eyes before smacking his arm. “sure.., let’s just go to sleep.”

she dragged sunghoon to their bedroom, slumping her body down immediately after.

the male giggled and laid down on his side, pulling her into his chest like he always did. her hands gently rested on him as he placed chaste kisses on her forehead.

“good night, pretty girl.”

“good night, baby.”

✩ ‘meet me in the afterglow’ ✩

★・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・★

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

María Félix (Doña Barbara, La Mujer sin Alma, Rio Escondido, La Cucaracha)—Maria Felix is still possibly the most well-known Mexican film actress. She turned down multiple-roles in Hollywood and a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer in order to take roles in Mexico, France, and Argentine throughout the 1940s, 50s, 60s. She was so famous and so respected as a dramatic actress that she inspired painters, novelists and poets in their own art--she was painted by Diego Rivera, Jose Orozco, Bridget Tichenor. The novelist Carlos Fuentes used her as inspiration for his protagonist in Zona Sagrada. She inspired an entire collection by Hermes. In the late 1960s Cartier made her a custom collection of reptile themed jewels. She considered herself to be powerful challenger of morality and femininity in Mexico & worldwide--she routinely played powerful women in roles with challenging moral choices and free sexuality. But even still, years after he death, she is celebrated with Google Doodles, and appearances in the movie Coco, and holidays for the anniversary of her death.

Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins)—Oh where to start .... I'm not sure I even know how. She's just perfection. And it's not fair I can't bring post 70s work into this, because she just gets better and better, and her drag performance in to die for. But in the era I CAN talk about, she shows she has THE RANGE. Beautiful, feisty, funny, holding her own against Christopher Plummer, Paul Newman, Rock Hudson. Oh she's luminous.

This is round 4 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

María Félix:

She's Thee Hot Vintage Movie Woman of México. She's absolutely gorgeous and always looks like she's about to step on you. you WILL be thankful if she does.

"María Félix is a woman -- such a woman -- with the audacity to defy the ideas machos have constructed of what a woman should be. She's free like the wind, she disperses the clouds, or illuminates them with the lightning flash of her gaze." - Octavio Paz

María Félix is one of the most iconic actresses of the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema. La Doña, as she was lovingly nicknamed, only had one son, and when her first marriage ended in divorce her ex-husband stole her only child, so she vowed that one day she’d be more influential than her ex and she’d get her son back. AND SHE DID! María Félix rejected a Hollywood acting role to start her acting career in Mexico on her own terms with El Peñón de las Ánimas (The Rock of Souls) starring alongside actor, and future third husband, Jorge Negrete. She quickly rose to incredible heights both in Mexico and abroad, later on rejecting a Hollywood starring role (Duel in the Sun) as she was already committed to the movie Enamorada at the planned filming time. Of this snubbing she said, quote: “I will never regret saying no to Hollywood, because my career in Europe was focused in [high] quality cinema. [My] india* roles are made in my country, and [my] queen roles are abroad.” (Translator notes: here the “india” role means interpreting a lower-class Mexican woman, usually thought of indigenous/native/mixed descent —which she had interpreted and reinvented throughout her acting career in Mexico— and what abroad was typically considered the Mexican woman stereotype, with the braids, long simple skirts, and sandals. This also references the expectation of her possibly helping Hollywood in perpetuating this stereotype for American audiences that lack the cultural and historical contexts of this type of role which would undermine her own efforts against this type of Mexican stereotypes while working in Europe) She was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world of her time by international magazines like Life, París Match, and Esquire, and was a muse to a vast number of songwriters (including her second husband Agustin Lara,), artists, designers, and writers. Muralist Diego Rivera described her as “a monstrously perfect being. She’s an exemplary being that drives all other human beings to put as much effort as possible to be like her”. Playwriter Jean Cocteau, who worked with her in the Spanish film La Corona Negra (The Black Crown) said the following about her, “María, that woman is so beautiful it hurts”. Haute Couture houses like Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Hérmes, among others, designed and dressed her throughout her life. She died on her birthday, April 8, 2002, at 88 years old, in Mexico City. She was celebrated by a parade from her home to the Fine Arts Palace in the the city’s Historic Downtown, where a multitude of people paid tribute to her. Her filmography includes 47 movies from 1942 until 1970, and only two television acting roles in 1970. She has 2 music albums, one recorded with her second husband, Agustín Lara, in 1964 titled La Voz de María y la inspiración de Agustín «The voice of María and the inspiration of Augustín», and her solo album Enamorada «In Love» in 1998. Her bespoke Cartier jewelry is exhibited alongside Elizabeth Taylor’s, Grace Kelly’s and Gloria Swanson’s. In 2018, Film Director Martin Scorsese presented a restored and remastered version of her film Enamorada in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Festival and Google dedicated a doodle for her 104th birthday. On august 2023 Barbie added her doll to the Tribute Collection.

Julie Andrews propaganda:

"She has such a simple but amazing beauty to her. Not to mention her amazing and melodic singing voice!"

"Roles like nannies and governesses can make us forget how attractive she was! A perfect combination of elegant and adorable, with the most incredible vocal range to boot!"

"Besides having one of the most amazing singing voices ever to grace the silver screen, Julie always had an understated beauty to her that wasn't always shown off on screen. But it's there nonetheless because her characters managed to pull some of the hottest men ever to grace the screen."

"The juxtaposition between carefree Maria and stern but fun Mary Poppins shows the power of the acting of this HOT VINTAGE MOVIE WOMAN"

"Charming, genteel, incredibly charismatic, beautiful, and has an angelic singing voice to boot. Her screen roles as Maria in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins are absolutely iconic for a reason and she originated several well-known Broadway roles before those."

"the most beautiful woman 12 year old me had ever seen possibly"

"OMG OMG OMG she’s definitely been submitted before how could she NOT but!!!! I loveeee her so muchhhh rahhhh prebby!!!! cool!!!! mary poppins the beloved <33333 some people dislike it but I love jolly holiday so much because it IS a jolly holiday with Mary!!! no wonder that it’s Mary that we love!!!!!"

"I know many people who were taught in singing lessons "when in doubt, pronounce words how julie andrews would pronounce them." THATS CALLED INFLUENCE. THATS CALLED MOTHERING THOUSANDS."

[heartfullofleeches]

Femboy slasher Yandere and Darling is giving me brain rot SO BADLY RN. Okay so what if yandere is a playboy, luring in his victims using his oh so perfectly hot body. One day, he goes out late at night to a bar and finds Darling hooking up with some guy. He plans on killing the both of them, but loses them in the crowd. When he finds them again, Darling is gutting the fool who thought that they would ever touch scum like him, and yandere can't help but plan their wedding.

(This could kinda go with what I had in mind so I hope you don't mind me merging the two- Mentions of Murder/Death)

Femboy Slasher Yan + Femboy Murder-Streamer Slasher Darling-

"Looking for some fun?~ Two cuties seeking third partner to celebrate their anniversary with. Location and pictures provided after a few questions. See you soon ;)"

" "You're making this way too easy, love. People might get suspicious."

"Whaaat? No way - ugh, this blows. I wish we could go to our usual spot, but there's too much attention around that area after that last guy you picked...."

"He was being too sweet with you - he had to die...."

"All he did was give me a free drink - on my birthday!"

Yan's Darling is so weird. Instead of movies of grabbing a bite to eat, Darling has a different idea of what the perfect date night is. They're lucky they're so damn cute in red-

Derailing from your ask a little, Yan actually never murdered anyone before he met darling. Robbed them blind and maybe left a few in the hospital, but he never killed anyone far as he knew or cared. He used his looks to lure people in and take everything from them once they were under his spell. One day, he catches word of another cute face frequenting bars and other places Yan chose as his place of business. He couldn't have that. Eventually, Yan locates Darling on the same night Darling is luring some drunk guy behind some dumpsters. Yan heads over, hoping to catch some blackmail he could used to get Darling off his turf, but what he saw behind those dumpsters was not what he was especially to see."

"Hey gang~ Oops, looks like someone's finally feeling the effects of the medicine I put in his drink. We'll have to cut this stream a little short tonight."

Yan watches as the person behind the dumpsters slits the man's throat - blood mixing with white foam bubbling from his lips. The person looks almost identical to the boy Yan had seen early, but now he's wearing some weird make. It doesn't take long for darling to notice Yan. Instead of rushing him, Darling reaches into the man's pocket and pulls out his wallet - throwing it at the other male.

"That's what you wanted, right? I've seen you around here before, but I thought you'd be good bait to lead the police off my scent when this guy here was found... Wanna be friends?"

Yan should run. He should scream - yell for help, but the way Darling is so carefree and nonchalant about their crimes..... It's the hottest thing he's ever witnessed.

Darling tells Yan all about their life. Killing people has always been more of a hobby to them, but somehow they found a community of freaks who'd pay hundreds to see a cute boy like them crack someone's skull open. Better than being stuck as at crappy cashier job in their book. Their first manager would have been their first victim had he not passed away in an accident the same week Darling planned to butcher him.

Darling and Yan quickly come to the agreement that if Yan lures people away, Darling will do the deed. Yan develops more of a crush on darling seeing how much pleasure and glee comes from killing for rhem. Yan is approached by someone who's cautious of their new friend and warns Yan about them. Yan kills their acquaintance in a fit of rage after they express their plans on telling the police about Darling. Yan realizes he hasn't been entirely in it for the money and has developed feelings for Darlings. Feelings he'll protect in any way necessary. Darling is so proud of him. They give him their favorite knife as part of his promotion to becoming their partner. The two become a team who passionately kiss in between disemboweling the poor fool who was stupid enough to answer their online ad.

[runninriot]

written for @steddieangstyaugust day 10

Maybe

prompt: "Where were you?" | wc: 2180 | rated: M | cw: cheating | tags: established relationship, lovers to exes, heartbreak, break up, open ending with a tiny flicker of hope | also on ao3

When he hears the front door open, Steve turns to risk a glance at the clock on his bedside table, red numbers glowing too bright in the darkness of the room.

It’s way past midnight, too late for Eddie to come back from the meeting he was supposed to be caught up at.

    ‘I’m sorry, baby. I’ll be home late again. Don’t wait up for me.’

Eddie had called him to let him know he wouldn’t make it home in time for dinner – the third time in two weeks – said each time he’d make it up to him. That he would take Steve out to this one fancy restaurant where they celebrated their fifth anniversary two years ago, hasn’t made true to his promise yet.

Eddie’s been so distant lately, kind of stressed and on edge, acting weird around Steve.

It's like something has changed between them. Something just doesn’t feel right.

Steve misses Eddie’s closeness. Misses being scooped up in strong arms like Eddie used to do whenever he came home from work. Misses the kisses, the hugs, the cuddles, the ‘I love you’s. He misses the sex, the way Eddie used to be obsessed with him. How he worshipped him.

It all didn’t stop over night, they’ve been in a rut for months now.

And maybe that’s normal.

Maybe 7 years of being together have finally taken their toll on things like passion and desire. Maybe waking up to the same face every day does that, makes your love life dull or rather non-existent.

Maybe it’s Steve’s fault for letting himself go a little. For having gotten too comfortable in the mundanity of their day to day life. He’s gained a bit of weight over the years, hasn’t been to the gym or on a morning run in ages. He prefers to wear comfortable sweaters instead of skin-tight shirts, wears his hair shorter now because he couldn’t be bothered anymore to style it every day to keep it out of his face.

Steve hasn’t tried to spice things up like he used to in the beginning of their relationship, when they could barely keep their hands off each other and spent whole weekends in bed fucking, making out, forgetting the world around them.

Maybe it’s all Steve’s fault.

Maybe he is the reason why, for the third time in two weeks, Eddie comes home past midnight, careful not to wake Steve when he slides into bed, reeking of alcohol and cheap perfume that isn’t his.

That’s why he doesn’t notice that Steve is awake, can’t even be bothered to kiss him goodnight like he used to do.

That’s why he lies.

Lies about meetings and business dinners, uses them as weak alibis to hide where he’s truly been.

   “Where were you?” Steve turns around facing Eddie’s back.

He knows Eddie isn’t asleep yet, knows he heard him, so he counts the seconds until finally, Eddie turns to look at him.

   “Didn’t know you’re awake.”

Steve closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

He could leave it at that. Could press a stiff kiss on his partner’s lips that the other man wouldn’t return and pretend that everything’s fine.

Could just keep pretending that he doesn’t know that his boyfriend is cheating on him.

   “I asked you a question, Eddie. Where were you?”

Eddie huffs, seems angry and Steve can’t believe how unfair this is. If anything, Steve should be the one that’s angry. He should be furious. But instead, he’s doing his best to hold back the tears that threaten to spill.

   “I told you, babe. I got caught up in this meeting and then the guys wanted to go for a few drinks after, that’s all.”

Steve almost believes him. Wants to believe that he’s telling the truth but he can feel in his heart that it’s a lie.

   “Do you still love me?”

It’s a question that has been burning inside him for a while now. Slowly eating away at his sanity because- what if not? What if Eddie fell in love with someone else? What if he met someone who can give him what Steve can’t? Someone younger, prettier, and more successful than him. Someone Steve can’t compete with because-

What does he have to offer, really, except his undying love?

The bedside lamp flickers to life and Eddie sits up so suddenly, that it startles Steve.

   “Steve, where is this coming from? You know I do!”

   “Can’t even say it,” Steve mumbles to himself as he pushes himself up to sit.

   “What?” Eddie asks, looking annoyed and confused.

   “I said. You can’t even say it!” Steve nearly shouts the words, doesn’t care how much his voice trembles, doesn’t care that Eddie can see the tears now running down his face.

He’s been keeping this in for too long; he can’t do it anymore. He can’t keep up the charade of them being this happy, loving couple when it’s so clear that they’re not anymore.

When he finally realises that everything has slowly been breaking apart under his disbelieving eyes – he could’ve put a stop to it before it was too late but instead, he chose to ignore it. Chose to believe in the lies he told himself, lies he wanted to believe because the truth seemed too unbearable.

Eddie tries to take his hand but Steve pulls away, wraps his arms around himself for what little comfort it gives.

   “Baby, please-“

   “Do not call me that. You have no right to call me that.”

Eddie sighs, rubbing his hands across his face and when he looks back up at Steve, he can see the truth he’s been dreading all this time in the other man’s eyes.

   “You’re right, I’m not. Steve, I- I am, fuck. I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean for it to happen. I- I don’t even know why I did it.”

The confession slices through Steve’s heart like a knife, tears him apart from the inside out. He can’t breathe, can’t think, can’t believe that his worst nightmare is now bitter reality.

But it is; Eddie just admitted to it. Doesn’t even try to lie his way out of it this time.

   “Do you love them?”

Steve doesn’t know why he’s asking. Does he really want to know the answer?

Maybe he needs it. Maybe he needs to hear Eddie say it out loud to make it real. To make him believe that it is.

   “No! I only love you.”

Steve scoffs, feels sick.

   “You’ve got a hell of a way showing that.”

   “I know! I know I’ve made a mistake but please believe me. I love you, Steve! Only you! I fucked up, I know that. But-“

No.

No, this isn’t right.

   “But what, Eddie? Fuck you! You cheated on me! You haven’t even kissed me in weeks but you went out there and fucked someone else?”

Steve’s voice cracks as he breaks down sobbing, hiding his face in his own hands.

This is it. It’s over.

Seven years of building a life together, of creating a beautiful home, seven years of happiness thrown away.

Just like that.

   “Stevie, baby,” Eddie’s voice is suddenly so much closer and before Steve can register what happens, he’s wrapped up in Eddie’s arms, pulling him against his chest.

He hates how good it feels. How his body sinks into the embrace out of sheer instinct. How he lets himself be held because that’s what he knows. For years, Eddie has been his anchor, his whole goddamn world. And although he knows he should fight it, he can’t help but sling his arms around the man he loves. Still, even after what he did.

   “I’m so, so sorry, Steve. I never wanted to hurt you. I love you, baby. I love with all my heart and I know I’ve fucked up big time. It wasn’t even- I didn’t-“

Steve can hear in his voice that he’s crying, too. But he can’t bring himself to look up, can barely focus on his own grieving heart and the muffled sound of Eddie’s voice.

   “I was drunk when it happened the first time and I know that’s no excuse. I know that! And it doesn’t justify that I went back. That I- that I hurt you. You deserve better, Stevie. You deserve the whole fucking world and I-“

   “I only wanted you, Eddie. That’s all I needed.”

Finally, Steve finds the strength to peel himself out of Eddie’s arms.

   “Why? Why did you do it? Am I not enough for you?”

Eddie takes a staggering breath and it pains Steve to see him like that – hurt and defeated, regret written all over his tear-streaked face.

It hurts so fucking much because all he ever wanted was to make Eddie happy.

But he failed. He failed to love Eddie the way he needs to be loved or else he wouldn’t have had searched for pleasure somewhere else, right?

   “You are everything, Steve. This is my fault, not yours. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Somehow, that makes it even worse.

   “I was stupid. So fucking stupid. And I’ll do everything I can to make it right.”

One month later

Breaking up with Eddie had been the hardest decision he’s ever had to make. But Steve knew if he stayed, he’d only hurt himself. That he’d give himself up trying to mend what’s been broken, that he’d drown in self-doubts and misery trying to pretend that everything could be right again.

And maybe Eddie knew it, too, deep down.

It’s not like Eddie didn’t put up a fight, he did. Tried to talk Steve into staying, begged on his knees for another chance. But eventually, he let him go. Gave him one last kiss goodbye, one last hug, one more moment of familiarity before Steve’s world changed and everything he’d known for seven years suddenly turned into a scary, unknown future he’d have to face on his own.

It still hurts. Especially when Steve comes home to an empty apartment after work, knowing that no one will be there to fall asleep next to at night. This is probably the hardest part of it all, lying in an empty bed without the comfort of Eddie’s body to cuddle up next to.

But it’s for the best.

He knows it is, even if he still wishes Eddie was there, here, with him.

Steve manages, gets by. He found a nice little apartment, tries to keep himself distracted with work, has picked up on hobbies he’d given up years ago.

Life is... okay. Not good. Not how it used to be because there’s always something missing.

There’s always this void, this empty space where Eddie used to be. On quiet Sunday mornings when the smell of coffee fills the kitchen but Steve’s mug is the only one on the table. Or when their favourite songs play on the radio and Steve’s voice is the only one singing along.

It’s lonely without Eddie.

Lonely without the man that still, after everything, is the one that holds his heart.

When Steve comes home after work, two bags of groceries in one hand, fumbling for the key with his other, he’s stopped in his tracks at the sight that greets him in front of his apartment door.

There’s a bouquet of flowers waiting for him. Pink peonies and yellow roses – and it shouldn’t surprise him anymore because it’s been like this for every single day for three weeks but it still makes him smile like it’s the first time.

Steve drops the bags to pick up the flowers and look for the card he knows is there.

    Hope you had a good day.

    I love you.

    E.

The messages vary but it always ends with the words Steve so desperately wanted to hear him say before their world broke apart. And although Steve hasn’t forgotten what he did, he appreciates Eddie’s stubbornness. His willingness to try.

These sweet little gestures are as heart-warming as they are painful. Because it reminds Steve every day of how much he misses him. Misses Eddie’s laughter and his hugs, his kisses and the warmth of his eyes. Misses the sound of Eddie’s voice when he called him baby, despite everything.

Because he loves him.

Still.

And it makes him wonder if maybe, when the time is right and the pain has soothed enough to talk about it, maybe they can dare to work it out?

Start from the beginning, on Steve’s terms.

Give their love a second chance because-

No matter how stupid it sounds, his heart tells him it’s worth another try.

Because people make mistakes, it’s in their nature to fuck up. And sure, some mistakes cannot be forgiven.

But maybe, in this case, it’s not about forgiveness. Maybe it’s more about healing and finding a way to look past what happened – not to forget, but to take it as a chance to do better.

Because maybe, a love that runs so deep, that lives in every cell of Steve’s body, deserves a second chance.

[ichigoromi]

𝐌𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐀𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐮 𝐎𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭 | 𝐋𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐨

my writing have become rusty but i was getting into emotional...and yeah i wanted to write an angst piece for a long time~

Pairing: Miya Atsumu (timeskip) x fem reader! (she/her)

Genre(s): angst

Warning(s): emotional cheating, lots of sad stuff.

Please proceed with caution.

Miya Atsumu 宮 侑

Realizing the person that you have loved for your whole life was just using you as a replacement hurts like pieces of sharp glass shards scraping all over your scarred heart. Constantly stabbing on all the broken pieces until you just became numb to the pain. By the time he realized that he hurt you so deeply, it was far too late to salvage the pieces and repair the wounded heart. 

It was not even that difficult to notice the minute details that Atsumu keeps in his life to remind himself of her. Their past, the present without her, and the future were left unknown by numerous factors. 

You were the factor X, the outlier in his life. The outlier that was not supposed to have any relations with the compatible factors. 

But…with that confident and cocky personality of Atsumu, you instantly got attracted to him. An outlier should have stayed from afar and observed, not mixed in with the main group. 

Hana and Atsumu were the ultimate couple. They grew up together, have been each other's support system since young and she was Atsumu’s ideal girlfriend. Hana was everything that Atsumu needed. Their love for each other was the sweetest and perfect, everyone thought they would last together.

However, life has its own way of telling a story. 

After high school, Hana moved to Tokyo to become a model and broke up with Atsumu. 

That was when you decided to take the chance and pursue your first love. 

It was not easy but after two years of traveling back and forth from Tokyo to Osaka, you got the title of ‘Atsumu’s Girlfriend’ and the privileges of becoming his girlfriend. You thought life would be easier if you become his girlfriend. 

Life has a bitter way of saying ‘fxxk you’ in your face. 

On the first year of your anniversary, you were going to surprise Atsumu by turning up at one of his games after he announced that you two were dating publicly. You even got his jersey and got all dolled up for the sake of surprising him. 

The first shard. 

You spotted Hana in the VIP first row, in Atsumu’s personal jersey. Even after dating for a year, Atsumu  still did not allow you to even take one shirt from his closet. But, his ex-girlfriend could wear it for a public event. 

Instead of staying to watch the game, you decided to head back to Tokyo. 

Not one single call nor a message. 

The second shard. 

Their old couple rings, past love letters and their old photos still lingered at their new apartment that they got together. It was slowly suffocating you but you believed that you two had a chance and even moved in together. 

The third shard. 

Endless comparison between Hana and you. It was always ‘Hana used to do this for me…’ or ‘If Hana could, why can’t you?’ but never a thank you for trying or just trying to be there for your girlfriend of four years. 

But Hana was his best friend and you were just some random stranger that decided to barge in their life eight years ago. 

The fourth shard. 

Birthdays, graduations, job celebrations, important dates, he was never there. One call from Hana, he was out of the door. 

And, the cycle repeats. 

Till you become mentally and physically drained. 

“Atsumu, is it me or Hana?” 

You saw how he hesitated and struggled to answer you, but deep down…you knew his response. 

It will always be Hana for him. 

Without even waiting for his reply, you head to your room to pack your stuff. Five years together, and this was how it ended. 

“Are you leaving?” Your hand tightens around the one and only gift that he remembered to buy in your five year relationship. 

You threw the necklace into the bin and nodded your head at him. He grabbed your hand to stop you from packing your clothes into your suitcase. 

“Atsumu, why are you stopping me? Isn’t it time for us to end? You never let go of Hana and never will. I tried to…I tried very hard but all you did was to break my heart into a million pieces. If I don’t leave you, we are just making our lives difficult. So, Atsumu, please let me go. I can’t do this anymore.” You begged him, tears streaming down your pale cheeks. His grip loosened and you swiftly got out of the apartment before you regret it. 

Atsumu was scared to be alone. When he and Hana first broke up, he was a wreck but only you stayed by his side. And soon, you became familiar and constantly pursued him so he gave it a try. 

But everything that he did together with you, reminds him of Hana. 

She never left his mind. Hana could never be replaced. 

Then he hurt you in the process of his own healing process. 

Everything was too late. 

Nothing can’t be fixed anymore. 

Atsumu was left alone again. 

You were left with a broken heart that can’t be pieced together again. 

A short and impromptu piece written, and I hope you guys enjoyed this!

Stay safe and healthy:)

With lots of love,

Roro🍓

©️ ICHIGOROMI — Please do not plagiarise my work or re-edit and repost as your own.

Reblogs are appreciated!

[ashwhowrites]

Could I request angst #1 with Eddie please❤️ RIP my heart out but maybe happy ending?

What’s the point of trying if it just proves that I’ll never be good enough?

I hope this is enough angst for you!! And I hope it does rip your heart out. I tried my best <3 thank you for requesting

Good enough?

Eddie liked to give off the vibe that he was confident. That every negative comment thrown his way did nothing to affect him. He walked with his head high, danger in his eyes, and a fence around his heart. He's been burned too many times, so he didn't care to let anyone in. The people in his life all walked out on him, and he started to believe the common factor was him.

He planned to graduate and get the hell out of Hawkins. The only person he'd leave behind was Wayne, but even then, he wasn't around much. Eddie didn't spend his free time with anyone, just scrapping for money. A jar packed with every dollar he made, his ticket to get out. He's been saving for years, over hundreds of money.

He lived behind a wall, and he was scared to let anyone get too close to it. Because if they did, they'd see his right through it. His walls are made of glass, one shattering away from collapsing.

At the end of the day, he was lonely. And being lonely made him make stupid decisions, like falling in love.

~~~

Y/N was new to the school and to Hawkins. She looked lost and small, but gorgeous. A kind of gorgeous that Eddie couldn't take his eyes off of her. He kept staring, trying to see if she was real or a dream. She wore comfy clothes, nothing over the top for her first day in a new school. Which told Eddie she didn't feel the need to impress anyone. But, he kept walking by.

He saw her every day and every second. It was like she spawned right in front of him, no matter where he went. He couldn't escape from her.

And he never did escape from her. Her warm touch landed on his shoulder, and his body tingled in ways he never felt before. Her sweet voice complimented his shirt, and it stayed in his head. He tried to be polite, smile, and walk off. But then she followed, her number on a piece of paper. He planned to throw it away, he knew someone new wouldn't change anything.

But in a moment of weakness, he called her.

~~~

Two years passed, and they lived in a small trailer together. Their diplomas side by side on the wall. A reminder of where they met and the only achievement Eddie could hang up.

She lived behind the glass walls with him. He cut out a door for her to slip through, her gentle body squeezing in. The glass stood tall, touches of them on the walls to remind him he wasn't stuck in there alone.

He thought she'd leave a long time ago, but here she was, twirling around in his arms in her white dress. The biggest smile he's ever felt across his lips. Their wedding was a tiny dance in their kitchen. Neither had a family to share the memory with. Wayne got a job and left Eddie behind. But Eddie was okay with it, now he had a wife to lie side by side with.

Eddie didn't know how to be a husband, and she didn't know how to be a wife. Both learn together with training wheels. But Eddie has never found himself happier. He still had his dream of leaving, which she supported. They'd run off together and Eddie would get his dream of being a rockstar.

~~~

Time flew, and before Eddie knew it, they were celebrating their third wedding anniversary.

Eddie was running a tad late to the house, stopping by the store to get flowers. He was buzzing with excitement. They saved enough to leave Hawkins forever, and he planned to share that news tonight.

Eddie drove home, a smile on his face as he passed the familiar streets.

The tiny restaurant he proposed at, he remembered how scared he was.

Eddie couldn't eat any of the food, the box in his pocket rubbing against his thigh. His nerves swimming in his stomach, he felt like everything he ever ate was going to come back up. She watched him worriedly as she sipped her wine. Her warm hand clenched his as she asked if he was alright. He smiled and said he was fine.

The sweat on his hairline as he took a deep breath. He reached into his pocket and slid off his chair. Dropping to his knee in front of her, kissing her left hand as he held it. He remembered the shocked look on her face, the tears that slid down her cheeks. The way he choked out the words through his own tears. "I've never had a home, just a roof over my head. I've never had love, just a piece of paper saying I was Wayne's. But now I found home and love in the same place. You are my home, and I learned what love felt like because of you. You are the only person in my life that hasn't left me behind. And I want you forever, us forever, and a home forever. I promise I'll give you a home, family, and the love you showed me."

Eddie wiped a silent tear that fell down his cheek, he smiled at the memory and kept driving. A few blocks down he saw the light post, a sting in his heart.

It was a stormy night, the rain poured and thunder cracked throughout the silence. He was running down the street, praying the rain covered his tears, and the thunder blocked out his sobs. Her feet pounding behind him, racing to catch up with him. Her hand reached out and grabbed his jacket.

"TALK TO ME!" she pleaded, her own tears flying down her face as she turned Eddie around. His eyes closed as he refused to look at her. He wanted to run away from the fight and hide from the consequences.

"Baby, please? It's me" She tried again. She wrapped her arms around him, their soaked clothes sticking to each other as he broke down in her arms. His legs gave out as dropped to his knees, and she sank down with him. Her touch never left his as she tangled her hand in his wet curls.

"Just please don't leave me. You are all I have. I know I fuck up a lot, I know I'm a mess and make it impossible to love me. Please don't give up on me."

"Oh Eddie, I'll never leave you. I love you so much, and we all make mistakes. You are my mess, and you are the only mess I'd ever want. I'd never give up on you, okay? I'm always going to love you."

Eddie kept on driving, his mind busy with the memories of her. He pulled into the driveway, a smile on his face as he held the flowers. He turned his key, walking into the house. He could smell the dinner on the stove, the soft music playing through the radio, but no sight of his wife. Eddie hummed as he put the flowers in a vase, setting it on the table.

"BABE?" Eddie yelled, he checked on the dinner before moving around the house. He wasn't sure where she was.

He headed to the bedroom, calling her again as he opened the door.

And there she was,

Standing in tight lingerie, red and black lace covering her chest and cunt. The rest of her skin showed off by the mesh. Her hair curled and messy, red lips smeared, and eyeliner sharp. Eddie thought his wife looked beautiful.

"I can explain!" She rushed out, Eddie's eyes moved away from her and settled on the man behind her.

Eddie felt his heart being torn into a thousand pieces. She reached out to him, her ring still on her finger. Eddie backed away, ignoring the hurt on her face as he tried to find the words. Eddie recognized the man, it was Y/N's boss. He couldn't say a word as her boss quickly ran out of the house.

"I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you." Y/N cried, the tears already falling as she grabbed Eddie's hand. But it was like her touch set him off. Yanked him back down to reality.

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?" he screamed, not a single part of him felt guilty as she jumped back. Her hands back to her own space as she nervously chewed on her nail.

"Please I can explain!"

"Explain what? I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING! I GAVE YOU FUCKING EVERY SINGLE THING I HAD!" Eddie screamed.

He's been burned so many times.

He's been left by so many people.

Just as he expected, the glass house shattered and he was cut by the shreds.

"How could you do this to me? In our bed? In our house? On our fucking anniversary?" Eddie was shooting off questions, and she didn't have any answers. She sobbed as he watched. He didn't know how to feel. It was like he didn't feel anything but anger.

He felt like he should be sad, and heartbroken. But he felt fire in his veins and wanted to hurt her way worse than she hurt him.

"I don't know! But Eddie, please. I'm so sorry, you have to believe me!" She pleaded, but Eddie wasn't having any of it.

"Believe you?" he scoffed, "BELIEVE YOU?" he repeated. "I SPENT ALL THESE YEARS BELIEVING YOU! WHEN YOU SAID YOU LOVE ME, WHEN YOU MARRIED ME, WHEN YOU PROMISED NEVER TO LEAVE OR HURT ME. ALL I DID WAS BELIEVE YOU. I should have known you were just like everyone else. What happened to you? What changed?" Eddie asked, he refused to let himself cry in front of her about it. He spent years refusing to cry over everything, but what was he supposed to do when his everything made him feel like nothing.

"I was unhappy with you, and I was stupid. It happened once then again and again. I know it doesn't make anything better, but he was never supposed to be here."

"Oh well thank you for that! I am so glad that you had the heart to cheat everywhere but our house." Eddie mocked, rolling his eyes.

"How were you unhappy? I did everything you wanted. I mean FUCK! WE STAYED HERE BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO. WE BOUGHT THIS HOUSE BECAUSE YOU WANTED IT. WE HAD THE WEDDING YOU WANTED. We were meant to leave Hawkins behind, and you told me you wanted to stay, and I did for you." Has Eddie explained everything more things were clicking in his head.

"When did you two start?" he asked, his eyes in slits as he glared over at her.

"I don't know. But it's the past! Please we can fix this. We can fix our marriage and have the family we always wanted. Please don't give up on us. Let me fix this." She cried as she clung to his arms desperately. Eddie could see the regret in her eyes, but he couldn't trust her.

"What’s the point of trying if it just proves that I’ll never be good enough? I've been trying ever since we met. I'm done trying because look where it got me. I gave up my dream in music just so you could stay here and why? For him? Because you picked that he was more important than my dream?"

"I didn't pick between you!" She tried to defend but Eddie just couldn't hold it in.

"YOU ALREADY PICKED HIM! You picked him the second you decided you wanted to stay here. We had a chance to run away like we always dreamed about. Then you changed your mind. You begged me to have our family here. But that's what you truly meant was it? You begged me to stay here so you didn't have to leave him. It wasn't about raising a family in the town I grew up in. It wasn't about the place we fell in love. It was about all about him. You are so fucking selfish. You made me give up everything so you could have it all, and that still wasn't enough. You played me stupid and made me stay here so you could continue your affair? I can't stand you." Eddie hissed. He was done, and the love he felt for her was not enough.

"You're right," she said quietly, "It was about him. I wanted to stay because I didn't want to lose that feeling. And I'm sorry I got caught up. It was just because it was new and exciting! I don't love him, not even close to the amount of love I have for you. I want you, and a family. You are way more important and I'm sorry I broke your heart. "She sobbed, her hands against his cheeks. He tried to hold back his tears but her soft touch reminded him of the love they had together. The nights they were tangled up and their hearts beat together. But broken hearts don't beat anymore.

"We're done," Eddie said, he stepped back and let a small tear fall.

"Eddie no." She pleaded but Eddie shook his head.

"The old you would have never done this to me. She actually loved me, and when she said it, she meant it. The girl I married meant it. You cheated because I made you unhappy? No, you cheated because you were unhappy with yourself. And that's not my godman fault."

"Excuse me?" She snapped, "Unhappy with myself? You aren't the only one that put work into this marriage. I dealt with assholes in high school for giving you a chance. I sacrificed my wedding because we couldn't afford anything. After all, your record stopped you from getting a job. Maybe I was unhappy because you held me back! Maybe I was unhappy because I busted my ass making money to pay all our bills while you tried to make a career happen from your band. Maybe I cheated because I wanted to be taken care of instead of taking care of you." She breathed heavily, her tears gone as she fumed.

"You are so two-faced. We had conversations about my band and your job. YOU TOLD ME TO WORK ON THE BAND AND YOU'LL COVER THE BILLS IN THE MEANTINE BECAUSE YOU WANTED ME TO DO WHAT I LOVED! You can't throw that in my face now. I offered to get a job, I told you I had connections in California for us, and none of that was good enough for you. You don't get to turn this all on me so you can keep your hands clean. I did everything you told me to do. We sleep side by side every night. If you were unhappy, you had every chance to say something. But that would mean you had to be the bad guy right? But don't worry about it. I won't hold you back. Go live out your house fantasy with your boss, fucking your way up to a promotion, and have him take care of you. See how far lust over love gets you."

Eddie was met with silence. He scoffed and began to pack his bags.

"Just going to leave?" She asked

He collected everything he had in a rush and grabbed his jar from the closet. He was going to make it with or without her.

"Yeah. Since we move on to new shiny things instead of talking things out." Eddie spat out.

"You really think you can do this on your own? You weren't good enough to make it in Hawkins, what makes you think you are good enough to make it in California?"

~~~

"Ladies and gentlemen, Eddie Munson."

Two years later, Eddie stood on a big stage. The crowd chanted his name as the spotlight blinded him from seeing the crowd. His guitar was in his hand and his new band was behind him.

The smile on his face never left. The California air swept across his forehead and he felt the breeze on his arms. The sound of the ocean echoed as he sang and the crowd sang along.

He didn't hold anyone back.

She held him back.

And leaving her was the best thing he ever did. He made it on his own because he was good enough. He was good enough to achieve his dream and damn good enough to be a star.

He struggled with love, and now he has thousands of people that love him all across the world. All these people that saved him, and some he saved right back.

He didn't struggle about being good enough because he was always good enough.

tags!

@bmunson86 @mxcheese @ladymunson @michaelfuckinglangdon @z0mbie-blah @biittersweet @mirrorsstuff @somethingvicked @micheledawn1975 @ago-godance @magnificantmermaid @tlclick73 @hargrovesswifee @cityofidek @manyfandomsfanvergentreblogs @silky-luxe @lokiofasgard616 @loving-and-dreaming @eddiemunsonsbitch69 @thegemaqua @ashlynnkennedy @strangerthingsstories5255 @harringt8ns @pleasinghellfire @whoscamila @stusdollface93 @gretavankleep37

[aster-saturn]

ME LIFE'S ANNIVERSARY (birthday) IS THIS SUNDAYYYYY

And what better way to celebrate stupidly early by writing the most ridiculous blurb for me and anyone else who might see this and your birthday is in February!!

🎉BRUCETASTIC BIRTHDAY BASH🎂

Characters:

Randy Cunningham -🧣

Movie! Sonic -🌀

Rottmnt Leo -⚔️

Ahhh, the second of February—a seemingly normal day in the quiet little town of [Your Hometown Here]. But for one lucky soul, today is no ordinary day... it’s someone's BIRTHDAY! Let’s take a peek inside and see what chaotic shenanigans are about to unfold.

The blaring sound of "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUUUUUUUU!!!" woke you with a start. Your eyelids fluttered open, and there he was—Randy Cunningham, the Ninja of Norrisville himself, kneeling on your bed, singing the loudest, most high-key rendition of "Happy Birthday" you've ever heard.

He grinned as he saw your confusion.

"Top of the mornin' to the birthday bozo!"

"Randy?" you mumbled, still groggy. "How did you even get in here?"

"Magic, science, prayer, delusional writer of the universe. The important thing is I'm here. Now get up, it's your anniversary of life!"

Before you could ask what that meant, a whooshing sound interrupted the already bizarre morning. A shimmering golden ring portal opened in the middle of your room, and out zipped Sonic Wachowski, carrying what seemed to be a precarious stack of gifts and goodies.

"Time sure flies by when you're getting old—but not too fast to miss the big day!" Sonic yelled, sliding into the room with his trademark cocky grin. He skidded to a halt, posed dramatically, and picked up the second verse of "Happy Birthday" exactly where Randy had left off.

Unfortunately, as he leaned into the high note, the stack of presents toppled over, scattering gift-wrapped boxes, ribbons, and what appeared to be several chili dogs across your floor.

"Aw, man," Sonic muttered, scratching his head. "I hope you guys believe in the 5 second rule."

"DUDE, you shoobed the vibe!" Randy shouted, leaping off the bed to pick up a chili dog. "What even is this?!"

"Relax," Sonic said with a shrug. "It's your birthday breakfast. You're welcome."

Before you could even process what was happening, another portal opened—but this time, it was chaotic, crackling with blue energy. You barely had time to react before Leonardo Hamato, fearless faceman leader of the Mad Dogs, tumbled out face-first onto the pile of gifts.

"NAILED IT!" Leo shouted, springing to his feet like nothing happened. He immediately started singing the third verse of "Happy Birthday," adding unnecessary boop to your nose to really sell the moment.

"You’re late!" Sonic quipped.

"Fashionably," Leo retorted, tossing his mask trails off his shoulders.

The room was now filled with confetti, ribbons, and an overwhelming amount of chaotic energy. You stared at the three of them in stunned disbelief, trying to figure out how your morning had spiraled so far out of control.

"Wait," you said, holding up a hand. "How do you all know each other?!"

The trio exchanged awkward glances.

"Well, uh," Randy began, rubbing the back of his neck. "So there was this dude, right. Blocky glasses, weird blue sparkling hair-"

"Woah-"

"Weird blue??"

"-that might've gave us some interdimensional tech and said it was totally safe—"

"Until Speedy over here hit the turbo button," Leo added.

"I am the turbo button," Sonic shot back, crossing his arms.

"And now we’re here!" Randy finished with a flourish, tossing a confetti bomb that exploded over your bed.

"Best. Birthday. Ever," Leo declared, throwing an arm around you and grinning like he'd accomplished something profound.

You popped your lips with an inquisitive eyebrow raise. "So, no cake?"

The trio paused for a moment before groaning in unison.

"Alright, who was on cake duty!?" -⚔️

"You did NOT say anything about cake in your plan!" -🧣

"Operation: 'Brucetastic Birthday Bash' would've just been a regular day without cake!" -⚔️

"Wait- CAKE!? I thought you said shake!" -🌀

Sonic rummaged around the pile of gifts he brought along before pulling out... A milkshake. "We can stick a candle in this if you want?"

You just stared at them, unsure whether to laugh, scream, or cry. What a way to celebrate another year to your life.

[rosemarymonths]

Introducing Rosemary Month 2023, all throughout October!

You can submit art, fanfics, music, cosplays, meta analysis, shitposts, etc, for the prompts!! I’ll be keeping track of the tags: #rosemary and #rosemary month2023 for submissions!! Or you can simply just @ this acc so I don’t skip over yours by accident!

Prompts:

Day 1: From The Start

Imagine rosemary at their very beginning of their dynamic or at the first step of their romantic relationship!

Day 2: Turtle Consorts

Rose and Kanaya hanging around Rose’s consorts would’ve been pretty cute!

Day 3: Meteorstuck

Imagine any Meteorstuck shenanigans Rose and Kanaya got into together!

Day 4: Hurt/Comfort

Obligatory sadstuck day, but with added comfort for safety measure!

Day 5: First Kiss

Either imagine Pre-Retcon Rose and Kanaya’s first kiss, or the unseen post-retcon kiss! Or maybe you want to explore a different way they could’ve had their first kiss?

Day 6: Quadrants

Time for some rosemary quadrant smearing!

Day 7: Birthdays

How neat would it be to see Rose and Kanaya celebrating each other’s birthdays?

Day 8: Cats

Imagine Rose and Kanaya playing with a bunch of cats!

Day 9: Rain

Rose and Kanaya going through rainy weather, or just explore anything you want to do with rain.

Day 10: Rays

After the rain, Kanaya and Rose finally get some sunshine.

Day 11: Game Over

Explore the absolute heartbreak that is Rose and Kanaya’s deaths, either during the catastrophe or the aftermath within the dreambubbles.

Day 12: AUs

Any AU you want!! Been thinking about a MLP AU lately? A Little Prince AU?

Day 13: Family

Explore either Rose and Kanaya with their own little family, or just them with the other Strilondes/Maryams! Or both!!

Day 14: Alpha Timeline

Imagine either Alpha Rose x Beforus Kanaya, or post-retcon rosemary! Whichever one you like best!

Day 15: Tropes

Explore your favorite rosemary tropes!! Or a trope you’d love to see with rosemary!

Day 16: Scars

Rose and Kanaya bonding over their shared scars, either literal or metaphorical.

Day 17: Flowers

Either Kanaya simply infodumping about her botanic skills to Rose, or just pretty flower art, you decide whatever!

Day 18: Stars

Perhaps Rose and Kanaya stargazing, or aesthetic pieces! Go crazy!

Day 19: Date Night

Imagine Rose and Kanaya finally going on a somewhat decent date this time around.

Day 20: Robots

Assigned meat rosemary day, or just do whatever you wish with robots and rosemary!

Day 21: Double Date

Imagine rosemary going on a double date with another ship you like!

Day 22: Dreambubbles

Either Rose and Kanaya having dreambubble fun times, or perhaps more Game Over angst?

Day 23: Domestic

Explore Rose and Kanaya’s sweet domestic life, as they deserve!

Day 24: Strider Third Wheeler

It wouldn’t be Rosemary without Dave trying to tag along like he’s their five year old son, right?

Day 25: Proposal

Who do you think proposed? Rose or Kanaya?

Day 26: Wedding Anniversary

Rose and Kanaya celebrating their marriage!!

Day 27: Snow

Imagine Rose and Kanaya undergoing snowy weather!

Day 28: Fnaf Day

Exactly what it says. Happy Fnaf Movie month

Day 29: Beach Episode

Imagine Rose and Kanaya just having some beach summer fun times

Day 30: Clothes/Style Swap

A good ol’ fashioned clothing/style swap between Rose and Kanaya!

Day 31: Halloween

Happy Halloween!! Are Rose and Kanaya trick or treating? Passing out candy? Going to a party?Scaring little kids to death maybe?? Do whatever halloween fun you want with these two!

[thewintersoldierdisaster]

all my svech fics are linked below with a word count and little summary. i’ll add to the list as fics get written. hope you all enjoy 🫶🏻

* indicates smut

love me tender love me sweet* (2.7k)

after andrei’s skate cut injury, you take care of him

i love you i love you i love you like never before* (3.8k)

you surprise andrei at a home game with your daughter in tow

miami vices* (7.6k)

all-star game 2023 is in miami and you join andrei for the weekend and bye-week

little rabbit (7.2k)

the birth of yours and andrei’s first child

at the heart of all my joy* (8.1k)

andrei’s 1000th game and celebration

around the sun with you* (1.8k)

yours and andrei’s birthdays are two days apart and you celebrate them

in that lavender haze* (9.1k)

yours and andrei’s wedding and greecian honeymoon

a sunday kind of love (3.4k)

mother’s day in the svechnikov house

hat tricks and treats (2.2k)

andrei surprises you and the girls after a game

delightful menace in the air (2.3k)

andrei watches the four kids alone for a few hours and you come home to delightful chaos

thank god for giving me you* (5.5k)

andrei can only keep a good attitude about missing the playoffs for so long

9 p.m. in vancouver (7k)

on a mini trip to vancouver to watch andrei play, you suffer the worst loss of your life. andrei is your rock throughout the ordeal

svyazat’ menya* (5.5k)

andrei ties you up and has his way with you

third sunday in june (4k)

it’s andrei’s first father’s day and you and evie celebrate him all day long

golden retriever boy (3k)

when he’s on the road, andrei never misses a facetime call with you and the kids

homecoming (1.7k)

andrei comes home late one night and finds his favorite sight on the couch

it’s cold outside but it’s warm in here* (3.9k)

christmas eve at the svechnikov house is a chaotic but fun affair

high speed* (4.9k)

date night with andrei gets raunchy when you decide to be exhibitionists

count down from ten (6.6k)

when you have a medical scare, it’s andrei’s turn to take care of you

little brother (6.4k)

it’s time for baby svechnikov number four to make their entrance into the world and of course it’s chaos in the best possible way

ante up* (5.7k)

during the canes bash, andrei steals you away for some private time

1 a.m. in new york (2.8k)

andrei’s off on a road trip and you’re more exhausted than normal. once you realize why, you have to call andrei immediately

tired/wired (1.5k)

the night before the season opener, you and andrei spend some quality time together

baking christmas memories (2.2k)

getting all five kids to work together on a project always makes for a memorable afternoon

headcanons

andrei and mini-golfing

evie’s first day of school

spending an off-day with andrei

taking the kids on vacation

andrei and a size kink*

andrei and your nickname

pet names

andrei and sundress season*

andrei when you’re stressed out

andrei and cock warming**

the babies and their crosses

girl dad andrei

andrei giving you lingerie*

horny post-game andrei*

andrei all tied up**

andrei finding out about each pregnancy

andrei getting hurt during a game

mama svech as a grandma

protective andrei*

pre-game emoji tradition

boy dad andrei

svech babies + zodiac

tattoos for the svech babies

andrei and the first date

svech family and the barbie movie

dog dad andrei

andrei and public sex*

andrei and you in his jersey*

svechnikov family halloweens

andrei taking care of you when you’re sick

andrei when he realizes you’re the one

andrei on his birthday

andrei and a dick molding kit*

andrei when evie has a crush

svech babies as adults

andrei being protective in public

svechnikov family summer break

how they met

andrei grocery shopping

anniversaries

andrei catching you in bed*

[voidvannie]

𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇

｡ ｡ ｡ ｡ 🕊️🤍 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 ｡ ｡ ｡ ｡ isabelle and jamie hard launch their relationship.

ੈ✩ ━ ❪ feel free to send an any request of things you want to see in this series, or if you just want to share some thoughts about what your read! i would love that! ❫

May 24, 2020

@/belle.hughes

liked by zendaya, jackhughes

belle.hughes swipe for a surprise!💞

happy 2 years, jamie! thank you for two wonderful, bliss filled years of just you and me. thank you for being my partner in crime for every adventure that we’ve been on together so far. but most important, thank you for loving me despite the many challenges and obstacles that have gotten in the way. i love you, forever and always, jamie!🤍😘

ps. special thank you to z for introducing us to each other and being an amazing third wheel when needed. forever grateful for you! love you, z!

tagged @/jamie.drysdale

view all 648,384 comments

username holy shit! i called that the the 2 of them were together!

username she just put out a new yt video where she tells her brothers, and I love their reactions!

jackhughes happy 2 years, sissy and jamie! love you both!

⤷ belle.hughes we love you, jack!

username HOW DID THEY KEEP THIS A SECRET?!😲

lhughes_06 happy birthday, sissy! super sad we're not in the same state to celebrate as usual! and happy 2 years!

⤷ belle.hughes thank you, moosey!

_quinnhughes happy 2 years, belle and jamie! and happy birthday, b! i love you to the moon and back!🌛🩶

⤷ belle.hughes thank you, bubba! love you to the moon and back!🌛🩶

trevorzegras happy birthday, izzie! ps. i call maid of honor at the wedding!

⤷ _quinnhughes dude, that isn't how that works ⤷ trevorzegras that's how it's going to work. ⤷ belle.hughes @/_quinnhughes i made a pinky promise with him

elblue6 happy birthday, baby girl! your dad and i love you so much!

⤷ belle.hughes thank you, mama!

May 24, 2020

@/jamie.drysdale

liked by treverzegras, belle.hughes

jamie.drysdale to my pretty girl, the love of my life, my angel, my sunshine, thank you for two years of laughter, love, pure bliss and your continuous support. thank you for all of the adventures, the secret getaways, the late-night talks and the morning cuddles, for being my number one cheerleader at games and for loving me no matter the distance that our jobs put between us.

also, happy birthday, pretty girl. can't wait to spend another 365 days around the sun loving you! forever & always, baby! i love you, belle!🤍

tagged: @/belle.hughes

view all comments

trevorzegras at least someone gave me the credit for this new ship!🙄🖕

⤷jamie.drsydale i’ll thank you when we hit a year @/trevorzegras

username treat our girl right, jamie

⤷jamie.drysdale always

eblue6 happy anniversary! thank you for keeping a smile on our gorgeous girls face, jamie! you’ll forever be my favorite boyfriend!

⤷ jamie.drysdale thank you for giving me such a wonderful person to make smile

belle.hughes jamie, stopp!😫 happy two years, handsome. wouldn’t want to be doing life with anyone other than with you! forever & always, jamie!🤍

[kydrogendragon]

Hi! I was thinking about Dream dating Hob because a wager with Death. Time passes, Hob can't believe Dream is interested in him/his experiences, but he is so happy, he has so much to live for. Until he finds out about the wager and... He is ok with that! He tells Dream that he thinks they made the wager because Dream was lonely, and it's ok because he was lonely, too. But Dream doesn't hear him, he is so offended, he says "You dare..." and he storms out. Time passes again and, I don't know, there is a happy ending, of course.

Third prompt for the day! This one was fun to write. I feel like it could easily be it's own multi-chapter fic cause it's a real fun concept, but alas, I have too many wips as is, so we'll take the bite-size version :P

Thanks for the request!!

Relationship: Hob/Dream Words: 2293 Warnings: None Ao3 Link

“You know, your sister told me about the wager,” Hob says, looking down into his water glass. Tonight was he and Dream’s six month anniversary. They’re tucked into the back corner booth of the Italian restaurant just down the road from Hob’s own apartment. The place was a pricier one, yes, but Dream had talked about missing their carbonara last week and Hob wasn’t about to let his boyfriend suffer a moment longer without it.

Hob remembers when Dream first approached him in the White Horse back in June. He’d been relaxing with some of his coworkers, celebrating the end of term a bit late, when the most breathtakingly pretty man approached their table. He looked like he’d stepped out of some sort of fantasy novel, like he was the Fae Prince himself. And then those icy blue eyes of his met Hob’s and Hob knew he was done for.

Dream had asked if Hob meant it when he’d claim to know true love the moment he first saw them. Hob had just smiled and said yes. Because he did. And the moment he and Dream’s eyes locked, Hob knew that he was going to love that man. Hob said just as much, which earned him a hearty eye roll at the time. But Dream had said he’d meet him there, at the White Horse, again next week if he’d meant it.

So, of course, Hob had gone back in a week’s time and found the handsome man sitting near the fireplace, nursing a glass of wine. They’d chatted, well, Hob chatted, Dream listened. Hob went on and on about his life, his work. He talked about his friend and family, about his childhood and the new TV show he’s been obsessed with. Then Dream asked him, a few hours later, if he still meant it. If he still thought Dream was his true love.

And Hob said yes.

They continued meeting once a week, which shortly turned to twice a week, then sometimes even sooner, depending on each other’s schedules. Most of the time, they met up someplace in the city for dinner or drinks. Dream had taken him out to the park to feed the birds, which quickly became a common date for them. Then, Hob invited Dream back to his, and Dream said yes. They didn’t do much, just relaxed, watched a movie and ordered take-out, but it was a change in their dynamic. And over the course of those few months, Hob could see Dream relaxing more and more.

The Fae-like man had always seemed overly tense. He carried a weight in his shoulders and his stance that looked just moments away from crushing him. Hob had resolved himself to doing whatever he could to ease some of that stress away from him. And over time, it seemed to work.

The first time Dream had kissed him, Hob thought he’d died and gone to heaven. It was a hesitant thing. They’d been relaxing on Hob’s couch as they had for week by this point. Perhaps they’d had a few more glasses of wine between them than they usually would and maybe sharing a blanket was just an excuse to be close to one another. Dream had turned to him with a look in his eyes that Hob had seen many times before. It glinted with fear, but hope. Then Dream leaned in, slowly, giving time for Hob to back away. Then those rosebud colored lips were finally on his own and it was wonderful. Hob was addicted in just one go.

They didn’t kiss much after, much to Hob’s disappointment, but the times they had felt like magic, but that kiss changed their dynamic. Hob found that Dream was more open to hugs or cuddles in the evening afterwards. He’d even gotten the man to lie his head on Hob’s lap which quickly became a favored position. Hob loved it too. It gave him a chance to just run his fingers through that kitten soft black hair of his. Then six months had passed which felt like forever and also no time at all. If Hob ever doubted his love for this man before, these past months solidified it.

Dream’s sister, Death (a very odd name, but his boyfriend’s name was Dream so who was he to judge?), had tracked him down at the White Horse a week back, which is how he’d found out about their initial wager. She hadn’t told him intentionally. She’d assumed Dream had explained things (he hadn’t) so she’d taken the liberty to explain the situation.

Hob’s pretty sure she thought he’d be angry about it. And yeah, sure, it was a bit of a surprise to hear that Dream had only continued to meet with him after that night because of a dare. But the more he thought about it, the less he really cared. It brought Dream into his life, after all. How could he be mad about that?

Dream looked up at him from over the top of the fancy leather menu, his eyes wide. Hob shot him a smile to try and ease whatever thoughts are running through his boyfriend’s mind. Dream looks back down and slowly closes the menu, setting it in front of him on the white linen tablecloth. He takes a breath before he speaks.

“And what did she say of the wager?” His shoulders are pulled back and his face is carefully masked. Hob knows this posture well. He’s preparing himself to be hurt. The notion makes Hob’s heart ache, so he extends his hand, tilting it upwards just in front of Dream. He doesn’t reach for it, though Hob can see his gaze dart to his open palm.

“Well,” Hob starts, tilting his head down to try and see Dream’s face better. “She said you two overheard me and my boasting that night at the pub. She also said she thought maybe I’d fall in love with you at first sight, which you apparently, and I quote, rolled your eyes so hard she thought they’d get lost in your head.”

Dream rolls his eyes, but Hob spots the twitch of a smile. “She said you thought that was ridiculous and that even if I thought you were striking, I’d soon grow tire of you.” His voice trailed off, softening at the end. Dream swallows, his jaw clenching. It was a fear of his, Hob knew. Dream never said so, not in so many words, but he said it through his actions. Through his carefully constructed face of neutrality, through the fear and the hope that radiates from his eyes when he does something he thinks Hob would dislike. In all the small actions and tentative steps, Dream’s made very clear the fears inside his heart and Hob’s sworn to himself to love each fear away.

“And have you?” Dream asks, his voice quiet.

“No. Never. Told you, one look and I know. I knew. That night, I knew.” Hob replies instantly. He can see the slight shimmer of a tear down Dream’s cheek as he closes his eyes. Dream remains, stiff in his chair, hands in his lap. “I’m glad you made that wager. That your sister made you keep hanging out with me, dating me. I think it’s been good, for both of us. I think… I think maybe she pushed you towards me cause you were lonely. That you needed someone to show you you were worthy of love.”

Dream’s eyes dart to his, a mix of surprise and fury in his face. He’d seen many emotions from his boyfriend over the past six months but anger was rarely one of them. Frustration, irritation, sure, but the way his lip is snarling and his nostrils are flaring, this is true anger. Hob shifts, lifting his hands up in a placating gesture. He rewinds the conversation, combing through each sentence trying to figure out what it was that earned him such a reaction.

“You dare?” Dream spits. “You dare to know how I feel? You dare to claim that you know me? To know my heart so?”

Hob blinks. “Yes,” he replies, utterly confused at how this conversation has so drastically shifted. “Yes, I do.” Dream huffs as he tosses the napkin in his lap on the table and stands. Hob’s up on his feet as Dream stalks away, following after him. “Dream!” He calls after, weaving between the tables and the onlookers. He was suddenly glad that their waiter had been taking a while to get to them.

Dream storms out the doors into London’s pouring rain. He stomps down the sidewalk as Hob rushes after. For as thin as the man was, he walked faster than Hob would have expected. “Dream, Jesus, just-just wait, please!” He calls against the rain. His boyfriend’s steps stutter, and it gives Hob just enough time to close the distance. He grabs onto his shoulder and spins the other man to face him.

His inky black hair is soaked already, just seconds into the downpour. Hob doubts he’s much better. It sticks to his pale skin. The rain coats him completely, Dream’s eyeliner already beginning to run. Hob feels the flutter of adrenaline under his skin, afraid that one wrong move and he’ll lose this dramatic wet cat of a man that he so desperately loves. He needs to tackle his carefully, thoughtfully. Hob needs to treat Dream with a calm hand and a gentle touch.

“What are you so afraid of?”

Not what he should have said. Dream’s brows furrow, the scrunch of his nose and the sneer of his lips already beginning to paint his face. Hob tightens his grip on his shoulder, his other hand moving to hold Dream’s wrist. Dream tugs, but Hob doesn’t relent. He stares into Dream’s reddened eyes as he speaks.

“We’ve been dating for six months now. Today’s our anniversary, in case you didn’t know. And maybe I don’t know you completely, but I feel like I’ve got a pretty damn good grasp on you. I know that you hate the mornings, not because it’s early, but because your favorite bookshop doesn’t open until ten. I know that you take your coffee with more sugar and milk in it than actual coffee, but you’ll drink it black in the presence of others because you think it looks better. I know you choose each word you speak with such a meticulous nature than I can’t even begin to fathom because words are important and they mean a lot to you. I know you worry about the amount of bread the pigeons and ducks in the park eat, which is why you always make sure to get the special feed mix from the farm supply shop, even though it’s a half hour drive to get to. I know that you overthink each action you take because you’re afraid of how I’ll react. And I know, from tonight, you think that if you push me away first, then you think it might not hurt as bad as if I pushed you away instead.

“But guess what, Dream? I’m not letting you go. Not if you don’t want me to. Not if you love me even just a sliver as much as I love you. Cause I do. I love you, Dream. Have since that day you first walked up to me. Told you that. It hasn’t changed. If anything, I’ve just fallen even harder for you since. So you can yell at me, you can push me away, but I’ll still be here. Forever loving you. Just like I promised you six months ago.”

Dream stares at him, the anger falling from his face and morphing into a pained expression as Hob talks. The adrenaline has started to fade from his veins, leaving Hob tired and shaky. Dream doesn’t say a word, he just stares and with each passing second, fear begins to creep in. Is this how it was going to end? Six months in and that’s it, all because Hob dared to say he understood the man in front of him.

Then lips are on his and there’s a pair of hands clinging to the flaps of his jacket, pulling him ever closer. Hob melts into the kiss, his hands falling to Dream’s waist. It’s an awkward kiss, their noses are jammed against each other, but his body is warm against Hob’s and he’s holding him close and Hob hasn’t lost Dream. That’s the most important thing.

They part, panting against each other in the pouring rain. Dream’s icy blue eyes peer into Hob’s. He’s so close. He can make out all the individual lines of color in Dream’s irises. He can see rough edges of his eyeliner and the bits of mascara that cling to his lashes. He is a work of art, not that Hob’s ever thought otherwise, but here, as the golden glow of the restaurant’s lights reflect against the trails of tears and raindrops against his pale skin, Hob wishes he could take a picture and keep it forever.

“You are a ridiculous man, Robert Gadling. Impertinent. Foolish,” Dream whispers against his lips. “You could have anyone.”

“I could,” Hob replies. He moves one hand up, cupping Dream’s cheek. He rubs his thumb across the chilled skin. “But I want you.”

“A terrible choice,” Dream says, kissing him once more. Hob’s eyes drift shut as he loses himself to the warmth of soft lips dancing with his own. They’ve a long way to go, Hob thinks to himself. But he’s a hopeful man and a determined one. And he plans to spend as many lifetimes with this ridiculous man in his arms as he possibly can.

[raggedyannrevivaleffort]

One day late but that’s okay!!! Happy third anniversary, RARE. This past year was so exciting. We’ve made amazing legal progress, all met up at Arcola, grew as a community, and had an amazing livestream to celebrate yesterday and all of our accomplishments so far! I say this often, but RARE truly changed the trajectory of my life. I’m so proud of how far we have come and so excited for what lies ahead. I love this community; it’s truly one of a kind, and the same goes for this show. I’m so happy that more and more the world is getting to see all of the love and hard work put into this project. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for RARE and all of the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Be on the lookout for some fun announcements regarding Arcola, RARE happenings, and more👀

-Gwyn, founder❤️❤️❤️

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

María Félix (Doña Barbara, La Mujer sin Alma, Rio Escondido, La Cucaracha)—Maria Felix is still possibly the most well-known Mexican film actress. She turned down multiple-roles in Hollywood and a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer in order to take roles in Mexico, France, and Argentine throughout the 1940s, 50s, 60s. She was so famous and so respected as a dramatic actress that she inspired painters, novelists and poets in their own art--she was painted by Diego Rivera, Jose Orozco, Bridget Tichenor. The novelist Carlos Fuentes used her as inspiration for his protagonist in Zona Sagrada. She inspired an entire collection by Hermes. In the late 1960s Cartier made her a custom collection of reptile themed jewels. She considered herself to be powerful challenger of morality and femininity in Mexico & worldwide--she routinely played powerful women in roles with challenging moral choices and free sexuality. But even still, years after he death, she is celebrated with Google Doodles, and appearances in the movie Coco, and holidays for the anniversary of her death.

Vyjayanthimala (Madhumati, Amrapali, Sangam, Devdas)—Strong contender for /the/ OG queen of Indian cinema for over 2 straight decades. Her Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award came not a moment too soon with 62 movies under her belt. Singer, dancer, actor, and also has the most expressive set of eyes known to man

This is round 5 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Vyjayanthimala:

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María Félix:

She's Thee Hot Vintage Movie Woman of México. She's absolutely gorgeous and always looks like she's about to step on you. you WILL be thankful if she does.

"María Félix is a woman -- such a woman -- with the audacity to defy the ideas machos have constructed of what a woman should be. She's free like the wind, she disperses the clouds, or illuminates them with the lightning flash of her gaze." - Octavio Paz

María Félix is one of the most iconic actresses of the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema. La Doña, as she was lovingly nicknamed, only had one son, and when her first marriage ended in divorce her ex-husband stole her only child, so she vowed that one day she’d be more influential than her ex and she’d get her son back. AND SHE DID! María Félix rejected a Hollywood acting role to start her acting career in Mexico on her own terms with El Peñón de las Ánimas (The Rock of Souls) starring alongside actor, and future third husband, Jorge Negrete. She quickly rose to incredible heights both in Mexico and abroad, later on rejecting a Hollywood starring role (Duel in the Sun) as she was already committed to the movie Enamorada at the planned filming time. Of this snubbing she said, quote: “I will never regret saying no to Hollywood, because my career in Europe was focused in [high] quality cinema. [My] india* roles are made in my country, and [my] queen roles are abroad.” (Translator notes: here the “india” role means interpreting a lower-class Mexican woman, usually thought of indigenous/native/mixed descent —which she had interpreted and reinvented throughout her acting career in Mexico— and what abroad was typically considered the Mexican woman stereotype, with the braids, long simple skirts, and sandals. This also references the expectation of her possibly helping Hollywood in perpetuating this stereotype for American audiences that lack the cultural and historical contexts of this type of role which would undermine her own efforts against this type of Mexican stereotypes while working in Europe) She was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world of her time by international magazines like Life, París Match, and Esquire, and was a muse to a vast number of songwriters (including her second husband Agustin Lara,), artists, designers, and writers. Muralist Diego Rivera described her as “a monstrously perfect being. She’s an exemplary being that drives all other human beings to put as much effort as possible to be like her”. Playwriter Jean Cocteau, who worked with her in the Spanish film La Corona Negra (The Black Crown) said the following about her, “María, that woman is so beautiful it hurts”. Haute Couture houses like Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Hérmes, among others, designed and dressed her throughout her life. She died on her birthday, April 8, 2002, at 88 years old, in Mexico City. She was celebrated by a parade from her home to the Fine Arts Palace in the the city’s Historic Downtown, where a multitude of people paid tribute to her. Her filmography includes 47 movies from 1942 until 1970, and only two television acting roles in 1970. She has 2 music albums, one recorded with her second husband, Agustín Lara, in 1964 titled La Voz de María y la inspiración de Agustín «The voice of María and the inspiration of Augustín», and her solo album Enamorada «In Love» in 1998. Her bespoke Cartier jewelry is exhibited alongside Elizabeth Taylor’s, Grace Kelly’s and Gloria Swanson’s. In 2018, Film Director Martin Scorsese presented a restored and remastered version of her film Enamorada in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Festival and Google dedicated a doodle for her 104th birthday. On august 2023 Barbie added her doll to the Tribute Collection.

[berenwrites]

Arms of Love - Stranger Things - Steddie - G

Rating: G| cw: none | tags: eddie lives, little bit of angst – lot of fluff, post season 4, pre-Vecna being finished off

Prompt: Love is the heartbeat I can feel when I hug him.

A/N: Written for @steddielovemonth day 8. It’s my wedding anniversary today, and my husband bought me two plushy otters cuddling, so of course I had to pick this prompt. Sorry, no beta today - no time, going out to dinner in an hour.

Also on AO3 | All My Other Stranger Things Fic

Arms of Love: Whatever You Need

Steve woke up with a start, breathing hard as the tendrils of the nightmare curled around his brain. The golden sunlight coming through the window helped him push it away as he lay there just breathing for a little while.

It was nearly July and apparently his unconscious mind was determined to celebrate the anniversary of Starcourt, even though he was studiously ignoring it when awake. He hadn’t been sleeping well, so he’d come up to his room to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon. He’d hope the timing would help. It seemed it hadn’t.

The dream hadn’t been Starcourt exactly, but a mishmash of that and their latest encounter with the Upside Down. His mind’s eye was full of Robin and Eddie, both bloody and dead, with the background of the mindflayer and the Russian bunker. It chilled him to the bone.

Robin was at Vicky’s on their third official date, so he could not go and find her to banish the horrors in his brain, but Eddie, lately exonerated, graduated (Steve was not asking how Owens had managed that), but still staying with Steve until Hawkins caught up, was downstairs. The town had decided to hunt him in no time, but it was taking longer for some of the worst culprits to admit their mistakes.

Eddie had been staying with Steve since they’d found him half-dead, spat out by one of the fissures. No one could explain how he was alive, but the latest theory was bat venom and luck. Given how fast Steve’s own injuries had healed and hadn’t gone septic either, Owens had a whole new line of research involving what Dustin and the other kids had christened demobats. Steve didn’t want to know about that either unless he really had to.

All he knew was that something had given them back Eddie, and while getting to know the outspoken metalhead properly as Eddie recovered, Steve had fallen hard. Luckily for him, Eddie had smiled at him, dimples and all, when he had finally confessed, and kissed him until he couldn’t breathe.

Climbing off the bed, Steve headed downstairs.

Eddie was facing away from him, standing, and leaning over the grand dining room table at the end of the living room. There were D&D manuals and bits of paper everywhere as Eddie prepared a celebratory campaign as his farewell to Hellfire.

Without pausing, Steve walked up behind his boyfriend, wrapped his arms around Eddie’s waist, and plastered himself over Eddie’s back, the side of his head pressing against the soft material of Eddie’s Metallica t-shirt.

“Hey, Sweetheart,” Eddie said, straightening up a little, but not trying to escape his hold, “everything okay?”

“Need to hear your heart,” Steve admitted, listening to the regular thump below his ear.

“Nightmare?” Eddie asked quietly.

“Uh-huh,” he replied, letting the rhythm settle into him and calm his own heartbeat.

They both had more than their fair share of trauma to deal with and Eddie didn’t question him, just standing there and letting him do what he needed to do.

“I love you,” he said eventually.

“Love you too, Sweetheart,” Eddie told him, rubbing one of his arms.

“Sorry for…” he started to say.

“Na-ah,” Eddie interrupted before he could get anymore words out, turning in his embrace. “No apologies necessary. Feeling better.”

Steve closed his mouth and just nodded. When Robin came over to tell them all about her date, she was going to get hugged within an inch of her life too, but for now he was okay.

“Good,” Eddie said, smiling at him with those killer dimples he was helpless against, “then I want to know what you think of this hideous trap I just thought up. I need your paladin brain.”

“I still don’t get why you call me that,” he complained with absolutely zero heat.

“That’s just what a paladin would say, Sweetheart,” Eddie told him, kissing him on the nose. “Now, come look.”

Steve’s chest swelled with love. He had no idea what he had done to get so lucky.

All My Other Stranger Things Fic

[stellocchia]

I saw you mentioning a few fics lately, so can you tell us what you're working on 👀👀👀

So, as always there's the two fics I've already begun posting:

My Life Is Like a Video Game (Trying Hard to Beat the Next Stage) and The Light Side of the Moon.

The first one is from the DSMP fandom, although, ngl, it's mostly a mesh of AUs me and @ladycatland came up with, so I'm sure it can be a bit confusing for other people.

And the second one is the UTMV fic I've been writing about the Swap brothers joining Nightmare's gang, and we're definitely in the final act with that one. It won't be going for too much longer (probably, like, 10 more chapters or so?).

Anyway, aside from those two, there are 3 main fics I'm working on:

Something Colorful: Which is gonna be my next long UTMV fic, and it's about Color escaping the void only to land in a Something New AU, one where Chara and Killer are running rampant still. Things are gonna get messy.

There is the Delta x Color fic which is gonna be about them celebrating their first anniversary (and shenanigans ensue because Delta forgot about it until pretty much the last moment so he gets the help of the rest of the Chromatic Crew to actually make things work).

And an Inkmare fic as a late Christmas present for @arsonistfriday where Nightmare is gonna experience what it's like to be a third wheel to Ink's and Error's weird ass situationship (all while those two insist that they're nothing but mortal enemies. And they aren't even lying, they're just going about it in the oddest way possible).