#june actually says stuff outside the tags

[hippiegoth97]

Into the Fire: An Eddie Munson x Reader Story Pt. 18

Collage by me :)

Master List

Part 17

Tag List: @keikoraven @ar-jupiter @alcielo1438 @cairro-xx @stolen-in-moonlight

@micheledawn1975 @janiejenn @rafescurtainbangz @melodymunson @spacedoutdaydreamer

@veemoon @sariahs-stuff @feral-pumpkin-energy @comeonatmebruh @munsoneightysixx

@morgthemagpie @josephquinnsfreckles @jenniquinn @usergeta @cometzombie

@spookybabey @daggerdaggerkitten @nina6708 @sanctumdemunson @yourdailymemedelivery

@person-005 @slowandsteddie @gri959 @elegantkoalapaper @letitgoandletlive

@loserboysandlithium @costellation-hunter @leelei1980 @h-ness1944 @pretendthisnameisclever

@ohmeg @stalactitekilla @hellfirenacht @birdysaturne @oneforthemunny

@prettyboyeddiemunson @eddievanmunson @msgexymunson @rattkween86 @violetpixiedust

@bimbobaggins69 @angel-munson @eldermayfield @munsonsbtch @babygorewhore

@mediocredreams @xxbimbobunnyxx @taintedcigs @ali-r3n

Content Warnings 18+ Only, Minors DNI: swearing, teasing, mentions of smut, mentions of drugs, arguing, anger, angst, self-destructive tendencies, fluff, crying, smut, drug use, groping, fingering, handjob, oral sex, praise/degradation, choking, role-swapping, mentions of suicidal thoughts/ideation, mentions of drunk driving, mentions of vomit

Word Count: 16.3k

divider by @strangergraphics

Part 18.1 Inside Out

Friday, June 2nd, 1989

You've worked with Eddie at The Hawk for a few weeks now, putting you exactly halfway to your six-month relationship goal. You have plans to celebrate the three-month mark with Eddie tonight, after your shift and a late birthday party for Dustin. Neither of you were able to get the day off to celebrate on the actual day, so your brother insisted on throwing the party today instead. 'It's only a week's difference', is what he told Mom when he begged to hold off on the festivities. You're surprised that Dustin would postpone his own birthday just to have you two there, but you find the sentiment very sweet.

"Hey, Y/N. We're almost done here, can you take the trash out back for me?" Jamie asks from behind the concession counter.

"Sure thing!" You reply, grabbing the big black bags gathered by the employee doors and pushing the metal bar with your back. You step out into the warm air of the early evening, making the short trek to the dumpster. You toss the bags in, wiping your hands on your pants afterwards. You're just about to turn around and go back inside, when you hear a small mew coming from underneath the metal receptacle. You get down on your hands and knees, peeking below the rusty bin to see where the sound came from. You find a tiny kitten hiding under there, staring at you with its perfectly round eyes. "Aw, hello there, little guy!" You coo, reaching a hand under the bin to coax the cat out.

"Mew." It says, inching towards you cautiously.

"That's right, it's okay. C'mere sweetie. You're safe." You continue to draw it out, wiggling your fingers playfully to maintain its attention.

"Mew." It speaks again, eventually coming close enough for you to scoop it out from there and into your arms.

"Hi there, it's okay. I'm gonna take care of you. You poor thing, how'd you end up out here?" You take a moment to have a good look at the little thing. It's all black, with piercing gray eyes, and so soft and fluffy despite being rather dirty. It's very cute, purring incessantly as you stroke its head. It's been years since you've owned a cat. Your previous one, Mews, died a few years ago. Your whole household was very sad when he had to be put down, he'd gotten attacked by a stray dog after escaping from the house one day. Mom couldn't bear to replace him, but maybe she'll let you keep this sweet little stranger you've found.

"You alright out here, sweetheart?" Eddie says from behind you, the heavy door shutting loudly after he steps outside. You turn around, and his eyes widen when he sees the cat cradled in your arms.

"I found this puffball under the dumpster. It's so precious, and it seems to like me." You say, absolutely smitten.

"Oh my god! Aren't you just adorable! Hey there, little kitty. Did Y/N save you from the garbage? You poor baby. It's okay, we'll take good care of you." Your mouth falls open at Eddie losing his mind over the kitten, you've never heard him baby-talk anyone or anything before. He has his face level with the cat, smiling wide as can be. His eyes catch yours for a moment, and he realizes how ridiculous he's acting. He stands up straight, clearing his throat. "Yeah...it's uh, pretty cute. I guess." He shrugs, playing it cool. But all you have in reply is uncontrollable laughter. He scowls at you, crossing his arms to demonstrate how unamused he is.

"Eddie, I'm sorry. I've just never seen you do that before! But it's really sweet." You reassure, giving him a kind glance. "You wanna hold it?" You offer, extending the feline towards him in your hands.

"You're damn right I wanna hold it! This is fuckin' awesome!" He exclaims, wiggling his fingers as he waits for you to give him the cat. You pass it over, and watch as Eddie carefully cradles it in his arms. "Aw, it's so soft. And all black, too? I've always wanted a cat, ever since I was a kid. Wayne's allergic, so he wanted a dog. But those kinda scare me, I got bit once and never trusted one since." He says solemnly, assuming there's no way either of you can keep this new friend.

"We can let it live at my place, if you want. I used to have a cat before, so I know all the ins and outs. And you can visit whenever you want." You explain, and he nods in agreement.

"You sure your mom won't mind, princess?" He asks, his eyes refusing to leave the bundle of joy currently vibrating in his gentle hold. He strokes its head and ears, making its eyes close blissfully.

"No, as long as I take care of it." You reply, and he finally looks in your direction again.

"What should we name it?" He asks, lifting it up to see if it's a boy or girl. "I dunno what it is, though." He says, goofily checking all angles to figure it out.

"A vet could tell us, we'll have to get it looked at before taking it home anyway." You reply, giggling at the puzzled expression on his face.

"Oh, okay. We'd better hurry, Dustin's party starts in a couple hours." He lowers the cat once more, keeping it nice and safe. You make a move to take it back, but Eddie turns away. "Nuh-uh! You can hold it in the van!" He protests like a child who doesn't want to share his new toy.

"But I'm the one who found it!" You huff, rolling your eyes. It's not fair, Eddie's hogging all the cuteness to himself.

"Don't care. My cat now." He says simply, walking back inside without holding the door for you. You scoff, following behind to gather your things from your shared locker.

"What is that...thing doing in my lobby?" Mr. Biggs bellows when he sees you leaving the break room. His arms are crossed over his chest, and he's practically glaring at the tiny kitten.

"We found it under the dumpster, but we were just leaving." You explain, your words coming out far more shaky than you'd like.

"Alright then, hop to! And get that pest out of my theater!" Biggs shouts, making you jump. You nod silently, pulling Eddie by the arm to get away from this awful man.

"I'm sorry, little fluffypants. Mr. Biggs is a mean, mean man. But we won't let him hurt you, will we? No we won't!" Eddie says to the kitten in the infantile voice again, which makes you smile. He's always been a gentle soul, but this is a whole other level. You walk together across the street, and Eddie puts the cat in your lap once you slide into your seat. "Here ya go, 'lil cutie. Y/N will keep you safe." He gives it a final pat, running around to the driver's side.

The vet visit is brief, no more than an hour. You find out she's a girl, about two months old. She's free of fleas and worms, perfectly healthy besides needing a warm bath. You'll have to return in a few months to get her spayed and vaccinated, but the vet says you're free to go. You pay the bill, and make a quick stop at the Big Buy to get some food, litter, a few toys, and a collar for your new pet. You wanted to get a pink collar, but Eddie insisted on gray to match her eyes. "So, what should we call her?" You ask as you approach the checkout with your supplies. Unnamed Girl Cat sits in the child's seat of your cart, sleeping soundly on your theater vest.

"Hmm, it should be something cool. A name no other cat has." Eddie says, racking his brain while peering at the kitten.

"Definitely, something original. Like Madonna." You add. Eddie scoffs at that, hoping you're not serious. You roll your eyes, explaining yourself. "Not exactly like that. It's just an example, jeez."

"Good, because I'm not gonna name our cat after a popstar." He chuckles. "What about....Ozzy?" He suggests.

"If we can't name her after a popstar, we can't name her after anyone from a rock band, either." You retort.

"Ugh, fine. Would be pretty kickass, though." He grumbles, crossing his arms. He thinks about it some more as you put your items on the conveyor belt to be rung up. Suddenly, a light bulb goes off in his head. "Oh, I know!" He exclaims, making the cashier glare in your direction. "What about Arwen?"

"Like Lord of the Rings?" You question, remembering hearing that name quite often when Eddie read the books to you. You recall the character being described as a beautiful elven woman, with pointed ears, dark hair, and gray eyes. Much like your four-legged friend, coincidentally. You glance at the kitten, saying the name in your head a couple times to see if it fits. You smile affectionately as it rings through your brain, deeming it the perfect title for her. You look at Eddie, giving an approving nod. "Arwen it is. It suits her."

"Yes!" He jumps and punches the air, ecstatic that you've agreed to go along with the rather nerdy name.

"Shh, you'll wake her up being so loud like that." You say in a hushed tone, nudging your head at Arwen slumbering on your clothes.

"Shit, sorry. I'm glad you like the name, though. This is the perfect three-month anniversary present, by the way. We have a cat...together." Eddie gushes, speaking lowly in your ear.

"Well, I certainly didn't plan on it. But she's ours now. Our own little furball. We're almost like parents now." You giggle at his breath tickling against your skin, letting him leave your side to pay for your supplies. You load the bags back into the cart, trying your best to not disturb Arwen's nap.

Eddie chuckles. "I suppose we are. Arwen couldn't have picked a better woman to be her 'cat mom'." He says sweetly, taking his change and shoving it in his pocket.

"And you're gonna be a great 'cat dad'." You reply, taking his hand as you push the cart through the automatic doors. His thumb runs over your fingers, a simple affectionate gesture. "I just hope Dustin won't get jealous."

"Nah, he'll be excited enough to be Arwen's uncle." He smiles.

"I feel a bit bad, though. She might distract everyone from what we're supposed to be focused on. Dusty already postponed his party for us, how's it gonna look when we show up with a damn kitten?" You feel rather torn on the subject. On the one hand, it wouldn't be right to leave Arwen out on her own. But on the other hand, the timing isn't exactly convenient.

"Baby, relax. It'll be fine. We'll go to your house, get her settled. And then we'll celebrate your brother with cake and presents. And after all that, we'll finally have some time for ourselves." He reassures you, closing the back doors to the van once your purchases are safely inside. You scoop Arwen out of the cart so Eddie can return it, which unfortunately rouses her out of her peaceful sleep.

"Mew." Arwen whines in protest.

"I'm sorry, little one. We're gonna take you home now." You speak sweetly to her, scratching behind her ears. She starts purring again, which makes your heart melt. Eddie returns to your side, helping you get into the van. Arwen quickly falls asleep in your lap, lulled by the smoothness of the road beneath the van's tires. You pull into the driveway, finding a few more cars and some bicycles out front. It appears you're running a little tardy to the party. You've lost track of time taking care of the cat. "Shit, we're late. Mom's gonna kill me." You groan, dreading walking through that door.

"Y/N, relax. It's just a birthday party, which Dustin's a bit old for, if I'm honest." He chuckles, reaching over to stroke your knee. He leans across the console to give you a comforting kiss. "C'mon, let's go inside. You take Arwen, and I'll bring in her stuff and the gifts. 'Kay?" He offers, doing his best to put you at ease.

"Okay." You nod, hopping out with the kitten. You wait to walk in with Eddie once he retrieves everything from the back, leading the way to the front door. You go inside, finding a rather crowded living room. "Hey everybody, sorry we're late. We found a certain somebody under the dumpster at work." You announce, letting everyone take a moment to notice the ball of fluff sitting in your arms.

"Aw, it's so cute!" Max says, walking over to see the cat up close. She looks to you, asking permission to pet Arwen. You nod your head with a smile, and she reaches a hand forward to stroke the kitten.

Everyone else gets up from their seats, coming over to have their turn admiring the cat. "Alright, don't crowd her. She's a little skittish." You say calmly, letting each guest have a chance to say a brief hello.

"What the hell is that?" Mom asks as she walks in from the kitchen. Her eyes widen when they fall on Arwen, before flicking to you in accusation.

"This is Arwen. She's our new cat. I found her at work." You explain, swallowing hard. You were worried she'd react like this. Mews' passing was the hardest on her, he was her best friend after Dad left.

"Oh, I don't know, Y/N. Do you really have time for a cat? You've got work, and Eddie. I'm not going to take care of her for you." She says sternly, crossing her frosting-splattered arms.

"I wouldn't ask you to, Mom. Me and Eddie are going to look after her together. She's our cat. We'll make it work." You reply, rolling your eyes at her being so averse to Arwen's presence.

"Wait, Arwen? Like Lord of the Rings?" Dustin asks.

"Yep! She's got dark hair and gray eyes, just like the character in the books." You chirp.

"And how do you know that?" He questions, quirking and eyebrow.

"Because Eddie read them to me. You're not the only nerd in this family, you know." You retort, your eyes rolling in their sockets beyond control once more.

"Jesus, Eddie's really done a number on you." He laughs, and the others join in. You can't stop the blush that colors your cheeks. You do find it a little frustrating, however, that your brother thinks these interests hinge on Eddie being in your life. As if you have no individual thought, molding yourself into an extension of your boyfriend.

"Whatever, I've gotta give Arwen a bath. She's covered in garbage juice." You huff, leaving the room abruptly to tend to your pet.

"Ew!" Everyone squeals, rushing to get to the kitchen to wash their hands. Eddie follows you down the hall, noticing your upset.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?" He asks, setting the bags down on your bed. He digs out the pet shampoo, bringing it into the bathroom where you've got the water running.

"No. But I'm not gonna make a big deal out of it. It's his damn birthday, it's not about me." You say flatly, checking to make sure the water isn't too hot. Arwen sits patiently on the fuzzy bath mat, looking at you with her ashen eyes. She's calm now, but you're sure she'll object to being put into the shallow bath once it's ready.

"I know, princess. But you can still tell me, while we're away from everyone else. What's bothering you?" He continues, sitting cross-legged with you on the bathroom floor. He sets the shampoo bottle on the edge of the tub, putting his hand on your back to rub back and forth.

"I just find it annoying, what Dustin said. Like I'm only interested in D&D and the books you've shown me because I'm with you." You say grouchily, resenting the idea. "I've always liked plenty of geeky shit on my own. Star Wars, Labyrinth, things like that. And I asked for science kits and mythology books as opposed to Barbies and makeup at birthdays or Christmas." You continue to rant, with Eddie listening intently. "Not to mention, I'm an even bigger bookworm than he is, and that's saying something." You sigh, shaking your head as it falls to look at your feet. "I dunno, maybe I'm being overly sensitive. But as much as I'm borderline obsessed with you, I'm still my own person." You shut the water off once it's deep enough and the right temperature. You lift up Arwen, setting her carefully into the water.

"I don't think you're being sensitive, love. Look, I don't think Dustin necessarily meant it that way, but he could've been better about it." He watches as you carefully wet Arwen's fur, continuing to talk while you clean her up. "As a lifelong nerd myself, I've seen many geeky girls get treated differently than the guys. I've always found it a bit silly, but it happens." You open the shampoo, squeezing a small amount into your hands to lather it. You bring it to the cat's fur, massaging it in throughly. "But I want you to know that I see you as a major nerd, regardless if we're together or not. I know you're not my 'clone' or anything. I probably wouldn't go out with you if you were. I'm not that vain." He jokes, making you giggle.

"Thank you, Eds. I'm glad you understand." You allow the smile from your laugh to remain on your face, relaxing as you finally get to rinse Arwen's coat. "She's very good in the bath, which is odd for a cat. Mews used to scratch the shit out of me to get out of the water." You observe, giving the kitten a sideways glance.

"It's because you're her mother now, sweetheart. She picked you, so she trusts you." He speaks in your ear, his breath fanning hotly over your skin.

"Is it weird that I find it really hot when you say that?" You ask, biting your lip.

"Not at all, babydoll. You're such a responsible young woman, more than capable of caring for a cute little creature like this." He says, leaning into your well-documented attraction to praise. He's not even saying anything particularly dirty, and yet you find yourself getting warm under the collar. You suppose it's due to the constant self-doubt you hold inside your head. To have Eddie quell your anxieties in this way is oddly erotic.

"Mmm, keep going." You sigh blissfully, reaching for the towel you set aside for Arwen. You lift her as carefully as you can, bundling her up like a burrito to dry off. Eddie scoots to sit behind you, spreading his legs apart. You lean against him, holding the cat in your arms.

"You're so smart, and independent, and mature." He continues, planting blazing kisses on your neck as he speaks. "You're your own person, angel. You can do anything you set your mind to." He nips your sweet spot with his teeth, drawing a light moan from you. "Damn, you're really into compliments, aren't you?" He smirks against your skin, loving every second of this.

"Only from you, Eds. They're so sincere when they come out of your mouth." You exhale, remembering what you're meant to be doing as opposed to this. "We should finish getting Arwen settled, we're neglecting the party." You can't help coming off a bit whiny as you speak. But you made a commitment to be here for your brother, and you plan to stick to it. He only turns eighteen once.

"I suppose you're right, sweetheart. We'll pick this up later." He agrees, helping you stand up while holding Arwen.

"We better. I'm gonna be thinking about it all night." You say lustfully, handing Eddie the kitten for the time being. He follows you to your room, eyes widened at the thought of you craving him for hours on end. Just waiting for the right moment to take what you want. You both take off your matching vests, bow ties, and shoes, leaving the rest of your uniform on for the time being.

You set up Arwen's litter box, setting her inside to see if she'll use it. She stands awkwardly on her tiny paws, looking to you for guidance. You figure it'll take a few tries to get her to understand what the box is for, but you let her get acquainted with it in the meantime. You open the cat food, pouring it into one of the bowls you bought for her. You ask Eddie to fill the other with some water from the sink, setting it on the floor beside the food. Everything else you bought can wait for the time being, and you sit on the floor for a few minutes with Arwen still standing in the litter box. "How long do you think it'll take?" Eddie asks, his eyes watching the kitten curiously.

"I dunno, I'd like her to try to go before we get back to the party. It's not exactly pleasant to have a cat piss on you, no matter how cute she is." You reply, looking for any change in expression or stance from Arwen.

"We could keep her on a towel if it's taking too long. It's also a little weird to wait for a cat to poop." Eddie chuckles, his shoulder brushing yours as he leans on his hand.

"I agree. Towel it is. Worst case scenario, we throw it in the wash." You nod, taking Arwen out of the box while Eddie retrieves a dry towel. You walk back down the hall to rejoin the party, taking one of the spare chairs. Eddie sits first, with you on top of him with the cat in your lap.

"You guys didn't wanna change clothes?" Steve asks, scrunching his nose at how uncomfortable your uniforms look.

"Nah, they probably won't stay in them very long after the party anyway." Robin quips, making everyone laugh.

"Ugh, please don't talk about my sister like that!" Dustin shouts, covering his ears.

"Alright, alright. That's enough now, it's time for presents." Mom says, shutting everybody up. Dustin sits in a chair placed across from everyone else in the room. Mom holds the camera ready, waiting for someone to give Dusty his first gift. "Who wants to go first?" Mom asks, glancing around the room.

"How about I start with the package from Will and Jane?" Dustin suggests, getting up to grab it from the kitchen counter. It's been sitting there for the entire week, calling his name to open it. But since he begged Mom to let him postpone the party, she said he'd have to wait.

"That's a great idea! I know it's been hard to be patient with that one." Mom replies, waiting for him to reveal what's inside the box. He cuts it open with a small knife from the kitchen, and pulls out the packing paper. He reveals a lemon-yellow Surfer Boy Pizza t-shirt, presumably from Jane. And the other item in the box is a folded up piece of canvas. He carefully unfolds it, his eyes widening as he finds a highly-detailed portrait of him and all his friends in a huddle. From you, to Eddie, to Hopper, even the twins, the gang's all there in perfect likeness.

"Wow, this is amazing." Dustin says, a single tear falling down his cheek. He turns the canvas around to show everyone, and you all gasp in turn at how gorgeous the painting is. Will has always been an incredibly skilled artist, which he plans to turn into a career illustrating for comic books.

"Damn, everybody's in it! I wish Will was here so we could tell him how awesome it is." Steve says, smirking at his signature coif of hair captured in an uncanny swoosh in the picture.

"I'll make sure to call him later." Dustin replies, suddenly missing his friend very much. He sees something else in the box, a blue envelope. He tears it open, and he reads the card inside aloud. "Happy 18th birthday, kiddo. Sending love and hugs from California. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you and the gang. But we're there in spirit, today, and every day. Hope to see you soon, love Joyce, Hop, Jane, Jonathan, and Will. P.S. Here's some cash to soften the blow of our absence, don't go blowing it all on nougat!" His breath shudders on the last couple words, and you can feel everyone's hearts swell in an overpowering, bittersweet fashion. "Fuck, maybe I should've saved this one for last." Dustin jokes, wiping his eyes.

"No shit! That's gonna be tough to follow." Mike quips, drawing light-hearted chuckles from everyone in the room.

"Okay, hold up the painting, Dusty. And then we'll move on." Mom says, sniffling a little herself. She clicks the camera, and the photo spits out a moment later. "We'll have to get a nice frame for that. Okay, who's next?"

"I'll go." Steve says, handing Dustin a raggedy bundle of red wrapping paper and scotch tape.

"It's from both of us." Robin chimes in, a bit embarrassed at her lack of gift-wrapping skills. Dustin tears open the paper, and finds a Family Video vest underneath. There's even a tag with his own name on it clipped to the breast. "We know you've been begging us for a job, so we thought you could work with us over the summer." She explains, smiling wide.

"Hell yeah! I can't wait!" Dustin exclaims, holding up the green uniform for Mom to snap another photo. The next gifts go as follows. He receives a hardcover compilation of all the Watchmen comics from Lucas and Erica, an Oingo Boingo cassette tape from Mike, a Walkman from Max, and a case of 3 Musketeers bars from Ian and James. Dustin thanks every single one of them for the presents, and Mom takes a photo of each item.

Next up is Nancy, who bestows him with a Caltech sweatshirt. She had Jonathan send it over all the way from California, as it is the prestigious school Dustin has chosen to attend in the fall. "I know you'll fit right in the second you walk through the door, but I figure this should help, too." She says sweetly.

"I'll wear it as much as I can, Nance. Thanks." Dustin smiles, and it's now Eddie's turn. He hands Dustin a large gift bag, which houses a black leather jacket that matches his own. "Oh, wow! This is so bitchin', Eddie!" He cheers, standing up to give him a high five.

"You know it, man. And just a heads up...total chick magnet. You wear that, and you'll be beating them off with a stick." Eddie says cooly, and Dustin nods in understanding.

"I don't recall you exactly drowning in girls, Eddie. Hell, you're lucky to have Y/N sitting in your lap right now." Steve interjects, slightly offended at not being the one giving dating advice.

"Maybe not, but Dustin is also a lot more...approachable than I am. If he has the badass look to go with it, he'll be unstoppable." Eddie retorts, narrowing his eyes at Steve.

"Okay, I don't think I need to hear anymore of you two trying to corrupt me sweet baby boy. Y/N, it's your turn." Mom cuts in, gesturing for you to keep things moving.

"Mom!" Dustin whines, embarrassed at your mother calling him such childish things. She just shoos her hand at him, and you carefully pass Arwen over to Eddie to present your gift. You gingerly remove the item you purchased from the greenhouse box you've kept it in, bringing it over so your brother can see. "Oh, wow! A Venus flytrap! I've always wanted one of these!" Dustin cheers, smiling ear to ear as you give him the carnivorous plant.

"Now, be careful with it. There's instructions in the box on how to water and feed it properly. But I know you've begged Mom over and over for one. And now you don't have to." You explain, returning to Eddie's lap after taking Arwen in your arms once more.

"I just think they're creepy, that's all." Mom says, but she can't necessarily argue against you gifting him one. "Okay, my turn!" Mom claps her hands in excitement, picking up the box beside her. She lays it in Dustin's lap, taking her seat a second later.

Dustin opens up the box, finding a brand new Nintendo Gameboy inside. It comes with Super Mario Land, Baseball, Tennis, and Alleyway. "Whoa, a Gameboy! That's frickin' sweet!" Lucas says, totally jealous of his friend's new present.

"How'd you get one? They've barely been out and most stores sold out almost immediately!" Dustin asks, looking at Mom with amazement.

"Angie happens to have some connections, people she met after moving in with your father. She managed to snag one just for you, so I suppose this also counts as her gift." Mom explains, taking one last photo before everyone makes their way to the snack table.

You're about to stand up, when you notice a small brown pile on Arwen's towel. "Oh, well, looks like she finally went to the bathroom. I'm gonna grab a fresh towel." You say to Eddie who's still sitting beneath you.

"No problem, princess. I'll tell them to wait before lighting the candles." Eddie says, getting up after you. He heads for the dining room, while you go down the hall to freshen up Arwen's make-shift restroom. You return shortly, standing beside Eddie as Mom begins to ignite the candles on Dustin's cake. Eddie wraps an arm around your waist, holding you close. His free hand briefly strokes Arwen's head, drawing a small, happy meow from her.

"Alright, here we go, Dusty." Mom says, before leading you all in the traditional birthday song.

"...Happy Birthday to you!" You all cheer as the song ends, watching Dustin blow out the candles to make a wish. Everyone claps, and the candles are removed so the cake can be sliced up.

"Can I hold Arwen for a little bit, Y/N?" Dustin asks, pleading with his eyes.

"Sure! Just keep her bottom covered with the towel, she's not box-trained yet." You instruct, before allowing your brother to hold her.

"No problem." Dustin replies, giving Arwen's head the gentlest of pats.

"Y/N, can I talk to you for a minute?" Mom asks, nudging her head for you two to talk in the kitchen. You nod, leaving the party behind to see what she wants.

"What's up, Mom?" You ask, leaning against the counter with your arms crossed. Your eyes flick to Eddie's across the room, and he silently checks with you to make sure you're okay. You nod, and he moves on to talk to Steve and the others.

"What the hell were you thinking bringing that kitten here?" She asks, trying her best to hide her annoyance.

"I found her out in the alley all by herself, Mom. And we would've had her live at Eddie's, but his uncle Wayne is allergic. But like I already said, we..." You point your finger at yourself and in Eddie's direction. "...will take care of her. What's the big deal?" You ask, not even attempting to control your attitude.

"The big deal is that this is still my house, Y/N. You could've at least run this by me first, but you didn't. You just stroll in here with a filthy cat, drawing the attention away from Dustin on his birthday..." She rebuttals, her voice raising slightly.

"I didn't plan on this happening. I would never want to steal his spotlight, Mom. And he seems to really like Arwen, so can you lay off a little bit?" You reply, matching her volume. You notice a couple pairs of eyes flicking in your direction, you really don't want to turn this into a fight. But Mom seems to have other ideas.

"No, I can't! You can't just make decisions like this without asking me!" She gets a little louder, drawing a small crowd. Perfect, a dreaded mother-daughter showdown on Dustin's special day.

"I don't need your permission for every choice I make! I'm twenty-one, for crying out loud! I'm not a little kid anymore! I said I'd take care of her, and that you don't have to do anything! You're being totally unreasonable!" You shout back, killing any and all outside conversation. Everyone is looking at you now, watching silently as your faces scrunch in anger.

"I don't appreciate you talking to me like this, Y/N! I'm your mother, and it wouldn't kill you to check in with me once in a while! But you're so concerned with work, and Eddie, and now this damn cat! I barely see you around anymore, and you have the nerve to say I'm being unreasonable?!" Claudia yells.

"Forgive me for wanting to have a life of my own, Mom! I've barely dated or had any friends my entire life, always staying home and studying! I'd think you'd want me to get out of the house! Eddie makes me happy, my job makes me happy, and Arwen is a part of that now. You used to be so supportive of me, and now you're getting on my case about everything!" You're almost screaming by the end, heart pounding and chest heaving as you feel your skin turn red. Your stare breaks hers, trailing around the room to find the gobsmacked faces of every party guest looking at you. No one says a word, and you're absolutely mortified for making a scene. This is the last thing you wanted to do, and yet you've managed to do it anyway. You stand in awkward silence, before deciding to flee to your room. You walk briskly down the hall, hoping nobody is following you. You shrink into your room, slamming the door shut and clicking the lock.

You slide down the wooden wall you've put up to keep everyone out, sitting with your knees tented in front of you. You pound your fists into the carpet, needing a way to release your frustrations. The shag below stings your flesh as your balled hands collide with it over and over. You let out small, stunted grunts through clenched teeth in an attempt to keep the noise down, allowing a few tears to fall hotly down your cheeks. If it wouldn't make this situation worse, you'd bang your head backwards against the door.

You can't think, or speak, all you can do is be angry. Angry at your mother for berating you like a child, for doubting your capabilities as a person, in front of everyone. "Y/N." You hear a muffled voice speak from outside your window, and you look up from your fit to find Eddie standing outside. Arwen's nestled calmly in his arms, her teeny tiny face showing an absurd amount of concern for you.

You sigh, getting up from the floor to open the window. You slide the pane along its track, sniffing harshly. "What?" You say flatly, not particularly in the mood for company.

"Can we come in, sweetheart? I noticed you locked the door." Eddie asks cautiously, as he can see you’re boiling mad inside, threatening to blow your top at any moment.

"Why? You gonna yell at me, too?" You ask, unable to control yourself. You know he only wants to help, but something inside you wants to spit venom at anyone and anything that comes across your path.

"No, princess. I just want to be here for you, like always. And Arwen misses you." He replies, lifting her slightly to emphasize his point.

"Ugh, fine. But I don't wanna talk. I don't wanna do anything." You step aside, taking the cat so Eddie can climb into your room.

"That's okay, baby. I just didn't want you stewing all alone." He speaks gently.

"I don't need a babysitter, Eds." You snap, sitting on your bed with your back turned to him.

"I know you don't. I didn't mean it like that. But I can go if you want...wait with the others until you've calmed down." You can hear Eddie gaining some frustration of his own, and you don't blame him. You're not being very nice, quite the contrary. He's the one person you should never treat this way. You know that. But you feel like shutting everyone out, you can't handle being around people right now.

"Please do." You regret the words the second they leave your lips, deep down you want him to stay. As awful as you're being right now, you want him to talk you down, to make you okay again. 

His breath catches slightly, you've never told him to go away before. His heart aches at hearing you say that, but he nods. He supposes you don't need him to fix all your problems, or to hold your hand through every little thing. But he wants to, so badly. And to have you deny him, it definitely hurts. "Okay. We'll be waiting for you, Y/N. I love you." He says glumly, heading back to the window to climb out again.

"I love you too." You reply, not wanting him to leave without hearing you say it back. You listen to the window shut once more, leaving you and Arwen all alone in your room. She stares at you, her pupils following the tears falling freely from your eyes. "I know, kitty. I've made an ass out of myself, huh?" You say to her, letting out a weak chuckle at the thought of talking to your cat.

"Mew." She replies, but you have no idea what it means. You don't speak feline, unfortunately.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'. What am I gonna do, Arwen? I yelled at Mom again, and I made Eddie go away. I feel like I'm back at square one. The same girl who locks herself away from anyone that wants to help her." You sigh, bringing your hand up to pet the kitten's head.

"Mew." She says again, no change in tone or inflection whatsoever. A low purr comes from her at your soft touches, and she tilts her head to allow you better access to her left ear.

"Well, you're certainly making me feel better with how cute you're acting right now." You giggle, allowing a chunk of the wall you built up be chipped away by the magic of an animal bonding with their human.

"Mew." Arwen meows again, still as one-note and shrill as every meow before it.

"Yeah, I'm gonna have to go back out there sometime. Hopefully I haven't killed the mood too much. It's also meant to be mine and Eddie's anniversary today, you know." You continue conversing with the petite kitten before you, but you don't imagine she's listening all that well. Her eyes are held shut as she enjoys the scratching of your fingertips along her cheeks and neck.

"Mew." She replies, rolling onto her back to expose her tummy. Her paws stand straight up into the air, and she looks at you expectantly to grant her request.

"Alright, you spoiled little thing. I'll rub your belly, and then we go back to the party, okay?" You offer, taking a page from Eddie's book to speak childishly to Arwen.

"Mew!" She says enthusiastically, louder than before. You giggle again, bringing your fingers to the soft flesh of her stomach. You give her some tickles, which she reacts to in the most adorable way. Her paws come down to encapsulate your hand, the claws digging in slightly. You don't mind, she's just being playful. You continue like this for a while, letting the stress of the day gradually evaporate.

"Okay, Arwen. We've had enough alone time, I think. I've got some apologizing to do." You state, rolling the cat onto her stomach once again before heading for the door.

"Y/N!" Everyone cheers from their seats as you re-enter the room. You allow a small smile to creep across your face. You're surprised they've missed your presence, and that they aren't totally pissed at you. You notice your mother is missing from the group, wondering where she went off to.

"Where's Mom?" You ask, the smile fading slightly at the thought of how you spoke to her earlier. Sure, she started it. But you certainly took it upon yourself to end it poorly.

"She, uh...decided to go to the Hideaway for a bit after you stormed off." Dustin explains uneasily. "Don't sweat it, though. She needs to cool off, she'll come around." He says, a bit more cheery now.

"You want some cake, sweetheart?" Eddie asks, bringing a paper plate with a large slice of Dustin's chocolate cake to you along with a plastic fork.

"Yes, please. Some empty calories would be great right now. And I'm sorry for being so awful earlier, you were just trying to help." You say apologetically, leaning into him to plant a warm kiss to his lips. He happily meets you halfway, earning 'OOH's and grotesque noises from the others.

"It's alright, love. I know you didn't mean anything by it." He grins, moving closer to speak in your ear. "We're still on for later, right, princess?" He smolders, making your cheeks heat up.

"Always, Eds." You reply, eyes meeting his with burning intensity.

"That's what I like to hear. Eat up, darling. You're gonna need all the energy you can get." Eddie instructs, exchanging the cat for the cake. You take the flimsy plate in your hands, and promptly dig a large bite out of the slice. You bring the fork-full of fluffy cake and thick frosting to your lips, opening nice and wide as he watches you put it in your mouth. His smile grows wider, and he doesn't have to utter another syllable. You know exactly what he's thinking, two simple words meant just for you: good girl.

"Ugh, can you guys stop flirting for five minutes? We're trying to have a party here." Erica expresses her disgust.

"Sure thing, Lady Applejack. My apologies." Eddie replies, bowing dramatically. You giggle at his antics, following him over to the couch to finish your cake.

"You sure you're alright, Y/N? Things got pretty nasty earlier." Robin inquires. She unsuccessfully attempts to lick some icing from her upper lip, her eyes crossing as she tries to find its exact location.

"Yeah, I'm alright. And I'm sorry for making a scene. It was really embarrassing." You sigh, keeping your eyes on your plate as you wait for forgiveness.

"It's fine, Y/N. Everyone fights with their parents sometimes, no biggie." Steve assures you, walking over to clap a hand on your shoulder. You meet his eyes, finding kind understanding there. The others nod and verbalize their agreement. You let the tension slip away, allowing yourself to sit closer to Eddie and fully relax.

"Okay. I'll try not to overthink it." You reply, shoving another large bite of chocolate overload into your mouth.

"You? Overthinking things? No way!" Dustin quips sarcastically. You all share a hearty laugh at this. It's a well-known fact within the group at this point that your brain works overtime in every aspect of your life.

The remainder of the party goes smoothly. You play a few rounds of charades, and Dustin sets up his Gameboy. Lucas, Max, Erica, and the twins watch over his shoulders as he tests out the games. You talk casually about work and life in general with the other adults, which you find a little mind-boggling. A couple of years ago, you were a bunch of crazy kids worrying about prom, and graduation and college applications. And now here you are, talking about video rentals and annoying customers. The majority of you still live at home, however, which just adds to the awkward confusion of this transitional time in your life. 

"So, it's your anniversary today, right?" Nancy asks.

"Yeah, three whole months with this nutcase." You joke, giving Eddie a quick peck on the cheek. He shoots you an offended look, but you just roll your eyes. "You know I wouldn't have it any other way, Eds." You giggle, and his smiles too.

"It's alright, princess. I'll get you back for that later." He replies, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

"So you're halfway there, then?" Robin asks, not fully realizing that she's potentially spilled the beans. Your eyes widen, and the others fall silent.

"Halfway to what?" Eddie questions, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing!" You exclaim, trying to save your ass. You don't want to spoil the surprise, but it might make Eddie suspicious that you're up to something bad.

"Okay, I can see there's something I'm not supposed to know yet. It's a good mystery, though, right?" He looks at you to cast his fears aside. He has no idea what Robin is referring to, but he's had an inkling that you've been planning something for him.

"Yes! I swear that it is, but I don't wanna say just yet. I'm not so sure it'll happen now." Your tone falls sullen, remembering how angry Mom became earlier. If she really thinks so little of you and your choices, especially regarding Eddie, she might just snatch her promise away in the blink of an eye.

"I'm sure it'll be fine, Y/N. Don't worry about it." Robin insists. "And sorry for my...loose lips." She bows her head like a scolded dog, feeling guilty for almost ruining your plans.

"It's alright. I'll just have to deal with three months of Eddie trying to guess what it is now." You laugh, picturing him writing down a laundry list of ideas, begging and pleading with you to tell him 'yes' of 'no' to every single one.

"And I won't rest until I figure it out! It must be pretty good if you're trying so hard to keep it from me." Eddie replies, nudging your shoulder with his own. The motion startles Arwen out of her third or fourth nap of the day.

"Mew!" She shouts, growling lowly at being woken up.

"Aw, I'm sorry little baby. I didn't mean to wake you. Will some belly rubs make it all better?" Eddie coos at the kitten in his silly voice. The cat rolls over, accepting his apology. The others' jaws drop at seeing him talk this way. Even Dustin and his friends stop paying attention to the Gameboy to confirm that the founder of the Hellfire Club was, in fact, speaking childishly to a small animal. They've never seen Eddie be so soft before, except when it comes to you. He notices their staring, clearing his throat. "Um..." He tries to come up with a cover, but nothing springs to mind. "Shut up." He says, not wanting to deal with being ridiculed for this.

"Who the hell are you, and what have you done with Eddie?" Mike asks, utterly stunned at what he's witnessed.

"Don't listen to him, baby. It's so sweet that you love Arwen as much as I do. She likes it when you talk like that, it's cute." You try your best to comfort Eddie as his cheeks burn bright red.

"More like nauseating." Lucas says, scrunching his face.

"Lay off, guys. You're just too immature to understand." You warn, glaring at the kiddos to intimidate them into behaving. They stick out their tongues in response, effectively putting an end to this conversation.

"Alright, well I think we're just about done here. Robin, Nance and I will take the kids home. Thanks for having us over, we should do it again sometime." Steve says, attempting to corral the younger party guests towards the door. They whine and groan in protest, but he hears none of it. They don't call Harrington 'The Babysitter' for nothing.

"Bye guys, see you 'round. Thanks for coming." You reply, watching as they march out the door to load into their various vehicles. Dustin follows them to give more thorough good-bye's, closing the door once he's finished.

"Thanks for hanging out tonight, guys. It means a lot." Dustin says, walking over to you. He bends down slightly to pet Arwen for a moment. She purrs at his touch, her eyes closing in contentment. "She really is adorable, I'm glad you guys found her. I know you'll be amazing parents for Arwen." He says sweetly, making your heart swell.

"It was a lot of fun, Dusty. Well, besides the fight earlier. And yeah, we're glad we found her, too." You reply with a blissful smile.

"Well, I'm gonna go to my room and enjoy my gifts. Goodnight, guys." He says, standing upright once more.

"'Night, Dustin. Happy birthday." You say softly.

"'Night. Happy birthday, buddy." Eddie replies. Dustin leaves the room clutching his gifts, and it's just the three of you now. "Looks like we're on our own now. You wanna put Arwen in her cat bed and go outside with me?" Eddie asks, noticing the kitten in his lap has fallen asleep yet again.

"What's outside?" You ask, unsure what Eddie's talking about.

"Your anniversary present. Well, it's actually in my pocket. But we'll have to go outside to use it." He shuffles around as carefully as he can, not wanting to wake the cat up again. He manages to pull a blunt out of his pocket to show it to you. "I figure we can finally try fucking while we're high. I know you've been wanting to, sweetheart." He says, using his dark tone to tempt you.

"Mm, yes please." You coo, leaning in to give him a hungry kiss. You pull away a moment later, resisting the urge to tear his clothes off right here and now. "C'mon. Let's put her in my room." You stand up, waiting for him to follow you. You can't hide your enthusiasm, you need him as soon as possible.

"As you wish, darling." He replies, eager to get your anniversary celebration into full swing.

Part 18.2: Dazed and Confused

"You feelin' it yet, sweetheart?" Eddie asks as you inhale the final drags of your anniversary present.

"I think so, only one way to find out, though." You say through a giggle, obviously staring at his lips. You've been sitting barefoot in your backyard for a while, smoking the joint Eddie showed you earlier as the sun begins to set. Mom still hasn't come back yet. You're not sure when she'll return, or what particular mood she might be in when she does. You don't really care at the moment, however, as you're about to kiss your handsome boyfriend while under the influence of marijuana.

"My thoughts exactly." Eddie chuckles, leaning over to press his lips to yours. Immediately, you can tell that the drug has begun to take effect. This kiss feels absolutely amazing, all warm and fuzzy. You both let out low moans at the sensation, opening your mouths to play around with your tongues. You instinctively lay down in the grass you've been sitting on, allowing him to hover over you. His hands drag slowly up and down your body, lighting fireworks beneath your skin through your clothes. You do the same, starting with tangling your fingers in his hair.

You scratch your nails around his scalp, and he breaks his mouth away from yours to kiss your neck. "Fuck, Eds. This is incredible." You sigh, in total awe of how powerful everything feels. Your hands leave his thick locks, running down his back until you reach his ass. You squeeze the firm rounds of it, causing him to groan as he bites harshly on your throat. "Everything feels so fucking good, baby. We should go to my room, I need to feel you. All of you." You hate how goddamn needy you sound, but you can't help it. Every rush of hot breath or graze of fingers over fabric is amplified immensely.

"You sure we can't just stay here? I don't wanna leave this spot." Eddie says in an attempt to convince you to stay put. If it weren't for potential nosey neighbors peeking from their windows, or grass stains ruining your uniform, you'd absolutely let him take you right here.

"We can't, Eds. We'll get all dirty, and someone might see. C'mon, I also have a twig poking into my ass." You tap his shoulders, waiting for him to get off of you. He whines petulantly in response. But he knows you're right, despite his drug-addled brain telling him to keep going. He backs off, inelegantly standing on his own two feet before assisting you. You make the ill-advised decision to forgo walking through the whole house, opting to make an attempt at climbing through your bedroom window instead. You slide the pane along its track, and almost fall flat on your face as you clumsily climb over the sill. "Oh, fuck!" You yelp, catching yourself just before your head smashes onto the carpet. You laugh at your silly display, and how wobbly your body is.

"Take it easy, sweetheart." Eddie chuckles, enjoying your ass on full view for him as you haven't gotten up yet. He climbs in after you, lifting you off the floor. You both slump onto the bed, him laying behind you as your legs hang sideways over the edge. "I hope we don't wake Arwen again, I don't want her to see what I'm gonna do to you." He says breathily, trying to contain his laughter at the bumbling nature of your movements.

You poke your head up to look over at the kitten's bed, finding that she hasn't stirred one bit through all your racket. "She's still asleep. Can you shut the window, Eds?" You ask, beginning to undo the buttons of your dress shirt.

"Sure thing, doll." He replies. He hops off the bed with a grunt and slides the glass over to close you off from the world. You lay down flat on the bed, scooting yourself backwards with kicking feet as your fingers pop each button through their holes. By the time Eddie returns to you, you've got your shirt open, the sides splayed loosely on the bed. A sexy, pink lace bra you bought for this very occasion is on full display, making his eyes blow wide with lust. "Damn, princess. You wear that just for me?" He asks in a cocky tone, knowing full well the answer to that is a big, fat 'yes'.

"Mhm." You nod, biting your lip. You beckon him over with your finger, and he takes this as his cue to crawl across the bed like a prowling animal. "I wanted to wrap myself up all pretty for you, Eds. Even though I know you'll take it all off pretty quickly."

"Don't get me wrong, angel, I love the way you look in lingerie. You're absolutely gorgeous. But I enjoy what's underneath so much more, because it's you. Just you, baby, that's all I need." He says as he crouches over you now, his thick tresses hanging down on the sides of his face.

"Oh, then I guess you won't be needing the other present I got for you." You reply with a cheeky grin.

He scoffs, giving you a curious glance. "Hey, I didn't say that. What'd you get me?" He bites his lip, eager to know what your brilliant mind cooked up this time.

"Well...I guess you can have it, since I put in so much work to make it happen." You say in faux-defeat, reaching up to undo Eddie's shirt buttons as you speak. "I convinced Mr. Biggs to let us have a private screening of Heavy Metal after hours next Saturday. Just me and you, all alone, watching a silly, sexy movie together. Sound like fun?" You quirk an eyebrow, pulling the final button through its sewn loop.

"Sounds perfect, sweetheart. I look forward to it." He smirks, bringing his lips to yours in a thankful kiss. Your eyes slip closed, and you push the fabric of his shirt to shuck it from his shoulders. He tosses it away, and it lands somewhere nondescript on the floor. "How'd you know about that movie anyways?" Eddie asks, bringing a hand up to cup your breast as he waits for your answer.

"Well, I didn't...at first. I know you like those magazines, and I was asking Robin and Steve if there was anything similar in film form. Now, there's no VHS of it, apparently. But Robin said she'd been to a couple random screenings of it in Indianapolis before." You explain, gasping at Eddie's hand massaging your tit. He nods, wanting you to continue. "Then, I asked Milo if there was a copy laying around at The Hawk. He said it's one of his personal favorites, so I was in luck. All I had to do after that was promise Mr. Biggs that we would clean any mess we make, and lock up afterwards. And voila! Perfect anniversary present." You grin in satisfaction, moving to discard your own shirt. You awkwardly shuffle your arms, pulling the sleeves down to throw the garment away.

"I can't believe you went to so much trouble, just for me. You're the best girlfriend ever, you know that?" Eddie asks, cupping your cheek once you lay back down.

"Oh, I know. But it's only because you're an amazing boyfriend, too." You giggle, rolling your bodies over so you're on top. You're straddling his lap, and you can feel his stiff cock straining through the layers of fabric between you. You grind yourself against him, letting out a breathy moan at the friction between your legs. You're already so wet, and you can barely think straight. Eddie's hands move to your ass, massaging the flesh roughly through your slacks. "Fuck, Eddie." You whine, your head falling forward as you continue to roll your hips. He leads you to go harder in his grip, drawing more noises from you. The weed is taking full effect now, and you feel as though you're moving through molasses.

"You're so beautiful, angel. A perfect, moaning mess for me." Eddie coos lazily, barely keeping it together himself. He doesn't like to get high without you now, not since that first time at your father's funeral. He used to do it almost every day, trying to numb the loneliness he felt so strongly until he found you. It's something you get to share now, something you can use to enhance your closeness and intimacy.

"All for you, Eds. We're still wearing waaaaay too many clothes, though. I need to touch every last inch of you, feel your gorgeous body with my hands...and my mouth." You're surprised you can manage to be so coherent as a thick fog surrounds your mind.

"Does that mean you're gonna kiss my ass?" Eddie jokes, making you both burst out laughing.

"Maybe!" You cackle, letting yourself fall over him. The two of you continue to giggle like children as your mouths find each other again. You hum into a clumsy kiss, the laughter soon forgotten as you melt into one another. Eddie unclasps your bra, tossing it aside.

"Fuckin' gorgeous." He praises as he takes hold of your beautiful tits, rolling your nipples between his fingers.

"Oh, Eddie. That feels so good." You moan, breaking your mouth away from his. You lower your lips to kiss and suck his neck. He groans at the contact, pinching your sensitive buds a bit harder in response. "Jesus, everything shouldn't feel this fucking good. I can see why weed isn't legal, nobody would get anything done." You observe with a light laugh, reaching to open your pants to discard them. You undo the button, and slide the zipper down. You struggle to get them all the way off, unsure how you actually figure it out a moment later. You're left in nothing but a tiny thong that matches the bra you had on before.

"Damn, sweetheart. I've seen you like this at least a hundred times, but I swear each time always feels like the first." He says in a husky tone, licking his lips at how delicious you look now that you're pretty much naked.

"You always know exactly what to say to make me feel special, baby. I love you." You reply, blushing wildly at his words. He's quite the charmer, but nothing he says ever feels like a line, unless it's a genuine joke. You wonder every day how this is actually happening, how Eddie is truly yours and treats you like a queen. It all feels like a dream sometimes, but you're so grateful that it's real.

"I love you too, princess. Wanna help me with the rest of my clothes?" He asks with a kind smile.

"Don't mind if I do." You giggle, fiddling with his belt to get it open. You flick open the button and zip, yanking the pants down his legs. You remove his boxers afterwards, his dick smacking against his stomach before standing at attention. You take off your thong as well, leaving no barriers between you. You follow what your delayed mind demands, straddling his thighs as you lean down to kiss him again. Eddie's tongue slips into your mouth shortly after your lips meet. You want to take your time, to enjoy every single second of this.

Eddie breaks the kiss when he thinks of something that could enhance your experience even further. "Should we put on some music, sweetheart?" He asks, stroking your sides with his large hands. The metal of his rings drags cooly against your bare skin.

"Sure thing, Eds." You reply, understanding why he's asking. Having steady sound in the background can lead you through every touch and kiss and as the weed tantalizes your senses. You reach over to your bedside table, flicking on the radio. It just so happens to be set to the rock station from the last time you and Eddie listened to it, and the opening notes of "Dazed and Confused" by Led Zeppelin begin to fill the room.

"Mmm, perfect timing." Eddie chuckles, before rolling you both over onto your side. His lips meet yours again, following the echoing strums of guitar to roll his tongue against yours. You moan into his mouth, arousal spreading rapidly between your legs. His hand drags along your silhouette at the same time, making the skin of your shoulder, elbow, waist, stomach buzz. As Robert Plant begins to sing, Eddie wanders between your bodies to feel your slick folds.

"Eddie." You whimper, a shock of pleasure jolting through your body. Your pussy is very sensitive, and wetter than ever before. You can feel your juices dripping down your thighs and onto the blanket. You lift your leg to lay over his, allowing him better access. He grins at you, stroking your cunt in slow, exploring circles. "Feels so good, baby." You sigh as your heart rate picks up. The languid yet foreboding music intensifies every sensation, sending pleasure signals to your brain in rapid succession.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, angel." He speaks lowly, eyes glued to your face to watch your every reaction. "I love making you cum, watching all the pretty faces you make, hearing all your filthy noises. It's one of the most beautiful things in the world. You're such a good girl for me, my perfect little slut." He pushes two fingers into your pussy on his final word.

"Oh, fuck." You gasp, arching your back instinctively.

"God, you're fuckin' soaked, Y/N. Already making a mess, just for me." His cock throbs against your stomach, the slightest amount of friction making his head spin.

"Just for you, love. Shit, I feel like I'm dissolving or something." You observe dumbly, unable to keep your eyes open at how amazing this all is. It's overwhelming in the best possible way, you swear you could lose it any second now.

"You gonna cum for me, darling? I can tell you're already so close, makin' it hard for my fingers to move inside you." He's absolutely right, your walls have begun to flutter around him, threatening to strangle his digits altogether. You can't help it, everything just feels so good.

"Uh-huh. Keep going, Eds." You moan, needing him to push you over the edge. You wonder how he's able to stay so articulate, saying dirty things to you to spur you on. You can barely string two words together as your mind is mixed up by electric beaters with every swell of the music. Eddie does as you ask, even increasing his pace. He wasn't moving very fast to begin with, which only proves beyond a reasonable doubt, that what you're doing right now is a fantastic idea. "Can't believe I'm gonna cum when you've barely touched me. You sure there wasn't anything else in that joint?" You ask through a lustful whine.

"I promise there wasn't. I'd never give you something without you knowing, sweetheart." He says calmly, finding entertainment in your disbelief of your own reactions to the pot. His free hand takes hold of your tit, massaging the flesh to give you even more. You moan loudly at the sensation, arching your back again. Your abdomen brushes against his dick, making him groan. A streak of precum rubs onto your skin, the idea of Eddie marking you with his release pushing you over the edge.

"Oh, god! Eddie!" You cry out, losing all control you once had over your body. You convulse around his fingers, trapping them inside as fluids spill out of your pussy. It runs down either side of your thigh to soak through the top layer of your bedding. Your eyes roll back into your head as you let out truly unholy noises. Your orgasm works its way through you mercilessly, and all Eddie can do is watch every second unfold in slow motion. If he didn't know any better, he'd blow his load all over your stomach at the sight before him.

"That's my good girl." He praises, caressing your sweat-drenched face with the back of his hand. He pulls you into a kiss, setting you on fire again before you've had a real chance to cool off. He removes his fingers from your cunt, bringing them up to your mouths. He sticks them between you, allowing you both to lick the sweet nectar from the moisture-wrinkled flesh.

"Mmm." You moan simultaneously at the taste, frantically licking every last drop away. Your teeth and tongues clash against one another repeatedly, though neither of you care how clumsy you're being. You just want to keep touching, and kissing, and devouring each other. When the musky flavor of your release has gone, you push Eddie's chest to make him lie down. He bounces harshly on the bed from the force, smirking at how aggressive you've become. You straddle his lap like before, bringing your hand to his throat. You wrap your fingers around his neck, not yet pressing down.

"You gonna choke me, baby?" Eddie asks, absolutely loving the idea.

"Do you want me to?" You ask, smiling ear to ear at the concept. You've never done it before, you only hope he'll let you try. But even more than that, you want him to like it.

"I would love it, sweetheart. Go ahead, I know you're dying to try it." He bites his lip, waiting for you to follow through on your promise. You gently start to squeeze the sides of his thick neck, cutting off the blood flow ever so slightly. "Fuck. Harder." He begs, groaning as his head lightens at your touch. You do as he asks, overtaken by a dark thrill as you increase the pressure. He moans again, but it comes out a bit garbled from you choking him.

"Such a good boy for me, I think you deserve a reward." You say darkly, leaning to speak into his ear. "You wanna fuck me, Eddie?" Your hot breath flows against his skin, turning him on even further. You loosen your grip a bit so he can answer you.

"Yeah, I wanna be inside you so bad. You're so hot and wet, shit, I can feel you dripping all over me." He replies desperately, dying to have his dick plunge deep into your velvet insides.

"That's right, Eds. I just can't help myself, you make me feel so good." You let out an exaggerated whine, rolling your hips once across his torso. Your clit rubs against him, smearing a trail of your arousal on his stomach. "You want me to ride you, love?" You ask in that same seductive tone.

"Please. Let me fill you up, angel." He begs, you've got him wrapped around your little finger at this rate.

"You got it, babe." You briefly bite his earlobe, shifting your lower half downwards. You take Eddie's length in your hand now that you can reach, working him painfully slow.

"Shit, you're always such a cock-tease, Y/N." He breathes out with a grin as he tries not to cum. You frown at his words, wanting him to submit to you completely. You squeeze his throat again, harder than before. Another strained moan leaves his lips, and more of your juices trickle from your pussy at the sound.

"Naughty boy, you know better than to talk back. I'll fuck you when you've earned it." You say through gritted teeth. You stroke him faster, noticing his stomach already beginning to tense. "Gonna cum so soon, baby? You wanna make a mess all over me?" You question mockingly, aiming his tip towards your stomach as you continue to pump him. Eddie only manages to nod, your grip on his throat makes it impossible to speak. His eyes stare deep into yours, wide and doe-ish as his release takes over.

"Fuck." He barely squeaks the word out, his mouth falling open helplessly. His hips buck upwards, and his sticky load lands in hot spurts all over your tits and belly. It drips down sloppily, the white droplets gleaming in the light. His toes curl as he empties onto you, and his large hands bunch the blankets below in sweaty fists.

"Mmm, good boy." You grin in satisfaction. You let his throat and softening cock fall from your grasp, and you look down your body to see the evidence of his orgasm splattered all over you. You wipe up one of the streaks from your breast with your middle finger. You bring it up to your lips, accepting the entire length of it into your mouth. You moan at the taste, keeping your eyes on Eddie the entire time.

"Fuck, that was hot." He pants as his chest heaves, struggling to catch his breath.

"Sure was, baby. You wanna clean me up until you can go again?" You ask politely, slipping off his body to lay beside him.

"Of course, sweetheart. Trust me, I'm just getting started." Eddie chuckles, angling himself so his mouth can reach every bit of the sticky mess he left on you, while keeping his legs next to yours. He leans over your torso, dragging the flat of his tongue over each streak of his release to wipe them away. He licks one off your nipple, playfully biting the hardened bud afterwards.

"Fuck." You murmur. You follow his head traveling downwards while he cleans every last drop of cum off your body. It's such a filthy sight. Whimpers and moans leavE your lips at how warm his tongue feels against your skin. He keeps going, putting himself between your legs as he spreads them. It seems he's had an ulterior motive to doing as you commanded, secretly wanting to make you cum on his face. "You sneaky bastard." You laugh, rolling your eyes at his unrelenting sexual appetite.

"Don't pretend you aren't loving this, babydoll. Is it so terrible that I wanna please you?" He asks, teasing you while his hands grip your thighs.

"Not at all, Eds. Knock yourself out." You lay your arm under your head to prop it up, wanting to see everything he's about to do to you. The song changes, a glam rock tune that you recognize instantly. "Lady Grinning Soul" by David Bowie, naturally. It appears whoever is in charge of acting as local radio deejay tonight, has taken part in the same substance as you and your boyfriend. They may or may not be a bit horny, as well. Eddie's eyes meet yours, and he brings his mouth to your drenched pussy to lick a small stripe along your slit. "God, that feels amazing, baby." You sigh, legs twitching at the overwhelming sensation.

"You're so unbelievably pretty like this, sweetheart. I don't think I'll ever get enough of you." Eddie speaks sweetly. He takes his time, pressing wet kisses to your inner thighs at random intervals between slow strokes along your clit and entrance. He's playing around with you, but in a most pleasurable way. It's far from teasing, as everything he does has an intense impact on you. He's savoring it, savoring you. The saccharine tang of your arousal coats his lips, his teeth, even his throat as he swallows every last drop. You're an ever-flowing fountain to him, your offerings slaking his thirst for love and companionship. "You're everything to me, Y/N." He says earnestly.

"You're everything to me, too, baby. You doin' okay down there?" You ask in kind concern, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah! Yeah...I'm fine. I just一" His breath catches, almost like he might cry. He shakes his head, keeping the tears at bay. "You're just perfect, that's all." He says with a smile, rubbing your thighs to ground himself. This never happens when he's high, but he can't shake the dialed-up emotions swarming over him. It certainly doesn't help that his brain is twisting and turning, due to certain mind-altering drugs you both smoked earlier.

Eddie's been on his own in almost every way for as long as he can remember. Sure, he has the club, and Wayne. But when he's not leading a campaign, or his uncle is sleeping or away at work, he's left alone with his own thoughts. The dreadful, awful thoughts of not being good enough, of being a worthless asshole who doesn't deserve love or happiness. Booze and drugs can only do much to block said thoughts out, often leaving him immobile in bed for hours on end. Staring at the wall or ceiling, his heart aching in his chest for something more. He never once thought he'd be so lucky to have someone like you in his life.

"You're perfect, too, baby. C'mere." You beckon him to you, wanting to hold him close. You can see it in his eyes that he's feeling so many things at once. He crawls back up the bed, laying on his side next to you. You mirror his position, his face just a couple inches from yours. You watch his troubled expression, knowing he's holding back from you. "Tell me what you're thinking." You coo, cupping his cheek.

"I-I didn't think I'd meet anyone like you, princess." He stutters at the thought, recalling how unpleasant life is without you in it. "I didn't think I'd meet anyone at all, really. At least, nobody worth...sticking around for." His eyebrows knit oddly at those two words in particular, his voice dipping to an ashamed whisper. 'Sticking around'...

"What do you mean? Like...staying in Hawkins?" You ask, confused as to why he'd say it like that. Nobody thinks all that highly of this sleepy little town, most plan to get out by the age of five, and give up by the time they're thirty.

"No." Eddie replies, his mouth staying open as if he's going to say something else. He closes it again, averting his eyes. He shakes his head, he can't possibly tell you this. You'll hear him say this terrible thing, and you won't love him anymore. "Nevermind, it's not a big deal." He says shakily, wanting to drop the subject.

You're watching closely as fear, almost panic spreads over his features. He's breathing unevenly, his heart pounding in his chest. He can't possibly be saying what you think he's saying. But given his behavior, you suspect the worst. Regardless of what it is, you intend to stay by his side and support him. You take his hands in yours, reeling him back to you before he disappears inside his head. "Eddie, please tell me. I'm here for you, you know that. Don't hide this from me, you promised we wouldn't do that." You say as calmly as you can, not wanting to scare him away. His pupils flick to yours again, finding your empathetic face. This makes him relax a little, and he nods. He takes a deep breath before continuing.

"I'm sure it's no surprise that I've always been...kind of a loner, Y/N. I'm not a popular person, friends are few and far between for me. I dunno if Dustin told you, but after we graduated, and my bandmates moved away, I've been on my own a lot." He pauses, feeling the sting of tears pricking his eyes. "And, uh...that's not great for me. I don't think very highly of myself, quite the opposite, actually. I won't bother you with the details, I'm sure you can imagine." He chuckles dryly, clearing his throat after. "So, being alone leads to lots of...dark thoughts. Thoughts I've never shared with anyone. Not Wayne, not the kids in Hellfire, nobody." He sniffles, a couple salty drops rolling down his cheeks.

"Would it help if you told me, Eddie?" You ask, offering every ounce of comfort you can give.

"I have a feeling you already know what I'm getting at, sweetheart." He says, his tone stiff and unwilling. He doesn't want to say the words aloud. He's never dared to do such a thing. It's like they're forbidden to fall from his lips.

"I think I can hazard a guess, love. And I'm sorry you've felt that way. No one should have to go through that. Especially not alone." You squeeze his hands and wonder if you should ask the question bubbling inside your head. You don't want to push him too far, but it's only natural to be curious. "Did you ever try to一"

"No." He cuts you off, shaking his head emphatically. "I couldn't do that to Wayne, but I thought about it all the time. How I'd do it, when, where, what my 'last meal' would be, of all things." He explains, his eyes squinting shut as more tears fall. He opens them again, red and glassy as they gauge your every reaction to his words. You keep yourself calm on the outside, but internally your heart is cracking at the seams, breaking for the crying man before you. You've known about his rough childhood, and the bullying through school and afterwards. But the idea of Eddie being suicidal, it just makes everything else all the more harrowing.

"Do you still think about doing it, Eddie?" You ask, willing to accept whatever the truth might be. You'd love to think that being present in his life has helped him feel better. And you're sure it has, to some extent. But it's unfair and unreasonable to think he would be one-hundred-percent 'normal' all because he started seeing you. You of all people know that love can't magically make your problems go away.

"I'm not gonna lie, Y/N. I still do sometimes, but a lot less than I used to. You've helped me feel so much better than before, I promise you that. But I'm fucked up, angel. I'm not sure it'll ever fully go away." He sighs, hoping he hasn't disappointed you. "Do you think less of me? I understand if you do." His thumbs rub mindlessly over your knuckles, steadying his state of mind while he waits for you to answer.

"Of course not, Eddie. I would never judge you for something that isn't your fault. I love you so much, baby. And nothing is ever gonna change that, okay?" You give him a gentle kiss, bringing a hand up to stroke his hair. He softens against you, his tense body loosening to accept your affection. You can feel more of his tears raining onto your skin, and you just let him work through everything he's feeling, kissing him tenderly and repeatedly through it all.

"I love you too, Y/N. Thank you for being here for me." He wipes his eyes, letting out another deep sigh.

"Any time, darling." You flash him a kind smile.

"Fuck, sorry for ruining the mood." He groans, flopping onto his back in annoyance with himself.

"It's okay. We've fucked many times before, and I'm sure there'll be many more opportunities after today. But for now, we can put some pj's on and watch a movie if you want. We can eat some cake, cuddle with Arwen on the couch." You suggest, sitting up in bed.

"That sounds perfect, babydoll." Eddie replies, getting off the mattress to get some pajamas from his bag. You do the same at your dresser, the sound of which disturbs Arwen's nap.

"Mew!" She cries as her eyes open to blink at you.

"Aw, poor little baby. I'm sorry we woke you up, but we're gonna cuddle and have cake." Eddie coos at the kitten, slipping on his lounge pants and an old band tee before scooping her up into his arms.

"You're so sweet with her, it's fuckin' adorable." You giggle, watching the cat's eyes close blissfully while Eddie scratches behind her ears.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Further evidence that I'm a big softy. I can't believe I talked like that in front of everyone at the party." He laughs, rolling his eyes. He has a reputation to uphold, and here you are making him so vulnerable, even in public.

"Yes, you are a very soft man." You start, making his head whip to you in offense. You continue, explaining what you mean. "But that's not a bad thing, Eddie. It just means you're a good person. You're loving, kind, and understanding. Those are things most people struggle with, and it comes to you naturally." He nods in response, realizing you were only giving him a compliment.

"It's nice that you think so, sweetheart. I don't always feel like a good person." He says sadly, pulling his eyes away again.

"I've found that the best people typically put themselves under a lot of scrutiny. Any little misstep, and it makes them question everything. But that's good, because bad people never really think about their actions, or how they affect others. People like that go through life justifying every move they make, as opposed to weighing the consequences." You explain, trying to get through to him that he's not as bad as everyone says he is.

"You know, you'd be great at public speaking, baby. You're very convincing, and smart as hell. I could listen to you talk all day long." He smiles, turning this conversation back onto you. You can tell he still doesn't quite believe what you've told him, but self-esteem can't be rebuilt in a day.

"Thanks, Eds. But I don't think my anxiety would allow such a thing." You giggle, reaching for his hand to walk down the hall together. He gives it to you, holding Arwen up in the other to go sit on the couch. You cut two more slices from the cake, bringing the plates over while Eddie picks out a movie. You're both still a bit stoned, but you sense you're on the precipice of the come-down. You plop down beside the kitten, who's waiting for you and Eddie to shower her with attention. "Hey there, furry little thing. You're just too cute, it makes my heart wanna explode." You say to her, in that same silly voice only meant to be heard by her fuzzy ears.

"Mew." She replies, her tiny mouth opening briefly to let the sound out.

"She's very talkative. Have you noticed that?" You ask Eddie as he pulls his choice of VHS from the drawer below the TV.

"Yeah, she's got a bit of an attitude, too. I imagine she's very smart, despite being just a baby. How's this one? I figure we could use something comforting tonight. It's been a long day." He says, showing you the worn paper cover of Labyrinth.

"That's perfect, Eds. Pop it in and get over here." You smirk, patting the spot next to you on the couch. He slips the tape into the VCR, hopping enthusiastically onto the sofa once it begins to play. You hand him his slice of cake, and the two of you dig in as the movie starts.

About halfway through the film, there's a knock at the door. "Ms. Henderson, this is Chief Powell. Can you open up, please?" You hear the man speaking sternly on the other side of the door. You and Eddie look at each other, wondering what he wants. He could be here for Eddie regarding the fight with Jason, or if something happened to your mom. You swallow hard and pause the movie. You go to the door, opening it slowly.

"What's this about, Chief?" You ask, keeping the door mostly shut to block Eddie from his view.

"It's nothing serious, Y/N. We've got your mother in the back of the squad car. She tried to drive home drunk from the Hideaway. Jack, the owner, called us to stop her." The chief explains, giving you a comforting look. He knows you're worried about Eddie's standing in the Carver case, thankfully it hasn't become an issue. Not yet, anyway.

"Oh my god. Is she okay?" You ask, looking around him to see Mom slumped in the backseat. The red and blue lights flash on the roof, shining brightly through the darkness of the night.

"She's fine, and we'll have her car towed back here. But um... her license has been suspended. She managed to drive a few blocks before we stopped her, and she almost hit a couple teenagers crossing the street." He sighs, regretting every word coming out of his mouth. Claudia hasn't been this bad since George left, he can't imagine why she'd do something so stupid.

"Jesus christ. Well, I'm sorry she caused you trouble, Chief. I'll get her in bed, and I can drive her to work until the suspension is up." You reply, subtly rolling your eyes. You're absolutely pissed. What the hell was she thinking? She could've killed someone, or got herself put in the hospital or a body bag. And then where would that leave you? Or Dustin? It's also really fucking rich that she had the nerve to yell at you only hours ago about how irresponsible you are, and then she goes and does this? What a fucking hypocrite.

"It's no trouble at all, Y/N. I'm just glad nobody got hurt. We'll bring her inside for you." Powell says calmly, reading the anger all over your face.

"Great." You say flatly, opening the door all the way so the officers can escort your mother inside. You sit on the couch beside Eddie, shaking your head with pursed lips.

"Is everything okay?" Eddie asks, putting a hand on your thigh.

"No. Mom got wasted and tried to drive home. She almost killed someone before she got pulled over." You state, avoiding his eyes.

"Shit. I'm sorry, Y/N." He tries to relax you, but you can't stop the boiling rage.

"Don't be. If anyone should be sorry, it's her. She could've gotten hurt, or died! And then me and Dustin would have NO parents!" Your volume rises, almost shouting. Dustin's bedroom door opens at the sound, and he comes down the hall to see what the ruckus is about.

"What's going on?" He asks while rubbing his eyes. Fuck, he was sleeping. And now you're shouting and Mom is drunk off her ass with a DUI.

"Shit, Dusty. I'm sorry I woke you. Mom's drunk, that's all you need to know right now." You say as Powell and Callahan bring Mom inside the house. She's barely conscious, more drunk than you've ever seen a human be before. "Are you sure she doesn't have alcohol poisoning? She looks awful." You ask the cops, wondering if they got her any medical attention.

"We had her checked out, they said she should be fine. Just keep an eye on her, I'm sure she'll have one helluva hangover tomorrow." Powell replies, struggling to keep a hold on Mom. Her eyes flutter open a moment, and she looks at you.

"I'm sorry." She slurs, her face scrunching into what looks like sadness and regret. That is, until she vomits onto the carpet. It lands a few feet away from you, stinking of booze and chocolate cake.

"Jesus christ." Callahan exclaims, adopting a look of utter disgust.

"’Kay, safe to say I'm not hungry anymore." Eddie grimaces, putting his half-empty plate down.

"Maybe a stop to the bathroom would be beneficial." Powell suggests, looking to you as a way to ask where it is.

"Yeah. It's just down the hall, the last door on the left." You say, glancing at Mom in pity. A dribble of vomit sits on her bottom lip, a translucent dark brown. The officers take her down the hall, and you hear more vomiting that hopefully all lands into the toilet this time. You sigh, letting your head fall into your hands. "Great, now I gotta clean up puke tonight. That's the last thing I wanted to do." You groan, your own stomach turning at the acrid smell filling the room.

"We’ll help out, sweetheart." Eddie offers, rubbing your back with his hand.

"Yeah, you shouldn't have to do that all by yourself." Dustin chimes in, heading into the kitchen for the cleaning supplies.

"Thanks, guys. Let's take care of it before it soaks in too far." You get off the couch, slipping on some rubber gloves your brother hands to you. First, you soak up as much fluid with paper towels and toss them away. Next, pour carpet cleaner on the spot, letting it foam up for a few minutes. Then comes the scrubbing, you scrub the fibers of the carpet until you're sure there's no barf left clinging to them. After that, you wipe away any excess cleanser and let it dry. Easy peasy.

"Okay, safe to say I never wanna do that again." Dustin says as the three of you thoroughly wash your hands.

"Same here." You and Eddie reply at the same time. It really was far from pleasant, the smell alone made you wanna add to the mess. Thankfully you held it together, save for a couple compulsive gags. The officers are finally leading Mom to her room once you finish, she's been puking this entire time. She must have racked up quite the tab at the Hideaway.

"Shit, you guys work fast. Your mom must be thankful to have such helpful kids." Powell comments when he returns to the livingroom to find the mess already cleaned away.

"You'd think so, right?" You retort, still quite peeved at needing to do so at all.

"Right." He clears his throat, visibly uncomfortable. "We'll get out of your hair. Just make sure she has water and aspirin, and a wastebasket by the bed wouldn't hurt." He gives a weak smile, turning to leave.

"Will do, Chief. Thanks for bringing her home." You follow behind him, closing the door once he steps outside. "I am sooooo gonna tear her a new one tomorrow. What the fuck was she thinking?!"

"I don't think she was, angel." Eddie says quietly.

"No shit! God, I'm still high. I shouldn't be this angry!" You keep shouting, pacing around the floor wildly.

"I think you're being a bit hard on her, Y/N." Dustin says, coming to Mom's defense.

"No, I'm not! You wanna know what happened? She got absolutely wasted because of our stupid fight! And then she tried to DRIVE HOME! She almost hit some teenagers, she could have killed them! Do you understand how pissed she'd be if some drunk asshole almost hit one of us in the road like that? She'd be calling for their head and you know it! So now, her license is suspended, and I'll have to drive her to work like she's a goddamn child!" You're practically screaming now, going red in the face as you try to get Dustin to understand the gravity of the situation.

"I can drive her if一" He replies, focusing on the wrong thing. As if you actually think having to cart her around is the issue.

"That's not the damn point, Dusty! Did you not hear what I just said?" You question in disbelief. Neither of them have much to say about Mom's reckless behavior, more so they seem to want to justify it. And you'll hear absolutely none of it. "Ugh, whatever. I'm going to bed. Eddie, you can come if you want and bring the cat. Or not, I'm too pissed off to give a shit." You say with a resigned laugh, your arms clapping at your sides as you give up. You storm off down the hall, slamming the door to your room shut as hard as you can.

You flick off your bedroom light, and flop face first onto your bed. You press your head into the pillows, screaming into their fluffy bodies to muffle the sound of your frustration. You yank the blankets over your head, hiding away from the world. You don't care if Eddie comes to bed, he honestly might stay on the couch with how angry you've become. Maybe that's best, you don't feel all that deserving of comfort or cuddling at the moment. You know you're not wrong in your sentiment towards Mom's actions, but you definitely flew off the handle a bit. You groan loudly, rolling over to stop suffocating on the pillows. You face the window, letting your eyes peek out to look at the moon outside. The glowing orb in the sky gazes down upon you, the craters on its surface seemingly forming a look of shame and disappointment in your direction.

"Y/N?" Eddie says, quietly opening the door to your room. He tiptoes in with Arwen, hoping you're still awake. He feels awful for coming off like he wasn't supporting you. Of course he thinks Claudia was being an absolute idiot. But he doesn't think it's his place to say anything about it. He's certainly no angel. Who is he to judge someone else for their mistakes?

"Yes." You whisper, unable to say anything else.

"I'm sorry, love." He replies, crawling into bed with you. You turn to look at him, finding Arwen laying in the small space between you.

"For what? You're not the one with a DUI." You sigh, trying to stop a bout of tears.

"I know, baby. But I shouldn't have made it seem like I don't care that your mom was being reckless. Of course I do. Claudia's like a mother to me, despite the fact that she doesn't seem to like me much anymore." He lets out a light laugh at that. "And I know you love her so much, and you're worried about her. I'd be just as pissed as you if the roles were reversed." He scoots closer, putting the kitten into a warm cuddle sandwich. She mews happily at the coziness, nuzzling her head against you.

"It's fine. I didn't exactly let you have a chance to speak. She just一 I can't believe she'd do that. Like...what the fuck?" You say, looking to Eddie for the answer. That's the thing, more than anything else, you're utterly stumped as to why she would do this. Given the fight earlier today, and the constant lectures she's bestowed upon you and Dustin about the dangers of drinking and other serious topics. She rejected her own advice, and did something that has left you dumbfounded.

"I dunno, princess. I wish I had an answer for you. I guess you'll just have to ask her tomorrow." Eddie says sadly, tonight was supposed to be your night. Just the two of you, enjoying a nice time together. But no, instead it became about him telling you more of his deep dark secrets, and your mother throwing up all over the carpet. "You gonna be okay, love?" He asks, taking your hand in his.

"I'll give it my best shot, Eds. At least I have you here." You reply, giving him a chaste kiss. Arwen squeals in protest, annoyed at you squishing her. "Sorry, little one. I just had to kiss your daddy goodnight." You pat her head to put her at ease, and she lies down, placing herself into your touch. She purrs against your palm, settling in to go to sleep. 

"Take it easy on your mother, Arwen. She's had a very long day." Eddie says to the cat, smiling at how silly the idea of talking to an animal like it's a person is. It feels right, though, natural. Arwen is essentially your child, and you both want to love and take care of her the best you can. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you." He speaks to you now, taking your free hand to hold.

"Goodnight, Eds. I love you, too." You reply, closing your eyes shortly after. You really hope tomorrow pans out better than today did, but would it really be your life if things didn't go sideways?

To be continued...

[nixtwix]

alr, so...I have no clue if having your OC being shipped with canon is neccesary or not...so I asked people I knew what ships for Nix would be good. The main ones were Bark or Ray. This causes a literal fight in my family, one wanted bark,the other wanted Ray. So I asked the youngest and she didn't want part of it. So my mom was the tie breaker. And she chose Ray. So boom. there's finally an Oc ship. I present to you: Strawberry Lemonade (there's no yellow so it'll work) I have no clue what Rays Age is though mainly because by the time I got fully emerged into the sonic fandom enough to want to know there ages was around the time Sega took away there ages. and Archie aswell as the wiki didn't help because it would say "He looks 12, but he's actually 16!" or it would say there ages from when they first debut to now which would be 31. (Which mighty and ray's birthday game wise is June 1st!) So I was walking on eggshells, so I thought to keep the ship wholesome for now. instead of kissing they clean eachother's fur, and They Nuzzle eachother (which causes nix to have static electricity like surge and shocks both of them)

(EDIT: alright, so I looked up some stuff again, because why not. and now there is officially no age range I could find so I guess I have to go by guessing, to which I would assume a really young teenager?? maybe near sonic's age??? anyway, I added this edit to retcon the kissing thing, or explain it?? they did kiss... but even though it wasn't even a second, they exploded and one of them went into a flustered coma (take your pick on who that was) and then they both agreed to never do that again until their either more comfortable with it, or older and more response able, hence why they stick with them playing, preening, cuddles,nuzzling, gifting each other things, or showing each other their collections. "I don't know, I just found it funny if one of the ways nix shows she likes someone is showing them her herb or book collection, while Ray shows his collection of this he's gathered throughout his adventures.) And while they do love or like one another, Ray enjoy's adventures, while nix for one, is worried people will be afraid of her, for two, she feels she has responsibilities back in autumn forest (helping Mrs.Azalea with the cafe, saving animals, and over all just he stepping out of the forest almost burns her. and third, she's afraid of slowing down Ray or taking something she see's as bonding thing for mighty and Ray, and respects mighty to where she doesn't want to take that from him. So they don't fully interact much, However. When he does come to town, she wants to spend as much time with him. and later Ray would coax her out of the shell of staying in autumn forest Zone (while finding a solution for her not to burn up). when he visits her house they greet each other with a tone of snuggles and hugs and with enough energy, playing tag through the forest.

Also during the modern time, Ray gets a little protective over nix due to what happened to her and she has a little bit of naivety. not as much as when she was younger, but still there. and he doesn't immediately jump the boat, he actually learned from the chaotix (and watching knuckles and rouge) to tell the difference between conversation,flirting,negging or if someones trying to get help without saying it. So when this happens he comes up and wraps his tail around nix, to and outside person he's just using his tail as a fancy scarf for her to keep her warm. on the other hand he's actually being protective and if things get out of hand will pick her up and go. (luckily it never has gotten that far yet.) also, Nix has a hard time keeping warmth or heat especially now that she doesn't wear as many sweaters so she tends to steal Ray's Scarf. Because if you unfolded it That Scarf looks THICK like three steps to a wrap around Poncho. Another thing, Is that Nix is very Shy and given her scars from after sonic forces she's pretty self conscious about it. Ray Doesn't understand why and tries to help her accept her scars. occasionally, mainly when they get older, he sometimes kisses her face Scars to let her know he's not afraid of her and that she's not ruined.

[theresa-of-liechtenstein]

art by em year in review 2023!

for the fourth time, i present to you a selection of the art i did this year! this definitely was the Year of Understanding Procreate, and i think it paid off. as usual, reflections under the cut.

january: i saw @malcolm-f-tucker tag a picture of abigail thaw with a comment about a theresa faceclaim and it left no survivors, i.e. i decided that theresa should have greying hair and did not look back. this was from when i was still trying to figure out what brush to use for lineart in procreate. luckily i had learned my lesson from the sketchbook learning curve and realized that what i liked for lineart would most likely be in the pencil section. however i wasn’t a huge fan of the brush i used in this one, so i didn’t use it again. instead, for later pieces, i decided to customize the 6b pencil brush to my liking, and…

february: …this came out of it! this is still one of my favorite things i have ever drawn, and it’s my favorite thing i’ve drawn yet for herc and linda. this piece really convinced me to use overlay layers more in my art, and the amount of detail i managed to capture in this one still amazes me now. and before anyone asks, yes, they are doing specific things in the startup procedure for an airbus a320-family aircraft, except linda is doing things off the CM1 checklist and herc is doing something off the CM2 checklist, which i learned later is not really something that is done. let’s just say herc is not the tightest stickler to convention.

march: one half of an intended two pieces centered around the f1 au (which, regrettably, i have yet to continue… i just reread what little of the second part is on ao3 and god, it slaps actually, i really need to continue it so bad) depicting a pivotal scene from around the outside, where theresa and linda decide to put aside a childhood feud at the top of the banked curve at monza. at sunset. on theresa’s birthday. i know, very meaningful, incredibly homoerotic. read the fic to see how well that turns out!

april: i always knew i wanted to redraw the first filipino!hercolyn thing i did back in 2020, the one that completely solidified in my mind the notion that These Characters Are Filipino, Actually, and when i got comfortable in procreate i quickly jumped on that. (if you notice, a lot of the stuff i did this year were redraws of old pieces i really liked but wasn’t fully satisfied with.) of course i wanted to draw them in the traditional clothes in my parents’ and grandparents’ wedding pictures. the implication of this being, of course, that this is the soft shoe shuffle wedding. i have a fic planned centered around that, from douglas’ perspective. now that grad school apps are basically done, if my honors thesis doesn’t kick me too hard, i’d love to get on that as soon as i can.

may: YOU JUST GOT COLINED! SEND THIS TO A FRIEND TO TOTALLY COLIN THEM! ah, colin fairbairn: the figure whose presence haunts all of newcastle but is never actually. named. (much to the chagrin of a lot of people who genuinely thought linda’s dad was named colin bc i Wouldn’t Shut Up About It) i just love him so much and i love this piece, i wanted to depict the wistfulness of an older colin whose airline is on the verge of collapse, who has been secure in his job as chief pilot of air cal, who looks out over glasgow airport (that’s glasgow’s runway in the background) and wonders if it’s time to put himself out to pasture. wondering what he could have done differently. it’s okay bby. there’s no way that you could have prevented this. but he’d never believe it. he’s too duty bound. he lives in my head rent free.

june: another redraw, this time of a piece from 2021. i was so happy with this one, and i am very happy with it still! everything about the older piece i loved was improved massively by this redraw: the poses, the proportions, the line work, the coloring. honestly, just thinking about the two of them just existing in the airport, overlooked by bustling passengers, just part of the landscape, but having such a rich history and relationship between them… it’s something i think about a lot and i love it.

july: this comprises the third part of an unofficial trilogy of drawings i did centered around douglas/martin/theresa. in each one, i centered a different member of the ot3: i did one centering martin last year, one centering douglas in the spring, and this one centers theresa between douglas and martin. i really enjoy how i did the expressions in this one: martin, looking out toward the planes; theresa, following his gaze, eager to share in the passion they both have; and douglas, looking down at both of them (yeah i think they’re both shorter than him. i think it’s cute). i feel like when i draw these three, where they look and how they look is very important to me.

august: can you believe before this point i had never drawn herc and douglas together? yeah, me too. anyway, them 🤍 i’ve literally only ever drawn them as older men so trying to draw them younger was. lowkey kind of hard. i’m hoping to revisit air england herc and douglas in the future, especially since i didn’t intend for this to be anything more than a quick bit due to those bisexual divorcee brackets (which i don’t know what became of them in the end except that douglas got through and herc didn’t, lmao)

september: unposted self-portrait done as a part of my aerospace fellowship application i wound up getting rejected from because they required me to do a creative component. not much to say here. anyways.

october: yet another redraw, this time of a portrait of herc, carolyn, linda, and arthur i did a year prior, in october of 2022. i like to think that lfeu!herc carries pictures of linda, arthur, and carolyn in his wallet: he had never wanted to be the family man for most of his life, but in his new life, this new form, he can play it well. something about the coloring seems a little off to me: i think i may have to go in and adjust arthur’s skin tone because i think it doesn’t look 100% right. but i love this one too. i hemmed and hawed for ages over what they should be wearing but in the end i put them in what they’d wear for work bc i couldn’t think anymore. but it turned out super cute and i think it emphasizes what brought the four of them together in the first place: aviation.

november: a cute little doodle of young!colin with baby linda, from a bigger piece. something i generally feel like i’ve gotten stronger with this year has been drawing a larger variety of poses. i discovered that procreate allows you to import reference images in a smaller window that can be very easily dragged around and resized, which was a massive improvement over my previous strategy with sketchbook, which had been to import reference images as their own layers. often, moving it around or resizing reference images resulted in some loss of quality. anyways there’s something just so tender about colin and linda and i love to revisit them.

december: last but not least, we finish off the way we started, with theresa (and an added douglas lol). and boy, how different does december look from january? granted, it’s a different angle, but i personally think there is so much more dimension at the end of the year compared to the beginning. i was less afraid of using overlays to enhance the coloring. and the brush i wound up settling on for lineart really ended up serving me well this whole year, culminating in this piece. not much to say on this one, i like it a lot :)

overall thoughts: i didn’t think i drew as much as i wanted to this year, but looking back i still think i made really good progress and improved a lot from last year, so i’m still happy. definitely want to draw more next year, explore new subjects, and maybe work on redrawing more pieces from previous years because those projects have been very fun to undertake.

once again i want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s ever shared or commented or left a like on anything i’ve drawn: it will have been 10 years next year since the end of the show i primarily create fanwork for, and to still have people out there who like what i do is such a gift. yes i create for myself, but i do also like receiving feedback from others and sharing it with others, so thank you thank you thank you. and happiest of new years to all :)

[beautifulhigh]

Okay, in re asking about yourself, headcanon thingy: I enjoy the heck out of your FirstPrince meta posts, so in that vein... Can you share any headcanon about FirstPrince, please?

Also, random question, how would you describe your favourite colour to a blind person or a colour blind person?

Much love!

Thank you! I hope to get the next one up some point this week, and I'm still on the hunt for any gifs of the New Year's party (or anyone who has time/capacity to make me some bespoke ones). So hmu with links or offers.

One headcanon I've got, which is actually going to make its way (in part) into the Top Secret Experimental Fic I'm playing about with writing at the moment, is that they are fiercely protective of their private lives when they move to Texas. Like, anyone who even steps onto their property has to sign the most ironclad NDA which means they cannot post any pictures of the property, they cannot describe anything about the property, some of them aren't even allowed to say they've been to the property. That is their home, their space, and they are fully in control of what is released about it.

Everyone gets it - they have lost enough of their lives, their privacy, their intimate spaces. So their Texan home becomes their sanctuary and word gets out that this is how they are living their lives: private figures at home, public figures outside of that property boundary. Rule One: nothing is posted without clear and express permission from BOTH of them and it will be marked as such on the post. And that permission is so rarely given they just don't ask now. Any photos taken at events, gatherings, birthdays, holidays? They know that they're always going to be private.

Everyone thinks that June is the one to be afraid of if you break that one rule. When Pez uploads a picture of his OOTD hanging on the back of a door, someone thinks he's staying at the farmhouse and he's breaking Rule One because there's no tag and he has to quickly start a livestream where he can show people that he's not at the house, he's actually somewhere else entirely.

What he doesn't tell people is that he did that in a panic because Catherine called him and threatened to have him locked in the Tower for the rest of his natural life.

So yeah. My headcanon is that the boys, and their families, become ultra protective of their privacy.

As for the second question, this made me think about if I have a favourite colour! I tend to favour blues so I guess I would describe them looking as the sun feels on an autumn day: the warmth being tempered with cooler air and winds. It's not intense, it's not overpowering. The blues I favour are the kinds that are the in-between. Cosy like the drawing in of the nights and the fireplaces. Comforting like the warm mugs in hands. The range from the warmer days when autumn is still bright and clinging to summer, through to the moments it is slipping into winter.

So yeah. I'd describe blue as autumn sun, and the range as the season itself.

Come ask me anything: headcanons, random stuff, whatever you want to know

[goatyoat]

10, 13, 24, 30

Hey so I get really long-winded answering these, so I'm going to add a cut to make sure I'm not putting a long-ass post on anyone's dash.

For context: I'm answering questions about art/my art/my artistic process for an ask game.

10. how do you deal with artblock?

well, poorly usually. I'm pretty bad at getting myself to draw on any given occasion even though I love it, so I tend to deal with art block by playing video games. (Though when this is unavoidable due to an assignment or commission, I just kind of,, make what I need to make even though I hate it.) I will say, it helps so much to engage with creative media. Admittedly, I'm pretty bad about getting myself to engage with anything outside of youtube, I'm always trying to be better about this. As a consequence, though, I've discovered that if I'm having bad art block, engaging with anything creative that *isn't* my primary method of creation, drawing, will often inspire me, even if the artblock doesn't go away. Watching a movie usually helps a lot. 13. talk about a wip you like!

Hm, this one is hard because I don't have a lot of WIPs in the sense of actually having anything tangible but unfinished. My stuff tends to either be entirely in my head or i've done it. With that in mind, I've been wanting to make art of me and my dad's Tavs (player characters in Baldur's Gate 3) for a while. I also have a dghda-related project that I'm working on which I *do* have tangible thumbnails for part of, but I'm waiting to share that for a while. As for something tangible yet unfinished that I *can* share...

I got into making isometric art back in June-ish last year. This is art of a building in a campaign I'm running that I never finished. Also, this character art of an NPC in that campaign

24. whats a compliment about your art that has always stuck with you?

this one is really hard to answer because I swear I have a brain like a sieve, but in general I know that I love when people scream in the tags of art I make. I enjoy being complimented on my use of color because that's something I really struggle with.

30. whats something you're proud of about your artstyle?

maybe anatomy? line texture? I dunno, I'm always trying to grow and do different things with my art, so it's hard to be like "I love X!" because it's all so prone to change. With that said, I love drawing noses, and I think that I wouldn't if I didn't like the style I tend to draw them in.

Thanks for the ask! Questions are from this post!

[singingcookie]

Fanfic Q&A!

Thank you for the tag @encyclopika, sorry I'm oh so very late getting back to it 😅

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

Good question uhhhh 55???? That seems like way more than I thought it would be....

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

523,858 words! Granted over half of that is just my slow burn story so lol

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Primarily I've written for My Hero Academia (40 out of the total 55). But I've also written for Kingdom Hearts, The World Ends With You, and more recently Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom.

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Oh that's a good question let's see...

Drops of Jupiter (829)

A Princess's Dilemma (381)

Within Arms Reach (378)

One Plus One Does Not Equal a Date (Probably?) (303)

I Roll to Seduce (296)

I'm...genuinely shocked one of my LoZ fics is up there??? And so high??? 1, 3, 4, and 5 are all from my hero fanfics which is not surprising and most of them are super old. Number 2 I only posted in June and it was my first fic for LoZ so that's...interesting to say the least.

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to! The last year or so I've had a hard time working up the energy or finding the words to respond to comments, sometimes. But whenever I do gather up the energy to do it, I tend to answer everything in my inbox in one fell swoop! And I always really appreciate getting them so tbh sometimes I feel bad that it can take so much energy to reply....

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Oh gosh idk if I have anything that qualifies as an angsty ending lol. Maybe Tarantism (a KH fic) because it's supposed to be feelsy and then the ending is one of those "it's just a dream" things haha.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Happiest...probably A Family's Orbit? The story has married izuocha with their first kid who they're not sure when or if she'll have a Quirk of her own. But the one-shot ends pretty happy.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

Hmmmm I've gotten a handful of complaints on Drops of Jupiter, on occasion. Usually just people telling me I'm going too slow (when I put in the author's notes of the very first chapter that it's "the slowest of slow burns" smh). Or this one time someone told me I didn't give Deku enough victories in the fic and it would be way better if I did.

Outside of that though, I can't think of any on my other stuff. I've been blessed with very kind commentors, I think.

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

I've written a couple for Izuocha. But yknow usually, in all honesty, I've only ever written smut out of spite? The two fics I have (Burning Heat and Homecoming) were written in opposition to fandom tendencies at the time. Mostly everyone was talking about Izuku like someone who was a sex addict/sex god and Ochako was just kind of there. And I said "actually I think Deku's on the ace spectrum and probably mostly just cares about pleasing his partner than anything" and thus they were born. I haven't reread them in ages though that said lol

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

Generally, no. However, about a year or so ago I got really into twewy again because I had just finished playing NEO:The World Ends With You. So I came up with a concept that kind of meshes twewy's concept with the my hero world? I only have one chapter posted of Death By Proxy so far, but I have an outline and little details written down whenever I'm in the right headspace for it. For what it's worth, you don't really need to know about twewy to read it, because Izuku finds out how everything works at the same time you do lol

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not to my knowledge. Here's hoping it stays that way lol

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not that I know of? I've never been asked about it anyway.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Not explicitly? I feel like I help out my friends with their stories and vice versa, but not really.

Oh!

Although once upon a time me and a friend (you know who you are) wrote a KH fanfic together but I guess that was moreso just for us than anything else lol

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

Probably Izuocha, just going by the numbers.

15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

Hmmm probably Eri-sitting? I really want to finish it at some point, and I posted the first part with every intention of doing it. But I never figured out the way I wanted to start chapter 2. Maybe someday though. Also!!! I did start writing a fanfic based off of heroes of the dark, but I didn't end up finishing it because it contrasted how the story ended and I thought completing that would be in poor taste with that said lol

16. What are your writing strengths?

Hmmm I've always found dialogue and characterization comes easier to me than I think it does to most others? There's always been discussions I've seen where people are like "oh sometimes the characters just do what they want" and I've never really...had that happen? Or at least not in a way that completely alters a story like I've seen people say. Little actions or pieces of dialogue that take me by surprise, sure, but like never anything that completely alters a plot beat I had planned. But usually at least for me, the plot beats are so centered around who they are or how they act that the odds of them veering off course are incredibly slim, if that makes sense

God I'm rambling uh dialogue and characterization I guess was my point haha.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Probably description is the thing I have the hardest time with. Some people are so good at writing a setting and making everything seem so like immersive in that way. For me, I don't see the point in describing something unless it's like relevant and so my description tends to be very to the point.

Also estimating a story's length. Usually I come up with a concept and then I'll say "oh yeah this'll only be this long" and then I start writing and writing and realize I had a lot more to say than I thought I did initially. This has happened a handful of times now haha

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic.

I definitely don't see anything wrong with it. I usually only do it for small phrases, myself, but partially because I'm not fluent in anything except for English. And I generally try to do some research or I'll check with friends if I have any who speak the language I'm using.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Kingdom Hearts! Back in the days of yore, yours truly actually wrote KH retellings with OCs back on quizilla lmao. I wrote quite a lot back then although with how long it's been most of the things I posted on there don't exist anymore. But that was back during 8th grade when I started.

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

Oh hmm I don't know. I feel like favorites is tough because I like a lot of my stories but for different reasons. I'm exceedingly proud of Drops of Jupiter for example. And I think it's been a true adventure to write and does have some of my best work in it as a result.

But I also think some of the prose and concepts I've made for Call From the Wild has a special place in my heart. It's very different from...basically anything else I've ever written because most ever other fic is "modern" in a manner of speaking and this was my first time writing something that's...decidedly not lol. I also think I'm fond of it because it's adhering to canon while allowing me the creativity to come up with how certain things happened since the details before the Calamity in botw are pretty limited...

Basically I guess my favorite kind of fic I've written is anything that really allows me to go nuts creatively.

Thanks so much for sending this! I don't have anyone in particular I want to tag, but if any of my followers fill it out, please tag me so I can see it!

[implausiblyjosh]

TEW 2020: Let's At Least Run One Show

Last time we booted up TEW 2020, we did all the setup stuff. We defined our player character (Poppy, a real-life pop star), made our company, hired workers, made some title belts, and... that was basically it! (Last post here)

It's now the middle of June 2023. What's the plan for our first show?

Well, one of our bigger "gets" was The Voros Twins (Da Vinky???), which I think tells us one direction we should go in: tag teams.

The Voros Twins are heels (bad guys), and while we do have some faces (good guys) to put in a team (I've put Amazing Red & Samuray del Sol into a team called "Amazing Sol") I think it may be a good idea to look for some tag teams who are available to work for us.

While we wait for people to get hired, let's look at our Storylines. Our product type wants storylines, and I think what I really want is a "Good Guy Group vs. Bad Guy Group" thing going on at the start. We've established that Poppy is an on-screen personality, and we've floated the idea of Shane McMahon as some "outsider CEO type" last time, so let's go with that?

I've got another idea with this, as well. What if we tie in The Voros Twins? So Shane has brought in The Voros Twins (and other heels) to try and take over True Power Wrestling, while Poppy will bring in her good guys (Amazing Sol and other faces) to stop the takeover.

Something we should talk about, while I'm thinking about it, is "Perception". In previous TEW games, you could just tell the game "I think this person is a Main Event level talent" or, crucially, the game could tell you. This would fluctuate, and you can push someone or manually go in and make adjustments, but the game "knew" where to put people for the most part when you're just starting out. This is not how it works in TEW 2020. In this game, it's all about crowd perception, and there's no way for you to flag in-game where you, the owner/booker, think a talent should be.

Take for example Shane McMahon. Let's assume he was actually wrestling for us. Based on his popularity (59 Pop across the US) and his skills, he would probably be a main event talent. In TEW 2016, there's a drop-down I can select and put him there, which will help me with my organization and booking of shows down the line. In TEW 2020, despite the fact that people know who Shane McMahon is (remember, Popularity of 59/100 in the US!), and despite the fact that the in-game news reports on my company and all other wrestling companies, Shane McMahon has yet to get a perception rating.

Now, I get what this is trying to approximate. This system is trying to play out the difference between what the owners/bookers see (ex. Roman Reigns is The Big Star, he's gonna be on TV all the time) and what the fans see (ex. Roman Reigns doesn't have it, they are pushing him too hard and he just kinda sucks, we don't wanna see him on TV). The problem is that they've only allowed one part of that equation any form of categorization. Yes, I can get a notebook out and write out who belongs in what tier, but that's not useful when I'm trying to search through people. Right now it's manageable, we've got maybe 20 people total that we've hired. What happens when you play as a company as big as WWE? How do you go and filter for Main Event talent from your roster of like 50+ wrestlers? Not people the audience sees as a star, people you have labeled a star? You can't. There's no way.

Anyways, this is all to say that apparently my audience will not have a single sense or idea of what kind of talent Shane McMahon is until the day of the show or until I pre-book a segment/match, despite the obvious information in-game to the contrary. So, let's pre-book a match.

But first, let's make a dang event.

Not too much going on here, but this is how we set the specifics of our show. I'm gonna name the event TPW - Power Zone I, it will be 1 hour long, and it will happen on the last Saturday of every month. Tickets will be cheap so we get more people coming out to our shows, and we'll spend a bit of money to get better sets. Also, for now, this will not be put on TV in any capacity. We couldn't even get on public access lol

Now that we have an event, let's pre-book a match!

I've decided the match I want to pre-book will be that tag team match we've been talking about. Even though we're likely to get more people hired on before the show, I really want to have this one match ready to go. So I've selected 2 Vs. 2 from the left, clicked the boxes in the center bottom to add my wrestlers, then clicked on "Road Agent Notes" to explain how the match should go.

This is going to be a 15 minute match between The Voros Twins and Amazing Sol. One of the Amazing Sol guys will win, and the goal of this match should be to further the storyline they're involved in. Click pre-book and... uh-oh, apparently none of these guys can call a match in the ring, according to this game. Okay, change that to "scripted beforehand", and the pre-booking will go through.

Now that I've pre-booked a match, I get to finally see those perceptions! What does our audience think? That The Voros Twins are unimportant. Great.

Now, this isn't that big a deal. I can keep pushing them as main event talent, and if they perform well then the audience will see that. But... sucks that I couldn't have known any of this before this moment! Good thing we're having the twins lose, cause apparently the audience loves Amazing Sol!

With all that done, it's time to finally advance time.

We are finally at the screen that will handle our show! These show screens happen the "night" of the show happening. Now, in this screenshot it says we don't have a backstage incident, and that's cause I took the screenshot late. We did have one incident:

Neat. We have to acknowledge this incident before we actually run the show later, so we'll do that now. We do have "Absent Workers" highlighted, which tells us Shane McMahon is injured so he can't wrestle, Kylie Rae is on maternity leave, and Komander & Aero Star are working with AAA tonight). Guess we may have to find another night to run our shows for the future!

I've added my one match to the show, The Voros Twins vs. Amazing Sol, and I've used the "auto-booker" to generate more matches and angles for me. I really don't know how people view my roster, so I definitely need the help! After a touch of tweaking, here's the match card so far:

From first to last: 1. An Angle w/ Shane and Poppy (I imagine this to be an introduction to the "Shane wants to buy out True Power Wrestling") 2. El Hijo de L.A. Park vs Reyna Isis 3. Allysin Kay vs. Dragon Bane 4. An Angle w/ Big Swole & Frightmare (I imagine this is table setting for their match later on in the card) 5. The Voros Twins vs. Amazing Sol 6. Angle w/ Poppy 7. Frightmare vs. Big Swole

There are some people being left off the card, so I think I'll have them be in a tag match for the post-show. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with this lineup! I'll click start show once I've made my final changes.

Every time a segment happens, we get this screen that gives us a breakdown of what happened and how it got rated. Here's our opening segment w/ Shane & Poppy, and we can see it got the crowd hotter and it started the show off hot. We'll get this for every single segment, but I won't show every single segment.

So. Our angles are good, but our matches... not so much. The thing that hindered most was that they were unscripted matches, and it doesn't seem like anyone on the roster has the skills to call the match in the ring. I'll need to change our settings to make every match scripted. Big Swole is now our True Power title holder, and Allysin Kay is our Rising Star title holder. Now I gotta make a speech and finish out this day.

I'm going to compliment Shane, Patrick Voros, and Black Taurus. Giving people positive feedback will improve their morale after a few times, which is great! You want your backstage morale high so things don't fall apart socially. Limiting the messups to "i am a bad booker" is much better than "i am a bad booker and everyone hates each other backstage".

And with that, our first show was run! In the news the next morning, there's an "article": True Power Wrestling held TPW - Power Zone I in Mid South, and drew 86 fans. The feedback has been very positive.

Looking at our budget, we lost about $25k and earned around $5k. At this rate, we lose about $20k per show, and it won't get better until we can draw more people in. Since no one even knows about our promotion, we're gonna be in the red for a lonnnng time at this rate. Once we get to 17 Popularity in the Mid South we'll move from "Insignificant" to "Tiny", which will hopefully bring in more viewers. Until then... we keep up this pace as best we can, and try and get popular.

Until then... See ya next time!

[msbarrows]

I posted 3,032 times in 2022

That's 378 more posts than 2021!

347 posts created (11%)

2,685 posts reblogged (89%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@katschy

@iapetusneume

@ltleflrt

@gingersnapwolves

@sarasa-cat

I tagged 3,024 of my posts in 2022

#tumblr - 250 posts

#no man's sky - 240 posts

#lol - 143 posts

#starships - 140 posts

#euclid galaxy - 133 posts

#the untamed - 117 posts

#this! - 115 posts

#also - 89 posts

#writing - 89 posts

#fanfiction - 82 posts

Longest Tag: 132 characters

#be very sad when i go to eat lunch and discovered what happens to a soft banana inside a lunch box that was used to bludgeon a bully

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

See the full post

38 notes - Posted July 21, 2022

#4

See the full post

39 notes - Posted October 22, 2022

#3

See the full post

50 notes - Posted June 13, 2022

#2

My latest gaming addiction - No Man’s Sky. Bought it on Steam in sales last week and after an initial “not sure if like or dislike” I’ve spent a disturbing number of hours running around and finding stuff and building mini-bases all over my starting solar system. This particular one is at the site of a crashed space freighter I’m salvaging stuff from (my only base so far in a second solar system is positioned at same). I have several sites I’ve named “Drydock” that were claimed just for the purpose of salvaging a wrecked ship and warping it to the space station to melt down for scrap (best haul so far netted me > 5 million units plus a storage upgrade for my own tiny ship). At some point when I have a lot more in the way of resources and technology, I might try actually repairing one of the crashed ships. Because why not.

I also like having bases handy to specific material types - like the one super-weird planet covered in coral-like desiccated creatures that are formed of both carbon and ferrite (two of the three main building materials, the other being silicate sand you can dig up anywhere), making it an awesome place to farm for more building materials any time I start running low. So much easier and faster than running around mining them from random plants and rocks on other planets, and I can just use my teleporter to step to there from any of my other bases if I need to gather more

So far if I had to describe my character I’d say they’re conflict-avoidant. Happy enough to just ignore the battles occurring around them, scavenge for salvageable crap, and build micro-bases. I am looking forward to unlocking more of the decor items so I can make bases that look comfortable, not just functional (I blame many years of playing The Sims for that interest...).

I’ve barely set foot outside my starting system yet, and don’t really have any interest so far in following the main storyline assignments or getting into any fights. I’ve only killed one pirate so far - mostly I just scram away from them as fast as my tiny ship can go - but I may beef up my weapons and shields a little, because being randomly attacked when I’m just minding my own business mining asteroids (for gold so I can build more solar panels) is getting old.

50 notes - Posted June 5, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

Been wanting this print from @theshitpostcalligrapher‘s Etsy shop for most of a year now; finally picked up a copy this month as a birthday present to myself.

I’ve put it in sight of my bed, so I’ll see it first and last thing every day, and some day (hopefully soonish) when I get my shit together enough to move out into my own place again, I will probably make a point of it being the first decorative item I set out.

(Also I love the pretty tiled frame I bought to put it in)

222 notes - Posted August 15, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[calamitascalliope]

I've said this stuff in the tags of a few posts recently, but I figured I'd put all my thoughts on Homestuck: Beyond Canon in one post so I can go back to it if I end up accidentally predicting anything.

I'm tentatively hopeful, but I also recognize that this new team is still working with everything that happened originally in HS^2 and the Epilogues, and that holds some of my biggest gripes with post-canon. While I don't think it is impossible to overcome those problems going forward, it's gonna be tough and I can see the new team not addressing them or even making them worse.

Also, the writing is slightly mixed. It is definitely better than og post-canon, and it even tops a lot of og homestuck, but there are parts that really pulled me out of it.

Referencing memes is something og Homestuck did a lot, and I didn't like it back then and I hate it just as much now. Terezi referencing the berries and creme shit and the how hungry meme really pulled me out of it, and felt very jarring and not too funny. Tho I will say that Sollux No Bitches was actually good, and I think that is because it felt like something he would say without knowing what the meme was.

Outside of the meme shit, the writing was pretty good. Definitely some of the best homestuck writing there's been, and leagues ahead of HS^2. I never thought I'd see John and Sollux carry a scene together but it was great.

Now for some hopes I have for the future

Apparently a lot of the team are Jade fans, so I'm really hoping this story can treat her well for once. HS^2 started that by having her break free from Alt Calliope's control in probably the best scene in HS^2. I'm very hopeful for Meat Jade, so I'm really only looking with caution towards Candy Jade. Her husband has been uploaded into a robot and gone rogue, her kid has been kidnapped, and she's just had a really embarrassing secret revealed to her friends. There is a chance the narrative takes a really cruel turn with her, so I'm nervous but hopeful.

Staying on Jade stuff, we need to give Yiffany a new name. Give her a nickname like Vrissy, have her change her name, anything please. Just call her Tiffany, I beg you.

Make June happen. If I'm being honest, June should've happened all the way back in the Candy Epilogue. That was the perfect moment for it narratively. Make June happen and make it good, please.

Make Kanaya an actual character. In Meat she is at her best, but she is still very quiet and very one note sadly. Her wanting to go on a quest of vengeance to get back her wife and beat up Dirk is great, and I hope they lean more into her anger this time instead of her just being sad and quiet. Candy is definitely the worst of Kanaya. I'm not opposed to the Rose cheating thing, but I have two main problems with it. First, the framing it as Rose just doing it as a friend to Jade. It would be much more interesting if there was some sort of emotion there, but whatever that ship has sailed. My second problem is with Kanaya just taking it without any problems. She just kinda shrugged and went whatever. I want to see Kanaya actually do something and vocalize what she wants. Please

Finally, I want them to treat Jane better. I'm going to be honest. This is one of most likely not going to happen at all. Candy Jane has been shoved neatly into the evil villain role, and I can't see a way for them to dig her out of that. Maybe they could do something with Meat Jane, but I have no clue if they are going back to Meat Earth C. They were doing stuff with that in the patreon exclusive comics back in the day, but I can 100% see them dropping those storylines to focus all their efforts on the main story. If they somehow do something good with Jane, I will be over the moon, and this entire mess will have been worth it.

[junietuesday]

Okay so I usually don’t make original posts but I had to say something about the closing of BMC. I am genuinely devastated. I’d always liked musicals, but it was just a casual enjoyment -- I rocked to the music but I never listened to the songs closely or got involved with the actual stories behind them. Musicals weren’t anything to get passionate about.

But then came Be More Chill.

I found BMC through a comment on “Waving Through a Window”. Someone was calling WTaW the perfect anthem for social anxiety, and another person replied “No, Michael in the Bathroom is a better one”. (Personally, I don’t agree -- WTaW shows the truth of living with social anxiety better in my opinion, while MitB is a single panic attack -- but I digress.) I’d seen the song recommended around a few times, but I’d never really paid attention to it -- I guess the cover didn’t really catch my attention or whatever, and honestly, “Michael in the Bathroom” doesn’t sound like the most riveting tune. But that comment piqued my curiosity, so when Michael in the Bathroom appeared after the video finished, I clicked on it. I was immediately sucked in by those iconic notes -- B A G# C# B E E -- and I stared at my screen with wide eyes as George Salazar sang about picking at grout and drunk girls singing along to Whitney and then wishing you were never born. It was such a relatable song, I could feel Michael’s panic attack. I was hooked, and immediately looked up the rest of the soundtrack. It was the same as with MitB -- I became absolutely obsessed. The music was incredible and swung from catchy to heartwrenching and back again and both at once. I absolutely fell in love with the characters in a way I’d never done before, and purely organically. (I discovered Harry Potter, my main fandom at the time, through my parents.) I related so hard to Jeremy and his anxiety and being hyper-aware of all your social interactions and just wishing you could be more. I related to Michael about acting chill and happy and then it all crashing down around you in one instant. I related to Christine about being the weird one who escaped real life into your passions. I played the soundtrack over and over and over again. I couldn’t get enough.

So, of course, I looked up “Be More Chill fanart”. Easy place to start, right?

And what did I find in the tags that Google recommended but “mahal kita”. I remember thinking “okay, why is there Tagalog here? does anyone even know what it means?” But I brushed it off as something in-universe, or something for an aesthetic, or well, something unrelated to the Tagalog words for I love you, until a few weeks later I went onto the AO3 tag for Be More Chill (that was the first time I properly touched AO3, before that I was on FFN which had no BMC content; yes, I know, FFN, don’t judge). I was somewhat overwhelmed by the amount of fics and no idea where to start (because at least I was familiar with the HP fandom despite the enormous amount of content), so I hit “sort by kudos”. Which lead me to “is this a forest (’cuz there sure is a lot of pine)” by @actualbird​, or reptilianraven on AO3.

“How do you say ‘I love you’?” Jeremy asks in the summary. A few lines later, Michael replies, “Mahal kita. I love you in Tagalog is mahal kita.” And in the tags read “alternate title: the author is filipino and having so much fun”.

I was genuinely shocked. I’d never seen anything about Filipinos anywhere, or anything having to do with the Philippines at all. Until then I’d settled for Asian representation in general, resigned to (though I barely even knew it; I thought I was perfectly happy with) projecting onto the Chinese and Japanese or just vaguely Asian characters that, though still pretty rare, were far more abundant than Filipinos. So, of course, I had to click on the fic. (Funny thing is, I was on vacation visiting my relatives in the Philippines at the time I started really falling into the BMC fandom.)

As soon as I read the first few lines, I felt seen in a way I never had before.

“Michael’s Tagalog is conyo at best. He can understand Tagalog with no problem, but don’t count on him to string together a sentence in it without having to resort to the kind of Taglish that he’s sure would make his mom wince.”

“It’s me!” I remember thinking with excitement buzzing through me furiously. “Oh my God someone understands!” I promptly devoured the fic. I remember sitting on the floor of the guest bedroom of my tita and tito’s house in the outskirts of Manila, laughing so hard at “gago means best friend” and crying at “meron ba akong ginawa” and, just, I can barely describe what it was like. A Filipino character! An actual Filipino character, and one that I could relate to! I knew these experiences! I knew what they were talking about! I knew! I understood! (Though I do remember being slightly smug in the back of my mind about not needing the translations in the A/Ns lmao, I like to think I’ve grown out of that but well) 

Then I zoomed through the rest of the fandom, and what do you know, but Michael was always, always Filipino. Even if it was just a throwaway “the Filipino boy” or something like calling his mom “ina” (back then I’d take literally anything I could get), it wasn’t a question that Michael was from the Philippines. And then there were the people that really did put effort into learning about at least the basics like lolo/lola or ube rolls (one of the fics I remember most vividly having good rep is "meek shall inherit” by yellow_caballero, there was a line like “I’m Filipino we’re all religious” and I literally snorted). And when I got a Tumblr account (yes, I was pretty sheltered, I hadn’t touched anything outside of the Harry Potter section of FFN), I saw pieces of art where Michael speaks Tagalog. It was such an experience that I honestly do not know how to articulate. Even typing these paragraphs, I’m tearing up at the memories of reading these fics and feeling, for the first time in my life, truly seen. It also gave me the courage to be openly and proudly Filipino here, because otherwise, I’m pretty sure I would have just presented myself as vaguely American and hidden my ethnicity. (I will say that after the novelty’s worn off, there are issues with Michael’s portrayal, but honestly any representation at all is enough to make me satisfied after a lifetime of literally zero Filipino characters.)

Oh, and speaking of Tumblr. I only made one because I saw cool incorrect quotes and shitposts and such through the images search on Google, but I couldn’t actually see everything to see because I didn’t have an account. I’d thought about making a Tumblr before, but Be More Chill was really the push that got me to join. When I sat there with a whole new app in front of me, I was kind of overwhelmed by “what should I do?”. In the end, I decided to look up “aromantic” after seeing the word on a screenshot of a Tumblr post, and then things only continued from there. I’m sure that if I hadn’t discovered BMC, then I would have not even an inkling that I wasn’t straight. If not for Tumblr, and BMC in a roundabout way, then I would have no clue that the term angled aroace lesbian even existed, let alone that it could be me. So that’s a pretty big impact of the show right there.

Back to the actual source material. I’d arrived pretty late to the fandom, so the Broadway transfer from off-Broadway had already been announced. But I was around for Be More Chill actually going to the Lyceum, and seeing posts about all the new additions to the show, and then opening night. I managed to stay away from most of the drama, thankfully, by just lurking -- I consumed fic and art and planned some stories of my own (a ton are sitting in my drive, partly completed) and hung out on the BMC official Twitter and visited the accounts of George Salazar stans (as of now I’m surrounded more by Will Roland stans though).

Speaking of stans. Be More Chill was the sole reason how I found the artists whose work I will probably keep with me the rest of my life. Joe Iconis’s music touched me in a way no others have done before. Stephanie Hsu is such an inspiration, she’s a wonderful role model for Asian young women. George Salazar was one of the first actors ever to make a meaningful impact on my life, and the first Filipino I’ve ever been able to really look up to (and he’s the reason why Michael is headcanoned as Filipino too, which was how all that Filipino representation happened). Will Roland and his work (whether on BMC, DEH, or his performances filmed on phones in the deep pits of YouTube) will forever hold a place dear in my heart. Honestly, all of the cast and crew and creators of Be More Chill are so important to me. And Be More Chill was also the reason how I found other musicals that have touched my heart. I only really started digging into the Broadway fandom after Be More Chill, and it’s how I found The Prom, Lizard Boy, Fly by Night, Ordinary Days, and so many more musicals that I’ll never forget.

Okay, back to the source material again, for real this time. I remember absolutely devouring any and all content with the cast (Pac-Man Tattoo anyone? they were the only redeeming quality of my Tuesdays, it was when I had gym and I am Not Athletic). I remember desperately wanting a vinyl version of the soundtrack after watching that unboxing video with Joe Iconis and George Salazar. I remember absolutely freaking about the Philippines patch on Michael’s bows jacket. I remember being so proud of the show making it through the power of fandom. I also remember requests for maybe a Broadway cast album?

Which actually happened! I remember screaming internally when I saw the news, and then when they put the new “More Than Survive” on YouTube I clicked on it and wow-ed at the upgrade, then searched frantically “first look at bmc obcr”, leading me to versions of Michael in the Bathroom, Pitiful Children, I Love Play Rehearsal, and The Smartphone Hour. 

And then I remember buzzing all of May 3rd and staying up til midnight (it was a Thursday), and then reloading and reloading YouTube and searching “bmc obcr” until finally a playlist popped up. Most of the views were under 200, some under 100 when I watched; I sat there in my bed with my laptop on top of a pillowpet and my headphones clamped on my ears, and I just sat there, and let the music wash over me. I closed all my tabs, the lights were off, the entire night was dedicated to the recording. I recognized all the changes, and found ones I loved and ones I loved less so, and I distinctly remember hearing the first few notes of Voices in My Head, in that new key that made the song more triumphant than cheerful, and crying about how far we’d come through the rest of the song. I showed up to school the next day with maybe 5 hours of sleep but it was so worth it.

And now we’re here. Typing this post because the show is ending its Broadway run. I feel like this didn’t quite do my experience justice, because I honestly do not think I’d be the person who I am today without Be More Chill. The show has truly changed my life in ways I can’t describe. I learned so much through this musical, about myself and about the world, and I’ve met so many wonderful people through it. I’m devastated that the show is closing and that I’ll never get a chance to see the musical that touched my heart in this way, but honestly, what I have right now -- the fandom, the cast recordings, the videos -- will be enough because that’s what changed my life, not seeing the show live.

[hardestgrove]

I've been really into your Harrington siblings AU with @officialjoekeery could you tell me a litt bit about Shannon Harrington like her personality, age, and relationship w/ Steve? Also may I please use her for my own headcanons for Steve's family I'll tag you if you'd like?

first off, yes ofc you can use Shannon in your headcanons and things! I'm honored you even want to to begin with! this blog is currently still glitched out of being like, findable or viewable outside of the dash so i'd recommend tagging my main @namorian for now if you want to be sure i'll actually see anything lol 💀

SO ON TO THE HOT SHANNON DEETS!!!!

I've finally done some math on her age since Ria's already sorted out the brothers 💀 her birthday is June 15 1968, she's a Gemini and she's about 2 years younger than Steve and in Nancy's year. She's also 5ft with a gymnastics kind of athletic build since she's the one they hurl around in cheer. Overall she's very petite, except her hair ofc. Big hair is a Harrington family trait lol.

Her personality is like, stereotypical insane teenage girl to comical levels. Characters that she's similar to are people like Cordelia Chase from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alison DiLaurentis from Pretty Little Liars (early seasons when everyone thinks she's dead and all the flashbacks of her are Fucked Up lol), Damon Salvatore from The Vampire Diaries, Mona-Lisa Saperstein from Parks & Rec and Megan from Drake & Josh to give like a vibe palate lol.

At her best self she's Cordelia— she's intelligent, caring, determined and brutally honest. Some of Cordelia's best and most character defining lines are "Tact is just saying not true stuff", "You think I'm never lonely because I'm so cute and popular? I can be surrounded by people and be completely alone. It's not like any of them really know me." and "I'm not a sniveling, whiny, little cry-Buffy. I'm the nastiest girl in Sunnydale history. I take crap from no one." All of those really do also apply to Shannon, they're 100% things she could and would say. When she's at her best and healthiest she's a Massive Bitch™ but she's your Massive Bitch™ and she loves and protects the people she considers hers aggressively and she doesn't lie to anyone just to make them feel better. She can and will fight anyone and she'll win.

At her worst she's like Alison or Damon, just this selfish bordering in sociopathic, needlessly mean, manipulative and just...The Worst™. Just a petty spiteful bitch who alleviates her own boredom and issues by torturing people for fun. She rarely feels bad about it and never apologizes. She's a Bitch (derogatory) and kind of a monster. Like she's not a very insecure person, she's actually very comfortable in how great she is, but she's also intimately aware that she lacks direction in life and that most people around her don't actually like her. Even at home there's an air of "ugh it's my turn to look after Shannon? GREAT :/" which naturally does not make one feel awesome.

Where Steve has internalized his issues with loneliness as "there's something wrong with me and that's why people don't want to be around me" Shannon's internalized it as "people will never understand me because I'm too much for them, I'm too different and better than them. That's why they don't stay." and it shows in how they interact with the world. She feels very comfortable being the Worst™ because well, she kinda is a small fish in a big pond and she knows she can be a monster and still have people begging to be near her. She's learned that her outbursts and bad behavior get her more rewards than her good behavior so she's just gonna keep rolling with that until it stops being true.

She craves attention and will do a lot of things to get it. She's very funny as part of gaining and maintaining attention.

When she was first conceived of and it was just her and Steve as the siblings there was a kind of unspoken knowledge that a big part of why she was even born was the "they can entertain each other" aspect, like going to the pound and getting another cat/dog to keep your existing pet company while you're at work. Steve was the golden boy and even then he wasn't given much attention and she was just kind of There. She's never held this against Steve since he's you know... not really getting a much better shake than she is but it's absolutely present in her behaviors like the attention seeking and manipulation.

With the addition of more brothers she's less of the "extra" and more "The Girl™" and much of the attention and special treatment she gets is because she's The Girl, not because she's a preferred child. It's just because it's assumed girls need different things than boys. There's a lot of assumptions made by their parents about her, her interests, her personality etc because she's The Girl™. And while she is very feminine and does like many traditionally feminine things it's just very reductive and ignores her actual strengths and her genuine struggles. Her social life is not really respected, her hurt is not really seen as valid etc etc because she's a Teen Girl. That last bit applies whether or not she's got 1 or 4 brothers but it's more blatant and intense when they've had 4 boys before her.

Shannon's relationship with Steve is probably the healthiest and most genuine in her entire life. She loves all her brothers a lot and genuinely loves to be around them and bother them but Steve's basically always been the one saddled with her so he's the one she's the closest with. It also helps they're the closest in age and go to school together. When it's just them and no other siblings they 100% did entertain and keep each other company just like it was kind of intended they would. They are unironically each other's best friend.

Steve is one of the very few people who can clap back on Shannon for her shitty behavior and have her actually then feel bad and apologize and try and do better (the others are her brother and heather). She really loves and looks up to Steve. She knows she's a very tough to swallow personality even when she's toning it down and plenty of people have decided she's not worth the struggle. Steve gets annoyed and exasperated and even angry sometimes but he still sticks around and hangs out with her. She teases him and annoys him and is just an utter menace to him but it's out of love and he understands that and bitches and moans and retaliates and gives her a big hug at the end of the day because she's an annoying little shit but she's his annoying little shit.

It's why she has SUCH a grudge against Nancy— like to the point she WOULD fight Nancy in the halls. Shannon is very aware of Steve's soft gooey center— having spent her whole life taking advantage of it— and she really can't stand how that relationship ended and what it did to Steve's self-esteem/image/worth. She really hates anyone/thing that makes Steve think he's shit. Like even SHE doesn't do that, not really. Like she'll call him stupid and then ask him to help her solve a problem. Of the two of them, Shannon is the more academically successful but she's always turning to Steve for help and advice and returns that favor when/where she can. Like we're not gonna get into the bloodbaths of Steve's senior year in the Harrington house, Shannon was ready to come over the table for their dad lol.

[cockroachmotherfucker10]

PRIDEFALL UPDATE: real or fake?

What is Pridefall?

Operation Pridefall, also known as Project Pridefall or simply Pridefall, refers to an attack planned by /pol/ (a political discussion board on the anonymous website 4chan) for all of June, AKA Pride month. The original 4chan thread, which has since been deleted, was primarily focused on “redpilling,” i.e. spreading queerphobic propaganda to make people question the LGBTQ+ community. However, now that it has spread outside 4chan, there are threats of harassing, doxxing, and outing queer people (especially minors) on social media, spamming gore and rape videos in private messages and Pride tags, and even kidnapping, assaulting, or killing queer people in real life.

Specific targets include Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and dating apps. The goal is to go after smaller accounts so the queerphobia isn’t lost in the comments.

Is Pridefall real?

Yes and no.

I searched “pridefall” on 4chan last night. Apparently any new threads on it are being deleted, and anytime someone mentions it, everyone calls them slurs and says no one is doing it.

However, Pridefall is gaining some traction on Instagram--I have seen it for myself. I don’t have TikTok or any dating apps, but I’ve heard that some people are spamming homophobia on TikTok. As for Twitter, I only looked briefly, but I saw some Pridefall accounts there, as well as a lot of warnings and blocklists from people who are worried about it.

I’ve also heard that there have been a few Reddit and Discord raids, and that there is an Operation Pridefall Discord server (someone who spied on them says they have been banned on Discord as well as a platform called Riot before, so very few people are left on the Discord server now).

What do you think, Lia?

This is not coming from 4chan. No one on 4chan is interested anymore.

Most likely, people outside of 4chan heard about it and decided to take matters into their own hands.

The original 4chan thread wanted to make Pridefall “normie-palatable” by avoiding Nazi imagery or other overt unpleasantness, but I have seen a LOT of both on Instagram. This reinforces my belief that 4chan isn’t doing this.

A lot of the people behind this are young, or at least unsophisticated. Most of the Pridefall accounts on Instagram engage in very childish trolling, and one of them said they were a minor. Some of the threats I’ve seen are so outlandish that I can only imagine they came from a fairly young person.

My guess? Most of these people are around 13-19.

There are also very few of them and some of them probably have multiple accounts. Anti-Pridefall accounts outnumber them by far.

However, on Instagram I’ve seen Pridefall accounts following each other and commenting on each other’s posts, so there may be a few groups working together.

A lot of this shit is going to get deleted. I know Instagram is working through reports very slowly right now because they have fewer people available due to COVID-19, but most of the worst accounts I saw last night were deleted by this morning. I saw some more accounts deleted today.

Most, if not all, of these Pridefallers are just trying to scare us. Because they’re probably quite young, there’s very few of them, their accounts keep getting deleted, and law enforcement can track online activity, there is no way they have the balls or resources needed to coordinate major attacks.

There is a very, very slight chance this could spill over into real life, but as long as you practice basic online safety, you will be fine.

That being said, if you are threatened or doxxed by a Pridefall account, PLEASE contact the police. Better safe than sorry.

I do think that the threat of being doxxed or outed is more real than the threat of being attacked. I have already seen one Pridefall account who posted a trans boy’s address on Instagram (he is okay, he posted recently) and another who posted someone else’s address.

There is little chance this will last throughout Pride month. Apparently the goal is for Pridefall to worsen until the end of June, but given that this is most likely just some vastly outnumbered teenage trolls who are bored in quarantine, I seriously doubt they’ll be able to stay interested for a whole month.

This might not be as big on Tumblr. Tumblr is a lot more anonymous than, say, Instagram, which will hopefully deter would-be doxxers. It’s also known to be a highly liberal and queer-friendly site, so any Pridefaller with half a brain cell should know that A) their content is sure to be outnumbered and reported (only us Tumblr users know how bad staff is at deleting questionable stuff), and B) anyone with the original goal of “redpilling” is sure to fail here. Plus, I only remember seeing few, if any, mentions of Tumblr on Pridefall planning threads.

Still, expect to see some Pridefall activity here. Unsurprisingly, not all of these Pridefallers have half a brain cell. Some of them will definitely be unable to resist the lure of a community as openly queer as Tumblr, and we’ve all seen or heard about doxxing, harassment, gore, Nazis, and queerphobes on here. Also, 4chan has historically had some beef with Tumblr, so young teenage boys who idolize 4chan may target us for that reason.

How can I stay safe?

If you have any social media accounts where you A) have posted identifying personal information, and B) are openly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community (especially if you’re queer yourself), put them on private for June. Any other accounts are probably fine to stay public.

If you need a private Tumblr, you can make a password-protected secondary account and only share the password with mutuals you trust.

It is probably okay to be openly queer on a private account (e.g. have pronouns/rainbow emojis in your Instagram bio), since a private account is not likely to be doxxed. But if you want to be extra careful, remove queer identifiers from anything that is publicly visible.

Use Pridefall blocklists. They’re all over Instagram and Twitter. I may repost some here.

Report any Pridefall accounts you see. This is VERY important because this is how we can actually get rid of Pridefall content.

DON’T RESPOND TO ANY PRIDEFALLERS WHO PERSONALLY INTERACT WITH YOU. I know it’s tempting to give a snarky reply, but if they message you, comment on your post, etc, just block them. Seriously, don’t feed the trolls. It's exactly what they want.

Make sure your password game is strong. Use a different password for every site (I know, I know, it sucks), and use passwordmeter.com to test their strength. Write them all down on a piece of paper.

Make sure your username game is strong. Don’t use the same username for multiple sites, and avoid putting personal information in your username, such as your name or birthday.

Do NOT open random links!! Pridefallers could message you links that will give you viruses or track your IP address.

Don’t accept DMs or follows from people you don’t know. Pridefall accounts don’t always look like Pridefall accounts. Some of them are undercover.

Use a VPN. This is probably a little overkill unless you’re particularly at risk of being doxxed, but it will hide your IP address.

Be careful who you interact with. A lot of queer people on Instagram are DMing Pridefall accounts or commenting on their posts, but this could make you a target. As helpful as anti-Pridefall accounts are, you might even be targeted for following those.

Be wary of Pride tags. Unfortunately, a lot of Pridefall accounts plan to infiltrate tags commonly used by queer creators during Pride month. Use discretion when looking for queer content.

Be safe IRL. Lock your doors, lock your windows, be aware of your surroundings, don’t walk alone in poorly lit places, know basic self-defense, etc. Again, I absolutely do not think people will be attacked in real life, but you should be doing this shit all the time, not just in June. Thanks to COVID-19, you’re safer inside anyway!!

Make yourself hard to dox. Even though I have a very unusual first name (it's not really Lia), I am extremely hard to find online. I just went into an incognito browser window and searched my first and last name in quotation marks, but I didn’t find myself until page 4 of Google (and that result wasn’t even posted by me). I’m only half as careful as I could be, but here’s some of the things I do:

-I never use a picture of myself as my profile pic, except for Facebook and Instagram, which are both on the highest privacy settings possible.

-If I post identifying information on a public account (my college, my age, etc), I use a pseudonym or my first name only.

-On Instagram, I only use my first name, and I used special characters to type it, so you won’t find me if you search my name.

-On Facebook, I only accept friend requests from people I know. Most, if not all, of my Instagram followers are IRL friends, friends of IRL friends, and trusted Internet friends.

-If I’m really being paranoid, I’ll make a brand-new email account to sign up for a site. That way, my accounts aren’t all linked through one email address.

-Before I post a picture online, I delete the EXIF data with verexif.com, since EXIF data can hold GPS coordinates.

🌈 Stay safe, everyone.

You will not be harmed. You will be okay. Like cockroaches, we are survivors, and we will get through this!! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

-Mod Lia

[zombieweek-g]

Zombieweek’s Projects

I’ve realized that since I’m now producing a somewhat sizeable amount of content, I should probably have it sorted in an easily accessible way, so consider this that and some form of introduction.

I’m Zombieweek, also found on certain websites as Spicyasian, I’m a solo scantalator/fansubber who primarily works on Tokusatsu media.

All of my translation work can be found under the tag #Zombieweek translations 

I also have a dedicated website for all of my TLs at-

https://zombieweek.wordpress.com/ (Everything goes up on tumblr first because there’s a hole in my brain though)

Mywork includes:

Ultraman: Darkness Heels -Lili-

A spinoff manga of the Ultraman spinoff stage show Darkness Heels, focusing on a group of evil Ultras working together as “heroes”. The Manga focuses on Lili Archive, a soldier in the Terrorist Suppression Force on the alien planet Hus, where she meets Ultraman Belial and Camearra, before becoming involved in their conflict.

You can read my TL of Darkness Heels -Lili- at Mangadex, here: https://mangadex.org/title/8309963a-ec84-4fed-b5f6-efbeeee6fa3f/darkness-heels-lili

This series is technically still active and I have the bonus chapter from volume 2 in queue, but i don’t have anything to scan it with so I’m sort of stuck on that while i shop around for a scanner to “borrow”.

Avataro Sentai Donbrothers

Toshiki Inoue’s latest masterpiece, and also the 46th entry in the Super Sentai series.

Do I even need to explain this one? Probably, but you’re better off just watching the first ep yourself and making a judgement call there.

My donbros translations are all .ass script files which need to be applied to a supported raw. For most this means using an .mkv file video in a program like VLC, and then dragging the .ass file over the playing video. 

My tls will usually go up around 6-10 hours after an episode airs live.

All of my tls are archived on https://zombieweek.wordpress.com/

My tls will always go up under my aforementioned tag, as well as under the “#donbrothers” and “#avataro sentai donbrothers” tags.

Ultraman Nexus Manga

The manga adaptation of the 2004 Ultraman show, Ultraman Nexus.

This adaptation was originally published alongside the show’s original run in the televikun magazine, and got a digital release in June of this(2022) year. The complete book was actually originally published in 2015, but up until the digital release only low quality scans existed for it.

The entire manga is essentially just an insanely condensed version of the show itself, so there isn’t really any “new” content per say, outside of the final chapter, which was only published in that 2015 release, since the original show had its last block of episodes cancelled.

This is an ongoing translation that I’ve been behind on with rl stuff, but plan to pick up again soon. This tl is on temporary hiatus while I work on a collaborative TL with a different group. https://mangadex.org/title/503ce7a9-032a-4178-812d-fd089a755fd0/ultraman-nexus

Ultraman: Another Gene - Starting from ULTRAMAN GEED

A special Manga released on tsuburya imagination this year, with a preview chapter and a oneshot.

The oneshot focuses on a character named Kanaya Nyx, who finds himself in a similar situation to the original protagonist of Ultraman Geed. However this story takes place after the events of Ultraman Geed, and features the returning protagonist from Ultraman orb, Kurenai Gai. 

Unfortunately, because the oneshot is only available on Tsuburya Imagination, which is a japan exclusive service with about a dozen layers of region specific security, I’ve only been able to translate the preview chapter of the story. 

If anyone happens to both live in japan and have a premium imagination acc and wants to see the oneshot translated you could, you know-

Or you could just read the pv chapter on mangadex: https://mangadex.org/title/72b5a5e8-9573-423e-b41f-2b75cb193a0f/ultraman-another-gene?tab=chapters

Other Translations

So like I said at first, I also go by Spicyasian on certain sites, but I was really only talking about one site in particular, one site I can’t link here, and that you can’t even access without making an account and messing with your cookies a lot.

If you happen to do that though, and happen to use that certain site, you can find some short comics I’ve translated as spicyasian, along with some stuff I’ve done in collab with some bounty holders.

My Non-Translation work

Writing

Other than Translations, I’m also a semi-active (significantly less so than my tls) writer. Like my translation work, all my writing can be found under the tag “Zombieweek Scenarios”.

There really isn’t any cohesive story that the scenarios follow, and since all my experience writing is with scripts of plays, that’s how all of them are structured. 

Tags always contain content warnings, but I’m actively trying to find a better site to host them on.

Thats it!

I’ll be updating this list as I get new projects under my belt and keeping it pinned from now on.

If you ever have any questions about what I’m tling always feel free to send an ask or dm. I’m a one person team so projects come out at whatever rate I’m able to push them out at and i tend not to update on that sort of stuff.

[thedeathdoctor]

Kinktober Days 2, 3, and 4: Aphrodisiac, Thigh Riding, and Size Difference

Friday the 13th: Jason x Reader

Forbidden Nectar

Aka: sometimes you celebrate your actual 21st birthday by chilling in the woods behind your house with a Yeti tumbler full of Sangria and end up getting the best dick of your life by your local thicc stalker/slasher 

~Under the cut below~

You weren’t like the other girls, no matter how hard you tried. For you, high school had come and gone in the blink of an eye, and yet some of it still lingered in your mind. College was a chance to reinvent yourself, join in with a group of friends where you could grow into being a satisfied, competent woman. There, to some extent, you did. 

Joining a sorority was one of the few sporadic things you tried that managed to stick with you. During Fall Recruitment freshman year, you fell in love with Greek Life on campus, rushed, and accepted the invitation one of the sororities extended to you. Fundraising and outreach activities were your favorite; you had grown up with a passion for helping others, from Girl Scouts to food drives through your high school, you showed up for them all. However, you could never shake the nagging thoughts in the back of your mind, thoughts that insisted that the people around you didn’t like you as much as they seemed. 

Summers home felt especially isolating when you returned home for the break. You loved your parents and of course missed your dogs, but the difference between your busy college town campus and Yeehaw, New Jersey was like night and day. It took a few days to readjust to the change in pace when you returned. Time had a really funny way of standing still in Crystal Lake while you went to school for a whole nine months of the year. The same pickup truck stood watch over the corner store by your house as long as you could remember. At school, the surrounding towns seemed to be able to move entire roads around over break, leaving you reluctantly reliant on Google Maps to find the same pizza place you visited just four months ago. 

Crystal Lake’s lack of excitement and stimulation was good for recollecting your thoughts and having a place to just breathe. Happiness was found through the routine of everyday life and simple pleasures, like trading excess garden vegetables with family friends in town. You knew nearly everyone, and it warmed you when people would call out your name to wave hello. 

It wasn’t paradise though. Most of your tiny high school graduating class had stayed, trying to fill the few remaining positions at local businesses, while others yoked themselves to jobs in the next town over, the one that had a smattering of chain restaurants and a ghostly outlet mall. They all still had to drive places, and since Bill had passed, your parents were the sole auto mechanics in town. Crystal Lake was never a popular vacation spot, but several families routinely returned to their modest summer homes on the north shore, propping up the dwindling town. You helped around in the shop, freeing up your pa to tow cars when needed. Visitors tended to arrive in vehicles that were not as durable as promised, but that wasn’t their fault. 

“After all,” he would say, “people know when they fucked up. A lecture ain’t gon’ get them back on the road, but a hand up might.” 

He had never attempted college, nor did he want to, but you were surprised to find him more knowledgeable than some people you ran into on campus. Nothing incensed you more than snooty, middle-class students who widely looked down on “stupid hicks” like your father, as if they had the same opportunities out here and in suburbia. They didn’t know that they, too, were just one unexpected economic crisis away from being in the exact same situation, and you had long since stopped trying to change their minds.

The garage popped up first at the front of the property, closest to the road, and a private driveway led around a corner to the house. Your grandpa, Leon, had built the shop in the 40s with his pa, and ran it with a buddy of his. Grandma Susan had insisted it be built away from the house, as she “couldn’t get her beauty sleep with all that racket.” They had planted several saplings at the back, which had since grown into a beautiful row of oaks that mercifully shielded the house from the cacophony of power tools.

Gravel crunched under the truck’s tires as you turned into the driveway and pulled up behind the shop. A voice called out from the rear arch of the building, weary, but relieved. Matt, your older brother walked out, partially blinded by the patch of 2:00 sunlight though the canopy. You laughed as he shielded his eyes with one hand; the backwards baseball cap was as essential to his uniform as the filthy grey-blue jumpsuit was, but a pair of cheap wraparound sunglasses hung onto the collar swung with his every step, forgotten. 

“Hey Matt, catch!” 

Resting the paper bag of groceries on your hip, you swung the door of the Ranger closed and tossed the keys to your brother. 

“Mom needs these for dinner tonight, so I gotta take this in.” You gestured at the bag you had shifted into both arms. “Everything should be there, but the timing belts. Frank said they were on back order or something; should be back about Tuesday though!” Matt shrugged, after all, what could you do about absent parts. 

Patches of sunlight lit the driveway as you walked up towards the house. June was one of your favorite months here, where it was warm even in the shade of the woods, but the sun wouldn’t cook you alive if you were outside for too long. The front door was already unlocked, and two whirlwinds of fluff came barrelling through the door at your knees, and you steadied yourself against the doorframe. Jack and Willow were the two homebody dogs, greeting everyone who walked through the door with the same excitement every time. 

The smell of apples and sugar permeated the entire house, and you found a beautifully latticed pie cooling on the countertop as you set the grocery bag down. Taking the groceries out and laying them on the counter, you tore the paper bag in two and tossed the pieces at your pups. The click-click-click of their paws ended as they took the paper into the carpeted family room and began to shred them methodically. 

Following them, you found ma in the family room with them, curled up on the couch with her favorite book and a knit blanket. The curtains were half drawn, and her hearing aids lay on the side table underneath the dimmed lamp. Looking up from the worn cover, she smiled. “Thank you for running to the store for me, dear. I could have sworn I remembered everything for your birthday dinner tonight, but now I do. I know your pa gave you today off for your birthday, so I just need you back here ‘round six - six thirty to eat.” You responded by tapping your fingertips against your chin as you signed “thank you,” before raising your left and fluttering your “I love you” towards her before leaving. 

The screen door snapped at your heels as you walked through the back door. Past the wood shed, a long picnic table stretched out under a large oak. Nearing it, you took note of the excessive bird droppings and maddeningly long grass underneath that would absolutely tickle your calves. A mental note was made in your head to clean it down another day, and you meandered over to the edge of the woods. 

As you walked around, the thought occurred to you that you had never had any real desire to explore your own backyard more. As a child, you spent more time in town, around people, reaching out. Now, you just felt more of a yearning to connect with the home and land you grew up on. 

Twenty one was an important birthday, but just like all the ones before, this one felt more like an extended weekend here. Your friends had planned to celebrate, but that wouldn’t be until your trip to Colorado in mid-July. For now, you had the afternoon to yourself and a bottle of sangria that Catie had given you as you were packing for home. 

You returned to the house and took your half filled outdoors pack, poured some of the sangria into an empty green Thermos, and added it to the bag of stuff. A small access trail led from the edge of the backyard into the woods, and you set off. 

The trail forked at several junctions, every one of them marked with small colored dots spray painted on major trees. It was easier than having to upkeep sign markers as not many people needed to or even really went back here. Blue led down to the kayaks and the lake access, and you remembered racing Matt down the path to the dock as a child. Green led up the hill to the tree fort that Mark, your younger brother, and his friends had built with pa one weekend, back when you could still rest your elbow on his head if he stood still for long enough. Red led to the family plot, more occupied by well loved family pets than ancestors, thankfully. The path headed back to the house was better marked, dirty yellow hi-vis tags nailed to the trees in case you didn’t get back before dark. 

Further than that, you didn’t really know what lay beyond. You had never really wondered about it before, something that boggled your mind as you pressed forward. The trail became increasingly overgrown, and you were close to pulling out the brush machete that was in the pack, before you spotted a clearing up ahead. Brambles scraped along your calves as you tried to step over them and your thighs as you tried to skirt past a larger cluster. 

The clearing seemed to be an old campsite. A rusting fire pit sat near the center of the clearing; towards the left edge of the woods, and the remains of a small collapsed pavilion covered three or four rotting picnic tables. Rays of sunlight streamed down onto a relatively smooth patch of earth, as perfect a place as any to sit. 

Setting the bag down against the ground, you pulled out the rough, thick canvas blanket and shook it open. It covered enough of the ground for you to lay out with the Thermos and the book you were working on. It was a steamy romance novel, one of your truly guilty pleasures. The sangria, though sweet, left you feeling floatier than usual; you were so into the book that you practically breathed in every word off the page, and out here, you didn’t have to hide the blush across your cheeks. 

How you wished to come across a strong, kind man like that. The ones you had had the displeasure of meeting ranged from arrogant and abrasive to paranoid and reactionary. All they seemed to want was control, over her friends, her choices, her. No one lasted longer than a few careless hookups; they never seemed to care about your pleasure. They disliked how much time you spent volunteering, with friends, and studying. On the inside, you would give up everything in your life for the right person, but after meeting enough people, you didn’t believe anyone like that existed. 

You were so wrapped up in your fantasies that you didn’t notice the man watching you from the treeline. His hand rested on the handle of a sheathed machete that hung from the faded leather work belt at his waist. He had seen plenty of dumb teenagers desecrating the forest that was his home, but you weren’t doing anything close to that. You lay outstretched on a blanket, peaceful, enjoying the beauty of the clearing. Your feet slowly kicked back and forth in the air, flexing your thighs and calves. Every so often, your gaze would float off the page, looking past the book you held; he wondered what you were admiring so passionately. 

A ray of sunlight glinted off your hair, illuminating the golden streaks that were typically hidden. The blush across your face captured his attention, and your wistful eyes drew him in to you. To him, you were the epitome of beauty and purity, a sight both new and refreshing in these woods. A strange feeling wound through his body and settled in his groin. It demanded attention, and he pulled at the crotch of his pants, trying to alleviate the tightness there. 

When he returned his gaze to you, he found himself standing closer to you than before, no longer hidden by the brush. To his horror, he watched as you looked up from your novel, and noticed him standing there, hand still over his pants zipper. 

“Hi there,” you called out, “would you come sit with me? I swear I don’t bite…”

He was transfixed by the sound of your voice, how it cleared his mind of all thoughts of destruction and shame, and stepped closer. Surely, you would find him strange for wearing a mask, or for his marred skin, but you did not flinch as he approached. 

Despite your offering of space on the blanket beside you, he instead chose to sit on the very edge of it. Were it not for his dirty hockey mask, you would have bridged the gap between you two with a kiss. You offered him a smile, and showed him the book you were reading. The cover depicted a pretty woman swooning in the arms of a large, rugged man. Between the blush on your face as you held the book, and your eyes looking earnestly up at you, he realized what the feeling in his body was. He needed to please you. 

Shifting on the ground, he stretched out his legs, spreading them slightly. The tent that formed in his pants caught your attention; you rose to your knees and moved closer to him. That wasn't enough for him. His large hands wrapped around your waist and pulled you towards him, setting you down on his thigh. 

You placed your hands gently against his upper chest and settled on his thigh. Even through the fabric of your shorts and panties, he could feel the heat radiating from your sex. You gave off a distinctly sweet scent that filled his head with a light airiness. 

His thigh pressed nicely up against your clit and his hands slid down the sides of your waist to your full hips, and began to gently rock you back and forth. You leaned into the motion, slightly arching your back to tilt your hips into the sweet friction, and your forearms steadied you against his chest. It was broad and soft, and you gasped as you felt the firm muscles hidden underneath. He had picked you up without a hint of strain, as if you were just a soft little toy. 

Maybe it was the arousal bubbling in you already from the book and the drink, but you came so easily on his thigh, soaking through the fabric of your shorts. The rocking slowed to a stop as he felt your body shudder involuntarily and your juices seeped through his pants leg. 

Adrift in bliss, you barely noticed him undressing everything but his mask. You slipped your shirt off, and had hooked your thumbs into the waistband of your shorts when you noticed him staring at you. Slowly, he tilted his head, and you felt his eyes roam your body, giving you pause. Then, with an incredible amount of ease, he stripped you nude, tearing first the cotton of your shorts, then the delicate lace of your panties off your body. Before you could react, he had set you back down on his leg, sweet nectar drooling from your lower lips onto the cool skin of his thigh. 

His hands kneaded your hips as he began to move you again, enjoying how your soft flesh yielded to his touch. You leaned against him, pressing your bare chest to his, which earned you a low hum from underneath his mask. Your hands roamed over his shoulders, feeling the swell of his muscles under your palms. Something jutted firmly against your own thigh with each movement. The shape was unmistakable, but you had never encountered one of this size before. It filled you with incredulity, and the thrill of taking it entirely overpowered any apprehension in your mind about whether you could. Once the thought had occurred to you, it pushed you over the edge again, your fingernails curling into his skin for support. Your breath ghosted over his chest as you sighed gratuitously, partly involuntarily, partly to rouse him further. 

It was successful, as he leaned back, taking you with him until you rested entirely on him, your stomach flush with his. His hands roved down your back, settling on your buttocks, massaging them gently. They were capable of doing anything they wanted to you, even hurting you, but their power had been tightly controlled. Carnal hunger swelled within you, driving you to seek more from him. 

You straddled his hips, feeling your inner thigh muscles stretch until your knees came to rest lightly against the ground. His hands wrapped around the back of your thighs, one holding you firmly as the other slid between them. His middle finger traced down your vulva and paused at your clit, rubbing until he felt your body shiver and your warm fluids on his fingertip.. Your insides ached to be filled, and with only a breathy "please", his touch crept up towards your entrance. Slowly, he pushed the digit into you, eliciting a gasp of pleasure and surprise at its thickness. It shifted inside you as he repositioned his arm, and you only had a moment to realize it before your heightened sensitivity sent you spiraling into another orgasm. 

Feeling you from the inside excited him; his chest heaved as he let out a deep growl of approval. You rested your head on his pectoral muscle, unable to form coherent thoughts as his finger plunged into you, accompanied by distinctly lewd squishing sounds. He worked with the intention of readying you for his cock, slipping in a second finger, then a third as you focused on relaxing your internal muscles. 

His fingers slipped out of you, leaving you startlingly empty for a moment before he shifted you lower on his body. The head of his cock nestled itself between your lower lips. Its presence nearly made your heart leap out of your chest. Finally, it was time. 

The tip pressed firmly against you and you gasped as your body yielded to his, granting entry to the bulbous, dripping head of his second machete. His hands returned to your hips, holding them firmly as he eased his way into you. When it felt as if you could not take anymore, he would slightly pull back before pushing further in. The movement was similar to the rocking motion he had guided you through earlier, continuing until you had taken him to the hilt. 

He let you rest for a moment as you stretched to accommodate his intense girth. When you determined you were ready, half whimpered, half begged, “take me now”. 

His shaft curved upward, and with each movement pressed against the sweet spot just underneath your tummy. The pulsing veins added further stimulation with each thrust, teasing your sensitive walls with its texture. Heavy panting became audible from behind your lover’s mask. Even he wasn’t immune to the intensity of base pleasure you gave him. You had broken his stoic demeanor, and reveled in his guttural moans as he thrust into you. 

A pulsing knot began to form in your core as he pounded away at you, hips slapping smartly against yours. Desperately, you fought to hold off your orgasm as long as you could, but there were no other thoughts in your mind to cling to as a distraction. His cock was punishing, mercilessly bringing you to orgasm, showing no signs of slowing. Your body twitched and shook; his firm hands on your hips ensured his complete control over you, preventing you from shying away from the stimulation he was hellbent on giving you. Letting your mouth drop open and eyes flutter, you surrendered all control to him. 

His breaths grew ragged, heavier, as he felt his own orgasm building up in him. You squeezed him so perfectly, and he reveled in the feeling as you pulsated effortlessly around his shaft. He pulled you down onto him as he gave one last, powerful thrust into you that left you gasping for air. Thick spurts of ejaculate coated the entrance of your uterus, filling you until you were overflowing. His cum mixed with yours, the fluid drooling from between your lips, pooling between your bodies. Your head rested and settled against his chest; for a few remaining moments, your fingertip lazily traced hearts onto his skin as you drifted off into the haze of sleep. 

[ninjaslegosmains]

Introduction post

Hi! I'm Tex. If you're looking for my Ninjago writing blog, you can find it Here

I'm autistic, disabled, and no longer a minor. Knowing this; minors feel free to block me if you wish.

I go by any gender and any pronouns, and currently don't fall under any sexualities. Call me or refer to me however you like.

I'm not revealing my assigned gender to anyone so please don't ask. It shouldn't matter if I'm afab or amab anyway, since I'm just...Tex. (serious)

Aside from that, I block easily so if I find people who are racist, homophobic, pedophilic, etc. reblogging from me or following me, I'll block and move on.

My OC list: Anya - From my Alien AU (favorite right now) April, May, June, and August - Ninjago Movie OCs Mystrey/Tree - Ninjago show OC Mark, Jade, Gwen, Azar, and Eve - Ninjago Future AU

To keep it short, if people want to talk to me, stuff you should know is below the cut, along with my tags.

Special Interests:

Stuff I'm REALLY into currently: Cats (Warriors series included), Ninjago, stuffed animals, collecting teeth (legally and normally), sorting and organizing, bugs, Centaurworld, and minecraft. Also dogs now because I have two puppies and I love feeding them whatever I can that's not poisonous.

Stuff I like/was into in the past: nature documentaries, cheese, Wordgirl, Wild Kratts, squeaky toys, gardening, Phineas and Ferb, Amphibia, Zita the Spacegirl, pretty much any disney movie, eating oxalis (some people call it sour grass or sour clover, but where I'm from we called it lemon clover because it was a clover that tasted like lemons. Anyway I loved freaking out other kids when I was younger.)

Stuff I know about because of friends and siblings: Transformers, Five nights a freddies, sonic the hedgehog, pokemon, superheroes like spiderman and bat man, undertale, maybe other stuff I'm forgetting.

Tone Indicators:

I only know /gen for genuine and /j for joking. For anything else like sarcasm or seriousness, just do (sarcasm) or /sarcasm. Spelling out the whole thing will do a lot more for me than putting just the first letter and assuming I know what word that goes with.

On my end, everything I say is meant to be said in a positive way. I'm not good with sarcasm so I don't use it when talking to other people. (For example, saying "that's cool" might sound like something sarcastic, but for me it's a genuine "wow I think that's super cool and I like it a lot but I'm a little tired so I'm shortening my thoughts into two words")

Anything outside of my positive stuff will also be said with /serious for posts I don't want people to joke with me about, /joking for things that could come off as mean (which if I don't notice please tell me about), and /platonic for stuff like "I love you" and stuff.

Don't Talk to me About or Show me (serious):

Maggots are a no talk, no show. In general, wormy things and parasites are something I've had literal nightmares over, where I wake up slapping myself to "get them off me". I had to go home once because there were maggots in the compost at work and it made me physically sick. It's probably from watching a horror movie about worms when I was really little, and I haven't been able to get over the fear.

Oceans are a can talk, no show. I have a fear of them, even the ones in video games. Coral reefs are okay as long as there isn't a lot of open ocean in the background. I don't know what it is about them, but just the openness of like huge oceans, or the darkness of the deep parts, and even kelp forests scare me. Coral reefs are the only safe thing I can look at, please don't try to show me anything else asking "is this okay though?"

Mutilation is a can talk, no show. I'm okay with scars and small wounds and injuries, but not the kind that's like guts on the wall or open bodies. I can talk about it, yeah, but seeing images of it makes me feel sick, and sometimes I can actually faintly feel it on my own body despite not knowing how it's supposed to feel.

If you try to talk to me about or show me these images on purpose without any warning I'm going to assume bad intentions from you and block you.

Tagging:

#Do not interact - don't reblog/reply/like my post (used for serious things or stuff I don't want to talk about or have passed around) #Can reply - is added to "do not interact" for posts people can talk to me about

#OC posting - posts about my OCs. After this tag it will have the name of the OC(s) being shown or talked about #Ninjago alien AU/Alien Ninjago AU - either way it's written, it's about an au I developed. A document is yet to be made about it #Overwhelmed AU - an AU by @master-of-fluff and I! You can ask either of us about it.

#Tex lore - talking about my past or stuff I learn about myself

[ironwoman359]

Okay smart ass. How come you and the other big blogs aren't saying shit about the racism and other problematic things happening in the fandom? Specially when almost all of you were always ready to put your opinions on something as petty as fans criticizing Thomas for how he wears a skirt.

Well, I cannot speak for other ‘big blogs’ because, while I am friends with some of the people who run the blogs that you’re lumping into the ‘big’ cateogory, we are not a monolith. We don’t have a secret group chat where we all decide “today we shall talk about Thomas wearing a skirt and ignore racism on purpose.” I can offer speculation that perhaps more people quickly added their own two cents on the skirt thing because when compared to everything else that was going on in the world, both on tumblr and off it, it was such a simple thing to digest. Everyone was craving something simple at that time, so it was an easy, cathartic thing to jump in and say “hey, don’t be mean in people’s inboxes” and proceed to stop thinking about almost just as fast. Anyway, like I said, I can’t speak for other people, only for myself. So since you apparently want me to, I’ll speak for myself. 

“How come you and the other big blogs aren’t saying shit about the racism...”

I am white. It is not my place to speak over poc about racism. It is my place to reblog their posts, elevating their voices without commentary. That is something that I learned this year, and it is something I intend to continue to practice. I do recall making one post in early June, about not using the b/l.m tag on fanart posts, but after seeing several poc express that they wanted white people to talk less and listen more, I elected to make no more original posts about the subject and stick to reblogging without comment. If you’re looking for some good posts about racism in the sanders sides fandom, here are a few good ones. Though most of the posts about racism that make their way across my dash and subsequently onto my blog are less fandom focused and more broad. 

“...and other problematic things happening in the fandom?”

This is where I must repeat what I said the other day; this could relate to any NUMBER of things, and unless you are more specific I have no idea what you’re talking about. Are you talking about callouts for specific creators? There were two that happened over the summer that I know about, but A) again, those were about racism, so I chose not to muddle the conversation with my voice, and B) the works being discussed in those situations were works I was personally unfamiliar with, and thus did not feel like I had enough information to state an opinion publically (which again, as I understand it, would have been unneccessary additions to an issue I have no authority to speak on). 

So maybe you’re talking about the Twitter callouts, or the situation with the artists for the Storytime Madlibs video? Again, I felt as though I lacked sufficient need/information to make any statements about those issues. I have a twitter, but I barely use it, and don’t use it for the fander community at all. I had NO IDEA what any of that stuff people were talking about was, and still don’t, and since I don’t use Twitter and am not in that community, it seemed pointless to speak about. That is not to trivialize any hurt or harm that was caused or experienced during those events, just to say that I have nothing to do with them, which is why there’s nothing about it on my blog. (The joke I made about fandom twitter was supposed to be universal and relate to how all the twitter discourse these days seems to be a rehash of tumblr discourse from five years ago. Bad timing on my part I guess, oh well.) And, being 100% honest here, I don’t think I even watched the Storytime Madlibs video. If i did, I don’t remember much about it. I know that when it came out that the artists were underpaid, I reblogged one or two posts about how content creators should not be put on pedestals and are not perfect, but the rest of that situation was centered around the artists involved in that video, and since I was not one of them nor did I know any of them personally, it seemed like something that again, I shouldn’t bring up because I didn’t know anything about it. From what I understand, a solution is/was being worked out, but I haven’t heard anything recently. 

Or by ‘problematic things’ do you mean the existence of remrom, or unsympathetic sides, or how I’ve been in this fandom for over 3 years and our anon hate problem has never gone away, or the rampant purity culture, or the pervasive ageism, or literally a dozen other things, some of which are genuine issues and some of which are simply differing opinions being handled with all the grace of an elephant on roller skates? I’ve said it over and over again on this blog, but this fandom is not perfect. No fandom is perfect, but this one in particular has a reputation for being ‘pure’ and ‘wholesome’ for some reason; a reputation that it has never upheld by the way, because, shocker, fandoms are made of humans, and humans are not flawless porcelein dolls. We’re incredibly flawed creatures, and mistakes are inevitable. The sooner we all accept that and start treating our mistakes as an opportunity to learn and grow and do better next time instead of a signal that we were always worthless pieces of garbage that had no chance to do anything other than fuck up, the better off we’ll all be. 

And may I reiterate: look outside this website for a minute. There is SO MUCH going on in the world right now, every single one of us is utterly exhausted, we are suffering from a massive traumatic event, several massive traumatic events at once, actually, forgive me if my attention is spread a little thin at the moment. 

I’ll readily admit, there have been posts in the past several months that I’ve seen, read, and then not reblogged. Often this is because I feel as though the post that I am seeing does not have the full picture, and that it would be irresponsible to reblog only that part of the ‘discourse.’ And most of the time, I just don’t have the mental energy to go looking for the full story on whatever the Issue of the Week is. And I shouldn’t have to. Because at the end of the day, what I put on my own blog is my business, and no one else’s. There’s not some rule list that magically appears once you pass 1,000 followers that tells you what you must and must not do as a blogger. I am not required to weigh in on every little thing that happens in this fandom just because a lot of people in it follow me, and in fact, NO ONE is obligated to reblog something regardless of how many followers they have. If you are dissatisfied with the posts I make and/or reblog, you’re welcome to unfollow, there’s no rule that says you have to stay. But my energy is so limited these days, and I’m not going to devote what little free time and headspace I have to figuring out the ‘Correct’ take on fandom discourse.

I’d like to end by once again reiterating what many have said beffore, that racism is not the same thing as fandom discourse. It is always my goal to not speak over the voices of poc, and if in this post I have done that in any way, I’d like to apologize. Poc are welcome to DM me so that we can discuss it in any such instance, whether on this post or any other from the past or that comes up in the future. I am still working on unlearning racism, and know I am likely to make many more missteps on that journey. Stay safe out there everyone.