#listen i’m not saying he would want to date nancy they would absolutely tear each other’s throats out within an hour

[dreamofbecoming]

i love bisexual eddie munson, but specifically in like a shang from mulan kind of way, you know? like he knew he liked boys, that made sense. just another way he’s different from everyone else, just another reason he’s a freak. so why bother examining it? he’s gay, hawkins hates him, might as well lean into it. maybe chrissy was the first time a girl made him feel butterflies (or bats?) in his stomach, and it confused him so bad he didn’t know what the hell to do about it except make a fool of himself flirting with the queen. maybe he took one look at nancy wheeler with a sawed off and went “yeah ok holy shit i get it, i see why steve was willing to burn his life down for her and why robin keeps making moon eyes at her and why jonathan lost his mind and pointed his camera through steve’s window like an insane person.” like he’s still into steve, obviously. the man is swanning about shirtless and bloody in an apocalyptic wasteland like the embodiment of all of eddie’s weirdest fantasies, there’s no way he’s not into steve. but i just love the idea of eddie being the one going through an Upside Down sexuality crisis (TM) rather than steve. what is happening to him?? why does he suddenly want to kiss everyone??? get it together munson you are running from a goddamn mob!!!

[steddieas-shegoes]

I'll be full of the love you want

rated t cw: self-doubt, relationship doubt, light angst tags: happy ending, hurt/comfort-ish, super fluffy romantic words being said

a/n: firstly I am writing this absolute fluff because i've been listening to sleep token and decided i could handle listening to blood sport (i couldn't) and so now we get this fluff. second of all, i feel like before anyone comes for my throat, i LOVE nancy. i hate what the duffer brothers have reduced her character to canonically. she has so much potential, just sitting there, and what are they doing with it? making her worse. i do think that she is just very bad at reading what's appropriate to say to people, and that's what happens here. assume that it gets fixed and she apologizes later, this entire thing is to focus on the boys.

Sometimes, Nancy’s subtle comments remained in Steve’s chest, an unbearable weight that felt crushing.

“Eddie has plans, and they may not involve you.”

That’s what she’d said to him when he told her they were dating.

No congratulations, no friendly smile or hug, not even the expected game of 20 questions.

The words played on loop in his head as he found an excuse to leave movie night early, as he drove home, as he took a shower. 

He barely slept that night.

Nancy was right in a way; Eddie did have plans.

—-

“She what?” Eddie yelled.

“Eds-”

“No, that’s. Stevie, you know how ridiculous that is, don’t you?”

He did. 

But he also…didn’t.

It really wasn’t that ridiculous to think that maybe his boyfriend of barely a month would have plans that didn’t involve Steve.

Steve may be head over heels in love with him, but he hadn’t said that. 

“Is it?” Steve asked, not looking up at Eddie pacing in front of him.

Eddie stopped in front of him, dropping to his knees on the floor between Steve’s parted legs.

His hands gripped Steve’s knees, squeezing in silent comfort.

“Sweetheart, I know it’s hard for you to believe, but I’m all in with us. I’m not going anywhere that you can’t or don’t want to follow. If someone sends me to the moon, you better start packing your bags,” Eddie left a kiss on his thigh, looking up at Steve’s wide, glassy eyes. “I don’t think she meant to hurt you, Stevie. I’d just talked to her about the band possibly going to Chicago for a show soon and how excited we were about producers being there.”

“And if they like you guys, you’ll leave. And you should! I don’t wanna hold you back. I just was so wrapped up in the now, ya know?” 

Eddie looked up at him, eyes squinting at him for a moment before he stood up.

He sat down on the bed and pulled Steve onto him so he was straddling his thighs.

“You are more than just my now, Steve Harrington.”

Steve’s heart fluttered in his chest.

Eddie cupped his face in his hands, leaning his head down so their foreheads rested against each other.

“We’ve seen the end of the world together, we’ve seen each other at our worst, at our bruised, at our most vulnerable. You’re my entire world now, and in the future.” Eddie let out a shaky breath, something foreign for him, usually so confident in his words. “I love you. It might scare you off, but I do. I haven’t stopped picturing my future with you in it. Nothing could drag me away from you, not the band, not the kids, not myself. I’m yours, for the long haul, wherever that takes both of us.”

Steve sniffled, the tears pooling in his eyes fighting so hard to fall.

“You can’t say stuff like that,” he squeaked out.

“Why can’t I?”

“I might believe it.”

Eddie tugged him closer, one hand on the back of his head holding him against his shoulder, one arm wrapped around his waist.

“I need you to believe it, love. There is nothing that will keep me from loving you. If Vecna himself couldn’t, then Nancy’s words sure as shit won’t.”

And it could be simple.

It could.

Steve could believe it, he could say the words back, he could plan a real future with Eddie, something he’d never been able to do with anyone else.

“You’re thinking too hard,” Eddie interrupted his thoughts, his hand squeezing Steve’s hip.

Steve pulled back, looking at Eddie’s earnest face.

“I’m scared to love you the way that I do,” Steve admitted, voice barely more than a whisper.

Eddie heard him, though.

He beamed up at Steve.

“You can be scared, but you can love me anyway,” Eddie shrugged, as if it could actually be that simple.

Love was a silly thing. 

Steve felt it easily, for Robin, for the kids, for the Byers’, even Nancy still. He’d known what he felt for Eddie was love way before this conversation, but he hadn’t realized how much that love could grow when it was reciprocated.

Eddie looked at him now like he already knew, like Steve holding back wasn’t changing the fact that Steve had loved him for months now, maybe even longer.

“You can love me, Stevie. I want you to love me. Love me the way you feel,” Eddie continued.

His words cut through his heart, but in a different way than Nancy’s had.

Steve never got to love people the way he felt, always too much, always overwhelming.

His parents taught him not to be needy, let people show their love from a distance and don’t force your attention and care on them.

Nancy taught him that he couldn’t be someone else just because he wanted to love someone, that he had to accept that love wasn’t always enough for a relationship.

Eddie, though.

Eddie had taught him that there was nothing shameful about being loud with your passion, with your love. He taught him that he can’t hold back his feelings, not for anyone, especially not for himself.

He was showing him, more every day, that loving someone can and should be fulfilling.

He couldn’t be scared of loving Eddie, not when Eddie had always shown him how to be brave.

“I love you so much,” Steve gasped out.

It wasn’t the declaration he’d planned, or even wanted, but that somehow made it better for them.

Eddie’s beaming smile proved that even further.

“I’m so in love with you, I don’t know what to do with it all. I just keep thinking that one day I’ll wake up and feel less, but I just keep feeling more. I’m not good with words like you are, but I love you,” Steve added, finally gaining his voice.

“Feels good, right?”

“To love you?”

Eddie leaned up, kissed his chin, then the corner of his mouth.

“To show it to someone who wants it.”

Steve bit his lip, realizing that yeah, it did feel good. Really good.

“You’re gonna get so tired of me loving you.”

It was said as a joke, but it was his last genuine fear. The one thing that he knew always happened.

“I will never get tired of you loving me. Not for a single second. Not even when we’re old dudes sitting on our porch yelling at the kids with the loud music,” Eddie poked his side as he spoke.

“You won’t ever yell at anyone for loud music.”

“You never know. I could become a grumpy old man. Will you still love me?” Eddie pouted up at him.

“I think I’d love any version of you. Actually, I know I would.” “And you say I’m the sappy one.”

[mrvdocks]

Plus One

“That’s a straight no.”

“What? Why?”

“Come on,” You laugh. “I can hear the sirens coming for you now. She looks like she’s a junior in high school.”

He cocks his brow, “You do too and I still live with you.”

You playfully smack him. “That’s different.”

“Why? Because you can't handle seeing me with someone else?” He says smugly.

@mochminnie and anyone else that would like to get tagged :)) 

(Chapter one) 

Morning of Nancy & Jonathan’s Wedding

The daylight shines on his face when he wakes up. He looks down to see you’ve disappeared and instantly thinks yesterday was a dream. He’s almost disappointed.

“You snore too loud.” You say as a matter of factly, coming out in a robe and towel. 

It wasn’t a dream. He smiles.

“You hog the blanket too much.” He retorts, flipping the covers over and getting up to stretch. 

"It's like thirteen degrees outside of course I'm going to take it."

"There's layers to this, you know that right?" 

“Alright, alright Casanova, do you want to stay here sparring with me or go find the love of your life?”

He stretches his arms, then sighs. “Not sure if I’ll meet the one if I’m half-naked.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised.” You wink, going back inside the bathroom to get ready.

Only an hour later and you two were nearly late because he decided to play hideaway with your heels. You didn’t protest as much but they were the only fancy shoe you’d brought to match the nuptial’s dress code. 

You rushed into the elevator, counting down to at least ten minutes. It should be enough time to walk over to the chapel. 

You glance at Steve, seeing him look out of it. 

“Hey,” You tug at his arm. He straightens up. “You okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just been a while.”

Part of him wondered if they would remember him after so long.

“Well if they’re not talking about you, they’ll be talking about how messy and out of place you look. Here, let me fix you.” You fix his Windsor knot stay in place and then move his floppy hair, letting a single curl of hair rest on his forehead.

“Is this really how you styled it?” You lift yourself on your toes to get more of it but he moves aside.

“Hey, hey, don’t damage the goods.” 

“Is that - hold on, ” You take a whiff of his hair. “Oh my god.”

He rolls his eyes. “Alright, laugh it up.”

“You smell like my mom!” You chortle. 

He pushes you playfully as the elevator doors open and he walks out with you hysterically laughing. He smiles nervously at the passing guests as they file out to the chapel.

“That’s so cute. Listen, if you don’t end up with anyone our age here, you can definitely bag one of the aunts. I’m sure they’d love you.” 

“It was my go-to in high school, alright? Girls loved it.”

He can see the subtle upward quirk of your mouth as you smothered a laugh. 

“C’mon, before we become those people who hog all the attention.” You interlinked your arms and made your way past the field of green and a big brown chapel. 

You both sat in the middle row on Nancy’s side, meeting all of her family and being introduced to her sister Holly, brother Mike and his girlfriend Jane. You couldn’t stop staring as Mike and Jane sat and goofed with each other. 

“Been together since ‘84, and they still can’t get enough of each other,” Steve tells you in a hushed voice as he leans to you and begins giving you the dirt on everyone there.

Jonathan’s mother, Joyce sits at the front with a gruff looking man who kept trying to take out a pack of cigarettes. She’s pretty, and definitely doesn’t look as old as Steve says she is. She has a timeless beauty to her. Steve tells you that the man she’s with is Hopper, the same man whose wedding you would be attending later in March. Jonathan’s brother, Will sits to his mother's left and is in deep conversation with a man Steve doesn’t recognize. 

Steve goes on a tangent on how different and grown-up everyone looks. He goes into details about things they used to do back in Indiana, some things crazy and others unbelievable. He almost sounds sad for not being able to see their growth for himself but that’s not a story he’ll tell you anytime soon.

You’re conversing with Jane when everyone quiets down and music starts playing. You stand and watch as Jonathan marches right up to one step to meet his brother and hug him momentarily. Holly enters, picking petals out of the basket and dropping them as she passes. Nancy enters soon after slowly, keeping tempo with the music. Her dad is older, more filled out, and grey-haired than Steve originally remembers him. Her mother, however, is stunning in a way that doesn’t overshadow her daughter. Her blonde hair is pulled into a half updo, she smiles warmly to guests as she carries the tail of Nancy’s beautiful cream dress. It's an eye-catching tulle gown with floral accents and lace sleeves that move comfortably with her. 

Nancy’s brown hair is long and curls at the end, decorated with a pearl headband, her slender nude manicured fingers holding onto the bouquet gracefully as if she was a princess. She’s naturally gorgeous, with touches of blush on her cheekbones. She takes your breath away. 

You’re almost a little jealous Steve got to date her. 

“Please be seated.” The priest says.

You accidentally sit on Steve’s hand, making him jerk quickly but fast enough to avoid attention. You're locked in the entire time, entranced by every little detail from the soft brown tones of Jonathan's suit to the camera pin he wears to the embroidery on Nancy's heels. 

The ceremony is beautiful, you even catch Steve tearing up at Jonathan’s thoughtfully written vows for Nancy. 

“You may now kiss the bride.” 

The crowd goes wild, cheers and whistles all around as Nancy and Jonathan kiss and he twirls her in a circle. She’s smiling shyly as Jonathan peppers her with kisses. Will steps in and takes a couple of photos before whispering something into Jonathan’s ear and making him laugh. The bride and groom rush outside hand in hand, rice and flowers being thrown as they disappear past the golden-brown of the chapel. 

You and Steve give each other a look, thinking this wedding plan might not be so bad after all. You’re seeing love in its purest form. 

The reception is held in a small banquet hall, music is being played by a band of fine instruments led by people Steve tells you are part of Nancy’s family. The whole place is decorated to bring out the snow and natural elements outside. Windows wide open, the brown of the hall illuminated by fairy lights hanging from above, a cute photo booth with a retro moon to pose with, and a DJ soon after the band leaves. 

“Come,” Steve says, intertwining your hand in his and leading you over to where Nancy and Jonathan are. 

Jonathan notices him first and immediately hugs him. Steve hugs him tighter, letting them sway for a moment while you introduce yourself to Nancy.

“Hi, I’m -”

“You must be the one Steve talks so much! I've heard a lot about you!” She giggles. My god, even her laugh was beautiful.

“Beautiful wedding! I am in love with you - your dress, I’m sorry.” You say, flustered. Nancy takes no offense and instead envelopes you in a hug. 

“Thank you! It was a lot of stress but I'm glad we could finally get it to come to fruition. Steve never told me you were this lovely.”

You wave her comment away, feeling shyer than ever. “Please, I’m just so glad I finally get to meet THE Nancy Wheeler.” 

“I hope you’re not trying to steal my wife,” Jonathan beams, bear-hugging you. 

"I would never." You grin. “You’re a lucky man, Mr. Byers.” 

“Mr. Byers was my dad, please call me Jonathan.”

You nod, feeling the warmth and love that Jonathan and Nancy were giving off.

"So? How are you two? How's New York?" Nancy asks.

You and Steve glance at each other to see who goes first.

"Good! So good." You say in unison. 

“So what’s going on with you two, huh? Any crazy stories?” Steve asks, eager to get the attention off of him for once. 

“Well,” Nancy looks at Jonathan. “Jonathan was a freelancing photographer for a while but he was just hired for a two-year contract by Life magazine!”

You and Steve look at Jonathan wide-eyed and with jaws dropped. Jonathan smiles shyly.

“Jon, oh my god congratulations!” Steve says, pulling Jonathan into another hug. 

“It was just a split-second decision, he almost didn’t send the photos in time but I convinced him.” Nancy smiles. "They want to send him to Amsterdam next week."

"Europe for the honeymoon? That's amazing." You gush, thinking about the canals and all the great food.

“And that’s not all,” Jonathan rubs at Nancy’s back with his other hand. “Nancy’s accepted a job up in New York as a journalist.”

“No way!” You feel your excitement skyrocket.

“We’re moving into the East Village in March, just after my mom’s wedding.” 

“That’s amazing you guys, I’m so happy for you.” Steve is absolutely over the moon. 

“Thank you and please help yourselves!” Jonathan’s eyes crinkle as he smiles.

“Hope to see you guys soon!” Nancy exclaimed, before being met with more family to greet. You and Steve say goodbye and gush over them. 

“I can’t believe you got to date her.” You remark, sipping more of the champagne.

“Yeah well, I was lucky to even kiss her. Looking back, I think they had it for each other all the time. I was just in the way.”

Projecting onto her, he thinks.

You frown. “Personally, I’m glad to see it all worked out in the end. To the happy couple!” 

You bring your glasses to toast and snicker when some of it spills onto Steve’s lap. He tries to get you back but you evade him.

The orchestra ends and the DJ begins his set. He starts off with some lovey-dovey tunes you remember your mother playing from her childhood.

“Come on, let’s dance!” You exclaim, taking Steve’s hand and pulling him up and away from the table. 

The dance floor is decently packed, The Del-Viking’s “Come Go With Me” echoing through the walls of the banquet hall.

Steve makes a fool of himself, flailing and dancing exaggeratedly while you move side to side to the dum dum dum, occasionally doubling over when Steve stumbles back into someone.  

The music shifts after you two are completely tired out, changing to The Smiths’ “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”. Definitely Jonathan’s choice.

You and Steve pair up, dancing slowly with your head on his shoulder.

It’s a nice feeling, to be like this with someone. You didn’t know how you felt about Steve, besides the fact that he could be annoying as all hell and a bummer. But he wasn't so unpleasant to have around. He just needed to let loose. He wasn’t going to be twenty-eight forever. 

Maybe it was too early, you saw how he’d freaked about Danny. 

“Hey, five o’clock.” He whispers in your ear, ripping you away from your thoughts.

“What?”

“What about the girl at five o’clock? She seems nice.” 

“Spin me.” 

He spins you out to see a girl in a nice pastel blue colored dress and bouffant talking to Jonathan. He spun you back in.

“That’s a straight no.”

“What? Why?”

“Come on,” You laugh. “I can hear the sirens coming for you now. She looks like she’s a junior in high school.”

He cocks his brow, “You do too and I still live with you.”

You playfully smack him. “That’s different.” 

“Why? Because you can't handle seeing me with someone else?” He says smugly.

“Pfft. She’s got babyface. Just trust me.”

The music shifts throughout the night, some electronic, another alternative, or more classical and then back to lovey-dovey. 

At the end of “Earth Angel,” you’re just about ready to leave and kick off the heels that just won’t quit squeezing your feet. 

“I’m starving.” You whisper into his ear.

“There’s food here.”

“Yes, and I’m still hungry. I need to severely gorge on something big right now.”

Steve chuckles lowly, about to make the joke you feared once the words ‘something big’ left your lips.

“Don’t you dare.” 

“Yes, dear.” He snickers. 

Once you’re away from the view of family and friends, you unbuckle the straps of your heels and breath in relief at your chains being taken off. Steve walks past you but you whistle to him to catch his attention. 

“Well? Come on.” He motions for you. 

You throw your head back and whine. “I can’t walk. These things have worn me down.” 

He chuckles to himself shaking his head. “Alright, hop on.” 

He turns and bends to your level, letting you climb onto his back like a monkey. You wrap your arms around his neck, him holding you up by your thighs. 

You nestle comfortably into his shoulder, letting out an audible sigh. 

“Don’t get too comfortable up there, you have the keys to the room.” He warns, but you’re fast asleep by the end of the sentence. "So much for being hungry."

He gets soft looks and compliments of ‘being a great boyfriend’ from different guests but he doesn’t have the energy to correct them. The dancing tired him out. 

He uses the pointy end of your heel to click the elevator button and is careful with you when entering. Your soft sighs and deep breaths comfort him in some way. Your fingers twitch around his now loosened tie, softly scratching at the nape of his neck. It gives him goosebumps, but he relaxes into it, letting the warmth creep up to his cheeks.

He’s too lost in the feeling to notice when the doors open, the elevator dings to alert him. When he’s out, he shakes you slowly to wake you up. You stir and hum but stay asleep. He maneuvers your bag to face him, getting the key painfully slow. The door hinges creaking don’t wake you at all. 

He lays you down onto the side where he sleeps, careful with your shoes and your bag. Putting them aside, he makes a move to close the door but your hand grabs at his wrist and pulls him back. 

He glances down at you, still asleep but still holding on. “I have to close the door.” He whispers.

“Steve.” You murmur. 

“Yeah?” He brings himself to ask, entranced by you. 

You mumble incoherently, letting go of his wrist and turning your side to get comfortable.

He sighs. 

"It was a nice wedding." He says, getting the suitcases out of the cab while you tip the driver. 

"It really was. Plus I'm glad I got to take one of these suckers home too." You dig through your bag, pulling out the towel teddy bear that had previously been on your hotel bed. It looked a little deformed now but you could fix it.

Steve makes a surprised noise, "We steal things now?"

"It's not stealing if they were just going to put another one back."  

"Well, I wish could've taken some of that shampoo. It made my hair smell great." 

"Oh don't worry I got a couple of them in my suitcase. You can have them."

He looks at you with intrigue. 

"What? We can't live fancy?"

He shakes his head, his shoulders shaking as you head into the apartments.

"Hey, sorry I ruined your shot looking for someone at the reception."

He shrugs, feeling it wasn't a big deal. "That's why we have the other three, right? Plus, I had fun. I wouldn't have wanted to be in my head the entire time." 

The answer satisfies you but you promise yourself to aim higher at the next wedding. 

[let-me-write-shit]

Somebody To You: 23

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Word Count: 2,662

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CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Having to stand by and watch as the person Harry cared the most about was going through even more suffering, knowing there was most likely nothing he could do to remedy the problem, was pure hell. He could tell she was trying her best to put on a brave face and hold her head up, but that facade didn’t change the fact that he had to physically hold her up so she wouldn’t collapse while she was on the phone with her ex.

Normally, Harry was the jealous type. It wasn’t something he was proud of, and he was working on it, but he’d be lying if he said he didn’t care that the person he cared about was flying home to see her ex-boyfriend of several years. Who wouldn’t care? This was different, though. It was hard to put any kind of scrutiny on that when Zoey was so clearly on the verge of a breakdown. He didn’t have time to be jealous, he was too worried about making sure Zoey would be okay.

So, once Katie and Nancy were out of view, he listened. Without interruption he listened to Zoey’s conviction weaken and crumble as she explained Michael’s dad, Paul, and his battle with cancer. He listened as she described her relationship with her ex-boyfriend’s family, especially the man she referred to as ‘Pops’, and how close they had gotten during her time with Michael. He listened as she confessed feeling guilty for her lack of communication with them after her relationship with Michael had ended and how little time she had left with him, especially with her living in LA. 

Harry’s heart shattered, his mind bringing him back to when his own step-father lost his battle with cancer. He’s been there before. He knows how she feels. And having to go through that so soon after losing her best friend, he couldn’t even imagine how she must be feeling right now. And Michael. It was hard to hate him right now, too. Not only did he also lose a friend last year, but he’s also just been given the news that his father had three months to live. He couldn’t fault Michael for wanting Zoey’s company at a time like this given her history with his family. Even with her obvious torment, she still managed to avoid crying. Tears lined her eyes, but shockingly, never fell. She was strong as hell. No one could say otherwise.

“I’m sorry,” Zoey chuckled, sniffling and wiping the tears that threatened to spill, “I think I’m still in shock.”

“It’s okay,” Harry pulled her close to his chest, glancing around to make sure no one was in sight before placing a kiss on the top of her head, “You’ll take it one day at a time. I’m here for you. All of your friends are here for you,” he pulled away looking into her eyes, “We’ve got your back.”

Zoey nodded with a sheepish grin and took a deep breath, “I know. I guess I need to let my parents know that they can expect me.”

“I’ll call the airline and get your flight situated,” Harry offered, “but first, let's go eat our pizza.”

When the two finally joined their friends at the main house, Katie had clearly filled everyone in on what had transpired. The energy in the room was more standoffish, no one quite knowing how to act around Zoey. This was part of the reason why she never liked to open up to anyone about any tribulations because she hated the pity. Harry was one of the few that never treated her like fragile glass or a charity case.

He couldn’t fault her friends for this, though. At least they cared. So, to ease the tension, Zoey was the first to start poking fun at the turnout of their pizza’s. Nancy had somehow managed to make her pizza in the shape of an octopus, which looked quite tragic. The mood lightened and laughter ensued, Zoey, doing her best to push the doom and gloom aside to enjoy her last night in Italy. She could worry about the inevitable grief tomorrow. 

It wasn’t long before everyone was back to their goofy, crazy selves. Zoey, Andy, Rory, and Nancy had gotten tipsy off of the wine and kept feeding more alcohol to Katie, who was a very giggly drunk. Harry had gotten a little buzz going, but wouldn’t have too much to drink as he was their ride home, mostly chatting with the owner of the vineyard.

“I can’t believe I’m going home tomorrow, I don’t want to leave,” Katie settled from her laughing fit, “I wish I could see Gio one more time.”

“Why don’t you invite him over, then?” Andy suggested.

Nancy piped up, “We could all go swimming back at the house.”

Katie’s eyes lit up and she instantly took her phone out, tapping away on the screen. Zoey laughed, shaking her head, the room slowly spinning and a warmth engulfing her body. She wasn’t buzzed anymore, she was drunk. And she knew this was a tell-tale sign for her to stop drinking.

Nancy sat up front with Harry on the way back to the house, controlling the music while Zoey and Katie leaned on each other for support in the back, the glow from Katie’s phone illuminating the car as she texted Giovanni. By the time they had gotten back, Zoey was back to her slight buzz, feeling light and carefree. Everyone had changed into their bathing suits and met outback. She looked over at Harry who was sitting on a lounge chair beside Andy, the two of them talking with a lot of hand gestures. She concentrated on Harry’s fingers, remembering the feeling of them inside of her the night before while her friends were out here talking. She grinned to herself, walking over to the rest of the group who were all in the pool already, floating around.

Zoey sat at the edge of the pool, letting her legs dangle in the water, “Thanks for all of this, guys,” she said to them, smiling, “This had been the best week of my life.”

Nancy swam up, holding onto Zoey’s legs, “You deserve it. You’re a good friend. And roommate. We love you. Besides, you clean up after yourself and aren’t an absolute psychopath, so we appreciate it.”

The girl's laughter caught Harry’s attention and he turned just in time to see Zoey slipping into the pool. He watched, a grin forming, as the girls giggled, splashed, and aggressively hugged each other. Something about the sound of women laughing with genuine cheeriness brought him the greatest joy. It was up there along with a great piano tune, the sound of giggling babies, and the soft chirps of birds in the early morning hours. And to see Zoey immersing herself in the moment instead of wallowing in the house brought forth a pride in her that he hadn’t quite expected. 

Andy cleared his throat, snapping Harry’s attention back to him only to see Andy’s eyes bounce from him to the girls, and back to him with a smirk, “They’re pretty cute, huh? Zoey seems to be having a lot of fun.”

It was just a question, but it sounded more accusatory than anything. Harry’s eyebrows furrowed, searching Andy’s face. Did he know? He couldn’t have, right? Zoey wouldn’t have said anything. And he thought they were doing a good job at keeping it discreet. He shook it off and nodded, “Yeah, good. I’m glad.”

“He’s here!” Katie’s shriek echoed as she pulled herself out of the pool, wrapping a towel around herself as she darted towards the door.

  Everyone laughed, amused by her eagerness to see the young Italian boy. His attention lingered on Zoey’s as the caught eyes, hers sparkling from the reflection of the moonlight against the water. She smiled at him, her expression softening and he could swear he felt his body melting into a puddle on the ground. 

Deeper voices were heard behind him and he turned his attention to see Katie prancing back out, accompanied by not only Giovanni but his older brother, Marco. His eyes widened and his stomach twisted in knots at the sight of him, his mind instantly flashing back to the night he and Zoey had gone on a date together, imagining how they ended their night, his lip on hers. He felt the heat rise in him, frustrated and jealous. His attention darted back to Zoey. From the looks of it, she was just as surprised to see Marco as Harry was, which comforted him a bit, but not enough. 

Everyone else seemed to be pleasantly surprised to see him, shouting his name and beckoning the two to join them in the pool. It didn’t take much convincing. Within seconds the brothers had stripped out of their clothes and dove into the pool, splashing around with the girls. Andy, following after. 

Harry was the only one not swimming, and Zoey noticed. She swam to the edge, arms resting on the side as she stared at him. There it was, again. The spark that allowed him to read her mind. He knew what that look meant. She was telling him to stop being a baby and get in the water. 

“Come on,” she mouthed, quietly waving him over. 

He smiled, rolling his eyes before giving in. With a running start, he bound towards the pool, jumping over her head and bringing his legs to his chest, colliding with the water in a cannonball that earned screams and cheers from the group. Harry swam towards Zoey before she got the chance to rejoin everyone, wiping the water from his eyes and shaking his hair. He could barely reach the floor of the pool on his tippy toes, though she had to paddle to keep afloat. 

“I better not see any flirting,” he warned, seductively. His tone was lighthearted, but she could sense the seriousness behind it.

She smirked, raising an eyebrow, “With you, or with Marco?”

Zoey winked, turning to start swimming away, but he grabbed her waist, pulling her back to him and whispering in her ear, “Careful. There’s a minimal amount of fabric between you and that beautiful cunt of yours. Don’t forget, I know where your sweet spot is and how to be discreet.”

He made sure that no one was looking before quickly sucking the nape of her neck with a hard kiss and lightly pushing her forward towards the rest of their friends. Her heart raced, tingling at the pit of her stomach, so turned on that she became flustered when Nancy tried to include him in their conversation. Harry shot her a quick wink at the sight. 

She did her best to make her intentions obvious with Marco, having a friendly conversation, but keeping a certain amount of distance between them so that there was no misunderstanding, and partially because she wanted to show Harry that her feelings lay with him, and no one else. She hoped he understood. But she worried that he didn’t.

She noticed that he would tense up and become nervous whenever she touched him in a way that could be misconstrued. Even though it was something they did before the got entangled in this web of sex and attraction, he would worry that his friends could see right through them and he wasn’t sure if he was ready to have that discussion with his friends right now. He was still coming to terms with the fact that he might lose his best friend if this all ended badly, along with grappling at the fact that the girl he cared for would be going back home tomorrow to spend time with her ex-boyfriend whom she still professed love for. 

He had to admit, though, he appreciated the way she handled the boundaries with Marco, never making Harry feel uncomfortable or uncertain. The night carried on for a while, everyone having dried off and gone inside for a movie which mostly everyone fell asleep during. Including himself. It was unexpected, and a part of him was angry that he didn’t spend the last night at least cuddling with Zoey in the privacy of one of their bedrooms. Instead, Zoey fell asleep, curled into a ball in between Rory and Andy who all shared a blanket. 

The Italian boys had apparently left at some point in the night, and when the phone alarms sounded, the sun wasn’t even up yet. They had barely gotten four hours of sleep, but their flight was super early in the morning and they needed to take showers and do one more once-over of the house to make sure they had everything packed and ready to go.

Even though his flight wasn’t for a few hours after theirs, he still decided to take them to the airport. Zoey had printed off her new boarding passes and, with the help of Harry, they bustled through baggage check-in and security. However, both gates were at different ends of the airport. With the guise that he promised the sisters’ parents that he would make sure they were okay after boarding the plane, he said goodbye to Nancy, Rory, and Andy and led Katie and Zoey towards their gate, waving at fans as he passed them and taking them to the closest VIP lounge to get more privacy. 

There were a few others in the lounge area, including two girls and a boy about his age that he noticed kept occasionally looking over, so Harry made sure to keep a reasonable amount of distance between him and Zoey, listening to the girls talk about how much fun they had this week and their dreams for future vacations, Harry inputting his two cents on the conversation. But the conversation was doing little to distract him as he overheard the broadcast announcing their call for boarding shortly. 

He frowned, seeing the two sisters gather their carry-on items, unable to hide his displeasure. Saying goodbye to Zoey got harder and harder each time they separated. And the not knowing when he would see her again made it even worse. Sure, he had a lot to do, but he wanted nothing more than to spend a few more days with her, afraid that once she got on that plane all of this would be over. Would she want anything to do with him when she got home? And a part of him, a small part, was scared that she’d see her ex and realize she was still in love with him. Trauma tended to bring people closer together, and as selfish as it sounded, he worried.

“Thanks, Harry! You’re the best!” Katie grinned, leaping into his arms and hugging him.

He laughed, squeezing her tighter and rustling her hair. He had really grown to like Katie and thought of her as a little sister, “Glad you could come. Tell your parents I said thank you for trusting me.”

“Will do,” she pulled away.

His attention turned to Zoey and they looked at each other, glumness embedded in their gaze before they both wrapped their arms around each other. He pulled her in close, taking a deep breath of her sweet and warm scent, feeling the warmth of her body on his. He felt an emptiness form in his chest, sadness beginning to take over. He didn’t want to let her go. He had half a mind to go with her, but he knew he couldn’t. He didn’t care who was looking at that point, he kissed her cheek, lingering for longer than what was typical. It could easily have been reasoned as a friendly kiss goodbye. But they both knew it was more. 

“Good luck,” he whispered as he finally pulled away, “Let me know when you land and give my condolences to Michael and Paul.”

She nodded, tears welling in her eyes, “I will.”

KEEP READING

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

Taglist for Somebody To You:

@thurhomish , @stilljosiegrossie​ , @odetostep , @apples2019 , @stylesmioamore , @inyourhaven​

[tropicalsuki]

Do You Copy? - Steve Harrington x fem!reader

Summary: Y/n, Steve’s girlfriend of over a year, is gone all of summer for a camp counselor job in the middle of nowhere, meaning the only way to stay in contact is through letters. Dustin and the party are sick of seeing Steve mope around, so they decide to set up a surprise date between Y/n and Steve. 

warnings: FLUFF, some angst, language, sexual references/making out, slight season 3 spoilers if you squint

word count: 2,566

A/N: this was supposed to go up Monday but my internet went down Sunday night and we just got it back today, so sorry for the delay! I hope you all love it and enjoy! Also, I’m up for writing a part two if enough people want it.

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

Dustin, Lucas, Max, and Will were all at Steve’s house, arguing over what movie to watch. It was their monthly movie night, and everyone was there. Well, almost everyone.

“Does anyone know when the hell Mike and El are gonna be here?” Dustin asked, annoyed with their constant flaking. 

“How are we supposed to know? They show up whenever they’re done kissing. It’s bullshit,” Lucas answered.

“Woah, language!” Steve acted offended as he walked into the room with two large bowls of popcorn. Max quickly grabbed one and sank into the couch, shoveling the snack into her mouth. “You better share!” Lucas yanked the bowl from her and the two began bickering like they usually did.

Everyone stopped talking when the doorbell rang.

 “Is it them?” Will asked as Steve went and opened the door. He came back in the room a moment later with a letter in hand. “No, not them. Just the mailman,” Steve said as he opened the letter with a slight smile. 

“Is that another letter?” Lucas asked. Max sat up, interested, “from who? Y/n?”

Steve didn’t answer their questions as he read the letter, a stupid grin on his face. 

“Ooh, let me read it!” Dustin went to grab it but Steve quickly yanked his arm away, “no, absolutely not! This is a private letter for my eyes only.”

“Aw come on! Let me see!” Dustin complained. As Steve and Dustin were arguing, Max came up behind Steve and grabbed the letter, running to the other side of the room to read it. Steve ran after her, but Lucas, Will, and Dustin tackled him as Max began reading aloud.

“’It’s only been a month since I left, but it feels like forever. I’m counting down the days until I come back to Hawkins. I miss the sound of your voice and the smell of your cologne and the way you kiss me and how you-’ ohmygod, you two are disgusting!” Max stopped reading, her face going red. 

“What? What does it say?” Lucas demanded.

“Read it for yourself! I’m not saying that out loud,” Max shook her head. 

“Will you all stop?! That’s a private letter!” Steve yelled.

Lucas and Will ran over to Max, peering over her shoulder to read the rest of the note. Dustin didn’t budge from his spot on top of Steve. As the two boys scanned the page, they went wide eyed. “That is... graphic,” Lucas finally said, trying not to laugh. 

“You two must really love each other,” Will spoke, making Steve sigh. “We do. And that’s why the letter is so important. So can you please give it back?” he asked, defeated. Dustin got off of him and Max handed over the letter. 

“Why don’t you just call her? I don’t see the problem,” Lucas said. 

“Because they don’t have phones in the middle of the woods, dipshit,” Max snipped. 

“Jesus, I forgot. No need to be so rude,” Lucas huffed as Steve got up, the doorbell ringing once more. Will ran towards the front entrance. 

“Mike and El are here!” Will called, walking back into the room a moment later with the the two teens in tow. 

“About time” “Great! We can finally start the movie now!” Max and Dustin said at once. Lucas went over to the tv, shoving the VHS into the slot. 

“What movie?” El asked, picking up the bowl of popcorn that Max left on the table. 

“Monty Python and the Holy Grail; only one of the best movies of all time,” Will stated excitedly. “Ooh, good choice,” Mike flopped down on the couch, pulling El down beside him. The others got comfy and happily chatted away as the movie began. Max shushed loudly when the opening credits were over and everyone quieted down. 

Throughout the movie, as everyone was laughing and making comments, Steve stayed quiet. Dustin took notice and waited for his chance to talk to the others. When Steve left to go to the bathroom, Dustin ran over to the tv and paused the movie.

“Dude! Why’d you stop it? This is the best part!” Mike complained. Lucas and Max chimed in with agreement.

“The movie can wait. But right now we need a plan to help Steve. He looks miserable,” Dustin answered. 

“Maybe he does not like Monty Python,” El suggested. Will sighed, “No, Dustin’s right. He’s been acting like this all summer.” 

“Why? Because of Y/n? She’s coming back in, like, three weeks,” Mike shrugged.

Max rolled her eyes, “please, Michael, if El was gone for half that long, you’d be complaining everyday.”

Mike didn’t respond, knowing she was right. 

Dustin nodded decidedly, “alright then. What’s the plan?”

-

Steve told the group he was going to the bathroom, quickly leaving and heading up to his room. He wanted to have a fun evening, he really did, but the letter stuck in his head and he couldn’t think of anything else. 

Walking over to his desk, Steve opened a drawer and set the new letter over a pile of identical ones. You and Steve sent letters back and forth at least once a week, but it still wasn’t enough. All he asked for was to hear your voice, but not even that wasn’t possible. Two months away as a camp counselor in the middle of fucking nowhere. Steve thought he would be fine without you for that long. 

He was wrong. 

Steve snapped out of his thoughts and closed the drawer, taking a deep breath before heading back downstairs. As he reentered the living room, the kids immediately stopped talking, all turning to look at him. 

“What did I miss? Did something happen?” Steve asked, looking between the six of them. 

“Nope. Nothing at all,” Lucas said casually.

“We were just waiting for you to come back. So we can keep watching,” Max added. Dustin quickly got up and started the movie again. 

Steve was too mentally exhausted to care what they were talking about, so he sat back down without question. 

-

A week passed before you got another letter in the mail. But it wasn’t from Steve. This time, it was from Dustin Henderson, claiming that Steve was in the hospital and you needed to come home immediately. 

As soon as you read the letter, you ran to your boss with tears in your eyes, begging to be sent home early. Your boss knew there was no hope in arguing, so he complied, and you sent off a letter to Dustin saying you were on your way back to Hawkins as soon as possible.

“Y/n’s coming back!” Dustin announced, waving the letter in his hand as he walked into Mike’s basement. 

“I still don’t think it was a good idea to lie to her about Steve,” Max replied. 

“She’s probably gonna have a heart attack before she gets here,” Lucas agreed. 

“Listen, I know it was messed up, but we literally haven’t seen Steve leave his house in over a week. It was necessary,” Dustin defended himself, but the others didn’t seem convinced. Dustin continued, “Y/n will be at the airport tomorrow at noon. We need to meet her there before she goes looking for Steve.”

“That’s nice and all, but how are we going to get there? None of us can drive,” Max pointed out. The others looked at each other knowingly, already having two people in mind.

-

“You told her Steve was in the hospital?!” Nancy exclaimed, looking at the six kids in front of her like they were insane before turning to her boyfriend, “Jonathan, did you know about this?”

Jonathan shook his head, “I did not. Because if I did, I would of told them it was a stupid and cruel idea.”

“That’s what I said!” Will huffed.

“Look, I fucked up. I get it. But it’s already done, so can we move forward please?” Dustin said, frustrated. 

“Yeah, whatever. It’s 11:30 so we need to go,” Nancy and Jonathan got up, leading the younger teens outside and to the car. Nancy got in the drivers seat and took them all to the airport.

When the group finally saw you coming off the flight, you were a mess. Your eyes were red from crying and your clothes and hair were all over the place. You spotted the eight of them and ran over, dropping your bags to pull Nancy into a hug, “oh god, it’s so good to see you.”

Nancy smiled, hugging you back, “I know, I missed you. We all did.”

You pulled away, looking at everyone carefully. “Is... is he okay?” you asked quietly, scared of what the answer may be. 

They all glanced at one another, silently arguing over who was going to tell you that Steve was perfectly fine. You took their silence as the exact opposite, and suddenly began crying. Jonathan pulled you into a comforting hug as Mike elbowed Dustin hard, forcing him to speak.

“No! No, don’t cry. Steve’s ok. He’s perfectly fine, and not in the hospital. He never was... I, uh, lied. to get you to come home early,” Dustin explained quickly. 

You moved away from Jonathan, your sadness and worry turning to confusion then anger, “what?”

“Yeah, uh, sorry about that,” Dustin gave you the sweetest smile he could manage. 

“You lied about my boyfriend being in the hospital?! I left my job and paid for a last minute plane ticket - and for what? What was this all for for?!” you said angrily, trying your best to keep your voice from rising. 

“Steve has been miserable all summer. But it’s gotten worse the past few weeks. We wanted him to feel better, and the only way to do that was to bring you home,” Will stepped in to explain. You sighed, having a hard time to get mad at Will; he always meant well no matter how messed up the idea. 

“Where is he? Does he know I’m here?” you questioned, wanting to see him as soon as possible. 

“No! No, he doesn’t. He can’t. We have this whole plan and we’re gonna surprise him so you can’t see him until tonight,” Lucas said quickly. 

You didn’t want to wait that long, but you doubted the kids would let you anywhere near Steve before their plan was complete. So you looked to Nancy instead, “this has all been very emotionally draining. And I need a drink.”

Nancy smiled knowingly, “I got you covered. Let’s go back to my house.” 

You nodded heavily and turned back to the kids, “you can tell me your ridiculous plan on the way there... and this doesn’t mean I’m not still beyond pissed at you all.”

The six of them nodded quickly, not wanting to push you. You followed Nancy outside, Jonathan grabbing your bags for you and hurrying after the group.

-

Dustin, El, and Mike banged on Steve’s door. He didn’t answer the first time, so they persisted. Finally the door was yanked open and Steve answered with groan, “what?!”

“We have a surprise for you,” Dustin grinned. 

“Does it involve going out?” Steve asked. Dustin nodded. “Then I’m not interested,” Steve decided. 

“Just listen to us! It’s about Y/n,” Mike said quickly.

Dustin began explaining before Steve could say anything, “we’ve been trying to find away to get into contact with Y/n, and we finally figured it out. You know my ingenious invention, Cerebral? Well, we sent a letter to Y/n and there’s a way you’ll be able to talk to each other!” 

Steve watched him, a blank expression on his face, “nice idea, but that’s not possible. If phones don’t work there, how is your stupid little radio going to?”

“It’s different. Landlines and radios work on different frequencies, and interact in different ways. There’s no phones at Y/n’s camp, but there’s radios. So it’ll work. We’ve tested it,” Dustin insisted, trying his best to be convincing. 

“It’s true,” El nodded. Mike smiled at Steve in support. 

Steve was desperate, and willing to try anything, “fine. When?”

“In an hour. So go take a shower - you smell awful,” Mike said. 

-

An hour later, Steve was hiking up to the highest point in Hawkins, while you hid a bit further down on the other side of the hill with Lucas and Max. Dustin, Mike, El, and Will lead Steve to where Cerebral was set up, talking to him about how you were waiting on the other end. 

“This better work or I’m going to beat you with your own equipment,” Steve said to Dustin, no hint of sarcasm in his voice. 

“It’ll work. I promise,” Dustin assured, sitting down by the main radio. Dustin pretended to work on getting a proper connection, but it seemed to be failing, and Steve was growing impatient. 

“I swear to god, Henderson, you took me all the way up here and got my hopes up and the damn radio wont even work,” he said angrily. 

Dustin didn’t reply, turning a few more knobs as you sneaked up the hill and stood behind Steve.

“Steve?”

When he heard your voice, Steve quickly moved closer to the radio, surprised that it was actually working and how clear your voice sounded, “Y/n? Y/n, is that you?”

“Steve,” you said again, a bit louder, and he froze, realizing the voice wasn’t coming from the radio. Turning around, his eyes landed on you and a grin spread across his face. 

“Hi,” you grinned back and Steve ran over, scooping you up in a tight hug and spinning you around, both of you laughing from happiness. 

He put you down and pulled you into a deep kiss as you wrapped your arms around his neck. The kids watched on, proud of their work. 

“You came home,” Steve stated, keeping you close. 

“The kids told me you were in the hospital. I came home as soon as I could. They were lying, obviously,” you explained. Steve was too happy to have you back to be mad about that right now, so instead he just pulled you closer to him.

“I missed you so much,” you breathed, running your hands down his chest and kissing him. Steve kissed you back with an almost desperation, and the six kids realized things were about to get heated. 

“Should, we uh...,” Lucas trailed, pointing down to the bottom of the hill. “Yep. Mmhm,” the others nodded and the group quickly ran off, leaving you and Steve on your own. 

You pulled Steve down so the two of you were laying on the grass, never breaking the kiss in the process. He moved you on top of him, running his hands through your hair. You pulled away slightly to catch your breath, “I love you so much.”

“I love you too. It hurts how much I love you,” Steve answered, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“Did you get my last letter?” you asked as you ran a hand across his cheek. 

“I sure did,” Steve smiled slightly.

“I meant every word. And those things I promised I’d do to you when I got back...,” you started playfully, but was cut off when Steve rolled you over so he was hovering over you.

“I know you’d never break a promise. So just kiss me, idiot,” Steve said teasingly. You grinned and pulled him down to meet your lips once more. 

-

End.

[angryhausfrau-writes]

You Can‘t Cross the Same River Twice - Chapter 20

“Boy, there's enough red, white, and blue around here to make even old Ferret Face happy.” Trapper's looking around the park with an expression somewhere between awe and contempt. “Don't remember it being quite so...” He gestures vaguely at the flag bunting and the kids waving sparklers and tiny flags.

“What, it wasn't like this last Fourth of July?” Hawkeye finds it hard to believe that America would have been less patriotic during the death throws of the Korean war.

“I didn't go anywhere near any of this shit last year – got stuck with a twenty-four hour shift in the ER.” Trapper sighs. “Between the noise from the fireworks and all the kids coming in with powder burns, I coulda been back at the front.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.”

The clinic has seen its fair share of kids with burnt fingers – though fortunately nothing worse. And Hawkeye hasn't had the most restful week of his life, either. The constant barrage of fireworks brings back memories of artillery shells and he keeps dreaming about Korea. Just hazy impressions of blood and khaki, but unsettling enough to make him toss and turn half the night.

Trapper nudges Hawkeye out of those thoughts with a brief press of his shoulder. “Course, you were actually over there last year, so I tried not to wallow in self pity too much. I'm sure the coffee you were drinking was way worse than the shit in the ER staff room.”

Hawkeye laughs despite himself. Feels himself relax, despite the crowds, despite the dozens of screaming children – shrieks of laughter so, so close to shrieks of terror and agony. Despite what day it is.

He isn't in Korea. No one is going to die today.

Trapper knocks gently into Hawkeye's shoulder again, clearly reading his change in mood. “It gets to be too much and you wanna go home, just lemme know. Ok?”

Hawkeye smiles, small but genuine. “Thanks, Trapper. But I'm ok, really. And Cathy would never let me live it down if I missed her softball game – I'd lose my standing as favorite uncle.”

“That's true enough, Cathy's absolutely ruthless when crossed.” Trapper grins. “She pretty much single handedly whupped St. John's Episcopal in the interfaith league cuz they wouldn't let a girl play softball.”

“She an adorable little terror. You must be so proud.” And now Hawkeye's grinning too.

By this point, they've managed to fight their way through the crowd to the metal bleachers of the baseball diamond. It's crowded here too – apparently the Fourth of July little league games are a longstanding tradition – but it's a more orderly chaos. The hordes of children are being at least somewhat corralled by their impatient parents.

Except for Becky - who comes barreling out of the ballpark and right into Trapper, managing to knock him backwards a few steps with the force of her momentum. While Trapper's still getting his wind back, she flings herself at Hawkeye in an exuberant hug. He hugs her back, a little bemused – she's not normally so affectionate.

“Thank Christ you're here!” she exclaims when she finally lets go of Hawkeye.

“Don't cuss, Becky,” Trapper admonishes her. Though he's pulled her into another, less violent hug – and it's not like he has much room to complain about bad language.

“Sorry, dad,” Becky says, not looking very sorry. “But we've been here for hours! And all mom and Rob want to do is gossip about boring stuff like who's having babies or what some lady wore to church. At least you two talk about interesting things.”

“Speaking of your ma, she know you're running around loose?”

Becky looks guiltily at the ground and Trapper sighs.

“You better lead us to 'em before Louise sends out a search party. Don't want her to think you've run off to join the circus – though your human cannon ball act is pretty good, just about bowled me over.”

“Sorry dad, Uncle Hawkeye.” This time Becky does look contrite. But she brightens up when Hawkeye and Trapper each hold out a hand for her to take. And then she's tearing off towards wherever Louise and Robert are sitting – the two of them trailing in her wake.

They come up on Louise and Robert a little ways away – though the crowds are thick enough, it takes longer than it should to reach them. Leaving plenty of time for Trapper to watch them as he approaches.

It's still kinda strange for Trapper to see Louise out on the town – especially with a guy who ain't him. But they're friendly enough with one another, if mostly focused on the girls whenever they talk. And Robert ain't a bad guy, even if Trapper finds him unbearably boring. He cares about the girls a whole hell of a lot, and that's worth sitting through him talking about bird watching or the stock market or whatever the hell it is he's talking about now. Proper barbecue technique, by the sound of it.

No wonder Becky ran off.

Even Louise looks glad to see them, her smile a little fixed as she goes to kiss first his cheek and then Hawkeye's. And she's very quick to pull Hawkeye into a conversation about her latest knitting project – apparently Cathy's interest had sparked her own and they all trade knitting patterns now. Trapper smiles as he listens to Becky describe the plot of her latest Nancy Drew novel.

It's funny that it took divorcing his wife for them to find some kinda equilibrium with each other.

And Trapper ain't glad it happened, by any means. Mostly cuz Louise deserved better from him than being a distant shadow of the man she married – and a cheater who'd bedded anyone who'd have him over in Korea. A man in love with his best friend, even if it took him a while to realize.

But he don't mourn the man he used to be. Or see much point in regretting his mistakes. What's done is done – all that matters is the here and now. And this here and this now – a clear summer day, his one daughter sitting next to him and the other waving frantically from the dugout, Hawkeye happy and laughing and here with him – is pretty damn good.

--

Cathy wins her softball game and they all go out for ice cream after. They still woulda gone if she hadn't'a won, of course, but there's a special air of celebration about it on account of the victory.

After they all mob the ice cream cart – along with about a hundred other families - they cram onto a couple of park benches. The girls are talking all in and around and over each other in their excitement. And Louise is attempting to get them to take turns talking – a lost cause in Trapper's opinion. Even Robert is smiling and cracking some pretty terrible jokes. They're loud enough, some of the people walking past are giving them the evil eye.

But Hawkeye is just sitting there. Silent. With ice cream dripping down his arm.

Covered by the loud chatter of the rest of the family, Trapper leans in and says quietly, “You ok, Hawkeye? You wanna cut this short and head home?”

“Nah, I'm fine. Just thinking.” And then Hawkeye laughs quietly. “You know something funny, Trapper? That first week back home I went out and bought knitting supplies and a gossip magazine and an ice cream cone – strawberry, like I'm eating now.”

Hawkeye pauses to lick ice cream off his wrist and Trapper has to look away.

“It felt like – like this forbidden thing, you know? To go out and buy ice cream. Ice cream! It's not like I was breaking the law or anything – I wasn't even buying booze or a nudie mag or anything questionable – but it felt like I was going to get arrested by the cops for being out without a pass, you know? For daring to buy an ice cream cone without orders.”

Trapper nods.

For all that the army was s'posed to bring freedom to Korea, it was pretty damn thin on the ground – for soldiers and civilians. It had taken him a while to get used to the lack of military restrictions when he got back home, too. A while to get used to feeling like a real person again, able to make decisions for himself, able to set his own schedule.

“I had to remind myself that I was a grown adult,” Hawkeye continues, “capable of running errands on my own – going where I wanted when I wanted, without written permission or a curfew.”

Trapper nods again. “It's funny what a guy can get used to, I guess. What starts to feel normal.” He grins wryly. “Not that you've ever given two shits about being normal.”

Hawkeye laughs. “True enough.” And then he bites into his ice cream cone.

--

They get invited over to Louise and Robert's house in the suburbs for a Fourth of July barbecue. And the girls are so excited to show their dad and Uncle Hawkeye their rooms and toys and neighborhood haunts that they can't really refuse. So Hawkeye finds himself standing on Robert's meticulously manicured lawn, chatting with a slew of pastel-clad, pearl-wearing housewives while their husbands congregate around the grill to talk about cars and vacations to the Grand Canyon and other boring things. Trapper, meanwhile, has practically disappeared in a pile of roughhousing kids – occasionally breaking free, only to be pulled back under by the teaming mass. And Louise flutters at the edge of Hawkeye's little entourage – pouring drinks and setting out side dishes.

Hawkeye had offered to help – he and Trapper both had – but she'd said they were guests and ought to take it easy. Hawkeye doesn't know that he feels easy, exactly, in this world of matching bungalows and matching skirt sets but he does his best to relax.

It had helped when the women had gathered around him and started gossiping. All he'd had to do was listen and ask leading questions and he could be almost totally silent without looking bored or inattentive – a trick he'd learned on the boat home, back when he didn't really talk all that much. Back when he felt like he didn't have anything to say that was really him talking.

He doesn't feel that way anymore, but it's still a relief when they all sit down to eat and he can rejoin Trapper. Talk about something other than church functions, PTA meetings, and children's play dates. Even if they're sitting at the kiddie table and his time is mostly spent trying to keep the kids from putting potato salad in each others' hair.

It helps settle something in him to be able to see the kids alive and happy and alive. Helps drive home that he isn't in Korea and today isn't going to end like it did last year. And it helps that Trapper is sitting next to him, pressed against him, real and solid and here.

Trapper presses closer to Hawkeye under the pretense of the table being crowded. And there are a whole lotta kids crammed onto one picnic bench. But more than that, Trapper needs the comfort and familiarity of Hawkeye next to him.

Cuz it's strange, being here at Louise's house. Seeing her and the kids having a life here. Seeing them have a life here with Robert and without him.

Don't get him wrong, it's not any kinda life Trapper'd want to live. He ain't jealous or nothing. But it's strange, being here with the people he used to be so close to - but as an outsider to their lives.

At least Louise seems happy here - with her nice big house and her nice boring husband and her nice gossipy neighbors. Trapper's glad Louise is living the kinda life she wants – the kinda life she'd grown up with, grown up wanting. Glad she can have the kinda life he hadn't been able to have with her.

But he's really fucking glad when the night is over and he can go back home to his own life with Hawkeye.

[robinskey]

Steve x Nancy’s Childhood Friend! Reader (pt 5)

Part One//Part Two//Part Three//Part Four

A/N: This is a bit of a shorter update, but I think it’s necessary to transition into the next part(s). Stay tuned-I’m planning some good stuff for this series!

Warnings: Swearing, cringe mom/daughter moments, microscopic feminist rant (got a little carried away, oops)

As you’re walking up to your house, you swear you see the blinds over one of the windows rustle

The ferocious growl of your empty stomach distracts you from worrying about it

As soon as the front door’s unlocked, you make a beeline for the kitchen

Your mom stands at the sink, a rag in one hand and an already-spotless plate in the other

She greets you with a cheerful “Hi, sweetie!” and asks about your day as you dig around in the cabinets for a snack

“Didn’t you have work today?” you ask as you reemerge from the depths of the pantry with a bag of Doritos and a Capri Sun

“You know I only work until two on Fridays, honey,” she chirps, continuing to scrub at the same dish as you stab the straw into your drink

When you look back up, she’s watching you with wide eyes

“Is something wrong, Mom? Did something happen at work?”

“Oh, no, nothing like that,” she says, waving her hand dismissively

She turns to face the sink once more and releases the dish into the soapy water

“I just…didn’t realize Steve was your boyfriend”

Heat instantly rises up your neck and onto your ears

“What? No. He’s not-where would you even get that idea?”

She flashes a sheepish grin, tilting her head toward the road where Steve’s car had just been parked

You groan as the realization hits you

“Oh, my god, Mom. You were stalking us?”

“Not stalking. Observing”

“That’s exactly what a stalker would say”

“A nice stalker. Who just likes seeing her daughter happy”

“Mom”

“Okay, okay,” she says, raising her plastic-gloved hands in surrender. “Listen, your father called, and he’s working late. Would you be absolutely heartbroken if we saved the meatloaf for tomorrow’s dinner and just ordered a pizza tonight?”

Figures. The one night your mom admits defeat and gets takeout…

“Well, actually, I was hoping you’d let me go out tonight”

Your mother raises her eyebrows into her hairline

“Go out…on a date?”

“No,” you huff. “It’s just friends hanging out.”

“So it’s a group going, then?”

“Well…no. It’s just Steve and me,” you say hesitantly

“Sounds like a date to me!”

“Well, it’s not. Steve and I are just-just friends”

It felt odd, referring to King Steve as your friend. Before yesterday, you’d never referred to him as anything but “the ass who broke your best friend’s heart”

Now, you’d ridden in his car three times, and he was suddenly your “friend”

“‘Friend’. Hmph,” your mother repeats. “Well, okay. Have fun with your friend tonight”

She wiggles her eyebrows, and your face burns again

“Thanks, Mom,” you say, then dash up the stairs before you literally die of embarrassment

You spend the next three hours tearing your closet apart

Searching for the perfect outfit for your not-date

Curling your hair

Perfecting your makeup

You’re not dressing up for Steve

Because girls don’t dress for boys

But you rarely go out

And sometimes it feels nice to look nice

And if Steve thinks you look nice, too-well, that wouldn’t hurt

You’re sitting in the living room with your mom when the doorbell finally rings

“I’ll get it!” she cries, springing to her feet

“No, you won’t,” you say, laying your hands on her shoulders to gently push her back into the sofa. You plant a kiss on her cheek and hurry out of the room

You smooth your clothes with your hands before swinging open the door

Steve stands on your front porch, bouncing on his heels as he waits

His hands are shoved in the pockets of his jeans

Hair slightly slicked back with gel

His eyes flicker from your dramatic curls down to your delicate flats

He’s silent as he appraises your appearance

And Steve Harrington always has something to say

“Am I overdressed or something?” you ask, suddenly self-conscious

“Yeah-wait, no,” Steve stammers

He runs his fingers through his hair, tugging lightly at the roots

Almost like pinching himself to keep from getting lost in dreamland

“I mean-you look good,” he finally says. He bites his lip as he gives you one lap once-over. “You look really good”

Thank goodness the sun’s already set, and the cloak of night has descended

Otherwise, the rosiness in your cheeks would be on display for all to see

“Thanks. You look good, too,” you say

You both stare at each other like idiots 

Until you hear footsteps behind you

And a squeaky, “Is that Steve?”

You know that, if your mother catches you, she’ll drill Steve for at least an hour about his intentions with her daughter

Even though it’s not a date

And he’s sure as hell not your boyfriend

If the two of you get into a conversation with your mother, you’ll be lucky to get to the diner before it closes

So you gaze at Steve with eyes wide as saucers and tell him to run

You both take off across the lawn, cackling like madmen

Steve left the car running, so he punches the gas pedal as soon as he’s in the driver’s seat

You watch your mother’s figure grow smaller in the distance as you speed off into the night

Taglist: @novaddictx @irreplaceable-ecstasy @swiftxdreams@ahoycapnsteve @write-from-the-heart @broadwayandnetflix @yllwtaxi

If you want to be added to the tag list for this series/my writing in general, leave a reply or send me a message! Thanks again for reading. <3

If you want to read more of my fics, here’s my masterlist! :)

[slashersteve]

Can’t Cheat Fate [10]

pairing: Steve Harrington/Female Reader, slight Jonathan Byers/Female Reader || Fake Dating! Au

series summary: It started with an innocent kiss shared with Steve Harrington at an 8th-grade party, then years later you’re in a fight with your best friend and long-time crush and in a fake relationship with the King of Hawkins himself. What was it about that party that has your junior year this insane?

warnings: cursing, mentions of blood but not too like bleh

note: I said this would be borderline stupid romcom I feel as if I’m delivering it and no i wont apologize 

***

Tina's Party was already underway by the time you and Steve arrived. It came as no surprise to you that Steve would want to arrive fashionably late, walking in and having everyone cheer that he finally made it. You say you got better at this, holding Steve's hand that was wrapped around your shoulders and greeting everyone. Half the varsity swim team instantly dragged you and Steve to the keg stand.

Steve waved his hand, telling them, "No drinking today, I gotta drive this girl home later and I promised her parents I'd get her home safe."

They booed, but one of the swimmers you grew quite fond of, Terance, told them all to shut up, "God forbid be wants to keep his girlfriend safe. Don't listen to them Harrington, they've been drinking since seven," the swimmer said, clasping his hand on Steve's back. After chatting with his fellow swimmers for a while, you decided to break off, much to their dismay because to your honest surprise they liked you the most out of the whole school.

Steve took your hand before you left, and asked where you were going with puppy dog eyes. The swimmer cooed.

"Come on give your boy a kiss (y/n), we know he can't last 5 minutes without you," they teased, you rolled your eyes and Steve shot you a look. They couldn't see him, his back to them but it was a look asking if it was okay. You saw no harm in that, and leaned up and pecked him on the lips. A smile grew on Steve's lips and you waved at the others.

"You guys talk about swimmer stuff- I'm going to find a bathroom," you called, and as you walked away even with loud music blasting through the giant speaker of Tina's stereo in the living room- you could hear the guys begin to tease Steve.

"Damn Harrington I don't think I've ever seen you as whipped before!" Terance had called. Steve waved them all off and replied, "Ah come on guys." Though his eyes did linger on you before you disappeared into the large crowd. Finding the bathroom wasn't very difficult, you had to shove a few already, somehow drunken teens out of your way to get there only to see there was a line.

Steve did tell you to make sure you went before, but you were too lazy too.

Suddenly, an arm hooked with yours and you snapped your head to the side to meet the eyes of Tina Cline, she was smiling at you as she said, "Come use the bathroom upstairs- nobody is allowed up there." You were going to decline the offer because for one- you didn't want to climb those stairs and two- you didn't like Tina and knew for a fact she didn't like you either. Even though this was her party, you were sure if she could she would've forced Steve not to bring you here. But alas, the girl led you upstairs.

It was a different house than the one from 8th grade, she and her family moved into a larger one, so you couldn't tell her that you could find it yourself. You awkwardly thanked her before you slid into the bathroom and shut the door, locking it, hoping perhaps she'd leave but as you were doing your business for some reason she started to talk to you through the door which made you shoot a look at the locked door.

"So two weeks into the relationship?" she called through the door, you cleared your throat.

"Yeah?" you said, you could see her shadow from under the door, she was more than likely leaning on it which made you slightly uncomfortable. Thankfully she didn't respond while you went, and only talked after flushed the toilet and began to wash your hands.

"I heard you and him got into an argument yesterday."

Of course, you did, you practically fucking stalk the poor guy, you thought groggily as you washed your hands. When you didn't respond she said, "What was it about? Was it about what happened in the lunchroom yesterday with that freak Jonathan Byers."

You mocked her in the mirror, not knowing why she was even talking to you right now. You opened the door and put on the fakest smile ever as she quickly hopped off of the door, "Okay. I'm done. Thanks for letting me skip the line down there," you thanked her. She nodded.

"Anything for my best friend from middle school," she smiled, and you were sure the both of you knew either smiles were hella fake. You went downstairs quite quickly, trying to get away from her because she was just fishing for gossip and drama. While it shouldn't have bothered you because the relationship was going to end after tonight, it did. Soon, you'd go back to having a normal, non-Steve life. You would be an ex-girlfriend of course, but the school would get over it.

As you tried to find Steve, you were surprised when you saw Nancy was here. You caught her sitting down on one of the couches with a drink in her hand talking to some of the other teens there you never learned to remember the names of. You pushed through the crowd just to get to her, believing Steve would eventually find you if he needed you.

"Hey Nancy," you greeted, taking a seat on the empty chair beside them. Nancy smiled at the sight of you.

"Hey! I thought you were somewhere around here- I saw Steve but not you," Nancy said, you shrugged.

"He's around and about- he'll find me later," you said. Nancy laughed.

"How's your first high school party experience?" she asked, you motioned around the room with a groggy look and replied, "Yeah- unorganized, have to push through crowds to get from one room to the other...absolutely horrible, but-" The conversation between you continued, Nancy asking you about how your relationship with Steve was going and you shrugged softly, Nancy tilted her head.

"Not going well?"

"It's going great, I'm sure you heard about our disagreement yesterday, Tina cornered me in a bathroom to ask me about it, so I assume everyone else knows now," You crossed one leg over the other and leaned back in the chair. Nancy tried to act like she barely knew but then quickly changed her mind.

"Yeah- I heard it was about what happened in the lunchroom...he can be like that sometimes," Nancy said quiet enough for only you to hear. You nodded in agreement.

"Learned it the hard way I guess," you smiled weakly, and Nancy shot you an almost sympathetic look.

From across the room, not too far from where you and Nancy sat talking, Steve was looking for you. His teammates all broke off into different directions,  the crowd dispersed at the right moment, revealing you sitting on the couch laughing, a drink was now in your hand. He couldn't see who you were talking to, but whoever it was was making you crack up. Steve smiled as you fake wiped tears, liking how were enjoying yourself and not being miserable at least on your final day of being a "couple."

Terance had joined the conversation, along with his girlfriend Annie. Annie was one of the nicer ones, in your grade, auburn hair and green eyes. She was really pretty and nice and she and Terance were another iconic couple at the school. The said Terance was currently cracking jokes about your chemistry teacher- Mr. Sigurdson- that everyone in your small group now understood completely. He was a strange teacher and can be annoying when he wants to.

You suddenly felt eyes on you, you don't know and glanced away as you were laughing and suddenly locked eyes with Steve. He raised his hand at you, and you waved back. Terance noticed your gesture and looked over, rolling his eyes, "Can you two ever not be making each other heart eyes? I swear." You shooed him away from you.

"We do not-" At least you think you didn't.

"I swear the last two weeks all I hear about is you, which I don't mind, you're a hella cool girl," Terance said patting your leg, you gave him a face, "What! It's true! And look- what is that around your waist-" he gestured to his jacket that Steve insisted you still brought even though a jacket at a party full of sweaty, dancing, and drinking teens was the last thing you wanted to bring, "You two make me sick!"

"Oh be quiet Ter- I think it's sweet!" Annie chimed in, "Nance don't you think so too?" Nancy set her now empty cup down and nodded.

"Yeah I do," she replied, shooting you a smile.

"Wait Nancy didn't you and Steve kind of have a thing?" Annie asked now, suddenly remembering it. Nancy's eyes widened and she looked at you, you pretended not to be paying attention by chugging some of your drink that Terance had put in your hand, it was punch. You think.

"No- well it was hardly even a thing," Nancy said awkwardly, you looked to her and tried to read her expression. She looked almost sad, and your only thought was well you can have him after tonight. Annie hummed in interest. You wanted to cringe how awkward it suddenly became until Terance gagged and got up to run to the bathroom, Annie rolled her eyes and followed after him.

When you were looking into your half-empty cup Nancy was looking at you from the corner of her eye.

Tommy and Carol joined Steve, tearing his attention from you and telling Steve they want him to chug the keg, but Steve kept declining as before, "No Tommy I told you- I have to drive (y/n) home," Steve said after the third time Tommy told him to.

"Dammit Harrington that girl's turning you into a bitch," he said, making Steve shoot him an annoyed look.

"Shut the hell up dude, she's not turning me into a bitch- I just don't want to kill her on the way home due to me being irresponsible," he replied, Carol sighed.

"Tommy let's just go, clearly he just came to the party not to drink and babysit (y/n) all night," she said rolling her eyes and grabbing ahold of Tommy's hand. Steve raised a brow and gave Carol a look. Tommy noticed the look and quickly asked, "Didn't you and your little girlfriend get into a fight or some shit yesterday?"

"Yeah Tommy we did because of you making Byers drop his camera- purposely- so fucking thanks for that," Steve replied just as angrily. Tommy scoffed.

"As if you would give a shit about what happens to Byers and his shitty camera," he said, "Clearly you dating (y/n) is some kind of fucking charity case just so you could get her to write your essays or some bullshit reason. Just admit you're just trying to get into her pants already and be done with it I'm sick of her intruding at our table."

Steve glared at him, "It's not like that dickhead."

Carol suddenly cut in, crossing her arms and saying, "Well then what's the reason, the Steve we know would never be caught dead dating someone like her."

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean? What's wrong with her?" Steve asked, people around them were starting to notice their arguing, but the music was much too loud to even decipher what they were saying. The conversation between you and Nancy sprang up again, neither of you notice heads turning as people the closest were saying 'Tommy H and Steve are about to fucking fight."

"What's wrong with her is that she's a goody-two-shoes, prissy, social-climbing Nancy Wheeler reject," Carol said cheekily, Steve tensed up slightly shooting Carol a look of distaste.

"So that's the reason- just as I thought- Nancy Wheeler didn't want to date you huh?" Steve turned his entire body towards him, and Tommy sized him up.

Steve rolled his eyes and began to walk backward, asking, "You guys are just being assholes for the hell of it, well- fuck you both how about that?" He turned around and Tommy took great offense to Steve's words, reaching over to grab his shoulder. By now, other party-goers attention was completely on them, watching with anticipation. Carol leaned on the wall, her arms crossed. Steve stopped.

"King Steve can get whatever and whoever he wants but he couldn't get Nancy Wheeler so he had to settle for the less attractive, more annoying version of her- I mean she used to hang with Byers willingly, that freak-" Tommy was abruptly cut off by Steve turning around and shoving him. Then, a fight broke out between the two.

You didn't even know the situation, sitting there idly minding your business, finishing off your own drink as you continued a conversation with Nancy when- "FIGHT!" was called out from your right, instantly people were nearly trampling over you and Nancy that you dropped your cup and quickly began to huddle onto the couch, covering your face with your arms. When you felt like no one was literally on top of you, you got up and yelled, "What is going on!? A fight!?" Steve did not tell you the possibilities of fights, god now you wanted to go home- well that is until you heard who the fight involved.

"Your boy and Tommy are fighting!" someone you didn't even know cried out. Your eyes widened, Nancy shot you a worried look from her spot on the couch. You didn't think this was where the night was going to go, but you were all elbows pushing through the crowd to get to the center, telling people to get the fuck out of the way.

Tommy had shoved Steve against the stereo, knocking it over and music instantly cut out, the only sound now being drunken students cheering and screaming either Tommy or Steve's name.

Steve's lip was busted open, and there was already a bruise forming on his cheek. Tommy wasn't safe from one either, his left cheek growing red. You managed to push your way through the crowd, with the help of a suddenly sober (well almost) Terance and two other members of the swim team.

The other two members you recognized as Aiden and Jon grabbed Tommy to hold him back, and you quickly went to Steve's side, "Steve what the hell!?" you asked as he quickly got up and was about to go after Tommy again, but was stopped by both you and Terance.

"You're a little bitch now Harrington!" Tommy yelled, Carol went to his side.

"Fuck you, Tommy! You fucking asshole!" Steve yelled back as Tommy tried to push past him too. You didn't know the situation, didn't even care at this point just worried about Steve.

Tommy shoved the swimmers off of him and took Carol's hand as they pushed through the crowd, just as Tina's shrill voice was crying out from the crowd about what the fuck was going on. When she got to the center, and her eyes landed on you, then to Steve- then to her now broken stereo.

"What the actual fuck!"

You looked back to Steve, ignoring her sudden screaming about who the fuck had done this, he was still glaring into the crowd Tommy disappeared in as Terance pat his shoulder, "You guys should probably go," he said, side-eying the stomping and screaming Tina Cline. You took Steve's arm and dragged him through the crowd shouting at them to get out of your way, and they did thankfully it was less hard than getting there in the first place.

"Damn Harrington you got your ass beat-"

"Would you shut the hell up? You're not even going to remember it," you snapped, scolding them as you dragged Steve near the door. Nancy was right there, and Steve froze at the sight of her. You noticed right away and thought this wasn't the time for him to oggling her. She held up some napkins and then an ice-cold beer and a water bottle you don't know where she got from because water at this party seemed nonexistent, "You know...to put it on that bruise." Steve just stared at her, and you tried not to roll your eyes, taking it from her.

"Thank you, Nancy," you said, Nancy smiled, letting her eyes linger on Steve for a second before you took him outside and towards his car, never once letting go of his arm.

Man, in the two weeks you and Steve have been in this fake relationship you already argued, your first actual high school party with drinking involved and Steve got into a fistfight with who you considered to be one of his closest friends. Damn.

Steve leaned onto the side of his car, and you set down the can of beer on the top of the car then peeled the napkin apart, Steve watched as you opened the water and wet the napkin, you didn't question at least not right now, your main goal to wipe the blood off of his bottom lip and jaw first. Steve winced as you almost came into contact with the wound, and you cringed.

"I'm not a doctor," you said, Steve nodded.

"Obviously," then he laughed weakly as you smiled. You cleaned up the most without trying to touch the wound, then just tossed the napkin onto the top of the car. You then wrapped another napkin around the beer and then lightly pressed the can against his cheeks. Steve groaned from the contact.

"Let's just get out of here," Steve grumbled, you raised a brow.

"As in like home? If I go home now my parents are going to be mad that I'm home too early," you said, Steve shook his head.

"No- let's go to the park or something- probably get some food because all there were was chips and dip," Steve joked, and you laughed as you agreed, "Not too late to order a pizza is it?" You grabbed his wrist and checked his watch.

"No, it's not too late." Steve stood there for a second, then took out his keys.

"Can you drive?"

"Yeah- but I haven't driven in like...months...so..." you eyed the keys and Steve shrugged as he handed you the keys. You stared at them in your hands then shrugged as well, it's his funeral you suppose.

***

The park was empty this time of night, you both sat at one of the wooden tables, a large half-eaten pepperoni pizza sitting between you two, empty cans of soda, and even an actual ice pack that was awkward to explain at the corner store here in Hawkins when he came in with a bruise up face. The night had gotten a little chilly that you decided to put on his jacket and zip it all the way up.

"So- I want to know what happened..." you said as you wiped your hands on your jeans. Steve grumbled and leaned on the table.

"Just Tommy having a big mouth and not knowing when to shut the fuck up," Steve replied, you nodded.

"Yeah probably- but..." you sighed, "Look Steve- I know I like went off on you yesterday about being different around them, and I gave it more thought- and I mean- I had no right to snap at you like that, I'm not even your real girlfriend so it shouldn't have mattered to me." Steve blinked in confusion.

"No- no you were right to, I was being a dick instigating it and saying that...mean shit about Byers, but you know, Nancy had told me the same thing before, and after I saw her standing by the door," he sighed, "It just made me realize that maybe that's why she didn't want to date me, because of the same you reason you don't even want to fake date me." You frowned, and he pressed the ice pack on his cheek again, "I'm such a fucking idiot."

You reached over and grabbed another slice of pizza, "No not really. We're all different around our friends."

"I'm not different when I'm with you though," Steve said, taking you off guard, "I mean you're probably my only real friend now. Well, you probably always were." You tilted your head confused, Steve wasn't looking at you just staring at the box of pizza motionlessly. You didn't know what to say to that, so you took a bite of your pizza and also looked down at the box.

Steve looked at you, not sure if he wanted to tell you that he got into that fight because Tommy was saying mean shit about you, he didn't want you to think it your fault or anything. But maybe there was another reason. Steve cleared his throat, "I guess I just feel like I had to hold up my whole King Steve persona because it made me popular and made people like me, or pretend to like me at least."

You bit the inside of your cheek, and said, "You don't have to do that you know- I don't see you as King Steve, and I think you're pretty cool. That's why I was taken so off guard yesterday and said what I said..."

Steve felt himself smile at your words, "Is that so?"

"Yeah- Steve beside Jonathan you were like the only other person I considered a close friend while everyone around me thought you with a douchebag. And all things aside, I've been having a good time hanging out with you every day and even before during our essay sessions, you're a great guy. You're not King Steve to me, you're just Steve Harrington, dorky, cute idiot Steve Harrington who asked me what a transition word was." You grinned as you teased him. Steve scowled.

"Not everyone has your writing skills okay," he tried to sound offended, but the smile on his lips and the gleaming look in his eyes said otherwise. You laughed and reached forward to put your hand over his that rested on the table.

"The point is, I like you very much if that counts for anything," you said, voice softer. Steve looked at you, then at your hand and felt a warmth spread throughout him. Luckily, it was dark so you couldn't see the pink rise to his cheeks. He tried not to lick his lips, a gesture he does when he's nervous, because of his wound on his lip that thankfully stopped bleeding earlier. It still hurt though.

"That's nice of you to say..." he said, feeling his voice become suddenly scratchy, "This is why I liked you so much in middle school," he said more to himself, a small smile on his lips as he looked past you as if he was remembering your times together in middle school. You couldn't say that it didn't make your stomach flip and erupt in small butterflies.

"What?" you asked.

Steve sees your face and just laughs in that cute way you enjoyed, "Nevermind. Are you done eating? It's getting pretty late, I don't want to keep your parents worried." You nodded, tossing the half-eaten pizza into the box and releasing his hand.

"You probably don't want to come to the door- with that face," she motioned her index finger in circles over his face, and he scoffed.

"I'll just say I was defending your honor," Steve replied, grabbing the pizza. You raised a brow.

When you got into the car, Steve claiming he was good to drive- glanced over at you, and you just knew something teasing was going to come out of his mouth and it was exactly what you thought, "You think I'm cute?" You rolled your eyes.

"King Steve and Steve Harrington both have the same ego though," you commented, Steve waved you off and said, "I'm a cute, dorky idiot fake-boyfriend who you like very much." You wanted to say you were annoyed, that you should've known better to tell him that knowing it could get to his head, but the reality was you didn't regret it at all. You looked to Steve as he started the car, and before he could back out of the parking space, you decided something right away and told him.

"We're still going to be fake-dating...by the way."

His eyes widened and he stopped the car halfway out of the spot, "Really?" You nodded.

"The last two weeks have been the most eventful weeks of my entire high school life, and it doesn't seem like any of us are going to have friends after this anyway. We ruined our reputations in just two weeks, Steve. Two weeks. we oughta stick together don't you think? At least until like...our dramatic, ultimate break up that leads me into Jonathan's arms and you into Nancy's," you said waving your hands around. Steve chuckled.

"That's good news." He started to drive out, a smile on his lips that this thing you had going was still going. You didn't know what the result of this relationship would be, especially for you. Steve might get the better end of the stick in this whole deal, you still resentful towards Jonathan and his condescending looks he would still give you, but at least Steve would be happy with Nancy, of which you would tell Steve about your conversation with her at the party later. You glanced at Steve, seeing his small smile, and thinking you'd be fine if he was the only one to get a happy ending out of this.

He looked at you and you quickly looked away, making it look like you were just looking at the car radio, you even reached forward to turn it on to make it less obvious. To your surprise, a very familiar song blasted through the speakers. It was Hold Me Now, you tried not to look shocked until Steve looked at you and said, "Hey! It's this song!"

You cleared your throat, "W...what song?" You acted as if you didn't know what this song was.

"You know! Oh come on- it's the song that was playing when we first kissed!"

That caught you completely off guard, eyes widening that Steve had just said that. You didn't think he'd remember, he'd recognize that this was indeed the song.

"How am I supposed to remember that?" you lied through your teeth, and Steve groaned.

"Oh come on- you don't remember the song playing during your first kiss? I do," he said, you were going to reply how much a romantic he clearly but was cut off by him beginning to sing. Or better yet, yell.

"You say I'm a dreamer- we're two of a kind! We both always searching for some perfect world we know we'll never find!" Steve sang "So perhaps I should leave here, yeah! Go far away!" He didn't even sing the end, just yelled it and his voice was not the best. You tried not to smile at his silly singing, but failing miserably and he knew, he looked at you and pointed, "But you know that's there nowhere that I'd rather be than with you here today!"

"Steve I swear-"

"Ohhhhhh! Hold me now!"

"Please don't- my ears can't handle anymore," you dramatically put your hands over your ears, but that only prompted Steve to lean over to you as he continued.

"Wooooaaah Hold my heart!" Steve laughed at your reaction which was a horrible cringe, "STAY WITH ME! " You leaned forward, almost dropping the pizza box you hand on your lap by how loud and obnoxious and hilarious he was being.

"Steve- you're such a fucking dork," you said between your laughs, Steve smiled at the sight of you losing it over his horrible singing.

"What? I'm thinking about trying out for the school musical, think I have a chance?" he asked, you coughed and with a permanent smile on your lips, and replied, "You do have a lot of heart- so maybe." He tapped on the wheel to the beat and nodded.

"Okay I'm giving myself a headache," he said, chuckling weakly to himself. You smirked.

"You ask if I love you! What can I say! You know that I do and that this is just one of those games that we play!" you began to sing just as obnoxiously, "So I sing you a new song, please don't cry anymore!" You touched his face even and the smile on his lips turned into a large grin, and said in his best impression of you "How am I supposed to remember that!?" He raised both eyebrows knowingly and instead of answering you continued to sing, "I'll ask your forgiveness though I don't know just what I'm asking it for."

Steve suddenly joined you, "Ohhhhhh! Hold me now!"

"Woooah hold my heart!" you sang

"Warm my cold and tired heart!" Steve sang the background and both of you nearly yelled, "Stay with me!!!"

You had to stop because your fits of laughter were ruining the song, even more, neither of you could even breath and Steve had to stop the car for a second on the empty road just to laugh as well because he was sure if he didn't he was going to crash or something.

When he dropped you off at home that night, you laid in bed staring up at the ceiling with a wide smile on your lips, and then fell into a peaceful, dreamless sleep with Steve as the last person on your mind.

[wellntruly]

STRANGER THINGS 3

I love so much the Stranger Things. All of ‘em, wholeheartedly. I loved spooky throwback genre piece Stranger Things 1, I loved fright night family flick Stranger Things 2, and now I love Stranger Things 3, a retro sci-fi action movie which largely takes place in and under a 1985 mall and made me think the phrase “vaporware horror”, which I now want to put into your heads too.

I laughed, I yelped, I cried out “my babies!”, and I sobbed so much in three successive storms of tears during the finale that my nose blocked up and I had to stumble hiccuping to go get tissues. Honestly, all I really ask of art is that it make feel something. STRANGER THINGS: GOOD FOR THAT.

Anyway, my plan was to just watch this, like a normal person, but I couldn’t darn help myself; I did jot down some notes each episode. Here they are.

Pre-show

WELL even just the recap of Stranger Things 2 brought tears to my eyes! god I love this show so stupid much. also realized that the unhinged conspiracy theory journalist is Martin from Fleabag, holy Fucking shit my good sirs.

SEASON THREE

‘Chapter One: Suzie, Do You Copy?’

MY BABIES ARE GROWING UP!! Look at their growing-up little faces!

I laughed out loud at the first frame of Hopper. David Harbour is so good.

“Hey dingus, your children are here.” your children

Finn Wolfhard has become 7 gangling feet tall, wonderful

oh no. oh no. don’t make me have feelings about Will and Mike’s relationship again, don’t do it!!

why….do people find Billy attractive. I am like, anti attracted to Billy. I am repulsed.

DOES HOPPER COME TO JOYCE FOR PARENTING ADVICE FOR EL, OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD, GET MARRIED

Joyce: “Just take it down, Hopper.” Hopper, enunciating each word: “I NEED FOR THEM TO BREAK UP.”

of course the misogynist reporters call Nancy “Nancy Drew”, of course

El hiding/cuddling on Mike’s shoulder is real cute acting there Millie Bobby Brown

Cerebro!!!!

this summer afternoon/evening lighting on the hill is so beautiful

oh Mike IS a little asshole! listen this is perfect character development, absolutely Mike becomes this kid, dating your daughter

'Chapter Two: The Mall Rats’

hopefully their science teacher isn’t away for the summer so he can explain about these magnets

damn Nancy’s work dress game is on point, BOTH of these have been 100% Would Wear

this blond journalist needs to disappear

Dustin: “She says kissing’s better without teeth.” Steve: [an incredible face at the side of Dustin’s head, A+ acting]

I’m *So* glad El and Max are going to become besties, v good

ah there’s Elwes! Stranger Things’ commitment to 80s stunt casting remains unparalleled

DID MY DARLING JOYCE GO TO THE LIBRARY AND BORROW A BUNCH OF BOOKS ON ELECTROMAGNETISM TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG, MOM I LOVE U

booyah there’s Mr. Clark, exactly what I asked for

omg these girls are so cute. also I once filmed a deadpan punk music video to ‘Material Girl’ with my most cool rocker friend when I was 14 myself, so, feeling it, it being my memories!!!1!

Eleven: “I dump your ass.” Me: [bursts out laughing with joy]

haha holy shit, the Russians are coming from INSIDE THE HAWKINS

I cannot believe Billy is like, a plot

OH MY NO WHAT DID YOU DO TO THIS GIRL!!!!!!! dislike

‘Chapter Three: The Case of the Missing Lifeguard’

Max, with her little toes pointed on the floor in her bobby socks as she sits attentively on the bed, sweetiePIE

awwww, fuck, Hop? he’s so frustrated and angry, stood up by Joyce, thinks El and Mike are making out again, but then finding out that his daughter is just having her first sleepover with a pal just swamps over all of that and this totally soft look comes over his face. he’s so touched! his little girl has a girlfriend! gaahhh

I got goosebumps at this Monstery Billy encounter! yikes!

WILL MY SON

“Is it? Is it early, Michael?” [McElroy voice] My Booyy!

“spy craft”

Robin is a theatre kid, of course, god, hell yeah

ooo, they are deepening the mythology! now people can fall through the ink black pool where El finds people in the Otherspace, eery! I also like a lot that it’s two girls trying to rescue the kidnapped girl. the young characters are dividing along gender lines but I don’t know, that’s kinda accurate for 14 you know?

definitely this man is a model or stripper or like, aerobics instructor

ding ding ding!!

all the best shows involve photographer characters constantly sighing in exasperation as their crushes bang the door open to their darkroom

this show always does its best beautiful 80s throwback lighting/composition in this lab

Wiiilll, oh baby oh honey :’(

everyone’s off in pairs and threes having scary adventures in the rain tonight, in2 it

'Chapter Four: The Sauna Test’

Max is introducing El to Wonder Woman while she snuggles against her shoulder in her bed, hallelujah

this man, an exemplary bit player, voice breaking: “Okay, so, you two want to explain what in the name of Jesus just happened here?”

so they’re Invasion of the Body Snatching the town, yeah? nice

this season is doing the same thing the first two seasons did, and I love it EVERY TIME: all the different factions are figuring out different parts of the puzzle, and they’ll all need to come together in order to fight it. COMMUNITY.

“C’mon man, not my scooper.”

DUTCH ANGLES

Will: “It’s almost like…you know when you drop on a rollercoaster?” Mike: “Sure.” Max: “Yeah.” El, straight: “No.” reader I laughed so

this power play Hopper’s pulling with the mayor’s name plate, resting it against his chin? genius. inspired. powerful.

wow tho Hop maybe this is a bit violent

“No collarbones remember.” what

“Touch my butt! I don’t care!”

“The Mindflayer only used me when he needed me.” biscuit… :(

Erica…..is Tremendous. “You can’t spell America without Erica.” You can’t spell America without Erica.

Joyce really is one of the cleverest people in this town, you would be LUCKY to have her

the execution between Joe Keery and Gaten Matarazzo on this “If you die, I die” moment was just really oddball brilliant

the thing is, Billy was always terrifying, so it’s hard to tell if this is necessarily different

I Gasped at that toes dragging along thing

‘Chapter Five: The Flayed’

the reason why Steve is such a great character to have around in this show is that he is actually very adept at triaging coupled with a natural inclination to speak aloud, and the scenarios he’s called on to prioritize in are always completely bananas. so you get him just very directly explaining---to children----that the important thing now is not that Erica’s mom is going to hold them responsible for her being missing, it is that they are currently a bajillion feet underground in a Russian elevator full of cold packed canisters of terminal green goo. and that tone/content juxtaposition is *gold*

I know this is not the takeaway I’m supposed to be having about this plot, but all these big abandoned farmhouses for sale in Indiana makes me want to pack up and pick up some property in the midwest

Russchwarzenegger. a concept.

yeeessss, activate Brother Defense Mode Jonathan

“Yes magneet!” Joooy<3ce

I just love it when they all start coming together, every time, such a sucker for this

me aloud, looking at that corridor: “Hohohohmygod.”

knocking over their bikes in the station wagon is a cheesy fun gesture to how we’ve moved forward a couple seasons from Kids On Bikes

that Steve Harrington seems to be about to spend this ENTIRE season in a sailor outfit is just really tasty

ha ha, Martin. there he is.

it also somehow never occurred to me until this moment that Martin…was American. how did Claire end up with an American husband. and how did that never register for me AT ALL..

this freeze….Joe Keery with his butt to the camera….incredible tableau comedy

Robin’s solution is to just throw out the only Russian words she knows to try to confuse. Steve’s solution is to plush rush him. magnificent. also thank you Toy Story 4 for naming this move.

I do like that all the misogynist journalists are now literal monsters. like how overtly racist & abusive Billy is also now a literal monster. let us not forget: all these men unequivocally suck real bad! they can break down very grossly into a pile of gooey gore and you do not need to feel bad about it!

gOD. Jonathan, doll, how are you still conscious.. :(

‘Chapter Six: E Pluribus Unum’

it’s interesting that we all have this urge to protect the babies. even if you’re really only 3 to 4 years older, you protect the littler ones, you make sure they get out first.

“He’s here.” oh Will my little Frodo. He’s come.

this melty thing is so fucking gross

eeurgh that one bone bit being left behind on the grate!

OH my god Cary Elwes, this look

“Can’t put the truth back in the box.”

oh Steve! oh no! I don’t like watching them hurt him at ALL D:

Martin (I’m just calling him Martin): “Well I’m sorry, are my free translation services not good enough for you? Because you can go ahead and file your complaint RIGHT UP MY ASS.” Winona: [exasperated Mom eye-close] Harbour, exhausted, watching Aleksei now gesturing with a straw and fry packet: “What is Smirnoff doing?” Me: [loving it]

yeesssss, they’re verbally setting up this impenetrable Russian underground fortress that no one can get inside, and the kids are already theeeerrrreee!! LOVE THIS SHIT

YEAH THERE’S THAT CUT TO DUSTIN, FUCK YEAH

babies you are gonna stay and save Steve and Robin, I know you are because that is absolutely all I want to do in this moment

I was wondering when we’d get Robin’s high school memories, because she’d definitely have known popular boy Steve. I don’t know how I feel about learning she was obsessed with him though, liked her dry and unfazed by Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington. anyway must be nice knowing he’s an absolute DORK now.

oh this is EXTREMELY EXTREMELY VERY COOL!!! I LOVE THIS CRISP SLOW FALLING THROUGH UTTER BLACK SHOT! WITH THE QUICK CUTTING FLASH BACKS! I LOVE HER FALLING ONTO A BEACH???! INCEPTION!! MEMORY, LIMBO, the Shores of Consciousness, always GR8

yell at them Joyce

oh no they’re high! oh you drugged up cuties, this is going to go swimmingly

this episode definitely has the highest proportion so far of shots Very Good For Giffing. Netflix knows where their moneys at in the gif game and it’s Episode 6

yaayy, my tiny heroes, saving my tiny teens

gnarly

‘Chapter Seven: The Bite’

wow very Two Towers with that trees effect, I see u Duffers

“Oh well that’s nice.” Max this delivery

these kids taking care of their drugged teenage guardians, end me I love it, this is high stakes emotions and charm and danger

“Boop.”

“Boop.”

guys Steve’s still booping

Maya Hawke, spaced utterly out, with the line contender of the season: “We all die my strange little child friend!”

well looks like Hopper’s “house” is gonna be the domicile to take a beating this season. yeah give the Byers’ residence a break honestly, don’t really know how that place is still standing.

I think you kiddos need a better game plan here than taking it out claw by claw

I take comfort in knowing this show will never forget about Nancy being a very fine markswoman, because they are aware of how much it rules

wow thanks Martin, honestly

now Martin and Alexei are just laughing hysterically at Joyce and Hopper

I kinda feel like this season has started spinning its wheels a bit, but also I love its wheels so not sure I care? I just recognize it

what a stunning quirky ad for New Coke, a product that no longer exists

my recovering but still wiped Scoops duo are lucky this mall is brand new, that bathroom hasn’t had much time to get too filthy yet

oh yaAAAAYYY, high school reminiscing was a bait and switch!!!! Robin likes GIRLS, she was obsessed with Steve because her OWN crush was!!!! oh my sweet brave EIGHTIES QUEER GIRL, coming out to Steve Harrington on the floor of a bathroom stall sure she’s gonna lose him, but Steve, just goes from perfect dumb straight boy incomprehension to Hold Pls: Processing to like, okay, dude, no you can do so much better than her, in about 45 seconds, MY BOI. and they’re playing one of their best & warmest Kyle Dixon synth tracks in the background, this show is doing a good job here.

GOD THEY’RE SO CUTE, SOFT HERO STEVE HARRINGTON AND HIS FUNKY LESBIAN BFF, laughing on each other’s ankles on a restroom floor, we deserve this

oh no :( Alexei :(

Cary Elwes just gamely signed up to get his ass handed to him by the entire cast of Netflix’s Stranger Things, didn’t he

nice, hall of mirrors stalking, The Lady From Shanghai

fuck there are SO many Russians

I’m weak: I teared up when El and the gang walked up to that balcony to save the mall rats

‘Chapter Eight: The Battle of Starcourt’

guys I just really love that it seems like the final showdown is gonna happen in an empty mall

wow, out of all of them yeah, I would have immediately picked Jonathan to perform an open air slug-ectomy on my shin. he has a total doctor energy, how am I just now clocking this. he is responsible and knowledgeable and kind and decisive and most of all Honest. “Alright El, this is gonna hurt like hell, okay?” exactly the kind of words I want, tell it to me straight

HORROR, BODY HORROR

her DAD stomped it, brb CRY, GAH

yes definitely let Team Mall Rats take the Toddfather vehicle, so sweet

El is now being physically supported by both Mike and Max, do you see this figurative emotional development’s literal rendition!

lol Hop’s face at Joyce

Billy looks like an outright demon at this point

Scoops Troop! they’re calling them Scoops Troop! okay I will cede Team Mall Rats for that

I wonder, could they like, hold hands with her and let her use some of their energy? I mean they don’t have telekinetic energy but they have like, basic energy? I mean I’m just brainstorming here

jesus christ Martin is crushing it

god the comedy of this little corridor car

BALD EAGLE

oh, in this moment I just remembered Mike and Nancy are fawn-eyed brother and sister. aw Wheelers!

is this Griswolds code name based on the National Lampoon’s Family Vacation family? why this reference exactly, it is less immediately resonant to me than the other two.

please call Mr. Clark to get Planck’s Constant, omg yes

Nancy Byers is a fucking stone cold killer, look at her planted there firing on this speeding car

HELL yeah Steve

wait no, yes SUZIE, CALL SUZIE SO WE CAN FINALLY MEET HER

Suzie is fantastic and reading The Wizard of Earthsea

oh I forgot this boy can sing!

WOW Robin’s theatre kid heart must be LIVING at this

oh we’re just stopping to do this WHOLE moment aren’t we! whaaat you lunatics!! I am so HAPPY, this is so CHEESY, god BLESS u Stranger Things

I could really do without Russchwarzenegger anymore, y’know

yeesssss Lucas throwing that 4th of July firecracker at the Mindflayer, like a little Will Smith in Independence DAAAYYY

oh, tiny Winona Ryder! she’s not long enough!

god, one woman doing the job of two men though…ain’t that just the way

god, El and Moms….</3

I’m sobbing, oh my god Hopper? what are you doing!

oh gang I am real crying so hard??

the helicopters coming in over the hill is really beautiful in a retro film way

oh El honey oh no I’m big tears crying agaaaain

this video rental store bit was written for me

Dustin…lol

Max and Lucas…lol

why would they do this to me, the Byers can’t move! first of all who would buy this definitely haunted house, most of all don’t split up these kids!! my heart?

is El wearing one of Hopper’s flannels, please no I can’t take it

what did happen to her powers btdubs….

did Joyce adopt her???!

fuck it I’m sobbing again, this letter, god I can’t stop crying

I’m crying so hard it physically hurts. god this is good television.

“not the American”—Hopper?????

oh you guys have got a Demidog

anyway this post credits scene soothes me NEIT, maybe Hopper is alive but LET THE BYERS STAY IN HAWKINS.

fuck guys, I mean, Stranger Things, they still got me!!!!! thank you also Netflix for timing your releases exactly with the their central holiday these last two rounds, that is what I like.

***

Previous Things

[fandomblues]

Just Saying [Steve Harrington]

Fandom ; Stranger Things

Pairings ; Steve Harrington x Reader

Summary ; Steve thinks your boyfriend is a douchebag and that he’ll be a better choice. You, unfortunately, beg to differ.

Warning(s) ; swearing, angst (if that’s even a warning?), stevie boy doesn’t get the girl

Word Count ; 1.7k+

Author’s Note ; I felt like it was an inappropriate song choice since the show takes place in the 80s and 5SOS is a current modern-era band but I really wanted to write some angsty steve stuff based off a song and it was the first thing that came to my mind. If you want me to write any fics (marvel/teen wolf/stranger things) based off songs, feel free to send in some suggestions. I won’t choose to write fics for every single song, though. Enjoy this in the mean time xx

| based off the song ‘Just Saying’ by 5 Seconds of Summer |

listen to it here on spotify

masterlist

You got a boyfriend, and he’s a total loser

All your friends tell you that he’s got no future

But they like me

Just Saying

Markus pressed a sloppy kiss to your lips before he pulled away and let out a heavy sigh. "I hate to go, baby," he pouted. "But i'll be back soon, I promise."

You let out a giggle. "It's just an hour, Mark. I'll see you at lunch," you pointed out, letting your arms curl round the back of his neck as you gazed lovingly up at him.

Behind you, your friends let out gags and you turned your head round slightly to glare at them playfully. Markus rolled his eyes at your friends. He never quite liked them. He always called them "bobble head bitches", much to your annoyance.

"I'll see you later, Y/N," he muttered, untangling himself from you unwillingly before walking off. You glared at your friends. "Would it kill you to be nice to him for once?" you sighed.

Clara wrinkled her nose. "It's not like he's nice to us anyway. I don't get why you're still with him," she said. Beside her, Eliza smacked on her gum as she nodded in agreement. "You've got so many better options. Like Mr Popular over there," she added on. She jerked her head to her right, where your best friend Steve stood across the hall.

You looked in his direction to catch him watching you. Shamelessly, he gave you a grin and waved as he pulled his attention away from the boy he was talking to. You smiled and waved back, but your smile dropped as soon as you turned back to the three girls standing in front of you.

"We're just friends, girls," you sighed. "Besides, he's probably still not quite over Nancy yet."

Eliza snorted. "Have you seen the way he looks at you, Y/N?"

You frowned as you argued against her words. "Markus has already been held back once, Y/N. He isn't doing any better. He really isn't good enough for you. I mean, look at Steve, he isn't the best but he's trying," Chantel piped up.

You were getting sick of this at this point. "Look, whether Mark is good enough for me or not isn't my problem," you spat. Your friends raised their eyebrows a little and stepped back, as if you had just slapped them in the face. "I would appreciate if you kept your comments to yourselves instead of demoralizing my boyfriend all the time, thank you very much!"

With that, you slammed your locker shut and whirled around on your heel, walking off to class.

He barely takes you out

If he does he's late

And when the check comes, he always makes you pay

I'd never do that

Just saying

"Hey, babe, i'm so sorry i'm late. The boys kept insisting on a rematch," Markus chuckled as slid into the booth next to you. You forced a smile at your boyfriend. You didn't want him to see you hurt or disappointed.

Markus had promised the last time that he wouldn't be late to another date again, yet here he was almost an hour later. Dates were a rare occasion between you two as it is, and you didn't want to spoil the night.

"It's okay, Mark," you told him. "At least you're here. Better late than never, right?"

Markus let out a hearty laugh and pressed a kiss to your lips, which caused your lipstick to smear slightly. "That I agree with, princess,"

You both ordered your food and a couple of drinks and ate in silence with the occasional mention of school or family issues.

When the bill came, Markus made a big show of pulling out his wallet to pay for your meal, but he stopped short and let out an over-exaggerated groan. "Oh my god, sweetheart, i'm so sorry. Really. My cards got confiscated and I forgot to bring any notes. You're going to have to pay for this one..."

Your eyebrows knitted together in a frown, but you agreed. You ignored the fact that you saw a couple of hundred dollar bills sitting inside his wallet as you rummaged out some money.

-

You sat in the ice cream parlor with Steve at the window seat, moaning as you took a lick of your mixed berries treat. Steve's ears tinged red and he couldn't help but wonder if that was what you sounded like when you orgasmed. He pushed the thought to the back of his head.

"Thanks so much for the ice cream, Steve. I really needed this," you commented. After your disastrous 'date' with Markus, you had called Steve up in frustration and ranted to him how much of an asshole Markus was.

Steve, being the good friend he was, listened to you politely and offered some advice; which you never really heeded. It was the same thing every time you went out with Mark. He would show up late, make you upset in some way, and you would play it off but complain to your best friend later on in the night.

Steve always felt a tinge of hope, that maybe one day you would finally realize how much of a jackass Markus was and you would come to your sense and dump him. But after countless nights of getting calls from you crying and screaming and hugging you to comfort you in school, he gave up that thought. You were never going to leave Markus, no matter how much of a dick he was.

Steve forced a smile onto his face. "I'm sure Markus is sincere about it. He just has a funny way of showing it." You glanced up at him and smiled fakely. "Yeah. I know he'll come round one day. He's getting better."

Steve rolled his eyes when you looked away.

You should leave him

'Cause it really makes me sick

Just saying, just saying

You don't need him

I'll help you get over it

Just saying, just saying

It was the third night in a row that you were crying over Mark again.

Steve cradled you in his arms as you sobbed, your tears staining his sweater. You were going through a tough time with Mark. It wasn't like it happened once in a blue moon, but you were determined to make the relationship work. You guys had been together too long.

You pulled away and Steve immediately wiped your tears away as you sniffed. "Please don't cry," he whispered. "It's not worth it."

"But I love him so much," you wailed. You felt more tears threaten to spill out once again. God, it really was like a never ending waterfall.

Steve cupped your face and gazed down at you. You were absolutely beautiful, and Steve couldn't help but feel a little guilty for wanting to kiss you then and there even though you were clearly upset. He pressed a kiss to your forehead instead as sadness welled up inside him.

"Don't worry, Y/N. I'm here."

When you change your mind I'll be waiting

'Cause I'm better than him

Just saying

"Honestly, though, Y/N, I don't get why you're still with him," Steve muttered, his eyes dropping to his drink as he stirred it. You looked up at Steve as you paused your writing. "Why do you have a problem with Mark? It's not just you, it's Clara and Chantel and Eliza too. And my parents. Is he really such a terrible human being?" you gritted out. You were having a perfectly normal time studying. And Steve had to ruin it with such a sentence.

He shook his head. "Mark's just... he isn't good enough for you."

You narrowed your eyes at Steve. “And how would you know that?”

“You’re nice and funny... and actually make an effort to keep the relationship going,” Steve started. “And he just... he doesn’t even care, Y/N! I just don’t get why you’re still with him.”

“Everyone just looks at his flaws! He’s a great guy and it’s not my bloody problem if you guys can’t see that!”

“I’m just saying-”

“No you aren’t! I though you were actually different from everybody else, Steve! I thought you could clearly see that he’s actually making an effort to change and get back on track but obviously not!”

“He just isn’t good enough for someone like you! You’re personalities just don’t compliment each other!” Steve argued, his voice raising slightly. You almost flinched. Steve never raised his voice at you.

"And what exactly constitutes as 'good enough', Steve? Hmm?" You challenged.

Steve's breath hitched in his throat as he looked up at you with wide eyes. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. You folded your arms, looking at him expectantly while you waited for an answer.

After a heavy amount of silence, Steve managed to utter out one word. One single word. He didn't even want to say it, but he did so anyway. He felt like he betrayed himself, he felt like he ruined his friendship with you. But it was as if he couldn't control it.

He watched as your eyes widened in surprise. You just stared at him blankly and kept silent. Then you let out a chuckle, making Steve narrow his eyes at you. You laughed a little louder again. But it wasn't genuine. It wasn't a happy laugh.

Your laughter practically dripped with disbelief and sarcasm; full of anguish.

You stood up faster than lightning and packed up all your things, throwing your belongings into your bag with little care. You ignored the fact that your worksheets got crinkled under the weight of your books and pencil case as you zipped it up and slung your bag over your shoulder.

You glared down at your friend. "No one's better than Markus, Steve. He loves me and I love him. Stop sticking your nose into our problems like everyone else, would you?"

Steve stuttered out some unclear words as he struggled to find an answer.

"I didn’t mean it," he replied lamely. He mentally slapped himself for saying something that wasn’t even true.

Steve watched you roll your eyes and stomp out of the cafe with a storm cloud above your head.

He really shouldn't have said 'me'.

'Cause I'm better than him

Just Saying

[talesfromthesnogbox]

Ahh a Jopper wedding(Mike as El’s date to it)

Heya Nonnie! Thanks for the prompt! Sorry I took this way out of hand, it got super long and angsty, but I hope you like it!

The title is based on Ed Sheeran’s Perfect which a) is a really good song and b) is kinda featured a bit in this fic so give ‘er a listen!

Y’all my inbox is open, send me prompts if you’d like to see more of my shitty writing!

We’re Dancing in the Dark

“Michael! We’re going to be late, hurry up!” Karen yelled up as she ushered the rest of the family into the car.

“Okay mom, just a minute!” He still couldn’t seem to get the tie right, even at seventeen. Maybe it was the excitement of the day; Joyce and Hopper had danced around their feelings for years and they were finally tying the knot, but maybe it was the dread of seeing her.

El.

It had been nearly five months since they’d broken up, and surprisingly, it was easier than Mike imagined it would be to avoid her. He wouldn’t say that their breakup was messy, well, aside from his tearstained cheeks and slightly damp t-shirt after it happened, but they didn’t exactly become best friends, or even hang out after it happened either.

“I need space, Mike. I don’t even know who I am without you.” Her words haunted him.

“But is that really a bad thing? We belong together, El, I love you.”

“I know, but everything I like is because you showed it to me. I need know who I am… away from you.”

He shivered, remembering how they both cried and went their separate ways. Even though her and Will were now technically siblings, and had been living together for nearly a year, she didn’t come down whenever he was over. She hung out with Max and the rest of the party, and it looks like she made friends with a few of the girls in her classes, but only gave Mike sad smiles in the hallway, occasionally shooting him a “hey”.

Mike’s door opened, and Nancy shot him a sympathetic look. “Come on, face the music little brother.”

The ceremony was beautiful. Nancy cried, and so did Jonathan standing beside Jim as his best man. El cried too beside Joyce as her Maid of Honour. He knew they were happy tears, but he had to physically resist the urge to go hold her like he did as she broke up with him.

After the ceremony, the guests were whisked away to a hall for the reception. It was incredible; Jim went all out for his blushing bride surprising everyone at how romantic it all was. Joyce was the picture of elegance in her white gown beside her new husband adorning a crisp black tux, but El was the star of the show for Mike. She looked beautiful in the simple blue dress, her soft curls flowing freely. He felt like if he stopped staring at her, she’d suddenly disappear, and the thought terrified him.

Like at the Snow Ball all those years ago, he sat back and watched his friends dance. The party was great, it looked like everyone was having the time of their lives, but Mike wasn’t in the mood to celebrate love when he still felt so heartbroken.

Then, he heard it.

The first few notes from the speakers were unmistakable, that song that so many people had labeled as “creepy” or “stalker-esque” (and yeah, it kind of was), but it held a special place in his heart.

It was their song.

Before he knew what he was doing, his feet were propelling him forward, towards her.

“E-El?”

She turned and smiled. “Mike.”

“I know we’re not… but can I have this dance?”

El nodded and placed her hands on his shoulders like he’d shown her all those years ago, and suddenly, they were dancing. All the anxiety and the sadness melted away as her smile reached her eyes and her eyes met his. He pulled her closer to whisper in her ear. “I miss you.”

She sighed, and Mike braced himself for the words he knew would only break his heart further. “I miss you too, I’ve missed this a lot.”

His heart pounded in his chest. Was he hearing things? Or did she really just say that?

Mike must have been dreaming, or completely spaced out, because she stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek lightly. “I love you, Mike.”

Red flashed beneath his eyelids, and he knew he had to distance himself before he got hurt even more. She loved him, sure, but they’d broken up, and he knew she’d say it was just as friends. “I—I can’t do this.” He stuttered, walking out of the hall to get some fresh air.

Mike paced outside the door, trying to calm himself down when he heard her calling after him.

“Mike, Mike wait, please.” El joined him, but he couldn’t look at her.

“Can you just give me a minute El?”

“For what, Mike?” She touched his shoulder, but he immediately shrugged it off.

“So I can gear myself up to have my heart broken again.” His words were bitter and unforgiving, and they stung El like a bee.

“Mike, I-I’m sorry. I needed to find myself, I didn’t think—”

“Ellie, I’m in love with you, I know we’re only seventeen, but I was ready to spend the rest of my life with you. I thought maybe that could be us in there someday. You didn’t think… you didn’t think what, that I was serious about us? That you were just some stupid crush? You’re my everything, I thought we’d be together forever, and what you did came out of nowhere.”

“Mike—”

“No please, just let me finish. I know it was totally selfish of me to get mad at you for wanting to find yourself, but that hurt Ellie. It hurt like a bitch. For a while I wondered if you’d ever loved me, or if you were only with me because we rescued you and you didn’t know any better. I can’t even begin to explain how awful that felt.” He didn’t even realize he was crying until he felt her shaky hand wipe a tear from his cheek.

“Mike, I’m sorry.”

“You said that already.”

Her eyes dropped to her feet. “I know. But really, I am. I didn’t know you felt like that. It hurt me just as much as it hurt you, but I needed that break. I… I learned so much about who I am, and my family, my mama and Aunt Becky. Dad helped me get answers, I feel better, Mike. I can control my powers better, my emotions. You know what the most important thing I learned was though?”

“What?” He spat angrily.

“How much I missed you and how much I really love you.”

He looked at her with a frown on his face.

“I should have told you before I broke up with you what I wanted, I really messed up Mike.”

“So this is the part where you tell me you just want to be friends, right?” Mike’s words once again stung her. It was fear in his voice she could detect.

“I love you, Mike. I’m in love with you. Learning about who I am didn’t change that.” El wrapped her arms around his waist and breathed him in, that familiar scent she’d missed so much.

“Ellie— please…”

“I mean it Mike. I want this, I’m ready… but only if you’ll have me back.” Her voice was quiet, but he could tell that every word she uttered was the absolute truth.

Mike’s hands snaked up her arms, one landed on her shoulder, but the other continued until he was cupping her cheek. His eyes searched hers, looking for any ounce of doubt, and finding nothing, only longing.

He blinked, once… twice… breathing her in, before moving in closer to her. He moved excruciatingly slowly, giving her time to back out if she so pleased. Their noses bumped, he could feel her warm breath on his lips, and his eyes fluttered shut. Her breathing picked up, and she inhaled sharply as his lips grazed hers ever so slightly, still giving her a chance to back away. She didn’t.

Instead, she pressed forward, joining their lips for the first time in months.

Mike saw fireworks behind his eyelids as they kissed slowly in the moonlight. Everything inside him was simultaneously screaming for joy and warning him not to get hurt again, but this time, joy took over. He pulled her closer, until they were practically one person, and a small smile drew across his lips, still connected to hers.

“God I’ve missed that.” He whispered against her lips, not yet wanting to open his eyes.

“So… will you take me back Mike?”

Finally, he opened his eyes to meet hers. “Of course I will, Ellie. You mean the world to me, I love you so, so much—” Mike didn’t get to finish his sentence as El jumped into his arms, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

I found a love for me. Darling just dive right in and follow my lead.

The soft music came from inside the hall, and Mike swayed as her feet returned to the floor.

“Mike, dance with me again?”

He nodded and led her back to the dance floor where the other couples swayed.

Cause we were just kids when we fell in loveNot knowing what it was.I will not give you up this time.But darling, just kiss me slowYour heart is all I ownAnd in your eyes you’re holding mine.

Mike pulled El closer than he thought possible and hummed the song in her ear, closing his eyes, feeling the moment.

He didn’t notice the rest of the crowd watching them closely. The rest of the world was the last thing on Mike’s mind as he held the girl of his dreams once more in his arms.

Max nudged Lucas as they danced close to the couple. “They broke up months ago, when did this happen?”

Lucas could only shrug, having no real explanation for their change of heart. “I made a joke about him proposing to her when she first popped up, now I don’t think that’s far off. They… they really love each other, don’t they?”

We are still kids but we’re so in loveFighting against all oddsI know we’ll be alright this time.Darling just hold my handBe my girl, I’ll be your manI see my future in your eyes.

Baby, I’m dancing in the darkWith you between my arms.Barefoot on the grassListening to our favourite song.When I saw you in that dressLooking so beautifulI don’t deserve thisDarling, you look perfect tonight.

The two of them swayed with the music, breathing each other in on the most romantic night they’d shared yet. El pulled her head away from Mike’s shoulder to look him in the eyes. It was as if fate had brought them together, and although they’d never admit it to anyone ever, they were made for each other… they were each other’s soulmates and they belonged together.

“I love you.” She whispered to him, watching his cheeks redden, and a smile spread across his face.

Mike leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’m so happy to have you back. I love you so much.” He kissed her cheek, then pressed the sweetest kiss to her lips.

All eyes were on them, swaying in the middle of the dance floor, but they didn’t notice. Mike and El were in their own little bubble, and it was perfect.

[strangestdrabbles]

It Hurts

A/N: I AM SO SORRY THIS TOOK SO LONG. OH MY GOODNESS. 

Pairing: Steve x Reader (gender neutral)

Steve didn’t mind at first.

He didn’t mind that Y/N was hanging out with Jonathan at first because at first, it wasn’t often.

It started as small things.

“I’m going to the dark room with Jonathan because we both have to develop our photos.”

It wasn’t suspicious to Steve because Y/N had a large interest in photography just like Jonathan.

The tall and curly haired boy had a small nagging feeling in his stomach but it was something he ignored because he thought that Y/N wouldn’t do that to him.

---

Steve held the home phone up to his ear, playing with the cord while he listened to the ringing.

“Hello?”

Steve blushed then; just hearing their voice caused a warm homely feeling to melt through his stomach.

“Hey Y/N, it’s Steve.”

“Oh hey love. What’s up?”

Steve’s heart stuttered, never being able to wrap his heart truly around how sweet it was when they called him pet names.

“Oh nothing. I was just wondering if you wanted to go and see a movie with me today?”

There was shuffling on the phone, a mumble of the word ‘shit’ before the line was picked up again.

“What was that babe? I dropped the phone.”

“Oh I was just wondering if you wanted to go and see a movie today.”

Silence.

An ice like cold ran up his spin, causing him to shiver while he awaited a response.

“O-Oh Steve I’m so sorry. I can’t today. I have plans with Jonathan. We’re going to go and check out the record shop in town.”

Steve felt a clench in his heart and his eyes began to prick.

“O-Oh that’s fine. Sorry. I’ll let you go then.”

“How about tomorrow?”

Steve smiled then, two stray tears leaking from his eyes.

“Tomorrow sounds great.”

---

Steve walked down the hall, keeping a look out for Y/N to surprise them. He spotted them further down the hall at their locker, a smile appearing on hips and a blush on the apples of his cheeks but before he started to walk down Jonathan got there first.

A feeling of dreadful anger started to consume him, his fists clenching by his sides as he watched Y/N and Jonathan talk, laugh and just have a good time. Steve knew. Steve knew he shouldn’t feel this, that he shouldn’t worry because Y/N was dating him, not Jonathan but that was the problem. Nancy had been dating Steve before her and Jonathan started hanging out and then Jonathan stole her from him, or that’s how he saw it.

Y/N turned their head then after the lull in their and Jonathan’s conversation, a wide smile on their face after making eye contact with the boy that they loved more than anything. Y/N waved enthusiastically, motioning him over to the pair at their locker.

A calmness set over Steve then as he walked towards the pair, wrapping an arm around Y/N’s shoulders once he reached them and kissed the crown of their head. It felt right then, Steve feeling that what he felt before was merely a moment of insecure jealousy that he promised mentally wouldn’t happen again.

If only that were true.

---

Y/N walked out of the movie theatre with Jonathan, both of them laughing about what they had just watched and appreciating the company that each was providing the other. The weather was cooling down rapidly, both glad that they had made the decision to rug up just a little bit more.

“So how are you and Steve?” Jonathan asked Y/N, making sure his hands were deep in the pockets of his coat.

“We’re good. He’s taking me out tomorrow night.” Y/N said, a smile that can only be described as loving on their face.

Jonathan looked at them for a moment and then smiled, wrapping his arm around their shoulders.

“Aw little Y/N is in love.”

Y/N laughed, full bellied and completely happy.

“Yeah. I really am.”

---

The night started out lovely, with Steve picking Y/N from their house with the greeting of a hug and a kiss before both walking down the path and getting into Steve’s car. The weather was chilly but clear; Y/N and Steve rugged up but the air still kissed their cheeks and the tips of their noses.

Y/N rested on their side as Steve drove, admiring the boy that they loved with their entire heart. Steve turned his head for a second, feeling Y/N’s eyes on him and blushing when he made eye contact with them.

“Why are you staring love?”

“I just wanted to admire the art.”

Steve laughed and continued to drive, a genuine smile on his lips and a homely feeling in his heart.

He pulled into the Dairy Queen, parking and getting out before opening the door for Y/N and helping them out. They wrapped their arms around Steve’s neck, standing on their tippy toes and pressing a soft kiss on his lips before leaning out and smiling a rare smile that was just a little too large for their face but still beautiful.

“So what are you going to order?”

Y/N thought for a second before shrugging their shoulders.

“I have absolutely no idea.”

+

It was almost as if Steve had forgotten everything that caused him to be on edge about Y/N and Jonathan while he sat across from them and talked. Y/N took a sip of their drink, still giggling about what Steve had said while the boy at some of his fries.

“Hey you know that new movie that just came out in the cinema? I heard it’s pretty good. Do you want to go see it?” Steve asked, looking at Y/N while resting his left cheek on his left palm.

Y/N swallowed another sip of their drink before looking at him.

“I’ve actually already seen it with Jonathan. It was absolutely incredible. Honestly you need to see it Steve.”

And then all of a sudden the feeling was back, a taunting in the back of his head and a numbness in the tips of his fingers. He was surprised that he wasn’t seeing just blind rage at that moment. He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly and then rubbed a hand over his face.

“Are you okay love?”

He looked at her and nodded, suddenly feeling exhausted and slightly worse for wear.

“I’m amazing. I’m sitting with the person I love.”

Y/N blushed, a soft giggle escaping from their lips.

---

It didn’t take Y/N long to notice the change in Steve’s behaviour after their date, an uncomfortable feeling settling in their stomach.

“Do you know what’s going on with Steve?”

Nancy and Jonathan stared at Y/N, their eyes soft with concern and they were ready to comfort their friend.

“No. Why?” Nancy asked, adjusting the books in her arms.

“It’s nothing. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”

Nancy opened her mouth to say something but then closed it, not being able to pull together the right words of comfort for her best friend.

They looked down at their watch, exhaling a sigh of relief as they saw that they had time to see Steve at his locker before class, saying goodbye to their friends and then walking off.

It wasn’t hard to see Steve in the wave of students, with the hair and his height. It caused a pep in their step as they made to get to him quicker, wrapping their arms around his waist when they did.

“Hey babe.”

Steve jumped before calming down and turning around. He put his hands on their hands, taking them from his waist and putting them at their side.

“Steve what’s wrong?”

He shook his head, not wanting to answer, not wanting to point out how shit a situation that he was sure he wasn’t making up was making him feel.

“Steve please talk to me.”

He looks at them in the eye and sighed, slightly agitated.

“You want to know?”

Y/N nodded, looking at him expectantly.

“Fine. It hurts. It hurts that you’re always hanging out with Jonathan. It feels like I’m the second choice that you hang out with him and then fit me in later. You do everything with him and probably don’t think for one second that maybe I would want to do it with you. He stole my last partner from me Y/N and I’m scared that he’s going to take you from me too.”

Y/N’s mouth hung open before they closed their mouth and bit their bottom lip for a little.

“Steve, darling, I love you. I want you to know that Jonathan didn’t steal Nancy from you. It was her choice to be with him and it’s my choice to be with you. I want to be with you. I hang out with Jonathan because we have so much in common and we talk a lot about Nancy and you. The movie that you wanted to see that Jonathan and I saw was a horror. I know how you get with horror. I wanted to save you any dramas from seeing it. I’m not in love with Jonathan, nor do I feel anything above a close friendship. It’s you. It will always be you.”

Steve felt light, full of love, hope and peace. He stepped forward, resting his palms on their cheeks and leaning down, kissing them softly. Y/N kissed back, a smile on their lips and a feeling of content love in their heart.

“It will always be you.”

[serendipitousrambles]

Imperio (Hogwarts AU)

Mike first saw her on the platform at King's Cross and ever since he's been under her spell.

Hogwarts AU telling the lives of Will, Lucas, Dustin, Max, Mike and Eleven as they navigate their awkward teen years at Hogwarts. But not everything is plain sailing...

Featuring shady politicians, awkward teen romances and magic.

First Year: September, 1982

"You've got everything?" Mrs Wheeler was checking Mike's trunk on the platform at King's Cross. It was 10:53, the Hogwarts Express would leave at 11:00. Mike rolled his eyes, he didn't see why his mother was fussing so much. Nancy was already in 5th year and a newly appointed Ravenclaw Prefect. It's not like he was the first one off to Hogwarts.

"Mum, I'll be fine. Nancy will look out for me." It was a lie. Mike was absolutely terrified. Nancy had said she'd look out for him but he knew deep down she was embarrassed by her dorky younger brother.

Nancy had already boarded the train with her friend Barbara while Mike was saying goodbye to his parents. Out the corner of his eye, he saw a girl being reprimanded by a man in a smart suit. He thought he recognised the man from the Quibbler; he worked for the Ministry of Magic. Mike didn't know he had a daughter. For a brief moment her eyes met his and then darted away. She's...pretty. Mike blushed. Had he really just thought that?

"Mike? Michael are you listening to me?" He teared his eyes away from the girl and met his mother's.

"Sorry."

He pretended to listen to his mother's speech about sending owls, getting good grades but also having fun. However, he couldn't shake the image of that girl. How miserable she had looked and not in the "I'm going to miss my family" kind of way but more..."I need to escape" kind of way.

"Goodbye Mike, we'll see you at Christmas. Write to us!" His mother picked up his youngest sister and began waving frantically as he lugged his heavy trunk into the train. His father nodded a goodbye, shoving his hands into his pockets.

Mike waved back from the window of the train door, dreading the moment he'd have to actually find a seat. The Hogwarts Express lurched forward and his parents on the platform got smaller and smaller.

He breathed out and began making his way through the carriages trying to find one that was empty or at least not too busy. Eventually he found one towards the back with only one boy in it.

"Oh, uh hello." Mike nervously said, he wasn't so great at meeting new people. "Can I sit here?" He pointed to the empty seats across from the boy.

He nodded and held out his hand. "I'm Will Byers."

"Mike Wheeler." He shook the small boy's hand.

"Wheeler? Is your sister Nancy Wheeler?" Will asked.

Mike was surprised, people knew his sister?

"Uh yeah?"

"My older brother Jonathan is in the same year. Different house but they get along. Heard she was dating the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain Steve Harrington."

"What? She didn't tell me that." Mike couldn't believe it. His sister had a boyfriend?

"Oh, I'm sorry she probably wanted to tell you herself." Will looked ashamed but Mike smiled.

"No it's ok. She probably won't speak to me at school. Told me I'm too embarrassing or whatever. That's why I'm sat alone."

"Jonathan said he'd sit with me but I told him I wanted to make friends my own way." Will smiled back.

The two boys spent most the journey talking about random things and getting to know each other. All fear of starting a new school had faded away. It was as if they were old friends despite only knowing each other for a few hours. When the trolley came round, the boys put their money together to buy some pumpkin pasties, a chocolate frog and some Bertie Bots every flavour beans. It was a mini feast within their compartment.

"Ah shit." A voice came from down the train and a chocolate frog jumped through the window and into their compartment.

"What?" Mike jumped. Suddenly two other boys appeared, bickering about the chocolate frog.

"Shit Lucas it's getting away!"

"Dustin I told you not to open it until we were sat down."

Mike reached out and caught the frog, earning him an applause from the three other boys watching him.

"Hey, thanks." The boy called Dustin opened the door and sat down in the empty seat next to Mike. He took the frog and stuffed it in his mouth. "I'm Dustin by the way." He held out his hand.

"Mike." Mike returned the gesture.

"This is Lucas," Dustin pointed to the other boy who raised a hand in greeting. "And you are?"

"Oh, Will. Will Byers." Will picked up the packet of jelly beans. "Would you like a bean? I got bogey last time so hopefully you'll get an actual sweet flavour."

"Don't mind if I do." Dustin gladly took a jelly bean and ate it. A look of utter disgust appeared moments later. "Ah shit."

"What'd you get?" Mike laughed at his expression.

"Mud. Seriously who thought those were a good idea?"

For some reason, the other two boys had decided to join Will and Mike for the remainder of the trip to Hogwarts.

When the train finally pulled up at Hogsmede station, a large man bellowed at them. "Firs' years this way!" He was bigger than anyone Mike and ever seen, but he was in no way intimidating. Actually, the man looked rather friendly.

All four crammed into a boat together, the nerves building as the castle came into view.

The next few minutes were a blur. They were suddenly being ushered up the stair case to the Great Hall for the sorting ceremony. Will suddenly grabbed Mike's robe. "I'm scared. What if, what if we're all in different houses? I know we only just met but you guys are really cool and I was hoping we'd become friends."

"Hey," Mike reassured the boy. "Even if we're not in the same house we'll still see each other. A different tie colour can't stop us being friends."

The doors to the hall opened. The room was silent as everyone watched the fresh faced first years looked around in awe. Mike however avoided looking at the people, there were too many eyes and he felt like they were all on him.

The nervous first years gathered in a clump at the front of the hall, before the tattered hat on a stool. The headmaster Dumbledore had given a speech, welcoming them all to Hogwarts, but all of Mike's attention was on the hat. He didn't think he belonged anywhere, and the fear was building inside him.

Professor McGonagall (as she had introduced herself a few moments ago) unrolled a bit of parchment and cleared her throat. All eyes were on her as she was about to call the first name.

"Eleven Brenner."

[turntabletokyo-blog]

Make Love Not War: Chapter 1

(Note: I don’t have an AO3 account right now, so I’ll just be posting my fics on here and then posting them back on there later, feel free to leave any comments!) Summary: Steve has been missing for two months after El closed the gate and the Snow Ball took place. While the rest of the town copes, Billy continues to convince himself that he doesn’t give a shit. ______________________________________________________________

It's been two months since Steve had gone missing, posters rested on telephone polls and outside of school walls, questioning where he might have went. His disappearance was grim, but in reality, life in Hawkins continued on as it usually did. The only peoples lives who had fallen to less than simply default were the ones who cared about him, and this honestly showed who that was. Because despite the masses of people who kissed Steve's ass while he was present and high on the high-school food chain. They did so to gain cred or impress him, or impress other people, or maybe just to impress themselves. Despite all that, most of those people couldn't try less to find out what had happened to him.

Though, the people who were really involved with him of course have been struggling and brainstorming and grieving this entire time. Nancy, the children, the parents of said children, Jonathan, Hopper. But each of those people knew what it really meant when someone went missing in Hawkins, Indiana. So that glum heavy feeling in Hawkins rested upon their shoulders entirely, and so did the responsibility to do something about it.

Billy didn't care, or, at least that's what he convinced himself, every time he saw the aforementioned Kings stupid face plastered outside the school he took it upon himself to tear it down in disgust. As far as he told himself, he didn't know what had happened to Steve and he didn't care. This mulleted asshole continued on his days as if nothing had happened. Going on sleazy dates which consisted only of cigarettes, car speakers and booze breath smooches in the front seats of his Camaro. 

He also continues to lay in his room and spin thrash metal records while disguising any thoughts he has in a hazy cloud of smoke. He had hardened himself long ago, become cold and callous, and been doing it for long enough to avoid any feelings of care for a boy he knew he fully despised.

________________________________________________________________

After sucking in a heavy puff of smoke on an overcast, mid-Monday. He decided to step out his room. Maybe go pump some iron downstairs, or watch whatever crappy flick is on TV. Though, once outside, it was hard to avoid hearing the low yet frantic voice of his step-sister yelling into what he could only assume was the walkie talkie he'd seen her holding previously. 

"No Dustin! Who knows where he could be or how we're going to get there. I say we just follow Mike's game plan and leave tomorrow night. We need to get this over with.

"Game plan? Billy was as thick as a world almanac so his first attempt at understanding was entirely unsuccessful. 

"I know Lucas.. I miss him too. And if no one else is going to bother helping to find him then we just HAVE TO do it ourselves."

Oh my god. Billy couldn't help it, actually he wasn't quite sure why he did this. It was honestly just a visceral reaction for him to slam the door open with his foot. Something he hadn't done in a long while. 

Max, jumped at the sound, eyes wide but hand still tightly wrapped around the walkie. After her initial moment of shock she narrowed her eyes in confusion and contempt almost giving Billy a "what the fuck do you want" look. This girl has known for months now that she has absolutely no reason to fear him, and he knew that as well. So why did he take the liberty to kick the door open? What was he hoping to accomplish? And what he had wondered: why had that conversation even caused him to care. 

But, Billy was nothing if not confident, so he continued on as he had originally intended. "Game plan? Let me get this straight little red riding “good”. Are you trying to find the shit lord who disappeared?"

Max stood up, she instinctually was holding down the microphone of the walkie, but the kids knew to keep their mouths shut on the other ends. "Shit lord?" She spat out with a surprised smirk. "Are you serious, Billy?" 

Max and Billy hadn't spoken as fully as this ever since she pulled her stunt, everything after then had been angry huffs and threatening eye contact. She carried on, "He's been gone for two months. Don't treat this like it means nothing, I don’t care that you liked fighting him in basketball practice." She wrung out that last sentence in a mocking tone. "Don't be an idiot." 

A small "Oooh" echoed through the walkie from the silly hat sporting boy.

Billy's face turned rage red and a few veins threatened to pop out his neck as he had to hold back from reacting to this kind of behavior. Previously, he may have stepped forward and toward her, responding, "What did you just say to me you little shit?" and grabbing her walkie from her hand only to crack it under the weight of his favorite pair of boots, but he knew better than that now. He ignored the kid on the other line and used his rage to continue his interrogation through and through. "You're really going to go looking for someone who's been kidnapped? In Hawkins? Do you guys think you're the fucking Scooby Gang? If he could have been found at this point then police would have done it." He snapped out. Knowing the weight of his words, but taking in his typical sadistic pleasure of them as well. 

Yet, for some reason, the harsh past-tense he used, as if Steve was long gone... maybe gnawed at him a bit? Causing a slight sting around his... chest region. No, he just understood it (or rather, convinced himself) that that was purely his hatred for Steve shining through.

Now, Max knew Billy knew absolutely zilch about the upside-down. And she wasn't going to go telling her deranged socio-brother about another dimension hoping he would be completely understanding. The thought of him listening, placing his hand on his chin like a well-trained psychiatrist and attempting to understand and empathize with her story is almost more insane than she thought Lucas to be when he first told her.

Saddened by his words, and giving up on Billy at this moment, she looked down, letting the walkie lay limp by her side and dangle along with her thoughts.

"We know that. But... look you wouldn't understand." 

Billy crossed his arms, finally having calmed down. "Why? Oh!" He said mockingly, "Is it because I'm an idiot?" 

Max similarly crossed her arms, then caught herself mirroring Billy's actions and uncrossed them quickly."No. You wouldn't understand because... It's what he would've done for us, and we have no frickin' clue where he could be." Anger slowly welled up in her eyes, lips pursing, but she held it together and pushed everything out in the form of a yelling cry instead: "He could be kidnapped, or held hostage, or in frickin' China! or maybe he's a car salesman now! And he just forgot to tell us," She bit her lip "Or maybe he's... dead" (a small gasp fell from the walkie, surprisingly she was still holding the button.) Mad Max interrupted herself with a brief pause and then recollected. "He could be ANYTHING! And we're not going to just leave it, so I swear to god." She took a step forward, balling her fist and looking straight into eyes, unafraid. "If you try and stop us." She dropped her eyelids after this statement, eyes darkening, as if to express "we won't hesitate." 

Despite the size difference, Max actually managed to pull out a subtle, drugged and unhappy memory from Billy’s mind so he moved back a step and held up his hands in a white flag position, almost shocked. "Go ahead. I'm not gonna' fuckin' stop you, but, just know." He leaned forward, continuing this dance of aggressor vs. aggressor. "He probably is dead". 

Max's eyed widened fists pulled in tighter, inhaling quickly through her nose in shock. But she was shocked at the words, not that Billy said them. So she backed down, and sped back to her bed after realizing the tantrum wouldn't be worth it. Through sheer wisdom, she realized that her anger would be better directed toward trying to find her friend.

Billy backed off, but after pacing toward his room, slamming the door shut behind him and igniting another cigarette between his fingers as quick as possible, those last words which escaped his lips swirled around the back of his mind. He desperately attempted to avoid them. He felt that glum heavy feeling weigh down on him too.