#it would have gotten a lot of attention but if the album wasn't her best work & didn't honestly reflect her emotional state...

[piquira]

People really forget sometimes that it’s super rare for pop stars to have the level of success Shakira is having in middle age. That’s why I will never complain about her taking her time to put out an album or anything music related. A lot of others would be full on retired or coasting on past hits to do small venues at the age of 46.

Instead she’s cranking out #1 singles and will be able to do stadiums when she eventually does a tour, I’m assuming next year.

I also think based on when she releases it, she will finally get her #1 on the US album chart based on the streaming strength of all these singles she is releasing that will be on it.

She’s been doing amazing and we should appreciate it because this very well could be her last major era, and the fact it’s close to being the same kind of iconic as the Laundry Service period is crazy all things considered.

Thank you!!! I swear, Shakira's fandom is the weirdest group of stans I've ever seen. The way they act as if Shakira's some type of newcomer who has no idea what she's doing, and not a 46 year old global legend whose been 30+ years at the highest level and who defies all the norms for female pop artists at her age, is just absurd! And even before this record breaking year, she's always been unique in that she's one of the few artists from past generations, who has smoothly transitioned into the streaming era and continues to impact new generations. At her age & her trajectory, normal (and expected) would be to live off classic hits. Live off of name, past glories & touring because for the most part, the gp isn't really consuming your new music (ex: Xtina, Mariah Carey, Jlo, Britney Spears, Thalia, Paulina Rubio, etc). Ms. Beyonce herself, even though she continues to be huge (especially in touring & in general pop culture) isn't a top force in streaming services. Meanwhile Shakira is subsequently one of the trendiest artist of the moment, while also being an established legend. But for some reason, her hardcore fanbase is always on edge and expecting the worst. It's completely insane and unbelievable lol.

It's annoying that we still have to keep waiting for the album, but I also imagine it's going to do very well when it finally comes out, likewise her inevitable tour. Nobody can predict the future obviously, but I've always thought that one of the reasons Shakira's managed to keep herself relevant throughout the years is because she knows how much to give the public and when. While fans continue their discourse about Shakira "missing her opportunities", I think Shakira's been very strategic about how much exposure she needs at given times. She knows that impact and authenticity, is more important than trends and numbers when you're playing for the long run. And the little bits of material she's been giving us in the last year or so, have proved that she knows exactly what she's doing. Nothing's a guarantee in life, but this has damn well been one of Shakira's most successful years in her career, and that's saying a lot!!

[madisonbeersource]

do u realize that it's Madison's year? like...she's almost at 70M streams...her song "Make You Mine" is on Beatstar (you know the game where you have to touch the keys in rhythm with the music), she's in the BILLBOARD CHARTS, she's been nominated for the grammys...like...?

I see lots of articles on Tate McRae, on how Greedy became a song that will surely be a classic in a few years...new singers like Tate, Coco Jones or even Tyla are managing to emerge in Pop, while people were unaware that they had already been in the business for quite some time.

but…I listened to Life Support, it was her first album and it was a GREAT album. I listened to SBS and, I'm not going to lie, I didn't like it as much as Life Support but it's still a GREAT album.

She’s criminally underrated. She should have already gotten a lot of attention when Life Support came out. People see her as an influencer but they don't see her as a singer, and that's the whole problem.

I say it again, it’s Madison’s year and when she’s a global star with 100M subscribers we’ll be able to say with pride that we were there from the beginning amennnn

say it louder for the people in the back!! Make You Mine is all over tik tok and now it does great on charts and is even in games I AM SOOO FUCKING HAPPY FOR MY PRINCESS !!! YES YES YES I AGREE W U 100% plus i feel like her tour is doing SO GREAT?? like number wise and growth??

and like I don't see Tyla doing much more than water ... as sad as it is bc she has an AMAZING VOICE honestly I was pretty shook cause like water is an okay song i mean if she wasn't pouring water on her ass while booty shaking during lives, i'm not sure the song would have had the same amount of success oops. Tate has an interesting sound and like she is pure pop so i feel like she could go further in time but Idk why people don't react the same w madison ..like i feel like tate is much more recognized than madison while madison has been in business since 2012!! LIKE...idk why people cannot react to madison until now...make you mine does so good i hope it keeps on going cause SHE DESERVE THE RECOGNITION also i need a duet w tate!!

life support defines me as well as a lot of us, and i think it'll always be the album of my soul if that makes sense...just bc it represents so much of what we've been through with her!! like we are a part of this album, from the many delays to the studio cession where it was the only thing that would get her out of bed in the morning ..you know life support was and stays the best body of work she coud have done at the time and i agree that as much as SBS is good, it'll never top Life Support imo, because of the songs, production but also what it means for her, for us fans and for our rls w her!!

I think the reason why they don't take her as serious as she should be is pure jealousy, she's almost too pretty to be taken seriously and this happens to ANY gorgeous young women. PEOPLE STILL CATEGORIZE HER AS AN INFLUENCER LIKE ????????????????????? just bc she has a body of a model and the face of an angel so people are like ooo she uses her image to sell, NOPE she is also good at singing and music ....sorry to disappoint

AMEN, they would b the "one day" while we are "day one"

[funnylittlelad]

Shelter From The Storm - Steddie

Page Five

<< Page Four | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Six>>

summary: Jack eyes Chrissy carefully. Chrissy smiles at her, but Jack doesn't return it.

“Who are you?” She asks.

“I’m Kacey’s aunt. My name is Chrissy.”

“Oh. Why are you sitting here?”

“Jack,” Eddie scolds.

Chrissy chuckles.

“It’s okay, Eds,” she tells him, “Eddie and I went to school together. I was just saying hello .”

Jack’s face twists into something akin to anger, but not quite so intense.

“That’s Daddy's name for Eddie. You can't use that,” she tells Chrissy matter-of-factly.

wc: 11.1k

series tags/notes: Steddie Dadfic, single dad!Steve Harrington, Music Teacher!Eddie Munson, girl dad Steve, Jewish Eddie, Steve's parents are The Worst, mentions/talks about past abuse, complicated family dynamics, pretty Steve-centric, implied past suicide, talks about illness and death, Fluff, angst, mutual pining, slow burn.

page warnings: talks of death, dead parents, implied past suicide, and descriptions of a funeral

Steve is confused to find Eddie’s van missing from the Mordor Music parking lot. He’s expecting to be greeted by Max, Jack, and whatever customers are loitering around. Instead, Jack plays the keyboard with her headphones on. There’s a new dragon sticker on the left ear. A couple of people browse the sections near the front of the store. Eddie leans against the counter flipping lazily through a magazine. When Steve catches his attention in his peripheral vision, Eddie smiles up at him.

“Hey,” Eddie greets brightly.

“Hey, how'd you get here today?” Steve asks curiously, still searching for Max despite realizing her car wasn't outside either.

“I drove,” Eddie answers.

“Where’s your van then?”

“Oh,” Eddie’s face flushes as his smile gains a shy quality, “I got rid of it. That little red beauty out there’s mine.”

Steve laughs, assuming Eddie is joking. Eddie doesn't laugh, he just continues his shy smile. Steve's laughter dies on his lips.

“Did something happen to it?” He questions, not understanding why Eddie would have gotten a new car.

“No, nothing happened. I just realized that it wasn't exactly the best thing to haul Jack around in. Figured it was about time to get something more kid-friendly,” Eddie shrugs.

He’s so casual as he blows Steve’s mind. Steve’s heart has a vice grip around it. Eddie got a new car for Jack. Eddie got a new car for Jack.

“I can't believe you drive a Chevy,” Steve teases, trying to reign in the tsunami of emotion hitting him.

“Hey, I happen to like my car!”

“Let me make you dinner tonight.”

Eddie blinks in surprise then grins.

“Got yourself a deal, Harrington.”

A few days later, Steve finally gets the time and nerve to call up the Prestons. He has their number from the only time Jack went to their house. The line rings for a while. So long that Steve thinks it’ll either go to voicemail or someone’s on the line so he’s stuck in a purgatory of trills. Right when he’s about to hang up, someone answers.

“Hello?”

“Oh- um- Hi, I’m looking for Kathy or Bert Preston,” Steve says. 

“This is Kathy. May I ask who’s calling?”

“Yeah, this is Steve Harrington, Jack’s dad. Our daughters are friends, they're in the same class,” he informs her.

A beat of silence.

“Right, what can I do for you, Steve?” She inquires in a professional tone.

“Jack told me that Kacey is having a birthday party, but her invitation got lost in the mail. I figured I’d give you a call and get the details to make sure that doesn't happen again,” Steve keeps his voice even, but stern enough to let her know he’s on to her shit. 

“Ah, y-yes, Jack’s invitation. I have another for her here. I’ll send it with Kacey tomorrow,” she says.

“Great, I’ll still take down the details just in case. You know how kids can be,” Steve presses. 

“Of course,” she sighs.

Steve writes down the details, glad he ended up with the non-confrontational Preston. He thanks her curtly before hanging up. When he tells Jack he got it straightened out and that she’ll be able to go to the party it makes the call worth it. It’s this weekend at the local bowling alley. Steve curses when he realizes he works this weekend. There's an event at the college on Saturday and he took up the extra shift for the overtime pay. 

He doesn't hesitate to pick up the phone after Jack is in bed. The number is dialed easily and then the line is ringing.

“How’d you know I was just thinkin’ ‘bout you, handsome?” Eddie asks as he answers the phone.

Steve’s face instantly splits into a smile.

“It's easy, you’re always thinking about me,” he retorts.

“Got that right. How's your night?”

They spend a while just talking. Steve listens eagerly to Eddie's day, asking questions here and there. One of the things Eddie loves most about Steve is how engaged he is when Eddie speaks. Most people listen, but Eddie tends to talk a lot and fast. The other person getting lost mid-conversation isn't unheard of by any means. Not Steve, though. No, Steve makes sure he’s following, asks for clarification, and will even tell Eddie to slow down if he needs him to. Eddie has never felt so heard. 

“So, you remember that birthday party Jack was talking about?” Steve asks.

“Yeah, the one with the asshole parents,” Eddie answers, only sounding a little bitter.

“That’s the one. It's this Saturday-”

“You work this Saturday, right? Need me to take her?”

Steve grins to himself. Eddie knows how much Steve hates asking so he always offers when he can. 

“Yeah, if you don't mind. It’s only for a couple of hours. You can tell them you’re her uncle or something,” Steve tells him.

Eddie’s heart sinks a few inches.

“Her uncle…” He trails off.

Steve grimaces as he hears it.

“I’m sorry, I didn't mean… I just didn't know if you’d want the attention of telling them we’re together,” Steve sighs and runs a hand over his face.

“C’mon, Stevie, you should know from high school that I can handle a little attention,” Eddie teases.

“Okay, okay, fair enough. I don't care what you tell them, as long as Jack’s having a good time.”

“Hey, what if, afterwards, we head over to Wayne’s for dinner?” Eddie asks before he can talk himself out of it. 

“You… You want us to meet Wayne? Are you sure, I know meeting the family is kinda... Big.”

“I’ve already met yours,” Eddie points out.

Steve licks his lips nervously, glad this is over the phone. He wouldn't be able to hide his anxiety from Eddie if he tried.

“Yeah, you did. Uh- s-sure, yeah, let’s do that. I’ll be out of work at four-thirty,” he agrees.

“If you don't want to, it's okay,” Eddie says, poorly masking his disappointment despite his best efforts.

“It’s not that I don't want to, I swear. I guess I’m worried,” Steve admits, never hiding the truth from Eddie. 

“About what?”

“How he feels about you dating someone with a kid. I don't want him to think I’m trapping you or something,” he answers.

“I promise you he doesn't think that. He just thinks that I’m crazy about you two, which I am. You worry too much about what other people think,” Eddie assures him softly. 

Steve sighs, shoulders relaxing a bit.

“I know,” he groans, “it’s hard not to. It feels like I’ve had eyes on my back ever since Jack was born. I know what people thought of me in high school, y’know? No one thought I could do anything other than sports. I want to prove that I can do this so badly, Eds.”

“You already have a thousand times over.”

“I love you,” Steve sighs.

“I love you too. Get some sleep, if you don't wake up on time Jack definitely won't,” Eddie orders lightly, the smile clear in his voice. 

“Okay, okay,” Steve gives in, “Dream something sweet for me, Eds.”

“Guess I’ll see you there then, Stevie.”

Eddie picks up Jack that Saturday morning. Steve gives him her seat for the day. Eddie’s car gives her enough room to buckle herself, which she’s very happy about. 

“I have a surprise,” he tells her as they head to his place.

“Is it a puppy?” 

“No, not a puppy,” he laughs. 

“What is it then?”

“I’ve been practicing doing braids.”

“Can you give me some for the party?” She all but squeals.

“I sure can.”

They spend the next half hour with Jack on the ground and Eddie on the couch. He has a comb between his teeth, a spray bottle on the couch on one side of him, and hair gel on the other. Jack watches TV from where she sits between Eddie’s knees. He’s careful not to be too rough as he wrestles her hair into twin braids. The struggle pays off when Jack delights in her appearance. 

Their drive to the bowling alley is filled with music. Eddie shows Jack what real music sounds like. She doesn't seem overly impressed, much to his dismay. The bowling alley itself is bustling. It takes Eddie a minute to find a parking spot. Jack hops out of the car and bounces on her heels as she waits for Eddie to come around. Her vans are beginning to fray. Her little light-wash denim jeans are cuffed at the ankles because they're just a tad too big. A heather gray Roann County Community College sweater keeps her warm. Eddie’s flannel that he cushioned her head with what feels like ages ago is layered over the sweater. A blue band-aid covers her chin. According to her, she scraped her chin chasing dragons. She got hurt but it’s okay because she's tough.

Inside the bowling alley is a mess of children running around screaming. Eddie helps Jack get her bowling shoes on, carrying her sneakers around for her. She runs off to join her friends who all turn to hug her. When her friend with the Birthday Girl button says she likes Jack’s hair Jack beams.

“Thanks! Eddie did it for me,” she tells her friend happily.

“Who's Eddie?” Her friend asks.

“Him and my daddy are in love. He teaches me how to play music and a really cool dragon game,” she boasts.

Eddie can't help smiling as he eavesdrops over the clattering of pins. He decides to take a seat near where the parents are. The way they're looking at him keeps him from integrating entirely. Instead, he just grabs himself a soda and sits on his own at a table meant for two. He watches Jack have fun with her friends. Even if the parents of the other kids are being rude, he’s glad he brought her. 

“Eddie Munson?” A somewhat familiar voice chimes. 

Eddie’s attention snaps up from where the kids are bowling. Chrissy Cunningham stands next to his table. She’s in jeans and a light purple sweater. Her blonde hair covers her shoulders, bangs still brushing along her eyebrows. 

“Shit, Chrissy, hi,” Eddie greets in surprise.

“I didn't expect to run into you here. Are you here for Kacey’s party?” She asks pleasantly.

“Yeah, I’m here with the little redhead down there,” he points to where Jack is making funny faces at her friends.

Chrissy chuckles at the sight.

“Can I?” She gestures to the seat across from him. 

Eddie nods encouragingly. Chrissy takes the seat and leans her elbows on the table.

“How are you related to her?” She looks at Jack again.

“I’m not. She’s Steve Harrington’s kid,” he tells her with a smile.

Chrissy’s eyes widen in recognition.

“I thought she looked familiar. Wow, she really looks like Sarah. How did you end up with her?”

“Steve and me, we’re together actually.”

Chrissy’s head snaps to look over her shoulder. She spends a moment searching before looking back at Eddie with an apologetic smile.

“Don't let my sister hear you say that. I’m happy for you, though,” she says.

“Your sister?”

“Kathy, she’s Kacey’s mom. She and her husband are… Well, they’re old-fashioned,” she explains.

Eddie nods in understanding. His eyes dart to the woman in question. She’s by the presents acting busy. When Eddie’s eyes meet hers, only for hers to snap away he knows she was watching them. He catches the other parents' stares as his eyes travel back to Chrissy. 

“You don't gotta sit here and talk to me. We kinda got an audience,” he nods to the side toward the poorly covered stares. 

It’s a reflex from high school. Give everyone an out so they don't get hurt just by associating with him. A habit he thought he broke. Chrissy peers over to the rest of the party and sighs.

“I can spare a few more minutes.”

Eddie smiles. His mouth opens to ask how she's been, but he never gets the chance. He’s interrupted by Eddie! Eddie! Eddie! as Jack races up to him. 

“Hey, there, trouble. What’s up?” He greets her as she stops next to him.

Jack eyes Chrissy carefully. Chrissy smiles at her, but Jack doesn't return it.

“Who are you?” She asks.

“I’m Kacey’s aunt. My name is Chrissy.”

“Oh. Why are you sitting here?”

“Jack,” Eddie scolds.

Chrissy chuckles.

“It’s okay, Eds,” she tells him, “Eddie and I went to school together. I was just saying hello.”

Jack’s face twists into something akin to anger, but not quite so intense.

“That’s Daddy's name for Eddie. You can't use that,” she tells Chrissy matter-of-factly. 

“Jack, you're being rude,” Eddie warns her.

She ignores him entirely. As if she didn't run over here for him to begin with.

“Jack is a pretty name,” Chrissy tries to change the conversation.

That might have worked for any of the other kids. Jack’s more stubborn than Steve when it comes down to it. She won't be derailed. Not that easily.

“Do you love Eddie?” She questions.

Eddie chokes on air. Chrissy chuckles lightly, not phased by Jack at all.

“No, we're just friends,” Chrissy answers.

“Good, ‘cause he wouldn't like you. Him and Daddy are in love,” Jack informs Chrissy.

She does it loud enough to inform the rest of the party too. Eddie clamps a hand over her mouth, but it's too late. Jack gives him a furious look. He returns it with a stern one.

“I’m gonna let go and when I do you’re gonna stop being rude to Chrissy. Then you’re gonna tell me what you needed when you came over here,” he tells her evenly and raises his eyebrows, “okay?”

She nods the best she can behind his hand. Eddie lets go and Jack exhales sharply through her nose.

“Ron said you can't be my daddy too. I told him you can, but he said having two daddies makes me a freak,” Jack explains clearly upset by it. 

The word echoes in Eddie’s head. It starts off in Jack’s voice but quickly devolves into the mixed-together voices of high school bullies. Freak. An anger that burns a specific way lights in his chest. It’s the kind of anger that moves one to action. It's the kind of anger that causes a parent to protect their child.

“Which one is Ron?” Eddie asks, scanning the room.

Jack points out a little blond boy who’s talking to his mom. The boy points over at the two of them and his mother looks over with disgust. Eddie’s stomach sinks and he sighs. He looks back at Jack’s frustrated expression. 

“Ron’s an idiot. Having two people that love you doesn't make you a freak. You having fun otherwise, sweet girl?” He smiles tightly.

“Yeah, but I don't think I like bowling that much,” she answers. 

“That's okay, you don't have to. Just go have fun with your friends and if anyone wants to call you a freak, show them a freak,” Eddie tells her and gives himself devil horns with his pointer fingers while sticking his tongue out at her.

She giggles and nods.

“I love you the mostest,” she says.

The air is knocked from Eddie’s chest. He’s a puddle on his chair, an absolute mess. He has no oxygen in his lungs. He’s just a heart slamming against his chest and emotion sitting right behind his eyes. Jack just smiles expectantly at him, unaware of how she just took him apart.

“I- I love you the mostest,” he responds, voice thicker than he'd like. 

Satisfied with his answer, Jack bounds back to her friends. Eddie blinks at the space where she just was for a moment longer. When he looks back at Chrissy she’s smiling warmly at him.

“You two are really sweet. She seems really taken with you,” she comments. 

“Ye- yeah, sorry she got mean. We’re- uh- working on that,” he breathes a chuckle.

“Don't worry about it,” she waves him off. 

Movement catches Eddie’s attention from the corner of his eye. A few of the parents are gathered around Kathy talking. A couple of others still sit at their table, shaking their heads at whatever scene is brewing. Eddie frowns when a couple of glances meet his eyes from the huddle. 

“So, how did you and Steve… reconnect?” Chrissy asks.

Eddie sets his eyes back on her. He opts to ignore the other parents entirely. They can talk whatever shit they want about whatever that little asshole Ron told them. 

“We have some mutual friends, but we didn't really cross paths again until I started teaching Jack guitar back in May. He’s a really great dad, y’know? Even when he was killing himself at the quarry, he made sure Jack got to her lessons,” Eddie smiles fondly as he talks about Steve. 

Chrissy smiles softly in return.

“You teach music?”

“Oh- yeah, I actually own Mordor Music. It’s over by Benny’s.”

“Wow! Eddie, I didn’t know you didn’t…,” she trails off guiltily.

Eddie breathes a laugh.

“Sell drugs anymore? I haven't in a few years. Wised up, started teaching guitar at the rec center. Eventually built up enough credit, and my uncle cosigned a loan with me to get her off the ground. It’s been… Well, it's a dream, truth be told,” he divulges. 

“I’m really happy for you, Eddie. After the way high school was for you… I was honestly a little worried about where you’d end up. I’m glad to see you doing so well,” she tells him honestly, eyes warm and kind. 

“Thanks, yeah, I was a little worried too,” he admits with a wry chuckle, “Anyway, enough about me. What have you been up to? Any little Carvers running around yet?”

Chrissy’s smile drops into a grimace. Her eyes go down to her fingers. She toys with a charm bracelet around her wrist. 

“No, definitely not. I guess you can say I wised up too,” she answers.

“Glad to hear it. I always thought you deserved better than him.”

Chrissy’s big eyes shine with gratitude as they meet Eddie’s again. Her mouth opens to speak, but she never gets the chance. Someone clears their throat beside them. Kathy stands over them with Ron’s mother at her flank. Chrissy sighs like she was expecting this. Eddie can't say he’s especially surprised either.

“You brought Jack Harrington, right?” Kathy asks.

“Sure did,” Eddie answers.

“Right, well she’s saying things that are confusing the other children,” Kathy informs him, crossing her arms. 

Eddie snorts at the thought. 

“You don't think she was confused when she was told her family makes her a freak?” He challenges. 

“Frankly, I don't want her scaring the others with whatever satanic things you get up to in your store,” she retorts.

“Are you joking? You really think Jack is gonna scare-” Eddie turns to look at where Jack is by her friends around the bowling screen.

Right when Eddie, and therefore the others, look over she scowls at a few of the kids. She makes two little devil horns with her fingers, screws her face up as she sticks her tongue out at them, and makes a growl-like noise. The kids actually look startled. Eddie sighs and runs a hand over his face.

“Alright, we’ll go,” he concedes. 

Chrissy watches helplessly as he pushes away from the table and shoves past her sister. He makes his way over to Jack, an unpleasant anticipation churning in his stomach. Her shoes are gripped tightly in his hands. 

“Jack,” he calls to her.

She ceases her freak show to look at him. He waves her over. Jack happily darts over to him, bowling shoes clicking until she hits the carpet. Fuck, he doesn't want to tell her they have to go. How does he explain that her friends' parents are homophobic and he has a reputation that will always haunt him at least a little bit in Hawkins?

“Listen, I will answer any questions you have in the car, but right now we gotta go, okay?” He smiles at her.

Her eyebrows furrow, but she nods. Eddie helps her out of her bowling shoes and back into her vans. He tosses the bowling shoes onto the counter on their way out. They get a few feet into the parking lot before Eddie’s name is called behind them. Chrissy jogs up with an apologetic frown.

“I’m so sorry. I tried to reason with her, but she- they-” she sighs, not knowing how to say it in front of Jack.

“It’s alright, Chrissy, it’s not your fault. Feel free to stop by the store anytime,” he smiles reassuringly. 

She just nods and lets them go. The car is quiet at first. The clicks of their seatbelts fill the air briefly, then the thrum of the engine until they fade away to background noise, and then the sound of Jack picking at the fabric on her seat. It isn't until he pulls out and starts driving that Jack says anything at all.

“Eddie?” Her voice is small, smaller than he’s ever heard it.

“Yeah, sweet girl?” He glances at her in the rearview mirror.

She wears a frown and her impossibly dark eyes swim in sadness.

“Did I do something wrong?” She asks.

It’s enough to break him. His grip goes white knuckle on the steering wheel. He hates all of those assholes right now. He hates them for being grown adults and taking their own prejudices out on a child. He hates them for letting their opinions of him influence their opinions of Jack. Most of all, he hates that Jack has to experience any of it. 

“No, you didn't do anything wrong, I promise,” he tells her softly, “the people there were just… being mean.”

“Is it because I told them that you’re like my other daddy?” She asks, voice low and guilty.

Jesus, this kid is going to take him out entirely. His heart aches. Steve told him to be as honest as is appropriate for a six-year-old. Well, he’s seriously struggling to figure out where that threshold is.

“Jack, do you remember how I told you some people have two moms and some have two daddies?”

“Yeah.”

“And you know how most of your friends have a mom and a daddy?”

“Yeah.”

“Some people think that kids should only be allowed to have a mom and a daddy. They get upset when they're reminded that some kids don't. Sometimes that means they get mean, but it's never your fault. It’s their fault, you understand?” He looks at her through the rearview mirror once more.

“I understand,” she confirms.

“Do you have any other questions?”

She doesn't answer. She just continues picking at the fabric of her seat. Eddie has never known her to be shy or hesitant. He really truly hates those parents right about now.

“Jack?” He checks.

She lets out a small uh-huh.

“Can you tell me how you're feeling?” 

“I wish you and daddy were both my daddy,” she admits quietly.

The sentence hangs heavy in the air for a moment. Eddie stops breathing. Tears burn the corners of his eyes. He never knew he could love someone as much as he loves Jack. 

“Can I tell you a secret?”

She nods.

“I do too,” he admits. 

“Hop said you make us better. I heard him tell Daddy he’s happy you're with us now,” she tells him far too casually for the weight of her words.

“Y-yeah?” Eddie croaks. 

Is that even possible? Is it even possible for Hopper to like Eddie? 

“Yeah… Can we watch Leia again when we get home?” She asks.

Eddie chuckles wetly, fighting back falling into shambles as he drives. 

“We sure can. What d’you think about swinging by the grocery store and getting all the snacks we can carry first?”

She cheers enthusiastically. They do just that. Eddie sticks Jack in the back of a cart and runs her down the aisles while she laughs hysterically. When they get to the snack aisle he lets her take point on what they get, although he does ask her to grab a few specifics. 

They get back to Eddie’s and change into pajamas. For Jack, that means one of Eddie’s old t-shirts. After spreading their haul out on the coffee table, Eddie pops in the movie, and they settle on the couch together. Jack mindlessly cuddles into Eddie causing a smile to melt onto his face. It’s how Steve finds them. On the couch together in a food coma in the late afternoon. 

As quietly as he can, he cleans up around them. The entire time he smiles to himself. Jack is on top of Eddie’s chest, her face buried into his neck. Eddie has his arms around her like last time. It warms his heart. He loves seeing Eddie and Jack together. After everything is tidy, Steve gets in the shower. The last time he showered here Eddie’s scent clung to him for days. He wouldn't be mad at that happening again. The shower is pleasant enough, even if his mother’s voice haunts his thoughts.

Eddie is awake when Steve comes back out. Jack is sleeping alone on the couch. It’s the first time Steve gets a good look at the shirt she's in. The old and somewhat faded Hellfire Club shirt seems right at home on her. Eddie is brewing a pot of coffee in the kitchen. Steve wanders in wearing a pair of Eddie’s sweats and one of his Mordor Music shirts. Eddie smiles at him as he walks in toweling off his hair.

“Hey,” Steve smiles.

Eddie plants a quick kiss on Steve’s lips. Only a second of contact, but it still leaves Steve a little breathless. 

“Hey,” Eddie smiles.

“How'd it go today?” Steve asks.

Eddie’s smile falters. Steve’s heart sinks. A million terrible thoughts cross his mind at once. 

“Coffee?” Eddie answers by asking.

Steve nods. He doesn't push because he knows this isn't a distraction. Eddie gets them mugs and makes their coffees the way they like all while Steve watches patiently. When their coffee is done, they take a seat at the dining table. Eddie sighs and dives into what happened at the bowling alley. Steve remains calm, asking a question here and there. Mostly he nods so Eddie knows he’s listening. His eyebrows are set into a stern line.

There's a quiet moment that passes between them when Eddie finishes. Steve sighs shakily.

“My dad died."

“When did you find out?” Eddie asks Steve with worrying eyes.

“About an hour into my shift. My mom called. He went last night in his sleep. Services will be held this week,” he answers numbly.

Steve has trapped himself in a cycle of self-loathing. His first thought when he got the news was I can’t believe the bastard got to go peacefully. The guilt hit him instantly. It was nauseating to the point that he had to hide in a bathroom for twenty minutes. What kind of person thinks that? What kind of person wishes their father suffered more as he died?

“Will someone be able to watch Jack during the services?” 

The question takes Steve off guard. He furrows his brows at Eddie.

“You can’t?” He asks with concern.

Now it’s Eddie’s turn to furrow his brows at Steve.

“Stevie, I’m going with you,” he says.

“You really don’t ha-”

“Nothing you say will convince me not to go.”

Steve smiles sadly at Eddie. He’ll never know how he got so lucky.

“I’ll ask around. If I can’t find someone I’m not going to go. I’m not bringing Jack to that,” he decides out loud.

Eddie nods in agreement with that sentiment. He chews on his lip for a moment.

“We don’t have to see Wayne today, it’s alright. He’ll understand,” Eddie says.

“I’d still like to, if that’s okay. Let’s just maybe not mention my dad dying.”

Eddie offers Steve a warm smile. He offers his apartment to them for the night or the weekend, or however long Steve needs to deal with all of this. Steve smiles with a touch of relief as he agrees. Almost as if he wanted to ask, but wasn’t sure how. Eddie is so very tempted to say they can stay forever, but he knows it isn’t the time. Jack is excited to see Steve when he wakes her. The happiness dies down when she’s told where they’re going. Her wide inky eyes shine at Eddie.

“We’re going to see your daddy?” She asks him.

“Yep, but I call him Uncle Wayne. He’s real excited to meet you,” Eddie smiles.

“He knows about me?” She wonders at the notion.

“‘Course he does. I don’t shut up about you,” he chuckles.

Jack grows a wide smile at that. Steve helps her back into her clothes from earlier. Eddie changes into dark jeans and a Metallica hoodie that's seen better days. He shrugs Steve’s work coat over the hoodie. They double check they have everything and head to the door. When Eddie opens it, they realize Jack is still standing in the center of the living room. She seems unsure and nervous.

“Everything okay, princess?” Steve checks.

“Is Uncle Wayne mean like daddy’s parents?” She asks nervously. 

Eddie gives her a soft, reassuring smile.

“Uncle Wayne reminds me a lot of your daddy,” he says, “He’s nice, hard-working, and he cares a lot about people. You got nothing to worry about.”

She nods tentatively. After another second of consideration, Jack reaches into the left breast pocket of the flannel she wears. It's huge on her, the bottom sways around her ankles, and the sleeves are rolled up. She produces a black bandana from the pocket and holds it out toward them.

“I wanna wear my bravery bandana,” she announces. 

Steve nods dutifully and goes over to her. He folds the bandana and ties it around her head. Her two fiery red braids sit on her shoulders. Eddie beams at her and she beams right back. Without any more hesitation, Jack bounces out of the apartment. Steve laces his fingers through Eddie’s as they follow behind her. Eddie places a quick kiss on Steve's temple before letting go of his hand when they reach Eddie’s car. 

It's a tiny gesture, but it's one that keeps Steve tethered to the earth. It's a tiny casual expression of love that he's craved from every relationship he's had, but never received. He always seemed to be so much more affectionate than the girls he dated when he was younger. It left him feeling inadequate and insecure. Eddie can't seem to touch Steve enough, though. Every time he does Steve’s entire being soothes to a calm. Whatever storms whip around them cease for a moment and there's only where their bodies are touching. Eddie’s hands on Steve are shelter from the storms.

The ride to the trailer park isn't long. Eddie vibrates with anticipation. He’s full of excited anxious energy as he gets closer to his worlds colliding. Steve notices and chuckles lightly.

“You look like you're going to pee your pants,” he teases. 

Eddie flashes him a smile.

“Just can't wait for all my favorite people to be in the same room.” 

“Does Uncle Wayne like the little guys too?” Jack asks curiously.

“No, he’s more like Hopper and Grandpa Buck,” Eddie answers her.

“Grumpy,” she nods in understanding.

Eddie howls a laugh. Steve chuckles and shakes his head. Forest Hills welcomes them with the open arms of trees whose leaves have been stripped by the oncoming of winter. Jack studies the scenery with wide eyes. She takes in every last detail she can. They park next to Wayne’s car before all climbing out. Jack holds her hand out for Steve’s. He takes it without hesitation and leads her in following Eddie. 

Knocking doesn't even cross Eddie’s mind. Wayne knows they're coming. He swings the door open, singing out hello! as he enters. Wayne immediately gets up from where he holds a beer on the couch. Eddie steps forward confidently, pulling Wayne into a hug. He pulls away to find Steve and Jack lingering behind. They remain close to the door, Steve seeming unsure and Jack seeming curiously cautious. 

“Wayne, this is Steve, the hair I told you about. And this,” Eddie makes a silly scrunched-up face at Jack to elicit a smile, “little menace is Jack.”

“It's nice to finally meet you two. Eddie doesn't talk ‘bout nothing else anymore,” Wayne smiles and holds his hand out. 

Steve takes it into a firm shake with his free hand. Pink tinges the tops of his cheeks at Wayne’s words. He offers his own smile to the man.

“It’s really nice to meet you too, Mr. Munson,” Steve says. 

Wayne makes a face.

“Just Wayne, kid.”

“Sorry- Wayne,” Steve’s smile turns sheepish.

Wayne watches Eddie with Jack. They make silly faces at one another. A few of Eddie’s expressions are visible on Jack’s face. Wayne wears a small smile as he watches his nephew with this funny little kid. Jack spots a mug on Wayne’s shelf that looks like Garfield’s head complete with a lazy smile. Her eyes go wide in awe and she runs up to it. The three men chuckle as she points it out to Steve with a look, Daddy, it’s Garfield! 

“Tell you what, help me serve up the stew and you can use Garfield for your drink,” Wayne offers. 

Jack agrees enthusiastically. She promptly abandons Steve and Eddie to follow Wayne. Steve and Eddie smile at each other. Eddie is relieved to see Steve has relaxed. He slings an arm over Steve’s shoulder and leads him to the dining table. They settle in, always touching each other in some capacity. Jack comes up, walking carefully for once, with a bowl of stew in her oven-mitt-clad hands. The old green oven mitts reach her elbows. She places the bowl on the table in front of Eddie with a proud smile. Wayne brings over another bowl and places it in front of Steve. Then they retrieve their own bowls. 

“Is it alright if I give her apple juice?” Wayne asks Steve from the kitchen a few feet away.

Steve gives an appreciative nod.

“Just no coffee or alcohol,” he replies light-heartedly. 

“Shoot, those were gonna be my next suggestions.”

They chuckle and Wayne goes to retrieve Jack's juice. Jack happily slurps up her stew. Honestly, Wayne Munson is a damn good cook. It’s easy to become one when you’re poor and want to make the best out of every meal. You find ways to make everything taste good or you eat some really bad food trying. 

“Y’know, I think I remember your father,” Wayne says to Steve as he comes back. 

Steve stiffens. Eddie tries to communicate with his eyes to back off the topic, but it gets lost in translation. Wayne sits at the head of the table. Jack sits across from Steve and Eddie, not bothering to pay attention to their conversation.

“Uh- oh, really? H-how did you know him?” Steve asks.

It’s a stupid question and he knows that. Everyone in Hawkins knew the Harringtons. His dad is the one that got out only to come back to help reshape his hometown. Really, he just wanted to buy cheap property to build houses and drive up property values. 

“He tried buying Forest Hills a while back. Would’a left a lot of people without homes, including us. Luckily, we got him to back off. Always thought he was dick, no offense,” Wayne explains gruffly.

“Trust me, none taken. He was a dick,” Steve breathes a laugh. 

Wayne’s eyes flicker to Steve, then Eddie curiously at the was. He doesn't say anything about it, though. 

“Glad to see you’re nothin’ like him,” he comments with a nod.

Steve smiles, shoulders slumping in relief. Eddie pushes the conversation forward by asking about Wayne’s day. Dinner goes over really well. Steve and Wayne find common ground on work-related things, both having worked hard labor. They also relate with funny stories they have from raising a curly-haired troublemaker. Eddie’s cheeks glow red as Wayne tells stories from his childhood. He mentions how Eddie often had bandaids all over him like Jack does, much to Jack’s delight. Jack seems to love finding out the ways she’s like Eddie just as much as Eddie himself does. 

Then Wayne brings up when Eddie started learning guitar. Of course, this topic immediately intrigues Jack. 

“He definitely wasn't playing two instruments after a few months,” Wayne snorts.

“Hey, not all of us can be tiny musical geniuses,” Eddie defends. 

Steve smiles at Eddie calling Jack a genius. He tends to think so too, but it's nice having someone else to back him up on that. 

“D’you still have that old guitar you wrote on after I told you about Woody Guthrie?” Wayne asks him.

“Sure do. Hung it above my couch a few months ago. You gotta come over to mine soon,” Eddie answers.

“The dragon guitar?” Jack asks curiously.

“That’s the one, sweet girl,” Eddie smiles.

“I like playing that one,” she says offhandedly. 

Wayne’s eyes are hot on the side of Eddie’s face. Eddie stares at Jack for as long as he can while she eats. He can see Steve’s eyes flickering between the two of them in his peripheral vision. 

“You… You let her play it?” Wayne asks in a curious, but cautious manner. 

Steve’s eyebrows furrow. Eddie closes his eyes and sighs. He finally looks at his Uncle. Wayne watches him with a sort of dumbstruck look. 

“It’s not a big deal,” he shrugs. 

“Ed-”

“Can we not right now, Wayne?” 

Wayne sighs but nods. Steve’s face displays his utter confusion at the exchange. He doesn't inquire any further. Eddie doesn't seem to want to talk about it. He knows he will when he’s ready to. Wayne turns the conversation to Jack. A nice neutral topic that loves the attention. Especially when the attention is on her musical skills, her favorite topic.

“Actually, Stevie, I wanted to talk to you. There’s this competition of sorts coming up and I think Jack could stand a pretty good chance. I mean, she'd be on the younger side so she'd be going against some bigger kids- but I think she can do it,” Eddie says. 

“Has she really been playing guitar for long enou-”

“Oh, no, it’s for piano,” Eddie informs him.

“She's only been playing piano for a few months,” Steve points out.

“I know, but she’s a natural. I’m not really qualified to say, but I’d call her a prodigy.”

Steve’s eyes widen and go to Jack. She smiles proudly as she swings her legs under the table. He’s always known Jack is smart as a whip, likely smarter than him. To hear her called a prodigy, though. That’s a heart-swelling proud parent moment. Steve Harrington’s daughter, a prodigy. Shit, maybe he is doing something right.

“What d’you think, Jack? Would you wanna play piano in a competition?” He asks her.

She nods wildly with wide excited eyes. A wide grin breaks out across her face. Steve loves when she smiles like that. All big and truly happy. Eddie cheers.

“That’s our girl! She’s gonna eat the other kids for breakfast,” he beams.

Jack makes chomping motions with her mouth with a dramatic om nom nom sound. Wayne watches Steve go all gooey when Eddie says that and holds in a chuckle. In the first fifteen minutes, he could tell this is the real deal. Certainly, the realest deal he’s known Eddie to have. He silently wonders how much he should save up for his suit.

A little later they move over to the couch. Steve and Wayne each sip a beer. Eddie refuses even the one knowing he has to drive back with Jack in the car. Jack herself is curled up between Steve and Eddie. She makes sure she’s touching both of them in some capacity. Her head rests against Eddie’s side. He has an arm around her, hand holding Steve’s on the other side of her. Her feet rest on Steve’s lap, his free hand gently holding her leg. Despite the nap earlier, she seems a little sleepy. The stew was warm and filling, enough to knock Steve out if he let it. 

“Daddy?” Jack says, voice thick with sleep.

“Yeah, princess?” Steve answers.

“Can we stay with Eddie tonight?” She asks. 

“Sweet girl, you can stay with me any night you want,” Eddie tells her tenderly with a smile. 

Jack makes a satisfied little noise and cuddles deeper into his side. Eddie gives her a look that only a parent could give their child.

“Don't tell her that! She’ll never want to go home,” Steve chides. 

Eddie shrugs playfully.

“Oh well,” he says with a smirk.

Steve rolls his eyes as he smiles in amusement. 

“I need to use the potty,” Jack announces.

Steve goes to get up, but Wayne simply tells her which door it is. Jack hops up and heads over on her own with no issue. Steve watches in surprise.

“She doesn't usually like to go alone when she’s somewhere new,” he explains to the Munsons’ curious expressions.

“The three of you seem to fit together real well,” Wayne comments casually.

Steve’s face lights on fire. Eddie simply beams at his uncle in delight.

“It’s strange seeing a kid that reminds me so much of you,” Wayne continues, raising his eyebrows briefly at Eddie.

“Yeah, at least it's only the good parts,” Eddie jokes in return, “She’s a really good kid.”

“She must be if you finally got rid of that god-awful van,” Wayne huffs a laugh. 

“I can't believe that thing was even still running,” Steve adds. 

“Running is being kind. I was ready to put it out of its misery myself,” Wayne says. 

“Leave Van-nessa alone. She served me faithfully for years and I won't allow this slander,” Eddie protests. 

Wayne and Steve laugh at his dramatics. Jack comes back out and whines about missing what's funny. Which, of course, only makes them laugh harder. She plants herself right in front of Wayne with her fists curled on her hips. Her eyebrows knit in such a way that truly makes her look like a mini red-headed Steve. 

“Is it okay if Eddie is ours now?” Jack asks.

Wayne’s eyes soften and a warm smile crawls onto his face. She looks up at him with big inky eyes. He gestures for her to climb into his lap. Steve expects Jack to have reservations since Wayne is new, but she doesn't. She crawls right onto his lap like she’s known him forever. Wayne looks at her over her shoulder as she leans back into his chest. 

“What if he’s both of ours? You think you can find it in yourself to share him with me?” He asks sweetly. 

Jack examines him for a moment. She nods eventually. It’s a slow, but intentional act.

“Can he stay with us, though?” She checks.

“Yeah, sweetheart,” Wayne chuckles, “As long as I still get to see him.”

“I’m not a dog, y’know,” Eddie pipes up indignantly. 

“You smell like one,” Jack teases with a scrunched nose.

Wayne lets out a belly laugh. Steve can't contain his own. 

“Jack, you’re supposed to be on my side,” Eddie whines. 

“Sorry, Eddie,” she giggles. 

“You’ll have to make it up to me, sweet girl,” Eddie tells her and taps his cheek.

She rushes over and climbs up onto Eddie’s lap. She plants a big wet kiss on his cheek. The kiss lands right on a dimple since he can't stop smiling. Wayne lets out a decades-old sigh that brings with it an overwhelming relief he’s only dreamed of. As he watches Eddie with Jack and sees how Steve looks at his nephew, any worry fades away. 

He knows Eddie will be okay. Eddie will be okay because he has Steve and Jack. Eddie will be okay because he has a family. Eddie will be okay because he's a dad now and it fits him like a glove. Wayne rests easy knowing that Eddie has everything he always hoped he would.

There’s a pretty big misconception about the Harringtons. It could be because about 60% of Hawkins claim to be Catholic. Steve’s family fell into the other 40% who say they're Protestant. There are no big stone churches with tall stained glass windows and the swaying scent of incense. There's no mass in a droning priest’s voice that lulls you to sleep or communion in sight. No, it's just a bunch of sad people in a room talking like the body down the hall was ever a good person. 

The house is tastefully catered. Steve expected no less from his mother and her newly bolstered fortune. Everyone in attendance wears expensive clothing that creates a stark contrast between everyone else and Steve and Eddie. Eddie’s in the funeral suit he’s had since high school. It's dulled and some of the buttons are loose, but it still gets the job done. Steve wears a Goodwill suit that's just a tad boxy on him. Eddie swears he makes it work, though. 

Walking in is hell. Steve holds Eddie’s hand tightly as too many sets of eyes turn toward them. In a blink, he’s overwhelmed by faces from his past looking to give him condolences and ask how he's doing. None of them ask about Jack. Something Steve is too busy trying not to drown to notice, but Eddie can't not notice. Steve struggles to answer when he’s asked how he’s been and what he’s been doing.  

“I work at Roann County Community College now,” he tries to answer. 

It always inevitably leads to questions about him being a professor. To which he cringes and corrects them. They’re all too polite to say out loud what their faces tell him they're thinking. At first, it's only family friends that don't dare to ask. They're close enough to the Harringtons to know they're powerful allies to have. They're far enough to see them for the kind of parents they really are. The first of the relatives spots him as he and Eddie make it into the living room. His mother sits on the couch being comforted by some aunts for her crocodile tears. Steve isn't convinced she's felt a genuine emotion in her life. 

“Steven, geez, it’s been too long. Your mom says you're living on your own now. Good for you kid,” an older second cousin he can't fully remember the name of says to him. 

“Y-yeah, I’ve been on my own since high school,” Steve replies with a hint of confusion. 

“Really? Aren't you Mr. Independent? Who's this?” He nods toward Eddie as if Eddie couldn't speak for himself.

“Oh- This is Eddie, my partner,” Steve introduces, watching the man’s expression carefully.

His eyebrows shoot up to his slicked-back hairline. He nods.

“Hey, it’s the 90s, y’know, I’m with the times,” he chuckles earnestly. 

“Right, uh, it was good seeing you,” Steve smiles tightly and gives him a pat on the upper arm.

He ducks out of the room to the kitchen for some air. He digs his palms against the edge of the counter. Eddie’s lean tender hands find Steve’s waist as he rests his chin on Steve’s shoulder.

“You doing okay, Stevie?” He murmurs. 

“I don't know,” Steve sighs honestly. 

“Can you turn and look at me?”

Steve turns in Eddie’s hold until his lower back meets the edge of the island. His clouded honey eyes meet Eddie’s warm coffee ones. Eddie can see the vortex of emotion consuming Steve. He desperately wants to save him from it.

“We can leave whenever you want,” Eddie reminds him.

Steve nods slightly. He takes a measured breath to settle himself.

“Did I tell you what my first thought was when I found out he died?” He asks quietly. 

Eddie shakes his head lightly.

“I wished he suffered more.”

Eddie sucks in his bottom lip. He doesn't blame Steve. He can't blame Steve. What he worries about is how he can convince Steve to forgive himself. 

“After everything he’s done to you, I would be more surprised if you didn't wish for that,” Eddie assures him.

“What kind of person does that make me, Eds?” His voice is desperate and broken.

Eddie sets his eyebrows into a stern line. He doesn't quite scowl, but his lips are set in such a way that lets Steve know he's being serious.

“A reasonable one. Steve, this is the same guy that beat you senseless- to the point where you couldn't play basketball anymore. He kicked you and your hours-old daughter out on the street without a second thought. The fact that you even came to the funeral makes you a better man than me, that’s for sure,” Eddie says with a clear earnestness for Steve to really understand. 

Steve offers him a small smile. He gives Eddie a nod. 

“You’re right,” he agrees, “about most of that.”

“I'm serious, Steve. We can leave at any time. Don't make yourself stay if you don't want to, okay?” 

“Okay... I think I want to see him.”

Eddie exhales slowly through his nose as he nods. Despite appearances and satanic rumors, he’s never been good with dead things. He even avoids horror movies when he can. Not because he gets scared, but because he gets queasy. Death twists in his gut leaving an uneasy sway in his steps.

“Yeah, ‘course. Lead the way,” he says to Steve. 

He can feel Steve’s hand in his, but he can't feel his own feet moving. Eddie can't feel the hardwood beneath his boots. He can't feel the dry warmth of the forced air heating. He can't feel the eyes attached to his back and where his hand holds Steve’s. He can feel Steve's hand, though. He can feel how pathetic he is in the back of his throat. 

There have been plenty of funerals in the past fifteen years. Eddie has been no stranger to the melancholy gatherings by any means, but this is different. The hallway stretches out as they make their way down it. His heart races in his throat as the open door draws near. Beyond that threshold memories wait for him with emotions he typically does well to beat back. This is different, though. This is too real, too familiar. The dark clothes, the table with an assortment of food to pick at, and even Steve’s mom’s crying form on the couch evoke his grandparents' sitting shiva. Eddie’s chest tightens, his breath shortens, and suddenly it's everything to keep his head from spinning.

“Eddie? What’s wrong?” Steve asks quietly with furrowed brows.

Eddie didn't even realize he stopped walking. He’s glued midway down the hall, hand holding Steve back from progressing. Steve isn't upset, though. He’s worried. Eddie blinks and clears his throat.

“Uh- Maybe you should go in without me. Y’know, get your closure and everything,” he suggests as he recovers.

Steve gives Eddie a once-over with a small frown. Ultimately, he nods and lets go of Eddie’s hand. Eddie watches him slip into the room. Once Steve is out of sight, he paces further down the hall and dodges into the bathroom to collect himself. Some splashes of cool water are enough to ground him back to the present. He catches his breath as he stares himself in the eye in the mirror. God, he looks like shit. He looks ready to drop dead himself. 

He ties his hair back into a bun with a spare scrunchie before scrubbing some more water into his face. Then he dries off with a nearby hand towel and sighs. He spots a small window above the toilet and gets a primal urge from the bad teen still stuck inside of him, rattling against the bars of his cage. 

“Fuck it,” he mumbles under his breath. 

Steve stands with his back against the closed door for a moment. He keeps his eyes on the ground in front of him. With a steadying breath, he finally gazes up. There is the lifeless form of his father. He’s done up in a suit with makeup to make him look like he wasn't whittled down to nothing before the end. The casket is nice and glossy where it sits half open against the opposite wall completely surrounded by outlandish flowers. If Steve didn't know better, he'd think what should have been Jack's inheritance went toward the flowers in this room alone. 

Steve can barely recognize his father without the distasteful glare on his face. As he inches closer slowly, he swallows the lump that's formed in his throat. Relief bubbles up in his chest with each step forward. This is real. He’s really gone. Steve never has to worry about what tricks or traps his father may pull again. He doesn't have to worry about him bothering Jack. Selfishly, he’s glad he gets to see a world without his father in it. He’s glad Jack gets to grow up in such a world. One slimy asshole down. 

Still, as he looks down at the body that was his father tears well up. His vision blurs. Steve wasn't always seen as the jerk kid who never did as he was told. His father wasn't always an asshole that withheld every ounce of emotion from him in the name of toughening him up. The years were short, but they were there.

They were filled with moments Steve remembers being happy in, he remembers laughing and feeling loved. That's the father he’s finally allowing himself to mourn now. The one that died when Steve turned double digits and his father decided it was time he learned how to be a man. Apparently, violence is how you do that. At least, that's what he taught Steve. A single tear gets away from him before he’s furiously rubbing at his eyes. Despite those good memories, he’s glad he never has to deal with the likes of John Harrington again. 

“Good riddance,” he mumbles to the corpse in the casket. 

Steve expects to find Eddie waiting for him in the hallway, but he doesn't. The hallway is vacant of everything except the noise from the chatter in the gathering room. As he stands there for a moment, eyes bouncing around in search of his anchor, he smells it. Cigarette smoke. He follows it further down the hallway until he reaches the bathroom door. There's a moment where he considers just walking in, but there is a chance it's not Eddie, no matter how slim. So, he knocks. On the other side of the door, he can hear a scrambling, a tumbling, and a not-so-subtle fuck.

“Eddie?” Steve checks softly.

“Steve? Uh- just a minute,” Eddie’s voice responds. 

Steve doesn't wait, though. He slips into the bathroom quickly so as to not let too much of the smell out. Eddie is frantically dabbing his shirt with a wet hand towel, the window above the toilet is open, and a pack of cigarettes sits on the sill. 

“Were you seriously smoking a cigarette in here?” Steve snorts.

Eddie whips around with a guilty, but startled expression.

“I’m so sorry. I don't usually-”

“Do you have any more?” 

Eddie blinks for a moment.

“Uh- y-yeah.”

That’s how Steve and Eddie end up sharing a cigarette in the bathroom. The window is open, the fan is on, and they both sit on the tile with their backs against the wall. The cigarette passes between them easily. Eddie ashes it in the toilet here and there. They go a while without speaking. Just smoking together, letting the nicotine and each other's presence calm their nerves.

“I didn't know you still smoked,” Steve comments after the first cigarette is out and Eddie is lighting a second.

“I don't often. Just when I need to take the edge off,” he answers as he passes the newly lit cigarette to Steve. 

“You really didn't have to come, Eds.”

“It’s not that… Okay, it’s kind of that, but there was no way in hell I was letting you come alone,” Eddie tells him.

“Are you okay?” Steve asks with genuine concern.

“I’m the one that's here for you, remember? Are you okay?” Eddie counters.

“I’m more okay than I thought I’d be,” Steve shrugs. 

Eddie inhales through his nose and exhales through his mouth as Steve takes a slow drag. 

“I’m less okay than I thought I’d be,” he admits, playing with his rings. 

Steve’s eyes travel to him. Those warm worried eyes.

“What's wrong?” He asks as he passes back the cigarette.

“I’ve been to funerals, y’know. It’s not really that, but I haven't been to one for someone’s parent since… I think it just got to me more than I thought it would,” Eddie sighs.

“Since what, Eddie?” Steve pushes gently.

“Since my mom’s funeral. When I was a kid. I’ve never really been good with death since seeing her like that… I can usually suck it up, but I dunno. It just really came back today,” he explains.

Steve takes Eddie's ring-clad hand in his firmly. His thick hand swallows Eddie’s lean one in warmth.

“I’m sorry. I didn't know she… Can I ask how?” Steve’s voice is barely above a whisper.

Eddie swallows every lie he’s told about his mother’s death before. She was sick. Well, she kind of was. It was an accident. No, it wasn’t. Not really, they all know that. It was something heroic. He likes to imagine that. It was his dad’s fault. In a lot of ways, it was. 

“Yeah, I don't really talk about it. She- um- there was a bad interaction with a couple medications she took and…,” he clears his throat, “Well, I found her a few hours later when I got home from school. My dad was at work all day.”

Steve doesn't take his eyes off Eddie. Eddie doesn't move his eyes from the tile between the scuffed toes of his boots. 

“Fuck,” Steve breathes, “Eds, I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, really. It's been over a decade, I’m okay. Today is just… a day,” he assures Steve. 

“You can talk to me about it, y’know, if you ever want to. Even if you just want to talk about her. You can tell me these things. You don't talk a lot about your past beyond Wayne. I mean… I know about your dad, but I dunno…,” Steve trails off as he struggles to express his thoughts.

Eddie’s big brown eyes swimming in affection turn to Steve. He takes him in for a moment. His hand grasps the nape of Steve’s neck and drags him in. It’s a quick chaste kiss, but it's enough to leave Steve breathless. Before he knows it, Eddie is back to sitting upright. Instead of straightening himself out, Steve opts to rest his head on Eddie’s shoulder. 

“Jack actually reminds me of her,” Eddie breathes out a small laugh, “Not all the time, but sometimes. Mostly when she's playing music.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, she gets this crease between her eyebrows when she's focusing really hard on learning something new. I remember my mom looking like that all the time when she was learning new songs on the guitar,” a small smile plays at the corners of his lips as he reminisces. 

“Is she why you learned?”

“She taught me the foundations. I taught myself the rest.”

“What was her name?”

Eddie pauses momentarily before chuckling. He shakes his head.

“Believe it or not, Sara, but not with an h,” he answers.

Steve lets out his own light chuckle. A beat of silence passes between them. It's comfortable, but more questions nag at the back of Steve’s mind. 

“How old were you when it happened?” 

“Ten. Moved in with Wayne at twelve. I- uh- is it okay if we stop talking about this? It’s not that I don't want to, it's just a lot,” Eddie says tentatively, "but maybe some other time."

“Yeah, of course. We don't have to talk about anything you don't want to talk about,” Steve promises him. 

Eddie plants a kiss on the top of Steve’s hair. 

“I really love you, Stevie.”

“I really love you too, Eds.”

They finish the second cigarette and exit the bathroom. The smell of the smoke clings to their clothes and hair, but they don't care. The bathroom no doubt smells like it too, but that's not their problem. Steve’s Aunt Liv, one of the ones that were comforting his mother before, corners them as they reenter the crowd. She gives Steve a sympathetic smile on her approach. 

“Steven, how are you doing? It’s been so long since I’ve seen you,” she greets softly.

“I’m good, Aunt Liv. How are you?” Steve keeps it polite.

“I’m good, I’m good. Your mother was telling me you’ve been visiting more. I’m really glad. I know getting your own place is exciting and you’re probably living out your twenties, but… Don't forget about family, okay?” She smiles tightly.

She means well, really she does. He knows that. What he knows doesn't matter, though. Red-hot anger pushes steam out of his ears. Eddie’s hand tightens around his own, the rings biting into his skin.

“Living out my twenties?” Steve questions.

“Yes, look, I remember what it's like at that age-”

“I’m sorry, Aunt Liv, but you don't know- or remember- shit,” Steve scoffs. 

“I wasn't 24 that long ago,” she argues clearly offended.

“Sure, but you weren't raising a child,” he counters.

Utter bewilderment crosses her features. She shakes her head.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Steve furrows his brows and stares at her like she’s stupid. It’s a look Eddie has seen on Jack plenty of times. Eddie realizes what's happening before Steve does. He gives Steve’s hand a little tug. 

“Steve, I don't think she knows,” he says.

Steve exhales sharply through his nose and shakes his head in frustration. 

“Know what?” She asks.

“I haven't been living out my twenties. I’ve been raising my child,” he tells her. 

She just blinks at him in disbelief. Her mouth opens and closes a few times. 

“Your child? When did you-”

“What did she tell you?” Steve demands.

Hearing the official story is almost too much. In the story his parents told everyone, Jack doesn't exist. No, Steve left home because he didn't want to live by their rules. Then he stopped visiting and left his poor parents alone. Aunt Liv was flabbergasted when Steve told her what really happened. It sets him off. His eyes find his mother where she still sits on the couch. She accepts condolences and dabs her eyes with a tissue. Before he knows it, Steve lets go of Eddie’s hand and marches over. 

He steps up onto the coffee table. Eddie watches where he still stands near Aunt Liv with wide eyes. The room quiets as everyone looks curiously at where Steve stands on top of the coffee table. He stares down at his surprised mother.

“So, it’s come to my attention that there's been a misunderstanding,” he announces to the room.

“Steven, what are you doing?” His mother hisses.

“It seems some of you think that I moved out of my parents’ house and ditched them. I’m so sorry for any confusion. What actually happened is that I had a kid on my eighteenth birthday. So, naturally, my parents kicked me out that same day,” he explains loudly to the crowd, “Funnily enough, they never even tried to reach out until my dad was dying. If you have any questions, I’m sure my mother would be more than happy to answer.”

Steve steps down from the coffee table. He doesn't bother sparing his mother another look. Eddie watches him with a wide smile as everyone else looks on in varying degrees of shock. Steve takes Eddie’s hand and leads him the hell out of there. He doesn't speak again until they're back in his BMW. 

“I think I lost my cool,” he sighs, staring at the worn emblem on the steering wheel.

Eddie bursts out laughing. Steve jumps a little but eventually chuckles along. 

“That was the most badass thing I’ve ever seen you do,” Eddie says wondrously.

“It did feel pretty badass,” Steve smiles at him.

“Steve?”

“Yeah?”

“I want you to move in with me.”

The entire world comes to a standstill. Steve studies Eddie’s genuine face. A million thoughts race through his head at once. A thousand possible problems come up. A hundred reasons not to right now flit by. There would be so much more to work out before it could actually happen, but Steve knows it's what he wants.

“Okay,” he breathes.

“Okay?” Eddie echoes.

“Okay, I mean we’ll need to talk about it more, but I want that too.”

Eddie’s lips capture Steve's in a warm kiss. It's slow-moving but sweet, like molasses. His rings nip at Steve's neck. When they part, Eddie keeps his forehead pressed against Steve's.

“Let’s go get our girl and head home, yeah?” he says.

“Yeah,” Steve smiles.

Some tension rolls off of Steve’s shoulders as they park in front of Wayne’s trailer. He can't wait to see Jack. Eddie detects this and smiles softly after him. When they enter Jack is tying Wayne to his armchair with a jump rope. Wayne smiles lazily at them as they enter. There's a hockey game on the television. 

“Uh- what's going on here?” Eddie asks slowly. 

Jack beams up at them. Her hair is loose and wild today but is now covered in a pirate hat made from newspaper. Her band-aid is gone leaving a scabbed scrape exposed on her chin.

“I’m a pirate and Uncle Wayne is my prisoner!” She tells him gleefully. 

Eddie shrugs.

“You need help with the knot?” He asks.

Jack nods eagerly. Steve snorts at them. When Eddie’s hands take over the jump rope Jack bolts over to Steve. He scoops her up like always and they fold into each other. She smells like her usual coconut and lavender, but there's something else now. There’s something spiced that floods Steve’s belly with butterflies because it reminds him of Eddie. Whatever tension he still holds in his shoulders melts away as Jack nuzzles into his neck. 

Steve is the one to untie Wayne before they leave. Jack and Eddie fight him on it, but Steve is a seasoned parent who can resist the whines. Wayne walks them out to the car. He gives Jack a kiss on the top of the head before she gets in. Steve is surprised to receive a hug with as much fatherly gusto as the one Eddie received. Then their little family is heading home together. Maybe it's not official yet, but it's a thought Steve finds he really really likes. They're heading home.

<< Page Four | Series Photo Album | AO3 | Page Six>>

[lesbian-deadpool]

Hi there dude! Could I request a hc of being Wade Wilson's best friend because y/n and wade are such a chaotic duo but also dating nat and her just being so done with your shit most of the time? And if your cool with it could it include a little pregnant!nat like him learning that you guys are having a baby and insisting on being the cool uncle even though he literally has all the guy avengers as competition?

Wade is actually a very sweet man (especially once you get to know him), albeit unconventionally.

Natasha was in love with you, and you, her. But with you came your best friend. Which has always been a "con" to your relationship, but never a big enough one for her to even consider leaving you.

But that all changed when you decided to grow your small little family.

He cried when you told him. Wade had always loved babies and children, thinking them pure and full of unconditional love.

He was so excited to be an uncle for the first time. So much so that he... kinda went overboard.

Yes, he bought mini katanas for the unborn child.

Yes, he had custom onesies made. One that matched his suit. One that said 'My Uncles A Merc, I Can Do What I Want', another reading 'Uncles Favourite Little Trouble Maker', 'I Can't Wait To Eat Tacos', 'I Learned Everything I Know From My Uncle Wade, So Arrest Him Instead'. And so on and so forth.

Natasha wasn't so amused by most of those.

As soon as he heard the news, the main thing his wardrobe consisted of was 'uncle' t-shirts, which he wore with pride. Even going as far as to wearing a shirt over his suit, and say things like, "I'm going to be an uncle, you know? I'm so excited!" To the people he would be beating the shit out of.

He was around your place more and more, which only increased Natasha's disdain for the man.

That was until she realised how attentive he was.

Wade always brought her something she was craving when he came over. Be that a sandwich, KFC, some weird Russian food that you couldn't begin to try and say. Hell, he would even tap into her weird cravings, joining her in eating them. Even when it was that weird mushroom soup with chocolate sauce and pickled onions.

He brought you guys any pregnancy books you might have forgotten or didn't know existed. Insisting to read them all with you snd the red-head... but still having a little fun with it.

"Did you know that when you have a baby, that means you can never do martial arts again?"

"What?!"

"Ha! Got ya!"

She threw him out that day.

The pivotal point, however, was the day you and Natasha came home expecting to be met with an empty house and Liho.

But instead walked into the lights on, and the 'Grease' album blasting throughout the apartment.

That was the only indication you needed to know that there was no threat to be worried about.

Walking through the rooms you headed to the one where an accompanying voice belted the lines to 'Sandra Dee', with Natasha already looking done by your side.

But once you had entered the room you had declared the baby's her face fell, and a soft look over came it.

You had told Wade not even two days prior about how busy you and Natasha had been, and how you hadn't gotten the chance to begin decorating the baby's room, especially considering Nat couldn't do most of the work anyway.

But there he was, paintbrush in hand, dark emerald paint splattered over him and his burned skin, as he used it as a microphone.

You could tell he was only halfway through with his self-appointed task. Everything looked precise. Measured and lined off perfectly.

The man had been there during your and Natasha's discussions of the room. Throwing in his own silly ideas. Like that dartboard with Thanos' face pinned to it.

But there was none of that.

Only what you and Natasha had planned.

"What's all this?" you asked with a smile, causing the man to startle.

"Oh. Y'know, being Picasso. You didn't have time. And I have a lot, so."

"We didn't even buy a crib yet." You gestured over to the covered and built crib at the corner of the room, not touching the freshly painted white walls.

"Yeah, you were really lacking on furniture. I know I had a box under the bed for a crib, like I was a litter of kittens, but you don't have enough space for that."

"And what's with the rocking horse?"

Wade beamed at your question, swelling up with pride.

"I made it!"

And he did. His YouTube history was full of tutorials on how one would make a wooden rocking horse.

And okay... maybe the rocking horse fashioned to be a unicorn was a little weird, knowing how Wade was with the fictional creatures. But it was still normal in any childs bedroom.

"You... made it?"

"Yeah. Here's a tip, don't put your arm in front of a saw on a saw bench."

"You didn't learn that in high school?"

Natasha hadn't said a thing the whole time, and you were too bust conversing with your friend to notice.

Now, normally, Natasha hated being emotional in front of others, especially when it came to people she clamed to dislike.

But with the kind gesture, it had Natasha welling up with tears, internally cursing her hormones.

You and Wade were both shocked when Natasha moved forward and wrapped him up in a gigantic hug, crying into his shoulder while thanking him.

But the shock on his face was nothing compared to when he had come to visit the infant, after waiting in the hospital since Natasha had gone into labour, for the very first time. Only to be told that he was appointed as your son's Godfather.

Well... one of them.

(This was longer than I expected it to be)

[meowniee]

Lee Taeyong - One Shot

Pairing: Female Reader (photographer) x Lee Taeyong (idol)

Genre: Smut

Word Count: 4,2k

Warnings: oral (f/m) | fingering (f) | penetration | protected sex | squirt | manhandling | finger sucking

Synopsis: Who would have thought that doing a photo shoot with NCT would lead you to stay after your working hours in a room alone with Taeyong...

You were already asleep when you got a call from your boss. One of the photographers who would be working tomorrow had gotten sick and he needed you to go to work in her place. You had been hired a few months ago, but you hadn't worked on any major projects yet, even though your experience in the field is impeccable. He asked you to arrive early tomorrow at the film set and your colleague would explain all the work. You were so excited, it would be your first opportunity to show your talent, whatever job it was.

You could barely sleep and ended up waking up earlier than you needed to. You chose a comfortable outfit, pants and shirt, ate your favorite breakfast, did some very basic makeup, highlighting your cute lips, and went out to the photo set. The day was beautiful with a very blue sky and a shining sun. It was almost 10 am when you arrived at the luxurious hotel where the photos would be. At the entrance, your colleague was waiting for you with an iced coffee in each hand. You greeted each other quickly, thanking her for the coffee, and headed into the hotel, picking up your credentials at the lobby. On the way to the main hall, she explained to you that they would have a big crew today because they were going to photograph a famous K-pop group, NCT127. Each photographer would be responsible for one of them during the individual photos, and the photos would be taken in a hotel room according to the aesthetic that each one wanted. She told you that you would be responsible for Taeyong, the leader of the group. You were shocked. You were just replacing the sick photographer and were you responsible for none other than the GROUP LEADER? “Don't worry, he's an experienced idol. He'll help you with whatever you need. He's also a sweetheart, rest assured”, she said, patting your arm. You sighed in relief. You need to do your best today to take your best pictures. You knew Taeyong and how perfect he was in the photos. His features were sharp and his gaze was deep, the best set for a good model.

It didn't take long for all the photographers and directors to arrive, preparing their cameras, lights and scenery, reviewing the positions and space around them. The beats of their music echoed faintly through the hall. You heard rumbles coming from the entrance to the hall and turned to see what was going on. The boys had arrived along with their security guards and managers. They were mostly in sweats and comfortable clothes, clearly without the luxurious outfits prepared for the photos. Some messy hair, sleepy eyes and yawns accompanied their expression, but that didn't stop you from noticing how beautiful they were. Extremely beautiful. They were talking to each other, sipping their coffee, laughing and settling down next to the staff members. The blonde one, Taeyong, stood in front of them, ceasing their conversation. They greeted all of the staff, bowing and smiling. The director took the lead and made the general introductions. "We will have a team responsible for each member to optimize the work today. Please direct each member to their workstation to begin preparations". He called one name at a time, redirecting the boys to their teams. The makeup artists and hairdressers started to work, preparing their looks according to the references they had received. You stood a little away from him, a little embarrassed, holding your camera. You didn't want to take pictures of him without makeup, respecting his personal space, so you waited until the stylists had finished. He was perfect now, with his hair straight and his makeup done. Soft pink lips emphasized the shape. He was fiddling with his cell phone, waiting for the moment to go change. You approached slowly. “Hi Mr. Lee… I’m Y/n. I am your photographer today”, you introduced yourself, bending a little and unable to look at him. “Hey! Nice to meet you.”. You raised your eyes a little to see him. He was smiling and waving his hand. “I didn't know you. Are you new here?”, he asked. “Yes… Hm… I'm replacing a colleague who couldn't come”, you answered, squeezing your camera in your hands. “If you have any questions or need help, just ask me, okay?”, he smiled and got up to go dress up. You breathed a sigh of relief. You were very nervous and hadn't even realized you weren't breathing properly. He seemed very kind and that made you more relieved.

The group photos were quick. The boys were very professional, they knew exactly what to do, where to look and how to position their bodies. They were very comfortable with the production, playing games with each other but not disturbing each other's work. Everyone's attention was focused on them, always going to fix some hair that was out of place, or some slightly smudged makeup. Words of encouragement from the photographers only made them more excited. You were always watching Taeyong. You needed to learn how he looked at the camera, what angles he preferred and how he liked to pose for pictures. He was the one who looked most comfortable among them all. He wore burgundy pants and a shiny leather jacket, no shirt. Sometimes your eyes locked, making your whole body heat up, and eventually you would shyly look away.

Everyone had lunch at the hotel restaurant and then went to the individual sets. All lights and equipment were mounted. The rooms weren't very big, but the staff was downsized now so you wouldn't have a problem with that. The room had a bed by the window, a sofa across the room, and a rug with wave patterns. The pale colors contrasted with Taeyong's clothes.

Individual photos took longer. Taeyong always stopped to look at the result in the notebook, giving suggestions for light, for angles, praising your photos. You were getting more and more comfortable with him, laughing at the jokes and daring to get closer. “It's almost 7 PM, we should start wrapping up”, you said. He looked at you. “I really want to try some other poses and angles. Y/n, can you stay up a little later?” he asked and you nodded quickly. It was your most important job so far and you would make the most of it. “We won't need the production. You all can go. These photos will be for my personal project. Thank you so much for your hard work today”. He said, turning to the rest of the staff. They thanked and bowed, starting to pack their things and leave the room. You were very happy that he asked you to take more photos for his personal project. So he liked your work, right? You were enjoying working with him too. The conversation and exchange of ideas flowed easily. You quickly understood what he wanted and could reproduce it with your clicks. You had good chemistry together. “I'm going to go down and get my stuff from downstairs and from there we can start, ok?”, you said, opening the door and heading for the elevator. You were very excited... and a little nervous about being alone in a room with him. Quickly grabbing your extra lights and lenses, you went back to the hotel room, thinking of all the angles that could be made there. You knocked on the door before entering. Taeyong had his notebook open, sitting on the couch. The room was cozier now that all the lights were out and there wasn't a lot of equipment in the corners. “I ordered drinks and some snacks for us. We can relax a little while I explain to you what I thought for these photos.”, he said as you put your things down by the couch, sitting on the bed in front of him. “Oh thank you! So… Tell me a little about your project, please”, you asked him. His eyes were shining as he told you about his new album that he produced himself. He was thinking about taking photos to promote digitally. A sexier concept as his songs were very intimate. You really liked everything. He had a very artistic mind and he spoke in a very emotional way.

The snacks arrived and you thanked them, you were starving. At some point you sat next to him on the couch while he showed you pictures he liked, so you could follow the concept. You both finished eating and you got up, “How do you want to start? Maybe on the couch?”, he nodded, crossing his legs and leaning on the sofa, his tiger look appearing again. His duality was incredible. Super cute and adorable off camera, but extremely irresistible on them. His poses were great and you always praised him between them, cheering him on. He lay on his back on the couch, letting his arm fall over the edge, looking directly at you through the camera lens. This was the best photo of the night, for sure. He sat, legs closed, back laying on the couch. If you were your camera right now, you would be melted by his gaze. “Can you take one up close?”, he asked. You positioned yourself very close to his legs, leaning forward to get as close as possible, trying to balance. “You can put your legs around mine. That’s okay”. You did as he said, timidly opening your legs and getting closer to him, his legs between yours. He lay a little more on the couch, flirting with the lenses. Or with you? You didn't know anymore at that point. You tried to get a little closer, but you lost your balance, falling forward. He quickly put his hands around your waist, holding you, making you sit in his lap. “Are you ok?”, he asked. You were so embarrassed, your cheeks were burning. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. Thank you”, you whispered. You didn't try to get up and he didn't move either. His hands still gripping your waist, holding you in place. “Maybe a photo this close will be good”, he murmured, lightly squeezing his hands on you. You quickly raised the camera. You thanked you for not having to look him in the eye, but being able to see him through the lens was a really amazing view. You clicked several times, trying to capture the most of the moment. You tightened your thighs around him, getting closer. His hands gently moved down your legs as his gaze traveled over your entire body. He bit his lower lip when you whispered a compliment, letting his head fall back, panting softly. He was enjoying the whole moment, just like you. You took his chin between your fingers and pushed it up, making him face the camera. Your thumb lightly scraping the bitten lip as he opened it slightly. Lowering the camera, you glared into his eyes, pushing your finger slowly between his lips, testing the waters. You let a low moan escape as he ran his tongue over your finger, circling slowly and then closing his lips around it.

Taeyong was so sexy already totally drunk with pleasure underneath you, with labored breathing and huge pupils dilated by arousal. You could almost feel him melt under your touch, giving himself completely. Was this really happening? Or did you hit your head in the elevator and this is all just your mind's creation? The questioning passed quickly when you felt a sharp bite on your finger, pulling you back to reality. Yes, he was there, deliciously sucking your finger like it was the tastiest candy he'd ever had. Putting the camera to one side entirely, you looked deep into his eyes, lifting your head with a defiant look as your fingers tightened inside his mouth, forcing him to open it. He took a deep breath before suddenly grabbing you around the waist and pulling you close to his chest, causing you to lose your balance and fall onto his chest completely, bracing both your hands on the couch behind him. You felt him pushing his hips up against yours just before your lips met. His lips were colder than yours, giving you goosebumps. Quickly devouring each other, the kiss became extremely hot as your tongues twisted against each other, tasting the sweet needy taste. You slipped your hand from his chest, past his neck, into his blonde hair, tangling your fingers in, pressing your mouths even closer, deepening the kiss. A purr resonated through his chest, leaving you extremely excited. He was so responsive to your actions, melting at any gesture, especially when you showed dominance over him.

You let your head fall back, leaving your neck free, guiding Taeyong to kiss you there. Despite the strength of your hand in his hair, he took his time kissing your jaw until he reached the base of your neck, biting and licking near your collarbone. His hands moved up from your hips, working their way under your shirt, reaching the base of your breasts. His hands weren't big, but they hugged your ribs as best they could. Running his hands down your back until he reached your shoulders, he pressed you down, against your prominent volume growing inside his pants, kissing the valley between your breasts through your shirt. You can do nothing but sigh. You grabbed the hem of your shirt and pulled it up, letting Taeyong sink between your breasts, kissing them through the lace of your bra as his deft hands opened it from behind. He pulled back for a moment as he slipped the straps over your shoulder, letting the bra fall between you, quickly tossing it to the side. Admiring your bare breasts, he cupped them both in his hands, massaging them gently, playing with your nipples between his fingers, lightly squeezing, earning a moan from you. Looking deep into your eyes, he brought his pink lips near to your nipple, pressing the tip of his tongue around it before capturing it with his mouth. The other one was being pinched and twirled between his fingers. You could feel your arousal making you wet, pooling in the fabric of your panties. You pressed your hips against his, trying to feel him hard against your clothed core.

You were startled when he quickly flipped you over with your back to the couch, sitting you down and pulling your hips closer to the edge. He found the waistband of your pants and pulled it with his fingers along with your panties, leaving you totally naked. His eyes ran all over your body, burning through every part they passed. Spreading your legs, he positioned in the middle as he sought your lips for another hot kiss. He was still fully dressed and it made you a little embarrassed to be undressed. You took advantage of the fact that he was close and started to open the buttons on his leather coat as he sucked your tongue and left bites on your lips. He helped you finish taking off his coat, throwing it somewhere in the room. He took a moment for you to look at him between your legs, standing up, and appreciate his gorgeous torso, now exposed since he wasn't wearing any shirt. He knelt gracefully between your legs, still looking into your eyes, and placed his hands on the inner part of your thigh, forcing you to spread your legs even further so that he could fit his broad shoulders between them. He brought his lips too close to your wet folds, but he didn't touch, just laid there, breathing hot, making you feel how close he was from your core. You grabbed his hair and forced his head against you, which he gladly accepted, flattening his tongue on your cunt. It didn't take long before he was devouring you hungrily, licking up all of your liquid, sucking on your clit and twisting his tongue around it. It felt great and you moaned his name under your breath, trying not to yell at all the neighbors to hear. You felt your orgasm approaching and began to roll your hips, rubbing yourself against his tongue. You couldn't help when your back arched and the wave of heat spilled over your whole body. He didn't stop sucking on your clit, prolonging the sensation of pleasure as your body writhed with each movement. When the sensation started to get painful from overstimulation, he slipped two fingers inside your wet interior, starting to move them curved, reaching the most sensitive point. You were about to ask him to stop when you felt another orgasm coming. His fingers worked fast in and out of your pussy, rubbing your g-spot with precision, while his mouth kissed your super sensitive clit. You felt an incredible pressure taking hold of your uterus, as if your bladder were suddenly too full. You tried to close your legs, but he held you tight, looking you in the eyes, daring you to stay there. You were hit by a high-speed train when your second orgasm came too quickly compared to the previous one. “Fuck…”, you yelled as you heard the louder and wet noises spreading through the room as Taeyong guided you through your moment of ecstasy. When you managed to open your eyes, he was looking at you with a proud smile on his lips. “God…that was really hot…”, he said, bringing his soaked fingers to his mouth, sucking each one until there was no juices left. You looked at your legs and saw that they were much wetter than usual. It's been a long time since you last had a squirt. And you were sure this wasn't the first time he's done this with a woman.

You saw his other hand rubbing the volume down his pants. He made you feel so good and now you wanted to return the favor. “Get up”, you asked, signaling with your finger. He immediately got up. Small dark stains covered the front of his burgundy pants, hit by your juices. Both of his hands were clasped behind his back, puffing out his chest and taking a deep breath, waiting for you. You reached for the button on his pants, undoing it slowly as you teased him with your gaze. You slid the zipper down at a slow pace, anticipating your touch on his cock. He was wearing black boxers, which fit perfectly against his body, showing the design of his hard member constrained by the fabric. You dropped his pants on his feet. Taking a firm grip on his ass and squeezing, you brought your lips close to his still-covered volume, sliding your lips over his length. You earned a sigh of appreciation. He didn't tease you, so you wouldn't tease him either. You grabbed the waistband of his boxers and pulled it down, freeing his hard cock. He was wet with pre-cum, glistening in the bedroom light, inviting your mouth to suck it. You took it in your hand, being careful not to put too much pressure, and brought the tip to your lips, giving light kisses around it as you looked at him. His eyes sparkling with anticipation when you stuck your tongue out, gently circling, collecting the pre-cum to taste it. He was so sweet you almost couldn't believe it. You put his whole head in your mouth and increased the pressure on your hand, making him moan louder than before. Sliding down to the end of its length and back, feeling it hit the back of your throat, you started to suck it, your other hand mimicking your movements, but to the opposite side. When your head twisted to the right as you swallowed his length, your hand met twisting to the left. He was moaning hard from pleasure, making you feel proud of your perfect blowjob. You were determined to make him come in your mouth, so you took his balls with your free hand, gently massaging them back and forth as you deepthroated his entire length. You were about to go back when you felt his hand pressing your head further, keeping his cock in your hot throat. You couldn't fight the gag reflex, but he pulled back your head, freeing your throat so you could breathe.

Your lips were all wet with saliva, as was his dick. He pulled your head, making you look at him. "Please… I don't want to come yet…", he begged between sighs. You stood up, hugging his defined waist, quickly spinning him around, causing him to lose his balance and land on the couch. You sat on his lap, positioning your needy pussy on top of his hard cock. Resting your hands on his chest, you started grinding his entire length with your wet folds. He took hold of your hips and helped guide the movement, rolling his eyes back at the wonderful feeling it was like to have you slide past him. “Do you have a condom?”, you asked. He was a little bewildered with pleasure and looked a little startled by the question. “Y-yes…”, he replied, quickly reaching into his wallet and pulling one out. You barely waited for him to finish putting on as you positioned yourself with your entrance to the head of his cock, taking advantage that he was holding it up.

You slid painfully slowly across his length, watching his gaze fixed on where he disappeared inside you. You both moaned low as you reached the end, waiting until your tight walls got used to his size. He cupped both of your breasts, taking one of them in his mouth and kissing it as if it were your lips. You started to roll your hips with his dick deep inside you. “Fuck…”, you both whispered. You couldn't keep it that way for long, so you got up until it almost came out of you, and sank down again. You kept the rhythm steady, enjoying the pleasure inside you. Your brain still didn't seem to process the fact that you were fucking none other than Taeyong. He was really perfect, like he came out of an anime. And he was enjoying being there with you… it made you even more turned out. He started to move his hips too, slamming against you harder, pushing even deeper. You couldn't hold back a shriek of pleasure as it hit so deep you could have sworn you'd feel pain there tomorrow. He kept it deep and strong, the thrusts getting more and more sloppy while the two of you were a moaning mess. Both bodies tense feeling the orgasm approaching, labored breathing filling the room with gasps of air. Grabbing the hair at the back of his head and forcing him away from your sensitive nipple, you captured his lips with yours, still tasting your own juice on his tongue. You could feel your walls tightening and his cock throbbing. You stopped bouncing on him, just focusing on kissing his mouth, but he held your hips in the air, giving him room to move under you, pushing his cock deeper and faster with harder and harder. You dropped your head at the base of his neck, moaning not so low his name as he nibbled and sucked on your neck, increasing your pleasure even further. “Fuck, Taeyong… I’m so close… Please, don’t stop”, you begged this time, holding tight his body against yours. Your words made him fuck you even faster, moaning in a low tone countless curses in your ear. Your orgasm erupted as he licked and bit your earlobe, giving you shivers all over your body, followed by the tingling sensation. Your walls squeezed his cock hard inside you, sucking him in with your pussy. He couldn’t hold it any longer and he's bursted all of his cum into the condom, deep inside you. He didn't stop moving in and out until you were both almost starting to feel pain from overstimulation.

You lay there cuddled together as your bodies rested, restoring your breathing rhythm and heartbeat. This all still didn't feel real. You just had the best sex of your life with… him. You were awakened from your thoughts by his voice in your ear. “Can we take a shower together?”, he asked, his voice so soft he didn't sound like the same person from a few minutes ago. “Only if you wash my hair for me…”, you joked. “Okay, I can do that”, he smiled. He helped you to your feet and went to the bathroom and started getting ready for the shower. “I'll order us something to eat if you don't mind. I'm hungry and I believe you are too”. You nodded as you wrapped yourself in the robe that was in the bedroom. He was being so adorable and caring. In fact, you wouldn't expect him to just send you away after having melted under your touch so easily. He was a gentleman and he was making you feel special right now.

The shower was fun and he let you do various hairstyles with the shampoo bubbles in his hair. Also the timing was perfect. As soon as you guys got out of the shower and wrapped yourself in your hotel robes, the food he ordered arrived in your room. Both of you ate while he told stories about behind the scenes in the clips and funny situations with other members of the group. He was so easy to talk to and give you pleasure that you could easily fall in love...

[whattodowithace]

Friends (A.C.E)

Title: Friends

Pairing: A.C.E x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Word Count: 1556 Words

Writer: Whattodowithkpop [Lio]

*****

Donghun

They had been friends since high school. Donghun and her were no nonsense and scared a lot of the other teenagers off, which is why they grew so close so fast. They teased each other relentlessly and from the outside looked as though they didn't even like each other. However, that wasn't the case.

Donghun actually was very touchy with her. He often had his arm around her as they walked or if they sat next to each other he would lean back in his chair and wrap his arm, around the back of her chair. He would amp up the touching if someone was trying to hit on her, she wasn't interested in a relationship at the moment and she had confided in Donghun about it. Since then, he would grab her hand whenever a guy got a little too friendly. His fingers would interlock with hers to ward off the unwanted attention. She would also return the favor, Donghun had said the same about relationships so she would wrap her arms around his waist when females approached, making it clear that he was off limits, only not for the reason they were thinking for.

They spent many nights watching sappy romantic movies and would make fun of the terrible ones. They each had extra bedrooms in case it got too late for the other to go home, which was most nights, so the other could have a separate room and then she would make breakfast in the morning.

They were happy with the way things were, however on the occasional romantic movie, stares would linger. On occasion, hands would wonder lower than usual. It was a testing of the waters, but each test got braver than the last. When would the final test occur?

Chan

They met as children at the park. They had made plans to meet back up everyday for two months. Soon their parents got close and that was the start of their long lasting friendship.

Chan treated her so well. He treated her better than any boyfriend she could get, the standards being set so high by her childhood friend that no one could ever reach them. He, of course, teased her, but most of the time he was sweet to her. He drover her to school when they were in high school, he took her out to lunch in their uni days, he'd send her flowers at her office on a regular basis, making the rest of her coworkers excited and jealous at the same time.

They often shared the meals together, feeding each other and ordering different things so they could try all the menu had to offer. They took a ridiculous amount of couple photos together, making people question it at all times.

They had been each others first kiss. They agreed back in high school they wanted it to be special and decided to have it with each other. The drove out to where they could see the stars, kissing passionately under the moonlight. It was the best kiss either one had in all their dating experience.

Many nights the two would think back on that kiss, realizing that no one would fulfill their needs more than each other. Each day gets closer and closer to a confession. Caring words are spoken, ones that almost confess the truth, but the recipient misses the meaning behind. It is only a matter of time before one realizes the truth behind the little words spoken.

Seyoon

They met as adults. They worked in the same office and became fast friends. They spent many nights going out together in a platonic way. They had tried dating before, ending in disaster, however it didn't hinder their relationship so all they did was laugh about it and move on. They agreed to be friends after everything and became greater friends than they were lovers.

Seyoon and her enjoyed each other's company, laughing a lot during office hours and, on occasion, getting in trouble for being too loud. They actually got their desks moved cause the laughter was so distracting. She wasn't much of an artist or very creative, but she always did them for Seyoon. He would paint beautiful paintings while she would create small dogs and stick people. Seyoon would always tell her it was the next Starry Night, making them both laugh at the obvious lie.

One night, she had gotten drunk. She had a miserable day and drank a bit too much. She couldn't walk so Seyoon carried her on his back to his apartment, seeing as he didn't know how to get into hers. Since that night, she had a habit of asking Seyoon to carry her around, which he always did, she wasn't that heavy anyways and her body pressed against his was warm and comforting so it benefited both parties.

They often joked about their failed date, especially on nights they would go out to eat together. With each joke, however, the more longing they had in their eyes. Both wanted to try dating each other again, but were too afraid the same result would happen. Their friends could tell and kept hoping one of them would be brave enough to ask the other out, but only time will tell if enough courage will be mustered.

Jun

Jun and her were wee babes together. Their moms were pregnant at the same time so they grew up together. Their moms always laughed because when they found out Jun would be a boy, they expected him to protect her, when it turned out to be the other way around.

Her and Jun's sisters protected Jun like mother elephants protected their young. They'd surround him when he was in danger and protected him at all costs. For years it worked this way.

As they grew older, she still protected him with her words and fists. However Jun took care of her in all other ways which then made him her protecter. When they hit high school he began carrying her bag for her, it may not have seemed like much, but since then he carried all her baggage, physical and emotional. She often bottled things up, not wanting to give into her emotions, but Jun would come and untangle those emotions, listening as she ranted about her stresses. Jun became her protecter in that sense.

Jun is terrible at hiding jealousy. It wasn't a secret that he was always jealous of her boyfriends. He'd pout when she told him she was going on a date and would roll his eyes when she had mentioned her current boyfriend. She stopped dating, because she didn't have the time, which relieved Jun quite a bit as he always had always liked her.

They moved in together after the university days which scared all potential relationships away, but they didn't mind since they had the company of each other. They always spent their Friday nights together. They'd sit at home watching movies, they'd go out for dinner, they'd do a fun activity with some close friends, or they would take a moonlight stroll with only each other. They always took pictures on these nights and would fill them in an album at the end of the year.

She hasn't realized her feelings for Jun yet, so she will never make a move. All their mutual friends can do is hope Jun confesses so that they can make official what already is a perfect, happy relationship.

Byeongkwan

They met in Canada when he moved there for a short time. They didn't keep touch much since he was only there for a short time. However, when she went to South Korea to visit, she ended up running into him. They went out for coffee and became fast friends.

She ended up moving to Korea for her job which only made the pair closer. He was always busy with promotions but they still hung out a lot. He often invited her to dance practices and shows as long as it didn't give away spoilers.

The two became very touchy, pokes and pinches, making each other squeal and whine which only added fuel to a burning flame that continued to burn, on occasion, Byeongkwan would be brave and bite her ear or hand to make her gasp. They often laid atop of each other, which made it painfully obvious to anyone that they were harboring feelings for the other. They would dance a lot together, him teaching her to dance to which made them a great dancing pair. They often did cover videos or created choreographs together.

Byeongkwan never hid his jealousy. He always denied anyone she dated without so much as meeting them, giving her suspicion, however if she knew, she kept it to herself, but her dating seemed to stop after on particular exchange with a jealous Byeongkwan. She always denied it, however those closest to her could tell she had grown a soft spot for Byeongkwan and stopped her dating ways fro him.

She waits for him to tell her his feelings. She gives him hints, but he never picks up on them. She hopes one day all the breadcrumbs she left him will lead to a bread piece that will give him the courage to confess. But the day has yet to come and so she builds her patience as she waits.

A.C.E MASTERLIST

[nothingbutfangirlsmut]

The Girl Out of Time

Pairing: Bucky x Reader & Sam x Reader

Rating: Story will be overall MATURE but not every chapter. There will be strong language, talk of both mental and physical abuse, some good ole angst, and some eventual smut once the story reaches that point.

Chapter 5

I followed behind Steve with Natasha behind me. We stepped into some kind of lab. Computers and other equipment was everywhere. Nat had explained the computers to me and even cell phones. Bruce and Tony where each standing in front of screens.

"Bruce, I need you to run some tests." Steve said sternly as he walked over to the man.

Bruce eyed him for a second then glanced over to Nat and I. He took his glasses off setting them on the counter he was standing at.

"What kind of tests?" He asked Steve.

"The same ones ran on me after I was unfrozen but I need you to do it to Willow."

Both Bruce and Tony turned to look at me. They looked intrigued yet skeptical.

"You think she is a super soldier?" Tony asked.

Instead of answering Steve pulled his shirt up to his neck exposing the bruise that was much bigger and darker now.

"That's where she punched me." Steve said letting his shirt fall back down.

"Willow come sit over here please." Bruce said quickly gesturing to a still close to him.

I did as he said and sat down. I watched him grab a few things then turn to me with a needle in his hand. I immediately jumped to my feet. I stepped backwards but ran into a hard chest. I knew immediately it was Steve. He's the only who knows about my fear of needles.

"Willow it's alright he won't hurt you." Steve said softly.

He guided my tense body back to the stool and sat me down. His hands rested on my shoulders. Bruce grabbed my arm to do what he needed to. I turned my head away grinding my teeth together. I've always hated needles. I would do anything to get out of getting a shot or anything else.

I felt the needle break the skin but it didn't hurt like it use to. I glanced down at my arm but regretted it immediately. It may not hurt but the sight of the needle in my skin had me almost throwing up.

"All done" Bruce said turning his back to me.

It looked like he was immediately doing something to it. I stood up grabbing Steve's arm to keep myself balanced. We were all silent for a few minutes as Bruce worked.

"Look at this" he said suddenly.

He moved the images in front of him around until there was two images side by side. They looked almost identical except one was a different color.

"What are we looking at?" Steve asked.

"This is your blood after you were unfrozen." Bruce pointed at one image.

"This is Willow's blood right now." He pointed to the other image.

"So she is like me?" Steve asked him.

Bruce shook his head.

"She is definitely what we would call a super soldier but the difference here is the color of her blood. It's black. Honestly, I'd say it's possible that she is even stronger than you Captain." Bruce explained.

"What? How is that possible?" I asked staring at the images.

"Well, it was a Hydra scientist that did this to me. You were found frozen in an old Hydra base. It seems they did the same thing to you." Steve said.

"But it looks like they made changes in their serum between the time of giving in to Steve to when they gave it to you." Bruce added.

"This is insane. I can't be a super soldier." I said shaking my head.

"To be fair Willow, you don't have any memory after the night you were kidnapped. Who knows what they did to you. They were probably the ones to alter your memory as well." Tony said as he leaned on a counter.

"Nat we need a lot of training. Get the equipment ready and grab Barton. Tony when she's ready we will try something with your suit." Steve ordered like he was back in the military.

Natasha ran out of the room to do what Steve had said. Tony nodded then went back to his work. Bruce stepped over to me.

"Once you get a little training down I'd like to run some more tests if you don't mind." He said timidly.

I nodded then left the room. I needed a minute.

"Willow" Steve called after me.

He stopped me in the middle of the hallway. He grabbed my face turning me to look at him.

"It's alright, this is good we can use you with the team now. We are learning more about what happened to you. Now we just need to find out why it happened." Steve spoke softly.

I don't know how I could deal with any of this insane nonsense if it wasn't for my best friend being here too. Why this happened we may never know but at least we have each other.

"Let's get you some training in." He smiled pulling me to follow him.

--

Before I knew it a few months had passed. A lot of things had changed. Steve and I moved out of the tower to our own apartment in D.C. as roommates. Clint went back to his family. Natasha was in and out working on different jobs. I spent a lot of time with Steve when neither of us were working. I had been lucky enough to be given a job at S.H.I.E.L.D. along with Steve. I've gotten really good at hand to hand combat thanks to Steve and Nat. It also turns out I am stronger than Steve. Every morning now I go for a run with Steve since I'm the only one who can keep up with him.

This morning there was another jogger taking the same path we were. Steve thought it was funny every time we ran past him. The guy looked completely confused. As we ran and got closer to the guy Steve switched me sides so he would run next to him.

"On your left" he said as we ran past.

I laughed as we kept going.

"On your left" he said again.

"Uh huh, on my left. Got it." The man said as we went past.

When we came closer to him the third time the man started trying to run faster.

"Don't say it. Don't say it!" he panted.

"On your left" Steve said again with a huge grin.

"Come on!" He shouted.

The man stopped and sat at a tree to catch his breath. Steve and I took another lap then decided to go chat with him. He looked wore out and exhausted as he leaned against the tree.

"Need a medic?" Steve asked as we stopped in front of him.

"Looks like it" I laughed.

He laughed and shook his head.

"I need a new set of lungs. You two just ran like 13 miles in 30 minutes." He stated in disbelief.

Steve and I shared a glance.

"Guess we got a late start." Steve grinned.

"No, you did. I just didn't want to make you look bad." I chuckled.

Sam looked between both of us with a shocked expression.

"Really? You should be ashamed of yourself. You should take another lap." He said waving his arm.

This was a moment of silence as Steve and I both just looked at him. He turned back to us.

"Did you just take it? I assume you just took it." He said.

I couldn't help but laugh. He was funny and pretty cute. His smile was bright and charming.

"What unit you with?" Steve asked him.

"58th Pararescue. Now I'm working down at the VA."

He lifted his arm up towards Steve.

"Sam Wilson"

Steve grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet.

"Steve Rogers"

"I kinda put that together but who are you?" He asked pointing to me.

"Willow Roffe, old friend of his. Same situation." I said simply as I shook his hand.

"Must have freaked you out coming home after the whole defrosting." Sam said folding his arms.

"Takes some getting use to." Steve chuckled.

"That's an understatement." I rolled my eyes.

"Nice to meet you Sam." Steve waved then turned to walk away.

I waved at him then went to follow Steve.

"Its your bed right?" Sam asked a little louder.

"What's that?" Steve turned around.

"Your bed, it's too soft. When I was over there I slept on the ground. Used rocks for pillows like a caveman. Now I'm home lying in my bed and like..."

"Like lying on a marshmallow. Feels like I'm gonna sink right to the floor." Steve finished for him.

"How long?" Steve asked.

We both moved to stand back in front of him again.

"Two tours. Must miss the good old days." Sam said with a smile.

"Well, things aren't so bad. Foods a lot better." Steve chuckled.

"Yea, we use to boil everything." I said.

"No polio is good." Steve added.

"Internet" I said.

"Yea, so helpful. Been reading that a lot trying to catch up." Steve said.

Sam looked like he was thinking for a moment.

"Marvin Gaye, 1972, Troubleman soundtrack. Everything you missed jammed into one album." He informed.

Steve pulled out his little book to write down what Sam had just said.

"I'll put it on the list." Steve smiled.

Both mine and Steve's cell phones chimed at the same time. We both looked down to the same text.

"MISSION ALERT. EXTRACTION IMMINENT. MEET AT THE CURB. :)"

"Sam, duty calls" Steve said shaking the mans hand again.

"Thanks for the run if that's what you want to call running." Steve joked.

"Oh, that's how it is?" Sam questioned raising a brow.

"That's how it is." Steve laughed.

"Oh please, you both need some work." I laughed playfully shoving steve.

I grabbed Sam's hand to shake it again.

"It was a pleasure Sam." I smiled.

He pulled my hand slightly raising it up to his lips. He pressed a soft kiss to the back of my hand then let me go.

"You too pretty lady." He smiled then winked at me.

The sound of a loud engine pulling up grabbed our attention. The window rolled down to show Nat behind the wheel. I was already standing next to the car when Nat spoke.

"Hey fellas, either one of you know where the Smithsonian is? I'm here to pick up a fossil." She said with a smirk.

"That's hilarious" Steve mumbled as he walked to the car.

I jumped in behind him while he took the front seat.

"Can't run everywhere." Steve said to Sam.

"No you can't." He chuckled glancing back to me.

---

Masterlist

[rndyounghowze]

Emanon Players perform Jesus Christ Superstar at Absegami High School in Galloway, NJ

By Ricky Young-Howze

The time is finally here! I have been a huge fan of Jesus Christ Superstar since I was in high school so many years ago. This rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Weber and lyrics by Tim Rice has not just been a part of my life but a part of my psyche! I have just never seen a production of it onstage. It is so fitting that my first time is with this production directed by Chip Garrison with the Emanon Players. I have been getting chills just looking at the promo photos! So all the waiting since last fall is over. Now it's time to figure out what's the buzz!

Just in time for Palm Sunday follow the last days of Jesus Christ throug the lens of a 1960's rock opera. While most of the apostles are wondering when the revolution will happen Judas is busy wondering if it's all going to end in disaster. Mary Magdalene is wrestling with feelings she didn't think she'd have, while Caiaphas is wrestling with what to do with the "miracle wonderman". It seems that anyone who has any contact with Jesus of Nazareth ends up wrestling with some dilemma or another. But in an opera full of questions and people seeking answers the main crux is clear "Jesus Christ Superstar. Who are you?" And that's the individual question all of us take away as we leave. But first we must follow the story all the way to its inevitable end. (Or is it the beginning?)

Direction by Chip Garrison was just epic. I have seen a little bit of everything from this man and loved all of it but nothing suits this man best than a good opera. That's where his attention to detail and his ability to coach great performances out of these kids comes into play. He can take kids of all shapes and sizes with many different talent sets and weave them into a cohesive performance. I would love to see more shows like this from them.

Now I rarely ever give standing ovations or even clap during performances. If you see as many shows as I have you just know when you feel it and you want it to be sincere. This show made me want to jump up and down and dance in the aisles, both with pride for these kids and the love of this show. However I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't a curtain call at the end of the performance. I understand that there is a heavy message to this story and you want us walking away with a certain feeling but I was more worried that someone was hurt backstage. I hear that they are giving a company bow at the end of Sunday's performance. I really wish I had gone to that one.

Grace Vu as Judas Iscariot follows in the footsteps of Broadway Alum Shoshana Bean who started the trend of female Judases just last year. I think that it's a great change. I was holding my breath when her wonderful deep voice took control of the stage for "Heaven on Their Minds". That doesn't mean that she can't scream either! This girl has some range both vocally and physically and she brought all of it to bear on this character.

Coby Alavez as Jesus: Well in short YESSSSS!!!!! At length I could gush about this young performer's voice for hours. I've seen him progress for awhile and I can tell you that he's only gotten better with every show. His voice is just this wall of sound that comes at you (even though his mic would sometimes add some distortion)! I felt his energy much better in his chest and head range than when he was screaming to the rafters. It is very hard to step into this role and bring both a strong yet broken energy to the show and still keep up that arena rock energy. And this isn't a seasoned stage vet this is a senior going to college next year. This is a boy with room for improvement and it astonishes me what his future holds.

All Mary Magdalenes in this show are judged by one song and I think it's unfortunate. It's just not about mastering a ballad it's embodying a soothing spirit in a cankerous world. Sydney Mullin as our Mary Magdalene tonight was just the balm to soothe the savage ear. It's very hard to be the calm one in the middle of this rock concert setting but she really did it. I can't believe that such a young performer had that kind of maturity.

A lot of people know Mara Platt who played Simon the Zealot. She has a signature voice. I just didn't get her yet as a performer until her performance tonight. She really just is a young performer with a screaming voice that's tearing at her throat just dying to get out. It's almost impossible to know her off the stage because she doesn't truly transform until she walks the boards.

I have been following William Platt who played Pontius Pilate just as long as young Coby and I can't tell you just how proud of this guy am. Every role he's taken, both big and small, he attacks with such a veracity. He leaves his heart out there for all to see as if he doesn't mind if it gets broken. If he keeps it up there is nothing this this guy won't be able to do. It is my hope for every young performer to take on a role to the hilt just like him.

You heard Connor Morrissey who played Simon Peter before you heard his character's solo. His featured solos in other numbers really showed this guys devotion to range. And then his moment comes and he knocks it out of the park. Simon Peter's time is so short on this stage and he really made the most of it.

My Supporting Shoutouts go out to two bad Sadducee mother- (shut your mouth) and a glitzy and glam Herod.

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for these two characters. You're not some mustache twirling villain here. You're religious leaders trying to do the best for your community. Makael Rogers as Caiaphas and Courtney Jones as Annas brought that dynamic to the stage. My wife Dana summed Makael's voice up nicely by just typing "whoa". And that's where I'm gonna leave it because that voice can't be improved upon with more words. A big kudos to Courtney for taking the role of second banana Pharisee well. This is the best vocal work I've seen her do.

As expected Johnny Keen as Herod made the grandest of entrances. Yes this is just a pastiche but it is a really big tent pole performance and one of the most memorable numbers. I really love how he leaned into it. It's an on and off time onstage where you're gone as quickly as you appeared and he really made it his own and did his best.

My Background Standouts go to the amazing background dancers for two of my favorite numbers. Most of them were also main performers doubling their role so I found their ability to blend amazing. So this goes out to Andrea Brandt, Daryl McAllister, Breana Smail, Samantha Garofolo, Chloe Verderber, April Kachnic, Sydney Mullin, Isabella Nieves, Mara Justine Platt, and Emily Deibert.

From the very opening chords of the overture I knew that Music direction by Brian Conover was epic! It took the iconic score that made my youth and gave me chills all over again! Even the "small" version of this orchestra is an eleven piece hardcore group of rock awesomeness!

Choreography by Katie Taylor really took the spurs to these kids. I have a feeling that they can now do the choreography in their sleep. I do love the times though when the kids could freestyle more and be themselves. They were really more loose. I just know after a good night's sleep that stiffness will shake itself off for tomorrow's performance.

I feel that where set design by Chip Garrison held tightly to the classic "Brown Album" style costume design by Ashley Winkler is a big throwback to the NBC live concert performance with more modern clothing. I feel that this makes a great synergy especially with lighting design by Peter Avagliano bringing the rock concert vibe with intelligent lighting and bright hues. It melds into a living history of all the incarnations this opera has had over the decades.

I was really biased towards this musical from the beginning. Some would be tempted to say that my bar was set really low. In fact I came in excited yet skeptical. These kids were going to have to work harder to do a show that I know every note intimately. And they not only exceeded my expectations they leaped over them as if they weren't even there. You definitely need to come see this show. It runs both tomorrow and Sunday. You definitely won't be disappointed.

[hanniejji]

TAGS UWU

So I was tagged three times and since I wasn't able to do it on my phone I had to do it on my computer lmao anyway I got tagged by my sweet cakes(@hyunjinsgiggle ), the sunshine (@felegs ), and this cutie (@stayuwu ) this is going to be long btw im sorry and the ending is very depressing ignore it

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Rules: bold the ones that apply to you!

Appearance:

I’m over 5'5 / I wear glasses/contacts / I have blonde hair / I wear sweatshirts a lot / I prefer loose clothing to tight clothing / I have one or more piercings / I have at least one tattoo / I have blue eyes / I have dyed or highlighted my hair / I have gotten plastic surgery / I have or had braces / I sunburn easily / I have freckles / I paint my nails / I typically wear makeup / I don’t often smile / I am pleased with how I look / I prefer Nike to Adidas / I wear baseball hats backwards

Hobbies and talents:

I play a sport / I can play an instrument / I am artistic / I know more than one language / I have won a trophy in some sort of competition / I can cook or bake without a recipe / I know how to swim / I enjoy writing / I can do origami / I prefer movies on TV shows / I can execute a perfect somersault / I enjoy singing / I could survive in the wild on my own / I have read a new book series this year / I enjoy spending time with friends / I travel during school or work brakes / I can do a handstand

Experiences:

I have had my first kiss / I have gotten drunk / I have told a crush I like them / I have traveled outside of the country / I have flown on an airplane / I have stayed awake for more than 48 hours / I have had a near-death experience / I have caught something on fire / I have performed in a talent show / I have shot a gun / I have been on TV / I have gone scuba diving / I have broken a bone / I have slow-danced / I have gone on a shopping spree

Relationships:

I am in a relationship / I have been single for over a year / I have a crush / I have a best friend I have known for over ten years / my parents are together / I have dated my best friend / I am adopted / my crush have confessed to me / I have had a long-distance relationship / I am an only child / I give advice to my friends / I have made an online friend / I met up with someone I have met online

Aesthetics:

I have heard the ocean in a conch shell / I have watched the sun rise / I enjoy rainy days / I have slept under the stars / I meditate outside / the sound of chirping calms me / I enjoy the smell of the beach / I know what snow tastes like / I listen to music to fall asleep / I enjoy thunderstorms / I enjoy cloud watching / I have attended a bonfire / I pay close attention to colors / I find mystery in the ocean / I enjoy hiking on nature paths / Autumn is my favorite season

Miscellaneous:

I can fall asleep in a moving vehicle / I am the mom friend / I live by a certain quote / I like the smell of sharpies / I am involved in extracurricular activities/ I enjoy Mexican food / I can drive stick-shift / I have memorized an entire song in a day / I believe in true love / I dream up scenarios to fall asleep / I sing in the shower / I wish I lived in a video game / I have a canopy above my bed / I am Multi-racial / I am a redhead / I own at least three dogs / I am LGBR

I'm about to answer 33 questions wow I feel like I'm on an examination

11 questions tag

by sweet cakes:

1. what is your fashion sense?

I have a lot of styles depending on the weather or my mood. I mostly do the sweater/jacket + high waisted shorts hehe or turtle neck + shorts + cardigan/jacket. when I'm lazy, which is always, I wear an oversize hoodie and shorts and the occasional cap hihi I have a weird sense of fashion

2. what is your favourite season?

I like rainy, or windy. any is fine as long as I don't sweat like hell adfaslsja I hate summer

3. if you could go on holiday anywhere, where?

I love going to beaches but tbh anywhere with good views is fine, it doesn't matter since the most important thing for me is that I get the experience and take lots of photos if they have a lot of delicious foods then that's better oof

4. what is one quote you live by?

"learn to stand on your own feet" has a very special place in my heart

5. would you ever get a tattoo, and if so, what and where?

I would want a snowflake, because we're not alone falling down

6. what is your favourite song at the minute?

at the moment, it's nobody knows by youngjae and fine by yugyeom ✨✨

7. what is one album you would listen to for the rest of your life?

I still listen to Linkin Park songs because of the meaningful and relatable lyrics

8. what is your favourite memory from the last year?

it has to be the one time my mom said she's proud of me :')

9. what is one regret you have?

not being able to make friends easily :'( I find it hard to do

10. would you change aforementioned regret?

maybe :'(

11. if you could have any food in the world to eat right now, what would it be?

How dare you make me choose I can't possibly choose between different varieties of foods :'( fries, frappe, and shawarma w/o cucumber pls

by sunshine 🌞

1. what’s one thing that helps you relax?

probably sleeping with soft background music

2. what’s your favorite novel and author?

I'd rather poetry :') sea of strangers by lang leav is amazing

3. are you an affectionate person? if so, how do you show affection?

I'm more like the closet affectionate person hehe but when I'm tired or sleepy I get clingy a lot but I'm mostly through small actions, I'm not comfortable with saying "I miss you" or whatever unless I'm typing them

4. are you an early bird or a night owl?

totally a night owl

5. if you’re comfortable with it, do you have a song you connect to something or someone, and if so, what is it?

sorry by halsey, broken home by 5sos

6. if you could go back to a place you’ve been to before, where would it be?

the beach we went to last vacation :')

7. what does your favorite piece of clothing - that you own yourself - look like?

a very comfy oversized hoodie, it's black with front pocket, sweater paaaaws, and it has a small doodle of neptune on the back

8. who’s your bias and why?

bias? I don't know her

9. do you believe in luck and miracles?

yas, my aunt is actually a fortune teller? idk? but she knows a lot about those and spirits thing but since I have low self confidence I mostly sound like I don't believe in them

10. what’s your favorite type of decorations?

aesthetic and pastel colors ✨

11. do you prefer being outside or inside?

booooth

by cutie :

1. Are you a daydreamer? If so, what do you dream about?

sometimes I just space out without even realizing

2. What’s your favorite place in the world?

home

3. What’s home to you?

somewhere that no one can judge me, a safety place, a place where I can let loose and be comfortable and not give a care about anything

4. This is not a question but quote a vine.

"oh hell noOooOoOOoOooOooOO"

5. Grey’s anatomy or House?

what i don't watch any of these

6. Do you have any pets?

a lame excuse of a cat

7. What kind of friend are you? (You know, the mom friend, the meme friend, etc).

the mom friend, scolds you 25/8, gives advises everywhere, comforts you, takes things seriously, drops everything just to listen to you unless I'm in a very bad mood, sacrifices for you, boyfriend material (according to my friend), secretly soft, lazy but exerts effort when needed, randomly does weird things and dances to fortnite, supports you, but lowkey doesn't do the same for myself lol because I'm emo and you can hear me saying bad things about myself 27/10 and pushing you away lol

I don't share my food unless you're important lmao

8. Do you hate someone? If so, why?

fake peopleeee

9. What’s your dream job?

to be a journalism

10. What MCU character resembles you the most? (not physically, more like mentally and emotionally).

probably wanda

11. I won’t use this eleven question as an actual question, use your right to answer to this to talk about whatever the fuck you want. Rant, fangirl, talk about what you did today or yesterday or whatever. Just talk.

I just want to cry to someone but I don't have the heart to tell anyone, I don't know why but I get stressed so easily and that one time our nurse had a seminar and asked if anyone is depressed, I just want to raise my hand but I'm too scared someone will judge me and think of me as a weak person, like now, and she started this speech about how to beat depression and I just can't understand how is that going to work because it doesn't work on me. I'm getting tired of constantly getting sad for no reason and it's bothering my classmates and I hate bothering them I feel like I'm annoying so I kept these thoughts to myself. It's hard trying to avoid spacing out and being so quiet all of the sudden, I'm getting mad at myself for being pathetic and I did the "do" once because I was so desperate to feel something other than sadness and I couldn't even tell anyone and right now I feel like this rant I'm doing is bothering everyone I hate being like this :'(

I'm doooonneee hehehehe that took me like a long time and I should really sleep now :') I will reblog this with my 11 questions and tags because tumblr has limits ugh

[estrxlar]

The Ghost Of You

16 - Is This A Good Idea

This chapters songs:

These Days - The Wallows

Stay away (it's like that) - TV Girl

Verbatim - Mother Mother

- Y. L. Perspective

It was Monday once again, and I was sitting down at the freakishly clean lunch table, where I nervously waited for my friends' long-awaited responses. "So? Do you guys wanna...say something?"

Everybody sat with their eyes wide, surprised at my explanation of how the other night came to be.

"You're telling me...that...you and Sugawara..were a thing this whole time?!" Giki slams her palms onto the table, catching the attention of a few people around us. "AND YOU DIDN'T THINK TO TELL US...?!"

Toruku puts his finger over her mouth, still keeping his eyes on me. I wasn't very confident that my friends would understand that Koushi and I had loved each other for quite a while. But I had to tell them sooner or later. And before anything is official between us, I'd like to tell them. They're my family, after all.

"Are you guys boyfriend and girlfriend?" Hikishi curls his brows, fishing out some rice on his chopsticks, and shoving it into his mouth. "Damn, I knew something was going on between you guys!"

Giki slaps Toruku's finger away, rolling her eyes. She twirls her short black hair in her fingers, still curious about my relationship with a boy they had only met a few times. "I thought that you said you were just friends? Not that I'm against it.. but.. how come you didn't tell us?"

Toruku chimes in, "Is this why you talk about him so much? Or why you've been so distant recently?" His words make me think back to the many times I had listened to their conversations more than discuss with them anything that happened with me.

"I guess I was just scared you guys would think I'm getting myself into trouble or something. I mean, none of you have got your eye on anyone, right?" I look at the three as they all shake their heads. "Look, we're not a couple or anything. We're just... overthinking things."

I loudly, laying my head down on the table. Truth was, I'd been wondering whether or not being in a relationship with Koushi was a smart idea. All I needed was a chance to go through my options and stop to think. Thankfully, Hikishi taps my head, pulling my attention towards him, Giki, and Toruku.

"Hey, we're still your friends, you know. It doesn't matter who you like, we're always here to talk and give you advice. Besides, we all like Sugawara! He's nice and treats you good," Hikishi says, turning to his friends for reassurance. "Right guys?"

They nod, leaning close towards each other to make a small oddly shaped circle. "Yeah, of course. Now, spill, Y/n! What has been happening ever since the party?"

"Uh, yes. On a walk home, we had both agreed to wait a little bit to figure out our feelings, but it was more so that I could realize mine. It wasn't so bad, though. I had time for myself and to spend some time with the volleyball team. They're loud and crazy, but they're fun. I can't believe they're all so respectful considering they're teenage boys. Anyway, we kept talking casually as two people who liked each other would!" I take a sip of my juice box, taking a deep breath from explaining so much. Still, my friends were all ears, leaning back to hear the frightening love story of Koushi and me. "After Oikawa had seen me at the party, he tried texting me a few days later, saying he wanted to talk. I brushed it off casually as any other person who's been in drama with him would and told him I was busy. But on the day of the practice game, I saw him there! He and Oikawa. Supposedly, they're the two best players on the Aoba Johsai Volleyball team."

"Oh..does that mean you have beef with them not only because of that party and because of volleyball?" Giki asks. By "you guys", she meant Toruku and me.

I nod, slapping my forehead. "Yup. And that's not even the worst part! We have to play in a spring tournament with them, which means seeing them more than what I'm comfortable with. On the day of the game, I bumped into Hajime in the hall. He didn't cause any trouble! He was nice and apologized and everything, surprisingly. I explained how I was there as a manager, not some creepy stalker, and even got to talk a bit about how life's been treating us. As for Oikawa, he didn't say much. He saw that I was at their game as a manager, but never confronted me about it. I'm sure Hajime had enlightened him on how I was a part of the volleyball team. Still, he could have told me something if he claims he wanted to talk so badly! Koushi noticed how I was acting strange when he entered the room and confronted me about it when we got to my house."

Toruku raises a brow, asking, "your house? So he spends the night now?"

"N-no! Well, he's never actually stayed an entire night. He usually just comes over towards night and leaves around two or three in the morning. I think his dad might be strict about him staying out late, so that's probably why he has to sneak back home. Anyway, after I had told him what happened, he understood, and eventually, we began talking about ourselves. God, it felt so good to tell him how I felt. And I know now that I didn't just like Koushi, I was in love with him. He just makes me feel safe and knows me so well. If we weren't separated by an entire school year, I'm sure I would have realized it sooner, but I do love him. A lot, actually. And if I'm being brutally honest, I don't care we only have a year to be together." For a second, I forgot that my friends had opinions of their own and began to blabber on about how much I liked Suga. They all looked as if they were just given a box or issues to solve. "So...do you guys think I should?”

None of them mutter a word and instead trade worried expressions, then look back at me. "Look,

Y/n. I don't think any of us have ever experienced this entire 'love' thing except for you and Toruku, so I don't think that our opinions would help very much. But..we can all agree that you've cheered up ever since you started hanging out with Sugawara. Hell, even your chords have been getting better. We've never seen you so happy before. So if you really love him, then we respect your decision to be with him." Hikishi smiles brightly at me, as Toruku and Giki nod along with his words.

I sigh, very relieved that I had such wonderful friends. They were here for me before I even got to find myself and my talents. How could I doubt that they wouldn't be supportive? It's them, after all. "That amazing, thank you, guys." I smile back, looking down at the poke bowl I'd brought in my bento today. "Now that that's over, we should probably make plans for our schedule. It's been quite some time since we've talked about it."

"Ah, yes!" Giki exclaims, shoving her hands into her school bag and fishing out a large piece of paper. "So, I just got this flyer for a band competition coming up. It's in about a month, so that gives us some time to come up with some ideas for songs and practice."

Each of us passes around the flyer, observing its letters. Although it was written in lazy lettering and small pictures, we knew it wasn't something to brush off. Booking gigs and getting our name out to the public was what we needed. Ever since we had published a small album of some scraps from a few songs we'd written, we've only gotten people from our families, school, and some friends we knew in the industry. And before we would sign with my aunt, she wanted for us to gain a few more supporters and fans to help us get the word out further.

Giki nods, happily drumming her fingers on the table. "Yup! I already signed us up. Since the festival has gotten much more popular, I'm sure there will be a lot of people there!"

"Great, that gives us something to look forward to. Now, for what to choose as the song..." I lean onto my elbow, stared down by my band members. They all raise their brows at me. "...what?"

"Word on the street is that Summer's Amp Fest is looking for more than just what people can cover. They're looking for authenticity. We think it would be best to come up with something of our own, " Toruku explains. Still, I'm confused as to why they look to me for help.

"So..?"

"So... do you wanna come up with some lyrics?" In surprise of Giki's question, I began choking on my salmon. 'Write a song? I hope they only mean words and not notes as well. I've never been asked such a thing from my band.' I think to myself, choking in distress while Hikishi handed me a cup of water.

I down the entire thing, steering the coughing to a halt. And not long after do I ask, "you mean, like, write an entire song?! Look, I'm flattered and all, but I'm not very good!"

"Come on! You're the one who knows their way with words, Y/n! You've written a few others in the past, why not do it now?" Toruku pleads.

"Because it's so stressful! And only in a month? Can we even be prepared by then?!" I yell out. "Besides, what would I even write about? It's not like my life is any more interesting or sad than you guys!"

"Tch, you're in love for Christ's sake! That's what most artists write about! Take a look at TV girl— all they sing are songs about being addicted to cigarettes, sex, and heartbreak. You can do it, Y/n!" Hikishi claps his hands together. "As long as it's impactful and sounds good, then I think we'll be fine."

"Yeah! If you'd like, you can even talk to Suga about it! Maybe he can help too," Giki suggests.

I frown, scared that when the time comes, I'll disappoint my friends. All I've ever written are a few words and such. Almost all our songs are instrumentals with one or two verses. "I don't know, you guys. What if I make something super cringe and bad?"

"Y/n, you've got everything you need to write a full song. All we're asking for is authenticity and emotion. Not much! Look, me and Hikishi will take care of the chords and notes. Giki can get everything prepared for us, and you can write the lyrics! A good song will get us in the spotlight," Toruku explains.

Although I had doubts about my talents, I had hope that I could grow a pair and put in some effort into a song.

"Okay then. It can't be too hard, right?"

-

"Koushi, this is so hard! There's nothing I have in mind!" I whine to him as we walk to the clubrooms. School had just ended and volleyball practice was next on our agenda. Today, the so-called so "guardian" was to come back from some kind of secondary school he attended.

The boy pats my back as I throw my head back. "Don't stress it, Y/n. They said it was around a month away, right? That gives you a lot of time to come up with something. And if you'd like, I can even help you. Though, I'm not sure I'm very good with words," he chuckles, running his hand through his hair.

"Really now? Your little letter says otherwise," I say, turning Koushi's cheeks crimson. As much as I wanted to go further into the playful argument, locker rooms were just up ahead. We departed before continuing.

Before I enter the girls club room, the sound of two girls talking came from inside. 'Whatever. Other sports teams have things to do too, right?' I straightened my skirt, hoping that my being there wouldn't be an issue.

I carefully open the door, peeking my head inside of it. I could only recognize Kiyoko changing into her sweat pants, but not the other girl. Once reassuring that it wasn't a crowd of people, I fully entered, closing the door behind me. "Uh—hello," I utter, awkwardly smiling while walking towards my locker.

The stranger turns quickly, revealing her figure. 'Who is this chick?!' I ask myself. She had straight dirty blonde hair, smooth milky skin the covered her body, and deep green eyes. I was surprised such a beautiful and classy girl was here in a gym locker room.

She looks me up and down, attempting to return the smile. "Oh—hi! You must be the new manager. My name is Eclair, it's nice to meet you!"

-

Vote pls and ty ok bye ily

- estrxlar