#listening to: take me home tonight by eddie money

[berylcluster]

➫ JAMES could admit he hadn't know the hauler life very long, even less so in the belt, though he hadn't been in the UNN for very long either, he made more bonds on the Cant than he had with those bucket heads from Earth. It was a nice and refreshing change from the life he had known, at least in the belt no one expected you to take on fights for other people. Holden hadn't known anything else, growing up on tales of Don Quixote and tilting at windmills or whatever came across his path, all for the ones who couldn't fight. He looked up to the unlikely hero, the old man who thought he could be a knight. He placed the glass back on the table, filling their shots and chuckling at her attempt to make him feel better, she didn't have to do that. He appreciated her none the less, fondness growing in his eyes when he finally met her gaze, "Is that so? What is WITH the freeze dried food on every station we come across? Tastes like ass most of the time, not that Alex's cooking is any better - "

He tries to joke around her 'quick fuck' comment, heat coating his face as he tries not to think about it too hard, but the seriousness in her voice draws him from the attempt to soothe things over. He levels with her on this, regardless. Out here, connection was dangerous, you could be killed for a number of reasons and in a million different ways. Of all the Belters he knew, that seemed to be the general understanding. One and done, it saved you a lot of trouble. "Thanks, for saying that. You know, if you're any nicer to me and I might consider you being secretly sweet on me."

It probably was not the best lesson to be imparted on a boy of barely twelve years of age, letting him read all those hero books, but that's what he was or wanted to be. Not that anyone would ever know it. He gave up on the dream after a fight with his commanding officer over the treatment of Belters that led him to be discharged, dishonorably at that. It left a bitterness in his throat that no amount of alcohol could wash away. Watching the crew he had or hadn't come to consider like a family being killed en masse, it had reignited the old flame, the desperation to do anything he could to avenge them, to bring some kind of justice to their memories. He was just happy to have Naomi here to pull him out of the dark. "Well." He sighed and gave her the biggest smile he could muster, adjusting in his seat to face her more, holding up the next round of shots for them. "I'm ready to get trashed, how about you?"

THEIR LIVES CHANGED RADICALLY IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. if she knew she would be out frequently drinking with james holden, she wouldn't have believed it. not that she would believe the cant's destruction and everything else that came with it. but, it wasn't the first time she'd had to start over, so it was easier to shut that part of herself off. instead, naomi listens, weighing the best way to reply. a barely-there laugh escapes her before anything else at the mention of the type of company he sought out back then.

she knows this is most likely the guilt speaking. naomi feels part of the weight, too. it's only natural after surviving what they did. but holden tends to borrow trouble that isn't his and she won't let him drown in that. it's her duty as his XO, but it's also her concern as his friend. " that's normal with long-haul gigs. there are only so many months you can be surrounded by the same people. " belters understand that more than anyone. even those that have family or lovers in the crew. and yet, that had drawn her into her biggest mistake. a crew that stuck together, one that looked like a family.

naomi downs the rest of her glass to stop the trip back in memory lane. " every time we hit port, i was looking for food that didn't come out of a machine and a quick fuck, " she shares in hopes of reassuring him that he was not the only one not prioritizing connections with their crewmates. that it'd been human; since no one could've known the end. despite everything a smile crossed her face. it was endearing to see he liked their company. " we like being here, " in the roci with this crew. another reassurance, before a serious truth. " none of this is on you. " not the cant's destruction, nor the sole leadership moving forward.

[gravedigginbbydoll]

It's Never Just Coffee

Rockstar Eddie x F! Reader Angst Blurb

AN: Hi. I've been having a rough time lately but I cranked this one out to release some angst and pain. Inspired by Coffee by Chappell Roan (take a listen). Thanks to @eddies-house for indulging me and encouraging me to write this. Enjoy.

CW: Pain, heartbreak, sexual content, making love, allusion to being used, F!MC experiencing depression and heartbreak and anxiety, extreme loneliness, toxic relationship, repetitive cycles, angst no comfort.

You sighed, staring at your phone. Four months. It had only been four months. The stupid bright red landline was a blaring reminder of tonight; your heart squeezed at the memory of the conversation you had just a few days ago. He had been gone on tour, leaving you in your heartbreak, your sleepless nights eventually fading after three months. The pain was beginning to subside to a dull ache. Of course, as soon as the wounds began to heal, he wandered back into your life. It wasn’t like you were strong enough to say no. Despite the anger you tried to build up, all you felt was the gut-wrenching sickness of unrequited love. Of yearning. You looked back at the mirror in front of your desk, adjusting your makeup. 

It’s a mistake. 

We shouldn’t meet. 

Not at Enzo’s. 

You ignored the nagging voice in your head, your heart tugging at the idea of those soft brown eyes. The glint of his silver rings. Your hands shook as you grabbed your bag and bit your lip. You dressed up, sure. But it was just to make him realize what he lost. At least, that was what you were telling yourself. 

You headed to the door, glancing around your sad and lonely studio apartment, swearing to yourself you’d come back alone. 

But your heart knew it was a lie. 

You walked up to the counter at Enzo’s, gave the name on the reservation, and eventually sat. You ordered a bottle of wine despite the voice in your head scolding you as to how bad of an idea it was. You sat there, feigning confidence, despite feeling like your heart was out in the open. You sip on the alcohol, recalling the last time you and him were at Enzo’s. 

You were meeting his Uncle Wayne, and everything was going swimmingly. Up until he suddenly was leaving for a meeting with a producer, claiming this was ‘the one.’ You two ended up in a screaming match outside the restaurant, and he left you in the pouring rain. Wayne drove you home, apologetic over his nephew’s outburst. 

You’re pulled out of the memory when a waitress comes over, asking if you are still waiting for the rest of your party. You look up, heart sinking. Of course, he was late. You nod, a sad, soft smile on your lips as you recheck your watch. The waitress gives you a sad but knowing look and leaves you be. You wait a few more minutes, sighing when it reaches thirty minutes. You’re about to leave money for the wine and leave, standing up, when a teasing voice rings through the air. 

“What, couldn’t handle the idea of seeing my ugly mug again?”

You looked up, heart-stopping in its tracks. You had hoped that after all the ugliness that ensued, you would see his true colors. He’d be hideous to you. But of course, he wasn’t. His eyes were mischievous as ever, a warm shade of brown that filled you with fluttering nerves. His grin was as boyish and charming as usual, his dimples clear as day. His hair was up in a bun, messy curls framing his face. Unlike the old Eddie you knew, he wore appropriate clothes for Enzo’s and not ill-fitting borrowed button-ups from Wayne. He had an expensive watch on his wrist, a subtle marker of the changes in his life. 

You smiled softly, knowing the action didn’t meet your eyes. It couldn’t. You couldn’t push down the way your heart soared at his familiar rasp, his mannerisms as he sat down, and even his stupid jokes. It hurt how you knew; you knew he had a restless leg angled out from under the table to not shake it. 

You shouldn’t know so much about someone who should be a stranger. 

You should leave.

But you don’t. 

Eddie is nothing but charming. He buys a bottle of expensive and sweet white wine, then offers to pay for your dinner. You let him despite your gut telling you not to. He was still every bit of a storyteller, describing in detail every crazy thing that happened on the small tour. He gives updates on Corroded Coffin’s latest projects. You drink it all in, the alcohol loosening your mind and maybe your control. 

Two hours later, you were still seated at the table, leaning into his every word, wishing you were here under different circumstances. He kept randomly interjecting on your gorgeous appearance, and your inebriated mind started believing his words. 

You were giggling at a story he’s told about Gareth fainting at the sight of a fan’s boobs when Eddie’s face suddenly turned sincere, and he reached for your hand. You let him grab it (foolishly), eyebrows furrowed at the change in his demeanor. 

“You know…I sincerely fucked up, doll. And I don’t think I ever said it…but I’m sorry. You truly deserved better.” 

You blink at him a few times. Your heart seems to tug at your mind, dragging it toward Eddie, Eddie, Eddie. You smile a sad smile and wave him off, trying to be stronger than you are. 

“We both made mistakes. It’s fine.” 

He smiles softly at you, his eyes a bit sad, as he shakes his head. 

“Yeah, but I lost the treasure. You.” 

He laughs humorlessly, swirling the wine in his glass, clearly taking up after the Californian producers he was around these days, seeing as old Eddie rarely drank anything other than cheap beer. 

“All because I was a fucking coward and couldn’t admit I loved- love…you.”

He looked up at you through thick lashes, his cheeks pink. Your heart felt ripped in half. Your eyes watered as you bit your trembling lip and looked away, breathing slowly. The breaths are shaky. 

Eddie grasped your hand and tugged you out of the seat, leaving an absurd amount of cash on the table and helping you to the door. You felt yourself melt into his familiar touch, and your soul weep. God, you had missed the warm touch and the smell of his spicy and sweet cologne, the rumble of his laugh against your back…

He holds your hand, walking with you around town. Somehow, he makes dingy Hawkins shine so much brighter. You walk the old town square, leaning against him as he softly talks to you, voice whispering how much he missed you. You mumble back the secrets you swore you’d never spill. How much you missed him. How proud you were of him. How you were worried he would replace you with some leggy blonde in California. He laughed at that one, pecking your forehead. 

You shivered in the cold Hawkins night breeze, knowing that it was not that cold, and Eddie had already draped his leather jacket over you, and it was a mistake because it would lead to-

“Wanna get out of the cold? You could show me your cute little studio.” 

That. 

You entered your sad apartment, still tipsy and stumbling against Eddie. You turned on the lights and feel your cheeks heat. It was embarrassing how raw this place made you feel. Eddie could see your bed…your kitchen…your bathroom. You suddenly were aware of how dangerous this was and tried to turn to Eddie to maybe give an excuse for how tired you were. 

He was looking down at you, eyes full of longing, gaze on your lips. His voice was strained as he kept fighting to look into your eyes, but his own continued to drift down. 

“Can I kiss you?” 

You bit your lip, your stomach flipping as your heart twisted in pain, but you felt in your bones that you wanted nothing more in the world. You nodded weakly, giving in. 

Eddie crashed his lips to yours, his hands cupping your face. He kissed you like he needed you for oxygen like you were intoxicating. And god, if you didn’t crave it. If you didn’t melt, bring your arms around his neck, tugging at his roots and making him moan. He continued to kiss you, and every time he pulled away for a breath, he left you breathless. He wrapped his arms around your waist, continuing to kiss you and eventually peppering kisses down your neck, mumbling how much he missed you. You whimpered and pawed at him, eyes watering. You wanted nothing more than this. This was home to you. His touch. His gaze. His warmth. 

He backs you up into your bed, hands under your dress and touch burning you. He leans in to kiss you when you put a hand to his chest and pant, stopping him. He looked concerned before you gazed up at him, knowing you were opening your chest and leaving your heart vulnerable to any damage. You didn’t learn. 

“Make love to me,” You whispered, voice thick with emotion.

Eddie’s gaze softened, cupping your face and leaning in to press his forehead to your own. He nodded wordlessly before kissing you and touching you gently, lifting your dress over your head. His lips were everywhere, gentle yet bruising kisses, marking you his. He mumbled how much he loves your thighs, your stomach, your shoulders…He softly touched and kissed you before letting you take off his shirt. He quickly removed his own pants to focus on you, muttering praises and making holes in your heart with every sentence. 

“You’re so gorgeous.” 

“I don’t deserve you.” 

“I’m sorry I let you go, love.” 

“I love you, I love you, I love you. I’m sorry I was too much of a coward to say it before.”

By the time he’s entered you, you’re crying softly as he kisses away tears, still muttering ‘I love you’s and holding you tenderly. He thrust into you at a slow but toe-curling pace, his forehead against you as he praised you, telling you how perfect you are for him, how good you feel, how he was stupid to let you go. You clutch at him, crying and muttering back, kissing him again and again, your heart twisting in your chest, the heartbreak unbearable. 

You felt an overwhelming sensation of heartache, pleasure, and yearning all build up, your tears flowing faster as gasps and moans leave your mouth, Eddie’s breath against you, his lips at your neck. He continues to mutter how good you are for him and how good you feel, your body trembling beneath him at the confessions. Eventually, the two of you reach a high, your cries warbled in a raw throat, his grunts growing more animalistic and desperate. You felt the pressure build-up, stuttering out declarations of love over and over. Eddie chased your high with his own, tackling your mouth with bruising kisses and whispered affection. 

You felt him finish in you, the familiar feeling of fullness and his release making you shudder. You laid there for a moment as he collapsed on you, staring up at the ceiling with a blurry gaze. You felt as though you were back there, briefly, before it all went downhill. 

Eddie got off of you slowly, delicately kissing your nose before pulling out of you, the two of you collectively whining at the loss of contact. He got up, headed to your bathroom, and returned with a warm and damp rag, cleaning you up gently. He then threw the rag in the bathroom sink, headed to your kitchen, and grabbed you a glass of water as you shakily got up to use the restroom, heart racing. You returned to the bed, and he held the glass for you, letting you drink as he softly caressed your hair. 

After a minute of quiet yet soft gazes and gentle touches, Eddie pulled on his underwear, crawling into your bed and holding you. Your heart felt like it could soar, even with all the pierced holes. You had felt your breathing slow, and your eyes grew heavy as you were lulled into a sense of security and familiarity you had longed for. 

You woke up to your alarm on your phone, eyes fluttering open in confusion. You looked at the bedside table, your alarm clock flashing in the dim room. The sun was just peaking through the windows, the light making you slowly wake up. Your memory was jolted with the reminder of Eddie, Eddie, in your bed. But as you had stretched, glancing over to the other side of the bed, it was empty. You sat up slowly, head swimming with confusion and heart sinking increasingly by the minute. 

You glanced around before seeing the note left on your coffee table. Still naked from the night before, you get up, wrapping yourself in a robe, before grabbing the letter. You open the paper, hands shaking at the first sentence, the rest of the words swimming as a sob escapes your throat, your gut twisting as the familiar pang of heartache joins you once again. 

I’m sorry. 

Six months pass, holidays come and go, and friends are cautious to be gentle with you. You never told anyone what happened that night, but figured they knew. You knew it was obvious how you avoided magazines with his face plastered on them and ignored the posters and billboards for his latest tour. Dodged any reminder, including avoiding Wayne Munson’s regular Tuesday grocery trips in Hawkins, even though it required you to use more gas, as Hawkins only had one grocery store. You were extra cautious.

It was spring, the flowers blooming, and the weather was warming up. Your heart wasn’t healed by any means, but you were slowly shaking off the numbness and pain. You had been invited to Robin’s birthday, deciding to go despite the inkling feeling that something may go wrong. 

You showed up at the Harrington house, and Steve greeted you with a warm hug. He ushered you into the backyard, tables set up, and people mingling. Robin tackled you with a hug, making you laugh, the sound still unfamiliar in your own ears. She was wearing a goofy paper crown that Will had made out of paper mache, the small detail making you smile. 

You walked around, greeting everyone and hugging them. You were grateful that you didn’t see a familiar mop of brown curly hair, knowing he was probably busy promoting the debut album and first international tour. You slowly loosened up a bit more, chatting it up with Nancy and joking over the kids (who are now in college) and how much they’ve stayed the same despite the years. Your heart feels a little lighter.

You’re sipping on some punch with Nancy and Robin, laughing at Dustin and Mike tackling each other, their antics amusing you. You felt your heart sink when you heard a gasp, and your eyes caught a flash run through the backyard to tackle the two younger boys, the laughter clear as day. Your chest squeezed, and you turned your back to the scene, excusing yourself to the restroom. 

You walked as fast as you could, breathing picking up as your body trembled. You entered the downstairs bathroom, hands clutching at the counter and biting your lip to keep it from shaking. You couldn’t fathom why he was here or who invited him and knew it was selfish to run off like that. It was Robin’s day. And you had shown up knowing he was still friends with some of your friends. You knew Nancy and Robin had been upset with him regarding the nasty breakup, but Dustin worshiped him. And you knew Steve had probably invited him, polite and friendly. No one except Nancy and Robin knew about the breakup and what happened; the ordeal was too painful and embarrassing to retell. 

You breathed in and out slowly, trying to calm the wavy breaths. You needed to show him you weren’t shattered without him. That you weren’t broken to pieces. You splashed your face with cold water, thankful for the waterproof makeup you were sporting. You stayed in the bathroom a few minutes more before heading out to the backyard, ignoring him. You walked towards El, sitting with her and talking about her classes, smiling as she described her University, ignoring the intense gaze across the backyard. 

You walked around, chatting and keeping your gaze away from the culprit of your heartache. You were quick to excuse yourself when he showed up to join whatever conversation you were in. By the end of the evening, you were exhausted, and your wounds were fresh. You hugged Robin and waved to the rest, heading out, thankful now that you had walked. You could maybe get some fresh air and- 

“Wait.” 

The hair on your neck stood up, and you turned, unable to ignore the man before you. He was more filled out, with hair in a low bun and curls less messy. New black lines joined faded ink, and his clothes seemed to fit him better. Gone were the hand-me-down clothes and small-town boy. He was still devastatingly beautiful. His eyes were smudged with black eyeliner, and a few piercings decorated his ears and nose, really elevating his look. You swallowed, faking a smile. 

“Oh. Hi, Eddie.” 

He gave a sheepish smile, cheeks tinged pink. “Can…I mean, can we go for a walk?” 

Your smile faltered as you felt your brows pinch together, nerves picking up. “Well, I don’t-” 

“Just a walk. In the small park by the middle school. I know how much you love the willows over there.” 

You swallowed, trying to will the words ‘no’ out of your mouth but look at his eyes. Those brown, warm, and welcoming eyes. They were pleading. They were…your deathbed. 

“Ah…Al-alright. Sure.” 

He beamed at you.

You were walking together at the park, being quieter and more cautious this time. Eddie continued to charm and dazzle you, but now your wounds were better guarded. He seemed to pick up on this and frowned, brown eyes full of hurt and guilt. 

“Y/N?”

You smile weakly at him, looking up politely. 

“Yeah?”

He turned his entire body to you and sighed, eyes sorrowful. So…soulful. 

“I- I’m sorry I fucked up. I… I thought I was doing what was best for us both. I’m a horrible man and never around, and I always leave you hanging and so- I mean, I know it’s not an excuse- But the letter- I’m sorry. I should’ve been less of a jackass. I just-” He runs a hand down his face and sighs, looking at you with sincere eyes. 

“I’m a dick. I’m sorry.” 

Your smile faltered. Fuck. It would’ve been easier if he ignored it. You could fester, pout, and be angry if he missed the mistake. You could walk away. You could- 

“It’s fine.” 

“It’s not,” He insists, eyes sincere and glassy. “I’m… I’m trying not to become my dad. I just…I lose my mind around you. You’re so beautiful and enchanting and…I always want you, doll.” 

The rasp in his voice. The need. The…absolute…weakness…of you. You look up at him and smile sadly, eyes stinging with unshed tears. 

“I always want you too, Eds.” 

You shivered and looked up at the willow tree you two were beside, the carved wood familiar. It’s your tree. Eddie walked up, his smile bittersweet, tracing your crudely scratched initials and heart. He looked 10 years older. 

“Remember this?” 

You held yourself, memories flooding your brain. You tried to avoid digging a more prominent grave, knowing this would lead back to your bed again with one wrong move. You simply nod. Eddie retraced the heart, voice distant like he was chasing the memory. 

“We were 16. You swore no boy would ever like you…which was ridiculous because you were adorable. But anyway…you swore they wouldn’t. And I said, ‘Why don’t we get them to pay attention? You’re off the market now! They’ll come running like dogs!’. I was, of course, lying. I just wanted to pretend you felt the same way. So I carved into this tree, making you laugh and shake your head. And it only took stupid Tommy Delwood asking you to prom two years later for me to finally get the guts to tell you I wanted the stupid tree to not be a lie.” 

Your stomach twisted at the story, lip trembling. Of course, he’d tug at your heartstrings. Of course, he’d rip off your faux armor. You were crumbling with every word, every memory of what once was. 

“Of course, I continued to be a coward and idiot. And…ever since losing you… I came to this tree. Everyday. Why? I don’t know. Maybe to remember an easier time. Maybe to wish I never broke your heart. Maybe I wish I never had you so I wouldn’t know how badly it hurts to lose you. I just… This is the one place that keeps me going in Hawkins.” 

He looked at you, tears streaming down his face, eyes rimmed red. Your heart shattered, waves overtaking your eyes, and bitter pain filled your lungs. He smiled weakly, biting his lip. 

“I’m… I’m sorry. I want to get better. I want to be better for you. That’s why I keep leaving. I’m trying to work out issues with this therapist and fix all my shitty habits and problems. I know it’s unfair, and I’m weak and keep… coming back. But I need you. I- I understand if you don’t want to see me anymore- just…give me some time?” 

You felt your heart rip violently, your tears a constant flow. Thorned roses tightened around your veins and lungs, sharp tips ripping into flesh and muscle. Your lips tried to tug up with no success. 

Eddie sighed in reply, pushing off the tree. His eyes were sad, and his body slumped an inch shorter. He smiled weakly. 

“Let me walk you home?” 

Eddie and you walked home in relatively silent steps; the only sound on the journey was your faint breaths. You reached your studio, frowning at how dark it is, the town of Hawkins eerily quiet. Against your best judgment, you open your door and let Eddie in. You don’t realize your mistake until he sits on your couch, eyes still tinged with red as you hand him a coffee just as he likes. He takes the four sugars and one cream coffee, sipping slowly. Your heart seemed to be puppeting your mouth this time around.

“It’s dark out,” You mumble. 

“Y/N,” Eddie warns, eyes swimming with caution and guilt. 

“You left your truck at Steve’s. He’s probably asleep.” 

“Y/N,” Eddie sighed, running a hand down his face and voice strained.

You turn around and head back into your bathroom, starting to get ready for bed. Eddie’s still sipping on the coffee when you return, eyes rimmed red and glassy. He avoids your gaze. 

“I don’t want to hurt you. Even if I want you… Even if I need you.” 

You nod and turn out the light suddenly, getting under your covers. You smell Eddie’s aftershave and feel his arms wrap around you. 

“Only a cuddle, okay?”

You nodded, breathing slowly. Maybe you were stronger. 

You found yourself under Eddie minutes later, panting and clawing at his back as he pounded into you over and over for hours. He was kissing your cheeks and lips, rambling his love for you over and over, holding you tightly yet somehow tenderly. He kept making you see stars. By the end, you felt sweaty and spent like a hole in your chest was exposed. 

Eddie was kind as always, cleaning you up and smiling, his demeanor less sorrowful. You two cuddled until you fell asleep and lulled off into a dreamless rest. 

You woke to empty sheets, and you felt lifeless. 

No note. 

No goodbye. 

You were a fool.

One year later, you were in California. It was fall, and the absence of the dramatic change in leaves made your stomach twist with longing. You were here for new beginnings. No more walking the graveyard of your relationship with Eddie. No more following your family blindly and being a people pleaser. 

You had left in the dead of night, driving across states, surviving off of cheap dollar menus at the drive-thru. You knew Eddie spent most of his time in California, but the state wasn’t Hawkins. It was big enough that you would likely never see each other. 

You could pretend like you were healed but the wounds never set right. Scars were left over your heart, and small holes were in your armor. You couldn’t hang out with any of your old friend group; too much connection to the man who ripped you to shreds. Robin and Nancy shunned Eddie and never brought him up, but you knew that wasn’t fair to them. They shouldn’t be in your silly drama regarding your love life. You distanced yourself until you left, only leaving a note to let them know you were safe and leaving for California’s warm breezes. 

You had settled into a small beach town in southern California, the breezes cool and the sky blue. You were staying in a tiny house, lacking your personality. But you took it day by day, visiting shops and cafes nearby, taking long walks on the shore. Some days, just sitting by the beach and writing in a journal. You had no phone. No friends. You were a blank slate. 

You were working at a small bookshop, satisfied with the slow pace of life. Some days, you’d sit full of numbness, lonely in your seclusion and voluntary exile. But then you remembered how little you knew of yourself. You couldn’t remember what life was like before him. 

Your favorite color was the shade you thought looked best on Eddie. Your favorite movie was the one you’d seen together on your first date. Your favorite book was the one you had spent time and time again recalling to him. Hell, even your favorite foods or hobbies involved him in some way. It wasn’t his fault. You’d let yourself be consumed by him. He was a brilliant star, and you were engulfed in his shadow, even as young teens. You just wanted to relearn about yourself. 

Sadly, fate was a cruel mistress. 

You had made a new friend, a girl at your job who was bubbly and sweet and loved alternative music. She was quick to try and pull you out of your shell and take the ‘sad, mopey mystery girl’ to a show near Los Angeles. You agreed despite your gut telling you no. 

Ironically, Eddie wasn’t part of the concert. 

On your way back from the trip, you bumped into the new shiny celebrity that your ex-lover had become. You were scanning the shelves for a snack at a gas station with your new friend and her boyfriend. You reached for a bag of sour gummies (your favorite), only to have your hands brushed by another, only much more calloused and masculine than yours. 

“Oops! My bad,” A chuckle rumbled from his chest. 

Your heart sank quickly. 

You’d recognize him anywhere, no matter how raspy or grown the voice sounded. You kept your gaze on your shoes, dropping your hand and trying to turn away; you mumbled out an ‘it’s fine,’ hoping he didn’t recognize you. 

He stopped in his tracks. 

He grabbed your hand, turning you gently as he lowered the sunglasses covering warm brown eyes. It didn’t matter that he had on sunglasses, a bun with a bandana covering his signature curls, or even that he was at a gas station that was a speck on a map. He was still him.

“Y/n?” He asked, voice raw with emotion, eyes swimming with sorrow and longing. 

“Steve told me you disappeared. Just left a note, and… no one’s heard from you. I visited. Couldn’t get anyone to tell me where you’d gone- I…,” He swallowed, eyes glassy as he continued to look you up and down. You felt the first bout of fear, sorrow, and desperate longing that you swore off months ago. You were glad for the emotions, but…you almost wanted the numb loneliness and hurt to sink back into your bones. You didn’t think your heart could take another wound. 

“I, I just can’t believe you’re here… Ar-are you okay? Is everything okay? I-” He stopped his rambling momentarily, breathing and sighing, soft tears rolling down his cheeks. Your heart squeezed as your mind raced. 

No. No. Not again. We cannot do this again.

“I…Can we go get coffee or somet-something? Everyone’s worried sick and- I know I don’t deserve- but…,” He was wringing his hands and fidgeting with his rings, a nervous habit he had since he was a teen. “I just-” 

Your heart was racing as you smiled sadly. You felt your mouth open as you willed the words out, your insides twisting in sorrow and your heart seeming to sink below the ground. But somehow, your mind took control. For once, you left him speechless. 

“It’s never just coffee, though, is it?”

Eddie stared at you in shock, eyes knowing and shoulders slumping as his tears flowed still, brows pinched. You smiled sadly and waved softly, heading out the door with your friend and climbing into the car. You leaned your head against the window, staring at the rundown building, Eddie staring out the window through the aisle. Your heart seemed to sink deeper as your stomach twisted, but some of you felt lighter. 

No more mourning. No more giving everything to get nothing in return. 

You were on your own. But you were free. 

[lucystark12]

songs that should be used in season 5 and why by lucy

1- smalltown boy by bronski beat

obvious first draft pick here. genius. it's so mike wheeler coded it makes me want to die. for this song, i'd either like to see it used in a very very dramatic physical fight scene with vecna ala running up that hill or playing very faintly in the background of an important scene like the fight at rink-o-mania. i think the song sounds just eerie enough that it could work in that context but the instrumental is just so badass fight scene coded.

2- operator by jim croce

hopper canonically listens to jim croce!! you don't mess around with jim!! this song has been loved by my family since decades before i was born. it's such a sad but beautiful song and really gives almost a lettergate situation of one side of byler trying to reach the other during the months they spend apart between season 3 and season 4 and if they did use it i would lose my shit.

3- alone by heart

people are theorizing in favor of this song being a part of the season 4 soundtrack and i mean it when i say that if i heard that opening piano of alone i would die. it would be the end of my life. i used to listen to this song on my ipod as an eight year old. it's always been one of my favorites. i don't really know how they would use it and i almost feel like the sound of it doesn't fit in with a lot of the other music in the show in regards to that 80s music sound, but i would die if they did.

4- africa by toto

AFRICA PLEASE COME BACK BABY I MISS YOU!! another song that's easily in my top ten favorite songs of all time, i think this would be such a cute callback to season 1 and would be the equivalent of hedwig dying as far as childhood-ending-events for me because it would just be such a beautiful full circle moment. i would scream.

5- summer of 69 by bryan adams

if we get to see anything taking place during summer (which, problematically, i kind of hope we don't) i need this playing on every radio in town. it just gives such it 2017 stranger things season three in a way that would break (and fill) my heart in such a beautiful way for the last stranger summer. i also think that if this was the song we decided to make viral from the new season's soundtrack that we'd all have a lot of fun.

6- take me home tonight by eddie money

i love the intro to this song like no other. it's tense and weird like the into to sunglasses at night which was used in season 1 in such a perfect way that also reminds me of the vibe of the show. a little tense and scary sounding, but at the heart (or chorus) of it a fun show about positive and beautiful characters.

7- heroes by david bowie

duh.

8- CRAZY TRAIN BY OZZY OSBOURNE!!!!!!!!

DUFFERS. MASTER OF PUPPETS AND NO CRAZY TRAIN? i fuck with crazy train like no other. i'm fully convinced that if i listened to that song on repeat for a few hours it would inspire the willpower in me to climb all of mt. everest in a day. it's such a perfect song for a show like this. i can picture nancy shooting something to crazy train in the background. somebody is frantically running around too. i think they should have just used this instead of master of puppets because the guitar in crazy train is way better (sorry not sorry) but it's never to late to right your wrongs, duffers!

[delicate-luv]

Two Become One ~ Chapter Six

Summary: After breaking the news to your best friend, you and Eddie set out on the hunt for your forever home.

CW: MDNI, 18+, pregnancy, abusive ex, violence, fluff

Masterlist

—————————————————————

"Woah, wait. Turn."

Eddie had just walked in from putting Otis to sleep when you stopped him. He slightly turned his head when you gasped. "Eddie! What the fuck! He hit you! I'm gonna kill that son of a bitch!"

He softly smiled. "Shhh, no cursing. There's a child around." he shushed while he pointed to your stomach.

"Eddie this is not a joke. I-I'm gonna kill him. He hurt you."

"Woah, I'm fine." He took a step back.

You stood up, clutching Eddie's hand and taking him into the bathroom.

"Sit" you pointed at the sink. He didn't want to upset you, so he obliged.

You rummaged through his medicine cabinet before coming across a first aid kit.

"This will sting a little." You prepared him while you poured a little bit of alcohol onto a cotton ball.

He winced and tightly grabbed onto your hand. You noticed and reassured him. "you're alright. It's better than having it get infected."

"I guess you're right." He nodded, squinting his eyes due to the stinging sensation.

You quickly put on some cream and a small bandage, your face concentrating. Eddie thought you looked so adorable when you were so focused, especially because you were focusing on him.

"Are you okay?" He quietly asked you, bringing you out of your attentive state.

"Yeah, I'm just really concentrating on this."

"No, I mean are you okay? About everything that happened earlier."

"I wish things went differently. Knowing Ezra, deep down I knew things were going to escalate like they did. But to be fair, you almost killed him. You're so badass for that." You smiled, cleaning up the the first aid kit and putting it back.

He smirked. "that's all you, m'lady. You went up in there and broke up with his lame ass. You're the badass here. I'm just the side kick."

You beamed and started to blush, but then you remembered you hadn't told Scarlett yet.

"Ed's?"

"Yeah?"

"I need to tell Scarlett. I don't know if I can handle any more disappointment tonight though."

"Is this about being kicked out?" He asked, to which you nodded. "Who cares if you get kicked out? I already know we're going to raise our baby living together. So what's the point? So what? Let her kick you out."

You stayed silent.

"Listen, I have a part time job at the body shop. I have a bit of money saved up. You're a hairdresser too, right? With our two incomes, plus incomes from gigs, we can afford to move. We'll need to get bigger place, anyways."

You hesitantly agreed. "will you drive?"

"You bet. First thing tomorrow?" He hopped down off the sink and taking your hand, leading you back into his bedroom.

You knocked on the door, Scarlett opened it wearing a silk robe. She talked in a low whisper, "Hey, where've you been off to? I haven't seen you in forever. I have a guy here, so make it quick."

Eddie hid around the corner, in fear of another fight breaking out.

"Scar, I don't know how to tell you this. But-" you twiddled your thumbs.

"Oh my god. Please don't tell me that you're a homewrecker." She laughed and grabbed your arm playfully.

You heard a quiet chuckle come from Eddie, who immediately slapped his hand over his mouth to cover his laughter. Luckily, Scarlett didn't hear him.

"No-" you smiled but then grew anxious again. "you can just go ahead and kick me out now."

"Oh god, just tell me, you're really freaking me out here."

"I'm pregnant!" You exclaimed and immediately placed your hand over your mouth.

"Aww congrats! I’m so happy for you, this is something you’ve always wanted! I'm gonna be an auntie!" She hugged you tightly as tears started to escape her eyes. "is the guy on board?"

You were so in the moment, you forgot Eddie was just around the corner. "Of course. We are together and honestly, I couldn't be happier. I met his son, and he is such a great father. I'm so excited for us."

"As long as you’re happy, I'm happy. But pack your bags. You know my no children policy." She laughed. You weren't mad, you were expecting this.

"Can Eddie and I come over in the morning and pack up my stuff?" You question.

"Sure! I'll see you then. I'm so happy for you." You two hugged each other one last time before leaving for your new home.

The car ride home was silent. Little did you know, you both were thinking about the future with one another.

Eddie finally spoke. "Hey, did you really mean that back there? That I'm a great father and you're truly happy?"

"Yes. I meant it all." You stared into your lap, grinning at what your life had become in only a matter of weeks.

"Fuck," he beamed. "you have no idea what that means to me."

"Shh! No cursing, there's a child around!" You said, mocking him. He looked at you, a laugh breaking out of his smile.

"Put that down." Eddie called out as you began to pick up a cardboard box from his van.

"It's only my stuff, I can handle it." You adjusted the box in your grip, only for him to step in front of you, blocking the path.

"Nuh-uh." He waved his finger like an angry mother. "Put it down."

You hesitantly obliged. "Fine, but I need to do something else while you're bringing my boxes in."

"Fine. Go look at those magazines I brought home."

You half-heartedly trudged inside, dreading the thought of having to flip through realtor magazines he had brought home from work.

Recently Eddie had been bringing up the topic of moving- more so than ever. You knew you had limited time and you had to get settled in and completely ready before the baby arrived.

You flipped through multiple pictures of homes before one page caught your eye. It was a spacious, but small home with with 3 bedrooms- just what you needed. You picked up a notepad and wrote down the phone number that was listed on it.

Just then, Eddie had brought in the last cardboard box. A few dribbles of sweat on his forehead were wiped off with his Megadeath T-shirt.

"Hey honey?" You called out.

"Hm?" He raced into the room, a sense of urgency to get whatever you wanted.

"I think I found a place. C'mere." You waved him over and pushed the magazine closer to him.

He examined the page for a moment. "It's perfect. Let's call."

You were on your way to meet the realtor to take a tour of the house, Eddie blasting his usual metal music on the ride there.

"You excited?" Eddie asked, rubbing your leg.

"Mhm." You hummed. Something was off with you and he could tell.

"Babe, what's up?" He turned down the music and looked at you intently.

"I don't know..." you rubbed your sweaty palms against your pants. "Don't you think we're moving too fast? I mean, we just found out I'm pregnant like, two weeks ago, now we're buying a house together."

"Yeah." He nodded. "Of course I do. But, it is what it is. We can't change it. Plus, I have a good feeling about you." He took a turn, pulling into the driveway. "A feeling I didn't even have with Chrissy. And- and looking at this house now with you, all I can do is imagine us in it. Our home."

Your eyes went back and forth between the long haired man in the drivers seat to the small brick house. You couldn't help but imagine Otis and the baby playing together in the front yard, greeting them with hugs as they get off the bus everyday, throwing birthday parties for them, inviting their future friends over for sleepovers, even the littlest things that would normally be considered a chore, like bringing in bags from the grocery store, filled you with joy.

The house tour came to an end before you knew it, you and Eddie were both more than confident on the decision. You put a deposit on the house quicker than you could have ever imagined. You hopped into the car, urgent to pack up all your things and move into your new home as soon as possible. Although you had to wait a little bit until you could actually start to move in.

The beginning of the rest of your life had started today.

[fandom-princess-forevermore]

🎶✨when u get this, list 5 songs u like to listen to, publish. then, send this ask to 10 of your favorite followers (positivity is cool)🎶✨

Just 5... oh God, this is hard... I'm going old and new school

1. Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift

2. Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money

3. Lesson In Leavin by Jo Dee Messina

4. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush

5. Dreams by Van Halen

@jadeylovesmarvelxo @caplanbuckybarnes @swiftlymoniquesblog @hypocriticaltypwriter @roosterforme @bunnyhargrove @princessmisery666 @girl-next-door-writes

[bradshawssugarbaby]

Take Me Home Tonight - Harrison Knott x Reader

A/N: Inspired by Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money

pairing: Harrison Knott (Press Play) x reader

warnings/content: fem reader, oral (f receiving), p in v, swearing, one night stand, drinking

word count: 3.2k

A dimly lit college dive bar was not the ideal space to meet anyone, but as you found yourself leaning against the bar top, looking around the space as you nursed a vodka-cran that was slowly becoming room temperature slowly but surely. You contemplated leaving and going home at this point, realizing that your date likely wasn’t going to show. Just as you thought about setting the now slightly-colder-than-the-bar glass down on the counter behind you and walking out to hail a cab home, a tall, broad shouldered man with brown hair and naturally sun-kissed highlights, a slight tan, and the deepest blue eyes you’d ever seen on any person before sauntered up alongside you to the bar. He leaned against the bar, giving you a polite smile as he orders himself a drink. Beer in hand, he straightens his posture and looks at you again, offering a this time, much friendlier, intentional smile. 

“Hi, I’m Harrison,” He nodded his head as he offered his free hand out for you to shake.

“Hi,” You returned the same friendly smile as you sipped your drink, exchanging names and small talk as you both sat at the bar.

You’d been stood up by a date, and Harrison had been supposed to meet his friends from medical school after writing an exam, but he was almost certain he’d ended up in the wrong bar somehow. Both here alone by mistake, or by fate, neither of you had bothered leaving when you realized that you wouldn’t be spending the night with the people you’d originally intended to. You finished the drink in your hand while conversing with Harrison, not even registering the fact that the bittersweet, tart red-coloured liquid was likely now warmer than the air around you. You set the glass down with a thankful smile to the bartender before turning your attention back to the man who had replaced your date.

“Can I get you another drink?” He flashed you another smile as he gestured to the empty glass.  

“Yeah, thank you,” You nodded appreciatively as you spoke, “I’ll have a Long Island Iced Tea, please.”

“Actually, that sounds good,” Harrison laughs as he finishes the contents of his amber-coloured glass bottle before setting it down, “Two Long Island Iced Teas it is.” 

Fresh drinks now in hand, the two of you made your way across the bar to one of the few booths against the wall. The college dive bar floor’s trademark stickiness against your shoes created a slight squeaking sound as you walked across it, every step leaving the bottom of your heeled boots with a tacky coating to them. You studied Harrison’s features as best as you could in the dim lowlights of the bar, taking account of everything you could about your impromptu date, committing it to memory in case you should ever cross paths with him again. 

You and Harrison sat across from one another in the booth, the dark glow of the lights less harsh from your secluded corner of the room. You listened as he divulged his life story to you, you nodding your head or sympathetically smiling and chiming in as needed. He was from Hawaii, his dad was a doctor, and there was always pressure for him to follow in his footsteps. He’d deferred hie med school attendance for a couple years after university before being waitlisted for George Washington, and when he got in, he moved to the opposite side of the country with no contacts to speak of in D.C. other than an old college friend of his dad’s in the area somewhere. 

He told you how he preferred to buy physical copies of music, vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, whatever he could get his hands on at a secondhand store over streaming services. He told you how he missed surfing and the warm saltwater beaches from back home, how his stepsister had gotten married recently and he hadn’t made his way back home since. He told you how his stepsister always insisted he was lonely and needed to meet someone, but how he had always been more occupied with work back home at the music store he’d been at, and surfing and studying. He’d never really made the time for anything else.

You told him how you’d moved to D.C. from your small hometown on the east coast a couple of years ago for a college internship, and how you’d fallen in love with the city and opted to stay. You’d told him how you made D.C. your home, how you thought the city looked beautiful covered in a dusting of snow during the holiday season (to which he agreed, despite the fact he still wasn’t accustomed to seeing snow that often yet. You’d told him how you loved football and hockey, catching live games as often as you could, how you’d recently gotten into baseball and tried following it but weren’t succeeding yet, how you’d always wanted to go on a date to the Smithsonian Institute of American History, since it was your favorite place in the city, how you loved going just to look at the pop culture section of the museum.

“Shit, is it really midnight already?” He laughed softly as he checked his watch, offering you a soft, hopeful smile as he looked up at you, “Do you want me to walk you home when you’re ready?”

There was something in his words, a sense of genuine concern about you making it home safely, a genuine desire to be the one to accompany you to make sure you returned in one piece. It made your heart flutter, and you had no idea why, In fact, something about Harrison in general made your heart flutter. His charming, sweet smile, his haunting deep blue eyes, his deep, yet soft-spoken voice, maybe it wasn’t something, maybe it was everything about him.

“I’d like that, actually. Thanks.” 

Harrison smiled and stood up from the booth, grabbing his coat and pulling it on over his broad shoulders as he followed you out of the building. He walked alongside you, hands in his pockets as you took the 10 block journey home. On your doorstep, Harrison smiled at you under the dim porch light, its yellowish hue cascading over the two of you, highlighting all of his features like a spotlight. His gaze lingered on your lips for a few moments, and you couldn’t help but bite at your bottom lip, both anxiously, and sensually. Something about Harrison was driving you wild, and you couldn’t figure out why, but as you leaned in, lips pressing against his in a soft, passionate kiss, you felt completely entranced by him, totally captivated and full of a sense of lust and longing, craving more of him.

“Harrison, I’m sorry,” You began as your lips hovered just mere milimeters over his.

“Don’t be,” Harrison’s voice was hushed as he tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear, “I want to do it again.”

With that, Harrison’s lips collided with yours again, this time in a much more deeply passionate kiss, one that could knock the wind right out of you as he pressed your body against the door of your house. You reached your one hand behind you, your fingers searching the door blindly for the door handle to let you both inside the house. The door opened with a click as you turned the handle, and stumbling backwards a step as you entered, you refused to allow your lips to part from Harrison’s for the time being.

Harrison pulled back for a breath, his lips now kiss bitten and puffy after the passionate embrace. You offered him a smirk as you grabbed fistfuls of his shirt in your hands, tugging gently on the soft material as you pulled him in for another kiss. You led him up the stairs to your bedroom and nodded as you pulled away again, raising your eyebrow at him as you awaited confirmation from him to continue. Rather than give a verbal response, Harrison reached his hand around to the back of your head, tangling his thick fingers in your hair as he pulled you in for another kiss. You felt your hips press against his, the feeling of his tightening jeans prominent as your leg brushed against them. 

Your hand reached down between the two of you, quickly working to unbutton Harrison’s jeans, trying to free him quickly from the fabric as they became uncomfortably tight on him. Harrison let out a soft sigh of relief as he kicked his jeans off, pressing his lips to yours once again in a fervent, hungry kiss. He backed you against the wall, his hands running down your sides as he caressed your body. His firm, strong hands lifted you up, encouraging you to wrap your legs around his waist. You did so tightly, holding on to him for dear life as you felt him press your back against the wall harder. Your neck tilted to the side as he trailed his lips down your jawline and up to your ear. 

“Do you want me to do this?” Harrison’s voice was deep and rich, as smooth as melted chocolate as he spoke. 

“Mhmm,” You hummed out as his hand made its way down the front of your body, his fingers slipping under your skirt, blindly trying to find your underwear as your body pressed against his. His fingers slipped underneath the soft, dampened fabric of your panties, groaning slightly as you felt the pads of his fingertips making contact with your wet slit. Harrison’s lips curled upwards into a grin, his eyes locked on your face as he watched for your reaction to his touch.

“You’re really into this, aren’t you?” 

Harrison smirked as he felt your arousal gather on his fingertips. His deep blue eyes watched your features with an intensity and hunger you’ve never seen on anyone before. Harrison looked like a man on a mission suddenly, as if seeing you like this, feeling your arousal that he undoubtedly caused, made him determined to bring you to your breaking point by any means necessary. Not that you thought he’d need to do much. His touch combined with the look of intense passion and determination in his eyes was almost enough to bring you there. Your hand tangled in Harrison’s short wavy lengths, pulling his face in closer to you for a kiss. Your tongue traced his lower lip, and as you slipped it into his mouth, you felt his finger repeat your action below your waistline. As he slipped his finger into your core, you let out a soft moan into his mouth, causing Harrison to groan softly against your lips. 

Harrison’s lips made their way down the curvature of your neck, a trail of warm open-mouthed kisses and licks of his tongue leading from your mouth down to your collarbone as he pushed a second finger into your opening. He curled his fingers upwards towards the soft, spongey wall of your core before beginning to pump them in and out, ensuring contact to the spot you desired most with every upward thrust of his hand. You found yourself panting and moaning his name as you felt his hand at work, unable to concentrate your mind on anything else. As you felt yourself becoming close to your climax, you felt Harrison’s hot breath on your ear, his voice in a deep, lulling whisper as he spoke to you. 

“You’re so wet for my touch right now. Do you want me to keep going, pretty girl? Want me to make you cum on my fingers?”

You nodded your head, taking in a sharp inhale as you felt his fingers continuing to work their magic on you. His touch was unlike anything you’d ever experienced with a previous partner - Harrison was attentive, caring, and determinedly passionate - like he was making it his life goal to make you orgasm as many times as he could, and that he wanted to ensure that no part of your time together could be classed as a mediocre hookup with some med student you met in a bar. Harrison was treating you like he didn’t want to be forgotten. Like he wanted to be the best you’d ever had, and so far, he was succeeding at his mission.

As your body tightened and clenched around his fingers, your back arching slightly as you let out a whine of his name, followed by a slurry of swear words. You felt Harrison slow his hand down before gently pulling his fingers out of you. He grinned and stuck his fingers in his mouth, giving them a long, slow suck before pulling them out with a popping sound. 

“Fuck,” he pants, nodding his head once as he tries to collect his thoughts, “You taste like fuckin’ heaven, beautiful.”

You can’t help but giggle as you feel his lips continue to leave sloppy, wet kisses on your collarbone as he wraps you tightly around his waist. He lays you out on the bed and grins as he kneels inbetween your legs, his mouth now making it’s way up and down the inside of your leg, lingering as he comes tantalizingly close to your centre. He gently pushes on your leg, spreading you slightly as he bites his lip. Staring at you for a moment, taking in the sight of you on display for him like this, you hear him let out an almost whimpering sound. Harrison quickly ducks his head down between your thighs, pressing an open-mouthed kiss to your clit. Your breath hitched in your throat at the sudden contact, the feeling of his tongue lapping at your arousal between your thighs, the sounds of muffled moans and murmured “Fuck you taste so good”’s from Harrison sending you over the edge again. 

Harrison pulled his mouth away, his chin glistening with a mixture of saliva, arousal and sweat from working himself to the point that he did. He took his t-shirt off over his head before using the fabric of it to wipe his mouth. A smirk formed on his features as he looked down at you with an eyebrow raised, his sapphire coloured eyes watching your face for any indication as to what you wanted next from him. 

“Harrison,” you panted, nodding your head, “Need you inside me,” was all you managed to get out before he started hurriedly pulling his boxer briefs down, kicking them off behind him to the floor as he knelt up on the bed above you. Your eyes widened as you took in the sight of him, unable to focus your gaze on anything else. You had suspicions about his size when you took his jeans off for him earlier, but, this exceeded any suspicion or expectation you could have possibly made based off that earlier encounter. 

Harrison nodded his head, grinning at you as he bit his lip. He reached down on the floor for his wallet and opened it hastily, grabbing a condom out of the fold. He carefully tore open the wrapper before rolling the latex material down over his hardened cock. Harrison smirked as he looked up at you, taking notice of your wide-eyed gaze upon his nude body. Your teeth sunk down into your bottom lip as you watched Harrison stroking himself. He held his hand out below your mouth and laughed softly, his cheeks flushing red as he spoke.

“You ok?” Harrison’s words were followed by an awkward chuckle, trying to fill the silence that hung in the air as your eyes remained widened and fixated on him.

“Mhmm, great,” You nodded, “Fantastic, even.”.

“Tell me if it’s too much for you, ok?” Harrison’s voice was hushed, just above a whisper as he spoke. 

You hummed in response as you nodded again, biting your lip hard in anticipation, a metallic taste entering your mouth as you bit a little too hard. You took in a deep breath as you felt Harrison’s hips slowly thrust into yours, and as you felt yourself tighten around him, your muscles tensing and squeezing as he paused to let you adjust to his size, you felt yourself cry out in pleasure. Harrison was patient and caring, waiting for you to give him a signal to continue before as much as shifting his position. Your eyes met his with a look of passion and lust, giving him all the encouragement he needed to continue. His body hovered over yours, allowing him to see your every facial expression. He ducked his head down to nestle it in the crook of your neck, his lips planting soft, wet, sensual kisses to your skin with every thrust. 

“So tight for me, beautiful, you feel so fucking good,” He purred against the skin of your neck. 

You whimpered as you felt him gently nip at your neck, each thrust of his hips bringing you closer and closer to the edge. His voice had a sudden huskiness to it as he spoke, soft, masculine grunts falling from his lips against your neck with every movement of his hips. You reached your hands upwards, gripping his shoulders tightly as he thrusted, your nails digging into his smooth, tanned skin as you felt him hit your core each time. Harrison’s piercing blue eyes looked up at you every so often, as if checking your face for any signs of discomfort, any sign you may not be enjoying it. With every look at you, you’d returned it with a slight nod or a moan of his name to encourage him not to stop.

“Thatta girl, babe,” He grunted, his breath hot on your neck as he spoke, “I’m not gonna last much longer, you feel so good.”

You felt his hand snake its way down your body, his fingers moving quickly to find your clit once again. He traced his fingertips over it as he thrusted into you, your back arching at his touch. You felt your orgasm bubbling over, your head throwing back as you gasped out his name, followed by a flurry of swear words. Harrison let out a loud, deep groan as he reached his own climactic high, your name falling from his lips before he kissed at your neck again, his hips slowing as the two of you rode your climaxes together. 

Harrison lifted his head up as he slowly pulled himself out of you. Breathlessly, he laid down beside you, his large hand reaching up to smooth back his now dampened curls, wiping the sweat from his brow. His cheeks were flushed as he turned to face you, his deep sapphire blue eyes fixated on your features as he caught his breath. He turned back up to face the ceiling before letting out a laugh.

“I don’t think I’ve ever gone that hard on the first night, at least…not without taking the girl out for dinner first,” He smirked as he looked back at you, a mischievous twinkle in his eye as his gaze met yours again. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever had it that good on the first night before, with or without dinner,” You retorted as you turned onto your side to face him. 

“Well, let’s add dinner to the mix for the second time and see if it’s an improvement?” Harrison grinned as he tucked a lock of your hair back behind your ear.

[leasstories]

The Nirvana Unplugged:

Eddie x Gn!reader

No Trigger Warning, a little bit of angst I guess ?

December 16th 1993,

You and Eddie have been dating for 3 years now. You both met at a Dio concert and have been inseparable ever since. You’re currently both living in Chicago. You share a small one bedroom apartment. You’re working at the record store just around the corner while Eddie and Corroded Coffin are trying to make it big.

As every evening at 6:30pm, you finally arrive home right after closing the store and Eddie is already home and waiting for you. When you come into the apartment, you can hear Eddie jamming on Sweetheart. You recognize the song he is strumming as Hollywood Black from Dio’s latest album. You take your shoes off, wash your hands and quietly join Eddie in the living room as not to disturb him, which failed because as soon as Eddie sees you, he put his guitar down and get up to kiss you on the lips. You kiss him back before slumping on the couch.

“Baby?” You ask shyly.

“Yeah Swetheart ?” Eddie answers while sitting next to you on the couch.

“There is the MTV Unplugged tonight and I was wondering if… maybe we could… I don’t know, watch it?” You ask hesitantly.

“Since when do you watch MTV?” Eddie asks, laughing.

You hide that Eddie’s comment hurt you and keep going.

“Okay I usually don’t watch MTV, but tonight they invited my current favorite band…” You say, hoping to convince Eddie.

“They invited Rage Against the Machine?” Eddie asks, baffled.

“Eddie my current favorite band is… actually not a metal band…”

Eddie looks at you like you grew a second head. “And you want to make me listen to some trendy crap?” Eddie asks, he doesn’t really seems opened to discover the band.

“Eddie, something can be both popular and good!” You say, hurt by Eddie’s assumptions. “Besides, you hate when someone judges your music tastes but right now you’re doing the exact same thing to me” you answer, both irritated and hurt. Eddie has the decency to look sorry, he even places a small kiss on your temple as an apology.

“What’s the name’s band?” Eddie asks you, mainly to show you that he cares about you and your interests.

“Nirvana…” you hesitantly answer.

Eddie suddenly gets up from the couch and shakes his head. “Nope, nope. Nope”.

You get up as well. “Eddie… you didn’t even give them a listen and you’re judging them…”

“I judge them because to have the hype they have it means they are fucking conformists! Besides to be on MTV it would mean they are doing those pop music craps we hear every time we turn the radio on.”

You let out a huge sigh of frustration. “Eddie… They are a rock band Eddie! A punk rock band on MTV !”

“If they are on MTV it means they conform so they can’t be that punk rock. Besides, artists with their fame obviously do this for money, and that is not my vision of music” Eddie argues.

“So you’re telling me that if you make it big you’ll only do music for money?” You retort back.

“No! Never ! But I would never accept a contract with MTV !” Eddie fires back at you.

“Stop being a hypocrite Eddie ! Just listen to one of their goddamn songs before judging! They didn’t even want to be famous! They were from the underground scene at first !” You say, getting even more passionate in your argumentation.

“Baby, with all respect due, in a year, when everyone will forget about them, including you, you’ll look back at this conversation and you’ll be like : you were right Eddie, I was just listening to them because they were popular”

“No I won’t Eddie! Because I genuinely like what they do ! You should know better than anyone else that I don’t listen to music for the fame of the artists.” You say, frustrated.

“Or because they are your new celebrity crushes. Maybe your ‘metalhead phase’ is over. In Two weeks you’re gonna leave me for a punk rock wannabe rockstar dressing like Nirvana’s members !” Eddie says, feeling really insecure at the moment.

Your facial expression soften. “Eddie… first of all I still love metal music… second of all you’re not a phase… I thought we were past that… I love you. For who you are. Not only because I love metalheads. But because I like your personality, because I like who you are inside as well.” You tell him earnestly.

When Eddie doesn’t answer you keep going. “Please, I ask you to listen before judging them…” you say while rummaging into your bag.

“Sweetheart… we both know I won’t like it so why losing both our times. Watch your thing if you want. I'll go out with the boys"

“Please Eddie” you borderline beg. “I want you to listen before making your mind on if you go out with the boys or watch the Unplugged with me…”

Eddie let out a huge sigh. “Baby… I love you but I’m convinced their music is gonna be those kind of crap I hear on the radio when I go to stores or when I was selling weed at parties in high school. It’s not my type of music.. and I didn’t know it was yours”

“Eddie I can swear to you that it’s not Pop music! I hate pop music” You say while finally finding the Bleach album in your bag. “And their first album is the best! Please Eddie… I discovered them at the record store not on some crappy radio station. Trust me…”

Eddie ends up caving in. “I give you one song to convince me.”

You almost jump up and down and run to the CD player, you put the CD in and put it on the seventh track: Negative Creep.

Kurt and Krist’s first strums echo in the apartment, Eddie is positively surprised by what he is hearing, at half of the song you can even spot him head-banging and play the air guitar. You smile when you spot your boyfriend being so entranced by the music that he forgot his preconceived ideas about Nirvana. When the song ends, you look at Eddie hopeful.

“That was pretty sick” Eddie ends up saying. “I understand why you love them, they are not some pop crap…” Eddie admits.

“Told ya!” You proudly say. “You should trust me Eds, I work in a record store after all.”

Eddie kisses the crown of your head “I’m sorry for doubting your excellent musical taste my darling” Eddie says in a theatrical voice.

“Does that mean you’re gonna watch the Unplugged with me?” You hopefully ask.

Eddie hugs you from behind and says in your ear “I will make an effort to watch the insufferable channel that is MTV to watch it with you”. Once he’s done with his statement, Eddie kisses your cheek and then your neck before turning you around so you face him. As soon as you’re face to face, you lean in and kiss Eddie’s lips. “Thank you kind sir, for sharing this moment with me.” You say before sitting on the couch together.

An hour later, you and Eddie are watching Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged, not knowing that you’re watching what will be one of Nirvana’s last concert. You don’t know yet that this performance will be considered one of the greatest performance in the history of Rock music but you and Eddie both praised the concert. When you saw the stage you were so excited and told Eddie how bold of a move it was to create a setting resembling a funeral, especially for a rock concert. You were surprised when members of a group named Meat Puppet came on stage with them. And you were a bit disappointed when they didn’t do an encore, but Eddie reminded you that after all, they are not-conformist at all. Eddie even told you he was so happy and baffled they decided to be non-conformist on MTV. According to him, this band will have a huge and long-lasting impact on the rock n roll scene. Eddie even told you that if they ever had a concert in a Chicago, he’ll come with you.

At the end of the concert, after turning the TV off, you told Eddie how they didn’t play most of their hits. Even before seeing what the critics had to say, you and Eddie both agreed that this performance wouldn’t be forgotten, and you were right.

[florallylly]

side b: steve harrington

side a side a: eddie munson

side b

explanation post

FORGET THE FORMATTING!!! PLS BE QUIET!!! anyways into steve harrington. his playlist is SAUR bubblegum lesbian pop. and tbh i really tried to kind of blend new/old in side a with eddie and make it smth MAYBE he would listen to? but steve, i automatically pegged him as 80s pop and lesbian music like. you probably listen to bruce springsteen but in my heart u know who rina sawayama is. anyways yes steve harrington coping through partying and then falling in lurv.

YES he admits it as soon as it happens bc he's emotionally intelligent and he knows himself thank u for coming to my ted talk

“Perfect Places” Lorde; “Have another drink, get lost in us/this is how we get notorious” “Every night, I live and die/meet somebody, take ‘em home” YEAH…. steve harrington coping post season-2 and stancy break up by  partying and drinking and sleeping around. like i see it…. i was there and it’s so. desperation to find peace and eventually settling for oblivion bc nothing is better than everything 

“Heaven/Hell” CHVRCHES; this song is so steve harrington to me i can’t even describe…. like it’s so disillusionment with his former sense of self and what he used to attach importance to. and he feels like a fraud and also an imposter, surrounded by people who he’s outgrown. and somehow it also feels like no one has truly realized that vital shift. it’s SAUR “is it right if i’m a perfect actress/playing the princess in distress?” “is it alright if i save myself and/if i clean up my own mess” IDK. why is that so steve to me. 

“Stand Back” Stevie Nicks; like LIKE this song is so everyone wants me except for you/you’re the only one i want. idk…. steve harrington this is so you to me. he is so pining he is so what if he is so i built our future in my head and now everything is crumbling down around me. you have changed me so deeply that i can never go back to the same person i was before i met you. and the world around me stays stagnant and stuck in time, with me out like a sore thumb. like i’m sobbing crying frothing at the mouth…. 

“Head Over Heels/Broken” Tears for Fears; a classic… a classic… but also like a little mashup moment to make it narratively appropriate in my head. also the applause at the end is giving the curtains are down the performance is over… king steve lays down his crown… AM I INSANE IN THIS MOMENT… 

“Honey Understand” Noso; to me this is a little bit of a moment like if i’m misinterpreting this song wrong SO embarrassing. but literally?? i think it’s so steve… bc it’s like in any break up it’s always going to be him at fault because he’s the ladies man and the popular jerk. he’s always going to be made out to be a villain in certain people’s eyes. like what am i even saying but you get it right… and it’s like how can i even keep fighting when i’m already crumbling apart. but also you’ll never know bc i’ll never let anyone know how bad it is … i’m unwell 

“Deliverance” CHVRCHES; i think this is actually about religion (maybe?) but i’m thinking of it as more of a general framework or life view that steve held before the upside down. he’s had to rethink what’s important and what matters like fr…. and now that he’s spending more time with eddie and realizing things about… naur it’s like this moment is his watershed moment and he’s being set free of smth like… his king steve persona?? his guilt over barb?? any other head canon ??? or maybe it’s like his fucked up coping viewed as something that’s bringing him back to his “normal” self… like back 2 parties back 2 alcoholism 

“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight” ABBA; like YEAH of course this song is on here. and it’s so hello steve harrington are you on the prowl are you looking for something so you can actually feel something

“Take Me Home Tonight” Eddie Money; pretty self explanatory like… steve harrington you are turning to sex to distract yourself and chasing the way you felt before. also in comparison to gimme gimme gimme, this is a more self aware reflection like. post nut clarity. but also in my head this is steve harrington meeting with eddie munson s2 and making the impulsive decision to follow him literally anywhere, kick starting everything that follows. 

“Yours” Now, Now; attraction bantering cockiness like it’s all there like it’s everything… it’s everything…. 

“Untouched” The Veronicas, I DON’T CARE IF IT DOESN’T FIT … this song is so important to me and it’s saur…. steve harrington you are getting attached steve harrington you are falling in love. to be clear this is before they get together or do anything like…. this is the pining this is the wanting 

“Don’t You Want Me” The Human League; so basically added for vibes, didn’t pay much attention to the lyrics and meaning. IT’S JUST SO …. 80s pop and 80s pop is so steve. HOWEVER i feel like i can use this as my little soap box bc “you were working as a waitress in a cocktail bar… turned you int someone new/now five years later on, you’ve got the world at your feet” is saur nancy and “the five years we have had have been such good at times, I still love you/ but now, i think it’s time i lived my life on my own” is SAUR steve. like nancy wheeler in s4 reflecting on steve’s changes and the fandom’s reflection of pushing this narrative that nancy was the main reason and the greatest influence on steve’s change. my pet peeve…. let’s not forget the trauma he went through that could have shook his entire worldview. also ??? he’s a big boy with his own thoughts let him have a little ponder. i would add more but i’m not capable of totally explaining this at all JUST !!! ugh but yeah steve harrington you are attracted to eddie munson song

“Forever Tonight” Kelechi; “love me like there’s no tomorrow/kiss me like we’re out of time” DO I EVEN NEED TO SAY ANYTHING??? I AM IN REAL PAIN!!! 

“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” KISS; KEYSTONE SONG. yes they fucked yes they fucked. and OKAY idc if it’s cheesy YOU try to fit in a semi-metal song into your 80s/lesbian pop playlist

“Lay All Your Love On Me” ABBA; OMG …. it is so necessary. that is all. LIKE SO NEEDED. 

“Hungry Eyes” Eric Carmen; it’s literally from dirty dancing like what else can i say… steve harrington is having his little romcom moment. honestly he’s practically one of the brat pack. he’s LIVING it he’s living it

“Keep on Loving You” REO Speedwagon; okay they were killing on anniversaries i just know it. like this is so my parent’s wedding. it’s so puffed sleeve dresses and slow dancing at prom and steve is a ROMANTIC. steve is a ROMANTIC in a small midwest town like. where was his prom king moment 

“Seven Wonders” Fleetwood Mac; lowkey a filler song but yes can anything compare to the beauty of this moment something very romantic. this is on the mixtape for sure 

“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” Blue Oyster Cult; ONCE AGAIN I KNOW IT DOESNT FIT THAT WELL… but this is a keystone song… a metal song forcefully inserted into the playlist. this is supposed to mark the point where steve falls in love love. but what i got from the song is basically like. we’re going to die anyways let’s just fall in love. i’m sure that’s way simplistic but vibe… 

“Horses” Maggie Rogers; sorry I’m…. gay….? and it’s like it’s like it’s like i wanna be free i wanna be free with you do you wanna be free with me. in a more romantic and AHHHH way but like how do i even begin to try and describe how this song makes me feel like… unreal. but it’s also like a little stop for steve to doubt and think about what he’s feeling and deciding to do ??? idk where i was going with that. but yes my little interlude for pondering

“Black Butterflies and Deja Vu (Acoustic)” The Maine; keystone song keystone song. when steve admits he is in lurv of course. chose the acoustic version bc i feel like it fits better and also i think it’s more of a soft realization for steve rather than the absolute car wreck that is eddie. please understand my thoughts immediately 

[anarchiii]

Date night-5 —ACOTAR AU

Part five | warnings: fluff | Azriel x Gwyn

Summary: Azriel and Gwyn go out for a well deserved date night.

Note: this is an AU it’s not in the books.

Masterlist / Series Masterlist

Azriel’s POV

“My love, are you sure we can’t just stay home? It’s less expensive and we are closer to Edven,” Gwyn said once again. His wife. Worrying about money when she didn’t have to, he had more than enough money to spend, “hush Gwyn, there is no need to worry about things such as money, it will all be taken care of. Speaking of. Let me take care of you, please.” He answered her, it had been more than five months since their child had came into this world and Gwyn had not once rested, so Azriel had planned the perfect night for them—no baby, no jobs, no responsibilities.— Just them. Together.

Azriel wore a completely black suit with silver accents and his wife in a tight black dress with silver and cobalt blue jewellery—to match his siphons of course—once they were all ready and out the door, Azriel interlocked their arms. And they headed to Sevanda’s, after a decently quick walk to the riverside restaurant, “Azriel, Gwyneth! Lovely to see you both!” Sevanda’s voice like honey. The owner directed them to their table. It’s located outside on the balcony, a clear view of the Sidra and the neighbouring mountains, Azriel—ever the gentleman—pulled out one of the two chairs for his wife, moving it forward when his wife was seated on it, he then sat in the other chair. Sevanda listed tonight’s special’s and once they had told her what they wanted. She half-skipped her way to the kitchens.

-

Gwyn’s POV

They conversed in a casual conversation while waiting for the first course to arrive, talking about their day and anything they found interesting, a waiter approached with two silver plates covered with a matching cover, he placed the first one before her, and then the second before her husband. She had ordered a smoked trout and Azriel had ordered a T-bone steak.

They dined, ate, and talked for hours, only leaving when their stomach’s were full and the restaurant closed. They walked along the Sidra. Gwyn holding on Azriel’s arm and resting her head on his shoulder, Azriel’s cheek laying atop her head, “tonight was good” she said ever so quietly as if not wanting to break the calming silence Velaris radiated at this time of night, “yeah, it was.” Azriel returned.

Soon enough, they were back at their house, undressing and changing into more comfortable clothing, Edven—their child—was staying with Rhys and Feyre, little Eddie more than happy to have a sleepover with his cousin. Azriel was in bed when she had finally finished taking out her earrings. She joined her husband in bed, Azriel immediately wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close to his chest, he kissed her head before turning off the Faelights and closing his eyes, Gwyn fell asleep listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing and the quite thump of his heart. It was moments like these Gwyn loved the most. Just her and her husband, cuddled up under the covers, how ever had she gotten so lucky?

The End.

-taglist

@illyrianbitch

@writingcroissant

@shadowsingerr

@azrielhours

@azriel-is-my-cinnamon-roll

@azrielsiphons

[carlsdarling]

Playlist

Ok this is probably the weirdest combination of songs you’ve ever seen… there is a reason none of my friends wants to listen to any music with me. But it’s what I listen to when I write and I get a lot of inspiration from it… (yes a lot of 80’s, I just love the spirit of 80’s music a lot, and also some German bands)

Tags: @enid-rhees @wh0reishslxtsstuff

Ease My Mind - The Faim Scorpions – Send Me An Angel Don Henley – The Boys Of Summer The Hunna – Flickin‘ your hair Nightwish – Bless the child Nightwish – End Of All Hope Sirenia – The Path to Decay Sirenia – Lost In Life Blue Oyster Cult – Don’t Fear The Reaper America – The Last Unicorn U96 – Love Sees No Colour Alter Bridge – This Is War Alter Bridge – Open Your Eyes Seether feat. Amy Lee– Broken Pharao – There Is A Star Republica – Out Of The Darkness Bryan Adams – Summer of 69 Thirty Seconds To Mars – This Is War Genesis – In Too Deep Blackmore’s Night – World Of Stone The Cranberries – Zombie Good Charlotte – Life Changes The Killers – Run For Cover The Killers – When You Were Young Biffy Clyro – Black Chandelier Low Shoulder – Through The Trees Madonna – Live To Tell Whitesnake – Is This Love Ronan Keating – Iris Papa Roach – Feel Like Home Guano Apes – Living In A Lie Johnny Cash – Hurt Def Leppard – Hysteria The Naked And Famous – Young Blood The Naked And Famous – Rolling Waves The Naked And Famous – Punching In A Dream Breaking Benjamin – Diary Of Jane Fury In The Slaughterhouse – I won’t forget these days Prime Circle – Ghosts Ed Sheeran – Castle On The Hill My Chemical Romance – Helena Sunrise Avenue – Little Bit Love Rea Garvey – Can’t Say No Kings Of Leon– This Sex Is On Fire Steven Tyler, Red, White And You Churches – Leave A Trace Eddie Money – Take Me Home Tonight ASP – Ungeschickte Liebesbriefe RIVO DREI – Wie Flugzeuge Max Giesinger – Legenden Silbermond - Symphonie Oomph – Augen Auf Eisblume – Eisblumen Echt – Du trägst keine Liebe in dir Unheilig – Geboren, um zu leben Avril Lavigne -Losing Grip White Lies – Bigger Than Us Mumford & Sons – Ditmas Bryan Adams – Run To You U2 – City Of Blinding Lights Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Face Down The Fray – You Found Me Lifehouse – Hanging By A Moment Lifehouse – Everything Lifehouse - Broken Kim Petras – Can’t Do Better Placebo – Every you, every me Counting Crows – Colorblind Puddle of Mudd – Blurry HIM – Heartache Every Moment HIM – Venus Doom HIM – Behind The Crimson Door HIM – Poison Girl Creed – Higher Sum 41 – Fat Lip Lee Ann Womack – I Hope You Dance Angels And Airwaves – Surrender Staind – Outside Staind – So Far Away Whitney Houston – It’s Not Right But It’s Ok (Thunderpuss Mix) Incubus – Wish You Were Here Disturbed – Prayer Blink-182 – What’s my age again

[cosmicanamnesis]

he tastes like chocolate pt.6

[part 1] [part 5] [part 7] [read on ao3]

Steve felt a little stupid knocking on his own front door, but better safe than sorry. He waited a beat before opening it, bracing for indecent noises. Instead, he heard the TV going.

“Steve?” Robin yelled from the living room. He took that as his cue to step inside more so she could see him. Sitting cross legged next to her on the couch was a very pretty redhead that Steve vaguely recognized as Vickie, Robin’s latest dating app match.

“I’m not staying,” Steve felt the need to clarify for Vickie’s sake, despite the fact that she seemed fully engrossed in whatever they were watching and barely even noticed that someone else had come inside. Robin gave him a thumbs up as he turned down the hall to his room to grab his stuff.

He grabbed a pair of pajama pants and his phone charger and debated for a minute whether he should bring his meds with him or just take them while he was there. Easier to just take them then, he figured. Then he wouldn’t have to worry about forgetting them in the morning, or having to explain why he takes antidepressants for migraines.

It would just be easier.

He grabbed his toothbrush out of the bathroom and quickly ducked into the living room to kiss Robin on the top of her head before leaving for the night. 

Eddie was on his phone when Steve got back out to the idling van, handful of items tucked under one arm.

"Hellfire?" Steve asked, catching a glimpse of Eddie's screen as he got in the van.

"Hm? Oh, yeah. Group chat. There's some party planning happening now but it's just the guys I play D&D with." Eddie slipped his phone back in his pocket and waited for Steve to get settled before pulling out of the parking lot.

"Oh, not you too," Steve groaned. Eddie couldn't tell if he was being serious or not.

"What, is that a deal breaker?" Eddie laughed. "The metalhead stuff is fine but the nerd shit is too far?"

"No! Just sometimes feel like me and Robs are the two people on the planet who don't play."

"I mean, if you wanted to learn you could join my-" Steve cut him off by burying his face in his pajama pants and screaming quietly. Eddie laughed so hard he very nearly ran a red light, braking hard at the last second. "So that's a no, then?"

"Fuckin' hell… Yeah, I'm gonna pass this time I think. I've got a reputation to uphold here."

"Oh, and what reputation is that? No, waitwaitwait, let me guess!" Eddie put a hand up to keep Steve from talking, fortunately not taking his eyes off the road anymore.

"Oh god…" Steve sighed, sinking down in his seat.

"Youngest of seven," Eddie started, counting on his fingers as he listed things out. "Used to babysit, and you still hang out with him. Not about the college life. You don't do nerd shit, you don't listen to metal, but you get along with people who do. You smoke, let's say socially…"

There was a long pause. Steve could practically hear the gears turning in Eddie's head. He was chewing on his lip while he thought.

"Got it!" Eddie snapped his fingers and pointed at Steve accusingly. "Washed up golden child."

Eddie knew he was right on the money when Steve made a noise like he'd been shot.

"Ouch, dude. Jesus," Steve choked out, hand over his heart like it was the most hurtful thing he'd ever heard. "Y'know, all of a sudden staying home with Robin and Vickie tonight doesn't sound so bad."

"I was right?" Eddie grinned.

Steve sighed, chewing the inside of his cheek. "They used to call me King Steve in high school."

Eddie laughed again, long and loud, relishing in this new knowledge. Steve shrunk into himself a bit more

"Aw, c'mon Stevie, have a sense of humor. Here, do me."

"Do- what?" Steve stuttered, trying to ignore the innuendo.

"Guess my reputation!"

Steve stared at Eddie for a moment, rolling what little he knew about the man around his head. An artist and a musician, shitty parents were practically a given at that point, lives with his uncle partially for definitely-not-school reasons, obviously queer, clearly a metalhead, plays D&D. Scary looking, at least according to him, but considerate to a fault.

"High school drop out?" he ventured, aiming for snarky but landing closer to judgey.

"Close!" Eddie yelled, smiling wide, tapping his hand on the steering wheel. He didn't seem to mind Steve's tone at all. "They made me do this program for kids who are having trouble graduating cause I was gonna get held back my senior year a second time. So instead, I took college classes for high school credit and did not, technically, drop out."

"Huh. That's kinda cool. My second guess was theater kid."

"Oh, you cut me deep, Stevie. Reading me like a fucking book."

"The D&D thing gave it away. Not an actor, though. Sound or stage crew."

"You seem awfully knowledgeable in the realm of high school theater, Steve. Do you have something you'd like to share with the class?"

"I- okay, it was one play, alright? It was a stupid little two act thing and my English teacher was giving extra credit to anyone who auditioned, cause she was also the drama director, right? So, extra credit to anyone who auditioned and an automatic passing grade to anyone who made the cast."

"That seems dubiously ethical," Eddie interjected.

"Oh, totally. But I was bad at English - I mean, really bad - so I'd take all the help I could get."

"You auditioned?"

"Got the lead role."

"Oh, fuck you. Of course you did. Fuckin' hated guys like that, no experience, getting the lead on the first try. The egos on those people, Christ." Eddie laughed his way through his tirade, but he was only half joking.

"Damn, I'm sorry I guess," Steve laughed with him. "If it helps, I really think she cast me out of pity. I wasn't good."

"Nah, I'm sure you did fine."

“I one hundred percent did not do fine. There’s a reason I did sports instead of drama.”

“What sports?”

“Basketball and swim.”

“Shit dude, you guys had a swim team? That’s cool!”

“I’m sensing sarcasm.”

“Nah, for real! My high school was way too poor for that shit! Like, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t really, uh, vibe, I guess, with the sorta… jock athletic types. But I was an openly gay teenager, man, I was walking the mile with the scene girls watching the track guys do their thing during gym.”

“Oh, you were one of those,” Steve said, nodding knowingly. 

“Yeah I was one of those,” Eddie replied emphatically. “If we had a swim team, I wouldn’t have survived.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I’m a simple man, Steve. A simple man with simple wants, and against all odds, athletes do it for me.”

“Good to know.”

“Well, what about you? What was King Steve chasing?” Eddie caught himself being weird, again, and quickly changed the subject.

The way Eddie said King Steve made Steve want to gag. The nickname was fine when he first got it. He liked that people liked him and looked up to him. It almost made up for the way his parents treated him. But it stopped being fun his junior year, and by senior year when the new guy showed up, he was quick to let himself be dethroned. It was just so much pressure. The same kind of pressure he was getting at home.

“Ugh. Don’t ever call me that,” Steve cringed. “But no, I uh… I really just kind of cycled through girls in high school. Well, no, that’s not true, there was this one girl I dated for a while, but. After her, the King Steve shit sort of ended and no one wanted anything to do with me anymore.”

“Oh… Just girls?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Nothing, you just said… About your wingman trying to hook you up with-”

“Oh! Yeah, no, I realized I was bisexual after I met Robin. Apparently the normal amount for straight people to be attracted to the same gender is, uh. A lot closer to zero than what I was experiencing.”

Eddie tried to not make his sigh of relief too obvious. He believed Nancy, and he had a feeling that she was the girl Steve was talking about, but it felt like a weird time to bring up the fact that he was friends with Steve’s high school ex. He just wanted the confirmation from Steve that he was, in fact, bisexual, and he hoped he hadn’t laid it on too thick with the liking athletes thing. It was true, of course, and knowing Steve was a jock in high school definitely wasn’t doing Eddie’s impulse control any favors, but Eddie wasn’t a man known for his subtlety. He just… He didn’t want to scare Steve off. He wanted this. He didn’t want to fuck it up by being weird and gross.

They pulled back into the trailer park to find Wayne standing at the foot of Murray’s porch steps, smoking with Murray and another man Steve didn’t recognize. Eddie didn’t bother turning the engine off before he got out.

The men paused their conversation as Eddie got out of the van.

“Gotta go?” he asked, walking up to Wayne. He could hear Steve getting out of the car behind him.

“Yep,” Wayne nodded. 

“We were just talking about your boy there,” Murray said quietly, waving to Steve as he joined the circle.

“He’s not-” Eddie started before realizing Steve was practically at his side already. “Hey. Wayne’s gotta take the van to work. I can take you home in the morning when he gets back.”

“Sounds good,” Steve nodded, shoving his hands in his pockets. 

The man Steve didn’t recognize said something in a language he also couldn’t identify.

“Da,” Eddie replied. “If that’s okay, I mean.”

“Of course, Eddie,” Murray smiled, giving Eddie a suggestive look. Steve had no idea what was going on.

“Cool. We’re gonna go,” Eddie said, jerking his thumb back at his own trailer. He hooked his arm around Steve’s and dragged him along before Murray and Wayne could embarrass him any more.

“Who was Mr. Gibberish there?” Steve asked once they were out of earshot.

“Hm? Alexei? He’s Russian. Doesn’t speak a lot of English.”

“You speak Russian?” Steve asked, shocked, as Eddie let them into the trailer. Eddie laughed.

“Not if you ask Alexei. But yeah, living next to them for so many years, I’ve picked up a little.”

“Are they… I mean, him and Murray-”

“Gay? I have no fucking idea, dude. They’ve lived here at least as long as I have and I literally could not tell you. Frankly, I don’t wanna know.”

“Yeah, that’s… That’s fair. I don’t think I actually want the answer.”

“Good choice.”

“What did he say to you?”

“Huh? Oh, don’t worry about it. Normal neighbor shit, y’know?”

Eddie had started wandering back towards his bedroom as they talked so he could toss his coat. Steve followed him into the room, leaving the door open behind him, and started looking around.

Much like the rest of the Munson trailer, it was a far cry from what Steve had grown up with. There was so much personality in it. The walls were almost entirely covered with posters, photos, drawings, and a giant bedsheet tapestry that read CORRODED COFFIN in a sharp sort of font. There were guitars and amps lining the room and clothes all over the floor. Eddie’s bed wasn’t made, and his desk was covered in books and papers and tiny pots of paint and other art supplies. One tall bookshelf was packed entirely full of books and minifigures and empty water bottles.

Eddie sat down on his bed and pushed himself back so he could lean against the wall, growing more and more self-conscious as Steve examined his room, realizing how messy it was, how much trash was on the floor, everything that might be off-putting.

“The hell- Do you speak German, too?” Steve asked, tapping on one of the books on Eddie’s bookshelf, a German edition of the Lord of the Rings.

“Oh, actually yeah. I mean. Enough to read it at least, and listen to music. I could probably hold a conversation if I had to, but uh, I’ve never had to.”

“Dude. How many languages do you speak?”

“I swear that’s it. English, a little German, a little Russian.”

“How the fuck did you get held back in high school twice?”

“Because the American public education system as an institution is an intellectual sinkhole that only aims to teach you how to take tests and follow instructions and be a perfect little cog in the machine, and not actually retain or comprehend new information or foster a love of learning or, god forbid, think for yourself… And also I have, like, a lot of ADHD.” Eddie pushed a hand through his hair, nervously rubbing at the back of his neck.

Steve laughed and sat down on the edge of Eddie’s bed, holding his bundle of stuff in his lap.

“That makes sense,” he said. “That’s so cool, dude. I took Spanish for two years in high school and retained fucking none of it. Robin speaks all sorts of languages. She keeps trying to teach me, but like, again, bad at English and it’s the only one I know.”

“Well, at least you’re pretty,” Eddie laughed. He didn’t mean to make Steve blush, but he could see Steve’s whole face flush red as he pushed his hair back, smiling bashfully but looking away from Eddie. “Anyway,” Eddie cleared his throat. “Um. It’s late so we should probably, like. Sleep. We’ve got a party tomorrow after all.”

“Oh. Right, yeah.”

"So, the couch is like, crazy uncomfortable, my bed's not much better, and I don't care where I sleep so you pick."

"Pick… dude, I'm not gonna make you sleep on the couch in your own house! What kind of dick move is that?"

Eddie shrugged, leaning forward to untie his boots. "You're the guest," he said plainly. 

"Okay, I'm not gonna commandeer your room, though. What kind of friends do you have that they make you sleep on the couch?"

"Oh, no, if my friends stay over, we just all cram on the bed or make a pillow nest on the floor. But like, I dunno, you… We don't know each other that well, I didn't want to throw that option out and make you uncomfortable." Eddie could feel this face heating up, and started quickly working his fingers through his curls, instinctively trying to hide behind his hair.

"Oh good, you are normal," Steve laughed.

"The fuck does that mean?" Eddie giggled in mock offense.

"Nothing! Just, that's what me and all my friends did. Robs and I still sometimes share a bed, or like, we'll drag my mattress out into the living room and have a movie night like that."

"Aww, that's so cutesy I could vomit. And you wonder why people think you're dating?"

"No, I know why," Steve sighed.

"Well, it sounds to me like you’re trying to sleep with me on the first date," Eddie smirked, waggling his eyebrows in a way that couldn't be taken as anything but goofy. He leaned over into Steve's space, all but crawling into his lap. Steve didn't lean away, but he put his hand against Eddie's forehead to push him back.

"Oh, fuck off. I’m saying we're both adults, and I don't care if you don't," he sighed, laughing like Eddie was wrong. Innuendo aside, there really wasn’t anything Steve wanted more right then than to share a bed with Eddie. He hadn’t really expected to get the chance so soon.

Soon, like Steve hadn't spent the better part of three months pining after the guy, flirting his little heart out all December.

Eddie smiled at him and backed off, scooting to the edge of the bed to actually take his boots off. He glanced sideways at Steve, partially obscured by his hair. 

This very pretty boy was all but begging to share a bed. This pretty, kind, hilarious boy, god, he even smelled good. Eddie caught the scent of his cologne while he was making a fool of himself. They'd had each others' numbers for not even twelve hours and Eddie was already throwing himself at Steve.

"I'll take the couch," Eddie smiled, deciding not to dig his pit of embarrassment any deeper tonight. He stood up and glanced around his floor for anything resembling pajamas. "I’m sure you saw the bathroom on the way in. There's an outlet there behind the nightstand. And don't snoop, there's shit in here I don't want to have to explain."

"I'll try to resist the urge," Steve chuckled, working so hard to keep the disappointment out of his voice. Eddie clicked his tongue, flashing Steve a smile and double finger guns before grabbing some clothes off the floor.

"I'll be in the living room, holler if you need anything," Eddie said, turning to go.

"Hey Eddie?" Steve called after him before he got too far out the door.

"Hm?"

"Thanks, again, for letting me crash here."

"No problem," Eddie shrugged. 

"Yeah, but still." For a moment, Eddie almost reconsidered sleeping on the couch. Despite how exhausted he looked, Steve was adorable. Like a kitten falling asleep sitting up or something.

"Good night, Stevie," Eddie smiled, only rolling his eyes a little bit.

"G'night, Eds."

Eddie bit his tongue and nodded, turning to leave for real this time and closing the door behind him. The nickname and Steve's sleepy smile were all he could think about as he killed all the lights and flopped down on the couch in the living room. He took his jewelry off and set it all in a pile on the coffee table, but didn't bother changing into the clothes he'd grabbed, just stretched out on the couch and tried not to think too much about the man in his bedroom.

Steve, on the other hand, did change clothes, because god help him he could not sleep in jeans. He plugged his phone in and hit the lights and crawled into Eddie's bed and, likewise, tried not to think too much about the fact that he was in Eddie's bed. It was an impossible task. In the quiet trailer as Steve drifted off, all he could focus on was how close and still so far away Eddie was, like he was holding Steve at arm’s length on purpose, and Steve didn’t know why.

--------

i know ur all excited for the nye party after that reveal lol i appreciate ur patience. this should be up on ao3 soon

tagging: @original-cypher @avacrebs @dangdirtydemons @rainydays35 @changenamelater @phantypurple @alienace @renaissan-vvitch @krazyperson @steddiereid @kittsu-makes-glass @i-must-potato @jaywhohasthegay @henderdads @mightbeasleep @straight4joekeery @sharingisntkaren @micheledawn1975 @thehumblefigtree @goodolefashionedloverboi @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @potentialheartofdarkness @dreammetheworld08 @steveisabicon @biatcgh @alittlegreyfish @r0binscript @estrellami-1 @shitnshit

[nintendo-killed-atari]

‼️my username as songs I listen to on a somewhat regular basis‼️

my homie @transfloppa tagged me, so hell yeah

N - New Noise by Refused

I - I Am Who I Am by The Books

N - No Destruction by Foxygen

T - Telephone Number by Junko Ohashi

E - Eyes Without A Face by Billy Idol

N - New Body Rumba by LCD Soundsystem

D - Dubai by Surfing

O - Ocean Drive by Miami Nights 1984

K - Karaoke by Ginger Root

I - I’m Glad by Captain Beefheart

L - Love On A Real Train by Tangerine Dream

L - Lies & Promises by Kajagoogoo

E - Exit Music by Radiohead

D - Dem My Dogs by Healy

A - Alone Again Or by Love

T - Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money

A - Art & Crafts by Mag.Lo

R - Relax by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

I - I Love Rock ‘N Roll by Joan Jett

yes half of it is literally just music from Bandersnatch shush

people I'm tagging in this:

@walrusi @egot1stical @joeyclaire @paradoxespersonified @norwegianblackmetal @adaricruz @karis-nemik @pixelfont52

Feel free to join if I didn’t tag you, I’m like tired af.

[hoot-h00t]

tagged by @ratthumbsup to post 5 songs i’ve been listening to lately!! ty mer mwah 👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩 i have no idea what my actual top five on repeat are but here are my best guesses/songs i’ve had stuck in my head:

Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan

TEXAS HOLD ‘EM by Beyoncé

Moon Girl by Ha Vay

Strong Enough by Molly Tuttle and Madison Cunningham

Take Me Home Tonight by Eddie Money with Ronnie Spector

i’ll tag in @bruciebabie and @ratgirlianthe and don’t really know who else still to tag at this point so do it if you want to do it! now i wanna talk about All the music i’m listening to lately 😭😭

[seidenbros]

got tagged by the lovely @princessslolly @tellhound @dancingwiththefae @toapoet <3

🎶✨when u get this u have to put 5 songs u actually listen to, publish. then, tag 10 of your followers (negotiable, positivity is cool) 🎶✨

1.Ryn Weaver - Pierre 2.The Amazing Devil - Drinking Song for the Socially Anxious 3.Rick Springfield - Jessie's Girl 4.Eddie Money - Take Me Home Tonight 5.Survivor - Burning Heart

no pressure tags: @magnoliabutters @alltoomine22 @writingmysanity @ethereal27cereal @ashyyboyy @dreamsoffilm @amzngdevil @latenitewolves @kodiakwhiskey @ironpe

[gravity-falls-fanatic89]

I want to be serenaded in the cheesiest way by Stan, you just don't understand. A Friday night in the kitchen, making no particular plans in jammies, making food, and listening to the radio, all while swaying together and getting the Love Patrol Alpha karaoke treatment is a piece of heaven.

I'll always be a secret sucker for the cheesy.

[writebackatya]

1, 24, 36, 84 for personal ask game

1: 6 of the songs you listen to most?

In no particular order:

Space Oddity -David Bowie

Take Me Home Tonight - Eddie Money

Intergalactic - Beastie Boys

Jack Sparrow - The Lonely Island

Don't Stop Me Now - Queen

White & Nerdy - "Weird Al" Yankovic

24: Do you have a collection of anything?

Yeah I love collecting physical media, it's so fun to have whenever I move. Anyway I got movies, books, graphic novels, comic books, video games, and some nice toys/figures. Not really into collecting EVERYTHING these days, just things I want, you know?

36: Define Art

Short for Arthur

84: What is a saying you say a lot?

What goes around, comes around