#inkstained rambles

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Robin glares at Steve, a little more heat in her gaze than there normally is. They’ve managed to escape Hawkins and the Upside Down bullshit. The kids are grown and safe. College and rock stardom. She’s finally gotten Steve somewhere safe. But that safe has a caveat.

“You cannot flirt with him,” she tells him seriously.

Steve is her and she is Steve and if Steve flirts with her cousin she will puke.

“I’m not going to flirt with your cousin.”

She squints at him. Buck is exactly his type. A nerd. A dweeb. Big eyes and square shoulders perfect for holding. Well… she’s not sure about the shoulders but he’s built a bit like Eddie and Steve sang songs about his shoulders so she’s assuming. Still squinting at Steve she raises her hand and knocks.

Evan “Buck” Buckley opens the door not expecting to see his cousin Robin on the other side with a man. He knew that she was like Hen, and god she cannot wait for Hen and Karen to meet Robin, for Robin to have the community she was denied in Hawkins, so he feels no shame is flashing her friend a smile. Robin gags. And the friend? He blushes looks at Robin in panic and tries to whisper:

“Oh no, he’s hot.”

Buck has always been more into older lovers, but it probably won’t hurt-

“No! Nope. No flirting. No play flirting. I will puke. And I will puke on your shoes. Steven Marie Harrington don’t you dare.”

Steve leans into Robin’s space. Neither agreeing to the terms nor disagreeing. This is going to be fun.

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Okay I hope you don’t mind me reblogging? And I hope I do this right xD

So steddie fics I reread a lot?

Aftermath by help_me_no

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41065893

The Hoppers by anonymous. It’s still a wip but Jesus fucking Christ I love it.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41662197

Off the Beaten Path or any but Pukner. Like I love gender queer/ambiguous Steve and they deliver like Jesus fuck. I hope whenever I finally get the nerve to write&publish I am a thimbleful as good as them.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/43001076

A Distant Ship Smoke on the Horizon by perrywings

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42845847

A song so beautiful (it brings the world back into tune by ChristinMKay

https://archiveofourown.org/works/48760462

Steve Harrington's Unwilling Time Loop Saga by badpancake

https://archiveofourown.org/series/3059115

The boys of summer by steveharringtoned

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40519551

The man I could be by ohstars

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40383036

This one I read like six times before it was finished but haven’t been able to finish it due to shitty mental health. Mischievous_Oddity has great works and the first time I post something with Ted in it they will be getting a shout out because I love their way of writing him.

Risking Attachment (or any) by Mischievous_Oddity

https://archiveofourown.org/works/41725146

what steddie fics are so good you’ve read them more than once? Cause I have a list. But I want to know everyone else’s too.

[agent-resurgam]

Asks for your gaggle of losers: 1, 4, 14, 16, or 20 😎

-> [Splatoon OC Ask Game] <-

I doodled a few of these! :D

(Weapons in the second image are the .52 Gal, Nautilus 79, and Sorella Brella respectively!)

And here's the other two, lol

16. Squid Sisters or Off the Hook? -> Damson doesn't really have a preference, but Persimmon admires Pearl and Marina a good bit. Saponaria doesn't know much about either, but the Squid Sisters are pretty cool to them.

20. Any other interests/hobbies? -> Percy usually passes his time by practicing with his weapon. He's scarily good at keeping himself entertained, too... he's been staring at the same rock for an hour straight, how does he-

Damson, meanwhile, likes taking notes on pretty much everything they see. It helps them take their mind off all the Bad Stuff happening around 'em. They also have a scrapbooking kit with them for some reason, so that's neat.

Saponaria's still trying to figure out a fun pasttime, but she does seem to prefer more hands-on stuff. They've also got a surprisingly good singing voice...

[weirdbluehenry]

Arms spread side by side

Down below they scream to him

The winds current he shall ride

And it wouldn't be just a dream.

He can see everything he dreaded from here,

He's above all the pain, suffering & fear

But he knows that In time they will be forgotten

And in the mind of others become nothing.

A leap of faith, the young man's taken

broken bones hurt less than a soul forsaken

In his mind flashes a life he thought worthless

Before his eyes a world he knows is heartless

Now they look down at him in disbelief

But there he lay, not regretting a thing

His life force now from him free to leave

And he feels himself beginning to sink

As it all begins to fade to Black

And he can feel nothing more than pain

He's thankful he's never coming back

For the life he lived drove him insane.

He's the boy you thought could never cry

The boy you wished would rather die

He's the boy who now can fly

And is on his way to the big blue sky.

[ragewrites]

and at last — the thought process behind / analysis of aubade. :]

[honest-inks]

Good Morning

Please don’t click your Boney fingers at me I only came down for a glass of water But found you reigning within A greenhouse of hot gases What are you boiling That makes the air smell so Turgid The humidity clings I would hug your stress If it wasn’t suffocating Surely there’s no cause for This mess I must look like a cushion cause you keep pushing pins in Just pass me a glass Please

[rosaiel]

Octo Expansion Mem Cake Starters/Prompts! 🐙

I was trying to complete the Octo Expansion when I was inspired to make this because of the Tentakook Mem Cake poem! I don’t think anyone has done this before. Anyways, thought they’d make for some really great roleplay starters and writing prompts, so have fun! ❤

---

“At last we meet, my so-called foe. But is our fate to spray this hate? Perhaps we'll learn in depths below...”

“With tresses pink and eyes a blank, A smile so faint, it hides your feint, You slip on past—outfoxed! Outflanked!”

“You paint the turf with graceful strokes. With watchful eye, I breathe a sigh. From sniper's perch, I go for broke.”

“The rolling column splatters all. A stray shot shakes the trees awake. The summer turns, here comes the fall.”

“You gaze seaward with azure hope. Between each blink you calmly think, As when you use a Splatterscope.”

“The world I knew seems like a trap. I'm drawn now to the strange and new. Would my old friends think me a sap?”

“The fat and heavy locks hang low They frame your face above a base Of stumpy leg and pigeon toe.”

“A hilltop picnic, friends and fruit. Your whirling blades provide us shade. I raise a hand in mock salute.”

“Destroy your troubles—bombs away! A tempting thought: bring all to naught. No wonder your friends tend to stray.”

“You face away, thinking me blind, Like I don't know what you won't show. Your love is still clear from behind.”

“So principled you might explode, But when you burst, who's really cursed? Your loved ones have to bear that load.”

“It seems to you a sly attack, But for your pains you make no gains. You only get shot in the back.”

“How loftily you float on high, Suspended there in starry air As you drip purple passing by.“

“How desolate this star-marked limb. Is what awaits me this same fate? I must not dwell; it's much too grim.”

“Though parted by the ocean deep, My oldest friend, we meet again. I touch your face; you rouse from sleep.”

“You overwhelm with crowds and throngs. At every turn, you writhe and churn. Why can't we simply get along?”

“Now nights grow long; summer abates. The tides recede as squids stampede. With fireworks, we celebrate.”

“Your motor whines; the ocean roars. No ink can halt your firm assault. Let these invaders know the score.”

“When problems stack too tall to see, Just chip away and, day by day, You'll grow to live a life carefree.”

“Where love could blossom, spite congeals. Faced with these thieves, I aim and heave A cluster bomb right in the feels.”

“The hunt leads down a winding path. Tightly coiled and well-oiled, These dirty squids could use a bath.”

“Erupting eel glimpses the sky. Its eyelids squint against the glint Of sun unseen by creatures shy.”

“A sudden drizzle bars my way. It's no hour for this shower, But light rain won't ruin my day.”

“Each glittered scale shines so bright. You're my last ditch to strike it rich And tilt my bank balance aright.”

“Finality's not what it seems. When your end comes, rise up and run. Don't let defeat dissolve your dreams.”

“I topple from the tower ledge And choke back tears to see the gears Eliminate our hard-won edge.”

“We're torn apart so many times; I must be bold and keep my hold To make their team pay for their crimes.”

“When four are one, they make a team. But one from ten? Uhh, come again? It's like some kind of fever dream.”

“You teach the virtues of the still, And yet I spurned the lesson learned. My problem is I have no chill.”

“Oblivious, adrift, and round, You hold inside a tempting prize. Who doesn't love that popping sound?”

“To plant a tree's its own reward After you're gone, it will grow on In memory, initials scarred.”

“The polished nozzle gleams and shines. Unblemished gun reflects the sun. A good day's match; victory's mine.”

“I shake the squeegee to and fro. As I do laps my color saps; A fair trade for a mighty blow.”

“Closer to pyramids than spheres— Let fly the bombs! A sigh, then calm. A pillow stained with ink—or tears.”

“Not everyone can be a scourge In tense combat. I toss this splat, A monument to my last surge.”

“Though it flies errant or amiss, Should its sly arc hit near the mark, Your fate is sealed with its kiss.”

“No stealth or guile, not for you. You pave the way as plain as day, Foreshadowing imminent spew.”

“Its friendly face, its easy stride— That's all a front. Let me be blunt; It leaves you with nowhere to hide.”

“The sickly sweet aroma spreads. Its stagnant arms bring only harm, Along with sluggish, looming dread.”

“"I rule," you said, "It's in my blood. Don't step to me — ESPECIALLY If you can't hang with my best bud."”

“They told me you had gone to ground, And your rad groove was concrete proof That you made it safe and sound.”

“Two friends who never are apart: One's always cool, the other stews. I love them both with all my heart.”

“I watch your tendrils undulate A blue bouquet that twirls and sways, As central mass swells and deflates.”

“Hmm, Slosher? Inkbrush? Curling Bomb? I'd gladly browse for hours and hours Your gushing ramble brings me calm.”

“Black, bulging eyes stare far inside. What does he see deep within me? From his sharp gaze, no one can hide.”

“How long must I wait in his line? Such tragic lack of Crusty snack... I'm almost there! It will be mine!”

“Behind his dour, one-eyed stare, Our urchin friend conceals a yen For making the most out of gear.”

“A patch of sun? A fresh-caught fish? No bribe will swerve your eye for turf, However desperately we wish.”

“Oh, what I'd give to be employed! Better, I'd say, to work for pay Than ride this subway through the void.”

“Our sweat dripping from every pore. The harsh, hot sun won't stop this run. We grit our teeth and ask for more.”

“I hate the sea but love the breeze. The sandy shore I will endure Just for that brisk, zephyrous tease.”

“A Skalop brand atop your crown Will turn some heads but really shreds When it is simply turned around.”

“Squids often wear this as they strike With bomb and brush. It's quite a rush. I wish I could know what that was like...”

“Your 'tude is righteous, as you say. Is your science as defiant? Prove that your battle rhymes can slay.”

“I see you standing in the rain. Within a storm—forever warm. Powerful as a hurricane.”

“Put down the phone go shelve your book. Get ready, champ—it's time to camp! We'll share a drink right from the brook!”

“Constructed of glass and concrete, A city stays in dull, drab grays Till we splash color on its streets.”

“Mistakes of youth teach us a lot. We skate too fast and have a blast And learn quickly not to get caught.”

“"When going through here, play it cool!" Or get a clue and don't go through! I won't bend on this! Them's the rules!”

“I pack my feelings in a box: A parcel stuffed with hope and love And trimmed with stamps unorthodox.”

“I've seen this, but I'm not aware Just what the splat I'm looking at! Is it a frog or a brown bear?”

“How I admire Li'l Max! The highest rank to be so swank That my rivals have heart attacks.”

“The tides go out and take the light. How will I greet you when we meet? It keeps me up on inkstained nights.”

“Your song inspired a blush of love. It gave my heart a fresh new start. Now I ascend to shores above.”

“I leave without ceremony. Don't be too sore; I wanted more. My sincerest apology.”

“When I get my hands on these fish I might exchange them on the range, Except that they look so delish...”

“A mystery rolled up and bound— Oh, what's the use? It's too obtuse. I'll dump it in the lost and found.”

“Beneath a summer sky I walk, Through valley, plain, and back again, Dreaming of what you might unlock.”

“The rhythm etched in little jolts Those idols sing and put a spring In my steps as I crank the volts.”

“Encased in a sturdy sphere of glass. It breaks my heart to see you caught With whiskers trembling as I pass.”

“Though slick with slime, I keep my grip. The chill seeps through my gift from you. I mustn't let this cargo slip.“

“I don't quite trust this stark white brand. It's more for squids or little kids... And where's the pop? It's oh-so bland!”

“This swells a stir of royal pride. In small or large, you lead the charge. The ink of nobles flows inside.”

“On colder days, I like these clothes. With other threads I'd stay in bed— It's too frigid to be exposed!”

“I see you walking down the street. You think you're slick in those lime kicks, But they'd look fresher on my feet.”

“The squishing footsteps trudge in muck. Their path revealed by heavy heel. My heart beats quick a stroke of luck!”

“Such devilfish-may-care couture— The colors clash and make a splash! Without a doubt, footwear du jour.”

“It keeps the elements away: No rain, nor heat, nor wind, nor sleet. But does it guard against ink spray?”

“No matter thickness, brim, or gauge, A well-done purl will awe the world. These handmade hats are all the rage!”

[madiuscomics]

We’ve made it this far.

*Checks pulse*

And we’re not quite dead yet.

Although, being completely honest, we’re keeping a very close eye on Gonzo.

Who can believe it? Time flies when you’re nervously refreshing a Kickstarter page every 30 seconds! We’re currently sat at around 33% funded, which is more than we could have ever hoped for at this point, so we just want to take a moment to say a massive thank you to everyone who has already jumped onto the crazy train with us. You are the best and we couldn’t do it without you!

But now we need to turn our attention onto you lot at the back of the class who HAVEN’T jumped on board yet, don’t think we haven’t spotted you…

WHADDAYAWAITINGFOR!?

We’re here to give you a gentle nudge to convince you to help us realise our dream of making this book a REAL THING.

WE NEED YOU!

WE’VE GOT A LONG WAY TO GO!

So just why should you back this project? Let us tell you.

IT’S THE FULL MADIUS EXPERIENCE! AND IF YOU’RE BRAND NEW, IT’S THE BEST WAY TO CATCH UP!

Don’t take it from us, here’s a great article from Silje at A PLACE TO HANG YOUR CAPE that covers exactly what you’re missing if you aren’t reading PAPERCUTS & INKSTAINS, with 6 reasons you SHOULD be reading PAPERCUTS & INKSTAINS.

CLICK HERE

We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done over the last couple of years on this book and we’re desperate to collect it all into one place to create the condensed experience that showcases everything MADIUS COMICS is about and we can’t do that without YOU!

EVERYTHING HAS BEEN HD REMASTERED AND RELETTERED.

If you’ve been along for the ride since the start, you’re really in for a treat. Every story you already love has been given the full spit and polish. We’ve taken every page and relettered it, remastered it and COLOURED IT! You won’t believe how good it looks, we can barely believe it ourselves. The wonderful folks at BIG COMIC PAGE have put together a brief outline of our plans for the campaign in the following article that covers the specifics in a little more detail:

CLICK HERE

And if that wasn’t enough detail here is a giant rambling interview with Rob and myself with the wonderful people at PIPEDREAM COMICS where we really dig into the specifics of exactly what mischief we’re cooking up. We leave no stone unturned, or uncoloured.

CLICK HERE

IT MEANS WE CAN GIVE A LOAD OF MONEY TO ALL OF THE GREAT ARTISTS WHO’VE WORKED WITH US OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.

As is usually (always) the case with MADIUS COMICS. We’ve priced everything in a way that makes us NO MONEY AT ALL. Not a bean. If we manage to successfully hit our target that means the books get printed, the wonderful artists get paid and all of the exclusive extras get purchased. That’s it! If we’re lucky we’ll have some of the money left over to cover the shipping! We always do everything we can to keep these products as cheap as possible for you. We want as many people as possible to be able to enjoy these stories and for us to offer a 240 ish page of full colour comics for the absurdly low price of £15, well, frankly we must be nuts. SO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR STUPIDITY! YOU’D BE CRAZY NOT TO! And as I’ve already mentioned, supporting us, means supporting the incredible artists that work with us. We’ve allocated a large chunk of our target to making sure they get paid, and they deserve it! If somehow you still need convincing, here’s some art updates showing you exactly what you can expect in the finished book. Just a little something to get your mouths watering.

IT’S THE ONLY PLACE YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON THE EXCLUSIVE EXTRAS, PRINTS, BADGES, T-SHIRTS AND EXCLUSIVE ART!

Not only can you grab the book itself, we’re also offering up a ridiculous assortment of extra goodies and the KICKSTARTER campaign is the only place you can get your hands on them. As always, we’re keeping the prices as low as possible to allow as many of you to get these gubbins in your life as possible. We’re going to have super sexy enamel pin badges, lovely new Tshirts and of course, the main event, unique commissions and original art! Say what!? You heard us right. You have the chance to take home some of the pages from the original stories as well as one lucky person will be able to take home the original art for the cover itself. DANG! It doesn’t get much better than that. And of course, everything is AS CHEAP AS POSSIBLE. We really spoil you. Here’s a look at some of the aforementioned goodies and drool accordingly.

WE WOULD LOVE YOU FOREVER AND YOU WOULD BE SUPPORTING THE SMALL GUY.

Let’s face it. There’s no money in indie comics. We don’t make a bean from any of this of this and we’re purely in it for the love of comics. Our payment is making this book a reality and the ability to make sure everyone who has worked with us has been well paid for their time. We don’t have an office, we don’t have a PR team, we don’t have any staff. We are just us. Four idiots trying to do the best they can and we’re giving this everything we’ve got. The big guys can survive without your money and support… We can’t. We need you more than you can imagine. The only way we can make this book a real thing is if you get behind us. So… Our cap is in our hand. HELP US MAKE THIS A REALITY!

AND FINALLY, IT MEANS WE WILL LEAVE YOU ALONE.

This final point kind of explains itself really. We need to keep banging our war drums until we hit that £4k target. If we finish on anything less than that, we don’t get a penny and the book doesn’t happen. We will be forced into a life on the streets and Gonzo will have to start performance dancing  for small change again, and he promised he’d finally left that life behind for good. We have all of our eggs in this basket and we really hope we make it to the… err… pan? To break those eggs? Into an omelette? Because you can’t… Oh, I’ve got no idea where I was going with this. I think my brain is mush… ANYWAY… Back the Kickstarter, we love you!

  CLICK HERE TO BACK!

  Hampers of roses and snuggles.

Madius Comics.

xoxo

WEEK ONE DOWN! We’ve made it this far. *Checks pulse* And we’re not quite dead yet. Although, being completely honest, we’re keeping a very close eye on Gonzo.

[calcifiedheartsclub]

04.05.2020

i got applesauce from my grandmother in the mail today. 

cemetery gates is a smiths song. 

makes sense.

today i had a long list of shit to do, but i did it. woah.

perhaps i’ll sleep today.

back on the regimen because i fell off. first in freshmen year then in early sophomore year then in early junior year then in august then in january then in march and here we are again. funny. 20 up and yet,, i try to go down. and down i go. i’d better this time because i’m sick of being mistaken for someone i’m not. 

but enough of that. positive thinking? negative thinking? i find it better than i was. more to the point and purposed than as it began. i’m more careful now. 

15 in march oddly enough.

i can’t wait until eighteen. i can’t wait for college where hopefully i have better and safer booze access, funnily enough. and also some degree of freedom, trapped as i will be. i suppose i thought high school would be that, and i guess it is, it was for some. not me, though. i’m no socialite, even among the outcasts i am an outcast.

oh well, a few more months. i’ll change my name. i’ll change everything about me and hope no one remembers me. i suppose no one did even when i was the same, so why should i be afraid?

not to ramble, or anything.

hands are inkstained and invisible. covered in cuts and bruises and gashes. functional, maybe even decent. 

i look at my hands and see them differently each time. 

what do i look like? i don’t know what i look like. each time i see mysel fi see a different face looking back. rarely is it the one i imagined, or one i find decent. 

i remember when my art teacher praised a self-portrait i did. maybe it’s because i can be harsh, but reality is harsh. no creative liberties. maybe it’s a face even worse than mine, but maybe that’s the inside. 

who knows, not i. 

and somehow i’m supposed to know.

paradoxical narcissistic bullshit is what i am. 

please excuse myself. he doesn’t have any manners, no matter how many times you knock them into his head. 

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Steve is being cagey and it’s making Wayne twitchy. He knows those shifty eyes. The too thought out lies. The avoidance. He’s up to something and Wayne doesn’t fucking like it.

“His parents are home,” Eddie tells him sadly, playing with the food on his plate instead of eating it.

Wayne puts a comforting hand on his shoulder. It doesn’t feel right that Steve was ashamed to be seen around Eddie. That he was sneaking around because of that. But at the moment Wayne can’t think of any other reason.

He’ll regret that three days later; when his boy comes home with a bruise on his cheek and tears in his eyes. Hands flailing as he tries to talk. Red’s starting to taint his vision. Heard Steve’s name come from his boy, hears Steve’s voice in his kitchen. He likes to think of himself as a collected man. A man who thinks before he acts. But all he can see is that fucking bruise. His mama had a temper on her, never used against her children but it was there.

Feet move before he can blink. Has Steve up against the fridge, arm hard against his windpipe and Eddie screeching at his back. Steve’s eye’s don’t widen in fear but that’s cause one don’t look like it could be pried open with tools never mind fear. The rest of him don’t look good either. He’s trembling in Wayne’s hold. Would have fallen to the ground if Eddie hadn’t shoved his way forward.

“It’s okay, Sweetheart, Wayne just got a few wires crossed. He won’t hurt you. You’re safe.”

Steve clings to Eddie and Eddie clings to Steve. Wayne hasn’t felt this wrong footed since he kissed Benny Hammond back when they were kids. Benny hadn’t felt the same but he hadn’t hit Wayne either.

“Well shit,” he mutters. Then louder, “do ya want me to call Hopper?”

Steve laughs a broken little laugh.

“If we call Hopper now he’ll murder my dad.”

“Well shit.”

—//—//—//—

Technically part one, part two

[inkstainedheartbeats]

“I’d die for you,” Eddie whispers in the dark. They’re at his trailer. Metal music is playing at a low level. It’s the day before Dustin comes back from his nerd camp. Steve’s already planning on coming out to the kid that might as well be his brother.

“I’d live for you,” Steve whispers back. Eddie doesn’t know the truth about the Upside Down. Will never know if Steve has any say. But he knows about the dark moods that Steve suffers because of them.

It’ll be a mantra he repeats later. ‘You promised to live’. As punches rain and meat monsters roar. He promised.

—//—//—

Has a part two

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Eddie stares at Steve, his stomach churning, the thrown together breakfast concoction of random leftover meats and toast is bubbling, looks down at the stick in Steve’s hands. Five minutes into the ten minute wait and Eddie’s having second thoughts.

They’ve talked about this. About kids. He knew they were important to Steve. Hell, everyone knows they’re important and not just those who heard his six nugget speech. A small smile twitches his lips as he remembers Erica’s snooty little “Mike better be the one boy you dropped. Three boys, god Steve, you have four.” that had even Nancy smothering a laugh.

So they’ve talked about it. They’ve talked about the dangers and the worries. An Alpha and a Beta getting together is, while not the norm, not unheard of. The Alpha bearing the kids however? In Hawkins? Unheard of. Blasphemy. And yet, here Steve is with one hand resting on his stomach the other holding the pregnancy test. They’ve talked about this. They’ve talked and they’ve talked and they’ve fucked. And Eddie’s always said he’s open to the idea of kids.

It’s getting real now. Two minutes now. He can hear his father’s voice in the back of his head. Can feel his hands on his shoulders. He doesn’t want to be a dad. He can’t be a dad. Corroded Coffin is finally moving up in the music scene. He’ll fuck the kids up like his dad fucked him up. Only they won’t have a Wayne.

He should say something. Needs to say something before-

The sour scent of disappointment yanks Eddie out of his spiraling thoughts. Negative. The test is negative.

“Thank fuck.”

Fuck. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud. Steve’s hands are shaking. The bathroom smells like someone broke a whole shelf of snow globes. Steve’s hands are shaking and the toss to the toilet side trash can misses by a mile.

“Yeah,” Steve whispers sadly, “thank fuck.”

“Stevie-“

“I need to go. Pulling a double with Robin today and if I don’t leave now we’ll be late.”

His darling Alpha mate is out the bathroom, out the apartment before Eddie can fucking blink. Fuck. Fuck. Triple fuck.

————-/———-/—————-/—————

Part two here

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Part three of this

It’s three days after the negative pregnancy test. Three days of Steve practically tiptoeing around their apartment. And Eddie knows that it’s not personal. That Steve doesn’t even realize how soft and meek he’s gotten. Like a solid seventy-five percent of Hawkins his parents were both Betas. He knows that things weren’t shiny and happy in the Harrington household. That habits are hard to break. Look at him and his food hiding habits he still has even after living with the god amongst men that is his Uncle.

Robin knows. Robin knew the moment that Eddie called to tell her she needed to find another ride in to work. The Beta woman hasn’t left Steve’s side. Stuck to him like a limpet.

They’re sitting at the table. Steve across from Eddie, their feet touching, with Robin resting her head on Steve’s shoulder. Breakfast is growing cold in front of them.

“You said some of it was me,” Steve starts off before cutting himself off. He takes a big bite out of his eggs. Robin makes an encouraging sound from next to him.

“Look, I slept through most of health class. But when we got serious I went to Uncle Wayne.”

Admitting this gets him small smiles, Robin even reaches a hand over to place on his. He knows she’ll always take Steve’s side, that to love one means to love the other so this act of kindness is… it makes him brave.

“One of the reasons that Alphas don’t tend to bare children isn’t just society being fucking sexist. It’s because Alphas produce a hormone that neither of the other secondaries can. And like, normally it doesn’t matter. But it makes pregnancies harder on Alphas. Wayne gave me all sorts of pamphlets on Alpha health, got me in contact with an Alpha ex of his.”

He’s squeezing Robin’s hand.

“I can’t loose you, Steve. I know we’re waiting to Mark each other, I understand why we’re waiting but even without the physical evidence of it, you are my Mate. And if I lost you?”

It was the threat of losing Steve to Vecna that had him breaking the control the bastard had on him. It was the sight of Steve bleeding yet again, standing in front of El, head tilted back like Chrissy’s that had him snapping. Steve was it for him. His heart knew it before his head did and he knows Steve is much the same. He saw proof of it in how skinny Steve was. How rumpled and ill kept he was.

“I am open to children. I would love to see you round and waddling with my pups inside you, Steve, but I am a coward.”

“You’re not. You’re not a coward, Eds.”

Steve’s pushed back his chair from the table. Clambered up onto his lap. Wide hands are buried deep in his hair. They’re not kissing, not yet. Not with Robin in the room. Because kissing like this never stays kissing and while Steve tells her everything she doesn’t want a front row seat to it all.

Steve pours out his own fears. Of his father. Of his mother who tried but still failed in the grand scheme of things. His health.

“I’ve had so many concussions, Eds. Literal brain damage that will some day come and bite me in the ass.”

They’re honest with each other with Robin as their witness. It feels like confession. It feels like marriage. Like a divine oath.

“You make me feel brave, Eds. I’m not scared of this with you at my side.”

“Lady Buckley, might I advise you to flee this luxurious castle for… a couple of hours? I need to show my King just how brave he makes me feel.”

———/———/———/———/———/——

He’s still scared shitless when they test again. It’s been six months and Eddie has fucked Steve on nearly every available surface at every opportunity he can. His stomach rolls and breakfast threatens to make a reappearance. But Steve is in his lap while they sit in the tub.

He’s not quite sure why they have to be in here but something about bathrooms makes Steve feels safe so this is where he sits. He squeezes Steve tight against him as they wait for time to move on by. When the scent of joy fills the bathroom he laughs.

“Thank fuck,” he breathes out.

“Yeah, thank fuck,” Steve echos.

And if they fuck like rabbits in that tub no one has to know.

———/———/———/———/———/——

Hope you don’t mind me tagging you in the resolution @xxbottlecapx

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Part two of this. There may be one more part.

Slight content warning for vague but there child abuse

———————————-

Eddie doesn’t chase after Steve. To say what he does after he sits there blinking as the love of his life, his mate in all but bite, races out of their home would imply some sort of romantic grace. Nothing in what he does is graceful. The Beta bounces off walls, trips over shoes and fights for an agonizingly long time with the door knob. It’s the most nerve wracking thing Eddie has ever done, including but not limited to giving the lich king himself the middle finger before bashing his skull in with the Upside Down version of his warlock. He doesn’t even stop to apologize to Mrs Kendrick, the sweetest neighbor Eddie has ever had, when he nearly flattens her in his mad dash.

He’s not sure if he’s relieved or terrified when he sees that Steve hasn’t left. That this frantic, terrible energy caught in his throat and gut won’t be released on the road. He slips into the passenger seat, whines low and mournful at the smell of sadness, of that broken snow globe smell that is thick as a hot box fog.

“Stevie, baby, sweetheart?”

Steve’s hands are still shaking. Brown eyes clenched closed. Eddie’s done this. Brought Steve to this point. He’s lucky Robin or Erica isn’t here. That Max and Eleven are clear across town. That Lucas and Will and Dustin are gods knows where enjoying the summer.

He reaches out, stops when Steve flinches away from him. Brings back his hand to his lap.

“I’m scared shitless, Stevie. Absolutely fucking terrified.”

Leather seats crinkle.

“That’s why I said what I did. And it’s not because of you. Well some of it is,” he’s trying not to ramble. Twisting his rings and talking. Wayne says that ooen communication is the key to any relationship. Eddie’s never been too good at that outside of sex.

“I had a shitty dad, and I know you had one too. I know you’re so goddamn confident that you can have those six nuggets and not become him. I know you know that loving your kid is unconditional. You do it for eight of them now.”

And it was eight. Because despite Holly managing to avoid the sheer terror that was Vecna round two she still fell into Steve’s orbit. Still wound up wrapping the gentle Alpha that is Steve around her finger. He loves his munchkins so goddamn much and they aren’t even his. It drives the traditionalist stereotypers up a wall and Eddie loves it. He loves how effortless Steve loves.

“But I’m not. He’s always in my head, Steve. When our pups do something, when Henderson says something. He’ll speak up. I think for a moment of the punishments that would have earned me. And I can see myself doing them. See myself turning on you when you try to stop me just like my mom.”

His mother was a mousy, sickly Beta woman that didn’t know what she was getting into marrying his angry Beta father.

“I don’t want to be him.”

Steve tentatively reaches out. Grabs one of Eddie’s hands.

“I’m not you know.”

“What?”

“Confident I won’t be like him. Like my dad. I’m terrified every time I look in the mirror that I’ll be like him. That I’ll be worse.”

He’s brought Eddie’s hand up to his face. He’s nuzzling it in a way that would make Frank Munson absolutely furious.

“I’m scared of so many things, Eds. But you turning out anything like your father isn’t one of them.”

Somehow, Eddie manages to coax Steve out of the car. To agree to calling in sick. It’s not fixed. Not yet. But they’re working on it and that’s what matters.

———————————-

Hoping this works

Tagging:

@xxbottlecapx

Now has a part three

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Eddie knew, even before all this Upside Down shit, that Robin Buckley had Changed Steve Harrington. Knew it by scent, by sight, by the way that usually sweet Mrs Buckley of the used bookstore had snarled at Jeff when he made a dismissive remark about him. He knew and judged. It wasn’t law to not change the Mundane. The Preter could change those who gave consent, which usually involves far more government than either he or Uncle Wayne cared to have around them. But it was… it was Law, social kind ya know, to leave three families the fuck alone. The Carver’s, the Hagen’s and the fucking Harrington’s. And yet, there Steve is; all big brown eyes and an ass that won’t stop wagging like he’s got his tail in human form. Robin Buckley of the very small Buckley Pack had changed him. The heir to the third dangerous Hunter clan. All it would take is the elder Harrington’s coming back for a Hunt to happen.

He thinks he understands though. Holding on to Steve in this ash laden hell scape. They haven’t left the Wheeler’s not yet. Not with Steve collapsing and seizing. Whatever the weird ass bat things called saliva clearly not meshing well with Steve’s blood. Instincts scream at Eddie to bit down on that glorious neck. To suck just a touch into his mouth and force Steve to drink some of his own. They scream and scream and scream the longer that Eddie refuses. Tales of hybrids made by bite instead of love swirl around. It’s dangerous no matter the birth, the hybrid often dying an agonizing death.

“Eddie,” Harrington gasps out.

The girls are gathering supplies. They don’t know. But he can hear the race of Buckley’s heart from where she is at the Sinclair’s. She’ll be here soon.

“You… you gotta… gotta promise me. Keep… keep ‘em safe?”

He gives in to the instincts and bites down. Drinks blood that should be disgusting and awful but is instead sweet as candy. Bites down, hopes he hasn’t doomed Harrington. Makes the weak and confused boy drink Eddie’s blood too.

And he waits to see if Buckley is going to tear his throat out for killing her best friend and Pack Mate.

Now with a part two because I can’t leave shit alone.

[inkstainedheartbeats]

Wayne tries to keep his nose out of Eddie’s personal life. He trusts his kid to come to him if shit goes down. Knew in his heart that Eddie would come back that dreadful Spring Break. But sometimes, sometimes his boy is too goddamn trusting. Wayne doesn’t like the Harrington boy. He really, really, really don’t. There’s just too much of his little brother in this boy.

And don’t get him wrong. He loves Frankie with every bone in his body. And Frankie always tried so damn hard to be good. It’s just… you can’t be good when you hate yourself and make the whole world feel the same. When you got that glint in your eye that says you bite but the words out your mouth say otherwise.

He sees that in Steve. That glint that just promises a bite. Sees it in the way he’ll flirt with Eddie but hangs off of that Buckley girl like a limpet.

Steve’s one wrong breath from putting Wayne in prison right next to his brother. Ain’t nothing good gonna come from those soft touches the boys share when they think he ain’t looking.

—//—//—//—

Sorta part two